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Rainy Day Sports Blog
A place for the Seattle sports fan to rant, rave and
disagree. Where hope springs eternal and we will
never forget Henry Cotto's moustache.
disagree. Where hope springs eternal and we will
never forget Henry Cotto's moustache.
Contact me at richbowler@rainydaysportsblog.com
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More Than A Passing Acquaintance
By Mike Voltz 3-7-09
Another chapter in the Terrell Owens saga came to a close on Thursday. He was released by the Dallas Cowboys, following three seasons that each
ended with a special kind of playoff disappointment. The Cowboys’ struggles and T.O.'s behavior in Dallas have both been documented, almost
obsessively, by the media. There is no reason to delve into either of those particular subjects yet again here. Rather, it is time to look to the future, as
T.O. himself must do. It is time to look beyond his Dallas, beyond his Hall of Fame statistics, beyond his antics which may be the factor that ultimately
keeps him out of Canton. The high profile player, who has always insisted on personal deference at the expense of professional relationships, must
settle down before it’s too late. To that end, we find him seeking not only a good situation with the right team, but a quarterback with whom he
shares something…special.
By Mike Voltz 3-7-09
Another chapter in the Terrell Owens saga came to a close on Thursday. He was released by the Dallas Cowboys, following three seasons that each
ended with a special kind of playoff disappointment. The Cowboys’ struggles and T.O.'s behavior in Dallas have both been documented, almost
obsessively, by the media. There is no reason to delve into either of those particular subjects yet again here. Rather, it is time to look to the future, as
T.O. himself must do. It is time to look beyond his Dallas, beyond his Hall of Fame statistics, beyond his antics which may be the factor that ultimately
keeps him out of Canton. The high profile player, who has always insisted on personal deference at the expense of professional relationships, must
settle down before it’s too late. To that end, we find him seeking not only a good situation with the right team, but a quarterback with whom he
shares something…special.
NFL Draft Central
Seahawks select OLB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest with the number 4 pick. Curry was thought by many to be the best player in
the draft and will be an instant impact player on defense. The Seahawks passed on USC QB Mark Sanchez the prospect with the
most buzz. The Hawks trade their second round pick for Denver's first round pick in 2010. Seahawks traded their 3rd and 4th round
picks for center Max Unger.
On day two Seattle traded up into the third round to pick WR Deon Butler out of Penn State. Butler is a good player with plus speed
and good hands. Then they took QB Mike Teel from Rutgers in the sixth round. Finally the drafted three players in the seventh
round: Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers, Nick Reed, DE, Oregon, Cameron Morrah, TE, Cal. Morrah is a good pick adding a second TE
to play along side John Carlson.
Go to the draft central link for full draft coverage.
Draft Central
Seahawks select OLB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest with the number 4 pick. Curry was thought by many to be the best player in
the draft and will be an instant impact player on defense. The Seahawks passed on USC QB Mark Sanchez the prospect with the
most buzz. The Hawks trade their second round pick for Denver's first round pick in 2010. Seahawks traded their 3rd and 4th round
picks for center Max Unger.
On day two Seattle traded up into the third round to pick WR Deon Butler out of Penn State. Butler is a good player with plus speed
and good hands. Then they took QB Mike Teel from Rutgers in the sixth round. Finally the drafted three players in the seventh
round: Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers, Nick Reed, DE, Oregon, Cameron Morrah, TE, Cal. Morrah is a good pick adding a second TE
to play along side John Carlson.
Go to the draft central link for full draft coverage.
Draft Central
Seahawks Offseason Reload
By Richard Bowler 5/11/09
Coach: Jim Mora
Record Last Season: 4-12
Key Acquisitions: TJ Houshmanzadeh, Corey Redding, Ken Lucas, Colin Cole, Justin Griffith.
Key Loses: Mike Holmgren, Maurice Morris, Rocky Bernard, Julian Peterson, Bobby Engram, Floyd Womack, Leonard Weaver.
Draft Picks: Aaron Curry, Max Unger, Deon Butler, Mike Teel, Courtney Greene, Nick Reed, Cameron Morrah
Outlook for 2009: A very good off season for a team that had a horrific 2008 season losing twelve games. The injury plagued season of a year ago
exposed many weaknesses on the Hawks roster that they tried to correct in the off season. The durable and consistent TJ Houshmanzadeh was
added to help sure up a receiving corps that besieged with catastrophic injuries last season. They also added Colin Cole and Corey Redding to add
size and versatility to the defensive line that got over power at times over the last couple of seasons with out enough girth on the interior of the line.
Finally the Hawks reacquired cornerback Ken Lucas from Carolina giving Seattle an upgrade over disappointing Kelly Jennings and the undersized
Josh Wilson
Read More
By Richard Bowler 5/11/09
Coach: Jim Mora
Record Last Season: 4-12
Key Acquisitions: TJ Houshmanzadeh, Corey Redding, Ken Lucas, Colin Cole, Justin Griffith.
Key Loses: Mike Holmgren, Maurice Morris, Rocky Bernard, Julian Peterson, Bobby Engram, Floyd Womack, Leonard Weaver.
Draft Picks: Aaron Curry, Max Unger, Deon Butler, Mike Teel, Courtney Greene, Nick Reed, Cameron Morrah
Outlook for 2009: A very good off season for a team that had a horrific 2008 season losing twelve games. The injury plagued season of a year ago
exposed many weaknesses on the Hawks roster that they tried to correct in the off season. The durable and consistent TJ Houshmanzadeh was
added to help sure up a receiving corps that besieged with catastrophic injuries last season. They also added Colin Cole and Corey Redding to add
size and versatility to the defensive line that got over power at times over the last couple of seasons with out enough girth on the interior of the line.
Finally the Hawks reacquired cornerback Ken Lucas from Carolina giving Seattle an upgrade over disappointing Kelly Jennings and the undersized
Josh Wilson
Read More
Washington looks to improve on dismal 2008 season
By Zach Habner 5-19-09
After finishing the year as the only team in the Football Bowl
Subdivision to not win a game, the Washington Huskies needed a
change of scenery.
With the hiring of former USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian,
the Huskies are well on their way.
During his first press conference, Sarkisian said he looks to return the
UW program to the level it has been used to over the years. He has
given us the signs that the times are changing, and for good.
He brings some swagger to a team in desperate need of it. With it, he
looks to improve a team that ranked virtually last in every category last
season.
Read More
By Zach Habner 5-19-09
After finishing the year as the only team in the Football Bowl
Subdivision to not win a game, the Washington Huskies needed a
change of scenery.
With the hiring of former USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian,
the Huskies are well on their way.
During his first press conference, Sarkisian said he looks to return the
UW program to the level it has been used to over the years. He has
given us the signs that the times are changing, and for good.
He brings some swagger to a team in desperate need of it. With it, he
looks to improve a team that ranked virtually last in every category last
season.
Read More
Mariners Draft Dustin Ackley
By Richard Bowler 06-09-09
A solid day for the Mariners future in GM J-Z's
first draft in Seattle.
2) Dustin Ackley 1B/OF, UNC- Ackley is a gifted hitter with very good
speed and plate discipline. Dustin is considered a very safe pick and
could be major league ready in 2010.
27) Nicholas Franklin SS, FLA H.S.- Franklin is an athletic short stop
that has committed to Auburn University. Franklin has good size for a
middle infielder and was rising on many draft boards.
33) Steven Baron C, FLA H.S.- A cannon armed catcher who is
committed to play at Duke.
51) Rich Poythress 1B UGA- Rich, besides having a great name, is a
tremendous power hitter who put up big numbers in the SEC. Other
than the power, Poythress, is an unspectacular player.
82) Kyle Seager 2B, UNC- A solid hitter with questions about his
defense at second base. If he can become competent on defense his
bat is very advanced and he could rise quickly through the minors.
Now I know many people in Mariner nation are having a fit right now
over picks 27 and 31. Get over yourself! This is not the NFL draft or
even the NBA draft and you have never even seen most of these guys
play. It is possible that they went cheap on both picks but they also
could just value Franklin and Baron that high. Most of the guys picked
today will not be stars or even regulars in the majors. So everyone
get a grip.
By Richard Bowler 06-09-09
A solid day for the Mariners future in GM J-Z's
first draft in Seattle.
2) Dustin Ackley 1B/OF, UNC- Ackley is a gifted hitter with very good
speed and plate discipline. Dustin is considered a very safe pick and
could be major league ready in 2010.
27) Nicholas Franklin SS, FLA H.S.- Franklin is an athletic short stop
that has committed to Auburn University. Franklin has good size for a
middle infielder and was rising on many draft boards.
33) Steven Baron C, FLA H.S.- A cannon armed catcher who is
committed to play at Duke.
51) Rich Poythress 1B UGA- Rich, besides having a great name, is a
tremendous power hitter who put up big numbers in the SEC. Other
than the power, Poythress, is an unspectacular player.
82) Kyle Seager 2B, UNC- A solid hitter with questions about his
defense at second base. If he can become competent on defense his
bat is very advanced and he could rise quickly through the minors.
Now I know many people in Mariner nation are having a fit right now
over picks 27 and 31. Get over yourself! This is not the NFL draft or
even the NBA draft and you have never even seen most of these guys
play. It is possible that they went cheap on both picks but they also
could just value Franklin and Baron that high. Most of the guys picked
today will not be stars or even regulars in the majors. So everyone
get a grip.
UW Gets Commitment From Nick Montana
By Richard Bowler 06-11-09
Coach Steve Sarkisian signed the son of
former NFL great Joe Montana to play QB at the University of
Washington. Now, Nick is a lot more than just a famous last name he
can really play football. A top 15 QB in his class Nick threw for 2,404 yds
and 33 TD in his Junior season in 2008. The big named recruit will
serve as symbol of change in a new era for the once proud program
regardless of his on field results.
By Richard Bowler 06-11-09
Coach Steve Sarkisian signed the son of
former NFL great Joe Montana to play QB at the University of
Washington. Now, Nick is a lot more than just a famous last name he
can really play football. A top 15 QB in his class Nick threw for 2,404 yds
and 33 TD in his Junior season in 2008. The big named recruit will
serve as symbol of change in a new era for the once proud program
regardless of his on field results.
Bedard"s Trade Value Dips With a Trip to the DL
By Richard C Bowler 06-16-09
First the economy takes a bite out of Bedard's trade stock
and now his injury prone nature has further diminished his
value. Whether or not you were a fan of the original deal
at this point we have to come to terms with the fact we depleted our farms
system and got nothing in return. We will be lucky to get any value out of
Bedard whether we trade or resign him. I know I just mentioned
resigning this albatross, which could be a better option than trading him,
but at this point I don't think we are going to do any better. On a brighter
note Mike Carp will soon make his Mariner debut. His bat can't possibly
be any worse than garbage we throw out on the field on such a regular
basis. We have the worst offense in all of baseball and it is time to give
some of the young guys a chance and possibly ignite our putrid line up.
By Richard C Bowler 06-16-09
First the economy takes a bite out of Bedard's trade stock
and now his injury prone nature has further diminished his
value. Whether or not you were a fan of the original deal
at this point we have to come to terms with the fact we depleted our farms
system and got nothing in return. We will be lucky to get any value out of
Bedard whether we trade or resign him. I know I just mentioned
resigning this albatross, which could be a better option than trading him,
but at this point I don't think we are going to do any better. On a brighter
note Mike Carp will soon make his Mariner debut. His bat can't possibly
be any worse than garbage we throw out on the field on such a regular
basis. We have the worst offense in all of baseball and it is time to give
some of the young guys a chance and possibly ignite our putrid line up.
King Felix Trade Offers
By Richard Bowler 8-04-09
Geoff Baker reported earlier this week that the Red Sox made a hard push for Mariners ace Felix Hernandez at the trade
deadline. Baker reported that the one of the potential deals involved the San Diego Padres as well.
In the first deal the Mariners would get to choose 5 prospects from a list of 8 players: Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson,
Daniel Bard, Michael Bowden, Felix Dourabont, Nick Hagadone, Yaimaco Navarro, and Josh Reddick. This package was
turned down by GM J-Z for obvious reasons. First of all premium prospects like Casey Kelly, Lars Anderson, Ryan
Westmoreland and Junichi Tazawa were not included in the package. Secondly Masterson, Bard and Bowden while
very good players all profile as relief pitchers which is not an organizational need at this point. If it were me i wouldn't have taken a
package of less than Buchholz, Hagadone, Anderson, Westmoreland, and one other player from the first list. If that is too much for
Boston then I bid them good luck and move on. Hagadone and Masterson were later traded to Cleveland for Victor Martinez.
The second and more interesting deal was one in which the M's would receive Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego, Clay Buchholz and two
other prospects from Boston. Now Baker reported that the M's would send Phillipe Aumont, Brandon Morrow and Carlos Triunfel to San
Diego, but Jason Churchill of Prospect Insider reported that is wasn't true and that more likely the Padres would receive three prospects
from the Red Sox. Now with the likely hood that the Mariners would be picking from the same group of prospects a deal of Gonzalez,
Buchholz, Hagadone, and Bard would be very intriguing. If the Red Sox were to sweeten the deal by substituting Bard for Kelly,
Westmoreland, Tazawa then I would probably do that deal.
With all that said keeping Felix Hernandez and resigning him for the future would be great for the M's. King Felix is a beast and is a key
piece for the organizations future, but if we won't be able to resign him then we have to get a the most value from him as possible.
Basically it breaks down to whether or not Felix and his agent are willing to talk extension because if not the M's need to explore trade
options in the off season. Obviously the package would be have to be huge and comprised of near MLB ready talent.
By Richard Bowler 8-04-09
Geoff Baker reported earlier this week that the Red Sox made a hard push for Mariners ace Felix Hernandez at the trade
deadline. Baker reported that the one of the potential deals involved the San Diego Padres as well.
In the first deal the Mariners would get to choose 5 prospects from a list of 8 players: Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson,
Daniel Bard, Michael Bowden, Felix Dourabont, Nick Hagadone, Yaimaco Navarro, and Josh Reddick. This package was
turned down by GM J-Z for obvious reasons. First of all premium prospects like Casey Kelly, Lars Anderson, Ryan
Westmoreland and Junichi Tazawa were not included in the package. Secondly Masterson, Bard and Bowden while
very good players all profile as relief pitchers which is not an organizational need at this point. If it were me i wouldn't have taken a
package of less than Buchholz, Hagadone, Anderson, Westmoreland, and one other player from the first list. If that is too much for
Boston then I bid them good luck and move on. Hagadone and Masterson were later traded to Cleveland for Victor Martinez.
The second and more interesting deal was one in which the M's would receive Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego, Clay Buchholz and two
other prospects from Boston. Now Baker reported that the M's would send Phillipe Aumont, Brandon Morrow and Carlos Triunfel to San
Diego, but Jason Churchill of Prospect Insider reported that is wasn't true and that more likely the Padres would receive three prospects
from the Red Sox. Now with the likely hood that the Mariners would be picking from the same group of prospects a deal of Gonzalez,
Buchholz, Hagadone, and Bard would be very intriguing. If the Red Sox were to sweeten the deal by substituting Bard for Kelly,
Westmoreland, Tazawa then I would probably do that deal.
With all that said keeping Felix Hernandez and resigning him for the future would be great for the M's. King Felix is a beast and is a key
piece for the organizations future, but if we won't be able to resign him then we have to get a the most value from him as possible.
Basically it breaks down to whether or not Felix and his agent are willing to talk extension because if not the M's need to explore trade
options in the off season. Obviously the package would be have to be huge and comprised of near MLB ready talent.
2010 Seattle Mariners
By Richard Bowler 8-03-09
Dave Cameron over at USS Mariner did a similar break down of next season but I had already started so I here it goes anyway.
C Rob Johnson
1B Russell Branyan/Mike Carp- Carp is my first choice if Branyan doesn't resign
2B Jose Lopez- I get the feeling that Lopez might be moved in the off season
3B Adrian Beltre/Jack Hannahan/Matt Tuiasosopo
SS Jack Wilson
LF Mike Saunders
CF Franklin Gutierrez
RF Ichiro
DH Russell Branyan/Hank Blalock - Blalock hit well at Safe Co and could come cheap
BN Adam Moore- Proving Kenji is gone
BN Jack Hannahan
BN Ryan Langerhans
BN Matt Tuiasosopo
BN Chris Shelton
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Ian Snell
SP Ryan Rowland-Smith
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Luke French
SP Jason Vargas
CL David Ardsma
RP Mark Lowe
RP Sean White
RP Shawn Kelly
RPJustin Thomas
RPGarrett Olson
RP Phillipe Aumont/Josh Fields-
RPCarlos Silva- No place else for the bum but mop up duty
By Richard Bowler 8-03-09
Dave Cameron over at USS Mariner did a similar break down of next season but I had already started so I here it goes anyway.
C Rob Johnson
1B Russell Branyan/Mike Carp- Carp is my first choice if Branyan doesn't resign
2B Jose Lopez- I get the feeling that Lopez might be moved in the off season
3B Adrian Beltre/Jack Hannahan/Matt Tuiasosopo
SS Jack Wilson
LF Mike Saunders
CF Franklin Gutierrez
RF Ichiro
DH Russell Branyan/Hank Blalock - Blalock hit well at Safe Co and could come cheap
BN Adam Moore- Proving Kenji is gone
BN Jack Hannahan
BN Ryan Langerhans
BN Matt Tuiasosopo
BN Chris Shelton
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Ian Snell
SP Ryan Rowland-Smith
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Luke French
SP Jason Vargas
CL David Ardsma
RP Mark Lowe
RP Sean White
RP Shawn Kelly
RPJustin Thomas
RPGarrett Olson
RP Phillipe Aumont/Josh Fields-
RPCarlos Silva- No place else for the bum but mop up duty
Potential line-up
Probably not going to be close
RF Ichiro
CF Franklin Gutierrez
DH Hank Blalock/Russel Branyan
2B Jose Lopez
1B Mike Carp
3B Adrian Beltre
LF Mike Saunders
C Rob Johnson
SS Jack Wilson
Probably not going to be close
RF Ichiro
CF Franklin Gutierrez
DH Hank Blalock/Russel Branyan
2B Jose Lopez
1B Mike Carp
3B Adrian Beltre
LF Mike Saunders
C Rob Johnson
SS Jack Wilson