The dedicated 5,000+

It turns out that some Seattle sports fans can actually walk and chew gum at the same time. While most fans are focusing their attention on the Seahawks (aka the team that hasn't played for a week and still isn't playing for another week), a throng of 5,000+ fans made it to Mariners FanFest this weekend.

I like this quote from that TNT article: "..most area sports fans stayed snug in their living rooms waiting for the Seahawks to shine next week on Super Bowl Sunday." Seriously, what does that even mean?

Anyway, nice work to those that showed! PostivePaul said he'd report over on
Mariner Morsels.

Yeah FanFest! I'm proud of those who went. Those who didn't, shame on you.

Meche is back

The man whose career I ruined (remember this?) avoided arbitration today. Gil Meche is back for another year at $3.7 million. I still like the idea of using him in the bullpen, but I'd assume he'll start. If so, the rotation could be:

Felix
Moyer
Washburn
Piniero
Meche

Gil is still only 27. I really don't think he's as talented as I originally thought. But, maybe he can be a reliable 4th or 5th guy for a while. Just like last year, a successful year from him and Joel could mean big things for the M's. I just wouldn't count on it.

Back to business

Yes the Seahawks stuff is cool, but this is a Mariners blog. So, a few snippets of info..

Johjima's in Seattle. He looks pretty fired up in that picture.

This is a couple days old, but Shiggy retired. He was very good for a couple years in Seattle, including an All-Star appearance in 2003, but he got old and the M's were overpaying for him. Thanks for the good times Shiggy.

From the optimism department, Beltre and Sexson are expected to produce big numbers. Yeesh. My guess? Sexson will get injured and Beltre will have a big year. I really have a bad feeling about Sexson this year, I don't know why.


Oh, and this article from USA Today. Apparantly the M's just needed some more attitude. Yep. That'll get you 20 more wins for sure. Hargrove was the guy who wanted Everett. Even more reason to dislike Hargrove, but we'll see how the season goes.

Mariners

OK I know this is probably breaking all sorts of blog rules, but I think the Seahawks deserved a post. That man is Curt Warner, my all-time favorite Seahawk. While I am a much bigger fan of the Mariners than the Seahawks, I have to admit that what's going on is a pretty special thing. Not just for the Seahawks and their fans, but for the entire city of Seattle.

Since I was a kid, Seattle has gone from cozy little lumberjack town to major international metropolis (slight exagerration but whatever, and yes I know I misspelled exaggeration so lay off chris and maah). But, as a sports town, Seattle has never been taken very seriously. This has probably been deserved, as no Seattle team has won a championship since 1979. Teams like the '94 Sonics and '01 Mariners certainly didn't do their part in helping to put Seattle on the sports map. Plus, Seattle fans have a reputation as being apathetic about sports. But this one is big. This is the Super Bowl. The most watched event in America every year. The most overhyped and absolutely American thing that exists. You want capitalism? Super Bowl. You want consumerism? Super Bowl. You want morons? SUPER BOWL. This is when we get to show the world how idiotic our society is. And Seattle is a part of it! Even with all the heartbreak that Seattle teams have brought us over the years, I really think just getting to this one is an incredible thing. Obviously I will be cheering for the Seahawks, and I may finally get that Sports Illustrated championship pack I've coveted for so long. But win or lose, the next two weeks will change Seattle's place in the sports world forever. Or at least a few months.

Go Seahawks. I really wish they'd go back to the old uniforms though. God those new ones are ugly.

Um...so

Freaking baseball is almost here. We're slacking. Hard. So here's something to read....Felix WBC status unclear.

Woo! Go Seahawks. Do it for Daryl Turner, Joe Nash, and Curt Warner (from?).

~EDIT Big Daddy

I couldnt resist, I got this from the seattletimes this pic makes me so happy!!

Neddy Ball Game at Fantasy Camp

We're all about the fan here. Magic Faithful Chris has asked for a post on Neddy Ball Game. You got it.

For those who don't know, Neddy Ball Game (aka one of the 3 regular posters here and Mike L's dad) has been at Mariners Fantasy Camp in Arizona the past few days. Dave Henderson is running the camp, and ex-Mariner "stars" Darnell Coles, Jeffrey Leonard, and Mike Moore are also there. Neddy is on Leonard's team, the Hac-a-Mores. They've won every game they've played so far.

Check out the site. Each day there are updates on all the action. This is a great way to wet our appetites for the real thing.