In an industry where winning is quite literally everything, the Washington Nationals are doing something a little different. Having signed Stephen Strasburg, the #1 MLB draft pick in 2009, the last-place Nationals have landed themselves a phenomenal pitcher. One that is breaking rookie records while striking out the toughest hitters in baseball.

All of this adds up to dollars and wins for the Nationals. Every time they put Strasburg in they stand to gain another “W” in the win column along with significantly increased revenues – improved ticket sales, concessions, advertising revenue, and merchandise sales. Cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching. Not to mention the nice overall marketing “bump” in what has become a fascinating story to watch in major league baseball. (more…)

Last night I was on a two hour drive heading north on the highway when I decided to turn on the radio and catch up with the news from the world of sports. Immediately the conversation turned to Pete Carroll, head coach of the USC Trojans football team, and the controversy surrounding the decision of his star quarterback, Mark Sanchez, to enter the NFL Draft. I was listening to ESPN The Radio which is an east coast based radio program. The host couldn’t compliment Coach Carroll enough over the course of about 30 minutes. Coach Carroll is the kind of person that wears his emotions on his sleeve. He makes the game of football fun and is always optimistic and positive. The culture he has created at USC is one of optimism and brutal honesty. Coach Carroll is not afraid to enter into a ‘real’ conversation. In fact, it is for that very reason he gains the trust of his players. Like him or not, you know he is going to be ‘real’ with you.

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