Opening Day Baby!

Can you feel it? There's just something about spring that makes people happy. Winter is finally over, the sun is out an hour longer. People are starting to put away their sweatshirts and coats and take out their t-shirts and tank tops. (Unless you live in Seattle, then you just keep on carrying on.) Symbolism is important, as spring is a re-birth of plenty of things. Dead plants start to live again. Grey skies are being pushed aside by blue sky and sunshine. And here we are, baseball is finally back.

The optimism of yet another new season brings excitement to a fanbase used to disappointment and mediocraty. New faces brings new hope to a historically bad franchise. Heck, even the SEAHAWKS were able to win the Super Bowl, why can't the Mariners be successful? That optimism needs to be cherished. It needs to be pushed into excitement. Seattle hasn't seen a swing like Cano's since Griffey. We haven't seen pitcher like Felix since... well Felix. Embrace it the new season. Prepare for wins and losses, prepare for ups and downs. And, when all else fails, prepare for the fact that we aren't the Astros, and won't be last place.

With today being baseball's "first day of school," let's break down the Mariners' Opening Day roster from the shuffling of the rotation and some surprises that made the ballclub.

THE INFIELD

First off, the catchers. As everyone expected, Mike Zunino will be the everyday catcher. Zunino had a fair spring offensively, hitting.239 while batting in 5 runs. He also did a fairly decent job defensively, handling the pitching staff and the numerous new arms. John Buck, who signed a one-year, one-million dollar deal will back up Zunino. Buck is a nice addition with over a decade of experience behind the dish in the big leagues and should help Zunino mature this year. The big question looming: will Zunino hit? Let's all hope spring wasn't the answer.

As stated in our previous post, Justin Smoak was named the everyday day 1st baseman early in camp. Smoak displayed good power numbers (3 HR, 10 RBI) in spring camp and has embodied consistency at 1st base defensively. Seems like a theme with this team...will Smoak hit? We hope so. After giving up Cliff Lee for him, our patience is up.

Manager Lloyd McClendon has said Corey Hart (1B) isn't ready to be the everyday DH and will see most of his ABs vs lefties to start this season, but he could see some games at 1st or in RF. I'd pencil him in as a utility, replacing players on their days off. One thing Hart does offer is versatility and depth if he can hit and stay healthy. His spring was relatively weak, but he played in less than half of the games.

In arguably the most surprising move of all of Spring Training, Robinson Cano has been named the starting 2nd Baseman.

Moving to Shortstop, Brad Miller hit the ever-living daylights out of the ball this spring displaying some great power numbers by leading the Cactus league in homers (4) and hitting .439. McClendon said over the last two weeks of camp Miller really separated himself from Nick Franklin and it was clear to everyone. Franklin will begin the season at Triple-A Tacoma. Miller also will play a sound defensive SS, lets just hope he keeps up his hot-hitting when it counts.

Kyle Seager had a decent spring like most of the Mariners roster and will start at 3rd Base (surprise, surprise). As statedbefore, I expect good things from Seager at the plate this season and possibly a gold glove candidate at the three-bagger. Let's just hope he can pick up his average (only .191 this spring).

THE OUTFIELD

The Outfield is a little crowded and that's where the surprises come. Stefen Romero, who hit some balls in the spring that haven't landed yet, made the club after only one season at Triple-A. Romero is a big, athletic corner outfielder who could see a lot of playing time should one of the everyday guys struggle at the plate. Defensively, not a whole lot of speed but has shown he can adequately play OF at the major league level.

Much like I expected, Abraham Almonte also has made the ballclub out of Spring Camp. Almonte can hit from both sides of the plate with great speed and puts death to flying things on the outfield green. Just like Romero, I think he'll see limited time to start but will get lots of late game pinch-running and defensive replacement duties.

As far as the starters, Dustin Ackley, who had a very solid offensive spring, will be the everyday LFer. The skipper said Ackley has re-found his confidence at the plate and has really made some great strides in the OF. Hitting .382 and pushing in 13 RBIs will do that to you. It's nice to see Ackley confident again, as this is a hige year for him.

Michael Saunders will be the guy in CF. I think he could have a breakout year at the plate. If he can hit left-handed pitching, he's a valuable piece to the puzzle. He can bunt, has great speed, and has improved at the plate every year. Saunders is also a top 10 defensive outfielder in baseball when healthy.

In RF, it'll be a mix between Logan Morrison, Almonte, and Romero. I imagine whoever shows they can hit, will get most of the playing time there. This is a weak defensive unit, minus Almonte, so the bat will get the playing time. We might be stuck never having a true starting RFer this year. Who knows...maybe Jack Z is looking for a piece in a trade to patrol that spot, only one could speculate.

THE PITCHING STAFF

The pitching staff is a big ole' jumbled mess. Last week, Randy Wolf and Scott Baker were given their releases after being told they had made the club but would be asked to sign 45 day consent releases. Both declined and became free agents.

Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker will start the season on the DL with Walker hopefully coming back in mid-April and Iwakuma in late-April.

The starting rotation for now will be Felix Hernandez-Erasmo Ramirez-James Paxton-Roenis Elias-Chris Young.

Roenis Elias is a 25-year old Cuban native who was a Double-A all-star in Jackson last year. He had an impressive spring an showed the manager he's ready for the big leagues. I'm just hoping he doesn't end up like Brandon Maurer last year. He shows great upside, but don't expect to much from the rookie. While impressive, we will see growing pains. Unless he comes out like Pineda did, expect him to be relegated once Iwakuma and Walker come back.

Rounding out the rotation is newly acquired Chris Young who is a former all-star. He was released last week by the Nationals and signed by the M's after Baker and Wolf split. Young is a tall, lanky righty finesse pitcher who can hopefully eat innings until the cavalry comes.

In the bullpen will be lefties Joe Beimel (who's been a journeyman reliever), Charlie Furbush and it will round out with righties Todd Wilhelmsen, Danny Farquhar, Yoervis Medina, Hector Noesi (long relief), and Fernando Rodney who will anchor the back end. Farquhar will most likely set up most of the time for Rodney, but Beimel has shown in the past he can get guys out in the later innings, so I wouldn't be surprised if he nailed down that role during the season.

FINAL THOUGHTS

All in all, Marihawks is pretty satisfied with the decisions the Mariners made on the roster. We will see how the fare early with a beat up, makeshift pitching. The key will be staying healthy when those guys get back if they want to have success as many of them will be relied on for significant production this season. April will be a make or break month for every AL West team. Whoever starts hot will have the upperhand. Seattle starts with 22 of their first 25 games against their AL West foes, meaning we will get a decent idea of what kind of club we will have.

Here's to optimism, Seattle's biggest baseball ally. Let's see if the M's can follow the Hawks lead, or if they want to keep getting high draft picks.

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2014 Seattle Mariner Season Preview

Rodney, Cano, and Felix. $, hopefully in more ways than one.

Opening day is only 4 weeks away... longest 4 weeks ever, amirite?!

I am bringing in Spencer Hansen to do the Mariner's Preview this year. I'll add my two cents at the bottom. Spence knows more about the Mariners than anyone I know, so I'm glad to have him.

Spencer's 2014 Mariner Preview:
Obviously there have been some bright spots to the 2014 off-season with the signing of Robinson Cano, Cory Hart, Logan Morrison, and Fernando Rodney, among others. 

There are still some looming question marks; who will fill the outfield? Who will hit behind Cano? Will they sign another starter? 

Almost 3 weeks into Spring Training (ST) Manager Lloyd McLendon has set the tone for the ball club. McLendon had stops in Pittsburg and Detroit as a manager and a hitting coach and has been a respected offensive mind in the MLB over the past decade. He has instilled a toughness and sense of accountability among the players and is regarded as a players coach...but is he the right man for this job? Can he lead the M's to the promised land after a 12 year playoff drought? 

I believe he was a good hire for two reasons; a) he past managing experience and he has past coaching experience with a winning club and worked with HOFer Jim Leyland for several years. b) He is a great teacher of hitting and will be a key asset for a young ball club that has hitters that could experience some growing pains in the big leagues this season. 

A full Safeco Field, unfortunately all too rare.

McLendon also made it known to the media this week that Justin Smoak is "his guy" at 1st base this season. Smoak, with many things to prove at the plate this season did see slight improvements at the plate in 2013, but I expect this is a make or break year for him. Either he hits and stays, or doesn't and gets cut sometime in late-June, early-July. I think an ideal good year for Smoak is a batting average around 250-260 and 25 HRs. I think that's key if the Mariners want to have a chance at the post season as he could potentially hit behind Cano this year, which could also benefit Smoak because he could see better pitches. I've been waiting for the news to break on ESPN that the M's have resigned Morales, but as the days to Opening Day dwindle, so do my hopes that'll he be back. 

SS Nick Franklin

Also another unknown is who will be the everyday SS as McLendon has said that it's about "50-50" between Brad Miller and Nick Franklin for that spot right now. There has also been much speculation about whether Franklin will be dealt. The M's have gotten numerous calls on him and the two suitors that make the most sense right now remain to be the Mets and the Rays, with no real moves being made as of now. If the season started today, I would guess Miller would be the guy. He has been smooth with the glove and has shown he can be a durable, everyday guy. On the other hand, Franklin has hit the crap out of the ball this Spring with a couple of dingers and played solid defense. I think the better investment is in Miller because he shows more upside at SS and has a nice left handed swing and he has that blue-collar, down and dirty, get it done no matter what attitude. Just an old school type of ballplayer. 

The pitching situation as far as starters has also become messy this spring. It's looking like Hisashi  Iwakuma and young phenom Taijuan Walker will start the season on the DL which leaves the M's looking for a free agent arm or giving young guys a significant role early in the season. When all healthy the rotation will look something like Felix-Kuma-Walker-James Paxton-Scott Baker. I imagine Scott Baker will see an increased role with injuries. He was non-roster invitee to Spring but will most likely make the club. He was above average in Minnesota but I think pitching in Safeco won't hurt him at all. James Paxton also has came in looking good and also more mature. He's making better pitches, has shown better control, and his arsenal of pitches is more well-rounded. 

Hopefully this King can make some magic.

The bullpen was shored up with the signing of Fernando Rodney at the back end and he hasn't seen much action due to a small injury but should be fine and on track to go Openind Day. I think our middle relief will also be improved now that Danny Farquhar and Tom Wilhelmsen will not be relied upon in the 9th to shut the door. I still expect one of those guys to set up Rodney, but I expect a bounce back year from Wilhelmsen. Also you gotta love Danny Farquhar, a blue-collar guy that throws upper 90s with wicked off-speed stuff. He just needs to work on his location and developing those off-speed pitches. 

In the outfield, it's a little crowded. Franklin Gutierrez was put on the Restricted List, meaning he will not play this season and will not be paid his $1 million. Pencil in Dustin Ackley in in LF. Ackley has sown a much better approach at the plate this season and I think he'll make a nice transition out there this season. I expect a bounce back year from Ack.

Hopefully there is more to fear than just the beard.

After Ack it gets tricky with no one guy taking control of a spot. I'd really like to see Michael Saunders break out this year and be an everyday guy because when fully healthy he is a top 10 defensive outfielder in this league. If he can show that he can hit left handed pitching and cut down on strikeouts he will very much be in the everyday picture this season. 

Some under the radar guys you may or may not know are Stefen Romero and Abraham Almonte. Both spent last season in Triple-A Tacoma and had good years. Romero is a corner outfielder who shows a lot of power from the right side and can also hit for average and is a plus defender in RF. Almonte is a speed-demon and switch hitter and can hit well from both sides of the plate. I think Romero is on the outside looking in but I believe Almonte will make the Opening Day roster. McLendon has said they can find multiple ways to get this guy in the game and has potential to be the leadoff guy this year. He understands the role of the leadoff, has plus speed and that ability to hit well from both sides helps him. Almonte is also a great bunter and will set the table nicely for Cano, Kyle Seager, and Corey Hart. 

Maybe the LOB could rub off on the M's.

The key to success this season will be guys staying healthy. With Kuma and Walker out to start it will be tough in April but position guys need to be durable as well. Corey Hart and Logan Morrison were nice pickups because they were cheap, low-risk, high-reward guys that could significantly contribute. Hart was a 30 homer, 100 RBI guy two years ago and a perennial All Star. Hart will probably DH for the most part but will see some time at 1st and possibly in RF. Morrison also could see time in the OF and at 1st base and if he hits will be a solid role player to plug in because he's very versatile.
I think this team is very much improved, but also still has some holes to fill, whether that be a RH bat or a starting pitcher. 

My prediction for the season is 85 wins, who knows if that'll be enough to get that second wild-card. I think the M's undergo some growing pains but McLendon takes this club a step in the right direction and they WILL be a playoff team in 2015. As far as individual awards, I think Cano, Seager, and Felix are All Stars and Seager is my dark horse for the batting title.
-SH

Thanks Spence! I definitely appreciate the analysis. Hard to keep up when everything I hear is about the Rangers. And yes, they do have the best QB in the state of Texas.

As for my prediction, I was pretty off last year. I predicted the M's to finish third with an 85-77 record, while they instead fell to 71-91and fourth place (how great is it that the Astros are in the division?) This year I'm not as optimistic as Spencer is. Oakland is going to win the AL West, Texas is going to pick up a Wild Card spot at number two. I think Seattle was what it takes to finish third place, above the vastly overrated Angels and the hilariously bad Astros. I predict an even 81-81 this year. I do agree with Spencer though, if they get it together, the playoffs aren't too far in the future for us.

Like our Facebook page for more up to date info about the Mariners and the Seahawks. Also check out Spencer's Sports Rants, his hilarious babblings about everything. Worth the watch.

SODO MOJO. (I lost track of their annual sayings, so I'll stick with this one.)

8 Days.

Great vs. Great

The Seattle Seahawks are going to play the Denver Broncos for Super Bowl XLVIII. Let me say that one more time, the Seattle Seahawks are going to play the Denver Broncos for the Super Bowl. Let that sink in. Soak it up. Enjoy the moment.

Obviously the story is going to be #1 offense vs. #1 defense. Best NFC vs. best AFC. Sherman vs. Manning. "Good Guys" vs. "Villains". Regardless of what the media wants to spin this Super Bowl to be, one fact remains: It features the two best teams in football. It features a young team trying to gain their first Lombardi Trophy against a veteran team trying to get another one. It is safe to say that the first ever outdoor cold weather Super Bowl(Minneapolis, Detroit, and Indianapolis all have hosted  the big game in domes) will be one for the ages.

For me, however, this game comes bittersweet.

Literally Everyone: "Bittersweet?! HOW? The SEAHAWKS are in the SUPERBOWL!"
Marihawks: "Well yes, but remember, I grew up a Bronco fan."
LE: "So it's a WIN WIN for you! Either way you should be happy!"
M: "Yes and no."
LE: "You're stupid. Suck it up and just enjoy the game!"
M: "Well I plan on.."
LE: "Nope you're just stupid."

Yuk Yuk Yuk

Here's the deal. I've dealt with many friends from both Washington and Colorado about who I am rooting for next Sunday. And it's true, I couldn't be happier that both teams are in. It really is a dream come true.  I lived in Colorado during the Broncos' best years. I watched them change from orange to blue and win back to back Super Bowls. Then I moved to Seattle. Stayed true to the blue and orange, and for the most part ignored the Seahawks.

My family had bought season tickets to the Seahawks games for many years, so (in my mind) I got to watch more pro football while rooting on the Broncos. My dad bought me a Trent Dilfer jersey (Yeah I know, hilarious. Yuk it up) because the 12th Man wasn't too kind to the young kid rocking his Terrell Davis to Seahawks games.

John Elway Starter jersey, circa 1997
Bronco socks circa 2004

The year 2005 was my second favorite football-wise since 1997. Denver and Seattle were both in their respective league's championship games. At this point I supported the Seahawks as a hometown team, but I was Bronco fan all the way. I distinctly remember being able to watch the Bronco game but having baseball practice that night, so I couldn't watch Seattle. Denver got absolutely handled by Pittsburgh that day. Jake Plummer had a heckuva year but couldn't figure out that defense, losing two interceptions and two fumbles. Dejected, I went to practice hoping that Seattle could salvage my year. I was able to come home later that night to hear that Seattle handily beat Carolina to advance to the Super Bowl. I didn't realize it, but at that moment, everything was changing.

Seattle obviously didn't win the Super Bowl, but I became more and more interested in that team. In 2006 I saw the Broncos bench my favorite quarterback not named John Elway for my least favorite not named Phillip Rivers. Once Jay Cutler took over for Jake Plummer, I stopped caring what Denver did. And it's definitely not because Seattle was any better, both teams relatively stunk it up until 2012. Maybe I was mad Denver gave up on Plummer, maybe I was annoyed the Seahawks beat Cutler in his first game, but in the end I simply stopped caring.

The rest is history. I've switched 180 degrees. Maybe it was Denver's demotion of Plummer. Maybe it was the bandwagoners that Tebow and Manning brought to Denver (Not their faults, but annoying when the fans don't know who Champ Bailey is). Maybe, (okay definitely) it's because they've gone back to the orange uniforms. (Look, Denver and Orange work. Just not with this template.) Maybe it's because I spent so much time watching the Seahawks and learning the roster. Maybe being a part of the 12th Man for so long has affected me.

Look, I obviously have a lot of factors going on to this. Judge me. What won't change is how I will always love the Denver Broncos. They were my earliest memories. You never forget your first love, and the Denver Broncos professional football team were mine (I was a weird kid, okay?)

The Seahawks are my team. Can't really debate that with anyone. I'm a Seahawks fan and an avid supporter of the Broncos. It's as simply as that.

I'm not going to predict the score for this game, both teams are more than deserving. I'm not really going to outwardly root for one over the other. A lot of "Yay Boos" will occur on Sunday. Instead, I'm going to wear a shirt with both helmets. I'm going to spend time with family and loved ones. I'm, for the first time all season, going to sit and enjoy football as it's meant to be played. Best vs. best.




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Week 2: San Fran.

Well, it's only week 2 and it feels like it's late December. Whether you like it or not, this has turned into one of the better modern rivalries in professional sports. It's the highest priced ticket of any non-playoff sporting event in the United States. Again, for a week 2 game. Enjoy it Seahawk fans, this is a special time for this team.

Last time I checked, the Hawks have a pretty decent record at home. They haven't lost in the Clink since Christmas Eve in 2011, to the San Francisco 49ers. Obviously the Niners want to come back and strike early, much like last year's first meeting between the two. Make no mistake, this game is huge when it comes to battling for the NFC West crown.

The biggest things I'm watching for on Sunday Night:

Colin Kaepernick: I dislike Colin Kaepernick as much as the next person, but the dude knows how to play football. If there was any doubt to that claim, watch last week's game against Green Bay. The dude passed for 412 yards, 3 TDs, and ran for an additional 22 yards. Now, Green Bay doesn't quite have the secondary Seattle does, so don't expect these numbers. To compare, last year Kap threw for 244 yards and 1 TD, running for 31 yards. Seattle was also up 42-6 with less than 2 minutes remaining at the time the Niners were able to score said touchdown. With that in mind, I don't see Kap being a fantasy wizard like he was last week, Seattle simply won't allow it.

Anquan Boldin: Again, another player who started the season off as hot as one could imagine. He has 13 receptions for 208 yards and 1 TD against Green Bay. The three reasons I'm not worried about him?
1. Last time he played in Seattle was in 2011. With a "far less stellar than the current" defense in 2011, the Hawks kept him to 2 receptions for 22 yards. He was targeted 9 times in that game.
2. The Niners have only Boldin and TE Vernon Davis as legitimate recieving threats. Their number three reciever? Kyle Williams, the same guy who fumbled two punt returns against the Giants in the 2011 NFC Championship.
3. This:

Frank Gore: This guy could be the most important aspect of this game, easy. Against Seattle, the 49ers are 4-0 when Gore rushes for over 100 yards. When he rushes for less? 3-5. Even with the tools that they have, the Niners need Gore to be effective to win ball games. Last year against Seattle in week 7, Gore rushed for 131 yards. That's all they needed to preserve a victory. In week 16? He only rushed for 28 yards, and needless to say Seattle won that game.

MY PREDICTION:

This game is going to come down to how both lines play. If Seattle's O-line can hold their own against a very talented Niner D-line, Marshawn Lynch Russell Wilson will finds openings to exploit. If the Seattle defense can keep Kaepernick and Gore guessing and frustrated, we will see a very similar game to what we witnessed last winter in Seattle.
I'm not as confident in that happening, especially after how the Hawks played the Panthers. This will be a much closer, much more physical game. Two good defenses against two good offenses, the game could boil down to special teams. Call me biased, but I think Seattle has the edge in it.
Prediction: Seattle's defense shows the world why they're the best in the league and Russell Wilson is able to exploit a weaker-than-last-year San Fran secondary. With the balanced attack and the 12th man doing what they do best, Seattle nails the coffin in the 4th quarter to win by two scores. 34-24 SEA.

Being in Seattle, this game will take on a playoff atmosphere. Rumor has it that Seattle will try to break a Guiness World Record for loudest game ever. I wouldn't put it past them that they break the record a few times over the course of this game.

For more up to the minute updates, be sure to follow Marihawks on TWITTER and FACEBOOK. If you have any ideas or want to guest write, be sure to contact me. GO HAWKS.

Carolina Review.

Welp, what a game that was. Needless to say, not quite how I expected the Hawks to play. A couple notes I got from the game:

1) Offensive Line Play: Carolina has a good defensive line, that much is true. But Marshawn Lynch couldn't find running room and Russell Wilson looked like he was scared for his life most of the game. It looked to me like the Seahawks were trying to run a more college style pistol than last year's power run scheme that was so successful. Hopefully they can figure it out soon, because this team won't win if it's only one dimensional.
2) Russell Wilson Sure Can Pass: After starting the game 1-5 for 1 yard, Wilson turned it on, finishing 25-33 for 320 yards, a career high. What mattered even more, is how he finished the game. In the 4th quarter, Russ went 7-8 for 114 yards and Seattle's only touchdown. He sure didn't show much of a sophomore slump in the first week.
3) The Seafense Is Pretty Darn Good: As if we didn't know before, our defense knows how to play ball. They limited a very potent Cam Newton to only 125 yards passing and 38 yards rushing. While they did allow DeAngelo Williams to rush for 86 yards, they did cause him to make a game-determining turnover in the 4th quarter. With Brandon Browner, Cliff Avril, and Chris Clemons all healing up, the sky's the limit for this squad.
4) Need To Capitalize On Opportunities: The Seahawks were inside the redzone three times. First time they got a holding penalty which brought them back far enough to force a field goal. Second time Wilson was sacked and fumbled for a turnover. Last time an intentional grounding penalty stalled a drive and forced a field goal. Can't let that happen to better opponents, period. After forcing a turnover on a botched punt return, the Hawks weren't able to get a first down and punted the ball back after 3 plays. I appreciate winning the field position battle, but this team needs to be better.
5) Traveling Still Sucks: The Seahawks were able to win a tough road game, on the east coast, at 10am PT. That alone is a huge accomplishment, without a doubt. But the team still started slowly and looked sloppy. Glad we could get the win, but home is definitely where the heart is.

Overall, it wasn't pretty. But nobody will remember how they played, they will only remember that the Hawks got the win. Don't stress too hard, the Panthers are a quality opponent. I wouldn't be surprised to find out they win 10-11 games this season. Sure would make this win look a little better, ya?

The Marihawks Super Biased Seahawk Season Preview

Obviously I want to believe that the Seahawks will go 16-0, beating every team out of the water, to coast to their first Superbowl ever. I also think the Mariners are finally going to have a winning season, so that shows how much the fan in me likes to ignore most logic in many situations. I'm not saying the Seahawks don't have a super bowl caliber team, because they do. They've made a number of key moves, have experience, and now even the media is coining the Hawks to do something special. Tread carefully Hawk fans, it's going to be a fun ride.

Key Moves:
I could beat a dead horse talking about how great it was to get Percy Harvin and Cliff Avril in the offseason, but both are starting the season injured and are of no use. Both have the ability to transform their perspective side of the ball, and will do so when healthy. The biggest key for them is getting healthy. (Yeah, I still drafted Harvin on fantasy. Wishful thinking I suppose.)

Cutting FB Michael Robinson was a move that made the fan in me die a little. The biggest leader in the Hawks lockerroom was not only a fan favorite, but knew how to play his position. The Seahawk fan in me understands this move, as much as it pains me. He was getting paid $2.5 million to play only approx. 30% of the snaps. Why pay a play that kind of money to not play? The football move makes plenty of sense financially. The Seahawks don't use a fullback often, and when they do, a younger and cheaper player is more than worthy of stepping in.
Cutting CB Antoine Winfield made a lot of people shake their head also, but let's look at the facts. Winfield is older, slower, and simply outplayed by the younger corners. I'd rather have the young players who played better than to have the big name free agent signing. Look to see Walter Thurmond III, Jeremy Lane, and Byron Maxwell to all contribute to the Legion of Boom throughout the year.
Pete Carroll and John Schneider have cut Matt Hassleback, Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu, Mike Williams, and many other players that the fans thought could be something else. These guys know what they're doing, trust them.

Season Schedule (Worst Case Scenario):
This is my opinion of the season as their worst case scenario. It's silly to predict seasons based on an offseason or first few games of the year. Simply look at the Eagles "Dream Team" a couple years back or the Cardinals starting 4-0 last year. Injuries, weather, and momentum will always change the course of a season. This scenario will play on the relative youth of the Seahawks and the fact that they are no longer flowing on the radar. Teams will be ready for them, and it will show.

Sunday Sept. 8		at Carolina Panthers                                               LOSE (0-1) Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Sunday Sept. 15		San Francisco 49ers                                                WIN (1-1) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Sept. 22		Jacksonville Jaguars                                               WIN (2-1) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Sept. 29		at Houston Texans                                                   LOSE (2-2) Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Sunday Oct. 6		at Indianapolis Colts                                               LOSE (2-3) Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Sunday Oct. 13		Tennessee Titans                                                     WIN (3-3) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Thursday Oct. 17		at Arizona Cardinals                                              WIN (4-3) University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Monday Oct. 28		at St. Louis Rams                                                    LOSE (4-4) Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO
Sunday Nov. 3		Tampa Bay Buccaneers                                          WIN (5-4) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Nov. 10		at Atlanta Falcons                                                   LOSE (5-5) Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Sunday Nov. 17		Minnesota Vikings                                                  WIN (6-5) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Nov. 24	---	BYE
Monday Dec. 2		New Orleans Saints                                                LOSE (6-6) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Dec. 8		at San Francisco 49ers                                           LOSE (6-7) Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
Sunday Dec. 15		at New York Giants                                               WIN (7-7) MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Sunday Dec. 22		Arizona Cardinals                                                 WIN (8-7) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Dec. 29		St. Louis Rams                                                       WIN (9-7) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

To me, the absolute worst record would be a 9-7. That's with their struggles on the road and inability to knock off the passer. The NFC West is easily the toughest division in football, even the Cardinals are more than capable of surprising and ruining a few teams' records. Anything less than a winning record would be devastating to this team, and I simply don't see that happening.

 Season Schedule (More Realistic Approach):

This is how I see the season leaning more towards. This team has experience, the youth and the depth. With injured players returning, this is one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. They have the ability to just start off week one and keep the pedal down the entire year.

Sunday Sept. 8		at Carolina Panthers                                               LOSE (0-1) Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Sunday Sept. 15		San Francisco 49ers                                                WIN (1-1) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Sept. 22		Jacksonville Jaguars                                               WIN (2-1) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Sept. 29		at Houston Texans                                                   LOSE (2-2) Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Sunday Oct. 6		at Indianapolis Colts                                               WIN (3-2) Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Sunday Oct. 13		Tennessee Titans                                                     WIN (4-2) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Thursday Oct. 17		at Arizona Cardinals                                              WIN (5-2) University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Monday Oct. 28		at St. Louis Rams                                                    WIN (6-2) Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO
Sunday Nov. 3		Tampa Bay Buccaneers                                          WIN (7-2) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Nov. 10		at Atlanta Falcons                                                   LOSE (7-3) Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Sunday Nov. 17		Minnesota Vikings                                                  WIN (8-3) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Nov. 24	---	BYE
Monday Dec. 2		New Orleans Saints                                                WIN (9-3) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Dec. 8		at San Francisco 49ers                                           LOSE (9-4) Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
Sunday Dec. 15		at New York Giants                                               WIN (10-4) MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Sunday Dec. 22		Arizona Cardinals                                                 WIN (11-4) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA
Sunday Dec. 29		St. Louis Rams                                                       WIN (12-4) CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

This team could realistically win those away games in Carolina, Houston, San Fran, and Atlanta, but I've taken into account the first few games might be fa learning curve for the new people on the roster. An early game on the east coast against a team that could have beat them last year in Carolina could start the season off rough. The Texans have proven their might in the NFL recently and the Hawks last year found ways to lose against good quarterbacks on the road. Gotta give credit to ATL and San Fran, those teams are ridiculously could and have every opportunity to take the NFC as Seattle does.

There is a lot to be optimistic about in Seattle. This team could easily take the NFL and bring home the first major championship to Seattle since the 70's, and first in football. They could also get bit by the injury bug and remind us all why Seattle has a difficult sports scene. Enjoy the optimism, enjoy the fact that this team is fun to watch and will always put on a show. For the first time in many years, it's fun to watch sports in Seattle.

If you don't already, follow Marihawks on Facebook and Twitter for more up to date news from the Seahawks and the Mariners. And remember, as Russ would say: GO HAWKS.