First Down

TAKE YOUR PICK ” SHOULD DAVID BECKHAM PLAY AGAINST D.C. UNITED?

1. The case for playing: David Beckham at least traveled with the Los Angeles Galaxy on their trip to Toronto on Sunday but did not play because of his ankle injury. D.C. United, which plays host to the Galaxy on Thursday, won”t want to disappoint a sellout crowd.

2. The case for sitting: As D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen said recently, “They’re not going to put him in just so girls can scream at him.” Beckham has practiced in only one training session, and the Galaxy are in no rush to play him — aside from a late appearance — in fear it could worsen the injury.

Our take: The best decision is to allow Beckham’s injury to heal properly. But here lies the faulty marketing campaign. Everyone knew Beckham’s playing status was in question after he aggravated his ankle with Real Madrid in June. Instead of cautioning the public of Beckham’s limitations, Major League Soccer decided to go all out promoting the new guy. That may create more disillusioned fans than interested ones.

TWT Five ” BEST Sports Comedies

1. “Caddyshack”: An easy first choice. Pick your choice of punch lines (“Just be the ball,” etc.). This classic set the bar for sports comedies.

2. “Major League”: The heart-warming story of Rachel Phelps, a former showgirl, inheriting her husband’s baseball team, the Cleveland Indians. Phelps tries to field the worst team imaginable so she can relocate the team to Florida. Only problem: The Indians start winning.

3. “Bull Durham”: Director Ron Shelton based this movie on his experience in the minor leagues. Veteran Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) and hot-shot rookie Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins) clash over pitching and the pursuit of Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), who always chooses to be with the best player on the team.

4. “Slap Shot”: The Charleston Chiefs aren’t afraid to play dirty, and they suddenly turn into contenders when faced with the possibility of extinction.

5. “Happy Gilmore”: Happy drives and putts unconventionally, has a sick drive and fights with Bob Barker and an alligator.

HE SAID WHAT?

“The hardest part is over now. Hopefully, I can get out there and not keep you guys around.” — Barry Bonds after hitting his 755th home run

TONIGHT’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants. Do we really need to explain why? 10 p.m., MASN2