It's a Good Time...

I had a nice visit with an acquaintance from the Tri-Cities the other day. We’ve talked off and on in the last few years and we have a true mutual respect for each other.

As we talked about things that are going on in the world and eastern Washington in particular he said matter of factly, “It’s a good time to be alive isn’t it?” It didn’t take long for me to say, “It really is! Sure there are a lot of stupid things happening in the world but all in all we are really lucky to live where we live and enjoy the things we have.”

It’s important to have a positive attitude in everything we do which isn’t always easy. For instance, if you were a Seattle Sonics fan will you be cheering for the Oklahoma City Thunder? I would hazard a guess that a huge majority will be hoping the Miami Heat will dismantle the OKC boys.

Honestly, I’m having a hard time hoping Miami will reign supreme in the NBA finals. Okay, I really don’t care who wins but I’d rather see Kevin Durant, the former Sonic holding up the NBA championship trophy because he has played very well this year especially during this playoff run. And he would certainly deserve it if he and his teammates can knock off the Heat.

Are you a hockey fan?

I know a lot of people who are fans and the Stanley Cup playoffs had their full attention. The Los Angeles Kings looked like they were going to sweep the New Jersey Devils after taking the first two games in Newark followed by a win in LA. But the Devils came to life and would win the next two contests putting the pressure on the Kings. On Monday, LA would come to life and win their first Stanley Cup by a score of 6-1.

Yes, the Kings did something they couldn’t do with Wayne Gretzky as a team member. Hopefully, Los Angeles will love the Stanley Cup as much as they’ve adored an NBA championship. I doubt it but maybe the sting of Kobe exiting the playoffs early isn’t as bad now.

Speaking of Los Angeles, the Dodgers were in Seattle over the weekend to play the Mariners. The Dodgers have the best record in baseball and are a solid team. But last Friday night the Mariners achieved a very difficult feat. The Mariners no-hit the Dodgers using a total of six pitchers. Kevin Millwood was pitching lights out through six innings when he pulled a muscle and could not continue.

Manager Eric Wedge called upon his bullpen to shut down the LA nine with some great defense and solid clean-up work from the boys in the pen.

This is only the 10th combined no-hitter and only the second where six pitchers were used. That is historic.

This team is still a work in progress as the Mariners need to adjust their starting rotation due to inconsistencies and the fact that some young pitchers are making their mark in Double A ball and may be making their major league debuts in the next month or two. These are just my thoughts since I’m not the Manager or General Manager but I am a fan who can see that a pitcher or two need to hone their skills in Tacoma rather than to give up six runs in two innings in a major league game.

Pitchers need to give their team a chance to win especially on those nights when they only score one or two runs instead of 10 or 21.

I must say my friend is right it is a good time to be alive. The playoffs or just watching a team learn how to win can be a real joy.

I am fortunate to live in this great country and this great part of the world and I hope you feel the same way.