What You Need to Know, in Fewer Than 200 Words

Ah, October. The Chicago Tribune calls Jeff Green perhaps the best unknown player in the country, and also calls him Jerry. Mason adds a 6-foot-11 recruit, and will have a local all-star team worth of prospects at Midnight Madness. Maryland (which "remains the kingpin of local basketball," in one man's eyes) has confident freshmen, a lobbying coach and a gymkana troupe. Georgetown, which is talking national championship, will pipe the Midnight Madness audio into parking lots. GW will have....a pep rally in November (rah!).

Alfonso Soriano either turned down a $70 million offer from the Nats, or didn't. Thom Loverro votes for Don Baylor as manager.

Jarvis Hayes is pain-free. Peter John Ramos is not in the Wizards' plans. Gilbert Arenas is awesome. Bloggers are thrilled.

More thoughts on the Skins' defensive struggles, but Shawn Springs's likely return should help. The Hokies are" Ordinary. So-so. Beatable." They "aren't very good. Or disciplined. Or smart." They "took turns looking inept and out of control." The Belichick library heads to Navy. Bloggers are still down on Kornheiser, while middle-aged sportswriters like him. And PTI is celebrating its fifth anniversary.