What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
The Mariners are sellers, not buyers, as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, but there’s one problem: Seattle really doesn’t have anyone other teams want to buy other than ace Felix Hernandez.
Reliever Tom Wilhelmsen (11 saves) might be the other possibility for a contender needing a set-up man.
Sports Illustrated says the M’s rebuilding effort built around Dustin Ackley, Justin Smoak and Jesus Montero is faltering. None of the three are sought by contenders.
Catcher Miguel Olivo and shortshop Brendan Ryan are considered potentially marketable, but only to a team looking for defensive help and doesn’t care that they can’t hit.
Teams needing a back end starter might bite on Kevin Millwood or Jason Vargas if they are willing to “squint and dream,” the magazine says.
2
Which team is the Seahawks No. 1 rival? Well, over the years it’s been the Chiefs, Raiders, Broncos and Rams, but now it is the San Francisco 49ers.
The blogosphere more or less agrees the Seattle-San Francisco hatred is growing. Since 2006, San Francisco has seven wins and Seattle five in head-to-head matchups.
“We’ve reached the point where the coaches, players and fans on both sides truly hate their opposite numbers,” says one Seahawks blogger.
3
Usain Colt is fast.
The 3-year-old thoroughbred named after the world’s fastest man is being lined up for several races in Britain this summer, and his owners hope Usain Bolt will meet his equine namesake while he is in London for the Olympics.
Trying to schedule an appointment with the three-time Olympic champion is proving difficult, however, with the opening ceremony for London Games only two days away.
Bolt has been training in seclusion on a track at the University of Birmingham, a facility surrounded by thick bushes and patrolled by security.
Handler Jake Warren said Usain Colt deserves his name even though he has only won once — a year ago in Newbury.
“He’s quite a big horse. He’s very athletically built and has lots of character,” Warren said. “He’s a laid-back horse with a big personality and has a presence like no other.”
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