CenturyLink Field? The stadium currently known as Qwest Field, and formerly known as Seahawks Stadium, may soon be undergoing “appropriate re-branding implementation,” according to its new owners. CenturyLink, a Louisiana-based telco firm, is merging with Qwest, and therefore will consider renaming Qwest Field, presumably CenturyLink Field. Could be worse: Since they are likely Saints fans, maybe they’ll stick it to us and go with “Drew Brees Field.”
Gutierrez’ Guts Still Giving Grief: We were told that Franklin Gutierrez’ stomach problem supposed was just some dietary thing. That was just a line to give Mariner owners an advantage in their fantasy leagues. Turns out Gutierrez still isn’t right, and may not play opening day. Aaaaand the M’s don’t have another true centerfielder on their roster. So…yeah. **runs into bathroom and begins crying**
Mexico! Ecuador! In Seattle! Tickets on Sale Today!: A lifetime ago, I lived in Ecuador and watched as that country, with a population about the same as Illinois, cheered their team in World Cup qualifying. Now I’ll get to watch Ecuador’s team (or “El Tri,” as they are known in Ecuador), face Mexico’s (or “El Tri” as they are known in Mexico). Hmmm…that could get confusing. Anyway, the game’s on May 28, tickets on sale at 10 a.m. today.
What they’re saying…
“We’ve got to get Franklin to a place where he feels comfortable. It’s bothering him, and we’re waiting for more test results. Franklin doesn’t feel strong.” — Jack Zduriencik
“Let’s be honest: Qwest Field was a crappy moniker too. The cutesy corporate misspelling of the word quest… The use of the word “field” in the name of an NFL venue. Ugh. I hate that.” — Dave Krieg’s Strike Beard
“I think people have high expectations for our club and, as I’ve said, we’re a victim of our own success in that regard. As a result of that sometimes, people push the (panic) button real quick — “Oops!” — when we’ve lost two. Like I’ve said, there’s 96 points out there.” — Sigi Schmid
In other news…
Doug Fister had a poor start in the M’s 9-8 loss to Kansas City. On the bright side, Michael Saunders’ new swing garnered him a three-run homer.
The M’s opening day opponent will be Trevor Cahill.
The Times’ Bob Condotta caught up with Cody Pickett.
The blog Hot Dog & Friends has a good idea for the offense-challenged Sounders: Robots.
Seven days closer to a championship…
Today, March 25
Soccer: Sounders vs. Houston @ Qwest, 7 p.m. (FSC)
Baseball: Mariners vs. Dodgers, 7:05 p.m. (FSN)
Saturday, March 26
Baseball: Mariners @ Milwaukee, 1:05 p.m. (710-AM)
Sunday, March 27
Baseball: Mariners vs. Texas, 1:05 p.m. (710-AM, also delayed broadcast at 2 p.m. on MLB Network)
Monday, March 28
Baseball: Mariners vs. Colorado, 1:05 p.m. (710-AM)
Tuesday, March 29
Baseball: Mariners @ Colorado, 1:10 p.m. (FSN)
Wednesday, March 30
Baseball: Mariners @ Dodgers, 7:10 p.m. (FSN)
Thursday, March 31
NADA