 |  |
|
| |
 |
September 2009
Categories
| July 2009Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced that the Mariners have acquired shortstop Jack Wilson and right-handed pitcher Ian Snell from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for shortstop Ronny Cedeño, minor league catcher/first baseman Jeff Clement and minor league right-handed pitchers Nathan Adcock, Brett Lorin and Aaron Pribanic. Zduriencik said, "this was an opportunity for us to acquire a veteran shortstop, a former All-Star player, with leadership qualities and above average defensive skills. As we move forward over the next few years it is nice to know that we have solidified the shortstop position. We also acquired Ian Snell, a talented pitcher with Major League experience who now has an opportunity re-start his career after a very successful re-assignment in Indianapolis." NBCsports.com lists the Top 5 2009 Fantasy Football Busts and a Seahawk player is on it. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is that guy. NBC Sports gives their reason to stay away: Now, Carson Palmer is healthy, but Housh is in Seattle where he'll have an aging and injury prone Matt Hasselbeck trying to get him the ball. With Mike Holmgren gone, it's likely the Seahawks will focus more on the run as well. Personally, I'm not inclined to side with them. I think the Hawks will run more than in the past. But they can't live by the run. So Hasselbeck has to throw to someone and T.J. is a great possession receiver. Of course, he's not gonna average 20-30 yards per game, but he will get his touches. He could catch 100 balls and break a thousand yards. ...
A big "Congratulations!" goes out to Everett Silvertips forward Kellan Tochkin. The 18-year-old just signed a three-year, entry level contract with the Vancouver Canucks. Kellan becomes the youngest Everett Silvertip to sign an NHL contract, and joins fellow 'Tips Dan Gendur and Taylor Ellington in the Canucks' system. He couldn't be more excited. When I interviewed him last season, Kellan talked about his love for Vancouver and Trevor Linden, who he idolized while growing up in Abbotsford, BC. Now, he's set to join their ranks. ...NFL commish Roger Goodell tells Michael Vick he can return to pro football under certain conditions. Vick probably won't be available to play in an actual regular season game until week 6. Should Vick be allowed back in? Has he served his time? Does Vick deserve another chance? I think it'll be interesting to see if any team is willing to take the chance of a potential P.R. nightmare. Jesse Jones stopped by the sports office just a few minutes ago. He thinks it'll be interesting once Vick's agent puts out the number he wants for a contract. Jesse also suggested Vick should play for the veteran's minimum to show he's serious about rehabilitating himself and his image. Maybe Vick's P.R. people should "Get Jesse". ...The Mariners put pitcher Erik Bedard to the 15-day disabled list today. The lefty came out of the game Saturday after the third inning. He's got shoulder inflamation. Isn't that what's wrong with Carlos Silva? We haven't seen him in awhile. At any rate, here's what Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik had to say about the move: "At this time, we thought it was in Erik's best interest to back him off and give him time to recover from the discomfort in his left shoulder. We look forward to having him available to compete for the stretch run." - M's GM Jack Zduriencik In the meantime, Seattle recalled up Jason Vargas. He'll start today against the Indians. Vargas, also a left-hander, pitched well this season. He's sporting a 3-3 record with a 3.82 ERA. The M's official news release is after the jump. ...New Jersey Nets owner Bruce Ratner is showing numerous signs that he's selling his team. Ratner hopes to keep them in New Jersey/Brooklyn. "They're up for sale," a minority ownership source said flatly. -- NY Post.com The Nets have been showing signs of financial problems throughout the summer. They've cut the office staff by 25%, reducing non-basketball employees pay by 20%, and trading their highest paid employee, Vince Carter, to Orlando. So the Nets join a list of NBA teams with financial problems. Charlotte, New Orleans, and Milwaukee are a few that have come out front to say they're having issues. Plus, don't forget the 15 teams that could grab a loan from the NBA. Add the fact that less than half of the teams made a profit last season, Commissioner David Stern's league could have problems. ...According to Associated Press, Adrian Beltre could rejoin the Mariners in about 2 weeks. Apparently his rehab is ahead of schedule. Beltre says he feels so good he could play now. He says the cautious Mariners are telling him he must wait another two weeks to return but that his rehabilitation is ahead of schedule. -- Associated Press AB had shoulder surgery to remove bone spurs in his left shoulder. It was suppose to take 6-8 weeks to heal. If Beltre returns in 2 weeks, that means it only took just over 5 weeks to heal. ...The Seahawks have signed 3rd round pick Deon Butler to a 4-year today. According to profootballtalk.com, it could be worth up to $3.173 million dollars, if Butler reaches the escalator clauses. His signing bonus is worth $680,750. The Seahawks official news release is after the jump. To no one's surprise, the Mariners have recalled Ryan Rowland Smith. Seattle had to make room for him, so they designated reliever Roy Corcoran for assignment. No one claimed Josh Wilson. Seattle outrighted Wilson to Tacoma. The M's official news release is after the jump. ...One of the hottest pitchers in baseball, Jarrod Washburn, who pitched seven scoreless innings against Detroit on Thursday says he'd like to stay in Seattle. Washburn can be a free agent after the season when his four-year, $37.5 million contract expires. I think the Mariners need to make sure they keep Washburn in a Mariners uniform. He is 5-1 with a 1.81 ERA in his last seven starts and is pitching with passion. If Seattle can keep a 1-2-3 punch of Felix, Bedard and Washburn going for another season and sprinkle in some big bats, that's a recipe for a playoff contender. ...He played one stellar season with the Everett Silvertips, creating many memories and generating a pretty staunch following. Those fans have kept up with Riley Armstrong's career from afar the last five years, as he worked to make a name for himself within the San Jose Sharks' organization. Now, after five strong years with San Jose's AHL affiliates, the Cleveland Barons and then the Worcester Sharks, Riley finds himself facing a new adventure with a new team, the Calgary Flames. ...Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik announced today that the M's have activated first-baseman/designated hitter Mike Sweeney from the 15-day disabled list. To make room on the active roster, infielder Josh Wilson was designated for assignment by Seattle. Sweeney, missed 10 games after leaving a game on July 5th with back spasms. This season Sweeney is hitting .250 with 7 doubles, 3 home runs and 15 RBI. ...If you've always wanted to ask a pro athlete a question, but never could? Well now is your chance to do it. We call it "Ask the Sounders." It's your opportunity to ask the coaches or players a question about the game or anything else. We will take the top 3 questions. So put your questions in the "Comments" section.
The Sounders FC announce defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and forward Fredy Montero made the All-Star roster. They join starters GK Kasey Keller & Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. The official news release is after the break. ...Former Gonzaga star Jason Bay talks about two of his days at the All Star game. He was making a little small talk with Ichiro. Bay told Ichi he lives in Kirkland. Then asked the M's right fielder where does he live. Here's Ichi's threatening reply through a translator: "I'm going to mess with your house." The way he said it was malicious, and Ichiro is on the floor dying laughing like it was the funniest thing ever. I was just like, "OK, I'll see you guys out there." I didn't know what to say. It was weird. Can you see Ichiro T.P.-ing Bay's house? He definitely needs to tell us so we can shoot the shenanigans. ...The Kansas City Star did a story on new Royal and former Mariner Yuniesky Betancourt. In the article, the writer claims Yuni knew he wore out his welcome in Seattle. "I really prepared in the offseason for this season. I just don't know why things didn't click. Sometimes, players go through phases like that. I felt I went through one this year." -- Betancourt through a translator to kansascity.com 7/16/09 The Royals expect him to be a key part of their future. ...Houston Dynamo's Brian Ching was fined $500 by the MLS for criticizing the refs from Saturday's game. The former Gonzaga star didn't play in the game, but tweeted on his Twitter account this: "Ref in Seattle just cheated the Dynamo. What a joke. Not even close. Ref is a cheat." Apparently, the MLS didn't take to kindly. I suspect his criticizism comes from the Fredy Montero goal. If you want to see Brian Ching's Twitter account or want to see his comments, click here. If you want to follow our Twitter account, click here. ...Here's a news release from the Sounders about Saturday's game with Chelsea:
Sounder trains will run from Tacoma and Everett for match RENTON, Wash. -Soccer fans attending the Sounders FC vs. Chelsea FC match on Saturday, July 18 will see significant construction activity as they arrive at Qwest Field. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early. The Qwest Field gates will open at 10 a.m. for the noon kickoff. Sound Transit will operate Sounder trains from Tacoma and Everett to provide fans another transportation option. Trains depart King Street Station approximately 30 minutes after the soccer match ends.
Fans are encouraged to avoid South Royal Brougham Way unless they park in the Qwest Event Center Garage. Fans parking in the garage will have access by one lane only via South Royal Brougham Way and Fourth Avenue South.
Fans are invited to participate in the following match day activities:
March to the Match Join Sound Wave, the Sounders FC Alliance and fans as they "March to the Match". The March will depart Occidental Park located in the heart of Pioneer Square at the intersection of Main Street and Occidental Avenue South. The "March to the Match" will depart the park at 10:30 a.m. and finish just outside the Northwest Gate, where fans can enter the stadium.
Soccer Celebration Soccer Celebration activities are located at the Northwest Gate, inside the stadium at the North Plaza and throughout the Qwest Field Plaza. Activities include inflatable games, face painting, sign making, music and more. Soccer Celebration activities will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude after the match.
For more information visit www.soundersfc.com ...Storm forward Lauren Jackson did not travel with the team to Sacramento. She will miss Friday's game against the Monarchs. LJ suffered a strained left Achilles with 3:28 left in the 3rd quarter of last night's loss to Detroit. Oshie holds hockey summer camp and autograph fundraising session
T-BIRDS OFF SEASON TRAINING CAMP OPEN TO PUBLIC ON SATURDAY
If you're a stock car driver and they call you "an old man," take it as a compliment if they liken your driving style to Mark Martin. And make no mistake Mark Martin is not "a crazy old man." You've read his blogs all season, giving us a glimpse into life as a member of the Houston Aeros AHL team. But Mitch Love did much more than that. He took us on a ride through the Aeros' amazing season. We celebrated every victory; we nursed every bruise along with Love and his teammates. Mitch brought us to the edge of our seats as Houston pulled of seemingly impossible victories, under the tutelage of former Everett Silvertips head coach Kevin Constantine . ...For the first time this season, I actually had the pleasure to head down to the X-Box pitch to watch a Sounders FC game. Usually, Lisa Gangel is at the match, and I'm back at the King 5 studios. I've heard for months about the energy of crowd and the excitement on the pitch and even though I've enjoyed watching the Sounders on TV, it's nothing like being at the game. To hear the fans signing songs, actually gave me chills. To see confetti flying throughout the stadium and the sea of green up close, was absolutley an amazing sight. When the Everett Silvertips' season ended after the first round of the playoffs, fans were forced to say goodbye to several key players who had to move on because they've reached the age limit and could not continue playing in the WHL. One of the players who had to leave was a tough d-man who manned the blue line for the 'Tips for five years.
This is a busy week in the NHL, as each team conducts camp for prospects. A number of current and former Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips players are among the young players vying for attention that could lead to a spot on his team's roster. One young man who's already captured the attention of his team's bosses is former Silvertip Zach Hamill. ...The Mariners had to make a move to make room for new third baseman Jack Hannahan. So before today's game with Texas, the M's sent pitcher Brandon Morrow to Tacoma. Manager Don Wakamatsu wants to see more consistency out of Morrow. You can read the M's news release after the jump. By the way, Hannahan will be in uniform tonight. ...The Mariners have traded a minor league pitcher to Oakland for third baseman Jack Hannahan. He's hitting a paltry .193 with the A's. Here's Jack Zduriencik on Jack: "We had the opportunity to acquire a premium defensive player who swings a left-handed bat. Jack will become part of our mix at third base. He's a great make-up guy, and a well above average defensive third baseman." You can the M's official news release after the jump. ...The Mariners just traded shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt today. He's headed to the Royals for 2 young pitchers. They get right-handed pitcher Danny Cortes and left-handed pitcher Derrick Saito. Cortes was KC's minor league pitcher of the year last season. The M's news release is after the jump. ...The Storm announced the All-Decade team tonight.
"I'm honored to have been a part of the Storm organization and played in front of the best fans in the WNBA for eight of the team's 10 seasons. The undying support of the Storm's fans has been a constant throughout my career and I will always appreciate their energy and passion. The celebration of the Storm's 10th Anniversary is really about our fans and all that they have done to make women's basketball a Seattle tradition." Simone Edwards adds: "You couldn't ask for better fans than those in Seattle. They are incredibly supportive and they want to see you succeed. I remember when we started out our first year, we only won six games but the fans would stay until the end and give us a standing ovation." From CEO Karen Bryant: "All players who have worn a Storm jersey have provided us with lasting memories and inspirational moments," said Storm CEO Karen Bryant. "The Storm's 10th Anniversary is really a celebration of the special connection between our players and the fans. We are thrilled to be honoring this accomplished group of outstanding women who have brought so much to our community, both on and off the court, during the past decade."... If you've always wanted to ask a pro athlete a question, but never could? Well now is your chance to do it. We call it "Ask the Sounders." It's your opportunity to ask the coaches or players a question about the game or anything else. We will take the top 3 questions. So put your questions in the "Comments" section.
The hockey season has been over for several months here in Western Washington, but recently, it seems to be all we're talking about, especially on the Everett Silvertips front. First, the team introducs a new head coach: former NHL player and coach Craig Hartsburg. Then, forwards Cameron Abney and Byron Froese are drafted by the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks, respectively. Now, Everett is bursting with pride again, as the Tampa Bay Lightning selects Comcast Arena as one of the stops on a pre-season tour in September.
We're tentatively scheduled to talk to UFC President Dana White on Friday via satellite. UFC 100 is coming up on Friday. Plus, I think we're talking to UFC legend Randy Couture on Monday. Let us know if you have a question for Dana or Randy. We'll use them to interview both guys. Just leave your question in the comments section. ...The Mariners do the expected and activate Erik Bedard from the 15-day DL. He'll start tonight against Baltimore. To make room, Seattle places DH Mike Sweeney on the DL with back spasms. The M's official news release is after the jump. ...
The Tampa Bay Lightning just released an ambitious pre-season schedule that will take them to several smaller arenas, including Comcast Arena, home of the Everett Silvertips. The Lightning will face off against the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:30pm. The Everett Silvertips will not comment on this report, but say they will have their own news release a little later this morning. We don't know when tickets will go on sale, but will update this story when we do get that information. ...Can you believe Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett already has guaranteed Arizona will win the NFC West? He did so on his Twitter account. You can read it here. His exact quote is "WE WILL WIN THE NFC WEST" in all caps. It's kind of a gutsy call. But I guess guarantees don't mean much these days. I remember at the end of this past season, former Hawks DT Rocky Bernard sat in his locker say he couldn't believe the Arizona Cardinals were in the playoffs. He chuckled a bit and then repeated it and laughed a little more. By the way, doesn't Dockett know about the Super Bowl curse for the losing team? Only two teams since 1997 have returned to the playoffs after losing the Super Bowl. ...Can you believe Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett already has guaranteed Arizona will win the NFC West? He did so on his Twitter account. You can read it here. His exact quote is "WE WILL WIN THE NFC WEST" in all caps. It's kind of a gutsy call. But I guess guarantees don't mean much these days. I remember at the end of this past season, former Hawks DT Rocky Bernard sat in his locker say he couldn't believe the Arizona Cardinals were in the playoffs. He chuckled a bit and then repeated it and laughed a little more. By the way, doesn't Dockett know about the Super Bowl curse for the losing team? Only two teams since 1997 have returned to the playoffs after losing the Super Bowl. ...Good morning hockey fans and friends,
Jean Theoret is in stable condition after flipping his hydroplane on Saturday. It happened during a qualifying run at the Governor's Cup in Indiana. If you want to see a shot of the flip, click on the courierunlimiteds.com. We'll have an upate on Theoret's conditon tonight at 10 & 11. Plus, we'll have highlights from today's finals, including sound from the winner, Dave Villwock. ...When we think of hockey in Western Washington, the first things that come to mind are the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips. But, the Puget Sound region is a hotbed for youth hockey and no matter where you live, you can find a program that will suit your child's needs. Once your son or daughter has learned the basics of the game, he or she can move on to teams with higher skill sets. ...In case you haven't heard, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is set to climb Mt. Rainier this week with Seahawks head coach Jim Mora. Our own Paul Silvi is also taking on the challenge, too. He's going to be part of the group who's heading up Rainier starting Monday. We'll keep you updated on his progress all week, hopefully with some pictures/video, too. So check in to the blog and our KING 5 Sports twitter account. For the time being, click here for some of Silvi's training pics. In the meantime, below is one of those pics from his training. You can't call Seahawks owner Paul Allen a cheapskate. He spent over $550 million during a five year period (2004-2008) to make the Hawks a better team. He was only out spent by the Dallas Cowboys. Arizona was the highest NFC West team after Seattle. They came in 14th place, spending just over $505 million. So do you think Seattle got the most bang for their buck? During that time, the Hawks won 4 NFC West crowns and went to a Super Bowl. Seems like they did all right. ...
Congratulations go out to several Everett Silvertips players. Last week, I reported that the Edmonton Oilers drafted Right Wing Cameron Abney in the 3rd round of the NHL Entry Draft and the Chicago Blackhawks selected Center Byron Froese in the 4th round. ...This is the new home for Blogger KING's High School Sports Blog. Check back for new entries as we get closer to football season. ... |
