MARINERS: Gutierrez's three-run blast lifts Seattle over the Rangers

One day after a colossal collapse against the Orioles in the ninth inning, closer David Aardsma was back to his usual self, bringing the Mariners to victory, this time putting the cap on a 3-1 victory against the Rangers today.

In fact, this time it was the Mariners coming back late in the game. Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the eighth, Ichiro Suzuki led off the inning with a double.

After the next two batters got out and Ken Griffey Jr. walked, the hottest hitting Mariner this month walked to the plate--Franklin Gutierrez.

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Already secure with a hit in his 11th straight game, he sent a shot into deep left center for a go-ahead three-run homer.

But perhaps the real star of the game was starting pitcher Felix Hernandez, whose one-run, eight-innings game kept Seattle in it the whole way despite the usual round of spotty hitting.

The M's struggled to hit all day off Rangers starter Tommy Hunter but still faced the usually reliable reliever C.J. Wilson in the eighth. Wilson entered the game with a 2.45 ERA.

The win moves Seattle back to within 3.5 games of the Rangers and the AL West lead.

Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: Head coach Sigi Schmid to miss Saturday's game to attend son's wedding

Qwest Field's lower bowl will be packed as usual for Saturday's Western Conference showdown against the Houston, Dynamo but one very influential presence won't be present.

Head coach Sigi Schmid will depart SeaTac sometime this evening to attend his son Kurt's wedding in Norther California.

Assistant coach Brian Schmetzer will manage the game in Schmid's place.

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From MLSnet.com

"Even if you're watching the game on TV you don't see someone's body language off the ball, you don't see what's going on away from the ball, you can't detect the attitude of the stadium, the attitude of a player, and all that," Schmid said. "So at the end of the day, (Schmetzer's) got to trust his instinct -- he's been a head coach before; he's made those decisions before -- and make decisions that he thinks are right on the day.

"What you're really doing in those 90 minutes is figuring out what you'll say to your team at halftime, where are the little adjustments you got to make, what are the substitutions you got to make, when do you make them," Schmid said. "The only way you can make them is by being at the game."

Houston Dynamo match preview.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: SFI TV: Sights and Sounds from USOC KC v. Sounders FC

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SFI TV captured quotes from Sigi Schmid after the Sounders match with the Kansas City Wizards. Sigi talks about what the victory means to the club in terms of qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions league. The gaffer also talks about Seattle's performance and the upcoming match with Houston this weekend and again in the USOC Semifinal match on July 21.

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MARINERS: Series Preview: Seattle Mariners (43-41) vs. Texas Rangers (47-36)

"Disappointing" and "pathetic" just about sums up the Mariners' last two games as the bullpen faltered, allowing 15 runs. Now they will try and change their luck and prepare to face the first-place Texas Rangers for a decisive four-game series.

Game one is a match up of two right-handed 23-year-olds as the Mariners' Felix Hernandez (8-3; 2.62 ERA) will face the Rangers' Tommy Hunter (1-1; 3.18 ERA). King Felix is making his final start before the All-Star break when he will make his first-ever All-Star. Hunter will be making his seventh career start.

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Rarely does a baseball team have a utility pitcher, but the mighty M’s have one in southpaw Garrett Olson (3-2; 4.50 ERA). Ace-in-the-making RHP Scott Feldman (7-2; 3.91 ERA) will be trying to hold down the Mariners. Olson is the only pitcher of the four Seattle starters to not have an ERA under 3.10.

Left-handed pitcher Jarrod Washburn (5-6; 3.08 ERA) can only hope of repeating his complete game one-hitter in his last start against an explosive Texas offense, but he should keep the Rangers' runs down to a minimum. Fellow 2010 free agent Kevin Millwood (8-6; 3.34 ERA) will face off with Washburn as he hopes not to repeat either one of his latest two starts where the right-hander had an ERA of 10.33.

The series finale will be featuring M’s lefty Erik Bedard (5-2; 2.58 ERA) who struck out eight over four innings in his first start since coming off the disabled list (DL). Dueling Bedard is another pitcher making his second start since coming off the DL. That recovering hurler is the right-handed Dustin Nippert (0-0; 7.36 ERA)

This series is the Mariners final chance before the break to make a statement that says that they are still in the race. They have already defeated the three best teams in baseball 5-4, now they just need to beat the best team in the AL West.

Thursday: 7:10 PM/PT
Friday: 7:10 PM/PT
Saturday: 7:10 PM/PT
Sunday: 1:10 PM/PT
TV: FSN
Radio: 710 ESPN

Reach Ben Brown at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Top 10 Seahawks who need to step up in '09

Gus Bradley - defensive coordinator

Perhaps no one in the organization has more pressure to succeed outside the head coach than new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Sure, he won't get the fan focus or media attention any player will receive, but Bradley will be tasked with crafting something the Seahawks have never had in its 33-year history--a dominant defense.

This will be especially important for the future success of this team as the bulk of the young talent resides on the defensive side of the ball, perhaps signaling a shift from a finesse, offense-based team to a tough-nosed, defense-based one.

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But this is easier said than done. In 33 seasons as an NFL franchise, the Seahawks have cracked the league's top 10 in yards allowed only four times, and never have they cracked the top five.

The last time they finished in the top 10 was in 1997, though they have cracked the top 10 in points allowed three times since then.

A change in vision
For the past four seasons, the Seahawks defense has been in the hands of John Marshall. In that time the defense has had its ups and downs.

But even at the height of success under Marshall, fans complained about his vanilla style, citing a consistent lack of blitzing and pass rush.

So what's one of the first things Bradley addressed, showing the difference between he and his predecessor? Attacking defense.

Even in his coaching style, Bradley seems to bring a renewed energy to the team, which will hopefully be infectious to the players and show in their play on the field.

Future of the team
When you list the young talent on this team, the bulk of the names will be those on the defensive end. Here it is, not counting rookies, who have yet to prove their worth in the NFL:

Offense - John Carlson, Owen Schmitt, Chris Spencer, Rob Sims, Ray Willis... (ya, I'm really reaching at this point)
Defense - Lofa Tatupu, Brandon Mebane, Leroy Hill, Darryl Tapp, Lawrence Jackson, Josh Wilson, Kelly Jennings

With an offensive unit anchored by aging stars, the future of this team is clear. But how good can that future be? Much of that is up to Bradley, a newby defensive coordinator tasked with perhaps the most important job in Seattle.

The Seahawks went to the Super Bowl in 2005 on the strength of the number-two team in total yards and number-one team in points scored. But if they're heading back any time soon, they'll need those numbers on the opposite side of the ball.

The only question is will Bradley step up and mold this defense into the championship unit the 12th Man believes it can be?

Number 5 - Brian Russell
Number 6 - Lawrence Jackson
Number 7 - Deon Butler
Number 8 - Ken Lucas
Number 9 - Leroy Hill
Number 10 - Brandon Mebane

Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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MARINERS: Aardsma blows three-run lead in the ninth, Seattle loses 5-3

No longer can closer David Aardsma be viewed as a sure thing in the ninth inning.

Despite entering the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead, he managed to give up five runs, three earned without logging a single out. Seattle went on to lose 5-3 to the Orioles today at Safeco Field.

He wasn't alone in the meltdown. Jose Lopez, who put Seattle up 2-0 with a homer in the first, bobbled a routine grounder, gifting the Orioles their second run of the inning. It should have been an easy double play.

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The final run of the inning was also scored off a Lopez fielding error.

His wasn't responsible for the only fielding mis-step in the inning either. Earlier, Chris Woodward failed to handle a grounder to third. He wasn't credited with the error, but it was the second time in the game he failed to control a grounder.

The loss came after a fantastic pitching performance by starter Jason Vargas, who pitched five shutout innings, as well as Garrett Olson, who made a rare appearance in relief.

Olson relieved Miguel Batista in the seventh with the bases loaded and no outs. He began with a strikeout before forcing the next batter to ground out into a double play.

Throughout the game, the Mariners struggled to reach base and produce runs to keep pressure off the pitching staff.

As a team, they finished with just seven hits, leaving 12 runners on base, four of which were stranded by Kenji Johjima.

Russell Branyan was shifted down in the lineup to the three spot for the game. Woodward hit in his place at two, going 1-for-3.

The Mariners finished the game with three errors. It wasn't all bad though. Franklin Gutierrez made a diving catch in center field. He also extended his hitting streak to 10 games.

Seattle begins a four-game homestand against the Rangers at 7:10 p.m. tomorrow.

Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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MARINERS: Gutierrez finding a glove, and bat, in Seattle

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Being as he’s a baseball legend, Ken Griffey Jr. should know when he sees talent or not. And in Franklin Gutierrez’ case, he sees talent.

“I don’t know if there is any such thing as a natural center fielder, but he’s a center fielder,” Griffey said.

When the Seattle Mariners traded away top outfield prospect Adam Jones to the Baltimore Orioles, the team was absent a top center fielder for a while. After the short and miserable Jeremy Reed era, change was on the horizon.

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So newly hired general manager Jack Zduriencik sent his top scouts out to find the team's center field targets while some teams hinted about wanting Seattle's closer J.J. Putz.

On December 10, 2008 it was announced the Mariners traded away J.J. Putz, Sean Green, Jeremy Reed and Luis Valbuena for Aaron Heilman, Mike Carp, Jason Vargas, Endy Chavez, Franklin Gutierrez and two minor leaguers as part of a three-team trade. Joe Smith was sent to the Cleveland Indians in that trade along with Valbuena. All of the Mariners return talent came via the Mets except for Franklin Gutierrez.

Gutierrez was the Indians right fielder because two-time Gold Glove award winner Grady Sizemore was stationed there. During all this, some thought of Gutierrez as a man who could occupy left field, but Zduriencik and another sports legend had different ideas.

“Other people may have looked at him as a right fielder,” Griffey said “But when I saw him, what I saw was a center fielder that was being forced to play right field."

His defense is arguably the best of any center fielder, but that argument may soon be an indelible fact.

His range rating of 12.4 is the highest of any center fielder in the major leagues by 5.3. His Ultimate Zone Rating is also the best at an even 12. So out of the two most important defensive stats, Gutierrez controls them both with top numbers.

Wizardly plays of his are often featured on Sports Center, Quick Pitch and in his opponent’s dreams. But his former defense-only value is quickly being complemented by his recent offense.

Thus far in 2009, Gutierrez is batting .295 along with nine home runs heading into Wednesday’s matinee game. His .800 OPS is third on the team of all hitters with at least 150 at bats.

In his last 10 games he has hit .500 by going 20-for-40 with two home runs and seven runs batted in.

According to him, he has yet to reach his annual season peak.

“I always try to keep the same approach when I’m at the plate," Gutierrez said. "But I’ve always hit better after [the break].”

Always seen as a defensive player only, let’s just wait and see what this kid can do.

Reach Ben Brown at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Mora and crew climbing Rainier

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Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: Photo slideshow of Seattle's 1-0 USOC win

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All photos by Jane Gershovich. Photos property of Next Season Sports and Jane Gershovich. Do not redistribute.
Patrick Ianni cools off by dousing his face with water before the match.

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Tyson Wahl fighs against Michael Harrington on a corner kick.


Fredy Montero goes on the attack.

Sanna Nyassi wins back possession.

Roger Levesque is growing a mustache.

The small but rowdy Starfire crowd cheers for Seattle.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Top 10 Seahawks who need to step up in '09

Brian Russell - safety

Probably the most obvious choice on this list, Brian Russell's struggles last year have been well documented by Seahawks fans.

But what is often lost in the hate toward him is that Russell performed very admirably in his first year with Seattle and was in fact widely considered an upgrade at safety over his predecessor.

If Seattle's pass defense is going to be at least be adequate this season then Russell is going to have to return to that solid play of 2007.

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Elite playmaker
OK, so those words have never been used to describe Russell. But there was a time, say about six games, when Russell could be described as just that.

Way, way back in 2003 when Russell was a Viking and just a little-known second-year player, he played a key role for one of the best teams in the league.

Through the first six games of the season, he had six interceptions, one in each game, and 35 tackles. He became one of the leaders in a surprising 6-0 start for a Vikings team that finished the previous season 6-10.

While the Vikings floundered to a 9-7 finish and outside the playoffs, Russell finished the year with nine picks, 95 tackles and 11 pass deflections, all career highs.

Big and slow
Somewhere along the way, Russell lost that playmaking ability, finishing a season with more than one interception only twice in his seven-year career.

But while Russell may not have elite speed and leaping ability, he's made up for that with intelligence and great instincts.

Going back to 2003, the Vikings defense had 17 sacks over that stretch of six games. They would finish the season with 37, but if they had maintained that early pace then they would have finished with 45, good for a top-five finish in the league in almost any season.

Forty-five also happens to be the number of sacks Seattle finished with in 2007, 10 more than their total in 2008. What does that mean? Don't make Russell cover receivers one-on-one for a prolonged amount of time.

Giving up the big play vs. making the big play
Russell, along with teammate Deon Grant, was brought in to do one thing--limit the big play. He was successful at that in 2007 but no so much last year.

Clearly, he has the ability. Part of the equation is putting pressure on the quarterback so opposing receivers don't have time to beat Russell deep.

But Russell also just needs to flat out play better. He needs to stop taking poor angles on the ball carrier. He needs to stop whiffing on open-field tackles, and most importantly, he needs to stop lagging behind the receiver 40 yards down the field.

We all know his limitations, but Russell can still play effectively so long as the conditions are right. If they are then he still needs to step up and make plays, not just stop them.

If Russell is playing well this season then it's safe to say the defense is in good shape. He'll never equal that 2003 performance, but is more than one interception so much to ask from the starting free safety?

Number 6 - Lawrence Jackson
Number 7 - Deon Butler
Number 8 - Ken Lucas
Number 9 - Leroy Hill
Number 10 - Brandon Mebane

Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: Seattle's potent offense takes on league's most stingy defense

Can Montero make it five matches in a row
with a goal? Aaron Weinberg / NSS
Which wins out in the MLS: a relentless offense or disciplined defense?

Fans will find out the answer to that question Saturday as the surging Sounders, ranked no. 2 in the league in goals, battle the conference leading Houston Dynamo, the league's top ranked defense.

Houston's back line has been so stingy this season that only 10 goals have careened past 'keeper Pat Onstad, who, by the way, blasted past Kasey Keller's record long shutout streak by more than 30 minutes on his way to 491 straight minutes of no goals. He broke the record just two weeks after Keller set it.

Needless to say, Montero and company will have their work cut out for them if they hope to gain ground on the Western Conference leaders, who stand six points ahead of Seattle.

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Houston's offense has performed similarly to Seattle's in as many games. Expect a near identical amount of attacking as both teams are tied with 168 shots. However, Houston's shots on goal total comes in at nearly 20 shots higher than Seattle.

The X-factor in goal scoring may be Houston's international absences. Standout forward Brian Ching, who racked up five goals in just 10 games, will be off on international duty, weakening Houston's attack.


Freddie Ljungberg commands respect in the midfield and
has helped set up numerous goals for Seattle during
their recent hot streak. Aaron Weinberg / NSS

Midfielder Stuart Holden, who has been a scoring threat with four goals this season, will also be on international duty.

The team's defense will also be slightly weaker without starting defender Andrew Hainault.

But Seattle will also be without starting defender Tyrone Marshall and starting midfielder Brad Evans for the match. Midfielder Osvaldo Alonso's availability is also questionable after leaving the Colorado Rapids game with a groin injury two Saturday's ago.

However, Seattle's core scoring group will remain intact. Seattle has managed nine goals in the last four games and have seemingly found the chemistry the club has been searching for all season.

Before the plethora of goals, Seattle had only managed six goals in six games.

The Sounder who has benefited most from the growing team chemistry has been forward Fredy Montero, who has netted one goal a game in the last four matches. He ranks second in the league with eight goals.

“Montero is getting better and better every game," head coach Sigi Schmid said. "Not just because he’s getting goals, but just his play is getting better.”

The game starts at 1 p.m. this Saturday at Qwest Field.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: Penalty kick decision up to Le Toux

Fredy Montero has been known in Seattle for his pinpoint, laser-fast finishers accumulating eight goals in the MLS's regular season thus far.

So after being taken down in the box late in last night's U.S. Open Cup match and being awarded a penalty kick, why didn't Montero take the shot instead of Sebastien Le Toux, who wound up netting it for the 1-0 win against Kansas City?

"Sebastian [Le Toux] is the official kicker in this tournament and had scored two penalty’s before," Montero said via translator. "I had wanted to kick it and had asked him but ultimately the decision is up to him. It what was best for the team and we scored and that is all that counts."

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Le Toux gave a little insight into his decision.

"Coach has told it is not good to take the penalty shot when the foul is you," Le Toux said. "Of course there is always pressure on you. I knew I had score. I was confident and lucky the keeper did not stop it."

The goal was Le Toux's 11th in Open Cup play.

With the win, the Sounders advance to the semifinals and will host the Houston Dynamo July 21 in USOC play.

Notes:
Scoring Summary:

SEA -- Sebastien Le Toux (penalty kick) 89

Kansas City Wizards -- Kevin Hartman, Jonathan Leathers (Lance Watson 46), Aaron Hohlbein, Rauwshan McKenzie, Matt Besler, Herculez Gomez, Santiago Hirsig, Jack Jewsbury, Michael Harrington, Josh Wolff, Abe Thompson (Claudio Lopez 70).

Substitutes Not Used: Michael Kraus, Matt Marquess, Kurt Morsink, Boris Pardo, Graham Zusi.

TOTAL SHOTS: 6 (6 tied with 1); SHOTS ON GOAL: 1 (Herculez Gomez 1); FOULS: 14 (Herculez Gomez 4, Santiago Hirsig 4); OFFSIDES: 4 (Josh Wolff 2); CORNER KICKS: 7 (Herculez Gomez 3, Jack Jewsbury 3); SAVES: 2 (Kevin Hartman 2)

Seattle Sounders -- Kasey Keller, James Riley, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Tyson Wahl, Sanna Nyassi (Roger Levesque 78), Stephen King, Nathan Sturgis (Peter Vagenas 89), Steve Zakuani (Sebastien Le Toux 71), Fredy Montero, Nate Jaqua.

Substitutes Not Used: Terry Boss, Evan Brown, Zach Scott, Lamar Neagle.

TOTAL SHOTS: 12 (Fredy Montero 5); SHOTS ON GOAL: 3 (Fredy Montero 2); FOULS: 9 (Fredy Montero 2, Tyson Wahl 2); OFFSIDES: 1 (Sanna Nyassi 1); CORNER KICKS: 3 (Nathan Sturgis 3); SAVES: 1 (Kasey Keller 1)

Misconduct Summary:

KC -- Santiago Hirsig (caution; Reckless Tackle) 76

SEA -- Fredy Montero (caution; Shirt Removal) 79

KC -- Santiago Hirsig (caution; Reckless Foul) 93+

KC -- Santiago Hirsig (ejection; Second Caution) 93+

Referee: Abiodun Okulaja

Referee's Assistants: -Mike Rottersman; Jeff Hosking

4th Official: Josh Wilkens

Attendance: 4,352

Time of Game: 1:53

Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-66-degrees

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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MARINERS: Orioles blast M's after solid start from Bedard

If only Erik Bedard could have stayed in the game. He left after four innings, having reached his managerial imposed pitch-count limit for the game with three-straight shutout innings and eight strikeouts.

Despite a rough start, he was dominant. But that would come to an end in the fifth, and it didn't take long before the Orioles batters punished the M's bullpen.

Relievers Chris Jakubauskas and Shawn Kelley combined to give up nine runs in two innings, and the Mariners went on to lose 12-4 tonight at Safeco Field.

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After surrendering two hits and two runs in the first inning, Bedard settled down to strike out the side in the second. He would allow no more base runners until being relieved to start the fifth.

Franklin Gutierrez, after making a rare throwing error to give up a run in the first, homered in his first at bat, driving in three runs to put Seattle up 3-2.

While Bedard shut down the Orioles, the Mariners continued to put runners on base but would strand all of them, including two in scoring position, before the Orioles big sixth inning.

The Orioles gave starter Jerremy Guthrie the early hook as he lasted only 2.1 innings, giving up two hits, three runs and walking four.

Reliever Mark Hendrickson was less generous as he struck out four Mariners in 2.2 innings of work.

The teams square off for the series win at 1:40 p.m. tomorrow.

Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: Sounders advance to semifinals on penalty kick in 89th minute

TUKWILA, Wa -- The Sounders FC brought the attack to Kansas City all match during the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match. Their resilience paid off late in the match when Fredy Montero was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, in the 88th minute, leading to a penalty kick.

The team decided striker Sebastien Le Toux should take the penalty kick and he didn't let the match go into overtime as he netted the game's only goal for a 1-0 Sounder win.

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Seattle threatened all night, relentlessly attacking into Kansas City's back third but was not finishing. It looked like the match would be going to into a 30 minute overtime but Montero was brought down by Hartman by what was almost certainly a clear scoring opportunity. Seattle out shot KC 12 to 6 with Seattle having a slight advantage with shots on goal 3-1.

Seattle will face the Houston Dynamo in the USOC semi final match on July, 21st at Starfire Sports Complex. The winner will advance to the cup final.

Video interviews from Montero and others coming soon.

Reach Greg Roth - Sounders Fan Insider at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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MARINERS: Bedard activated off DL, Sweeney out with back spasms

Another piece of the 2009 Mariners has landed on the disabled list. Only this time it is not an infielder but rather the veteran designated hitter Mike Sweeney. This move was partially made so the Mariners would be allowed to activate Tuesday’s starter, Erik Bedard.

The five-time All-Star as a first baseman had back spasms during Sunday’s game against the Boston Red Sox and left mid-game to be checked out. But this move may actually help the Mariners.

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His main value is in the clubhouse where he will continue being while injured. So on the field the Mariners will be able to play Wladimir Balentien more often than he is now. The only time Balentien has been able to play now is when two of either Mike Sweeney, Ryan Langerhans or Ken Griffey Jr. are absent.

Sweeney will be retroactive to Monday.

Reach Ben Brown at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Owen Schmitt pleads not guilty to DUI charge

Seahawks fullback Owen Schmitt pleaded not guilty to a DUI charge today at an arraignment hearing Black Diamond.

The not guilty plea is no surprise because it gives Schmitt and his attorney time to work out a plea agreement with the prosecuting attorney.

First time offenders in the state of Washington normally receive a lesser charge of negligent driving in the first degree, which amounts to watered-down DUI penalties.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for later this month, according to Danny O'Neil of the Times.

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Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SEAHAWKS: Top 10 Seahawks who need to step up in '09

Lawrence Jackson - defensive end

One of the more disappointing aspects of the 2008 Seahawks wasn't so much things they couldn't help, e.g. injuries, but the things they could. Falling into that category was the poor play of rookie first-rounder Lawrence Jackson.

After starting the season with promise as a starter, he would eventually be relegated to the bench by week seven and finish the year with just 29 tackles and two sacks.

But don't label him a bust quite yet. He's shown the drive and ability to improve this offseason. And with his blend of talents, the Seahawks defense could benefit greatly from his contributions.

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Stopping the run
It's not something one often thinks about when looking at defensive ends, but stopping the run is an important function, especially for those operating on the strong side.

For Jackson, this aspect of his game proved to be a strength, which it should be given his 6-foot-4 271-pound frame.

With Patrick Kerney out late last season to injury, Jackson proved himself to be an invaluable asset in run defense, one thing the 2008 Seahawks weren't terrible at.

While a disappointment as a pass rusher both at end and tackle, his ability to seal the edge against the rush is something his rival to start, Darryl Tapp, has always lacked.

Potential
It can be a scary word. It's been thrown around to describe every player who took up a roster spot but never amounted to anything.

But if the 2009 Seahawks defense is going to be effective, it's going to need the individual players along the front seven to live up to their potential.

Jackson is at the top of that list. With his blend of size and speed, the 'Hawks have a player capable of doing it all from the defensive end position.

While Jackson will never be amongst the league leaders in sacks, ala Kerney, he needs to at least be a threat on first and second downs. Around eight-to-10 sacks should be the goal.

Front-seven pressure
While the Seahawks should blitz more this year than they have in the past, pressure still needs to come from the front four, so the linebackers can concentrate on coverage.

If Jackson can't provide that pressure then Seattle will have to start Tapp, making the rush defense suffer.

There should be no doubt that Jackson is the ideal candidate to start alongside Kerney at defensive end. The only question is whether he'll step up the way Seattle needs him to.

Number 7 - Deon Butler
Number 8 - Ken Lucas
Number 9 - Leroy Hill
Number 10 - Brandon Mebane

Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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SOUNDERS FC: What are they made of?

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Seattle played stride for stride with the Eastern Conference leading D.C. United. How will they fare against the other two conference leaders this month?

Seattle appears to have found their groove, most recently coming away with a 3-0 win against the Rapids. The shutout was reminiscent of their three-goal inaugural blank against the Red Bulls, which had the whole MLS talking.

Now the team ranks third in the league with 25 points as they attack a crucial home stand stretch against two of the toughest teams in the MLS.

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Seattle will finish off their home stand by playing the entire month of July at Qwest Field against two of the MLS's top ranked teams: the Eastern Conference leading Chicago Fire and Western Conference leading Houston Dynamo.

Midway through the season, these two July games should show how talented Seattle is compared to the MLS's cream of the crop.

This Saturday the rebounding Houston Dynamo, who lost to the L.A. Galaxy two weeks ago but won 1-0 against Kansas City Saturday, flies to Seattle to take on the streaking Sounders.

While Houston leads the league in goals allowed with just 10, they'll be facing one of the most efficient offenses led by Fredy Montero's eight goals, which is tied for second in the MLS. Seattle has 24 goals on the season, which is good enough for outright second place in the league.

After a friendly match against Chelsea FC July 18 Seattle returns to MLS competition against the Chicago Fire the next Saturday. The Sounders appeared outmatched in the last meeting but came away with a 1-1 draw.

Both matches are crucial games for Seattle, who appear to be improving by finding chemistry on the offensive side of the ball, because the Fire and Dynamo are two of the best teams in the league.

Seattle has already come away with a 3-3 heartbreaking tie against Eastern Conference leading D.C. United during their home stand.

Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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