February 2016
Fans calling for everyone's head
Posted by jschario on 02/29/16
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After such a storied history, and just after winning the long elusive tenth European championship, "La Decima," it must be especially hard to be a Real Madrid fan for the past two seasons. Immediately after reaching the pinnacle of European soccer, they sunk back into their definition of mediocrity. It should be noted that their medicrity is finishing second in the domestic league and reaching the semifinals of the Champions League.
They've gone through a couple coaches, come up trophyless, been disqualified from their domestic cup competition and have failed to attract the big name "Galatico... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 02/29/16
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Scott Servais believes that there is a time and a place for a bunt, but most of the time that place is in the bottom of a long-forgotten dresser drawer. In saying so, Scott climbs over the last crag of the mountain and finds Earl Weaver sitting there. "A game doesn't last three hours or until sunset or 90 minutes; it last 27 outs."
So who knows how many runs the M's might gain, simply by deciding to swing away rather than bunt. A good capful, we're sure. But then whence cometh today's "situational-hitting game"? Man on 2B, 0 out ... the "right" thing to do is to hit behind the runner... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 02/29/16
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Greg from Spokane asks a few questions, and does so in an appealing way. As a voter who leans left, he'd just like to know what the other side is thinking and he can't figure it out. This is otherwise known as "idea exchange." So, Dr. D will do his best :- )
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Jeff, I have read your websites for years and have not felt worthy to comment. However, I have long wanted to find a non-mouthfoaming conservative to ask a few questions. Respectfully of course. Why does the deficit only matter to Republicans when the president is a Democrat? When Clinton left office The budget was in balance as... Read More
Seattle soccer has brief but rich history
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/29/16
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The Seattle Sounders 2016 season is right around the corner. This article will highlight the teams brief but successful past and present.
The Sounders team, or MLS soccer in Seattle, has been a dream since 1994. However, at the time, a suitable home for soccer in Seattle was not to be had.
Paul Allen eventually came along with interest in being part owner of a soccer team. He was in the process of beginning his ownership of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team, and was vital in securing the field that the MLS so desired. That is what is now their home Century link Field.
With the issue of a field... Read More
Oh the Second-Rate Novel plots we can write!
Posted by Spectator on 02/29/16
15 Comments
Let's throw together some plot elements for our Second-Rate Novel, shall we?
-- Donald Trump sails along, and Marco Rubio's Hail Mary pass needs not just Aaron Rodgers throwing, but Odell Beckham Jr., Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald and oh maybe Tim Duncan flooding the end zone with somebody's 8th-grade jayvee squad playing defense.
-- But, even as the Establishment decides it can "live with" the dealmaker at the heart of Trump, and convinces itself that the Nationalism-Populism is just part of the "persona," the man himself keeps flirting with David Duke and Mussolini and mass... Read More
Hawks fun facts and figues
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/29/16
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Let us take a look back into the Seattle Seahawks storied history as we await the long 2016 off season.
The dream came alive during the 1970 merger of the AFL and NFL. At that time, discussion of expanding the league to 28 teams was decided upon.
6 years later, that decision came to be a reality as the Seahawks joined the league alongside the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 1976, the Hawks played in the NFC. They did so for just a year before heading to the AFC where they remained from 77-2001. In 2002, they then headed back to the NFC where the remain today. Because of these conference switches,... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/28/16
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It has been an eventful last few weeks for US Soccer, players rising, players falling and the Copa America draw among other goings on. Even some of the US of A's brightest and best players took a tumble on their foreign club teams, which would have been unthinkable if you managed to even read a headline during the last World Cup.
That player who took said tumble is none other than the Secretary of Defense, goal keeper extraordinaire, Tim Howard. Howard fell victim to injury, with his knees ailing him and causing him to miss time starting at the beginning of February. Spanish 'keeper Joel... Read More
Mariners history past and present
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/28/16
The Seattle Mariners baseball Franchise begins work on their 2016 season. Here is a look back on how it all started.
Beginning with the relocation if the Seattle pilots in 1970 to Milwaukee...currently the Milwaukee Brewers...paved the way for the establishment of the current Mariners.
The team was established in 1977. In 77 until 1992, the teams colors were royal blue and gold. Keeping with tradition, the team wears these colors currently during Sunday home games.
It was not until 1993 that the team began to wear their now well known color scheme. Officially, these colors are Navy Blue,... Read More
Final score was 4-2
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/27/16
Jumping back from their narrow loss to the Everett Silvertips, the Seattle Thunderbirds beat the Tri-City Americans on Friday night with the final score of 4-2. The Birds now stand at 34-23-3-0, which is better than they were last week but still five points behind Everett in division rankings. One of two things can happen now when it comes to the cup: the Birds will lose again to the Tips, or they will hopefully build up such a heated rivalry from this season that when they do win, it will be cause for fireworks and bubbly for fans all across the Northeastern seaboard. Let’s hope it’s the... Read More
Plus new Sounders Facebook frames
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/27/16
As the start of the 2016 season nears, there’s lots of Seattle Sounders news flying around. Following the departure of Obafemi Martins last week, hopefully we’re in for some good news. For starters, CHI Franciscan Health has a cool series out called NW Healthy, and the first episode has been posted. It covers what players need to be fit before the season begins. You hear about how the men are tested throughout the season aerobically, as well as their speed power testing. It’s interesting to learn about how each player is rated (such as how Kovar has gone up every year) and how players may “... Read More
All signs point to yes
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/27/16
She might have been a New Yorker in her youth, but Breanna Stewart may soon call Seattle home. As April nears and the draft approaches, fans are wondering just how the Storm will be spending that coveted number one draft spot. Most fans who are paying attention can see the future clearly, though: Jenny Boucek and co have their eyes on a certain talent named Breanna Stewart.
Stewart is at the University of Connecticut, and she has led the team to championships three years in a row. She may make it an historic event with yet another win this year for a total of four. Stewart was selected as a... Read More
Zych takes a left turn into clubhouse dominance
Posted by jemanji on 02/27/16
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2 Comments
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There are two articles up today on the M's new pool hustler, Tony "Chicago Sea" Zych. Chicago Sea might have taken it easy on his boss Scott Servais, according to the articles. But Abraham Lincoln warned about how the real hustlers end up winning everything that isn't locked down:Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. — Abraham Lincoln, a self-described "billiard addict"
Maybe a razor-sharp billiards game doesn't automatically translate to 30 saves, but the cross-training adds an interesting dimension for me as a fanboy. Steven Hauschka lines up... Read More
Back Leg Specials, dept.
Posted by jemanji on 02/27/16
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3 Comments
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Rock-solid piece here from Andrew Rice. He notices that Adam Lind is:
Good against all kinds of RH pitches
Bloody death against RH changeups specifically
And, Rice follows on by showing that Lind can hit a changeup hard anywhere, even to the opposite field. This suggests the same kind of "back-to-front" zone coverage that served Ketel Marte so well. See the article.
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Moe Dawg has pointed out that Henry Aaron-style "gliding weight" swings can be very effective, too. He's right. It so happens that ain't how Lind does it. Check out this video in which he leans BACK out behind his... Read More
A Conservative Agrees With A New York Times OpEd
Posted by DaddyO on 02/27/16
21 Comments
As a conservative I find myself surprisingly in agreement with the following New York Times OpEd:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/opinion/the-governing-cancer-of-our-ti...
Here is my reaction posted on Facebook. It is not intended to be complete, just illustrative of the concerns I share with the author of the OpEd.
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Terrific OpEd in the New York Times, one I largely agree with, though as a liberal columnist he seems only to casually acknowledge that the problem he addresses is equally a phenomenon of the left and of the right.
As our society grows more polarized politically we seem... Read More
Does it matter?
Posted by jschario on 02/27/16
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Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid square off in another edition of the Madrid Derby, but with both teams barely within sight of Barcelona it begs the question, does it matter? In recent years the match had championship implications as well as pride. Now however it has been reduced to simply pride and a race for second.
Atleti sits eight points behind Barça and Real Madrid nine. The La Liga race is pretty much decided and right now both Madrid teams are playing for simple vanity at this point, as their best hope for a league town rest on the Catalan side falling victim to a sudden rash of... Read More
Shock and sorrow are no surprise
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/25/16
1 Comments
It does not come as a surprise to any Seattle Sounders fan that the loss of Obafemi Martins only ten days before the season begins has hit the Northwest hard. Some are saying that there is neither recovery for the team nor any hope for this season with Martins leaving on the heels of so many Sounder veterans. Some fans are calling Martins irreplaceable while others are miffed, believing that he sought greener pastures when he asked for a raise and was denied. Others say that he simply refused to follow the orders of Head Coach Sigi Schmid, with whom fans harbor strong ambivalent feelings.... Read More
Find out what the players are up to
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/25/16
1 Comments
It has been a while since we checked in with the Seattle Storm via social media. Most of the current roster is on Twitter; some even have Instagram and Facebook accounts. The team is well known for its social atmosphere, with players posting updates for fans to enjoy and interacting with the community on a regular basis. For the most accurate and up to date information, be sure to follow each Storm player on her social media account.
Sue Bird is sharing about the launch of her girls’ basketball academy via Gold Coast Sports Academy’s program, Growth Through Sports. It is an incredible... Read More
Kids can learn skills from the Thunderbirds
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/25/16
Having a tough time waiting for the Seattle Thunderbird games this weekend? While you wait, you may want to check out the details for the Birds Scoring, Stick Handling and Skating Camp! If you have any youngsters in your life, whether they be family, friends, your own kids or your neighbors, they may want to find out more about this incredible opportunity to learn key hockey skills from the Birds. Adults can even sign up for a cool Thunderbird skills camp experience. Camp will of course take place at the ShoWare Center.
Kids of all ages will be able to learn about advanced skills and... Read More
how can one baseball fandom deserve all these riches
Posted by jemanji on 02/25/16
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12 Comments
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Shannon Drayer listed the "first string" at practice this morning. If you've played sports, you know this isn't conclusive but is certainly suggestive (maybe 30% suggestive in this case). The first string included... wait for it ... Robinson Cano. Also Kyle Seager. Lind was in the first group. Marte. Then the other two were ... Chris Taylor rather than Sardinas, Jesus Montero rather than Lee, and Taylor taking reps at the 3B position.
DiPoto was quoted to the effect that Dae ho Lee walked by a Joker-sized pyramid of currency to come over here so "we've got to be fair with him." Also... Read More
The saga continues
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/25/16
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This week an important sports icon weighed in on the ongoing deflategate controversy.
Sports illustrated's premier writer Peter King voiced concern about the topic. He even went as far as saying that Rodger Goodell should return the Patriots lost draft picks in this upcoming draft, which were lost in regards to the scandel.
King feels the evidence was shaky at best... and in a court of law perhaps that is true.
Much is circumstantial regarding the incident. Including text messages that began shortly after discovery of the deflated game balls. These occurred between Brady and an attendant... Read More
The Beijing Marathon Error and the Prisoner's Dilemma
Posted by Spectator on 02/25/16
35 Comments
There are many efforts going on to “game out” the Republican presidential nomination, but I have only seen one effort to actually graph out the impact of a narrowing field. It’s from the Washington Post, and entails allocation of second- and third- (and, presumably, so on …) preferences to the candidates remaining in the field.
Here is Phase I (before South Carolina):
Then Phase II:
And finally Phase III:
Pretty clearly, there is no one closely challenging Donald Trump until the race is down to two candidates.
At which point the issue would be “is there enough time left?” to still deny... Read More
no, this ISN'T spring training thinking. We read it in the paper.
Posted by jemanji on 02/25/16
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4 Comments
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Never too early to do a postgame, amirite?
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SIZZLER: TONY ZYCH
Article at the TNT sez that it took him one major-league batter -- who struck out -- or at most the first inning before he realized "my stuff plays up here." Ergo, he doesn't have to be too fine, and doesn't have to trick people.
Dr. D encourages this attitude in a short reliever. Not to mention, there's a real shortage of right hand setup men who walk 1.7 men per game, and an even greater shortage of relievers who walk 1.7 men while striking out 11.8. Hey, relievers don't have to work miracles. If they keep their heads... Read More
Mark your calendars for April 14
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/24/16
1 Comments
Move over, winter: the WNBA Draft is coming on April 14, 2016. It will be presented by State Farm and viewers can catch it on both ESPN2 and ESPNU live from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. It can also be viewed via Smartphones, tablets, computers and other connected devices. Draft day news will also be available via the WNBA website. Once again, the Storm will have the right to the top pick of the entire Draft. It is the second year in a row that the Storm will have this most coveted spot.
The second spot is reserved for the San Antonio Stars. Connecticut Sun will receive both the... Read More
Final score is 5-3
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/24/16
The Seattle Thunderbirds were on fire on Tuesday night when they beat the Vancouver Giants with a solid victory of 5-3. In a rare occurrence, all five goals were scored by different T-Birds, prompting fans to think the confidence level on the team is rising. Coupled with the string of recent victories—with only the one hiccup from the narrow loss to the Everett Silvertips last weekend—this may be evidence to support that the team is indeed not only ready to nab that number one spot back, but to also take the cup for Seattle this season. They are currently in fourth place in the Western... Read More
Basketball, baseball and softball
Posted by jschario on 02/24/16
It's that time of the year when the beginning of spring sports coincides with the end of the winter sports season, leaving no shortage of things to talk about when it comes to the Huskies. So far on the spring side, baseball and softball have gotten off to similar starts that their wintercounterparts in men's and women's basketball did in their own seasons. Hopefully though they can avoid a similar late season fade.
Basketball
The UW men's hoops team was able to put a halt on their four game losing streak against Stanford at Hec Ed Saturday, beating the Cardinal 64-53. With freshman phenom... Read More
Legal troubles beginning around NFL as we get deeper into the offseason
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/24/16
Posted to blog
The NFL off season is officially underway as the parade is over and the combine begins.
With it comes free agency and who may leave for greener pastures. This is closely followed by, and intertwined with, the players that may miss games with their teams for other reasons not as green...more blue...legal issues.
So far there are plenty of stories to follow including the usual domestic, drug, and partying issues. Most noteworthy have been from the infamous Johnny "Football" Manziel and Lesean "Shady" McCoy. Both involved very interesting stories with heavy use and police involvement, and will... Read More
Either Voltaire or Robert Plant said something rather important
Posted by jemanji on 02/24/16
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1 Comments
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Rick pointed out this article, which creates an intersection between two of SSI's most talked-about celebrities. James goes through a sharp list of five seminal reasons he would hate to see Donald Trump become President. Then he proceeds to two or three things Trump is doing that James considers necessary.
An excerpt:
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The Constitution doesn’t say that you have a right to be free from other people saying things you don’t want to hear. It says that you have a right to say whatever you want to say, and other people have to put up with that.
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Along those lines, here is a Listverse article... Read More
glad to have THIS settled
Posted by jemanji on 02/24/16
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The TNT pointed out this MLB Trade Rumors article, Predicting Tommy John Surgeries. The big takeaway: only one Mariner ranks in the top 100 riskiest Tommy John situations - that being Taijuan Walker at #90 with a 2% (???) chance of having such occur this year.
Bradley Moore and Tim Dierkes seem to have created a very, very robust method for predicting TJS. That's not to say it's prophetic, but it is certainly the state of the art as far as you and I know.
Further, we are told that shoulder injuries are becoming less and less the issue, since --- > the stronger the shoulder muscles,... Read More
don't run away now, ye cowards
Posted by jemanji on 02/24/16
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10 Comments
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Q. Another Konspiracy Korner, after Spring Training has started?
A. Dr. D launches another stub with, for the first time, a skosh of trepidation. Last week's discussion became, at a few moments, rather (1) peevish. Therefore (2) partisan. Therefore ... (3) UNINTERESTING.
The stimulating portions of the conversation come in the attempts to find middle ground, in the resources that each poster can allocate to the Think Tank while wearing a mediator-style hat. If we were just going to grumble that 'this channel shouldn't exist' or 'that candidate's supporters are Troglodytes' we can do... Read More
Hawks Bennett and Okung out of the box thinkers
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/24/16
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The Seattle Seahawks best lineman, on both sides of the ball, are in the midst of figuring out where their NFL journey will take them. To do so both are currently taking very different paths, and they are paths rarely traveled.
Michael Bennett has been the Seahawks best defender...including the backfield. He recently cut ties with his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus is THE agent of agents and has all the big names in many sports. He is known for getting the job done, but in Bennett's case...he must have thought otherwise.
The move is not so surprising when you think about it.
After Bennett... Read More
A narrow victory for the Tips
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/23/16
Seattle Thunderbirds fans were crestfallen on Saturday night. The Birds were on such a roll but the Everett Silvertips still managed to defeat them. After several hefty losses to the Tips over the past few months, however, fans can take heart in this: It was a very close defeat, which means that the Birds could also be quite close to taking the Tips on and winning once again.
Birds fans have been lamenting for weeks that the Tips simply know the Seattle team too well, pinpointing all of their tricks and figuring out their moves before they even make them. If that is true, then Seattle finally... Read More
Says chemistry is key
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/23/16
1 Comments
ESPN recently interviewed Seattle Storm player Sue Bird about the Olympic team selection process. Bird, a three-time Olympic winner, says that she wants to bring home the gold again—and we all know that she has the gumption to do it. When asked about the level of competition at the trials, Bird said, “It’s tough,” referring to the US defending its position as the incumbent winner as well as the desire to get a sixth gold medal for the team. “Everybody wants to be on that team,” Bird says, “but it’s a really great group and we get along really well.”
She says the women competing for spots on... Read More
Goodbye to Obafemi
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/23/16
2 Comments
If Sounders fans saw this coming, they probably would have been screaming at their TVs and computers as soon as they received wind of the news: Obafemi Martins, the Nigerian soccer star and crowd pleaser known for his incredible goals and even more spectacular reactions, has left Seattle for good. The speedy forward is now a member of the Chinese Super League, playing for the Shanghai Greenland Shenhua team. He is also still a member of the Nigeria national team—but he is no longer an official Sounder. He officially signed with Shanghai on February 18, 2016.
Martins says that it’s all about... Read More
Should or shouldn't they go for Robert Nkemdiche
Posted by jschario on 02/22/16
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Heading into an offseason where they are expected to come out favored to make another deep playoff run yet again, it may seem that the Seattle Seahawks have little to worry about when it comes to this year's NFL Draft. Looking around the field, you might argue that they have no real glaring needs.
At the skill positions, that is mostly true. Russell Wilson took a gigantic leap pushing elite status, Doug Baldwin was among the league leaders in receiving touchdowns, Thomas Rawls likely would have been name Offensive Rookie of the Year if he stayed healthy, Jimmy Graham is still Jimmy Graham and... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 02/22/16
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1 Comments
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Mariners.com has a fluff piece up on pitch framing.
Except this fluff piece, isn't. Our default assumption is that this type of Feb. 22 article is "noise," but ... that's only a default position, subject to change. In this case, it so happens that mega-FIP-expert John Dewan just published a piece on pitch framing ca. 2016 A.D., and it is essentially an article on --- > Chris Ianetta!
You know how The Sixth Sense was two different movies, the first and second time you saw it? The Mariners.com article reads differently, before and after you realize that Iannetta actually led the league... Read More
coulda represented this bluff a little better, mayhaps
Posted by jemanji on 02/22/16
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The TNT has quite the cornucopia of baseball info-tainment up today. Well, it is definitely a baseball cornucopia when you compare it to the amount of baseball information gleaned from a Chris Matthews interview of Carly Fiorina.
This particular TNT horn of plenty has Scott Servais' disavowal of Cody Martin's impending March line of 10 0 0 0 0 1 10. And that would otherwise be pure awesomeness. The Mariners should base their bullpen decisions on track records rather than 8 March innings pitched - if any of their relievers had decent track records, that is.
Cishek-Benoit-Furbush being... Read More
this ain't going to be the most exciting road trip ever
Posted by jemanji on 02/22/16
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8 Comments
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Input/Output: Bill James' Second Law says that baserunners should be smart, rather than aggressive. Hitters, tighten your zones. Pitchers, don't push your arms. And runners, stop getting thrown out. That's forty years' research talking. Three fortune cookies, crisp and served with sweet tea.
Input/Output 1a: the TNT quotes Servais to the effect that M's baserunners will be aggressive, at least in March, at least-least to "find out what they can do." This gentlemen, is truly "Noise."
CRUNCH: What Leonys Martin can do is average 32 steals vs 10 not-steals per season.
Don't forget... Read More
What they need to win the Champions League
Posted by jschario on 02/21/16
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It's fun to dream, which is exactly what Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid's title hopes are now. Or pipe dreams of you want to qualify them even further. Really it has been that way since Barcelona took the top spot in the league standings a few months ago, but now the burial plots has been picked and dug out. All they're waiting for are the bodies.
Midweek Barcelona played an extra game to put them on par with the rest of the league. Thus their lead increased to six over second-place Atlético. Then Saturday Barcelona traveled to the Canary Islands for a match against Las Palmas, who are... Read More
I yam what I yam, Dept.
Posted by jemanji on 02/20/16
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4 Comments
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Jason Churchill puts O'Neill number one (!) on his prospects list. Exec Sum:
Is only 6 months older than Alex Jackson, but played MUCH better TWO levels higher
Effortless plus-plus PWR based on elbows down, not on a swing from the caboose
Athletic, fast (= potential good defender in corner OF)
Would be able to hit in the Middle Of The Order (MOTO) with a .250-.260 average
Needs to progress in the attitude of patience, as opposed to progressing in hand-eye coordination
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Gutsy call, putting O'Neill first. Good on yer, selling long on yer own judgment rather than re-boxing the consensus for... Read More
Dietrick was Ivy League Player of the Year
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/20/16
2 Comments
Give a big Seattle Storm welcome to Blake Dietrick. Dietrick is 5’10 and a guard for Cestistica Orvieto in Italy. She has been averaging 15.9 points per game and has made 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in her career. Some of Dietrick’s awards and honors include Honorable Mention All-America, Naismith Trophy Midseason 30, seven-time Ivy Player of the Week honoree and Ivy League Player of the Year.
After planning to play for the Princeton lacrosse team, she decided to instead go for the WNBA draft. Dietrick has led the Ivy League in assists per game and set a record for single assists... Read More
85 wins and a nice night at the ballpark, Dept.
Posted by jemanji on 02/20/16
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3 Comments
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Jeff Sullivan answered this question in his Feb. 19th chat:
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Aron: Eno was asked about this yesterday, but curious your thoughts as well. The Mariners and Brewers were used as examples – would you rather see your team try to retool and shoot for the mid-80s or go into rebuild mode and try to stockpile young talent? Are the Brewers or Mariners more likely to win the World Series in the next ten years?
9:32
Jeff Sullivan: I think the Mariners are more likely, because they’re the better team now, and that’s the only thing we can count on
9:33
Jeff Sullivan: My own perspective... Read More
Ethan Bear solidifies narrow win
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/20/16
The Seattle Thunderbirds are back in the game and on a winning streak that is making the team recognizable to the Northwestern coast once again! On Friday night the Birds beat the Spokane Chiefs with the tight score of 2-1 at the ShoWare Center. The game was into overtime when Bear scored the winning goal of the night. After this win, Seattle is now left with the score of 32-22-3-0, putting them only three points behind the Everett Silvertips for the first place spot in the division—which is exactly where the Birds were last fall before the Tips slid into that space.
They have had a rocky... Read More
Is Lorenzo Romar in trouble?
Posted by jschario on 02/20/16
It seems like for the second year in a row, the Husky men's basketball program will suffer a gargantuan fade after starting out so strong to commence the season. Last year, their slide coincided with star center Robert Upshaw's dismissal from the team, and this year's collapse can maybe be attributed to the youth spread across the squad.
Lorenzo Romar's men did not do a good job of trying to right the ship with the Bay Area schools coming to Montlake, losing Thursday 78-75 against Cal, the team directly above them in the Pac-12 standings. Should Stanford come into Hec Ed and complete a season... Read More
The Hawks undrafted success story
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/20/16
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It is official...I am past #24 and onto #34. Well kind of...
As discussed, Thomas Rawls gives the Hawks hope looking forward to the 2016 NFL season.
This is probably why the Seattle Seahawk brass were fine letting Lynch keep 5 million dollars despite his early retirement. Well, that and the fact that Lynch gave them so much every Sunday.
Rawls hopes to give the team that same effort next season, and showed that he is capable of it in his 2015 rookie campaign. Despite missing the latter half of the season with a broken ankle, Rawls compiled an impressive 5.5 yard average while gaining over... Read More
and what a job we did, surviving winter Mordor
Posted by jemanji on 02/19/16
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2 Comments
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What a pity. Our zero-gravity Think Tanking is about to be interrupted by actual grass, earth, and leather. Just when Dr. D was beginning to enjoy the long talks with himself down into a turning spiral tunnel.
Starting either next week or today, we'll have about six weeks to react to every day's Big Reveal. Today's is that James Paxton is at basketball weight. In general terms, "being in great shape" is absolutely the quintessential Spring Training noise -- Dr. D thinks that he and Lonnie and Moe Dawg first hear this one as it pertained to LeRoy Stanton, right after he knocked in 90... Read More
Somebody send Dr. D the T-shirt. Yes, really
Posted by jemanji on 02/19/16
Posted to blog
31 Comments
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Ahem. There is nobody trying to inflame anything here. I find this the best place to learn things. Real things. Learned quickly. That's all.
:- ) Bill James, author of Popular Crime and a lifelong student of legal matters, said today:
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THE SUPREME COURT
Do you think it might be time to start considering a constitutional amendment limiting Supreme Court justices to a single 10-year term?
Asked by: bobfiore
Answered: 2/19/2016
Ten years is a little too long, but yes, that would help a great deal. First, the founders made poor decision in granting life tenure, and second, Congress... Read More
Rent-free Trump Tower: in Syria, for refugees
Posted by jemanji on 02/19/16
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11 Comments
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THE DONALD
The word is, that if Trump wins South Carolina, then the "freight train" is clear all the way to the finish line. ... say what?! ... he has GOT a commanding lead in the SC polls, so isn't that the same as saying that Trump has locked up the nomination?
I'm as flabbergasted as anybody here, whether it be on the left or right side. As with Sanders, I suspect that people are supporting a person they're not very familiar with. Who, for example, would be his Supreme Court Nominee? Would it shock anybody if he put forward a Ginsburg ... or a Bork? Is that a good thing, that we don... Read More
T-Bird video now available
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/19/16
1 Comments
You may have heard about the Seattle Thunderbirds working hard for the Ronald McDonald House of Western Washington & Alaska. Not only do they serve meals to people staying at the home while their children are in the hospital, but they also visit with the children themselves, playing games, joking around and helping the kids forget the scary day they have had or that awaits them, if even for a few minutes.
Now you can see the Birds in action at the charity event, where they served a meal prepared by Caveman Kitchen. Families who were staying at the House on January 26 were able to meet the... Read More
Up 7 points with no signs of slowing
Posted by jschario on 02/19/16
Posted to blog
Finally, FC Barcelona is even with the rest of the Spanish league in number of games played after their match against Sporting Gijon at mid-week. And to no one's surprise, they won easily and extended their lead to what must seam like and insurmountable six points over second place Atlético Madrid. Their bitter rivals Real Madrid of course sit another point back off the pace.
The Catalan side has not lost since October, and have been toying with opponents. They are essentially the soccer version of the Golden State Warriors. No one, even the best teams have no answer when they face them. ... Read More
Designs available by Stephen Frei
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/19/16
1 Comments
You already know Stefan Frei as the goaltender for the Seattle Sounders, but did you know that he also has a huge creative side? If you are a longtime fan, you probably already know that. Last year, he designed a beautiful match day poster for the Sounders game against San Jose. Dubbed Posters by the People, the design was hailed as a fun and playful piece with a dark twist that fit the teams perfectly. Although he created the piece digitally, he is also talented with simple pencil and paper. Frei is also known for his incredible tattoo work, where his body is his canvas.
This year, Frei has... Read More
Seattle signs on Nneka Enemkpali
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/19/16
1 Comments
Seattle Storm fans have been speculating about which rookie the team will choose for its draft selection for months now and the wait is over. Yesterday the Storm announced that Nneka Enemkpali has been signed on to play with the team for the 2016 season. Enemkpali is a forward and stands at 6’1. She was drafted by Seattle during the third round in 2015 as the 26th draft selection that year, but fans didn’t get to see her play since she was out recovering from a bad injury while playing for her college team, the University of Texas.
Enemkpali seems to have All Star written all over her. In... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/18/16
Even though we have not even gotten through February in the Pacific Northwest the spring sports season at the University of Washington was already kicked it into gear. Women's softball kicked off their season with a tournament down at UNLV Feb. 12 and enter another tournament, the Mary Nutter Classic this weekend. Men's baseball start their season off this weekend as well traveling down to Waco, Tex. for a three-game set against Baylor. Both teams have high expectations, softball because they are one of the premier programs in the Pac-12 and have been for several years, and the baseball team... Read More
hey, anybody can bulk up
Posted by jemanji on 02/18/16
Posted to blog
3 Comments
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Lookout Landing has some guys who write baseball. Slap me silly.
Jake Mailhot puts up some gifs that suggest Ketel Marte is adding ISO to his game. Looking it over from an aiki standpoint, Dr. D happens to agree with him, based on first look. Here, go check out the article and then we'll pick it up.
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The thing about being more upright, floating his weight, getting off his shoe soles ... not so much. Sinking your weight produces power; raising it produces agility. That's true both in general terms and in this specific case. We only say that to let you know that Dr. D is not... Read More
M's don't want a piece of yer. They want the whole thing
Posted by jemanji on 02/18/16
Posted to blog
6 Comments
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The Tacoma News Tribune published its rotation preview today. Previously this week, they'd done the OF, the infield, and the catchers. On Feb. 16th, the Times had done the relievers, so unless we also need a cricket-transfer preview, that would seem to allow us a flyover. Was there anything in these previews that was fresh to an SSI denizen? We'll cull it for yer. As y'know, we live to serve.
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ROTATION AT THE TNT
Quick: picture an article written for Soccer Mom. Got it? Then you got the rotation preview.
There is nothing wrong with Soccer Mom. Dr. D married a fine specimen of such... Read More
defense wins championships - except when it doesn't
Posted by jemanji on 02/18/16
Posted to blog
6 Comments
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Dave Fleming points out, today, that elite pitching is NOT required to win the World Series. Not lately. As you know, Dr. Detecto specializes in debunking tired old myths ... so that he can replace them with his own even weirder myths.
Yes, seriously. The myth carousel is about five or six slots around, before it clicks back to home base. Then we get to slam in the speedloader for another iteration, much like with a Smith & Wesson model 627.
Still, here's what Fleming says:
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EXEC SUM and we're talking High-UP Exec
From -10 to -30 years gone, that is from 1985-2005 A.D., the... Read More
Moving Past the Denial Phase of #24's Retirement
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/18/16
Posted to blog
Yesterday helped tremendously with moving on from Marshawn Lynch.
For one, it was Jim Brown's birthday, his 80th, which brought back fond memories of Lynch and his running style.
Secondly, ESPN ran a funny article with video of a very memorable Lynch moment in college. It was one I had never seen nor recalled, and really epitomized who Lynch was and remains to this day.
Lastly, I read an article discussing the future of the Seahawks run game with exciting 2015 Thomas Rawls who gives us all hope moving forward.
In regards to Jim Brown's birthday, Marshawn Lynch was actually mentioned in the... Read More
Plus a Kolesar hat trick
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/17/16
1 Comments
On Valentine’s Day, Seattle sweethearts enjoyed chocolates, roses and the usual Valentine’s gifts as well as a big Seattle Thunderbirds victory over the Victoria Royals at the ShoWare Center. The birds won with a score of 4-2, three points coming from Keegan Kolesar, who was on a roll that night. The hat trick was Kolesar’s second of the season. Not only that, but the Birds also broke the 11-game winning streak that the Royals were enjoying, making it an even bigger victory for the Birds. In the four games the Birds have played against the Royals in this series, they have won 4-0. Seattle’s... Read More
Primary and third kit photos available
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/17/16
1 Comments
The Seattle Storm is not the only team bringing out style changes this year. The Seattle Sounders have announced their new kits for 2016 and they are very stylish. Did you know that adidas does not create the uniforms all on their own? They receive input from the teams and ask for ideas, thoughts and opinions to begin a collaborative process. Then prototypes are made, modified and finalized.
This year, there is a classic soccer silhouette contrast sleeve on the jersey. An embossed “S” runs across the entire panel to show texture and an “iconic legacy,” according to adidas. The “S” stands for... Read More
WNBA’s top player is back with the Storm
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/17/16
1 Comments
Fans have been waiting with bated breath to find out whether or not the most decorated player in the entire WNBA will be returning to Seattle this season. Sue Bird, of course, thinks there was never anything to worry about. “I’m definitely going to finish my career in Seattle,” Bird said. “When is the actual end date? I don’t know.” The Storm announced on the team’s Facebook page that Bird said, “Seattle is my home.”
Seattle Storm General Manager and President Alisha Valavanis says that “Sue’s commitment to this team and to the city of Seattle is unprecedented.” She went on to express her... Read More
Earl Thomas's thoughts on NFL players and celebrating
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/17/16
Posted to blog
Earl Thomas was awoken by the NBA All-Star festivities this past weekend.
After seeing all the fun had by that league's players...Thomas took to Twitter to voice his concern with the NFL.
Earl's tweets spoke volumes, as it took a job at the NFL and their recent concussion concerns that have dominated headlines the past few seasons.
In not so many words... Earl Thomas tweeted out the the NFL should be more like the NBA and celebrate the players (adding...while they are still here)
That latter was the concussion jab to the league, and Thomas brings up a good point.
It was Chad Ochocinco (... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 02/17/16
Posted to blog
8 Comments
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Lookout Landing has a fine post that we can Exec Sum in three bullets:
Age-35 players GENERALLY have age-arc curves roughly equivalent to those of dragonflies hitting your windshield on I-5.
Nelson Cruz SPECIFICALLY was actually gaining steam in the second half of 2015.
Of the above two points, #2 weighs more heavily.
This is bemusingly objective analysis, coming from a blog-o-sphere in which skeptical = objective = cool.
.....
We still remember an email that James kindly sent along twenty years ago: "Fassero is year-to-year, but could reasonably continue five more years." That'll do for... Read More
if we can discuss this one, we can discuss ANY thing :- )
Posted by jemanji on 02/17/16
Posted to blog
58 Comments
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It would be very hard to find any philosophical tinder more apt to produce a raging fire. That's because of a little issue called "abortion rights," and we'll hand the microphone to Antonin Scalia:
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At the same time, Roe created a vast new class of abortion consumers and abortion proponents by eliminating the moral opprobrium that had attached to the act. ("If the Constitution guarantees abortion, how can it be bad?"—not an accurate line of thought, but a natural one.) Many favor all of those developments, and it is not for me to say that they are wrong.
But to portray Roe as the... Read More
Meet the team at Queen Anne Beerhall
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/16/16
1 Comments
The Seattle Sounders are a big deal no matter where you are from. Between four championships, some of the best players in MLS and a team that really cares about the Seattle community, it’s no wonder why any fan would love to spend time with the men on the team. Now is your chance to meet up with the Rave Green when they host a meet and greet opportunity at Queen Anne Beerhall. It is a fun promo to help highlight the team’s new mobile app.
Here’s how it works. You download the Sounders FC mobile app, which has a bunch of benefits on its own. You can download and print tickets from it, share... Read More
Seattle wins by one goal
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/16/16
1 Comments
Another Saturday night and another victory for our own Seattle Thunderbirds! The boys brought it home on Saturday at the ShoWare Center when the game went into overtime, beating the Portland Winterhawks by the slim margin of 6 to 5. Fans raved about what an exciting game it was after the birds came back from not one or even two but three deficits during the game: two of them two-goal and one of them a single goal. This is the kind of game that creates new fans from first-time spectators. Fans are also excited that the Birds are beating the Hawks five games to three in the season series. And... Read More
#7 signs multi-year contract
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/16/16
1 Comments
Seattle Storm fans of Japanese player Ramu Tokashiki can rejoice: the player is returning to Seattle again this season. In fact, Storm member #7 has signed a contract for multiple years on the team. The team is excited to welcome back the 2016 WNBA All-Rookie Team honoree. Seattle Storm Head Coach Jenny Boucek says that Tokashiki is “a key building block” to the future of the team. She explained, “Her combination of passion, athleticism, fearlessness and instinct for the game makes her a dynamic playmaker on both ends of the floor. The sky is the limit for Taku and we are extremely excited... Read More
Three La Liga teams try to get past the quarterfinals
Posted by jschario on 02/16/16
Posted to blog
It's been a while since we have had some top flight European competition to enjoy, but that changes this week. Tuesday marks the start of the quarterfinals stage of the UEFA Champions League competition with three Spanish teams looking to advance.
Spain's top three teams Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid play PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal and Roma respectively. Real Madrid kick off the Spanish slate of the Champions League, traveling to Rome where they face a Roma team starting to recover from a terrible start.
In Real Madrid, Roma drew the toughest opponent, as Zinedine Zidane's men are... Read More
Peyton Manning has many questions to answer
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/15/16
Posted to blog
Just a week after winning the Superbowl, Peyton Manning should be on top of the world.
Instead, a recent case is being looked at heavily alleging sexual abuse by the Denver star quarterback.
Prior to the 50th NFL Superbowl, HGH allegations arose connecting Manning. Now, somehow, that is a distant memory with these new charges.
The charges allege that Manning, while a star quarterback at the university of Tennessee, assaulted a female trainer for the program.
The trainer alleges that while looking at Manning's foot, he took down his pants and put his genitals on her face and head.
Manning has... Read More
NBA Dunk Contest back with a vengeance
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/15/16
Posted to blog
1 Comments
If you missed the NBA All State Dunk Contest over the weekend, it is probably because there has not been a good one in about a decade. I myself DVRd the contest with an unknown actual viewing date in mind.
Thankfully, I began to tune in later that night as I had nothing else planned.
Jordan made the contest popular with his iconic dunk from the free throw stripe, which gives us the jumpman symbol you now see on his shoes. Yes, the picture that heads this article...is that very dunk.
In recent years... props, including Blake Griffen bringing out an entire KIA car to dunk over, have been the... Read More
NCAA Tournament hopes take a hit
Posted by jschario on 02/14/16
Since starting out 5-1 in conference play with a place atop the conference standings, the young Washington Huskies men's basketball has struggled, and their NCAA Tournament hopes have gone from near lock to on the outside looking in. At this point they're not even a bubble team.
Saturday they went to Boulder to face a Colorado team they had just beat in January, installing belief theat these Huskies were destined for March Madness. However since then the Huskies have gone 2-7, with the two wins a narrow two-point win over UCLA where they almost blew a double digit lead, and an overtime home... Read More
that answers one question, at least
Posted by jemanji on 02/13/16
Posted to blog
12 Comments
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DaddyO 'shouted' that you can apologize for Zduriencik on the big names, but it's a lot harder to apologize for the state of the farm system after 7 long years. He's right.
The world and his brother agrees that the cupboard is more bare than Dae-ho Lee's will be, after he hits his carb crash. The News Tribune quotes DiPoto, even further, about the need for more contact:
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“(The Mariners have) very talented players with a lot of upside to tap into, but it’s only going to happen if we can somehow develop more contact. That’s going to be step No. 1 from a development aspect.”
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In other... Read More
Plus a hat trick for Barzal
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/13/16
1 Comments
Logan Flodell was blocking the net and Matthew Barzal was on a roll on Tuesday night when the Seattle Thunderbirds took on the Kelowna Rockets. Between 31 saves by Flodell, a hat trick from Barzal and several other goals made by Keegan Kolesar, Ryan Gropp and Josh Uhrich, the T-Birds were able to shutout the Rockets during an amazing game at the Showare Center in Seattle. Flodell just had his first shutout in his career. Now he has two under his belt, both of them against Kelowna.
The big win occurred after the Rockets just beat the T-Birds the night before during the first in a home-and-... Read More
Seattle welcomes back #3 on the team
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/13/16
1 Comments
It’s Angel Goodrich’s fourth season with the WNBA and she is returning to spend it with us in Seattle again. The Seattle Storm announced her return on February 9, 2016. Storm head coach Jenny Boucek was excited to announce the return of the point guard, saying, “Angel is a playmaker who thrives on creating for and making her teammates better. There are not many pure point guards in the game anymore so to have a young, hungry player at this position is a real benefit.”
Last season, Goodrich was a backup point guard and she averaged 3.0 assists per game. It was her career high. She played in 23... Read More
Enter to have a chance to volunteer with the team
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/13/16
2 Comments
As a Seattle Sounders fan, you already know how much good the team does for the community without even mentioning tourism and sports. The team is always doing amazing projects to help improve the area and make the world a happier, healthier place—whether it’s aiding Seattle Humane with programs like Putting for Pets or helping out at the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
During the Sounders FC Champions League quarterfinal match versus Club America, the team will be working on community building activities once again, and they are offering fans a chance to get involved, too. They will be... Read More
Somewhere a recliner sits, with a bowl of skittles nearby
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/13/16
Posted to blog
1 Comments
Marshawn Lynch, affectionately known as Beastmode, overshadowed even the biggest of all games Superbowl Sunday.
Following the game Lynch announced his retirement.
He did it so in true Beastmode fashion with few words, and an amazingly creative and vivid twitter photo.
The photo, a picture of his cleats hanging from a telephone wire, was all anyone needed to see to know what was transpiring.
He is certainly true to his word, and always has been, and the picture clearly marks the end of an Era in Seattle.
From poignant run after run, Marshawn defined Seattle football during his time in the... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/13/16
US Soccer is a strange scene right now, with many of the national team's stars coming back stateside to play in the MLS, even with offers from big European clubs on the table. On the other end of the spectrum, young American stars are leaving the MLS for big time opportunities in Europe.
Case and point, established men's national team stars Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey came to the MLS from a couple of Europe's biggest clubs in the world's top flight leagues. Bradley came to Toronto FC from Roma in Italy's Serie A, and US team captain Dempsey was playing for London outfit Tottenham FC... Read More
Join Brad Evans in this fun charity event
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/12/16
2 Comments
When Brad Evans comes to mind, what do you immediately think about? Probably soccer. Maybe the Seattle Sounders. But what about humanitarian? It should come to mind for fans who know Evans well. He was voted Humanitarian of the Year by the Sounders in 2015, and he was a runner up for the same award throughout the entire MLS. Evans is widely known for his charitable efforts, particularly those surrounding animals. He and his wife are self-described animal lovers and they believe in speaking for creatures that don’t have a voice of their own.
That’s why they both hope that the people of Seattle... Read More
The forward returns to the Storm
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/12/16
1 Comments
It’s her ninth season with the WNBA and she’s choosing to spend it with the Seattle Storm once again. Crystal Langhorne is returning for her third season with Seattle and her fans are thrilled to have her back. In fact, fans took to social media exclaiming things like, “Yes!” and “Awesome!” Langhorne, a forward, wears the #1 jersey on the team. Storm President and General Manager Alisha Valavanis says that the team is thrilled to have Langhorne back again and that “her veteran status and on-court consistency makes her an invaluable member of this team.”
Langhorne was born on October 27, 1986... Read More
Meet the newest T-Bird
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/12/16
1 Comments
By now you’ve heard that the Seattle Thunderbirds have acquired yet another player, even while many fans are protesting that the team has allowed too much new blood to enter the arena already this season. Indeed, some fans are saying that the slump that the Birds have found themselves in is largely, if not fully, due to the lack of cohesion on the team. Whether it’s a lack of camaraderie, an inability to mesh well or something deeper, we don’t know for sure, but we also know that it’s not newbie Jared Pelechaty’s fault, either. So let’s welcome him aboard!
Pelechaty is filling in for injured... Read More
lunchtime!
Posted by jemanji on 02/12/16
Posted to blog
1 Comments
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At great risk to life and limb, super-NPB-poster IcebreakerX found us Lee's splits for last season:
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vs
AVG
PA
AB
H
2B
HR
K
BB
LHP
.400
83
70
28
4
7
11
12
RHP
.264
501
440
116
27
24
98
50
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Which you could call encouraging, I think. :- )
Just fo yo in-fo, the slugging percentage comes out to .757 vs lefties and .488 vs righties. The overall slash vs LHPs was .400/.494/.757. What does that remind us of ... hmmmm ... oh yeah. That was the year the States entered The Big One, and Teddy Ballgame's slash line was .401/.553/.735. Just musin'.
It's true that 83 plate appearances aren't a... Read More
pravda on the fate of the race, comrade
Posted by jemanji on 02/12/16
Posted to blog
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As Yakov Smirnov would say, "What. A. Country!" in which a mag like Sports Illustrated can collect the Blue Books from 30 General Managers, red-pen the essays, and tape the 1.3s, 2.7s and 3.8s to the glass office door for public review. Since when did SI know baseball from Aussie Rools Football? But that's what's makes it so great.
Here's what dey got on us out in the AL West boondocks, and Dr. D's reaction to their reaction. Below, you can react to my reacting to SI reacting to the most data-intense sports franchises on the planet.
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SI on the Angels: F. "All they had to do was get... Read More
third-order winning percentage, indeed
Posted by jemanji on 02/12/16
Posted to blog
9 Comments
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Here is Cliff Corcoran's article. Should we do an Exec Sum or should we "unpack" the luggage of SI's trip through Edgar Martinez Avenue? Either way you phrase it, here is what SI sez:
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(1) The M's did more, as measured by quantity, than any other team.
(1a) It didn't cost them anything, as measured by quality, defined in East Coast banking terms.
(1b) They were "small roster improvements," small as compared to the Yankees' early bid for Bryce Harper, you understand.
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(2) The turnover applied to every sector of the 25-man demographic.
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(3) The M's two 'blockbuster' moves were 'missteps... Read More
chess for fun and chess for blood, Dept.
Posted by jemanji on 02/12/16
Posted to blog
10 Comments
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Biology ... er, AI Rick sez:
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Hey, off topic but, but since you kinda mentioned it: That last line about chess. I'd been wondering when you'd bring up chess, because although I am not a chess player, I recently saw the movie Pawn Sacrifice and was mesmerized by Tobey McGuire's portrayal of Bobby Fischer. I spend the next day reading the entire Wiki page on Fischer, which definitely needed some serious editing, but I didn't want to miss an important fact in this guy's career. So...anytime you want to regale us with Bobby Fischer quotes, insights, etc. I am all ears.
I was especially... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/11/16
Posted to blog
Last weekend should have been one that produced a whole entire SportsCenter Top 10 plays, as Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were playing against two sides that will be lucky to stave off relegation this campaign. However it turned out the two power clubs largely played down to the level of their opponents, both escaping with a win although with slimmer margins than expected.
Both squads were on the road with Barcelona in Andalucia to play Levante and Real Madrid also in the province to play Granada.
League leaders Barcelona went up early thanks to a fairly lucky goal that deflected... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/10/16
The University of Washington athletic program had an all-around eventful weekend last weekend, with both basketball teams facing off against nationally ranked opponents and the golf teams garnering a couple awards of their own.
First with golf, men's junior golfer Corey Pereira was named to the 2016 Ben Hogan Award watch list on Wednesday, as announced by the Colonial Country Club, the Friends of Golf (FOG) and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). 25 golfers from around the country made the watch list, which goes to the best collegiate golfer of the year. Pereira had a dominant... Read More
gotta love the batting practice meme here
Posted by jemanji on 02/10/16
Posted to blog
5 Comments
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I don't see this term on Urban Dictionary, so:
innings eater
A starting pitcher, formerly with a 95 MPH fastball, now throwing 89 MPH. Uses his "knowledge of how to get hitters out" to run an ERA slightly worse than league average. A lesser evil at #5 SP if your choice is a pitcher from Australia.
If CC Sabathia can stay healthy, he may be able to eat another 200 innings for the Yankees.
by jeffclarke238 Feb. 10, 2016
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BULLPEN
What's odd is to see such a pitcher in middle relief. The Mariners' spring battle now shapes up as:
FINISH = Cishek, Benoit
LEFT = Furbush, one other guy (Hultzen... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 02/10/16
Posted to blog
45 Comments
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LR phrases the issue quite nimbly, sincerely, and to the point:
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Votes can't be bought or sold, but they can be INFLUENCED. You keep skirting around this simple truth.
When one entity, a corporation or union or somesuch, can pour as much money as they want into advertising for a candidate, their voice is amplified 10,000x to voters across the country. It's a direct correlation. This influences peoples opinions. You are essentially calling the "riggers" idiots, because you claim this tactic doesn't work, that it doesn't affect the outcomes of elections. So people like the Kochs, who... Read More
Posted by Spectator on 02/09/16
17 Comments
I have a few minutes here, so I'll share a few thoughts.
Pat Buchanan did well in New Hampshire twice with an "angry white male" blue-collar-nationalist approach. Prior to that, George Wallace had stormed north in 1972, replacing his racial message with an economic-grievance one, and was making surprising headway until his assassination attempt sent him to the sidelines.
In other words, the Donald Trump extravaganza is not the first go-around for this particular brand of politics. It's just the first time that it has been wrapped in a reality-TV version of credibility, and lifted by an... Read More
if you explain it real slow, Dr. D will try to grok it
Posted by jemanji on 02/08/16
Posted to blog
8 Comments
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Greg Johns has a list of 7 players that, DiPoto hopes, will rebound in 2015. So, we report you decide. Here are a few of 'em with the HI (2014), the LO (2015), the MID (halfway in between), the comps, and Dr's Diagnosis. Buying low and reaping high? It's a cliche that the saber blogs perpetuate, but they're not in on their own joke. Many Gillicks are called; few are chosen.
The MID does nothing but presume a 50% trampoline jump back up from 2015 towards 2014. Just da numbers in Marcel fashion.
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CHRIS IANNETTA, C
High (2014): .250/.370/.400 (!), 123 OPS+. Comp at the plate: Carlos... Read More
What do the Hawks have to do to get to Super Bowl LI
Posted by jschario on 02/08/16
Posted to blog
This year was a revelation for Cam Newton. Behind his 1000-watt smile, giving game balls to kids and dabbing in the end zone, he became the face of the NFL. Many called him polarizing, but there was no doubt he would become the face of the league if he wanted it.
Maybe just as important, his antics/attitude this year helped everyone forget about the Cam Newton of last year, it was that Cam we saw postgame after the loss in Super Bowl 50.
Perhaps the best example of how the NFL memory is constantly wiped clean week-to-week, no one said anything about the Cam Newton who would pout at the podium... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 02/08/16
Posted to blog
7 Comments
The above picture is of the Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy" locomotive, one of the largest and most powerful locomotives ever built. The M's now have their own "Big Boy" in Dae Ho Lee.
I really like the signing. McGrath's take on it at TNT (http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/john-mcgrath/arti...) is well worth the read. Summary: He's a good guy who has real talent. He's going to be fun to watch.
There is some question as to whether the Ms will give Montero a shot at the platoon spot in Spring Training and to start the season and put Lee in Tacoma to get acclimated. My... Read More
Enjoy the fresh air
Posted by mojician on 02/08/16
44 Comments
My wife and I like to shop at the $5 and $10 movie bin at Wal Mart. Recently, she bought a season of the old school Mission: Impossible TV show. We noticed some things from our Sixties time warp:
Only people displaying a particular style were allowed on TV. All men were clean shaved (except baddies) and wore short hair with a part. They wore suits in public, and sweaters in private. Women always wore high heels and evening gowns.
Children are not seen.
People from the sixties drank like fish and smoked like chimneys.
I'd like to talk about point no. 1:
... Read More
very Zen of you, Cam
Posted by jemanji on 02/08/16
Posted to blog
14 Comments
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A handful of Mainframe groks on the subject of being full of your(it-)self :- )
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1. If you are a Cam Newton fan: live long and prosper to you, comrade. There have been a whole whale of a lot of athletes more offensive to Dr. D than is Cam. ... that said, when he gave up that strip-sack fumble to lose the Super Bowl, and sat there on his knees watching, sick look on his face, John paused the tape carefully to put a screen shot onto his phone for wallpaper.
It takes a lot to make Dr. D glad when justice is served. But: I've got my PayPal card right here. Where is the T-Shirt with a guy... Read More
Formats change for both regular and playoff games
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/08/16
1 Comments
At the end of January, the WNBA Board of Governors announced that some major changes to both the regular season and playoff formats have been made and will go into effect this season. Along with the new changes, fans can expect some big media coverage for the Seattle Storm and the rest of the WNBA in the upcoming season. Every playoff will be live-casted by ESPN. And the teams with the highest winning percentages will be able to enter the playoffs according to their records—which mean that conferences no longer have the bearing they had going into the playoffs.
Fans can look forward to... Read More
Are you ready?
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/08/16
The Sounders are gearing up to take on Mexican side Celaya FC tomorrow. The game will be live streaming from Tucson, Arizona on the Sounders website, so you can watch from anywhere with wifi. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a day when it was easy to miss a game just by not being home, traveling or even having the TV out. Rave Green is going for its first game of the official season in just about two weeks, so this will give us a chance to see how the team is really stacking up with so many newbies on board. It will be the team’s third preseason game.
It also sounds like we may get to see... Read More
Saturday’s score was 4-1
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/08/16
1 Comments
A brutal loss for the books. That’s what you might dub Saturday night’s game between the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Everett Silvertips at the ShoWare Center. 5,316 fans were in attendance to see the game that night. The loss totaled 4-1, a huge letdown for fans not just because the Birds have lost quite a few lately, but also because the Tips are in the coveted #1 spot right now—a spot the T-Birds only just had last fall.
Everett took the lead for the entire game, scoring two goals during the first period, a third in the second period and a final goal during the third period—the same period... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/07/16
National Signing Day came and went this past Wednesday, and the University of Washington had a fairly drama-free day. While they didn't get any surprise commits, they didn't lose any either. Which is a huge positive as they snagged a class ranked in the top half of the Pac 12 conference.
Chris Petersen has grown accustomed to getting significant contributions from each class as soon as they step onto campus in Montlake. Defensive back Budda Baker, quarterback Max Browing and running back Myles Gaskin all played key roles for the Huskies their freshman year.
Coming from a mid-major power like... Read More
February 3 was the 30th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/06/16
1 Comments
On February 3, the women of the Seattle Storm, along with women from teams around the country, celebrated the 30th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. First, along with several other teams, the Storm helped in creating an inspiring video called “Watch Me Work.” The video is in honor of both the 20th anniversary of the WNBA as well as the upcoming Rio Olympics. The video was designed to help encourage young women to get to know the WNBA and learn more about female sports heroes as well as aspire to achieve their own goals and dreams—whether inside or outside the sport.
To further... Read More
another 'anti-Ramirezes' reliever comin' to camp
Posted by jemanji on 02/06/16
Posted to blog
1 Comments
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TEMPLATE
In his Red Sox callup, at least, Aro used the following repertoire:
11 pitches per inning = 93 MPH fastball (it's 93 on the gun and also 93 perceived)
2 pitches per inning = 84 MPH armside changeup
2 pitches per inning = 86 MPH gloveside slider
Other relievers who throw like that -- tons of fastballs with a decent not great snake-tongue offspeed game -- include:
Jake Petricka CHI, who fans 6 per game and walks 3 in DiPoto style
Roberto Osuna TOR, who throws harder (and dominates)
Shawn Tolleson TEX, who has jelled as a frontline setup man
If a pitcher has plus command and decent... Read More
Portland wins, 2-1
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/06/16
1 Comments
Well, the winning streak was fun while it lasted, Birds fans. The Seattle Thunderbirds lost another game to the Portland Winterhawks this week. The loss came just after two big wins, one of which was a shutout with Logan Flodell at the goalie helm. In fact, the Hawks barely squeaked by with the win, which was 2-1. It was a tense and intense game with a lot of penalties and tension, but not as much scoring.
Nobody scored at all during the first period of the game. Penalties were had between Turgeon and Po for slashing and Sea and True for interference. During the second period, Turner... Read More
Find out who’s no longer on the team
Posted by SeattleSoccerInsider on 02/06/16
2 Comments
After the drastic number of cuts the Seattle Sounders made last fall, it’s easy to breathe deep and think that your favorite player is now safe and sound with training well underway. That said, any fan knows that cuts can be made any time—even during the training season. And it is with a heavy heart that many fans received this news: Anthony Wallace and Ben Speas will not be returning with the Sounders this season. S2 player Sergio Mota was also cut.
Anthony Wallace, an MLS Cup winning defender, and Ben Speas, an NCAA champion midfielder, will both be missed on the team. Fans will remember... Read More
Two things that popped out about Goodell's speech
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/06/16
Posted to blog
On Friday, NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell gave his end of the year address.
Goodell spoke on the usual ongoing concussion issues, player discipline, the upcoming Superbowl, and of course the ever so popular competition commitee.
It seems more and more each year the NFL does some pretty significant changes competition wise. This is getting more and more attention each year it seems.
In Goodell's speech, two things in particular popped out. One being the state of the league's yearly all star Pro Bowl game played last Sunday. The second being a possible, or should I say probable, rule change... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/06/16
Posted to blog
To the naked eye, this weekend's soccer slate in Spain may lack the drama and storylines we have seen in past weeks. La Liga's top three teams face teams of seemingly lesser quality. League leaders Barcelona face bottom dwellers Levante, Real Madrid travel south to face a Granada side they have absolutely dominated in recent years and Atlético Madrid face Eibar at home. Although of the three, second-place Atlético will surely face a stiff test from an Eibar team that has surprised many behind a staunch defense.
In recent weeks Diego Simeone's team surely have suffered a shot to their... Read More
wait just a minnit there on that Lee thing, wouldja
Posted by jemanji on 02/05/16
Posted to blog
4 Comments
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It's a whale of a contest. The Times is asking its readers, Who will be the M's platoon 1B on Opening Day? The Sur-Vey Sez:
43.8% = Jesus Montero
42.5% = Dae-ho Lee
0.0002% = Some other outcome
Captured under that 0.0002% is Prospect Insider, which remains the voice of the field-level crosschecker. They've got an inkling that you just can't afford the lack of glovework to keep a dedicated 1B along with Lind. The Times' sports staff has not been alerted to this restriction, and Dr. D would smilingly ask DiPoto with which side he aligns.
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BaseballHQ, going into 2016, still sees a smidge... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 02/05/16
Posted to blog
40 Comments
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The Think Tank with 50-ish op-ed pieces on Sanders' appeal. Time for a fresh thread. Many of those comments are 500+ words, and tight at that, coming from subject matter experts (including four people who have worked significantly on campaigns, a lawyer, and a dozen people smarter than they are). ... ;- )
Dr. D used to fret about how long Konspiracy Korner could run its course before trolls ruined it for everybody. But the exchanges are actually getting even better: more cool-minded, richer, more diverse.
Okay then. I think I got a good feel for Bernie Sanders' appeal to college kids... Read More
Get your calendars ready
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/05/16
2 Comments
Have you been counting down the days until the WNBA season begins again? Anxiously following Facebook feeds and Twitter profiles to catch a glimpse of dates when they are available? The wait is over! The Storm recently announced their 2016 schedule, so get out your calendars and ink pens ready. Keep in mind that we’ve also got two players in the running for the Olympics (Sue Bird and Jewell Loyd!), so you may want to scribble those in tentatively, too.
Play starts in early May this year to work around the Olympics schedule. Five games will be taking place in May. The first will be against the... Read More
Thunderbirds beat Blazers 3-1
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/05/16
2 Comments
Maybe 2016 is just going to be their year or maybe it’s a streak of luck, but the Seattle Thunderbirds are killing it this year! Last week, we saw a shutout when the Birds conquered the Rockets with Logan Flodell back at guarding the goal, and this week they’ve beaten the Kamloops Blazers with almost another shutout. The Blazers were only able to nab a single goal before the game was over, and Landon Bow was back at the net, allowing only one shot to get past his defenses the entire game. Bow’s stats are now 16-18-4-0.
Bow wasn’t the only young many to have a great night on the ice, either.... Read More
2016 Mariner's roster and schedule
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/05/16
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2 Comments
picture provided by : https://www.flickr.com/photos/thegirlsny/4743862469/
We can already start smelling the freshly cut grass and freshly packed snuff cans.
Believe it or not, baseball really is right around the corner. After a troubling 2015 season, the new brass in town hope to make a quick turnaround of a talented Mariner squad.
It was clear to all that the Mariners underperformed. New GM Jerry Dipoto has set forth his blueprint and acted on it. He has had many holes to bkug in the sinking Mariner vessell, but has done admirable. New head coach Scott Servais hopes to get the most from... Read More
2016 roster and schedule
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/05/16
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Despite a poor 2015 campaign, signs point to a Seattle Storm team that will compete in 2016.
The Storm ended the 2015 season at just 10 wins and 24 losses, but towards the end of the year the team showed they belong and are growing. This was evident by winning 5 of their last 12 games... (Yes, that's right half of their overall games won in the last 1/3 of the season)
The feeling by many in the WNBA world is that the team will be competitive at worst. An aging 2014 team was turned around at the begining of last year with the additions of rookies Jewell Loyd and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis. This... Read More
A-Z guide with players to watch for
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/05/16
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1 Comments
The 2016 schedule is underway with the Sounders currently playing some exhibition matches in preparation for the 2016 season. The Rave offer plenty of soccer superstars to behold and have added some exciting players as well...
Here is the 2016 current Sounders roster:
Tony Alfaro- Defender (unsigned)
Emir Alihodzic- Midfielder (unsigned)
Osvaldo Alonso #6- mid
Andy Craven #99- Forward
Clint Dempsey #2- for (designated player)
Brad Evans #3- def/mid
Michael Farfan #12- mid
Oniel Fisher #81- mid/def
Stefan Frei #24- Goalkeeper
Erik Friberg #8- mid
Andreas Ivanschitz #23- mid
Darwin Jones #17-... Read More
just 2+ weeks until pitchers report
Posted by jemanji on 02/05/16
Posted to blog
4 Comments
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I hadn't seen this Jerry DiPoto interview from last week. As usual, he was willing to say things that Jack Zduriencik would never have said in a jillion years. Biggest winner out of the Jerry D hire was Dr. D as a blogger. DiPoto was caught on camera saying:
1) If Hultzen looks like DiPoto hopes he will look, and half-expects him to look, then --- > Furbush and Hultzen are the two lefties out of the bullpen. In that sense, it's Hultzen's job to lose. (Imagine Zduriencik saying that.)
2) Hultzen was one of the best amateur pitchers ever,* one of the best SP prospects of the last 20... Read More
my little blonde college niece and Sanders - what a match
Posted by jemanji on 02/05/16
Posted to blog
55 Comments
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You might or might not have grok'ked that Dr. D follows today's politics much less than you do. He believes that he is well oriented on the issues, but not up-to-date on what this or that politician is arguing on the issues. So this KK stub is more in the nature of a plea for education. :- )
Bill O'Reilly is a fiery guy, but much more independent than the media represents him. He seems to have no particular bone to pick with socialism, certainly nothing like the ire that Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh have against socialism. (I couldn't even tell you whether our Constitution speaks to... Read More
Flodell is behind this win against the Kelowna Rockets
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/04/16
2 Comments
Another shutout for the Seattle Thunderbirds is always good news to hear any day of the week. On Saturday night, the Birds beat the Kelowna Rockets with a score of 2-0. While new goalkeeper Landon Bow has had a few excellent shutouts during the season since joining, this one was actually made possibly by the finesse of T-Bird goalie Logan Flodell. The Birds have been relying heavily upon Bow lately and when fans cried out for more Flodell, it seems that the Birds listened—and the results were fantastic. It was even Flodell’s very first shutout, so he has to be quite proud.
Flodell blocked 23... Read More
Storm player #4 signs on for the season
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/04/16
2 Comments
Yesterday the Seattle Storm fans receiving the exciting announcement that Alysha Clark is returning to the Seattle Storm for the 2016 basketball season. It was also announced by the team that Jenna O’Hea, forward number 4, is also returning to play for the team. Storm President & GM Alisha Valavanis stressed how important this was to the team’s goals this season, saying that both Clark and O’Hea are fan favorites who keep the locals very connected with the Storm. They are also good role models for the community as well as leaders on the team—but let’s also not forget how talented they are... Read More
that's what Dr. D calls baseball food
Posted by jemanji on 02/04/16
Posted to blog
8 Comments
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Jason Churchill doesn't really consider it feasible to keep a pure 1B as your #4 benchie. Lots and lots of people agree with him, especially scouts. Churchill leans toward Stefen Romero to platoon with Adam Lind, on the basis that he is your #6 OF also.
Dr. D's view is that --- > conventional baseball wisdom on this point, can too often be either (1) lazy, or (2) a cover-your-backside approach. Dr. D has little sympathy for a manager who fears the "embarrassment" of, in the late innings, losing his DH for two innings once a month. He also has little sympathy for a manager who thinks... Read More
would YOU call this a "Rummy!" ?
Posted by jemanji on 02/04/16
Posted to blog
5 Comments
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I think James once wrote an article, "What if you became a GM? Would your dream be to make 12 moves in 2 months, and turn a loser into a winner, solely by virtue of your blinding insight?" If I remember, right, Bill accused the 1961 Reds of being such a team. They went from 90-ish losses to 93 wins, and finished 1st in the (divisionless) National League, based simply on a brilliant offseason by their GM.
One aspect of that coup was that the Reds' SP rotation of no-names piled up a long string of 100-130 ERAs. This is Dr. D's observation also, that many "surprise" teams wind up with... Read More
Say it ain't so Calvin
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/04/16
Posted to blog
Another NFL great...of all time...is, perhaps, retiring early. Calvin Johnson (aka: Megatron) has expressed some deep thought towards 2015 being his last season.
The news sent shockwaves around the NFL and hit particularly hard in Detroit.
Detroit saw their last great player hang up his cleats early when Barry Sanders retired early in 1999 This was done at the ripe age of 30 right in his prime. Barry also had a legitamate shot at many running back records. He woukd have been in a foot race...literally, with Emmett Smith for years to come. Because of all this, it hit about as hard as the auto... Read More
Mega-club Chelsea picks up American Matt Miazga
Posted by jschario on 02/03/16
Posted to blog
It's now February and the January transfer window has closed, but not without some big-time transfers taking place in the closing days. Major League Soccer came out net zero almost, losing a rising star to the English Premier League, while bringing in a European international from Italy's Serie A.
First the departure, NY Red Bulls 6-foot-3 defender Matt Miazga was bought for an undisclosed amount by EPL giant Chelsea. Just 20-years-old, Miazga had a breakout year in 2015 making 30 appearances for a Red Bulls team that made a deep run in the MLS playoffs. Born in Clifton, NJ Miazga was a "home... Read More
Dr. D didn't know you could use a fungo bat as your "gamer"
Posted by jemanji on 02/03/16
Posted to blog
14 Comments
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M's Git R Done, and give themselves another draw at the Bucky Jacobsen deck. :- ) Here is the mini-POTD that we put up last week. The Exec Sum of that post:
1) A picture's worth 1,000 kilograms ... er, words. Video linked.
2) He certainly clears his hands for the inside pitch. Carlton Fisk is my visual ... or Ichiro when he pre-set a launch for the RF seats.
3) Has a track record of "elevating his game" when faced with new and better pitching
Dr. D has always fancied the Jumbo Super Sized hitter who can whistle a line drive off the wall --- > using only a little arm swing. ... Read More
Seattle Sounders FC 2016 Roster and Scedule
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/03/16
Posted to blog
Photo contributed by flickr/creativecommons
After a solid 2015 campaign, the Sounders look to come back with a vengeance in 2016.
Just missing the Western Conference Championship certainly leaves a bitter taste in the player's, and fan's, mouths.
In the end of the 2015 regular season, the Sounders finished with 44 gf, 36 ga, and 51 overall pts. This left them in 4th place in the Western conference, but they were as hot as any team going into the playoffs.
Their road came to an end at the hand of FC Dallas in a very heated back and forth contest. It took regular time, an extra period, and... Read More
slap me silly, what will Jerry D think of next
Posted by jemanji on 02/03/16
Posted to blog
7 Comments
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Bob Dutton wrote a fine article on Paxton's 2016 outlook. This little excerpt below .... wait for it ... wait .... wait . :
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Paxton sharpened his changeup and began working with minor-league pitching coach Rich Dorman on a high fastball.
"Guys were always looking down in the zone for me," Paxton said, "because I have that (12-to-6) angle. But when I change the angle, and have a high fastball, they can’t cheat down there all of the time. It makes it a lot harder for them.
"I’m looking forward to continuing to work on that in spring training."
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Words fail me.
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Well, we've... Read More
tinfoil hat engage, dept.
Posted by jemanji on 02/03/16
Posted to blog
49 Comments
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LOL. :- ) One reply on the M's depth chart and the position battles, but 100-ish on my tepid mini-summary of Trump's appeal. So, Punxsatowney Phil (Mariners version) scuttles his little haunches back into the hole and we provide you with a fresh KK stub. As y'know, we live to serve.
LR wrote a couple of great comments, including this one directed to Matt:
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If I might ask another question, I'm really curious if you come down on the conservative side of all these issues, as this was the idea behind my initial inquiry into whether you broke from any conservative principles. I've gleaned a... Read More
#32 is a Storm woman once again
Posted by InsideSeattleBa... on 02/02/16
2 Comments
She’s back for the season! Today the Seattle Storm announced that Alysha Clark has resigned with the team. The veteran forward said today on her Twitter page, “I can’t tell you how thankful I am! Man, what a journey.” Fans are raving online via social media about how excited they are to see her return, dubbing her an all-star for life. The Seattle Storm Twitter and Facebook accounts especially celebrated the news with photos announcing Clark’s return.
Strom president and General Manager Alisha Valavanis was very excited to report the news, saying that bringing her back to the team once again... Read More
T-Birds are now 26-19-3-0
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/02/16
2 Comments
It is never a fun day in T-Birds history when the Everett Silvertips win a game. With a score so close at 2-1, sometimes it can make you feel even more frustrated. On January 30, that’s just what happened to our Seattle Thunderbirds. And given the fact that the Tips scored their final, game-winning goal during the last 1:50 of the game, it’s understandable why fans threw fits.
There are now seven points that separate the first-place Tips between the second-place Birds, making the rivalry lines thicker than ever. Some fans argue that it doesn’t even matter as long as the T-Birds make it into... Read More
Posted by jschario on 02/02/16
It was a bittersweet weekend all-around for the Washington Husky basketball program. Both the men and women earned a road split on opposite ends of California. The men were in the south paying the LA schools a visit, and both teams were definitely out for revenge after losing on their respective trips to Seattle.
The young Huskies got off to an amazing start, frustrating the Bruins as they had no answer. UCLA coach Steve Alford was repeatedly burning his timeouts early in the first half as his team had no way of stopping the Husky offense. Despite the slow start, UCLA mounted a furious... Read More
Why are there fewer sports heros
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/02/16
Posted to blog
Photo provided by creativecommons/flickr
"No respect"- Rodney Dangerfield used to say. Today, Tom Brady must find himself saying the same.
I never saw so many anti Tom Brady hate post after they lost their playoff game. Heck, I'm still seeing them weeks later.
I am not sure about you, but when I was growing up there were a lot more players loved than hated. At least in terms of the greats.
Maybe it's just an age thing...perhaps much of the nation in their 20s, 30s, and 40s hated MJ or Tiger Woods while I was cheering them on as a kid. Pre-cheating on his wife Tiger that is...do not get things... Read More
Another loss during the final week of January
Posted by SeattleHockeyInsider on 02/01/16
2 Comments
Last week was not the luckiest of the season for our Seattle Thunderbirds. They lost their own Teddy Bear Toss game to the Winterhawks, and on January 29th they lost again to the Spokane Chiefs with a score of 5-4. Even so, it was one of their more lively games, and held at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. In fact, it was one of those games where you take someone to introduce them to hockey and leave with them having become a huge fan in the process. It was such a close game and most fans in attendance reported having a wonderful time.
During the first period of the game, Seattle outshot... Read More
Is CR7 back?
Posted by jschario on 02/01/16
Posted to blog
La Liga had its biggest weekend of soccer thus far in the second half both on and off the pitch. First, the January transfer window closed Sunday without any of the big teams making any sort of splash. Unless you consider Real Madrid loaning out bench player and Russian international Denis Cheryshev out to Valencia as a splash.
Other big news off the pitch as it pertains to former Spain international and Barcelona manager extraordinaire Pep Guardiola. Monday morning it was announced that Guardiola would be headed to the English Premier League to coach Manchester City. Chilean Manuel... Read More
Why so much hate for the guy in the cape
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/01/16
Picture provided by creative commons/flicker
Every story must have a villain, so its not hard to imagine why Can Newton is now finding himself on the darkside.
I mean, what's the other option...Peyton Manning, I don't think so.
It really is not fair, but that is life they say.
Can Newton gives to his community, as is well documented. Heck, every Sunday when he scores, or a teammate...for that matter, Newton is first to make sure the ball gets to a lucky fan.
He dances, smiles, laughs and just has fun out there. He does not overly taunt or complain about calls. Many would say he does not... Read More
Manning to ride off into the sunset
Posted by hawksinsider on 02/01/16
Picture provided by creative commons/flicker
After defeating the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, audio recording picked up Peyton Manning telling Bill Belichek that this may be his last rodeo.
It sure would be a great way to go out. His now team President, John Elway, who recruited Manning to Denver, knows this well. Elway finished off his career on top winning a Superbowl late in his career after manyl gave up on him. He felt Manning could do the same, and sold Manning on the Broncos using his very own success story.
Its amazing Manning even got back Into the lineup after early... Read More