This and that

Each week Dick Vitale talks about the world of sports.

Are the Mariners the favorites in the AL West?

...didn't the Mariners just pass them? Seattle has added Cliff Lee to go along with Felix Hernandez on the starting rotation. They have Chone Figgins and now Bradley. Very solid. And it was...

Lee: I thought I'd finish career in Philly

Cliff Lee said he proposed a counteroffer on a contract extension Wednesday -- the day he was traded to Seattle in a four-team deal that sent Roy Halladay to the Phillies.

Courting the Hall of Fame voters

Some Hall of Fame candidates are seeing their chances get a boost from some unlikely advocates.

Mariners welcome Figgins; Lee next?

The suddenly swashbuckling Mariners introduced new infielder and offensive catalyst Chone Figgins at a news conference.

Nine things to like about John Lackey

A statistical glance at what the Red Sox are getting in free-agent prize John Lackey.

Sources: Halladay, Phillies reach deal

Roy Halladay and the Phillies have come to an agreement on a contract that would put in motion a three-team trade that would send the Toronto Blue Jays ace to Philadelphia, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Ace Combat

...this makes both rotations kind of terrifying; Seattle can come at you with both Lee and Felix Hernandez (backed up by the best defense in the league), while Philadelphia can throw Halladay and Cole...

One of the game's most historic deals

The three-way trade involving Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee is certainly one that'll be remembered as a historic one.

Who is the AL West favorite?

...and now appear to have a top-notch starting pitcher to go in the rotation with Felix Hernandez. Wow. Who do you think is the favorite in the AL West

Sources: Halladay, Lee deal close

A three-way deal that would send Roy Halladay to Philadelphia and Cliff Lee to Seattle is "close" but "not done," according to sources.

Felix Hernandez was the M's ace all year long, striking out a career high 217

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez throws to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game in Anaheim...

The untold tales of the winter meetings

We've heard lots of news from the MLB winter meetings, but here are some ultra-secret scoops.

Oct 4, 2009; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) delivers to the plate against the Texas Rangers during the seventh inning at Safeco Field...