It didnt have an organic, natural start. It was born in the mind of a corporate marketing person somewhere. As a marketing schtick it is a really good one. In fact it might have even been stolen from Texas A&M University. But, regardless of its beginnings, the Seahawks 12th man has turned into something so much more, something truly powerful and truly important to Western Washington.
I have heard sports affiliations described as one of the last vestige of tribalism in modern America. I think this is a pretty accurate description of the phenomenon happening with the 12th man. It brings the area together for one common cause. It unites us. We can forget about political, class, racial, gender and religious differences. We are all Seahawks fans. We are all the 12th man.
The Seahawks give us a socially acceptable easily approachable conversation piece. Need to kill some time with a stranger? Ask them who they like better Doug Baldwin or Golden Tate. Need a good ice breaker with a coworker? Just mention the last game or how much you are looking forward to this week's game. Talking about the Seahawks is easy and non offensive, unlike trying to
talk about gun control or the widening wealth gap in the United States.
It allows you to disconnect from the negativity and controversy of the
world, for at least a short time
Some people write the whole 12th man thing off as just a bunch of really
loud, drunk people that go to football games. But that isn't what it
is. If it was, it wouldn't be special because, trust me, every football
game has a bunch of really loud, drunk fans. Hell the Mariners have a bunch of really drunk loud fans at everyone one of their games and they dont have anything as special. The 12th man extends beyond
the reaches of Century Link Field, right into the homes, offices and
cars of Seahawks fans.
Part of the whole phenomena is born of winning. Having your team be the favorite to win the Super Bowl certainly helps. However, this isn't a band wagon thing. The 12th man existed during the down years of 2009 and 2010. They still filled the stadium and watched the games on TV. They still forced sports talk radio and the newspapers to fill their pages with Seahawks information. It has been growing steadily and will conitue to grow.
The 12th man is powerful and real. It is a community identity and a source if local pride. It gives us fans a way to relate to each other. It brings happiness and confidemce to people. The 12th man is a good thing. Thank you Seahawks for jump starting this tradition. Thank you Washington to grabbing hold of it and never looking back.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Seattle Seahawks are Going to the Super Bowl
THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! THE FREAKING SUPER BOWL. OH MY GOD, THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME. EVERYTHING HAS TO BE IN ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME. THE FREAKING SUPER BOWL! THEY ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM BEING THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS! SEAHAWKS, SEAHAWKS, SEAHAWKS, SEAHAWKS, SEAHAWKS, SEAHAWKS, SEAHAWKS! SUPER BOWL, SUPER BOWL, SUPER BOWL, SUPER BOWL, SUPER BOWL, SUPER BOWL! NO I CANT CALM DOWN, MY FAVORITE FOOTBALL TEAM IS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! ALL CAPS.
SUPER BOWL!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Marshawn Lynch: A Man of Few Words
Since joining the Seahawks, Marshawn Lynch has been known for his reluctance to talk with the media (although as a Bill he did do this funny bit with Kenny Mayne). He never gives post game remarks and seldom does interviews. He wont even talk to his friend and teammate Michael Robinson on the Real Robb Report. In fact his refusal to talk on the Real Robb Report became a bit of a running joke. Apparently, the NFL didn't find all this too funny. They recently fined Beast Mode $50,000 for failing to follow the league's policy on talking with reporters. After an appeal, the NFL decided to put the fine in a state of abeyance. If Lynch starts talking than the fine goes away, if he keeps up his silence than the fine doubles to $100,000.
I know the NFL and the sports media are in bed together and make billions of dollars every year and that interviewing star players like Lynch is part of the grease that keeps the cogs turning, but this fine is just so blatantly driven by the power of money it is sickening. The only people that suffer from Marshawn's decision not to talk to the media are some beat reporters that needed yet another cliche to throw into their Monday morning game recap. Let's face it, the vast majority of the quotes that players give are completely devoid of meaning or value anyways. Hearing yet another RB say he "just wants the team to win" and "is never going to stop until the whistle blows" doesn't make the fans more educated or benefit society in anyway. Fining a player for choosing to keep quiet is wrong.
Additionally, with the size of the fine, the NFL is treating Lynch like he is some kind of criminal (which he might be once his outstanding DUI charge is settled) or menace to the league. According to Sportrac.com, in 2013 only three players received fines bigger than Lynch's $50,000. All of these were for dangerous on field hits. The NFL shouldn't be treating players who don't give interviews the same as those that target opposing players heads. They are basically saying that Marshawn's mute act is worse then Brandon Meriweather's week 2 helmet to helmet hit against Green Bay RB Eddie Lacy (only a $42,000 fine). Lacy ended up with a concussion from that hit. This whole thing proves to me yet again, that the NFL doesn't have it's priorities straight.
Source: NFL.com, Sportrac.com
I know the NFL and the sports media are in bed together and make billions of dollars every year and that interviewing star players like Lynch is part of the grease that keeps the cogs turning, but this fine is just so blatantly driven by the power of money it is sickening. The only people that suffer from Marshawn's decision not to talk to the media are some beat reporters that needed yet another cliche to throw into their Monday morning game recap. Let's face it, the vast majority of the quotes that players give are completely devoid of meaning or value anyways. Hearing yet another RB say he "just wants the team to win" and "is never going to stop until the whistle blows" doesn't make the fans more educated or benefit society in anyway. Fining a player for choosing to keep quiet is wrong.
Additionally, with the size of the fine, the NFL is treating Lynch like he is some kind of criminal (which he might be once his outstanding DUI charge is settled) or menace to the league. According to Sportrac.com, in 2013 only three players received fines bigger than Lynch's $50,000. All of these were for dangerous on field hits. The NFL shouldn't be treating players who don't give interviews the same as those that target opposing players heads. They are basically saying that Marshawn's mute act is worse then Brandon Meriweather's week 2 helmet to helmet hit against Green Bay RB Eddie Lacy (only a $42,000 fine). Lacy ended up with a concussion from that hit. This whole thing proves to me yet again, that the NFL doesn't have it's priorities straight.
Source: NFL.com, Sportrac.com
Friday, January 3, 2014
Sun Bowl Super Star Brett Hundley
I don't watch a lot of college football. In fact, prior to this years bowl season, I think I had watch a grand total of one games worth of college football. By that I mean I watch like a few minutes here and a quarter there that probably added up a full game. Something about college football just doesn't interest me. It is probably because the university I went to for my undergraduate eliminated their division II team shortly after I graduated. So, I don't have that passionate alma mater connection.
However, so far this year I have watched three bowl games, the Holiday Bowl, Sun Bowl and Rose Bowl (I am calling them their traditional names, corporate sponsors be damned). The best of these games was probably the Rose bowl where Michigan State beat Stanford in a hard fought back and forth game. Despite the good match up and the dramatics, the Rose bowl wasn't the most compelling for me. That title belongs to the Sun Bowl (You can watch the video highlights here)
The Sun Bowl featured the UCLA Bruins against the Virginia Tech Hokies. One of the biggest stories of the game was V-Tech's starting quarterback, Logan Thomas, getting hurt during a completely legal, but massive, tackle by UCLA LB Jordan Zumwalt. After that, the Hokies kept it close for a while, but eventually the game turned into a blow out. The biggest reason for the UCLA offensive success was the stellar play of red-shirt sophomore QB Brett Hundley.
One quick caveat, let me say that the names Brett and Brent are way to similar for my simple brain. For whatever reason I can never remember which is which. If I am introduced to a person named Brett and immediately forget which it was. Brett, Brent I have no idea. Anyways back to BRETT Hundley (at least I think so).
You basically can't put this any other way then saying that Hundley's Sun Bowl performance was amazing. I guess you could say he was beyond amazing. The guy had very few designed runs, but like Russell Wilson of the Seahawks, he had the ability to see the perfect opportunities. He regularly turned these scrambles into big gains, including a massive 86 yard touchdown run. He obviously has some great football instincts when it comes to running. Brett is no slouch through the air either. In the fourth quarter he threw a 59 yards bomb (39 through the air) and hit WR Shaq Evans in stride for a touchdown.
It wasn't like Hundley was playing chumps here. The Hokies defense was the second best in the ACC in both points per game and yards per game, behind only Florida State. This was a world class defense that Hundley abused for 161 rush yards, 226 pass yards and 4 TD. He basically humiliated them. Losing their QB Thomas didn't hurt their defense. They cant use that as their excuse. Brett Hundley is just simply an amazing football player.
As a red shirt sophomore, Hundley is eligible for the NFL draft. He could also return to college and hone his skills. If I was a Bruins fan I wouldn't hold my breath for him to come back to LA. The NFL draft will be hard to pass up. Lots of NFL teams are in need of a QB, especially the Texans, Jaguars and Browns, who all pick in the top four in 2014. Additionally, the recent success of dual threat style QB in the NFL, such as Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, has pushed a player like Hundley's value hire than it has been in years. He is almost surely a first round talent. The money and fame that brings will be hard to pass up, just for another shot at the Rose Bowl.
Regardless of what the Sun Bowl star does this off season, I was thoroughly impressed by his Sun Bowl performance. He has permanently cemented himself in my sports memory.
However, so far this year I have watched three bowl games, the Holiday Bowl, Sun Bowl and Rose Bowl (I am calling them their traditional names, corporate sponsors be damned). The best of these games was probably the Rose bowl where Michigan State beat Stanford in a hard fought back and forth game. Despite the good match up and the dramatics, the Rose bowl wasn't the most compelling for me. That title belongs to the Sun Bowl (You can watch the video highlights here)
The Sun Bowl featured the UCLA Bruins against the Virginia Tech Hokies. One of the biggest stories of the game was V-Tech's starting quarterback, Logan Thomas, getting hurt during a completely legal, but massive, tackle by UCLA LB Jordan Zumwalt. After that, the Hokies kept it close for a while, but eventually the game turned into a blow out. The biggest reason for the UCLA offensive success was the stellar play of red-shirt sophomore QB Brett Hundley.
One quick caveat, let me say that the names Brett and Brent are way to similar for my simple brain. For whatever reason I can never remember which is which. If I am introduced to a person named Brett and immediately forget which it was. Brett, Brent I have no idea. Anyways back to BRETT Hundley (at least I think so).
You basically can't put this any other way then saying that Hundley's Sun Bowl performance was amazing. I guess you could say he was beyond amazing. The guy had very few designed runs, but like Russell Wilson of the Seahawks, he had the ability to see the perfect opportunities. He regularly turned these scrambles into big gains, including a massive 86 yard touchdown run. He obviously has some great football instincts when it comes to running. Brett is no slouch through the air either. In the fourth quarter he threw a 59 yards bomb (39 through the air) and hit WR Shaq Evans in stride for a touchdown.
It wasn't like Hundley was playing chumps here. The Hokies defense was the second best in the ACC in both points per game and yards per game, behind only Florida State. This was a world class defense that Hundley abused for 161 rush yards, 226 pass yards and 4 TD. He basically humiliated them. Losing their QB Thomas didn't hurt their defense. They cant use that as their excuse. Brett Hundley is just simply an amazing football player.
As a red shirt sophomore, Hundley is eligible for the NFL draft. He could also return to college and hone his skills. If I was a Bruins fan I wouldn't hold my breath for him to come back to LA. The NFL draft will be hard to pass up. Lots of NFL teams are in need of a QB, especially the Texans, Jaguars and Browns, who all pick in the top four in 2014. Additionally, the recent success of dual threat style QB in the NFL, such as Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, has pushed a player like Hundley's value hire than it has been in years. He is almost surely a first round talent. The money and fame that brings will be hard to pass up, just for another shot at the Rose Bowl.
Regardless of what the Sun Bowl star does this off season, I was thoroughly impressed by his Sun Bowl performance. He has permanently cemented himself in my sports memory.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
A Straight Up Double Standard
Case 1: On January 30th 2000, Shortly after Super Bowl XXXIV ended, Ray Lewis and a whole crew of friends, employees and hangers on went to a night club in Atlanta.They were their to party and have a general good time. However, at some point in the night a fight broke out and spilled into the street. Two men on the opposite side of the fight ended up with multiple stab wounds to the chest and heart. Both died that night. Although he was originally charged with the murder of the two men, star LB Ray Lewis ended up pleading his way to an obstruction of justice charge. The case of these two murdered men was never solved. Although we dont know who killed the men, we do know that Ray Lewis was present at the scene of the crime and right or wrong he continued his NFL career with very little visible negative consequences. For his involvement in the altercation outside the club, the NFL fined him $250,000 and gave him a one year probation, allowing him to play the next season.
Case 2: After a October 20th game against the Chicago Bears, Washington Safety Brandon Meriweather repeatedly targeted the head of Bears WR Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Meriweather has drawn several penalties for targeting players hits with his tackles. The NFL is a league with a serious problem of head trauma related injuries, especially post playing career. Having a player repeated target the head of his opponents is bad for players safety and the leagues public image. So, the NFL suspended Meriweather for two games. After reviewing the situation that eventually decided to reduce the suspension to just one game.
Case 3: On Thursday December 19th, the NFL officially announced the indefinite suspension of Seahawks CB Brandon Browner for violating the leagues substance-abuse policy.The suspension is longer then normal for drug abuse issues because Browner is a repeat offender. He failed a test in 2005, while a member of the Denver Broncos and then failed to show up for several follow on tests. This made Browner a "class 3" offender. Assuming he doesn't win his appeal, Browner will now be suspended for one year and then eligible to apply for reinstatement into the league. Unnamed sources claim that the drug that Browner tested positive for was Marijuana.
You may have noticed that the punishment doled out by the NFL gets harsher in each of these cases. A rational person would assume the crime was also getting worse, but as you can clearly see it doesn't. In the first case, Ray Lewis got a slap on the wrist for being at worst a murderer and at best someone who associates with murderers. In case 2, Brandon Meriweather is basically the exact kind of player the NFL is claiming to try and distance itself from. He is the walking embodiment of what they claim to not want in their league anymore. However, case 3 is just some guy deciding to get high on his own time, in a state that says that activity is legal for adults. Which of these is worse?
When it comes to determining punishment for the negative actions taken by members of the league, the NFL commissioner is the judge, jury and executioner. Apparently, the NFL commissioner thinks murder and targeting the heads of opponents and possibly causing them long term damage is less bad then smoking a joint. Seriously, in the eyes of the NFL, smoking marijuana, a drug that you cant overdose from and is prescribed as a pain managed drug by doctors, appears to be one of the worst offenses a player can commit.
If we dive deeper into the Ray Lewis case it especially highlights the NFL's broken and confusing moral standard. After the murder at the night club, the NFL frequently chose to use Ray Lewis in their ad campaigns. Sports media, like ESPN and Yahoo Sports heralded him for his playing prowess and leadership abilities. Major brands like Old Spice, Under Armour and EA Sports paid him to endorse their products. Because of Lewis's skill on the football field he basically got a pass, when had anyone else been in that situation it would have caused major repercussions in their life. His run in with the law was basically forgotten.
Brandon Browner, who is much less marketable and interesting, got the book thrown at him. He is facing his sentence at possibly the worst time he could in his career. He was about to become free agent and get a big time pay day. Instead he will most likely sit out an entire year and miss out on any pay at all. As a 29 year old football players he is in the prime of his career and will begin declining quickly. His window of opportunity to financially enrich himself as a by product of his athleticism is closing fast. His decision to smoke ganja is most definitely not forgotten.
The NFL and the sports world is basically ignoring Lewis's massive huge life altering (ending for the two men) action and almost rewarding him. While Browner, who committed a much less heinous crime, is being asked to pay a huge price for his transgression. The NFL needs to be dragged into the 21st century and made aware of what issues matter in the modern world. They need to get their priorities straight. They also need to eliminate the blatantly obvious double standard that stardom brings.
Sources: USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated again, CBS Sports
Case 2: After a October 20th game against the Chicago Bears, Washington Safety Brandon Meriweather repeatedly targeted the head of Bears WR Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Meriweather has drawn several penalties for targeting players hits with his tackles. The NFL is a league with a serious problem of head trauma related injuries, especially post playing career. Having a player repeated target the head of his opponents is bad for players safety and the leagues public image. So, the NFL suspended Meriweather for two games. After reviewing the situation that eventually decided to reduce the suspension to just one game.
Case 3: On Thursday December 19th, the NFL officially announced the indefinite suspension of Seahawks CB Brandon Browner for violating the leagues substance-abuse policy.The suspension is longer then normal for drug abuse issues because Browner is a repeat offender. He failed a test in 2005, while a member of the Denver Broncos and then failed to show up for several follow on tests. This made Browner a "class 3" offender. Assuming he doesn't win his appeal, Browner will now be suspended for one year and then eligible to apply for reinstatement into the league. Unnamed sources claim that the drug that Browner tested positive for was Marijuana.
You may have noticed that the punishment doled out by the NFL gets harsher in each of these cases. A rational person would assume the crime was also getting worse, but as you can clearly see it doesn't. In the first case, Ray Lewis got a slap on the wrist for being at worst a murderer and at best someone who associates with murderers. In case 2, Brandon Meriweather is basically the exact kind of player the NFL is claiming to try and distance itself from. He is the walking embodiment of what they claim to not want in their league anymore. However, case 3 is just some guy deciding to get high on his own time, in a state that says that activity is legal for adults. Which of these is worse?
When it comes to determining punishment for the negative actions taken by members of the league, the NFL commissioner is the judge, jury and executioner. Apparently, the NFL commissioner thinks murder and targeting the heads of opponents and possibly causing them long term damage is less bad then smoking a joint. Seriously, in the eyes of the NFL, smoking marijuana, a drug that you cant overdose from and is prescribed as a pain managed drug by doctors, appears to be one of the worst offenses a player can commit.
If we dive deeper into the Ray Lewis case it especially highlights the NFL's broken and confusing moral standard. After the murder at the night club, the NFL frequently chose to use Ray Lewis in their ad campaigns. Sports media, like ESPN and Yahoo Sports heralded him for his playing prowess and leadership abilities. Major brands like Old Spice, Under Armour and EA Sports paid him to endorse their products. Because of Lewis's skill on the football field he basically got a pass, when had anyone else been in that situation it would have caused major repercussions in their life. His run in with the law was basically forgotten.
Brandon Browner, who is much less marketable and interesting, got the book thrown at him. He is facing his sentence at possibly the worst time he could in his career. He was about to become free agent and get a big time pay day. Instead he will most likely sit out an entire year and miss out on any pay at all. As a 29 year old football players he is in the prime of his career and will begin declining quickly. His window of opportunity to financially enrich himself as a by product of his athleticism is closing fast. His decision to smoke ganja is most definitely not forgotten.
The NFL and the sports world is basically ignoring Lewis's massive huge life altering (ending for the two men) action and almost rewarding him. While Browner, who committed a much less heinous crime, is being asked to pay a huge price for his transgression. The NFL needs to be dragged into the 21st century and made aware of what issues matter in the modern world. They need to get their priorities straight. They also need to eliminate the blatantly obvious double standard that stardom brings.
Sources: USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated again, CBS Sports
Friday, December 13, 2013
Pacer vs Heat
I have never really been a fan of the NBA. When Seattle still had a team I would watch the occasional game and I almost always watched their playoff series. Once the team left it was difficult for me to get interested. Last years Eastern Conference Finals was an exception. After just happening to turn on game 5 of that series, I was hooked. The Pacers defensive intensity and the Heat's having Lebron James on the roster, made it a blast to watch.
Going into the 2013 season, I had my usual level of disinterest. But then, Yahoo reminded me of the upcoming Heat vs Pacers regular season rematches.This piqued my interest. Would Lebron be able to overcome the pressure defense of Paul George, Roy Hibbert, David West and company? Would a single star driven team (the Heat) or the chemistry and teamwork driven team (the Pacers) prevail?
The thing is about this matchup, I still havent decided which of the two teams to root for. The Pacers appeal to me as the underdog and the small market team. They built a team from homegrown players. Starters Hibbert, George and Lance Stephenson were all drafted by the team. Their biggest strength is defense. Roy Hibbert, Paul George, Ian Mahinmi and David West are in the NBA top 10 in DRtg. They are basically the anti-Heat.
The Heat built their team by signing Lebron James, possibly the best player of all time and definitely the best of his generation. They then complimented him by signing Chris Bosh, a skilled power forward and keeping homegrown star Dwyane Wade. Their whole game is based around three really great players playing at an amazingly high level of play. Watching King James play basketball is mesmerizing.
Unfortunately the first contest wasn't shown nationally, so I missed it. But, apparently, the game lived up to the hype. Trailing by seven at half time, the Pacers battled back, took the lead in the fourth quarter and won the game. The Pacers did there team thing with their starters scoring 64 of the 84 points the team scored. On the Heat side, Lebron James scored 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, living up to his star billing. Sure sounds fun to watch.
I am really looking forward to the next game on Dec 18th. This time the Pacers travel to Miami. If this isn't on regular TV, I will probably go find a bar somewhere because these games are must see TV.
Sources: Yahoo Sports; Basketball-Reference.com
Going into the 2013 season, I had my usual level of disinterest. But then, Yahoo reminded me of the upcoming Heat vs Pacers regular season rematches.This piqued my interest. Would Lebron be able to overcome the pressure defense of Paul George, Roy Hibbert, David West and company? Would a single star driven team (the Heat) or the chemistry and teamwork driven team (the Pacers) prevail?
The thing is about this matchup, I still havent decided which of the two teams to root for. The Pacers appeal to me as the underdog and the small market team. They built a team from homegrown players. Starters Hibbert, George and Lance Stephenson were all drafted by the team. Their biggest strength is defense. Roy Hibbert, Paul George, Ian Mahinmi and David West are in the NBA top 10 in DRtg. They are basically the anti-Heat.
The Heat built their team by signing Lebron James, possibly the best player of all time and definitely the best of his generation. They then complimented him by signing Chris Bosh, a skilled power forward and keeping homegrown star Dwyane Wade. Their whole game is based around three really great players playing at an amazingly high level of play. Watching King James play basketball is mesmerizing.
Unfortunately the first contest wasn't shown nationally, so I missed it. But, apparently, the game lived up to the hype. Trailing by seven at half time, the Pacers battled back, took the lead in the fourth quarter and won the game. The Pacers did there team thing with their starters scoring 64 of the 84 points the team scored. On the Heat side, Lebron James scored 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, living up to his star billing. Sure sounds fun to watch.
I am really looking forward to the next game on Dec 18th. This time the Pacers travel to Miami. If this isn't on regular TV, I will probably go find a bar somewhere because these games are must see TV.
Sources: Yahoo Sports; Basketball-Reference.com
Saturday, December 7, 2013
The dichotomy between Seattle two major
professional sports teams (sorry Sounders, despite your awesomeness, MLS
isn’t a major sport, yet) is stunning. The Seattle Seahawks head coach
Pete Carroll and General Manager John Schneider have
created a high quality, fun to watch football team that looks to be a
power for years to come. Because of their success, easy to root for
players and their approach to the game the Seahawks fan raised my fandom
to a whole different level, as I mentioned in
an earlier post. On the flipside, the Seattle Mariners have experienced
a decade of losing. During that time their front office has been
generally incompetent. They have built a unique level of fandom for
their few remaining supporters as well; one of complete
and total cynicism and distrust of all the moves they make.
Take for example the recent $240 million dollar 10 year deal for All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano. Instead of being excited or optimistic about the deal, I instinctively assume it is the wrong decision and is doomed to fail. All I can think about is how Cano will be 41 years old when the deal ends and how the team will most likely be handicapped by that enormous contract during its second half. Why didn't they just make it five years? Get out while he is 36.
It isnt fair. I should be thinking happy thoughts about how my favorite baseball team (and for years favorite any sport team) just signed perhaps the best offensive second basemen in MLB history. I should be thinking about how this opens the door to other big name free agent signings. It shows the whole sport that Seattle is serious about winning and somewhere that stars should want to play. I should be dreaming of Baseball Tonight top ten lists, All-star games and playoffs. But, I am not. Instead the Mariners decade of failure has chiseled me into a sad, cynic of a fan.
Seriously, could the Mariners fan part of my mind be more different than that of my Seahawks part? I don't think so. Hopefully Robinson Cano can change that, but something tells me he won't.
Take for example the recent $240 million dollar 10 year deal for All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano. Instead of being excited or optimistic about the deal, I instinctively assume it is the wrong decision and is doomed to fail. All I can think about is how Cano will be 41 years old when the deal ends and how the team will most likely be handicapped by that enormous contract during its second half. Why didn't they just make it five years? Get out while he is 36.
It isnt fair. I should be thinking happy thoughts about how my favorite baseball team (and for years favorite any sport team) just signed perhaps the best offensive second basemen in MLB history. I should be thinking about how this opens the door to other big name free agent signings. It shows the whole sport that Seattle is serious about winning and somewhere that stars should want to play. I should be dreaming of Baseball Tonight top ten lists, All-star games and playoffs. But, I am not. Instead the Mariners decade of failure has chiseled me into a sad, cynic of a fan.
Seriously, could the Mariners fan part of my mind be more different than that of my Seahawks part? I don't think so. Hopefully Robinson Cano can change that, but something tells me he won't.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)