Seattle Seahawk rookies and veterans report to training camp July 31st. The players will break out their cleats, put on their pads and get to work for new Head Coach Pete Carroll. The first practice is at 9:00am, the second starts at 4:00pm. My expectations are low. Yes, after the Pete Carroll hiring, expectations raised a bit. But by in large they remain low.

Seattle has 11-5, 12-4 type talent, but I’d settle for a 8-8, 9-7 year.
This, after two straight dismal seasons (9-23) by in large due to injuries and suspect personnel moves. Just finish better than the Rams, Cardinals, and push the 49ers is all I want to see this year!

But enough about the past, it doesn’t matter. What matters is the 2010 season is here. And, Seattle has new life, new talent, new schemes, and a new attitude; hopefully all that new stuff means Seattle will meet or exceed expectations. Having said all that, questions about the team remain. Most of them will be answered before Week 1.

Here’s what I want to see happen by the end of training camp.

1.) I want Justin Forsett to be named the starting running back.

The smart money is that Justin Forsett will be the starter. The Seattle would have already dealt for Marshawn Lynch if they didn’t believe in Forsett. The team must love him and I’m pretty sure they like Leon Washington (acquired on draft day for a 5th rounder). That means, Julius Jones is probably not going to see a lot of playing time unless Washington’s injuries hold him back. That is something I don’t want to see.

2.) I want Matt Hasselbeck to remain healthy?

No, no, and no. I don’t see Charlie Whitehurst starting for the Seattle. Carroll wants to push Hasselbeck by getting the former 3rd round pick. From all accounts the coaches plan is working. I don’t even think Whitehurst will start more games than Hasselbeck in the season unless number #8 gets seriously injured. Whitehurst is an insurance policy, a huge one at that, but that is all. I’m not buying he is even the next franchise quarterback just yet. The only way Seattle will be respectful is if Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy and under center.

3.)  I want T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch to start opening day.

Houshmandzadeh had a decent year for the team last year, but it’s fair to say Seattle would have liked to get more production out of him. Deion Branch, I love the guy, but since coming over from the Patriots, he’s struggled to make an impact because of a variety of injuries. He can play, I saw that first hand when he lined up for the University of Louisville. Seattle needs both guys to get healthy and produce. I like Mike Williams, Golden Tate, and Deon Butler but if the team is relying on those three for a large portion of the season, the team is in trouble.

4.) I want to see Golden Tate emerge as a big play guy.

Tate just signed a 4-year deal and should be able to stretch the field, open things up for the other receivers underneath. I’m only skeptical that will happen because the last Seahawks offensive rookie to make a substantial impact with the team was maybe Curt Warner. If your not named Randy Moss, rookie receivers tend to struggle their first year in the NFL.

5.) I want to see the Seahawks develop a dominate pass rush.

Last year, how many times did you yell at the television because Seattle was giving the other team all day to pass the ball? Yeah, that was me too. Lawrence Jackson has yet to step up and be an impact player. Patrick Kerney is retired. Red Bryant could be the answer. I think Seattle is going to use linebackers Aaron Curry and LeRoy Hill to rush the quarterback. Still, somebody up front needs to step up and anchor the defensive line.

The Astros and Phillies have reached an agreement on a Roy Oswalt trade, reports Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston.  Berman says the Astros are now waiting for Oswalt’s approval, having hammered out the players and money with the Phils.

After 10 seasons in Houston, Oswalt would jump from a team that’s 18 games under .500 to arguably the best team in the National League. A one-two-three combination of Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels would be tough to overcome in the playoffs. We’ll see if this one works out. 

Update 7/29 12:04 PM:  Sources say Oswalt plans to accept trade to Phillies.

It is being reported by ESPN that the Cincinnati Bengals have signed Terrell Owens to a one-year deal worth $2 Million with another $2 Million possible in incentives.  This should add to the other football reality stars on the roster with Chad Ochocinco already the big name in Cincy.  Owens caught only 5 TD’s last year with the Buffalo Bills.  That was the lowest since 1999 with the San Francisco 49ers.  Carson Palmer has to like this move.  If everyone stays healthy and both recievers play their game and keep their mouth shut, this could be a great year for Bengals fans. 

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to the Hawks? That is one of the latest rumors from the NFL rumor mill making its rounds on the web.

From the outside looking in, Haynesworth to Seattle makes a lot of sense.

Last year, the Seahawks defense at times, seemed to lack a certain presence. The 29 year-old All-Pro is certainly a presence and then some.

Haynesworth recorded a modest four sacks in 12 games played for Daniel Snyder’s Redskins. This after the owner signed Albert to a 100 million dollar contract the previous year. That is a lot of cash to give one player, and for what the Redskins received in return on the field is why Haynesworth is on the trade block.

Plus, Washington is taking calls on the defensive lineman because reportedly Haynesworth isn’t happy with the teams new defensive scheme. Albert was promised to play in a 4-3 defensive front before he signed; not in a 3-4 defense. New Head Coach Mike Shanahan has the keys to the castle in D.C. and wants to use that particularily defense. And, Throw in the fact that reportedly some of his teammates have called out Haynesworth for being “selfish.” This after Albert demanded a trade and reportedly said he was skipping the Redskins mandatory mini camp moments after cashing a 21 million dollar bonus check.

Shockingly, there is a lot of scandal in District Columbia right? Why wouldn’t the Hawks trade for Haynesworth? Do it yesterday I say. Albert is still relatively young (29), he is a presence, can anchor the defense like former Seahawks defensive lineman Cortez Kennedy once did. Plus, if Haynesworth decides to not stick to the script he might still have enough value to flip him to another team. Haynesworth is a beast and when healthy, there are not a lot of offensive lineman that can handle him.

The Seahawks may not want to make a trade for Haynesworth. I could see why. The team just released running back LenDale White for his lack of work ethic and attitude. Do the Hawks really want that kind of distraction on the team. That is why Head Coach Pete Carroll and General Manager John Schneider get paid the big bucks. Haynesworth is demanding a trade and he’s available. But I say make the trade if the right price.

The staff here at Studyofsports.com is always on the lookout for unique items that come up for auction in the sports memorabilia world. When we came across this item, we were not too sure what to think. We are not usually too interested in something from the music industry, but with the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death coming up Friday we couldn’t pass this one up. A Thriller album signed by the late Michael Jackson along with the signature of the other great “MJ”, Michael Jordan. Two iconic figures. One in the entertainment industry and one in the sports industry. Michael Jackson, who was nicknamed by many the “King of Pop” and is still considred to be the most successful entertainer of all time; and Michael Jordan, who is considered by most people to have been the greatest basketball player to step on a court.

Two larger-than-life people held this album to attach their famous names. And the Thriller album at that. Thriller just happens to be the greatest selling album of all-time selling 110 million copies since it’s release date in 1982. This is over 60 million more copies than AC/DC who is in second place on the all-time best selling records list. This one-of-a-kind collectible is also beautifully framed with the album outside of the cover and displayed below the signatures of Jordan and Jackson. There are also three photos framed below the album of the 1991 “Jam” video which includes both Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan. This was a popular video because of Jordan’s appearance in which Jackson teaches him to dance while Jordan teaches Jackson, in return, to play basketball.

The anniversary of Jackson’s death is Friday, June 25th. The auction for this unique item ends Sunday, June 27th.  Check out the auction by clicking here or the photo above.

A funny thing happened to Pedro Alvarez on the way to catch a bus last night. His life changed. With one cell phone call from Pirates GM Neil Huntington, the 2nd overall pick of the 2008 MLB draft officially went from AAA Indianapolis,  to the major leagues. Well, at least to the AAAA team in Pittsburgh. You know, the low-budget bunch that has lost more games than they have won for the last 17 years? Currently, the Pirates are 18 games under .500 and losers of 9 straight games. Alvarez was so excited when he got the call, he even offered to drive to the Steel City that minute. While most people try to run from burning buildings, this kid is eager to race his way inside and save the day. Huntington assured him a plane was already ordered. The fire he is heading into will be waiting regardless of the mode of transportation.

So, it all begins for the 23 year-old projected cornerstone of the new Pirate foundation. The man expected to launch many a pitched ball over the Clemente wall andinto the Allegheny River. Or at least the guy that hopes to help tie the tourniquet on this nearly two-decade wound. Bucco prospects Jose’ Tabata, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen and Brad Lincoln arrived on the scene first and are applyng pressure to it, but the blood still gushes.

The only question about the big slugger out of Vanderbilt University is his defense. He’s already committed 11 errors this year. However, there’s no question about his pedigree at the plate. As a corner infielder or outfielder, power numbers are critical to the success of any big-league batting lineup. Alvarez, while unproven at the big league level, is a power and production prototype. The particularly tantalizing scenario is the prospect of what he might do to the 21-ft wall in right field at PNC Park–andthe seats directly behind it. The last great hope to do damage in that way was Adam LaRoche. A free-agent the Pirates invested millions in but received pennies in return. While skilled defensively, Laroche flopped as a run producer and the big flies he contributed were cancelled out by a batting average only Mario Mendoza would be proud of.

Alvarez speaks softly, saying the right things, but carries a big stick. Hitting .277 with 13 Hr and 53 RBI. His likely spot in the batting order will be somewhere in the 5th or 6th slot and he will hopefully make 3rd base his home for a long time. Not since Jeff King in the early 90s have the Pirates had a legitimate hot-corner man with the power and production potential of Alvarez. King had a pretty nice career unfolding with the Pirates until back problems shortened it. He was a productive member of the Bucs during their last division winning clubs in 1990-92.

                                   The current Bucs third-baseman, Andy LaRochehas been a disappointment. He flirted with success, but injuries and a lack of power doomed him and hastened Alvarez’ arrival. Larochehas been waiting for this moment like someone on death row. It was just a matter of time. Tonight, the Bucs final 2010 curtain call up takes the stage.  And the hope in Pittsburgh is that everyone will eventually be voting for Pedro–as a starting infielder for the National League All-Stars in the near future. 

Although England is favored heavily to win today’s matchup, The United States team may be the most prepared group in many years. Here are some interesting facts about today’s game courtesy of ussoccer.com:

Here we are yet again in 2010. Another sport, another draft, and another highly anticipated draft class that has to meet those overbearingly high expectations of the scouts and GM’s around Major League Baseball. While I love the sport of baseball inwards and out, I also love the memorabilia that keeps the history alive for years to come. Some of these young men will sign soon and be sent off to start their career. And the others; they will wait and wait and wait until their agent gives them the go ahead to grab a pen. Look a little closer around the internet and you may notice that they have already done that very thing. Here are the top 10 Draft Picks of the 2010 MLB Draft along with links to their memorabilia already hitting the market.

1. Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals - College of Southern Nevada - MLB.com Draft Report - The Bryce Harper story is well-documented at this point. Just 17 and in junior college, he’s gotten as much hype as any Draft prospect not named Strasburg. For the most part, he’s lived up to it in his first college season, showing incredible hitting and power skills. He’s moved around on the field and has plus arm strength from anywhere, though most would like to see him catch. The only questions that seem to remain with Harper is if he’ll go No. 1 overall and then, if he’ll sign.

2. Jameson Taillon - Pittsburgh Pirates - The Woodlands HS (TX) - MLB.com Draft Report - Taillon is the complete package in a high school pitcher, with tremendous size, stuff and a feel for pitching. He has three plus pitches in his fastball, slider and curve. Even his changeup, while not used that much, is solid. He uses his size to his advantage and has tremendous mound presence. As impressive as his stuff is, his makeup might be even better. A commitment to Rice might sound intriguing, but if he goes at the top of the first round, and everything points to that happening, it likely won’t be an issue.

3. Manny Machado - Baltimore Orioles - Brito Miami Private School (FL) - MLB.com Draft Report - Machado entered the season as the top high school position player and has done nothing to diminish that evaluation. Big and athletic, he can do just about everything on the baseball field, with the ability to hit for plenty of average and some power as he matures. He has more than enough arm to play shortstop and is fine there for now, though there is some concern he’ll outgrow the position. Even if he does, he’d be just fine at third, both in terms of handling the position defensively and providing the kind of offense teams look for at the hot corner. Regardless of his position, Machado is primed to be one of the earliest names taken off the board in June.

4. Christian Colon - Kansas City Royals - Cal State - Fullerton - MLB.com Draft Report - A big prospect since high school, there’s a lot to like about Colon’s game. He has a solid approach and setup at the plate and he makes the plays in the field. His individual tools don’t grade out well, and some think he’ll need to move to second as a pro. He was the captain of Team USA last summer and put up big numbers as well. He hadn’t done that in the early going of his junior season and this is a performance-based industry, so that could hurt his draft stock a little. Even if he doesn’t pick it up, his past performance, makeup and baseball acumen should help ensure he doesn’t wait too long to hear his name called.

5. Drew Pomeranz - Cleveland Indians - Ole Miss - MLB.com Draft Report - Pomeranz has established himself as the top lefty arm in a Draft class that hasn’t got a deep the southpaw pool. Big, strong and durable, he has the makings of an above-average three-pitch mix. He commands his fastball and breaking ball very well, and, while the changeup is a bit behind, it’s improving quickly. There’s little not to like about Pomeranz — most criticisms are on the nit-picky side — and it seems likely that he’ll hear his name called very early on Draft Day.

6. Barret Loux - Arizona Diamond Backs - Texas A&M - MLB.com Draft Report - With his performances this spring, Loux is quickly moving up draft charts. The big right-hander has four pitches he uses, though it’s his fastball and plus changeup that really stand out. His breaking stuff needs some tightening, but with his command, mound presence and easy delivery, there’s reason to believe he can improve that part of his game as well. Before the season began, most Texas college pitching buzz went to Brandon Workman, but Loux has forced his way to the top of that conversation and likely into the first couple of rounds.

7. Matt Harvey - New York Mets - North Carolina - MLB.com Draft Report - Once a top high school prospect, Harvey has reclaimed his status as a first-round candidate with a resurgent junior season. The delivery problems that had him so off his game as a sophomore have largely been corrected, though there are still some issues there that can effect his command and ability to throw his breaking ball. Still, Harvey was showing an above-average to plus fastball and maintaining his velocity, to go along with glimpses of good breaking stuff and a feel for a change. He’s come a long way this season, and he likely won’t have to wait too long to be redrafted.

8. Delino Deshields Jr - Houston Astros - Woodward Academy (GA) - MLB.com Draft Report - DeShields has two things really working in his favor: his plus speed and his bloodlines. His dad of the same name spent many years in the big leagues, and the hope is that the younger DeShields could be a similar type of player. He does have the potential to be a very good hitter and puts his speed to use on the basepaths. He has more than enough range to handle center field and the hands to play second if a team wanted to give that a look. Scouts have had a hard time getting a consistent read on DeShields. He’s toolsy and seems like he’ll fall right into the old risk vs. reward debate. It seems likely a team will be willing to take the plunge at some point not too deep into the Draft.

9. Karsten Whitson - San Diego Padres - Chipley HS (FL) - MLB.com Draft Report - It’s looking like a pretty strong year for high school arms, and Whitson should be near the top in any discussion about them. He’s already big, strong and durable and he has plenty of projection, meaning he might throw harder than his already mid-90s fastball. Add in a plus breaking ball and good changeup and he has a very intriguring three-pitch mix already. Some tweaks to his delivery could make him even more dangerous. There might be a right-hander or two ahead of Whitson on the high school depth chart, but he should figure into high Draft pick conversations come June.

10. Michael Choice - Oakland Athletics - University of Texas - Arlington - MLB.com Draft Report - In a year that lacks a ton of big-name college hitters, players from smaller programs like Choice have a chance to shine, and he is taking advantage. Though he’ll need work on his swing mechanics, he has big-time raw power to all fields. He runs well and plays a strong outfield to boot. He may not be the elite hitter clubs seek, but since there aren’t many of those this year, teams may look hard at Choice in the early going.

I just got back from a trip to Seattle. My sister married. The event gave me a chance  to reunite with several aunts, uncles and cousins I haven’t seen in a long time. One of my aunts is a huge Seahawks fan. At least that is what I remember most about Aunt Anne. Anne told me she recently went to a Seattle Sounders game and led me to believe she was becoming a fan of the team. Her son is a huge fan.

(photo courtesy: Joshua Trujillo/Seattlepi.com)

And in the same breathe admitted she is waning on the Seattle Seahawks. I can’t blame my aunt. It’s not like the Seahawks recent record the last two season (9-23) did anything to inspire her or the 12th Man. It must be pretty bad in Seattle, when a professional soccer team, the Sounders, are turning people away from the mainstream Hawks.

I’m not going to break down the Sounders. All I know is the team is 4-5 and second to last in their group. Sure, I’m happy my aunt still supports the Seahawks but she is showing support for another football team, which is somewhat surprising.

Is that a problem Seahawk fans? A trend sure to continue? Probably not, football is king in Seattle and around the nation. Still, I would not be surprised if more Seahawk fans jump on the Sounders bandwagon because the Seahawks have stopped winning games. Or maybe it’s the fact the Sounders are new, fresh, something different. And that is why that appeals to people.

(photo courtesy: Jonathan Fervey/Getty Images)

Whatever the case is, I’m not worried. Pete Carroll is in place, the team looks great after the draft and free agency. The NFC West is up for grabs. Here’s hoping Matt Hasselbeck and company can stay healthy and restore order in the division and the NFC west once again. That would give once die hard but now waving Seahawk fans like my Aunt Anne a reason to believe in the towns true football team.

Check out Seattle Seahawks Memorabilia here!

Houston Texans linebacker, Brian Cushing, has remained the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year after a revote by the AP. The revote gave Cushing 18 votes by 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the league. The first time around he had 39.

Cushing was busted for using something called (HCG). Human chorionic gonadotropin is a banned substance, but it is not a steroid. According to www.steroid.com, “HCG is not a steroid, but a naturally occurring peptide hormone, produced by the embryo in the early stages of pregnancy…” Meaning it’s original purpose is for women. But it has a different effect on men. Cushing is smart and has probably been juicing his whole life. Trust me, Cushing knows exactly what he is putting in his body and this stuff helped.

HCG helps bring back naturally produced testosterone. When a steroid user stops using, their body stops making testosterone naturally. So in turn you lose your gains very quickly. Well HCG brings ‘em right back!

Even with the positive test I still agree that Cushing was the best defensive rookie in the league and should have kept the award. As we know by now the steroid era is far from over, in all sports. What are we going to do, go back and strip Shawne Merriman of all his accolades because of his positive test in 2006? The guys who make these decisions sometimes get caught and when they do their entire career will be questioned forever.

Cushing has been suspended by the NFL for the first 4 games of the season without pay.

Guest writer Andy Burrell is an up and coming sports personality that played football for TCU and will be covering football at both the college and NFL level for us here at studyofsports.com.  Check out his site below.

www.andyburrell.com