The Blitz with Lydia Cruz

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Baseball takes step forward, then step back Jun 18, 2020

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MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Union Executive Tony Clark met face-to-face for four hours Tuesday, appearing to make progress on a return to baseball in 2020. While Manfred left the meeting believing a deal was on the horizon, players - including Seattle pitcher Marco Gonzales - disagreed. Where do they stand now? Framework for the new deal included expanded playoffs for the next two seasons and a National League DH. Russell Wilson's mental preparation is unparalleled. What is the key to a "neutral mind"? Later in the hour, former Seahawk Paul Moyer joins 710 ESPN to discuss which player on defense needs to take the biggest leap this year.

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NBA details return protocols in 100-page document Jun 17, 2020

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The NBA detailed the health and safety protocols for their return to play in late July. The 100-page document outlined COVID-19 testing procedures and explained what the campus environment will be like for players. The contention between MLB and players has reached an all-time high. Why does Jeff Passan still feel optimistic about the 2020 season? Later in the hour, Pete Carroll on the importance of engaging players throughout the virtual offseason. Plus, what will be the toughest stretch of schedule for the Seahawks in 2020?

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MLB Commissioner says he's "not confident" there will be baseball in 2020 Jun 16, 2020

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Less than a week after claiming we will "100% percent" have baseball in 2020, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred backtracked on those sentiments, claiming he is "not confident" there will be baseball this season. Players responded, saying they were "disgusted" by the owners actions. Is there still hope for a return or has baseball officially reached an impasse? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell outlined the NFL's return to play and responded to reports that a handful of players tested positive for COVID-19. Does this slow momentum for the season? Adam Silver, Gary Bettman and Dan Garber also responded to how their respective leagues will handle health and safety concerns.

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NBA players worry basketball return could detract from social justice focus Jun 15, 2020

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NBPA Vice President Kyrie Irving expressed concern over resuming the season in late July, worrying that basketball could distract attention from the Black Lives Matter movement. How many players could opt out of the season to focus on social justice, or for health/safety concerns? The MLBPA rejected MLB's latest proposal, and in lieu of a counter-offer, told owners to set the season schedule. Does this mean we will see 48 games this season? Pete Carroll and the Seahawks have been criticized for not offering Colin Kaepernick a job in the past. Is it fair to single out the team that gave him a workout?

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Pete Carroll says he regrets not signing Colin Kaepernick in retrospect Jun 12, 2020

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Pete Carroll spoke with the media yesterday about the addition of Carlos Hyde, the team's use of base defense, and the importance of empowering and supporting players. The Seahawks HC also explained why Seattle did not sign Colin Kaepernick as a backup QB and admits he has regrets in retrospect. The Mariners wrapped up the 2020 MLB Draft with five more selections in rounds two through five. We meet the new prospects. Later in the hour, former NFL DB DeAngelo Hall joins 710 ESPN to discuss Quinton Dunbar, his transition from WR to CB, and why he will improve the Seahawks defense.

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Mariners draft RHP Emerson Hancock with #6 overall pick Jun 11, 2020

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Round one of the MLB Draft is in the books. With the 6th overall selection, the Mariners selected RHP Emerson Hancock out of Georgia. The hard-throwing Hancock was widely regarded as the best righty in the draft. How did he fall to Seattle? What does his pitching arsenal look like? MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred claims that owners want to play, "as many games as possible," Why then, are negotiations at such a standstill? Later in the hour, former Seahawk Paul Moyer joins 710 ESPN to answer some the biggest questions facing the Hawks defense.

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Should the Seahawks extend Chris Carson? Jun 10, 2020

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After thew news of the Dalvin Cook holdout in Minnesota broke, discussion in Seattle turned to the future of Seahawks RB Chris Carson. Carson continues to recover from his season-ending injury and has one year left on his deal. Can the Seahawks afford to re-sign him? Joe Fann of NBC Sports joined 710 ESPN to discuss the RB room, as well as his most recent article advocating for the Seahawks to sign QB Colin Kaepernick. The MLBPA's latest proposal involves an 89-game season, full-prorated salaries and an expanded playoffs. Are we any closer to a deal?

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Seahawks RB Carlos Hyde advocates for Colin Kaepernick signing Jun 09, 2020

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New Seahawks RB Carlos Hyde spoke to media yesterday and explained why Seattle was the right place for him to land. He also discussed where he fits in the RB room, his familiarity with OL coach Mike Solari and why the NFL can start to fight racial injustice by giving his former teammate, QB Colin Kaepernick a job. MLB's latest proposal to players was considered by some to be more insulting than their initial offer. How will the MLBPA respond? What would a 48 game season look like? Later in the hour, ESPN's Brady Henderson on how the Hawks will utilize Hyde and how Seattle's offensive could adapt some of the "Let Russ Cook" philosophy.

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Pro sports allowed to resume in Seattle, without fans Jun 08, 2020

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King County moved into Phase 1.5 of Gov. Inslee's Safe Start plan, meaning that pro sports can resume without fans. How is each pro sports team impacted by the news? How about local college sports? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a video condemning police brutality and systematic racism on Friday. Goodell also admitted the league erred in its handling of peaceful protesting by players in past years. How will the NFL handle peaceful demonstrations moving forward? Later in the hour, Mina Kimes lays out a timeline of Colin Kaepernick's activism and ultimate blackballing from the NFL.

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NBA set to return July 31 Jun 05, 2020

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The NBA Board of Governors approved a 22-team return-to-play plan yesterday by a vote of 29-1. How will the seeding be determined for the postseason? How will the NBA ensure the safety of players and staff in Orlando, Florida, while working through the COVID-19 pandemic? The NFL told teams that coaches will be allowed back in team facilities beginning today, but Seattle remains in Phase 1 of their reopening plan. When could Pete Carroll return? Later in the hour, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto on opening the team facilities in Arizona and baseball in 2020. In the Hot List... the sports world reacts to comments by Drew Brees, including how this can be used as a teaching moment.

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