“Battle” for Seattle tonight at KeyArena: Wouldn’t it be nice if this Seattle U./Washington game was generating excitement? Not until the Redhawks show they can compete. The Redhawks lost to the Huskies by 47 points last year, fouling so much they were down to four eligible players by game’s end. Our Art Thiel pleads for a more competitive game this time around. Who knows, maybe the Redhawks can pull off an upset as colossal as their 1952 victory over the Harlem Globetrotters. I wouldn’t count on it. SU’s problem is that they play an up-tempo game, just like the Huskies. When you try to beat a taller, more athletic, more talented team at their own game, you end up with some ugly numbers.
Ray Allen: “Take my house, please!” The NBA’s all-time 3-point master is not as much of a marksman when it comes to listing his home. Allen’s had to slash the price of his 5-bedroom McMansion in Carnation from $6M down to an affordable $3.7M. And yes, there’s a full-size basketball court on the property. It’s only a $17,000/month mortgage, what are you waiting for?
Rule V reliever challenges Commandment V: Wanted to pass this quote along from Mariner reliever Jose Flores, who is trying to make the team as a Rule V pick. Asked for his strategy on the mound, Flores responded: “When I get out there I just want to kill everyone.” Love it!
What they’re saying…
“Were not losing by 47 this time. Im not saying well win, but were not losing by 47. — Seattle U’s Sterling Carter
“We’re out trying to be the best team that we can be. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like that’s going to translate into a Pac-10 championship.” — Lorenzo Romar
“I felt comfortable and I felt good, but I didn’t feel like I was exactly at the level I know I can play.” — Sounders designated player Alvaro Fernandez on his performance last season
In other news…
Former Sonic Shawn Kemp was the color commentator for KJR’s broadcast of the West-Central District championship last night. I was able to listen to a little bit of it, and he sounded pretty good…will Husky hoops be next?
Mariners’ lefty Erik Bedard threw live batting practice and his arm did not fall off. The Erik Bedard Threat Level remains at GUARDED.
Mariners’ prospect Carlos Peguero hit a mammoth homer in BP yesterday off Manny Delcarmen. Peguero hit 31 homers in ’09 at High Desert in the Cal League, and led the AA Southern League with 23 HR last year.
Mariners’ suspect Jack Wilson also homered, off of Garrett Olson, prompting a humorous post-practice conversation (scroll down) recorded by the Times’ Geoff Baker.
Wilson worked at second base during infield practice, apparently he’s being groomed for a backup job if he can’t beat out Brendan Ryan.
TNT’s Larry LaRue points out that when Eric Wedge named competitors for playing time at middle infield, Wedge didn’t even mention Matt Tuiasosopo.
Former Mariner R.A. Dickey is writing a book. Wonder if he’ll have anything to say about the John McLaren Era. Probably won’t be the most famous book written about a Seattle baseball team.
Former USC star, brief Seahawks camp invitee and current competitive eating star LenDale White cursed out Pete Carroll at All-Star Weekend.
This is pretty fun: Steve Largent’s 10 Greatest Games. (Author Johnny Peel didn’t include Largent’s 15-catch, 3-TD day against the Replacement Lions, but it bears mentioning.)
The Sounders lost 2-0 in an exhibition with FC Dallas. Mostly backups were going for the Rave Green.
Former Inglemoor star Mark McLaughlin is back with the Seattle U hoops team after missing a month for those nebulous “personal reasons” and is eligible to play tonight against Washington.
In the West-Central District Championships, Lincoln beat Decatur for the 3A title, and Curtis beat Puyallup for the 4A title. Next up, the state regionals beginning Friday.
Today’s action…
Champions League Soccer: Real Madrid @ Lyon, 11:30 a.m. (FSN)
State 4A Hoops Qualifier: Arlington @ Newport, 7 p.m. Winner to state, loser out.
NCAA Hoops: Washington @ Seattle U, 7:10 p.m. (FSN)
