Griffey has team in line

In a matter of weeks it seems Ken Griffey Jr. has whipped the Mariners clubhouse into shape. Geoff Baker’s game story in the Seattle Time this morning was packed full of quotes about sacrifice, team and Griffey's influence in both departments. After winning the season opener 6-1 over the Twins, the Mariners look to have grown up a little.

Here’s a quote from second baseman Jose Lopez, of all people:

"We had meetings every day," he said. "When we'd go stretch, everybody would say, 'Do the little things to win today, guys. No matter what, even if it's by one run. Do the little things.' And that's what we did today."

Sure, it’s one game and we’ve got 161 of these things left, but this is a sports blog fueled by hyperbole and caffeine – so let’s suspend reason for now. With Griffey getting these guys in line and thinking about how to play the game the right way, it leaves the team’s best player Ichiro to come in after he gets off the DL and do what he does best.

He can collect his 200 hits, bat .330 and play great defense. Hopefully, the rest of the team has learned that Ichiro can’t do their jobs for them and they’ll stop blaming him for not carrying everyone else’s weight.

North Carolina beats Detroit, state of Michigan, fans everywhere
Last night North Carolina ripped the heart out of Michigan State showed it to them, their fans, the great state of Michigan and underdog lovers everywhere and then mopped the floor with it. The NCAA basketball championship game was a dog from the first two minutes with the Tar Heels eventually winning, 89-72. Held in Detroit, the Spartans had ample backing in house. And nearly everyone wanted to see an economically crushed Detroit have something to celebrate for one night.

Bone to WSU
Ken Bone’s hiring at Washington State is great news for Wazzu fans and college basketball fans that enjoyed watching the Huskies and Cougars kick the holy hell out of each other the last few years. It has become a great physical rivalry, right up there with the football Apple Cup. Bone is a winner and great recruiter, as he’s shown in his stops at Seattle Pacific, Washington and Portland State. Plus, his up tempo offense will replace Wazzu’s half court slog.

Sounders sellout again
If you wanted to go to the Sounders FC match on Saturday, you’re SOL. It’s sold out and I won’t be a bit surprised if the rest of the home matches follow suit. It’s just plain impressive. On the field, the squad is 3-0 and their fans have created a home-field advantage rivaled by few other teams. So, you’ll have to put on your green scarf, find a pub and watch it there. Never a bad call, whether to the Sounders are on or not.