Barry Svrluga

Husband. Father. Commanders/D.C. for The Athletic. Former sports columnist at The Washington Post. Occasional author. I'm just lucky to have the work.

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Some news:

I'm excited to be joining @TheAthletic as a D.C. sports columnist with heavy involvement in our Commanders coverage, joining the great @NickiJhabvala. I'll be in Ashburn a lot, but also weigh in on so many familiar subjects.

Grateful!

https://t.co/A8xU2XpsuP

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Here's a guess: The Capitals' trade for Jordan Kyrou and impending sign-and-trade for Alex Tuch -- two forwards who will make nearly $19M annually -- will get the attention of a certain Moscow resident.

I'd guess these upgrades make it likely Alex Ovechkin makes one more run.

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

When the PGA Tour needed someone to help unveil its new format, it turned to its biggest star, warts and all. Tiger Woods helped shape the tour now and in the future.

But did he need to be there in these troubled times? On an eternal codependence.
https://t.co/mCc86sxtcl

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Over the course of a dozen spring practices, we learned a ton about the Commanders' offensive intentions under David Blough. Some thoughts.

https://t.co/bKa5tLTik4

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

"I'm energized. I'm ready to do what I do."
Mike Rizzo is experiencing something new: a summer without baseball. His old team is excelling. On the Nats' past, the Nats' present, and the relation between the two.
https://t.co/38ic390uHR via @NYTimes

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

It is June 16. These are the National League wild-card standings. Plan your summer accordingly.

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

When you lose your challenges in the first couple innings, it matters. #nats

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Yeah, the Knicks won their first title since 1973. The Canes won the Cup for the first time since 2006.

But last night, I was at the weirdest sporting event -- ever?

From the White House, where the blood sprayed in red, white and blue. Free!
https://t.co/ot4HMbgPAE via @NYTimes

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

The Nationals are so fun to watch that the only bummer about them playing a matinee in San Francisco today is that they don't play tonight!

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

The politics of sport can be tedious. They can also be important. For the body that oversees international skiing, the he-said-she-said back-and-forth reaches a monumental climax this week.

On an election that will determine skiing's future.
https://t.co/GJePV7dboc via @NYTimes

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

A month ago, I probably would have argued the Nats should trade CJ Abrams. Now? I'm not so sure. On what hanging around .500 means now -- and in the future. Free for all!
https://t.co/8IGYGXCiG1 via @NYTimes

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Let's deal with the biggest offseason issue with the Commanders: Is there enough talent around Terry McLaurin in the wide receiver room?
https://t.co/tKECd75fvA

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Julie delivers the goods in this book. Released today! Grab it now.

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Consecutive series wins over Atlanta, Cleveland and San Diego have helped make the Nationals into an intriguing storyline. Two above .500 with the Marlins coming to town. Interesting team and times!

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Here's the difference between this year and last for the Nats.

Bases juiced in the eighth, down two, Luis Garcia vs best reliever in the sport, and he delivers a tough, quality AB that gave his team a chance.

They might lose. But every AB and inning is more competitive.

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Here's someone who will elevate the journalism at his next employer. Five-tool player.

[Michael Rosenberg @Rosenberg_Mike]

Thank you.

[The Athletic @TheAthletic]

NEWS: The Washington Nationals have let go of a community relations executive, sources told The Athletic on Friday, three days after a conservative group posted a hidden camera conversation in which the employee discussed internal deliberations about everything from an alleged social media ban on a Catholic pitcher, relationships with defense contractors, and the organization’s efforts to placate President Trump.

Read for free:
https://t.co/T50PUsjFkv

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Steph is so talented, diligent and curious. Someone should -- and someone will -- make sure she's not on the market long.

[Stephanie Apstein @stephapstein]

Eight days shy of my 15th anniversary at Sports Illustrated, I’ve been informed that I’ve joined the extensive ranks of writers laid off from there. I loved my time at SI, I’m very sad to see it end and I’m eager to do the best work of my career elsewhere. Thank you for reading.

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

I'm fascinated by how the Nats are scoring. There are 168 players with at least 170 PAs. James Wood is third in OPS, CJ Abrams seventh. After that:

81: Lile
98: Garcia Jr.
115: House
127: Young
168 (last): Nunez

A third player barely in the top half. And yet, the most runs!

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Quick, what team scores more runs than any other, ranks fourth in OPS and has scored at least six runs in a game the most?

The Dodgers?
The Yankees?

That would be the Nationals. On an unlikely offensive explosion and the coaching behind it. Free story!
https://t.co/2MC9uUNheC

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Quick, what team scores more runs than any other, ranks fourth in OPS and has scored at least six runs in a game the most?

The Dodgers?
The Yankees?

That would be the Nationals. On an unlikely offensive explosion and the coaching behind it. Free story!
https://t.co/2MC9uUNheC

[Barry Svrluga @barrysvrluga]

Anyone watching the golf right now has to be impressed by Wyndham Clark's play. Anyone who has followed Clark's career knows progress isn't linear.

All those lessons -- and more -- are available in this new book from Julie Elion, Clark's mental coach.

https://t.co/hZQ97dmHzH