New York Bound Redux

In the midst of the Rick Nash Saga ending, one bit of news got lost in the shuffle, that being Ichiro getting traded from the Seattle Mariners to the New York Yankees.  That meant Ichiro simply had to walk over to the opposing dugout, since the Yankees were in town to face the Mariners.  More significantly, it's a sign that the Mariners are in rebuilding mode, as they need to find out who's major league ready in the field.  For Ichiro, this trade is likely his best chance at a World Series ring that has eluded him since his debut.  It is indeed an end of an era in Seattle, one that hopefully will see King Felix remain as a cornerstone for a team that is good with pitchers, but not so good for hitters in recent years.

Sea-Ducks?

Normally, I do not mention American football on this blog, but when I do, it is often related to the team that represents the Pacific Northwest, being the Seattle Seahawks.  As you can see from the picture above, the Seahawks will be looking a little different, and not coincidentally, it happens when Nike becomes the official supplier to the NFL.  So, what's different for the Seahawks, besides what you see?  Well, the neon green becomes a little more evident, although I would love for a full neon green jersey.  Yes, I admit that I hated the color when they first wore them in 2009, but when you spend enough time in the region, you begin to understand, just like the Vancouver Canucks' Flying V jerseys of the early 80's and the Seattle Mariners adding teal jerseys to their apparel.  Say what you will, but until you spend significant time in the Pacific Northwest, the looks won't be easily understood.

Another piece bites the dust

Yesterday's news of Ken Griffey Jr.'s retirement brought back some memories of a time where even through what is now a stained era in which the homerun ball was popular, Griffey was the total package. Yes, the numbers speak for themselves, as his numbers are Hall of Fame worthy (.284 AVG, 630 HR, 1836 RBI, 184 SB, 10 Gold Gloves), but it was the manner in which he played and the class that he carried himself with off the field that many will remember. Me personally, I will remember a consistent performer that would give the team 100%, a characteristic that would ironically catch up to him in his later years, as injuries robbed him of possibly being the one to hold the homerun record. Let us not remember Griffey for what he could have done, but for what he did. He was one of the few people that could make wearing a hat backwards cool, had a smile that could light up a room, and most of all for Seattle fans, Safeco Field is the "House that Griffey built."

Predictions for the MLB season ahead

Fresh from the Easter that saw the Vancouver Canucks claim the Northwest Division title and the Philadelphia Eagles trade away their star QB to their division rival Redskins (!), baseball season officially kicked off yesterday, but it begins in earnest today. Since I forgot to make predictions, I'll get into it now.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Just like last year, this year's Cy Young race will be close. I pick Hernandez this year because the Mariners are better this year, and most of the other candidates will likely have something going against them, whether it is a slow start (CC Sabathia) or bad team (Zack Grienke).

MVP: Evan Longoria, Tampa Ray Rays

This year has no clear cut leader going into the season, so it's really anyone's guess who will win the MVP in the American League. Longoria will win it, but put this prediction down in pencil.

Rookie of the Year: Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians

Honestly, I have no idea who will even be on the opening day rosters that are rookies, so I'm basically picking a name out of a hat here. Santana looks like a sure bet to crack a major league roster by the time of this writing (I'll have to look at the rosters and edit this part), so I'll go with him.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

The consensus pick here seems to be Halladay. I would not argue with this one, as he has been a dominant pitcher the last few years while playing for a bad Blue Jays team in the toughest division. This year, he has a great team behind him, and he won't have to face the likes of Alex Rodriguez and Evan Longoria for at least three or four games a year.

MVP: Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies

Yes, I know it's a homer pick, and yes, I know Albert Pujols is the reigning MVP and a favorite to repeat...again. However, I refuse to pick any St. Louis Cardinal for this honor, and I think this is the year Tulo takes it to another level.

Rookie of the Year: Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves

Stephen Strasburg may sound like a trendy pick here, but the fact that he's starting in the minors combined with a bad Nationals team will likely hurt his chances here. With Heyward, he's the opening day right fielder and he looks like a surer thing to put up the numbers.

WORLD SERIES: Philadelphia beats New York Yankees in seven

2010 MLB Preview: Part 3

It is now only six days away until the first regular season MLB game, and today is a look at the West Division of both the American and National Leagues. So, here we go...

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: In addition to the most confusing team name ever, the Angels are also the favorite to repeat...barely. No clear cut ace in the rotation, and they don't have a real intimidating hitter in the middle of their lineup. However, these are the Angels, so don't count them out.

Oakland Athletics: Lots of youth, but not much experience. They will certainly be in games, but thinking that they will compete for a playoff spot would be foolish.

Seattle Mariners: The best threat to the Angels' throne, it will have to be all about pitching, something that they have in bunches. However, the walking time bomb that is Milton Bradley is also on the team, so anything can happen there.

Texas Rangers: Every year, it's the same story with this team: great hitting, not so good pitching. This year just might be the year that the pitching becomes decent, and that may be enough to at least, make the playoffs.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

Arizona Diamondbacks: Young team that can hit, but strikes out way too much. Pitching that is trying to pick up the pieces, especially the bullpen, and of course, the health of Brandon Webb is something to keep an eye on.

Colorado Rockies: If they can avoid the traditional slow starts, they would be the favorites to take the division. Solid pitching staff that can pitch as well at home as they can on the road, and an exciting offense that isn't going to remind people of the Blake Street Bombers anytime soon, but it doesn't need to be that way...much.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Ownership drama will likely overshadow the on field product, which has its share of drama in the form of Manny Ramirez. Other than that, they still have a chance to win the division. In short, they are the Colorado Rockies with more drama surrounding it.

San Diego Padres: They are just now getting out of the rubble of the front office mess, and they don't have much going for it now. If the team could build itself to fit its home ball park, that would be a step in the right direction.

San Francisco Giants: Great pitching, but subpar offense. At least they have people that can be difference makers in Tim Lincecum and Pablo Sandoval.