A crushing loss? Seahawks returning? Daily links here

by Mike Salk

MARINERS/MLB

Brock wasn’t the only one crushed by last night’s Mariners loss but this one didn’t bother me as much. Maybe because Doug Fister started so I never counted this as a game they had to win. The anger after this one is emotional (and that’s fine), but in the grand scheme, it isn’t so bad. Fister gave up one hit over 6 innings in his first major league start, but David Aardsma gave up a home run to blow the save in the ninth. Aardsma is on the show today at 12:10.

Derek Zumsteg wants to see Don Wakamatsu pinch hit more. Mike Sweeney’s at-bat last night would’ve been a good opportunity. Jeff from Lookout Landing likes what he saw from Fister’s first start and thinks “he’s earned another chance to get blown up”. I concur. I liked Fister’s sinker and off-speed stuff. Liked the poise too. Erik Bedard is going to see a specialist today about his shoulder. Don Wakamatsu thinks the Mariners still have a chance for the post season. I agree with him too, but they need to win games and they need some help (obviously).

I sat down with Rob Johnson to chat about blocking the plate and I learned a few things.

Jaimie Moyer is not very happy about getting moved out of the Philly rotation.

SEAHAWKS/NFL

More feature stories today on the Seahawks. Aaron Curry’s life is going to change but in his mind he’s just an athlete. Darryl Tapp wants to live up to the potential he has this season. Kelly Jennings locked up TJ Houshmandzadeh as the Seahawks went inside for morning practice.

There were lots of Seahawk players missing from practice yesterday but coach Jim Mora isn’t worried. Guys like Deion Branch and Cory Redding were back out there last night. Hopefully, that will ease some of your fears. Guys get nicked up in camp – that’s football! I know last year was bad, but don’t allow yourself to get too shellshocked. Ryan Divish saw Julius Jones explode for a long run in 11 on 11 drills. That would obviously help this offense a ton.

John Morgan is not a very big fan of Deon Butler so far. Fair arguments, but give him time. He is smart, hard-working, and fast. That’s a good combo.

U WASHINGTON/COLLEGE

Coach Sarkisian is working to get the Huskies hungry for the ball and practices are a little more heated because of it. Kavario Middleton and Chris Izbicki are using the little playing time they saw last year as motivation for this season. Louisville coach Rick Pitino is in the middle of a sex scandal.

Notes:

–Felix Hernandez will pitch for the M’s tonight, he allowed 5 runs over 6 innings his last start.

–Mark Buehrle (11-6, 3.89 ERA) has lost 4 straight games since his perfect game on July 23rd. Now, THIS is a must-win game.