Mariners have to save themselves, with or without trades | Mike Vorel
With 51 games to go in baseball’s most winnable division, the Mariners aren’t done. But I don’t blame fans who are done believing, writes columnist...
Columnist
Mike Vorel
Mike Vorel is a sports columnist at The Seattle Times. He joined the newspaper in 2018 after spending three years writing about Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune in Indiana.
Jedd Fisch’s blueprint — a Year 3 breakout — is about to be put to the test at UW | Mike Vorel
While it isn’t necessarily College Football Playoff or bust, that should be the bar for a successful season in Jedd Fisch's third year leading the...
Overlooked Seahawks and star-studded Rams are getting different attention in camp | Mike Vorel
For now, consider the Seahawks and Rams utter opposites. Los Angeles has the attention as Aaron Donald considers a return, but Seattle has the title.
Do Kraken have perception problem when it comes to pursuing stars? | Mike Vorel
The Kraken need a star (or three) to consistently contend, but given Stars winger Jason Robertson's offseason snub, do they have a perception problem?
Mariners must finally pursue ‘Plan Z’ — trading a starting pitcher | Mike Vorel
After years of symbolic stiff arms, the Mariners must consider trading a starting pitcher … for the right return.
Norway’s match vs. England has Ballard buzzing | Mike Vorel
Norway has become a global darling while advancing to the quarterfinals of this FIFA Men’s World Cup, and Ballard is buzzing with Norwegian pride.
Here’s the worst thing about the best World Cup | Mike Vorel
The video assistant referee (VAR), with its incessant replays and gutting goal reversals, is the worst thing about the best World Cup.
Remember the captivating carnival that came to Seattle | Mike Vorel VIEW
Seattle hosted six FIFA Men's World Cup matches, and it was a smashing success by most metrics. Let's hope that, not Monday's U.S. loss, is...
Here’s why U.S. will beat Belgium | Mike Vorel
Belief is risky. It’s contagious, too. Here are the reasons to believe the USMNT can beat Belgium in Monday's FIFA Men's World Cup match at...
Red card for U.S. World Cup star who will miss Seattle match doesn’t sit right | Mike Vorel
After U.S. star Folarin Balogun was sent off in Wednesday’s match, the video assistant referee should receive a retroactive red card, writes columnist Mike Vorel.
M's biggest issues can't be fixed at the trade deadline | Mike Vorel
Fans have been trained to expect fixes at the MLB trade deadline. But this season, though there are moves to be made, the Mariners have...
Stars like Mohamed Salah make World Cup magical for Seattle sports fans | Mike Vorel
Seattle will remember Mohamed Salah after this World Cup comes to an end. This proximity to excellence is part of what makes the tournament so...
Halfway through difficult to watch season, we know who M's are | Mike Vorel
Through the first half of perhaps their most anticipated season, the Mariners (41-41) have been inexcusably, profoundly average.
This M’s coach turned pain into purpose, and now changes players’ careers | Mike Vorel
Mariners mental performance coach Adam Bernero has changed players’ careers. “He’s paying it forward to the next generation,” pitcher Logan Gilbert says.
In complicated time, Seattle brings uncomplicated patriotism to World Cup | Mike Vorel WATCH
On a world stage Friday, Seattle met the moment and put its best foot forward during the FIFA Men’s World Cup, same as the triumphant...
This Seattle pub an example of what makes men's World Cup great | Mike Vorel VIEW
On Monday, the Atlantic Crossing welcomed fans for the FIFA Men's World Cup’s early games, and the Seattle pub may be a microcosm of the...
In a crowded M's farm system, it's time to buy stock in this player | Mike Vorel
After overcoming injuries, former Mariners first-round draft pick Jonny Farmelo's stock is rapidly rising this season with the high-Class A Everett AquaSox.
There's a new narrative surrounding Seahawks' Sam Darnold | Mike Vorel
With a Super Bowl title and a disproven national narrative, what does Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold have left to prove? Nothing, and everything.
Stunning ruling shows just how far college sports have spiraled | Mike Vorel
There are no rules in this era of college sports that can’t be bypassed. Which is why Brendan Sorsby will play at Texas Tech after...
Was M's win streak a mirage or arrival? We're about to find out. | Mike Vorel
The Mariners play 16 consecutive games vs. teams floundering below .500. It's an opportunity to show their recent eight-game win streak was more than a...