Unforgiving Polls Boot Huskies: Sixteen points. Just sixteen points over three games. That’s all that separates the Huskies from an undefeated record and a top five ranking. Instead, with a 7-point loss to UK, a 5-point loss to Michigan St., and a 1-point loss at Texas A&M, the Dawgs are out of both NCAA hoops polls.
Mariners Boot Rob Johnson: The 27-year-old catcher, who hit exactly Mendoza Line in parts of four seasons with the M’s, is not in their plans anymore. Johnson was designated for assignment yesterday to make room for Jack Cust on the 40-man roster. The Mariners have 10 days to either trade Johnson, release him, or send him to the minors.
Tyrone Marshall Facing Sounders Bootage: The central defender, who lost his starting job halfway through last season, didn’t reach a contract extension with the Sounders and is now in the second stage of the MLS re-entry draft.
What they’re saying…
“M’s designate big rob johnson for assignment. For those that enjoy what passed balls bring to the game this is terrible news.” — @wernies
“Rob Johnson was DFA’d. This makes me happy. I want a better team and a better team means change. #AdiosCantcher” — @HHMorrow
“It’s … possible that (Marshawn) Lynch just isn’t very good. He was never fast, never very elusive, and his ability to brutalize himself and his opposition while gaining two yards is more aesthetically pleasing than legitimately valuable.” — John Morgan, Field Gulls
“I will take Sacramento. I will take New Orleans. I will take the Pacers. I will take whoever. Because our first priority is to our city and our fans.” — Brian Robinson, Save Our Sonics
In other news…
Pete Carroll said both Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu will practice this week, and, presumably, play against Atlanta. Deon Butler had a steel rod inserted in his badly broken right leg, he’s out for the year.
The Seahawks game at Tampa Bay December 26 has been FLEXED! Instead of 1 p.m., the game will be played at 4:15 p.m.. Apparently there are things called “time zones”–the Seahawks at TB game was scheduled for 10 a.m. PST, will now be played at 1:15 p.m. PST. (Thanks for the catch, @DavidSwidler.)
Cliff Lee signed with the Phillies — as Larry Stone points out, it’s been exactly a year since news broke of Lee’s trade from Philly to Seattle.
Big 3A high school hoops matchup tonight, as #1 Rainier Beach (and UW commit Hikeem Stewart) visits #2 O’Dea. Game’s at 7:30 p.m.
If you’re on the Eastside, head to Woodinville High and check out UW commit Tony Wroten of Garfield — who with his laser no-look passes and incredible hops is the most entertaining player in the state at any level. That game is also at 7:30 p.m.
TNT’s David Aldridge wrote a long piece about the future of the NBA in Seattle, talking to Brian Robinson of Save Our Sonics, Lenny Wilkens, Nate McMillan, Rashard Lewis, George Karl, and, of course, Big Lo.
Former Husky QB Sam Mitchell has died. Mitchell was the emergency starter in 1951, after Don Heinrich, the nation’s leading passer in 1950, was lost for the season with a separated shoulder.
Former Seahawk Josh Wilson, now with Baltimore, had a pick-six in OT to beat the Texans.
The Mavs’ 12-game winning streak ended at the hands of Jon Brockman and the Bucks. Brockman played only a little, but his motor was going for the entire 1:19.
Tweet talk…
“It’s Monday! A new week to get closer to all your dreams. So smile people.” — Can someone get Quincy Pondexter something other than Chicken Soup for the Soul books to read?
“I gotta go check out Mt Rainier. Do they have hotels up there or what? What’s the deal on that?” — Can someone get Mike Williams a guidebook?
“Who is Cliff Lee?” — Can someone get Raheem Brock a television, radio, or internet-enabled computer?
Today in SPNW
Todd Dybas on the Huskies’ rebounding problems.
Art Thiel on why you can’t blame Hasselbeck for the Seahawks’ problems.
Today’s action…
Nada, so go check out a high-school basketball game near you.
