Should the Mariners think about trading Felix Hernandez?

After last night's absolute gem of a performance, most would choke on their morning coffee at the idea of the Mariners trading Felix Hernandez.  I on the other hand would be on the phone with every contending GM right now telling them to put their list of prospects together, and don't leave any of the good ones off!

Here's my take on why the Mariners need to strike now, and trade Felix, while the iron is red hot.

http://thenorthwestsportsconnection.blogspot.com/2012/06/time-is-now.html

Concerned about Bruce Irvin? Yes, A Little

Bruce.......you are going to have to do better than this buddy.  We all freaked out when your name was read #15 because we didn't know you.  Then many of us did some research.  We read, we watched, we blogged and we talked all about you.  Coples, Branch, McClellin, etc were all forgotten about.  We have focused all of our attention on you.  We got excited and behind you regardless of the major media pundits.  For this, all we ask is that any time you see a camera you don't say you are f'ed up multiple times in 30 seconds.  Come on man!  And please, please, please never ever reference the Seattle Seahawks as the Washington Redskins! I was a history teacher and I was always having to field questions related to Washington DC and Washington state.  It is one of the most annoying things a Washingtonian has to deal with.  I wish you well here in Seattle.  For the record, I think Mr. Robinson should have protected Irvin and not let this clip go public.  It was great to see Irvin on camera but not like this.

Video is courtesy of The Real Robinson Report.

College Football Playoffs

Here's my take on what the NCAA needs to do for a college football playoff. Let me know your thoughts.

http://thenorthwestsportsconnection.blogspot.com/2012/06/four-team-playoff-is-bad-idea_25.html

Comments from ESPN NFC West Blog

Here is some fun on Mike Sando's blog from this morning.  Oh how I dream that someday this sort of interaction will occur on this blog.  I suppose 1 month in I shouldn't be expecting the results of ESPN but wouldn't that be fun!  Click on the image to get the size to increase.

Sleepless in Seattle? Not Last Night!

I had a couple quick thoughts pop into my head about the NBA Championship that I would like to hear some feedback on.

1. Congrats to the Miami Heat. Sleepless in Seattle ended for one night.
2. Should the city of Seattle fly out the Miami Heat players for a 2nd Parade?
3. Would you like Lebron to give Seattle one shout out? There are only 2 places in the country that were willing to fight the good fight for the Miami Heat.  Would you like to hear Lebron say something just for fun?
4. Any other fun ideas?

I Need More Comments Before I Can Reveal the Real Predictions. I'm calling out Mark, Kasy, Travis, Jack and Mike.

John Clayton's NFL Predictions by Division NFC

Okay, to mix it up a little today, I have John Clayton's most recent predictions for the upcoming season. First up will be the NFC South.  What I want you to do is take your best guess of matching up the record to the team. Is my diagram correct or am I showing a defensive package loaded with blitz potential... only to run a base D? I will reveal the correct answers (John Clayton's) tomorrow.  Have fun.  Write out what you think are the correct records in the comment section.

John Clayton's Predictions by Division NFC

Okay, to mix it up a little today, I have John Clayton's most recent predictions for the upcoming season. Second up will be the NFC North.  What I want you to do is take your best guess of matching up the record to the team. Is my diagram correct or am I showing a defensive package loaded with blitz potential... only to run a base D? I will reveal the correct answers (John Clayton's) tomorrow.  Have fun.  Write out what you think are the correct records in the comment section.

John Clayton's Predictions by Division NFC

Okay, to mix it up a little today, I have John Clayton's most recent predictions for the upcoming season. Third up and my favorite will be the NFC West.  What I want you to do is take your best guess of matching up the record to the team. Is my diagram correct or am I showing a defensive package loaded with blitz potential... only to run a base D? I will reveal the correct answers (John Clayton's) tomorrow.  Have fun.  Write out what you think are the correct records in the comment section.

John Clayton's Predictions by Division NFC

Okay, to mix it up a little today, I have John Clayton's most recent predictions for the upcoming season. Last up and by no means is this meant to be offensive to the division I consider the creme del la creme will be the NFC East.  What I want you to do is take your best guess of matching up the record to the team. Is my diagram correct or am I showing a defensive package loaded with blitz potential... only to run a base D? I will reveal the correct answers (John Clayton's) tomorrow.  Have fun.  Write out what you think are the correct records in the comment section.

Top 5 Running Back's for Fantasy Football?

Courtesy of ESPN

Is this happening?  Is it Fantasy time?  I think it is!  There is no time like the present to dive into some good info especially if it is going highlight a Seahawk!!!  Check out this article by Mike Sando from Espn's NFC West Blog.
The "Fantasy Football Roundtable" above focuses on what to expect from Marshawn Lynch,Ryan Mathews and Chris Johnson during the 2012 NFL season. ESPN fantasy analyst Matthew Berry made a strong case for Lynch to pick up where he left off last season -- as one of the most productive backs. Lynch led the NFL in rushing yardage from Weeks 9-17. He finished with 1,204 yards for the season. The subject gave me an idea: one post per NFC West team, each examining the likelihood of a positive trend carrying over from last season. I'll begin with Berry's thoughts on Lynch's prospects: 
He’s only 26. You’d think this guy has been around forever. He’s only 26, and when we talk about repeatability, he had an amazing year last year, we all know that, but he has done it before. It had been a while prior to that. His first two seasons in Buffalo, he had 1,200 total yards in each of those seasons and had been a productive fantasy back those first two years.
"Pete Carroll likes to run the ball, likes to run with a big back. He traded for him and I like that offensive line in Seattle. They are young and they are getting better. They need to get healthier, but given that division and given their commitment to the run, I think their offense will be better. I don’t think it will be amazing, but I do think the Seattle offense as a whole will be better. He’s gonna get the rock and, by the way, he outscored both those guys (Mathews and Johnson) last year."
Berry makes good points. I agree with what he's saying. Lynch reached 100 yards rushing six times in the Seahawks' final nine games last season. He did so while Seattle was replacing injured starters on its line. The blocking should improve as Seattle's line gets healthier and plays together longer. One concern could be how Lynch responds after receiving a long-term contract. To what degree, if any, did his aggressive running style last season reflect motivation to earn a new deal? That is a fair question in sports; there's no substitute for extra incentive. See the 3:00 minute video by clicking on this link.  Make sure you leave a comment on both my blog and ESPN.  We like Mike Sando and want to support him also. Please leave your top 5 Fantasy Football Running Back's in my comment section after you see this video.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/68148/late-season-trend-sustainability-seahawks

I Should have been Modeling John Clayton at 17!

This is one of the best audio sound bites I have heard in a while.  It is fun to hear what the Professor did to get where he is today.  If we could all do it over again...I would have been working on my writing when I wasn't playing football and basketball. What a wasted opportunity during the baseball season.  I could have been sitting in the sun rain writing about my brother pitching on the mound.  Now I squeeze in my writing for free when I have a spare second.  Anyway, enjoy the audio.  He roots for the stories, come on John I want to hear the truth.


http://mynorthwest.com/category/pod_player_sports/?a=9942944&p=1026&n=Cold%20Hard%20Facts

Saints vs Seahawks Bounty

The Seahawks have recently been brought up in the New Orleans Saints bounty scheme. We are all tired of this story and can't wait to move on but I have to voice my opinion on this matter before I bury it in the archive.  

Courtesy of Star Tribune

My first thought is that I can't stand Rodger Goodell's role as Judge, Jury and Executioner.  He is just so unlikable.  I seriously feel as though he should do the right thing and create a council or team of administrators to decide on issues related to the NFL.  I don't care that the NFP Players Association agreed to Goodell's Reign of Terror.  I think they made a mistake but ultimately just wanted/needed to get back to playing football.  For the good of the game Goodell needs to develop a check and balance system.  I think he, not concussions are more detrimental to the shield's status going forward.

Courtesy of CBS News

My second thought is about the New Orleans Saints.  The whole country loved you.  We all rooted for you.  We had our favorite team of course but nobody in the country could root against you following Hurrican Katrina.  Now that is gone.  In fact many fans not to mention teams will be circling the Saints on their calendar for years to come.  I certainly think that until every team mentioned in the report has had a crack at the Saints they will stay in the frontal lobe of every player and team.  We recently discovered information regarding the playoff game against the Seahawks with photos of Matt Hasselbeck, Mike Williams, and Marshawn Lynch. " There is even an image of a soldier's view through a gun scope.  Now I don't think any of this alone is scary or concerning but I do think it shows proof that a lot of time and dedication was put towards the scheme that these players and coaches who were punished want to see reduced. I'm sorry happy they got their punishment.  I don't think it is too harsh.  I think it sends a message and I like the message! If the players and coaches want time reduced I think they should reread their own words in regards to their pregame speeches in Seattle for that historical playoff game. Here is a glimpse at what they had to say as they read from a photo with several bullet points on that day, "Now its time to do our job...collect bounty$$$!" and "No apologies! Let's go hunting!"  Hunting? Seriously? Who got the last laugh?  I think we all know the outcome on this day.  However, I am more than happy to help regenerate that feeling if you some how have forgotten.

Courtesy of the Cleveland Leader

What NFL Star has the best Opening Pitch Form?

Bo Jackson

We all know a pitch off the mound is tough prior to a game that you do not play but shouldn't we expect these professional athletes to look athletic all the time?  Maybe not as its always easier said than done. Leave your opinion and thoughts below in the comment section.  See the link at the bottom if you want to see more pro football players attempt a pitch.

Eli Manning

Joe Montana

Aaron Rodgers

Tony Romo

Beanie Wells

http://www.nfl.com/photos/09000d5d82909eb1#id:09000d5d8290a0bf

Seahawk Recap from ESPN's NFC West Blog

It's possible some NFL receivers will spend more time catching passes from a division rival than from their own quarterbacks over the next five weeks. 

Collectively bargained rules prevent players from holding informal practice sessions at their teams' facilities. Some of them will work out at their former colleges, where former teammates are sometimes current rivals. 

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Seattle quarterback Matt Flynn has plans to work out at LSU, where his former college teammate, Arizona Cardinals receiver Early Doucet, also works out. Flynn: "That’s kind of my home base in the offseason. There’s a bunch of NFL guys that are from LSU, so I get together with the Early Doucets, Brandon LaFells -- guys that I played with in college that are in the NFL. We all get together and we work out in the mornings." Noted: Players bargained for freer offseasons. The new rules assure freer offseasons. Allowing players to practice informally at team headquarters would put pressure on them to do so. 

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune offers in-depth thoughts on Seattle quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson. On Flynn: "I don’t care for his throwing motion. He has a bit of an elbow-first push to it. At first look, it makes him seem a bit unimposing as a passer. Many great quarterbacks have flourished with unique styles, though. Whereas Jackson has the look of a thoroughbred athlete, Flynn is less impressive on the hoof. The difference is in efficiency. Flynn identifies his target, anticipates the opening, and gets the ball into the receiver’s catching-window with great regularity. His timing and accuracy make him look like a quarterback who can move the sticks, and be a very nice fit in the Hawks' run-balanced offense." 

Dan Hanzus of NFL.com says coach Pete Carroll has "no remorse" after incurring league punishment for the way his team practiced during recent minicamps. Carroll: "We get docked a little bit for that but we were trying to make the most of a situation that was not guided very clearly. There were some things written, but there's always been some things written. We saw no tape, nobody showed us, nobody talked to us about it. I have no remorse about it at all; we got 10 OTAs in eight days, that's all I can tell you." 

Brian McIntyre of NFL.com revisits a recent Alan Branch interview for thoughts about how the Seattle defensive tackle plans to improve his pass-rush ability. McIntyre: "Branch played in over 60 percent of the Seahawks' defensive snaps last season and frequently remained on the field in nickel and dime packages. With Jones improving the team's depth, and Irvin expected to play a prominent role opposite Chris Clemons, Branch will likely rotate with Red Bryant, Brandon Mebane and Clinton McDonald in pass-rushing situations."
All articles Courtesy of Mike Sando's blog on ESPN.

Guys, Where Should We Start Shopping for Sporting Goods Now?

After seeing this image recently I started to think to myself...Should I focus my attention on endorsing the Sports Authority, Big 5, REI, or even Play It Again Sports?  All I can think of is that this is either marketing ingenuity or marketing suicide.  Do you think they have seen a surge in female shoppers recently? Tell me what you think after seeing this image?  Leave a comment below.

Courtesy of Funny Junk

Come back Clemons

Courtesy of Ultimate Seahawks Fan

I can easily understand where Clemons is coming from in this hold out but we need him to put aside his frustration and get out and play some ball.  We need him not just for his production which has been huge on a team that cannot generate any pass rush but we really need him to help coach Bruce Irvin.  If you recall from comments made by Irvin he did not receive much coaching at West Virginia.  This is the NFL where speed, and your raw talent won't get you were it has always gotten you.  

Courtesy of Seattle Sport Blog

Footwork and some tricks are necessary to survival...especially if you are the 15th overall pick and the first DE taken off the board.  Let's get Clemons back on the practice field asap as we have a very raw rookie who will need some help!  We want dueling hands in the air and a beast mode like mentality on both offense and defense.  Another wasted first round pick on defense will set back the Seahawks in their first year with actually expectations.  Up to this point we have all had no expectations.  Let's get out there and win!!!  See the following link by Sando for continued Clemons talk. 
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/67990/around-the-nfc-west-latest-on-clemons

49ers coach is polarizing! Like, Love, or Hate?

Jim Harbaugh is tough.  I mean tough in every use of the word.  He comes from a tough working class family.  He was a tough gritty player who worked himself and his team out of some very tough game time situations and late comebacks. He was a tough coach at Stanford who took a team  that was rarely mentioned along the likes of USC or Oregon and turned them into one of the toughest teams with top tier NFL prospects.  He even for a few moments had me wishing the Seahawks would have waited a year to go college hunting for a coach. With his remarkable resume in his back pocket many of us might have forecasted his toughest challenge to be turning around his 49ers.  How does one turn around a team that has been lost for years... might I even say a decade?

Did he already answer this question in one year?  I think many fans out there would say he certainly did but that is too easy and as I pointed out before, Jim Harbaugh is tough in every use of the word.  I mean he makes millions and still sits in the blue collar section of the airplane.  (This still impresses me.  Thank you Mike Sando for that article a few months back on ESPN, you made a Seahawk fan feel jealous of the 49ers coaching staff for a second.)  Okay, back on track.  I'm willing to say its way to easy to say coach Harbaugh has turned the 49ers team around.  After an unpredictable 13-3 record and a trip to the NFC Championship game how could I argue he hasn't proven anything yet?  The Bay Area wants to think coach Harbaugh has brought the 49ers back but I say, No!  As great as he has been, shall I dare say this was a fluke!  Yes, I said it and it feels good!  My argument:
1. The 49ers suffered nearly the lowest number of injuries of any NFL team last year yet they play very physical football.  I expect those injuries to balance out this year.
2. The NFL wasn't prepared for a 49er team that knew how to win.  Teams didn't take them as seriously as needed until the 2nd half of the season because they had no reason to think they would be anything more than what they had been for a decade.
3. I feel rookie coaches have had a lot of relative success recently because game planning is always harder when you lack game tape and prior experience.  The NFL will be ready from the beginning this year.
4. There were no expectations other than finishing anywhere but last.  This year there is pressure and a lot of that is brought on by the arrogance of the coach and the players.  Davis comes to my mind first.
5. Just look a the second half of the season.  There was a significant difference in the end score. Many of those games the 49ers still won but this year things will be different.

Will Harbaugh's team be as tough as he is?  I don't think so.  I think the 49ers of old will surface within the first month of the season.  I see a bad start creating a quick problem with Davis, Crabtree and even Harbaugh himself.  He is too fiery to keep calm when he is winning. What is he and his team going to be like when the Seahawks and Cardinals come in and punch them in the proverbial mouth?

Check out this article by Mike Sando. I think he asked some great questions.  There are a lot of reasons to like Harbaugh but he makes it just as easy to dislike.  Why not just sit back and enjoy your season?  All his talking is hurting him.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/67679/character-assassination-in-diabolical-world

Colin Cowherd or Bob and Groz's opinon on Seahawks?

Courtesy of ESPN

I know Colin Cowherd is either loved or hated.  In fact I think I personally know a lot more people who have the later of the two feelings.  I, however, actually really love Cowherd.  I feel as though he has the greatest connections between sports and life.  I love politics and I love sports so listening to his show is exactly what sort of brain stimulating radio I am looking for in the morning.  It also helps that he and I both are from the Great Pacific Northwest but live on the east coast.  Yes, Cowherd typically rips the teams that I love but honestly he shares a tough opinion that I often harbor myself.  In fact I will back that up in a way that Colin Cowherd often backs up his statements. Is the best fan a blind one who never questions what a coach, owner or city is doing? My answer is no! Just like the most patriotic person isn't the type of person who agrees that everything their country does is the best and right thing to do.  Our opinions and thoughts should be expressed so that our team and or country can become the best versions of themselves.

Courtesy of ESPN and Sportsnation

I don't have anything against Bob and Groz, I often listen to them but on this matter I am going with Cowherd.  I am deeply concerned about some decisions the Seahawks have made on draft day.  In fact I think most of us are, but because we have had some much improved success since Mike Holmgren's final year and Jim Mora Jr's only year, we are giving Pete Carroll a little bit of a free pass lately.  I can't continue the free pass for Carroll as I sincerely do not like the 2011 James Carpenter draft pick at all! I think we were caught with our pants down at pick 25 and nobody to trade with.  I think we did not have a plan in place to select at that spot so we took a player that we had scouted.  However, we didn't take the best player available as Jimmy Smith, Mark Ingram, Muhammad Wilkerson and Andy Dalton quickly come to my mind as better and even needs.  Sadly, Carpenter's not even the best at his position as I see a healthy Gabe Carimi as far better.  As for this year, I am amped up about Bruce Irvin but I am equally as worried about the outcome being very Aaron Curry...esk.  Finally, while I went into the draft with a really open mind.  My only wish was to see what seems like a very nice kid in Russell Wilson be drafted by another team.  I listened daily with ringing ears to Brock and Salk salivate over the thought of drafting Russell Wilson.  While they were salivating I was holding back some very unwanted gastroesphageal reflux.  As you can imagine on that Friday night in the 3rd round I lost my cookies!  All I can do now is hope for the best and voice my opinion because the best fans have one and use one!

See the 2:51 Bob and Groz video voicing their more positive view of the Seahawks rebuilding.  All in all I think the rebuilding of the Seahawks has been really good. However, I do not think it has been flawless.  My grade is a solid B over the past 3 years but that is because their 2010 draft of Okung and Thomas will be elite.
http://mynorthwest.com/292/692151/Cant-find-much-fault-in-how-Seahawks-have-rebuilt  

Bring Back the Sonics Rally

Alright everyone, get out and join Kevin Calabro and company at the Bring Back the Sonics Rally.

This Thursday at 4:00 in Occidental Park!!!  If OKC in the NBA Finals doesn't motivate all of us a little more than there isn't anything that is going to get us our Sonics back.  Thank you to everyone who is involved! Check out this link for more info:
http://www.sonicsarena.com/

Support The Seattle Mayor!!!

http://mynorthwest.com/27/691418/Seattle-mayor-meets-with-NBA-head-in-New-York-

What State Is Filled With More Hate?

Washington or Ohio?  Seattle or Cleveland?  Sonics' fans or Cavaliers' fans? Who has a bigger 

beef?  Who has more rage and anger built up in them?  Who was cheated out of a legacy more?  Who undeservingly received the bigger slap across the face?  This could go on forever right?  After a morning of listening to talk radio it's tough to say what the right answer is to any of these questions.  Maybe the questions are impossible to answer.  Maybe...but I have an opinion.  I clearly think that it is Seattle.  In fact I can't even say that I feel Lebron made a mistake outside of hoisting a show to announce his decision.  He gave Cleveland everything  

for 7 years.  Clay Bennett, the hated buyer of the Sonics gave Seattle 1.5 years and truthfully does anyone in Seattle think he gave Seattle more than a day?  Not me.  I think his plan to move them to OKC was final before the ink dried on the contract stating he is the new owner.  As much as I feel he cheated and lied to buy the Sonics I think the true and lasting disdain I reserve is for Howard "Starbucks" Shultz.  For a very successful business man to make a sale like that is beyond me.  He is either lying to us or lying to himself whenever he states that he did not know Clay Bennett was going to move them.  Anyone could read one newspaper article at the time of the sale and know that the Sonics' days were numbered.  All this pain and suffering could have been avoided by selling to a local buyer but Howard Shultz felt the $100,000,000 profit on the sale of OUR team was more important.  Seriously, a man that earns over 16 million a year (Bloomberg Businessweek) cannot be feeling any pinch as we all know his company pretty well and we all equally know it's doing just fine. Why the hurry? Did you have anything against the winning style 

and play of Kevin Durrant?  Shultz isn't exactly Frank McCourt of the Dodgers or Fred Wilpon of the Mets.  This decision is at the core of why Sonics' fans feel so much pain.  What we need to do now is help bring back our team in any way that we can.  Call the local radio station, support local blogs or newspapers.  Organize meetings and gatherings like only Seattle can.  Let's make ourselves heard everyday not just when Kevin Calabro, Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp talk!  We want to happily support a NBA team not salivate over the lost Durrant or a Lebron.  We want to see them in Seattle where we can see greatness before they are gone.  We want to see Calabro, Payton and Kemp smiling on what will be a glorious day in Seattle as our team comes running back in!!!

NFC East, Up For Grabs?

Courtesy of Discovery

From the beginning of the playoffs it appeared as though everything for the NY Giants was going perfectly. They were playing their best going into the playoffs. Their best only got better as the playoffs reached into the Super Bowl. The sure handed Wes Welker and the accuracy of Tom Brady couldn't even figure out a way to spoil the riches the Giants were sowing. The Giants success even followed them into Radio City Music Hall for the 2012 draft. Everything is perfect in the land of NY right? Well almost, recently their luck has started to turn. I wouldn't say any dramatic changes to their expectations should be feared at the current moment but the cloud 9 they have been on is certainly starting to shape up into a mid afternoon thunder storm on the east coast. First, Hakeem Nicks breaks a small bone in his foot rendering him out for the next 6 to 8 weeks. This is bad but not the end of the world. Second, David Diehl, a beloved staple of the offensive line was arrested this weekend on a DUI charge after hitting multiple parked cars. Now I don't want to bash a guy that from all accounts sounds like a really great guy who is more likely going to be found doing charity work than drinking and driving. Nonetheless the later of the two did occur this weekend and it doesn't take much to knock a championship team off their pedestal, especially one in the NFC East. Maybe sports do really model the real world. A team like the economy can go from what appears to be a Bull Market to a Bear Market in a matter of just 2 events. Its important for the Giants to regroup and regain their focus as the NFC East is always going to be tough and every year everyone will incorrectly project the winner of this mighty division. As great as the Giants are who can beat the Eagles if they play the way everyone expected them to play last year? With all of their pro bowl pieces in place for a full year they just need to get off to a better start and the whole country will quickly jump off the Andy Reid hate wagon and start preparing them for the Super Bowl. What about the Cowboys? Is there any team that looks as sexy as them year after year? In fact I think I may start calling them Courtesy of GHarrristhe Anna Kournikova of the  

NFL. Will this be the year Kournikova wins? I doubt it but like most I can't wait to watch and see how good it plays out. That leaves me with the Washington Redskins. I'm not exactly a young spring chicken. I'm 35 years old. I've heard they were a great team, I faintly remember Douglas in the Super Bowl but that is about it. They have been an easy bet for me over the years as I have felt confident that they would fail game after game after game. Will this year be any different? Maybe. I think it could be exciting early but slow in the second half...you know when the big brothers in the division get serious. Ultimately, I see the Redskins being the same old Redskins....drafting in the top 10 again.

Combined No Hitter

Courtesy of CBS Sports

Courtesy of CNN

Who would have thought it?  Certainly not the professionals at ESPN or any other major news source.  That's no knock on the professionals.  It's not like a novice blogger such as myself could see this coming either.  What a gutty performance that personifies the concept of a team effort.  While most no hitters focus on the leading role (starting pitcher) this one was special...it was unique as the remaining cast members (position players) and nearly the whole (pitching rotation) played an integral part in this performance.  This is what we wish we could see nightly.  I'm not necessarily focusing on the no hitter but the idea and act of everyone playing together in harmony.  If you are like me, when you get the opportunity to watch a game like this you are brought back to your childhood thoughts  and days on the local little league field where your father, your friend's father, a neighbor, older brother or teacher coached you growing up.  This is where you were first taught the concept of team play, there's no I in team, or simply get out there and have some fun.  All of this came rushing back to me while watching this Mariner game.  Am I the only one that thought they all went out for pizza as a team following the game?  Replace a few fun frothy beers in there for the post game ice cream cones and the childhood dream came alive again last night.  It just so happens that my two favorite MLB teams are the Seattle Mariners and the NY Mets.  It's been an amazing historical week for both.  From the east coast to the west coast I hope 1000's of us turned off the television following our team's performance and felt the way I felt with this Mariner win. This was a good week in Major League Baseball.  

See the following link to ESPN: 

http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=320608112

Seahawks QB Battle?

One person doesn't seem to think so.  Check out this piece on the current situation that is the QB battle, or not,   for the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle's QB Battle?

The 12th Man Welcomes You Banks

After an unbelievable situation, Brian Banks is getting a second chance on life.  Now some may say he should go to college at 26 years old while others say he should jump at the chance at entering the NFL.  If I thought it was as easy as just signing his name on the USC dotted line like it once was I would be all for this direction.  Who knows what is in store for this young man but I certainly hope that he possess the skills that he had before his life was taken away from him.  Its not the lure of wealth that I think is important about having his skill set still intact its really more a matter of being able to do what he loves and be able to provide a healthy happy lifestyle for what I hope will be the best life he can live this day forward.

What do you think?  Should he go NFL or NCAA? What do you think will provide the best long term outcome for Mr. Banks?

To see more read Sando's article at this link:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8021984/brian-banks-offered-minicamp-spot-tryout-seattle-seahawks

The Sports Webb: In Honor of Tom Coughlin's Contract Extension

The Sports Webb: In Honor of Tom Coughlin's Contract Extension: Tom Coughlin may have been misunderstood and disliked by his players for several of his early years in New York.  However, his high ...

Keeping the Dream Alive Brodeur!

Can we get one more raising of the trophy for this legend of a player?  Last night the dream didn't die.  After a very tough 3 game stretch with very limited offense by the NJ Devils they found themselves down 0-3 to the LA Kings.  However, last night the NJ Devils, led by one of the true greats of the NHL, Martin Brodeur, the Devils took a game in LA. Now they will come back to NJ to help the fan base breath a collective sigh of relief. Never in the history of the Devils have they been swept in a 7 game series.  They have ended that fear and now its time to set the bar higher.  Its time to get back to what they got to the Stanley Cup Finals to do. Win, not just 1 but the next 3 in a row.

The thought of the NHL season ending for me is frightening as I am just starting to learn and really enjoy this sport.  From my novice eyes I see a blend of the NFL (hard hitting) and the NBA (fast breaks).  While hockey is a sport that is considered to be on the outside looking in at the 3 major pro leagues, I see it as a sport that is truly exciting and far better than MLB and the NBA on any given night.  Tune in and see some magic because the Devils just found the missing ingredient to this series.  The momentum is swinging and with a Devil win in this next game we will have grabbed that momentum for ourselves.

In the name of positive karma check out this Brodeur highlight video:
 

Seahawks Punished For What?

I have been a firm believer in the idea that Roger Goodell is too powerful.  Do I think I am the first and last person to feel this way? No, I think it would be hard to find anyone but the Commissioner who feels like the power in the NFL is distributed fairly.  However, Seahawk fans cannot blame Goodell for this recently handed down punishment.  This is something the players agreed to in the collective bargaining agreement.

Do I think all the players agreed to this?  No, I think it's most likely that veteran players with a closer expiration date to the end of their NFL careers voted heavily on this measure.  I also feel that this rule negatively effects younger teams like the Seahawks because:
1. They are really hungry to perfect their craft.
2. They have fresh legs and can bounce back faster.
3. The NFL is still new to them and they have not grown complacent in their NFL uniform.

What would I like to see done here?  I would like to see the NFL look more like our federal government.  You know because it runs so smoothly...right?  No, I like this concept as I think individual teams should be seen like the individual states in our country.  They can make decisions such as practice time, style and length independently of the NFL as a whole.  If the Seahawks want to practice longer and harder than the 49ers so be it.  Let's leave it up to the individual teams to decide.  Rodger Goodell can oversee each of the teams but the teams can make final decisions.

Check out this audio clip of Pete Carroll giving us a little in insight to their practices and the situation.  Sounds like a fire is burning in the bellies of some players out on the practice field.  I like it!
http://www.sportsradiokjr.com/player/?station=KJR-AM&program_name=podcast&program_id=softy.xml&mid=22155112

Who is Super Bowl Favorite?

I wish I had more time to discuss and dive into all the thoughts I am having about this statement by Vernon Davis.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/67156/video-we-should-be-super-bowl-favorites

In Honor of Tom Coughlin's Contract Extension

Tom Coughlin may have been misunderstood and disliked by his players for several of his early years in New York.  However, his high expectations and required punctuality have helped to produce what some may say is the best team in the NFL.  I'd even go as far as saying his players actually think he is a nice guy now... not something his players could dream of saying at the time of this video clip. Today, Coach Coughlin and NYC are having a better day as he now has a contract extension through 2014.  The G-Men will be wreaking havoc in the NFC West East for at least a few more years.  Look out Dallas, Philly and Washington!

Too Funny or Too Much?

Word play can be fun and it can become an innocent problem.  What do you think about this phrase that probably won't be recycled by any major announcer ever again?
http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2012/06/03/white-sox-announcer-ken-harrelson-describes-mariners-bases-loaded-situation-as-sacks-packed-with-seamen-video/

Prelude to My First Webby of the Week

As an introduction to my up and coming first weekly Webby I feel the urge to set the stage with a sports related Webby from the official 2012 Webby Awards.  I respect the Webby Awards because of its mission to honor all areas of the web across all platforms.  Stay tuned for Swick's Webby of the Week each Friday where I defend who I think is the best athlete of the week.  Please post any suggestions in the comment area.

I Love Combining Sports and Politics

My favorite host of a political based show and my growing interest in the Mets couldn't make me happier.  What does it cost to get involved in a sports team like the Mets?  20 Million dollars.  I guess comedy pays pretty well.  Nice job Bill!  See the following link for an article by Zach Berman and Richard Sandomir to get a little baseball and Met update.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/04/sports/baseball/bill-maher-now-owns-share-of-the-mets.html

To steal a line from the Cake Boss: I'm ah Looken and I'm ah Liken

Check out this great article.  Can the Seahawks live up to...shall I say hype?  This is shaping up to be an interesting year as we have not had to worry about expectations.  In fact we have been more worried about draft position than we have meeting the critics expectations.  The #1 secondary in NFC West scratch that, this is the NFL.  Talk about high praise for our boys.  Read the whole article here:
http://mynorthwest.com/292/687436/Tim-Hasselbeck-likes-what-the-Seahawks-are-doing

Robert Turbin is already my favorite pick but this just gets me more excited to see him in a Seahawk uniform.  Can we outfit the entire team in this green suit?  How distracted would our competition be?  I certainly would be!  What are your thoughts and opinions on this look?

2012 Hardest Hits Tribute. Enjoy everyone.

Osi, Osi, Osi!  There were Pacific Northwest rumblings of an Osi in Seattle but I think we can put this rumor to bed now.  Osi will be staying in NYC and while he failed to rise up and help defeat the mighty Seahawks in NYC last year he will continue to haunt the Cowboys.  Did I recently see a poll on ESPN that showed clear evidence that the Boys are no longer considered America's Team.  What has this country turned into?  I believe the Packers were crowned the new America's Team.  What a slap to Jerry Jones' Empire!  I predict Jerry and company will be looking up in standings to the Eagles and the Giants.  The NFC East is a beast of a division and Osi has/will be a large part of that again this year.  Check out the story:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7989716

The Seahawk Uniforms

If this doesn't get you excited I don't know what will.  I can't wait to see the whole team on the field wearing these uniforms.

I am welcoming myself into the blog world?

All right please give me a few days to play and better understand what I am building here on The Sports Webb.   I will do the best I can to get this working smoothly and provide fun, entertaining and if I am lucky... thought provoking posts related to all things sports but a clear focus on all things NFL.

Cheers,
Cody