It's really an extraordinary situation that we find ourselves in concerning the Seattle sports scene. Not only have we all experienced a year in which we've had perhaps the worst set of circumstances in this region's history -- losing games as well as a team -- but we have inordinate number of questions surrounding them.
There are so many significant decisions to make that will have major impact on the direction of these teams. There are even questions to be answered for our NBA team, and we don't even have one.
Here's my top nine to-do list for some of those questions:
1. Mariners manager - Primary choice: Bobby Valentine. He's a leader. He's a winner. He has a incredible connection to Japan, which will not only help in dealing with Ichiro but in augmenting the staff with quality Japanese pitchers. The downside is that huge ego, which has the potential to alienate. Secondary choice: Joey Cora.
2. Mariners free agent to sign - Primary choice: First baseman Mark Teixieia. He's got power at a needed position. He's young (29). And he's expensive, but he would give the club so much flexibility. Secondary choice: Ken Griffey, Jr., a slimmed-down version.
3. Mariners' pitching coach - Primary choice: Mel Stottlemyre. Did he suddenly get stupid after he left the Yankees? He didn't have much to work with last season. He knows these guys now. Give him another shot at it. Secondary choice: Brian Price.
4. Mariners' top draft choice - Primary choice: Even if Washington passes, the Mariners, with the No. 2 pick, should probably also pass on taking sensational pitcher Stephen Strasburg. He'll demand way too much (his agent: Scott Boras) and has too much leverage in returning to San Diego State. The Mariners need offense. I'd look at USC shortstop Grant Green. Secondary choice: Strasburg.
5. Seahawks top draft choice - Primary choice: Georgia's Matt Stafford. This guy is projected as the best in the draft and may not be available when the Seahawks pick, but I believe the Hawks' priority should be quarterback. Secondary choice: Texas Tech's Graham Harrell.
6. Seahawks' offensive coordinator – Primary choice: Denver's Rick Dennison. Despite injuries and a series of personnel changes, the Broncos always seem to churn out the offense. Dennison is the brains behind Denver's attack. Secondary choice: Norm Chow.
7. Huskies new head coach – Primary choice: Boise State's Chris Peterson. He's innovative. He's adaptable. He's plugged into the northwest recruiting. Players love him and the alumni will as well. Secondary choice: Missouri's Gary Pickel.
8. Which NBA team could move here? – Primary choice: New Orleans. There are stadium and interest issues there that could lead to the team's departure. Can you imagine Chris Paul and David West here? Secondary choice: Sacramento
9. New Stadium or renovate Key Arena? – Primary choice: Build it and they will come. That's easier said than done in this climate but this is a major city that needs a can-do spirit. We did it for baseball and football. It needs to be a public/private project. Secondary choice: See primary choice.
Comments
Are you serious Mr. Sherwin.....build another stadium? We tore down the King Dome even before it was paid for, built two stadiums in less than 10 years and now you want the citizens to pay for yet another one? Get real....the economy can't afford that. If it is a private venture, go for it, but everyone knows that isn't going to happen it will be the taxpayers that foot the bill. No way. JMHO
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