Sports with Art Thiel

Being part of the highest-scoring bowl game in history was hardly a distinction for University of Washington defensive coordinator Nick Holt. 

The 67-56 loss to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl was the last in a series of defensive flops that cost him his job.

There were some bright spots in the local sports scene in 2011. But not many. Find out what KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel named as the high points and low points of the year.

The Washington Huskies travel to San Antonio Friday in preparation for the Alamo Bowl next week. They play Baylor on Thursday, Dec. 29.

Baylor is favored by nine points. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel thinks the spread should be much more than that.

The Washington Huskies will spend the holiday preparing for their second bowl game in two years. They face the Baylor Bears in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29.

They started the season 2-6. But a big change in offense and the explosive play of running back Marshawn Lynch have the Seahawks looking at a possible playoff berth.

The Seahawks' late-season winning streak is keeping their hopes alive for making the playoffs. A lot of things have to happen first, but there's a sliver of hope they'll make it to the post-season for the second year in a row.

The Mariners' division rivals, the Angels, made a big move this week. They signed free agent slugger Albert Pujols from the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals to a 10-year contract worth more than $250 million.

There's another big-hitting free agent who's still available: Prince Fielder. The Mariners are among the teams interested in him. But can they pull it off?

"It makes it that much more difficult for everybody in our division."

The words of Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, reacting to news today that the division-rival Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have signed star free agent Albert Pujols. The Seattle Times reports the Angels signed Pujols to a 10-year contract worth a reported $250 million.

He coached Texas Tech to 10 bowl games in 10 years. That's the winning record that Mike Leach brings to Washington State University as the new head football coach.

But KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says he also comes with controversy.