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Thiel: Absence of Ichiro opens Mariners' world

Jason Bay is in the new cast that has aspirations to dissolve the memory of a decade of dreariness. / Drew McKenzie, Sportspress Northwest

The occasion of the Mariners' season opener brings up many traditional questions, chiefly: By which summer holiday ( Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Seafair or Labor Day), will the Mariners be functionally eliminated from the division/post-season race (April Fool's Day is a little too cynical).

Sactown council OKs term sheet for new arena

After modest debate and four hours of public testimony, the Sacramento City Council voted 7-2 Tuesday night to give non-binding approval to a term sheet that outlines the financing and construction of a $448 million entertainment and sports center downtown. The vote allows the city to proceed with its counteroffer to the sale agreement signed by Seattle native Chris Hansen in January to purchase the NBA Kings and move the team into KeyArena in the fall.

Thiel: Buss-owned Lakers also owned Sonics

Longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss was one of the great innovators in pro sports. / NBA.com

Three sports developments happened in 1979 that changed the Seattle pro sports landscape for a good long while, plus another incidental one that was equally unforgettable for me, and helped explain a bit of the first three. Last item first.

Covering a playoff series in Los Angeles between the Lakers and Sonics, I foot-slalomed my way through the limos lining up outside the (then) Fabulous Forum and into the media entrance. Upon entry, a swoopy-haired guy with his shirt opened nearly to his waist, exposing copious hairs and necklaces, shook my hand.

Thiel: After tumult, Seahawks find smooth road

The whirlwind since Pete Carroll took over has finally smoothed out. / Drew McKenzie, Sportspress Northwest

This is the Seahawks' seventh appearance in the past 10 NFL postseasons. It should feel normal, expected, almost like Gonzaga in the NCAA tourney field. Making the playoffs should be old hat, not nouveau chapeau. But somehow, this time time feels fresh.

It has to do with a culmination. Over the past four seasons, the Seahawks have changed CEOs, GMs, coaches and all but two players, CB Marcus Trufant and LB Leroy Hill. Paul Allen still owns the team, but everything else has been headsnaps, so many and some so odd that the feeling was more bewilderment more than excitement. Was Terrell Owens really here for a week?

Wilcox hot again with 27 as Huskies stop skid

Breaking a two-game nonconference losing streak, longest since 2000, the Washington Huskies restored a little confidence with a 66-61 victory over Saint Louis Wednesday night at Alaska Airlines Arena. C.J. Wilcox had another hot game, his 27 points (on 11 of 13 shooting) just one fewer than his career high against Colorado State in a loss Sunday.

Eddie Johnson Named MLS Comeback Player

Eddie Johnson of the Seattle Sounders, who led the club in scoring with 14 goals during the 2012 season, finishing sixth in the Golden Boot race, Tuesday was named Major League's Soccer Comeback Player of the Year. The announcement was made by league Commissioner Don Garber.

Thiel: Browner, Sherman to play in awkward week

The agent for Brandon Browner says the Seahawks cornerback has no idea how an illegal substance was found in his body. / Drew Sellers, Sportspress Northwest

As far as Seahawks coach Pete Carroll knows, Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner will play Sunday in Chicago against the Bears. "As of right now?" Carroll said, responding to a question at his press chat Monday afternoon. "Yeah. I'm planning on those guys playing."

What else we know is that the acclaimed anchors of the Seahawks secondary proclaimed their innocence. And we can also speculate that the clumsy drama will persist.

Mariners Cactus League Slate Includes 35 Games

The Mariners begin their 2013 Cactus League spring training schedule with a three-game weekend series with the San Diego Padres Feb. 22-24 at the club’s spring home, the Peoria Sports Complex, the club announced Monday.

Trufant 1st-Team All-Pac-12; Seferian-Jenkins No

Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) made first-team All-Pac-12 Monday, the only Husky selected to the first team. / (Drew Sellers, Sportspress Northwest

Only one University of Washington football player made first-team All-Pac-12, and it wasn't Austin Seferian-Jenkins, a finalist for the Mackey Award, presented to the nation's outstanding tight end. The first-team squad announced Monday included senior cornerback Desmond Trufant.

Sounders' Alonso Selected To MLS Best XI Team

Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (center) was an MLS Best XI selection for the first time in his career. / Drew Sellers, Sportspress Northwest

Major League Soccer announced Monday its 2012 Best XI, a squad that includes Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso. The MLS Best XI recognizes the league's top 11 players -- one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards. Alonso is a Best XI selection for the first time, and was the only Sounders player selected.