2012 NFL Predictions Part 2 – The NFL

Here we go again, another season in the NFL.  Last year, I predicted a Packers-Ravens Super Bowl, and I wasn’t even close.  I also predicted the Giants to miss the playoffs, and they won the Super Bowl.  Hopefully I will be closer this year.  First, team by team analysis and W/L record predictions, then playoff predictions, then some awards.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers: I again expect this team to win their division, because they still have a solid quarterback and a solid defense.  There won’t be any dominant team in the AFC West this year, but the Chargers are again my pick to win it, even though they were extremely inconsistent last year.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Denver Broncos: We all know what the Broncos did this offseason:  signing the best quarterback of his generation, Peyton Manning, but also trading Tim Tebow, their catalyst and leader last season.  These moves will have both positive and negative effects, but more negative as I predict the Broncos to miss the playoffs.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 35%

Kansas City Chiefs: Romeo Crennel was the right pick to be their head coach, even though he did not do too well as coach of the Browns a few years ago.  But this Chiefs team should be competitive as long as they stay healthy.  In fact, they could very well win the division.  But I just see last year as too much of a setback.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 15%

Oakland Raiders: Really Raiders?  ANOTHER new coach?  How do you expect to stay relevant when you can’t hold onto a coach for more than two years?  But I will say that last year, the Raiders showed flashes that proved that they could be the best team in the division.  Palmer needs to stay healthy and that defense needs to improve.
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 15%

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers: It seems like the Steelers just reload instead of rebuild.  They had a disappointing end to last season, losing in the playoffs to the Broncos, but they’ll more than likely be back this season.  I don’t know if I see another Super Bowl appearance out of the Roethlisberger-led Steelers. 
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 40%

Cincinnati Bengals: What a great season for Dalton, Green, and co. as they made the playoffs last season.  Seeing how young this team is and how good their defense can be, I see this team remaining in contention, and someday being division champs.
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 25%

Baltimore Ravens: I see a setback this year for the Ravens.  Losing Suggs to injury will really hurt them.  Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are nearing the ends of their careers.  They’ve relied on their tough defense to win games the past decade, but I don’t think that defense will be as tough this year.  But they could just as easily be their normal selves and make the playoffs, which is why I have their division winning shot higher than the Bengals.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 30%

Cleveland Browns: You have to wonder, especially if you’re a Browns fan, when the Browns will win the division, if ever.  They drafted a 28 year old rookie to play quarterback.  Their defense is actually pretty good, but they need leaders.  Looks like Browns fans will have to wait another season for well… anything.
Predicted record: 5-11
Odds of winning division: 5%

AFC South

Houston Texans: In their 10^th season in the league, the Texans finally made the playoffs and won a playoff game.  Their team is built to contend, so long as Matt Schaub stays healthy.  They have a good running game, and I think they will still have a good pass rush, despite losing Mario Williams to free agency. 
Predicted record: 11-5
Odds of winning division: 50%

Tennessee Titans: As I’m writing this, the Titans have not picked a quarterback, but I think Locker will be their guy this year.  The Titans are making strides and are just a few pieces away from giving the Texans a run for their money.  Look for them to be in the wild card hunt perhaps until the last day of the season.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Jacksonville Jaguars: Not much to say about the Jaguars.  They have a young QB who didn’t look that great in his rookie season last year, Blaine Gabbert, but look for him to improve this season.  They still have MJD who will be the main producer for this offense.  But you have to say that the Jaguars are a team in rebuilding mode, yet again.
Predicted record: 5-11
Odds of winning division: 10%

Indianapolis Colts: Well, here’s a team that is definitely in a rebuilding process, but a team that might get through it faster than the Jaguars.  Number one overall pick Andrew Luck will face his struggles, and I’d be shocked if they won the division, but stranger things have happened.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 5%

AFC East

New England Patriots: The Patriots are once again kings of the AFC East and perhaps again kings of the AFC.  There were no huge losses or gains this offseason, so look for them to just keep winning.  Tom Brady just needs to stay healthy.
Predicted record: 12-4
Odds of winning division: 65%

New York Jets: They had such a disappointing season last year, as this is a team with HUGE aspirations and HUGE goals.  Despite finishing 8-8 last season, I wouldn’t be surprised if their goal remained to winning a Super Bowl.  They have the talent.  Mark Sanchez just needs to act like an elite quarterback.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 20%

Buffalo Bills: The Buffalo Bills are a team that could surprise people this season.  They signed Mario Williams, they have Fitzpatrick under contract, and they drafted a great young corner in Stephen Gilmore.  They might even contend for a wild card, depending on how the rest of the division does. 
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 10%

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins still don’t have a top-tier QB, and they haven’t since the days of Dan Marino, but they’re hoping someday Ryan Tannehill will be that guy.  Being in such a tough division, it’s hard to see these guys succeed, especially since they’ll be quarterbacked by a journeyman (Matt Moore) or a rookie (Tannehill).
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%


NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: What an unexpected season from them last year.  They went from NFC West doormat to dominant division champs, and they almost made it to the Super Bowl.  I don’t know if we’ll see the same dominance this year, but they will most certainly contend for the playoffs.  I just can’t see them making the Super Bowl without a top quarterback.
Predicted record: 11-5
Odds of winning division: 55%

Seattle Seahawks: Ah, the Seahawks.  Well, I already reviewed them here: http://briguy17-briguy17.blogspot.com/2012/08/predictions-for-seahawks-in-2012.html.  I expect them to contend for the division crown with the 49ers, which will probably start an intense rivalry between the teams.  It all comes down to the division games.  Can they beat the 49ers?  Can they sweep both the Cards and Rams?  And of course, the QB situation. 
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are another team with a QB situation, but as opposed to the Seahawks who have too much of a good thing, the Cardinals are looking like they are trying to pick the lesser of two evils.  Their defense can be really good at times, but they just can’t compete with the quarterbacks they have. 
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%

St. Louis Rams: The Rams suffered a setback last year after being expected to contend for the division title.  They are still a work in progress, but Jeff Fisher, who is a great coach, will get these guys working hard and going in the right direction.  I expect them to fight hard all year long.
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%

NFC North

Green Bay Packers: The Packers had such a letdown of a postseason game after an incredible start to the regular season, almost going undefeated.  I expect the same dominance from them in the regular season and for them to bounce back from last year’s loss to the Giants.  This is a team built to win for year, and they will.
Predicted record: 13-3
Odds of winning division: 65%

Detroit Lions: The Lions showed they are no longer the NFC North doormat anymore by making the playoffs last season, only to lose to the Saints in their first playoff game in over a decade.  I don’t know what we’ll see from these guys this year, but I know there is a lot of talent in their division.  They’ll be neck and neck with the Bears all season long, I think.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 20%

Chicago Bears: The Bears suffered injuries to both Cutler and Forte last year, which is why they struggled.  But if they both stay healthy, I think they can really have a good shot at the playoffs.  They still have a pretty good defense.  But I just can’t see it all coming together like that.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 15%

Minnesota Vikings: Oh, how the mighty have fallen.  Once the kings of this division, they are now the cellar dwellers and will use the 2012 season as a rebuilding one, seeing how 2^nd year quarterback Christian Ponder does.  They are the only team I give a 0% chance of winning the division to because the other teams are just so talented in their division.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 0%

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: Oh boy did they get penalized by the NFL for their bounties on players.  But guess what?  I still expect this team to win the division!  They are that kind of team.  Picking up ex-Seahawk David Hawthorne will help for sure.  But I expect the NFC South to be the closest and toughest fought battle for the division title in 2012.
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 30%

Carolina Panthers: People are saying this team is still another year away.  I say this team might just contend this year!  Cam Newton is so talented it’s ridiculous.  They have a great running game, and their defense is improving.  They’re my surprise pick this season (similar to the Lions in 2011). 
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 25%

Atlanta Falcons: Well, how long has Matt Ryan been here?  And how many times has he won a playoff game?  Exactly.  The Falcons really are losing ground in the NFC South and might suffer a setback this season.  It will be extremely competitive in this division and they could lose a lot of games they should win.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 25%

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Well, last year was quite a setback, but with a new coach, some excellent signings in free agency (Nicks, Jackson), and a new outlook, they should be improved.  They could very well win the division, but we’ll see how year one goes under Greg Schiano.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 20%

NFC East

New York Giants: Like I said last year, and like I’ve said many years before, when I pick the Giants to do well, they lose, and vice versa.  So this year, I’m picking them to repeat as division champs.  Like I said, you can’t predict this team.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Dallas Cowboys: Oh, the Cowboys.  How you have such high goals and such mediocre results.  It’s comical.  I don’t expect a breakout season from them this year.  Tony Romo is a good quarterback, but have they surrounded him with enough talent and depth?
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Philadelphia Eagles: A lot of people are expecting the Eagles to break out from a disappointing season last year, but I don’t.  I think they’re an average team.  Michael Vick is an average quarterback.  Vick has only once started all 16 games in a season.  Keep dreaming, Eagles.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 25%

Washington Redskins: Drafting RGIII will either kill this team or return them to prominence, depending on if he’s a bust or not.  But for this first season I don’t expect much as he gets used to the NFL game.  I wouldn’t be too shocked if they won the division, but realistically, there’s just too much talent in their division.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 5%

Playoffs:
AFC
1. New England Patriots (12-4)
2. Houston Texans (11-5)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
4. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
6. New York Jets (9-7)

NFC
1. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-5)
3. New Orleans Saints (10-6)
4. New York Giants (9-7)
5. Detroit Lions (9-7)
6. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)

Wildcards
AFC
(6) Jets at (3) Steelers: Steelers
(5) Bengals at (4) Chargers: Bengals

NFC
(6) Seahawks at (3) Saints: Saints
(5) Lions at (4) Giants: Giants

Divisional
AFC
(5) Bengals at (1) Patriots: Patriots
(3) Steelers at (2) Texans: Texans

NFC
(4) Giants at (1) Packers: Packers
(3) Saints at (2) 49ers: Saints

Conference Championships
(2) Texans at (1) Patriots: Patriots
(3) Saints at (1) Packers: Packers

Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans

Patriots 24, Packers 27

Well, there you have it.  This year, I predict the Seahawks to make the playoffs, but I think they’ll be a first round exit.  Also, Super Bowl XLVII between the Patriots and Packers would not be the first time those two teams met in the Super Bowl in New Orleans.  In fact, in Super Bowl XXXI, the Patriots and Packers met in New Orleans, with the Packers winning their 2nd Super Bowl in 3 years.  I expect the same result this time around.  Finally, some predictions on NFL awards:

NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Cam Newton, Panthers
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis, 49ers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck, Colts
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Luke Kuechly, Panthers
Coach of the Year: Ron Rivera, Panthers

Predictions for the Seahawks in 2012

Wow, it’s August already which means it’s time to make predictions for the Seahawks and the NFL for the 2012 season.  Last year, I predicted the Seahawks to go 9-7 and they went 7-9, so I was two games off there.  However, I correctly predicted the Seahawks to miss the playoffs, as I felt they weren’t ready and didn’t have a good enough quarterback.  I really feel the success of this season hinges on the quarterback position: whether or not we can get decent play from that position, regardless of who is the starter.  Just like last year, I will go over each game and make a prediction for a winner.  I will also predict Seahawks leaders in certain categories and analyze each position.  Without further ado, my 2012 predictions for the Seahawks!



Week 1: September 9 at Arizona Cardinals
The Seahawks start out in a place they’ve struggled in off and on for the past few years.  Both teams will have iffy quarterback situations, but I think the Cards prevail due to home field advantage, I’m afraid.
Prediction: Cardinals 27, Seahawks 20
Seahawks record: 0-1

Week 2: September 16 vs. Dallas Cowboys
It should be a great matchup, and finally we are playing the Cowboys HERE and not in Texas.  I expect another competitive game, but if Romo is healthy and the Cowboys don’t make too many mental mistakes, it still will be tough to win.  Cowboys in perhaps a defensive struggle.
Prediction: Cowboys 17, Seahawks 12
Seahawks record: 0-2

Week 3: September 24 vs. Green Bay Packers
There is something about Monday Night with the Seahawks—they’re really good on primetime.  And seeing as Flynn will more than likely start, he will be facing his former team, so he’ll know how to beat them.  I expect a Seahawks team hungry for their first win to surprise a Packers team that underestimates the young Hawks.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Packers 28
Seahawks record: 1-2

Week 4: September 30 at St. Louis Rams
I can’t even remember if we’ve lost in St. Louis since our Super Bowl year.  I think we have, but just once.  Anyway, even with Tarvaris struggling in last year’s game in St. Louis, the Hawks still won 24-7.  I expect a similar score.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Rams 10
Seahawks record: 2-2

Week 5: October 7 at Carolina Panthers
Carolina is a team on the rise, but so are we, so it should be a great matchup.  I’ll pick the Panthers just barely in this one, I think Cam Newton pulls off a last-second win.
Prediction: Panthers 24, Seahawks 21
Seahawks record: 2-3

Week 6: October 14 vs. New England Patriots
Guess what?  Tom Brady has never played at Century Link Field.  The Patriots and Seahawks have played just twice since Century Link Field opened in 2002, with one game being played there.  But that one game (which was in 2008), Tom Brady was out due to his ACL injury.  Matt Cassel started in his place and the Patriots won 24-21.  But like I said, Tom has never played at the Clink, and I think the Hawks will be hungry for another upset win.  Just call them the Hawk Shockers. 
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 21
Seahawks record: 3-3

Week 7: October 18 at San Francisco 49ers
Playing on just 4 days rest, the Hawks face the 49ers on a Thursday night game.  I can’t remember the last time we won IN San Francisco, which goes to show how badly we have played there recently.  I expect more of a competition this year, but a loss nonetheless.
Prediction: 49ers 18, Seahawks 17
Seahawks record: 3-4

Week 8: October 28 at Detroit Lions
This should be a great matchup, with Stafford and Megatron vs. our talented secondary.  I expect the Hawks to get a few road wins, and this could very well be one of them.  Hawks in a slight upset, because I believe they will be able to contain Stafford’s passing game.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Lions 17
Seahawks record: 4-4

So, at the halfway point, the Hawks stand at 4-4, still a decent shot at the playoffs.  Let’s see how I think they’ll fare in the second half:

Week 9: November 4 vs. Minnesota Vikings
While the Vikings still have some stars in Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen, they are a team in rebuilding mode and this really is a game the Hawks should and must win.  Contain Jared Allen and AD, and this game is ours.
Prediction: Seahawks 34, Vikings 16
Seahawks record: 5-4

Week 10: November 11 vs. New York Jets
The Jets are one of those teams that could be a frontrunner for the Super Bowl, or a team that misses the playoffs with a record of around .500 or so.  It’s really hard to say.  But I think at this point the Hawks will be in a groove and will dispatch the Jets.
Prediction: Seahawks 20, Jets 10
Seahawks record: 6-4

Week 11: BYE

Week 12: November 25 at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins won’t win the AFC East, but they’re no slouch, either.  This should be a close game, at least at first, but I expect the Seahawks to pull away in the 2^nd half.  The Dolphins are an average team at best, while the Hawks have a lot of strengths and I believe are a slightly above average team.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Dolphins 17
Seahawks record: 7-4

Week 13: December 2 at Chicago Bears
At this point the Hawks would be in playoff position, but getting a win in December in Chicago is no easy task.  Matt Flynn’s played in cold weather before, and the Hawks did blowout the Bears 38-14 in Chicago last year, but the Bears were missing both Cutler AND Matt Forte.  If both of them play and they should, the Hawks will have a tough game.  Bears by a hair.
Prediction: Bears 19, Seahawks 17
Seahawks record: 7-5

Week 14: December 9 vs. Arizona Cardinals
This will be one of those pivotal must-win games for the Hawks.  This also might be the game to determine who finishes higher in the division standings between these two teams.  We won a squeaker at home last year vs. the Cards, and I expect the same this year.
Prediction: Seahawks 15, Cardinals 12
Seahawks record: 8-5

Week 15: December 16 at Buffalo Bills
The Bills are a team that’s slightly improving year after year, and after drafting well and signing Mario Williams they should be even better.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is an above-average QB for them and again, another cold weather environment for the Hawks in December.  Bless them.  But Bills win.
Prediction: Bills 20, Seahawks 14
 Seahawks record: 8-6

Week 16: December 23 vs. San Francisco 49ers
You talk about a potentially HUGE game, this is it.  If the 49ers are 9-5 or 8-6 going into this game, it will be absolutely huge.  This is a game that’s of course, hard to determine as it is four months out as I’m writing this (who knows who will be injured, who will be playing well, etc.).  It’s really a coin flip, and this game will probably decide the Hawks playoff chances.  I gotta go with my gut.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Seahawks 16
Seahawks record: 8-7

Week 17: December 30 vs. St. Louis Rams
Regardless of whether or not the Seahawks are playing for a playoff spot, this game should be a win, unless the Hawks have such a good record that they sit players out.  Not likely.  I predict a comfortable Seahawks win.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Rams 14
Seahawks record: 9-7

So, for the 2^nd straight year, I predict a record of 9-7 for the Seahawks.  But like I said, it comes down to quarterback play.  Will we make the playoffs?  Well, you’ll just have to tune in to my prediction for the rest of the NFL to find out!  However, last thing I have is leaders in each category:

Passing
Completions, Yards, TD’s: Matt Flynn

Rushing
Carries, Yards, TD’s: Marshawn Lynch

Receiving
Receptions: Zach Miller
Yards: Doug Baldwin
TD’s: Doug Baldwin

Defense
Sacks: Chris Clemons
Tackles: Kam Chancellor
Interceptions: Richard Sherman

I hope to be surprised this year, but in a good way!  I can’t wait to see who will be this year’s Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, and Doug Baldwin.  Should be a fun 2012 season for the Seahawks. 

Open Letter to Ichiro

Dear Ichiro,

You don’t know me, but I certainly have heard of you.  I saw you play baseball for 11 and ½ seasons.  You played during the good times (2001) and the bad (2008, 2010), but you stayed here regardless.  You showed loyalty, passion for the game, and a sincere love for the game and the city of Seattle.  I have to apologize for the actions of all those responsible for you not getting a World Series: Bill Bavasi, Chuck Armstrong, and Howard Lincoln.  Those three made it hard for you to stay in Seattle, yet you did as long as you could.  And I appreciate you leaving before it got ugly.

I don’t think you’ll ever read this, but I wish you the best in New York.  I have to tell you, those Yankee fans are BRUTAL.  They will make SURE you know you are in a slump, whenever that is.  They don’t tolerate losing as much as we do in Seattle, which is a big reason the Yankees have 27 World Series Championships and the Mariners have none.  It’s a much tougher environment to play in, an environment which many do not succeed in, because of all the pressure.

I have to also apologize for being so hard on you these past 11 years.  I have called you weak, too cautious, selfish, and ignorant.  You are none of those things.  I was hard on you, because your style of play differs greatly from what I’m used to; which is no surprise, as you learned all your baseball techniques in Japan.  I think your style of play let you play a long and successful career, but I’m not sure how much it helped out the team.  After all, we only made the playoffs once in your Mariner tenure, in your rookie season.

I again have to apologize for the lack of success you experienced in Seattle.  This was not your fault.  You succeeded when others failed.  You must have played with hundreds and hundreds of different players throughout the years, none of them (except for perhaps Felix) having anywhere near the success you had.  It’s a real shame your talents were wasted all those years.

I don’t blame you for asking for a trade.  In fact, I’d have been a bit disappointed if you didn’t.  You allowed us to get a couple of minor league pitchers and free up a roster spot for someone else.  Now we’ll get to see an extra young outfielder every night and see who can emerge as a legitimate starter.  Good luck in New York, Ichiro, and don’t let the Yankee fans be too hard on you.   

Sincerely,
Brian Holland
Mariner Fan for Life

What Long Distance is Like and How to Survive It

I feel like this blog post is overdue.  I have been in a long-distance relationship for over 2 and ½ years.  By now, I have become an expert on LDR’s and I could give advice to anyone who is in one or might be entering one.  In fact, I have been.  I uploaded the video of Amanda and I meeting to my YouTube account (http://youtu.be/xTnpFpZCiuA), and it already has over 150,000 views.  Not only that, but I often get people commenting on that video asking for advice, so I give it to them.  But now it is time I just put it out here, for anyone to refer to in the future.  How to deal with a Long Distance Relationship (LDR).

Of course, there are two types of LDR’s.  There’s the type where you meet online, and the type where you meet in person.  I met my girlfriend online, so I’ll be mainly going over that.  However, every time she leaves feels like I had met her and person and she’s moving away, so I can relate to people in that situation.  The two types of LDR’s are equally challenging and require many things.  They are:

- Time
- Money
- Patience
- Love for one another
- Belief

You have to put in a lot of time in LDR’s usually.  When you’re away, your relationship consists of phone calls, webcam chats, letters, and texting.  They become the person you communicate with the most, even if they are far away (Ain’t technology great?) You gotta put forth the time to keep in touch and show your love for one another. 

LDR’s are expensive, which is why I put money on the list.  Depending on far apart you are, you have to spend quite a bit to see each other, the money mainly going to airfare (or gas if you drive).  Obviously, the further apart you are, the more you’ll spend.  I’m lucky my girlfriend is only a short 2 hour plane ride away, otherwise it would be much harder.  And there’s the missing work factor: You might lose money by having to miss work for a week to see one another. 

Patience is key.  It’s similar to time, but it is more the willingness to wait for one another.  Can you wait that long for your loved one to move to you?  Or can you wait that long to move to them?  Also, being patient for each visit is crucial, because some visits can seem to be years away. 

Love for one another is of course another essential.  If you don’t love each other, it won’t work.  Love is what powers your ability to wait, it makes you want to spend money on them, and it makes you want to talk to them on webcam or on the phone.  You have to love them and appreciate the little time you have together in person.

Finally, you have to believe.  You have to believe your relationship will work out and that you will one day live near them and have a much better relationship.  You have to have faith and trust your loved one that they will be faithful to you and will do their part to bring themselves closer to you.

LDR’s are not easy.  But I can say if your relationship can survive being long-distance, it can survive anything.  The thing I hate most is when I go home or when my girlfriend goes home, it feels like we’re breaking up each time.  I know we’re not at the time, but it feels that way. 

If you have all five of the things I listed with your boy- or girlfriend, and you really want to be with them, then the LDR will work.  There’s a saying (Popularized by the TV show How I Met Your Mother) that Long Distance Relationships never work.  That’s not true.  They just take a lot of effort, and a lot of couples don’t have that.  If you are missing one of those five things I listed, it will be very tough to maintain an LDR and you might have to think about a split.  But, if you have all five of those things, you have something special, and you should do whatever you can to make your relationship work so you can spend the rest of your life with that special someone.  

Current Seattle Mariner Issues

With the 2012 season almost halfway old, I will take a stand on many issues and questions regarding the Seattle Mariners.  Some I will answer briefly, while some I might give elaborate essay-type answers.  Here are the questions that need answering:

Should the fences be moved in?
No.  You don’t change your park to accommodate your players.  You build your roster to accommodate your stadium.  Otherwise we’d be bringing in and moving out the fences constantly.  The Mariners just need to get some flyball pitchers and speedy outfielders (to cover the vast outfield), and some pop at the corner infield and DH spots to make up for the speedy outfielders’ lack of power.

What should the Mariners do with Ichiro?
Whatever they can.  And what I mean by that is they must do as much as they can to demote him as possible.  A lot of great players have gotten released towards the end of their careers.  But that might be too much.  Instead, the Mariners should bench him at least once a week and possibly move him down in the order, depending on how he’s hitting.

Should the Mariners trade Felix Hernandez?
Haha…

















Should Eric Wedge be fired?
Again, no.  I believe if guys are not producing, Eric will hold them accountable.  He has already benched Figgins.  Besides, firing Wedge would start the cycle all over again.  I’m sorry, but you need to give your managers more than two years.  If the Mariners seem to be lost next year, then Eric might be on the hot seat.

So, the Mariners are going to be sellers at the deadline… who should be traded?
The problem is, the only players on the Mariners that would fetch other players of real value are players the Mariners don’t want to trade—ever.  Players like Felix, Ichiro, Seager, Montero, and even Ackley.  However, here’s a small list of some, who I think the Mariners could live without: Vargas, Millwood, League, Figgins, Carp, and Olivo.  But good luck getting much for those guys.  If you can’t get a good deal, sometimes it’s best just to stay pat.

What can the Mariners do to hit better at home?
Currently, the Mariners are flirting near the Mendoza line—as a team—at home.  On the road however, they are hitting quite well.  If you were to just double their road production, the Mariners would be one of the best hitting teams in baseball.  Law of averages says that they’ll sort of even out, but at halfway through the season the team averages for road and home games are still 50 points apart.  There really isn’t much anyone can do.  I know players feed off the fans, so we need to support them and cheer loudly when they get hits.  Perhaps they aren’t getting enough home support. 

Which Mariner will be the All-Star selection?
Toughest question.  I am dead serious.  No one is having an outstanding year on the Mariners, although some are playing decently, such as Seager, Saunders, Vargas, and Millwood.  Ichiro missed last year’s game and will more than likely miss this year’s as well.  Felix has been inconsistent, but has been dominant at times.  No one knows Seager, who has not been dominant, so he won’t make it.  The Mariners’ best bets are either Felix, Wilhelmsen (who has done well as closer) or Vargas.

My thoughts on different departments at Safeway

I have done a lot of things over the seven years I've been with Safeway.  In chronological order, I have done courtesy, helper clerk (backwall and dairy), sales events, checking, self-checkout, floral, and the just4U promotion.  I am just here to say what I think about them, in case anyone I know wants to work for Safeway, or already does and is by chance thinking about doing one of these positions.

Courtesy Clerk - Basically the bottom of the food chain at Safeway, but the store wouldn't function without them.  It's a good spot to start out, because if you become manager after being a CC, it sounds pretty impressive, and a lot of managers did use to be courtesy clerks.  Thankfully, I was a CC for less than a year before being checker trained.

Helper Clerk - I was only a helper clerk for a week, but I did enjoy it.  The reason I stopped it was because the hours were bad (5 hour shifts only 3-4 times a week) and asking for time off would be really hard to do.  But I got to do dairy (eggs and milk), stock Safeway brand soda.  Special thanks to Mat for teaching me everything about this position, from how to use the power jack to how to quickly load eggs and milk.

Sales Events - Now this is something Safeway (at least at our store) doesn't do anymore, which does bum me out.  We used to set up these tables with samples of food on them.  If I rack my brain... I did Ghoulish Grapes (black grapes for Halloween), sweet mandarin oranges, and honeycrisp apples for the produce department.  I did soup and turkey for the deli department (And I helped Michael with ribs one time).  It was mostly pretty boring, having to stand there all day with little or no breaks waiting for people to stuff their faces in the same food item over and over again.

Checking - I have voiced my thoughts on checking before here:  http://briguy17-briguy17.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-thoughts-on-checkingcashiering-at.html  So you know how I feel about it. I will say this, however.  When I'm away for the checkstand for too long (such as doing self-checkout or something else for a week or two), I actually do start to miss it, which is weird.  Never thought I'd miss checking.

Self-Checkout - Our store didn't get self-checkout until October 2010, I believe.  I was not one of the people selected to be trained on it at first.  However, a month or two after it started, I approached Marjorie during a shift that was pretty slow and asked her to show me how to do it.  She showed me the basics, and I pretty much learned on the job from there.  Now I'm one of the best at it, extinguishing fires left and right.

Floral - I first did floral Valentine's Day 2012.  Why I was selected, I really have no clue.  But it really isn't that bad.  Marina, the floral manager (RIP Marina), can be a bit intense, but if you do your job and work hard she won't be mad.  It does feel weird, being a straight male, to work floral, but hey, wherever I can get hours.  Not my favorite department of the store, but I will say that time did go by pretty fast while working there.  Occasionally if after floral closes (and produce is unable to cover) a customer needs help, I have helped out with wrapping flowers and/or balloons.

just4u - I just completed a week's worth of doing this promotion, and I both like it and hate it.  I like it because I get to use technology at work, mainly the iPad and the laptops.  I like it because I'm never swamped with work and it's pretty fun getting people signed up.  I hate it however, because it is mostly slow and boring and all the rejection from people who apparently weren't interested in saving money.  I was expected to approach people and ask them about it, and if you know me, you know approaching people is not something I'm good at.

Dairy - I just recently did dairy a few times, filling in after one of our employees went to another store.  I actually really like it.  You get to be in your own little world, stocking things like sour cream, yogurt, and cheese.  There are a few things I hate about it though: The 4am start time (non-negotiable), and having to rotate so products stay fresh.  It's annoying to do, but it cuts down on shrink.  I don't want to do this full-time, but I don't mind filling in every now and then.  Getting off at noon or sooner is very awesome, but going to bed before 8 is not.

Customer Service - I've now done customer service for about a year so I have a fairly firm grasp on it.  It's usually pretty fun and better than checking.  Sometimes, however, it can get extremely stressful.  I haven't really had anyone yell at me per se, but I've had quite a few unhappy customers.  Western Union is either nice to do (since it takes up time, helps time go by fast) or stressful, especially if a customer has no idea what they're doing, your line is building as you're helping the customer, or there's some issue with the transfer.  Lotto is really fun and it's kinda funny to watch people blow their money away day after day.  I used to rent out movies which were fun to talk about, but we stopped doing that.  I'd say my least favorite thing to do is answer phone calls, because 1) I'm not 100% comfortable talking on the phone and 2) Often times I get calls that are stressful or I have little idea what to do or say.  I'd say my favorite part is the closing duties, counting tills and doing the checkstand and self-check changers, which is why I may soon get trained for office.  When I've done that for a while it'll be below this.

Front End Manager - With learning customer service I had knowledge of each checkout location on the front end, so I became a natural fit as a fill-in front end manager.  I'm technically not allowed to do it officially since my girlfriend is a checker, but we manage to make it work.  As for the FEM job itself, it has its ups and downs.  The positives: Work goes by extremely fast, always getting an hour lunch, always getting off at a decent time, hardly ever having to do the same thing (check, self check) for too long.  The negatives: Being stressful at times, having to deal with people calling out sick (or just not showing up), having to occasionally skip a 10 minute break.  But all in all it's not terrible.

Office *NEW* - It was only a matter of time until I got trained for bookkeeping/office.  Basically I am in charge of the store's finances, I account for all the money in the store and basically hope we're not off too much.  I've done office on my own maybe... 7 times?  Despite that, it's still tough for me and I still need to follow my to-do list.  However, I get off early each time I work this shift.  The early hours do kinda suck, but it could be worse.  I'm hoping I can get better at it because I do really like it.  Accounting seems to be something I am pretty good at.

PIC *NEW* - PIC (Person in Charge) is something I actually now have done a couple weeks of when one of our PIC's went on vacation and our store couldn't find a replacement.  So they asked me.  I agreed, so long as it was temporary.  I gotta say, not as bad as I thought.  Although my managers didn't want to load too much on my plate being a fill-in PIC, so I just did what I could.  For the most part, it was mainly checking when called and putting the load away (which can be stressful if something else time-sensitive has to be done at the same time like covering a break).  But most of the time I got a bunch of free time to kill in the manager's office and had plenty of time to face.  If that were to be the case all the time, I would definitely consider applying for PIC.  But I've seen what full-time PIC's have to deal with, and it's not for me.  I tend to get overwhelmed and anxiety fairly easily, so that would not be good for me.  But our store is lucky they have an emergency PIC in myself (which I ended up doing one last time when I was scheduled to close self check).

So, that is pretty much all I've done with Safeway at the point.  I did do one morning in the frozen department as I was scheduled to check really early at the same time as someone else.  I would put that on this list, but it was just one day.  But if I were to name a couple other things I'd like to do, they'd be produce, wine, and more frozen.  If I ever do any of those things (or anything else new), I will put it on this list.

Added:
Dairy
Customer Service
Front End Manager
Office
PIC

My Thoughts on the new Nike Seahawks Uniforms

The new Seahawks uniforms and jerseys have been released and my first thought was surprise; I did not think the changes would be so drastic. I did not like them at first—it looks too cluttered, too out there… too Oregon Duck-ish. However, upon staring at them for a while, I have come to realize they are not that bad. We have yet to see them in game action, so we’ll have to wait for August for that. But the attention to detail, tribute to Native American depictions of feathers, and the new color scheme look pretty good. There is now only one shade of blue “Dark navy”, one “Action green” which is a slight variation on the previous lime green, and “Wolf grey” which is incorporated in every jersey.

My one gripe about this is that now all of my Seahawks jerseys look old and dated, meaning I am going to have to get the new jersey at some point. Great. Looking at the Nike shop, they actually look pretty cool, but again, it is going to take some getting used to. They didn’t use too much green, as it is merely an accent in each uniform design. I love the new alternate grey jerseys, which we definitely have to wear at home.



Now, for the fun of it, I am going to rate each jersey and pant combo, from best to worst, from the one I most want to see to the one I never want to see used in a game… ever.

1. Blue top with gray pants – This is a nice homage to the old Seahawk uniforms from the 70-90s. The pants compliment the jersey well and look better with the blue top than the blue pants do. This should become the most used home uniform.

2. White top with white pants – Definitely should be our most used road jerseys. They also look like they’d be great for those warm climates in Arizona, Tampa Bay, and Dallas.

3. Gray top with blue pants – I like this one. This could be a home alternate at some point, or a road uni in a rainy environment.

4. White top with blue pants – Pretty basic but I don’t see this one catching on too much. It’s pretty boring.

5. Blue top with blue pants – Too much blue, still. This is the one uniform combination that makes the jerseys look most unprofessional. Looks like a mix of Oregon Ducks and an Arena Football League team. But that blue is a great color.

6. White top with gray pants – Way too much like the Dallas Cowboys. Not a horrible look, but we certainly don’t want to copy them.

7. Blue top with white pants – Now it looks like the San Diego Chargers. I can only say “Meh” to this one.

8. Gray top with gray pants – Oh no, a storm’s a comin! That’s pretty much all I can think of when I see those. Gray on gray does not work well. Why do you think the Dallas Cowboys have never done it?

9. Gray top with white pants – Mismatch much? This is the least intimidating uniform combination and it may never be used.

Time will tell if these grow on me or not. If I were to give Nike, the designers, a grade, it would be a C+ right now. But that could change. We’ll just have to see how they look in a game.