You can choose the name of Seattle’s new MLS squad

March 26th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

So here’s a twist of sports franchise irony for you: the new MLS squad that starts play next season in Seattle is soliciting team names from fans on top of its original three names –  Seattle FC, the Seattle Alliance and the Seattle Republic. (My vote: Republic and Alliance sound too governmental and militaristic, FC is always a classy option.)

From the Seattle Times:

“We received nearly 6,000 submissions for a total of 2,382 suggested team names,” MLS Seattle majority owner Joe Roth said in a statement from the club. “We are committed to build one of the fan-friendliest teams in the league.”

One can only hope someone will/has thrown out the SuperSonics in the batch and that it actually catches on. The name needs to live on somehow, no?

Introducing your Oklahoma City Scissor-Tailed Flycatchers

March 25th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

It seems only a matter of time before the Sonics forever leave the Pacific Northwest and head into America’s Bible Belt. The wheels, they are in motion. And today, it’s not only likely the Sonics are headed for Oklahoma City, but their name and colors might also be vamoosed for good. Clay Bennett indicated as much today in the Seattle Times. So what are some apt choices for an Oklahoma City basketball franchise? A True Hoop reader to the rescue:

So, what might an Oklahoma City team be named? Here’s a list of state symbols to get you thinking.

There is not a lot to work with. The various state animals and trees and things are: Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, Mistletoe, Buffalo, White Bass, Wild Turkey, Collared Lizard, Raccoon, Redbud, Rose Rock, and Indian Blanket. If you’re like me, you started reading that list and said to yourself “Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher — no way.” But then you saw the rest of the list — White Bass? — and thought, “Well, I guess flycatcher isn’t the worst thing ever. Has a certain Karate Kid vibe, I guess.”

TrueHoop reader Neal sent the list over, and after looking at the foods associated with Oklahoma, his suggestion is “the Oklahoma Grits.” Now there’s a name with potential product tie-ins.

I have to respectfully disagree with Henry here. The Oklahoma City Scissor-Tailed Flycatchers would be an AMAZING name for the team. Just make sure the jerseys are pink and yellow and the shorts are John Stockton short. It’s a can’t lose proposition.

Microsoft wants to save the Sonics

March 7th, 2008 | Posted by PostmanR

I feel for the residents of Seattle and its greater metropolis: yes, some may say it is just a sports franchise and what does it really matter if the Sonics fly the coop and head to Oklahoma City. I say: they are part of the city, its identity, its people. It’s more than just a team, man. So it’s perhaps fitting the a group of investors lead by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer are making a last ditch effort to try and buy the team — even though it’s not for sale. The last time the Sonics made the finals was ‘96. The last time Microsoft truly ruled the PC game was around that time, too. (Or at least that was when they where incredibly monopolistic in practice.) Parallels, people.

Under their plan, the group would buy the team and then pay half the $300 million proposed cost to renovate and expand the KeyArena, where the team plays its home games, the Times said.

Sonics owner Clay Bennett, whose hometown is Oklahoma City, has repeatedly stated that the team is not for sale. And the Washington Legislature doesn’t seem warm to the idea of pushing through a funding bill when it begins session next week.

“They do the same thing every year. They come in at the last minute,” House majority Leader Lynn Kessler told the paper. “I don’t see it happening.”

Meanwhile Steve Jobs plans on reducing an NBA roster’s size by four players and then charging more for their services when they really do the same damn thing. That bastard is always one step ahead.