It Is Monday Again

Hello Everyone still not anything happening
in the world of sports including here in the
state of Washington.

The spring sports at the colleges aren't
happening along with no baseball in
Tacoma or Seattle. At this time we
still don't know if we will have
baseball this year.

The baseball draft will be not as many
rounds in June. It looks like ten rounds
instead of 40 rounds.

I wouldn't be surprised if ten rounds
becomes the normal in future years.
They could expand it to twenty rounds.

As stated in my last blog the NFL will
be having their draft in late April. It will
be the same amount of rounds but
there will not be any players to see
in person. I am sure those that are
drafted we will see video of them though.

We are still looking to see if Clowney
signs back up with the Seahawks or not.
Maybe we will have news about on
Seahawk Wednesday.

Until Wednesday stay safe.

NFL Draft Goes On

According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
the NFL draft will go on as scheduled on April
23 thru the 25th.

The draft won't look like what has been but will
be televised still. They figure we will need the
entertainment. They will use precautions because
of the coronavirus.

I am sure like usual the Seahawks will probably
move down in the first round adding at least
another draft pick.

Of course, we still don't know whether they
will have training camp or not. If the Mariners
are playing baseball by then the NFL games
will go on as well.

Be safe until next time.  

A Shut Down

Who would have ever thought even
a few months ago everything be
shut down including sports.

This week the NFL decided to
stop everything after teams
signing free agents.

There is thought baseball may
resume in mid-May or into
June. This isn't a sure thing.

No one knows when the draft
of each sport will take place
this year either.

No answers to any questions
right now. Like our lives
right now we are in holding
pattern.

In Washington state the governor
put on state at home. He gave
several exceptions but for the
most part we are expected to
stay at home. We do go out
it is for only for a short period.
Only those with essential jobs
are to go to work.

On television if we watch a
sport it is something from the
past.

We just hope this passes in a
few weeks and we can get back
to normal.

Opening of Baseball Season

Today was supposed to be the beginning
of baseball season. The Seattle Mariners
were supposed to be playing the Texas
Rangers at T-Mobile Park.

Marco Gonzales was supposed to start
his second straight home opener while
Ichiro Suzuki was to throw out the first
pitch which we now know won't happen
because of the coronavirus.

Right now we have no idea how bad
the coronavirus is or how long baseball
will not be played.

They are hoping to start the season in
mid-May but could be later in the year
and how many games will be played.

Life is so uncertain right now so is
baseball. The Mariners like other teams
are showing games from other seasons.

I look forward to when the games begin
for real. In the meantime stay safe.

Seahawk Wednesday

Not a whole lot to report when it
comes to sports in the northwest
except with the Seahawks.

The NFL is working as close to
normal during the off-season as
far as acquiring players whether
through free agency or trades.
At this point off-season training
isn't happening time soon as far
as teams getting together. Players
will have to be creative in how
they get their own training.
I expect most of them are
training at home.

If you haven't been paying
attention the Seahawks have
acquired several offensive
lineman over the past week
in free agency.

Unless you are a really serious
fan knowing players on other
teams besides Seattle you
probably never heard of these
guys I certainly haven't. We
will have to see how they do.

The Seahawks signed three
offensive lineman in BJ Finney
formerly of the Pittsburgh
Steelers. He can play center and
the two guard positions. Brandon
Shell right tackle who had started
for the New York Jets and Cedric
Ogbuehi formerly of the Jacksonville
Jacquars. Ogbuehi can play both
tackle spots; however, he will
compete with Shell at right tackle.
Last year's right tackle German
Ifedi is a free agent. The signing
of these two tackles means Ifedi
most likely won't return.

News came out the Seahawks
acquired cornerback Quinton
Dunbar from the Washington
Redskins for a 5th round pick
of this year's draft. The Seahawks
figured they need to improve at
cornerback. Dunbar has been a
starter for the Redskins. We
should expect improvement at
the position.

On Tuesday the Seahawks signed
former wide receiver Phillip
Dorsett. He will be part of the
Seahawks three-man receiver
core.

It shows the Seahawks were
busy in the past week we will
see what happens between
now and next Wednesday.

Hello Monday

Most years we would be watching
March Madness on television or in
person if we were so lucky.

Baseball season would be starting
this Thursday; however, the
coronavirus has stopped all that.

I am sure there were some who
watched old sport programs over
the weekend. I am one who did
not.

The Seahawks did make a move
over the weekend signing offensive
lineman Chance Warmack. Like
most offensive lineman I never
heard of him. He is a former first
round pick of the Tennessee Titans
in 2013. He didn't play last year
because of injury. His agent says
that Warmack is ready to go.

On Wednesday it will be Seahawk
Wednesday so I will mention the
other offensive lineman the Seahawks
have signed recently. Who knows
defensive end Clowney might be
signed by then.

Wish you the best this week as we
all deal with the virus in our own
way.

Seattle Mariners Make Moves

Though the major league baseball season
is on hold until at least mid-May it looks
like Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto
made some moves on Friday.

The biggest surprise the Mariners put
reliever Sam Tuivailala on waivers.
He was expected to be the main
reliever coming out of the bullpen
in the 8th inning; however, he hadn't
pitched at all during spring training
because of his shoulder. I guess Dipoto
wasn't ready to wait on him.

The Mariners sent down four players
to triple-A Tacoma infielders Donovan
Walton and Patrick Wisdom along with
right-handed relievers Zach Grotz and
Taylor Williams.

I expect Grotz was sent down to get
in some pitching time when the season
starts and he has options. The same
goes for the other three guys as well.

The Mariners still have 31 roster players
along with 13 non-rosters from when
spring training ended. Depending on
how long spring training will be when
they finally able to get back to work
will decide how many more moves
Jerry Dipoto will make. Go M's.  

It's Friday

Not much still going on in the world
of sports that is for sure.

The NFL is still only sport doing
anything at all however, they will
be extending free agency out though.

The Seahawks have given four players
restricted free agency. This means
they have given them tendered contracts
where another team tries to sign them
they can match the offer or receive
compensation.

The Mariners have shut down their
spring training facility for now and
all the players have gone home. No
idea at this point when things will
pick up again. The baseball season
could begin in the middle of May
at the earliest. At least that was is
projected anyone.

At this point I figure to write here
every other day until something
chances. I might go further out as
well What I mean I might write
every three days.

Seahawk Wednesday

Here we are another Seahawk Wednesday.
The NFL is one sport we can talk about
even though they are not in season. All
the other sports are shut down all together.

Since last Wednesday the NFL agreed on
the new CBA though it was a close vote.
The CBA will be in effect for ten years.

Those who voted against the proposal
were the stars and those who they
convinced was a bad deal. I heard
from some former players who thought
it was  a good deal.

I am sure the stars figured they wouldn't
get as much money down the road; however,
the salary cap for each team is going up.
This should help the other players who
may be in the league for only a few years.

By the way stars you can only spend so
much money. Don't be so greedy think
about the other players.

Also, with the coronavirus happening we
don't really care what you think anyway.
When it is over you will have your money
and a lot of people will have less. You should
be thankful you have what you got.

Now after saying all that. The Seahawks
signed defensive tackle Jarran Reed to a
two-year contract. He won't be hurting for
sure. I hope that Clowney will be signed
by the Seahawks but the signs show doubtful.

The Seahawks made announcements about
changes to the coaching staff. I won't bore
you with all the details. I was surprised that
former first round pick by the Seahawks
Aaron Curry who was a true disappointment
is a full-time defensive assistant. I hope he
does a better job at it. Last year he was with
the Seahawk as a coaching assistant.

We will see who else the Seahawks will
pick up during this next week. Keep up
and see what happens. Go Hawks!

Sports TAlk

Not much to talk about when it comes to
sports whether local or nationally.

Tomorrow I will say something about
Seahawks since the NFL is only sport
doing anything which is ironic since
they are not in season right now.

More Mariner players are leaving
Arizona since they were told they
can't train together. So many are
now going home. If home is in
the Seattle area you might as well
stay in Arizona since there is a lot
of restrictions to do anything.

Not sure when baseball season will
start. Probably won't be until May
at the earliest. I am sure they do a
limited spring training before the
regular season starts.

The Huskies and Cougars spring
sports have been cancelled so
no talk about them either.

Until next time may you be blessed.

Day To Day

Life is getting very interesting primarily
because of the coronavirus.

Not much news on the sports front since
everything is being shut down for at least
two weeks and in many cases longer.

Since the NFL keeps going during the
off-season there is always news on that
front but I will wait to give news unless
it is big on Seahawk Wednesday.

The Seahawks have made moves to
their coaching staff for next year. I
will give most of that on Wednesday.
I give you one right now though. Austin
Davis who served as Russell Wilson's
backup in 2017 is now the Seahawks
quarterback coach. Interesting position
for him isn't it.

Most of the Seattle Mariners players
are staying in Arizona working out on
their own. A few have gone home and
the minor league players who were not
in major league camp have been sent
home.

It will be interesting how long they will
have camp when they are able to return
to action in a few weeks or we hope so
anyway.

I am not sure how often I will be writing
here while this is going on but I will try
as often as I can. Until next time peace.

the NFL

All the sports are shutting down for
a month or so it looks like; however,
the NFL has free agency which is
still going on.

The players are voting on a new
agreement with the owners as
well. Should have the answer
today (Saturday).

I expect we should know whether
the college draft will take place in
April or will it be postponed.

So we may know soon whether
the Seahawks will sign any players
including their own.

Someone told me the coronavirus
only takes place during cold
weather so here it may end
soon. It could return next
year with a lesser strain.

Life must go on. The Huskies
lost in the Pac-12 men's tournament
on Wednesday so won't go further
though NCAA may not happen.

I am sure we will here about Isaiah
Stewart and Jaden McDaniels entering
the NBA draft.

I will be looking into the prospects
the Huskies have coming in for
next year along with the Cougars and
Gonzaga.

The spring sports are not happening.
It looks like the seniors will be able
to have another season if it is their
choice. Until next time stay safe.

Shutting Down

Since sports seems to be shutting down
across the board what I will be writing
about over the next few weeks will be
interesting.

I am going to try to write something
everyday or at least a couple times a
week.

I want to keep you up to date on my
thoughts.

The Huskies lost in the first round of
the Pac-12 tournament so their season
is over. We will probably see the last
of Isaiah Stewart and Jaden McDaniels
as they go to the NBA next season.

I would like to see them play but I
haven't watched the NBA since the
Sonics left Seattle.

I am sure that the NCAA tournament
known as March Madness will be called
off or at least no fans in the stands.

The Mariners won't be playing for
at least a month. Most likely they
will have to go back to spring training
for a couple weeks. Not sure what is
happening with the minor leagues.
Most likely they are shut down as
well.

I will try to write something about
somebody over the weeks ahead.
The Seahawks season is over however
the off-season may not go as planned.

Until next time keep up your chin.
Don't let the virus make you fearful.

Change Of Plans For Mariners

The Covid-19 Virus means the Seattle
Mariners won't be starting the season
at home as scheduled.

Washington Governor Inslee announced
Wednesday not to have gathering larger
than 250 people so we know what that
means about the Mariners.

The gathering will be until the end of
March which means the Mariners will
start the season in Arizona or on the
road in Texas and Minnesota instead
of in Seattle.

Wednesday game the Mariner won
4-2 over the San Diego Padres. They
played only seven innings because of
rain.

Marco Gonzales expected to be the
Mariners opening starting pitcher
wherever the game played went
three and a third inning giving up
two runs with one being earned.
Both runs happened in the first
inning. Gonzales gave up four hits.
walked two and struck out five.
Not bad at all.

The relievers only gave up two hits
total in their time on the mound.

The Mariners had five hits in the
game with no one having more
than one. Dan Vogelbach continues
having a good spring with a hit and
the same goes for Tim Lopes who
had a hit as well.

The Mariners will playing two games
on Thursday with a split-squad so
most of their regular players will be
in the game for a period of time along
with reserves and minor leaguers.

Those who are able will have the chance
to watch the beginning of the regular
season on television wherever the games
are played.

Seahawk Wednesday

Not much happening for the Seahawks
this week. I am sure they are doing
their normal things like looking at
who they will draft in April.

The Seahawks are looking at
free agents as well including
those that are free agents on
their team as well.

Russell Wilson did receive the
Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation
Award Of Excellence announced
on Monday.

Next Wednesday may have some
more news. We will see.

Mariners Making Moves

Now that the Mariners are 16 days from
the regular season beginning  they have
sent several players to the minor leagues
and put Jose Siri on waivers. He was
picked up by the San Francisco Giants.

Braden Bishop competing for an outfield
spot was sent to Tacoma while Julio
Rodrigues was outrighted.

Dylan Moore was hit in the right wrist
in Tuesday's game. It didn't look good.
So he could be out for a little while.

Carlos Gonzales could end up making
the team; however, utility player Tim
Lopes could make the team as the 4th
outfielder we will see.

Dee Gordon will be the utility player
so this would be why Lopes be listed
as an outfielder though he could play
in the infield as well.

Jarred Kelenic is still  in camp but
likely will be sent down at some
point. We should expect to see him
sometime during the season. We
could say the same for pitcher Logan
Gilbert who has pitched well during
spring training.

Taijuan Walker and More

Taijuan Walker returned to the Mariners
this spring training after being released
by the Arizona Diamondbacks made his
first start of spring training on Monday.

Walker was released by the Diamondbacks
after having surgery on his elbow. He is
competing for the 5th starter with Justin
Dunn. Right now Walker is expected to
be the 5th starter; however, we won't know
likely for a couple more weeks.

Taijuan made his first start going three
innings giving up four hits, no walks,
four strikeouts and one run. The run was
a home run in the first inning off the leadoff
batter.

Justin Dunn pitched in the game as well
coming in relief of Walker. He to pitched
three innings giving up one hit, one walk
while striking out five batters and no runs.

If both pitchers continue pitching well
the Mariners may have to go with a
six-man rotation or one of them well
pitch in relief which probably would
be Dunn since he has experience in
that area.

The Mariners did end up losing the
game to the Milwaukee Brewers
2-1. The Brewers had a home run
in the bottom of the 9th inning off
of  reliever Taylor Williams who
ironically the Mariners picked up
off of waivers from the Brewers.

I noticed in the Brewers lineup
was former Mariner Justin Smoak
playing first base. He signed with
the Brewers as a free agent during
the off-season after playing five
years with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Omar Narvaez the Mariners traded
to the Milwaukee Brewers during
the off-season was not in the lineup
against the Mariners.

Kyle Lewis who had been struggling
at the plate for the Mariners is starting
to heat up had the lone run for the Mariners
hitting a home run in the 4th inning.

Logan  Gilbert the Mariners number one
pick in 2018 will start Tuesday for  the
Mariners against the Los Angeles Angels.

Wednesday will be Seahawk Wednesday
however I will give info on the Mariners
too.

It's Monday Sports Continue

I am sorry I haven't written for a couple days
because my mother passed away on Friday.
I hope to keep going here depending on how
busy I am otherwise.

The Huskies beat Arizona on Saturday to
sweep the two teams in the Valley of the
Sun. The only victories on the road in the
Pac-12 regular season

The Huskies play Arizona again on Wednesday
with the first round of the Pac-12 tournament.
The Huskies winning four games straight in the
tournament would automatically put them in the
NCAA tournament.

They play like the last two games it is possible
they go to March Madness. Go Dawgs!

The Mariners continue in spring training. Regular
season begins in 17 days when they take on the
Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park on March 26.

The bullpen how it turns out will take over the next
17 days  Also, who will make the outfield on the roster
and the utility players as well.

Justus Sheffield is now throwing a two-seam
fastball instead of the four-seam. It seems to
be working for him.

Taijuan Walker makes his starting debut today
against the Milwaukee Brewers. He or Justin
Dunn will be the 5th starter.

Logan Gilbert is expected to start on Tuesday.
Probably won't be on the opening day roster
but we should see him sometime during the
season.

Justin Dunn Started Wednesday

It wasn't mentioned initially, however, Justin
Dunn started for the Mariners on Wednesday
against the Los Angeles Angels.

Dunn is competing with Taijuan Walker for
the 5th starter. Dunn went 1 and 2/3 innings
giving up one run on one hit, a walk and
struck out three. Not bad. Walker on the
other hand threw in a practice squad game
and he looked good.

Most likely Dunn will go to triple-A if
Walker wins the starting spot. If Dunn
wins Walker probably pitch out of the
bullpen in long relief. We are three weeks
exactly from the starting of the season
so the questions are still a ways off to
be answered.

The Mariners gave up only three hits on
the day; however, they lost to the Angels
2-0. The Mariners had four hits in the game.

We could see a lot of low scoring games
on the season. It depends on whether the
hitters go in a slump all at the same time.

The four hits by the Mariners were one each
by Evan White, Dan Vogelbach, JP Crawford
and Alen  Hanson the Mariners signed as a
minor league free agent.

Yusei Kikuchi is scheduled to start Thursday
against the San Diego Padres. The Mariners
are the home team. We hope for Kikuchi to
expand on his last outing. Most likely he will
pitch three or four innings depending on his
pitch count. Go M's.

Seahawk Wedesday

Another Seahawk Wednesday. It seems like it
comes again so fast.

Last week the Seahawk brass were at the
combine to check perspective draft picks.
I am sure they will be looking at picking
another defensive lineman in the first or
second round depending whether they
move down or not. The history of the
Seahawks since Pete Carroll and John
Schneider is to move down and add more
draft picks.

Now that the combine is over they are
now looking to go after free agents
whether their own or those from other
teams. Clowney is the first priority to
sign at defensive end.

Far as the draft besides a defensive
lineman they will be looking for a
offensive lineman, a good cover
cornerback to begin with. I am sure
a wide receiver and a running back.

The Mariners had Tuesday off so back
to games on Wednesday. Nestor Cortes
a lefty the Mariners picked up from the
New York Yankees during the off-season
will start the game. He has primarily been
used in relief though he has started a few
games in limited major league experience.

Washington Huskies play Arizona State
in their next to last game of the regular
season while WSU Cougars take on
Arizona both games on Thursday. They
reverse teams on Saturday. The Pac-12
tournament will come up soon. Only
chance either the Huskies or Cougars
 have to make NCAA tournament is to
 win the Pac-12.

Sheffield Had A Good Day

Justus Sheffield had a good day going three
innings on Monday. He gave up two hits, one
run and struck out four without giving up a
walk. The one run was a home run in the first
base.. He looks to being ready for the season.
It will be nice to see what he does over the
course of a full year.

Evan White was back into action on Monday
He had a couple hits including a double and
driving in a couple runs though the Mariners
lost the game to the Colorado Rockies.

Top prospect Jarred Kelenic had his first home
run of the spring. The first of many for the
Mariners we hope. Will it be hard for the
Mariners to send him to the minor leagues.
We will see won't we.

Kyle Seager is having a good spring. He
had three hits on the day including a double.
Kyle usually gets off to a slow start on the
season so he should save some of those hits.

Tim Lopes had another hit to keep his spring
going along just fine. He is looking to keep
it going for the season making the ball club.

The relievers didn't have a good day. It is
likely showing who won't make the team.
Joey Gerber pitched the last inning for the
Mariners not giving up a hit and striking
out two so he is vying for a spot. At this
point hard to know whether he makes it
or not. Go M's.

Another Week Of Spring Traning

Sunday the Seattle Mariners lost to the Chicago Cubs on the road
7-3. JP Crawford had a hit so he is hitting well so far in the spring
batting .455. Daniel Vogelbach played first base he had one hit
now batting .305.

Austin Nola and Tim Lopes are both having good springs so far.
Nola started again at catcher while Tim Lopes came later in the
game at third base. Each player had a hit while Lopes drove in
a run as well. Nola likely the backup catcher though the Mariners
will try to get him into games at other positions as well while
Lopes is competing for the utility position. Dee Gordon will be
the primary utility player but the Mariners may go with two so
Dylan Moore who was on the team all last year and Lopes are
the guys who are competing the most for the other spot.

Mallex Smith had a good day having two hits. This year Smith
is wanting to stay healthy when last year he missed time during
the spring. He missed the trip to Japan as well.

Kelly Graveman expected to be the 4th starter pitched two innings
giving up one hit and  no runs.

The Mariners are playing in Peoria on Monday against the Colorado
Rockies. The game is already going. Justus Sheffield who pitched
two scoreless in his first outing gave up a run in the first inning.
The Mariners are up to bat now. Evan White is back in the lineup
after missing a few games because of an injury. Kyle Seager got
a hit while playing third base. Dee Gordon is in the lineup at
shortstop once again.

The game is tied as Vogelbach drove in Seager in the first inning.
Other news reliever Matt Festa will be lost for the season as he
is going to have Tommy John surgery. We wish Matt the best.

Tuesday the Mariners will have the day off . Wednesday they
will be taking on the Los Angeles Angels. Thursday they will
take on the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday
Oakland A's on Saturday and San Francisco on Sunday. Go M's.

Nice Outing By Gonzales

On Saturday Marco Gonzales had a very good
outing going three innings giving up just one
hit, no walks and two strikeouts.

The Mariners have Tuesday off so it might
mean Gonzales next outing might be on
Friday.

The Mariners were leading 3-0 when Marco
left the game; however, Art Warren had trouble
getting the ball over the plate and an error
by JP Crawford allowed the Kansas City
Royals to score six runs. The Mariners were
able to tie the game scoring a run in the 6th
inning and two more in the seventh. The
Royals though scored two in the 8th and
one more in the 9th with a home run off
Dan Altavilla So the final score was Royals
9 Mariners 6.

I was hoping that Art Warren would pitch
better I am rooting for him to be healthy
and have a good spring. He certainly will
have to do a better job to get a spot in the
rotation.

Yoshihisa Hirano breezed through one
inning for the Mariners without giving
up a hit. Brandon Brennan followed going
an inning as well just giving up one hit.
Both of them are expected to be in the
Mariner bullpen when the season starts.

Back to Dan Altavilla. He has all the talent
to be an outstanding reliever. Health and
getting the ball over the plate consistently
has been his downfall. This year he has to
make the ball club out of spring training
because he is out of options. Other words,
he would be put on waivers if he were sent
to triple-A. Most likely he would be picked
up by another ball club.

In the hitting department catcher Tom Murphy
had two hits including a double. Also, Joe
Odom who came in for Murphy had a hit
driving in two runs. Odom invited into camp
as a non-roster player should start the season
at Tacoma. He spent last year at double-A
Arkansas and Tacoma.

Sunday the Mariners take on the Chicago
Cubs on the road. Kelly Graveman signed
as a free agent during the off-season will
start for the Mariners while Tacoma area
native Jon Lester goes for the Cubs. It
will be a good time for those position
players to face a pitcher like Lester.
Go M's.