The Royals have acquired right-hander Nathan Karns from the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Jarrod Dyson, solidifying a pitching staff that lost workhorse Edinson Volquez to free agency.

The Mariners landed another option for their pitching rotation on Friday, acquiring right-handed pitcher Yovani Gallardo from the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Seth Smith.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Where were we? Oh ya, I remember. In a galaxy far, far away. Finally got to see “Rogue One” yesterday. Which started Christmas Day off right. Then it was on to football, where almost every team I wanted to win, didn’t. How does that happen? Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Twas the night before the night before the night before Christmas and all through Boise, Vandals were stirring. Partying, really. And why the heck not? Their football team had just put up 61 points on Colorado State. It had won the school's first bowl game in seven years. And it all happened on Boise State’s bright blue field. That seems like a winning trifecta worth celebrating. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Where were we? Oh ya, wondering if Eastern Washington’s defense was up to the task of getting the Eagles into the FCS title game. We don’t have to wonder anymore. Though, to be fair, a last-second touchdown isn’t the best way to judge. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • We have a couple questions for you. Who was that lime green team playing at CenturyLink last night? Oh, there’s Richard Sherman yelling at someone on the sidelines. It must be the Seahawks. That’s answered. So let's go to the next one. Who will the Washington State Cougars be playing in the Holiday Bowl? That one is a bit tougher to solve. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • It’s unanimous. Something weird happened with the All-Pac-12 football team. That, and other items, make this a hodgepodge of a Thursday. But then again, most every Thursday is like that. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Yesterday, we wrote about one of the December college football traditions: awards. Today we delve into another couple: transfers and recruiting. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • This is one of those Sundays with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. From Toronto to Tacoma, from Cheney to Missouri, we have a lot to touch on this morning, so let’s get to it. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Will the snow that is blanketing the Inland Northwest this morning affect Eastern Washington’s FCS quarterfinal playoff game with the University of Richmond. Yes and no. It’s all a matter of perspective. Read on.

A GRIP ON SPORTS • Woke up this morning to a white Christmas look. Luckily, I don’t have to drive anywhere for a while. So it’s easy to say “let it snow” and get on with life. The sporting life. Read on.