In case you missed it ...

... Kobe Bryant asked to be traded from the LA Lakers. Yes, the salaries work out to trade Ray Allen for Kobe straight up. No, it's never going to happen, because Kobe has a full no-trade clause, and if he is unhappy in LA, no way does he want to come here. Plus, he has a $13 million escalator clause in his contract, to be paid by the team that acquires him. Think Clay Bennett wants to pony up that kind of money?

... Jeff Weaver is returning to the M's rotation next week. I am not making this up. (You'll have to scroll down a little to find it. You'll also find a nice little shout out by Baker for HWTN -- pretty cool!)

... The NCAA actually did something right, granting the Duke lacrosse players an extra year of eligibility. I'll have more thoughts on that in the morning.

Until then, get your rally caps on -- M's trail by two in the top of the eighth. UPDATE: M's lose, 8-6. Disappointing end to the ninth -- really, is it that tough to lay off a breaking ball that bounces 12 inches in front of the plate? -- but I actually feel pretty good about the M's right now. I'll explain why in a full post in the morning.

In case you missed it ...

... Rashard Lewis officially opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Sonics, a move expected by everyone. He becomes a free agent, and the Sonics say they want to re-sign him despite the fact that he and Durant essentially play the same position. (I agree; I'll talk a little more in the coming days about how these two might fit together.)

... the Mariners whupped on the Royals tonight, 10-2 -- including 7 satisfying runs against Gil Meche. The city has now exhaled, knowing that King Felix left the game with just a stiff back. No reason to believe he'll miss any time.

... Ken Griffey Jr. hit homer No. 574, as he continues to march toward his return to Safeco Field on June 22. I'll be there, by the way.