Mail | What readers are saying

Mariners

Seattle has future star in Jones

The worst thing the Mariners could do besides trading Ichiro is trade Adam Jones. He has the opportunity to become a phenom, a present-day Ken Griffey ("Keeping Jones is Mariners' best move — for now and future," The Seattle Times, Jan. 17). This young kid has the potential to have Hall of Fame numbers.

At just 22 and starting for an American League contender, this kid is soon to be the face of the Seattle Mariners. Trading him for a pitcher that half of the Seattle area has never heard of is absurd. Jones still has at least 12 good years in him, and he is not even close to hitting his prime.

The Mariners are infamous for signing big names, and those same big names becoming duds in the Seattle uniform. We have a good thing in Adam Jones. Don't blow it!

— Tony Reavis, Covington

Ramirez no answer

Well, the Mariners should finally be set for 2008. Bedard? Nope. Santana? Nope. Well, did they fill the fifth spot in the pitching rotation? Yes. Who's going to fill it?

Apparently, Horacio Ramirez. Yes, he of the 8-7 record in 2007. He who posted an earned-run average over seven that season. He who was so bad, and getting hit so hard, in September that the Mariners had him take a seat. He who was acquired in a trade for bullpen stalwart Rafael Soriano, who went on to Atlanta and continued to pitch well in relief.

Heaven help Mariners fans. Lord knows we won't get help from the Mariners organization. Ramirez, in 2007, was about as useful as an umbrella in a 70 mph November rainstorm on Whidbey Island, and he has a chance to earn around $3 million by going back out and inflicting more damage on his own team in 2008.

Bill Bavasi, with every lousy signing, every lousy trade, and every swing and a miss on signing or trading for big talent, continues to scream that he is lousy at his job. Too bad Mariners ownership isn't listening. The 2008 season hasn't started, yet it was doomed from the moment the team announced Bavasi would be back this year.

Oh, well — when is the Seahawks' first exhibition game?

— Tom Pacher, Coupeville

Seahawks

Packers were the much better team

When all is said and done, the essence of the game in Green Bay can be summed up in eight words: "The Seahawks ran into a better football team."

Not just slightly better — a whole lot better. After Seattle was given the gift of two quick touchdowns, the Seahawks were outscored 42-6. That is a serious butt-kicking. Oh, well, there's always next season.

— Henry Pearson, Baldwin, Md.

Say goodbye, Shaun

It's time to let Shaun Alexander go. Don't give him a pay cut for a reduced role, just let him go. He just hasn't been the same since he got paid. Some people will talk about the injuries, or losing Steve Hutchinson to Minnesota. They have been factors.

But what I've seen is less effort since he got paid. If he doesn't see a big opening, he drops to the ground to avoid getting hit hard. And that reduced effort hurts his teammates — 20 yards rushing in the most important game of their season? From a former league MVP? Are you kidding me?

I understand athletes' desire to get long-term financial security, especially in the NFL, where one bad hit can end a career and they don't get guaranteed contracts. But we as fans pay a lot of money, which allowed Alexander to get his millions, so it's reasonable to expect him to play hard on every down, in every game.

— John Hamilton, Kirkland

Thanks, coach

As a Seahawks fan I am amazed, proud and thankful for everything that Mike Holmgren has done for the Seahawks organization and the city. The Kingdome was great, but the atmosphere at Qwest Field on game day is a credit to him. He has built this team to an iconic level in this city.

I hope he comes back and coaches here for many years, because we all know that he is a future Hall of Fame coach. I think I speak for Seahawks fans when I say thank you for getting us one AFC West title, four consecutive NFC West titles, five straight playoff appearances, an NFC championship and a trip to our franchise's first Super Bowl.

Thanks, coach!

— Kevin Schaps, Burien

Golf

Racism still an issue in the game

Putting a noose on the cover of Golf Week magazine was inappropriate. But I disagree with the PGA's assertion that the issue is resolved. Golf has always been seen as a "white" sport, particularly on the men's side, and Tiger Woods' emergence as the best golfer in the game has certainly ruffled the feathers of more than a few characters, such as Fuzzy Zoeller and Greg Norman.

It's also interesting to note that it was a white female who brain-locked on the lynching analogy, since the lynching of black men was the common method of protecting the "sanctity" of white womanhood in the South. The golf media should have use the harebrained analogy to address the lack of diversity in men's golf.

It is unfortunate that Tiger Woods has chosen not to rock the boat, since it gives the impression that all is well when it isn't. The country clubbers in their exclusionary golfing domains who are upset by a blatant suggestion of racism in golf may cancel their magazine subscriptions, but patronizing Woods does not negate the fact that he is the only one.

— Mark Kittell, Seattle

Soccer

Solo gives hope with her return

The return of Hope Solo was extremely helpful to the U.S. women's national team, and it was morally right to allow her to come back ("Solo makes successful return," The Seattle Times, Jan. 17). Hope Solo was kicked off the team for trashing her coach. I applaud Hope's bravery for returning and for facing whatever ridicule had come her way.

Said Solo: "I would say it's not easy, but if you really want something, you can get it."

Hope is giving "hope" to others in the same situation. People make mistakes, and everyone is aware of this. Hope surpassing her mistake and being strong makes her an inspiration. I acknowledge and respect Hope's tenacity and wish her the best of luck in her upcoming games.

— Amanda Thomson, Covington

Keep the traditions

A note to MLS shareholders: The first important decision is to make sure our new team is called "Sounders" and the team colors are blue, green and silver. Money and tradition make it all work. All fans should buy stock right now and control your team's destiny!

— Douglas Mays, Seattle