Wednesday, February 22, 2012 @ 9:32am

Brock & Salk's 'Game with No Name'

If you want to play our "Game with No Name," it would be a good idea for you to brush up on these three topics....

1. Manny Ramirez signs with the A's for $500,000...

For that price, should the Mariners have taken a chance on him?

2. Brock Huard is completely freaked out about the Huskies' tournament chances...

Make your case for or against them getting into the NCAA tourney.

3. Jason Campbell bails out on his own wedding in the Caribbean?

Is it ever okay to behave in this way?

Tune in at 10:00 a.m. this morning for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Wingdome!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 @ 1:03pm

Still waiting for a mia culpa from Chone Figgins

By 710Sports.com staff

The Mariners gave Chone Figgins a four-year, $36 million contract to be the All-Star-caliber player he was with the Angels.

After two disastrous seasons in which he has hit just .236 and clashed with media members and a manager, he's been given a promotion to the leadoff spot.

Brock Huard says in Tuesday's Wrap Up video that he's still waiting for Figgins to own up to his poor play and behavior.

You can download Tuesday's podcast here.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 @ 8:54am

The Seahawks' first moves should be ...

Marshawn Lynch rushed for a career-high 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2011. (Jane Gershovich, 710Sports.com)

By Brock Huard

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines.

March 1 for the Sacramento Kings. March 8 for the Colts and Peyton Manning's $28 million bonus. March 13 for the beginning of NFL free agency. The next two-plus weeks will be busy with activity, but for Seattle sports fans let's hope that activity won't be confused for achievement.

The time has come for deals to be completed and there are three no-brainers when it comes to the Seahawks, as long as the eye is never taken off of the prize.

Quarterback is the top priority and the prize, but nothing can be accomplished on this front -- at least technically speaking -- until Manning is officially released in Indianapolis or the March 13 sweepstakes begins for Matt Flynn. I have made my intentions very clear on the Manning front, and though my letter got returned to sender, Dan Pompei of The National Football Post had the following update on Manning over the weekend:

"Based on the buzz around the league, the Seahawks could be the early frontrunner for Peyton Manning, assuming he is released. Pete Carroll needs a quarterback and is believed to have a strong interest in at least exploring Manning. The Seahawks could offer Manning an attractive scenario. They have a young team with some fine skill players to put around him. They play in one of the league's loudest stadiums. Manning wouldn't be subject to the same kind of scrutiny in Seattle that he would in a lot of other markets. The Seahawks also could have a better feel for Manning's medical situation than some teams. One of their team physicians [is] Stan Herring, who also is one of the country's preeminent specialists for spine injuries. Herring is a member of the NFL's Head, Neck and Spine Committee."

I have a feeling that Manning's agent, Tom Condon, will be a busy man in Indianapolis at the scouting combine this week and like Dan Pompei, I believe Carroll and John Schneider will at the least be exploring the Manning possibility.

Red Byrant could be in line for a deal similar to the one Brandon Mebane singed a year ago. (AP)

Putting the quarterback situation aside, the Seahawks do have business they are currently tending to and three moves I'd like to see finalized. I would hope they could sign fullback and special teams captain Michael Robinson before free agency hits on the 13th. Just as Seattle inked offensive lineman Breno Giacomini to a two-year deal 10 days ago, I'd hope a similar deal could be reached with the versatile Robinson. He was a tremendous guide in the run game for Lynch while adding a level of professionalism and grit to the special teams unit.

Speaking of Lynch, momentum clearly looks like the franchise tag may come into play for the hard-charging running back. The Seahawks would prefer a deal that is structured with three years of security (roughly $20 million in salary/bonuses) whereas Lynch and his agency want the payoff that comes with a breakthrough year -- he rushed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns -- a deal within earshot of Chris Johnson's or that of Adrian Peterson. If no compromise is reached, expect Lynch to be tagged with the $7.7 million franchise tag before the March 5 deadline.

Robinson and Lynch are no-brainers and the the leverage, dollars and "sense" in many ways favors the Seahawks. The wildcard becomes move No. 3: Big Red Bryant. Though the Seahawks have made a very strong offer to Bryant, he is yet to accept the deal and may want to see what the free-agent market will bring.

Bryant has a very intriguing story to spin, one with 22 games of evidence and footage showcasing his run-stuffing capabilities while anchoring a top 10 rush defense. Conversely, the big man from Galveston, Texas has two more sacks than I do in his NFL career. I can't help but remember an old defensive line coach in Indy, John Teerlinck, who had a very large sign displayed prominently in his meeting room that read "$acks= $$$."

Bryant will be 28 in 2012 and recovered from a torn ACL in 2010, yet fits perfectly into the five technique role in Carroll's defensive scheme. Beyond the Xs and Os, Bryant in many ways became the intimidating and over-powering face of an immovable front seven in 2011. A deal like Brandon Mebane signed a season ago (five years/$25 million with $9 million guaranteed) makes sense. Like Mebane, this will more than likely be Bryant's biggest shot at a major payday and his body of work calls for a multi-million-dollar guarantee.

Though the Hawks would hate to lose him, I don't see them drastically over-paying. In fact, like Mebane last offseason, if the Hawks can't finalize a deal before March 13 other suitors will come calling. And when they do, Bryant will have to make a decision between the marriage of fit and scheme he has in Seattle or the opportunity for a little bigger payday and uncertainty elsewhere.

Bottom line, quarterback is priority No. 1, and whether it's Manning, Flynn or a draft pick, the position has to be addressed first and foremost. Lynch and Robinson are no-brainers; in many ways they epitomize the identity of the offensive and special teams units. Lastly, I "want" Big Red, but I don't know if the Seahawks "need" him at any cost.

Sunday, February 19, 2012 @ 10:36am

Reporter: Seattle is favorite to land relocated NHL team

The NHL owns the Phoenix Coyotes franchise and is searching for potential owners. (AP Photo/File)

By Michael Simeona

When Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine announced their proposal for a new $500 million sports arena in the SoDo neighborhood earlier this week, hope and optimism were renewed for local sports fans hoping for an NBA and NHL team. Those feelings were shared by one national hockey reporter who thinks Seattle is now the favorite to land an NHL franchise.

Craig Custance, an NHL reporter for ESPN.com, wrote in his Insider blog (note: you must have an ESPN Insider account to read the article) on Friday that "if there were any doubts" Seattle has moved to the front of the NHL's relocation wishlist "they were erased when Seattle announced Christopher Hansen's proposal to build a new arena." While cities like Quebec City and Toronto have been cited as possible destinations for a new NHL team, Custance thinks Seattle has jumped to the top of the list for a relocated franchise.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

"Having moved the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg, I don't think the league is necessarily that thrilled with the idea of sending another team north of the border," Custance told "Brock and Salk" on Friday.

"If you're the league you have to look at the big picture, and you still want to teams in these strategically placed American-based markets. I think that's important to the league and I think that's important to [NHL commissioner] Gary Bettman, and I think that's why Seattle is in the driver's seat."

Another reason why the NHL might want to add another franchise in the Pacific Northwest is the immediate rivalry with the Vancouver Canucks. According to Custance, the idea of a regional rivalry between the Canucks and a future Seattle team is very appealing to the league.

"The idea of possibly rekindling or starting a rivalry between a Seattle-based NHL team and a Vancouver-based NHL team has to be really appealing for the NHL, and I think this arena news basically propels Seattle to the top of the list of possible relocation or expansion teams for the NHL," Custance said.

The most immediate option for Seattle to land a team is the Phoenix Coyotes, who've been owned by the NHL for the past three seasons. Although the league has been looking at potential owners to keep the team in Arizona, they're expected to look elsewhere if the situation doesn't improve soon.

"If you look at how hard they've tried to keep them there, that just shows you how interested they are in trying to make the Coyotes work in Phoenix. It's going to come to a head by the end of this year but whether or not they are going to move for sure is still 50-50 at this point," Custance explained.

As local hockey fans hope for the demise of the Coyotes in Arizona, knowing an arena plan is in the works is something they can cling to for now.

"This is a big first step for Seattle," Custance said.

Friday, February 17, 2012 @ 1:50pm

Salk Talk: Hurdles in Seattle arena deal

By 710Sports.com staff

Mike Salk's latest conversation with Paul Silvi on Northwest Sports Tonight touched on the hurdles of the proposed Seattle arena deal and the reaction from Kings fans in Sacramento.

Friday, February 17, 2012 @ 1:10pm

More reason to believe in Christopher Hansen

By 710Sports.com staff

Brock and Salk's conversation with County Executive Dow Constantine revealed an interesting tidbit about Christopher's Hansen's $290 million proposal to build a new arena in Seattle.

According to Constantine, it's Hansen's own money.

As Brock and Salk explain in Friday's Wrap Up video, that inspires even more confidence that the deal will get done.

You can download Friday's podcast here.

You might also like ...
Huard: The two pressing questions on an arena deal
Salk: What we learned about the arena deal

Friday, February 17, 2012 @ 8:54am

The two pressing questions on an arena deal

By Brock Huard

If one can win a press conference, then Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine are clearly one up right now. Nine months of preparation paid off in a very genuine, polished and professional message from an unexpected tandem ready to jump ball.

In further conversation this morning with multiple sources close to the situation, it is clear that some of the sharpest, shrewdest and most accomplished officials have been hired to continue this process. Christopher Hansen may be a novice to the political scene, but he has surrounded himself both privately and publicly with a team that should be able to handle the local politics. The challenge is now clearly twofold.

1. Nothing has changed from what I wrote 10 days ago

"First and foremost, according to my source, the possibility of the NBA returning back to Seattle is connected almost completely to Sacramento. There should be no false aspirations about Milwaukee or Memphis or New Orleans; the relocation plot is centered around the Sacramento Kings and their deadline looming March 1 for a new arena proposal."

In essence, the game plan and playbook are sound (the proposed term sheet) and the fundamentals are in place, now the market conditions and timing in Sacramento must fall into place to move this game along. Many are speculating that Hansen's group wouldn't be this aggressive unless they know what the fallout in Sacramento will be, the thought being that behind the scenes Hansen has much more of the Sacramento story than the rest of us. Let's hope he does.

In order for basketball to be played next year in Seattle, Sacramento must fail. Further, in order for sledgehammers to break ground, franchise(s) must be secured. McGinn and Constantine made it very clear that their end of the game plan is getting the Seattle politics and house in order. Hansen's more difficult game plan is securing the professional franchises to move to town, which leads to the next major step in the process.

2. $500 million of private investment is the stated goal

Realistically, with the cost of doing business in Seattle and the acquisition of one or more franchises, the number will more than likely end up $100 million or $200 million more than that. Thus, I found the following paragraph in Hansen's letter to the mayor and executive maybe the most enlightening:

"As you are reviewing the Arena Project proposal and determining the path forward, I intend to broaden the owner/partners involved in this effort, reaching out to local partners and to those who share my commitment to operating the arena and sports franchises in a way reflective of Seattle and King County values."

Two sources I talked with continued to mention the names Ballmer, Stanton, McCaw – the major players in town with the type of checkbook that can absorb a $100 million investment without blinking. It is one thing for the NBA Board of Governors to review and dig into the financials of a Bay Area-based hedge fund; it is another if that hedge fund has the partnership of the most powerful local partners.

I think we have all learned over the last 48 hours that Christopher Hansen and the government officials are seriously committed to building an arena and bringing in the NHL and NBA. Now, will the timing and local power-brokers work in such a way to deliver the ultimate prize?

Friday, February 17, 2012 @ 8:52am

What we really learned about the arena deal

By Mike Salk

I spent the evening reading and re-reading the information that was handed out at the City Hall press conference Thursday. Here are a few observations, what the proposed building process appears to be (as best as I could understand it) and the remaining questions.

Observations

• If a memorandum of understanding can be reached between Chris Hansen, the city and the county, the proposal could be considered by the two councils "this spring."

• There is no need for public vote. That was handled by the I-91 vote. The state is uninvolved. Great news!

• Hansen plans to raise over $500 million in private investment for the facility and purchase of an NBA team.

• I like the "study" of KeyArena. Seems like something that satisfies government officials but accomplishes nothing.

• Hansen writes in his letter that he will "reach out to local partners first and to those that share my commitment to operating the arena and sports franchises in a way reflective of Seattle and King County values." Sounds like a plea to Steve Ballmer, etc.

• I think this presentation was very well thought out. It seems like they thought of every conceivable objection that could be raised by either a councilmember or a member of the public and answered those concerns in their presentation. This leads me to believe that their plan will be approved in the spring.

• What challenges are left? There are three:

1. He needs to secure at least $500 million and maybe significantly more than that (see below);
2. He needs to find an NBA team to buy;
3. He needs to find a partner to buy an NHL team. This one is even trickier because he needs to find a team (likely Phoenix) and then an ownership group willing to buy it, move it, and not make any money on the building.

Building process

Step 1: Hansen must acquire the property and the permits and secure an NBA team and partner with an NHL team.

Step 2: Hansen sells the land to the city and leases the land for 30 years.

Step 3: Hansen agrees to build an arena up to current standards – he can't cut corners. He pays for the whole thing.

Step 4: The teams move to Seattle and must use KeyArena until new arena is ready. Hansen manages it in meantime.

Step 5: When built, the city will "lease the Facility from ArenaCo (with an option to purchase)." Then the city puts in its $200 million. Then the city leases the building to the ArenaCo. This is where it gets tricky. How can the city lease the building to Hansen when the city doesn't necessarily own it? Why does the city's $200 million come after it's built? Do they have to purchase it, not rent it? My guess is that the city actually has to activate that option to purchase.

Step 6: The city leases the arena to Hansen and makes money (according to I-91) on rent and the ticket taxes.

Step 7: Hansen makes revenue generated from the facility. I wonder what that includes? Concerts, etc? Hockey rent?

The process is brilliant and caused one local developer to say, "it's what I would have done if I could have thought of it." Essentially, Hansen has twice used the city (and its ability to secure money at a cheaper interest rate from Wall Street through bonds) to borrow much of the money he needs to build the arena. Everyone wins.

Remaining questions

• How does Hansen (and his investors) make money? The inevitable TV deal? Concessions? The lease to a hockey team seems to be included to make rent. Parking is already there. There is some in-site advertising – does the hockey team get any of that? Obviously, the values of franchises tend to increase significantly over time. It seems as if the hockey team would have a very hard time making money.

• How does the money add up? Building = $480 million. Team = ~$320 million. Total = $800 million. The city puts in $200 million. If he raises $500 million, there is a shortfall of about $100 million (same as Sacramento, by the way). No way he gets the team for $200 million, right? Or is the $100 million his investment to go with the $500 million he raises?

• The city makes its money back on the rent and the ticket taxes. That means customers pay extra, right? We the sports fan will pay the $200 million, not the layperson. Is that fair? Are we willing to foot the bill for the region because we like sports? It sounds fair, but imagine if all education was paid for only by parents of students?

• The city has promised that it will only spend $200 million, likely paid for in bonds to be recouped by rent and taxes on the new revenue. But what about the city purchasing the land and the building? Both of those purchases are required by the document, at market value. I would think that is an investment of at least $100 million, perhaps more. Where does that money come from?

From what I understand, the city would likely structure the bonds using a specialized procedure that allows Wall Street to make the investment risk that the government bodies are adverse to making. It's brilliant.

• What kind of relationships does Hansen have ready to go with the NBA and NHL? How quickly can he secure those teams?