What readers are saying about Mariners, Storm

Time for fire sale
My Christmas wish list:
• Mariners owners put team up for sale, citing a lack of desire to put a competitive baseball team in Seattle.
• Mike Holmgren steps down, citing difficulties attracting coaches in the skill positions, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and special teams, whom are fluent in "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir."
• Wally Walker steps down, citing difficulties in making intelligent decisions affecting basketball in general and the Sonics in particular.
— Arthur Ingalls, Redmond
African Americans and baseball
Hoops at issue, too
Thanks for the article on the declining number of African Americans in baseball (Seattle Times, Aug. 28). One thing I find interesting is not the legitimate focus on this issue, but the lack of comparable discussion on the lack of white players in basketball. I understand how delicate the issue is, and that even raising it can make someone vulnerable to an accusation of racism, but on a theoretical level the issues are the same, and the concerns should be the same.
— Grant Johnson, Wenatchee

Mariners
Move the fences in
I know that it sounded like a good idea to develop Safeco into a pitchers' park. Regardless of the field dimensions, Safeco has to be hailed as one of the best ballparks in all of MLB. Yet something has to change to facilitate the team on the field. We have all heard about the dugout reaction to the non-moves that were made in the magical 2001 and the end-of-an-era 2002seasons. These heartbreaking examples of non-action were justified by the faith in the up-and-coming pitching prospects in the organization.
Fast-forward to what is left of the 2005 season. While Felix Hernandez is certainly everything and more of what was advertised, Gil Meche and Joel Pineiro have seemingly been struggling to utilize their full potential, and don't seem to be solid pieces to build a starting pitching staff. Worse yet, the highest-level pitching prospects have made little to no impression on the biggest stage. Uber prospect Ryan Anderson was released due to a seemingly endless string of injuries. Clint Nageotte has struggled with command at the starter level, and injuries have also posed a problem in his development. Travis Blackley has gone through two major surgeries, and some extremely suspect outings (though injuries may be at fault). The list of disappointing careers continues with the stories of Jeff Heaverlo, Cha Seung Baek, Ken Cloude, Rafael Soriano, et al.
Regardless, the Mariners have set out to improve their club on the offensive side of the plate. While their offense continues to struggle, it is accurate to say that their best prospects, and best chances to succeed, lie in their position players. As such, it is a reasonable proposition that the Mariners move up the fences at Safeco Field, if only by a little bit. I don't think the solution is to create a homer-friendly ballpark in the mold of Minute Maid, Citizens Bank or Great American. But there should be a middle ground.
The best way to design your ballpark is to amplify the strengths of your organization. You play half of your games at that venue, and have the ability to modify it to suit your needs. Examples of this have existed throughout all of baseball, from raising pitching mounds, to wetting the basepaths, to modifying the dimensions of your home field. With that, I ask that the Mariners consider moving the left-center and left-field areas in 5-10 feet. I think it is a reasonable request and in the best interests of the franchise.
— Brendon Inman, Seattle
What the ... ?
I'm not sure what it is about the M's, their skipper and Sundays. After some questionable moves (or rather lack of moves) two weeks ago, Sunday, Sept. 4, was another fine example of AWOL managing.
Third inning. Runner on second, first base open, one out. The M's pitcher had been struggling, very little control over his pitches. Up steps Vlad Guererro, one of the game's most dangerous hitters. So the Mariners do the prudent thing and gave him four wide ones, right? No, silly, they pitch to him, he smacks a two-run home run, and they ultimately lose the game by two runs.
Sixth inning. The Mariners finally have something going. Bartolo Colon has started to struggle after handcuffing them for five innings. Esteban Yan comes in to pitch, isn't doing much better. So, right-handed pitcher, M's making some noise, time for a left-handed pinch hitter? Granted it's early, but the game is nearly two-thirds over and there's still another catcher, outfielder, etc., on the bench. Instead, Torrealba is left in and he kills the rally by striking out.
I think folks tend to be too glib with their blaming managers for bad seasons. Usually the people who do so can't articulate their complaints. That's why I rarely do so. However, I have to wonder what Mike Hargrove is doing during these games. Is he napping? At church services somewhere? Back in his office? Has someone checked him for a pulse lately?
I don't think any manager should do things "by the book" all the time. Nor do I expect them to do everything a fan thinks ought to be done. But some of these non-moves are just inexplicable. Yes, the players as a group (with some notable exceptions, such as Ichiro, Felix Hernandez, etc.) have once again led the league in underachieving, but jeepers, can't they find a manager who will at least act on some situations, or at least one who shows a little more initiative than your average couch potato?
— Tom Pacher, Whidbey Island
Storm
Bird deserves better
Times reporter Jayda Evans notes Storm guard Sue Bird's "horrible" playoff performance (Seattle Times, Sept. 5) and rates her an overall "C" for the season. In my book, and I am sure for hundreds of her loyal Seattle fans, No. 10 deserves better. Bird has heart, grit and style. How about an unqualified "A" for her spirited team leadership throughout the season despite her injuries? I cannot imagine a Storm team without her. Love that Bird.
— Ralph Rosinbum, Seattle
Backing Bird
Do Jayda Evans' ratings of players mirror their value to the team? Sue Bird a C? Did she not always perform to the best of her ability with this team? Yes. Is that worth a C compared to all the point guards in the league?
Why give Sue Bird a C and Lauren Jackson an A? I think both are very valuable to the team. Totally irrational ratings.
— Bob Norikane, Seattle
Huskies
Attitude check
I am a Huskies fan but also spent 20 years in the Air Force. My loyalties were tested Saturday and I was proud of both teams. However, the comments by Brad Vanneman, including "that team shouldn't have been in the game with us," speaks volumes about his character and perhaps of his teammates. The Huskies got beat by a better team and I believe this team that "never should have won that game" has taken the Huskies down the past three times they have played.
The only greater disappointment than the loss is the character deficits of the spokesman for the Huskies players.
— David A. Russell, Seattle

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/