Mariners win, though Felix doesn’t [box]
Torii Hunter’s tip of the cap to Felix Hernandez after striking out on a knee-buckling curve tells you all you need to know about the King’s latest masterpiece. Treat yourself to the highlights. Brandon League gets the “look-what-I-found” win, after giving up the game’s first run, then sitting through a three-run 8th-inning M’s rally. M’s 52-80. Next game tonight vs. LAA.
Seahawks trade Josh Wilson, acquire zone-blocker [team release]
We’re down to one local pro named Josh Wilson, after the Hawks traded the 55th overall pick of the ’07 draft to Baltimore for a 5th round choice. They also acquired former Bronco offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus, who played a zone-blocking scheme in Denver. The Broncos waived the undrafted Polumbus after the ’09 season, though he started the last nine games for Denver that year. The Hawks get Polumbus from Detroit, for an undisclosed draft choice.
LeRoy Hill takes a big pay cut [ESPN]
The troubled linebacker will take nearly $4M less this season, but at year’s end he’ll be a free agent. Sounds like he’ll have some motivation, eh?
What they’re saying…
“I was shocked. It’s a business decision. But for me, it’s the best business decision I could have gotten.” — Wilson, who’s headed back to his hometown of Baltimore. [Seahawks.com]
“I am approaching the point where I think I may be the biggest idiot, because I have entrusted fools with my happiness.” — Field Gulls’ John Morgan, not happy with the Wilson trade [Field Gulls]
“I’ve been in three cities in one week now. I got here about an hour ago and rolled right on to the practice field.” — Tyler Polumbus [Seahawks.com]
“The Storm’s nine-woman rotation is special. Every player is capable of making jumpers, and outside of Robinson, they all have three-point range.” — Jerry Brewer [Seattle Times]
“If you would’ve given Paul Wulff Jake Locker … believe me Paul Wulff would’ve been thought of as Steve Sarkisian is right now.” — The always-optimistic Jim Walden [CougCenter]
“Suppose Sarkisian does The Full Wakamatsu — following an unexpectedly good rookie season with an epic cratering?” — Art Thiel [Seattle P-I]
In other news…
Shawn Kelley, out of action since June, will have exploratory surgery on his pitching elbow.
Cuban fireballer Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect eighth in his MLB debut with the Reds, hitting 103 twice with his fastball.
Felix finished August with an 0.82 ERA, 2nd lowest in Mariners history for a month behind Mark Langston’s 0.50 ERA September ’88.
Sigi Schmid says he’ll put his best team on the field for tonight’s U.S. Open Cup semi against Chivas USA. Soccer coaches always say this stuff though, don’t they? With an MLS game Saturday against New England, don’t be surprised if the Sounders go with a bench-heavy squad.
Apparently the Tacoma Stars are still around! In other City of Destiny sports news, the Rainiers won to cut their magic number for clinching the PCL North division to 3.
Good story on future Husky Kasen Williams from Mason Kelley of the Times.
Kelly Jennings is the new starting cornerback, with 4th round pick and Oregon product Walter Thurmond III claiming nickelback.
Seahawks receivers had a throw-off after yesterday’s practice: Golden Tate tossed a football 67 yards to win. Can Hasselbeck even throw that far anymore?
Today’s action…
USA vs. Iran, FIBA World Championships, 9 a.m. (ESPN)
Mariners vs. Angels @ Safeco, 7:10 p.m. Vargas vs. Bell. (FSN)
Sounders vs. Chivas USA @ Starfire, U.S. Open Cup Semifinal, 7:30 p.m. (SoundersFC.com webcast is only coverage.)
