Mariners trade League to Dodgers; Delabar to Blue Jays for prospects

By Kshell

That time of year again where the fire sale for the Seattle Mariners begins under Jack Zduriencik. This time Zduriencik traded away former all-star closer Brandon League to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two prospects and traded feel good story reliever Steve Delabar to the Toronto Blue Jays for an outfielder. League was dealt for an outfielder and a reliever as the Mariners continue to try to build their farm system. League had spent two and a half seasons with the Mariners after Zdurienick traded for him from the Toronto Blue Jays for high draft pick Brandon Morrow. League was a setup man in 2010, then became the closer in 2011 where he made the all-star team only to lose his closing job during this season which then made him very expendable. For Delabar he has a great arm and was featured on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Delabar's problem this season has been the long ball and the Mariners have two young relievers ready to come up so this was two solid trades by Zduriencik.

League's best two moments in Seattle were when he made the all-star team in 2011 and this year against the team he is now on the Los Angeles Dodgers. League combined with five other pitchers on throwing a no-hitter against the Dodgers. For League he came into a second and third one out situation in the eighth inning were one base hit would have lost the game. League got out of the jam. In 2011 when League made the all-star team he recorded 37 saves while throwing 61.1 innings. He posted a 2.79 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP and struck out 45 hitters(6.6 K's per 9). This year he has struggled as he had just nine saves while blowing six and has just six holds. He has a 3.63 ERA while throwing 44.2 innings with a 1.50 WHIP and striking out only 27 batters(5.4 K's per 9). For his Mariners career he went 10-17 in 181 games having thrown 185 innings. He recorded 52 saves and 19 holds with a 3.26 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 128 strikeouts(6.2 K's per 9). It was time for League to move on and I would have liked to have seen the Mariners trade him a year ago so his value was high. Such is the case with this franchise they always love to trade players a year too late.

The Mariners also traded away reliever Steve Delabar to the Toronto Blue Jays. He was featured on Real Sports on HBO because he was a former teacher who made it the big leagues with the Mariners in 2011. In 2011 Delabar appeared in six games having thrown seven innings. Delabar was 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and seven strikeouts(9.0 K's per 9). This year big things were expected of him instead due to the long ball he struggled. This season Delabar while in Seattle has appeared in 34 games. He is 2-1 with three holds having thrown 36.2 innings. He is sporting a 4.17 ERA despite a 0.92 WHIP having struck out 46 hitters(11.3 K's per 9). His problem is he has allowed nine home runs(2.2 per 9 innings) which is a lot for any pitcher especially a reliever. He also pitched in nine games down in Tacoma where he went 0-1 with one save having thrown 12 innings. He posted a 3.75 ERA, 1.92 WHIP and struck out 12 batters(9.0 K's per 9). Delabar despite most media in this city making fun of him actually has good stuff and if you look past his ERA you can see his WHIP and K's per 9 is really good. In fact I'm a little bummed out about losing Delabar while I'm actually glad League and his low K's and high WHIP has been traded.

What the Mariners got in these trades were from the Blue Jays outfielder Eric Thames who will be joining the team immediately. While from the Dodgers they acquired outfielder Leon Landry and reliever Logan Bawcom who will both spend time in the Mariners minors. Thames this year for the Blue Jays in 160 PA's hit .243/.288/.365 with only three home runs. In triple A Las Vegas Thames is hitting .330/.407/.528 in 231 PA's with six home runs. Last year was a breakout year for Thames the Blue Jays thought. In triple A Las Vegas he hit .352/.423/.610 in 241 PA's with seven home runs. Then in the major leagues he hit .262/.313/.456 in 394 PA's with 12 home runs. Thames will be a nice lefty outfield bat for the Mariners which they'll need and I would rather him play over Peguero in the outfield. Now Thames in two major league seasons has been terrible on defense posting a negative 1.7 WAR last year defensively and a negative 0.6 WAR this year defensively. The Mariners do need some hitters and in the minor leagues and in small sample size in the major leagues the 25 year old Thames has proven he can hit which should be a nice addition for the ball club right now.

As for who the Mariners got in the Brandon League trade from the Dodgers that is more interesting. First Leon Landry who was a third round pick by the Dodgers in 2010 take out of LSU Tigers. Landry this year in high A ball is hitting .328/.358/.559 in 376 PA's. Landry has eight home runs, 51 RBI's, 63 runs scored. He also brings speed to the table as he has hit 15 triples and stolen 20 bases in only 80 games. Landry will turn 23 this late September. Like Thames, Landry also is a left handed hitter who hopefully can keep developing as he is a career .297/.344/.457 hitter in 1,202 PA's with 16 home runs and 30 triples alone with 61 stolen bases in only 262 career games. The other piece the Mariners acquired is Logan Bawcom who was a 17th round pick in the 2010 draft from the University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks(you might recognize them as the Huskies defeated them in the NIT). Bawcom this season starting off in high A ball like Landry. In high A ball Bawcom was 1-1 with seven saves in 14 innings pitched. In those 14 innings he posted a 0.64 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and struck out 24 batters(15.4 K's per 9). He was them promoted to double A where so far he is 3-3 with 13 saves in 34.2 innings ptiched. In those 34.2 innings he has posted a 2.60 ERA, 1.32 WHP and struck out 36 batters(9.3 K's per 9). He'll be 24 years old this November and has always had a great strikeout rate throughout the minor leagues.

The Mariners are once again building through the farm and are hoping that these pieces will continue to prosper for them. Not all the prospects will pan out but take a look at last years Doug Fister trade where the Mariners acquired Casper Wells(hitting .249/.317/.407 in 209 PA's with six home runs) and Charlie Furbush(4-2, 34 games, 37.1 innings, 2.17 ERA, 0.80 WHP, 47 K's, 11.3 K's per 9) you are hoping for a similar result. I don't know about the Delabar deal but with Stephen Pryor and Carter Capps on their way up I doubt the Mariners will miss him. Just like the Mariners aren't going to miss Doug Fister in a few years if now. The League trade has potential to be a good steal for the Mariners as he was good last year but terrible this year. If not for the "proven closer" label I doubt the Dodgers give the Mariners some nice pieces for him. Like I said I think Delabar is better than League and I'm not upset at all about losing League. I'm curious how these three guys do in Seattle and we'll get a chance to see Thames quite a bit this year as he'll be on the big league roster. As for the other two hopefully someday I'll be getting a chance to see them as well. The Mariners aren't done by any chance as they could still be selling as today is the trade deadline.

Ross leads Huskies to NIT first round win over Mavericks 82-72

By Kshell

Terrence Ross who might be playing in his final games as a Husky made sure this season would still be alive. Ross lead the Washington Huskies(22-10,14-4) with 23 points as the Huskies knocked off the UT-Arlington Mavericks(24-9,15-1) 82-72 in the first round of the NIT. The Huskies shot well during the game and after trailing 59-58 the Huskies went on a 19-6 run to put the game away. Led by Ross who prolonged his Husky career for at least one more game scoring 23 points and Darnell Gant who scored 13 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. For Gant these are for sure his last games in a Husky uniform as he is a senior. Lorenzo Romar did a good job making sure his team was ready even though early on it appeared that the Huskies didn't want to be there as the Mavericks dominated the glass. The Huskies who became the first ever major conference champions to be snubbed from the NCAA tournament now have to make due with their situation. They can't worry about the past and this game showed the Huskies got their first win of the NIT out of the way. From here on out each NIT game will seem more and more like a real game rather than an exhibition which is what this game felt like. For the 2012 Pac-12 champion Huskies this was a chance to move on and gain some more playing experience.

In the first half after a back forth game by both teams Ross started to go off for the Huskies. Ross scored 11 straight points for the Huskies as they led 32-24. Leading 34-26 over the Mavericks is when the Huskies got lazy on defense mainly on rebounding.  The Mavericks closed the half on an 11-3 run including a tip in at the buzzer to tie the score up at 37. The Mavericks shot 12-33(36.4%) from the field, were just one for nine(11.1%) from three point range and 12-15(80.0%) on free throws. They outrebounded the Huskies 23-11 including 11-3 on the offensive glass. They were led by LaMarcus Reed III scoring 10 points on one for six shooting making only one three pointer but was seven for eight on free throws. Bo Ingram scored nine points on three for eight shooting but made three of four at the free throw line with four rebounds.

The Huskies shot well making 14-28(50.0%) from the field, 4-12(33.3%) from three point range and five for seven(71.4%) from free throws. They were led by Ross who scored 11 points on five for nine shooting with a three pointer. He pulled down three rebounds with a steal and a block shot. Tony Wroten scored five points on two for four shooting making one for two free throws with four assists and a steal. Darnell Gant the senior scored five points on two for four shooting with a three pointer and five rebounds. Abdul Gaddy also scored five points on two for three shooting with a three pointer with four assists. The Huskies were tied at halftime and once again were seeing the end of their season in 20 minutes if things didn't turn around mainly rebounding.

In the second half the Huskies defense picked up as they outscored the Mavericks 45-35. The Huskies also won the rebounding war 12-10 in the second half. Trailing 59-58 the Huskies went on a 19-6 run capped by a Gant three pointer to lead 77-65 with under four minutes left in the game. The Huskies then cruised to an 82-72 win over the Mavericks advancing to the NIT sweet 16 against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Mavericks for the game shot 25-62(40.3%) from the field, 5-21(23.8%) from three pointers, and 17-22(77.3%) from the free throw line. They were led by Reed III who scored 20 points but made just 4-14 from the field but was 10-12 from the free throw line. Ingram scored 17 points but was only 6-17 shooting including 1-10 from three point range.

For the Huskies who move on they shot well making 27-47(57.4%) from the field, 8-22(36.4%) from three point range, 20-31(64.5%) from the free throw line. They were led by Terrence Ross who scored 23 points on 9-15 shooting including three three pointers. Ross also added five rebounds, a steal and two block shots. C.J. Wilcox off the bench scored 15 points on three for eight shooting with a three pointer but was 8-10 from the free throw line. Wilcox added four rebounds, two assists and a steal. Darnell Gant scored 13 points on five for nine shooting with two three pointers while grabbing 10 rebounds. Tony Wroten scored only nine points on three for five shooting and made three for four free throws. He also tied a career high with eight assists while having two steals and a block shot. Abdul Gaddy continued his fine play as of late scored 10 points on four for five shooting with two three pointers. He dished out six assists to only one turnover. Aziz N'Diaye scored seven points on one for two shooting making 5-11 from the free throw line. N'Diaye also added a block shot as he fought foul trouble all game. The Huskies really only had production from six players which has been a troubling trend for them lately.

The Huskies are playing in a tournament they don't want to be in and it showed in the first half. In the second half pride kicked in as the Huskies started to resemble that Pac-12 championship team who played so well for two straight months. Ross and Gant are extending their Husky careers while Wroten proved he can be a point guard who can help his teammates get better. This NIT serves as a chance for Gaddy to continue to grow as a point guard as well. The Huskies have to make the best of this situation and show the NCAA selection committee when it's all said and done that they made a mistake on this Huskies team who I felt should be playing in the NCAA tournament.

Observations:

- Darnell Gant is playing his final days as a Husky. This game was significant for Gant as he played in his 137th game as a Husky meaning no other Husky has played in more games than Gant. In his Husky career the Huskies have now won 98 games which is pretty incredible and four conference championships.  Gant was denied a chance to become the first ever Husky to play in four NCAA tournaments but is still making the most of it.

Gant in the last four games has been rebounding like crazy. After recording 10 rebounds just once in his career in 134 games he has grabbed 10 rebounds the last three games. In the last four games Gant is averaging 8.8 PPG and 9.8 RPG during that stretch. He is also shooting 15-28(53.5%) from the field and 4-10(40.0%) from three pointers during that stretch. Gant is playing his heart out as he knows his days at Washington are about numbered. Too bad he didn't make the NCAA tournament as he is playing his best ball of his career.

- Tony Wroten had a strange game for him. In this game he only shot the ball five times and only scored nine points as he made three for five from the field and three for four on free throws. What made this game unique was Wroten tying a career high in assists with eight. Wroten made his teammates better and showed NBA scouts that he is capable of doing that.

Wroten who has played great all season long in his last six games is averaging 17.0 PPG, 4.8 APG and 5.7 RPG during that stretch. Hopefully Wroten comes back as the Huskies should make the NCAA tournament if he comes back. If these are indeed his last games in a Huskies uniform he is certainly making the best of his situation.

- Terrence Ross showed why he is most likely playing his final days as a Husky. In the first half he scored 11 straight points for the Huskies then in the second half scored 12 points leading the Huskies to the win. Ross since his disaster in Pullman has shot extremely well the last four games. Ross is averaging 18.5 PPG and 5.3 RPG. He is also chipping in with 1.5 steals per game and 0.75 blocks per game. During that stretch he is shooting well making 30-58(51.7%) from the field and 11-25(44.0%) from three point range. Ross is making 2.8 three pointers a game during that stretch. Showing once again he is a terrific athlete who can shoot well from the outside.

Ross was first team all Pac-12 on the season is now averaging 15.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks. Ross will have a fine NBA career as he has no weaknesses in his game other than consistency. If Ross can manage to bring his plus game every night he should have an easy transition at the next level. For Ross though having a big game means he'll get to play at least one more game in front of the hometown fans. The Huskies are hoping for a miracle with Ross coming back but that looks doubtful.

- You can't tell Lorenzo Romar this game meant nothing. Romar coached this game like it was an NCAA tournament game. He had a tight rotation as only six guys really contributed. Shawn Kemp Jr, Desmond Simmons and Austin Seferian-Jenkins played little. That was only due to N'Diaye being in foul trouble. Romar is trying hard to win this tournament so his team can have something to build on for next season. The Huskies season didn't end the way they wanted but instead of rolling over right now they can build on this season with more wins in this tournament.

This NIT I feel will help Gaddy, N'Diaye and the freshman the most. Those guys have a chance to grow as players as the Huskies will be leaning on them even more next season. Which is why Romar is treating this NIT like the NCAA tournament to give the kids pressure pack experience. This game still has meaning to some people in the program and especially Romar. Romar is treating this tournament like a big deal showing that coaches will always coach their heart out no matter what.

The Huskies won the first round of the NIT and will still continue their season this Friday against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Huskies have a chance to show they are more talented than the field as they continue to strive to play for New York City. This program isn't excited about playing in the NIT but they have a job to do which is win. In sports if there is a running scoreboard the goal is to win which is what the Huskies goal should be this NIT. This isn't the kind of wins we wanted in March but NIT wins are still better than NIT losses. The Huskies are hoping they can still continue to grow as a team as they are getting prepared for next season. In the meantime the Huskies are hoping to send out Darnell Gant with a bang.

Huskies first ever major conference champion left out of NCAA tournament!

By Kshell

History was made on selection Sunday as the Washington Huskies(21-10,14-4) became the first ever major conference champion snubbed from the NCAA tournament. Despite winning their conference California Golden Bears along with Colorado Buffaloes(who won the automatic bid) are the only Pac-12 schools heading to the big dance. The Big East sent nine teams while the Pac-12 couldn't even send their champion. For Lorenzo Romar who won the coach of the year this is a major blow. The Huskies were trying to reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history four straight years. Despite winning the conference title the Huskies will now be forced to play in the NIT on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against UT-Arlington.

For the Huskies this is an opportunity to grow as a team and use as fuel for next season. Some teams have done well in the NIT in the past and used that for the following season. The Huskies were awarded the #1 seed in the NIT and will play the UT-Arlington Mavericks(24-8,15-1) who like the Huskies won their conference regular season. The Mavericks are led by guard LaMarcus Reed III who averages 17.8 PPG while making 1.9 three pointers a game. For the Huskies senior Darnell Gant this wasn't the ending he wanted for his career who will now be forced to play his final home games in the NIT. Gant was trying to become the first ever Husky to reach the NCAA tournament four years in a row. Instead Gant will end his career playing in the NIT. Gant is the only senior on the team so if Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten decide to come back this experience could help them in the tournament. Most likely this experience will help them exit easier.

Last year the Washington State Cougars made the NIT as the #2 seed starring Klay Thompson. In fact the Cougars made the NIT final four before getting blown out 75-44 to eventual NIT champions Witchita State(who is now in the NCAA tournament). The Cougars thought that experience would be good for them as they had no seniors on their team. Little did they know that was to be the final four games of Klay Thompson and DeAngelo Casto's career with the Cougars. During that NIT Thompson scored 25 points in the opening round game with a win over Long Beach State(now in the NCAA tournament). He followed that up with 21 points in a win over Oklahoma State. Then scored 17 points in an overtime win over Northwestern(who the Huskies could face in the second round). In his final game in a Cougars uniform Thompson in front of the big stage of Madison Square Garden scored only six points on 1-10 shooting. That poor performance didn't hurt Thompson at all as he still bolted to the NBA where is now seen bashing on Mike Leach's football program. The Cougars used that NIT Final Four momentum to go 15-16 this year and be in the CBI. The point is the momentum doesn't matter if your two best players leave the program which is what could very well happen to the Huskies. This NIT just gives both Ross and Wroten a chance at redemption to leave early. The Cougars weren't mad at Thompson at all for failing to reach the NCAA tournament in three years instead they proudly hung up their final four NIT banner.

For many Husky fans their final image of Tony Wroten won't be of him scoring 29 points against the Oregon State Beavers. It won't be of him averaging 16.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.6 APG and 1.9 steals per game. Instead it will be of him missing four straight free throws with the Huskies trailing by one point. If he makes just two of those free throws the Huskies are preparing for an NCAA tournament game. Regardless of what happens in the NIT if Wroten fails to come back that will be his legacy. As for Terrence Ross people won't remember him being named first team or even being snubbed for player of the year. It will be his no show act against the Beavers and drawing a costly offensive foul. I think Ross should leave early much like Thompson last year he has nothing else to prove. While Wroten needs to cut down on his turnovers(3.9 per game) and work on free throw shooting(57.6%). His outside shot in general needs work if Wroten comes back the Huskies should make it back to the NCAA tournament next season.

The Huskies didn't get the results they wanted today and perhaps they were indeed snubbed. That still doesn't change the fact they lost an Oregon State club headed to the CBI and an UCLA club who wasn't good enough to be selected by the NIT. Win one of those two games they are probably in right now. Just win two of those games against eventual NCAA tournament teams South Dakota State, Saint Louis, Duke and Marquette and the Huskies are dancing. Too many missed opportunities late and early in the season doomed the Huskies season this year. Romar now has reached just one sweet 16 in the last six seasons since Brandon Roy graduated. The program appears to have peaked in the 2005 and 2006 era with Roy, Nate Robinson and Will Conroy. Romar is recruiting at a better clip now than he was then yet the results aren't coming in. For a team featuring Wroten and Ross the season wasn't supposed to end in the NIT. Now the Huskies will just have to make due with a big situation and play the season out. For many Husky fans the season has already ended when they lost to Oregon State in the Pac-12 tournament.