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…that’s what the Times said this morning in big, bold letters. I have to admit I was elated to hear the news. While the M’s have had many great players leave over the years, when Griffey left it felt like he took a piece of me with him. Ever since, it’s been quite a roller-coaster of emotions with the repeated rumors and speculation of his return always resulting in disappointment.  Griffey has always been a player that I had a lot of respect for and is really the reason I was so interested in baseball and baseball card collecting as a kid. He has always kept things very simple, play hard and have fun. The skill he has been blessed with combined with his undeniable love for the game has always made him my favorite player to watch.  I am thrilled at the opportunity to watch him as a Mariner one more time.

Spring has sprung and baseball is in the air…even if it’s still a bit blustery. The Opening Day Ceremonies were held today for Nick’s Little League. Thankfully there was a long enough break in the hail and snowstorms for the teams to file onto the field for the league picture, national anthem and speeches. Nick also got his new uniform today, which he loves. Though a different group of kids, his team is once again the Pirates. This year he got a black cap with a yellow “P” and black shirt that says “Pirates” on it. His first game is on Monday and they’ll be taking on the Blue Jays. On Thursday they’re going up against the Brewers, then they are off the following week for Spring Break.

I’m pretty excited about the MLB season getting underway too. The M’s also play their first game of the season on Monday, against Texas.

A final note, I know he debuted last year but I just find it amusing that the Reds have a pitcher named “Homer Bailey”. While I hear he has definite potential, I just think that name is a bad omen for a pitcher.

As the fantasy baseball season draws near, the battle for free agents has begun. Myself excluded, it has been somewhat of a heated battle among team managers. Take a look at Johnspach’s (notice the out of place “h” Jonspach?…payback! ) post here.

Well, the Seahawks season just ended with a loss to the Bears. Unlike last week’s game (and surprisingly to me) they should’ve won this one, but gave it to Chicago. One drive in particular comes to mind. Tied at 24, the Hawks are 1st and 10 in Chicago territory (thanks to 2 great carries by Alexander), and Hasselbeck wastes 2 downs. The first I guess was die to miscommunication as I believe Hasselbeck just downed it off the snap. The 2nd down he threw a bomb that was nowhere near catchable. I believe they had about a minute left and were about 10-15 yards from field goal range. Oh well, just needed to vent a bit. Thanks to Hawks for another exciting season!!

Woohoo!! It’s Seahawks Friday for us Washingtonians. Hope the Hawks stomp on da’ bears.

I still can’t believe it myself but the Hawks have survived the first round of the postseason. I say “survived” because, by all rights, they should’ve lost Saturday’s game against Dallas. Hasselbeck’s performance wash shaky and Alexander was largely ineffective, aside from a couple of good carries. On a positive note, Stevens did a much better job of holding onto the ball, with 2 TD receptions. A sequence of events in the 3rd quarter, pretty much sums up the match-up. After a laborous and eventual scoring drive by the Hawks, Dallas imediately responds with a 93 yard kickoff return for a TD. Though it pains me to say it, the truth is, the Hawks didn’t beat Dallas, Dallas beat Dallas. Key blunders such as the Dallas’ fumble in the endzone (resulting in a safety for the Hawks) and of course Romo’s game-losing bobble on the field goal attempt gave the Hawks the win.

While I am elated that the Hawks won (especially with the bonus of keeping T.O unproductive), their shoddy performance worries me especially with their upcoming game against Chicago. The Hawks are a good team and when they are “on” can definately beat the Bears, the problem is, they haven’t been “on” as a team for much of the season. Any chance at all is still a chance. Go Hawks!!

Well, I gotta take a quick moment to boast about my fantasy football team (QBs For Breakfast) is undefeated at 5-0. Why is this so amazing? Because I haven’t actually logged in to check it out until today!! Anyway, I made a few roster changes so I hope my luck doesn’t change. In a related topic, I was elated when the Eagles stomped on T.O and the Cowboys last Sunday and I login today to find that none other than Donovan McNabb (Sunday’s hero) is my QB. At 150 fan points so far he accounts for probably about a third of my total team’s points. I also decided to pick up my old High School alumn Jon Kitna as my backup QB.

I know it’s too early to get excited but it’s hard not to when the Seahawks totally stomp on their oponent 30-7…especially when that opponent is their long-time rival the Raiders. Though it was just a preseaon game and the starters didn’t play much, I think its a sign of things to come. Alexander was in his usual form with a 5 yard rush for a TD. The perfomance by their backup QB Seneca Wallace (among others) was also quite impressive. Apparently their schedule this year is one of the easiest, barring any major injury issues, I think they have a very good chance at another Super Bowl appearance. Now they just need to save up more money than their opponent to buy off the refs!