September 2015
See you in "court," Arte
Posted by jemanji on 09/30/15
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A POINT ABOUT VIRTUOSITY AND HOW IT APPLIES TO WINNING
In chess, as in baseball, and as in life, these are four different things, in approximate order of virtuosity:
Having a collection of insights about a 'sport'
Being able to prioritize these insights; sense of proportion
Having a grasp and comprehension, a philosophy, a style
Inventing new things, due to creative genius
The local chessplayer, who studies all his life, might actually know 80% or 90% as much about chess as did Bobby Fischer. He knows the third-order principles, such as, Knight-and-Pawn endings are to be played as if they... Read More
'The fast start doesn't always do what you want'
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/29/15
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Pete Carroll is all about finishing, so the fact that the Seahawks' offense still can't get out of first gear in the first half doesn't really bother him as much as it does Jimmy Graham and the rest of Seattle.
The Seahawks sleepwalked through the first half Sunday, managing just six points against the Chicago Bears, and they have yet to score a touchdown in the first two quarters this season. They rank 28th in the league at 6.3 points per first half.
Thankfully, that bugs Graham, who comes from a much more aggressive offensive mentality honed in New Orleans.
"Early in the game, we've got... Read More
Exam Cheats, Dept.
Posted by jemanji on 09/28/15
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BILL BUCKLEY CAVEATS AND QUID PRO QUO's, Dept.
This dude is NOT my kinda player. True, Dr. D campaigns against the weirdly overreactive idea that HR and RBI don't matter at all. But! Trumbo's particular sub-category of RBI player consists of:
Fairly good HR and RBI "newspaper leaderboard" numbers, with
Low AVG
Low BB's
Crummy defense
That, gentlemen, is the Wall*E flub amidst the RBI Pixar collection of Nelson Cruz enjoyability. I'm biased against Steve Balboni, not towards him. Mark Trumbo averages 42 walks per year and hits only .250. This while playing in a corner, and playing the... Read More
The Bronze Bomber takes on... who exactly?
Posted by nicholas_fusaro on 09/27/15
If you were tuned in last August and happened to find out that Johann Duhaupas was going to face top-ten-ranked, undefeated WBC title holder Deontay Wilder, you probably now understand why we have at least three of the 6 questions of journalism. Who the hell is Johann Duhaupas? Why does he get to fight Deontay Wilder? How did he last 11 rounds? Of course, all your questions could probably be condensed into a single word, headlinese-style: "WHAT?!"
Well, the hyper-cynical Charles Farrell may have called it January of last year, and I'm unfortunately starting to believe him. He maintains that... Read More
Posted by jschario on 09/26/15
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When Darrell Bevell was brought in to be the offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, many pointed to his success in Minnesota, where he had one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Brett Favre. Since coming over to Seattle however, the offense hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire, despite consistently adding the league’s top-flight weapons.
He’s had Marshawn Lynch who is no doubt a top 3 running back, Russell Wilson a quarterback with Michael Vick’s rushing ability but an exponentially better passer. Last year had a healthy Percy Harvin while this year the team added the league’s best... Read More
Bevell, Wilson and the TE explain the situation
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/26/15
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Russell Wilson and Darrell Bevell have taken a lot of heat this week for not getting Jimmy Graham involved in the offense, and inflammatory reports have erroneously described the tight end as upset that he was not getting the ball.
The three principals all agreed Graham is frustrated -- over the Seahawks' 0-2 start. They also said there were reasons the ball didn't go his way in Green Bay, they are still feeling out the connection and they will get him the ball more often.
But Bevell and Wilson also were quick to remind everyone that there are other players on offense and they aren't going... Read More
mmmmmmmyeah I can work with that, he's thinkin
Posted by jemanji on 09/26/15
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Young Fronkynsteen at last got two seconds to step away from the Double Slit Mag-No-Matic jumbotron. He dropped a few '27 baseballs into the giant hopper on the Mainframe XD and downloaded the intel on Jerry DiPoto. No, not the facts, obviously. We learned what people think, which as any closer can tell you, is far more important than the reality.
Maybe we even looked up which moves were his and which were Scioscia's / Arte's. More than that, we surfed the chat boards and DiPoto interviews. So, let us leave the realm of curved space, quark poltergeists and Hillary. We enter the realm... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 09/25/15
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Normally this subject on biology (hey, Rick! Take the steering wheel wouldja!) would be too granular to be of general interest. But in the third section below we may get some feedback as to which topics are of general interest, and in the first section below we have an important point in logic.
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First of all, we need to steer clear of circular reasoning. "No REAL scientists reject evolution. Why? Because people who reject evolution have been brainwashed by Christians and are not real scientists." This logic is false by definition.
And it extends to the idea of "No REAL... Read More
Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury
Posted by Cat5 on 09/25/15
What to Expect:
The matchup between these two teams has long been one of the reasons why I sometimes wished that the best two teams could play each other in the Finals, whether or not they’re in the same conference. Both teams have incredibly talented rosters that dominate the WNBA, winning a total of 3 of the most recent 4 championships. I would love to see them play each other in the 5-game Finals series, but alas, it is not to be.
For Minnesota, it all starts with Maya Moore. Last year’s MVP, she averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this year. The only reason... Read More
New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever
Posted by Cat5 on 09/25/15
What to Expect:
As the number one seed in this matchup, the Liberty seem to be the most likely to walk away with a series win. During the regular season, Indiana won four out of their five games against New York, but this is the playoffs, and that changes not only the intensity but the style of play for both teams drastically, so previous encounters may not be very indicative of how this series will play out.
Once again, Tina Charles and Epiphanny Prince will be expected to carry the majority of the scoring load for New York. Sugar Rodgers has been outstanding in the playoffs so far,... Read More
Posted by jemanji on 09/24/15
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This question relates to the possibility that the universe was constructed solely for the benefit of human beings. You might or might not enjoy the issue and its implications (if you haven't locked it down already).
What are your thoughts on the double-slit experiment? And the apparent quantum-physics truth that reality only coalesces when humans look at it? That the moment we turn our backs, it is only latent? And so the entire universe is inherently irrational?
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30-SECOND OVERVIEW
If you fire a single photon at the middle point between two separate slits in a board -- while watching... Read More
Let the show go on...or maybe not says Pete?
Posted by hawksinsider on 09/24/15
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Well...Heeees back.
After a nearly two month holdout Chancellor will be back on the field as the Seahawks begin their first game at home. How he made the decision is still somehwat a mystery, but the decision could not come at a better time for Hawk fans.
After dropping back to back away games to the Rams and Packers, Carroll and the coaching staff were centimeters away from hitting their emerald green panic button. Overall the defense has looked fine, but certainly are not their normal dominant selves minus Kam.
Chancellor could not be any more excited o get on the field.
Pete Carroll... Read More
Yowch, he's ahead of 'em
Posted by jemanji on 09/24/15
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4 Comments
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Ketel Marte is not an SSI Best Bet. You got that straight?
And Dr. D is not above clickbait titles as a small in-joke. Dr. D is just telling you about something new he saw last night. Thanks for sharing. No problem.
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Yordano Ventura is that Royals kid who literally sits 98, 99 MPH in the first couple innings of any given start. Full-on Nolan Ryan mustard gas scenario, with masks and muddy trenches and all the trimmings.
Blowers emphasized, and accurately so, that the one thing a hitter doesn't want is to --- > get behind 1-2, and let Ventura throw his hook (when the batter Must... Read More
The Think Tank is now confirmed as Utterly Irrepressible
Posted by jemanji on 09/24/15
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Dr. D observes, with a wan smile, that the Think Tank had been mostly playing along with him through the last week's "pennant race." This makes him feel a bit like the Iraqi torturer who throws a bucket of cold water onto a passed-out victim to wake him up for more pain.
Is tonight's game "live," that is, "on"? No, it ain't. As Rickster said, it's a game of inches. From a pitcher's standpoint those inches are like the inches of golf, but from a hitter's standpoint those inches are like the inches of a roulette wheel. There is way too much luck in baseball to go on a 10-game winning... Read More
Will fans welcome him like his teammates did?
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/24/15
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The prodigal safety has come home, choosing to postpone his personal battle against the franchise in the interest of helping the team get back to the Super Bowl.
It puts an end to a saga that has shown the Seahawks' newer fans that the NFL is not always a feel-good league.
Those new fans -- and there are many of them -- enjoyed the college-like camaraderie of these young Seahawks in 2012 and 2013 as the team ascended to a Super Bowl title.
But, the past year-plus, people have realized this is a business. They have had to watch Chris Clemons, Red Bryant, Golden Tate and others leave. They have... Read More
Caught between two stools, Dept.
Posted by jemanji on 09/23/15
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KETEL MARTE
Continues to hit everything. He's actually better -- in terms of skill, whether it's showing up in the stats or not -- on good change speed than he is on fastballs. He hits pull, center, off field. He hits every pitch. He gets on top of the ball; I think his grounder ratio is over 2. Check me on that.
Continues to swing at few pitches. The last 14 days, even, he's well below league average. That's a very solid sign, that at THIS point in his season there has been no loosening of the bolts on his strike zone. Once again, "see ball hit ball" players transcend a lot of... Read More
BOGO with the Clintons?
Posted by jemanji on 09/23/15
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41 Comments
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Really more a stub for your own comments, if so desired :- )
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As I understand it, Donald Trump was recently asked "Are you going to get rid of the Muslims?" To which he responded, LOL, "We'll be looking at that and other issues."
His rival, Ben Carson, graciously pointed out that "He probably didn't process the question. Next time he'll rebuff the suggestion," or somesuch. I'm not a Trump supporter, but that's how I would look at it for either side. We are talking about real-time reactions here with no preparation. I don't judge a man by an instant-reaction that he later regrets.... Read More
CenturyLink...the link to getting a 1 in the win column
Posted by hawksinsider on 09/22/15
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Tap your imaginary emerald green slippers together and say it with me... Theres no place like home, theres no place like home, theres no place like home.
Poof...open your eyes to nearly 70,000 cheering fans. Finally the 12th man will be alive and well this Sunday at Centurylink field.
After two games in seriously dangerous territory, from St Louis to Greenbay, the Seahawks finally come home this Sunday to face a winless bears team. This could not come at a better time for Seattle where fingers have went from pointing to O coordinator Bevell, to Marshawn Lynch and his mommy, to missing... Read More
The prognosis afterwards was better than it turned out.
Posted by nicholas_fusaro on 09/22/15
The 2013 Maidana vs. Broner fight was interesting, as much for the fight itself as for everything surrounding it. When I look at it now, I think that examining the out-of-ring performance, title fight selection, and overall career trajectory could teach us quite a bit. In this retrospective, I'll try to explain that side of the fight with reference to the surrounding news articles, interviews given by both fighters, and the long-term effects it had on each.
So coming in, you have Marcos Maidana, a heavy-handed semi-brawler who, coming off of a loss to Khan, was taking it out on welterweights... Read More
Some things never change. And sometimes there's nothing wrong with that.
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/22/15
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The Seahawks are 0-2 -- and clearly on the way to the Super Bowl.
That's not sarcasm. That's truth -- based on precedent.
Last year, the Seahawks reached the Super Bowl even though Michael Bennett led the NFL in pre-snap penalties, even though the defense couldn't stop short passing attacks, even though the offense rarely used the tight end and rarely gained a yard on a screen pass and even though the Seahawks lost two of their first three road games.
Some things never change. And sometimes there's nothing wrong with that.
Bennett led the NFL with a league-high 13 pre-snap fouls last season,... Read More
A fantastic older fight.
Posted by nicholas_fusaro on 09/21/15
Naoko Fujioka vs. Naoko Yamaguchi
This week is a little slow, so I'd like to take the opportunity to go back and talk about a fantastic, if obscure, fight: The 2014 super flyweight bout between Naoko Fujioka and Naoko Yamaguchi for the WBA women's world title in that division.
Sadly, I find that a lot of boxing fans aren't familiar with this fight, or even Naoko Fujioka, for the twin reasons of divisional (super flyweight?!) and gender (women's boxing?!) prejudices. This is sort of sad not for an abstract liberal reason, but because you guys are missing some fantastic fights! So, let's make... Read More
17 ... 18 ... 19 ... ?!
Posted by jemanji on 09/20/15
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By the way, was everybody here aware that Felix got his nickname from the M's blog-o-sphere? Specifically, U.S.S. Mariner. You could call that a blogger's dream, I think. Imagine if Tuner made up the reference to Russell Wilson as "First Name Russell" and then for the next 20 years listened to ESPN call him that. :- )
As you might have noticed, Felix won his 18th game on Saturday. With 12 games left, the Mariners could easily massage their intentions to get Felix three opportunities to win two more, rather than what he'd usually get, which is two more chances to win two more. Will... Read More
Minnesota Lynx vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Posted by Cat5 on 09/20/15
1 Comments
SERIES WINNER: MINNESOTA
What to Expect:
In my opinion, this series is the most likely to result in an upset. Looking at the respective records of the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks (22-12 vs. 14-20), one might think that this would be a blow-out by the Lynx.
One would not be considering Candace Parker, and as a multiple-time MVP, that’s a player who it’s never safe not to consider. She sat out during the first half of the regular season, but after her return for the Sparks they have won 11 of their previous 18 games. She gets nearly a triple-double in points, assists, and... Read More
"The defense may be bending, but it has not broke without Cam,,,and won't"
Posted by hawksinsider on 09/19/15
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Cam may want his contract, and maybe he deserves it, but he needs to know he is no Mr. October. He is not the straw that stirs the drink.
Chancellor has more than enough support from his teammates recently. Two weeks ago Marshawn put on number 31 to show his support. This past week Bennett went to the airwaves voicing his support and the importance of Cam being on the field.
I am not going to sit here and dispute that importance, and coming off a loss to a new look Ram offense that was able to chunk away big plays on the D...I too have my concerns.
Cam is by far a top tier safety in not... Read More
Packers rematch is a reminder of his erratic ways
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/19/15
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When training camp started this summer, Jermaine Kearse seemed like he should be a big bubble guy. In fact, we projected early on that he wouldn't even make the team.
Kearse has never been able to get any separation in his routes, and his two bad games to finish last postseason elicited a whole lot of Kearse words from fans and seemingly set him up for a tough battle to hold off Super Bowl standout Chris Matthews, second-year receiver Kevin Norwood, ace rookie Tyler Lockett and perhaps even a couple of fellow former Huskies.
Add his $2.36 million salary on a second-round restricted tender,... Read More
New York Liberty vs. Washington D.C. Mystics
Posted by Cat5 on 09/19/15
SERIES WINNER: NEW YORK
What to Expect:
As the number 1 seed, the 23-11 New York Liberty is the favorite to win this best-of-three series against the 18-16 Washington D.C. Mystics. However, during the regular season, the Mystics won 3 of their 4 games against the Liberty, even if in 2 of the those 3, Epiphanny Prince didn’t play, and in one, both teams were resting many of their starters in preparation for this playoff series.
Tina Charles is the main attraction of the New York Liberty as the probable 3rd choice for MVP this year behind Elena Delle Donne and Maya Moore. She averaged 17.2... Read More
Note well the "Postgame" headline
Posted by jemanji on 09/18/15
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Writing Mariners, for amigos who hate watching the Mariners, presents its own challenges. On the whole, though, it's both amusing and less difficult, therefore a gratifying pursuit. Observe as we simply, and quite objectively, describe the action on Friday:
1. James Paxton blew away the leadoff hitter on five fastballs. DeShields never got a sniff.
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2. The TV guys warned that Shin-Soo Choo was way dialed in.
2a. K-Pax rocked, pinwheeled, and fired a screaming meemie, knee-high:
If only I could do this.... Hey, if only Felix Hernandez could do it
2b. Choo leisurely rocked,... Read More
But jemanji's NFL readers with their forearms over their skulls
Posted by jemanji on 09/18/15
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Field Gulls does a good job putting on the searchlights, finding Seahawks conversations 'round the 'net, and filtering them for yer. Dr. Detecto further puts the filter on, and mixes some shtick creamer into yer coffee. The cigarette part, in America, is at your discretion.
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Seattle Times: Did the Seahawks Pass Too Much?
Dr. D would remind yer that when Peyton Manning was a free agent, Pete Carroll was all over that scenario. Ergo, he's not against throwing the ball down the field if that's the way to win. By "if that's the way to win" we mean, "If you've got NFL-caliber receivers... Read More
Next Up: the Edgar.Space Needle. Is. Good.
Posted by jemanji on 09/18/15
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As we noted in the Shout Box, one way to recapture our coziness, to lounge in a Mariners Conversation Clubhouse would be to ... GASP ... use the comments threads. Ironic, isn't it, how attached we became to the Shout Box? Not everything new is a negative. ;- )
If you do deign to use a comments thread, there will be at least one guy who will chat back atcha. Much as Dr. D admires the Shout Box, he always preferred the comments threads. You say potayto, I say potahto.
The carousel allows us to quickly scan for Jemanji posts. That's what I use it for. I love Jemanji posts. Read each... Read More
An odd headline, to be sure. Thanks Kam
Posted by jemanji on 09/18/15
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OK, we'll admit it. There are also two, maybe three reasons the Seahawks could lose to GB. It's theoretically possible. But this is the Seahawks' locker room, not the Packers'. Take the Twinkie outta yer mouth and psych up. Time for info-tainment. I refuse not to enjoy a Seahawk Sunday.
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10. Two Extra Receivers. Pete Carroll just now said that Tyler Lockett has been promoted to "receiver who returns kicks." That raises the stakes: rather than a flanker and a split end, the Hawks have those two plus Lockett and Graham. Wilson was 32-for-41 last week (!!) and I've been told that... Read More
You've gotta like Briggs at least a little.
Posted by nicholas_fusaro on 09/18/15
Shannon 'The Cannon' Briggs (now 59-6-1), holder of the world record for most first-round knockouts in professional boxing, is difficult to write about. In order to see Briggs fight for five minutes, you have to watch three fights; although if his recent fight with Mike Marrone (now 21-4) is anything to go by, this may have something to do with who he's been fighting. On September 5th, following a knockdown in the first round, Briggs backed Marrone into a corner, limply flipped out a couple jabs, and then launched a sternum-crunching right hand into Marrone when he covered up, downing him... Read More
Phoenix Mercury vs. Tulsa Shock
Posted by Cat5 on 09/18/15
SERIES WINNER: PHOENIX
What to Expect:
Even without Diana Taurasi (one of the best players in WNBA history), the Mercury is still the clear favorite to win this series. 3 of their players participated in the All-Star game this year, namely Dewanna Bonner, Candice Dupree, and Brittney Griner. Brittney Griner, in only her 3rd season out of Baylor, is already the Mercury’s all-time leader in blocks and the second ever back-to-back winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award. During the regular season, Phoenix won 3 of their 5 meetings with Tulsa.
The Shock would have a much better... Read More
Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever
Posted by Cat5 on 09/18/15
SERIES WINNER: INDIANA
What to expect:
Chicago won all four of the games between these two teams in the regular season, so one might reasonably expect a repeat in this best-of-three series. However, two of those games were played without Tamika Catchings. The Fever isn’t really the Fever without Catchings, the 2011 MVP, 5-time defensive player of the year, and all-around one of the most respected players in the league.
Catchings is matched up against Elena Della Donne though, and this year, I’m betting on 2015 MVP Della Donne to see the Sky through. She’s surrounded by a vicious... Read More
"maybe it was neither the offenses or defenses fault"
Posted by hawksinsider on 09/17/15
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The panic button has officially been pushed. Fingers are starting to get pointed. Everyone wants answers from Cam Chancellor to Marshawn Lynch's momma.
It is safe and somewhat warranted to understand the frusteration after Sundays's loss in St. Louis. Giving up 34 to Nick Foles in his debut game with the Rams is something us Hawks fans are just not used to. Should we blame Bevell and the run play that ultimately ended the game with Seattle on the losing end? How much of this was due to Cam's absence, and how long can this holdout continue? Maybe it was neither the offenses or defenses fault... Read More
In which Floyd Mayweather, Jr. displays many skills.
Posted by nicholas_fusaro on 09/16/15
Floyd Mayweather Jr, is a boxer who met a cloven-hoofed stranger at a crossroads and signed away his basic human decency. In return, he got the genius which lets him see punches seconds into the future, and mastery over a lagomorphic fecundity of technical skills, including but not limited to parries, counter rights, shoulder rolls, check hooks, clinch-and-walks, 'inadvertent' elbows, and of course, the ferocious left-hook-and-cross counter out of the attempted hug which he displayed to such great effect against Victor Ortiz. Mayweather hasn't just got it figured out inside the ring. He's... Read More
Even Mama Lynch is calling for his head this time
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/16/15
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Darrell Bevell has had a rough couple of games, and the boo birds are out again.
First, he failed to give Marshawn Lynch the ball from the 1-yard line in the Super Bowl and Russell Wilson's pass was intercepted at the goal line.
Then Bevell gave the ball to Lynch on fourth-and-1 in the season opener and Lynch was stuffed for a loss, giving the Hawks an overtime defeat.
Bevell has been a lightning rod for fan criticism throughout most of his four-plus seasons as Seattle's offensive coordinator, and his past two games have fanned the fire of fan ire. As Bevell heads back home this week to... Read More
Posted by hawksinsider on 09/16/15
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Well, what can i say... what a start to the NFL season. Billy..Billy boy you did it again.
Thursday NFL kick-off began with a much anticipated match-up for NFL fans as the Steelers visited the Superbowl Champion New England Patriots last Thursday.
Plenty of storylines were present to begin things. The Pats are coming off ANOTHER championship, as hard as it is to swallow for us Hawk fans..Bittersweet, however, since the Patriots spent the last 7 Months with Deflategate hanging over their heads. All of that, as Patriot luck would have it, was laid to rest with Tom Brady escaping any... Read More
Bad Officials, Shortened Careers
Posted by nicholas_fusaro on 09/16/15
If you're the type whose entertainment usually comes out of a ludus, or enjoy watching lethwei, bear-baiting, or municipal politics, then this is the fight for you. After Iwan Zoda's loss to Kokietgym last year, (also worth watching-both fighters acquit themselves admirably, and there is some fantastic head movement out of Kokietgym) Zoda has improved substantially, especially in terms of punch placement, accuracy, and a more-useful shoulder roll. Add that to an underprepared but iron-willed Kokietgym, the worst corner since Tim Lane, and a referee that should not only be fired but pilloried... Read More
In which two men punching each other inspires ruminations on inheritance.
Posted by nicholas_fusaro on 09/16/15
When we talk about Diego De La Hoya (now 12-0), it's inevitable to make a comparison to a certain Mexican boxer who excelled at the midrange, entered professional fighting after a long and successful amateur career, and displayed a knack for landing and viciously capitalizing on elegant potshots with the lead hand. Although such a comparison–to cousin and manager Oscar De La Hoya, arguably among boxing's all-time greats–is easy to make, it is still premature. Less-so, however, after September 4th's lopsided unanimous decision over experienced journeyman Jesus Ruiz, (now 34-7-5).
From the... Read More
Posted by Cat5 on 09/16/15
2 Comments
Hello! I was encouraged to write a little bit more about myself and why I’m so passionate about the Storm, so here goes:
I’ve been going to Storm games since the franchise started back in 2000. My mom got us season tickets for the first year (and then every year after that) and we’ve attended as many games as possible since. I grew up loving and supporting the Storm, watching these amazing athletes and being inspired by how hard they work every night on and off the court. In many ways, these women were (and still are!) my role models, fighting through adversity and skepticism to play a... Read More
M's ain't quite out of it yet ... :- O
Posted by jemanji on 09/15/15
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Dr. D is going to use the Baseball Shout Box, rather than the Lobby Shout Box, for a few weeks. Try and get several up a day. We'll see where you guys go with the traffic. As y'know, we live to serve.
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Current playoff situation, after the M's scraped the Angels scrubs off the wall with a spatula Monday: for the M's to force a 1-game playoff, the Rangers would have to play badly. That's 7-and-12 badly. While the Mariners would have to play goodly, like 13-and-4 goodly. Also, the Twinkies have won this week, so the Twins would have to fade too.
Baseball Prospectus calculates that... Read More
Posted by jschario on 09/15/15
Only a naïve fan would have thought that the Seahawks’ Week 1 test against the Rams in St. Louis was going to be easy. In recent years the Rams have given Seattle fits in the Edward Jones Dome and 2015 was no different.
This year’s Rams are a dark horse pick in some circles for the NFC West title behind an elite defensive line and their new quarterback Nick Foles, he who two seasons ago threw 27 touchdowns versus only 2 interceptions. And yesterday whoever sits in those circles were feeling pretty good about their pick.
Of course the Rams being the victors should feel good about their win,... Read More
Dr. D maintains great composure under fire. Check the zipper
Posted by jemanji on 09/14/15
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4 Comments
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Biology Rick is kind enough to play straight man to our little joke:
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Q: Here are my questions:
So...Ketel Marte. You have a kid performing admirably at the ML level at age 21, but with an eye we haven't detected in his repertoire until a month and a half or so ago. Someone published a study at Fangraphs or LL a couple seasons back about how Bb/K stats amazingly stabilize after 70 PAs or so. In other words, you are what you do in 70 (or so) consecutive at bats so far as walks to K's are concerned.
And walks to K's are the MLE gold standard that determines in large, very large part,... Read More
Hawks going to be forced to hit the afterburners?!
Posted by jemanji on 09/14/15
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1 Comments
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Nick Foles hit 18-for-27 for 300* yards and he spread the ball to 5 different receivers - each of whom averaged 20 yards per catch. Every single one of the Ram receivers hurt us, badly. Dr. D is guessing that the Rams no longer feature 5 different wideouts of Torry Holt caliber. Those Ram WR's and RB's routinely had miles of separation and then rambled free with acres of space in the secondary.
Then you had the iconic replay of Deion Bailey stumbling and falling as he chased Kendricks up the sideline, futilely trying to stop an easy TD.
True that the very top QB's give the Hawks the most... Read More
Posted by Cat5 on 09/14/15
On Fan Appreciation Night, the Storm lost against the San Antonio Silver Stars 59-58. It was San Antonio’s first and only win of the season and the last regular season game of WNBA basketball this year.
With this loss, the Storm will have the highest odds of getting next year’s number one draft pick, Breanna Stewart, on September 24th when the results of the draft lottery will be announced.
Because the losing team would get the best odds for the number one pick (44% vs. 27%), both teams rested their starters. Storm Head Coach Jenny Boucek was particularly aggressive about it, only playing... Read More
And don't think Chancellor would have saved the Seahawks
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/14/15
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The overriding narrative of the Seahawks' season-opening loss in St. Louis is thus: Dion Bailey is the goat, and the Seahawks need to pay their holdout GOAT, Kam Chancellor, before the season slips away.
Wonderful overreaction.
Bailey, the safety replacing Chancellor in the starting lineup, is being blasted for his very obvious part in the defensive meltdown during the 34-31 overtime loss to the Rams: Falling down and letting Lance Kendricks score the tying touchdown with a minute left.
So many people think Chancellor's presence would have prevented that play and a Seattle loss, but they are... Read More
Misinformation? :: get on with it :: pink floyd
Posted by jemanji on 09/14/15
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5 Comments
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In a 2009 article, Bill James wrote
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The common mistake that is made by virtually all amateurs who try to dive into the analysis of baseball is to attempt to leapfrog the discussion, and go immediately to the great questions that are the ultimate goal of the analysis. People want to begin immediately by rating players, by deciding who should be in the Hall of Fame, and by predicting who will win the National League next year. People want to begin an analysis of fielding by figuring out who the best fielders were.
The essential contribution of the serious analysts who began in the... Read More
Seahawks are hitting reset button on Super aspirations
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/13/15
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The drama queens of the world -- mostly TV people who feel the need to find a unique a narrative -- want to make Seattle's season all about redemption for screwing up last season's Super Bowl.
The naysayers claim the Hawks can’t do it without Kam Chancellor.
Neither of those thoughts is accurate.
Forget redemption. That championship is lost. They can't get it back. And with it went their best -- or at least first -- chance of becoming the only team to win three straight Super Bowls. The best they can do is win this year and then aim for the RePete, which would make them an official dynasty... Read More
Posted by Cat5 on 09/12/15
The Storm showed much improved team play and beat the Minnesota Lynx last night 78-64.
The Lynx, who are the first seed in the Western Conference, played without their best 3 players, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, and Seimone Augustus, all recovering from injuries and/or resting up before they make another championship run in this year’s playoffs. Together, they average a total of 49 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists. So that may have had a TINY impact on the way things turned out.
The Storm only had 9 turnovers this game, an impressive feat considering they were again without Sue Bird... Read More
Carroll: 'This is a fantastic challenge for them'
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/12/15
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Ready for a 9-6 game Sunday between the Seahawks and Rams? Because, more likely than not, that is what you are going to get -- a defensive slugfest that could go either way.
As they begin their quest for a third straight Super Bowl appearance, the Seahawks' weakest link is clearly their offensive line.
The unit was reconfigured after the first preseason game and has played parts of just two games together. It is still a major work in progress -- just like the Rams' offensive line. And with two of the best defensive lines in the NFL featured in this game, points figure to be as scarce as the... Read More
M's, and Zeta-Jones, don't know when to quit
Posted by jemanji on 09/11/15
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On Monday, September 7th, Dr. D plumped down onto his couch. For the first time in 6-8 weeks, or a couple of hundred mg of opioids, or 400 misplaced Tom Scholz studio guitar picks, or several Mariner batting coaches, depending on how you measure time ... well --- > on this day, Dr. D pulled out his voice memo phone for the broadcast. The opioids were monitored by a real doctor, ostensibly as legit post-op protocol, and not (primarily) to lower the bar on SSI shtick even further. In HIS mind, anyway, Dr. Grumpy we mean. Little does he know.
'Twas a real pleasure to sit down to a... Read More
Posted by Cat5 on 09/10/15
4 Comments
The Minnesota Lynx beat the Seattle Storm 73-67 Tuesday night, showing that with Sue Bird and Ramu Tokashiki back in the lineup, Seattle can at least not get blown out.
It was a relief to see Sue out on the floor, and she looked a LOT better for her rest. In the first quarter, she was dealing passes and hitting jumpers as well as I've seen in years, and even though her shooting cooled off later on, she still had 8 assists by the end of the game. As soon as she checked out of the game for the first time, the Lynx went on an 11-2 run. Coincidence? I don't think so.
Both teams shot the ball... Read More
Do they still call these guys "firemen"?
Posted by jemanji on 09/10/15
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7 Comments
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:: puts on GM hat ::
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DR'S DIAGNOSIS
This bullpen = don't work. No way no how.
For my good friends who don't believe anything not expressed in alphanumeric symbols, consider that --- > the bullpen is an unpossible -0.3 WAR for the second half. Some things should have shaken out by this time, but it's getting worse, not better. True, the M's have spun enough on the Cheney Carousel to hit upchuck city several weeks back.
But you'd like for that centrifugal separation machine to toss loose at least some flakes of goodness. It has NOT done so.
Tight-lipped, he ticks off the problemos... Read More
Believe it or not, Kam says he's holding out for $900,000
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/10/15
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Based on what we heard Wednesday, it sure seems like Kam Chancellor and the Seahawks have a chance to settle their differences fairly soon.
To hear Chancellor tell it (through NFL Network's Dan Hellie), he has gotten the Seahawks to capitulate in the amount of $3.1 million. But he apparently thinks they are being "petty" by withholding the last $900,000 he wants.
He says he has met the team halfway and the holdout should be over by now, but it sounds like the team has met him 75 percent of the way and he is not interested in moving the final quarter. So who is really being petty?
On NFL... Read More
Siggghhhhh
Posted by jemanji on 09/08/15
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There is an article up on ESPN today (Don Von Natta Jr.) that purports to answer our questions. Those of us who have questions, of course, as opposed to those of us playing the role of advocate on one side or the other. espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/13533995/split-nfl-new-england-patriots-apart Exec Sum:
(1) The NFL owners were aghast at Belichick's videotape files on other team's signals and
(1a) Bill Belichick's response, to a room full of owners, annoyed them. (2) Roger Goodell helped cover for the Patriots, including a very quick punishment and a fast destroying of the Pat's files,... Read More
Depth, Line and Russell Wilson All Key Factors
Posted by jschario on 09/08/15
The Seahawks are in the mist of a run like none other in Seattle sports history. We as sports fans have suffered through so much that we’ve almost forgot what it takes to sustain success, and in today’s NFL – a league designed for parity – it is that much more impressive for any team to achieve what the Hawks have done.
Now the Seahawks face the daunting task of going to three straight Super Bowl games, something not done since Jim Kelly’s Buffalo Bills made four straight over 20 years ago and something not even Belichick’s Patriots have been able to see through. Many again have Seattle... Read More
Sitting out would cost him $6.55 million -- and he still would be under contract for three more years
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/07/15
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Pete Carroll and John Schneider clearly are annoyed by Kam Chancellor's ongoing holdout, but they have not reached the point where they are interested in trading him. And that might not happen until next year -- if they ever get to that thought.
Keep in mind: Chancellor is signed for three more years and will remain so if he doesn’t play at least half this season. His contract will just toll to the next year in perpetuity, so the Hawks could just sit on his rights forever.
Per the standard NFL contract in the CBA:
16. EXTENSION. Unless this contract specifically provides otherwise, if Player... Read More
... missile after missile detonates with grim accuracy
Posted by jemanji on 09/07/15
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7 Comments
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The M's have launched +5 missiles in a row, each one cratering a Houston or Oakland elementary school. Let's go exploring for bugs, Hobbes! Next up, 7 easy little walkovers against Texas and Colorado, leaving the M's +2 games over .500. Would this leave the M's in position to fire upon the Wild Card turrets over the next rise?
Toronto has, predictably, wrestled the AL East steering wheel away from the Yankee$. The Yanks and stRangers are +7 over .500 for the two WC slots, Minnesota is +4 over chasing them, and beyond that you have the pack at .500 or worse. What if either of the the... Read More
Posted by Cat5 on 09/06/15
1 Comments
At 3:00 Pacific Time today, I'll be starting my first live coverage of a Storm game! I hope to post a few times every quarter and then give a wrap up at the end of each quarter with a longer one at halftime. Announcements aside, let's start with what the game looks like today!
As always, the Storm are really better off losing this game. Currently, the Storm are 3 games up on San Antonio. If they were to remain only 3 games ahead, the Storm would get the best odds for the number one overall draft pick, but if the Storm are 4 games up or more by the end of the season, San Antonio will get... Read More
Seattle trades for safety, cuts Blackmon; Jackson not yet added
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/05/15
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The Seahawks acquired safety Kelcie McCray from Kansas City, cut Will Blackmon and placed Robert Turbin on injured reserve as they reduced their roster from 75 to 53 on Saturday.
They kept five draft picks, including conversion project Kristjan Sokoli, and let three go, including fourth-rounder Terry Poole. They also were expected to add Fred Jackson at some point during the weekend, meaning another player would be cut.
The Hawks' other cuts Saturday: QB R.J. Archer; RB Rod Smith; WRs Kevin Smith and WR Kasen Williams; TEs Anthony McCoy and RaShaun Allen; OGs Will Pericak and Keavon Milton;... Read More
POTD Tony Zych
Posted by jemanji on 09/05/15
Posted to blog
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Q. What were we looking for?
A. As far as Zych's TEMPLATE goes ... no, as far as RUMORED template goes, Dr. D had organized his pre-game thinking rat cheer. We were on our toes ready to go left or right, but the "Way Draft" expectation was --- >
--- > Tanner Scheppers. A guy with a hot, heavy fastball (and little else) that batters tend to blonk on two hops to the third baseman. As opposed to striking out at an 11+ rate, like Carson Smith does them. There's such a thing as a fastball that controls lineups without K's. See Colon, Bartolo. This was the template we had in mind... Read More
Posted by Cat5 on 09/05/15
1 Comments
The Tulsa Shock beat the Seattle Storm 85-67 on Thursday, crushing any hopes of the Storm sustaining more than a 2-game win streak this year.
Both teams came out strong, the Shock making all of their first 4 attempts to lead the Storm 10-4 early on. Odyssey Sims had 9 points in the first quarter alone, but the Storm rallied behind Crystal Langhorne’s 8 points, Jenna O’Hea’s 6, and Loyd’s 6 so that by the end of the first quarter, the score was tied 24-24.
The second quarter was hard to watch. Although the Storm made 5 of their 11 field goals, the Shock had 5 more attempts (due to 4 Storm... Read More
BJOL has about the best you'll read on Tom Brady ... outside of SSI, naturally
Posted by jemanji on 09/04/15
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There's a article up at BJOL. It dissects BradyGate at a level which is several plateaus above anything else you'll read on it. James methodically demonstrates that Roger Goodell made 11 separate questionable lapses in judgment/process before he got to the point where he decided to suspend Brady. If you haven't yet broken down and spent the measly $3 per month to get his stuff, now's a good time to do so.
Of course, Bill also did this very thing with respect to Bart Giamatti and Pete Rose. It turned out later that Rose was VERY guilty, and that Giamatti knew this, and that the only... Read More
Once in 5 years megalodon here? Hm
Posted by jemanji on 09/04/15
Posted to blog
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Zach Whitman, of Field Gulls, put up this interesting post that discusses player athleticism. And in it he sez,
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While Frank Clark wasn’t selected until late in the second round, it wasn’t due to a lack of ability. He possesses a blend of length and athleticism that comes around in an EDGE prospect once every 4 or 5 years. Dating back to 1999, the list of EDGE players that fit into his athleticism and length zip code: Manny Lawson, Justin Houston, Michael Johnson, DeMarcus Ware and Mario Williams. Because of his well-documented criminal case, he never experienced the “Combine bump”... Read More
Hey, if the target could defend himself, would we be shooting? I think NOT
Posted by jemanji on 09/04/15
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"I think we finally got to a point where we settled things down a little bit," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "It [the bullpen]was so hectic with so many guys getting hurt or released or whatever it was and we got it to where we want it to be right now ...
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Note that if you were an active GM and the field manager said that, your uncomfortable meter would bob up several notches. Managers are supposed to be very, very eggshell walkable on this idea. Never do you even hint that the 25-man roster is any part of the problemo. Now, McClendon sighs and (obliquely) expresses his frustration with... Read More
When are the WNBA games?
Posted by Josh on 09/04/15
Tuesday, May 26 Final W preseason Phoenix Mercury 59Seattle Storm 73KeyArena Seattle, WA Thursday, May 28 Final L preseason Seattle Storm 73Phoenix Mercury 79Talking Stick Resort Arena Phoenix, AZ Saturday, June 6 Final W Los Angeles Sparks 61Seattle Storm 86NBATV, KONG, TWC SN / TWC D KeyArena Seattle, WA Tuesday, June 9 Final L Seattle Storm 45Tulsa Shock 68Live Access BOK Center Tulsa, OK Thursday, June 11 Final L Seattle Storm 70Minnesota Lynx 94Live Access, FS North ... Read More
When are the games?
Posted by Josh on 09/04/15
Aug 19 - CONCACAF Champions League Group stage FT Seattle vs Olimpia Aug 22 - MLS FT Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Aug 26 - CONCACAF Champions League Group stage FT Olimpia vs Seattle Aug 30 - MLS FT Seattle vs Portland Timbers Sep 5 -... Read More
When are the games?
Posted by Josh on 09/04/15
2 Comments
Fri Sep 19 Seattle VS Portland 7:16 PM Sat Sep 20 Everett VS Seattle 7:19 PM Fri Sep 26 Seattle VS Tri-City 7:05 PM Fri Oct 3 Seattle VS Portland 7:06 PM Sat Oct 4 Kelowna VS Seattle 7:10 PM Fri Oct 10 Seattle VS Spokane 7:07 PM... Read More
When are the games?
Posted by Josh on 09/04/15
3/4/2015 12:05 PM Padres at Mariners3/5/2015 12:05 PM Padres at Mariners3/6/2015 12:05 PM Mariners at Dodgers3/7/2015 12:05 PM Mariners at White Sox3/7/2015 12:05 PM D-backs at Mariners3/8/2015 1:05 PM Mariners at Reds3/9/2015 1:05 PM Indians at Mariners3/10/2015 1:10 PM Mariners at Rockies3/11/2015 1:05 PM Rockies at Mariners3/12/2015 12:00 PM Mariners at Athletics3/13/2015 1:05 PM Brewers at Mariners3/14/2015 1:10 PM Mariners at D-backs3/15/2015 1:05 PM Dodgers at Mariners3/17/2015 1:05 PM Mariners at White... Read More
When are the games?
Posted by Josh on 09/04/15
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Sun, Sep 13 @ Rams 10:00 AM Sun, Sep 20 @ Packers 5:30 PM Sun, Sep 27 vs Bears 1:25 PM Mon, Oct 5 vs Lions 5:30 PM Sun, Oct 11 @ Bengals 10:00 AM Sun, Oct 18 vs Panthers 1:05 PM Thu, Oct 22... Read More
'The more you can do'? Daniels did it all
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/04/15
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In business, "diversity training" is the term used for teaching employees how to accept and work with teammates who are different from them.
In the NFL, "diversity training" has another definition: Players working in different roles. They call it "The More You Can Do."
"That's a real motto in the league," Pete Carroll said last week.
It should be no surprise the Seahawks are big on diversity: After all, their coach is PC.
On Thursday, B.J. Daniels epitomized the motto as much as any player the Hawks have. He started out playing wide receiver in the first half and then, somewhat surprisingly,... Read More
No more King Under the Mountain GMs, if you please
Posted by jemanji on 09/04/15
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2 Comments
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Dr. D QWIBBLES with the notion that the M's hawked up a deep one and loogy'ed at Jesus Montero when they sent him down. For one thing, McClendon specifically said that it was because Montero was "rusty." Nowadays you'd say out of rhythm, or out of synch, or you're iced. Back in the 1960's and 1970's you'd say somebody was rusty. In the '20' and 30's you'd say they were stale. Call it what you will, on SSI the Think Tank advised Dr. D that this was the problemo, not the other way around. Just a few days later, yer fergot yer own sage advice. :- )
So why the Think Tank denizens would... Read More
Posted by hawksinsider on 09/03/15
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The offense has been less than flying high so far this preseason, but not all has been lost. In fact, the Hawks did exactly what they needed to do in order to address and figure out their new identity offensively.
After recent losses in these PRACTICE games, Pete Carroll has shown frusteration, but not defeat. This has all been for good reason as the team has been unable to get much accomplished when the "starters" have been on the field.
Overall, in 12 drives by the first team, the team has produced exactly ZERO touchdowns. Moving the ball has been so-so and resulted in 4 fgs overall and... Read More
Posted by jschario on 09/03/15
1 Comments
We are all too familiar with the current decline of the NFL running back. With the league becoming more quarterback centric everyday, running backs are becoming just as disposable. But for the Seahawks their offense is a throwback ,revolving around running back play, despite them handing Russell Wilson $87.5 million this offseason. Since 2010 Marshawn Lynch has been the engine to the offense and although the Hawks handed him a new contract extension of his own after last season, his days may be numbered as he approaches a running back’s expiration date of 30 years old.Therefore Christine... Read More
Posted by Josh on 09/03/15
1 Comments
Hello!
This post is being provided to help you understand the changes we have recently made.
The “new” Seattle Sports Insider is split up into several categories (more to come!) that should make your experience better and easier.
The new features are particularly useful if you are only interested in reading about one specific sport – but they work well if you are interested in them all, too!
Those of you interested in primarily in just one category, such as baseball, may be happy to see you can go to one place and see that sport only!
Our current menu categories are as follows:
All ... Read More
M's personal fave now: A TOMMY GUN
Posted by jemanji on 09/02/15
4 Comments
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Last night, Mark Trumbo took over first base from Logan Morrison. This created a bizarre situation in which we had a really dangerous offense, and that offense did in fact score 7 runs on the AL West leaders. You didn't notice it, but the Seattle Blinkin' Mariners September 2015 just now fielded eight (8) solid hitters plus the catcher:
POSITION
OPS+, Entire 2015 Season
Remark
1b
102
Ripping it up by Trumbo std's
2b
115
ss
101
Walked 2x
3b
113
On 7-year deal
lf
124
Seth'ing it up still
cf
103
rf
171
LOL
dh
177
Guti = Miguel Cabrera, I guess
c
okay, you got me on this one
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Let your... Read More
Can be tough to decipher without a road map
Posted by jemanji on 09/02/15
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PROPS for ROBINSON CANO
Accused: on or about July 1, Edgar Martinez took over, and Nelson Cruz took over the #3 slot in the order. Moving Robbie to #4. On Or About that date, Robby has been murdering AL pitchers most foully.
First half: .250/.290/.370, or approximately Kolten Wong. Or, Yunel Escobar has batted .270/.340/.370 over the last three years. Second half: .348/.412/.555. The player to compare this to? Perhaps "Robinson Cano."
His resurrection is deliciously and wonderfully confirmed in the stat that dominates baseball, the strike zone stat, his batting EYE:
1H = 17 walks... Read More
Fred Jackson's visit proves it
Posted by ChrisCluff on 09/02/15
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To hear Positive Pete Carroll spin it, the Seahawks love Christine Michael.
To hear the truth, the Hawks love the tease that Michael is and wish the running back would be what they wanted him to be when they drafted him in the second round in 2013.
You know they have no faith in him as Marshawn Lynch's backup when Robert Turbin suffers a high ankle sprain and the team checks out Fred Jackson, Lynch's 34-year-old former teammate with the Buffalo Bills.
Michael, who was a surprise luxury pick two years ago, clearly has not become what the Seahawks hoped he would. And it's pretty easy to discern... Read More