Four games into the season and the Mariners have already suffered an injury that will likely be a lingering injury throughout the season. Closer JJ Putz, with an injury to his ribcage is out for atleast 15 days and it will likely be longer until he his back to the dominant closer we saw last season.

A good sign is the Mariners starting pitching. Other than Jarrod Washburn, the Mariners starters all had quality starts. The Mariners front three allowed only two earned runs in a combined 19 innings. What was a pre-season weakness now looks to be a strength and an intrical part to the Mariners success.

Addressing bullpen help the most promising ptichers have been Sean Green, Mark Lowe, and Miguel Batista, who go his first save since 2005 this season. Brandon Morrow will likely be called up as soon as he can be. With Morrow, Green, and Lowe in the pen the Mariners should be able to lessen the effect of loosing Putz.

Continue reading "Good signs and Bad signs"

The Detroit Tigers are looking like the Tigers of 2003, and not like the Tigers expected to be a playoff team. They currently sit at 0-7 and are in a deep hole that keeps getting deeper. Obviously through seven games it is impossible to tell who will and who won't make the playoffs, but an 0-7 start is clearly not the way a playoff caliber team should start.

Everything is going wrong for the Tigers, who after pulling off a trade with Florida in the offseason were looking to be the AL Central favorite. The Offense is lacking, the pitching has been subpar, and the other teams are capitalizing.

You would think that a team with such high expectations, even if they are slumping, would be able to pull out one win against the Royals. Someone needs to step up for the Tigers and get them in the win column fast, before the season is lost. Just like the first strike is the most important pitch, the first win is the most important win.

Continue reading "Problems ahead for Detroit Tigers"

It is no secret that there are a number of teams needing a quarterback in this years draft. Among the top eight selections five teams are unsure of their quarterback situation heading into next season. Top ranked quarterback Matt Ryan of Boston College could go to any of these five teams.

Ever since Dan Marino hung up his shoulder pads the Miami Dolphins have been searching for somebody to fill the void. Although Miami looks to be leaning towards one of the Long's the Dolphins may trade down and take Ryan. If Miami does not get their quarterback in the first round look for them to take Brian Brohm of Lousiville to kick off the second round.

Sitting at number three the Atlanta Falcons are also pondering their options at quarterback. They have Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich, who both had sub par seasons. Atlanta could use a Matt Ryan, but they may look later in the draft at either Brohm or Chad Henne out of Michigan.

Continue reading "Quarterback needs, and who will fill them?"

To kick off the 2008 NBA postseason in dramatic fashion the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers gave fans every element to a great game. LeBron James displayed his dominance. There was trash talk building up. A borderline fight to end the first half. Everything a fan could ask for.

The game went down to the wire and was eventually finished when LeBron James drove to the basket on two straight posessions finishing a contested lay up. This put the Cavs up by four and the Wizards were unable to come back. LeBron James again built up his post season resume with a strong performance. James had a game high 32 points after starting the game 0-4 from the field.

For the Wizards Gilbert Arenas showed signs of the old Agent Zero as he scored 24 on limited time. Atawn Jamison also had a solid game for the Wizards with 23 points and a staggering 18 rebounds. Although the Wizards lost there were still plenty of good signs.

Continue reading "Wizards and Cavs put on a show!"