THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: An answer, questions and more answers

Questions.

You all have enough questions to blow up my laptop, and it’s time we try to address some of the more common themes.

Before that, however, we need to recognize a reader providing an answer — rather than a question — and bailing me out on a technicality.

Just prior to the Seahawks’ visit to the Meadowlands, I went on a little rant about why broadcasters still refer to the “New York Football Giants.”

That designation was necessary when there also were New York Giants playing baseball, but that ballclub moved to San Francisco in 1958.

Hold up.

Reader John McTear truly startled me with an answer.

“In 1937, the official name was NY Football Giants and incorporated under that name,” McTear wrote.

“Official name was changed later but NY Football Giants is still an acceptable (whatever that means) nickname.

“Some habits never die among old fans.”

Thank you, John, and I’ll try not to hammer pundits who use that former name on the air.

But, were you there in ’37?

And now, as promised, I’ll try to provide some thoughts on issues that matter to many of you (using number of emails landing here as a guide).

QUESTION: Can the Seahawks reach a Super Bowl with Geno Smith at quarterback?

ANSWER: You’re assuming here that Smith is a pretty good QB, but a bit short of the elite class.

That's my take on him, too.

So, could he get to a Super Bowl (without buying a ticket)?

Sure, if all the other pieces are in place, and they have a dominant roster.

The 49ers are favorites to win it all this season, and you rarely hear Brock Purdy mentioned as one of the reasons.

It’s as though that San Francisco team is a Ferrari, Purdy got the keys by accident, and his job is simply to stay out of a ditch.

Closer to home, Russell Wilson was still learning the position when HE got some powerhouse keys and took the wheel in 2013.

If you don’t believe that Russ was simply a caretaker, tasked only with not screwing it up as the Hawks won their only Super Bowl, just ask Richard Sherman.

So, could Geno repeat that?

Yep.

They’d rather have Patrick Mahomes, but so would everyone else.

QUESTION: Are there players already in the Mariners organization, like Jarred Kelenic, who can improve to the point where the team doesn’t need that much outside help?

ANSWER: I think so, but I’m not counting on Kelenic.

He absolutely pounds the ball in Triple-A, then gets overmatched by big league pitching.

Kelenic started 2023 as a power hitter who was striking out at a staggering pace.

Even before he kicked the water cooler and missed seven weeks, he had started to cut down his swing to make contact (his last home run was June 9).

What the Mariners have now is a slap hitter who would STILL would be among the league’s strikeout leaders.

I have much more faith in Dom Canzone, who had barely sniffed MLB when the M’s got him.

He’s just learning, but Canzone has a feel for the strike zone, and the ball absolutely jumps off his bat.

He could become a real impact player during 2024.

Beyond that, I’d love to see the Mariners use some of the tools they have.

Dylan Moore and Sam Haggerty are both terrific athletes who can fly on the bases (plus, Haggerty is a switch hitter).

Unfortunately, they both also swing out of their shoes, and don’t reach base often enough.

Have these two cut down their swings, learn to bunt, etc., and you might have a couple of real weapons who aren’t striking out a lot.

The entire Mariners lineup needs a better approach, something similar to the way their pitchers go about using the strike zone to their advantage.

There’s more talent on this team than we saw when simply looking at runners left in scoring position.

QUESTION: Where are Washington State and Gonzaga going to be when all the dust clears after all the realignment?

ANSWER: For the Zags, ask me again in two weeks.

As for the Cougs, ask me again in two months.

QUESTION: Speaking of the Zags, is there a diamond in the rough among this year’s newcomers?

ANSWER: Better hope so.

Braden Huff looked terrific during the Kraziness scrimmage — great post moves and at 6-10, he’s got a sweet left-handed stroke on 3-balls.

There are other exciting young guys, but Huff may be critical in the post with Drew Timme gone, promising defender Kaden Perry out of the program (for now) with persistent back issues and high-scoring Wyoming transfer Graham Ike still not completely healthy after missing all of last season with a foot/leg injury.

This isn’t a normal Mark Few move, but Huff actually could start next to Anton Watson on opening night.

Ditto Ryan Nembhard at point guard and Steele Venters on the wing.

Personally, I’m anxious to see talented 6-8 Korean national team player Jun Seok Yeo and muscular Croatian guard Luka Krajnovic.

You’ll need to buy programs to keep track of everyone this season.

QUESTION: If the Mariners could land just one free agent this year, who would you sign?

ANSWER: Wait, is that a trick question?

Email: [email protected]

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press four times each week, normally Tuesday through Friday unless, you know, stuff happens.

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”