Wait a minute, maybe its not so bad afterall

Remember it was only a couple months ago that the nation was making fun of Seattle? The Sonics had moved to Oklahoma City and changed their name to the Thunder, the Mariners finished another stellar season with more than 100 losses, the Seahawks won just 3 games and lost their leader Mike Holmgren to greener pastures, the Huskies did the unthinkable with an 0'fer season in football, with the Cougs not doing much better? We were the laughing stock of the nation. In fact, ESPN even wrote a story about how dreadful it was to be a Seattle fan.

And then something happened, the proverbial switch was turned on, and no one is talking about it.

Lorenzo Romar had the boys of the hardwood playing hard and winning, and his counterpart east of the mountains was doing much of the same with lesser named players. A couple months into the season in the Pac 10 tourney, the Huskies did what some didn't think possible and won the whole thing. The Cougs did not qualify for the NCAA's, but played in the NIT. The Huskies made a run in the NCAA Tourney, eventually losing to Purdue by 2 in a much contested game.

Seattle gave birth to a new team in the Sounders, who to much avail ran the first three games without giving up a goal. The fans came out in droves, faces painted, scarves were waving, voices loud, and they sang proudly. New city hero's were found, Montero, Keller, Alonso, Ljundburg, and Sigi. The fans in this town created a fever, blue and green being worn, people talking, and most importantly pride. The face of the organization, Drew Carey, marched proudly with the fans on the streets of Seattle showing the city and the state the Sounders have arrived. And I haven't even talked about the on field product. This team, and I do mean team, played in sync like they have been together for years. The went to Argentina on a couple week trip, Sigi obviously used the time to bring this team together and show them his way. It stuck, they listened and it has shown. They play solid team soccer, even when losing their captain, their leader last night, only giving up one goal, the first goal of the season, the stuck together.

Who would have thought that the Mariners manager would be a guy named Wakamatsu? The boys of summer arrived, names missing like Putz and Ibanez, and so far the chemistry has taken shape. Clutch hitting, for the most part solid defense, and clutch bullpen work. Our boys in blue are projected to fill the bottom slot of the AL West, and maybe they might, but at least this product, given the fact that its the first week of the season, fight for 9 innings. Look at the stats, heck, look at last night, 5 runs in the 8th. I don't know if the Mariners of the past 5 years would stay in it, or even battle for it. I would be a liar if I didn't say that I too believe they will struggle, I think some names need to go, starting with Ichiro and rebuild, but I have watched, and even with a cynical eye, I must say, so far I am impressed.

So all is not dreary in the land of the rain. Much like spring, the sports teams in this town are starting to blossom, some for the first time, some possibly like the times of 1991. Unlike the economy, we have something to rejoice in, and even for just a couple hours, not having to worry about the economy, our jobs, our government, they give us hope. So rejoice Seattle fans, heads up, be proud, all is not gloom.

You cant win them all

The Sounders squared off tonight against Kansas City Wizards at Qwest this evening. The house was rocking with more than 28,000 fans making the home team feel welcome. The Sounders came into the match 3-0, riding a shutout streak, and all was going smoothly. The attacking was there, the two Freddy's were on the pitch for the first time together all year when the unthinkable happened. A breakaway by the Wizards happened in the 29th minute and Kasey came out to challenge, except Kasey was out of the box and hit the ball with his hands. Keller tried to play it off as the ball hit his body, but in review, it was obvious, he hit it with his left arm. The red card came out, Kasey went off, Dragavon in, and Le Toux out.

The Sounders were forced to play with 9 on the field the remaining 60 minutes. The game progressed with many fouls, and alot of cards, and the Sounders finally succombed to the pressure with a hard strike, 25+ yards out Arnaud struck a screamer that Dragavon got his hands on but it was too much and deflected into the net.

The problem with the red card is, Seattle doesnt have another goalie on staff. Dragavon is not under contract, so Seattle will have to sign a backup this week before they head to California to play Chivas. Keller will not be allowed in the game due to the red card. Dragavon looked like he was comfortable, he was controlling and talking to the defense, it was a screamer of a shot that unfortunately went in.

Montero had repeated opportunities in this match, with the best being a penalty shot just outside the box. Ljunberg set up to take the penalty, with a push he sent it foward opening the wall of the Wizards and Montero shot a knuckler that cleared the wall and hit the bar skipping off. It was a great shot.

Seattle in my opinion outplayed K.C. all match long. 4 good scoring chances, except luck tonight was not on the side of our Sounders.

Not taking anything away from Montero, or underwear boy Ljundberg, but Osvaldo Alonso again played another solid match. Stabilizing the middle, marking hard and giving the Wizards offense fits.

The game ended with 3 minutes in extra time, unfortunately with a 0-1 scoring result.

Overall, a great performance considering losing your #1 goalie, your captain early on and having to be select in making runs.

If you havent watched a game, you are really missing out. This is a solid team, they play solid together and personally love to watch it. So four weeks in, we're 3-1, 2nd in the Western conference. We are playing Chivas USA next week, who are 3-1-0, on top of the Western conference, that played to a 0-0 tie tonight against the Galaxy. Chivas will also not have a player, Paulo Nagamura, a midfielder with 2 goals due to a red card.

So bring it Chivas, we'll be ready, and we want our #1 ranking again.

Another win, thanks to the offense.

Seattle went out today in Oakland with their ace Felix Hernandez going to the mound, except Felix thought he was still pitching to the spring training squad. Felix's line was 5 IP, 7 hits, 5 er, with 8 k's. Yes that was 5 earned runs in 5 innings, that is not ace numbers, nor ace effort. The problem here is Felix saw that the starter from last night was pulled early, and needing some innings came up short. Fluke game? Lets hope so. The bullpen was called into duty early, pitching a combined 4 innings, 2 by Batista, 1 by Lowe and the close by Morrow. The bullpen shutout the A's, a solid performance.

The offense was alive, granted, better late then never.

Seattle went down 3 in the 3rd inning, and didnt respond until the 4th, with one and the 5th with 2 more. The breakout came in the in the 8th with 4 runs. They added another in the 9th, overall another solid effort. Branyan showed more power hitting his 2nd in the 4th inning.

Beltre struggled all game offensively until the 8th with a nock and finishing the game 1 for 5. Again I ask, what is Tui's role here? If you have a guy struggling, why not make a switch? Our #1 catcher had another stellar effort, 1-5. I think the line of #1 and #2 has to be very thin. He consistently mixes pitchers up, and his offense is non-existent.

Tomorrow, the get-a-way game, Bedard takes the hill. The bullpen needs a better effort out of the starters in order for some tired arms to get a rest. Seattle wraps up the series and heads for home for their home opener Tuesday against the Angels. Lets hope the outting proves better for Silva then his previous outing.

Don't look now, but the Mariner's are 4-2, on top of the AL West with the projected AL West champ coming to town. Will it last? Only time will tell, but big props go out to the Mariner's hitting coach, because early on, these boys are hitting.

Finally, it must be noted that the Sounders outdrew the A's, by more than 9000. Nice showing A's fans....

I'm just sayin

Hot start, scary middle, good result

The Mariners opened the weekend series with Oakland last night, taking a 5-4 win on a friday night. The Mariners starter, Ryan Rowland-Smith barely got out of the 4th inning having trouble locating pitches. Walking 4, trust me, the term locating pitches is being nice. His official line is 3 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 1 strikeout. After taking all he could, Wak finally yanked the long last named pitcher for Jakubauskas. Yes Pat, I would like to buy a vowel. Jak came in and actually got the win. He pitched 2 innings, then being relieved for by Corcoran. Roy came in and pitched 2/3 of an inning, eventually giving way to Kelley then Aardsma.

The offense showed up early, taking a 5 -1 lead, but after the 2nd inning, it was as if we took our foot off the gas. Yuni in the second hit a bases clearing 2 rbi shot over the left fielder that eventually sealed the game. Endy Chavez had another productive 3-5 night, and Jr lead the walk parade with 5.

Endy looks like Adam Jones, or is it just me?

A couple of things that I noticed last night: why hasnt Tui gotten a crack at bat yet? Last night, Beltre struggling through an 0-4 night, I would have thought a late sub would have been in order. Tui in spring training hit over .400, and it would make little sense to me not to get him in there.

Griffey, in the second inning, took 5 minutes to get from second to third, but then again, it beats him tearing a hammy.

Ichiro, in Peoria for rehab, collected 5 hits, and was pulled each time reaching base. Although I laugh at the thought of pulling Ichiro once arriving at the bag, maybe our stolen base percentage will go up....

Im just sayin

Not to kick a brother while he's down, but....

John Daly, currently serving a 6 month ban

from the PGA, apparently is selling his clothing outside Augusta today.

Because nothing means more to me than to buy some clothes from a complete tool.

But, if you must, here's the description from the company regarding the quality:

Comfort is the key ingredient in John Daly Apparel. Most items carrying the "Daly Comfort Wear" tag are made from Technical Performance fabrics that are moisture wicking, deodorizing and provide SPF protection. There are also some very high-end cotton and extraordinary specialty lifestyle shirts.

Lets see here, moisture wicking, technical performance fabrics? Is that so when you are oozing alcohol on the course you wont need that towel?

Who was that masked man?

The mariners improved their record today bringing them back to .500 with a 2-0 win over the Minnesota Twins today in Minnesota. This was the final game of the 4 game set with the Twins, today is get-away day for the Mariners who are on the way for a weekend series with the Oakland A's.

The impressive stat of the day is the pitching line by Jarrod Washburn.

8 innings pitched, 5 hits, no earned runs. Thats right, I said that Jarrod made it to the 8th inning.

Brandon Morrow came in, walked one, struck out two for the save.

Very impressive pitching performance for Jarrod, I know I said that before, but lets see if this is something he can do again in a week.

The Mariners scored early in the first with a Beltre single scoring Gutierrez. That score stayed until the top of the 9th when Balentein doubled, and Rob Johnson singled into center.

Rob Johnson started today for Johjima and Jr had the day off also.

Finally, Ichiro, was cleared to begin practice, from that bleeding ulcer.

1-2.....uh oh

Carlos Silva and his $48 million dollar self went out and pitched lights out...er rather decided to throw batting practice to the Minnesota Twins. Going in the hole 2-0 in the first inning, only to double down in the second and give back the lead to 4-2.

Reliever Jakubauskas and Lowe came in for relief and both combined to throw 3 innings and 1 hit. A solid outting on their part.

The offense put up more good numbers, 10 hits 5 runs. Leading the charge was Betancourt and Lopez, combined going 5 for 8. Branyan also had a productive night going 1 for 3 with a homer.

5 runs has to be good. 5 runs in a game should be enough to win, but as the ugly head of 2008 rears its head like last night, its simply not enough for this team. Pitching, pitching, pitching. Again the achilles heel of the Mariners