Seattle football

This weekend the Washington Huskies
and the Seattle Seahawks are in need
of a win. In fact, we could say a must
win or both will be out of any playoff
contention. First time in a while for
both at same time.

The Huskies play Stanford  on road

on Saturday night. This is a winnable

game as the Cardinal are a half game

behind the Huskies. The Huskies have

had trouble with winning against the

Cardinal. 

Last year the Cardinal beat the Huskies

in Husky field 31-26. The Huskies 

actually had to score ten points in the

fourth quarter to have a chance. Also,

the Cardinal ran the ball 191 yards and

had the ball five more minutes than

the Huskies.  The Cardinals were good

on third down making 10 of 13 opportunities. 

Things won't get any easier as the Huskies

play the Oregon Ducks and Arizona State

at home. Go Dawgs!

The Seattle Seahawks are at home against

the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon.

The Seahawks are 2-5 so a must win too.

Though the Jaguars have one win this is

almost an even game. 

It will be interesting to see when Russell

Wilson returns. It could be in another week

or two. If the Seahawks lose on Sunday 

they might as well give Russell an extra

week to get ready to play.

Depending on how he does do the Seahawks

give Geno Smith go another week  or go

to backup former Husky Jacob Eason.

For the Seahawks they will need to put 

rush on Jaguars quarterback Trevor

Lawrence to stop him. Lawrence had over

three hundred yards against the Miami

Dolphins. The Dolphins likely the worst

team in the NFL this season, however, the

Seahawks linebackers and defensive 

secondary will need some help from the

line. 

The Seahawks actually have a bye next

week so Russell Wilson might be ready

to go in two weeks in Green Bay against

the Packers. So will the Seahawks still

be in the race or not? Go Hawks!

Second in a row for Kraken

The Seattle Kraken beat the Minnesota
Wild on Thursday night 4-1 for their
second win in a row.

The Kraken scored first in the opening

period on a goal by Haydn Fleury. The

Wild made their only goal of the game

in the first period as well. Fleury made

the second goal to in the second period.

The third period the Kraken played their

best hockey for that period so far on the

season. Great defense shutting down one

of the top offenses in the NHL. 

The Kraken scored their two final goals

in the last two minutes as the Wild took

out their goalie. The Kraken will win a 

lot of games playing that way on Thursday

night,

The Kraken play at home on Sunday against

the New York Rangers. It will be nice if they

can win three in a row. Go Kraken!

Mariners Left Field Situation

The Seattle Mariners have had for
many years trouble having a steady 

left fielder. In 2021 it wasn't much
different.

Jake Fraley was the opening day

left fielder; however, he was injured

and went on the covid list as well.

He did have 214 at bats on the season

which makes about half or less 

depending if playing in the lineup

all the time when on the roster.

Fraley ended up hitting .210 with

nine home runs. Though not impressive

numbers he had some very key hits

that led to important wins.

Taylor Trammell began the season

on the roster after having an impressive

spring training. Trammell had trouble

hitting the ball though so spent more

time in triple-A. He did show some 

power having eight home runs for the

Mariners while having 12 with the 

Rainiers. He opened the season in

center field because Kyle Lewis was

injured. Trammell showed himself

to be a good defender no matter which

outfield position he played. Whether

he will be in Seattle or another major

league team next season it is hard to tell.

Dylan Moore who began the season at

second base ended up platooning in left

field when the Mariners traded for 

Abraham Toro. At that point he started

against left handed pitchers. On the 

season Moore batted .181. He to had

key hits on the season. Had 12 home runs

and led the Mariners in stolen bases with

21. Moore reminds me of former Mariner

Willie Blomquist. Not sure whether Moore

will be on the team in 2022 or not. If so

he will be valuable for his speed and defense

if nothing else.

Who will start the season of 2022 in left

field is anyone's guess at this point. If 

number one prospect Julio Rodriguez is

ready to make his major league debut he

could be starting in left field. For the long

term he will be in left or right field. Jake

Fraley could be in left if Julio is not on

the opening day roster or he isn't traded

either.  

Healthy we could see Kyle Lewis in left 

field unless they feel he could play again in 

center field. Healthy Lewis will be in either 

left or center when he isn't dhing. Jarred

Kelenic should be in left or center as well. 

Spring training will be interesting to see, 

however, trader  Jerry will make some moves

and the Mariners will add at least one or more

free agents too. Go M's. 

Kraken Win At Home

The Seattle Kraken won their first
game at home on Tuesday night in
a blow out 5-1. The second win of
the season too.

It was nice to see they beat Montreal

Canadians one of the celebrated long

time members of the NHL.

It would be nice to beat a better version

of the Canadians who are struggling 

so far this early in the season, however,

we should enjoy it anyway.

The Kraken have had a hard time in 

the third period so far. Nice to see they

were able to do well in that period. Most

of their losses have come in the third

period. We hope this allows them now

to go on a good winning streak. 

Jordan Eberle had the first goal against

the Canadians in the first period. It was

his fourth goal of the season. Yanni Gourde

who is tied now with Haydn Fleury  in 

scoring for the Kraken had a goal as well. 

Ryan Donato had his first goal of the season 

and Brandon Tanev had the other two goals. 

The Kraken take on the Minnesota Wild on

Thursday night at home. Won't be easy as

the Wild are 5-1. They have a couple days

off before playing the New York Rangers

at home on Sunday who are 4-2. They go

on the road for one game against the Oilers

in Edmonton on Monday. Won't be easy as

the Oilers are undefeated right now. Go Kraken!

Look at Seager and third base

We should know by late next week
when the World Series is over whether
Kyle Seager will be back or not for
the Mariners. The likelihood he will
be gone. His option to pick up is
around $20 million with the bonuses from
this season. Cost the Mariners around
$3 million to decline his option.

It is interesting how players sometimes

have one of their best years going into

their option. Seager had his best year

in home runs with 35 and 101 in rbi's.

He was second to Mitch Haniger in

home runs while tops in rbi's by

one to Haniger. Both were the two

top leaders in strikeouts.

Seager's batting average was his 

lowest in career at .212. This is

a trend in major league baseball

though. I would be surprised if

Seager has another year like this

one so why I would be hesitant

for the Mariners to sign him or

give his option. If the Mariners

were to keep Seager I would sign

him to a two-year contract at

$30 million. 

Seager only missed three games

last year primarily playing third

base with some appearances at

dh. Dylan Moore was the player

who played most at third base

when Seager did not. He is 

probably the best defensive third

baseman they have but there is

no insurance he will be back as

well. 

The Mariners will look at finding

a third baseman either by trade

or free agent. On the team right 

now the choices would be Abraham

Toro, Ty France, and possibly Luis

Torrens. The Mariners don't have

many other options on the team.

Also, no one in the minors are 

ready to go. 

So let's see how things go in the

next couple weeks for the Mariners

at third base well as second. They

may get help at both positions. Go M's. 

On the football front. Marquise  Blair

was injured late in the Seahawks loss

Monday night to New Orleans. Blair

could be lost for a while. Too bad the

second injury in two years. The Huskies

to have injuries where running back

Richard Newton and linebacker Edefuan

Ulofoshio are both out the rest of the

season. Not good at all.  

Kraken Lose Home Opener

The Seattle Kraken opened for the first
time at home in Climate Pledge Arena.
I wasn't there but it certainly looked
lovely and the fans had a good time
though the home team lost in the end.

Vince Dunn scored the first goal in 

the match for the Kraken over the

Vancouver Canucks at the end of

the first period. Canucks tied the

score in the second quarter. 

The Kraken scored another goal

in the third period by captain Mark

Giordano to take the lead for a 

while however the Canucks came

back to score three goals in the

third period to win. 

The last goal for the Canucks was

under one minute as Kraken took

out their goalie to see if they could

score under two minutes. Of course

it backfired.

The Kraken still have to find a

way to close out games. At least

they are in the games but I am

sure everyone involved can't 

wait for their next victory and

they will start closing out games

on a regular basis. We hope soon

right!. 

The Kraken will take on the 

famous NHL team the Montreal

Canadians on Tuesday night.

The Canadians have gotten off

to a rough start themselves on

the season. Saturday night 

they had their first win of the

season beating the Detroit 

Redwings 6-1. 

The six goals for the Canadians 

were more than had scored in 

their previous five games. I guess 

you could  say this might be the 

best time to play the Canadians 

at home for their first home win

and second on the season.  

We hope the team they will see

on Tuesday the Canadians will

be like the team in the first five

games and not the one that won

on Saturday. Go Kraken!

DK and Lockett

Last year DK Metcalf had an extraordinary
season. He had 10 touchdowns with 1303
yards on 83 catches. This year so far in six
games he has 5 touchdowns and 31 catches.

He stays at the same rate Metcalf's yardage

will be less at 1176 yards with 83 catches as

well. I just realized I am off because the

Seahawks will have one more game. Metcalf

will have 14 touchdowns  with 88 catches.

His yardage will be still lower but closer at

1250. 

Metcalf like Lockett it will depend on when

Russell Wilson is back quarterbacking instead

of Geno Smith.  Of course Smith could have

better games than he had against the Pittsburgh

Steelers. The Seahawks are running a different

offense this year so not as many down the

field passes. however, Metcalf's yardage could

go up depending on his adjustment is to the

new offense as well.

Another part of it is the playing of the defense.

The defense is not having a good year. Unless

they adjust like they did last year the Seahawks

could have the ball less as well. We will have to

see.

Tyler Lockett had 100 catches last year. Right

how he is at 27. Even at 17 games unless the

Seahawks throw to him more he will have less

catches this year. At the current rate he will have

76 or 77 catches. Much less however last year's

was a team record. Though not having as many

catches his average has gone from 10.5 to 15.7

yards per catch. This means his yardage would

be second to Metcalf around 1200 yards.

Lockett has 3 touchdowns on this season. Last

year Lockett had 10 touchdowns so he would

be at 8 or 9 touchdowns in 17 games. The 

Seahawks offense could get hot so we could

see a couple additional touchdowns from 

Lockett as well. 

Often the Seahawks offense will get hotter

as the season goes. Last year they got hot

at the beginning and then slowed down.

The Seahawks with a 2-4 record right now

it will be important the offense gets going

this year. Again it will depend on the defense

as well. This s important if the Seahawks

want to make the playoffs or not Right now

doesn't look good at all. This week they are

on Monday night football. Go Hawks!

Seattle Mariners JP Crawford

JP Crawford was one of two position players
who played their position as the only guys
really. The other one is Kyle Seager at third
base. Of course, we all know Seager will be
likely moving on.

JP Crawford was again solid on the defensive
side of the ball after winning gold glove in
2020. He could win it again in 2021, we will
have to see.

Offensively Crawford was the Mariners number

two hitter behind Ty France. He began the season

bottom of the batting order but eventually became

the lead off hitter where did a very good job.

His batting average .273 with an on-base percentage

of .338. Not bad at all though it would be nice to

see his on-base percentage go up if he continues

to be the lead-off hitter. 

In his previous seasons in Seattle he slumped after

the all-star break. This year in his last 30 games

Crawford batted an outstanding .320 and his obp

was .390. If Crawford could increase that to 60

games at least it would be good.

With Seager most likely to depart in the next few

weeks after the World Series is over Crawford

and Mitch Haniger if he sticks around will be

the leaders on the team. Crawford is looking

forward to be one of the leaders on the team.

It is hard to know right now whether he will

have a new doubles play partner or not. We

know Abraham Toro will be in the infield. 

Whether Toro will be the second baseman

or moved back to his more natural position

of third base we don't know right now. We

may have the answer in November or 

December. 

Anyway it will be exciting to see Crawford

become even a better player in 2021. He

definitely is glue to the infield. Go M's.

Kraken Come Home

On Tuesday night the Kraken lost to
the New Jersey Devils 4-2.

We have heard that the Kraken have
a good defense while issues with the
offense.

The Kraken have a 1-4 record after
losing three in a row. Obviously
the Kraken need help to score more
goals but the defense or the goalie
or both have issues. Except the game
against the Philadelphia Flyers the
Kraken have been into the games
to near the end.

The Kraken will have a couple days
to work on things to become better
and turn losses into wins. We hope
it begins at home in the opener when
they take on the Vancouver Canucks.

This should be an exciting night with
their first ever game at home. The
crowd we hope leads them onto
victory. Every time the Kraken takes
a shot whether made or otherwise
the fans need to be loud. We know
how the Seahawk and Mariner fans
well as the Sounders when there is
large crowd. Go Kraken!

Next time up the Seattle Mariners
shortstop JP Crawford be about!

Seahawks and Kraken

The Seahawks lost in overtime to the
Steelers on Sunday 23-20. For the 

Seahawks it was a difference of halves.

The first half they trailed 14-0.

The first time having the ball in the

second half they looked like a lot

better team running the ball for the

most part. They scored a touchdown

then the Steelers kicked a field goal

making it 17-7. Second position the

Seahawks scored another touchdown.

making it 17-14. The Seahawks had

two more field goals while the 

Steelers had more.

The Seahawks did a good job in the

overtime stopping the Steelers, however,

in their second possession quarterback

Geno Smith fumbled the ball and the

Steelers had the ball deep in Seahawks

territory. They ran the ball a couple

times to put the ball in position to 

kick a field goal which they did to

win.

The Seahawks defense still needs 

a lot of help that is for sure. It begins

with the defense line not able to put

a rush on and giving up too many 

yards on the ground to. This allows

the defensive backs to give up yards

in the air as well. Not a good state of 

affairs.

Darrell Taylor who was injured Sunday

night in the fourth quarter was sent to

hospital for precautions. The MRI gave

good news so he may even play in the

Seahawks next game on Monday night

against the Saints. Isn't that great!

The Seattle Kraken are now 1-3 losing

Monday night to the Philadelphia 

Flyers 6-1. The first big loss of the

three losses on the early season. They

will be playing the New Jersey Devils

Tuesday night before coming home

to play the Vancouver Canucks on

Saturday night.

With these several days off this will

allow the players to make some 

corrections in play. Saturday night

should be an exciting time with

the Kraken's first home game. 

Kraken and Huskies Both Lose

The Seattle Kraken had their first overtime
game on Saturday against Columbus. They
lost 2-1.

The Kraken scored in the first period then
Columbus tied in the half way mark of the
third period. The Kraken couldn't hold on
to win though they had plenty of opportunities.

The Kraken play in Philadelphia against the

Flyers on Monday followed by the New Jersey

Devils on Tuesday. They have their home 

opener on Saturday against Vancouver. Should

be an exciting time. The Kraken finish the

month off with three additional games at home.

The Huskies were beaten by UCLA at home

24-17. The Huskies had to fight off a 17-3

deficit in the second quarter. They tied the

score in the third period. Looked like may

actually win the game but the Bruins decided

to run the ball primarily in the second half

to win. The Huskies play Arizona on the road

next Friday night. See if they can even the

Pac-12 record to 2-2. Arizona hasn't won a

game on the season so the best opportunity

for the Huskies. 

Washington State Cougars did beat Stanford

34-31. It was a back and forth game as the

Stanford Cardinal scored 13 points in the first

quarter before the Cougars could get going.

The Cougars scored 20 points in the second

quarter with the Cardinal kicking a field goal.

The third and fourth quarter the Cougars had

a touchdown in each. The Cardinal had no

points in the third quarter but came back in

the fourth to make the game interesting by

scoring 15 points. It was fortunate for the

Cougars to win. Next week the Cougars 

play the Cougars as they take on BYU 

at home. 

The Seahawks are in Pittsburgh to take on

the Steelers Sunday night. This will be an

important game for the Seahawks to win.

Geno Smith will make his first start for 

the Seahawks. Russell Wilson did go on 

the injured list so this means he will miss

at least the next three games. 

An Upgrade to Second Base for Mariners

The 2021 season began with Dylan Moore
as the Mariners second baseman. Lack of
production Moore ended up playing on 66
games at second base. Expected a better
season after 2020 though he missed several
games with injuries. His batting average
was .181 on the season. Moore ended up
playing almost as many games in left field
as second base.

Shed Long was expected to be the Mariners

second baseman of the future back in 2019.

He missed most of 2020 and 2021. With 

Jake Fraley out for a period of time Long

played more left field when he did play 

this year. He did have a couple of walk off

home runs to help the Mariners. 

Long was activated on June 7 however was

put on the injured list on August 7; never to

be seen again on the season. His career at 

least in Seattle is in question for sure. He

only had 111 at bats with .198 batting average.

If Long does play again with the Mariners

he will be in the utility role.

Right before the trading deadline the Mariners

acquired Abraham Toro in a controversy trade

at the time when they sent Kendall Graveman

to the Houston Astros. Toro ended up having

a good rest of the season at 2nd base. He got

off to hot start which helped him and the 

Mariners out. He slumped in the middle of

September. Either it was a long season or

the opposing pitchers figured him out. Next

year he will be back at second base or his

more natural position of third base. A lot

depends whether the Mariners can sign a

free agent at either position or trade for

one. 

The future at second base should be better

in 2022 than it was for most of 2021. I am 

sure most fans are rooting for the Mariners

to pick up a second baseman and move Toro

back to third base. Whatever way it will be

an upgrade at second base. Go M's. 

Kraken Win First Game

Wasn't it nice it didn't take long for the
Seattle Kraken to win their first regular
season gave ever. I am sure most teams
take more than the second game to win
their first. Final Kraken 4 Predators 3

On Roots Sports on the post game show

Tom Glasgow asked "do all hockey games

end 4-3".  I am sure with the Kraken we

will see a lot of 4-3 games over the season.

Hopefully the Kraken will win most of

them.

What I hope though is the Kraken goalie

doesn't give up a goal so early in the game.

At least the Kraken doesn't let it bother

them. I guess it means they are not a

regular expansion team.

The Kraken were able to come back and 

score two goals in the first period.  Made

the difference in the game as both teams

scored a goal each in the second and third

period. The Kraken score was late in the

third period when the Predators decided

to take out the goalie and left it open for

the Kraken to score. With little time left

the Predators score their goal of the 

period.

The key to the Kraken all season long 

will be the defense. I expect over time

the opposition will not score early on

in the first period either. The players

are still learning to know each other

and important not let an opposing 

player go one on one with the goalie.

Go Kraken! Oh yes congratulations

on your first win ever. Hopefully 

another win on Saturday night in

Columbus. 

Mariners First Base Look

We have all heard about whose on first.
In 2021 Evan White gold glover began
the season as the Mariners first baseman.
His defense was great but still struggling
with his offense then he was hurt in late
April or early May and White was out for
the year.

Ty France had been the dh for the most

part moved into the first base position

after he had come back from the injured

list. He surprised everyone by his good

defense as well as the best hitter on the

team. 

Now the Mariners have two good defensive 

first baseman. Jerry Dipoto is not sure White

will be ready to go at the beginning of the

season. My recommendation would be to

start White at Tacoma triple-A since he

wouldn't have played for almost a year.

When ready he advance up to the big club.

Ty France could start the season as the first

baseman. Of course, we still not sure who 

will be playing third base at this point and

France has played there as well. The 

confidence France had at first base could

help him become a good third baseman as

well. The question does he have the arm

to play at third base.

The Mariners have Luis Torrens as well.

He came to the Mariners in the Austin 

Nola trade as a catcher. This last season

it didn't work out so well. The question

will the Mariners give up on Torrens at

catcher though Cal Raleigh is expected

to be the everyday catcher. Torrens 

could still put on the gear once a week

or so. 

With dh probably going to Kyle Lewis

and Mitch Haniger for the most part

Torrens likely get some at bats at dh

as well.

Another candidate at first is Jake Bauers.

Though he only hit .209 Bauers did make

some key hits along the way. The Mariners

having more outfielders in 2022  Bauers

likely would spend more time at first base

if he is on the team. It would be nice to

have a left-handed hitting first baseman

around.  We are not really sure what the

Mariners are thinking about Bauers at

this time.

When the World Series is over we will

have more an idea what Jerry Dipoto 

is thinking about adding and subtracting

from the 2021 team for 2022.  Go M's.

Kraken Lose Opener Hope Though

The Seattle Kraken lost their first game
4-3 but they looked good enough they
should win a lot of games before this
first season is over.

The Vegas Golden Knights got off to

a 3-0 lead then the Kraken ended up

even the score before getting the final

puck in the third period to win.

Forward Ryan Donato made the Kraken

first goal so it will be something to go

down in history.

The Kraken will be in Nashville on

Thursday to take on the Predators.

Saturday they will be in Columbus Ohio

to take on the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

They have two more games after that

on the road before being home against

Vancouver Canucks on October 23.

Go Kraken!

Seattle Kraken Open Season Tuesday Night

The Seattle Kraken have their season opener
on Tuesday night in Las Vegas against the
Golden Knights.

It will be a game to remember for a couple

reasons. Not only being the first opener ever

for the Kraken but they have five players on

covid-19 protocol. The Kraken are hoping 

three players will be taken off the protocol

before game time. The Kraken will be a

little short handed. 

The Kraken have 13 forwards, 8 defensemen

and two goalies on their 23-man roster. Of the

five players on covid-19 four are forwards

and one defensemen. If they had to they do

have several defensemen who could play 

forward if necessary. 

The strength of the Kraken team is on defense.

We should see the Kraken not giving up too

many goals, the question is who will score

the goals. Hopefully we will find the answer

soon.

The exciting part of this first season is getting

to know the players and how many games they

will win over the season. The Kraken are hoping

they will make the playoffs their first season.

We will see whether they are that good already.

Go Kraken!

Mariners Catchers 2021

When it came to the catching position
it was one of the low points on the team
in 2021.

Tom Murphy and Luis Torrens began

the season as the Mariners two catchers.

The idea was they would split time at

the position. The unfortunate part early

on neither one did well offensively or

defensively. In fact Torrens was sent

down to Tacoma in May for his hitting

primarily. After being in Tacoma for

a few weeks he was recalled back up.

Torrens had improved on in his hitting.

In his last 30 games for the Mariners

Torrens batted .311 primarily being the

dh on the team. Overall he batted .243.

Like several players in the bottom of

the batting order he made some key

hits to win games for the team. 

Next season if Torrens is on the team,

he likely will see some time at first

and third base. He would be the third

catcher to be used in an emergency

for the most part.

Tom Murphy who spent all season 

with the Mariners despite not having

a very good batting average at .202.

He caught more games 88 than any

other catcher on the team. He did

have 11 home runs and most of those

were at key times helping the Mariners

win some games.

Before the second half the Mariners

had a couple other catchers come up

briefly though spent most of their time

in Tacoma. They were not what you

call good catchers as well.

Cal Raleigh the future catcher of the

Mariners came up right before the

all-star break. He didn't light up at 

the plate either though he did make

a couple he hits himself to help out

the Mariners. In his last seven games

he had a batting average of .235. Not

a great average but better than his 

overall of .180.  What Raleigh did

better than the other catchers did 

was play good defense for the most

part and had the trust of the pitchers.

Cal Raleigh likely will be the Mariners

starting catcher coming out of spring

training. After having been up for 

half a season expect him to feel more

comfortable at the plate. When he came

up this year he had to learn many of

the pitchers as well as finding out how

to hit in the major leagues.

Right now Tom Murphy would be

considered the Mariners back up 

catcher to Raleigh. During the 

second half of the season Murphy

was in the lineup against lefties 

because he was hitting against 

them better. I expect he will play

in games when the opponent has

a lefty on the mound. I will expect

Raleigh will play against some lefties

as well depending on how he is doing

at  the plate. 

There is a possibility the Mariners

could go out and find themselves

another catcher to backup Raleigh

as well. The thing is though how

many good backup catchers are 

out there and could do better than

Murphy.

How much Torrens is at dh is hard

to know as well. As I said he will

be working at first base and third.

He could be involved in a trade 

and not be on the Mariners at all.

There is a good chance Mitch 

Haniger and Kyle Lewis will

have a fair amount of time at

dh. According to general manager

Jerry Dipoto Lewis might not

be ready coming out of spring 

training. 

What the outfield looks like will

be interesting. We will look at 

that next time. Go M's. 

WSU Cougars Beat Oregon State Beavers

The Washington State Cougars on Saturday
afternoon beat the Oregon State Beavers in
Pullman 31-24.

The Beavers actually led the game at half-time

10-3. The Cougars scored two touchdowns in

the third and fourth quarters while the Beavers

scored one touchdown in each quarter.

The Cougars have had trouble keeping leads

in the second half so sort of nice to see they

did a reverse coming behind for a change.

The Cougars are now 2-2 in conference and

overall record of 3-3. It was the second straight

win as the Cougars had beaten the California

Golden Bears the week before 21-6. The 

Cougars played and beat both teams after they

had played the Washington Huskies. Gold 

Bears lost to Washington in a close game 

while the Beavers beat Washington last week.

It was a close game as well as the Huskies

made a poor decision to go for it on fourth

and one in the fourth quarter in their own

territory. The Beavers were able to stop them

and take the ball down to score to beat the

Huskies on a last second field goal.

The Beavers are still at the top of the north

division of the Pac-12 with 2-1 record. The

Cougars take on Stanford at home next 

Saturday afternoon. Stanford has the same

identical record as the Cougars. 

The Washington Huskies and the Oregon 

Ducks both had this weekend off. Next Friday

the Ducks will play California while the 

Huskies will take on UCLA early evening

on Saturday. Both teams have 1-1 records

in the Pac-12. The Huskies are hoping the

week off will help improve their play on 

the field.

The Cougars did as they normally do threw

the ball for 399 yards while rushing for 92

yards while the Beavers did the opposite

throwing for 158 yards and rushing for 

309 yards. Both teams had almost the

same time of possession where the Cougars

had the ball just over a minute and a half

more than the Beavers. We wish both teams

success the rest of the way except the

Cougars when they face the Huskies in the

Apple Cup. 

Seahawks Lose Russell and Game

The Seattle Seahawks lost Thursday night to
the Los Angeles Rams 26-17 to give them a
record of 2-3. It was important game to win
though they do still have a chance though
Arizona Cardinals are undefeated going into
Sunday.

Russell Wilson injured one of his right hand

fingers on Thursday night where Geno Smith

had to come in to finish the game. Friday 

Russell Wilson had surgery on his finger and

will miss four to six weeks of action. Knowing

Wilson though he could be back sooner depend

on how Geno Smith does in his place.

Russell Wilson has started 149 straight games

as the Seahawks quarterback ever since he was

a rookie. It will certainly be strange not to see

him in the Seahawks next game against the 

Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday October 17.

Geno's stats were about the same as Russell's

in the game. Geno threw one more pass than

Russell though Wilson had 152 yards to Geno's

131 yards. Both threw for a touchdown and an

interception. Geno's interception was crucial 

as it was late in the game and helped the Rams

win. The Rams kicked a field goal with less 

than two minutes to go making it two times

the Seahawks would have had to score to win.

It really wasn't Geno's fault on the interception

right after throwing the ball Tyler Lockett who

was the intended receiver tripped over his own

feet. How things would have gone who really

knows but the Seahawks were down by only

six points at the time.

The Seahawks defense still has work to do.

Matthew Stafford threw for 365 yards and had

118 on the ground. The Seahawks defensive

line is still having trouble rushing the qb well

as the defensive backs covering receivers.

Pete Carroll plans to make chances going into

October 17 game against Pittsburgh. Go Hawks!

Mariners Bullpen 2021

I am sure most everyone will agree
it is the Mariners bullpen which got
the team close to the playoffs. Also,
we can agree it wasn't expected
either since 2020 the bullpen wasn't
not very good.

Manager Scott Servais showed what

he could do with a solid bullpen. I

was a bit critical of him when bring

in pitchers and taking them out but

he didn't have the pitchers to do so.

We saw down the stretch especially

where he wasn't afraid to pull a

starter or a reliever who wasn't

doing well at the time. I wonder 

whether had he done the same

earlier in the season the Mariners

would have been in the playoffs.

Of the original eight relievers in

the bullpen only three were still

there at the end of the season. 

Actually those three did spend 

a little time on the injured list

but major contributors for the

most part. Lefty specialist Anthony

Misiewicz, Casey Sadler and 

Drew Steckenrider.  Sadler and

Steckenrider both had tremendous

years. Misiewicz got off to a good

start but as the season went on 

wasn't as affective.  Sadler had

a great season with an era of 0.67.

He set a Mariner record going like

28 scoreless appearances. Drew 

got off to a tough start but was a

key member of the bullpen the

second half of the season. 

Paul Sewald the Mariners signed

as a minor league free agent came

up on May 13. Sewald eventually

became the key to the bullpen along

with Steckenrider after Kendall

Graveman was traded to the Houston

Astros along with Rafael Montero

who had a disaster season up to the

trading deadline. 

Sewald had 11 saves on the season

while Steckenrider had 14. Servais

did not use the closer spot like a lot

of teams do. Sewald was primarily

used when the other team's top of

the batting order were up to bat 

whether it was the seventh, eighth

or ninth. Steckenrider usually 

followed Sewald. 

The Mariners picked up Diego

Castillo at the trading deadline

from Tamp Bay. Castillo was 

ok with the Mariners though I

am sure most fans wish he had

done better. 

The bottom end of the bullpen

wasn't as good as the Mariners

would have liked, however, they

will be adding a couple more to

Castillo, Steckenrider, and Sewald.

The have Andres Munoz out for

most of the season who they had

acquired in the Austin Nola trade

last year and Ken Giles a veteran

reliever who had Tommy John

surgery. Having these two will

help in the last three innings of

a game as well. Go M's. 

Mariners Starting Pitching 2021

We all know much of the success
of the Mariners came down to the
bullpen and late rallies by the
offense; however, we will look
at the starting rotation.

The starting rotation got off to

rough start losing James Paxton

in his first outing only throwing

like 27 pitches before getting

injured and out for the season.

I am sure we wondered about

his injury history but think this

would happen so fast. The 

question will he be back with

the Mariners in 2022.

Nick Margevicius Paxton's

replacement in the rotation

lasted three starts before 

going on the injured list

himself never to be seen

again in 2021. What his

role if any in 2022. Then

Ljay Newsome started one

game after seven relief

appearances was done for

the season as well. We 

could see him in the back

end of the bullpen in 2022

or in the minors to start

the season.

Later on Justin Dunn and

Justus Sheffield were put

on injured list as well.

Dunn's season ended up

over and Sheffield did

some rehab assignment

in Tacoma before for 

going to the Mariners

bullpen for several 

games. Not a good sight

for sure. Of course we

can't forget Marco 

Gonzales went down

as well, however, had

a good second half of

the season after a rough

start back.

With all that going on

it is amazing to think

the Mariners were able

to have a chance to make

the playoffs until game

162.

The Mariners started the

season with six starters

but had to abandon the

idea because of all those

injuries. They even tried

going with all bullpen

games for a little while

which didn't turn out 

well at all. 

The Mariners ended up 

bringing up rookie Logan

Gilbert to fill one of the

spots. They were going

to do that eventually but

the injuries forced them

to do so. Gilbert actually

started 24 games for the

Mariners. He had some

bright spots and not so

bright ones too. Though

his future looks bright.

Chris Flexen who most

of us never heard of before

the Mariners signed out

of having one season in

Korea in 2020. What we

found out about Flexen

early on he had been with

the New York Mets but

didn't have any success

with them. This year 

though he became Mariners

pitcher of the year. He

was the one guy we could

count on every time he 

started which was 31 times.

Flexen ended up having

the most wins for the 

Mariners with 14 and only

6 losses. We know likely

one pitcher in the rotation

along with Gonzales and

Gilbert.

Yusei Kikuchi had a good

start for the Mariners but

the second half was not a

pretty sight. After being

named to the all-star team

things were down hill from

there. So much so will the

Mariners take the option

or he exercises his option.

Also, Kikuchi wasn't in

the rotation at the end.

The Mariners fighting for

the playoffs in the last ten

days Kikuchi didn't start

or pitch. He has all the

talent in the world but

it is either his arm or his

head not sure which one.

So the question going into

2022 who will fill the last

two spots in the rotation.

Kikuchi could be one of

the spots and the Mariners

could go out and sign a

free agent pitcher at the

top of the rotation. 

More to discover during

the off-season and we will

look into more we do have

some time of course. Go  

M's. 

Seahawks Even Record Over 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks beat the San
Francisco 49ers on Sunday 28-21.
They are tied for third in the NFC
West division with the 49ers.

The Arizona Cardinals beat the 

Rams to sole possession of 1st

place.

The Seahawks take on the Rams

this Thursday night at home. For

the Seahawks to continue in the

race they will need to beat the 

Rams.

Interesting to look at stats of this

game against the 49ers you would

have thought they won the game

or at the very least they should 

have won the game.

The Rams passed the ball for over

300 yards while Russell Wilson

only passed for 149 with two 

touchdowns. A key no turnovers.

Russell scored a touchdown running

the ball too. On the ground the 49ers

were better to going for 143 yards.

The Seahawks had 105 on the day.

The 49ers had two turnovers while

the Seahawks had none.

The Seahawks do show they do 

need to have more help on the 

defense giving up 300 yards in

the air.  It would be nice to lower

the running yards by the opposition

but not as much as the passing game.

Former Washington Husky Sidney 

Jones made his first appearance and

start at right cornerback in place of

Tre Flowers. He had seven tackles

on the day. See what he does against

the Rams.

The Seahawks had two sacks both 

by linebackers in Jordyn Brooks

and Darrell Taylor. Looks like

the Seahawks need more pressure

by the defensive line.

The Seahawks will look to see

what changes need to made in

the next week or two.  Being

a short week probably won't

happen now but could after

with ten days off.

Running back Rashaad Penny

went on the injured list. We 

will have to see how things go

the rest of the way. The Sea-

hawks may decide not have

Penny return next season.

Next time a more look at the

past season of the Mariners.

 

Thank you Mariners

The Seattle Mariners didn't make the playoffs but even a week ago the odds 

were less than Sunday. No one expected

90 wins at anytime even going into

September. We appreciate this week we

won't forget it.

Scott Servais and the Mariners a class

act when they took out Kyle Seager out

at the beginning of the 9th inning when

they heard Yankees and Red Sox had 

Won eliminating the Mariners. The fans

were classy giving Seager a standing ovation. This does sound like the end 

of his era in Seattle. Whether you agree 

or not can't beat this. All the Mariner

players along with Kyle had tears in their

eyes.

Weeks ahead look back on this season,

the players and all. We will see who 

returns or don't. Looks like the rebuild

is ahead of schedule.

The Seahawks best the 49ers on Sunday.

We will look at the good points well as

not so good.

We will get to know the Kraken and how

they do over their first season. The players

we don't know now unless we are hockey

fans before.

We will see how the Huskies do in football

ahead and the Cougars well as basketball. Probably look at the Ducks and Beavers

Monday we will look st Seahawks game along Huskies and Cougars.

Mariners Win Down To Sunday

 Mariners 6 Angels 4

The Seattle Mariners came down to
another exciting game on an amazing
season. Can't have it much better
where game 162 will be make it
or break it.

The Mariners were ahead going into

the 8th inning 3-1 when Jared Walsh

hit a three-run homer.  Down by one

the Mariners had runners had bases

loaded Mitch Haniger hit a single 

with two outs between third and

shortstop bring in two runs to take

the lead. Seager followed with a

single to bring home Ty France

for an insurance run and final score.

The Mariners not only have to win

on Sunday they will need the Red

Sox to lose. If they and the Yankees

lose it will come down to a three-way

tie. Toronto Blue Jays win to than

a four-way tie.  Go  M's. 

Mariners Lose Little Offense

Our dream of the Mariners sweeping
the LA Angels is out of the door for
sure. The Red Sox won so they are
a game up on the Mariners. Important
the Mariners win Saturday and Sunday
with at least one loss by the Red Sox.

The Mariners only scored one run and

it was in the bottom of the second when

Jarred Kelenic hit a double.  Abraham

Toro who had a hit ahead of Kelenic 

scored the only Mariner run of the game.

Top of the Angels on a double by center

fielder Marsh brought in two runs in

the top of the third and that was it.

The one big mistake by Marco Gonzales

cost the Mariners the game though it

was the offense that had the problem.

Marco went six innings followed by

the bullpen that did another fabulous

job. 

Like many of the now 71 losses the 

offense wasn't able to catch in when

they had opportunities. Luis Torrens

had a double to lead off the 7th inning

and after a walk to Toro the Mariners

were not able to get a key hit or a

sacrifice fly to at least tie the game.

They had double by Seager in the 9th.

Jake Bauers pinch run for Seager but

they couldn't bring him home final

2-1 Angels.

Whatever happens next two games 

we have to say it was a good ride

and season. No one expected this

though will be disappointing to be

so close to making the playoffs in

twenty years.

Chris Flexen a big surprise was

named pitcher of the year by the

local media and Ty France player

of the year. Flexen will go on

Saturday night followed by Tyler

Anderson on Sunday.

Again thank you Mariners for an

exciting season. Not saying it is

over but want to let you know how

the fans appreciate you. Go M's. 

Let's Look For Mariner Sweep

The Seattle Mariners did not play
Thursday the Boston Red Sox did
and they lost to the Baltimore Orioles.
What this means is the Mariners are
now tied with the Red Sox for the
last wild card spot.

The Mariners sweep the LA Angels

this weekend they will win the wild

card or at least tie for it. The Red Sox

play the Washington Nationals this

weekend. 

The Toronto Blue Jays lost Thursday

as well to the New York Yankees so

now they are a game behind the

Mariners and the Red Sox.

Isn't it so exciting after 159 games

the Mariners season comes down to

three games against the Angels. 

The Mariners could lose a game 

and still get in but a sweep would

be the best. Marco Gonzales starts

Friday night. Like the players have

done all along one game at a time.

Go M's.