Castillo and Raleigh Make First Start

As we know it is the beginning of spring 

training so things turn out different than

we might think.

Actually  Luis Castillo  pitched ok in his 

first outing  going  two innings. He gave up 

an unearned run but it was windy as well. 

The Mariners  won 9-8. The Cleveland 

Guardians came back to tie 8-8 after the

Mariners were ahead 8-1. Bryce Miller 

made his first appearance as well. He

is pitching  to  see whether he will be

the 5th starter or work out of the bullpen.

He may begin the season  in double-A  too.

Bryce gave up one hit, one walk and striking 

out two while giving  up  no runs.

Teoscar Hernandez  hit a three-run homer

and Ty France had a solo shot to help in

their offense side. JP Crawford  had a hit

driving in a couple and so did Cade Marlowe 

who is trying to  make the team as an extra 

outfielder.  Since manager Scott  Servais  likes 

Marlowe he is in a good  spot. He would have 

to play his way off the team.

Trevor  Gott who signed as a free agent during

the off-season to pitch in the  bullpen didn't 

have a good outing giving up  four  runs in

2/3 of an inning. The Mariners  have a tough 

bullpen  to crack so Gott will have to  improve 

to make the team. The Mariners  have  eight

spots in the bullpen  and many of them are

taken already.  Somewhere they will likely 

have to trade a reliever. Paul Sewald, Diego

Castillo,  Andre Munoz,  and Matt Brash have

made the club. This leaves four more spots. 

When we get closer  to  the  end of March we

will have better idea who the other four will

be. This could  include Chris Flexen or Marco 

Gonzales who doesn't  win the 5th starter.

Robbie Ray  starts against the Chicago Cubs 

on Wednesday. The Mariners  have 25 preseason 

games remaining. This means each starter has

four starts remaining before the season begins. Go M's.

Chris Flexen Made Spring Debut

The Mariners  lost 10-l primarily  with 

minor leaguers  though Julio Rodriguez,

Jarred Kelenic  and Sam Haggerty  were

among familiar faces to start. 

Chris Flexen  who is trying for the 5th

starter went two innings, 2⃣ hits, two strike 

outs and no runs. A good spring  debut. 

The ten runs given up  to the Chicago White Sox 

were by pitchers who won't  make  the opening 

roster.

The Mariners  only run was a home run by

Evan White  in the second inning.  So far 

Evan is having a good spring.  Still too early 

to know whether  he  will  make the opening 

day roster. Like Jarred Kelenic  can he hit

major league  pitching. He has missed the

last two seasons  with injuries  so the likely 

he will  start in triple-A but right now who knows.

One thing we know he plays great defense. 

Tuesday Luis Castillo and Cal Raleigh make

their spring  debuts. Castillo  likely will  be 

the Mariners opening  day starter. By the way

the game at TMobile Park is sold out. Go M's. 

Mariners and Huskies LOSE

The difference  of the Mariners  and 

Huskies losing is the Mariners are

in spring  training and the Huskies

are finishing their basketball  season. 

Actually  more to it as well. The Mariners  

lost to the Kansas City Royals 8-7. The

Mariners  starter gave up five runs in the

first inning and he will start in the minor 

leagues. Jarred Kelenic hit two runs in the

game. One was off starter Brad Keller who

has pitched in the major leagues for the

Royals.

The Mariners did have a couple  relievers

who are trying to make the roster pitch well.

The Huskies  lost to Stanford on the road

81-69. Stanford  has had an up and down

season  the Huskies.  Again the Huskies 

had a rough start to the game. Jamal Bey 

who is finishing his career  at Washington 

had his best game of the season  scoring 

21 points. Could you imagine how good 

the Huskies might have been if this was

a regular occurrence. 

The Huskies finish the regular  season on

Thursday against  the Cougars on Thursday.

They hope to split the series by winning at

home. Go Dawgs!

Cougars Win At Berkeley

Washington State  Cougars  beat  the

California  Golden  Bears Saturday 

63-56. This meant sweeping  the 

two Bay area teams on the road. 

Though this game was close like

the Stanford on Thursday  it is a

a good sign. Now see if the Huskies 

can do the same against Stanford

Sunday.  Both the Cougars and

Huskies haven't  had good seasons 

though they have done good recently. 

The Cougars  have won five straight. 

On Thursday the Cougars  will see

they can sweep  the  Huskies  for the

season. I  don't  think  we will see

coaching  change at WSU  however 

we may at Washington.  

The Cougars were led by Mouhamed 

Gueye with 20 points along with 10

rebounds. DJ Rodman had 10 rebounds

too. TJ Bamba had a good road trip 

having 19 points in this game. We wish

the Cougars and Huskies in the conference 

tournament.  Likely won’t see either team

in another tournament  unless they surprise 

us. Go Cougars  and  Huskies. 

Marco and Mariners Lose Saturday

This was only game two, however,  Marco 

Gonzales  lost game two  giving up four

runs in two  innings.

Marco winning the number five spot

will depend  in part how he does in the

spring.  Also, it will be how the youngsters

like Emerson  Hancock  and Bryce Miller 

do as well. 

If Marco doesn't  have  a  good  spring 

but none of the youngsters are ready

he likely  be  the 5th starter anyway. 

The best scenario  would  be Marco

has a good  spring and one of the

youngsters is ready as well.  Means

the Mariners  could trade Marco if

there is a taker or the youngster start

at double-A and come up in May like

George Kirby did last year. A lot will

depend on the health  of the starters

too. We give Marco at least two more 

starts at least to see how he goes.

Last year Marco  and Robbie Ray each

had at least one bad inning in most

starts. If Chris  Flexen is on the team

I could see Flexen  coming in early for

either one. He  most likely  be the long

reliever though he could pitch an inning 

if the all the starters are able to  go at

least five or six innings. 

With the depth of the bullpen  I wouldn't 

worry about how long one starter goes in

 one rotation. Example, if one of the starters 

is only able to  go through three or four innings

in one rotation  it would be ok though I 

wouldn't want that every time out. Someone 

like Chris  Flexen  pitches two innings every 

five days it is ok. Since Flexen is used to being

a starter having him go every five days is fine.

The Mariners have other pitchers to pitch in

other games. I expect  most pitchers will go

one inning. Penn Murfee is another one  who  

could go two innings every  five days if necessary.

Paul Sewald,  Diego Castillo, Matt Brash, and

Andre Munoz will all pitch seventh inning thru

the ninth. Depending on how they are needed 

we could see two of them on a game. Whoever

fills the other spots where we see these guys.

Like last season  it will depend where the other 

team lineup is when the seventh  inning  starts

and what the score is to. It will be  interesting 

how the bullpen works this year. I could see 

Sewald and Brash  in one game and Castillo 

and Munoz in another. Turn things around 

and see Sewald and Munoz in another. 

Saturday's  game the Mariners  started reserves

for the most part. Cooper Hummel started at

catcher. The Mariners  want to see how well he

does catching in the spring  to see if he fits into

the opening roster. AJ Pollock started in left. He 

and Kelenic are expected  to  platoon  when the

season  starts though during the spring  we could

see Kelenic  face lefties and Pollock righties.

Don't  want to see as much pinch hitting this season.

Sam Haggerty  started at second base and led off.

He got one hit in the game though he didn't play the

whole time.  This spring  the Mariners  are taking it

easy with Dylan  Moore  so could see Haggerty more

at second. We could see Haggerty  at third and shortstop 

too. 

Sunday the Mariners  play Kansas City Royals on the road. 

The Mariners  start Easton McGee who they picked up

from the Boston  Red Sox.  Boston  actually acquired 

McGee from Tampa Bay first on the off season. Don't 

expect many Mariners  starters in Sunday's game. They

will likely  workout on the home field in Peoria. See how

any of the reserves and minor leaguers do instead. Go M's.  

Mariners Win Spring Opener

The Seattle Mariners  won the opener 

Friday afternoon though it doesn't 

have a lot of meaning  though the

pitching  was good. It takes the offense 

time to pick up. Final  3-2 Mariners 

Mike Ford who was dh had two hits 

and drove in two runs in the 4th innni g.

It was a pop fly and the Padres had 

an error so their reliever Ryan Weathers 

gave up  three hits  but none of the runs

were  earned. Ford isn't  expected to 

make the ball club but does add depth

at first base. If he does make the team

he likely dh some and pinch hit though 

could give Ty France  rest at first base.

Robbie Ray  was the starter for the Mariners.

He went two innings giving up  two hits, a

walk and struck  out one without giving up

a run. Good way to begin the Cactus League.

Perlander Berroa  who the Mariners  picked 

up last year pitched two innings coming in

for Ray. Berroa has good stuff and he struck

out three. Gave up one hit,  one walk. Has

been a starter in the minor leagues.  Most 

likely begin the season  at double-A but you 

never know.

The Mariners had eight hits on the day. Five 

hits were starters besides Ford had hits

Jack Larsen who came in the game had 

one hit. Tom Murphy  was the only  starter 

 and not regular in the game.  

The Mariners take on the Angels tomorrow 

so likely  see another  lineup.  Marco Gonzales 

expected to start. This game will be on TV.

Veteran infielder Tommy  La Stella was supposed

to start at dh but he had an injury  keeping him

out for a week.

Marco Gonzales likely  will  go two innings 

on Saturday.  Likely  see another starter

after him. Go M's.  

The Mariners and Seahawks Sort Of

Friday has arrived and the Seattle  Mariners  

have their first spring  training  game. These

games don't  really have any real meaning

though they are important  to  players trying 

to make the roster.

 News came out that the LA Rams are going 

to release former Seahawks  middle linebacker

Bobby Wagner after one season  to save money

in the salary  cap.  He was one of the  Rams best

players this last season  sometimes things happen. 

The question  should the Seahawks  bring  him

back since they do need help at linebacker. There

is a good  chance they will draft a linebacker but

can still need help. What is your opinion.

The Seahawks  also signed Nick Bellore who is

good on special teams, plays fullback and backup

linebacker.  A great way for a player to carve out

a good career without  being a starter. Most 

players don't  play more than three years so

this  will allow him to  get  a NFL  pension too.

A solid player for the Seahawks.

Thursday night  College  men's  basketball  the

Washington  Huskies  beat California Golden

Bears on the road 65-56. It was a crazy game 

in parts because of several technical fouls. 

California got within a couple points of the

Huskies because of technical foul free throws

in the first half. They had a bit of a run as well, 

however the Huskies  had a run too. The Huskies 

never were behind in the game.

The Huskies were led by Keion Brooks Jr with

24 points and 11 rebounds. Keyon Menifield 

had 16 points and fellow freshman  Koren 

Johnson had 10. The Huskies went with a

six man rotation. They  take on Stanford 

Sunday afternoon in Palo Alto. With a win

the Huskies would win four  in a row. They

finish the regular  season  at home next

Thursday  against the Cougars.

The Washington  State  Cougars beat 

Stanford 67-63 on Thursday night. The

Cougars like the Huskies have played

inconsistent and they beat California 

Saturday they would win five games in 

a row. The Cougars were led by TJ Bamba

with 22 points. Mouhamed Gueye had 

1am15 points and rebounds. The Cougars 

are seventh in Pac-12 while the Huskies 

are eighth.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs  beat San Diego

on Thursday night 97-72 with Drew Timme 

leading  the way with 22 points. Also led

in rebounds with 13. Gonzaga takes on

St. Mary's Saturday  night  at home. Lost to

them earlier  on the road. Gonzaga wins 

then the teams are tied for the conference 

title.  That's a rap. 

Ty France Return To Form

As the Mariners  get ready  for  the first

spring  training  games on Friday Ty

France came out to say the second half

of last season  was more of a slump

than injuries. 

Ty has been working on his swing to be

corrected. For the Mariners  to  have 

another successful season and make 

the playoffs for the second straight 

season  it will help that Ty has a full

season  hitting  like we know he can.

The Mariners  don't  have another first

baseman on the roster  right  now. 

Technically  they have Evan White  on

the roster for camp and we know he

is healthy  and  play good  defense.

White hasn't  proven he can hit in the

major leagues  yet. Having Jarred Kelenic 

in left field and not proven he can hit yet

the Mariners  can't  have two players with

little  success to open the season. 

The Mariners have Dylan Moore  too. He 

hasn't  proved he can hit major league 

as an everyday player as well. The Mariners 

have Tommy La Stella  who could play

first base to but he hasn't played well for 

a couple years earlier.  The Mariners  have 

Mike Ford in camp again and he hasn't 

proved he can hit either. This means that

Ty France has to be the guy even if he isn't 

hitting as well  as we are accustomed to see

him do. 

I am sure we will  see  Ty at dh on occasion 

just like Eugenio Suarez. The extra outfielder 

will likely  dh as well  as  Teoscar Hernandez 

when he isn't in right field. We may see AJ

Pollock at dh sometimes  to. Spring training 

may decide who might get the bulk of time

at dh. Go M's! 

Two Days Before Mariners First game

The players  are not only getting  ready

for the season or making the ball club

they swinging in the batting cage or

pitching on the mound for their taste of

action.

The Mariners have ten listed on their

40-man roster as outfielders.  Two of them

Dylan Moore  and Sam Haggerty will be

playing more infield  during training  camp. 

Moore  is expected to platoon  at  second  base 

during g the season  against lefties. Likely 

play some shortstop  as well and maybe third

base too.

You take those two away along with Taylor 

Trammell who is injured and won't participate 

in games during  spring training. Julio Rodriguez 

will be going to the World  Baseball  Classic  so

when he does leaves six outfielders. They have 

three nonroster players in camp to.

Jarred Kelenic  is expected to  be  the  starting 

left fielder when the season starts  so he will

see a lot of action there especially before Julio

leaves for the WBC. Teoscar Hernandez  is expected 

to be the regular  right fielder but will see action at

dh as well.  With the dh the outfielders should get

in a lot of at bats during  camp. 

AJ Pollock  is  expected to  start  in left field 

against lefties.  Depending on  how  he hits

against righties  he maybe  at dh as well.

Competing for  an extra outfielder spot is 

Cade Marlowe  and Cooper Hummel . It is

hard right now to know which or whether one

will get that spot. 

The starting lineup will be eight players not

counting the dh. The Mariners  won't likely 

have someone  dh all or most of the time.

They have a back up  catcher making it nine.

So there will be four bench players besides

the  catcher. AJ Pollock  and Dylan Moore  

are expected  to  be two of those players 

which leaves two left.  One could be Sam

Haggerty  who could fill in the infield or outfield.

Cooper Hummel  makes the team he would be

the extra outfielder  and  third catcher. This

be an edge for both players. Haggerty had  

a good season  last year so puts him in a good

position. 

The Mariners  signed veteran infielder Tommy 

La  Stella during the off-season  so he makes 

the team he would play  third and first. Also

second base as well. The Mariners like Cade

Marlowe  so he could be the extra outfielder 

off the bench. In this case he does make the

team he could dh some as well as the outfield.

Could see him play some right field when

Hernandez  is at dh. 

To see who ends up being on the bench will

be interesting.  Of course,  injuries during the

spring  may change  things. The Mariners 

could make a trade as well.  Go M's.  

Mariners and Seahawks Make Move

The Seattle  Mariners  added another 

player invited to training  camp. He

is Kean Wong the younger brother of 

Kolten  Wong the Mariners  new second 

baseman.

Kean Wong  is a left handed hitter and

has played se ond base like his brother.

He has played some third base and outfield 

as well. He most recently was in the Los

Angeles Angels triple-A team.

The chances  are  he won't make the Mariners 

roster instead be in triple-A  to add depth,

however, stranger things have happened. 

The Mariners  have their first game on Friday 

against the San Diego Padres.  It will be 

interesting  to  see who plays in the game.

I am sure some of the starting position players

will start and play a few innings then we will 

see players trying to make the roster and minor 

leaguers.

The Seahawks lost their quarterback back coach

to Tampa  Bay last week.  It was announced that

they have hired Greg Olson who recently was with

Los Angeles Rams.  He is not the same one who

was a tight end  who spent a year with Seahawks 

and is on Fox Sports. This one is a native of

Washington  who played college football at

Central Washington.  Welcome aboard Greg.

Look forward  to  getting  the Mariners  ready 

for the season and the Seahawks who they 

draft alo g with free agents and who maybe 

released. We hope for a successful 2023 for

both teams.  

Emerson Hancock

Jerry Dipoto said that he liked Emerson

Hancock's first outing. The question is 

will he be the fifth starter if he does

good during spring training.

Word just came out that Marco Gonzales

will start on Saturday against the Angels.

Another pitcher getting print is Bryce Miller.  He to could be the fifth starter

or be in the Mariner's bullpen though

not many spots left there.

Who will make the roster if all three are equal. Marco because of his experience

or Hancock since he was a number one

draft choice or Miller. A question we will see answered. Marco being a lefty could 

be traded during spring training since they

could pick up some prospects or a player for another position. They could get an

outfielder or a super utility player or a

first baseman who could give Ty France 

some time off along with hitting dh or

pinch hitting too. 

Injuries during spring could make decisions on making a trade. Remember Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez came to the

Mariner's last year at the end of camp.

This could happen again.

I know Marco is very popular with Mariner

fans but if the team needs to trade him so be it. The Mariners may trade Chris Flexen too. Go M's 

Washington Huskies Beat Oregon State

The Washington  Huskies  beat Oregon  State 

61-47. Both teams not that good did play a

decent game. First half was a total 44 points.

The Huskies got off to a good start however 

they went  about eight minutes without scoring 

a point. Neither did the Beavers. 

Jamal Bey  who has three games remaining 

plus the Pac-12 tournament.  He led the team

with 15 points. All starters scored double  figures 

except  Cole Bajema  who is in a shooting slump.

Koren Johnson scored 11 points off the bench. 

No other players  on the bench scored.

Johnson and Menifield future  looks bright  but 

will Coach Hopkins  be there after this season.

Gonzaga  beat Pepperdine  Saturday for their

fourth win a row 97-88. Drew Timme led the

Zags with 34 points and Julian  Strawther had

28 points. The Zags have three games remaining 

on the regular  season  include St. Mary's next

Saturday.  The Zags  lost to them early on in

the month so be important for Gonzaga to  win.

Third Baseman Eugenio Suarez

Last year Eugenio Suarez  was the surprised 

player in the trade that brought over Jesse 

Winker. We have to say that Winker was a

disappointment for  the Mariners but Suarez 

was not.

Suarez along with Julio Rodriguez each had

over 30 home runs last year and everyone hopes

the same this year. With the shift being off teams

especially  like the Mariners won't  be looking

to hit home runs as much. These two will hit

home runs without even trying.  Of course, there

will be situations where they will.

Suarez biggest surprise  was on the field. His

defense was a big boost that it almost matched

Kyle  Seager's. Working with infield coach Perry

Hill we expect  the same if not better. It is nice

for a player like Suarez to be proud of his defense.

The Mariners make the playoffs it will be the

defense along with the pitching for the most part.

Suarez showed himself  to  be  a  good  team player 

not only on the field but in the clubhouse. So more

of that will be a pleasure to. Go M's.

Mariners Outfield

Some players have arrived  in Arizona 

and spring game training  is official

under two weeks. We will be looking 

at positions and players. It will be

interesting  whether there will be a

sunrise or two to make the team.

Today we look at the outfield. We know

Julio Rodriguez will  be  in center field 

most of the season as long g as he is 

healthy. Some of March we won't see

him with the World Baseball  Classic 

going on.

Jarred Kelenic  and Taylor Trammell 

we will see some in center well as

left. One of the two likely  be starting 

the season in left. I  expect Kelenic 

will  get the great opportunity to win 

the spot.  Most likely the middle of

March we will know for sure. Trammell 

maybe the 4th outfielder  if he does well.

Also, he could dh. 

AJ Pollock is  expected  to  start in left

field against lefties and may do so at dh

as well. The  Mariners  should have four

bench players including Pollock. Most

likely the Mariners will go with 13 position

players Four bench players don't count

back up catcher who likely will be Tom Murphy.

Dylan Moore  just signed a three year contract

with the Mariners  so he will be another bench

player so that leaves two spots unless they

decide to  go  with an additional pitcher at the

beginning  of  the  season.  

6u

Washington Huskies Sports

Decided to  take a one day break from 

the Seattle  Mariners  since spring 

training began on Thursday.  Exhibition 

games will start next Friday with the

Mariners  taking on the San Diego in

Peoria Arizona. 

The Washington  Huskies  upset the 

Oregon Ducks in  men's  basketball 

72-71 in overtime. It ended a four

game losing streak.  The Huskies 

take on Oregon State on Saturday.

The  Beavers  are not having a good

season either and the Huskies  should 

be favored to win.

The Huskies  were  led by freshman 

guard Keyon Menifield had 27 points.

Keion Brooks Jr  had 14 points.The

Huskies  primarily went with a seven

man rotation  though center/forward 

Jackson Grant played  eight minutes.

Former Washington  defensive coordinator 

and head coach  Jimmy Lake  was  hired

by the Los Angeles Rams this week. He

will be an assistant on the defensive side 

but his role wasn't named.

Thursday  night  the Washington State 

Cougars beat Oregon State  80-62. The

Cougars led by 14 at halftime. Mouhamed 

Gueye  led the Cougars  with 21 points.

A forward  it was interesting  Gueye had

no rebounds in the game. Four of the

Cougars five starters scored in double  figures.

Also, they all played 30 minutes or more.

Cougars take on Oregon  on Sunday.

N

Taylor Trammell Out For Seven Weeks or Longer

News came out on Wednesday that

Taylor  Trammell  broke his arm

and had surgery which means he

will miss at least seven weeks. 

Taylor  seems to  have  issues  staying 

healthy  especially around spring camp.

This means Jarred  Kelenic  will have

as much playing time as he wants during 

camp and be the the regular left fielder.

With Julio Rodriguez playing in the World 

Baseball Classic Kelenic  may play some

center field in the spring too.  No matter 

how well Kelenic  plays in the spring no

one will know how he will during the season.

He will have to prove to everyone he can

play regular in the major leagues. 

Cade Marlowe who was on the taxi squad  

during last season's  playoffs will have

opportunity  to play more during camp

and see if he can make the playoffs as an 

extra outfielder.  This will give Cooper 

Hummel who the Mariners got from Arizona 

for Kyle Lewis  ore time as well.  He could

start the season as extra outfielder and third

catcher. Zach DeLoach will see action as well.

All depending on how these guys work out 

we could see Sam Haggerty as the last bench 

player. His value both in the infield as well 

as outfield. 

News came out that Robbie Ray and George 

Kirby are learning to throw the splitter. This

is great if they both can do that. Another

pitch could make this even more of a solid 

rotation.  If Marco Gonzales can have a good 

spring  training  this will make the starting 

rotation more dangerous.  I  would like to

see one of the youngsters be the 5th starter 

but if Marco is in the 5th spot means he is

ready to go. 

Luis Castillo  expected  to  be  the opening 

day starter followed by Logan Gilbert or George 

Kirby. The  third spot should be Robbie Ray

to split up right handers. The 4th starter will

be either Gilbert or Kirby and then Marco. 

Thursday  spring  camp  opened up  we will tell

any new news that  comes out.  Next Friday the

24th will be the first spring game against the

San Diego Padres on the radio  only followed 

by playing the Angels on the Saturday.  This game

will be televised on RootSports. The next TV 

game will be the following Saturday against the

Colorado Rockies.  Go M's.

Mariners Left Side of Diamond

As spring  training  is  about to begin 

Eugenio Suarez  is expected at third

base and Jp Crawford  at shortstop. 

This is one of the best duos in the

American League. 

Both players are solid in the field.

Suarez one of the top home run 

hitters in the majors. Crawford 

has solid batting average in the

first half of the season then cools

off around  the  all-star  break. It

would be nice  if  he  could extend it.

At this point Dylan Moore  would be 

the backup for Crawford as well as

platooning at second base. He may 

on occasion  play a little third though

Ty France has to be considered to play

third base on occasion too.

Spring  training  will decide who might

play some third base when Suarez isn't.

As has been noted frequently during the

off-season the Mariners  don't have an

everyday dh which is fine with me. Suarez

will dh on occasion to keep  his bat in the

lineup. A lot will depend how healthy  he stays.

This could be said for Ty France as well. 

As long as his bat is going well Crawford will

be in the lineup  to. It would be nice to  give

him more rest in the first half of the season.

A lot may depend  on  Dylan Moore hitting 

as well. Moore hasn't  hit well for the last

couple years. It would be nice to have another

utility player who could hit. Sam Haggerty  

showed last year he could hit as long as not 

playing everyday.  We could see him in the

infield as well  as right field. 

The  Mariners  did sign veteran infielder Tommy 

LA Stella during the off-season.  He has had a

couple poor seasons the last couple years. If

he could hit decently that  would help out the

team. He has been  primarily a second base

but hits left handed like Wong so probably won't 

play  there much as long Wong stays healthy.

He might be dh against righthanded pitching

and could play some third and first base. I  am 

he will get some action during the spring at both

spots to see how he does. He will be able to be

a solid  piece if he makes the team. If not it 

would  be  nice the Mariners go out and find one.

Go M's!

Your Favorite Seattle Team

Since today is Valentine's Day  who is

your favorite and loved Seattle  sports

team?

I personally  go for the Mariners since

baseball was my first sport I loved.

I  know the Seahawks  and Huskies

have had more success in football.

Bringing  back the Sonics would put

them into second place. Of course,

there are those who are diehard Cougar

fans and then there is Gonzaga as well. 

Again this year Gonzaga should be in

March Madness though they are not 

as good as in previous years. Be rooting

for them once again. I  wish the Huskies 

and Cougars would find their way to

March Madness as well.  Time for the

Huskies to make a move and bring in

another head coach. 

Are the Seahawks going to sign Geno

Smith soon. It certainly taking some time.

The Mariners  begin spring  training with

a lot of hope this year. Will they dethrone 

the Houston Astros?

Will Jarred Kelenic  become the player they

expected when trading with the New Mets

a few years ago. It would be  nice  to  see

him match up with Julio Rodriguez. Will the

Mariners  sign Teoscar Hernandez to an extension 

during spring training so don't lose him to free

agency. Having a solid outfield be nice since it

has been a while for that. Though I enjoy Sam

Haggerty I like to see him in the outfield not so

frequently.  I  hope he hits well so see him on

occasion in the infield well as right field to

give Hernandez a rest. Any one know who will

be dh more often than anyone else? Taylor Trammell 

is another with talent who isn't  there yet either.

Having four outfielders with one at dh each game 

would be nice. The answers will come over the next

few weeks.  Go M's!

This Week In Sports

Now that the Kansas City  Chiefs beat

the Philadelphia  Eagles  in the Super 

Bowl now we look at college basketball 

and baseball  over the next t couple 

months. There is spring football coming

soon for those who are desperate for

more football.  The XFL comes alive

again then there the UFL. 

This week  the Washington Huskies and

the Washington  State  Cougars are both

home against the Oregon  schools. Huskies 

play the Ducks on Wednesday  and  the Beavers

on Saturday  while the Cougars play Beavers

on Thursday and Ducks on Sunday. 

The Huskies  are currently  5-10 in Pac-12 

conference play and are in 10th place. The

Huskies have five games remaining including 

this week. They have to win all five to break

even which is unlikely.  With this disappointing 

season it is time to  move on from Coach Hopkins.

The Cougars are not having a great season either. 

They are tied with  Colorado at 6-9 and 7th place. 

The Cougars likely  won't  make  a  coaching change.

Players will be reporting  to  Mariners camp on Monday.

Workouts won't  start until Thursday  though players

will do some anyway.  The first training  camp game 

will be on Friday March 24 against the San Diego Padres.

The  stories this spring  will be interesting. The players

will want to take down the Astros.  Most experts figure

the Mariners will finish second place and be closer to

the Astros. The schedule will  be different as they won't 

play division foes as often  from 19 to 13. They now

will play against every team including all those in the

National League.  There will be teams like Cleveland 

they will play a few more times than the other American 

League teams outside their division. In the division they

play 52 games so 90 games for the remaining teams.

The Mariners  don't  have  a  lot of spots in the bullpen 

or on the bench. So the last spot on both will be interesting 

to see who gets them. The 5th man in the starting rotation 

be interesting  to. Marco Gonzales  is the favorite  with

some youngsters contending. Wonder whether Gonzales 

or Chris Flexen  be traded during camp. Gonzales being a

lefty could be valuable  for  another to pick up. Injuries 

could make a difference  what the roster will look like

to. Stay tuned. Go M's!

Mariners Right and left order

Jerry  Dipoto  said that Julio Rodriguez 

will lead off as long as he wants.  It 

would be nice if he could bat third

however the  Mariners  are limited  in 

leadoff hitters.

JP Crawford  is  good when he is hitting 

well but likely be down near the bottom 

of the order especially against lefties.

Wong looks like he be a good leadoff

hitter, however,  he likely  be batting 

second against righties. The question 

is who bat second against lefties. Does

Dylan Moore  or move Ty France up to

second. He might bat third against righties. 

Hernandez  who I almost forgot about will

bat third or will he bat fifth or sixth.

AJ Pollock  might bat second against lefties 

or sixth. Hernandez  might bat third against 

lefties. Cal Raleigh  will likely  bat fourth 

against righties while Eugeno Suarez does

against lefties.  Suarez likely  bat 5th against 

righties unless Hernandez does.I  suppose 

Suarez and Hernandez  will be 5 and 6 no matter 

which way. Kelenic  will bat seventh against 

righties  while Raleigh or Murphy will against

lefties. 

Now Moore will bat 8th and Crawford 9th

against  lefties. Are you confused I certainly 

am let's put the batting order in place may help.

Righties:  

1. Julio

2. Wong 

3. Ty France 

4. Cal Raleigh 

5. Suarez

6. Hernandez 

7. Kelenic

8. Pollock or whoever the dh is

9. JP Crawford 

Lefties 

1. Julio 

2. France 

3. Hernandez 

4. Suarez 

5. Cal Raleigh or dh

6. Murphy or dh

7. Pollock

8. JP CRAWFORD 

9. Dylan Moore 

How does  that  look like the lineup. 

We will  see  right. 

Players atwith Huskies and Seahawks in Super Bowl

Let's look at players  who played for 

the Huskies and Seahawks that are in

this year's  Super Bowl 

We begin with cornerback Trent McDuffie 

a first round  pick last year from the Huskies. 

Cool he is a starter as a rookie and making

the Super Bowl his first season.  Doesn’t 

happen often.

Players for the Chiefs who played for the

Seahawks. Defensive  end Frank Clark 

traded to the Chief from the Seahawks 

after the 2018 season.  The year he had

his most sacks totals of 13 in his career. 

Another is defensive  end Carlos Dunlap

who played two years for the Seahawks.

He was released by the Seahawk after

the 2021 season  and signed by the Chiefs.

The Philadelphia Eagles have no Huskies 

or former Seahawks  on their team. They do

have two former Washington State Cougars 

in tackle Andre Dillard and Gardnder Menshew.

I am somewhat  not understanding the Cougars

fans who are enamored with Menshew since

he played for them for only one season. I 

guess that is the Cougar  way.

Enjoy the  Super Bowl  for whoever you  are

rooting for.

Ty France and First Base

 As we know Ty France should be 

the Mariners  starting first base.

The important  thing  is  Ty to be

healthy. Last half of the 2022 

season  he probably  wasn't healthy 

since he wasn't  hitting the way

we accustomed  to see him hit. 

Be interesting what the playoffs 

would be like if he had been.

To keep  Ty healthy  it would be good 

to dh him once or twice a week.  Who

plays first when Ty is at dh? A good 

question.  Dylan Moore right now is

the guy. Evan White  is  healthy again 

and would be the best choice if he can 

hit. He is expected  to  start  the season 

in triple-A. 

U

Dylan Moore is expected  to  platoon at

second base as well. The best would be 

to have a left handed bat to serve as Ty's

backup unless Ty dh against lefties. I

guess we will  see  what the Mariners 

come up with.

In college  basketball  Gonzaga beat the

San Francisco  Dons 99-81 on Thursday 

night after losing  to St. Mary's  last

Saturday.  The Zags had four players 

scoring in double figures totalling 72

points. Anton Watson who was third

in scoring with 15 led the Zags with 10

rebounds. Gonzaga takes on BYU at

home Saturday  night.  

Seahawks Offense on This Thursday

We know the Seahawks  will look at

improving their defense in the upcoming 

NFL  draft.  They may go for a player or

two on offense in the middle  rounds 

depending  who is available.  Draft a

quarterback, wide receiver, running back

or center.

Though the Seahawks  plan to resign

Geno Smith at quarterback, bringing 

in someone  who could start in a few

years wouldn't  be a bad idea. The 49ers 

experienced  losing two quarterbacks 

during this last season so being prepared 

is a good idea. 

The Seahawks  drafting  a running back

in the draft is good to. We know Ken Walker 

is number one and bringing back Rashaad 

Penny at 2 and sharing the load. Even if 

they don't  bring back Penny they will need

to bring in a veteran running back although 

they have a couple  others on the roster. Like

quarterback  it is a good idea  to draft a running

back each year.

Wide receiver  is another spot to draft a player

each year. A second or third rounder would be

nice this year. We know Tyler Lockett won't be

around for many more years so bringing in his

replacement  and being the third receiver at this

moment be good. The Seahawks  have had a hard

time finding a third receiver. They have been blessed

having good tight ends  to help out. Though they

don't  need a new tight end at the moment drafting 

one next year would be good if the right receiver is

picked this year. 

The offensive  line is good for the most part. Drafting 

a center this year would be good as well. Again in the

second or third round if a good one is available.

The first round picks will likely  be  on the defense 

side of the ball. Second and third rounds would be

the best player available  whether on defense or

offense. Actually I  say through the rest of the draft.

Since the Seahawks can use help both on offense

and defense it is the best philosophy.   It  will be

interesting  to see how the draft goes. Right now 

they have nine picks  and  could add another pick

if they go down the draft early  on or lose one if 

they decide to  go  up instead.  Go Hawks!

New Faces in Spring Training

Yes spring training begins next

Wednesday. The Mariners have

seven new faces plus some prospects as well.

I don't think all seven new faces will

make the opening day roster. Only

three will be on the team for sure 

unless a trade happens or injury.

The three are second baseman Kolten 

Wong, right fielder Teoscar Hernandez and outfielder -dh AJ Pollock.

Cooper Hummel the Mariners acquired in the trade for Kyle Lewis.

He makes the team he will be the

4th outfielder and third catcher. In

this case Taylor Trammell or Jarred 

Kelenic will be in Tacoma or traded.

Kelenic will have to underperform

since the Mariners expect him to be

in left field against righties.

Tommy LA Stella the Mariners signed

as a free agent after being released

by the San Francisco Giants. If he plays well in camp he will be backup

infielder and dh. Most likely won't be

sent to Tacoma if he isn't. 

Right-hander pitcher Trevor Gotta

the Mariners signed as a free agent.

The Mariners don't have a lot of spots

available in the bullpen so he maybe

a long shot.

Finally right-hander Justin Tops they

picked up in a trade with Milwaukee.

Again it won't be easy to make the

bullpen and could be traded elsewhere.

The Mariners have several prospects in camp. Catcher Harry Ford number 

one prospect will be there. Likely be

in Everett for those north can see 

during the season. Pitcher Emerson Hancock who might be the 5th starter

or be so by May. 

Let you know if you are in Arizona

you can go to spring training begins

on February 16 and see the players

on the fields or around the facilities.

Go M's 

Spring Training Coming Soon

The Mariners  are expected to  report

to training camp  next Monday. Though

some players will be on the field they

mostly  be taking their physicals. 

I  am  amazed how negative  some 

fans and media are about the Mariners 

since they made the playoffs  last year. 

Ok they didn't  sign a big name shortstop 

so what. The amount of years these guys

were asking I don't  blame them. 

Hernandez should be an upgrade from 

Haniger because  of  being healthy or at

least  we hope so.

The pitching should be better this year 

with a full season  of Luis Castillo and George 

Kirby. Logan Gilbert  is  the  same or better.

Robbie  Ray should be better since he had 

an off year last season and he doesn't have 

to worry  about being the ace. The 5th starter

whether Marco,  Flexen or someone  else  no

big deal since the Mariners will be better 

than most other teams 5th starter.  The 

importance is the other four starters are

healthy  all season.

It will be nice starting next week to write 

stories about the players. How they are 

doing in camp and expectations. See 

whether there is a dark horse who makes

the team. The Mariners  don't have many 

openings but one or two could do it.

I  hope a fantastic season ahead building 

on last year. We hope Jarred Kelenic  breaks 

lose and not him Taylor Trammell.  Having

a solid left fielder  would be nice. Go M's.

Cal Raleigh and Tom Murphy

Right now Raleigh  is the regular

catcher  of the Mariners.  Currently 

Tom Murphy  is his backup.

Murphy  was out for most of last season.

Early  on in the season  Raleigh  was struggling 

at the plate  so he was sent down to triple-A 

to regain his stroke. He wasn't  down long

when he was recalled because Murphy was

injured. Shortly after Raleigh  became the

starter and the rest is history.

Personally  I  thought Raleigh  should have 

been the starter from day one. He actually 

started  the opening game of the season.

The Mariners  were alternating Raleigh,  Murphy 

and Luis Torrens  at catcher.  Otherwords each

was starting every three games. My mind this

was not a good idea for Raleigh  he needed to

be in the lineup  more often. 

After Murphy's injury  for a short period Raleigh 

and Torrens were platooning, however, Torrens 

was struggling at the plate which lasted most 

of the season and Raleigh  started hitting better

and he was the better of the two on defense. 

Torrens was released near the end of the season. 

He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago 

Cubs.

Jerry  Dipoto  president of  baseball  operations 

says both players are healthy headed into spring 

training. Raleigh  who was injured  late in the season 

though he continued played had surgery when the

season wasover. Raleigh  will  be  the primary catcher

with Murphy  being the backup. Expect Murphy to 

catch once a week maybe two sometimes. Murphy 

hits better against lefties  so most likely catch

when the opposition is throwing a lefty.  In those 

instances Raleigh  be on the bench or dh. Most

likely come into the game late facing a righthander.

This all depends whether  the Mariners  carry a third

catcher on the roster. The Mariners  likely  have three

bench players besides Murphy. AJ Pollock  outfielder 

and Dylan Moore utility player will be two of them.

Moore expected to platoon at second base while Pollock

does in left field.

Though I  didn't watch the pro bowl I heard Geno Smith 

had a good game. Not a lot of meaning since they were 

playing flag football instead. You could say flag football

is right  in order for Geno. My opinion since they tried

flag football they  might as well  stop playing the pro bowl 

game. They can still name players to the pro bowl team.

Could  you  imagine the baseball all star team the players 

playing softball or slow pitch. Baseball  still has the best

all star game of all the sports. Nice to know this year's 

all star game will be in Seattle  once again. During the season 

we will have to see what Mariners  besides Julio will be

on the team. 

Pro Bowl Geno

Geno Smith is expected to

play in the Pro Bowl on Sunday. 

I am one that doesn't watch the

Pro Bowl however I wish him

the best.

Geno Smith is expected sign

a new contract with the Seahawks soon. The latest

I heard was a three year deal

with two guaranteed at $70

million. A good deal for both.

How I understand the salary

cap the guarantee will be over

the three years. This means

the guarantee will be under

$24 million for the three years.

I am sure though not knowing

each year there will be an 

increase in the salary cap.

The Seahawks will have seven

other players making over $10

million this coming season.

At least one of them will be

released and another may 

have their contract renegotiated at a lower 

amount and another year

added. 

In college basketball the Huskies lost to USC 80-74.

This is a game they should have won though they were

without Cole Bajema who 

was suspended for one game

after the league said he caused

a fragrant foul which was not

called in the UCLA game..

The Huskies were led by Keion

Brooks led the team with 22 

points. Most likely Brooks will 

be going to the NBA next season. Keion Menifield 

having a great freshman 

season had 21 points.

Four of the Huskies starters

scored in double figures.

Only PJ Fuller missed out

and he scored nine points.

Only Noah Williams had significant minutes coming

off the bench. 

The Cougars lost Saturday 

to UCLA 76-52. The Cougars

were like the Huskies Thursday

they were in the game the 

first half but couldn't sustain

it. The Cougars were led by

guards TJ Bamba with 19

and Justin Powell with 17.

As you can see they didn't

get much from the rest of the

guys.

The Huskies and Cougars

play each other next Saturday

in Pullman. Hard to say but

the Cougars should win the

game. Again a disappointing

season for the Huskies though

do see some talent. I can see

Coach Hopkins gone as well

as Keion Brooks Jr.. Jamal

Bey who has been inconsistent

as the team has been will be

gone as is eligibility is over.

Freshmen Keion Merifield

and Koren Johnson should 

be the mainstays as the 

Huskies rebuild without 

Coach Hopkins at the 

helm. What shake up 

happens may decide what

Merifield will do. He could

be a hot market on the 

transfer portal however the

Huskies gave him a chance

other major colleges did not.

Saturday night wasn't good 

for Gonzaga either losing

to St. Mary's 78-70. It hasn't

been a good season for the

Zags this year for their standards anyway. They will

make the NCAA tournament

in March but may not go far

unless changes happen.

Unlike the Huskies and Cougars

they will be the only major

college from here to see.

Go Zags!

 

Washington Huskies and Mike Hopkins

The Washington  Huskies  play USC

on Saturday.  After that they have 

six games remaining  on the season 

before  the  Pac-12  tournament.  

The question  will head coach Mike

Hopkins return  next season.  My 

opinion no matter happens in these

games Hopkins will be out. Next 

Saturday  the Huskies  will play 

the WSU  Cougars in Pullman. The 

Cougars should be favored  in the 

game. The following  week they are

home against  Oregon and Oregon 

State. Depending on how they are

playing they should be favored 

against the Beavers.  The following  

week they play Stanford and California 

on the road. Both schools  are not 

having good seasons so I  may still

call it even. They finish at home

against the Cougars.  I give the Cougars

to win a close game.

Currently  the Huskies are tied with the

Cougars and Colorado for seventh place

each with 5-8 records. Most likely  7th

place is the best they will do unless they

win all the remaining games.

The Huskies lost UCLA  on Thursday as

expected on the road 70-61. The Huskies 

had to do a good job  in the second half

as the Bruins led at halftime  by 16. The 

Huskies have a talented  team this year

but getting off to slow starts and turnovers

for the most part has been the trouble.

Over the last four seasons  this has been

been the trend. Changing the trend is 

having a replacement  at the top. It is

either  making Will Conroy the head coach 

or bringing in someone  else.  Whatever the

way Mike Hopkins has to go after four 

years mediocrity at best. Had the Huskies 

been able to  have a better  record this year

after placing 5th last year things would be

different.  Go Dawgs. 

Seahawks Defensive Linemen

During the off-season  we will  look 

at the different positions  and players.

Having two first round and two second

round picks it is important that the 

Seahawks  don't  go wrong.

I have read where some mock drafts

where the Seahawks  draft a edge rusher 

first. In fact I  saw one where they picked

an edge rusher  in the first and second 

round.

My opinion the Seahawks  need defensive 

lineman, however picking the best player 

available is the best solution.

Currently  Pona Ford, Al Woods and Shelby 

Harris are the top three. Woods missed 

several games and is getting  old. Harris 

has a high number on salary cap. I expect 

one of the two won't be on the team next

season. They have LJ Collier who has been 

a disappointment so he likely be gone to. 

Harris  may return however he will have to

sign at a lower salary. Maybe give him an 

extra year.

The Seahawks  also have Quintin Jefferson 

as well. Whether the Seahawks  draft a lineman 

early  or in the second round they will improve 

the line. The Seahawks  are  weak against the

run so this means the line and linebackers.

Next  time  on the Seahawks we will look at

the linebackers.  Go Hawks!