Sports / Sports columnists

Tacoma’s hot-hitting Franklin looks ready for the bigs

For Nick Franklin, the 2013 season got off to an ominous start. After battling the flu in spring training, he

Massive Jesse Williams could be massive steal

RENTON — Jesse Williams’ nickname is Tha Monstar. Excuse the Seahawks, though, if they rename him Tha Steal.

Have the M’s whiffed on Ackley, Smoak and Montero?

They were, by acclimation, can’t-miss prospects. Individually, they were on a path to inevitable stardom. Collectively, they were to be the three-headed core of a Mariner revival, cornerstones of a revamped, power-packed

Mariners face biggest crisis of Zduriencik era

SEATTLE — The Mariners are facing the biggest crisis of the Jack Zduriencik era. And, no, I don’t feel “crisis” is overstating matters.

M's can't overlook woeful Astros

SEATTLE — Fear not, oh beleaguered Mariners fans, already fretting over some worrisome trends emerging early to dim the shine of a feel-good spring training.

Tales of Bill Till dear to Derby's heart

WALLA WALLA — Dean Derby is a great storyteller, and Bill Till is one of his favorite subjects.

Wedge senses potential with M's

Seattle Mariners manager Eric Wedge senses some potential promise with his team

Zags’ road not pretty, but it is possible

SEATTLE — It’s daunting. But it’s also doable. Just remember the lunch pail and steel-toed boots. In a season of firsts, Gonzaga annexed another one Sunday, winning a debate that involved the University of Miami for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Mr. Mariner Alvin Davis connects with his old team

PEORIA, Ariz. — The man they call Mr. Mariner was on a back field Tuesday, watching intently as the team’s rawest minor-leaguers ran through their paces.

Zags deserve No. 1 Dance seed

Now is when things really start to get interesting for the little school that always seems to play so big.