Ready for the Worthless 4th Preseason Game and Roster Moves

by Mike Salk

Seahawks

One day away from the most worthless football game of the year, unless of course you are a player on the bubble and trying to make an NFL roster. Brock tells us what to look for against Oakland. In the meantime, John Carlson’s stats might be down, but he is ready for another big year. Seahawk running backs need to follow their fullback this year, and even though Owen Schmitt is the starter, Justin Griffith is a good one to follow.

Matt Hasselbeck was classified as a “star” in Trent Dilfer’s quarterback rating system. I want to talk about this artilcle today. Lots of debate. Eli Manning ahead of Hasselbeck? Tony Romo over Matt Ryan? Hmmmm…

The Seahawks are going to have to make a tough decision on Marcus Trufant. Hard to imagine he won’t start the year on the PUP list and miss the first six games. Michael Bennett is making a strong case to be included on the Seahawks roster, even though he is learning a new position. The numbers crunch is going to be tough for him.

Eric Williams gives his guess at what the final roster will look like, and he doesn’t have Nick Reed on it. John Morgan breaks down Aaron Curry’s first big play in the NFL. Michael Bumpus was waived yesterday to get the roster number down to 75.

Mariners

Steve Kelley thinks this should be Ken Griffey Jr.’s last month with the team. I trust he will enjoy all of the angry mail that I got a few months ago.

The Mariners won 2-1 against the Angels last night, thanks to another impressive performance by Doug Fister. As a rookie, Fister, is gaining the trust of the team after another strong start. He is winning me over too.

Dave Cameron compares the first six major league starts for Fister and Jason Vargas. (Turns out they are similar) Speaking of Vargas, he and Mike Carp were called up yesterday when rosers were expanded. I wrote yesterday that Adam Moore will be up this month as well.

Jeff Sullivan gives his notes after a Mariner win, he seems to be worried that Adrian Beltre is gone after this year. Carp may have been called up but Dave Cameron says he’s not one to build a team around. Jason Churchill gives some minor league notes and who he expects to see up with the Mariners soon.

With Griffey and Russell Branyan out, the M’s lineup is lacking power. According to manager Don Wakamatsu: Beltre did wear a cup last night and Branyan might be out for the year. The Mariners are seeing success at almost every level of the organization this year.

Huskies

Kavario Middleton considered quitting after last year but is ready to be a game changer now. Walk on left guard Greg Christine is excited for his first start against LSU on Saturday. The defense is looking for more turnovers this year.

Husky strength coach Ivan Lewis is one of the reasons to be excited about this year’s team. LSU receivers coach D.J. McCarthy is remembered for his 1993 touchdown catch as a Husky.

WSU/Misc

Coincidence that Brock criticized WSU coach Paul Wulff yesterday and now he has decided that he might keep Kevin Lopina in all game at QB? The state of Washington’s high school talent pool is growing; this year’s seniors are some of the best in the country.

Notes:
-Early start. First pitch at 3:40 today.

-Newly acquired pitcher Scott Kazmir (8-7, 5.92 ERA) will take the hill for the Angels.

–Felix Hernandez (13-5, 2.77 ERA) looks to continue his bid for a Cy Young.