Silva shelled,Husky perimeter game

Former Mariner Luis Sojo probably has managed his last WBC for Venezuela. Sojo elected to start current Mariner Carlos Silva rather than the great young arm Felix Hernandez. The reasoning was that Silva had pitched well in wins against Italy and the Netherlands, 11 innings and an .83 earned run average. And Sojo in a fit of candor told reporters that he was saving Felix for the finals against the USA or Japan. Whoops! Silva was down 5-0 before his side got to the plate. South Korea crushed two homers and the Venezuelans responded with 5 errors. Pitching can be as much mental as physical, maybe more so. For the M’s sake Silva has got to leave this one in the past and focus on the season to come. But this is a huge deal in Venezuela and I’m sure he’ll be reminded of it. Selfishly, it’s one less start on Felix!

Why did it take so long to get some perimeter shooting in yesterday’s Husky loss to the Boilers? Laying off of Darnell Gant and clogging the lane, Purdue was able to hobble Jon Brockman early and close driving lanes for Isaiah Thomas and Justin Dentmon. When Elston Turner got in Purdue’s defense had to stretch allowing Washington to breath in the lane. Granted, Turner was 1 for 2 for the game. But Purdue knew they had to get out on him and could leave Gant. I thought the play of the game came with a minute left, Washington down 2 with possession. Purdue’s big man JaJaun Johson blocked both Thomas and Quincy Pondexter’s shots in a bang bang play. The kid played great. And he’s the type of player that gave Washington problems this year with his length. Read some sharp observations and an insightful interview with Purdue’s coach Matt Painter on Todd Dybas Husky Blog here on MyNorthwest.com.

As the Sounders go back to work tomorrow preparing for Real Salt Lake keep in mind the words of Sigi Schmid. Schmid coached UCLA for 19 years and won 3 national championships. He relates soccer to basketball I think for my benefit. Some of his quotes after the win Thursday “soccer is a turnover sport…how quickly you react and then transition from defense to offense” determines whether or not you win. Also, something the Husky men know. Sigi, “every team has a period when they dominate the game…you have to make sure you don’t give up goals then.” Good stuff, Sigi’s breakdowns after the game remind me of George Karl’s observations after Sonics games. Without the drama I should add.