Let me clear something up: WE DON'T WANT ROGER CLEMENS. And yes, I'm speaking for all of us. In case you didn't hear about it, the St. Louis Post Dispatch broke the news this morning that the Cardinals had dipped their name in the bidding pool for Clemens come late May or early June...you know, whenever Roger feels like playing again.
Hell of a pitcher. Jackass teammate. Not what the Cardinals need. The Cardinal legacy is built on having teams that work with teamsmanship. We're built with starting pitchers that understand their roles (Jason Marquis aside) and work hard to execute these roles. We're built strong up the middle, the double play tandem has always been emphasized at Busch. Take last postseason for example: we didn't rely on Albert Pujols, or even Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds, to drive in every run. Yadier Molina, So Taguchi and Scott Spiezo were counted on just as much. We didn't rely on staff ace Chris Carpenter to pitch every inning in each of his starts, and win every game he started. Jeff Suppan, Anthony Reyes, and Jeff Weaver came up big when we counted on them. Adam Wainwright stepped into an unfamiliar role at closer and filled in for the injured Jason Isringhausen down the home stretch. Our bullpen, consisting mostly of completely inexperienced pitchers, stepped up and handled the pressure put on them once Izzy went down.
This is a team. Why the hell would we want a selfish, overpaid, distraction in our starting rotation? Ok, ok, put aside the fact that he's a very good pitcher. I'll give him that. But consider that he's a complete money hound, he only pitches when he wants to (whether it be June or July or whatever), and he stays home on certain roadtrips. Personally, one of my favorite things about watching Cardinal games is when the camera catches the dugout and there's the four starting pitchers not used in that game all sitting on the ledge together. Where would Roger be? In the hot-tub? In the bathroom stall shooting steroids up his butt? At home, drinking fine wine and eating Gouda cheese and Ritz crackers? Sipping on sugar cubes?
It's all speculation and I don't think the Cardinals really have much interest or any chance of signing him. Dave Duncan said it's a "one in two million chance" and Clemens agent continues to make it clear that there are only three teams in the picture.
Stay in Texas, Roger. Or go to Boston or New York. But stay the hell out of Missouri.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Blues Trade Again
This time it wasn't a superstar, but it was the Reggie Sanders of the Blues, defenseman Dennis Wideman was dealt to the Boston Bruins for young scoring talent Brad Boyes. The 24 year old Boyes has netted 13 goals and 21 assists for Boston this year, as well as 25 penalty minutes, and 8 power play points. He carries a -7 rating.
The reference to Reginald Sanders is due to the fact that it seems Wideman only scored for the Blues when it didn't matter, much like Reggie Sander's patented 7th inning solo home runs that would put the Cardinals up 7-2.
The time to move around a few of the Blues surplus of defensemen was coming soon, but most of us expected it would wait until the offseason. But hell, why not? With the dealing of Keith Tkachuk and Bill Guerin this past week, and the acquisition of Boyes, the Blues initiate the youth movement a little ahead of time. You'll be looking at a brand new Blues squad tonight against the 'Nucks.
The Blues also signed Jamal Mayers to a three year contract extension. Mayers, 32, has played in 60 games with the Blues this season finding the net seven times, and assisting nine other goals. He also has 68 penalty minutes, a team high.
Mayers has spent the previous 10 seasons with the Blues, the longest running tenure on the team. He has played in a total of 495 career games, registering 125 points (58 goals, 67 assists) and 644 penalty minutes. The Toronto, Ontario native was originally drafted by the Blues as their fourth round selection, 89th overall in the 1993 Entry Draft.
You have to like what the Blues have done in the past week. They resigned three key factors to the rebuilding movement (Manny Legace, Eric Brewer, and Jamal Mayers)and have established a copious amount of draft picks for the next two years. Now, here's to hoping the Blues front office can scout the right talent and make the right picks. If they do, then this past week will go a long way in helping to create an exciting future for St. Louis hockey.
The reference to Reginald Sanders is due to the fact that it seems Wideman only scored for the Blues when it didn't matter, much like Reggie Sander's patented 7th inning solo home runs that would put the Cardinals up 7-2.
The time to move around a few of the Blues surplus of defensemen was coming soon, but most of us expected it would wait until the offseason. But hell, why not? With the dealing of Keith Tkachuk and Bill Guerin this past week, and the acquisition of Boyes, the Blues initiate the youth movement a little ahead of time. You'll be looking at a brand new Blues squad tonight against the 'Nucks.
The Blues also signed Jamal Mayers to a three year contract extension. Mayers, 32, has played in 60 games with the Blues this season finding the net seven times, and assisting nine other goals. He also has 68 penalty minutes, a team high.
Mayers has spent the previous 10 seasons with the Blues, the longest running tenure on the team. He has played in a total of 495 career games, registering 125 points (58 goals, 67 assists) and 644 penalty minutes. The Toronto, Ontario native was originally drafted by the Blues as their fourth round selection, 89th overall in the 1993 Entry Draft.
You have to like what the Blues have done in the past week. They resigned three key factors to the rebuilding movement (Manny Legace, Eric Brewer, and Jamal Mayers)and have established a copious amount of draft picks for the next two years. Now, here's to hoping the Blues front office can scout the right talent and make the right picks. If they do, then this past week will go a long way in helping to create an exciting future for St. Louis hockey.
The "Bill Guerin" Grind
Guerin is gone to Cali. Glen Metropolit jerseys still aren't in, but you can buy a Blues jersey and have "Metropolit" woven on the back, if you're so inclined. Ville Nieminen, welcome to Larry Pleau's world. Is Mike Sillinger going to be a free agent any time soon? Trout season starts Thursday. Whatever happened to Ozzie Canseco? J-Rod's out, Ankiel's in. When you put high hopes and poor performance together, you get Petr Cajanek. But when you let a dog eat chocolate, you get poop...otherwise known as Jason Marquis. Is a gyroball what Rick Ankiel was throwing for a while? I can't wait for my midlife crisis because when I get there I'm going to buy a baseball team. Gossipking will serve as head scout. mike_danton's_agent will be general manager. it's_timo_time will serve as team president. ballin will be manager. jose canseco will serve as director of media relations. and 3sc will serve as Chairman. I'll be in the bleachers eating hot dogs and sauerkraut.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*That Ville Nieminen jerseys are the next big thing in St. Louis?
*With two roster players passing away since Christmas, Mike Shanahan is wondering at what point he missed his nightly prayers?
*That with the St. Louis Post giving full page coverage to Spring Training, Anheuser-Busch releasing the "World Champion" 16 ounce Budweiser aluminium bottles, the warm weather, and your baseball glove finding its way out of your toy box, you know it's BASEBALL SEASON?
*With the Rams considering drafting Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson in the first round, the dirty bird may be coming to the 'Lu?
*That for a team selling, not buying, this was by far the most exciting trade deadline in St. Louis history?
I'm a believer in the Guerin deal, ya'll. Apparently the Blues tried to work out a deal with Guerin that would extend his contract, but when it didn't happen there was little choice left but to dish him. Let's face it, with the loss Sunday night to Chicago, the Blues had about as much of a chance making the playoffs as Sammy Sosa does at hitting his 40 homeruns. It simply wasn't going to happen. All in all I think we put ourselves in a good situation with the Tkachuk/Guerin deals, however I wish this Guerin deal came with a little more pop. We had to dish him, and time was running out, but who the hell is Ville Nieminen?
*Check out his "tribute" page at http://nimoland.neuf.fr/
*They call him "The Finnisher."
This season: 1 goal, 1 assist, -7 rating, 14 penalty minutes, 0 power play points, 0 face-offs won. Put him on your fantasy team, he's HOT!
Blues v. Canucks. Tonight. It's been dubbed "the beginning of the beginning." Don't miss it. Everything starts over tonight.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*That Ville Nieminen jerseys are the next big thing in St. Louis?
*With two roster players passing away since Christmas, Mike Shanahan is wondering at what point he missed his nightly prayers?
*That with the St. Louis Post giving full page coverage to Spring Training, Anheuser-Busch releasing the "World Champion" 16 ounce Budweiser aluminium bottles, the warm weather, and your baseball glove finding its way out of your toy box, you know it's BASEBALL SEASON?
*With the Rams considering drafting Arkansas defensive end Jamaal Anderson in the first round, the dirty bird may be coming to the 'Lu?
*That for a team selling, not buying, this was by far the most exciting trade deadline in St. Louis history?
I'm a believer in the Guerin deal, ya'll. Apparently the Blues tried to work out a deal with Guerin that would extend his contract, but when it didn't happen there was little choice left but to dish him. Let's face it, with the loss Sunday night to Chicago, the Blues had about as much of a chance making the playoffs as Sammy Sosa does at hitting his 40 homeruns. It simply wasn't going to happen. All in all I think we put ourselves in a good situation with the Tkachuk/Guerin deals, however I wish this Guerin deal came with a little more pop. We had to dish him, and time was running out, but who the hell is Ville Nieminen?
*Check out his "tribute" page at http://nimoland.neuf.fr/
*They call him "The Finnisher."
This season: 1 goal, 1 assist, -7 rating, 14 penalty minutes, 0 power play points, 0 face-offs won. Put him on your fantasy team, he's HOT!
Blues v. Canucks. Tonight. It's been dubbed "the beginning of the beginning." Don't miss it. Everything starts over tonight.
Guerin to San Jose
Reportedly Bill Guerin will be wearing a Sharks uniform as of this evening, and the Blues will land another first round draft pick in 2007. As of 3 ET time today, the trade deadline was over and reports had the Blues getting a last minute deal with the Sharks done. The Sharks, tied for fifth in the Western Conference and feeling the heat of Detroit trading for Todd Bertuzzi and Nashville landing Peter Forsberg, sent left wing Ville Nieminen, college forward Jay Barriball and New Jersey's first-round pick, which they acquired last year, to the rebuilding Blues.
The trade gives the Blues a total of three first round picks in the 2007 draft.
The trade gives the Blues a total of three first round picks in the 2007 draft.
Losing Nash this Time? Not so Great
I'm pretty sure I remember raising a cold frosty Busch beer in honor of Damien Nash's decision to leave the University of Missouri and make a wild, and seemingly impossible attempt to land in the Big Leagues of Football. Why not toast? The most highly touted prospect in my Mizzou era, supposedly one of the best high school football players ever to play in St. Louis, ends up being hardly-a-starter who wouldn't run hard, couldn't hit holes, gained only 792 yards on a not-very-good team that couldn't pass the ball. To be honest, the Damien Nash era was over and most MU students were either happy or too busy laughing at the idea of Nash in the NFL.
Losing Nash this time, however, plays a little differently. Nash died last Saturday hours after playing in a charity event basketball game to support his brother's heart disease. This time the Damien Nash era is literally over, and there won't be any bottle raising unless it's in honor. Nash recently wedded and had a seven month old child, was looking at landing a prominent job in the Denver Bronco's backfield, and many friends have been quoted as saying the past few weeks were the happiest weeks of Nash's life.
Without getting philosophical, these type of things are simply weird...and tragic. It proves that no matter who we are, whether it be fans or athletes making millions of dollars or simply somebody trying to help out a charity, we can never take our life, or any one else's, for granted.
Best wishes to the entire Nash family.
Losing Nash this time, however, plays a little differently. Nash died last Saturday hours after playing in a charity event basketball game to support his brother's heart disease. This time the Damien Nash era is literally over, and there won't be any bottle raising unless it's in honor. Nash recently wedded and had a seven month old child, was looking at landing a prominent job in the Denver Bronco's backfield, and many friends have been quoted as saying the past few weeks were the happiest weeks of Nash's life.
Without getting philosophical, these type of things are simply weird...and tragic. It proves that no matter who we are, whether it be fans or athletes making millions of dollars or simply somebody trying to help out a charity, we can never take our life, or any one else's, for granted.
Best wishes to the entire Nash family.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Grindin'
Tkachuk is gone. Guerin is still here. Metropolit jersey's will go on sale soon. Chris Carpenter will throw the nastiest junk changeup anyone's ever seen. Pujols will still hit it 513 feet. I'd trade Pujols and Carpenter for nothing, not even for a speechless Jessica Simpson waiting on me day and night. I'd trade Guerin for a speechless Jessica Simpson however. Leo Lyons really isn't any better than a life size cut out of Leo Lyons would be. Is Keon Lawrence the next Kareem Rush or the next Jason Conley? Adam Timmerman is gone. Can Kevin Curtis please stay and play? Whatever happened to Jose DeLeon? If you add a lazy seven footer and a kid who can't play basketball, you get Ian Vouyoukas.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Larry Pleau's seemingly non-existence from the Blues front office picture is a good thing?
*If you don't believe in divine intervention, you do after hearing the tragic story of the Damien Nash family?
*If you still don't believe in divine intervention, you can call the Gardner household and ask for Rulon?
*NCAA men's college basketball is, competitively, about as wide open as Alexs Maric was in the low post against Leo Lyons on Saturday?
*The future of Adam Timmerman as a professional football player probably isn't bright?
Our Prophets Speak:
Lou Piniella on Jason Marquis: “He’s probably strung a little tighter. I think he’s the type of pitcher that when things aren’t going good, instead of pitching, he takes the malt-liquor-bull type of approach. Those are things we can work at a little bit.”
Sammy Sosa, on being alive: “I’m a little older. It doesn’t mean I can’t hit you 30 or 40 home runs. What’s the deal? You think I’m dead?”
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Larry Pleau's seemingly non-existence from the Blues front office picture is a good thing?
*If you don't believe in divine intervention, you do after hearing the tragic story of the Damien Nash family?
*If you still don't believe in divine intervention, you can call the Gardner household and ask for Rulon?
*NCAA men's college basketball is, competitively, about as wide open as Alexs Maric was in the low post against Leo Lyons on Saturday?
*The future of Adam Timmerman as a professional football player probably isn't bright?
Our Prophets Speak:
Lou Piniella on Jason Marquis: “He’s probably strung a little tighter. I think he’s the type of pitcher that when things aren’t going good, instead of pitching, he takes the malt-liquor-bull type of approach. Those are things we can work at a little bit.”
Sammy Sosa, on being alive: “I’m a little older. It doesn’t mean I can’t hit you 30 or 40 home runs. What’s the deal? You think I’m dead?”
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Blues Get Busy
The St. Louis Blues took steps this weekend at ensuring that they're preparing for the future. Keith Tkachuk went south for the spring, but the biggest news is the extending of Manny Legace and Eric Brewer's contracts. The extensions come at a pivotal point for the organization and are well timed by John Davidson. A big question mark facing the Blues was whether or not the fan base would diminish if we traded away Tkachuck or Bill Guerin. Well, one is already gone and Guerin may be soon to follow, but the Blues ensured that they are truly working towards the future.
Tkachuk ends up in Atlanta for forward Glen Metropolit, a first and third round pick in this years draft and a second round pick in 2008. If Atlanta resigns Tkachuk in the offseason, then the Blues would be given another first round pick in 2008. Metropolit, 32, has played in 57 games for Atlanta this season, recording 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) along with 20 penalty minutes. The 6-0, 195-pound forward has played in a total of 160 NHL games, amassing 75 points (22 goals, 53 assists) while playing for the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and Atlanta. The Toronto, Ontario native was originally signed by Washington as an undrafted free agent on July 19, 1999.
Legace agreed to a two year extension,while Brewer has agreed to four more years of wearing the Bluenote. Legace, no doubt, is a great signing. I would say this ensures the future of Curtis Sanford is not going to be in St. Louis. Either he or Jason Bacashihua will be on next year as Legace's backup (most likely B.Cash), and the other one will be hunting for a job elsewhere. Sanford becomes a free agent at the end of the year. The future at the goaltending position is deep for the Blues, and while Legace netminds for the next two years it will give the Blues a chance to sort out their goaltending prospects for the future.
Eric Brewer is more of a question mark, however I do like the signing. Under coach Mike Kitchen, Brewer pretty much sucked. He didn't hustle, he didn't fight, he didn't really play. However, under new coach Andy Murray he has turned his skillz up a notch and seem to be the top tier defender we thought he was when we got him. So, if he keeps up this play, then I'm excited about it.
It is in my humble opinion that we should trade Guerin now as well. It seems to me like it should be a package deal. Keep them both or trade them both. The Blues acquired quite a bit for Tkachuck, and they are certain to get as much if not more for Guerin.
Tkachuk ends up in Atlanta for forward Glen Metropolit, a first and third round pick in this years draft and a second round pick in 2008. If Atlanta resigns Tkachuk in the offseason, then the Blues would be given another first round pick in 2008. Metropolit, 32, has played in 57 games for Atlanta this season, recording 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) along with 20 penalty minutes. The 6-0, 195-pound forward has played in a total of 160 NHL games, amassing 75 points (22 goals, 53 assists) while playing for the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and Atlanta. The Toronto, Ontario native was originally signed by Washington as an undrafted free agent on July 19, 1999.
Legace agreed to a two year extension,while Brewer has agreed to four more years of wearing the Bluenote. Legace, no doubt, is a great signing. I would say this ensures the future of Curtis Sanford is not going to be in St. Louis. Either he or Jason Bacashihua will be on next year as Legace's backup (most likely B.Cash), and the other one will be hunting for a job elsewhere. Sanford becomes a free agent at the end of the year. The future at the goaltending position is deep for the Blues, and while Legace netminds for the next two years it will give the Blues a chance to sort out their goaltending prospects for the future.
Eric Brewer is more of a question mark, however I do like the signing. Under coach Mike Kitchen, Brewer pretty much sucked. He didn't hustle, he didn't fight, he didn't really play. However, under new coach Andy Murray he has turned his skillz up a notch and seem to be the top tier defender we thought he was when we got him. So, if he keeps up this play, then I'm excited about it.
It is in my humble opinion that we should trade Guerin now as well. It seems to me like it should be a package deal. Keep them both or trade them both. The Blues acquired quite a bit for Tkachuck, and they are certain to get as much if not more for Guerin.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Questions and Answers with Timo
*Marcel Shipp sucked, basically. But for some reason he got much better against the Rams rushing defense in Week 13. At that point in the season, you would really hope your defense was together enough to prevent the Arizona Cardinal's backup running back out of the endzone three times. But, maybe I'm wrong. Who knows?
*I'd take a Staal.
*Not only can Lou Pinelli and the Cubs front office not negotiate contracts, but they suck at winning baseball games also.
*Last time we checked, Timo, Cla Merideth didn't have his genitals anymore. Albert Pujols took them. Then proceeded to take his Louisville Slugger and hit them about five hundred feet into some drunk guy's lap. Rumor has it they are being sold on Ebay for a small price.
*Unfortunately, Sterling Hitchcock's sub five hundred record and career 4.80 era didn't make the cut in the Cardinals front office.
*Most likely nobody will remember the Scott Covington era in St. Louis. But it was a delight.
*You are certainly correct. If Richard Dreyfus took over SIU they would most likely be considered the greatest team ever made. If he had his Opus with him, then they would no doubt beat UCLA's consecutive championship record. He's a god. What Mike Ditka was to Saturday Night Live, Richard Dreyfus is to this blogspot.
*Chances are nobody in St. Louis will remember the Jeff Robinson era either. Except Marc Bulger...maybe.
*Longar Longar is to my dreams what Jack Nicholson is to The Shining.
BLUE NEWS:
As of 4:44 Columbia time, Friday afternoon, Billy Boy and Walt Tkachuk are still in blue and white. Nothing new there. Apparently the Blues have offered Eric Brewer a multiyear deal worth between 4 and 5 million a year. If the contract doesn't satisfy Brewer then chances are he'll be in another color by Tuesday as well.
*I'd take a Staal.
*Not only can Lou Pinelli and the Cubs front office not negotiate contracts, but they suck at winning baseball games also.
*Last time we checked, Timo, Cla Merideth didn't have his genitals anymore. Albert Pujols took them. Then proceeded to take his Louisville Slugger and hit them about five hundred feet into some drunk guy's lap. Rumor has it they are being sold on Ebay for a small price.
*Unfortunately, Sterling Hitchcock's sub five hundred record and career 4.80 era didn't make the cut in the Cardinals front office.
*Most likely nobody will remember the Scott Covington era in St. Louis. But it was a delight.
*You are certainly correct. If Richard Dreyfus took over SIU they would most likely be considered the greatest team ever made. If he had his Opus with him, then they would no doubt beat UCLA's consecutive championship record. He's a god. What Mike Ditka was to Saturday Night Live, Richard Dreyfus is to this blogspot.
*Chances are nobody in St. Louis will remember the Jeff Robinson era either. Except Marc Bulger...maybe.
*Longar Longar is to my dreams what Jack Nicholson is to The Shining.
BLUE NEWS:
As of 4:44 Columbia time, Friday afternoon, Billy Boy and Walt Tkachuk are still in blue and white. Nothing new there. Apparently the Blues have offered Eric Brewer a multiyear deal worth between 4 and 5 million a year. If the contract doesn't satisfy Brewer then chances are he'll be in another color by Tuesday as well.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Grindin' (through Thursday)
Five days and counting. The Blues are still intact. But Keith Tkachuk didn't suit up for practice today? What's the deal with that, huh?
Nothing really. Turns out he bruised his cheek and Andy Murray says "there is absolutely nothing more to the story." I'm still skeptical. Today was the first day of meetings between club officials concerning trade talk face-to-face, and thus far nothing has come of it. Murray claims that the Blues are not close to any deals at this time, but it's easy to wonder whether he can be trusted or not. Stay tuned, I'll do my best to keep up.
My Predictions: Guerin and Tkachuk both gone by Monday night.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*that with every stupid decision that Britney Spears makes she is getting closer to shedding that "baby, pop girl" image, and that makes her a whole let sexier?
*Is the Missouri Men's Hoop Squad really really wishing with cherries on top that they could have just squeaked two wins out of all those close losses?
*Now that the competition for the starting five has begun, Braden Looper is trying to figure out where the hell he is?
*Bill Pulsipher is looming somewhere close?
WHAT'S FUNNIER:
Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez acting like little kids in a sandbox or Jason Marquis?
Yes, just Jason Marquis. Nothing attached.
We love Illinois. And Kansas. Especially when they act stupid. Read all about it:
Mike Downey, Chicago Tribune: “If I were a University of Illinois student, alumnus or administrator, I wouldn’t worry why a guy who proudly wears an Indian costume has danced his last dance. I would worry why a guy who proudly wears a Fighting Illini basketball uniform would crash a car and then apparently leave a teammate for dead.”
Jerry Greene, Orlando Sentinel: “As the Kansas men’s basketball team was being introduced in front of a Kansas State crowd in Manhattan, a number of live chickens were thrown onto the court. No explanation of how the live chickens were smuggled into the gym — unless the guards were distracted by the cows.”
I'm not exactly sure what Jerry Greene is talking about. Can someone explain the cow thing? Either way, I'm pretty sure throwing live chickens at Brandon Rush qualifies as funny.
Nothing really. Turns out he bruised his cheek and Andy Murray says "there is absolutely nothing more to the story." I'm still skeptical. Today was the first day of meetings between club officials concerning trade talk face-to-face, and thus far nothing has come of it. Murray claims that the Blues are not close to any deals at this time, but it's easy to wonder whether he can be trusted or not. Stay tuned, I'll do my best to keep up.
My Predictions: Guerin and Tkachuk both gone by Monday night.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*that with every stupid decision that Britney Spears makes she is getting closer to shedding that "baby, pop girl" image, and that makes her a whole let sexier?
*Is the Missouri Men's Hoop Squad really really wishing with cherries on top that they could have just squeaked two wins out of all those close losses?
*Now that the competition for the starting five has begun, Braden Looper is trying to figure out where the hell he is?
*Bill Pulsipher is looming somewhere close?
WHAT'S FUNNIER:
Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez acting like little kids in a sandbox or Jason Marquis?
Yes, just Jason Marquis. Nothing attached.
We love Illinois. And Kansas. Especially when they act stupid. Read all about it:
Mike Downey, Chicago Tribune: “If I were a University of Illinois student, alumnus or administrator, I wouldn’t worry why a guy who proudly wears an Indian costume has danced his last dance. I would worry why a guy who proudly wears a Fighting Illini basketball uniform would crash a car and then apparently leave a teammate for dead.”
Jerry Greene, Orlando Sentinel: “As the Kansas men’s basketball team was being introduced in front of a Kansas State crowd in Manhattan, a number of live chickens were thrown onto the court. No explanation of how the live chickens were smuggled into the gym — unless the guards were distracted by the cows.”
I'm not exactly sure what Jerry Greene is talking about. Can someone explain the cow thing? Either way, I'm pretty sure throwing live chickens at Brandon Rush qualifies as funny.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Ow, sweet HOCKEY!
How can you not be talking about hockey right now? Tell me. So what if pitchers and catchers and fielders have all now reported to Florida? Spring training or hockey playoffs? Come on, that's easy. You're taking the cold beer, the hot sun, and the hot dog in Jupiter every time.
But let's not totally forget about the puck either, the season is coming down the stretch and there are a host of questions concerning ours truly, the St. Louis Blues.
The playoff scenario is, technically, still in the situation. Here's how to breaks down:
*The Blues are nine points back from a playoff birth. As of 12:30 Wednesday the Blues sat with 61 points. They are chasing four teams, three of whom must be passed in order for the Blues to reach the playoffs. Standing in their way is, essentially, the entire Northwest conference. Minnesota (71) trails Vancouver by three points for the division lead. Calgary (70), Colorado (62), and Edmonton (62) round out that division and are all ahead of the Blues in points. In their next five games, they play two against the Northwest conference, both at home. Tuesday February 27 against Vancouver and March 6 against Calgary. The trade deadline is February 27, which means the only game the Blues have before then is this Sunday at Chicago. The most they can do before the trade deadline is improve two points, which would put them seven points back if Calgary doesn't win before the trade deadline.
*All signs still point to the Blues loaning Billy Guerin and Keith Tkachuk to another potential playoff team. But what if the Blues keep them both in hopes of a playoff run? They have 21 games remaining on their schedule, two against Calgary (March 6, 12), two against Vancouver (February 17, March 15), two against Edmonton (March 17, 29), and two against Minnesota (March 22, April 7 - last game of the year). So of the 21 games remaining, eight of them come against wild card playoff opponents. The Blues would have solid work to do, but it can certainly still be done.
*If the Blues do decide to dish either Guerin or Tkachuk they are rumored to be asking a prospect and a first round draft pick for the veterans. Apparently they are in heavy talks with Anaheim, although the two sides haven't reached a deal due to Anaheim GM Brian Burke complaining about the asking price. The nice thing is that the Blues pretty much have the market cornered on this trade deal. Both Guerin and Tkachuk are probably the most talented of the trade bait left, and we need Larry Pleau and John Davidson to take a lesson from BIG Walt on this one and not screw it up. Somebody will cave in and fork over a big deal for these two veterans, lets make sure we get the right side of the bed on this thing.
*I wish I knew where I truly stood on this whole situation. Yesterday I was "SELL, SELL, SELL" but another win last night by a Blues team who responded with spirit in the third period and overtime makes me wanna say "beat the hell out of Chicago on Sunday, then buckle up, and lets make a run at this thing." In the long run, I know a trade would benefit the Blues in tremendous ways. However, it's hard to let go of a chance, especially after watching what the Cardinals did last season. There's something about the smell of playoffs in St. Louis that makes me wanna go to bed with Guerin and Tkachuk under my pillow.
I love those boys.
But let's not totally forget about the puck either, the season is coming down the stretch and there are a host of questions concerning ours truly, the St. Louis Blues.
The playoff scenario is, technically, still in the situation. Here's how to breaks down:
*The Blues are nine points back from a playoff birth. As of 12:30 Wednesday the Blues sat with 61 points. They are chasing four teams, three of whom must be passed in order for the Blues to reach the playoffs. Standing in their way is, essentially, the entire Northwest conference. Minnesota (71) trails Vancouver by three points for the division lead. Calgary (70), Colorado (62), and Edmonton (62) round out that division and are all ahead of the Blues in points. In their next five games, they play two against the Northwest conference, both at home. Tuesday February 27 against Vancouver and March 6 against Calgary. The trade deadline is February 27, which means the only game the Blues have before then is this Sunday at Chicago. The most they can do before the trade deadline is improve two points, which would put them seven points back if Calgary doesn't win before the trade deadline.
*All signs still point to the Blues loaning Billy Guerin and Keith Tkachuk to another potential playoff team. But what if the Blues keep them both in hopes of a playoff run? They have 21 games remaining on their schedule, two against Calgary (March 6, 12), two against Vancouver (February 17, March 15), two against Edmonton (March 17, 29), and two against Minnesota (March 22, April 7 - last game of the year). So of the 21 games remaining, eight of them come against wild card playoff opponents. The Blues would have solid work to do, but it can certainly still be done.
*If the Blues do decide to dish either Guerin or Tkachuk they are rumored to be asking a prospect and a first round draft pick for the veterans. Apparently they are in heavy talks with Anaheim, although the two sides haven't reached a deal due to Anaheim GM Brian Burke complaining about the asking price. The nice thing is that the Blues pretty much have the market cornered on this trade deal. Both Guerin and Tkachuk are probably the most talented of the trade bait left, and we need Larry Pleau and John Davidson to take a lesson from BIG Walt on this one and not screw it up. Somebody will cave in and fork over a big deal for these two veterans, lets make sure we get the right side of the bed on this thing.
*I wish I knew where I truly stood on this whole situation. Yesterday I was "SELL, SELL, SELL" but another win last night by a Blues team who responded with spirit in the third period and overtime makes me wanna say "beat the hell out of Chicago on Sunday, then buckle up, and lets make a run at this thing." In the long run, I know a trade would benefit the Blues in tremendous ways. However, it's hard to let go of a chance, especially after watching what the Cardinals did last season. There's something about the smell of playoffs in St. Louis that makes me wanna go to bed with Guerin and Tkachuk under my pillow.
I love those boys.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The "Mardi Gras" GRIND
About a week ago, I wrote: "If there's no college basketball games, no hockey games, if all my friends are out of town, and FSN is having technical difficulties then I'll probably see you there." I was referring to the Grand Prix swim meet taking place at the MU Aquatic Center featuring Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. Well, pretty much that exact scenario happened. So I bit the bullet and held my promise. I called up a chick friend who happened to be a former swimmer and the two us made the trip to the rec center.
Within about five minutes of being there, Coughlin broke an American record in the 200 free. Fifteen minutes later, Phelps completely blew away the field in the Mens 200 free. After each of their races, both of them walked over to the stands and started signing autographs for little kids. What other sport does that happen in? Two superstar athletes just get done breaking American and World records (Phelps broke a world record on Saturday) and then trot over to the kids section and mingle with the fans for thirty minutes? I've never seen it.
It was swimming, I'll admit. But it was actually fun. The atmosphere during Coughlin's record swim was intense, people were standing up and yelling and going crazy. I found myself doing the same.
I gained a new found respect for the sport this weekend. It was pretty cool to be in a building with athletes who were doing things that no one in the world had ever done before. And they weren't using steroids.
All this praise could be solely credited to Coughlin, who immediately interested me in the sport when I saw her walking around the pool in swim suit. Chick's hot.
***Bryan Burwell had to stick his head in the whole Chief Illiniwek issue. If it has anything to do with race or political correctness then Burwell isn't far behind. I don't know what I think about this whole deal, maybe some of you SEMO Indians have some opinions, but I just hate it when Burwell speaks.
***Bobby Knight lashed out about the new rule in college hoops stating that a player must attend at least one year of college before going pro. He said, "(it's) the worst thing that's happened to college basketball since I've been coaching. Because now you can have a kid come to school for one year and play basketball and he doesn't have to go to class."
*I don't know what kind of schools he's been coaching at, but if you're a basketball player at Mizzou you never have to attend class. No matter how long you stay in college.
***The Blues made it clear today that they hope to retain Manny Legace, Jamal Mayers, and Radek Dvorak come this offseason. A friend tried to tell me that the Blues shouldn't sell anymore, they should hope for a playoff spot instead. To him I say, "Kevin, ten points back. Two games between now and the deadline. You're stupid." I gotta think the Blues selling of Tkachuk and Guerin is moments away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still pushing for them to make the playoffs, but even with an outside shot at the playoffs, I think it makes sense to deal these two veterans.
***"Newly energized Missouri (men's basketball)"
****"MU men in quest for postseason"
*****Wow, a late season push for a hopeless bid in late February. We've never heard these headlines before. Ok.
***Last year when the Rams were looking to fill the void that Mike Martz left, there was a rumor of two final candidates. Scott Linehan and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera. Linehan coaches the Rams, Rivera was cut yesterday by the Bears. Perhaps we made the right choice.
Ah, DA CUBS:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright thought he had a deal to get the baseball from the last out of St. Louis’ World Series win last year. Catcher Yadier Molina says no, he’s keeping the ball. This could get sticky, maybe even disrupt clubhouse chemistry. Finally, a problem that won’t dog the Cubs. Ever, apparently.”
Rosenbloom, again: “Lou Piniella says all the guys who’ve changed from, say second base, to say, center field the way Alfonso Soriano has did it in the minors, not in the majors. Piniella also says it’s not the easiest thing to do. And Piniella says he knows it’s not an easy transition. And then Piniella says he’s not even a little worried. So there you go. That’s why the Cubs hired Piniella, apparently, because he could double-talk faster and better than (Dusty) Baker.”
Within about five minutes of being there, Coughlin broke an American record in the 200 free. Fifteen minutes later, Phelps completely blew away the field in the Mens 200 free. After each of their races, both of them walked over to the stands and started signing autographs for little kids. What other sport does that happen in? Two superstar athletes just get done breaking American and World records (Phelps broke a world record on Saturday) and then trot over to the kids section and mingle with the fans for thirty minutes? I've never seen it.
It was swimming, I'll admit. But it was actually fun. The atmosphere during Coughlin's record swim was intense, people were standing up and yelling and going crazy. I found myself doing the same.
I gained a new found respect for the sport this weekend. It was pretty cool to be in a building with athletes who were doing things that no one in the world had ever done before. And they weren't using steroids.
All this praise could be solely credited to Coughlin, who immediately interested me in the sport when I saw her walking around the pool in swim suit. Chick's hot.
***Bryan Burwell had to stick his head in the whole Chief Illiniwek issue. If it has anything to do with race or political correctness then Burwell isn't far behind. I don't know what I think about this whole deal, maybe some of you SEMO Indians have some opinions, but I just hate it when Burwell speaks.
***Bobby Knight lashed out about the new rule in college hoops stating that a player must attend at least one year of college before going pro. He said, "(it's) the worst thing that's happened to college basketball since I've been coaching. Because now you can have a kid come to school for one year and play basketball and he doesn't have to go to class."
*I don't know what kind of schools he's been coaching at, but if you're a basketball player at Mizzou you never have to attend class. No matter how long you stay in college.
***The Blues made it clear today that they hope to retain Manny Legace, Jamal Mayers, and Radek Dvorak come this offseason. A friend tried to tell me that the Blues shouldn't sell anymore, they should hope for a playoff spot instead. To him I say, "Kevin, ten points back. Two games between now and the deadline. You're stupid." I gotta think the Blues selling of Tkachuk and Guerin is moments away. Don't get me wrong, I'm still pushing for them to make the playoffs, but even with an outside shot at the playoffs, I think it makes sense to deal these two veterans.
***"Newly energized Missouri (men's basketball)"
****"MU men in quest for postseason"
*****Wow, a late season push for a hopeless bid in late February. We've never heard these headlines before. Ok.
***Last year when the Rams were looking to fill the void that Mike Martz left, there was a rumor of two final candidates. Scott Linehan and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera. Linehan coaches the Rams, Rivera was cut yesterday by the Bears. Perhaps we made the right choice.
Ah, DA CUBS:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright thought he had a deal to get the baseball from the last out of St. Louis’ World Series win last year. Catcher Yadier Molina says no, he’s keeping the ball. This could get sticky, maybe even disrupt clubhouse chemistry. Finally, a problem that won’t dog the Cubs. Ever, apparently.”
Rosenbloom, again: “Lou Piniella says all the guys who’ve changed from, say second base, to say, center field the way Alfonso Soriano has did it in the minors, not in the majors. Piniella also says it’s not the easiest thing to do. And Piniella says he knows it’s not an easy transition. And then Piniella says he’s not even a little worried. So there you go. That’s why the Cubs hired Piniella, apparently, because he could double-talk faster and better than (Dusty) Baker.”
Thursday, February 15, 2007
THIS JUST IN....KERRY WOOD INJURED AGAIN!!!
Kerry Wood slipped in his bathtub on Thursday, one day before he was expected to throw off the mound.
"It was just a little spill," said Wood. "I didn't think anything of it. Nothing's wrong."
I don't care what kind of spill it is, Kerry. I just think its funny that it happened.
"It's just going to be a few extra days. My arm feels great, my body feels good."
Yeah, a few extra days turns into a few extra weeks which turns into a another wasted season the Cubs payroll.
Wood, who was set to work out of the bullpen for the Cubs this season, supposedly landed face first, bruising his chest and stomach.
If you're Cubs fan and you think this isn't a foreshadowing of the future, then you're crazy. Wood may recover quickly from this JD Drew-type accident, but it won't be long before it happens again.
And if you're not a Cubs fan, then tip back an cold, frosty Budweiser and toast to another Cubs season getting off to a great start.
"It was just a little spill," said Wood. "I didn't think anything of it. Nothing's wrong."
I don't care what kind of spill it is, Kerry. I just think its funny that it happened.
"It's just going to be a few extra days. My arm feels great, my body feels good."
Yeah, a few extra days turns into a few extra weeks which turns into a another wasted season the Cubs payroll.
Wood, who was set to work out of the bullpen for the Cubs this season, supposedly landed face first, bruising his chest and stomach.
If you're Cubs fan and you think this isn't a foreshadowing of the future, then you're crazy. Wood may recover quickly from this JD Drew-type accident, but it won't be long before it happens again.
And if you're not a Cubs fan, then tip back an cold, frosty Budweiser and toast to another Cubs season getting off to a great start.
The "One Handed, Double Crossover" Grind
Calling all assholes. Calling all assholes. The once respectable All-Star NBA hooper Tim Hardaway wants to join your side. If you've been alive the last 24 hours then you already know what he said, but let's recap just in case:
"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people," Hardaway said while a guest on Sports Talk 790 The Ticket in Miami. "I'm homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."
The host asked Hardaway how he would interact with a gay teammate.
"First of all, I wouldn't want him on my team. And second of all, if he was on my team, I would, you know, really distance myself from him because, uh, I don't think that is right. I don't think he should be in the locker room while we are in the locker room."
Wow. I used to pretend I was blowing by Hardaway when I would play imaginary ball in my driveway. I would even use his very own patented one handed, double crossover to get by him, then I'd dish it off to Barkley on the wing or K.J. at the top of the key. They'd either drop it in for two, or kick it out to Danny Manning for a long three. If I was lucky, the ball would make it back around the horn to me and if it came back to me then I sure as hell wasn't passing twice in one position.
Despite my boyhood pleasures of hoopin' in the driveway, I'm absolutely appalled by Hardaway's comments. What is wrong with him? Did he need attention? Was this some sort of publicity scheme? Was it recommended by his agent? This comments are grotesque, disgusting, nasty, ignorant, and stupid. I'm not sure if Tim's been hiding in a hole the last five years of his life, who would reallly know?, but the topic of gay athletes, and certainly gay people, has become a common topic in this here great United States. This isn't like it's HUGE news. Hardaway had no reason to speak out against John Amaechi here, absolutely no reason. Sure, this is America and you have a right to your opinion. But don't be stupid about it. "It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States." Are you kidding? Who died and made Tim Hardaway god?
I don't throw props to David Stern often, but I've got a BIG TYMIN' Witness to him on this one. He reportedly has banned Hardaway from all future NBA events. There is no need for this type of hate anywhere. Just when you think this world is gaining ground, and it is, there is a jackass like Tim Hardaway out there who wants his name in the papers. It just goes to show that we've got a lot of work to do. The first step can be hoping Hardaway climbs back into his hole and SHUTS THE HELL UP!
***Missouri hoops improved to 4-7 in the Big 12 last night with a win over Baylor. Big time win considering Baylor hasn't won a Big 12 road game in 23 tries. A solid performance by freshman Keon Lawrence was a positive though, he netted 24 to accompany Stefhon Hannah's 25 points. The future may be bright, I don't know. It seems like as the season progresses these younger kids are getting better, and Mike Anderson is gaining faith in them. I think the rest of the 2007 campaign will go a long way in determing what kind of coach Anderson is going to be. Now that hopes of dancing in the field of 64 are vanished, can he keep this team together and their moral high? Or is going to pull a Scotty Edgar and completely spin out of control? I know what Quin would do.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Duke's win over Boston College last night was BIG TIME?
*that by using text messaging to send information and inspiring quotes to his players, University of Colorado's football coach Dan Hawkins, has to question whether he's really a football coach?
***A reliable source close to me said that he heard an interview with Keith Tkachuk on the radio yesterday and that Tkachuk hinted at the desire to be traded referencing his desire to win a Stanley Cup. The good news is that he also mentioned St. Louis would be his number one choice in the free agent market this summer. Wouldn't it be sweet to dish Keither for a front line, near-league ready goal scorer and then get him back in the offseason to help continue polishing the skills of our youngsters? Will Bill Guerin be so kind to do the same? Or is this just a ploy from Tkachuk in order to get himself traded and away from the rebuilding process that is St. Louis Hockey.
THEY SAID IT, YOU READ IT:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “Dirk Nowitzki diminishes the Miami Heat’s title, saying they didn’t earn it, that the Mavericks lost it. Dwyane Wade fires on Nowitzki. Mark Cuban fires on Wade. The topic, of course, is leadership. Don’t try to make sense of it. Just know that this is how those without firearms do things in the NBA.”
Bill Simmons, ESPN.com, on the disappointing Iowa Hawkeyes: “The biggest shocker for me was that Steve Alford couldn’t get a clothing deal this year — he wore a dark Iowa rubgy shirt with matching sweat pants. He looked like a divorced dad who was picking up his son at his ex-wife’s house and taking him to the dog track.”
AND THE ULTIMATE TRUTH IN TODAY'S SPORTSWRITING WORLD:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “The Cubs have decided to issue jersey No. 21 for the first time since Sammy Sosa walked out in his last game here. The player who will be assigned the jersey is pitcher Jason Marquis. Good choice: a guy with a 6.02 ERA wearing a number that doesn’t stick around for the end of the first inning.”
***I'm writing today's GRIND poolside here at Mizzou. Currently, they're getting things ready for this weekend's Grand Prix event involving Michael Phelps. Word is that he should be here any moment. I want to get my face on national news. I want my name out there. And I'm not going to be a idiotic fool who makes anti-gay references when he has no business doing so. Instead, I'm going to make worldwide news by tackling Phelps into the pool when he walks by.
"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people," Hardaway said while a guest on Sports Talk 790 The Ticket in Miami. "I'm homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."
The host asked Hardaway how he would interact with a gay teammate.
"First of all, I wouldn't want him on my team. And second of all, if he was on my team, I would, you know, really distance myself from him because, uh, I don't think that is right. I don't think he should be in the locker room while we are in the locker room."
Wow. I used to pretend I was blowing by Hardaway when I would play imaginary ball in my driveway. I would even use his very own patented one handed, double crossover to get by him, then I'd dish it off to Barkley on the wing or K.J. at the top of the key. They'd either drop it in for two, or kick it out to Danny Manning for a long three. If I was lucky, the ball would make it back around the horn to me and if it came back to me then I sure as hell wasn't passing twice in one position.
Despite my boyhood pleasures of hoopin' in the driveway, I'm absolutely appalled by Hardaway's comments. What is wrong with him? Did he need attention? Was this some sort of publicity scheme? Was it recommended by his agent? This comments are grotesque, disgusting, nasty, ignorant, and stupid. I'm not sure if Tim's been hiding in a hole the last five years of his life, who would reallly know?, but the topic of gay athletes, and certainly gay people, has become a common topic in this here great United States. This isn't like it's HUGE news. Hardaway had no reason to speak out against John Amaechi here, absolutely no reason. Sure, this is America and you have a right to your opinion. But don't be stupid about it. "It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States." Are you kidding? Who died and made Tim Hardaway god?
I don't throw props to David Stern often, but I've got a BIG TYMIN' Witness to him on this one. He reportedly has banned Hardaway from all future NBA events. There is no need for this type of hate anywhere. Just when you think this world is gaining ground, and it is, there is a jackass like Tim Hardaway out there who wants his name in the papers. It just goes to show that we've got a lot of work to do. The first step can be hoping Hardaway climbs back into his hole and SHUTS THE HELL UP!
***Missouri hoops improved to 4-7 in the Big 12 last night with a win over Baylor. Big time win considering Baylor hasn't won a Big 12 road game in 23 tries. A solid performance by freshman Keon Lawrence was a positive though, he netted 24 to accompany Stefhon Hannah's 25 points. The future may be bright, I don't know. It seems like as the season progresses these younger kids are getting better, and Mike Anderson is gaining faith in them. I think the rest of the 2007 campaign will go a long way in determing what kind of coach Anderson is going to be. Now that hopes of dancing in the field of 64 are vanished, can he keep this team together and their moral high? Or is going to pull a Scotty Edgar and completely spin out of control? I know what Quin would do.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Duke's win over Boston College last night was BIG TIME?
*that by using text messaging to send information and inspiring quotes to his players, University of Colorado's football coach Dan Hawkins, has to question whether he's really a football coach?
***A reliable source close to me said that he heard an interview with Keith Tkachuk on the radio yesterday and that Tkachuk hinted at the desire to be traded referencing his desire to win a Stanley Cup. The good news is that he also mentioned St. Louis would be his number one choice in the free agent market this summer. Wouldn't it be sweet to dish Keither for a front line, near-league ready goal scorer and then get him back in the offseason to help continue polishing the skills of our youngsters? Will Bill Guerin be so kind to do the same? Or is this just a ploy from Tkachuk in order to get himself traded and away from the rebuilding process that is St. Louis Hockey.
THEY SAID IT, YOU READ IT:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “Dirk Nowitzki diminishes the Miami Heat’s title, saying they didn’t earn it, that the Mavericks lost it. Dwyane Wade fires on Nowitzki. Mark Cuban fires on Wade. The topic, of course, is leadership. Don’t try to make sense of it. Just know that this is how those without firearms do things in the NBA.”
Bill Simmons, ESPN.com, on the disappointing Iowa Hawkeyes: “The biggest shocker for me was that Steve Alford couldn’t get a clothing deal this year — he wore a dark Iowa rubgy shirt with matching sweat pants. He looked like a divorced dad who was picking up his son at his ex-wife’s house and taking him to the dog track.”
AND THE ULTIMATE TRUTH IN TODAY'S SPORTSWRITING WORLD:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “The Cubs have decided to issue jersey No. 21 for the first time since Sammy Sosa walked out in his last game here. The player who will be assigned the jersey is pitcher Jason Marquis. Good choice: a guy with a 6.02 ERA wearing a number that doesn’t stick around for the end of the first inning.”
***I'm writing today's GRIND poolside here at Mizzou. Currently, they're getting things ready for this weekend's Grand Prix event involving Michael Phelps. Word is that he should be here any moment. I want to get my face on national news. I want my name out there. And I'm not going to be a idiotic fool who makes anti-gay references when he has no business doing so. Instead, I'm going to make worldwide news by tackling Phelps into the pool when he walks by.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Share the Love, ya'll
In honor of Hallmark's greatest achievement, I offer you my favorite things.
Homeruns at Busch and TD's at the Ed,
Hard, black pucks whizzing past Hasek's head
Sutherland at the point, and a Haley on the wing
These are a few of my favorite things
The Blues doing well (for a while), but trading again
Florida beating the crap out of O. State's Teddy Ginn
Pitchers and catchers reporting in Spring
These are a few of my favorite things
Golden girls in black dresses and Tiger skin sashes
Old books by Jack Buck, and postseason champagne bashes
Carp's the best pitcher, and Albert crowned King
These are a few of my favorite things
When ESPN picks (as always)
a different team
And I get pissed
I just remember my favorite things
For example;
When Jackman fights,
When Rolen dings,
When Nikko sings,
These are a few of my favorite things
Homeruns at Busch and TD's at the Ed,
Hard, black pucks whizzing past Hasek's head
Sutherland at the point, and a Haley on the wing
These are a few of my favorite things
The Blues doing well (for a while), but trading again
Florida beating the crap out of O. State's Teddy Ginn
Pitchers and catchers reporting in Spring
These are a few of my favorite things
Golden girls in black dresses and Tiger skin sashes
Old books by Jack Buck, and postseason champagne bashes
Carp's the best pitcher, and Albert crowned King
These are a few of my favorite things
When ESPN picks (as always)
a different team
And I get pissed
I just remember my favorite things
For example;
When Jackman fights,
When Rolen dings,
When Nikko sings,
These are a few of my favorite things
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The "Much Desired" Grind
The world is talking about gay players in the NBA. Mark Cuban is talking about how they can get rich, quick. And I'm trying to figure who the hell this guy was to begin with? John Amaechi? Will he be considered a serious, big tymin' name drop in the years to come?
I'll stick with what I know, or at least what I think I know. You can tell me when I'm wrong. And if you want, you can even drop a "name drop, give 'em props" to Amaechi if you'd like.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Now that Marty Schottenheimer is a free man, it at least entered your mind that he would look good in blue and gold?
*Now that all the talk about Kip Wells becoming the Cardinals number two starter is a total reality, Cardinal fans everywhere are a tad bit worried, stumped, confused, and angry?
*The headline in the San Diego Union-Tribune, following U.S. men's soccer team's home victory of Mexico, which read "Not in our Casa" is questionable at best?
*A legitimate Sports Illustrated "This Weeks Sign of the Apocalypse" could read: "Duke Men's basketball falls from Top 25?"
***Now that Barry Zito has signed a big deal, hard headed Carlos Zambrano wants the same. “I'm ready to sign, and I would do my job anyway with the Cubs this year,” Zambrano said. “Whatever happens, I don’t want to know [anything] about a contract during the season. I want to sign with the Cubs before the season starts. If they don’t sign me, sorry, but I must go. That’s what Carlos Zambrano thinks. Jim (Hendry) spent a lot of money. I hope he has more for ‘Big Z.’”
*I love it when Big Z talks to me in the third person.
***The St. Louis Post Dispatch picked their World Series contenders for the upcoming season in this morning's edition, the winners were the Cleveland Indians and the L.A. Dodgers. The say the Dodgers own the trophy when it's all said and done. I thought a few of the quips written about each team were clever, here's my top five:
1)Florida: The curse of Joe Girardi.
2)Houston: Gave a $100 million dollar deal to a DH, Carlos Lee.
3)Milwaukee: Jeff Suppan, you're not in St. Louis anymore. Suppan, the club's new No.1 starter, will be backed by a porous infield that last season led the league in errors.
4)Boston: Counting on outfielder J.D. Drew has never been a wise course of action.
5)Minnesota: Two words: Sidney Ponson.
Honorable Mentions:
Kansas City: Righthander Gil Meche is the big-money ace. Only in Kansas City.
Detroit: Pitchers will fall too far behind in preparations after spending much of spring training practicing throws to first and third bases.
On the Cardinals: Having to fill at least three rotation spots is unbecoming a World Series champion.
Other stories from St. Louis post you can check out at STLTODAY.COM
*Jeff Gordon breaks down the rights and wrongs, ins and outs of this years soon-to-be Blues fire sale.
*Gordo also splits up the Top Ten Cardinal focuses of the new season.
*Bernie Miklasz gives us reasons for anxiety when it comes to the starting rotation.
Read 'em and weep:
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle: “John Daly as everyman? Interesting concept. But having John Daly in your therapy group would be like having Kobe Bryant in your YMCA pickup game. He’s going to stand out . . . Daly has had four kids with four wives. He doesn’t live in a van down by the river, like the old Chris Farley character on Saturday night live, but Daly does live (part time) in a motor home down by the Safeway, or wherever they let him park.”
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: “Michael Irvin is in the Hall of Fame; Art Monk is not. Moral of the story: If you want to get inducted into Canton, you need to snort more coke and catch fewer passes.”
Bill Simmons, ESPN.com: “The Colts had the best team, they deserved to win, and I hope that we never have to see highlights of that out-and-out affront to American football ever again. Even the S.I. commercial selling the Colts team video should blur out the highlights like they blur out breasts in those ‘Girls Gone Wild’ ads. In all seriousness, couldn’t you have made a legitimate case for Rex Grossman winning the MVP? What single player did more to affect that game for the Colts? Think about the definition of that award — it goes to the most valuable player on the field, right? Who was more valuable to that final score than Rex?"
Some chick sitting next to me is making disgusting noises through both her nose and mouth, crying her eyes out, and constantly smacking herself in the head. I gotta leave before I hurt her.
I'll stick with what I know, or at least what I think I know. You can tell me when I'm wrong. And if you want, you can even drop a "name drop, give 'em props" to Amaechi if you'd like.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Now that Marty Schottenheimer is a free man, it at least entered your mind that he would look good in blue and gold?
*Now that all the talk about Kip Wells becoming the Cardinals number two starter is a total reality, Cardinal fans everywhere are a tad bit worried, stumped, confused, and angry?
*The headline in the San Diego Union-Tribune, following U.S. men's soccer team's home victory of Mexico, which read "Not in our Casa" is questionable at best?
*A legitimate Sports Illustrated "This Weeks Sign of the Apocalypse" could read: "Duke Men's basketball falls from Top 25?"
***Now that Barry Zito has signed a big deal, hard headed Carlos Zambrano wants the same. “I'm ready to sign, and I would do my job anyway with the Cubs this year,” Zambrano said. “Whatever happens, I don’t want to know [anything] about a contract during the season. I want to sign with the Cubs before the season starts. If they don’t sign me, sorry, but I must go. That’s what Carlos Zambrano thinks. Jim (Hendry) spent a lot of money. I hope he has more for ‘Big Z.’”
*I love it when Big Z talks to me in the third person.
***The St. Louis Post Dispatch picked their World Series contenders for the upcoming season in this morning's edition, the winners were the Cleveland Indians and the L.A. Dodgers. The say the Dodgers own the trophy when it's all said and done. I thought a few of the quips written about each team were clever, here's my top five:
1)Florida: The curse of Joe Girardi.
2)Houston: Gave a $100 million dollar deal to a DH, Carlos Lee.
3)Milwaukee: Jeff Suppan, you're not in St. Louis anymore. Suppan, the club's new No.1 starter, will be backed by a porous infield that last season led the league in errors.
4)Boston: Counting on outfielder J.D. Drew has never been a wise course of action.
5)Minnesota: Two words: Sidney Ponson.
Honorable Mentions:
Kansas City: Righthander Gil Meche is the big-money ace. Only in Kansas City.
Detroit: Pitchers will fall too far behind in preparations after spending much of spring training practicing throws to first and third bases.
On the Cardinals: Having to fill at least three rotation spots is unbecoming a World Series champion.
Other stories from St. Louis post you can check out at STLTODAY.COM
*Jeff Gordon breaks down the rights and wrongs, ins and outs of this years soon-to-be Blues fire sale.
*Gordo also splits up the Top Ten Cardinal focuses of the new season.
*Bernie Miklasz gives us reasons for anxiety when it comes to the starting rotation.
Read 'em and weep:
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle: “John Daly as everyman? Interesting concept. But having John Daly in your therapy group would be like having Kobe Bryant in your YMCA pickup game. He’s going to stand out . . . Daly has had four kids with four wives. He doesn’t live in a van down by the river, like the old Chris Farley character on Saturday night live, but Daly does live (part time) in a motor home down by the Safeway, or wherever they let him park.”
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: “Michael Irvin is in the Hall of Fame; Art Monk is not. Moral of the story: If you want to get inducted into Canton, you need to snort more coke and catch fewer passes.”
Bill Simmons, ESPN.com: “The Colts had the best team, they deserved to win, and I hope that we never have to see highlights of that out-and-out affront to American football ever again. Even the S.I. commercial selling the Colts team video should blur out the highlights like they blur out breasts in those ‘Girls Gone Wild’ ads. In all seriousness, couldn’t you have made a legitimate case for Rex Grossman winning the MVP? What single player did more to affect that game for the Colts? Think about the definition of that award — it goes to the most valuable player on the field, right? Who was more valuable to that final score than Rex?"
Some chick sitting next to me is making disgusting noises through both her nose and mouth, crying her eyes out, and constantly smacking herself in the head. I gotta leave before I hurt her.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Olympians to Compete at Mizzou
Is that misleading? Did you hope it was going to be the Dream Team in an exhibition with the MU Hoops squad? My money would be on the Dream Team, even if they are all sixty years old. The truth is that its not the Dream Team, or anything as spectacular, but Olympians nonetheless.
Eight time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps will be here. Five-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin will be here. And 19 others will be here. All of them gearing up for the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia next month. The meet, held at the Mizzou Aquatic Center, is the last major meet before the Championships.
At least 23 members of the United States national team will also be competing, as well as a host of prime time international competitors. The meet is set to be one of the largest and most competitive in the country this year, perhaps meaning that the tremendous amount of money MU put into its recreation center may be starting to pay off. I know one thing for sure, the big boys with the green wallets will all be in attendance smiling boastfully and showing off the treadmills equipped with DVD players, the excessive amount of flat screen, high definition televisions, and the obsessive amount of Tiger paintings all over the building. Phelps and company will no confusions about where they are, there's at least eleven Tiger paintings in the aquatic center.
Lindsey Mintenko, the managing director for the US national swim team, said "We've heard the facility is spectacular and we wanted a meet in the midwest."
Spectacular. Yes. Excessive and obsessive. Yes also.
The event will be held from Friday through Monday this coming weekend and consist of seven sessions beginning Friday evening at six A.M. It will cost you a measly five bucks to see Phelps attack a world record. Supposedly, Mintenko thinks there could be one or two World Records beaten during the course of the weekend. Whether this is a publicity stunt or the truth, who knows?
A chance to see these studs in person sounds like a pretty neat experience. "I think a lot of people will be surprised with how exciting swimming is," Mintenko said. If there's no college basketball games, no hockey games, if all my friends are out of town, and FSN is having technical difficulties then I'll probably see you there.
Eight time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps will be here. Five-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin will be here. And 19 others will be here. All of them gearing up for the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia next month. The meet, held at the Mizzou Aquatic Center, is the last major meet before the Championships.
At least 23 members of the United States national team will also be competing, as well as a host of prime time international competitors. The meet is set to be one of the largest and most competitive in the country this year, perhaps meaning that the tremendous amount of money MU put into its recreation center may be starting to pay off. I know one thing for sure, the big boys with the green wallets will all be in attendance smiling boastfully and showing off the treadmills equipped with DVD players, the excessive amount of flat screen, high definition televisions, and the obsessive amount of Tiger paintings all over the building. Phelps and company will no confusions about where they are, there's at least eleven Tiger paintings in the aquatic center.
Lindsey Mintenko, the managing director for the US national swim team, said "We've heard the facility is spectacular and we wanted a meet in the midwest."
Spectacular. Yes. Excessive and obsessive. Yes also.
The event will be held from Friday through Monday this coming weekend and consist of seven sessions beginning Friday evening at six A.M. It will cost you a measly five bucks to see Phelps attack a world record. Supposedly, Mintenko thinks there could be one or two World Records beaten during the course of the weekend. Whether this is a publicity stunt or the truth, who knows?
A chance to see these studs in person sounds like a pretty neat experience. "I think a lot of people will be surprised with how exciting swimming is," Mintenko said. If there's no college basketball games, no hockey games, if all my friends are out of town, and FSN is having technical difficulties then I'll probably see you there.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
MU Loss Exploits Glaring Weakness
The Border War was disgusting. Outside of a five minute span early in the first half in which Mizzou went on a 14-2 run, Kansas straight thumped the Tigers on their home court. And made it hurt. Stefhon Hannah, the "could-be Duke point guard," fouled out with eight minutes to go after dropping 19 points. Hannah played well, but outside of he and Kalen Grimes it was pretty ugly. The seemingly reborn Kalen Grimes actually played quite well for the Tigers, he netted 16 points.
The Tiger defense was atrocious and weak, nasty and grotesque. Which is probably a nice way of putting it. The only thing worse than watching the Tiger's broken press and terrible rebounding was having to look at the official who looked like he just climbed off the GQ-reject pile of boy toy model wannabes. And the only thing worse than his officiating, and that of the entire officiating staff, was his hair.
Mike Anderson got a technical foul late in the first half that was well worth whatever he said to the rogaine representative in zebra stripes. His exact words were "that was ******* terrible." It wasn't the only F-Bomb Anderson dropped during the extremely frustrating 40 minutes, the camera caught his lips moving to the rhythm of a "what the **** are you doing?" directed to Leo Lyons during a timeout that quickly followed the seven footer throwing up an arrant three ball that was closer to row six than the rim. That moment, and the silent treatment from Anderson during the rest of the timeout was the highlight of the game, barely edging Grime's left-handed power dunk over KU's Sasha Kaun in the first half and Anderson's half-time antics that involved him staying on the court long after both teams and all officials had hit the locker rooms.
I don't know if it was because Kansas is a great basketball team or if it was MU just being terribly bad, but I've never seen so many wide-open lay-ups. There were more Kansas players untouched and above the rim than there are tattoos on Grimes' body. That's a hell of a lot. I don't remember one instance where I saw a Missouri player block out a Kansas player. The glaring holes in Missouri's defense were abundant from start to finish, it was like watching college kids beat up on skinny high schoolers most of the game. Seriously, you had to be wondering the entire game why MU wasn't changing from man-to-man into a zone in order to stop the easy lay-ins, and once they finally heard your prayers Brandon Rush promptly drove from the the three-point line, into the zone, past all five Tiger mannequins and laid the ball off the glass and into the net. It was almost as if Grimes and his posse thought if they touched Rush they'd be cursed into eternal damnation.
I'm not sure how long its going to take Anderson to get his boys playing good basketball, but it was obvious on Saturday afternoon that they are no where close. And I think everybody was left wondering whether or not they even cared? After all, this was Kansas-Missouri. The players are supposed to be hyped up, they're supposed to care. Or at least act like it.
The Tiger defense was atrocious and weak, nasty and grotesque. Which is probably a nice way of putting it. The only thing worse than watching the Tiger's broken press and terrible rebounding was having to look at the official who looked like he just climbed off the GQ-reject pile of boy toy model wannabes. And the only thing worse than his officiating, and that of the entire officiating staff, was his hair.
Mike Anderson got a technical foul late in the first half that was well worth whatever he said to the rogaine representative in zebra stripes. His exact words were "that was ******* terrible." It wasn't the only F-Bomb Anderson dropped during the extremely frustrating 40 minutes, the camera caught his lips moving to the rhythm of a "what the **** are you doing?" directed to Leo Lyons during a timeout that quickly followed the seven footer throwing up an arrant three ball that was closer to row six than the rim. That moment, and the silent treatment from Anderson during the rest of the timeout was the highlight of the game, barely edging Grime's left-handed power dunk over KU's Sasha Kaun in the first half and Anderson's half-time antics that involved him staying on the court long after both teams and all officials had hit the locker rooms.
I don't know if it was because Kansas is a great basketball team or if it was MU just being terribly bad, but I've never seen so many wide-open lay-ups. There were more Kansas players untouched and above the rim than there are tattoos on Grimes' body. That's a hell of a lot. I don't remember one instance where I saw a Missouri player block out a Kansas player. The glaring holes in Missouri's defense were abundant from start to finish, it was like watching college kids beat up on skinny high schoolers most of the game. Seriously, you had to be wondering the entire game why MU wasn't changing from man-to-man into a zone in order to stop the easy lay-ins, and once they finally heard your prayers Brandon Rush promptly drove from the the three-point line, into the zone, past all five Tiger mannequins and laid the ball off the glass and into the net. It was almost as if Grimes and his posse thought if they touched Rush they'd be cursed into eternal damnation.
I'm not sure how long its going to take Anderson to get his boys playing good basketball, but it was obvious on Saturday afternoon that they are no where close. And I think everybody was left wondering whether or not they even cared? After all, this was Kansas-Missouri. The players are supposed to be hyped up, they're supposed to care. Or at least act like it.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Obscure Sports Bidding for Missouri
*St. Louis won't land a Major League Soccer team just yet, but it may not so far in the future. Real Salt Lake has settled their deal to stay in Utah, but recent talk about the team moving to St. Louis has accelerated talks about an expansion team moving in before too long. It sounds like much of the situation depends on whether or not the city will finance a stadium for an MLS team to play in, and the possibility is starting to look more promising. Jeff Cooper, the Alton lawyer leading the expansion bid said "I think we've shown the league and everybody involved we are extremely serious about it. Our intention is to get a team sooner rather than later."
Who knows? Is the MLS in St. Louis even a good idea?
*Professional cycling is coming to Missouri. The Tour of Missouri dates and places have been announced. The tour, which will be one of North America's top three professional cycling stage races, will begin Sept. 11 in Kansas City and conclude Sept. 16 in St. Louis. According to Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, professional cycling races in Georgia and California attracted about 600,000 and 1.2 million spectators, respectively.
"This is the largest sporting event in our state's history," he said. "The Tour of Missouri will give us the opportunity of showing off our beautiful state to spectators and racers from around the world."
The race has been sanctioned by USA Cycling and Union Cycliste Internationale, the sport's international governing body, with a 2.1 rating, one of the highest in North America.
Basically, the rating means that five teams from the Pro Tour will be in the field. This means that Team Discovery, the same team that Lance Armstrong won seven Tour de Frances for, is very likely to be in the area. The featured rider on this years Discovery squad is Levi Leipheimer. Leipheimer has finished in the top 10 in the Tour de France three times. Also featured in the race is Durango, Colorado resident Tom Danielson, winner of last year's Tour de Georgia. Danielson is Team Discovery's featured rider of the future. I've seen him ride before and he's pretty damn good, not to mention a great guy.
Other cities that will host the start and/or finish of a stage are Clinton, Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Columbia, Jefferson City and St. Charles. In addition to the stages in Kansas City and St. Louis, the route will feature three point-to-point road stages and, in Branson, a time trial, in which riders start one at a time and race against the clock. The course will cover more than 600 miles.
This is an exciting event for sports in Missouri. Although the Show-Me-State isn't well known for its enthusiasm in cycling, it will be nice to stir that interest and hopefully spark more of it in Missouri's future. Do your best to support this event. I'll keep you updated on dates and times. Also, I've been attempting contact with Danielson so hopefully we'll be able to bring you a feature on him and what it's like to be a professional cyclist coming to ride in the heat of the Heartland.
Stay Tuned.
It's the weekend. Have you some fun.
Who knows? Is the MLS in St. Louis even a good idea?
*Professional cycling is coming to Missouri. The Tour of Missouri dates and places have been announced. The tour, which will be one of North America's top three professional cycling stage races, will begin Sept. 11 in Kansas City and conclude Sept. 16 in St. Louis. According to Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, professional cycling races in Georgia and California attracted about 600,000 and 1.2 million spectators, respectively.
"This is the largest sporting event in our state's history," he said. "The Tour of Missouri will give us the opportunity of showing off our beautiful state to spectators and racers from around the world."
The race has been sanctioned by USA Cycling and Union Cycliste Internationale, the sport's international governing body, with a 2.1 rating, one of the highest in North America.
Basically, the rating means that five teams from the Pro Tour will be in the field. This means that Team Discovery, the same team that Lance Armstrong won seven Tour de Frances for, is very likely to be in the area. The featured rider on this years Discovery squad is Levi Leipheimer. Leipheimer has finished in the top 10 in the Tour de France three times. Also featured in the race is Durango, Colorado resident Tom Danielson, winner of last year's Tour de Georgia. Danielson is Team Discovery's featured rider of the future. I've seen him ride before and he's pretty damn good, not to mention a great guy.
Other cities that will host the start and/or finish of a stage are Clinton, Springfield, Branson, Lebanon, Columbia, Jefferson City and St. Charles. In addition to the stages in Kansas City and St. Louis, the route will feature three point-to-point road stages and, in Branson, a time trial, in which riders start one at a time and race against the clock. The course will cover more than 600 miles.
This is an exciting event for sports in Missouri. Although the Show-Me-State isn't well known for its enthusiasm in cycling, it will be nice to stir that interest and hopefully spark more of it in Missouri's future. Do your best to support this event. I'll keep you updated on dates and times. Also, I've been attempting contact with Danielson so hopefully we'll be able to bring you a feature on him and what it's like to be a professional cyclist coming to ride in the heat of the Heartland.
Stay Tuned.
It's the weekend. Have you some fun.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Daily Grind
It seems to be about the most silent day of the year in sports. Duke/Carolina is over. The Super Bowl is over. College Football is over. Baseball hasn't started. There is hockey, but, for some reason, nobody cares about it. The horse already died. I guess Tiger started looking for number 8 today? The biggest news in sports is that Albert Pujols became a US citizen, or was that yesterday?
Maybe it's time to introduce the latest newby on this blog, the "Is it Safe to Say" section. Hop to it.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas is an idiot? And represents exactly what is wrong with the NBA?
*The Indiana Pacers are the new bad boy Portland Trail Blazers?
*Rex Grossman wishes he would have been caught with 500 rounds of ammo, been suspended by Lovie Smith, and watched the Super Bowl from behind the bars of a federal pen?
*Patrick Lalime is back after blanking the Canucks on the road Wednesday night?
I'm being serious when I say this. Two, of whom I would call good friends of mine, tried to argue with me last night that Stefhon Hannah (Mizzou's point guard) could run the point at Duke. Honestly, dead serious, that was their argument. They were saying that Hannah could run the show at Duke. I'll give credit to one of them, he somewhat backed down once he realized he was being an idiot. But the other one didn't. Let's just say it's in his nature not to back down, even when he's obviously wrong. Folks, this is the most idiotic, stupid, and whacked out thought ever. This ranks amongst the world's dumbest things said in the history of the world. This is dumber than if Hitler claimed to be the son of God. This is dumber than Jessica Simpson. This is just flat out stupid. Can Paul Paradowski run the point at Mizzou? Hell no. Can Stefhon Hannah run the point at Duke? Hell no.
*The Big 12 is not the ACC. Not even close.
*Stefhon Hannah spent two years at JUCO. JUCO. That's JUNIOR COLLEGE.
*He can't even win at Mizzou, a mid-level Big 12 team. How the hell would it be considered a rational thought to think he could win on a top-caliber ACC team?
Please. Somebody witness this. If you're with me, throw a witness. If you're not, throw something else. Tell these idiots how dumb they are.
Read what other people are saying:
Dan Daly, Washington Times: “New (NFL) commish Roger Goodell is determined to do something about the rash of arrests around the league, particularly in Cincinnati. In fact, at his annual news conference Friday, he announced the launching of an Adopt A Bengal program. That’s right, friends, for a contribution of just $10 a month, you can help a player get proper legal representation. He’ll even write you letters from the halfway house he’s assigned to. And for $20 a month, I hear, you can be one of his alibi witnesses.”
Peter Schrager, FoxSports.com: “Average Bears fan does not take football lightly. No, the average Bears fan’s wardrobe ONLY consists of Urlacher jerseys, flannel shirts, and jean shorts. That’s all I saw last week. And if it wasn’t Urlacher, it was Grossman or Briggs. Also, the average Bears fan looks like a mix between Andy Reid and Mike Holmgren: a bit heavy set, strong, thick mustache. And yes, that’s both the men and the women.”
Elliott Harris, Chicago Sun-Times: “When Illinois football coach Ron Zook says a realistic goal for the 2008 team is a bowl game, he does realize you need to have a winning record to qualify, doesn’t he?”
Peter Schrager, FoxSports.com: “My favorite part of the CBS pregame show? Shannon Sharpe going on and on about how all the records and statistics will mean nothing if Peyton doesn’t win a Super Bowl . . . with Dan Marino sitting next to him.”
Rush Limbaugh on the media's treatment of Rex Grossman: It’s just — they’re focusing on this guy like they don’t focus on anybody! And I tell you, I know what it is. The media, the sports media, has got social concerns that they are first and foremost interested in, and they’re dumping on this guy — Rex Grossman — for one reason, folks, and that’s because he is a white quarterback.”
Who's more of an idiot: Rush Limbaugh or the fools who think Stefhon Hannah can run the point at Duke?
On a lighter note. Give it up to our newest respondee "iheartbutterfield." It's damn good to have him on board.
It's Thursday night, grow a beard.
Maybe it's time to introduce the latest newby on this blog, the "Is it Safe to Say" section. Hop to it.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas is an idiot? And represents exactly what is wrong with the NBA?
*The Indiana Pacers are the new bad boy Portland Trail Blazers?
*Rex Grossman wishes he would have been caught with 500 rounds of ammo, been suspended by Lovie Smith, and watched the Super Bowl from behind the bars of a federal pen?
*Patrick Lalime is back after blanking the Canucks on the road Wednesday night?
I'm being serious when I say this. Two, of whom I would call good friends of mine, tried to argue with me last night that Stefhon Hannah (Mizzou's point guard) could run the point at Duke. Honestly, dead serious, that was their argument. They were saying that Hannah could run the show at Duke. I'll give credit to one of them, he somewhat backed down once he realized he was being an idiot. But the other one didn't. Let's just say it's in his nature not to back down, even when he's obviously wrong. Folks, this is the most idiotic, stupid, and whacked out thought ever. This ranks amongst the world's dumbest things said in the history of the world. This is dumber than if Hitler claimed to be the son of God. This is dumber than Jessica Simpson. This is just flat out stupid. Can Paul Paradowski run the point at Mizzou? Hell no. Can Stefhon Hannah run the point at Duke? Hell no.
*The Big 12 is not the ACC. Not even close.
*Stefhon Hannah spent two years at JUCO. JUCO. That's JUNIOR COLLEGE.
*He can't even win at Mizzou, a mid-level Big 12 team. How the hell would it be considered a rational thought to think he could win on a top-caliber ACC team?
Please. Somebody witness this. If you're with me, throw a witness. If you're not, throw something else. Tell these idiots how dumb they are.
Read what other people are saying:
Dan Daly, Washington Times: “New (NFL) commish Roger Goodell is determined to do something about the rash of arrests around the league, particularly in Cincinnati. In fact, at his annual news conference Friday, he announced the launching of an Adopt A Bengal program. That’s right, friends, for a contribution of just $10 a month, you can help a player get proper legal representation. He’ll even write you letters from the halfway house he’s assigned to. And for $20 a month, I hear, you can be one of his alibi witnesses.”
Peter Schrager, FoxSports.com: “Average Bears fan does not take football lightly. No, the average Bears fan’s wardrobe ONLY consists of Urlacher jerseys, flannel shirts, and jean shorts. That’s all I saw last week. And if it wasn’t Urlacher, it was Grossman or Briggs. Also, the average Bears fan looks like a mix between Andy Reid and Mike Holmgren: a bit heavy set, strong, thick mustache. And yes, that’s both the men and the women.”
Elliott Harris, Chicago Sun-Times: “When Illinois football coach Ron Zook says a realistic goal for the 2008 team is a bowl game, he does realize you need to have a winning record to qualify, doesn’t he?”
Peter Schrager, FoxSports.com: “My favorite part of the CBS pregame show? Shannon Sharpe going on and on about how all the records and statistics will mean nothing if Peyton doesn’t win a Super Bowl . . . with Dan Marino sitting next to him.”
Rush Limbaugh on the media's treatment of Rex Grossman: It’s just — they’re focusing on this guy like they don’t focus on anybody! And I tell you, I know what it is. The media, the sports media, has got social concerns that they are first and foremost interested in, and they’re dumping on this guy — Rex Grossman — for one reason, folks, and that’s because he is a white quarterback.”
Who's more of an idiot: Rush Limbaugh or the fools who think Stefhon Hannah can run the point at Duke?
On a lighter note. Give it up to our newest respondee "iheartbutterfield." It's damn good to have him on board.
It's Thursday night, grow a beard.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Quarterbacking through the Day
***They said before the game that Peyton Manning was already one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game and will most likely easily be enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame. If winning a Super Bowl wasn't enough to punch his ticket, then how about this: eight quarterbacks have now won a Super Bowl in Miami, Manning included. The other seven are Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Steve Young, and John Elway. What do all these cats have in common...YEP, all seven are Hall of Famers. Manning isn't far behind.
***In other quarterback news, Rex Grossman simply has to be considering moving to China. Or some place similar. Going to the Super Bowl and performing like he did has to rank as one of the worst nightmares imaginable, especially while living in Chicago. He was simply awful, God awful. I mean, seriously, can you imagine being him right now? It must be equal to Lucifer himself walking into your bedroom and saying "um, please like me."
*Here are what some of the nations pundits are saying about bad Rex*
Norman Chad, syndicated columnist:“Sure, when Rex Grossman throws a pass, I expect it to hit the ground, just as when Isaac Newton saw an apple fall from a tree, he expected it to hit the ground.”
Mitch Albom, Detroit Free-Press: “We can say this about Rex. He was the only guy to stick to the script. Grossman wasn’t supposed to be very good. And he wasn’t. He fumbled the snap twice, lost it once, threw two bad interceptions and was lucky he didn’t have more. He looks a bit like the actor Zach Braff and at times on Sunday, he played like him.
Jay Mariotti, Chicago Sun-Times: “So, who’s ignorant now? Rex Grossman called out the analysts who wondered why he throws hideous interceptions and fumbles simple snaps, then responded in his defining game by throwing hideous interceptions and fumbling simple snaps."
They aren't happy with ole Rex.
Questions to consider:
*Is Linus Kleiza regretting his jump to the NBA from Missouri now that he's averaging three minutes and .5 points a game?
*Is there any chance, EVER, now that he's won a Super Bowl, that you'll be able to watch a sporting event and not see Peyton Manning's face at some point during the broadcast?
*Is that dangling of Steve Traschel in red reminding me you monsters under your bed?
*The Blues have lost two of three, if they bite it tonight against Toronto, is Larry Pleau making phone calls to playoff teams?
***In other quarterback news, Rex Grossman simply has to be considering moving to China. Or some place similar. Going to the Super Bowl and performing like he did has to rank as one of the worst nightmares imaginable, especially while living in Chicago. He was simply awful, God awful. I mean, seriously, can you imagine being him right now? It must be equal to Lucifer himself walking into your bedroom and saying "um, please like me."
*Here are what some of the nations pundits are saying about bad Rex*
Norman Chad, syndicated columnist:“Sure, when Rex Grossman throws a pass, I expect it to hit the ground, just as when Isaac Newton saw an apple fall from a tree, he expected it to hit the ground.”
Mitch Albom, Detroit Free-Press: “We can say this about Rex. He was the only guy to stick to the script. Grossman wasn’t supposed to be very good. And he wasn’t. He fumbled the snap twice, lost it once, threw two bad interceptions and was lucky he didn’t have more. He looks a bit like the actor Zach Braff and at times on Sunday, he played like him.
Jay Mariotti, Chicago Sun-Times: “So, who’s ignorant now? Rex Grossman called out the analysts who wondered why he throws hideous interceptions and fumbles simple snaps, then responded in his defining game by throwing hideous interceptions and fumbling simple snaps."
They aren't happy with ole Rex.
Questions to consider:
*Is Linus Kleiza regretting his jump to the NBA from Missouri now that he's averaging three minutes and .5 points a game?
*Is there any chance, EVER, now that he's won a Super Bowl, that you'll be able to watch a sporting event and not see Peyton Manning's face at some point during the broadcast?
*Is that dangling of Steve Traschel in red reminding me you monsters under your bed?
*The Blues have lost two of three, if they bite it tonight against Toronto, is Larry Pleau making phone calls to playoff teams?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Is Big Walt Still Working Hidden Magic?
***Better known for giving up Big Mark McGwire's legendary bash into the history books, Steve Traschel may just end up with the Birds on the Bat. Perhaps BIG Walt isn't done quite yet, a little bird mentioned that the Cardinals are finalist in the bidding for crappy starting pitcher Steve Traschel. I say "crappy" because it just doesn't ever seem like he's been any good. However, last year with the New York Mets he went 15-8 with a 4.97. That's better than Jason Marquis. I wouldn't put too much stock in this, but who knows? Personally, I hope it doesn't happen. Never have liked Traschel.
***Ex-Cardinal Ronnie Belliard is in trouble for paying off a female to keep information regarding an out-of-wedlock pregnancy quiet. Apparently, the female's father found out about the situation and broke the news. The story goes that Belliard paid the female $125,00 to be quiet about the issue....she wasn't. Belliard has two children, and a wife. I would assume the wife doesn't take care of the financial situation at the Belliard household. Either that or she's extremely dumb, $125,000 is a pretty huge sum to miss.
***Watching the Super Bowl tonight, I gained a newfound hatred for Peyton Manning. I don't think he likes anybody but himself and the faces of those presidents on the green bills he makes for all those TV spots. It seemed like every time something went wrong, he was moaning and groaning (thats a nice way to put it) about it being somebody else's fault. I'm glad you won Peyton, and I'm glad Chicago fans have to keep suffering, but please....SHUT THE HELL UP!
***Quote of the Super Bowl Evening: "If Rex Grossman played baseball, he'd be Jason Marquis." -Jeff Fahrner.
***Yahoosports!.com's Jeff Passan wrote a great article about BIG Walt and his BIG magic. It's interesting to hear an outsider's perspective on the Cardinals offseason. Check it out. I'd link it to you, but for some reason it won't let me.
***Ya'llain't heard it, but here's what they sayin':
Jerry Greene of the Orlando Sentinel offered his 10 best Super Bowl commercials of all time, in inverse order:
1996 Pepsi — Deion Sanders and Wile E. Coyote. If you honor the great Wile E. Coyote, you make my list. Beep Beep.
2003 Reebok – “Terry Tate, Office Linebacker” — Remember when we were all saying “pain train?”
2006 FedEx – “Sticks” — The one where the caveman can’t deliver the stick because FedEx hasn’t been invented. His boss: “Not my problem.”
2006 Budweiser – “Lamb Streaker” — Represents all their spots with the horses playing football. Cowboy: “I didn’t need to see that.”
2006 Ameriquest Mortgage – “Hospital” — The one where mom and daughter walk in to hear the doctor say: “That killed him.”
1977 Xerox – “Monks” — The one where Brother Dominic needs 500 copies now. “It’s a miracle!”
1993 McDonald’s – “Showdown” — A true classic with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. “Off the expressway, over the river, off the billboard, through the window, off the wall, nothin’ but net.”
2000 Electronic Data Systems – “Herding Cats” — Cowboy: “Don’t let anybody tell you it’s easy.” You love it or hate it. I love it.
1995 Budweiser – “Frogs” — Represents all the frog and lizard spots. “Bud.” “Weissssss.” “Errrrrr.”
1984 Apple – “1984″ — It will never be beaten unless someone talks director Ridley Scott into topping his own creation. “And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like 1984.” Perfect.
Jim Armstrong, AOLSports: “The NFL’s championship game was, is and always will be about quarterbacks. Of the 39 MVPS and two co-MVPs in Super Bowl history, 20 have been quarterbacks. And of those 20 MVP awards, 15 have been won by quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame or — good morning, Tom Brady — headed there in a hurry. You know the names. Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, John Elway, Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Troy Aikman, Steve Young and Brady. What, you’re going to tell me Rex Grossman is going to join that list? Right. And Rosie O’Donnell is the Playmate of the Month for March.”
Steve Rosenbloom, Chicagosports.com: Mark Prior and the Cubs agreed on a one-year deal that cut his salary. If he remains healthy, Prior will get an opportunity to earn more than he did in 2006. Of course, if he remains healthy, the Cubs will insist on a thorough examination to see what some scoundrel did with the real Mark Prior.”
Bill Plaschke, Los Angelos Times: The greatest game may have been the first one after 9/11, and not because (Adam) Vinatieri’s New England Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams on a last-second field goal. Remember? It featured Paul McCartney in the pregame show, Mariah Carey singing the national anthem, former president George H.W. Bush doing the coin toss, and U2 singing at halftime. The worst Super Bowl may have been XXVII at the Rose Bowl, and not because the Dallas Cowboys blew out the Buffalo Bills. O.J. Simpson tossed the coin, and Michael Jackson and 3,500 local children were the halftime show.”
G's up, Bears down, all you Indy fans bounce to this.
***Ex-Cardinal Ronnie Belliard is in trouble for paying off a female to keep information regarding an out-of-wedlock pregnancy quiet. Apparently, the female's father found out about the situation and broke the news. The story goes that Belliard paid the female $125,00 to be quiet about the issue....she wasn't. Belliard has two children, and a wife. I would assume the wife doesn't take care of the financial situation at the Belliard household. Either that or she's extremely dumb, $125,000 is a pretty huge sum to miss.
***Watching the Super Bowl tonight, I gained a newfound hatred for Peyton Manning. I don't think he likes anybody but himself and the faces of those presidents on the green bills he makes for all those TV spots. It seemed like every time something went wrong, he was moaning and groaning (thats a nice way to put it) about it being somebody else's fault. I'm glad you won Peyton, and I'm glad Chicago fans have to keep suffering, but please....SHUT THE HELL UP!
***Quote of the Super Bowl Evening: "If Rex Grossman played baseball, he'd be Jason Marquis." -Jeff Fahrner.
***Yahoosports!.com's Jeff Passan wrote a great article about BIG Walt and his BIG magic. It's interesting to hear an outsider's perspective on the Cardinals offseason. Check it out. I'd link it to you, but for some reason it won't let me.
***Ya'llain't heard it, but here's what they sayin':
Jerry Greene of the Orlando Sentinel offered his 10 best Super Bowl commercials of all time, in inverse order:
1996 Pepsi — Deion Sanders and Wile E. Coyote. If you honor the great Wile E. Coyote, you make my list. Beep Beep.
2003 Reebok – “Terry Tate, Office Linebacker” — Remember when we were all saying “pain train?”
2006 FedEx – “Sticks” — The one where the caveman can’t deliver the stick because FedEx hasn’t been invented. His boss: “Not my problem.”
2006 Budweiser – “Lamb Streaker” — Represents all their spots with the horses playing football. Cowboy: “I didn’t need to see that.”
2006 Ameriquest Mortgage – “Hospital” — The one where mom and daughter walk in to hear the doctor say: “That killed him.”
1977 Xerox – “Monks” — The one where Brother Dominic needs 500 copies now. “It’s a miracle!”
1993 McDonald’s – “Showdown” — A true classic with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. “Off the expressway, over the river, off the billboard, through the window, off the wall, nothin’ but net.”
2000 Electronic Data Systems – “Herding Cats” — Cowboy: “Don’t let anybody tell you it’s easy.” You love it or hate it. I love it.
1995 Budweiser – “Frogs” — Represents all the frog and lizard spots. “Bud.” “Weissssss.” “Errrrrr.”
1984 Apple – “1984″ — It will never be beaten unless someone talks director Ridley Scott into topping his own creation. “And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like 1984.” Perfect.
Jim Armstrong, AOLSports: “The NFL’s championship game was, is and always will be about quarterbacks. Of the 39 MVPS and two co-MVPs in Super Bowl history, 20 have been quarterbacks. And of those 20 MVP awards, 15 have been won by quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame or — good morning, Tom Brady — headed there in a hurry. You know the names. Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, John Elway, Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Troy Aikman, Steve Young and Brady. What, you’re going to tell me Rex Grossman is going to join that list? Right. And Rosie O’Donnell is the Playmate of the Month for March.”
Steve Rosenbloom, Chicagosports.com: Mark Prior and the Cubs agreed on a one-year deal that cut his salary. If he remains healthy, Prior will get an opportunity to earn more than he did in 2006. Of course, if he remains healthy, the Cubs will insist on a thorough examination to see what some scoundrel did with the real Mark Prior.”
Bill Plaschke, Los Angelos Times: The greatest game may have been the first one after 9/11, and not because (Adam) Vinatieri’s New England Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams on a last-second field goal. Remember? It featured Paul McCartney in the pregame show, Mariah Carey singing the national anthem, former president George H.W. Bush doing the coin toss, and U2 singing at halftime. The worst Super Bowl may have been XXVII at the Rose Bowl, and not because the Dallas Cowboys blew out the Buffalo Bills. O.J. Simpson tossed the coin, and Michael Jackson and 3,500 local children were the halftime show.”
G's up, Bears down, all you Indy fans bounce to this.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Throwin Dees (whatever the hell that means)
***Rumor has it that St. Louis may just be in the market for an MLS team. This is good, because I think I went to high school with a few dudes who think they're good enough to play for an MLS team. Apparently, Jeff Cooper, some lawyer from Alton, is trying to strike a deal with Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts (also owner of the Blues) that would land the Utah based team here. Who knows? Professional soccer in St. Louis might actually work. There was only a few cocky kids at my high school who thought they could play, but what about all those St. Louis high schools? Now, those kids KNEW they could play MLS, but then I got to college and I hear all them talk about how their whole team was doing coke and smokin pot with the tie-die kids. Whats up with that?
***The MU hoops squad lost to the Bob (T)Huggins K-State team last night, 80-73. I ran into Marshall Brown in a men's bathroom in Gywnn Hall about two hours ago. I just stared at him in disgust. I'm starting to get embarrassed again. When do I graduate? And, at that point, am I required by proper Alumni code to cheer for the Tigers, or can I pick another college - like Wisconsin?
***Jeff Gordon wrote a great article breaking down the St. Louis Cardinals salary situation while asking the question "is the club being prudent or merely cheap?" Here's the link: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/jeffgordon/story/E35A748CF42A153C862572730076A33F?OpenDocument
***And in getting back to the Jeff Weaver topic, Dan O'Neill asks this question today in the St. Louis Post: "If one team is stupid, does this mean all teams are obligated to be stupid?" Or is that just Scott Boras' sentiment?
***Another great column written by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post breaking down the Cardinals top 100 prospects, in order from 1-100: http://www.stltoday.com/blogs/sports-bird-land/2007/01/baseball-america-cardinals-top-30-prospects/
***Quips from sportswriters country wide:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “Tank Johnson says he’s just a normal guy. You know, the way most people are normal with six guns, more than 500 rounds of ammo and a bunch of pit bulls around two kids under 3, not to mention a now-dead felon best friend.”
Greg Cote, Miami Herald: “The NHL All-Star Game drew a 0.7 national Nielsen rating. It would have been 0.8, but at the last minute I switched to the channel that has that continuous piercing beep and a test-pattern.”
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: “Can we quit with all this mindless debate about how having a child might distract Tiger Woods’ march toward Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors? What, do you think Tiger’s going to be changing diapers, driving the child to day-care and parking the baby stroller beside the driving range while he hits balls? For crying out loud, the child will have her/his own nanny, nutritionist, chauffeur, PR agent and swing coach by age 2. I’m just wondering whether Nike will make the kid wear a swoosh bib.”
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle: “The Raiders’ new guy says he’s going to buy Black Hole tickets for his wife and his two children, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old. Sure, and maybe Pop can add to the family’s game-day experience by letting the kids skateboard to the Coliseum on the freeway.”
O yea, and Roger Clemens said this:
“You put your body through a lot of punishment and then you come up one game short, like we did last year, for me it was a waste of time. When you don’t have the opportunity to go to the playoffs and have a chance to win, it’s a waste of time for me. At this stage and point in my life and career, that’s all you’re looking for.”
*Which must be why he's thinking about taking a contract with the Boston Red Sox that stipulates he only be with the club on the days he pitches, which would never include a weekend, so that he can be with his family and still get paid $13 million over the course of the season. $13 million for three days work over a two week period? It's all about winning, Roger. Shut the Hell Up. Retire. And vanish.
You guys hate horses.
***The MU hoops squad lost to the Bob (T)Huggins K-State team last night, 80-73. I ran into Marshall Brown in a men's bathroom in Gywnn Hall about two hours ago. I just stared at him in disgust. I'm starting to get embarrassed again. When do I graduate? And, at that point, am I required by proper Alumni code to cheer for the Tigers, or can I pick another college - like Wisconsin?
***Jeff Gordon wrote a great article breaking down the St. Louis Cardinals salary situation while asking the question "is the club being prudent or merely cheap?" Here's the link: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/jeffgordon/story/E35A748CF42A153C862572730076A33F?OpenDocument
***And in getting back to the Jeff Weaver topic, Dan O'Neill asks this question today in the St. Louis Post: "If one team is stupid, does this mean all teams are obligated to be stupid?" Or is that just Scott Boras' sentiment?
***Another great column written by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post breaking down the Cardinals top 100 prospects, in order from 1-100: http://www.stltoday.com/blogs/sports-bird-land/2007/01/baseball-america-cardinals-top-30-prospects/
***Quips from sportswriters country wide:
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com: “Tank Johnson says he’s just a normal guy. You know, the way most people are normal with six guns, more than 500 rounds of ammo and a bunch of pit bulls around two kids under 3, not to mention a now-dead felon best friend.”
Greg Cote, Miami Herald: “The NHL All-Star Game drew a 0.7 national Nielsen rating. It would have been 0.8, but at the last minute I switched to the channel that has that continuous piercing beep and a test-pattern.”
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel: “Can we quit with all this mindless debate about how having a child might distract Tiger Woods’ march toward Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors? What, do you think Tiger’s going to be changing diapers, driving the child to day-care and parking the baby stroller beside the driving range while he hits balls? For crying out loud, the child will have her/his own nanny, nutritionist, chauffeur, PR agent and swing coach by age 2. I’m just wondering whether Nike will make the kid wear a swoosh bib.”
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle: “The Raiders’ new guy says he’s going to buy Black Hole tickets for his wife and his two children, a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old. Sure, and maybe Pop can add to the family’s game-day experience by letting the kids skateboard to the Coliseum on the freeway.”
O yea, and Roger Clemens said this:
“You put your body through a lot of punishment and then you come up one game short, like we did last year, for me it was a waste of time. When you don’t have the opportunity to go to the playoffs and have a chance to win, it’s a waste of time for me. At this stage and point in my life and career, that’s all you’re looking for.”
*Which must be why he's thinking about taking a contract with the Boston Red Sox that stipulates he only be with the club on the days he pitches, which would never include a weekend, so that he can be with his family and still get paid $13 million over the course of the season. $13 million for three days work over a two week period? It's all about winning, Roger. Shut the Hell Up. Retire. And vanish.
You guys hate horses.
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