Grip on Sports: As one star dims, another begins to glow even brighter
A GRIP ON SPORTS • Time always wins. It’s undefeated. And it’s showing its dominance once more in Seattle. Read on.
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• Felix Hernandez has been the Mariners’ ace for most of the past dozen years. Every fifth day he would lead the M’s onto the field and, usually, give them a chance to win.
They didn’t always of course – his tough luck was the stuff of legends – but they always knew they had a chance with Felix on the mound.
He’s not that pitcher anymore. He’s still solid and seems to be adjusting to the diminishment of his skills better and better each start.
But the staff ace? Time has stolen that trophy from the 31-year-old’s grasp.
Paxton, the 6-foot-4 lefthander from Ladner, British Columbia, showed once again last night he’s the go-to guy this season.
He threw seven innings last night against the American League East-leading Red Sox and allowed just four meaningless singles. He was hardly threatened by one of the league’s best lineups.
The 4-0 victory was Paxton’s fifth in July, the first Mariner pitcher to win that many in a month in five years. That’s a long time.
Funny thing about time, though. It affects everyone a bit differently.
Hernandez is in his 13th major league season. He’s started 370 games, pitched almost 2,500 innings. He’s an “old” 31.
Paxton is 28 years old. He’ll turn 29 before 2017 is done. And yet he’s a neophyte compared to Hernandez, who is about two-and-a-half years older.
The lefty has started just 67 games in his five years and hasn’t even pitched 400 innings in the bigs yet.
It’s pretty easy to get caught up in the narrative of the youngster (Paxton) taking the reins from the old man (Hernandez). But it’s more nuanced than that.
• There is a week left in July. Which means college football is just around the corner. No wait, it is here.
Oregon State and Arizona State begin training camp today. The first games are in a month.
Summer seems to be getting shorter every year.
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WSU: Yes, training camps are opening today and Pac-12 football media days have yet to begin. Such is the new world of college football. Arizona State hits the field with a coach under fire and questions to answer. … One of Arizona’s key players is hurt and won’t be at media day. The Wildcats are trying to escape the South cellar. … Washington, who received a couple of commitments from Texas high school players yesterday, has a lot of firepower returning on offense. … Oregon State also begins practice today. … Oregon starts a bit later but, like the Beavers, is looking to improve on last season. … Utah is still looking for its quarterback this season, but is pretty sure who it will be down the road. … A former Duck is trying to bounce back in the NFL. … ESPN looks at what the Pac-12 needs to do to catch up with the SEC.
EWU: Cooper Kupp has already made a huge impression on the Los Angeles Rams. Jim Allen returns from his time off with a story about Kupp being atop the depth chart in L.A. … The Eagles announced their game times yesterday and if you like daytime football, you’ll love them. Jim also has that story.
Idaho: Paul Petrino spoke at the Sun Belt media days yesterday and went on and on about the Vandal defense. Peter Harriman has the story.
Indians: Spokane started the second half of the Northwest League season with a resounding 13-1 win at Hillsboro. Johnathan Curley was there and has this story. … Whitney Ogden has a feature on a trio of Indians who knew each other back when. … Around the NWL, Everett is the hottest team, having won five consecutive games. … Eugene lost at Tri-City.
Mariners: Dave Nichols is back with the Mariners Log, so we’ve added today’s links to the bottom. There are plenty, what with Taylor Motter and his hair being sent back to Tacoma.
Seahawks: Training camp is getting closer for the Hawks. What roles will the draft picks play? And they will have a new kicker for the first time in a long time. … There are a lot of key position battles ahead. … Michael Bennett is reportedly writing a book with an intriguing title.
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• Taking a long drive today, from Anaheim to Las Vegas. Our van will be filled with nine young men. Wish me luck. And pray my patience gene kicks in somewhere around Victorville. Until later …