A quick way for Sherman to be loved

Pounding the sports beat with a whack-a-mole hammer, not to be confused with a guacamole squisher ...

Richard Sherman, if you want to earn the love of the 49ers’ fans, promise them that when the 49ers beat the Seahawks in Seattle, you’ll set up a table at midfield, tie on a bib and scarf down a steaming bowl of Pike Place Chowder. I recommend the smoked salmon chowder, because in Seattle, they really know how to smoke stuff.

Sorry, Warriors fans, the league MVP has been decided. Here’s a hint: When they hand this man the trophy, he’ll act like it hit him in the chin and he’ll crumple to the floor. Yes, it’s James Harden’s turn at the top.

Hey, fans, you can’t have it both ways. If you argued that Stephen Curry deserved the award the two times he won it because he was the best player on the best team, then tip your cap to Harden.

The most impactful NFL free agent, by far? Eric Reid. The former 49ers safety is rated anywhere from No. 18 to 25 on experts’ rankings of free agents, but he is the spotlight player.

Will any team come knocking, or will Reid get Kaepernicked? If teams show interest, will they insist that Reid pledge to end his protest kneel-down? Reid has vowed he won’t back down and stop kneeling.

Haters could make a clumsy argument that Colin Kaepernick’s skills were a poor fit for most teams. Can’t do that with Reid, 26 and in his prime.

If Reid winds up shelved, they’ll clang the victory bell at the White House.

Come on, Randy Bennett. If you’re going to get shot down in flames, let it happen on the court, not in the secrecy of a smoke-filled NCAA Tournament selection committee room.

Stiffen St. Mary’s sked, Coach, even if it means fewer home games in your lovable, Ken-and-Barbie-size gym. Gael up. Tiger Woods was encouraged to be in contention Sunday until the final putt. But it had to annoy Tiger that he lost to Paul Casey, a golfer with bigger guns.