Mariners start the season off with a win. Felix dominates the A's

The Mariners got the season underway last night against Oakland and recorded their first win of the season. Which doesn't mean a whole lot because thats exactly how they started off last season but hey, a win is a win and I'll take it! Felix was Felix last night and showed why the Mariners paid him all that money during the off season. Guti's 2 run single in the fifth inning was more than enough for the Mariner's to get a victory after Felix threw 7 2/3 strong innings while recording 8 strikeouts. We all know that Felix can dominate games at will, but do the Mariners have another pitcher that they can lean on when they only score 2 or 3 runs a game? If the M's don't have a pitcher like that in the rotation now, hopefully his last name is Paxton, Hultzen, or Walker or we could be in for a long season again if our big bats we signed in the offseason don't step up. But why am I being so down on the Mariners, they are 1-0 baby let the good times roll!

Highlights from King Felix's performance

Mariners designate Wells for assignment. Bay to start?

I am sad to see Casper Wells designated for assignment, and quite frankly a little mad. Sure he didn't perform great in spring training but with the games he has played with the Mariners I would think he would be given more respect than being designated for assignment. Throughout his entire stint with the Mariners, he was never really given a shot at an extended time with the Big League club. I truly believe if he would have been given a shot he could have turned into a decent everyday starter or at least a viable backup. Either way, I am not the one making those decisions…maybe someday ;)

Now to the reason Casper has been designated for assignment in the first place, his name is Jason Bay. Yes that Jason Bay, the one who hit .236 with 26 homers and 124 RBI's with the Mets. I guess those aren't bad numbers, oh wait thats over the last three years! After signing his $66 million dollar deal with the Mets Jason Bay has basically been the poster boy for MLB memes (check it out at mlbmemes.lockerdome.com,) not to mention a laughing stock on Sports Center. However, the Mariners  only signed him for $1 million dollars and, while still more expensive than Casper Wells, he has a bigger upside. If anyone can remember back far enough to his Red Sox days.

So for now, lets see what plays out with Bay competing for time off the bench and Wells likely to be released if the Mariners can't find anyone who will want to trade for him.

Hawks get two compensatory seventh round draft picks.

The Seahawks were awarded two seventh round draft picks from the NFL. These draft picks were given to them based on the players the Hawks have lost in the last year. For most teams a seventh round draft pick may not amount to much, but with the Seahawks' previous success acquiring quality players with late draft picks, its a positive for the Seahawks. Who are now back to 10 draft picks in the draft this year.

For more about the Seahawks previous 7th round success go to Seahawks.com

Shaq Thompson could become a Jadeveon Clowney type of player??

We all know Shaq Thompson has talent, and while last year we saw some of that. There seems to be no limit for how good he can be. 

Just read what ESPN Insider Travis Haney has to say about him in this article!

4. Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington Huskies

Last season: 74 tackles, 2 sacks, fumble recovery, 3 interceptions

Thompson is probably the most decorated freshman not to reach the "made it" category. But that's more of a compliment to his potential than anything. He could go from a player who some recognize as talented to someone on the level ofJarvis Jones or Jadeveon Clowney.

Football was the right call. The 18th-round pick by the Red Sox struck out 37 times in 39 at-bats in a short, short -- short! -- Minor League stint. Again, football was the right call.

Thompson is 6-2 and 225 pounds, but he moves fluidly in the hybrid position in second-year coordinator Justin Wilcox's defense. However you classify the position, Wilcox wants to keep Thompson near the ball and allow his instincts to engage.

U-Dub coaches told me back in September that Thompson was playing a bit out of position, to accommodate a young defense. He'll continue to settle in, playing a balance of linebacker and safety, as the Huskies accumulate players around him.

Click HERE for full article!

Mariners this year's surprise team??

Can the Mariners turn it around this year with help from their new acquisitions??