5/12: Seahawks reportedly contacted Matt Leinart

–Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News says he heard that the Seahawks contacted quarterback Matt Leinart, who played under Pete Carroll at USC and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Wolf doesn’t mention who from the Seahawks spoke with Leinart or when it happened, only that they spoke to him “about joining the team next season.”

–Larry Larue of The Tacoma News Tribune writes that Orioles outfielder Felix Pie apologized to Justin Smoak before Wednesday’s game for an incident the night before that led to both benches clearing. Larue: “Pie sought out Smoak before batting practice and apologized for the play, Smoak accepted and all was right in the baseball world.”

–TNT columnist John McGrath says “Pie’s decision to take the high road was for the best.”

–Jerry Brewer of The Seattle Times writes that Mariners pitcher Michael Pineda is a prodigy with a blue-collar work ethic.

–More on Pineda from Jeff Sullivan of Lookout Landing, who writes on 710Sports.com that Michael Pineda might already be an ace.

–Kirby Arnold of The Everett Herald writes about Mariners reliever Dan Cortes‘ proficiency in the weight room. Arnold: “Cortes, listed at 6 feet 6 inches and 230 pounds, is the king of the weight room. He works hard on his legs during the season, squatting 450 pounds, and in the offseason he routinely bench presses 275.”

–Percy Allen of The Seattle Times writes that writes that former SuperSonic “Downtown” Freddie Brown‘s wife decided to sell Brown’s 1979 NBA championship ring and donate the proceeds to charity. According to Allen, Brown had no prior knowledge of his wife’s intention, but said he supports the decision.

The ring has reportedly sold for over $115,000.