Lynch, Dong Fregosi, and the Playoff No-Hitter

I've never been in a clubhouse of a Major League Baseball team, nor any other pro team for that matter.  But I can imagine that hilarity like this is more commonplace that one might thing.  Or maybe I'm wrong there.

While I was not exactly surprised, the no-hitter thrown by Roy Halladay last night was remarkable nonetheless.  Only the second no-hitter in more than 100 years of postseason history by a guy in his very first postseason start.  But it was thrown by a pitcher who has become one of the best in game in a season where everyone seemed to have a no-hitter or come close. The no-hitter just doesn't mean as much to me now as it once did.  But congratulations to Roy Halladay on a remarkable feat.

Finally, Marshawn Lynch was traded from the toilet bowl if the NFL to, well, something better.  I think.  Seattle is better, and better because they now have Marshawn Lynch.  He's a very talented running back both as a runner and receiver.  I can see him carry the Seahawks offense with multiple 100 yards games and lifting Seattle to a division title in the wide open NFC West.  Critics will say that he is more likely to be arrested again and fall out of the league altogether.  That might have scared many teams away from trading for him over the past year. 

Seattle is going through a sort of rebirth under first year head coach Pete Carroll.  To a team that already seems to have good energy, Lynch only adds to that with his arrival.  Lynch brings with him a resume that includes two 1,000 yard seasons in his first three years in the league and a 2008 Pro Bowl selection.  He is stepping into a situation where inconsistency and poor performance has led Seattle to a 27 worst rush offense in the league and fourth worst in the NFC. 

My gut feeling on Lynch is probably like many others.  He is in a position to help a potential playoff contender right now.  If he can avoid any further off-field problems and perform as expected, things look clear in Seattle.  If not, then the many overcast days ahead in Seattle will look more gloomy for the young running back.