Huskies Ranked #4

The University of Washington Huskies is going into the Pac-12 Championship game ranked #4. If they beat Colorado on Friday they will play in the NCAA playoff series it looks like. Most likely they will play #1 Alabama in the first round. This will be the first time that the Huskies will be in the Pac-12 Championship game well as the NCAA playoff if they win on Friday.

The Huskies have a young team with few seniors on the roster. They could lose at least a couple juniors to the NFL in the next college draft. Receiver John Ross and safety Budda Baker are two the guys that could go. They were among nine Huskies who were named to the Pac-12 1^st team. Quarterback Jake Browning was named the offensive player of the year in the Pac-12. He is a sophomore so he will be back for at least another year. If he decides to forgo his senior year it will depend whether he is considered a first round pick or not after next season. He likely will come out if he is a first round pick.

Ross and Baker likely will be gone because they are both considered first rounders’ in the upcoming draft. Another defensive back Kevin King who is a senior is expected to be a high draft pick as well.

Though the Huskies may lose several players going into next season they still should be the team to beat in the Pac-12 north division.  The Huskies had 41 freshmen and redshirt freshmen to go along with 28 sophomores so the team is still in pretty good position to repeat and make another run at the national championship. This will not include any new freshmen and redshirt freshmen on next year’s team. We should figure that Jake Browning will be even a better quarterback next season and the offense opened even further. So Huskie football will be on the rise for the next several years and Head Coach Chris Peterson should be around for many years to come as well.  

  

 

Mariners Deal Alex Jackson

Jerry Dipoto decided it was time to trade 2014 number one draft pick to the Atlanta Braves. There is a possibility that Jackson could be the player the Mariners drafted two and half years ago but we will find out with him in another uniform.

There is a possibility that he will never mount to anything and not have a major league career or he could still be a superstar though he is playing in the low minors so far. Like several of the last top picks he has had to deal with injuries as well. Outside of Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez the Mariners have not done well in the first round of the draft. Both these guys were top overall pick so the chances that they would not make it were slim.  You look though at the Mariners history of the draft they have had very few players make it to the majors. We would have to few other teams to see if they have much more success than the Mariners.

The Mariners did receive two starting pitchers in return for Jackson however they will have to give the Braves another player in return. That player most likely is sent just before spring training begins. The Mariners received Rob Whalen who started five times for the Braves in 2016. So he looks like he could be the fifth starter when the season starts or be in the depth chart in triple A. The other pitcher they received was Matt Povse a tall 6’8. He hasn’t pitched above double A and could start the season there or at triple A. It sounds like he may be the key to the trade. Many fans of the Braves were not happy when they heard that he was traded to the Mariners. Though both may not play a big part on the 2017 team they may in 2018 or beyond. Also Dipoto isn’t finished getting another starting pitcher so one of them could be part of another trade or help them depart in another pitcher that was planned for in the future. Whatever the case is we know now that Dipoto loves to add depth to the team especially in pitching. Also he has added athletic outfielders to the roster in the past year he has been the Mariners general manager. At this point we are not sure what outfielder will have success but if he pushes the buttons enough time one should stick.

When you look at the 2014 draft by the Mariners only one player has made it onto the roster is Dan Altavilla who came up late in 2016 and pitched fifteen games in relief. He could be a key part of the bullpen going along with closer Edwin Diaz. The Mariners have a left handed starting pitcher who was drafted in the 4^th round in 2014 just ahead of Altavilla. He was the Mariners minor league pitcher of the year. He had a record of 12-4 and an era of 2.95. He could start the season in triple A. At this point the Mariners don’t have anyone else that seems to be above single A out of the 2014 draft. Some of those players could be involved in any trades the Mariners make.

I like what Dipoto is doing adding depth in their minor and major league rosters. Only time will tell who will make it and who will not. Next week the winter meeting’s happen. Have to see if they make any more trades or signings before and during that time. We should see the Mariners acquiring a middle level starting pitcher. Who that is anyone’s guess at this time. I am sure Dipoto has an idea who may look to get next. For us it is a waiting game. Go M’s.

Huskies Win Apple Cup

                                                              Husky Coach Peterson

The biggest game for both Huskies and Cougars for some time; the winner would have more than bragging rights. The Huskies won going away 45-17. The Huskies now will be able to play for the Pac-12 Championship against either the Colorado Buffaloes or the USC Trojans. Now the biggest game for the Huskies in some time because if they win most likely they will play in the NCAA Championship playoff especially if they beat either one by a large score like they did Friday night.  Colorado plays Utah Saturday if they win than they go to the Pac-12 Championship to face the Huskies otherwise the Trojans will go. The Huskies aren’t concerned who they play. They are happy to have the chance to play for the Pac-12 Championship.

The Huskies like many of their games this season they got off on the right track by scoring a lot of points in the first quarter. The Huskies scored two touchdowns before the Cougars could get on the scoreboard with a field goal. At the end of the first quarter the Huskies were leading 28-6. It made it hard for the Cougars get back into the game though if any team could it would be the Cougars.

What made it difficult for the Cougars was dropping several passes that would have put them in good position to score. Also the Huskies were able to stop the Cougars twice when they went for a touchdown on fourth down especially the second one when they were on the Huskies one yard line. There is a good possibility that the Huskies would have won anyway but these two stops did not help that is for sure.

In my mind what made this game was the Huskies defense besides these two stops.  The Cougars keep coming after the other team no matter how many times they drop passes or not able to run on the ground. Despite it all the Huskies defense did their job. The Huskies continue to do what they did in this game the chances are not only they will win the Pac-12 Championship they could win the National Championship. Unlike other national championships they have been involved with in the past this time will be done on the field.

The Cougars have to be proud in the season they have played especially starting the season losing a couple games outside the league early. They were able to run the ball pretty good along with passing the ball. Also their defense improved over the season though it may not have been proved in this game. They have to remember not only they played the best team in the state likely the best in the conference and possibly the country. Hail off to you Cougars. Look forward to see who you play in whatever bowl game that you go too.

Huskies we are amazed by the season you have had. Though we knew that you were going to be a good team we all expected that next year would be where at the best. Who knows where thing go in the future under Coach Peterson. Another year of experience you should be one of the favors to win the national championship next year no matter how far you go this year. Go Huskies!

The Apple Cup

This Friday afternoon the Apple Cup between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars happens in Pullman.  This may be the biggest Apple Cup in the history of this rival since the winner will go on to play in the Pac-12 Championship.

In the case of the Huskies if they win the Apple Cup and the Pac-12 Championship they may play in the NCAA 4 team championship series to see who is determined to be number one in the country. On the other hand if the Cougars win both games they likely will play in the Rose Bowl game. So a lot is determined in this game. Who will win this game it is a toss-up at this point. The victory could come down to who plays the best game in the fourth quarter.  The Huskies have the best running attack between the two teams though the Cougars over the season have improved quite a bit over the season. The Cougars are known for their passing attack so they may have an edge. The Huskies have the better of the defense so this could be the difference in the game. The winner though will come down to the two quarterbacks in Jake Browning for the Huskies and Luke Falk for the Cougars. Both are outstanding quarterbacks so the win will come down to who has the best game of the day and that is anyone’s guess. If they both play outstanding like they are capable of the win could come to has the ball at the end of the game.

I will be rooting for the Huskies however it will be a great game whoever wins. I hope that this game will be one that we will be talking about for many years to come. Both teams that are talented and we hope to see the best.  Go Huskies! 

Mariners Make Big Trade

First of all wish every Seattle Mariner fan a Happy Thanksgiving. Hopefully this trade will make us more thankful and the Mariners more of a contender for 2017.

The Seattle Mariners made a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thanksgiving Eve to get a veteran though still young shortstop. The Mariners not only gave up shortstop Ketel Marte they had to finalize the deal by trading their top pitching prospect over the last four years TaiJuan Walker. Sometimes to get what you really want you have to give something good in return. In return the Mariners received Jean Segura who played second base for the Diamondbacks last season however he is projected to be a pretty good shortstop. The Mariners plan for Segura to be the leadoff hitter besides playing shortstop. He will be added to the core group of Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager. He is under arbitration for two more years before he can become a free agent. Segura not only is a good hitter he has speed and power. The Mariners also acquired outfielder Mitch Haniger who has limited major league experience however he is a right handed hitter who has played right field. He may platoon with Ben Gamel or Seth Smith. The Mariners got left handed reliever Zac Curtis in the trade as well. He doesn’t have much major league experience either but both him and Haniger could be part of the Mariners future.

We all know the potential of both TaiJuan Walker and Ketel Marte. Walker likely could become a number one starter in another couple seasons. This leaves James Paxton as the guy moving up the chain in the Mariners starting rotation after King Felix Hernandez and Iwakuma. I thought that the Mariners would have to go after a top rotation guy anyway but this is more of a sure thing now. Marte on the other hand not sure where he ends up; he likely will start 2017 in triple A for the Diamondbacks. He could be the future second baseman for them in place of Segura. Second base may be his better position however with the Mariners that was not going to happen with Robinson Cano being around for some time.

The Mariners now look like more of a veteran team along with a look of being younger in the outfield. It could take the Mariners a couple years where they truly want to be in the outfield. They have become more athletic that is for sure. Danny Valencia likely going to be the right handed platoon hitter at first base. His versatility will allow him to play in the outfield as well if the Mariners need him out there too. At this time it is hard to know where the Mariners will need him the most. A lot will depend on Gamel, Haniger and Heredia who is the other part of the equation. There still is a possibility that the Mariners could bring in another veteran outfielder but at this time that is not a priority.

The winter meetings will be coming up in a couple weeks so it will be interesting what the Mariners and Dipoto will do during that time. I expect that the Mariners will go for a top starting rotation pitcher along with another reliever especially left handed. Go M’s.   

Seahawks Beat Eagles

      
                                         Russell Wilson Touchdown Catch Against Eagles

The Seattle Seahawks won their seven game of the season against two losses and a tie. They continue to be at the top of the NFC West division. They beat another bird at home in the same conference that will help them get into the playoffs. The Seahawks beat the Eagles in Seattle 26-15. Actually the game was not that close as the Eagles scored near the end of the game.

The Seahawks took the early lead with a seventy-five yard running touchdown by C. J. Prosise who later was injured in the game. The Eagles came back to take the lead 7-6 since the extra point was missed on the Prosise touchdown. The Seahawks had a play where receiver Doug Baldwin hit an open quarterback Russell Wilson for a touchdown. It was the first for both of them in the game. Wilson never caught a pass for a touchdown in his NFL Career and it was the first pass thrown by Baldwin. This shows us Seahawk fans that Wilson is now back to being pretty healthy.

According to Coach Carroll Prosise will be out for some time but may make it back before the end of the season. Also the touchdown showed us why Carroll and the coaching staff have such praise for Prosise.  Also running back Pope who was activated this week off the practice squad after being reacquired from being released by the New York Jets was injured in the game too. The Seahawks had to play the rest of the game with running back Thomas Rawls who was back for the first time. The fourth running back Alex Collins was not active for the game. He is expected to be active next week against Tampa Bay and the Seahawks will have to go out to find another running back too. Christine Michael who the Seahawks released on Tuesday was picked up by the Green Bay Packers who were in need of a running back themselves.

The Seahawks defense played a solid game against the Eagles especially after a slow start. The Eagles especially were not able to run the ball and the passing game was not particular good either. Next week against Tampa Bay Michael Bennett is expected back to anchor the defensive line.

With Rawls back the running game should be good against the Buccaneers along with help by Russell Wilson the Seahawks likely will rely on the passing game once again. The important thing is that the offense will allow the defense not stay on the field so much of the time like they have been for several weeks. Go Hawks!

Making Moves

The Seattle Mariners and Seahawks had something in common they made moves this week to their rosters. For the Mariners they added a few minor leaguers to the forty man roster to protect them from the rule five draft. It included former number one draft pick D.J. Peterson. There was some speculation they make keep off the roster however decided to protect him after.  Peterson originally was drafted as a third baseman however with Kyle Seager being the regular at that position for some time including winning a gold glove and being an all-star along with signing a seven year contract  the Mariners had him switch to first base. The Mariners  in July traded with the Chicago Cubs getting Daniel Vogelbach to play first base. Peterson could be looked at platooning at first base with Vogelbach  and backing up Seager at third base however last week they acquired Danny Valencia from the Oakland A’s who can play both first and third base along with the outfield. Valencia is expected to platoon with Vogelbach at first and or in the outfield with Seth Smith. He has seven years of major league experience and has played the majority of his time at third base so can give Seager occasional day off as well.

On Friday the Mariners made a five player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays picking up Taylor Motter and Richie Shaffer for three minor league players. Neither Motter or Shaffer have a lot of major league experience so the Mariners picked them up to add more depth so where this places Peterson not sure at this time.  There is always a possibility he could be involved in any trade the Mariners may make before training camp. Both Motter and Shaffer are right handed hitters who can play first and third base along with the outfield so gives more of a jam along with more competition at the utility player position with Shawn O’Malley being the leading candidate along with Mike Freeman.  Along with Peterson the other players could start the season at triple A.  Only one and at the most two would make the opening roster in April.

The Seattle Seahawks made news this week releasing Christine Michael who was the leading rusher however with the emergence of rookie C.J. Prosise. The first part of the season including training camp Prosise was hurt. The plan for the Seahawks was to use Prosise primarily as the third down back because of his experience as a wide receiver at Notre Dame. He was switched over to running back his senior season.  Along with the return Thomas Rawls the Seahawks felt these two would be what the Seahawks need. Michael on the other hand was picked up by the Green Bay Packers after being released by the Seahawks. The Packers have been in dire need for a running back. Like the Seahawks they have been throwing the ball a lot more than running since they lost their key running backs to injuries.

The Seahawks also resigned running back Troymaine Pope who they had in camp before being released. He had been on the practice squad of the New York Jets however they decided to release and the Seahawks liked him so much before they resigned him. He was added to active roster. He is expected to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday along with Thomas Rawls. Prosise is expected to be in on more plays however Rawls will be in on about nine or ten plays and Pope may get in a couple times too. The final running back rookie Alex Collins is not expected to play on Sunday but the Seahawks still like what they see in him as well.

The Seahawks should be seeing the return of defensive lineman Michael Bennett in another week so another move will be made at that point. The Seahawks are favored by about seven points however the Eagles should give them a good game. The Seahawks are hoping the running game will get back to where they are accustomed for it to be and not relying so much on the passing game. This should include Russell Wilson feeling healthier as well. So  let’s go Seahawks along with the Mariners!