Art Thiel is co-founder of Sportspressnw.com and a former sports columnist for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. His latest book, “Russell Wilson: Standing Tall,” is available on amazon.com. Fo
Art Thiel in Japan: On a hurried trip, the Seattle Mariners' manager and several players made time to visit Little Leaguers in a city devastated by both earthquake and tsunami. Update: Mariners release full roster.
Art Thiel in Tokyo: Japan's game is improving as some stars, like ex-Mariner Kenji Johjima, return to Japan. And living in a new culture remains challenging for young people just as it was for the first Japanese player in the majors.
Seattle Manager Eric Wedge is looking forward to a day off before the M's start the regular season in Tokyo with two games against the Oakland Athletics.
Art Thiel reports from Tokyo on Ichiro: He's a historical player, but carrying him to more history could be hard for a struggling team.
Munenori Kawasaki is an extrovert with a sense of humor who came across the Pacific on a Minor League contract and has apparently made the Mariners' roster for the coming year.
