1
It appears the rebuilding process in Pullman might take longer than expected.
Let’s see: The Cougars are 2-7, and those wins were over powerhouses Eastern Washington and UNLV. Star wide receiver Marquess Wilson is suspended. Coach Mike Leach kicked four players off the team earlier this year. Four others left the program three weeks ago. None were likely to see playing time in 2012.
Bill Moos, WSU’s athletic director, questions the ability of the players recruited by former coach Paul Wulff to compete successfully in the Pac-12.
Well, that’s a no brainer. The Cougars are 11-47 in the past five years.
But what was a no-class move by Leach was to make the offensive and defensive lines go the interview room following the whipping at the hands of Utah. It’s the job of Leach and his coaching staff to get the team ready to play in the Pac-12. If the talent is not there, the coach can say so.
2
Here are the latest batch of rumors floating about in the blogosphere regarding the Seattle Mariners and possible roster moves:
• Kansas City is looking for pitching and the M’s have a plethora of young arms in Danny Hultzen, Taijuan Walker, James Paxton, Erasmo Ramirez and Blake Beavan. The Royals have bats in Billy Butler and Alex Gordon, who could be dealt for the right package.
• Free agent Mike Napoli could fill a need for a catcher and a first baseman. Jesus Montero has defensive shortcomings and John Jaso is a platoon player.
• Shortstop Nick Franklin and lefty Paxson have gotten a lot of looks in the Arizona Fall League.
• Free agent outfielder Nick Swisher is intriguing because he also plays first base. Get the feeling Justin Smoak has very little time to produce in 2013.
3
Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams is not happy. In fact, he sounds livid. Everyone in the organization should consider themselves on the hot seat after following the Titans’ 51-20 loss to the Bears.
“In my 50 years of owning an NFL franchise, I am at a loss to recall a regular season home game that was such a disappointment for myself, and the fans of the Titans,” Adams, 89, told The Tennessean. “We were grossly out-coached and out-played from start to finish today.”
It won’t be easy to get the team pointed in a different direction.
