Sorry...

Hello everyone...

Sorry for the delay, it has been an exciting week in Seattle. From Cliff Lee to Jake Locker's return. I have been sick/waiting for everything to be final before making a post regarding the news. So at some point today I will send along my thoughts!

Thanks!

Welcome Cliff Lee?

I am excited as everyone else, but I am afraid this not a happy post.

Every sports journalist covering this story is spinning their own story. Every Mariner top prospect. The only top prospect I have not heard about is Greg Halman! Twitter is a venue for every sports writer to get in his own tweet! Let all just sit back and let pro's do their job and they will let us know when they are done!

Finally, I have to admit I was gitty like a little school girl when I heard of the deal!

Welcome Monday!

Is summer here already? It is amazing in the morning when the temp goes from the teens to the mid 30's how much of a difference that makes!

The Seahawks do not deserve to lead off today so with that being said. Anyone else pulling for Mr. Bouldin to have an amazing night? Of course I am also big fans of Patrick Willis and Antrell Rolle! So what if in my main Fantasy Football League I want to return to the title game for the second year in a row to face off with Brooklyn Zoo.

That being said no real exciting news for any team in the northwest!

I hope everyone has a great start to their week!

Also remember NW Sports Nightly can now be followed on twitter @nwsportsnightly

Hoss Heads North

Cougars fans have been clamoring for weeks now, "Where's the beef Wulff." Now they have their wish. As of last night the Cougars received a JC commit from OT David Gonzalez, from Fresno.

The great thing about David, besides this athletic frame, he is set to graduate this month, and eligible to sign a LOI (Letter of Intent) Wednesday. This is great news in that he will be able to hit the weight room and add to his 280 lbs frame.

According to scout.com Gonzalez should push for playing time this season (insert jokes from UW fans here).

Besides all of that, Wulff continues to put together a very solid class of Athletes!

Keep them coming PW.

Winter Meeting's Whiteout!

Well the Winter Meetings started Monday like a sunny day in South Florida for Mariners' fans with the news of the Chone Figgins signing.

This was followed by a few blips on the radar involving Jason Bay and others. That's when things changed.

Silence...

Nothing note worthy regarding the Mariners, besides Jack Z sitting down with King Felix's agent to "just chat" aka get the ball rolling with a low ball offer.

Continued in the calamity that is Twitter....numerous "tweets" that Rich Harden is almost a sure thing. Then as the storm rolls in that bubble is popped!

Maybe a good thing for us in the NW. We have not had success with stud, injury prone pitchers...

I know this in merely just the pre-game show for what is the MLB off season. But with all the smoke blown...early I know I expected more.

At least I can say I am happy to have Josh Wilson back, yes he will probably be a Tacoma staple but he is a tough scrappy player is a serviceable UTL player.

Lets not forget the other signing by the M's at the meetings. Corey Patterson, which is a no lose situation....Jack took a flyer on this guy...at most he will get south of $1 mil so does not really hurt anything. IF he makes the club headed north.

To finish things off, the boys over at Fox Sports feel they have not said the Seattle Mariners name in a while so they must start Adrian Gonzalez rumors. OK, yes he would be an upgrade over any FA 1st basemen, or almost anywhere. But lets face it, the Padres are looking for about as much as the Jays want for the Doc. Don't hold your breath M's fans.

And on a personal note...I will apologize on my behalf for jumping the gun on a lot this week, sorry I got excited about the possibilities.

I will keep you posted on any new stuff that comes along.

M's slow down...

The Mariners' rumor will have all but stopped at this hour, after starting the Winter meetings with the signing of Figgins....

M's Lineup Update...

Here we go...according to what I am hearing now...

1. Ichiro, RF
2. Figgins, 3B
3. Lopez, 2B
4. N. Johnson, 1B
5. Cameron, LF
6. Griffey/Carp, DH
7. Franklin G., CF
8. Moore, C
9. Wilson, SS

Rotation

1. Felix
2. Harden
3. R R-S
4. Morrow
5. Snell

Dawgs continue to Dominate Pac-10 Recruiting

The list continues to grow for the Montlake Dawgs.

Early this morning it was reported on the site Dawgman.com that the Huskies had received a verbal from the #25 OT recruit in the country. Micah Hatchie, another Hawaii product says he will be a Dawg. He held two other Pac-10 offers (Cal, and Oregon). I will be interesting to see how the class works out being that they are now over the max number for a class of 25.

Dawgs and Cougs make leaps in Recruting

Today, Scout.com re-analyzed there recruiting rankings. Both Washington schools made notable leaps.

Washington State made the larger leap of the two school, jumping from #52 to #40 in the national rankings. the notable jumps made by players were Spokane QB Connor Halliday went from the #40 passer in the nation to #37 with GSL record breaking senior season. The largest leap in terms of spots was recent RB commit, from Berkley, CA, Rickey Galvin. The diminutive RB prospect went from being a two-star back rated in the mid #120 all the way to #73 in the country.

As for the team from Montlake, they accomplished something I did not think was possible for this year. Jumped in to the Top 10 in the nation jumping up to #9 from #12. The big movers from the Dawgs class are two Bothell HS products. Colin Porter who previously was rated as the #21 OG is now checking it at #7, but leads us to the biggest in-state player climbing the draft boards. Michael Hartvigson, who before today was listed as #52 TE in the country now checks in at #22.

Congrats to all the players and I am glad to see both programs are still working hard to continue to climb!


UPDATE: As of this morning, UW is now ranked #8 nationally, and WSU also moved up three spots to #37 through different reasons.

Dawgs get more D.

UPDATE: Scout.com has changed Smith from the #21 Safety to the #38 ranked WR in the nation.


Dawgs receive a very big commit. Kevin Smith, #21 rated Safety according to scout.com, said he wants to be a Dawg.

This being the case, if you consider the recent soft verbal from the DT from Hawaii. According to the count that would put the Huskies at the yearly limit of 25 scholarships. Now this can change, kids can greyshirt or just may not qualify. I am also unsure if there were any hold overs from last years class.

This makes the coming months very interesting to see what goes down with the Huskies in regards to more recruits. I know there are a lot more high profile recruits seriously considering UW at this time. Stay tuned!

Felix Seeks Big Money/Long term Deal

Many reports suggest Felix is looking in the neighborhood of 6-year/$100 mil.

Ok, Mariner fans have been down this road before, we lost out of Cy Young Award years from Randy Johnson. Yes, there were concerns about the big man's back at the time. With Felix, you have no real conceerns with injuries so far in his career. And this off season really seems to be a eye opener that Jack Z is going to put together a winner.

So, my suggestion is put out a 6-8 year/$120-140 million deal. End of story, do not let another possible legend leave!

Bay Looking to Stay Home

According to several reports in the Seattle Times. Jason Bay, free agent LF from British Columba is really liking the idea of making Seattle his full time residence. Bay now makes his off season home in near by Kirkland.

And as reported by Baker of the Seattle Times has stated, via Twitter, while playing with the Pittsburg Pirates, "he would stand on his head and sing."

Now does this mean that Seattle will receive some sort of hometown discount. Who knows. Boston has already offered by 4-year, $60 million. I feel the Mariners could easily surpass that offer.

So that being the case here is how the lineup/rotation on opening day would look for me:

1. Chone Figgins, 3B
2. Ichiro, RF
3. Jason Bay, LF
4. Russell Branyan, 1B *
5. Jose Lopez, 2B
6. Ken Griffey Jr/Mike Carp, DH
7. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
8. Miguel Olivo*/Adam Moore, C
9. Jack Wilson, SS

1. Felix Hernandez
2. Rich Harden*
3. Brandon Morrow
4. Ryan Roland-Smith
5. Ryan Feierabend/Doug Fister/Carlos Silva**



* Signed via FA.
** Is it sad that I am hoping he gets hurt again?

Back with more later as the Winter Meeting continue!

Dawgs land beef for the middle!

Sorry for being a little behind in regards to this, but the Huskies have landed another verbal commitment from Lawrence Lagafuaina, DT form Hawaii, according to dawgman.com.

Lawrence is rated as the #45 DT in the nation according to Scout.com

This is thought to be a soft verbal as he plans to visit Hawaii this weekend.

Unspectacular BCS...again. Part 1 of 3

Well now we know how the four month BCS series will play out again this season.

Can I say I am surprised about the way things shook out?

No.

Am I happy?

No.

We all know that sports these days even with College athletics is all about the $$$.

Now how do these break down:

BCS Title game: 'Bama vs. Texas

My Thoughts: So there is about 5 or 6 states in the country that really will care about this game. Florida, Alabama, Louisana, Texas, Arkansas. Sadly, yes the computers got it right this year. As, much as I would have loved to see the football versions of mid-majors make the title game (Boise State, TCU, or Cincinnati still from the Big East but still cindirella). The only one who had an outside shot was TCU.

Rose Bowl: Ohio State vs. Oregon

My Thoughts: Should be a very athletic game. Two very powerful Offenses. Oregon also provides the Northwest with it only team to make it this far with their win or in-state rival Oregon State. Chip Kelly has done a great job with focusing his players while dealing with all of the adveristy earlier in the year with regards to the "Punch."

Jack Z continues to give M's a major face lift!

As we all found out at sometime yesterday the Mariners' roster is continuing to be altered. With the addition on Chone Figgins this adds a element that has not been seen since the 80's with the St. Louis Cardinals.

But is this the end? Is the Mariners' GM going to be able to continue his good fortunes with bringing together talent to establish a winner.

Lackey, Bay, or Harden?

If one of these players is next will that give enough wiggle room to be able to lock up King Felix for the rest of his professional days?

If you look at the money that is coming off the books this season as been stated on many levels is around $50 million dollars. Take away around $9 million for Figgins, that roughly leaves $40 million left.

Sign a part-time/backup catcher like Mark Redmond for $1.5-$2 million dollars Now that leaves you at $38 million.

Who knows how much any of the big three will actually cost in the market, only true insiders know this, but lets just say we could sign Jason Bay to a 5-year, $80 million dollar deal. With this deal now takes the the total down to $22 million available.

As for Lackey, lets just say that John Lackey maybe able to be had on a 4-year, $50 million dollar deal. Equaling if all base salaries are the same works out to $12 million a year. Leaving us $10 million still to work with off of the original $50 million.

Would a 10 year, $100 million dollar contract be enough to lock up Felix? Probably not, but since Felix is at least six years younger then the other Free Agents signed. All of the previous contract will have expired or the others have retired.

So lets say we come up with a 10-year, $180 million back loaded into the last 4-5 years of the contract. So obviously I am not a contract expert otherwise I would not be writing this. But For the first few years it will slowly escalate to a higher amount on the other end of the contract.

With these four contracts the Mariners will be a playoff contender, for the life of Felix's contract.

And finally, Adrian Beltre can throw a wrench to this plan by accepting arbitration. Leading to players and their positions being up in the air.

I look forward to writing about the future signings that are coming to town!

Future is sure bright....

2012 WSU Cougars Starting Lineup!


Here is just what I think...let me know how you feel about this:

Offense
QB- Tuel
RB-Winston/Galvin
WR-Ratliff
WR-Simone
WR-M. Wilson
TE-Dunn
LT-Pencer
LG-Valenzuela
C-Hodgdon
RG-Reitenour
RT-Fullington

Defense
LE-Long
DT-Spitz
DT-Clayton
RE-S. Kaufusi
SLB-E. Oertel
MLB-D. Markle
WLB-A. Barrington
FS-T. Hayward
SS-J. Atofau
CB-Washington
CB-D. Simmons

I think the OT's are interchangable. And I think Kaufusi will be at DE to have the speed and athetism on the field. The WR playmakers worry me...and I do not know really a lot about the kids coming in next year. Alright, the time has come, rip this apart!

Cougar Recap

Hey everyone...

Just a sort little blurb. I know at times the Cougars struggled last night against EWU. Being the first half struggles shooting this game turned into a game that resembled Bennett Ball.

I am going to go out on a limb. IF the Cougs can find a big man...I mean a big man. Not a Euro Forward. When Klay and De are seniors, if everyone still is around. This will be a team making a run at the Pac-10 title maybe even the Final Four.

Friday the 13th Facts

1. D-1 football in the state of Washington still is down.

2. The Mariners' increased ticket sales for the 2010 season by sitting Ken Griffey Jr on the bench. And playing twice a week. Probably every Tuesday and Wednesday. The real question is if they made that part of the normal marketing campiagn would that really help?

3. The Seahawks MUST draft at lease one Offensive Linemen in the 1st rd of the 2010 draft.

4. Sounders FC had a great first season, and now need to just get another spark on Offense and should be a much more complete team in 2010.

5. It will be interesting to see which athletic department will be more patient with their young head coaches, UW or WSU. And yes I am willing to admit that the reason the Dawgs have two more wins then the Cougs is because of their size, speed, and lack of serious injuries.

6. The Winter Olympics are coming! YAY! How many people will actually care? Atleast everything exciting will not be televised live at 3 AM! This time around just while everyone is at work!

College Football Fanatics Unite!

Well the time has come.

7:30 AM is now an acceptable time to sleep in on the weekends.

It is not too often that I am totally okay with waking at 7:30 on the weekends, but when the summer has gone and the clouds consume the Pacific Northwest. It means one thing, the return of college football to the state of Washington. I know on many fronts there is a lot of excitement in the state of Washington. On both of regions may it be East or West. Dogs or Cats. Everyone has a clean slate.

Not matter what the pundits there is always excitement in the state of Washington, whether you are on the shores of Montlake or the rolling hills of Wheat of the Paulose.

As a whole I wish the best of luck to every team accept when they are playing my boys...

Finally, everyone I hope you enjoy today the most. Please be safe, do not drink and drive. GO COUGS!

Thoughts from the New Guys!

Here is a little blurb from our friends at Cougcenter.com with quotes from some Freshmen...

Simone: 'We're here for the long haul'

Cougar Kickoff TV Lineup!

Here is the breakdown for the all day festivties:

9AM: Navy vs. Ohio State ESPN

12:30: Mizzou vs Illinois ESPN**
(shown until 3PM)

3PM: Stanford vs Washington State FSN

7PM: Maryland vs California ESPN2 (We will spare every UW fan the embrassment of watching LSU dominate the Huskies)

**This is subject to change due to ABC and ESPN2 schedule for this time slot is TBA

I hope to see everyone at my place for this fun filled day of booze and food!

Washington State's Fastest player Goes Crimson

Tonight the Cougars receive a commitment from Lynden WR Blair Bomber. Blair is only listed on Cougfan.com as a 5'9'' 165lbs WR. It is not known if his role fits into the offense or defense.

But one thing is true...Bomber is just that. An extreme deep threat. I feel the true question is can he put on weight to be able to handle the pounding of being a Pac-10 WR.

I look forward to seeing how an actual rating will improve Bomber's stock in the recruiting ranks.

Vick signs for Brotherly Love

That should say it all. It makes sense that Vick would return to the city of Brotherly Love. Vick signed a two year deal with the Eagles to be the back-up/third string QB. Along with this it presumed that Vick will be running a Eagle form of the "wildcat" offense made famous by the Miami Dolphins last season. It will be interesting to see how thing will work out.

Mariners Sign 27th overall Pick

The Mariners were believed to be close to a deal with there Second pick in the draft, HS SS Nick Franklin. This was thought to be the case because Franklin was in town to take a physical.

Today the contract was signed for $1.28 million bonus, $120,000 dollars over the suggested slot bonus by MLB. Stay tuned to see when and if the Second overall pick, Dustin Ackley, OF from UNC signs.

Did the Mariners really sign Guillermo Pimentel?

While doing some research to see if the Mariners' top Int'l signee's progress/assignment to a ML club, I realized that even though numerous sites have said he was signed by the Marniers he is playing with the Texas Rangers' AZL team. Bring to mind who did really sign Guillermo Pimentel? I will keep you posted as I find out more...whether there was tampering or just a major error by the BA's website.

Here is the link to the profile for Pimentel: http://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/?pl_id=42577

Trade Deadline Pt. 2

UPDATE: According to Jon Heyman of SI.com the NY Yankees called this weekend Washburn and were told they are not seller as of yet but that could all change.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/07/27/washburn.halladay/index.html?eref=writers


Continuing from my previous post as said on both the Seattle Times and a Milwaukee newspaper. The Brewers and M's have or might be talking soon regarding Wash's future.

The Mariners are said to be interested in one of the Brew Crew's shortstops. JJ Hardy and Alcides Escobar.

Hardy does not make as much sense as this team seems to want to go the youth route.

Escobar AAA stats seem to make him a stellar fit for the 2 spot in the order behind Ichiro, and ahead of Lopez.

Here is a link to Escobar's AAA stats: http://www.baseballamerica.com/statistics/players/cards/?pl_id=82861

The other team that has called regarding Washburn was the Yankees' who quickly started looking elsewhere after Jack Z is believed to ask for both Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner (now on the DL with a broken thumb).

I will keep you updated as the day and week continues.

Housing Market Down, Pitching Market Up...

Due to the recent implosion of the Mariners this weekend. Multiplied by the fact that Erik Bedard has spent more time in the last few months on the DL then healthy and in the rotation. Many sources have stated that they should quickly become sellers.

Because Bedard's most recent stint on the DL, he is off the table.

So that leaves Jared Washburn, Russ Branyan, and possibly middle relievers (Sean White, Mark Lowe).

Recent rumors have linked Wash to the Brewers and Yankees. More elaboration to come later...

Former WSU G/F signs with Top Greek Team

Amide rumors of former Washington Guard, Nate Robinson visiting Greece, and their top Pro Team. They have announced the signing of Former Cougars Great Thomas Kelati.

The former prepster from Walla Walla, adds a much larger and more versatile game for Olympiakos. Even being a Cougar alum I have always been a fan of Nate Robinson's athletic talent. But how much would that really transfer over to the European game?

This is seen at least in my eyes to be a much more team oriented move. And just a ploy to raise Robinson's price tag here in the states. Nate Robinson's personality and athletic ability is perfect for NYC. We all know that...Here is a link to the original post

http://thehoop.blogspot.com/2009/07/olympiakos-announced-thomas-kelati.html

Please follow this very informative blog...I am excited to stay more in touch with what is going on across the pond now.

Thanks and have a great day. Talk to everyone soon!

Mariners acquire Two Minor League Arms for Yuni

Dan Cortes and Derrick Saito are the newest Mariner farm hands. Cortes rated as the best pitching prospect in the Royals organization. More to come later!

Current and Future Cougars trying to meet U-19 WC

Klay Thompson (USA) and Brock Motum (AUS) are trying to meet for the first time on the court this weekend hoping to play for the World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand. If the two squad can get past their next opponents they will meet on Sunday. Please stay tuned tomorrow morning to see how things develop.

M's Ink First of Three 1st Rd. Picks

Mariners have agreed on terms on a contract with supplemental first round pick, Stephen Baron, a prep catcher from Florida. The deal is for just less than $1 million dollars. More details can be found on the link below thanks to Conor Glassey at Baseball America.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=1300

Yuni done in Mariner Blue?

According to several reports, Yuniesky Betancourt may have played his last game as the Mariners SS. Multiple sources, including the News Tribune and most recently the Seattle Times. Have stated that deals are in the works involving the Pirates and Jack Wilson or Freddy Sanchez.

Here is a link to the latest from the Seattle Times, enjoy.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2009446485_deals_involving_mariners_short.html

Stars seek the "Key" to success?

Ok, so I saw something very interesting this morning while riding the train to work this morning. An airplane at Boeing Field. Haha. I know what you are thinking, you idiot there are always planes at Boeing Field.

Now this could just be me trying to fill a void in my life that is a legitimate reason to grace the confines of Key Arena. We all have heard about the recent difficulties of certain Southern NHL teams. Could it be that the Front Office for the Dallas Stars are in town to talk to City leaders about a possible future move to the Northwest?

I will keep everyone updated on this story.

Huskies search far and wide for latest Commit

Coach Sark has found a new recruiting tool. Facebook! OK not really but I found it slightly amusing that their newest commitment's profile pictures via scout.com seem to be taken more for a facebook/myspace.com page then a recruiting website. Check it out for your self below:

http://washington.scout.com/a.z?s=147&p=8&c=1&nid=4432667

Kid seems to be a pretty good ATH prospect in all seriousness.

Sorry for such a delay between posts...

Fundraiser for Cory MacKay

There will be a fund raiser in Issaquah on July 19th from 12-4 PM at Gina Mary Hair Design. All haircuts will be $20. With all proceeds going to the Cory MacKay Fund. For more info click on the link below, and follow the links there after.

Thanks to Dancing Football for bring this to my attention. I will be waiting to cut my hair now! Hope to see all my fellow shaggy haired Cougs there with me!

http://www.cougcenter.com/2009/6/24/923436/cory-mackay-fundraiser

Ducks hit New LOW!

Well well well...leave it to the Oregon Duck Athletic department to make their football team looks absolutely disgusting! They have by far the worst uniforms I have ever seen, though I do have to hand it to them for ditching the John Deer/Dodge truck bed jerseys. I know Oregon has different Marijuana laws...but come on.

I have added below a link to the official highlight video via their athletic department:

http://www.goducks.tv/oregonducks/console.jsp?DB_OEM_ID=500&id=702&catid=33

Thank you Oregon, for giving the state of Washington entertainment for another football season. I know your team will not be as bad as the uniforms!

Cougs Land Future QB

Two weeks after receiving his "dream" offer Conner Halliday, has committed to WSU for their 2010 class. He has rocketed up the boards as of late as numerous Pac-10 schools have taken notice. More to come on this story tomorrow!

3 Players from Washington State to play for USA

Three players from Washington state were announced today as a part of two different teams to compete as members of Team USA.

DeAngelo Casto (WSU), Klay Thompson (WSU) were both selected to be a part of the U19 team to play in New Zealand next month as a part of the U-19 World Championships.

Also, Quincy Pondexter was named to the squad playing in 2009 World University Games July 2-11 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Congratulations gentlemen, I hope you the best of luck and you wear the colors well!

Letter to ESPN...

Please stop with the BS...switch to the Sounders game...The Washington areas are getting extremely let down tonight...

Locker hurts shoulder at Baseball Camp

According to a person who has asked to be nameless, told me today that they were speaking with someone who is contracted to work with the athletic department. Said while Locker was helping at a youth baseball camp over the last two weeks dove for a ball injuring his NON-throwing shoulder. The injury is said to NOT be serious at this time.

Okay, that being said, as a person who has had shoulder injury problems throughout my athletic days. Shoulders if not protected regardless if it is your throwing shoulder can be serious.

Does Washington have the O-line to help protect Locker's shoulder?

Well that is it for tonight, have a great night everyone!

Bedard Headed to DL, Carp to Start at 1st Base tomorrow

Erik is headed to the DL with left shoulder inflamation. This is retroactive to June 8th.

The earlier mention of Mike Carp takes his spot of the 25 man roster.

M's go Fishing in Tacoma for Carp

The Mariners' today according to a blog post by Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, says " None other than Mike Carp just emerged onto the field for early batting practice, shook some hands, and is getting ready to step into the cage."

I think this is an excellent move it places another non-singles hitter is the order for the Mariners depending on how Wakamatsu decides to use the long left-handed slugger.

If you would like more information please visit the post on the Times' website at:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/marinersblog/2009351408_mike_carp_joins_mariners.html

Thanks....we have an interesting story regarding Husky Football coming up later tonight...maybe even a joint Sounders/Mariners game thread!

Mighty Distraction

Well well well....The Mariners' search for an Ace may have ended tonight. I saw what I feel could be the completion of the growth of King Felix. He tonight had control of all his pitches tonight. Yes, this was against the worst hitting team in the league, but those who truly understand baseball would notice the command and presence Felix possessed this evening.

Sorry for the delay the Mariner draft report will continue tomorrow! Thanks! I hope for the Mariners' sake Brandon Morrow and Garrett Olson provide a much needed distraction for this team.

Thanks! Everyone have a great night and we will see you tomorrow!

Remembering the Little Guy-Intro & Part I

In today's media outlets a lot is made of the so-called "bonus babies." Going into the draft the clear cut #1 prospect hands down was Stephen Strasberg, RHP from San Diego State. A lot will be written about the record setting bonus he is set to receive. That is all fine and good, but this is not what I am about. I am about the grunt work that goes into scouting thousands and thousands of players all of North America.

Over the next 10 days or so I am setting out to profile some of the lesser known talent that could very well litter the Mariners' opening day roster.

I will start by covering the 20th round selection, and finishing with the 10th round selection. So that being said where does that leave us?

With the #593rd pick in the 2009 First-year Amateur draft the Seattle Mariners select:

Johnathan Hesketh, LHP, New Mexico. 5'11'', 190 lbs.

Jonathan is originally from Langley, B.C.

He started his college career north of the boarder in his native country at Vernon College (B.C.).
Where he played for two years before transferring to University of New Mexico.

In 2008, he was mainly used as a LH middle reliever. He appeared in 21 games, 2 starts with a 2-5 record and a 5.69 ERA in 49 innings.

Hesketh came into own for his final collegiate campaign as the ace of the Lobo's staff nearly doubling all of his totals from the year before (6-4, 3.45 ERA, 88 2/3 IP, SO/BB 70/24)

I think this kid may end up being a project, but in the end could be a solid 3-5 man in the rotation ala Garrett Olson...

If you would like more information regarding Jonathan please check out his profile on the Lobo's athletic website, which provided me with a lot of this information.

http://www.golobos.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/hesketh_john00.html

Thanks and I hope to see all of you back tomorrow for pick #563...

Pedro to the Pacific...

I know it is probably out of the realm of possibility. But lets think about this for a second. The Mariners' starting rotation after King Felix, Bedard, and Washburn. Is for a lack of a better word...not very appealing. What if to shore up the tail end of the rotation the M's were to sign a two year-incentive laden deal with Pedro Martinez.

Lets say 2 years-$6 million with escalating bonuses for starts and wins. That would maybe max out at around $10-12 with a team option/player option for 2011, which is what Pedro is now wanting.

I feel this could be enough to maybe sneak past the lowly Western division foes.

What do you think?

16-Year Old to Enter 2010 Amatuer Draft

According to a report by ESPN's Buster Olney...the prepster who was the feature of a recent issue of SI. Bryce Harper enrolled in a South Nevada JC and plans to acquire his GED later this year. This is an very unique move, but not a surprise to those who cover Major League Baseball.

If you would like to hear more about Bryce there is an article courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Bryce-Harper-punches-his-ticket-to-Cooperstown-a?urn=mlb,167844


Thanks...more to come tonight!

Excitement, and Congraulations!

I would personally like to congratulate a kid that I have known for many years now. Who even at the age of 15 threw harder than me.

Brain Justice was drafted in the 27th round by the Tornoto Blue Jays out of St. Mary's College.

Congrats Brian, best wishes for you!

Mariners bring their Big Stick to the Party...

Sorry, not done yet.

I would like to say that I am very pleased with the way my man Jack Z has changed the face of the M's system in 48 hours. The Mariners, as long as I can remember, have been a team that valued Pitchers through the draft. This year that all changed. The change being their first 6 picks on position players...something that has definitley been the low light of the Mariners' Top 20 IMPACT prospects. I have quickly forgotten the days BB drafting pitcher after pitcher. Thank You, Jack!

Oh, and by the way Jack, did you receive the letter and resume I sent you in regards to me being your new unpaid assistant?

Again, thanks for all your hard for in the past few months Jack. Keep up the good work!

Every Sports Fan has a story...

Every person starts his or her life in the same place. And from this place we grow to have a passion and/or dream in life. The dream that in a sense tormented me during my childhood was the same as every other little boy I knew, professional athlete.

I heard an interview on time where a person involved with Major League Baseball stated, "People who love baseball are one of three things, a player, a coach, or a fan." I went through all three stages in my life. First, as a player playing all the way up through a RS-Freshmen year at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Washington (Who today might I add had there highest ever draftee in their history, I am glad the program has changed since I left.)

My second stop along this time line was as a fan. This one I feel still exists and would truly never go away no matter how many people state that baseball is so "boring." To those people, I do not dislike hockey, soccer, and other non-mainstream sports just because I do not understand them. We all know the famous Yogi Berra quote, "Baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical." These people in my mind are missing the other 90%. There is so much more to every sport than what you actually witness on the boob tube on a nightly basis.

Finally, coaching...ah yes every man's dream turning your son or daughter into the next Jamie Moyer or Jenny Finch. I have had the ultimate pleasure of coaching some of the most exciting kids in my old home town over the last two years. Some of which should be invited to my wedding in the coming years. A very rewarding experience to say the least. I would not change any of it for a minute. But that too does not fill the void of of the blood pumping emotion while holding a ball in your hand with runners on first and third and no one out during your college debut. But I digress...there is much more to a life of baseball and sports in general.

I finish up my first entry, by saying why I am embarking on this roller coaster of a ride...that is the blogosphere. We all hear about the mainstream stuff....we all hear about steroids, crime and war on a daily basis. I am hoping to get across my views in a entertaining matter to indulge the reader in what sport means to me and hopefully shed a little light on the underbelly of sports that our media hides. So enjoy the one time this blog will mention steroids. Unless I some how start using them my self, and try and resurrect my playing career, anyone know Roger Clemens' phone number.

Thanks and happy reading everyone!

DISCLIAMER: This was done as a total rough draft and will from here on out be edited. Not to sound like my son I have not had yet has written it.