Not the best way to wake up, huh? Cardinal Nation went to bed angry last night after an 8-1 beating from the rival Cubs, the bats didn't hit and the pitches weren't outs on the Redbirds side. Waking up on Sunday was supposed to bring a beautiful morning with the hopes of a Cardinals victory to cap the weekend series. Instead, nature put everything into perspective. All of sudden, the last thing on the minds of Cardinal fans were lame bats and poor pitching. For a couple hours on a lovely Sunday morning, Cardinal Nation went into shock and baseball, once again, took a proper backseat to the harsh reality that there are things more important than a losing streak.
There's no need to rehash the events of the last 24 hours, we've all heard about them more than we needed to. Cardinal Nation and the sport of baseball not withstanding, the tragic loss of Josh Hancock shook the athletic world into it's place, it proved the mortality of superstars, and reminded all of its fans not to take this pasttime for granted.
Receiving the scary phone calls, that come too early in the morning to be good news, left many fans lying in bed remembering the baseball tragedies of the past. It left us realizing that these things happen every day, and made us ask why it gives us goosebumps when it happens to star athletes. In the end, we realize these great athletes aren't better people than any of us, but within them they hold that dream that sports fans have of being great. We go in our backyard and pretend we're on the mound in the bottom of the ninth of a game 7, the world's best hitter is in the batter box and we hurl that fastball without ever giving them a chance to catch up to it. Or maybe we're on the other end and the world's best pitcher is on the mound and we take him 511 feet deep in walk-off fashion.
Childhood dreams that most of us never got to experience. And when one of those lucky few who did experience it pass away in tragic form, a little bit of us goes with them. And we know, as sports fans, that their lives weren't any greater than ours but, nonetheless, we were living through them a little bit. And it's sad to see that go.
It happens every day to great people all around the world, yes. But there are those few instances, like today, that remind us to get back in the backyard and pretend we're Ozzie Smith making diving plays up the middle on tennis balls that come bouncing back off a brick wall. Or pretending we're Willie McGee tracking a fly ball that dad threw off the deck and making a shoe string grab to save a run. Or making like Vince Coleman in a game of hot box with the neighborhood kids, sliding hard into the T-Shirt that made a base. And although we may not actually get out the dusty baseball mitt and the bucket of balls, we are still reminded of those great days. Of those childhood dreams we had. And still have.
Days like this remind us that we won't be here forever for the great Cardinal-Cub rivalry. And those days of playing pick-up ball with the kids around campus aren't going to last forever. All we can really do is use these days as reminders, make the most of what we got, and maybe, just one more time in our growing age, sneak into a basement and pretend we're taking the hill in a game 7 with a St. Louis Championship on the line.
*Share your well wishes to the Hancock Family and your childhood baseball memories and dreams in our forum.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
LaRussa, Miklasz have BEEF
The Post Dispatch runs an article about why the Cubs will never win the World Series, Tony LaRussa whines about it and refuses to answer questions from Post Dispatch reporters, Bernie Miklasz stands up to him at the news conference, and the exchange becomes heated and has to be finished in a private room. Allow me to renege...maybe this is a soap opera as bad as the Yankees-Red Sox.
But it's not. And, once again, the Cardinals and the Cubs have a barn burner while the Red Sox blow out the Yankees.
LaRussa took offense to the article that ran in the Post Dispatch Friday morning and made his beef with Miklasz in the post game news conference. Who knows why LaRussa had such a problem with it, maybe he really was offended that a high class newspaper would trash a Major League Franchise or perhaps he just doesn't want to upset his little coaching buddy, Lou Pinellia. Who knows? Two men jabbing at each other...Bernie says it happens all the time and the cameras just happened to be rolling tonight.
"These little bouts of silliness occur more than you know, and in every sport," wrote Bernie on his 'Pressbox' board on STLtoday.com. "It's just that the cameras were there this time and made it much bigger than it really is. This was like seeing how sausage is made -- it ain't pretty. But it happens every day."
LaRussa won't say anything. Maybe because he got outmanaged tonight and he's pissed about that, or because the defending champs can't seem to score when they get runners in scoring position. I'd be pissed too.
I think the LaRussa/Miklasz bashing is over though, Bernie has released numerous statements on his "PressBox" about the incident and he claims both men have moved on and this mess is already behind them.
"Do I like Tony? Absolutely.
Do I respect Tony? Absolutely.
Will I allow him or anyone try to intimidate me or other reporters? No.
Is this over? As far as I am concerned, yes."
It may be over between those two grown men but it's far from over on the "Pressbox" board where the same group of ten or eleven guys have stayed up all night hounding Bernie about this, saying they wish "a few of the players would kick his fat ass" and even going to the extent of calling in a death threat to his voicemail at the Post Dispatch.
Can you say childish? Immature? Over-the-line, Sparky?
The thing that gets me though is that Bernie continues to respond to these people on his board as though he feels he needs to defend himself.
"My favorite, so far, is that I 'was trying to get attention.' Why would I need attention?" Bernie wrote. "Like me or not, I think we'd all agree that people in the market know me, and that I've established a name and a career here. I also get pretty regular turns on ESPN, and on some national radio shows."
Wow, Bernie. Sounds like you're getting pissed and protective of your image. In my opinion, the man did his part. He stood up for his colleagues and he stood up for Post Dispatch in general. So Bernie, give it up man. Put it behind you. Don't let these dudes on your board bring you to this level. Whether we like you or not, we don't need to know your press credentials.
I'm a Bernie fan. And having dabbled in the field of sports journalism, I think what he did was right. But I also think, at this point, it's time for him to move on.
Unless, of course, he keeps getting death threats.
But it's not. And, once again, the Cardinals and the Cubs have a barn burner while the Red Sox blow out the Yankees.
LaRussa took offense to the article that ran in the Post Dispatch Friday morning and made his beef with Miklasz in the post game news conference. Who knows why LaRussa had such a problem with it, maybe he really was offended that a high class newspaper would trash a Major League Franchise or perhaps he just doesn't want to upset his little coaching buddy, Lou Pinellia. Who knows? Two men jabbing at each other...Bernie says it happens all the time and the cameras just happened to be rolling tonight.
"These little bouts of silliness occur more than you know, and in every sport," wrote Bernie on his 'Pressbox' board on STLtoday.com. "It's just that the cameras were there this time and made it much bigger than it really is. This was like seeing how sausage is made -- it ain't pretty. But it happens every day."
LaRussa won't say anything. Maybe because he got outmanaged tonight and he's pissed about that, or because the defending champs can't seem to score when they get runners in scoring position. I'd be pissed too.
I think the LaRussa/Miklasz bashing is over though, Bernie has released numerous statements on his "PressBox" about the incident and he claims both men have moved on and this mess is already behind them.
"Do I like Tony? Absolutely.
Do I respect Tony? Absolutely.
Will I allow him or anyone try to intimidate me or other reporters? No.
Is this over? As far as I am concerned, yes."
It may be over between those two grown men but it's far from over on the "Pressbox" board where the same group of ten or eleven guys have stayed up all night hounding Bernie about this, saying they wish "a few of the players would kick his fat ass" and even going to the extent of calling in a death threat to his voicemail at the Post Dispatch.
Can you say childish? Immature? Over-the-line, Sparky?
The thing that gets me though is that Bernie continues to respond to these people on his board as though he feels he needs to defend himself.
"My favorite, so far, is that I 'was trying to get attention.' Why would I need attention?" Bernie wrote. "Like me or not, I think we'd all agree that people in the market know me, and that I've established a name and a career here. I also get pretty regular turns on ESPN, and on some national radio shows."
Wow, Bernie. Sounds like you're getting pissed and protective of your image. In my opinion, the man did his part. He stood up for his colleagues and he stood up for Post Dispatch in general. So Bernie, give it up man. Put it behind you. Don't let these dudes on your board bring you to this level. Whether we like you or not, we don't need to know your press credentials.
I'm a Bernie fan. And having dabbled in the field of sports journalism, I think what he did was right. But I also think, at this point, it's time for him to move on.
Unless, of course, he keeps getting death threats.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Is There Anything Sexier than Cards-Cubs?
All anybody wants to talk about is the Yankees and the Red Sox. The greatest rivalry in baseball. The greatest rivalry in sports. The Great Bambino. Derek Jeter. Alex Rodriguez. Mariano Rivera. Dice-K. Manny Ramirez. Big Papi. Curt Shilling. The Boss. Joe Torre. Blah, blah, blah.
Get over it, national media. Get over it ESPN. Get over it Fox. As of 12:23 P.M. on Friday, the top three stories on ESPN.com's baseball page had the words "New York Yankees" and "Boston Red Sox" in the first paragraph. There wasn't a single mention of the Cardinals and the Cubs weekend rivalry series on the ENTIRE page. Are you kidding me?
Last weekend, the national media pretty much failed to realize that they were even playing baseball in Chicago. While the Red Sox disposed, three games to none, of the Yankees, the Cardinals and Cubs played an "instant classic" on Sunday night. Both teams came from behind, the game went into extra innings, then baseball's greatest player hit the longest homerun of the season in dramatic fashion to eventually win it for the Cardinals. You know what the opening highlight on ESPN was? A series of clips from Boston-New York.
Don't get me wrong, I understand how it all works. I don't really blame ESPN for playing towards their coast audiences, they're trying to make money. We all are. But it boggles my mind that they'd put those highlights before a game that will surely go immediately into their "instant classic" archive. They'll be showing that Cardinals-Cubs game for years to come...and it didn't even lead on their nightly Sportscenter. Pathetic.
Sounds like a rant, doesn't it? Well, it is. The Cardinals and the Cubs are sexier than Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Biel combined. The Cardinals and the Cubs are sexier Madonna in her prime. Sexier than Marilyn Monroe and her wind blown skirt. If you're a chick, it's sexier than David Beckham and Tom Brady in a hot tub together. It's sexier than Brad Pitt in Fight Club. Why does the National Media keep getting this wrong? Why do they not care?
This rivalry is more exciting than the Red Sox-Yankees, anyway. It's about baseball, not about politics. It's about America's pasttime, not a baseball edition of another FOX reality show. It's about the players on the field, not about some multi-millionaire dollar GM and another young, hip GM from Boston. Neither of whom could hold a candle to Walt Jocketty.
Tonight Jason Marquis goes against his former team, the defending World Champions at that. Rich Hill will pitch this weekend as well, one of the best in the game thus far this season. Two of the best first basemen in the majors are playing against each other. One of the hottest hitters in the league in Aramis Ramirez will be on the field. Lou Pinellia and Tony LaRussa will be trying to outwit each other. Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen..two of the greatest defensive players of all time will be there. Young, exciting talents such as Chris Duncan and Ryan Theriot will be on hand.
Or you could watch New York-Boston and see a bunch of overpaid...nevermind.
You know what, screw it. I wish my rant could changes but it won't. Do yourself a favor this weekend and watch the Cardinals and Cubs at Busch. Save the hogwash, whiny, sissy soap opera crap for daytime weekly television. Right where it belongs.
Go Cardinals!
Get over it, national media. Get over it ESPN. Get over it Fox. As of 12:23 P.M. on Friday, the top three stories on ESPN.com's baseball page had the words "New York Yankees" and "Boston Red Sox" in the first paragraph. There wasn't a single mention of the Cardinals and the Cubs weekend rivalry series on the ENTIRE page. Are you kidding me?
Last weekend, the national media pretty much failed to realize that they were even playing baseball in Chicago. While the Red Sox disposed, three games to none, of the Yankees, the Cardinals and Cubs played an "instant classic" on Sunday night. Both teams came from behind, the game went into extra innings, then baseball's greatest player hit the longest homerun of the season in dramatic fashion to eventually win it for the Cardinals. You know what the opening highlight on ESPN was? A series of clips from Boston-New York.
Don't get me wrong, I understand how it all works. I don't really blame ESPN for playing towards their coast audiences, they're trying to make money. We all are. But it boggles my mind that they'd put those highlights before a game that will surely go immediately into their "instant classic" archive. They'll be showing that Cardinals-Cubs game for years to come...and it didn't even lead on their nightly Sportscenter. Pathetic.
Sounds like a rant, doesn't it? Well, it is. The Cardinals and the Cubs are sexier than Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Biel combined. The Cardinals and the Cubs are sexier Madonna in her prime. Sexier than Marilyn Monroe and her wind blown skirt. If you're a chick, it's sexier than David Beckham and Tom Brady in a hot tub together. It's sexier than Brad Pitt in Fight Club. Why does the National Media keep getting this wrong? Why do they not care?
This rivalry is more exciting than the Red Sox-Yankees, anyway. It's about baseball, not about politics. It's about America's pasttime, not a baseball edition of another FOX reality show. It's about the players on the field, not about some multi-millionaire dollar GM and another young, hip GM from Boston. Neither of whom could hold a candle to Walt Jocketty.
Tonight Jason Marquis goes against his former team, the defending World Champions at that. Rich Hill will pitch this weekend as well, one of the best in the game thus far this season. Two of the best first basemen in the majors are playing against each other. One of the hottest hitters in the league in Aramis Ramirez will be on the field. Lou Pinellia and Tony LaRussa will be trying to outwit each other. Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen..two of the greatest defensive players of all time will be there. Young, exciting talents such as Chris Duncan and Ryan Theriot will be on hand.
Or you could watch New York-Boston and see a bunch of overpaid...nevermind.
You know what, screw it. I wish my rant could changes but it won't. Do yourself a favor this weekend and watch the Cardinals and Cubs at Busch. Save the hogwash, whiny, sissy soap opera crap for daytime weekly television. Right where it belongs.
Go Cardinals!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Say It Ain't SIMO
It looks as though the Tachi-Bomb is making its way back into the bigs. Former Cardinal hurler Jason Simontacchi is slated to make one or two more starts in AAA Columbus, Ohio - the AAA affiliate for the Washington Nationals - before being called up to the majors. Simo' will take hill tomorrow, Friday, then be considered as an immediate call-up.
Simontacchi is expected to join the 'Nats next week to help boost a struggling rotation, and an overall terrible baseball team. Jim Bowden, Wasington's GM, said "If he throws well, I think one more start or maybe right after this start he'll be ready to be called back up here."
If you remember, Simontacchi was a pitching hopeful for the Cardinals that never really panned out. He was part of that promising era of Rick Ankiel and Mike Lincoln, all of whom played but none of whom ever made significant impacts on the Cardinals big league squad.
Simo' finds his way to the nation's Capitol to pitch for one of the worst teams in baseball history. Off to a terrible 6-15 start and already 7.5 games behind the New York Mets in the division, Washinton holds no hope for success over the next three or four years and probably much longer than that. Seriously, if you look at their lineup and their rotation, it will blow your mind as to how they'd even win 6 games all year.
Here's to hoping Simo pitches well and keeps the Nat's in the ballgame, which would mean he'd have to throw shutout ball for about 8 innings each start, but Washington isn't necessarily the place to revive a career. Hopefully he keeps his ERA down because the win column won't attract any future bidders. He could throw twenty games and he might win two.
Either way, cheers to Simo. He's had a long road, littered with injuries and high socks, and I hope he stays above water long enough to get a shot somewhere else.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Rams Trade for Hall
In a much needed move to boost the Rams special teams, the squad has traded a fifth round draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for return man/wide receiver Dante Hall.
Hall, 28, is getting up there in age but there's no doubt that he's still one of the best in the game when it comes to returning the football. He's burned the Rams numerous times before, and it'll be nice to have him on our side. Basically, it will be nice to simply have someone who can catch the football and have a chance at breaking off a long one. Don't get me wrong, Hall isn't going to turn our special teams into one of the game's best, he isn't the same explosive athlete he was in 2003 when he turned the league on it's head with his dazzling returns. However, it is certainly an improvement for the Rams, who haven't had a true kick returner since Tony Horne in the early portion of the decade.
“We have filled a need with one of the top players in football at his specialty, returning punts and kicks,” Rams coach Scott Linehan. “Dante will fit in nicely on our special teams and can be utilized as a receiver in certain situations.”
To put it simply, the Rams Special Team unit has sucked since Mike Martz took over coaching duties. Last season, St. Louis was the sixth worse team in punt returns, averaging 7.8 yards per return. The Rams were 26th in kickoff returns, averaging 21.3 yards. Hall's numbers have declined since his peak season in 2003, when he averaged 25.9 yards per kickoff return (two for TDs) and 16.3 yards per punt return (with two TDs).
In 2006, his seventh NFL season, Hall averaged 22.8 yards for 53 kickoff returns and 8.9 yards for 27 punt returns, one for a touchdown. He also caught 26 passes, two for TDs.
Hall is certainly still a feared return man in the league and the Rams can expect better field position simply from having him back there; however, a fifth round draft pick isn't a small price to pay for a player on the decline of his career either. It will be interesting to see how this turns out. One of the needs the Rams had to address in the draft was a return man and there was speculation that they would use their first round pick on Ted Ginn Jr. to fullfill this role. The benefit of trading for Hall is that now the Rams will pass on Ginn Jr. and draft an every down guy, most likely on the defensive end of the ball.
Hall, who is 5-foot-8 and 187 pounds, is third in NFL history with 11 kick returns for touchdowns, behind Brian Mitchell (13) and Eric Metcalf (12). He has a career average of 24.0 yards for 360 kickoff returns and 10.0 yards for 188 punt returns -- all with the Chiefs.
Hall also needs one more kickoff return for a touchdown to break the record of six he now shares with Ollie Matson, Gale Sayers, Travis Williams and Mel Gray.
*The Associated Press and The St. Louis Post Dispatch contributed to this story.
Hall, 28, is getting up there in age but there's no doubt that he's still one of the best in the game when it comes to returning the football. He's burned the Rams numerous times before, and it'll be nice to have him on our side. Basically, it will be nice to simply have someone who can catch the football and have a chance at breaking off a long one. Don't get me wrong, Hall isn't going to turn our special teams into one of the game's best, he isn't the same explosive athlete he was in 2003 when he turned the league on it's head with his dazzling returns. However, it is certainly an improvement for the Rams, who haven't had a true kick returner since Tony Horne in the early portion of the decade.
“We have filled a need with one of the top players in football at his specialty, returning punts and kicks,” Rams coach Scott Linehan. “Dante will fit in nicely on our special teams and can be utilized as a receiver in certain situations.”
To put it simply, the Rams Special Team unit has sucked since Mike Martz took over coaching duties. Last season, St. Louis was the sixth worse team in punt returns, averaging 7.8 yards per return. The Rams were 26th in kickoff returns, averaging 21.3 yards. Hall's numbers have declined since his peak season in 2003, when he averaged 25.9 yards per kickoff return (two for TDs) and 16.3 yards per punt return (with two TDs).
In 2006, his seventh NFL season, Hall averaged 22.8 yards for 53 kickoff returns and 8.9 yards for 27 punt returns, one for a touchdown. He also caught 26 passes, two for TDs.
Hall is certainly still a feared return man in the league and the Rams can expect better field position simply from having him back there; however, a fifth round draft pick isn't a small price to pay for a player on the decline of his career either. It will be interesting to see how this turns out. One of the needs the Rams had to address in the draft was a return man and there was speculation that they would use their first round pick on Ted Ginn Jr. to fullfill this role. The benefit of trading for Hall is that now the Rams will pass on Ginn Jr. and draft an every down guy, most likely on the defensive end of the ball.
Hall, who is 5-foot-8 and 187 pounds, is third in NFL history with 11 kick returns for touchdowns, behind Brian Mitchell (13) and Eric Metcalf (12). He has a career average of 24.0 yards for 360 kickoff returns and 10.0 yards for 188 punt returns -- all with the Chiefs.
Hall also needs one more kickoff return for a touchdown to break the record of six he now shares with Ollie Matson, Gale Sayers, Travis Williams and Mel Gray.
*The Associated Press and The St. Louis Post Dispatch contributed to this story.
Ballgames to be Won, and Defended
Speaking of turning over in your freezer, if I would've known Alex Gonzalez was going to have the game of his life against Kip Wells tonight I wouldn't have traveled through hours of rain to watch it. Somebody call the governor and have him issue a formal letter of apology from Brad Thompson, who came in and promptly had his typically pathetic performance tonight. Wisconsin might not apologize for its cheese, but Missouri must apologize for Thompson. His babyface needs to go back to preschool and learn how to get a 6 year old out before he pitches again. Terrible. Just terrible.
It seems everybody is blaming the bats right now. The pitching is worse than the bats. Bottom line. Wells, Wainwright, and Reyes are pitching terrible. Looper is holding this thing together, but somebody is going to have to step up. And it's not going to be Randy Keisler. And, despite his "long-toss" session Tuesday afternoon, I'm starting to think Carpenter is done for the year. The silence from the coaching staff just isn't right. Don't be surprised when Carp's elbow flares up again on Saturday after his session, and he's shelved for 60. Then we'll talk trades, because Looper, Wainwright, Reyes, Wells, and Keisler is not going to cut it. I'm pulling for Carp, hardcore, and I have faith in the rest of the rotation but it needs an anchor and a two-man. It's not time to panic yet, but every game matters. And if Carp is shelved, it's time to get a move on. I hope I'm wrong about Carp, but I got a bad feeling.
Ted Williams was an awesome baseball player, a true hard-nosed grinder at the plate that just straight hit. From everything I've heard about him, he played the game right. Fundamentally sound and full speed. He hustled..always. Simply a prime example of how the game should be played. Scott Rolen plays the same way, all-out hustle, hard-nosed, and fundamentally sound. He homers and hustles around the bases. He makes plays at third, puts his head down, and gets ready for the next pitch.
I think Ted Williams would be proud, and I don't think he'd mind one bit if we used "Ballgame" to refer to Scott Rolen. And if he's going to turn in his freezer, then it's simply to get a better view of Scott Rolen hustling out a ground ball. And I'm the one writing the blog, so I'm going to do it anyway and I'm going to take the angle that Teddy Ballgame is down with it.
And if anybody's turning over in their graves it's Hank Aaron and Roger Maris...pissed off about all these fake baseball players breaking their REAL homerun records.
It seems everybody is blaming the bats right now. The pitching is worse than the bats. Bottom line. Wells, Wainwright, and Reyes are pitching terrible. Looper is holding this thing together, but somebody is going to have to step up. And it's not going to be Randy Keisler. And, despite his "long-toss" session Tuesday afternoon, I'm starting to think Carpenter is done for the year. The silence from the coaching staff just isn't right. Don't be surprised when Carp's elbow flares up again on Saturday after his session, and he's shelved for 60. Then we'll talk trades, because Looper, Wainwright, Reyes, Wells, and Keisler is not going to cut it. I'm pulling for Carp, hardcore, and I have faith in the rest of the rotation but it needs an anchor and a two-man. It's not time to panic yet, but every game matters. And if Carp is shelved, it's time to get a move on. I hope I'm wrong about Carp, but I got a bad feeling.
Ted Williams was an awesome baseball player, a true hard-nosed grinder at the plate that just straight hit. From everything I've heard about him, he played the game right. Fundamentally sound and full speed. He hustled..always. Simply a prime example of how the game should be played. Scott Rolen plays the same way, all-out hustle, hard-nosed, and fundamentally sound. He homers and hustles around the bases. He makes plays at third, puts his head down, and gets ready for the next pitch.
I think Ted Williams would be proud, and I don't think he'd mind one bit if we used "Ballgame" to refer to Scott Rolen. And if he's going to turn in his freezer, then it's simply to get a better view of Scott Rolen hustling out a ground ball. And I'm the one writing the blog, so I'm going to do it anyway and I'm going to take the angle that Teddy Ballgame is down with it.
And if anybody's turning over in their graves it's Hank Aaron and Roger Maris...pissed off about all these fake baseball players breaking their REAL homerun records.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Yes, your Majesty
I saw a Cubs fan walking around campus this morning wearing a shirt that said, "Cardinal fans take it in the Pujols." It made me wonder where Ryan Dempster takes it? And to be honest, if he didn't suck already then we'd have to be comparing him to "Who's Your Daddy Brad Lidge" right now after Mr. Pujols took him about 913 feet onto Waveland Sunday evening. Mr. Dempster...meet your majesty. Like I said, Dempster was no Lidge but if he was then you could consider him donseski. Am I the only one who just absolutely loves, more than anything, breaking the Cubs little hearts? I hate the Cubs.
*All of sudden, Jason Marquis can pitch like a Cy Young candidate. What the hell happened? Or is this just a hot start leading up to another laughable second half?
*Does Michael Barrett have a chip on his shoulder?
*I named my cat after Scott Rolen. And, after Sunday, you know why.
*Bernie Miklasz had a column this morning about the "MV3" coming back to life. I'm not sure if they're back or not, I certainly wouldn't put all my chips in that basket. But if they regain some power and Scotty Ballgame can hit around .300 behind Pujols, then we're going to be alright. Chris Duncan can bash, ignore that low average last week. If Pujols starts hitting again, Duncan is going to see many more fastballs in that 2-hole.
*Will Anthony Reyes ever get out of the first inning without giving up a run?
*Kip Wells goes tomorrow. He needs another dominant performance to get that confidence back up, we need him to anchor us until Carp gets back. Braden Looperstar can't do everything himself.
*If you guys figure out where Dempster takes it,let me know.
*All of sudden, Jason Marquis can pitch like a Cy Young candidate. What the hell happened? Or is this just a hot start leading up to another laughable second half?
*Does Michael Barrett have a chip on his shoulder?
*I named my cat after Scott Rolen. And, after Sunday, you know why.
*Bernie Miklasz had a column this morning about the "MV3" coming back to life. I'm not sure if they're back or not, I certainly wouldn't put all my chips in that basket. But if they regain some power and Scotty Ballgame can hit around .300 behind Pujols, then we're going to be alright. Chris Duncan can bash, ignore that low average last week. If Pujols starts hitting again, Duncan is going to see many more fastballs in that 2-hole.
*Will Anthony Reyes ever get out of the first inning without giving up a run?
*Kip Wells goes tomorrow. He needs another dominant performance to get that confidence back up, we need him to anchor us until Carp gets back. Braden Looperstar can't do everything himself.
*If you guys figure out where Dempster takes it,let me know.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
And (more than) 1...Straight to Jail
Who would've guessed that when the And1 Mix Tape Street Balla's came to Columbia for an exhibition showdown with a team of former Mizzou ballers (most of which probably came from the Quin Snyder era), the game would end in a brawl, police would be called in, and numerous players would end up in jail?
Well, I, for one, certainly would've guessed it. And I doubt I was the only one.
The details are sketchy at this point, but the boys Sik Wit It, The Professor, Half Man Half Amazing, High Octane, Shane the Dribbling Machine, Main Event, and others squared off with (as of now) unknown former Tigers and things got nasty.
The only details I have at this point are from a radio report on KFRU that interviewed a local police officer who said, "there was a fight that started on the field, then carried over into the stands. Both benches cleared and everybody was fighting. We finally got things under control and evacuated the field, but then fights broke out outside the gym in the outdoor area."
The field? I was confused if he meant "the court" or if he was referring to an And1 player's name.
The game was played at a local high school, Rock Bridge High. A great example was set for our local high school athletes. But, what can you do? These are professionals and they'll dribble you to death if you don't like it. If, and when, I find out more I'll be sure to let you know. It should be interesting to see who the former MU players were that were involved with this. Any guesses?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Blues, Johnson Agree to Terms
Blues win the Stanley Cup! Expect that to be the headline come next May. The Blues and 2006 first overall draft pick have agreed to terms that will put Erik Johnson on the Bluenote opening day roster for the opening of the 2007/2008 season. On Wednesday, Johnson and the Blues were busy sealing the deal on a three-year entry-level contract that will give Johnson a $765,000 base salary and an $85,000 signing bonus. It's possible he could earn $3.7 million in 2007-08 if he were to meet all of his incentives, which include being named MVP of the Stanley Cup finals and being named to the NHL All-Star game.
Neither of those are all that unreasonable???
However, there are other incentives for Johnson to increase his bank account, although the details are fuzzy. It is said that he will earn bonus cash for his amount of ice time and point production that could bring a payday around $2 million in 2007-08.
Whether it's the sport of hockey, or it's simply Erik Johnson, he made a rare decision last year to forgo the instant money and attend school at the University of Minnesota for one more year, displeasing many Blues fans. However, at 19, he thinks he'll be more prepared to play in the pro's this coming season.
"I just think it's going to be fun stepping in next year and having an impact ... compared to coming in this year and having growing pains."
In late 2006, the International Ice Hockey Federation named Johnson the best defenseman at the World Junior Championship in Sweden, making him only the second U.S. player in tournament history to receive the honor. Johnson finished as the top scorer for his country with four goals, six assists and 10 points in seven games. He had at least a point in his last six games.
Johnson will fill in nicely on a young Blues team, helping to solidify an already exciting defense. If Eric Brewer continues to skate at the high level he was near the end of the season and Jay McKee comes back from a series of nagging hockey injuries, Johnson could contribute to one of the most highly toted defenses in the league next season. Manny Legace will be back in net for the Blues.
Johnson is another piece of the rebuilding puzzle in St. Louis, he adds to the youth of promising forwards Lee Stempniak and Brad Boyes. If the Blues upper management can find a way to add a big time veteran goal scorer in the offseason to help Stempy and Boyes up front, then it would certainly be safe to get excited about Blues hockey again. The signing of Johnson, who will be the sixth defensemen on the squad, brings about interesting trade possibilities as well, as the Blues look to add a veteran or another young talent. Add a stud or two in the offseason, similar to the moves President John Davidson made last offseason, to the plethora of young talent the Blues have already and you could get an extremely exciting and energetic hockey squad.
Neither of those are all that unreasonable???
However, there are other incentives for Johnson to increase his bank account, although the details are fuzzy. It is said that he will earn bonus cash for his amount of ice time and point production that could bring a payday around $2 million in 2007-08.
Whether it's the sport of hockey, or it's simply Erik Johnson, he made a rare decision last year to forgo the instant money and attend school at the University of Minnesota for one more year, displeasing many Blues fans. However, at 19, he thinks he'll be more prepared to play in the pro's this coming season.
"I just think it's going to be fun stepping in next year and having an impact ... compared to coming in this year and having growing pains."
In late 2006, the International Ice Hockey Federation named Johnson the best defenseman at the World Junior Championship in Sweden, making him only the second U.S. player in tournament history to receive the honor. Johnson finished as the top scorer for his country with four goals, six assists and 10 points in seven games. He had at least a point in his last six games.
Johnson will fill in nicely on a young Blues team, helping to solidify an already exciting defense. If Eric Brewer continues to skate at the high level he was near the end of the season and Jay McKee comes back from a series of nagging hockey injuries, Johnson could contribute to one of the most highly toted defenses in the league next season. Manny Legace will be back in net for the Blues.
Johnson is another piece of the rebuilding puzzle in St. Louis, he adds to the youth of promising forwards Lee Stempniak and Brad Boyes. If the Blues upper management can find a way to add a big time veteran goal scorer in the offseason to help Stempy and Boyes up front, then it would certainly be safe to get excited about Blues hockey again. The signing of Johnson, who will be the sixth defensemen on the squad, brings about interesting trade possibilities as well, as the Blues look to add a veteran or another young talent. Add a stud or two in the offseason, similar to the moves President John Davidson made last offseason, to the plethora of young talent the Blues have already and you could get an extremely exciting and energetic hockey squad.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Rant
If you can't hack it, then you can't hack it. But last time I checked, Chris Duncan could hack it, so PUT HIM BACK IN THE LINEUP. There's going to be a big time star heading to the Scottrade Center this offseason, so buy your Blues jersey's now and tell your local stitching professional to get ready. The Rams are going to pick Ted Ginn Jr., I just know it, everyone will go nostalgic to the Mike Martz days. Speaking of Mike Martz, the Detroit Rams still suck. If you're a believer in a quick return for Chris Carpenter then you better start praying extra hard, because there's something going on that we don't know about. But either way it's better than over-paying for a DL-bound Jason Schmidt, he can't go on the 30 day DL, because there is no 30 day DL...there's only 15 or 60. Rumor has it the Cards will face former pitchers Matt Morris and Jason Marquis within a few days of each other. Why do I have a feeling Albert Pujols is saving his 5-5 coming out party for Marquis? That sorry sack of...Cubbie.
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Anthony Reyes' first innings are starting to become way to reminiscent of Matt Morris' famous first innings?
*SLU's firing of Brad Soderberg was long overdue?
*After watching Ricky Williams' ploy for reinstatement, somewhere L.P. is thinking of a comeback?
IS IT SAFE TO SAY:
*Anthony Reyes' first innings are starting to become way to reminiscent of Matt Morris' famous first innings?
*SLU's firing of Brad Soderberg was long overdue?
*After watching Ricky Williams' ploy for reinstatement, somewhere L.P. is thinking of a comeback?
Monday, April 16, 2007
MU's Kelly Leaves Masters Feeling Privaleged
University of Missouri senior John Kelly stepped foot on the ever-prestigious, heavenly ground of Augusta National last weekend, instantly ingraining a moment he'll never forget. Kelly, 22, qualified for the "tradition unlike any other" after finishing second in the U.S. Amateur last month.
Despite missing the cut by only two strokes, Kelly had much to remember in his first golfing major. He finished as the low amateur for the tournament with his 77-77 on Thursday and Friday for a two round total of 154, beating the next closest amateur by two strokes. Kelly was consistent with his scoring, penciling an even par 36 on the front both days, while coming home with a 41.
"The back nine is a more risk/reward nine where you can make some good numbers or you can make some big numbers" Kelly said. "It was just a few bad swings on the back nine that got me. It wasn't that I was folding under the pressure by any means."
MU golf coach, Mark Leroux, agreed with Kelly's assessment, "He was swinging particularly well, probably the best I've ever seen," Leroux said. "Then I got a chance to look at some photos and videos of his swing and looking at it in slow motion, it looked just perfect."
The chance to play with the professionals was an encouraging step for Kelly, who hopes to turn professional sometime in the future. He is slated to play in the U.S Open this summer, but the Masters was his first step. Paired with Jerry Pate, two time Masters Champion Seve Ballesteros (1980, 1983), and Ben Crenshaw (1984, 1995 Champion) in practice rounds, Kelly praised their advice.
"They were helping me out a lot around the greens, telling me to be patient," Kelly said. "This was a good stepping-stone to realize that I can play with these guys. I've seen up close and in person how those guys perform. They are very patient people, you can see they are confident in their abilities. They have tremendous work ethics. If you can do your best at emulating them, you're going to be all right."
Kelly looks forward to graduation in May, in hopes of spending more time polishing his game.
"I'm not going to have to be worrying about some biology test I'm going to be taking on Tuesday, or some paper that's due next Thursday," said Kelly. "I'm going to be able to wake up at 6 a.m. and lift weights and go to the golf course and work on whatever I need to."
Despite missing the cut and the late semester worries back on campus, Kelly said the experience will rank among his most memorable.
"That first tee shot is something I'll never forget." he said. "That feeling of nervousness, of wanting to hit a really good drive in front of all those people. Being so nervous and so anxious to get started, and then I got a huge ovation. I got chills and almost had a tear in my eye."
*with contributions from Catherine Crane, senior staff writer for The ManEater
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Two Minutes for Grinding out a Rant
...with special guest: Don Imus, reborn slugger Albert Pujols, leader of the youth movement: Chris Duncan, and the never surprising, but always stupid Gary Pinkel.
*A sweep and a split marks much improvement for the Cardinals. The three game set with the Pirates exemplified a couple of things: the importance of well-timed pinch hitting, the fact that you can sweep a series without really hitting the ball hard, and that the Pirates still suck.
The 'Birds are certainly putting things together as we get deeper into the first month of this season. Phat Albert looked like he's getting closer and closer to being back in the king's chair Sunday with his two homers and four rbi against the Brew Crew. Some at-bats still look like a high schooler trying to hit Nolan Ryan, but it won't stay like that for long.
Chris Duncan heads the youth movement for the Cardinals, and he's silencing all his offseason critics with a scorching start (3 dings, +.400 BA, 4-5 Sunday). I was skeptical, I'll admit, but I'm on the bandwagon. And you can't really blame me for just jumping on it now, I drafted him, preseason, in two of my three fantasy leagues.
*In spring ball, Gary Pinkel has given those Mizzou fans another reason to call for his head. Remember when he tried to turn Brad Smith into a pocket passer? Well, he's outdone himself yet again, giving the majority of the practice snaps to Chase Patton, not multi MU record holder Chase Daniel. Last season, Daniel was like polished steel, wearing his gun outside his pants, his 3,527-yard total hammered the Mizzou single-season passing record by more than 1,000 yards. He made those few who remembered Terry McMillan quickly forget Terry McMillan, shattering his TD pass record, that stood since 1969, by ten touchdowns, for a total of 28. Pinkel says, "we're going to be working out of a two-quarterback system much more often next season." This comment came out about the same time he told reporters at ESPN.com "He's doing great. I've never been around a total quarterback like this before, and I've had five NFL QBs. And I hope the Chris Chandlers and Mark Brunells don't get mad when I say this, but he's the best natural leader I've coached and the most accurate guy I've ever seen."
Ah, screw it. Let's bench him.
A lot of football coaches are confusing. But Gary Pinkel borders on the line of mentally challenged. Most people in Columbia seem to be brushing this off as a publicity stunt, considering Chase Patton played high school ball here in town. But I'm not buying it, I actually think Pinkel is so stupid that he's going to take the ball out of Daniel's hands next season, making a potent, and proven, offensive attack much more vulnerable. But, hey, he's the coach, not me.
*Here's another question to consider regarding the Don Imus situation: Was MSNBC's decision to fire Imus infringing on the right of free speech granted to every citizen in the U.S.A by the first amendment?
I'm not saying either way, I'm just interested in hearing what you guys think. NBC's Dateline ran a special on this tonight, and a civil rights leader (I didn't catch his name) was saying the decision to fire Imus infringed on free speech. Obviously, Imus works for the company, and the company can do whatever they want. So no artificial answers here, we all already understand that NBC the right to can Imus. But furthermore, what is this saying about negligence towards the right to free speech?
Or is it more like, "shutup with political rant bullshit, Dave. This is a sport's blog, not a place to discuss the first amendment. Go Cards!"
*A sweep and a split marks much improvement for the Cardinals. The three game set with the Pirates exemplified a couple of things: the importance of well-timed pinch hitting, the fact that you can sweep a series without really hitting the ball hard, and that the Pirates still suck.
The 'Birds are certainly putting things together as we get deeper into the first month of this season. Phat Albert looked like he's getting closer and closer to being back in the king's chair Sunday with his two homers and four rbi against the Brew Crew. Some at-bats still look like a high schooler trying to hit Nolan Ryan, but it won't stay like that for long.
Chris Duncan heads the youth movement for the Cardinals, and he's silencing all his offseason critics with a scorching start (3 dings, +.400 BA, 4-5 Sunday). I was skeptical, I'll admit, but I'm on the bandwagon. And you can't really blame me for just jumping on it now, I drafted him, preseason, in two of my three fantasy leagues.
*In spring ball, Gary Pinkel has given those Mizzou fans another reason to call for his head. Remember when he tried to turn Brad Smith into a pocket passer? Well, he's outdone himself yet again, giving the majority of the practice snaps to Chase Patton, not multi MU record holder Chase Daniel. Last season, Daniel was like polished steel, wearing his gun outside his pants, his 3,527-yard total hammered the Mizzou single-season passing record by more than 1,000 yards. He made those few who remembered Terry McMillan quickly forget Terry McMillan, shattering his TD pass record, that stood since 1969, by ten touchdowns, for a total of 28. Pinkel says, "we're going to be working out of a two-quarterback system much more often next season." This comment came out about the same time he told reporters at ESPN.com "He's doing great. I've never been around a total quarterback like this before, and I've had five NFL QBs. And I hope the Chris Chandlers and Mark Brunells don't get mad when I say this, but he's the best natural leader I've coached and the most accurate guy I've ever seen."
Ah, screw it. Let's bench him.
A lot of football coaches are confusing. But Gary Pinkel borders on the line of mentally challenged. Most people in Columbia seem to be brushing this off as a publicity stunt, considering Chase Patton played high school ball here in town. But I'm not buying it, I actually think Pinkel is so stupid that he's going to take the ball out of Daniel's hands next season, making a potent, and proven, offensive attack much more vulnerable. But, hey, he's the coach, not me.
*Here's another question to consider regarding the Don Imus situation: Was MSNBC's decision to fire Imus infringing on the right of free speech granted to every citizen in the U.S.A by the first amendment?
I'm not saying either way, I'm just interested in hearing what you guys think. NBC's Dateline ran a special on this tonight, and a civil rights leader (I didn't catch his name) was saying the decision to fire Imus infringed on free speech. Obviously, Imus works for the company, and the company can do whatever they want. So no artificial answers here, we all already understand that NBC the right to can Imus. But furthermore, what is this saying about negligence towards the right to free speech?
Or is it more like, "shutup with political rant bullshit, Dave. This is a sport's blog, not a place to discuss the first amendment. Go Cards!"
Friday, April 13, 2007
In the Wake of Imus
Allow me a moment to step away from the St. Louis scene to focus on something slightly more important, the ongoing issue caused by long time sports radio talk show host, Don Imus - who, at one time, was considered to be one of America's Top 50 most influential people. WOW.
The comments don't need to be repeated here, you've heard them many times. They were uncalled for, unnecessary, racist, and ...hold your breathe...sexist? Although you wouldn't know it from the nationwide response, would you? There's no debating the comments were degrading to African Americans, but there is also no debating that the comments were degrading to women. But where are the female voices? The Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson both had something to say, standing up for the African American race. But their job isn't to defend women, it's to defend African Americans.
So where are the chicks fighting for girl power? Annika Sorenstam was asked about the situation this week, her response: "I haven't heard about it." Nancy Lopez was asked about it at the same event, her response: "I'm not sure what you just asked me. I have not read anything or heard anything." Please, EVERYBODY has heard about this.
Who else can we turn to? Oprah? I heard she had a show about it, but I wasn't able to see it. Good for her. The WNBA stars? I'll give you mad props if you can name ten WNBA players off the top of your head, right now, go...
What's my point? My point is simple, one of the most important lessons that has come of this entire situation is that the female athletes lack a voice. There isn't a single women in sports today who is willing to stand up strongly for her gender. Mike Bianchi of the Orlanda Sentinel wrote an excellent article last night asking where the Billie Jean King's of female athletics have gone? Where's the next Martha Burk? Who will speak up for the girls? Anybody? Sorenstam, probably the most popular female athlete in the world, had nothing to say. Lopez, a female golfing pioneer, had nothing to say. I haven't heard from Lisa Lobo, Pat Summit, or Natalia Coughlin. Have you?
Take the scenario of Augusta National, an all-male private golf club. Imagine if the restrictions included no African Americans. Just imagine the outcry, the rage that would have taken place had Augusta continued to be an all-white establishment. There would have been riots. But, a few years ago, when there was a push for the club to allow women onto it's golf course, there was a hustle-bustle for awhile, then silence, then it was all those females concluding: "oh, well, boys will be boys." This makes no sense, why the hell shouldn't girls be allowed to play golf at Augusta? What makes the rich, white men up at Augusta so damn special that they think they're so much better than women? How is this happening, in America? The land of the free. How can we allow one establishment to get away with this? Why doesn't someone stand up to Augusta. All it would take is for Tiger Woods to say, "um, you know what, I'm not playing here any longer until you allow females the right to play here also." Literally, that's all it would take. Augusta would lose so much money, they would become so scrutinized that they would have to give in. Or the females could just stand up for themselves once again and not give in so easily. Picket, riot, make a bunch of noise from the parking lot during each one of Phil Mickelson's backswings. None of this is worse than Augusta playing God and deciding that they're better than the females. Seriously, that's about as bad as it gets. And they get away with it.
Someone speak up for the women. This country needs a female athletic icon who is willing to speak up for her gender. It needs girl power. It needs Sorenstam or Summit to make a BOLD public statement stating that the female athletes of this generation, and the next, won't stand for sexist discrimination any longer. It won't stand for Jim Rome talking about Sorenstam's breast size on his radio show. It won't stand for being called "hos" by some hotshot radio host who, somewhere along the line, thought he was granted heroic immortality. It won't stand for the segregation at Augusta. This country needs female athletes, some of the strongest, toughest women in the world, to stand up and fight for themselves. Bottom line.
Either they stand up or they keep getting pushed around by ignorant fools sitting safely behind microphones in a closed-in, window-paned room. Men who can sit there like cowards and discriminate because they know there won't be any outrage. Unless, of course, they dip into racial issues. The African Americans have leaders who aren't afraid to stand up for their race. God bless them.
But the women? Nobody. It's a damn shame.
The comments don't need to be repeated here, you've heard them many times. They were uncalled for, unnecessary, racist, and ...hold your breathe...sexist? Although you wouldn't know it from the nationwide response, would you? There's no debating the comments were degrading to African Americans, but there is also no debating that the comments were degrading to women. But where are the female voices? The Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson both had something to say, standing up for the African American race. But their job isn't to defend women, it's to defend African Americans.
So where are the chicks fighting for girl power? Annika Sorenstam was asked about the situation this week, her response: "I haven't heard about it." Nancy Lopez was asked about it at the same event, her response: "I'm not sure what you just asked me. I have not read anything or heard anything." Please, EVERYBODY has heard about this.
Who else can we turn to? Oprah? I heard she had a show about it, but I wasn't able to see it. Good for her. The WNBA stars? I'll give you mad props if you can name ten WNBA players off the top of your head, right now, go...
What's my point? My point is simple, one of the most important lessons that has come of this entire situation is that the female athletes lack a voice. There isn't a single women in sports today who is willing to stand up strongly for her gender. Mike Bianchi of the Orlanda Sentinel wrote an excellent article last night asking where the Billie Jean King's of female athletics have gone? Where's the next Martha Burk? Who will speak up for the girls? Anybody? Sorenstam, probably the most popular female athlete in the world, had nothing to say. Lopez, a female golfing pioneer, had nothing to say. I haven't heard from Lisa Lobo, Pat Summit, or Natalia Coughlin. Have you?
Take the scenario of Augusta National, an all-male private golf club. Imagine if the restrictions included no African Americans. Just imagine the outcry, the rage that would have taken place had Augusta continued to be an all-white establishment. There would have been riots. But, a few years ago, when there was a push for the club to allow women onto it's golf course, there was a hustle-bustle for awhile, then silence, then it was all those females concluding: "oh, well, boys will be boys." This makes no sense, why the hell shouldn't girls be allowed to play golf at Augusta? What makes the rich, white men up at Augusta so damn special that they think they're so much better than women? How is this happening, in America? The land of the free. How can we allow one establishment to get away with this? Why doesn't someone stand up to Augusta. All it would take is for Tiger Woods to say, "um, you know what, I'm not playing here any longer until you allow females the right to play here also." Literally, that's all it would take. Augusta would lose so much money, they would become so scrutinized that they would have to give in. Or the females could just stand up for themselves once again and not give in so easily. Picket, riot, make a bunch of noise from the parking lot during each one of Phil Mickelson's backswings. None of this is worse than Augusta playing God and deciding that they're better than the females. Seriously, that's about as bad as it gets. And they get away with it.
Someone speak up for the women. This country needs a female athletic icon who is willing to speak up for her gender. It needs girl power. It needs Sorenstam or Summit to make a BOLD public statement stating that the female athletes of this generation, and the next, won't stand for sexist discrimination any longer. It won't stand for Jim Rome talking about Sorenstam's breast size on his radio show. It won't stand for being called "hos" by some hotshot radio host who, somewhere along the line, thought he was granted heroic immortality. It won't stand for the segregation at Augusta. This country needs female athletes, some of the strongest, toughest women in the world, to stand up and fight for themselves. Bottom line.
Either they stand up or they keep getting pushed around by ignorant fools sitting safely behind microphones in a closed-in, window-paned room. Men who can sit there like cowards and discriminate because they know there won't be any outrage. Unless, of course, they dip into racial issues. The African Americans have leaders who aren't afraid to stand up for their race. God bless them.
But the women? Nobody. It's a damn shame.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Carp Soon to Hit DL
Another flare up in his pitching elbow will most likely land Cardinal Ace Chris Carpenter on the retroactive 15 day disabled list. It hasn't been announced yet by the Cardinal organization that this will occur but it's a pretty safe bet once you sort through all the crap they're feeding the media about it.
Carp played catch on Friday, and then threw a side session Saturday, but woke Sunday morning with the same swelling he had after his opening day start. Something is wrong. He gets a MRI today and we'll hear that he's making a DL stint by tomorrow evening, I would guess. It will most likely be the 15-day DL, but don't go into shock if he's not bumped to the 30-day. There's no need in pushing him now and costing him the season, let's just hope this isn't extremely serious and is going to require surgery. But it's certainly something you have to be thinking if you're a fan.
Blake Hawksworth is the go-to guy at this point, it seems. He'll most likely get the call for tomorrow's start at Pittsburgh, or perhaps they will bump him to later in the week.
Carp played catch on Friday, and then threw a side session Saturday, but woke Sunday morning with the same swelling he had after his opening day start. Something is wrong. He gets a MRI today and we'll hear that he's making a DL stint by tomorrow evening, I would guess. It will most likely be the 15-day DL, but don't go into shock if he's not bumped to the 30-day. There's no need in pushing him now and costing him the season, let's just hope this isn't extremely serious and is going to require surgery. But it's certainly something you have to be thinking if you're a fan.
Blake Hawksworth is the go-to guy at this point, it seems. He'll most likely get the call for tomorrow's start at Pittsburgh, or perhaps they will bump him to later in the week.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Fresh, Squeezed Rant
The first series of the year at Little Tike Park got under way on Friday with the Cardinals first victory of the season, 4-1. One day later, I sit here watching Carlos Lee hit "Babyface" Brad Thompson's first pitch of the game 207 feet into the left field bleachers and I realize that I need a moment. To get pissed off.
How did Major League Baseball allow such a field to be constructed? Literally, this is completely beyond me. This field...nicely put, is the most idiotic and stupid thing to happen to sports since Don Denkinger's blown call in the 1985 "Show-Me Series." The only thing I can think happened is that the Astro's organization got together and decided to hire a bunch of interior design majors - who failed out of their high school design class for being stupid - told them to come up with the stupidest thing their combined sub-zero iq's could think of, and then got permission, somehow, from Major League Baseball to build it.
It's not even creative, it's stupid. It's not revolutionary, it's mentally challenged. It's not a baseball field, it resembles a wiffleball field that a bunch of drunk, right-hand hitting college kids designed one night so they could hit a bunch of homeruns to the short porch in left.
And for kicks and grins, they decided to slap a pole in centerfield because they thought it would be funny for the outfielders to shotgun a beer, spin around three times, then try to track down a wiffleball that was perfectly fungo'd to centerfield, hoping he'd run into the pole and they could all get a good laugh.
There's a pole in centerfield. If you would've told me 10 years ago that the Houston Astro's were going to construct a field that had a pole in centerfield, I would've looked you right in the eye and said, "there is absolutely nothing I could possibly think of that would is more retarded than that."
But I was wrong, the "creative" idiots that designed the field went one up on me...they put the pole on a hill...in center field.
Can you imagine how it went?
Field Designer Number One: "Hey..I got it. Left field can be 350 feet short, we'll put three different sized walls, a bunch of curves and angles, and we'll even slap a flag pole out in center to show the great state of Texas and our wonderfully, patriotic president how proud we are of our country."
Field Designer Number Two: "Wait, wait, wait. I got it. Let's make left field 320 feet, then let's put the flag pole on a hill so the flag can be higher, this way W can see it all the way from the Oval Office."
Rest of Field Designers, simultaneously: "Ha. Ha. Ha. That's funny Mike. Let's do it."
Field Designer Number Three: "Let's get drunk first."
Rest of Field Designers, simultaneously: "Good Idea."
This is how the Astro's official site explains the field: "Three wall heights, various angles in the corners and power alleys, a 30-degree, uphill slope - "Tal's Hill" - for a center field warning track, and a flag pole in the field of play create unique actions for any ball that gets past an outfielder."
Could you imagine trying to explain to Roberto Clemente or Stan Musial or Willie Mays or any other baseball great, "Um yea, things are little different here. The sizes of the walls are completely different every ten feet or so. These walls create a bunch of weird shapes and stuff too, by the way. Then there's a flag pole and a big hill in centerfield, so be careful. We really think it will create unique action."
Those guys would have sat down and said, "screw this. I gave up playing street ball in alleyways when I was ten."
It won an award, "Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Project." That's great. Only it's not a civil engineering project, it's a damn baseball stadium.
It actually surprises me that they don't have frisbees as bases, a chain-link fence in right field, and a dinner bell that Mrs. Biggio rings when supper is ready.
There's only one thing stupider than the design of this ballpark: the idiots in baseball's hierarchy that allowed it.
How did Major League Baseball allow such a field to be constructed? Literally, this is completely beyond me. This field...nicely put, is the most idiotic and stupid thing to happen to sports since Don Denkinger's blown call in the 1985 "Show-Me Series." The only thing I can think happened is that the Astro's organization got together and decided to hire a bunch of interior design majors - who failed out of their high school design class for being stupid - told them to come up with the stupidest thing their combined sub-zero iq's could think of, and then got permission, somehow, from Major League Baseball to build it.
It's not even creative, it's stupid. It's not revolutionary, it's mentally challenged. It's not a baseball field, it resembles a wiffleball field that a bunch of drunk, right-hand hitting college kids designed one night so they could hit a bunch of homeruns to the short porch in left.
And for kicks and grins, they decided to slap a pole in centerfield because they thought it would be funny for the outfielders to shotgun a beer, spin around three times, then try to track down a wiffleball that was perfectly fungo'd to centerfield, hoping he'd run into the pole and they could all get a good laugh. There's a pole in centerfield. If you would've told me 10 years ago that the Houston Astro's were going to construct a field that had a pole in centerfield, I would've looked you right in the eye and said, "there is absolutely nothing I could possibly think of that would is more retarded than that."
But I was wrong, the "creative" idiots that designed the field went one up on me...they put the pole on a hill...in center field.
Can you imagine how it went?
Field Designer Number One: "Hey..I got it. Left field can be 350 feet short, we'll put three different sized walls, a bunch of curves and angles, and we'll even slap a flag pole out in center to show the great state of Texas and our wonderfully, patriotic president how proud we are of our country."
Field Designer Number Two: "Wait, wait, wait. I got it. Let's make left field 320 feet, then let's put the flag pole on a hill so the flag can be higher, this way W can see it all the way from the Oval Office."
Rest of Field Designers, simultaneously: "Ha. Ha. Ha. That's funny Mike. Let's do it."
Field Designer Number Three: "Let's get drunk first."
Rest of Field Designers, simultaneously: "Good Idea."
This is how the Astro's official site explains the field: "Three wall heights, various angles in the corners and power alleys, a 30-degree, uphill slope - "Tal's Hill" - for a center field warning track, and a flag pole in the field of play create unique actions for any ball that gets past an outfielder."
Could you imagine trying to explain to Roberto Clemente or Stan Musial or Willie Mays or any other baseball great, "Um yea, things are little different here. The sizes of the walls are completely different every ten feet or so. These walls create a bunch of weird shapes and stuff too, by the way. Then there's a flag pole and a big hill in centerfield, so be careful. We really think it will create unique action."
Those guys would have sat down and said, "screw this. I gave up playing street ball in alleyways when I was ten."
It won an award, "Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Project." That's great. Only it's not a civil engineering project, it's a damn baseball stadium.
It actually surprises me that they don't have frisbees as bases, a chain-link fence in right field, and a dinner bell that Mrs. Biggio rings when supper is ready.
There's only one thing stupider than the design of this ballpark: the idiots in baseball's hierarchy that allowed it.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
What's worse: The Cardinals or the Day After a Fast Food Binge?
I know I'm not the only Cardinal fan to go on a 24-hour fast food binge, hitting up all the favorite spots back to back....to back. 
Starting at Jack-in-the-Box on I-70 on the way to the game, midnight snackin' at the downtown White Castle after 4 or 5 cold Budwiesers at Paddy O's, then waking up and treatin myself to McDonalds breakfast and an eye-opening coffee on the way back home. I also know that I'm not the only one, hours later, to be burying my face in my shirt to avoid the unavoidable smell while using an entire role of toilet paper to clean in-between and all over my chaffed butt cheeks. I'm not the only one to stand up, regretfully turn around, and look at what just happened before you go flushing the two tacos, 12 Whitey's, bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich and hash brown down the toilet.
You could compare this experience to two things:
1)The way the Cardinals have started the season.
2)Having to watch the Cardinals start the season.
I don't know what's worse, the 24 hours after your latest fast food binge, or sitting around a TV awaiting the next disastrous inning in which Cardinal pitching gives up a crooked number.
There are positives to this whole thing, kind of like it's a GOOD taste in your mouth when the Whitey's are going down.
Braden Looper pitched well. Russ Springer pitched well. Jason Isringhausen pitched well. Kip Wells even pitched pretty good on Tuesday night. The pitching has really been the going down part, the hitting, however, is the part that hurts when it comes back out.
Am I the only one trying hard not to remember the 2004 World Series right now? Are the bats really that non-existent? Does this Cardinal team really lack the punch to score more than one run over a three game series? Are the Royals better than us?
Or are things going to get better? Technically, they have too. Because it can't get much worse. The media is all over the corner outfielders for not being able to make routine plays, the corner outfielders are blaming the lights behind home plate, the lights behind home plate haven't been tweaked at all, and the Met's corner outfielders are looking at the Cardinal's corner outfielders and wondering what all the bitching and moaning is about?
The real question though is whether or not the lights behind the outfield have been tweaked because it sure as hell seems like Cardinal hitters aren't seeing the ball at the plate either. No problem for the Met's sluggers, though.
John Maine? Two hitter?
Tom Glavine? One earned run?
Orlando Hernandez? One earned run?
Wow.
The only difference between the pathetic performance of the Cardinals after a World Series Championship this year and the pathetic performance of the Florida Marlins after their World Series Championship in 1998 (and 2003) is that the Cardinals actually still have their Championship team intact. The Marlins went out and sold every piece and retooled with washed-up vets or unproven rookies...and they looked much better than us doing it.
I'm jumping the gun, I know. It's only three games in and there's 178 to go. But the red flag is up, and if this continues we're going to be calling for LaRussa to finally wash his lucky Championship underwear. As for the rest of the Cardinals, it's time to get their panties out of wad and start playing baseball.
*It was reported today that Chris Carpenter's elbow seems to be doing much better. The inflammation has gone down, and he is expecting to meet with doctors again tomorrow. Dave Duncan and LaRussa each act like there's no point in worrying, but I'll stay skeptical. Here's to hoping Carp is ready to go next Tuesday, but if not then LaRussa mentioned the possibility of calling left hander Randy Kiesler or prospect Blake Hawksworth up from Memphis to fill the role. Other in-club options would be Ryan Franklin, Brad Thompson, or Josh Hancock (as long as he's not facing the Mets,) although LaRussa did seem hesitant about disrupting the bullpen.
Here's one for the books:
Steve Rosenbloom, Chicago Tribune: “The Bears say they will use the shotgun more. What, is Tank’s Uzi empty?”
Also:
Joe Morgan on the Dan Patrick Show when asked whether or not memorabilia should be allowed in the Hall of Fame from players who cheated: "Yes. Because if not then there would hardly be any memorabilia left."
Starting at Jack-in-the-Box on I-70 on the way to the game, midnight snackin' at the downtown White Castle after 4 or 5 cold Budwiesers at Paddy O's, then waking up and treatin myself to McDonalds breakfast and an eye-opening coffee on the way back home. I also know that I'm not the only one, hours later, to be burying my face in my shirt to avoid the unavoidable smell while using an entire role of toilet paper to clean in-between and all over my chaffed butt cheeks. I'm not the only one to stand up, regretfully turn around, and look at what just happened before you go flushing the two tacos, 12 Whitey's, bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich and hash brown down the toilet. You could compare this experience to two things:
1)The way the Cardinals have started the season.
2)Having to watch the Cardinals start the season.
I don't know what's worse, the 24 hours after your latest fast food binge, or sitting around a TV awaiting the next disastrous inning in which Cardinal pitching gives up a crooked number.
There are positives to this whole thing, kind of like it's a GOOD taste in your mouth when the Whitey's are going down.
Braden Looper pitched well. Russ Springer pitched well. Jason Isringhausen pitched well. Kip Wells even pitched pretty good on Tuesday night. The pitching has really been the going down part, the hitting, however, is the part that hurts when it comes back out. Am I the only one trying hard not to remember the 2004 World Series right now? Are the bats really that non-existent? Does this Cardinal team really lack the punch to score more than one run over a three game series? Are the Royals better than us?
Or are things going to get better? Technically, they have too. Because it can't get much worse. The media is all over the corner outfielders for not being able to make routine plays, the corner outfielders are blaming the lights behind home plate, the lights behind home plate haven't been tweaked at all, and the Met's corner outfielders are looking at the Cardinal's corner outfielders and wondering what all the bitching and moaning is about?
The real question though is whether or not the lights behind the outfield have been tweaked because it sure as hell seems like Cardinal hitters aren't seeing the ball at the plate either. No problem for the Met's sluggers, though.
John Maine? Two hitter?
Tom Glavine? One earned run?
Orlando Hernandez? One earned run?
Wow.
The only difference between the pathetic performance of the Cardinals after a World Series Championship this year and the pathetic performance of the Florida Marlins after their World Series Championship in 1998 (and 2003) is that the Cardinals actually still have their Championship team intact. The Marlins went out and sold every piece and retooled with washed-up vets or unproven rookies...and they looked much better than us doing it.
I'm jumping the gun, I know. It's only three games in and there's 178 to go. But the red flag is up, and if this continues we're going to be calling for LaRussa to finally wash his lucky Championship underwear. As for the rest of the Cardinals, it's time to get their panties out of wad and start playing baseball.
*It was reported today that Chris Carpenter's elbow seems to be doing much better. The inflammation has gone down, and he is expecting to meet with doctors again tomorrow. Dave Duncan and LaRussa each act like there's no point in worrying, but I'll stay skeptical. Here's to hoping Carp is ready to go next Tuesday, but if not then LaRussa mentioned the possibility of calling left hander Randy Kiesler or prospect Blake Hawksworth up from Memphis to fill the role. Other in-club options would be Ryan Franklin, Brad Thompson, or Josh Hancock (as long as he's not facing the Mets,) although LaRussa did seem hesitant about disrupting the bullpen.
Here's one for the books:
Steve Rosenbloom, Chicago Tribune: “The Bears say they will use the shotgun more. What, is Tank’s Uzi empty?”
Also:
Joe Morgan on the Dan Patrick Show when asked whether or not memorabilia should be allowed in the Hall of Fame from players who cheated: "Yes. Because if not then there would hardly be any memorabilia left."
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Carpenter to Miss Start...or More
Staff ace Chris Carpenter is reported to miss at least one start due to right elbow inflammation. Carpenter was scheduled to start Friday at Houston, Adam Wainwright will move up one day and throw Friday. Anthony Reyes will toss Saturday and Kip Wells will make his second start on Sunday.
Carpenter complained of being stiff and sore after Sunday night's start, he was examined by team doctor George Paletta before the decision to miss a start was made. Carpenter needed 101 pitches to get through 6 innings of work on Sunday night, he gave up five runs.
It's probably too early for speculation but you have to be thinking this could mean a DL stint for Carpenter, opening up an entirely new door of questions for the Cardinals as the season gets underway. What happens if Carp goes on the dreaded 15 day will give you a headache just thinking about it. So don't worry about it until we know more.
Carpenter complained of being stiff and sore after Sunday night's start, he was examined by team doctor George Paletta before the decision to miss a start was made. Carpenter needed 101 pitches to get through 6 innings of work on Sunday night, he gave up five runs.
It's probably too early for speculation but you have to be thinking this could mean a DL stint for Carpenter, opening up an entirely new door of questions for the Cardinals as the season gets underway. What happens if Carp goes on the dreaded 15 day will give you a headache just thinking about it. So don't worry about it until we know more.
LaRussa, Cards Weak out of the Gates
NY Mets 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 6 12 0
St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 10 1
Well, you could say it wasn't pretty. It wasn't pretty from the time the Cardinal lineup was announced. On a day when Tony LaRussa went public with his disgust of the media blowing the opening day lineup way out of proportion, we do just that: discuss the lineup.
So Taguchi in left over Chris Duncan? Yes, Tony, I understand. Duncan sucks against left-handed hurlers, plain and simple. A measly .170 in 47 tries last season doesn't qualify as good. In fact, you would probably consider that combination of numbers well below average. So, statistically, Tony, you're justified.
But on opening day? C'mon. I'm not hear to question LaRussa when it comes to baseball knowledge, but I do think playing the exciting, young Chris Duncan on opening day would have been a better idea than tossing the 38 year old Taguchi out there. I would be willing to bet that upwards of 80% of the people in Busch Stadium Sunday night were disappointed when they found out Duncan wouldn't be batting in front of Pujols. The idea of opening day is not only to win, but also to fill the stadium with excitement as you gear up for the rest of the season. Chances are, most people would have been more excited to see Duncan taking hacks than they were watching Taguchi misplay flyballs.
Down the stretch, I don't have a problem with Taguchi playing against lefties, but when it comes to opening day at the ballpark things are different. All anyone has talked about all offseason is whether or not Chris Duncan can be an everyday starter and, repeatedly, LaRussa has offered his confidence to the media and to Duncan saying "he's above average" and "he's ready to go. He's really improved." Well, what kind of message do you send to Duncan and the fans if you don't think he's good enough to be in your starting lineup in front of an exciting crowd on opening day? Sounds to me like: "Um, well. He's probably not as good as I've made him out to be. Chances are we won't even play him against lefties, much like last season." Give the kid a chance.
*Props to Duncan, who took the decision in stride and said all the right things: "I definitely didn't swing the bat good against lefthanders this spring. I think Tony gave me an opportunity in spring to face some guys. It's the way it goes. Sure, it would have been nice to play opening night. But we have so many good outfielders, you want to take the best shot at winning."
*My mistake for making fun of the 94 year old Tom Glavine, he sure as hell carved up the 'Birds on Sunday.
*Carpenter wasn't smooth...at all. No worries. Yet.
*Perhaps the post-season birth of Yadi Molina was no fluke, he seemed to be the only person able to get good wood on the ball Sunday, despite blooping out in a critical at-bat.
*The Cubs announced today that, after spending upwards of 300 million this offseason, they plan to sell the team. I'd sell that can't-hack-it franchise if I owned it to.
Birds. Mets. Tonight.
Timo's favorite part: THE PUNDITS
Steve Rosenbloom, Chicago Tribune: “The Cardinals always seem smarter and more resourceful than everybody else. I mean, the Cubs have no idea what they’re doing with Wood and Prior, so they turned to Cardinals curbside pick-up Jason Marquis, and meanwhile the Cardinals have one-time Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter being followed by future multiple Cy Young winner Adam Wainwright.”
Jim Armstrong, Denver Post: “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Alfonso Soriano, baseball’s first 40-40-40 man: 40 homers, 40 steals, 40 errors trying to impersonate a center fielder.”
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle: “Pacman Jones will have his meeting with NFL Commish Roger Goodell on Tuesday. Just in case Pacman gets hit with a big fine, he’s bringing a Hefty Bag full of dollar bills.”
Jim Armstrong, Denver Post: “To put it in a way Pacman Jones will understand, word is NFL commish Roger Goodell plans to shower Jones with fine money.”
Dan Daly, Washington Times: “At the NFL meetings, owners made instant replay permanent by a vote of 30-2. The only dissenters were the Cardinals, who said they were “tired of waiting for the referee to decide whether our player dropped the ball or fumbled it,” and the tightwad Bengals, who were willing to share the cost of the new high-definition equipment but only if the monitors were black-and-white.”
Jay Mariotti, Chicago Sun-Times: “Only hopeless grumps and half-dead curmudgeons wouldn’t enjoy the union of Mark Cuban and the free-at-last Cubs. For one, he’s a bleacher bum at heart, a crazy fan who truly gets Wrigleyville, vines, beer and bikini tops. And unlike the fallen Tribune Co. — good riddance, losers — he doesn’t like mixing futility with fun, preferring to augment the party with big spending and bigger winning as shown by his once-moribund, now-dominant Dallas Mavericks.”
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle: “Lou Piniella promises a ‘change of culture’ for the Cubbies. Since Dusty Baker came in promising to change the Cubs’ ‘culture of losing,’ Piniella’s promise is kind of like rotating four bald tires.”
Ex-Cardinal reliever, Steve Kline: “Toad food? Tofu? I don’t even know what that is. I don’t believe in dieting. I went on two diets in my life, and I got fatter both times. No thanks. I’ll be out eating Beer Nuts.”
Greg Cote, Miami Herald: “The NHL is considering an outright ban on fighting. Isn’t that a little like a liquor store banning alcohol?”
Steve Rosenbloom, ChicagoSports.com, on Illinois starting spring football: “Big question is, how many plays before Ron Guenther calls Juice Williams an ‘idiot’?”
Jim Armstrong, Denver Post: “This just in. Duke forward Josh McRoberts has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft. As opposed to prepared for it.”
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