I guess it was a little surprising, given the timing, but at the same time it isn’t a shock that Wak is out. The rumor mill was buzzing that he was in deep trouble, and there was strong speculation from Geoff Baker a week ago that Wak would be given a copy of the home game and shown the door, you know, “thanks for playing” style. But for whatever the reasons, the M’s GM-Jack-Z had enough of them to pull the plug immediately. The statement from the press release says it all:
“I have concluded that these changes needed to be made now and that they are in the best interest of the Mariners as we move forward,” Zduriencik said. “Don, Ty and Rick are all good baseball men and they have done their very best. But we are where we are. I no longer have confidence that Don, Ty and Rick are the right long-term fit for our organization. New leadership is needed and it is needed now.”
Strong stuff, isn’t it? There are tons of reaction-type stories today, all trying to place blame on who got Wak fired, but whatever. Some will blame Junior for poisoning the well, others will say Figgins led a revolt when he challenged Wak in the dugout. But in the end I guess it doesn’t really matter. Jack Z pulled the plug, and that is that. If you are looking for something really good in the blogosphere, read this from Lookout Landing. It does a great job weighing everything, and focusing on what is important rather than trying to lay the blame at player X, Y or Z. And by the way, Lookout Landing is an EXCELLENT M’s blog. If it isn’t part of your daily web browsing experience, you are missing out on the combo of humor, insight and just plain great writing from Jeff Sullivan and others.
Anyway, on to Coug camp, day two edition. Lots of stories and recaps to get to, so read on for links and stuff after the read more…..
- Grippi looks at day two, including some details on film study from practice, increasing the tempo of both the offense and the defense, Nico Grasu getting pushed by the walk-on kickers, and some bumps-n-bruises for a few key guys. Also included in Grippi’s story is the hopeful improvement from senior WR Daniel Blackledge, who is looking for a big final year in Pullman. But deep into the Blackledge story is more praise for the young crop of wideouts Wulff and company have injected into the program, young talented kids who are the type of playmakers the offense will need to take that next step forward. Exciting stuff, even if it is only day two of camp!
- Cougfan has a couple of premium stories, one on the offensive line, and one on the day two recap. Since they are premium articles, we can’t exactly share the content, but there is good stuff in there, including the offensive line looking solid on day two, plus some skirmishes broke out along the offensive and defensive lines. Good stuff all the way around.
- SWX.com has a look after day one, including a two-minute video with good footage from practice. Looks good so far! LONG way to go obviously, heck, half the highlights they aren’t even wearing helmets yet. Let’s see what happens when the pads come on.
- Good Youtube videos from the official site after yesterday’s practice, check it out: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cWS5J_WOUk&w=560&h=340] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXQlThYGIT8&w=560&h=340]
- Finally, Joe Nickell at the official site describes an outstanding catch by Marquess Wilson, the frosh WR some have been talking up this summer as a likely impact player from this year’s class.
Blackledge was probably the player of the day, but the play of the day went to Marquess Wilson. A Tuel pass was a little high, but the freshman wide receiver went up – I swear his knees were helmet level with the defenders – and he came down with the ball. You’re going to have to take my word for it, because it did not make the video.
That’s it for today. As Longball said in his comment from yesterday, he will be back in Pullman next week and ready for a first-hand recap or two. And we may have a surprise/announcement along the way. Anyway, enjoy your day and as always, GO COUGS!
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