Ken Griffey Junior: The Seattle Mariners outfought the Atlanta Braves for Ken Griffey Junior, who signed a one year contract with a base salary around two million plus incentives. I, along with most likely all other Mariner fans, would like to say thank you to Griffey for choosing the city that saw him rise to fame over a team where he would likely just be another aging superstar.What Griffey can and will bring to Seattle is unique in its diversity. Most importantly, he returns to the team with which he became a superstar. He has instantly injected the city with excitement for the upcoming Mariners season, even among those who aren?t the biggest sports fans. The Mariners are now a team worth following for the average Seattleite.
Griffey also brings a hope that a clubhouse that was dysfunctional last year can unite. Going through a rebuilding process, the clubhouse lacks veteran leadership. The Kid, now grown up, can bring together the young players who worshipped him when they were little.
Hopefully Griffey will bring not only excitement and leadership but a bat as well. Who knows: with all of Seattle cheering for his revival, maybe Griffey can bat .280 with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs. It would make a great feel-good story for a city desperate for one. Perhaps, with a healthy knee and inspired by the city, Griffey can be reborn. Grade: A+
Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks franchise tagged linebacker Leroy Hill last week. This move came after Hill was arrested for possession of marijuana. Some were saying that the Hawks, who normally don?t sign players with character issues, wouldn?t go after Hill. However, I believe they made the right move.
Hill is a great, young linebacker. He may not be the best pass defender, but he is outstanding in defending the run and pass rushing. If the Seahawks are able to utilize these talents in their new defensive scheme, franchising Hill will turn out to be a great move.
On top of this, the Seahawks need to hang on to this young, talented athlete. Similar to what they did with Marcus Trufant last year, the Hawks should sign him to a long-term contract. If they do not, the franchise tag will have been wasted. But if the organization deals with Hill properly, and Hill can stay out of trouble like I think he can, the move will undoubtedly be the right one. Grade: A-
UW Men?s Basketball Team: Washington did as well as I expected in their road trip to the bay area last week. They started the trip out with an 85-76 loss to the Bruins. However, it would have been a tough game to win for the Huskies, who were on the road against a tough UCLA team. But in retrospect it definitely was winnable, as the Cougs ended up beating UCLA in California on Saturday.
The Huskies then went on to avoid a sweep by defeating USC, 60-51. The Huskies continued a trend, avoiding losing two games in a row. Washington has not held a losing streak greater than one game throughout Pac-10 play.
The Dawgs? schedule coming up features several key games against strong Arizona and Arizona State teams. Games against Seattle U and WSU seem quite winnable, though you never know what will happen in a rivalry game against the Cougs. However, all four of Washington?s remaining games are at home, and I think the Huskies could win all of them. They remain in control of their own destiny, and could very easily win the Pac-10 title. And if they do so, a No. 3 seed doesn?t seem to far out of reach? Grade: B
Photo Source: ESPN
Original Story:
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