STL Sports Headlines
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July 1
DeRosa Day-to-Day; Hoffpauir Recalled; Glaus to Rehab
St. Louis Cardinals infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa was examined by the team’s medical staff today and was diagnosed with a left wrist strain after being removed from last night’s game in the 6th inning. His status is day-to-day.
The Cardinals also announced today that third baseman Troy Glaus will report to the Cardinals’ Complex in Jupiter, Fla., where he will continue therapy and rehabilitation for his surgically repaired right shoulder and will also begin baseball-related activities. Glaus, 32, has been on the disabled list all season, as he recovers from right shoulder surgery that was performed on January 21.
Infielder Jarrett Hoffpauir, 26, has been recalled from Memphis (AAA) and becomes the 15th rookie to suit up for the Cardinals this season and the 9th to make a major league debut.
Drafted in the 6th round in 2004 out of the University of Southern Mississippi, Hoffpauir was batting .276 with 10 homers and 31 RBI at Memphis and was named the Cardinals Minor League Player of the Month for June after batting .327 with 7 homers and 20 RBI in 27 games this past month. Hoffpauir will wear uniform #34.
To make room for Hoffpauir on their 25-man roster, the Cardinals optioned right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen to Memphis (AAA).
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June 27
Cards Acquire DeRosa for Perez, Player to be Named
The St. Louis Cardinals announced this afternoon that they have acquired infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for right-handed reliever Chris Perez and a player-to-be-named-later.
DeRosa, 34, was batting .270 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI this season, ranking 2nd on the Indians in both homers and RBI. His 50 RBI ranked T10th in the American League at the start of play today. DeRosa’s .339 batting mark against left-handed pitchers ranks 17th in the A.L. and his .661 slugging pct. against port-siders is the 8th best total in the Junior Circuit.
“We felt that this deal provided us with an excellent opportunity to improve our team, especially from an offensive standpoint,” said Cardinals’ Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “We feel our team has the pitching to contend, and if we can get the offense to produce at a more consistent level, then our overall performance should benefit.”
The right-handed hitting DeRosa owns a career batting mark of .278 with 82 home runs and 402 RBI in 964 games with Atlanta (1998-04), Texas (2005-06), Chicago Cubs (2007-08) and Cleveland (2009). His .305 career batting average vs. lefthanders is 22nd best among active players (min. 750 PA) since 1998.
DeRosa has shown versatility in the field throughout his career, playing over 100 career games at third base, shortstop, second base and the outfield. He has appeared in 42 games this season at third, 16 in left field, 9 in right and 7 at first base.
DeRosa enjoyed career highs in both home runs (21) and RBI (87) last season while batting .285 for the Chicago Cubs. He hit a torrid .378 last August with 7 home runs. DeRosa was traded to the Indians on New Year’s Eve in exchange for three minor league pitchers.
The 6-1, 205-pound native of Oradell, NJ attended the University of Pennsylvania where he was the Quakers starting quarterback from 1993-95. He was drafted in the 7th round by the Atlanta Braves in 1996.
Perez, who turns 24 on July 1, was the Cardinals supplemental first round draft selection in 2006. He is 1-1 with a 4.37 ERA and one save this season.
DeRosa is expected to the join the Cardinals for their game tomorrow afternoon (1:15 p.m. CDT) against the Minnesota Twins. He will wear uniform #7.
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June 26
Mizzou’s Carroll Picked By Grizzlies
DeMarre Carroll capped one of the most well-rounded seasons in Missouri Basketball history by being selected in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft (#27 overall) by the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.
Carroll became Missouri's 13th all-time first round draft pick and was the first Tiger selected in the NBA Draft since Linas Kleiza in 2005. Kleiza was also drafted #27 overall by the Portland Trailblazers and was traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft night.
“It’s a whirlwind right now,” Carroll said. “I’ve done about a million interviews so far, but this has been an amazing night. I’m so excited to be headed to Memphis. It’s a young, improving organization and it’s one I’m honored to be apart of.
“I have a lot of people I want to thank. Of course I want to thank my family. They have supported me from the very beginning. Obviously I can’t thank my coaches, teammates and the fans enough. Having a chance to play for my uncle in college was an amazing experience and I want to thank him, his staff and my teammates for helping me to reach my potential. Some great things are happening at Missouri, this past season was just the beginning. But now I can’t wait to get to Memphis and begin working for that franchise.”
Carroll enjoyed a remarkable senior season in Columbia, leading Mizzou to a school record 31 wins and a berth into the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight. A first team All-Big 12 pick on the hardwood, Carroll averaged 16.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, while ranking second on the team with 1.55 steals per game. He was also named the Most Valuable Player at the 2009 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship in Oklahoma City, where he led Mizzou to its first-ever Big 12 Championship.
Carroll also got the job done off the court at Mizzou. A 2008 graduate of Missouri, the Birmingham, Ala., native was named a first team Academic All-Big 12 pick and began his Masters work in Human Development & Family Studies during the 2008-09 season.
“I’m happy DeMarre is having an opportunity to realize his dream,” Head Coach Mike Anderson said. “All the work he’s put in is paying off. He was obviously very instrumental in the resurgence of Tiger Basketball and I thought he had an outstanding year. To me, this is like icing on the cake in terms of having the opportunity to be drafted in the first round.
“DeMarre plays to win,” Anderson said. “That’s probably the biggest thing I can say. Memphis got a winner.”
Records wise the 2009 Portsmouth Invitational MVP is littered throughout the Tiger annals. He topped the 1,000-point plateau at Mizzou in just two seasons and his 59 steals last year were the 10th most in single-season history. He also started all-38 games in 2008-09, tying fellow teammate J.T. Tiller for the most starts in single-season history.
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June 17
Coach Spagnuolo OTA Wrap-UP
(Opening Remarks)
“The first thing I wanted to mention was I thought what happened yesterday was really a great thing. We went over to East St. Louis and built a playground over in Lincoln Park. I thought that the people in this organization and the people that were involved with it did a terrific job. I thought (Vice President/Corporate Communications & Civic Affairs) Molly Higgins and (Director/Community Outreach & Youth Football) Michael Yarbrough who work in our community relations (department) did a nice job of putting it together and I really do think that our players got a lot out of it. In a lot of ways when you do something like that you get more out of it helping people than the people you’re actually helping. So that was the first thing and I thought it was a good way for our team to end. They did something together. It didn’t have to do really with football it had more to do with giving back to the community. I would also like to kind of convey our training camp dates so that you know going forward. The rookies, quarterbacks and the selected vets will be here on July 29. That will be their reporting date. They’ll have two practices the following day just that group. The full squad will report here on July 30 and we’ll have our first practice here on the 31st. Going forward I thought that would help you a little bit. Right now we anticipate that all 86 guys that are on the roster will be healthy, be ready to go. Don’t see any problems there unless something should come up between now and then. Other than that I’ll open it up for questions.”
(On what he learned about the team this offseason)
“I’ll tell you this, I do know that it’s a bunch of hard working guys. I told them yesterday as they departed that I thought we had enough character, enough talent and enough guys that are driven that we can accomplish whatever we want. Whatever we decide we want to accomplish I think we can do that.”
(On if he has set a training camp practice schedule)
“Yeah, it’s laid out right now. It’s going to begin with two-a-days. Most of them will be two-a-days. There’s some selected days that will be one, we’ll work around the weather, the heat, etc., etc. But it’s hard to tell right now having myself not gone through the weather conditions here in July and August, but we’ll be on the ready, ready. We’ll be ready to dance around things that might occur.”
(On if the basics of the training camp schedule are taken from Coach Tom Coughlin and Coach Andy Reid)
“Yeah, quite honestly it is a combination of Andy and Tom. There’s certain weeks there that will be a little more of what Andy did and as I’m in my mind thinking about it there will be more of what Coach Coughlin had. So definitely a combination of both.”
(On the importance of T Jason Smith being at training camp on time)
“Yeah, that’s probably a no-brainer. It’s important for all the players to be here on time. I think they understand that. There is a business side of this business, so we’ll let it run its course. But I’m confident in Jason’s group that is representing him and (Executive Vice President of Football Operations/Chief Operating Officer) Kevin (Demoff) certainly here.”
(On if he talked to Smith about getting the business side settled on time for camp)
“I had an initial conversation back when we drafted him, but that’s really the business end part of it. I try to stay away from that.”
(On if T Alex Barron will be at left tackle and Smith at right tackle)
“Everything’s still open. If you saw some of the practices, we moved guys around looking for some versatility, so nothing is carved in stone right now.”
(On if he is confident Smith and LB James Lauriniatis will be ready for starting positions by the time the season starts)
“I’m not going to down that road. I won’t make any kind of prediction. I think certainly both of them are capable of doing that, but we have a long way to go here. They haven’t even put the pads on yet.”
(On what it was like to say good-bye to everyone for a month)
“I got lost, what do I do now? None of the guys are here. No, this is part of it. I think they do need to get away from…they certainly get away from me, the coaches, from each other. Be with families and wrapped around all that they still need to be working. We don’t want them to lose anything in the strength development part of it, certainly the conditioning. I think they all understand that. Certainly the guys that have been in this league in previous years do. But I probably need a little bit of a break some where along the way too. My wife’s glad that they’re all gone now.”
(On how much of a break the coaches will have)
“We’ll actually work right through Saturday. We’re going to work on Saturday, we have a committed staff that’s going to put time in the weekend here, this particular weekend. Then, they’ll be off until July 27, when we come back together right before the players get here.”
(On if he will get to enjoy his time off or will the wheels be turning)
“I’ll keep you posted. I think the wheels are always turning. You need some down time. I’ll force myself to kind of do that. I think that’s a healthy thing to do.”
(On if his wife will force him to enjoy his time off)
“Yeah, she’s terrific. She’ll be great about it. She’s probably got something already lined up.”
(On where he plans to be during his break)
“Actually, I’ll be here next week. I’ll be in and out of St. Louis throughout the month of July and then certainly I’ll be back before July 27. I’ll be itching to go, so I’ll be in and out.”
(On if he has to set a tone in training camp or is it already set and just moving forward)
“Well, I can tell you what I told the team. The way it’s laid out, the first five days are definitely a bear. The way it’s laid out, the times the practices are going to be, the length of practices and typically if you don’t come in shape and in the right frame of mind, you run the risk of getting injured and not being up to speed for what we want to do. Now after that it doesn’t get that much easier, but it tends to thin out a little bit and they’re able to survive. I think any of these camps have to be like that. I mentioned this the other day to the team that it’s between now and really the first game or through the preseason games that you establish the foundation that helps you win in November and December. I believe that.”
(On if he has thought about two-a-day practices in the heat here)
“I’ve put a lot of thought into it. We’re ready with a couple of different options. I’d like to keep them in the day right now. There’s some night practices sprinkled in there. We always have the capability if it got really too rough on them to go indoors to protect them from the sun, its air conditioned in there. We kind of have an open plan; we’ll just play it with Mother Nature.”
(On if there is a need to temper expectations of those who say if the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens can all rebound with a winning season coming off a losing season then the Rams can too)
“Well I’m not going to temper anything. People can believe what they believe. You have to have a little bit of confidence in what you can do, but to me it’s not about bold predictions, it’s not about looking into the crystal ball. It’s one day at a time and that’s what we’ll do. If we can do that hopefully something positive can come out of it. I have a lot of respect for those teams that you mentioned. (They) did a great job last year. Terrific.”
(On the alleged interest the Rams have in QB Michael Vick)
“I think (General Manager) Billy (Devaney) has already addressed that. That’s a non-story.”
(On what his final message to the team was)
“We talked about a vision. You have to have a vision and a belief in that vision before you can do anything. I asked them to believe in what we built in these last 14 weeks of the offseason. Let that carry them through the five weeks of work that they have between now and training camp. When we get back here together we’ll hit the ground running and see what happens. But again, like I just got done saying, I asked them to not be about bold predictions, don’t worry about long range, let’s take it one day at a time, one phase at a time. They’re in another phase now. The phase is the offseason program they’ve gone through it, they have five weeks where they’re on their own that they can maintain that and then we get back here to training camp.”
(On if he puts a lot of stock in the preseason games)
“Yeah, you have to use them as indicators because throughout the whole training camp we’ll just be knocking heads against each other. When you’re able to stack yourself up against somebody else that’s when you get a better indicator of where you’re at and what you have.”
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June 15
Cards Sign Majority of Draft Picks
The St. Louis Cardinals announced Monday that they have reached deals with 33 of its top 50 picks, including second-rounder Robert Stock. He was the 67th overall pick in last Tuesday's Draft.
The complete list is as follows:
Robert Stock (C, 2nd round)
Virgil Hill (OF, 6th)
Alan Ahmady (1B, 11th)
Pat Daugherty (LHP, 12th)
Matt Carpenter (3B, 13th)
Ross Smith (OF, 14th)
David Washington (1B, 15th)
Jonathan Rodriguez (1B, 17th)
Anthony Garcia (C, 18th)
Travis Tartamella (C, 19th)
Scott Schneider (RHP, 20th)
Matthew Adams (C, 23rd)
Keith Butler (RHP, 24th)
Josh Squatrito (RHP, 25th)
Christian Beatty (OF, 26th)
Johnathan Fulino (RHP, 27th)
Justin Edwards (LHP, 28th)
Daniel Calhoun (LHP, 29th)
Tyler Bighames (SS, 31st)
Travis Lawler (RHP, 32nd)
Devin Goodwin (SS, 33rd)
David Kington (RHP, 34th)
Andrew Moss (RHP, 35th)
Justin Smith (RHP, 36th)
Richard Racobaldo (3B, 37th)
John Durham (LHP, 38th)
Jesse Simpson (RHP, 40th)
Cale Johnson (RHP, 41st)
Aaron Terry (RHP, 42nd)
Manuel De La Cruz (LHP, 43rd)
Kyle Heim (LHP, 44th)
Michael Thompson (RHP, 47th)
Jason Novak (RHP, 48th)
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June 12
Cards Recall PJ Walters
Post-Dispatch Cardinals writer Joe Strauss reported on the Bernie Miklasz show Friday afternoon that PJ Walters had been recalled by the Cardinals, and Brian Barden was likely to be sent down.
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June 5
Lohse Disabled; Greene Recalled
The St. Louis Cardinals placed right-handed pitcher Kyle Lohse on the 15-day disabled list today with a right forearm flexor strain, back-dated to June 4. The club recalled infielder Tyler Greene from Memphis (AAA).
Lohse left his start on Wednesday, June 3, after two innings. He had been hit by a pitch on the right forearm in his start on May 24 vs. Kansas City and had skipped his normal place in the rotation before starting on Wednesday. He is 4-4 with a 3.99 ERA over 10 starts in ’09.
This is Greene’s second call-up this season. He hit .263 with two home runs and four RBI with St. Louis during the first part of May, starting 10 games and appearing in 13. At Triple-A this season, Greene was hitting a club-leading .316 while playing 32 games at short.
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June 5
Blues Chairman’s Statement on Kiel Opera House Vote
Dave Checketts:
We are honored and privileged to play a role in the restoration and reopening of the Kiel Opera House. This is not possible without the cooperation, partnership and vision of Mayor Francis Slay, Comptroller Darlene Green and the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. The promise of a better St. Louis took a major step forward with today’s resounding vote, and that makes today an historic and wonderful day for everyone who loves St. Louis.
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June 4
Todd Called Up; Boyer DFA
The St. Louis Cardinals purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Jess Todd from Memphis (AAA) today and have designated right-handed pitcher Blaine Boyer for assignment.
Todd, 23, becomes the Major League-leading 12th rookie to suit up for the Cardinals this season and he will become the 6th to make his ML debut for the Cardinals in 2009. Todd is the first player from the Cardinals 2007 draft class (2nd round, 82nd player overall) to reach the majors.
Todd was 3-1 with 11 saves (T3rd in Pacific Coast League) and a 2.96 ERA in 20 games (24.1 IP) for Memphis. He will wear uniform #30.
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June 2
Coach Spagnuolo Press Conference
(Opening Remarks)
“We all know there was a statement released yesterday on behalf of the family in regards to Goldman Sachs & Company. Along with that it said that there wouldn’t be any comments until that was reviewed, so I’m going to respect that request by the family and the organization. I won’t address those questions, but I’d be happy to talk about anything that had to do with practice or the team.”
(On what he expects from this week’s mini-camp)
“This one coming up? I expect five practices, beautiful weather, you know. One thing about the weather being the way it is right now I think it is good that we have back-to-back practices on a particular day. Right now there’s just one (practice) a day, which gets us a little bit in the flow of what it will feel like in late July and August. I think in that regard it will be a little cardiovascular. They’ll be able to feel some of the things we’ve tweaked to kind of make it appear that we’re in training camp just with what we’re doing with our practices. Hopefully, it will ease us right into that.”
(On if this mini-camp will get the team to a point where the playbook will be installed before training camp)
“Yeah, as a matter of fact where we’re headed into next week and definitely into the last week we’ll start focusing on the NFC West teams. So there won’t be any installation. It will just be things that we think we might be using in the season. We’re definitely headed that way.”
(On how the mental part is now hooking up with the physical)
“Well, I’ll tell you what happens on a day like today where it’s warm and I kind of tried to keep a keen eye on it. When the heat starts to set in are they going to let it get in here (their heads) and is it going to affect them. Now without watching the film I don’t really know for sure, but I thought we did a pretty good job of fighting that mental part of it. It’s all kind of coming together. The physical part we all know doesn’t really kick in until we put the big pads on. So they have to get the mental part down now because it’s going to be a real challenge in July and August.”
(On what was decided on DL Kirston Pittman’s injury)
“He went for a second opinion and I don’t that yet. I have not been told that yet.”
(On if the schedule for training camp will be a morning and afternoon practice)
“It starts out that way and then it shifts gears after about four or five days. Two or three weeks into it, it will change again. We kind of gear things so that we can get ready to play a game. It’ll be physical and the guys will get some work in and you guys keep scaring me with all the heat, but I think we’ll be ok.”
(On WR Travis Brown’s injury)
“Last Friday…he has a small crack in his fibula. That’s the non-weight bearing bone, so it’s just keeping weight off and its bit more than a day-to-day (injury), but we think he’ll be alright for training camp.”
(On what he wants to see from players in practice to see if they are game ready)
“Well, what we try to do, you saw it today, we’re trying to simulate some situations to see a little bit of that. The two-minute drill we did today, we did three two-point plays to try to get some competitive juices out. That’s the best we can do for right now without putting the pads on and playing real football. But we’re seeing a little bit of this and that from certain guys in those situations, which is good.”
(On if LB Dominic Douglas has done anything to catch his eye)
“Yeah, I think all those young linebackers are doing a nice job. It’s a challenge in this system as a linebacker, but I think they’re all doing a pretty good job.”
(On the challenge as a coach to keep the players focused when off the field issues come up)
“I told the guys that every team in this league probably has some kind of what we call a distraction. The challenge with every team in this league when those pop up anywhere as a team is to just keep the blinders on, stay focused on what it is we’re doing and not worry about the things we can’t control. I think our guys do a good job of that.”
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June 1
Rams Ownership Retains Financial Advisor
The family of Georgia Frontiere announced today that Goldman, Sachs & Co. has been retained by the family to assist in a strategic review of the assets of her estate, including the St. Louis Rams. There will be no further comment until the review is completed.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Sunday that the Rams are now for sale.
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May 29
Coach Spagnuolo Press Conference
(On what he has seen from TE Daniel Fells so far)
“I’ll tell you what, I don’t know if you saw the play there at the end where we had a little reverse on it; he made a smart decision to keep the ball. Very athletic, been making a lot of plays. Other than that we don’t know the blocking part because we don’t have the pads on yet, but very pleased.”
(On if he thinks Fells just needs an opportunity to play more)
“Yeah, I mean there’s a lot of guys out here like that and they’re all going to get it in this situation. This is the land of opportunity right now.”
(On if he likes the battle among the defensive backs)
“Yeah, you want that. It’s kind of what I’ve talked about before if we can have competition at every position that will make us all better.”
(On if CB Bradley Fletcher is standing out)
“Yeah, he plays aggressive. He has to learn some technique things and (defensive backs/cornerbacks coach) Clayton (Lopez) and I have talked about that this past week. But very eager, very aggressive guy. He’s got long arms and good size.”
(On how CB Tye Hill is coming along)
“Good. Some of the stuff we were doing he struggled with earlier, but it’s really smoothed out for him and he’s coming along. He’s doing a pretty good job.”
(On how G Richie Incognito is coming along at this stage)
“Richie and the whole group, I really talk about all those guys (the offensive line) as a group because that’s what they are and I think they’re progressing in the system. I think (assistant offensive line coach) Art (Valero) and (offensive line coach) Steve Loney are doing a great job with that whole group. Every time I go over there and watch those guys work they’re putting a lot of effort into working and that’s what the offensive line is all about.”
(On if he took out time out with Incognito to talk to him because of his past or if he treats him like everyone else)
“Everybody’s the same right now. We’ll handle things as they come, but everybody’s the same. Again, I said the land of opportunity and that’s what it is right now. Guys are fighting for positions and competing and that’s what I like about it right now.”
(On how he views Incognito’s ability)
“I think our offensive line in general has the ability to be a good, solid offensive line in the system we’re trying to run here.”
(On what he’s seen from WR Brooks Foster so far)
“Right at the end of practice here I thought he made a real nice catch. He adjusted to the ball and he did that same thing Thursday or Wednesday, so that’s impressive that you do it back to back. Good hands and he’s missed a couple of practices going back to the other mini-camp, so we need a little bit of time with him, but he’s been good.”
(On the passing game in general)
“Well, in the passing game that we’re trying to put in the quarterback doesn’t distribute the ball to a lot of people. It’s the backs, it’s the tight end. People think that the pass game is just wide receivers, but really in this league nowadays you have to defend everybody. So I think it’s progressing well. It’s way early in the development of all these things defensively and offensively, but I like some of the things we see.”
(On what he has seen from Fells so far)
“Athletic guy. He’s fitting in right now. Again, we have a long way to go, but he has flashed. He’s done some good things.”
(On why RB Antonio Pittman was not at practice and on the new wide receiver at practice)
“Antonio Pittman had a personal family issue, so we’re ok there. And Sean Walker is a new wide receiver we signed from Vanderbilt.”
(On what WR Sean Walker brings to the team)
“Some fresh legs and there were some things we thought he did in the workout that he was worth giving an opportunity.”
(On why DL Kirston Pittman wasn’t at practice)
“He’s getting a second opinion on an injury on his heel.”
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May 29
Cards Activate Ludwick; DL Greene
The St. Louis Cardinals activated outfielder Ryan Ludwick (strained right hamstring) from the 15-day disabled list today and have placed shortstop Khalil Greene (social anxiety disorder) on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 28.
Ludwick was batting .274 with 8 home runs and 26 RBI at the time of his injury on May 12. He will be in uniform for the Cardinals series opener in San Francisco this evening.
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May 26
Blues Re-Sign Center Jay McClement To Multi-Year Contract
St. Louis Blues’ President John Davidson announced today the club has re-signed center Jay McClement to a multi-year contract.
“Jay played his best season in the NHL this past year on both ends of the ice and is one of the best defensive forwards in the league,” said Davidson. “He will continue to provide strength and experience on the penalty kill as we move forward.”
McClement, 26, led all forwards in the NHL with 315:08 of shorthanded time this past season. He was one of four Blues to play in all 82 games, a career-high and posted career-highs in points (26), goals (12) and assists (14). McClement recorded a career-high three-game goal scoring streak from Feb. 24-Feb. 28, scoring three goals over-the-span.
The Kingston, Ontario native has skated in 311 career NHL games, all with St. Louis, collecting 111 points (35 goals, 76 assists) along with 140 penalty minutes.
McClement was originally St. Louis second round selection, 57th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
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May 13
Ludwick on DL; Stavinoha Called Up
The St. Louis Cardinals placed outfielder Ryan Ludwick (strained right hamstring) on the 15-day disabled list today and recalled outfielder Nick Stavinoha from Memphis (AAA). Stavinoha (#19) will join the Cardinals for their game this evening in Pittsburgh.
Stavinoha, 27, was batting .264 with a team-high four home runs, 25 RBI (T9th in Pacific Coast League) and .427 slugging pct. In 30 games for Memphis.
Drafted by the Cardinals in 2005 (7th round), Stavinoha appeared in 29 games for the Cardinals last season as a rookie and batted .193 with 4 RBI. He led the Cardinals’ farm system with a .337 batting average in 2008, ranking 5th in the PCL.
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May 7
Rams Trade Leonard to Bengals for DT
The St. Louis Rams have traded running back Brian Leonard to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for defensive tackle Orien Harris, the team announced today.
“We feel Orien is a good addition to our roster,” said Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. “This move allows us to add more depth to our defensive line rotation. We appreciate Brian’s contributions to the Rams these past two years and we wish him the best in Cincinnati.”
Harris, 6-3, 300 pounds, played in 14 games with one start for the Bengals in 2008, registering 24 tackles.
Harris was acquired by the Bengals on waivers from the New Orleans Saints a week prior the start of the 2008 regular season. Harris joined the Saints in December of 2007 after being signed off of the Buffalo Bills practice squad. He was inactive for two contests with the Saints. He played in two games for the Cleveland Browns in 2006 after being signed off of the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad that year.
Harris, 25, was a fourth-round (133rd overall) draft choice of the Steelers in the 2006 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami (Fla.). Harris started 34 of 48 career games at Miami, recording 11 sacks.
Leonard, 6-1, 226, was selected by the Rams in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. Leonard played in 18 career games with seven starts for the Rams. He rushed 88 times for 310 yards.
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May 5
Ankiel Day to Day
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel was released from the hospital this morning and he plans to join the team prior to tonight’s game with the Philadelphia Phillies. His playing status remains day-to-day.
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May 4
Mizzou Basketball Signs Post Tandem For 2009-10 Season
Stone, Underwood join Keith Dewitt, 2009 Mr. Show-Me Basketball Mike Dixon
Mizzou Basketball Head Coach Mike Anderson bolstered his front court in the 2009 spring signing period, as he announced the signing of 6-foot-9 shot-blocker Jon Underwood (Phoenix, Ariz. / Princeton Day Academy) and 6-foot-7 power forward Tyler Stone (Memphis, Tenn. / Central) to National Letters of Intent on Monday.
Both performers fit Anderson’s formula of having winning high school and prep school backgrounds. Underwood led Princeton Day Academy in Lanham, Md., to a 33-3 overall record and a #7 national ranking in the final National Private School Athletic Association (NPSAA) polls, while Stone was an All-City pick in talent-rich Memphis after helping Central High School to a 25-4 overall record.
“I’m excited to welcome both Jon and Tyler to the Missouri Basketball family,” Head Coach Mike Anderson said. “We addressed some of our basketball needs with these two young men and we also added two quality individuals to our locker room. They fit what we are looking for with regards to size and athleticism and they join both Mike Dixon and Keith Dewitt to give us another good recruiting class.”
A First Team All-American by the NPSAA, Underwood led his team to a pair of national title game appearances by averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocked shots per contest for Head Coach Van Whitfield’s club. The athletic 190-pound forward was named to the All-Tournament teams at the National Athletic Christian Association Championships in Dayton, Tenn., and the National Christian School Athletic Association Championships in Erie, Pa. He also earned All-Tournament honors at the Nike iS8 Tournament in New York and at the Crossin Memorial Classic in Plymouth, Pa.
“With Jon, he gives us the ability to block and alter shots,” Anderson said. “He’s an athletic young man that can rebound and fits what we want to do. Like I say every year, these young guys are just freshmen, but in time we feel they can really develop and help our program.”
Prior to his time at Princeton Day, Underwood was one of Arizona High School basketball’s elite shot-blockers. As a junior he blocked better than 200 shots at Alhambra High School in Phoenix, Ariz., and produced three triple-doubles (points-blocks-rebounds), two block-rebound double-doubles, three point-block double-doubles and four other point-rebound double-doubles for the Lions.
“Jon came to us with a reputation of being defensive standout and an outstanding shot blocker, but in our first regular-season game he scored 29 points and we realized that his offensive skill set was as strong as his defensive presence,” Princeton Day Head Coach Van Whitfield said. “We were one of the top scoring teams in the country and in one game where we scored 125 points, Jon scored 36 points and pulled in 22 rebounds, so I have no doubt that he'll be successful in Missouri's up-tempo style of play. Jon runs the floor with passion and authority and he is a creative, above the rim finisher who will bring Tiger fans out of their seats.”
Stone continues Missouri’s growing pipeline to the city of Memphis following athletic forward Laurence Bowers (Memphis, Tenn. / St. George’s) who electrified Tiger fans with his play as a freshman.
“Tyler comes from a basketball family,” Anderson said. “He has good size, strength and aggressiveness. He comes from an area where a lot of players have made an impact around college basketball. We like his instincts and are excited to have him become a Missouri Tiger.”
A 6-foot-7, 225-pounder, Stone brings a versatile game after starting two seasons for Head Coach Andre Applewhite at Central High School, where he averaged 15 points and eight rebounds as a senior. An All-City and All-Region selection by the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Stone was named the District 16 AAA MVP and is considered a rising standout in the Memphis area after recently turning just 17-years-old.
“He’ll fit in perfectly,” Applewhite said. “Athletically, he can finish at the rim. He’s skilled and can score anywhere from 10-15 feet. He’s a blue-collar guy that has a little flash on offense, but he’s going to fit Coach Anderson’s mold. He’ll play the way Coach Anderson wants to play and he’ll be able to help their program. Tiger fans can look forward to a lot of highlights with Tyler.”
Stone and Underwood join Mike Dixon (Lee’s Summit, Mo. / West) and Keith Dewitt (High Point, N.C. / Charis Prep) as signees for the Tigers starting with the 2009-10 season. Dixon was recently named Mr. Basketball in the state of Missouri after averaging 24.2 points, 5.5 assists and 3.1 steals for the Titans.
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May 1
Spagnuolo Discusses Mini-Camp
(On his initial impressions of T Jason Smith)
“All good. Everything good. I didn’t get to see him as much as some of the skill guys, but certainly when I go in here and watch the tape. My impressions initially are pretty good.”
(On what a young player can do to stand out in mini-camp)
“More than anything, if they absorb the material really well, that’s impressive to me. And then certainly all of the skills that they do. I’ll tell you what, with the volume that we’re going to throw at them as we go here, if they can absorb that and spit it back out, that’s pretty impressive.”
(On moving around a lot during practice)
“That’s just me. I can’t sit in one place for too long. I like to get around to especially the new guys, because there’s a lot of new guys out there so I was trying to get a look at each one.”
(On what he’s looking for out of QB Kyle Boller)
“Anything you’d be looking for out of any quarterback: a guy who can come out and command the huddle, go out there and control the line of scrimmage and certainly throw the ball well. Kyle’s been doing those things and he’s played in the league so that’s kind of a big advantage for us.”
(On the workout guys who were at practice)
“We have a number of them. I think there’s four total that have come in. I know a couple of linemen and one skill guy. Again, I’m not going to go down that road right now. We’ll just see if they end up making the team later. The way we look at it is we may be in a situation where a lot of the roster may turn over. We’re just trying to find good players. I think that happens in the league everywhere.”
(On how much he can get out of just a couple of days of work)
“I think we’ll get a lot out of these five practices. I felt we had a pretty good beat on the team after the first five. The ‘vets’ are really in a situation where they’re expanding a little bit on the scheme. The rookies, certainly, are just trying to learn the basics right now.”
(On if he is trying to build the team around RB Steven Jackson)
“I would never build it around one person. He’s certainly a big part of it, but it is a team thing. I’m a firm believer that in this league, to win, you have to have good linemen. That’s both offensively and defensively. It worked out as such that we got two offensive guys.”
(On WR Derek Stanley’s recovery)
“I can tell you this, he’s itching to go. He was all over me this morning, but we want to be a little bit careful. I don’t know that he’ll do any of the team work throughout this spring, or at least that was initial indication. If we can get him in there a little bit with individual, we’re going to do that.”
(On if “spring” means all of the OTA and mini-camp sessions)
“Yeah. And I’d have to double check with (Head Trainer) Jim (Anderson), but my first impression was that it might take us all the way through June and into training camp.”
(On the status of Oklahoma WR Quentin Chaney)
“He failed his physical. That was the only one we had.”
(On working the draft picks gradually into team drills)
“There’s long lines right now so it’s three and four deep in some spots. Even as this weekend goes, we’ll try to get them in there a little bit more just so we can get a little better feel for what they are and what they do.”
(On if he has to remind himself to go over and watch the offense)
“I don’t know, was I over with the defense more than the offense? I like to see them all. That’s really one of the special things you get to do when you’re the head coach. You get to go wherever you want. I’ll keep bouncing.”
(On if each segment of mini-camp practice is reinforcement or if each segment has a separate agenda)
“The only thing that is a little bit more additional than the last camp is a little bit more third down as we get into practice No. 2, 3, and 4. The last one will always be red zone or a major concentration on red zone. A big review of the initial stuff. I think the ‘vets’ still need that and then we kind of expanded the scheme a little bit.”
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May 1
Murray Nominated for Jack Adams Award
Becomes 5th Blues Head Coach To Be Nominated
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced today that Blues Head Coach Andy Murray has been nominated for the Jack Adams Award which is given annually to the NHL’s Coach of the Year. This is Murray’s first time being a finalist.
“Our run in the second half of the season was statistically one of the best in NHL history and Andy Murray and his coaching staff should be commended for their outstanding work this season,” said Blues President of Hockey Operations John Davidson.
In the 2008-09 campaign, Murray guided the Blues to a 41-31-10 record and a 25-9-7 record in the second half of the season which led the NHL, jumping from 15th place in the Western Conference standings to the #6 seed and returning the club to the playoffs for the first time in five years. The Blues’ playoff surge was one of the finest in NHL history earning nearly 59 percent of their points since January 19, the highest such rate by any playoff team since 1940.
Murray became the sixth Blues coach to reach 100 wins after a 3-1 victory on April 10 vs. Columbus. Murray currently ranks 5th on the Blues all-time games coached list (218) and ranks fifth in wins (101). He has an all-time coaching record of 316-261-121 (.539%) and a 101-85-32 (.537%) record behind the Blues bench.
The award was first presented by the NHL Broadcasters' Association in 1974 in honor of the late Jack Adams. Since then, there have been three Blues coaches to win the award (Red Berenson 1981, Brian Sutter 1991, Joel Quenneville 2000) and Jacques Demers was nominated in 1985 and 1986.
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April 28
Blues Defenseman Jay McKee Undergoes Successful Minor Left Knee Surgery
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that Jay McKee underwent successful minor surgery on his left knee. The surgery was performed today by Blues Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Rick Wright at Washington University Orthopedics in Chesterfield, MO.
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April 26
Devaney and Spagnuolo Draft Press Conference
(Billy Devaney Opening Statement)
“We sent in our last pick a couple minutes ago, the running back from Texas, Chris Ogbonnaya. And we’re finished. Right now the scouts and coaches are upstairs starting to get free agency organized and getting cards lined up on what positions and who the priority guys are to go after. I think since the last time we talked, we drafted the quarterback from West Texas (A&M), Keith Null, and Brooks Foster from North Carolina. They were needs. They were good players that were on the board at the time. Like we talked about earlier, as you get down in the draft everybody’s board kind of starts falling apart. And you probably start reaching a little bit to fill a need, but you try to stay close within grade. If the guy’s a 5.4 and the other one’s a 5.3 and the 5.3 guy position that you haven’t addressed and is in need, it’s easy to take the 5.3 guy. What we don’t do is if a guy’s 5.4 and the other guy’s 4.9 you don’t jump down that far. These guys all have a chance. They’ll be given a chance to come in and compete for a job.”
(On WR Brooks Foster)
Spagnuolo: “He’s a big wideout for us. He was productive there (North Carolina). Of course, there were other guys on that team. We feel fortunate he was there when we picked him”
Devaney: “They had two first round players. Now (Brandon) Tate, I forget where Tate went, I don’t think it was in the first round, but it’s more because of injury. If he wasn’t hurt he probably would have gone probably before Nicks went. So to be the third receiver on a team with two first-round picks that’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
(On what he sees as RB Chris Ogbonnaya’s assets and if he was formerly a receiver)
Devaney: “Yeah, he was. He’s a physical, slashing runner. (running backs coach) ‘Sly’ (Sylvester Croom) had him down as a guy at some point. I mean he started in at about the fifth round to campaign for him. He’ll fit what we’re trying to do. A downhill, power kind of guy.”
(On what attracted him to QB Keith Null)
Devaney: “The scouts. Steve Kazor was in there on the school call. He (Null) played in the Cactus Bowl, (offensive coordinator) Pat Shurmur was there, Dick Daniels was there and they were all like this guy’s got size, he’s got arm strength. He moves around pretty good. Not a great athlete, but has slide ability. He’s a smart guy, all those things.”
(On what separates Null from a QB like Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell)
Devaney: “I kept asking that as we started talking. Not how does he compare to Graham Harrell, but why is this guy at West Texas A&M and there wasn’t any reason. He was overlooked coming out of high school and went to a place where they were going to throw the ball around a lot. I don’t know why he winds up at West Texas and Graham Harrell winds up at Texas Tech. I don’t know how those kinds of things happen.”
(On if Null has good arm strength)
Devaney: “Really good arm strength. He had a heck of a game at the Cactus Bowl. Trying to measure him against better competition, it’s not the Senior Bowl, but it’s still pretty good, draftable players and he had a heck of a game.”
(Spagnuolo) “He was one of those guys that in the room, everybody, coaches, scouts, really liked.”
(On what separated Null from other potential quarterbacks left to draft)
Spagnuolo: “I think at that time he stuck out as the guy, quarterback-wise.”
(On if there’s anything that they weren’t able to accomplish with this draft)
Devaney: “I don’t think so because we didn’t come in over the last couple days saying we have to have or this is what we really have to have coming out of this. We’re just hell-bent, as we said before, bringing in many good players that were going to be part of this process. It wasn’t a case where we have to have one receiver, we have to have a quarterback, we have to take a tackle. It wasn’t anything like that at all. So, we’re like 31 other teams, we’re pleased with the way it went. We missed on some guys, it never goes perfect. You get close to some guys and they get taken and you get (ticked) off, but that happens. It didn’t happen that often. I think for the most part it went according to plan and overall we’re really happy. Now we have to see if these guys can play, if we were right in our evaluation.”
(On if he talked to QB Ryan Leaf)
Devaney: “No, I did not talk to Ryan. I don’t want to say you can’t hold it against the guy, but Ryan was there. Who knows, maybe Ryan did a good job or worked with him for awhile. I don’t know, but it wasn’t a positive for him, but we certainly didn’t hold it against him that Ryan was there. It was kind of weird the way it worked out though.”
(On QB Keith Null)
Spagnuolo: “I think we look at the talent. The guy’s a quarterback, he’s got size and he can throw the football and he’s got some feet and you go from there. There’s all different kinds of systems. Everybody tags names to them, but the quarterback in any system has to do certain things and we saw those in this guy and that’s why we decided to take him.”
(On how much of a need they have for a veteran wide receiver)
Spagnuolo: “We have some good quality guys there now with the trade with Atlanta and the young guys we have here. I don’t think anybody feels a strong need to run out and get a veteran guy. If it happens that’d be great, if not I think we’re ok.”
(Devaney on if some of the players they took in later rounds are high risk and could be ‘boom or bust’ prospects)
“Not even talking about these players in particular, when you get down into the fourth, fifth, sixth round, let’s face it, at that point, all of those have some warts on them. There’s a reason why they’re down into fifth, sixth, seventh round type of guys. So at that point, you’re looking for redeemable qualities – high, weight, speed, super production, toughness, those kinds of things – knowing that they’re lacking in some area. Did you say a third-round guy? (Bradley Fletcher) played really well this year, played well in the East-West game. He was outstanding so it was like we took a flier on a height, weight, speed guy. We really think that he’s a good, solid football player.”
(Devaney on how a guy like Oklahoma G Duke Robinson who was rated so highly going into the draft can fall as far as he did)
“There’s a lot of times, and you know this, that there’s guys that are there and people say, ‘How can they pass a guy like (him)?’ And I’m not using him now. I’m talking in general terms. Honestly, believe it or not, we probably are more privy to information than people on the outside albeit medical, be it character, be it a whole bunch of things. So if you see a guy sliding that people kind of think that he’s going to go (earlier), there’s usually a reason for it. And it usually doesn’t have to do about ability. There’s other reasons.”
(Devaney on when Robinson was there?)
“And I’m not even talking about that guy. I’m just talking about in general when fans kind of say, ‘Well, so-and-so was on the board in the third round and you passed him up?’ Well you know, there was a reason why. There was something up with the guy.”
(Spagnuolo on if the draft process this weekend went as anticipated)
“I thought it was really smooth. We had the little mock operation on Friday. We were ready to go. Billy’s staff, and I said this before, did a great job. They put together a wealth of information and knowledge and we used all of it in these 48 hours. I thought things went pretty smooth.”
(Spagnuolo on what is he looking for out of the rookie free agents and if there is a type of player he is looking for)
“There’s a little bit of filling some slots right now, need-wise. We’re putting together a roster and there’s certain spots where we didn’t get guys in the draft or haven’t in the past couple of months. So we’ll have to fill some roster spots. There’s a little bit of that.”
(Devaney on if he will keep his eye on some veteran free agents)
“Regardless of position, if there is somebody that comes free between now and training camp, we’ll shift gears. After the college guys are signed, then we start focusing on and go back to the pro personnel side again and just start watching the waiver wires and go through it. Say a team took two receivers, one in the first round and one in the fourth round, well that means that those guys are going to be on the team. Two receivers that were on that team last year are probably going to be let go. So we kind of go through everybody’s roster, handicap where they are going to have excess and start watching those guys. This process goes on all year-round.”
(Devaney on what the highest-rated undrafted free agents become after the draft)
“They become the priority free agents. When you get down to the last guys at the bottom, I think our cut-off is 5.0, there’s a bunch of 5.0 guys up there and then you have your free agent board. Well, those 5.0 guys become your priority free agents.”
(Devaney on what surprised him in the draft)
“Didn’t it seem kind of boring to y’all? I can’t really think of anything. There were surprise picks but other than that, not really.”
(On how close the Rams were to moving up or down in the draft)
Devaney: “Not really. We got calls.”
Spagnuolo: “But nothing solid.”
(On possible leadership qualities in QB Keith Null)
Spagnuolo: “The scouts had a pretty good feeling on him.”
Devaney: “Did you talk to the guy? When (Scout Steve) Kazor was giving us his opinion, I said, ‘Bottom-line, give it to us one more time.’ And he started talking about how he can throw, his feet are great and all this. Great kid, great family, all this and that and he wants to be a minister when he finishes playing. Well, okay. That sounds pretty safe, I hope.”
(Devaney on Null’s comment about not having any Division 1 offers being a ‘God thing’)
“God had a funny sense of humor putting him with Ryan Leaf.”
(On if they plan to bring in Charly Martin)
Devaney: “A package deal.”
Spagnuolo: “We’re working on him right now.”
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April 23
Five Blues To Play In World Championship
The St. Louis Blues will have five players representing their respective countries in the 2009 World Championship in Switzerland. David Backes and T.J. Oshie will play for the United States, Chris Mason will play for Canada, Patrik Berglund will play for Sweden and Roman Polak will play for the Czech Republic.
Backes, 24, was named the NHL's Third Star of the Week for the week ending April 5 after leading all NHL goal-scorers with five and added one assist. He turned in one of the top single-game performances by an NHL player this season, notching four goals, the 6th time in Blues history for a player to record four goals in a single game, in a 5-4 victory on April 2 at Detroit. Backes scored his 30th goal of the season on April 2 at Detroit, becoming the 5th Blue in history to register 30 goals and 150-plus penalty minutes in a season and was the only player in the NHL to accomplish that feat this season. He finished second on the team in points (54), goals (31) and shots (208) and ranked 8th with 23 assists, all career-highs and was one of four Blues to play in all 82 games.
Oshie, 22, was named Rookie of the Month for March by recording 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and a +6 rating in 14 games. He tied for eighth among NHL rookies with 39 points, ranked sixth with 25 assists, tied for seventh with 12 power play points, ranked third with a plus-16 rating and tied for sixth with six power play goals.
Mason, 33, earned honors this season as the NHL’s Second Star of the Week for the week ending April 12, First Star of the Week for the week ending March 29, Third Star for the Month of February and Third Star for the Week ending Nov. 30. He set a career-high with 27 wins, tied a career-high with six shutouts and posted a five-game winning streak from March 20-29, the first Blues goalie to register a five-game win streak since Fred Brathwaite in the 2002-03 season. From the All-Star Break until the end of the season, Mason tied for first among all NHL goaltenders with 22 wins. He started the last 33 consecutive games of the season and posted a 24-8-6 record in his last 38 games which included five shutouts, a .924 save percentage and a 2.08 goals against average. Mason recorded his first shutout as a Blue on Nov. 25 at Nashville, stopping a career-high 47 shots along with 2 shootout attempts.
Berglund, 20, scored his 20th goal of the season on March 28 vs. Columbus, making him the 10th Blues rookie in franchise history to score 20-or-more goals. He led the team with a plus-19 rating, was second among all NHL rookies with 22 power play points (seven goals, 15 assists), ranked first with 15 power play assists, ranked second in the plus/minus category (+19), fifth in power play goals (7), fourth in points (47), tied for fifth with 21 goals and tied for fourth with 26 assists.
Polak, 23, played in a career-high 69 games for the Blues this season. He blocked a shot in 53 of his 69 games and notched a career-high three-game point streak from Jan. 3-11, collecting three points (0g, 3a) over the span. Polak registered a career-high 30:52 of ice time on Jan. 2 at Carolina and scored his first career NHL goal, a game-winner on Dec. 20 vs. Minnesota.
The 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship will take place in Berne and Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland, April 24-May 10.
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April 23
Blues Assign Ben Bishop To Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the club has assigned goaltender Ben Bishop to the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Bishop, 22, made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut in a relief effort this season on Oct. 24 vs. Los Angeles, becoming the tallest goaltender to play in the history of the NHL at 6’7”. He made his first career NHL start on Oct. 25, 2008 collecting his first win after defeating Florida 4-0 in a combined shutout. Bishop has played in a total of six games with the Blues this season, posting a 1-1-1 record, a 2.94 goals against average and a .893% save percentage. He has played in 33 games this season with the Rivermen, registering a 15-16-1 record, a .897% save percentage along with a 2.81 goals against average.
Bishop was originally St. Louis’ third round selection, 85th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
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April 20
Cardinals Trade Barton for Reliever
The St. Louis Cardinals made a move today to fortify their bullpen depth by acquiring right-handed reliever Blaine Boyer from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Memphis (AAA) outfielder Brian Barton.
Boyer, 27, appeared in a career-high 76 games for the Braves in 2008, ranking 9th among National League pitchers. He also set career highs for innings pitched (72.0) and strikeouts (67) and was among Braves’ leaders in Holds with 14.
The 6-3, 215-pound Boyer appeared in three games (1.1 IP) with the Braves this season, losing his lone decision on April 8 at Philadelphia.
Boyer, a native of Atlanta, Ga., was drafted by the Braves in the 3rd round of the 2000 free-agent draft. His career totals in two-plus seasons with the Braves include a 6-9 won-loss mark with one save.
Boyer is scheduled to join the Cardinals for their series opener with the New York Mets on Tuesday, April 21.
Barton, 26, was selected by the Cardinals in the Rule 5 Draft in December of 2007 and batted .268 with 2 home runs and 13 RBIs during his rookie season in 2008.
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April 20
Pre-Draft Press Conference: GM Billy Devaney and Coach Steve Spagnuolo
(Opening Remarks)
Billy Devaney: “Thanks everybody for coming out this morning. Before I get going, what I’d like to do first is acknowledge some people that are in the room that you may not be familiar with and that’s our player personnel department, both the college scouts and the pro scouts. Please raise your hands so everybody knows where you’re sitting. Many of you know that we’ve kind of shifted gears a little bit this year changing philosophies regarding the scouts’ involvement in the draft process. What we’ve done is we’ve put greater emphasis on their input and their evaluations and it’s worked out tremendous for us, just as we had hoped. Between the cooperation, the coaching staff, the college scouts and the pro scouts, they’ve done a great job putting us in a position where, right now, we’re pretty close to ready to go. There’s a couple of loose ends that we have to tie up in the next day or two, but for the most part, we’ve done a great job of gathering accurate information, detailed information, background checks. Probably all that’s left to do maybe by Friday night is to do a little bit of praying. But other than that, we’ve done our due diligence. We feel like we’ve got a pretty good plan going into this thing. We spent a lot of time over the weekend going over a lot of scenarios, (Head Coach) Steve (Spagnuolo) and I, into yesterday afternoon, just running through things, trading down, how far down you go, what players might be available. I think it’s pretty safe to say - we’re going to go out on a limb - this will be a real bombshell, we’re probably not going to trade up. Anything short of that, we’re open to. We’re going to be aggressive if it calls to be aggressive. If it turns out we just stand pat and use all our picks and don’t maneuver up or down, we’re going to do what’s best for the Rams. We’re open to every possibility. We want to come out of this with a bunch of players that come in and make us a better football team and whatever that takes, we’re willing to do. With that, I want to turn it over to Coach.”
Coach Spagnuolo: “You hit everything, I have nothing.”
Devaney: “What are you doing here? You know what was great, the scouts and all have done a great job but the cooperation between the coaching staff and I’m saying the player personnel department, because what we’ve done is, when we went through this free agency period, the college scouts were involved and helped out on the pro end. Now we shift gears and get ready for the college draft. The pro scouts have been involved and they’ve helped in evaluation and we had the 30 (college players) visit last week and they were tremendous. Couple that with the position coaches, the coordinators and Steve. Steve has been in every scouting meeting that we’ve had. He’s been there every step of the way. I think he has a great grasp on the personality of this draft, what our needs are going into it. Again, I couldn’t be more pleased to be in the position right now. I feel really comfortable that we’re in a place now where we can make great decisions.”
(Devaney on if he would like more than seven selections)
“It depends. If there are seven good players that would be fine. We’ll determine as we go along. If there’s a scenario where we think we have to give up a pick to get a guy and we think that’s the best thing to do, we’re not opposed to that. If it’s a case where we can move back in a round and pick up some picks. We’re open to anything. We’re not saying let’s just be conservative, we’re going to stay where we’re at, we’re going to keep our picks. We’re willing and open to any possibility.”
(Devaney on the trade value of the No. 2 pick)
“I think as much as anything you want to come up with how far you’d be willing to trade back. If it’s a group of players, if it’s three or four guys that you feel comfortable with taking, that limits how far you’d want to trade back. We’re not quite at that place. We have a pretty good feel. I think the other part is how other teams value it and we’re not sure. There doesn’t seem to be any ground swell right now for one or two or three marquee guys that teams are ear-marking. I’m sensing that’s changing a little bit. There seems to be some interest in a couple of players, so we have to see how that plays out.”
(Spagnuolo on how he sifts through all of the information he gets on players)
“It’s like anything else, half of it you believe and half of it you don’t. I think you have to stick to what our staff has done. You have to go off of the information that we’ve entrusted scouts, coaches, Billy (Devaney) and myself in doing a lot of work. And we’ve done a lot of leg work. If we stick to what we believe are the most important things and we know the information we are getting is right, we should trust what we have in-house as far as knowledge and not worry about the other things. There’s gamesmanship, I understand that. Sitting at two, you’re only really worried about one other team right now and then you listen to all of the other things.
Devaney: “We both have close friends in the league, but at this time of year, I wouldn’t trust anybody as far as I can throw them. You just block everything out, you take it that it’s all a lie, what you hear and just do as much background and try to be as thorough as possible on your guys.”
(Spagnuolo on his first time going through the draft process as a head coach)
“It’s been great. Certainly the meetings have been longer. The last few years it’s been half of the meetings because you’re on one side of the ball, but it’s been great. It’s been smooth and the scouts have been terrific. The wealth of knowledge that these guys gather is amazing and it always amazes me what they’re able to find out. We’ve dug deep and we have all of the information. It’s documented, we’ve factored it all in and hopefully we’ll make those smart decisions over the weekend.”
(Devaney on the process on draft day when it comes to the third or fourth round pick)
“We’re all going to make the call. We’ve just gone through that process for the most part where we’ve got guys lined up and slotted. There may be a point when you get down into the third round, things are kind of falling apart at that point and probably three or four picks before your turn comes up, you’ll have a group of names pulled out on the side. There may be four or five guys pulled out and we’ll talk about it one more time. We’ll say okay we haven’t taken a receiver at this point. This is the last chance to get the receiver, the next receiver we have now is not until the fifth or sixth round. We’ll talk it through, get everybody’s opinions. Steve and I will talk it through and then we’ll make a Ram pick.”
(Devaney on how much impact players in later rounds can have and on how deep he thinks this draft is)
“That’s hard to say because I think every year the draft is great because we know darn well there’s going to be some guys taken in the sixth or seventh round that we missed on and a bunch of other teams missed on and they’re going to have good years. The key is let’s try to found out who those guys are and us be the guys that hit on those guys in the fifth, sixth, seventh round. Somebody is going to come in and make an impact for some team. That makes it deep for me. There’s going to be college free agents that we all miss on that are going to contribute. We want to be the team who hits on those guys.”
(Spagnuolo on if he tells Devaney what kind of players he’s looking for)
“That’s a good point and we went through that as a staff as coaches real early because it is new for everybody. What are we looking for in a linebacker? What are we looking for in a defensive end? We had those discussions early on and the scouts were great in going out and looking for those specifics, the things we had to have at the corner position, the things that ideally you’d love to have. You can find holes in every player, but I think that process has gone pretty well. It takes a little bit of time for everybody to really get a feel for what we’re looking for, but as it stands here today, I think everybody has a pretty good feel for what we’re looking for.”
(Devaney on if what he is looking for in a player has been a different from what Spagnuolo looks for)
“It’s been tweaked a little bit, position specifics have been changed a little bit, but again the scouts have done a great job adjusting on the fly. Remember, they were out in August, September and October looking at players and evaluating players geared for a certain scheme and different coaches. So, they’ve had to, kind of in their mind when we came in for these meetings go back and when we got into the meetings and started talking about these players, we had to kind of preface by saying, not all the time, but in certain cases. You know what, I liked this guy a couple months ago, but for what we’re talking about right now, this guy’s going to play, we acknowledge that, but he’s not exactly what we’re looking for. So, it’s been a little bit of an adjustment, but again, I think the scouts have done a tremendous job of adjusting it on the fly.”
(Devaney on if there are players that have not been considered because of character problems)
“There’s obviously some, I couldn’t even tell you how many right now, but yeah, as far being on the same page with Steve, we’re totaling on board with the type of guy we’re looking for. We said at the outset when we go into our meetings with the coaches when they got in, we said, we’re not pontificating and saying any time an 18-year-old kid does something dumb and makes a mistake, we put him in the do-not-draft, that’s not the case at all. We evaluate every kid on a case-by-case basis, but there are some issues that we’re going to be hard on and we were last year. It was an easy transition and Steve felt the same way. There were some things that it just wasn’t open for discussion. In that case, it made it easy; we both share the same philosophy.”
(Devaney on what happens if a player tests positive for a banned substance)
“You know what, I don’t want to get into specifics and we take guys off for and what categories, but you can imagine there’s certain issues that we’re going to have zero tolerance on.”
(Devaney on how he weighs a player that is potentially a good pick that hasn’t played at a high level of competition)
“That’s a tough one, that’s always a tough one. You have the small college player that dominates on his level and now you’re projecting him to the NFL. The height, weight and speed is one thing. You try to see him against the best possible competition, whether it was in a college all-star game, hopefully if they were that good it was either the East, West or the Cactus Bowl or something where they played up a level and played against better competition. You have to take that into consideration. The learning curve is probably a little longer on those guys, but there’s been plenty of cases where the small college guys eventually come in and they have a hell of a career in the NFL.”
(Spagnuolo on if he finds himself leaning towards drafting defensive players)
“We really haven’t gotten to that point yet because really all the discussions have been position orientated. You get talking about the quarterbacks, you’re listening to all the quarterbacks, we’re in the middle of doing all that now. It’ll be an interesting process; there will be a lot of feedback by a lot of intelligent people. There’s a lot of expertise in that room right now after sitting there for two weeks. It’s a full team, not just a defense now.”
(Devaney on his general thoughts of what he thinks about LB Aaron Curry as a player)
“You know what, there are a lot of guys and especially the ones that we had in last week that we have great respect for as players and as individuals. Curry’s in that group, but I mean there’s a lot of guys, we could sit here for a while and talk just about every one that came into the building last week.”
(Devaney on if he’s found that the athletes are better prepared for this process than they were when he first got into the league)
“Yeah, you know what, at the combine for sure, but it almost can’t be helped. These kids are rushed in and they’re going to talk to 12 teams in one night and we all ask the same dumb questions for the most part from team to team, so it’s hard not to be programmed if you will in that setting. But when you get guys in, like we had last week and you see them among their peers and you see them interacting, I think you get a much better…there isn’t a script. You kind of see them as themselves for the most part. Now, they’re on their best behavior, we realize that, but it’s much more real in a setting like that. Coaches spend time with them, having dinner with them, having them over the next day where they’re in the lounge watching our workouts a little bit, the running drills and you get a much better feel for the guy in that type of setting.”
(Devaney on if a player has ever asked him to draft him)
“No, but they drop hints, it’s, “I’d love to be here” and I say yeah I’m sure you would, we have the second pick in the draft, I’m sure you would. But like I said, these kids, not that they were prepared, but the people that touched them along the way deserve a lot of credit because it’s a classy bunch of kids. Whether its high school coaches, family, parents, Pop Warner, college coaches, administrators, the people that touch these kids along the way have done a tremendous job because it’s really a good bunch of people.”
(Devaney on an area of the draft he things is particularly strong)
“Again, I think if you ask all of us, we think it’s strong. I mean, there’s players at every position. Like I said, there’s going to be players down at the end of the draft at every position that we’ll like and 31 other teams will like, so it’s hard for me to categorize.”
(Devaney on if he considers this year’s draft strong overall)
“Yeah, but I do every year.”
(Devaney on if given the investment that comes with the No. 2 pick it’s hard to select a player like WR Michael Crabtree that hasn’t been able to participate in anything since the end of his college career)
“It’s a factor. There’s a lot of factors. All these guys, there’s plusses and minuses; there’s no perfect player in this group or next year. There’s going to be plusses and minuses on all these guys. For Crabtree that’s a red flag, but there’s not many red flags on the guy.”
(Devaney on how to decide who’s the best player in the draft)
“I kind of look at it like this, there’s certain times in the draft as it goes on where you want to be like Albert Pujols, you can swing for the fences, you try to hit a homerun. There’s other times where it makes sense to try to be a Tony Gwynn, put the ball in play, actually, you know what, you can use Albert Pujols at any time I guess. Forget Tony Gwynn. There’s times you want to hit a homerun and there’s other times you want to just put the ball the ball in play, drive the run in. It depends on where you are as an organization, are you willing to take a flyer on a guy that might have an injury factor, a character factor. I think we’re kind of in agreement that we’re at the point where we want to bring in good solid people, I don’t think we’re in a position to swing for the fences right now.”
(Devaney on if having needs at a lot of positions gives them flexibility as far as what positions to draft)
“Well, we have needs; we still have some pretty good football players in that locker room. I don’t want to say that we need everything that’s not the case at all. There’s some areas of need and I think every team would say the same thing that they’ve got areas where they have to improve. We’re not locked into saying we have to have a receiver on the first day or we need this, like I said earlier, we’re open to anything and all possibilities.”
(Devaney on if he has a lot of University of Missouri players on the draft board)
“Oh sure. Missouri has a lot of good football players.”
(Devaney on if he thinks Missouri has a strong presence in the draft)
“Definitely.”
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March 26
Oshie Sick But Expected to Play
According to Andy Strickland, TJ Oshie is expected to play tonight although he sat out of this morning's skate because he is sick.
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March 26
Cardinals Medical Report
- TROY GLAUS - Traveled to Los Angeles where he today underwent an eight-week check-up on his surgically repaired right shoulder. Glaus is expected to return to Jupiter, Fla. tomorrow.
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March 26
Blues Tickets for First Two Playoff Games Go on Sale Saturday
In contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in five years, the St. Louis Blues announced today that single game tickets for the first two home games of a potential first-round series will go on sale at noon this Saturday, March 28.
Single-game tickets for Blues Playoff Games 1 and 2 will be available at all Ticketmaster Outlets and the Scottrade Center Box Office. Opponent, dates and times for the first-round playoff games will be determined following the conclusion of the regular season.
In addition, Playoff Strips are available for fans who want to guarantee their same seats for all Blues homes games in the first two rounds. Tickets can be purchased by calling 314.622.BLUE or by visiting the Scottrade Center Box Office.
“The energy and enthusiasm of our fans every night at Scottrade Center has played a major role in making this team a playoff contender this season,” said John Davidson, President of Hockey Operations. “Our fans are anxious for the return of playoff hockey to St. Louis, and we’re right there with them.”
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March 20
Tkachuk's Wrist Not Broken
According to Jim Hayes of FSN Midwest, Keith Tkachuck’s wrist and forearm X-ray results came back negative. They are not broken, but he has limited mobility. Tkachuk will sit out for tonight’s game and will be day to day.
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March 18
Cards GM Discusses Team
Summary by Matt Salata
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon
The guys started off by talking about Cards ace Chris Carpenter and his progress coming back from injury. Carp pitched 6 solid innings today and was a ground ball machine; he allowed only one fly ball in his outing. Mozeliak was concerned about two things with Carp: how efficient he was and how he felt after the game. Carpenter was extremely efficient in his first long outing of the spring, and he felt fresh after a great day on the mound, which is encouraging for the Cards. Carp showed his uncanny ability to work all areas of the plate, and he hammered the strike zone all day.
Mozeliak went on to talk about how well Khalil Greene has been playing thus far in spring. He is taking good at bats and getting walks when he needs to. He has been hitting the ball hard, and his defense has been great so far. Greene has also played a major role in helping Skip Schumaker make the transition to second base.
The guys went on to talk about the transition that Skip has been making from the outfield to second base. Mo said that the ball club needs to be patient and let Skip get accustomed to his new position. As long as Skip is willing to work hard the team doesn't need to make a definite decision coming out of camp. He has made significant progress, and he helped turn two double plays today.
Colby Rasmus is an exciting young player who has showed promise thus far in camp. It hasn't been determined whether or not he will make the 25 man roster but his chances look good. Troy Glaus is continuing rehab and he his return is looking to be somewhere in late April or early May. Chris Duncan has been hitting the ball with authority this spring and this should help the outfield put together some solid numbers.
Mozeliak went on to talk about the closer role and who was ahead in the race. As of right now it looks like Jason Motte will get the nod due to the injury that is still in the shadows to Chris Perez. Perez underwent an Arthrogram on his shoulder in which he has been having extreme discomfort. Perez hasn't pitched in about a week, and the Cards are going to be extremely cautious with him. Motte has been very impressive this spring appearing in 7 games while striking out 10, giving up 1 earned run, and not walking a single batter.
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March 18
Perez Out Due to Shoulder
According to Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch, Chris Perez has been scratched from his next outing and the trip Thursday to face Tampa Bay.
Perez received an Arthrogram Tuesday, which suggests that his shoulder has been bothering him for awhile.
The team is calling it tendinitis, and Joe said that Perez is having discomfort when he lifts his arm above his shoulder.
Strauss said that the next time Perez will throw will likely be in the bullpen Saturday, thus he will go a whole week without pitching in a game.
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March 18
Cards Announce Ballpark Village Improvements
The St. Louis Cardinals today announced that groundbreaking will begin soon on a softball field and expansion of a paved parking lot on the future site of Ballpark Village in advance of this summer’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Busch Stadium in July.
The softball field and parking lot are temporary but fan-friendly enhancements to the property as the process for approval and financing for construction of Phase 1 of Ballpark Village continues. Both the softball field and parking lot will be available during at least the first half of the regular 2009 season, and through the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14. Once the bonds for the larger Ballpark Village project are sold, the softball field and parking lot will be taken over by the construction of the larger project.
“The softball field and parking lot are temporary but welcomed improvements designed to provide additional amenities to our fans as we wait for final approvals on the larger Ballpark Village plan,” said Bill DeWitt, president of the St. Louis Cardinals. “The softball field will be a great draw for groups and charities and the new paved area will accommodate the All-Star Gala tent and Sponsorship Village during All-Star week.
“A food and beverage area designed by SportService will also serve the entire area with a ‘taste of the ballpark.’ These amenities will showcase downtown St. Louis in the best possible light and create anticipation for the exciting future plans for Ballpark Village.”
The regulation-size softball field will be on the west side of the site – on roughly the same location as the old Busch Stadium playing field. It will be available for groups to rent for special events on both game-days and non-game days. Completion of the softball field and parking lot expansion is expected by Opening Day or shortly thereafter.
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March 16
Rams Re-Sign Moore & Setterstrom, Add Four Others
The St. Louis Rams have re-signed defensive end Eric Moore and guard Mark Setterstrom and signed four other free agents, the team announced today.
Moore, four-year NFL veteran, played in seven games for the Rams and was inactive for nine other contests in 2008. Moore joined the Rams in 2006 and has spent time on the team’s active roster and practice squad. A former sixth-round draft choice (186th overall) of the New York Giants in 2005, Moore has seen stints with the Giants and New Orleans Saints.
Setterstrom, a seventh-round draft choice (242nd overall) of the Rams in 2006, missed the entire 2008 season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. He started the first three games of 2007 before suffering a knee injury that forced him to miss the rest of the year. As a rookie in 2006, Setterstrom played in seven games with six starts.
The Rams also signed quarterback Jeff Otis, defensive back Marcus Brown, tight end Eric Butler, and center Tim Mattran.
Otis is a St. Louis native and the son of former St. Louis Cardinal, Jim Otis. Jeff Otis attended Christian Brothers Academy in St. Louis before playing collegiately at Columbia. He entered the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals in 2006 and was allocated to the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe. Otis has seen practice squad stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.
Brown signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Arizona Cardinals out of McNeese State. He spent time as a member of the Cardinals practice squad in 2008 before being signed by the Cincinnati Bengals after the regular season. He was released by the Bengals in early March.
Butler played collegiately at Mississippi State and entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent with the New York Giants. Butler spent 2008 on practice squads of the Giants and Indianapolis Colts.
Mattran, a Stanford University product, spent 2008 as a member of the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars practice squads. He entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Vikings in 2008.
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March 16
Cardinals Trim Roster by Eight
The St. Louis Cardinals optioned pitchers Mitchell Boggs, Charlie Manning, Matt Scherer and outfielder Brian Barton following today’s game. Re-assigned to minor league camp were pitchers Clayton Mortensen, Adam Ottavino, Jess Todd and infielder Allen Craig.
Today’s transaction leaves 37 players in camp with the Cardinals.
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March 13
Blues Owner Discusses Team
Summary by Brandon Chappell
On the Bernie Miklasz Show, Dave Checketts, Chairman for the St. Louis Blues joined the guys today touching on several topics ranging from ticket prices, to the youth of the team to the playoffs.
Dave said that he is very excited about what they are going to accomplish with the rest of the season and that nobody is more excited than he is. He told Bernie and Brian that if they keep playing at the level they are at now fans need to expect the playoffs to come to St. Louis.
Dave Checketts also stated that when they first came into controlling the team, they put into action a blue print and that the Blues organization has not deviated from that plan.
He said that by putting Andy Murray in as head coach and the changes they made by drafting and going to a younger team, this has been part of the plan and furthering it all along.
Checketts also told the guys that the team has been playing together as a team and not as individuals and that has helped with their victories and if they keep playing the way they have been they will make it to the playoffs.
He said that although a lot has been accomplished, the goal has not been achieved and will not be accomplished until they have their hands on the Stanley Cup.
Checketts said that the Blues are in the top 15 in spending and the bottom 3 in ticket prices. He essentially broke it down that you have to spend more to win more.
He went on to saying that season ticket holders will not have to worry about fluctuating prices because they can lock in their prices for the next season.
Checketts also talked about how Andy McDonald will be important for this team’s transition because he is a veteran, and that the team has St. Louis fired up.
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March 13
Friday Cardinals Insider Report
Cardinals insider Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Chris Perez gave up a couple hits and walked a guy. He gave up a couple runs, but the Cardinals got the win. He saw six hitters and was not as sharp as he usually is.
Joe Thurston had another good game today. Strauss said he looked real good turning a double play, and he has quick hands. He looks like a smooth fielder, and Strauss said he has looked pretty good.
Skip Schumaker had seven chances in the field today and he fielded all of them for his best fielding day of camp. Strauss thinks that Skip would take it personally if he fails at second base.
Khalil Greene turned on an inside fastball with his hands and kept it fair down the left field line for a home run, and Strauss said that it impressed a lot of people. Joe said that Greene doesn’t feel “isolated” as a member of the Cardinals and is in a better place than where he was last year with the Padres.
The Cardinals are trying to get Colby Rasmus to focus on hitting for a higher average and having a higher on base percentage than trying to hit for power.
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March 13
Holt Released by Rams
The St. Louis Rams have released wide receiver Torry Holt, the team announced today.
“The Rams will forever be grateful for the way Torry Holt represented the Rams on the field and in the community,” said Rams Owner/Chairman Chip Rosenbloom. “He is an All-Pro in every sense of the word. Over the past 10 seasons Torry has proven himself to be one of the finest wide receivers in league history. This is a difficult decision because Torry has meant so much to the organization. In my mind and for all Rams fans, Torry will always be a Ram and we wish him and his family nothing but the best as they move forward.”
Holt, 32, ranks 11th on the NFL’s all-time receptions list with 869 and 14th on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list with 12,660. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Holt has averaged 80.1 receiving yards per game over his career, the best in NFL history. Since 2000, Holt has accumulated 817 receptions for 11,872 yards, best in the NFL during that time period.
“Torry Holt has had an outstanding career here in St. Louis,” said Rams General Manager Billy Devaney. “We thank Torry for the many things he has done for the Rams organization on and off the field.”
Holt joined the Rams as the sixth overall choice in the 1999 NFL Draft. He ranks second in team history in receptions (869), receiving yards (12.660) and receiving touchdowns (74).
In 10 seasons with the Rams, Holt played in 158 regular season games with 147 starts. He started all 10 postseason contests of his career including Super Bowl XXXIV, the Rams’ 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in his rookie season, and Super Bowl XXXVI. Holt holds the Super Bowl rookie record with seven receptions and 109 receiving yards, established in Super Bowl XXXIV.
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March 12
Rams New Fullback Interview
Rams new fullback Mike Karney joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Interview Notes:
- Karney said that he looked at the Rams as a great fit. Meeting Coach Spagnuolo while visiting the Rams sealed the deal.
- Things can get turned around, and Coach Spagnuolo has the ability to turn the Rams around. Karney said that he would take a bullet for Spagnuolo, and that is the mentality it will take from all the players to make the St. Louis Rams champions again.
- Mike said he had a lot of fun blocking in New Orleans, but he is ready for the next chapter in his life. He is excited to get to know Steven Jackson and looks forward to blocking for him.
- Karney said that the teams that win have a lead blocker and run the ball. A big rushing game can demoralize a defense. He said that he is excited that Coach Spagnuolo realizes that he needs a big running game for success.
- He has no more joy on the field than making a big block and seeing his running back take off and hearing the crowd.
- His honeymoon has been postponed because it is important to get into Rams Park and meet his teammates and
- It was tough dealing with Hurricane Katrina, and Karney said it was like being in a movie. He said he will always remember it and how it affected his life.
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March 12
Blues Sign McRae, Peluso, Sonne
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has signed forwards Philip McRae, Anthony Peluso and Brett Sonne.
McRae, 18, was drafted by the Blues in the second round, 33rd overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, McRae has played in 57 games for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season and has registered 60 points (29 goals, 31 assists). He was a member of the Western Conference in this season’s OHL All-Star game. McRae played one year of hockey at St. Louis' CBC high school before playing junior. His father Basil played four seasons in St. Louis from 1992-1996.
Peluso, 19, was drafted by the Blues in the sixth round, 160th in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He has split time this season between the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and the Brampton Battalion and has recorded 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 61 games played. The King City, Ontario is currently 24th in the OHL with 123 penalty minutes.
Sonne, 19, was drafted by the Blues in the third round, 85th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Sonne has played in 60 games this season with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and ranks third in the league in points (97), second in goals (47) and tied for 12th in assists (50).
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March 12
Berglund Game Time Decision Tonight
According to Andy Strickland, Patrik Berglund will be a game time decision for tonight’s Blues game. Berglund sat out of this morning’s skate session due to back stiffness.
Trent Whitfield has been brought up on emergency conditions.
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March 12
Rams New Safety Interview
Rams new safety James Butler joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Interview Notes:
- Feels like the organization is about to turn around and is very happy to be here and get things started.
- Coach Spagnuolo is a players’ coach. He knows his x’s and o’s. He utilizes the talents that his players have. If a player doesn’t want to work, Coach will find someone else who will.
- Spaguolo had goals each week for the players, and he kept guys focused in a city (New York) with a lot of distractions.
- Butler tries to pride himself on covering wide receivers and being an all around player.
- Butler said that he came into the league the same year as OJ Atogwe and Ron Bartell, and he's looking forward to playing with them on the defense.
- Before he made his decision, he rode around the city a little bit, and he said St. Louis has a lot to offer. Coach Spagnuolo was a big help in his decision.
- Butler and Tye Hill have been in business for about a month with their Golden Corral restaurant in Atlanta.
- It was tough to leave New York, but he is looking forward to a new start and establishing something with a new team.
- Philadelphia and Cleveland were coming after him in free agency, but Coach Spagnuolo was a big part in his decision to come to St. Louis.
- Butler likes to fish, play golf and basketball, and hang out with his friends.
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March 12
BLUES BUZZ RADIO SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues President John Davidson.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Davidson explains:
- the equipment he used when he played
- the attention he pays to goaltenders when watching the game
- the difference in the position of goaltending since he has played
- housing Dan Blackburn and the unfortunate injury which caused him to retire at age 19
- the better quality of players in today’s game
- David Backes’ shot and how he is emerging as a goal scorer
- the play of Jay McKee and the tone he set in Tuesday night’s game
- the trust needed between goaltenders and skaters in the NHL
- his take on Patrik Berglund’s rookie season in the NHL
- how often he talks to the players
- the realization of the disconnect between the city and the Blues when he first accepted the position with the Blues
- the curveballs that are thrown at an NHL franchise on an everyday position
- how he lives by Wayne Gretzky’s and Mark Messier’s motto of “treat everyone the right way”
- the difference between the lifestyle of broadcasting NHL games and being in the front office
- how much he enjoys being back “in the trenches”
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment John talks about:
- the story of his goaltending mask and trying to get it back
- the role of fighting in the NHL
- the balance for fighting in the NHL
- increasing TV ratings
- the play and personality of David Perron
- the phone calls he received at the deadline about Berglund, Oshie, and Perron and that at no point were they even close to thinking about trading any of those three players
- the outstanding relationship Larry Pleau has with players and general managers around the league
- the loyalty of Larry Pleau and some of the circumstances Larry faced with the previous ownership group
Listen to Segment 2
During the third segment John Discusses:
- the future of the Blues front office after next season
- Doug Armstrong’s role in the Blues front office
- the play and professionalism of Manny Legace in Peoria
Listen to Segment 3
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March 12
Rams Release Tight End Anthony Becht
The St. Louis Rams have released tight end Anthony Becht, the team announced today.
Becht, 31, played one season with the Rams after joining the team as an unrestricted free agent from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2008. He played in 16 games with 11 starts and totaled six catches for 39 yards last season.
A former first-round draft choice (27th overall) of the New York Jets in the 2000 NFL Draft, Becht played in 142 career games with 118 starts. He has made 178 receptions for 1,450 yards with 20 touchdowns. Becht has started all seven postseason contests of his career and has postseason totals of 10 catches for 76 yards with one touchdown.
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March 11
Tuesday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Skip Schumaker’s error today was on a relatively easy ground ball. Strauss said there is some thought right now on how much longer this experiment will last. If the team pulls the plug on this thing they will try Brendan Ryan or Joe Thurston first and if they don’t work the team will try to work a deal for a second baseman. It would likely be a deal for a team’s second best guy and Joe compared what they would be looking for to Tony Womack of a few years ago. Strauss doesn’t see how it will work with Schumaker when they only have a few more weeks left of spring training.
Joe Mather took over the team spring training RBI lead today. Chris Duncan sat out of on field activity today but did pinch hit.
Strauss said Ryan Ludwick has not been himself lately, and he has not been able to get loose after going through a strenuous weight program in the off-season.
Allen Craig is going to play first base in Memphis, but he might get a shot to play outfield. His bat has been productive this spring and in the minors last season, but he is hard to project as a member of the big league team so he may be someone who the Cardinals could trade.
Joe said that Chris Perez pitched a perfect inning today and his progress is swinging upward.
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March 11
Rams Sign Fullback Mike Karney
The St. Louis Rams have signed free agent fullback Mike Karney, the team announced today.
“Mike has proven to be a solid fullback since entering the league in 2004,” said Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. “We are excited that he is now a Ram and we looking forward to him being an effective part of our offense in the future.”
Karney spent his entire NFL career with New Orleans, after being drafted by the club in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. He has played in 75 games, starting 46.
Karney, 5-11, 255, experienced his best statistical season in 2006, where he set career highs in rushes (11), rushing yards (33), receptions (15) and receiving yards (96). Last season, he tied a career-high for touchdowns in a season (two).
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March 11
Rams Announce Signing of Safety Butler
The St. Louis Rams have signed free agent safety James Butler, the team announced today.
“It is always good when you get an opportunity to obtain a player that you are familiar with,” said Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo who coached Butler as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants from 2007-08.
“James has an understanding of our defensive system and will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Butler, 26, spent the last four seasons with the Giants after entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent with the team in 2005.
Butler, 6-3 and 215 pounds, played in 15 games with a career-high 14 starts in 2008. Butler established career highs with 76 tackles (45 solo) and three interceptions. Butler’s six passes defensed tied a career high. Butler started at strong safety for the Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff game vs. Philadelphia (1/11/09) and recorded eight tackles (five solo).
In his four-year NFL career, Butler has played in 58 regular season games with 27 starts. He has registered 174 tackles (106 solo), six interceptions and 21 passes defensed. Butler has seen action in seven career postseason games with five starts. He started all four games at strong safety for the Giants during the 2007 postseason as the team won Super Bowl XLII over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots.
A native of Bainbridge, Ga., Butler started 25 of 48 career games at Georgia Tech, including every game in his final two collegiate seasons. Butler was a two-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection with the Yellow Jackets and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back as a senior in 2004. Butler earned ACC All-Academic honors in two seasons at Georgia Tech.
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March 11
Anheuser-Busch to Transfer Ownership of Soccer Park to St. Louis Soccer United
Site to Continue Supporting Youth and Amateur Soccer; Will Also Be Explored for Major League Soccer Stadium Use
St. Louis Soccer United (SLSU) today announced that Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. has entered into a letter of intent to transfer ownership of the Anheuser-Busch Center – commonly referred to as “Soccer Park” – to SLSU, the local group working to bring a Major League Soccer expansion franchise to the St. Louis area.
SLSU will work with public officials to explore the feasibility of building an MLS quality, soccer-specific stadium at the site located just west of Interstate 270 at Interstate 44. Anheuser-Busch intends to transfer the Soccer Park location to SLSU even if the site proves to be unworkable for an MLS stadium, with the goal of ensuring it continues to serve the amateur soccer community in St. Louis as it has since the facility opened in 1982.
“St. Louis is home to one of the strongest soccer communities in the country,” said Dan McHugh, vice president of Media, Sponsorship and Activation, Anheuser-Busch Inc. “The transfer of A-B Soccer Park to SLSU is a community win-win. It supports civic efforts to bring Major League Soccer to St. Louis and preserves a community home for organized youth and amateur soccer.”
“A-B’s generosity has given SLSU an outstanding opportunity to improve St. Louis’ candidacy for an MLS expansion franchise,” said Jeff Cooper, chairman, St. Louis Soccer United. “The Soccer Park is a well-known site that will appeal to players, fans and investor candidates alike.”
SLSU represents the St. Louis market’s candidacy to attract an MLS expansion franchise to the area by 2011 or 2012. SLSU also partners with the nation’s largest youth soccer club following the merger last year between Scott Gallagher, St. Louis Soccer Club and Metro United. The newly merged club was recently named the top club in the nation for its superior youth development program by ClubRank™, a formula from Top Drawer Soccer (www.topdrawersoccer.com) based on points awarded for full and youth national team call-ups, college players, and domestic and overseas professional rosters for 2008.
SLSU also owns the St. Louis Athletica team that will begin play with a home match on April 4 in the new Women’s Professional Soccer league. St. Louis Athletica will play the bulk of its matches in the team’s inaugural season at Bob Guelker Field on the campus of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Currently, SLSU also has agreement with the City of Collinsville, Ill., to build a soccer stadium and surrounding youth complex at Interstates 255 and 55-70, pending the awarding of an MLS expansion franchise. SLSU will continue to work with Collinsville officials while feasibility of the Soccer Park site is explored in the weeks to come.
"This is the best situation we could have hoped for,” said Cooper. “We have two potential locations for an MLS stadium and youth soccer complex that demonstrates the region’s strong commitment to bring Major League Soccer to the undisputed soccer capital of North America."
Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. Anheuser Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world’s largest recyclers of aluminum cans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.
For more information on St. Louis Soccer United, visit stlouissoccerunited.com.
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March 10
Devaney Discusses Rams
Rams GM Billy Devaney joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Billy said that it was the right time to release Orlando Pace. “We were holding out hope that we could help the Rams by getting a deal done. We could’ve held onto him longer but that wouldn’t be fair to him. If this is the direction we were going to go, we figured we’d do it now.”
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he can go and help a team win games this year,” Devaney said.
Devaney said that releasing Pace doesn’t necessarily mean that they will take a tackle with their first pick because they want to move Alex Barron to left tackle. Billy said that Barron is better at the left side, and he wants to see how well he can perform after having a lot of practice time in drills and training camp at the left side.
If Barron works out on the left side, Devaney said they want to take a look at Jacob Bell at the right side because of his experience in college at that position. However, Bell had problems keeping his weight up last season which raises concerns.
Billy reiterated that they won’t necessarily draft a tackle with their first pick. “With the holes we have at different positions, there are a few ways we can go,” Devaney said. He said they are going to take the highest graded guy on their board.
James Butler is coming in Wednesday to take a physical and then sign his contract if all goes as planned. Devaney said the Rams had interest in Butler because of his size, he came from a winning program, he has a knack to be around the ball, and he has energy.
Torry Holt’s situation hasn’t changed from where it was a week ago. Billy said they are in a holding pattern right now and they need to make a decision soon. Devaney said that he didn’t want to discuss any team’s interest in Holt.
Devaney said that fullback Mike Karney is visiting Rams Park today, and after they make a decision on him, they will likely shift their focus to the draft.
There is sincere and strong interest in bringing back Gus Frerotte. Billy made it clear that they have their starter in Marc Bulger, and they are strictly looking for a backup who can be a professional in that position and help the starter. As soon as the Butler thing is finalized, the Rams plan on bringing Frerotte in for a visit.
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March 10
Blues Offer Season Ticket Holders Chance to “Ice Your Price” for 2009-10
“Pay as We Play” to give Season Ticket Holders purchasing priority and discounts for the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The St. Louis Blues are focused on their surge toward a position in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs while helping their valued Season Ticket Holders get a jump on next season by extending an offer to keep ticket prices the same price for the 2009-10 season.
The Blues are also giving Season Ticket Holders the first opportunity to purchase 2009 Playoff tickets at a significant discount.
In a letter sent to all Season Ticket Holders this week, the team is giving season ticket holders the chance to “Ice Your Price” for the 2009-10 season if they renew on or before April 10 with as little as 10 percent down. Full and Half Season Ticket Holders who renew by April 10 will lock in their 2008-09 season ticket prices for the 2009-10 season and will also receive a variety of benefits including an Al MacInnis replica statue. After the April 10 deadline, all season ticket pricing will increase by 10 percent.
The Blues have also instituted “Pay as We Play” for their ongoing Playoff push to all Season Ticket Holders. Those individuals will receive a discount on Playoff tickets over general public pricing and be eligible for “Pay as We Play”, in which the Blues will only charge Season Ticket Holders for Playoff tickets when games are guaranteed to be played.
“The Blues are grateful to have generations of passionate, loyal fans who have demonstrated their support for our long-range plan to the tune of 22 sellouts so far this season,” said Peter McLoughlin, St. Louis Blues Enterprises CEO. “We want to return the loyalty shown by our Season Ticket Holders and give them the opportunity to lock in their ticket prices for next season and receive significant discounts for Playoff tickets this year.
“The economy has created a considerable challenge for everyone. We are pleased to offer our loyal fans the chance to hold the line on an average ticket price that ranks in the lower third of the NHL.”
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March 10
Rams Release Tackle Orlando Pace
The St. Louis Rams have released tackle Orlando Pace, the team announced today.
“I can’t begin to thank Orlando for all he has meant to the Rams organization, since we selected him with the first overall pick in the 1997 draft,” said Rams Owner/Chairman Chip Rosenbloom. “It is never easy to end a relationship that has had as much success as ours, but in the best interest of Orlando and the Rams, we feel now is the right time. As a Super Bowl Champion and seven-time Pro Bowler, he has been a true professional and will always go down as one of the finest Rams of all time. We wish him, Carla and their children the very best as they move onto the next chapter of their football journey.”
Pace, 33, was the selected by the Rams as the No. 1 overall choice in the 1997 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University. The Rams acquired the choice from the New York Jets in exchange for the Rams’ first- (sixth overall), third- (67), fourth- (102) and seventh- (207) round draft picks. Pace was the first offensive lineman chosen No. 1 overall since the Minnesota Vikings chose Ron Yary in the 1968 NFL Draft.
“Orlando Pace has been a mainstay on the Rams’ offensive line since he was drafted in 1997, and has proven to be one of the most efficient offensive tackles throughout his career,” said Rams General Manager Billy Devaney. “We thank him for all that he has done for the St. Louis Rams and we wish him the best for the remainder of his career.”
In his 12 seasons with the Rams, Pace started at left tackle in two Super Bowls, Super Bowl XXXIV, the Rams’ 23-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans, and Super Bowl XXXVI.
Pace was named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 1999-2005. Pace’s seven Pro Bowl appearances tie him for fourth in Rams’ history behind Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen (14), Hall of Fame guard Tom Mack (11), linebacker Les Richter (8), and equal to Hall of Fame defensive Jack Youngblood (7).
From 1999-2001, Pace blocked for three consecutive NFL Most Valuable Players: QB Kurt Warner in 1999 and 2001, and RB Marshall Faulk in 2000.
Pace has played in 158 career games with 154 starts and has started all 10 postseason contests he has played.
PACE’S Games Played-Starts: (RAMS) 1997 (13/9), 1998 (16/16), 1999 (16/16), 2000 (16/16), 2001 (16/16), 2002 (10/10), 2003 (16/16), 2004 (16/16), 2005 (16/16), 2006 (8/8), 2007 (1/1), 2008 (14/14). Totals: (158/154). Postseason: (RAMS) 1999 (3/3), 2000 (1/1), 2001 (3/3), 2003 (1/1), 2004 (2/2). Postseason Totals: (10/10).
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March 10
CCIN to Pick Up A-10 Tournament Games
The Saint Louis University department of athletics today announced that CCIN will pick up two SLU men’s baseketball games at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships should the Billikens advance past Wednesday’s opening round.
If the ninth-seeded Billikens top No. 8-seed La Salle tomorrow, Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup against top-seeded Xavier can be seen live on CCIN at 11 a.m. (CT). The game is being produced by CBS College Sports Regional.
Should the Bills defeat Xavier, SLU’s semifinal game at either 5:30 p.m. (CT) or 8 p.m. (CT) Friday will also be televised on CCIN. Saturday’s A-10 title game will be aired on ESPN2 and will tip off at 5 p.m. (CT).
CCIN is available to Charter Communications customers throughout St. Louis and Illinois on converter channel 3, although some cable-ready customers in St. Louis County and upgraded Jefferson County (Mo.) will find it on cable-ready channel 8.
All SLU games at the A-10 Tournament, including Wednesday’s first-round game, can be viewed online through Billiken All-Access. Annual subscribers may view SLU’s games for free as part of their annual subscription. Otherwise, fans may see the Billikens’ games or any other game at the tourney by picking the pay-per-view option for $7.95 per game.
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March 9
Coach Murray Discusses Blues
Blues Coach Andy Murray joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Coach said he doesn’t concern himself with the standings because they live day to day and they need to focus on the next game they have. He is aware of the importance of each game but doesn’t obsess over the standings.
Murray talked about the team’s slow start in games, and he said that they have not done a good job in the first period of games. He said that some of the veterans have been slow to get going in games, and the young guys follow the veterans.
The Blues are last in the league in first period goals and last in shots on goal in the first period. Coach said that they need to play a simpler game and shoot the puck. He said that it says on the board in the dressing room in bold letters: “shoot the puck.”
Barrett Jackman hasn’t played as well in the last number of games because he is trying to do too much. Coach said that they haven’t been paying enough attention to detail on defense.
Chris Mason has only played in 40 games this season so Murray said he should be able to handle being relied on. He said that they have to plan that Mason will play each of the games the rest of the way, but they won’t hesitate to throw one of the back-up guys in if he gets fatigued.
David Backes is up to 21 goals with 17 games to play so he has been doing a nice job even though he hadn’t scored in awhile before this weekend.
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March 9
Monday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Thomas is hearing that a deal is done with James Butler, and he isn’t surprised because he made a lot of sense for the Rams after playing for Coach Steve Spagnuolo in New York.
The New York Giants and New York Jets are reportedly interested in Torry Holt, but Thomas thinks if the Rams were to trade him they would probably get a 4th or 5th round pick. Teams will likely wait for the Rams to cut him though before his roster bonus is due on March 17.
Thomas said the team may even cut Holt early to free up enough money to sign Butler and Mike Karney if they decide to sign him.
Jason Brown’s contract was actually disavowed by the league because of the wording, but it was a mere technicality and it’s been readjusted. Thomas said he was actually a free agent for 24 hours but he should be resigned tomorrow.
The guys also discussed the team possibly restructuring tight end Randy McMichael’s contract and Terrell Owens signing with Buffalo.
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March 9
SLU Players Lisch, Mitchell Honored
Saint Louis University senior guard Kevin Lisch (Belleville, Ill. / Althoff) was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference third team as voted upon by the league’s head coaches. In addition, he was chosen the A-10 Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year as selected by the conference’s sports information directors. Freshman guard Kwamain Mitchell (Milwaukee, Wis. / Dominican) was tabbed for the A-10 All-Rookie Team.
Lisch leads the Billikens and is tied for 11th in the conference in scoring at 14.2 ppg. He ranks second in the A-10 in free throw shooting at 82.9 percent, sixth in 3-point field goals made per game at 2.38 and 11th in 3-point field goal percentage at 38.8 percent. Lisch is sixth on SLU’s career scoring list with 1,663 points, second in 3-pointers made with 257, seventh in steals with 130 and ninth in assists with 320.
Lisch has already earned his degree in business administration and is enrolled in the University’s M.B.A. program. Last week, he was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America men’s basketball third team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Lisch has twice been named to the A-10 Academic All-Conference team.
Mitchell is averaging 10.9 ppg this season, and in conference play, is second on the team at 14.1 ppg. He has handed out 106 assists this season, just two away from tying the school record for assists by a freshman. Mitchell is second on the team with 35 steals and adds 3.2 rpg while hitting 39 3-pointers this season. He has been named the A-10 Rookie of the Week three times this season.
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March 9
Monday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Chris Perez has been better the last couple times out. He received a shot in his left foot yesterday because he had some problems with it. Strauss thinks there is a sense in the organization that one of the young guys will be closing, but Tony LaRussa isn’t going to just hand it to someone. Joe thinks either Perez or Jason Motte have to impress LaRussa to be the opening day closer, and they will learn in the majors. Ryan Franklin creates a safety net because of his experience.
Motte is throwing hard and doesn’t throw the ball down the middle third of the plate, but he still needs to refine his second pitch. Right now he would have to get by with fastballs. Strauss said it is day to day in evaluating each pitcher.
Skip Schumaker’s performance in the past two games is causing many people to question if he will be able to play second base, and Strauss said the team will stick with him for a little while longer. However, it is a failed experiment as of now, and plan B will come from within the organization and will probably be Brendan Ryan or someone like that.
Strauss said that he thinks Ryan can handle it defensively and will probably be ok, but he might not be able to hit. It will be the same kind of situation they had with Adam Kennedy because of the lack of his offense.
David Freese was sent down to the minors and Strauss thinks the competition at third is over unless Joe Mather implodes. The guys aren’t sure that Mather has consistency with his bat, but LaRussa likes his potential power at the plate. Troy Glaus thinks he will be back sooner than most people think.
Khalil Greene is an average shortstop but has been an offensive presence so far this spring.
The guys also discussed Chris Carpenter’s performance so far, and Strauss said that he feels fine so far, which is the most important thing.
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March 9
Mizzou Enjoys Postseason Honors From League Coaches
Missouri Basketball has enjoyed a resurgence this season, improving from a 16-16 overall mark in 2007-08 to 25-6 and a third place finish in the Big 12 Conference in 2008-09. While Missouri prided itself on being the “ultimate team” this season, several Tigers hauled in awards from the league coaches on Sunday, headlined by senior forward DeMarre Carroll’s spot as a First Team All-Big 12 selection.
In addition to Carroll, fellow senior Leo Lyons earned a Third Team All-Big 12 nod, while junior guard J.T. Tiller was named an honorable mention pick.
Tiller was also named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the league and was the only unanimous pick to the Big 12’s All-Defensive Team. Tiller shared Defensive Player of the Year honors with Kansas’ Cole Aldrich, while senior guard Matt Lawrence was named Co-Six Man of the Year with Baylor’s LaceDarius Dunn.
Junior transfer Zaire Taylor rounded out the award winners, earning a spot on the Big 12’s All-Rookie unit.
Carroll becomes the first Missouri Tiger to earn First Team All-Big 12 honors since Kareem Rush in 2002. The first player in Missouri history to earn First Team All-Big 12 and First Team Academic All-Big 12 recognition in the same season, Carroll led Mizzou in both scoring (17.1) and rebounding (7.3) this year, while chipping in 49 steals and 65 assists. The only Big 12 player to rank among the Top 10 in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage and steals, Carroll was ultra-consistent throughout his senior campaign, reaching double figures in 14-of-16 Big 12 contests, including five 20-point efforts and four double-doubles. Earlier this week Carroll was named a First Team Academic All-Big 12 pick after recording a 3.70 GPA in graduate school.
Lyons was named to the All-Big 12 Third Team after logging norms of 14.4 points and 5.8 rebounds as a senior. The Kansas City, Kan., native had three double-doubles on the year and scored a career high 30 points on 8-of-11 shooting in Mizzou’s home win over Baylor. Lyons was also a consistent force, reaching double figures in 27-of-30 games, including six 20-point scoring performances.
Tiller cleaned up on the awards Sunday afternoon, becoming Missouri’s first Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Tiller was a defensive demon for the “Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball”, leading the Tigers with 57 steals and six deflections per game. He also took excellent care of the basketball while running the point, dishing a team-leading 112 assists and committing just 49 turnovers. In addition to his Co-Defensive P.O.Y. accolades, Tiller was the only unanimous pick to the Big 12’s All-Defensive Team and was an honorable mention selection to the All-Big 12 team.
Senior Matt Lawrence shared Six Man of the Year honors with Baylor’s LaceDarius Dunn and was stellar off the pine for the Tigers, averaging 7.5 points on 42 percent three-point shooting in Big 12 play. Lawrence has been a steady presence for Missouri off the bench this season, reaching double figures in five Big 12 outings, including a season high 19 in the win at Oklahoma State. Lawrence recently moved into No. 2 on Missouri’s career three-point field goals list, passing Kareem Rush.
The final Tiger to earn league recognition was the junior transfer Taylor. The “Elmer’s Glue” of Mizzou this season, Taylor reached double figures in scoring six times in league action, but also ranks among the nation’s leaders with a 2.9-to-1 assist/turnover ratio. Taylor also ranks second on the club with 107 assists and third with 47 steals.
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March 8
Cardinals Re-Assign 15 Players to Minors
The St. Louis Cardinals re-assigned 15 non-roster players to their minor league camp following today’s game.
The players include pitchers Hyang-nam Choi, Justin Fiske, Brad Furnish, Shaun Garceau, Trey Hearne, Tyler Herron, Katsuhiko Maekawa, Ian Ostlund and Francisco Samuel; catchers Tony Cruz, Luis De La Cruz, Steven Hill and Justin Knoedler; infielders David Freese and Brett Wallace.
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March 7
Mizzou to Face Winner of Texas A&M / Texas Tech in Big 12 Tournament
Tigers earn first Big 12 Conference bye since 1998-99 season, finish 12-4 in league play
Missouri Basketball has earned the #3 seed for the 2009 Phillips 66 Big 12 Basketball Championship and will face the winner of #6 Texas A&M vs. #11 Texas Tech on Thursday (March 12) at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
Missouri earned its first opening-round bye at the Big 12 Championship since the 1998-99 season, when Norm Stewart’s Tigers earned the #2 seed with an 11-5 conference mark. Missouri finished the 2008-09 Big 12 campaign with a 12-4 overall record, the school’s best-ever league record since joining the Big 12.
A&M and Tech will meet on Wednesday (March 11) at 8:30 p.m. and Missouri split the season series with the two programs this year. The Tigers defeated Tech 97-86 on Jan. 24 at Mizzou Arena, before falling at A&M on Saturday 96-86.
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March 5
Coach Anderson Discusses Tigers
Mizzou basketball coach Mike Anderson joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Coach Anderson spoke about how special last night was for all of his seniors especially his nephew Damarre Carroll and his son Mike Anderson Jr. He spoke about Damarre as being the total package. He has played his heart out for this team and Anderson is proud as both a coach and an uncle.
Coach went on to talk about Leo Lyons and J.T. Tiller. He said the Leo has really come on strong after missing the game against Colorado. He said Leo has been able to put together a string a consistent games and did a great job defending Blake Griffin. Coach had only good things to say about J.T. who was recently named captain of Seth Davis’ all glue team. Tiller can have a huge impact on the game without even taking a shot. He described J.T. with one word and that was winner. He and Damarre are the heart and soul of this Mizzou team according to Coach Anderson.
Anderson talked about how this team has matured and learned from each and every loss this year. In particular they learned a lot about themselves as a team after their most recent loss to Kansas. The team came out last night and played with great energy and executed the game plan perfectly; they were able to force a total of 21 turnovers.
Coach Anderson loved the atmosphere last night at Mizzou Arena. He said that the students and fans were awesome last nigh; they had this place rocking and rolling and they truly helped us earn that victory last night. Coach really wants his team to stay both humble and hungry and stay ready as they approach their final regular season game against Texas A&M.
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March 5
Thursday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
The Cardinals signed left-handed reliever Dennys Reyes today, and Strauss said he fits what they wanted in terms of finances. They got him for less money than they were originally going to give Trevor Miller.
Reyes is the definition of a left-handed specialist. He isn’t a closer type but can pitch late in the game if needed. He doesn’t walk many guys, and he is a legitimate big league pitcher.
The Cardinals still don’t have a guy who can give them innings from the left side, but they can pair him against the other teams’ big left-handed bat.
Tony LaRussa basically awarded third base to Joe Mather today before the game because David Freese still won’t be able to take the field for another week. LaRussa also said that Brett Wallace isn’t close to being in the majors defensively. Mather has the tools to play the position but it’s just a matter of being consistent.
The guys discussed David Freese’s accident that has kept him off the field so far and they wonder how much impact it has had on how people view him.
Colby Rasmus was 1-2 today with a walk. LaRussa talked to him today before the game and told him to try to hit more for average than power in order to make the team.
The Cardinals beat the Dominican Republic team today, and Jason Motte picked up the save. Strauss said that Motte has looked better than Chris Perez, and Ryan Franklin looks better than both of them.
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March 5
Cards Add Bullpen Depth
The St. Louis Cardinals made a move to fortify their depth in the bullpen by announcing the signing of veteran left-handed reliever Dennys Reyes to a two-year contract.
Reyes, 31, has been a member of the Minnesota Twins the past three seasons (2006-08) and compiled a 3-0 mark with a 2.33 ERA in a career-high 75 games last season to lead American League left-handers. He held opposing left-handed batters to a .202 batting average in 2008, and his opponents batted just .235 overall.
“We’ve had nearly a month to evaluate our club,” said Cardinals’ Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “With a month still remaining before Opening Day, we feel that Reyes is someone who immediately helps us fill a need for added bullpen depth.”
A veteran of 10-plus seasons, the 6-1, 242-pound native of Mexico has compiled a career mark of 32-32, 4.28 ERA in 635 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati, Colorado, Texas, Pittsburgh, Arizona, Kansas City, San Diego and Minnesota.
Since joining the Twins in 2006, Reyes posted a 2.14 ERA (126.1 IP/30 ER), ranking first among all Major League left-handed relievers during that three-year span. He was 10-1 with 41 Holds as a member of the Twins.
Reyes is currently playing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Mexico opens tournament play on Sunday, March 8 in Mexico City against Australia.
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March 5
Mizzou Insider Report
Gabe started off by talking about the great win by the Mizzou basketball team last night. The Tigers are 4-1 against ranked teams this year. Last night marked the first time since 2003 that the Tigers have beaten a top 5 team. As of right now the Missouri Tigers are a 3 seed for the NCAA tournament.
The guys changed gears and went on to talk about Mizzou football’s Pro Day which was held this afternoon at Mizzou. Jeremy Maclin, Chase Daniel and Chase Coffman did not work out. Maclin and Daniel will work out at the next pro day which will be held March 19th. Coffman is still uncertain if he will be able to participate.
Ziggy Hood weighed in at 295 pounds and still managed a 35 1/2 vertical jump. William Moore looked fit and ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. Moore also registered an impressive 36 1/2 vertical jump. Tommy Saunders had a good day as he caught everything thrown at him and was able to do 30 reps at 225 pounds. He will likely still go undrafted but will more than likely get a strong look to become an undrafted free agent.
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March 5
Lisch Second-Team All-District by NABC
Saint Louis University senior guard Kevin Lisch (Belleville, Ill. / Althoff) has been named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division I All-District 4 second team. The squads are selected and voted upon by the member coaches of the NABC. Lisch is now eligible for the All-America teams that will be announced Saturday, April 4, at the Men’s NCAA Final Four in Detroit.
Lisch leads the team and is tied for 11th in the Atlantic 10 Conference in scoring at 14.4 ppg. He is second in the conference in free-throw shooting at 82.9 percent, sixth in 3-point field goals made per game at 2.39 and ninth in 3-point field goal percentage at 39.6. Lisch leads the team with 36 steals, is third in assists with 73 and averages 3.5 rpg. He is sixth on SLU’s career scoring list with 1,653 points, second in 3-pointers made with 254, seventh in steals with 129 and ninth in assists with 318. Last week, Lisch was selected to the 2008-09 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American third team.
2009 NABC All-District 4 Teams
First Team
Derrick Brown, Xavier
Dionte Christmas, Temple
Aaron Jackson, Duquesne
Ahmad Nivins, Saint Joseph’s
Chris Wright, Dayton
Second Team
Jimmy Baron, Rhode Island
Rodney Green, La Salle
Ricky Harris, Massachusetts
Kevin Lisch, Saint Louis
BJ Raymond, Xavier
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March 4
Davidson Discusses Blues
Blues President John Davidson joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Davidson said that there was more than one team interested in Keith Tkachuck today, but when you weigh everything, it was best for the Blues to keep him.
“It is fair to say that we had some intense discussions,” Davidson said.
“Our team has done a lot (this season) considering what they have gone through. With Keith, we had some organizations check in, but at the end of the day we wanted to keep the integrity of this team intact. We think as a group we can battle through and get into the playoffs. We just didn’t want to give up on this group, and we didn’t want to give up on Walt. At the end of the day we want to give this thing a run.”
There’s no question that Keith has influence on the young guys in the locker room, and they are responsive to him.
We wanted to be pushed over the top if we were going to do something. We weren’t going to compromise.
We feel pretty strong about the group of players we have.
Davidson denied reports that there was a deal in place to trade Tkachuck and that the team ran out of time.
John wouldn’t specifically comment on Chris Pronger, but he said: “we looked very hard to get a top notched defenseman.”
TJ Oshie is a player that any team in the league would want, and it would have to be a heck of a deal to move a player with that much upside.
“The integrity of our franchise is in a good place right now. With all the assets we have right now, there has to be an understanding that we can’t hang on to everyone forever and we are getting to that point soon.”
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March 4
Ron Bartell Press Conference
Head coach Steve Spagnuolo
(Opening statement)
“Thanks for being here as always. It’s a great day for the St. Louis Rams. The staff and the entire organization is ecstatic about keeping one of our main guys in the fold here. I want to begin again by thanking ownership for their support in putting the deal together and again to (General Manager) Billy (Devaney) and (Executive Vice President of Football Operations Chief Operating Officer) Kevin (Demoff) for their efforts that they’ve put into this. It was a really back and forth deal and it was fantastic the way it worked out. Ron (Bartell) was a primary focus right from the beginning. I knew all about him because I’d seen him on film and knew him as a player. All you know then is No. 24 but I can tell you that the first time I met him, I knew that the character matched the player. That’s the greatest thing about him. We just think that he fits the mold that we’re looking for in both the person and the player and I’m individually looking forward to having him around here. I’m going to let him talk to you because he’s more important today than me.”
CB Ron Bartell
(Opening Statement)
“First of all, I’d like to say that I feel truly blessed to still be with this organization that I feel is heading in the right direction. I’d like to thank the ownership, Billy Devaney, Kevin Demoff, Coach ‘Spags.’ Throughout the process they were great. A lot of times negotiations can go back and forth and be kind of bitter toward one side or another but everything was done in a professional way. I really appreciated that. I’m just happy to be here. We’ve struggled a lot in the past but I have a really good feeling that things are about to turn around with the staff that we have and with the management that they’ve brought in and some of the guys that we’re bringing in. I enjoyed meeting the new coaching staff. We had a great rapport when we met. We talked about a lot of things that they want to implement and I feel like I can be a big part of that. My time in St. Louis has had it’s ups and downs, but I feel I’ve grown as a player and as a man and I hope I continue to do so. I’m just happy to be around.”
(On taking the initiative to fly in to meet the new coaching staff and on his first meeting with Coach Spagnuolo)
“After they hired the whole staff, I had just wanted to come in and meet the coaches that I was considering playing for. You don’t want to make a decision without meeting someone. That’s just the way I saw it. I came in and they were very busy but I was impressed with the way he just dropped everything to make time. We just struck up and had a great conversation. Actually right in the middle of the weight room, we spoke for about 15 or 20 minutes. Then, he took me around and introduced me to the rest of the staff. That was big for me. I understood at that time that they were very busy trying to get everything prepared so for him just to drop everything when he’s in the middle of something. And just to make the time to have a conversation with one of his players, I thought that was big.”
(On having a defensive head coach for the first time)
“That made quite a difference, especially a defensive guy with his background. Like I said, the things that he did in New York, I thought they were pretty spectacular. Especially, a year ago when they played the Patriots in the Super Bowl, a team that everybody thought was invincible and they dismantled them. How could you not want to play for a guy like that? Me personally, being a cornerback, I look at his secondary and how he coached those guys up. A guy like (Giants CB) Corey Webster and what he was able to do for him and turn him into the kind of player that he is today, that was big for me.”
(On the free agency process)
“It’s kind of like college, getting recruited all over again. It was definitely rough because of the unknown. In my heart I knew I wanted to be here but I didn’t know if it would work out that way. I had some reservations about staying at first, before they made all of the hires, because coming off a 2-14 season you kind of question whether or not this is the place you want to be. Once I was able to meet the coaches and once they hired Billy who I just had the utmost confidence in, it was an easy decision to come down to in the end. It was cool to have other teams appreciate what you’ve done in the league and find out where you stand in their eyes. At the end of the day, it came down to a gut feeling, me being comfortable with the situation that I’m in, a place where I truly believe that we can get this thing turned around and I wanted to be a part of that.”
(On if he got a feeling for how his game is perceived and about how the Rams are perceived)
“One thing I did learn is how teams plan on attacking me next year. That was a big key and that’s one thing I really did learn. I did learn that a lot of people have an appreciation for the way that I play, for the way that I’ve grown over the years and the way they’ve watched my career blossom. I just want to keep getting better.”
(On his ups and downs, moving from cornerback to safety to nickelback and if he ever thought the day would come where he would be a high-level cornerback)
“I knew it would come. Like I said, every year I’ve made it a point to get better at something. I feel like I’m not even at my peak yet. I feel like the best is yet to come. All of the moving that you discussed, at the time when you’re doing it, you really don’t have an appreciation for it. You’re like, ‘oh man, they moved me again.’ I wouldn’t change anything in the world. I think it’s made me a better player, a more versatile player. I don’t know if a lot of guys get through that and go through what I’ve been through and still succeed. A lot of guys don’t get asked to learn every position in the secondary. One game you play at corner, the next game you might be at safety or nickel, especially for a young guy. It’s made me a better football player. It made me a better professional, so I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
(On if he can believe he’s come this far from Howard University)
“Not at all. Growing up in Detroit, where I grew up, going to a small school, Howard University, getting drafted in the second round when a lot of people thought you shouldn’t have. Being up here today, speaking to you guys, it’s a dream come true. I can’t put it in words.”
(On the change in his leadership role)
“I thought I started to take more of a leadership role the last couple of games last season. Me and (former Rams S) Corey Chavous were just having a discussion about it last season at the end of the year. He had put it on me. He pretty much told me that a lot of guys have respect for what I’m doing, so it may be time for me to step up more and be more of a vocal guy. I’m not really big on ‘rah rah’ and all of that, but I try and lead by example. When they invest this kind of money in you, I think it’s your duty to take a leadership role on this team. Something has to change around here so if it takes me being more vocal, or a guy like O.J. (Atogwe) stepping up and saying some things, then you know what, we’re going to have to do that if we want to change things.”
(On if he has specific plans for the money)
“They only thing I’m going to do is buy my parents a house and get them out of the neighborhood that they’ve staying in. That’s about it.”
(On if they are still in Detroit)
“Still in Detroit.”
(On if they live in a tough neighborhood)
“When I was growing up, it wasn’t the best, but it was okay. Over the years, it’s gotten pretty bad so I want to change their situation and get them in a more comfortable living situation. Once I do that, I have no plans.”
(On if he has heard from old friends)
“I keep a close-knit circle. Everybody has been so happy for me and I’ve gotten a lot of calls and everything but not out of the woodworks that I don’t know.”
(On if he has gotten calls from teammates)
“Tons of them. Leonard Little called me the other day congratulating me, telling me that he’s happy I’m here. I heard from Torry (Holt) the other day, Corey, O.J. I’ve gotten a lot of calls. I think everybody is happy to see this happen. Quite honestly, we have let a lot of good football players get away in the past, such as (former Rams) Kevin Curtis, Brandon Chillar, Ryan Pickett. Guys didn’t stay. So to see a guy that was drafted here and has come along and gotten better as a player stay here I think that’s big for the organization.”
(On if he thinks a player getting rewarded will play well with the locker room)
“Of course it does because it lets you know that if you do what you’re supposed to do, you have an opportunity to get rewarded for it and you don’t have to seek it out from another team. You can get it from the team that drafted you at the place that you call home. I think it does play well in the locker room.”
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March 4
Mizzou’s DeMarre Carroll, Matt Lawrence Named All-Big 12 Academic
University of Missouri seniors DeMarre Carroll and Matt Lawrence were named to the 2009 Academic All-Big 12 Team the league office announced on Wednesday.
Carroll earned his way onto the First Team after recording a 3.70 grade-point average in graduate school this year. A 2008 graduate of Mizzou, Carroll has enjoyed a standout senior campaign and leads Missouri in both scoring (17.1) and rebounding (7.3) and is the only player in the Big 12 Conference to rank among the Top 10 in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage and steals.
Lawrence is a Second Team pick for the second consecutive year and is slated to graduate from MU this spring. Lawrence is third on the team in scoring (8.6) and is closing out a tremendous home career tonight against Oklahoma, which includes 222 career three-point field goals, which ranks No. 3 all-time in school history.
Members of the Big 12’s All-Academic team are nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services and media relations offices. First team members have recorded a 3.20 or better GPA, while the second team are those with a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.
To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or in the two previous semesters and have participated in 60 percent of his team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.
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March 4
Tkachuck Still a Blue
Team 1380's hockey insider Andy Strickland reported that there was a trade in place to move Blues forward Keith Tkachuck, but it could not be finalized before the deadline according to Tkachuck's agent.
Strickland joined The Bernie Miklasz Show soon after the deadline passed at 2pm central time, and you can listen to it below:
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March 4
Blues Recall Bishop From Peoria
Assign Goaltender Chris Holt To Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the club has recalled goaltender Ben Bishop from the Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. In addition, the club has assigned goaltender Chris Holt to Peoria.
Bishop, 22, made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut in a relief effort this season on Oct. 24, 2008 vs. Los Angeles, becoming the tallest goaltender to play in the history of the NHL at 6’7”. He made his first career NHL start on Oct. 25, 2008 collecting his first win after defeating Florida 4-0 in a combined shutout. Bishop has played in a total of five games with the Blues this season, posting a 1-1-1 record, a 3.18 goals against average and a .890% save percentage. He has played in 33 games this season with the Rivermen, registering a 15-16-1 record, a .897% save percentage along with a 2.81 goals against average.
Bishop was originally St. Louis’ third round selection, 85th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
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March 4
St. Louis Devon Alexander ‘The Great’ Wants to Fight Nate Campbell
Undefeated WBC No. 1-Ranked Super Lightweight Wants to Face the Former Unified Lightweight World Champion
Undefeated 22-year-old World Boxing Council No. 1-ranked super lightweight Devon Alexander “The Great” (17-0, 10 KOs) has made the brash move of actively pursuing a match against former unified lightweight world champion Nate “Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KOs).
“I will fight anyone that Don King or the television networks want me to fight,” Alexander, a St. Louis native, said from his South Florida training camp. “I want to prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world, and what better way to do that than to take on a guy who was the king of the lightweights before making the recent decision to move up to junior welterweight.”
Alexander’s longtime trainer and manager Kevin Cunningham, also from St. Louis, knows this would be a dangerous match but believes his young charge is ready to make the move.
“There is no question this would be a big step up in terms of opposition for Devon, but it’s a challenge he’s ready to have,” Cunningham said. “Somebody brought up Nate Campbell to face Devon. I’m all for Nate vs. The Great. HBO has expressed interest in making it happen, so we’ll see.”
Cunningham also believes Campbell’s previous experiences should play a role in negotiations.
“Nate has always talked about all of the fighters who ducked him on his way up,” Cunningham said of the 36-year-old former world champion. “Now he has this opportunity. The ball is in his court. It will be interesting to see if he will welcome this challenge from a worthy young foe.”
Cunningham also noted that the winner of this fight could face the winner of the upcoming 140-pound world-championship unification match between Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt. Bradley currently holds the WBC crown and Holt is the World Boxing Organization titleholder.
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March 4
Rams Officially Announce Signing of Bartell (Reported Monday)
The St. Louis Rams have re-signed free agent cornerback Ron Bartell to a four-year contract, the team announced today.
“It was apparent to us that Ron fits the mold we are looking for in our defensive players,” said Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. “Ron is a good player and an even better person. We are glad he will be a part of our team.”
Bartell, 27, has spent his entire four-year career with the Rams after being selected in the second round (50th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Bartell, 6-1 and 201 pounds, played in all 16 games with a career-high 14 starts in 2008. Bartell’s three interceptions tied his career high and his 20 passes defensed were a personal best and the most by a Ram since Jerametrius Butler recorded 22 in 2004.
In his four-year NFL career, Bartell has played in 58 games with 36 starts. Bartell has registered 185 tackles (154 solo), eight interceptions, 41 passes defensed and six forced fumbles.
A native of Detroit, Mich., Bartell began his college career at Central Michigan University before transferring to Howard University in Washington, D.C. Bartell earned second-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors as a senior at Howard.
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March 4
Blues Acquire Danny Richmond from Pittsburgh in Exchange for Andy Wozniewski
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has acquired defenseman Danny Richmond from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Andy Wozniewski.
Richmond, 24, has played in 55 games this season with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, recording 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) and 108 penalty minutes. Last season, the 6-0, 194-pound defenseman appeared in 40 games with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, registering 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) and 156 penalty minutes. Richmond has played in 49 National Hockey League games, notching three assists and 75 penalty minutes.
The Chicago, Illinois native was originally drafted by Carolina in the 2nd round, 31st overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Richmond will report to the Blues’ AHL affiliate Peoria Rivermen.
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March 3
Tuesday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals reporter Joe Strauss joined Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Chris Duncan is having an outstanding camp, and he went 4-4 with 5 RBI today. Strauss said he swung the bat with authority and his homerun today went around 470 feet.
Colby Rasmus isn’t having a very good camp so far, and he doesn’t look fluid or natural right now. As long as Rasmus is in the mix to make the team, he is going to get a lot of opportunities in the spring training games.
Kyle Lohse had a big improvement over his first outing. He threw a lot of strikes, and it was very encouraging. When he left the game today the Cardinals were winning 13-0.
Skip Schumaker was getting ground balls shot at him today from an upside down pitching machine to simulate balls hit during a game, which is what he has been struggling with.
Allen Craig showed power at Springfield last year, but the question is where do you play him because he isn’t very fluid on defense.
Jim Edmonds would still like to play this year but wants to have an opportunity and not just be a dumpster dive for some team.
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March 3
Blues to Honor 2009 Quebec Pee-Wee Champion Major AAA Amateur Blues Tonight
St. Louis Blues will honor the ‘96 Pee-Wee Major AAA Amateur Blues after the 1st period of tonight’s game. The St. Louis youth team recently won the 50th Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in Canada. The team is coached by Blues Hall-of-Famer and current VP of Hockey Operations, Al MacInnis.
The Blues will introduce players Zack Bross, Jake Carothers, Blake Clarke, Charlie Combs, Trey Dodd, Alex Jasiek, Bradley Johnson, Nick Kunin, Ryan MacInnis, Andrew Marsh, Ryan Norman, Will Scherer, Mikey Sieckhaus, Joe Staely, Trevor Stone and Drew Vogler and coaches John Wensink, Scott Vendetti and Jordan Janes.
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March 3
BLUES BUZZ RADIO SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues forward Andy McDonald.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Andy and Andy discussed:
- his ankle injury during the season
- being sent from Anaheim to St. Louis in the Doug Weight deal
- trying to fit into a new organization
- being with the Blues for the entire season this year
- his first game with the Blues and scoring a goal in the first period of the game
- the distraction of contract negotiations
- the nerve issue that extended his recovery time from his injury
- the scar tissue release that occurred during a morning skate in Chicago
- the freak nature of the initial injury
- the recent breakout of Jay McClement
- the impact of Chris Pronger on an NHL roster
- the long arms of Mike Weaver
- the fun he is having playing with the Blues this season
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment Andy discussed:
- what the players are like on the day of the NHL trade deadline
- the fact that the Blues have the 2nd most points in the NHL in the last 20 games
- the fun environment around the Blues team right now
- the hard practice that the Blues had today and how Coach Murray is good with giving days off
- playing with Keith Tkachuk and what kind of message it would send if he was traded
- if Andy has ever played on a roster that was this young
- why he decided to resign with the Blues
- how much experience is necessary to compete for a Stanley Cup
- how much he enjoys playing with Brad Boyes
- using a pair of older skates which is allowing him to play
- what the doctors are telling him to do during the offseason
- the outstanding goaltending of Chris Mason
- how often the playoffs are mentioned inside the locker room
- how dangerous the Blues will be if they make the playoffs
- if Kariya could return this season based on his conversations with Paul
- the process of learning how to win and the credit the coaching staff deserves
Listen to Segment 2
During the third segment Andy explains:
- Janssen’s collision with him during a morning skate practice
- how he has never been in a fight in the NHL
- how much the family likes St. Louis
- his hometown in Southern Ontario
- how he has overcame his size to play in the NHL
- playing college hockey in Colgate and earning a college degree
- tomorrow night’s game against Detroit
Listen to Segment 3
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March 2
Coach Murray Discusses Blues
Blues Coach Andy Murray joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Coach Murray said he isn’t interested in anything except getting 2 points in each game. He said he can’t look too far ahead, and they need to focus on what they can do on a nightly basis. Coach was really happy with how the team played in the last game in Phoenix.
Chris Mason is playing very well, and Murray said that he can’t emphasize enough how much impact his play has on the team.
Jay McClement’s line has the job of shutting down the other team’s top line so when they contribute on offense the whole bench gets excited.
The guys talked about the great penalty killing the Blues have had since January 1st, and Murray said that they have getting fresh guys on the ice as much as they can during penalties to keep pressure on the other team.
Murray said that the Blues have a lot of developing talent, but they have to use a lot of hard work too and that is why he uses such short shifts.
Detroit plays in St. Louis Tuesday night, and Coach said they need to make them uncomfortable. The Blues need to go after them and check them.
On the trade deadline, Murray said that he isn’t really involved as much as coaches are in other sports and he fully supports the decisions made by John Davidson and the scouts.
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March 2
Monday Cardinals Insider Report
Cardinals insider Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Strauss said that it wasn’t a good day for Cardinals pitching down at spring training.
Adam Wainwright was throwing a lot of strikes, but he wasn’t getting many swings and misses. He wasn’t walking people, but he was missing locations in the strike zone and getting hit. Former Cardinal Adam Kennedy got two hits off of him.
Jason Motte didn’t look that good today, and Strauss said that the bullpen just hasn’t been performing yet in spring training.
Skip Schumaker made another bad play today, and he is a work in progress. Tyler Greene made a couple errors today on plays that he should’ve made.
Brian Barton would be a good fit on the team because he is right-handed and can play third base in addition to the outfield. However, his arm isn’t very strong and the team will likely have him play everyday in Memphis and get 500 at bats.
The guys touched on Adam Kennedy and Tony LaRussa’s relationship, and Strauss said that they did not talk today.
Strauss said that LaRussa and pitching coach Dave Duncan were happy with Chris Carpenter’s performance Saturday when he got 6 outs on 19 pitches.
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March 2
Anderson Finalist For Henry Iba Award
Missouri coach is one of 10 finalists for the USBWA’s Coach of the Year Award
University of Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson was named one of 10 finalists for the U.S Basketball Writers Association 2009 Henry Iba Award, which honors the association’s national coach of the year.
Anderson has directed Missouri to a 24-5 record this season and has the Tigers back inside the Top 15 of the national rankings as they enter the final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Missouri is the Big 12’s most improved team this season, going from 16 wins in 2007-08, to 24 wins this year and Anderson has the club just one game out of second place, leading into a highly-anticipated showdown with No. 4/5 Oklahoma on Wednesday at Mizzou Arena.
Anderson is one of three Big 12 coaches selected as finalists for the prestigious award. Anderson joins Oklahoma’s Jeff Capel and Kansas’ Bill Self, along with John Calipari (Memphis), Jamie Dixon (Pittsburgh), Mike Montgomery (California), Stew Morrill (Utah State), Matt Painter (Purdue), Oliver Purnell (Clemson) and Brad Stevens (Butler).
The presentation of this year's award will take place on Friday, April 3 at the USBWA's annual awards breakfast at the downtown Detroit Athletic Club in conjunction with the Men's Final Four. The breakfast will also honor the winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy, the association's player of the year, as well as the 1979 Michigan State national championship team that was led by Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
The Henry Iba Award is voted on by the entire membership of the association, which consists of nearly 800 journalists.
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March 2
Report: Pronger Staying in Anaheim?
Blues insider Andy Strickland joined Bernie Miklasz and Brian McKenna on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Strickland said that the Anaheim Ducks have told Chris Pronger that as of today they will not trade him because they want to make the playoffs.
The Blues are interested in trading for him, but there have been no offers exchanged at this point.
Strickland said that there have been offers exchanged with other clubs, but it’s hard to predict a trade.
Andy said that he has been told that Keith Tkachuck will not be traded, and he said that they must’ve not been offered anything for him to knock their socks off.
In the last 20 games the Blues are second in the NHL in points.
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March 2
Rams Sign Bartell
According to Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch, the St. Louis Rams have signed cornerback Ron Bartell for four years, $28 million if all incentives are reached with $13.6 million guaranteed.
The guys also touched on what else the Rams are working on, and Thomas said that the Rams aren't interested in quarterback Jeff Garcia at this point.
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March 2
Mason Named NHL 3rd Star of Month
Mason posted an 8-2-4 record with a 1.64 goals-against average, .939 save percentage and one shutout as the Blues (28-26-8) closed within three points of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference standings.
Mason started all 14 St. Louis games in February and allowed one goal or fewer eight times, including each of his final five appearances.
He posted his fourth shutout of the season and 16th of his NHL career in a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks Feb. 13 and turned aside 41 of 42 shots in a 3-1 victory at Dallas Feb. 26.
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March 2
Athletica Opener Tickets on Sale Tuesday
Beginning Tuesday, March 3, at 9 a.m., fans may purchase tickets to the highly-anticipated home opener of Saint Louis Athletica, one of seven charter teams for the new Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league. The team – featuring U.S. stars Lori Chalupny, Hope Solo, Tina Ellertson, and Angie Woznuk – kicks off its inaugural season on Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m., against the Chicago Red Stars at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (Korte Stadium). Tickets, ranging from $12 (general admission) to $120 (pitch side), may be ordered online at www.saintlouisathletica.com or via phone at 1-888-STL-GOAL (1-888-785-4624).
Ticket prices for the Athletica home opener against the Chicago Red Stars, expected to be a key Midwest rival, are as follows:
- Club/General Admission - $12
- Goal Line (Sections 8, 15, 16, 17) - $13
- Premium (Sections 3, 5) - $18
- Centerline (Section 4) - $25
- Pitch side - $120
In addition to those on the U.S. roster, key Athletica players to watch include Kerry Hanks, Athletica’s first pick in the WPS college draft, Brazil stars Daniela Alves and Franciele, as well as Sara Larsson of Sweden. Meanwhile, the opposing Chicago Red Stars will feature the domestic talent of Carli Lloyd, Kate Markgraf, and Lindsay Tarpley, as well as Brazilian star Cristiane.
Group and season tickets for the 2009 Athletica season – which includes match-ups against the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area, CA), Los Angeles Sol, and Sky Blue FC (New Jersey/New York), and Washington Freedom – are on sale now, while single-game tickets go on sale Monday, March 16. A complete schedule and ticket details may be found online at www.saintlouisathletica.com.
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March 2
Witherspoon Joins NFL Players on Tour of Middle East
Four NFL players who excel on the field and in the community will continue an NFL-USO tradition initiated more than 40 years ago when they embark tomorrow on a weeklong visit to U.S. troops at military bases throughout the Persian Gulf.
Rams linebacker WILL WITHERSPOON, Vikings defensive end JARED ALLEN, Giants linebacker DANNY CLARK and Cardinals wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD will travel to meet and greet the troops in the annual renewal of the NFL-USO program.
- WILL WITHERSPOON, ST. LOUIS RAMS: The son of a retired military officer who was stationed abroad, Witherspoon spent part of his childhood living in Germany and England and speaks German. Witherspoon attended the University of Georgia where he was a three-year starter prior to being drafted in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft by Carolina. A two-time selection to the USA Today “All-Joe” team honoring the NFL’s hardest-working players, Witherspoon joined the Rams as a free agent in 2006 and made an immediate impact by leading the team in tackles. He has been a Rams’ team captain for the past two seasons and is also a leader off the field assisting with various community initiatives including the Epilepsy Foundation, St. Louis Area Foodbank and Dollar-Help, which offers grants to needy families to pay their home energy bills.
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March 2
Blues To Turn Scottrade Center Green
Special Promotion Aims To Raise Awareness About the Importance of Sustainability and Agriculture
For the first time in St. Louis Blues’ history, hockey fans will have a unique opportunity to go green. St. Louis-based Monsanto Company announced that it will be sponsoring the first green game in the history of the St. Louis Blues organization. The green game will take place on Tuesday, March 3rd, and showcase the St. Louis Blues versus the Detroit Red Wings.
As part of the game, the first 18,000 fans in attendance will receive a very special green t-shirt celebrating the game. The shirt, which is made of 100-percent cotton, will showcase both the Blues’ new third jersey logo as well as highlight the valuable role that agriculture plays in everyone’s lives.
“We’re proud to work with the St. Louis Blues organization in raising awareness around the important role that sustainability and agriculture plays in all of our lives,” said Kerry Preete, executive vice president of Monsanto. “Agriculture is one of the key forefronts in supporting our world’s growing needs, and Monsanto is proud to explore ways that we can produce more from each acre of farmland and do it in a way that conserves our natural resources for generations to come.”
“The preservation of our resources is something that everyone can play a role in,” said Peter McLoughlin, CEO of St. Louis Blues Enterprises. “It’s our hope that fans will become inspired by our eco-friendly efforts and start incorporating simple conservation changes into their routines. We are proud to be working with Monsanto and commend them for their efforts to turn Blues fan green.”
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February 28
Rams Sign Center Jason Brown
The St. Louis Rams have signed free agent center Jason Brown to a five-year contract, the team announced today.
“We are excited to welcome Jason to the Rams family,” said Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo. “Jason was one of our top priorities entering free agency. He exemplifies what we are looking for on and off the field.”
Brown, 25, joins the Rams after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. Brown, 6-3 and 320 pounds, has seen action as a guard and center during his career. After playing guard for the first three seasons of his career, Brown moved to center in 2008. Brown has started 45 of his 54 career games, including starting all 16 games in each of the last two seasons. Brown has started all four career playoff games, including three postseason contests at center in 2008 as the Ravens advanced to the AFC Championship game.
In 2008, Brown’s blocking efforts helped the Ravens rush for 2,376 yards, fourth in the NFL and first in the AFC. The Ravens’ 20 rushing touchdowns tied for fifth in the NFL and tied for third in the AFC.
Brown, a University of North Carolina product, entered the NFL in 2005 as a fourth-round draft choice (124th overall) of the Ravens. Brown was a three-year starter at center for the Tar Heels and was a two-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.
Brown’s games played/started: (Baltimore) 2005 (6/1), 2006 (16/12), 2006 Postseason (1/1), 2007 (16/16), 2008 (16/16), 2008 Postseason (3/3). Totals: (54/45). Postseason Totals: (4/4).
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February 28
17 Cards Agree to Terms for 2009
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today they have agreed to terms on one-year contracts for 2009 with 17 players. The Cardinals now have all of their players under contract for the upcoming 2009 season.
Agreeing today were pitchers Mitchell Boggs, Jaime Garcia, Blake Hawksworth, Josh Kinney, Charlie Manning, Kyle McClellan, Jason Motte, Chris Perez and Matt Scherer; infielders Brian Barden, Tyler Greene, Jarrett Hoffpauir and Brendan Ryan; outfielders Brian Barton, Joe Mather, Skip Schumaker and Nick Stavinoha.
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February 25
Wednesday Cardinals Insider Report
Summary by Matt Salata
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Andy Strickland Wednesday evening on Team 1380.
Strauss spoke about the play of the Cards today as they had their first spring training game. Albert Pujols made 3 plate appearances registering a hit and 2 walks. Skip Schumaker started the game at 2nd base and had three balls hit his way. He handled all of them well and had 2 hits at the plate.
As a team the Cardinals registered 14 hits, left 14 on base, and hit into 3 double plays. Joe said that other than the 14 LOB the Cards played very well. Rick Ankiel and Colby Rasmus swung their bats with authority today. Each player registered 2 hits.
The Cards travel to Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow to take on the Orioles. Pujols, Khalil Greene and Schumaker will not make the trip. Chris Duncan is expected to get the starting nod at 1st base.
Joe also talked about leadership on this team and where it will come from other than Pujols.
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February 25
Rams Cut Bennett, Green
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas is reporting that the Rams have cut wide receiver Drew Bennett and back-up quarterback Trent Green.
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February 25
MacInnis Discusses Blues
Summary by Matt Salata
Bernie Miklasz and Andy Strickland were joined by Hall of Famer and Blues Vice President Al MacInnis on Wednesday afternoon on Team 1380. Al is on his way to Peroria tonight to see how the Blues prospects are developing. This may be a trip to see how goalie Manny Legace is doing. Al spoke about Manny and said that he is still part of this team, and he could be called upon in the future.
There are only 3 more games before the trade deadline, and Al said the team is waiting to see how they do and how other teams do before any deal is made. Al went on to talk about current Blues players who have really stepped up this year. He spoke highly about both Roman Pollock and Jay McClement. Al also touched on Patrik Berglund and his recent struggles. He thinks that rest and getting used to the NHL schedule will help Berglund bounce back.
MacInnis also gave an update on injured defenseman Erik Johnson. EJ is frustrated because he is chomping at the bit to get back on the ice and just play hockey. His knee is feeling great, and his rehab is going extremely well. EJ has been on the ice a couple of times because he has cabin fever. Al believes that EJ will bounce back and perform well for many years with the Blues.
The guys then went on to talk about the triple-A Blues team that won the Quebec Tournament which was celebrating its 50th anniversary. This tournament can be compared to the Little League Word Series. In the triple-A tournament there were 60 teams from all over the world. Al helped coached the team which was made up of 16 young men from the Saint Louis area. This team has a record of 73-3-2. Al thinks that the reason for the boom in youth hockey in the STL area is due to the amount of ice that is available, the coaching, and the number of kids that are interested and playing hockey.
Bernie went on to ask Al if he has a hunger to coach in the NHL or elsewhere. Al said that the commitment is just too big. Al wants to spend time with his family, he loves his family and they mean the world to him. If he were to coach he would have to travel way too much for his liking. Coaching is a huge commitment that he just can't do. Al is extremely happy with his current position with the Blues and wants to stay where he’s at.
MacInnis also gave a scouting report on his son Ryan who plays center for that triple-A team that just won the Quebec Tournament. Al said his son has great vision and loves to pass the puck. He needs to work on his strength and shooting. Al is proud of his son’s progress and believes he will develop into a great player.
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February 25
Mizzou Basketball Discussion
Summary by Matt Salata
Bernie Miklasz and Andy Strickland were joined by Sports Illustrated writer Tim Layden on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon. Layden wrote an article on the Mizzou Tigers basketball team in the newest issue of the magazine released today.
Tim spoke about Coach Anderson being a disciplinary guy and big into conditioning. When he was hired in late March of 2006 he had to go the JUCO route to have a competitive team but that back fired with off-court issues. Anderson has since been able to put together some solid recruiting classes with high character players.
Anderson has implemented a high octane style of play which was used by his mentor Nolan Richardson at Arkansas. Anderson was a long time assistant for Richardson at Arkansas. Tim believes that this Mizzou team could make a push for the Sweet 16.
The guys then went on to compare Mike Anderson to both Norm Stewart and Quinn Snyder.
If Anderson keeps getting his recruits and putting a solid, legitimate team on the floor he will be well liked by the Mizzou fans. This is the type of team that Mizzou fans should expect for years to come. Anderson likes to use super athletic guards and small forwards that can get their hands in passing lanes. Tim believes that Anderson wants to get one more piece and that would be a strong inside presence. That way if the half court offense were to ever break down they could get the ball in the post.
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February 25
Lisch Earns Academic All-America Honors
Saint Louis University senior guard Kevin Lisch (Belleville, Ill. / Althoff) has been selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America men’s basketball third team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Earlier this week, Kevin’s sister, Theresa, was a women’s basketball first-team Academic All-America selection, marking the first time that a brother-sister tandem have earned the distinction in the same year at the same school.
Lisch has already earned his degree in business administration and is enrolled in the University’s M.B.A. program. This season, he leads the team and ranks 11th in the Atlantic 10 Conference in scoring at 14.1 ppg. Lisch is second in free-throw shooting at 83.1 percent, eighth in 3-point field goals made per game at 2.31 and 10th in 3-point field goal percentage at 39.7.
He is sixth on SLU’s career scoring list with 1,617 points, second in 3-pointers made with 248, eighth in steals with 127 and ninth in assists with 313. Lisch was selected to the 2007-08 A-10 Academic All-Conference team. He was a third-team All-Conference and an All-Defensive team choice as a junior.
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February 25
Cardinals Featured on MLB Network Thursday
MLB Network’s recently launched program 30 Clubs in 30 Days, which devotes an hour-long program to each of the 30 Major League clubs throughout Spring Training, will air an entire one hour show on the St. Louis Cardinals this Thursday, February 26th at 8:00 p.m. ET.
MLB Network’s Hazel Mae will report from Cardinals Complex in Jupiter to take fans inside the Cardinals, conducting interviews with key players, coaches and others associated with each club. The program will also include insight to the team’s 2008 season and off-season activity with a look ahead to Opening Day, along with a video package on the most memorable moments in franchise history.
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February 25
St. Louisan Coyne Fights Tonight on Versus Network's Contender
St. Louisan and Rumble Time Promotions’ own Ryan “The Irish Outlaw” Coyne, 10-0 (3 KO’s) will face off against Richard Gingras, 8-1 (4 KO’s), for a scheduled six rounds of boxing on the under card of the Contender Season 4 Finale.
Tune in to the Versus Network this evening at 9 pm central time to watch the action live from the MGM Grand Theater at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
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February 25
Blues Assign Yan Stastny To Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the club has assigned forward Yan Stastny to the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Stastny, 26, has played in 34 games this season with the Blues, registering seven points (three goals, four assists) along with 20 penalty minutes. He also recorded two goals and two penalty minutes in seven games with the Rivermen.
The Quebec City, Quebec native was originally Boston’s eighth round selection, 259th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
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February 24
SLU Soccer Signs Recruits
Saint Louis men’s soccer coach Dan Donigan today announced that Ryan Moses (Springfield, Mo./Kickapoo) and Devon Newport (Springfield, Mo./Glendale) have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University and play soccer for the Billikens.
The pair, who were also teammates with the Springfield Soccer Club, will begin their eligibility with the 2009-10 academic year.
“Ryan and Devon come from a good club in Springfield, Mo., that features a great training environment,” Donigan said. “It is a coincidence that many of our newcomers are either teammates or played extensively against each other throughout their soccer careers. That will help with continuity and relationships on and off the field.”
Moses earned honorable mention Missouri Class 3 All-State honors for a Kickapoo program that finished 22-3 in 2008 while earning a No. 8 state ranking. He was also named to the 2008 Missouri Class 3 Southwest All-Region squad that also included Newport.
Moses is the second Kickapoo graduate to play for the Billikens. The other was Jack Jewsbury (1999-2002), who is currently a member of Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards. Moses played defense at Kickapoo but played up top for his Springfield Soccer Club premier squad that competed in the Midwest Regional League (MRL).
“We recruited Ryan based on his offensive abilities, though he was an above-average defender in high school,” Donigan said. “He is big, strong and can play effectively in the back or up top. We are uncertain where he will fit in next fall, but his versatility will give him an opportunity to find some playing time on the field.”
Newport was named the Missouri Class 3 co-Offensive Player of the Year in addition to earning All-State honors. At Glendale High School, he led the 2008 Falcons in goals (33) and assists (23) while helping the squad to a second-place finish in the Missouri Class 3 State Championship.
Newport, a midfielder, was a finalist for the Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year, which went to future teammate and Billiken signee Alex Sweetin.
“Devon is a dynamic, explosive attacking midfielder who can also play wide,” Donigan said. “He is smaller in stature but has a great low-center of balance, which makes him good in possession. He can break teams down, run by guys and serve a good ball. He is more offensive than defensive, and he has some great qualities that will help us in the attacking third.”
2009 Recruiting Class*
- Benny Estes • F/MF • Santa Margarita, Calif. (Trabuco Hills/Pateadores)
- Nick Maglasang • MF/D • St. Louis, Mo. (SLUH/St. Louis Scott Gallagher)
- Ryan Moses • F/MF/D • Springfield, Mo. (Kickapoo/Springfield Soccer Club)
- Devon Newport • MF • Springfield, Mo. (Glendale/Springfield Soccer Club)
- Mark Pais • GK • St. Louis, Mo. (Ladue/St. Louis Scott Gallagher)
- Michael Robson • MF/D • St. Louis, Mo. (Chaminade/St. Louis Scott Gallagher)
- Alex Sweetin • MF • Overland Park, Kan. (Rockhurst/Kansas City Wizards/KCFC Alliance)
- Jordan Wolff • MF/F • Anaheim Hills, Calif. (Villa Park/Pateadores)
*Through Feb. 24
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February 23
Monday Cardinals Insider Report
Cardinals insider Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Brendan Ryan complained about his wrist today, and he said it may limit him the rest of the week. However, the team played down the injury, and Strauss said he doesn’t think it’s very serious.
Joe said that as of right now the depth chart at second base is Skip Schumaker followed by Ryan. At third base, David Freese is the starter followed by Joe Mather. Khalil Greene is at shortstop, and Albert Pujols is followed at first by Chris Duncan.
Strauss said that he was impressed by Schumaker’s drills today, and his move to second has gone as well as it could possibly go so far and we’ll have to see how it goes once the games start. His range isn’t really an issue, and he was looking good today making throws from around the bag. Joe said the Cardinals aren’t asking him to make unbelievable plays, but just to catch the balls that he should.
Joe said that he thinks there is reason to be concerned about Chris Perez because he hasn’t found a consistent, comfortable arm slot yet, which could be a big issue going into games. He is supposed to pitch Thursday, which is the second spring training game, right after the starter is finished.
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February 23
Blues Recall Tyson Strachan From Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has recalled defenseman Tyson Strachan from the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Strachan, 24, made his NHL debut with the Blues on Dec. 18th at Washington. He has skated in 27 games for the Blues this season, registering three assists and 39 penalty minutes. The 6-1, 212-pound defenseman has played in 29 games for the Rivermen this season, recording five points (two goals, three assists) and 67 penalty minutes.
The Melfort, Saskatchewan native was originally drafted by Carolina in the fifth round, 137th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and was signed by the Blues as a free agent on Oct. 9, 2008.
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February 23
Draft Recognized for Off the Field Work
St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Draft has been selected as a JB Award recipient, an annual honor bestowed upon 12 active NFL players in recognition of their off the field contributions. As a winner of a JB Award, Draft is also automatically a finalist for the Byron “Whizzer” White Award, an award named in honor of former NFL player and Supreme Court Justice Byron White. Both awards will be presented at the annual NFL PLAYERS Gala Washington D.C. on April 16, 2009.
“I am honored to be selected as a recipient of a JB Award this year,” said Chris Draft. “It is a great feeling to be identified with other NFL players who are dedicated to a movement that fosters positive and significant change across the country.”
The NFL PLAYERS Gala, a partnership between the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), NFL PLAYERS and James Brown of CBS Sports, recognizes NFL players who exemplify leadership, dedication and commitment to their team and community. All proceeds from the event benefit the Special Olympics D.C.
Annually, each NFL team nominates one team member for their commitment to achieve excellence off the field through building better communities and stronger families. Brown then reviews the submissions of the 32 nominated players and personally selects 12 players to receive the award. One of those 12 JB Award recipients will also receive the Byron “Whizzer” White Award, the NFLPA’s highest honor, on April 16. Following the announcement, the Byron “Whizzer” White Award winner will then be recognized with a permanent display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The other 2009 JB Award recipients and Byron “Whizzer” White Award finalists include: Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals), Isaac Bruce (San Francisco 49ers), Mike Furrey (free agent most recently with the Detroit Lions), Daniel Wilcox (Baltimore Ravens), Gary Brackett (Indianapolis Colts), Tony Pashos (Jacksonville Jaguars), Greg Camarillo (Miami Dolphins), Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints), Brian Dawkins (Philadelphia Eagles), David Thornton (Tennessee Titans) and Rock Cartwright (Washington Redskins).
About Chris Draft’s Community Efforts
Chris Draft and his Foundation, the Chris Draft Family Foundation, seek to harness the power of sports philanthropy to uplift and empower communities and discover new resources to encourage social good and positive change. Using the unparalleled reach of the St. Louis Rams to leverage the NFL and community of sport, the Chris Draft Family Foundation has worked to promote the fact that “small change can make a big difference.” In building a strong alliance of caring people and corporations committed to social change, the Foundation is able to focus on health, wellness, literacy and character education, emphasizing personal responsibility and self-discipline. Chris Draft and his Foundation work to support events and activities centered upon uplifting communities and empowering families to live healthy lifestyles.
2009 marks Chris Draft’s 12th year in the NFL, and his experience has shaped the Foundation’s mission, goals and community work. Chris Draft and the Foundation have engaged in many activities across the city and county of St. Louis, including the St. Louis Rams Hydration Tour, Barrett Brothers Park Clean-up & Urban Farming project, the Missouri Childhood Asthma Radio PSA Campaign, literacy and attendance events for St. Louis Public School District, A Discussion and A Movie™ - The Great Debaters, the Dance St. Louis “The Most Beautiful Sport in the World” Campaign, “Continuing the Debate” with Nate Parker from The Great Debaters, PHL Football Field Restorations, Home Depot Neighborhood clean-ups and the Foundation’s signature fitness camp for the whole family: Get Checked and Get Fit™ Draft Day® St. Louis Style.
This year’s Draft Day® St. Louis Style will be held in early May at Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club Sportsman’s Park Unit on North Grand Avenue in St. Louis. For the second year in a row, the Foundation will host approximately 350 youth and their parents for a half-day of special sessions designed to empower them to make choices to live healthier lifestyles. For more information about Draft Day® St. Louis Style or the Chris Draft Family Foundation, please visit www.chrisdraftfamilyfoundation.org.
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February 23
Mizzou Moves Up to #8
The University of Missouri basketball team has moved up two spots to #8 in the USA Today/ESPN top 25 basketball poll.
Mizzou faces Kansas State (19-8) in Columbia Wednesday and plays at Kansas (22-5) Sunday.
The Tigers beat Colorado Saturday 66-53.
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February 23
Blues Recall Yan Stastny From Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the club has recalled forward Yan Stastny from the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Stastny, 26, has played in 34 games this season with the Blues, registering seven points (three goals, four assists) along with 20 penalty minutes. He also recorded two goals and two penalty minutes in seven games with the Rivermen.
The Quebec City, Quebec native was originally Boston’s eighth round selection, 259th overall, in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.
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February 22
Mitchell Repeats as A-10 Rookie of Week
Averaged 12.5 points in leading SLU to two key wins
For the second consecutive week, Saint Louis University freshman guard Kwamain Mitchell (Milwaukee, Wis./Dominican) was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week. He earned the award for the period ending Feb. 21. Mitchell averaged 12.5 ppg to go along with four assists and three rebounds while helping the Billikens to key victories over Saint Joseph's and league leader Dayton.
Mitchell shot .417 percent from 3-point range and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line last week as the Billikens have won six of their last seven games. Against Saint Joseph's, he led the team with 17 points on a season-best five 3-pointers. In front of a capacity crowd on Saturday versus No. 25 Dayton, Mitchell chipped in eight points, two rebounds and two assists in the win.
The Billikens (17-10, 8-5 A-10) head to St. Bonaventure Wednesday, Feb. 25, for a 6 p.m. (CT) game in their only contest of the week.
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February 20
Friday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
The guys started the segment discussing Jeremy Maclin and how he can improve his status at the combine.
Coach Steve Spagnuolo met with the media this afternoon at the combine, and JT said that he was surprised that not very many people were present for it. Coach is holding his cards close to his vest and still doesn’t talk about too much. However, he did say that he wants Steven Jackson to be the focal point of the offense, and he had good things to say about Marc Bulger.
Spagnuolo also talked about the defense and said it will be closer to what Carolina does. He said it will be defensive coordinator Ken Flajole’s defense.
Pat Shurmer is a calm guy. He is very analytical, and Bernie said that he thinks he will be the personality that gets Bulger going.
The guys talked about the possibility of the Rams bringing back Trent Green to be the back up quarterback, and there are signs they will take one in the draft.
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February 20
NFL Combine Talk
Russ Lande from The Sporting News NFL Draft War Room joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Friday afternoon live form the NFL combine.
The guys started out discussing the top 3 offensive tackle prospects, and Russ said that Andre Smith has the talent to be an all pro, but teams are worried about being able to keep his weight in check.
Jason Smith is an unbelievable athlete but needs the right coaches to make him a great football player.
Teams want to get a feel for Michael Crabtree in the workouts and see him run. They want to know if he can get separation. Russ said that if Crabtree doesn’t run at the combine and struggles at his pro day, he probably won’t have another chance to prove himself.
It would be more of a trade down situation if the Rams took Jeremy Maclin because Russ isn’t a big fan of taking a wide receiver that high in the draft. Lande said that Maclin is an elite guy, and he will likely assure himself of being a top 15 pick with his performance at the combine.
USC LB Rey Maualuga had a very good week at the Senior Bowl and teams want to find out in interviews at the combine why there were some inconsistencies in his play during the season. Russ said that if the Rams aren’t sure with any of the offensive lineman, they may jump on Maualuga because of his potential impact.
Teams want to see Mark Sanchez perform well at the combine because he only had one year as a starter, but Russ thinks Sanchez is the best quarterback prospect and could be the first one taken in this year’s draft.
It’s always possible to trade down in the draft, but the big question is if a team is willing to make the financial commitment that comes with a top pick.
Russ suggested that Jacksonville or San Francisco may think about trading up to try to get one of the top quarterbacks.
Teams are excited about Ziggy Hood, and he could be a second round pick if he has a strong week at the combine. He’s a good enough athlete to start in any scheme.
Stryker Sulak doesn’t look like a true defensive end so teams are trying to figure out where he fits. He looks more like a linebacker or a small defensive end in a 4-3 defense. Sulak likely needs to have a great performance at the combine to be drafted at all.
Teams understand that Chase Coffman can’t run at the combine because of his injury, and they hope he can work out before the draft.
The guys also discussed Chase Daniel, top defensive end candidates Brian Orapko and Everette Brown, and what players may make a name for themselves this weekend who aren’t really on the map.
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February 20
Friday Cardinals Insider Report
Summary by Brandon Chappell
Today on the Bernie Miklasz Show, Joe Strauss called in from the Cardinal’s Spring Training with some info on Outfielder Colby Rasmus.
The guys touched on Rasmus’ problem with being injury prone and also batting in the lower part of the line-up, mainly behind the pitcher. According to Strauss, La Russa is getting a bunch of flack from Card fans.
Also, Strauss pointed out that Rasmus is different from last year, meaning he’s cooled down, calmed down and is focusing on the game more because he’s older and because of Colby’s father. He’s becoming more professional and not getting side tracked as easily as he was during last year’s spring training.
La Russa is being more encouraging towards Rasmus and other players to make them more professional and to make them focus a little better.
Bernie and Joe also touched on other key players such as pitchers Adam Wainwright, Brad Thompson, Chris Carpenter, Kyle Lohse, Kyle McClellan, Joel Pineiro, Todd Wellemeyer and new comer P.J. Walters.
Strauss said that if Wainwright could get anywhere from 30 to 32 starts this year he could very well be on the ballot for the Cy Young Award. Also he said that Wainwright had been throwing some to Pujols and Molina, and he could very well get the call for opening day.
Strauss said that the biggest positive Card’s fans should look forward to is if Carpenter is healthy, you would have two starting aces followed closely along with Kyle Lohse.
Todd Wellemeyer seems to have brought the whole approach and game planning Dave Duncan had been preaching all last year, and he could be a very big variable to this year’s pitching staff. Wellemeyer could be a guy who could carry a team for innings if he just focuses.
Also in today’s interview, Strauss mentioned that Jose Oquendo is vouching for P.J. Walters, a pitcher that was on Oquendo’s Puerto Rico team this winter, saying that his curve ball gives him a chance on this level.
Strauss said that Skip Schumaker is still trying to find the proper way to field a double play. He’s trying to be more subtle and just learn how to properly play that position. Strauss did say that he was the key to everybody’s expectations, and that he has the underdog mentality.
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February 20
Title Fight in St. Louis Confirmed
The “St Louis Civil War Showdown” between Deandre Latimore and Cory Spinks for the vacant IBF Junior Middleweight title will be held in the Gateway City. Steve Smith, the long-time promoter of Latimore, says Rumble Time/DiBella Entertainment and Don King Productions have come to terms on an agreement. The final details of a date, venue and a television deal for the fight are being finalized.
The IBF has ordered the fight between Spinks and Latimore because of the decision by former champion Verno Phillips last November to vacate the title to move to a different weight class. Currently, the IBF has Spinks ranked as the top contender at No. 3. Latimore is the No. 5 contender in the Junior Middleweight division.
The title, “St Louis Civil War Showdown,” comes from Spinks growing up in north St Louis while Latimore grew up on the south side of town. Smith said Latimore is preparing for this fight like no other fight he has had in his life so that he can prove once and for all who is the best fighter in St. Louis. Latimore’s trainer, Kenny Adams, who once trained Spinks, says he looks forward to the challenge of defeating Spinks, who was a great champion.
A formal announcement for the late March or early April fight is expected shortly once the final details are worked out.
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February 19
Thursday Cardinals Insider Report
Summary by Luke Petrov
Cardinals beat-writer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Chris Carpenter threw a bullpen session today and everything is fine. He is scheduled to pitch batting practice Saturday.
The guys talked about Joel Pineiro and Strauss said that he will be the fifth starter even though there has been all this drama.
Strauss said that if Skip Schumaker makes the team at second base, Colby Rasmus is a lock to make the team coming out of spring training as the centerfielder. However, if Skip can’t make it at second as at least a part time player, it would be hard for Rasmus to make the big league club right away.
Chris Duncan looks as good swinging a bat as Strauss can remember. He looks like a totally different guy than he saw the last couple years.
Chris Perez threw live batting practice today for the first time and didn’t look good. He’s not comfortable yet and where he needs to be from a mechanics standpoint. The coaches tinkered with his arm slot a while ago.
Jason Motte can make the team if he throws well, but he isn’t a lock. Josh Kinney has more experience than Motte and could make the team in his place.
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February 19
NFL Combine Insider Report
Summary by Luke Petrov
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
JT is at the combine where the offensive lineman were introduced and weighed today. Some good news for offensive tackle Andre Smith, who weighed in at 332 pounds. This is important because he has had rumors floating around of being overweight and displaying poor work ethic.
Andre Smith, Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are three offensive tackles that are predicted to be drafted in the top ten of the first round. Jason Smith is an outgoing kid with lots of raw talent, but he still has a lot to learn. Monroe is probably the most polished overall of the three offensive tackles. Andre Smith is great run blocker that finishes his blocks.
Mizzou hasn't had many players in recent years at the combine, but this year they have six. Jeremy Maclin, Chase Coffman, Chase Daniel, Stryker Sulak, Ziggy Hood, and William Moore are all at the NFL combine this year.
Coffman won't be working out though because he broke his 5th metatarsal on one of the last plays of Mizzou's bowl game. He won’t work out till March 19th at Mizzou’s Pro Day. NFL teams are anxious to find out how fast he is and if he can block.
Thomas said that he thinks Rams GM Billy Devaney really does have genuine interest in Jeremy Maclin. There is no substitute for speed in this game. JT said he will probably run a 4.38 or 4.37 at the combine, and if the Rams can trade down they would probably draft him. He is going to be working out Sunday along with other receivers and quarterbacks at the combine. It is possible that Chase Daniel will be throwing passes to Maclin.
The Rams have placed the franchise tag on OJ Atogwe. They want to try and get a contract worked out before the free agency period starts. Kevin Demoff is supposed to meet soon with Kennard McGuire, the agent for both Pace and Holt, to try and iron some details out.
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February 19
Mizzou's Eberflus Leaving for Browns?
According to Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mizzou defensive coordinator Matt Eberlus is likely to be hired as the new linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns.
Eberflus is a Toledo native and former linebacker at the University of Toledo. He has recruited several athletes from Northeast Ohio to the Missouri program.
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February 19
Hughes Traded to Knicks
According to ESPN.com, the Chicago Bulls have agreed to send St. Louisan Larry Hughes to the New York Knicks for Jerome James, Tim Thomas and Anthony Roberson.
Hughes has been riding the bench for the Bulls, and both sides agreed to seek a trade a couple weeks ago.
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February 19
Blues to Open 09-10 Season in Sweden
The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), in cooperation with Live Nation Sweden, IMG Sweden and Harry Harkimo/Jokerit HC Oy in Finland, announced today that the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers will open the 2009-2010 NHL regular season in Europe.
The Blackhawks and Panthers will play home-and-home games Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, in Helsinki, Finland, at Hartwall Areena. On those same dates, the Red Wings and Blues will play a home-and-home series at Ericsson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. Finland and Sweden are the top ranked countries in terms of overseas visitors to NHL.com.
The roster of the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings currently is comprised of numerous Swedish players – including captain Nicklas Lidstrom, 2008 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Henrik Zetterberg, Johan Franzen, Tomas Holmstrom and Niklas Kronwall. The Blues boast a dynamic Swedish player of their own in center Patrik Berglund, a first-round draft pick of the team in 2006 and participant in the 2009 NHL YoungStars Game on the rookie team.
“The NHL Premiere games are a signature event for the League, our players and our fans,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Playing regular-season games overseas is an excellent way to further engage the passionate NHL fan base in Europe and encourage the growth of the game of hockey.”
“The 2009 Premiere games continue an important tradition of showcasing NHL players to an international audience,” said Paul Kelly, NHLPA Executive Director. “Our members look forward to displaying their skills in front of the knowledgeable and enthusiastic hockey fans in Finland and Sweden.”
More information on NHL Premiere 2009 will be released at a later date, including ticket information, broadcast information, training camp schedules and preseason schedules.
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February 18
Thursday Cardinals Insider Report
Summary by Matt Salata
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Strauss talked about the Joel Piniero situation from spring training down in Jupiter, Florida. Joe said that the decision was made by the coaching staff to not allow Joel to pitch in the WBC this year. Joel needs to get over this issue like a true professional and focus on being a consistent pitcher for the Cards this season.
Joe talked about how David Freese is looking pretty good so far in drills. Joe thinks that David has the spot and it's his to lose. He thinks that David will handle this situation the right way and will work hard to keep his starting spot. Joe also reports that Brett Wallace will not be up in the majors this year, he will most likely spend the year between both double and triple-A to get used to playing everyday.
Chris Carpenter is back healthy and is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session this Saturday. Skip Schumaker is getting a strong look at 2nd base and he is working hard at the transistion. Skip really needs to work on his footwork this spring, but his effort will always be there and will never be in question.
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February 18
Davidson Discusses Blues
Summary by Matt Salata
Blues President John Davidson joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
JD began talking about the steroid issue in professional sports. He said that all professional leagues need to get a handle on the issue and move on. The guys then went on to talk about the big stretch that the Blues have coming up. JD said the Blues can't put together a bad stretch here; they need to win 2 of their next 3 games.
Davidson talked about the improved play of goaltender Chris Mason since January 1st. He has been extremely effective, and it may be because Chris has become more comfortable since he has gotten more and more playing time. JD had great things to say about Chris. He said that Chris is a great person, a great teammate and a great guy in the community. JD said that Chris' strong play has given the Blues a confidence boost.
JD also talked about why this team has been able to get more wins and be effective. He credits strong penalty killing as one of the main reasons for their success. Strong goaltending as well as fundamentally sound hockey has helped this team put together a good stretch. JD also said that Roman Polak is almost ready to make a return to the ice, which will give the Blues another boost.
Bernie asked JD about what has been going on with Jay McKee. JD said that they did have a sit down with Jay and that they told him he needs to be a true professional during this time. It’s the coach’s decision and the organization backs Andy Murray on this issue. They told Jay to be ready to play because his number may be called at anytime. JD would not say if Jay is involved in any trade talk, and said we will have to wait and see what happens as the March 4th trade deadline is rapidly approaching.
JD spoke about injured captain Eric Brewer and his rehab on his back injury. Back injuries are tough to get over and the Blues don't want to rush anything and have Eric tweak anything further. He is coming along though and should be able to return before the end of the season. Eric is very anxious to get back on the ice and help his teammates.
Bernie brought up the recent strong play of youngster TJ Oshie. JD and the guys both had great things to say about his potential. TJ is still playing on a leg that isn't 100% which is scary because that just goes to show that TJ really can be a star in this league. JD said that TJ is a great kid who is always smiling and plays hard on every shift.
JD also went on to talk about the strong play from David Backes who has switched over to center ice. David earlier in the year basically just tried to hit as many people as he could but now he has become more of a complete player as he has started to make plays with his stick. David currently has 18 Goals and 14 Assists.
JD said that he is very happy with how the team has been playing as of late and thinks that this team can make the playoffs if they keep playing as hard as they can. He also believes that this team is very young but they have a very bright future.
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February 18
Mizzou’s Tiller Earns Defensive Honors
J.T. Tiller earned his first Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year accolade on Wednesday, as Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman named the Marietta, Ga., native the league’s top defender.
Tiller has been a relentless presence in the Tiger backcourt this season, helping Missouri force 280 steals through 26 games, with 52 of those thefts coming from Tiller alone. The 6-foot-3 guard has 14 games with multiple steals this season and has shut down some of the league’s top offensive threats, holding Baylor’s Curtis Jerrells, Kansas’ Sherron Collins, Nebraska’s Steve Harley and Texas’ A.J. Abrams a combined 38.8 ppg below their season scoring averages.
Tiller also averages better than five deflections a game on the defensive end, a statistic that has helped Missouri hold its last four opponents to an average of just 60.0 points per game, with each resulting in a Tiger victory.
Tiller has also helped the Tiger defense with his outstanding play at the point guard position. Tiller has a team-leading 92 assists and has committed just 42 turnovers on the year for a 2.2-to-1 assist/turnover ratio.
Tiller and No. 10/11 Missouri return to action on Saturday at Colorado. Game time in Boulder is slated for 12:47 p.m. CT.
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February 18
BLUES BUZZ RADIO SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues CEO Peter McLoughlin.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Andy and Peter discussed:
- how much fun he is having working as CEO of the Blues
- the progress of the organization since he has joined the Blues
- the ticket price increase the first season the new ownership came in 2006
- changing the culture of the business side of the St. Louis Blues
- the ticket prices of the St. Louis and the 45 percent increase in attendance
- his relationship with John Davidson
- the commitment of the Blues players with their interaction in the community
- his optimism for the future of the St. Louis Blues
- the 20 sellouts the Blues have already had this season
- his reaction to the Erik Johnson injury and the marketing they lost with his injury
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment Peter discussed:
- the challenges he has faced since he joined the organization
- the difficulty of his position when he joined the Blues
- the naming rights agreement he facilitated with Scottrade
- the Fox Sports Midwest extension to continue the broadcasting rights with the Blues
- the economy and how that is affecting professional sports and corporate sponsorships
- the process of getting hired by the St. Louis Blues and leaving Anheuser-Busch
- an earlier encounter he had with Dave Checketts
- his career with NBC Sports, and Anheuser-Busch
Listen to Segment 2
During the third segment Andy and Peter talked about:
- how important it would be for ESPN to regain the broadcasting rights
- revenue sharing in the NHL
- the process of trying to get a Winter Classic for St. Louis
- the process of trying to get an All-Star Game in St. Louis
Listen to Segment 3
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February 17
Devaney Discusses Combine
Rams GM Billy Devaney joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon. Devaney will be heading to Indianapolis Wednesday afternoon for the NFL Scouting Combine.
Billy said the fun part is how many different ways the Rams could go in the draft. “The next 60 something days they will be putting the pieces of the puzzle together” leading to the draft.
The Rams will have 44 people including scouts, coaches, and interns at the Combine, which Billy said is close to being average.
The biggest thing that the Rams will get out of the Combine is the medical information. Some guys will end up flunking a physical with conditions they didn’t even know they had because they are looked over so meticulously.
The 40 time someone runs at the Combine is just a small part of the Rams’ evaluation of a player. Billy said that 90% of their evaluation is from watching their game day tapes.
The Rams are looking to draft “smart, passionate, productive players, and they aren’t going to deviate from that.” Billy said that he reinforced that in the coaches before they are leaving for the Combine.
On the free agency front, Billy said that they aren’t in bad enough shape to need to get rid of a few guys in order to sign anyone. They would like to get bigger on both sides of the ball.
Coach Spagnuolo will be a selling point for the Rams attracting players because of the reputation he made for himself as a coach in Philadelphia and New York.
Billy described the coaching staff as a high energy younger staff who get things done.
The guys also discussed how Kevin Demoff will work with Billy with salary cap issues. Billy said he is a great addition, and the agent community feels better about dealing with the Rams because of Kevin.
The guys discussed how Mizzou alum Jeremy Maclin can improve his already rising status at the Combine. Billy said he will be an impact guy, and he said he gets excited talking about him as both a return guy and a receiver.
The guys also brought up Michael Vick possibly being a Ram, and Devaney told the story of Deion Sanders’ performance at the Combine.
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February 17
Tuesday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Chris Carpenter threw for 20 minutes and impressed Dave Duncan with his effort level. The velocity has increased each time, and he’s not over exerting himself.
Carpenter is on schedule to throw again Saturday and will throw his first exhibition game Feb 28. Strauss said his breaking ball is fairly impressive after such a long layoff.
Chris Duncan and Colby Rasmus had impressive displays batting today. Duncan is hitting the ball hard like he used to and looks good for a guy who has only been outside hitting a ball a couple times since his injury. He looks like his body is allowing him to swing freely.
Khalil Greene is happy for the change of scenery, but Joe said he hasn’t looked good hitting yet. He is working with Hal McRae, and the Cardinals are counting on his power returning from 2007.
The Cardinals have some interest in Juan Cruz, but they would have to give up a first round draft pick if they signed him. However, Major League Baseball is coming up with a process that would allow a team to sign their type-A free agents and trading them to another team. Strauss said that if that were to happen then teams wouldn’t be able to use the excuse that they didn’t want to give a up a draft pick and it would come down to money.
The Cardinals want to see what they have with Chris Perez and Jason Motte before they make any decision to bring Jason Isringhausen into camp.
Skip Schumaker is remaining upbeat about having to learn the footwork of being an infielder, and there hasn’t been a whole lot of pressure put on him yet.
Troy Glaus showed up today and talked about his condition. Strauss said that there is no guarantee of when he will be able to play again, but it is likely that he won’t be back before May.
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February 16
Cardinals Sign Ludwick, Avoid Arbitration Hearing
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have come to an agreement with All-Star outfielder Ryan Ludwick on a one-year contract for the 2009 season, thus avoiding a salary arbitration hearing set for Tuesday in Phoenix, Az. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are extremely happy to have this deal completed,” said Cardinals’ Vice President/ General Manager John Mozeliak.
“Everyone is ready to focus their attention on getting ready for the upcoming season. I know “Luddy” is glad to get this behind him and is looking forward to the 2009 season.”
Ludwick was the fifth and final arbitration eligible player for the Cardinals. Rick Ankiel, Chris Duncan, Brad Thompson and Todd Wellemeyer all agreed to terms earlier this year without going to a hearing. The Cardinals have not had a salary arbitration hearing since 1999.
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February 16
Monday Cardinals Insider Report
Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Albert Pujols announced today that he won’t be participating in the World Baseball Classic this year and the guys discuss if it was more of an issue with his elbow or that the insurance doesn't cover him playing in the Classic.
Pujols looked terrific today in the batting cage. He took a cortisone shot in his elbow and hasn’t had any problems since.
Strauss thinks a deal is done with Ryan Ludwick for $3.3 or $3.5 million, and it should be announced soon.
The official reporting date for position players isn’t till tomorrow so the second base job isn’t really a competition yet. Skip Schumaker is trying to get reps in at second so he can be in a position to compete for the job
Strauss said that you can’t take anything for granted with Chris Carpenter because of his past history of injuries, but so far so good.
Brad Thompson has looked as good as anyone who has walked into camp so far.
Strauss talked to Izzy today, and he is willing to come into camp on a minor league deal and is confident that he could make the team so he is waiting to hear back from the Cardinals. The guys discussed what it would mean for Jason Motte and Chris Perez if Izzy was in camp, and how the younger guys would interpret it.
The guys also talked about Colby Rasmus, and Joel Pineiro wanting to pitch in the World Baseball Classic.
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February 16
Mizzou Completes Schedule With Furman
The University of Missouri has filled the final hole in its 2009 non-conference schedule, and the Tigers will play host to Furman University of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) on Sept. 19th at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Game time will be determined at a later date.
Mizzou will be the first of two Bowl Championship Subdivision (BCS) schools which Furman will play in 2009, with Auburn being the other.
The Paladins are among the top FCS programs in the country, as they have advanced to the FCS playoffs seven times in the last 10 seasons. They have gone a combined 86-38 over that stretch, and are coming off a 7-5 season in 2008 that included a solid showing in a 24-7 loss at Virginia Tech last September.
“We’re very pleased to get the final piece of our schedule puzzle put in place,” said Associate Director of Athletics Mark Alnutt. “It takes quite a bit of maneuvering to fill a game this late in the process, but we feel good with this arrangement. Furman is no stranger to playing BCS schools, as they’ve played Virginia Tech, Clemson, North Carolina and Pittsburgh in recent years, and they have Florida and South Carolina on their schedule in the future,” he said.
Missouri’s 2009 season gets underway Sept. 5th with the Arch Rivalry game in St. Louis against Illinois, and the home opener is set for Sept. 12th against Bowling Green. After Furman comes to Columbia on Sept. 19th, the Tigers will wrap up non-conference play on Sept. 26th at Nevada.
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February 16
Mitchell Named A-10 Rookie of the Week
Saint Louis University freshman guard Kwamain Mitchell (Milwaukee, Wis./Dominican) was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week for the period ending Feb. 14. The honor is Mitchell's first of his Billiken career, and the second by a SLU freshman this season, following Willie Reed on Jan. 4.
Mitchell averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and four assists over three contests last week. He shot 50 percent (16-of-32) from the field on the week and connected on four 3-pointers. Mitchell began the week by registering career highs of 23 points and eight rebounds in the Billikens' 85-72 triple-overtime win at Richmond on Feb. 8. He followed with 14 points, six boards and five assists on Feb. 11, in the Billikens' victory over Charlotte. At Rhode Island on Feb. 14, Mitchell led SLU with 17 points and added five rebounds and four assists.
The Billikens (15-10, 6-5 A-10) welcome Saint Joseph's to Chaifefz Arena on Wed., Feb. 18, in a 9 p.m. game. The game has been designated as the "Billiken Blizzard," and all fans are encouraged to wear white.
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February 13
Friday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writeer Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Strauss said that most position player have showed up by today. The guys discussed Skip Schumaker trying out at second base, and Joe said that Jose Oquendo told him he needs to work on a lot.
Mitchell Boggs showed up and complained about pain in his shoulder, which could be a significant blow if a pitcher goes down.
Joel Pineiro hasn’t showed up yet, and he wants to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. The guys talked about players needing to focus on their teams instead of trying to pitch for their countries.
Chris Perez lost around 17 pounds since walking into camp last year. However, he is out of whack mechanically right now, and Dave Duncan has had to stop his last two throwing sessions. Strauss said it is very early in camp, but they need to work on his mechanics.
The Cardinals have spoken to Jason Isringhausen’s representation so it is conceivable that Izzy could be in camp in a couple weeks if he isn’t picked up by another team by then.
The guys talked about Chris Duncan being able to be a power bat off the bench and able to fill in start if he is healthy.
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February 13
Peter King Discusses Rams, Warner
Peter King of Sports Illustrated joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
King said that Rams fans should be encouraged and it’s great that they have new blood in the front office. Kevin Demoff is a smart cap guy who doesn’t sacrifice the play on the field.
Players will love Coach Steve Spagnuolo because he brings a realness to the job. Billy Devaney is a good, hard scout.
“I think they made some really smart hires and good hires,” King said.
Winning is everything, but the one thing about Spagnuolo that people in St. Louis will appreciate about him is that he is never a phony.
Peter thinks the Super Bowl helped Kurt Warner tremendously in terms of his chances of getting in the Hall of Fame. King said that he has been doing his job for 29 years, and Warner is one of the nicest people he has ever dealt with.
In three Super Bowl games Warner has thrown for more yards than Joe Montana did in four. King said that Warner may be remembered as a great like Gale Sayers who really had a limited career, but there are a few things that bring him back down to earth such as he only played in all 16 games of a season three times in his career so far.
The guys also discussed Chris Carter, Andre Reed, and Marvin Harrison and talked about what the criteria is for wide receivers to make the Hall of Fame.
The guys ended the interview talking about the best quarterbacks of all time, and Peter said that Brett Favre will likely be around 7th best on his list.
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February 13
Rams Cut Chavous
The St. Louis Rams cut safety Corey Chavous Friday, which will save $1.2 million against the cap.
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February 12
Thursday Rams Insider Report
Summary by Matt Salata
Rams insider Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Jim attended an event for the media at Rams Park Thursday where the new coaching staff was introduced. Jim talked about how head coach Steve Spagnuolo talked about how he is a little overwhelmed bit its a good feeling, as he knows there is a lot of fun and exciting work to come.
The guys went on to discuss former Mizzou head coach and current athletic director at UTEP, Bob Stahls’ coaching staff at Mizzou. Stahl never won more than 4 games while at Mizzou but a lot of his assistants are now making names for themselves in the NFL, most notably Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid.
Jim went on to explain that the new staff hasn't decided on making any cuts or what schemes they will use both offensively and defensively. They did say that they will focus on establishing a strong running game.
The guys then went on to talk about how the Rams can free up money. The two biggest ways to free up cash is to figure out what to do with Torry Holt and Orlando Pace.
The staff is still trying to get their arms around the personnel so they can figure out what they want to do as Free Agency is coming up in two weeks.
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February 12
Thursday Mizzou Insider Report
Summary by Matt Salata
Bernie and Joe were joined by Mizzou insider Gabe DeArmond on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Gabe talked about the recent hiring of Josh Henson who is coming from LSU where he was a tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator. While he was the recruiting coordinator at LSU he helped bring in 4 top 10 recruiting classes. He will be the co-offensive line coach and will help with recruiting in the southwest Missouri area and Oklahoma.
The guys then went on to talk about Mizzou basketball. Gabe thinks that this team can grab anywhere from a 3 to 6 seed for the NCAA tournament. Coach Mike Anderson has done a great job with this team as he has prepared them to do well in the NCAA tournament.
According to collegerpi.com Mizzou would be a 5 seed and would be facing Miami (FL). Gabe thinks this team can make some noise in the tournament because they have 6 or 7 guys that can beat you on any given night. Gabe also thinks this team may have one of the best defensive back courts in the nation. Look out for the Tigers in late March.
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February 12
Blues Discussion with Kerber
Summary by Luke Petrov
The Blues have lost a lot of games after leading by two goals. Andy Murray said they can no longer blame the youth and need to start doing a better job protecting leads. Other than Barret Jackman and Jay Mckee, the Blues have a very inexperienced defensive unit that may be contributing to the squandering of leads.
During Tuesday’s meeting against Vancouver the Blues didn’t get the goaltending they needed late. Chris Mason would definitely want the 4th goal back. It was a tipped goal that beat him short side, from a poor angle. During the Vancouver game it was easy to see that Mats Sundin is getting his feet under him and playing much better.
Tonight the Blues play the Nashville Predators for the 4th time this year. The Blues have beaten them in all three of their previous contests. Two of them the Blues outplayed the Predators and the other win Mason stole with great goaltending. The special teams have played a huge role in the success against Nashville this season. The Blues are 6 out of 16 on the power play against them.
The Blues play back to back games, coming home to take on Chicago Friday, which Kerber is looking forward to because anytime you play Chicago or Detroit it is exciting because “you hate them.”
Andy McDonald played for the first time after ankle injuries Tuesday against Vancouver. He played well, but Kerber thinks it will take him a few more games to get back to 100%.
Other teams have been complementing the Blues on their hard work ethic and effort this year.
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February 12
Cardinals & Ankiel Complete Deal, Avoid Arbitration Hearing
The St. Louis Cardinals announced this afternoon that they have come to an agreement with outfielder Rick Ankiel on a one-year contract for the 2009 season, thus avoiding a salary arbitration hearing set for later today in Phoenix, Az. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are excited to get this deal done and put the process behind us,” said Cardinals’ Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “Everyone felt that this agreement was fair to both parties and we can now look forward to another strong season of play from Rick.”
The Cardinals have not had a salary arbitration hearing since 1999. Outfielder Ryan Ludwick remains unsigned, with a hearing set for Tue., February 17.
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February 12
Rams Cheerleaders to Travel to Iraq, Kuwait on Military Goodwill Tour
Five members of the Rams’ cheerleading squad are preparing to embark on a military goodwill tour of the Middle East. The group will depart St. Louis on Friday, February 13 and visit bases in Iraq and Kuwait before returning to St. Louis on February 23.
As part of the tour, the cheerleaders will visit three military bases each day and meet with members of the military. The cheerleaders making the trip include Danielle Hogan, Lauren Moore, Christa Marx, Shannon Ward and Tiffany Crocker.
“We’re very proud of the cheerleaders' commitment to make this important trip and honor our service men and women for their sacrifices and the tremendous service they provide our country on a daily basis,” said Lucia Rodriguez, owner/partner, chair of community outreach, St. Louis Rams. “The Rams have a long history of honoring our nation’s military, and continuing to demonstrate our support of the troops is a priority for the organization.”
This marks the second time in eight months that the cheerleaders have traveled to the Middle East. In total, the cheerleaders have made more than 10 overseas trips in addition to numerous visits to military bases within the United States.
Each year, the Rams also honor the military in a variety of ways including in-game salutes during every home game as well as an annual “Salute to Veteran’s” game around Veteran’s Day. Throughout the season, the Rams provide game tickets to the military and their families. In 2008, players and cheerleaders also made appearances at Scott Air Force Base and the local VA hospital where they participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Fisher House, a facility that houses families of patients receiving medical care at the VA hospital.
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February 11
Wednesday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals insider Joe Strauss joined Bernie Miklasz and Andy Strickland on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Chris Carpenter threw from a mound today for 10 minutes for the first time in five months.
He is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Carpenter is slotted to start for the Cardinals in a spring training game on Feb 28.
Strauss said Dave Duncan was pleased with what he saw, but everyone was because no one saw him pitch in so long. He looks in really good shape, but it doesn’t mean anything if his nerve issue reoccurs.
This organization right now is huge on “free players” who have limited experience, if any, because they want to see how they can perform and they can save money by using them.
Strauss said that Rasmus has options and Skip Schumaker doesn’t so if the club is unable to make a trade, the path of least resistance is to send Rasmus to Memphis out of spring training.
Joe thinks the Cardinals will go to an arbitration hearing with Rick Ankiel and the team should beat his case. However, if Ryan Ludwick’s case goes to a hearing, the arbitrator would likely side with Ludwick.
Strauss was told Troy Glaus will need to have a couple weeks downtime after his surgery so he will likely not be able to do much for a while once he appears at spring training.
The guys also revisited the Adam Kennedy situation. Joe said that Tony LaRussa made it known that it would be a full blown competition at second base if Kennedy was in camp and he wouldn’t get any more time playing than anyone else, even though John Mozeliak had said that Kennedy was the second baseman and it was his job to lose.
Strauss said that if he had to put his money on one of the guys competing for the second base job, he thinks Joe Thurston will win out.
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February 11
Coach Murray Discusses Blues
Blues Coach Andy Murray joined Bernie Miklasz and Andy Strickland on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
The Blues suffered a tough loss last night, and Murray said it was something they needed to address, and they discussed the situation this morning. He said that these games are 60 minutes long and they need to play the duration.
“We had an opponent who raised the level of their play in the 3rd period and we didn’t,” Andy said.
Coach said that putting Andy McDonald on the same line with TJ Oshie and Patrik Berglund improved their play last night, but he thinks McDonald wasn’t back at his best yet in his first game back.
Murray said in the locker room last night the young players did take the loss hard, but as bad as they felt last night, it’s all about keeping things in perspective. He told the players that they need to deal with reality. They can’t do anything they can about last night’s game, and they need to move on and play the next game as well as they can.
Part of the team maturing is learning how to deal with losses.
Goaltender Chris Mason has a lot of experience but probably puts more pressure on himself now that he is the starter. However, Murray said that being the starting goalie isn’t the worst situation to be in.
“We have to make sure we consistently get the job done. To me we just need to go out and do it and do it consistently and learn from it,” Murray said.
The guys also discussed David Perron’s play, preparing to play at Nashville, and playing against Chicago Friday night.
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February 11
Bonner Discusses Stepping Down as Vashon Coach
Former NBA basketball player and SLU star Anthony Bonner joined Bernie Miklasz and Andy Strickland on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Bonner had replaced Floyd Irons at Vashon, and after only a few years, Bonner has stepped down from coaching, which led many people to wonder if he was forced out or if there was any foul play.
However, he said that he had resigned from teaching in the classroom earlier in the year, and even though it is very hard to walk away at anytime, the timing was best right now to quit.
Anthony said that there was no foul play and he is still welcome in the building. He said he will still attend the teams basketball games this season when is available.
Bonner is making community appearances for the Knicks and will likely take another job with the NBA in some capacity. He has also been told that he could be a great candidate to be a head coach in the NBDL if the league expands with more teams.
The guys also discussed St. Louisan David Lee’s play for the Knicks and the current state of SLU basketball.
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February 11
Cards Announce TV Schedule
The St. Louis Cardinals today announced their television schedule for the 2009 season.
Fox Sports Midwest (16th season) and KSDK, NewsChannel 5 (third season) will again serve as television partners of the team.
Fox Sports Midwest will carry 130 regular season games for the third consecutive season, including Opening Day on April 6 when the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fox Sports Midwest will also televise five spring games, their most ever, beginning when the Cards travel to Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla. to play the Detroit Tigers on March 16. Fox Sports Midwest will also televise spring games on March 18 vs. Baltimore in Jupiter, March 26 vs. Houston, March 29 at Minnesota and April 3 at AutoZone Park in Memphis in a Cardinals exhibition against the Triple-A Redbirds. Fox Sports Midwest will produce Cardinals Live pregame and postgame shows for every regular season telecast on the network. The schedule of Fox Sports Midwest telecasts in high definition has not yet been determined.
KSDK, NewsChannel 5 will televise 20 Sunday regular season Cardinals games, all in high definition. In addition, KSDK, NewsChannel 5 will continue to air pre and postgame shows, along with a weekly half-hour program called Cardinal Nation. KSDK, NewsChannel 5 will televise two Sunday afternoon Grapefruit League games. A March 15 telecast will originate from Clearwater, Fla. as the Cards take on the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Their final spring telecast is on March 22 as the Orioles visit Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.
“Every Cardinals game will be televised this season, which is a great testament to the commitment of our local and national rightsholders and the continuing popularity of Cardinals baseball,” said Cardinals President William O. DeWitt III.
Ten games are currently scheduled to be carried as part of Major League Baseball’s national television package, nine as a part of FOX Saturday Baseball and one on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. A single game against the Chicago Cubs on September 20 presently does not have a television outlet, but will likely be added to the Cardinals schedule pending national television scheduling.
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February 11
Blues Assign Yan Stastny to Peoria for Conditioning
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that Forward Yan Stastny has been assigned to Peoria for conditioning.
Yan has been out since January 11 with an upper body injury.
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February 10
Kariya Undergoes Successful Hip Surgery
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that Paul Kariya underwent successful right hip surgery. The surgery was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon today in Colorado. Dr. Philippon performed surgery on Kariya’s left hip on Jan. 5.
Kariya’s last game was Nov. 5th in Anaheim and he will be sidelined indefinitely.
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February 10
Tuesday Rams Insider Report
Rams insider Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Jim talked about the upgrades being performed on the Edward Jones Dome, and he said the main changes that people will notice will be made on the scoreboards, which will be more state of the art. They are expected to be of similar quality to those inside the Chaifetz Center.
There will be some more open areas with light coming in and there will be some sports bars or clubs that you can look out at the field. One of the clubs will be open for anyone at the game and not limited to club seat holders.
Coach Spagnuolo has finished assembling his coaching staff of 20 coaches which is one more than what Scott Linehan had.
Thomas thinks the staff overall looks good, and the offensive side of the staff has a lot of experience. However, the defensive coaches don’t have as much experience so Jim thinks Coach Spagnuolo will be more hands on in terms of the defense.
The guys also discussed the Rams salary cap situation, and Jim said that the best way for the Rams to save money on the cap is to restructure Torry Holt and Orlando Pace’s contracts or cut them. Jim said that it isn’t as easy as just cutting them though because they would need to replace them with players who are as good as they are.
If they franchise someone it would be OJ Atogwe, because of how much the league average is compared to other positions, which is what the Rams would owe him.
Thomas also gave other scenarios of cutting different players and how the Rams could save money. Getting rid of Trent Green and Corey Chavous would save some money, but cutting Pace would save $6 million and cutting Holt would save $8 million.
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February 10
Steroid Discussion with Sheehan
Joe Sheehan of both the Baseball and Basketball Prospectus joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
The guys started out briefly discussing college basketball and who may make the NCAA tournament, and then turned their conversation to steroids in baseball.
The guys said they aren’t going to pronounce someone guilty, but no one is without suspicion of using steroids.
Bernie said as a Hall of Fame voter, he isn’t supposed to be the one sorting through the stats of an era and guessing who used performance enhancers and who didn’t, and he isn’t positive who should vote for. There are too many inconsistencies and the whole playing field is tainted so it’s too hard to pick out who should be in and who should be penalized.
The guys also talked about the Cardinals releasing Adam Kennedy, and Sheehan said something doesn’t add up because there is no other MLB second baseman on the roster.
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February 10
Blues Broadcaster Discusses Team
Summary by Luke Petrov
Blues broadcaster John Kelly joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Today is the 20th anniversary of former Blues’ announcer and John’s dad – Dan Kelly.
It’s disappointing that the Blues are in last place, but they are playing better lately and getting healthy. When the young talent matures in next few years John thinks they will be a great team.
Last year the Blues fell off around this time because Manny Legace was worn out and the backup goaltending was atrocious. This year Chris Mason will not have played as many back to back or total games as Manny did last year. The team is also scoring more goals this year.
The schedule is another positive factor on the Blues side, while trying to chase down the teams ahead of them. They play 27 of their remaining 30 games against Western Conference teams, which can allow the Blues to make up ground faster.
The Blues are finally getting healthy. Andy McDonald is going to play his first game after ankle injuries tonight against Vancouver. Getting back on the ice is a good way to celebrate his new 4 year contract with the Blues. He is going to play on right wing against Vancouver to help ease him back into game action. He will also be wearing his old pair of skates that feel more comfortable on his ankle.
Roman Polak is supposed to start skating tomorrow and Yan Stastny will be coming back soon as well.
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February 10
BLUES BUZZ RADIO SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues forward Alex Steen.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Andy and Alex discussed:
- Andy’s tardiness to the show
- being traded from Toronto to St. Louis
- the pressure of playing in the Toronto media market
- how much he loves the city of St. Louis
- living in Sweden during his teenage years
- playing Swedish Elite League hockey
- his relationship with Andy Murray and how Murray coached him in youth hockey
- growing up as a son of an NHL player
- the hockey culture of Toronto
- the possibility of Alex playing for Sweden in the 2010 Olympics
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment Alex discussed:
- playing on a line with Mats Sundin and how they became friends
- playing for Ron Wilson
- Sundin signing with the Vancouver Canucks
- playing for the Leafs and the way they travel
- the sporting scene in Toronto
- the Blues starting the season in Sweden this fall
- the difference between the play of the Blues when he was traded here and the play of the Blues now
- how great his teammates have been since he came to St. Louis
- which role he prefers to be considered as a player: offensive of defensive?
Listen to Segment 2
During the third segment Andy and Alex talked about:
- the team’s view on making the playoffs
- his reaction on the Manny Legace situation
- what it is like being a father
- the knowledge of knowing the Western Conference when playing in the East
- how impressed he has been with Patrik Berglund, David Backes, and Barret Jackman
- how he enjoys been apart of a successful hockey team and how he is part of the youth movement
Listen to Segment 3
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February 10
Henson Joins Football Coaching Staff
Will Serve As Co-Offensive Line Coach
Josh Henson has joined the University of Missouri football coaching staff as its newest assistant coach, and will serve as co-offensive line coach, as announced today by MU Head Coach Gary Pinkel. A former standout offensive lineman at Oklahoma State, Henson spent the last four years as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at Louisiana State University, where he developed the reputation as being a tremendous on-field teacher of the game, while leading the charge for LSU’s recruiting efforts that ranked among the top 10 in the nation four times – including a 2009 class recently ranked as No. 2 in the nation according to Rivals.com.
Henson will share co-offensive line coach duties with Bruce Walker, who has served as MU’s co-offensive line coach since 2001. As part of other staff realignments, Pinkel announced that Andy Hill will now serve as receivers coach, which encompasses all wide receivers and tight ends. Additionally, former Tiger player Brandon Barnes will be receivers graduate assistant coach.
“I am very excited to join Coach Pinkel’s staff and work with this program which is really well-respected nationally,” said Henson. “Missouri’s staff has a reputation of doing things in a first-class manner, and the strides they’ve made over the years makes this a very attractive place to be. I’m grateful for the opportunity and pleased to be back in Big 12 country,” he said.
Henson is no stranger to the Big 12 Conference, as he spent 10 years as a player and coach at Oklahoma State, prior to his most recent successful stint as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator at LSU. He replaces former Tiger coach Dave Christensen, who was the first assistant to leave Pinkel’s staff since coming to MU in 2001. Christensen was named the head coach at Wyoming this past December.
In 2007, Henson’s coaching efforts helped LSU sophomore tight end Richard Dickson put together one of the most productive seasons at the position in school history. Dickson turned in the third-highest single-season reception total by a Tiger tight end in school history, and he capped the 2007 season by catching a pair of touchdown passes in LSU’s 38-24 win over Ohio State in the 2008 BCS National Championship Game.
The Tiger tight ends played a key role as LSU’s offense set a total of 10 school records in 2007, including points in a season and total yards in a season. Following the 2007 season, LSU tight end Keith Zinger was selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.
As LSU's recruiting coordinator, Henson's abilities made an immediate impact on the Tiger roster as LSU had the nation's No. 2-ranked signing class in 2007 after a consensus top 6 national rating in 2006. For his efforts, Henson was ranked as one of college football's top 25 recruiters in 2006 and 2007 by Rivals.com.
“Josh is an outstanding addition to our coaching staff,” said Pinkel. “He has a proven track record at the highest level and he is someone who has great character and passion for the game of football. I think he will be a very good fit to help us as we’re working hard to continue to develop our program at Mizzou,” he said.
At Oklahoma State, Henson was instrumental in the development of Billy Bajema, who was a three-year starter for the Cowboys. As a senior in 2004, Bajema was one of the top tight ends in the country, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. Bajema was picked in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
Henson also played a vital role in OSU's offensive development as the Cowboys ranked among the top 15 scoring teams in the nation for three consecutive years. The Cowboys averaged over 34 points per game from 2002-04, which included 35.9 points per game in 2003 and 34.5 points a game in 2004.
As Oklahoma State's recruiting coordinator, Henson played a key role in OSU's 2003 signing class being ranked No. 15 in the nation by Rivals.com. A year earlier, Rivals.com rated the Cowboy class as the 26th-best in the country.
As a player, Henson was a four-year letterwinner with 40 career starts for Oklahoma State from 1993-97. He was a starter on the offensive line as well as team captain for Oklahoma State's 8-4 team in 1997, a squad that played in the Alamo Bowl against Purdue. He was a second-team All-Big 12 selection as a senior in addition to being an honorable mention All-Big 12 pick as a junior. Off the field, Henson was named the recipient of the L.L. Boger Award as a senior, an honor that recognizes a student-athlete's achievement both on the field and in the classroom.
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February 9
Mizzou vs. Kansas Preview
Mizzou broadcaster Mike Kelly joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
A lot of stuff is on the line tonight for Mizzou’s basketball team, and Mike said hopefully they take advantage of having the home crowd behind them.
Kansas is in front of Mizzou in the Big 12 standings so this is a good opportunity to move up for the Tigers.
Mike said that Missouri needs to speed up the pace of play and force some turnovers. Kansas isn’t as deep as Mizzou so if they get them into foul trouble it can help the Tigers.
Mizzou needs to stay out of foul trouble themselves, and they need to shoot better at the free throw line. Mike said that Missouri is so much better when they share the basketball and not just throw up shots, and they need to dictate the pace.
The Big 12 isn’t as good as it has been in the past, and Mike said there isn’t one dominant team. Oklahoma is very good, but they don’t have a lot of depth. Texas is struggling without a true point guard. Mike said right now there will be probably four Big 12 teams that make the NCAA Tournament---possibly five.
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February 9
Mozeliak Discusses Kennedy Move
Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
John said that the main reason for the move was how he fit with the club and where the Cardinals are trying to go with the club.
“We aren’t going to be afraid to use our farm system, and we won’t be afraid to use it in the future.” John said.
Towards the end of last season, Mozeliak was approached by Adam Kennedy’s agent and asked to trade him. John said that he has tried to trade him this offseason to no avail so far. John had dinner with Manager Tony LaRussa a couple weeks ago, who asked John to explore cutting Kennedy, and John said that this is a good time for them to make the move. LaRussa and a lot of the other coaches are behind the move.
Mozeliak said he talked with Adam, and he thinks he was surprised and he had very little comment.
During spring training, Mozeliak said he will be looking for the player who performs the best defensively and who has the best potential upside at the plate.
John listed a group of players who will have the chance to take Kennedy’s place at second including: Brendan Ryan, Skip Schumaker, Brian Barden, Joe Thurston, Jarrett Hoffpauir and Tyler Greene. Mozeliak described each potential candidates’ strengths and upsides later in the interview.
“We have enough depth in our system that we are covered,” John said.
It’s always tough to eat a salary, but John said this shows that the team is willing to do what it needs to do.
There was some interest from other teams for Kennedy in a trade, but it never got to the point where a club was willing to pull the trigger.
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February 9
Rams Name More Coaches
St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced today that Clayton Lopez, Andy Sugarman, and Derius Swinton have joined his coaching staff.
Lopez has been added to the Rams defensive staff. Sugarman will serve as quality control/offense and Swinton will serve as quality control/special teams.
“We have added three new coaches to our staff,” said Spagnuolo. “All three demonstrated the qualities that we were looking for to mesh with the group we have in place. We hope to have them on board and working within the next few days.”
Lopez joins the Rams from the Detroit Lions, for whom he coached defensive backs in 2006-07 and was assistant secondary coach in 2008. He coached defensive backs for two seasons with the Oakland Raiders in 2004-05.
Lopez made his NFL debut as defensive assistant/quality control coach for the Seattle Seahawks in 1999. In 2002, Lopez became assistant secondary coach. In his five seasons with the Seahawks, the defense accounted for 96 pass interceptions, sixth highest in the NFL during that time.
Lopez, a former defensive back at the University of Nevada, began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 1995-96 and was running backs coach and recruiting coordinator in 1997-98.
Sugarman last served as offensive assistant for the Atlanta Falcons in 2007. From 2003-05, Sugarman was with the Detroit Lions as an offensive assistant in 2003 and coaching tight ends from 2004-05.
Sugarman came to Detroit in 2003 after five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, first as offensive quality control coach (1998-99) and as offensive assistant (2000-02).
Sugarman made his coaching debut at the University of California-Berkeley in 1991, serving as an assistant to the offensive and special teams coaching staffs through the 1997 season.
Swinton joins the Rams from the University of Tennessee, where he spent the last two seasons (2007-08) as a graduate assistant. Swinton was a free safety at Hampton University in Virginia from 2003-06.
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February 9
Cards Release Kennedy
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that second baseman Adam Kennedy has been given his unconditional release. The team has requested waivers on Kennedy that will expire on Wednesday, at which time he will become an unrestricted free agent.
“We have exhausted all trade possibilities for Adam, and have decided that it was within both the club and the player’s best interests to give Adam his unconditional release,” stated Cardinals’ Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “As stated last year, it has been our intention – at Adam’s request - to try and seek a trade. As we move forward, we feel that it is best to try and fill the second base position with other players from within our organization.”
Among the infield candidates reporting to Jupiter, Fla. next week for the start of Spring Training are Brendan Ryan, Brian Barden, Joe Thurston, Jarrett Hoffpauir and Tyler Greene, along with outfielder Skip Schumaker, who will also be given an opportunity to play second base.
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February 9
McDonald Inks 4-Year Extension
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that forward Andy McDonald has signed a four-year contract extension.
“The St. Louis Blues realize how integral Andy is to the future of our organization,” said Davidson. “He’s a top line center who will play a major role in the development of our team.”
“My first priority was to stay in St. Louis and continue my career as a Blue as the organization has treated me great since day one,” said McDonald. “I’m excited with the direction that this franchise is going and we have nothing but good things ahead of us.”
McDonald, 31, is in his eighth NHL season and has registered 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 16 games with the Blues this season. He’s been sidelined for the past 35 games due to a fractured left leg which was suffered on Nov. 16 vs. Montreal. At the time of the injury, he led the team with 18 points and 12 assists.
Last season, McDonald skated in 33 games for the Anaheim Ducks before being acquired by the Blues on Dec. 14, 2007. He finished the season ranking fourth on the team with 52 points (18g, 34a) and ranked second on the team with 34 assists.
The 5-10, 190-pound center won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007 and led all Ducks players in playoff goal scoring with 10. McDonald compiled 14 postseason points (10 goals, four assists) in 21 games. He finished second on the team in points (78) and was third in goals (27). McDonald has played in 456 NHL games, amassing 313 points (112 goals, 201 assists) along with 206 penalty minutes.
The Strathroy, Ontario native originally signed as an undrafted free agent with Anaheim on April 3, 2000.
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February 9
Mizzou-Nebraska Football Game Moved To Oct. 8th
Thursday Night Game Will Mark First In Columbia Since 1992
The University of Missouri has agreed, at the request of ESPN, to move its 2009 home football game against Nebraska to a Thursday night, to allow for a national telecast on the network. The Tigers and Cornhuskers will now play on Thursday, October 8th, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. (central). The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd.
The game will mark the first Thursday game to be played in Columbia since the Tigers hosted Colorado on Oct. 8, 1992 – exactly 17 years to the date of this year’s upcoming game.
“We are very appreciative to Dave Brown and ESPN for the opportunity to showcase our program, our University and the City of Columbia. This is a marquee game that we are very excited to have featured on the national stage in this way,” said Missouri Director of Athletics Mike Alden. “Our campus and student leadership are excited about the game, and we’re certainly aware that playing on a Thursday presents some unique challenges. But our fans are great, and we’re confident that they will come out to support the Tigers and show the nation what a great environment we have here at Mizzou,” he said.
“We are looking forward with great anticipation to returning to Columbia for our first Thursday night telecast since 1992,” said ESPN Vice President of Programming Dave Brown. “We greatly appreciate all of the assistance we received from Nebraska, the Big 12 Conference and especially from Mike Alden and the University of Missouri in making this happen. Nebraska at Missouri is a terrific addition to our 2009 Thursday Night Schedule,” Brown said.
Mizzou is working to fill its final game for the 2009 season, with the only open date remaining on Sept. 19th. Details will be announced when finalized. The season gets underway Sept. 5th with the Arch Rivalry game in St. Louis against Illinois, and the home opener is set for Sept. 12th against Bowling Green. After the to-be-determined opponent comes to Columbia on Sept. 19th, the Tigers will wrap up non-conference play on Sept. 26th at Nevada.
Tiger fans interested in receiving season ticket information can visit the official home for Tiger Athletics for details, at http://mutigers.cstv.com/tickets/09-footbl-ticket-info.html.
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February 9
EDWARD JONES DOME $30 MILLION REFURBISHMENT COMMENCES
--Expected completion is July of 2009--
The Edward Jones Dome will look a bit spiffier for this year’s football season. As part of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission’s (CVC) lease agreement with the St. Louis Rams, a number of upgrades will be made to the structure, which opened in 1995.
“We’re pleased to move forward with these improvements to the Edward Jones Dome because our goal is to provide our fans with the best possible environment to experience St. Louis Rams football,” said Bruce Sommer, Director of America’s Center. “We expect these upgrades to significantly enhance the fan experience at the Edward Jones Dome.”
“The Rams are excited about the on field product we are assembling for the 2009 season as well the refurbishment of the Edward Jones Dome,” said Bob Wallace, Executive Vice President/General Counsel, St. Louis Rams. “We believe these collective enhancements will deliver a dramatically different entertainment experience to our valued fans.”
The refurbishment, scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2009 football season, includes new scoreboards and video boards as well as the creation of a public space on the north end of the concourse level that will allow viewing access of the field. Other improvements include a new Premium Club in the south end of the club level as well as a renovated Rams Club in the north end of the club level that will provide club seat holders and suite owners with the ability to watch live action on the field from the seating areas. Also new will be a super-suite, which will combine four suites to create roughly 72 seats that can be purchased as individual tickets. Additional details of the refurbishment include:
- The north end zone scoreboard and ad panels will be replaced with a new video board three times the size of the existing board and will feature new LED technology.
- The remaining north end zone scoreboard space will have new ad panels as well as openings to the Rams Club. This will provide fans with the ability to watch live game action on the field from the seating area in the Rams Club. The renovated Rams Club will also feature an enhanced audio-visual experience with more televisions and better viewing angles.
- The south end zone scoreboards and ad panels will also be replaced with a new LED video board that is twice the size of the current version. It will feature the same state-of-the-art technology as the new north board.
- The remaining south end zone scoreboard spaces will be opened to a new Premium Club with inside lounge spaces, game areas and other amenities. The Premium Club will have a private elevator and adjacent parking.
- Both new clubs on the north and south ends will allow some daylight into the bowl area, and most of the dark blue paint in the bowl will be replaced with a lighter color scheme to brighten the bowl.
- A new large corporate suite in the northeast corner of the bowl will allow companies to purchase individual suite seats.
- New upscale seating is being added to the bowl seating area, complete with individual snack tables and televisions, as well as table dining opportunities.
- The large Highway 70 marquee in front of the building will be replaced with new LED technology.
360 Architecture is the company overseeing the improvements, which are part of the agreement to bring the Edward Jones Dome to first tier standards by March 1, 2015, as required by the Rams’ lease with the CVC.
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February 9
Ahearn Named Performer of Week
Blake Ahearn of the Dakota Wizards has been named NBA D-League Performer of the Week for games played during the week of Feb. 2, 2009. Ahearn is the first Dakota player to earn the honor this season.
Ahearn led the Wizards to a 3-0 record, averaging 29.7 points and 8.3 assists while shooting .519 (27-of-52) from the field and connecting on 12 three-pointers. On Saturday Ahearn scored 32 points and added 10 assists in a 115-92 win over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
A 6-2 guard from Missouri State, Ahearn was selected as a 2009 NBA D-League All-Star and will participate in the third annual NBA D-League All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 14, on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas. The 2007-07 NBA D-League Rookie of the Year, Ahearn earned a GATORADE Call-Up to the San Antonio Spurs earlier this season and is averaging 22.2 points this year.
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February 7
Blues Assign Legace To Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has assigned goaltender Manny Legace to the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Legace, 35, has played in 29 games with the Blues this season, posting a 13-9-2 record, a 3.18 goals against average along with a .885 save percentage.
The Toronto, Ontario native was originally drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the eighth round, 188th overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.
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February 6
Davidson Discusses Blues
Blues President John Davidson joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
JD said that putting Manny Legace on waivers this morning was mainly based on his performance.
“We’re in a playoff race and just felt that this was the right way to go,” Davidson said.
“We have not closed the door on Manny Legace, and we never have,” JD said. “If he is still our property after 11am tomorrow, we want him to play his tail off,” and if he plays well in Peoria, JD said they will revisit the situation.
The guys touched on if Manny’s recent attitude contributed to today’s move, and JD said that it didn’t help. Manny wanted to have his contract extended on more than one occasion, and John said the feeling was if he played well this year the Blues would take care of it.
“We have a good group here. You can tell from how we have performed this season even with all the injuries. It doesn’t help anybody when you have a person disgruntled with their contract situation,” JD said.
JD said that in this economy you have to be sure and not make mistakes on any contract and it irritated Manny that they wouldn’t extend him yet.
“If he had a real good year he would have all the leverage here or somewhere else,” JD said.
“This is not about money, period.” If Manny clears waivers the Blues have to pay him his whole salary.
Davidson said that the team still has a chance for the playoffs because they are seven back, but the other teams are clustered at the bottom of the standings.
“Everybody seems to knock each other off, so why not?”
The fan support has really helped push the players forward, and John said that he is really proud of how the players have kept playing hard.
Davidson said that they don’t anticipate trading players away before the deadline, but March 4th is a long way away and if the team unexpectedly slumps and isn’t in the race then anything can happen.
However, John said he wants the team to go all out and try to make the playoffs.
“If we are in this thing right to the bitter end, and even if we don’t make it, it is a great experience for our young kids,” Davidson said.
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February 6
Manny Legace Discussion
Blues insider Andy Strickland joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Strickland said Manny Legace will report to Peoria if he clears waivers and he could be the first guy the Blues call if there is an injury to Chris Mason. If Legace shows the proper attitude and gets his game in order, Strickland said he thinks he could be back in a Blues uniform before the season is over.
Strickland has talked to other players on the team, and he believes they have moved on from Legace.
Legace let his conditioning go this past off-season, and Andy thinks it really affected his performance.
Strickland said that Manny is a fan favorite and all he had to do was play well and have a good attitude this season, and the team was likely going to extend his contract and have to at least match what Chris Mason is making this year. Mason’s higher salary was one reason Legace was upset.
“Nobody is screwing Manny Legace more than Manny Legace,” Strickland said.
Blues goaltender prospect Ben Bishop is a couple years away from being able to play everyday in the NHL so Andy thinks the best thing for him is to stay in Peoria where he can get more playing time.
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February 6
Blues Waive Legace; Recall Goaltender Holt From Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has waived goaltender Manny Legace and recalled goaltender Chris Holt from the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
If no team claims Legace in the next 24 hours, he will be sent down to the Blues affiliate Peoria.
Holt, 23, has played in 13 games with the Peoria Rivermen this season, posting a 7-5-0 record, a .932 save percentage and a 1.70 goals against average.
Holt spent the last three seasons in the New York Rangers system. The 6-3, 221-pound netminder saw one game of NHL action in 2005-06 with the Rangers. Last season, Holt split time between the ECHL’s Charlotte Checkers where he posted a 15-13-2 record, 2.72 goals against average and .915 save percentage, and the Hartford Wolf Pack (5-3-0, 2.42 GAA, .906 save %).
The South Surrey, British Columbia native was originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the sixth round, 180th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and was signed to an NHL contract by the Blues on Oct. 31, 2008.
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February 5
NFL Draft Discussion
Summary by Matt Salata
NFL Draft expert Russ Lande from gmjrnfldraft.com joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
The guys started talking about whether or not Michael Crabtree would be a solid selection at number 2 for the St. Louis Rams. Russ thinks that Crabtree would make a lot of sense because the Rams would have Torry Holt, who is on the decline, to groom him. In addition, Crabtree and Donnie Avery would make a lethal combo combining a speed receiver in Avery with a solid possession receiver in Crabtree. They went on to compare Crabtree to All Pro Larry Fitzgerald. Russ said that Crabtree and Fitzgerald are both smooth athletic runners who run excellent routes. Neither one has that break away speed, but they have the ability to shield off defenders and make big plays.
The guys went on to talk about the three major Offensive Tackle prospects in Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith, and Jason Smith. As of right now Russ still has Monroe slotted going number two to the Rams. The best athlete of the trio according to Russ would be Jason Smith from Baylor; however he is the least ready for the NFL game since he just made the switch from TE to OT only three years ago. The most polished player is Andre Smith out of Alabama but there are questions about his weight as it has fluctuated from 330-375 pounds. Russ said that Jason Smith is the best competitor because he attacks like a pit bull and has a passion that not many OL display. All three prospects are very intelligent and none of them have any off field problems. Andre Smith when he is on is both the best run blocker and pass blocker of the group.
There is a solid second tier of OL that would be available in the second round if the Rams choose to go elsewhere with the number two pick. The group is made up of Will Beatty from UConn, who may have played his way into the top 20 after his performance at the Senior Bowl. Jason Watkins from Florida is very athletic but had sub par senior season. Finally Michael Oher from Ole Miss is a great prospect but scouts are questioning his mental toughness.
Russ went on to give an update about two Mizzou standouts, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman. Maclin right now is listed as a late first rounder who could improve his stock with a good combine workout. Russ suggests that Maclin needs to work on exploding to his top speed right after the catch. If he can do that and improve on his route running then he could see his stock rise to anywhere from the tenth to the twentieth pick in the draft.
Lande said that Coffman needs to get back to 100% and prove to NFL teams that this injury won't carry over and be a long-term problem. He also needs to work on his blocking if he wants to be an every down TE. Russ believes that he also needs to run well at the combine posting a time in the 40 around 4.6-4.7.
Some other wide receivers that could be available in the second round which the Rams could consider are Darius Haywood Bay from Maryland and Hakeem Nicks from UNC.
Patrick Turner from USC is a big kid who could be a good compliment to Donnie Avery, and he should be available in the third round.
The guys asked about Mark Sanchez being a possibility for the number two pick but Russ said he still needs to watch film and evaluate him before he can offer his opinion.
For more updates on the NFL draft visit sportingnews.com and find the drop down menu for the War Room which is edited daily. To purchase a copy of Russ Lande's book visit gmjrnfldraft.com.
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February 5
Faucette to Continue as Assistant Strength Coach
Chuck Faucette will remain with the St. Louis Rams as assistant strength coach, Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced today.
Faucette joined the Rams last season and is the 16th coach to join Spagnuolo’s staff.
“It has become evident to me that Chuck is valuable in our weight room,” said Spagnuolo. “We are happy to announce that he will be part of our staff.”
Faucette came to the Rams in 2008 after spending six seasons (2002-07) as head strength and conditioning coach at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
Before arriving at SMU, Faucette was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Texas from 1999-2001. From 1996-99, Faucette served as the boys’ athletic director and head football coach at St. Pius X High School in Houston, Texas.
Faucette also coached with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL (1990-92) and at Crawford High School (1990) in San Diego, Calif.
A former 10th-round draft choice of the New York Giants in 1987, Faucette played linebacker for the San Diego Chargers from 1987-89.
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February 5
BLUES BUZZ RADIO SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues captain Eric Brewer.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Andy and Eric discussed:
- growing up in Western Canada and the equipment he used as a kid
- the injury to his back and when it was discovered
- the pain he felt with the injury
- his recovery from the injury and if he feels he can return this season
- on embracing the captaincy of the Blues
- how he developed his skating ability
- the first time he thought he could be an NHL player
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment Andy and Eric discussed:
- how much he enjoys being a captain in the NHL
- the surprise of being named captain of the Blues last February
- the importance of captaincy in the NHL and why it is a big deal compared to other sports
- if he feels any extra pressure wearing the C for the Blues
- the added responsibility being a captain
- how much he has enjoyed playing and living in St. Louis
- his reaction when he was traded from Edmonton to St. Louis
- the rough first season with the Blues
- how nice the people of St. Louis are
- if he thought about exploring free agency prior to signing his 4 year contract extension with the Blues
- if he thought he was going to be compared to Pronger following the trade
- the difference between Pronger and himself
- if he feels that Blues fans have given him a fair chance
- how upset he was when his wife was brought up in a false news report
- playing for Team Canada in the 2002 Olympics and the process of making the team
- on being named to Team Canada while on a flight on a roadtrip
- what it feels like having an Olympic gold medal
Listen to Segment 2
During the third segment Andy and Eric talked about:
- being drafted by the New York Islanders
- playing junior hockey with Chris Mason
- how close you get to teammates’ families
- the recent play of the Blues and their current hot streak
- the opportunities that the Blues have not capitalized on this season
- watching the games while he is injured
- how everything in his life revolves around hockey
- how important it is to have a strong family when you are playing
Listen to Segment 3
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February 4
Mizzou Top Recruit Discussions Decision
The nation’s number four overall prospect Sheldon Richardson joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon after signing his letter of intent to play at Mizzou.
Richardson said that he loves his home state and appreciates the support that he received throughout his high school career.
He said it was real nice to be recruited by schools all over the country, but he wants Missouri to be on the same level as the top schools.
Sheldon said that the decision between Mizzou and the University of Miami was “real close.” He was very impressed with his visit to Miami, but he said that he wants Missouri to compete for a couple National Championships while he is there.
He said hopefully he gets the chance to play both tight end and defensive end, but he will most likely focus on playing defensive end, which Sheldon said he prefers.
Richardson called Mizzou Coach Gary Pinkel to tell him he chose Mizzou around 6:45am, and Pinkel was waiting by the fax machine for the official letter.
Sheldon said that when he called Pinkel again to tell him that the announcement press conference was over, “I heard a party in the background.”
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February 4
Illinois Insider Discusses Recruits
Summary by Matt Salata
Mark Tupper of the Decatur Herald & Review joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon to talk about Illinois' recruiting class.
Tupper said that Illinois picked up a great group of kids. They picked up prized recruit RB/CB Justin Green who chose Illinois over Ohio State, who wanted to use him on the defensive side of the ball. Green will be a super fast game breaker which will help the backfield situation for years to come.
Another big recruit is WR Terry Hawthorne out of East St. Louis. However, the Illini were unable to sign his good friend and high school teammate Kraig Appleton. Appleton signed on with Wisconsin because he wants to make a name for himself.
QB Nathan Scheelhaase from Rockhurst high school chose the Illini over the Mizzou Tigers. Coach Ron Zook is very high on this recruiting class. However, last year’s poor showing may have resulted in Zook losing a couple recruits.
Hawthorne should see plenty of playing time as a freshman as there is talk he may get a shot to be the number one punt returner. Tupper said he talked to a source from St. Louis who compared Hawthorne to Jeremy Maclin.
Coach Zook needs to put together a strong campaign this year and it will start with the defense. He is returning a lot of starters on the offensive side of the ball including senior QB Juice Williams.
The guys also talked about the Illinois Basketball team and what they need to do to make a splash in the Big Ten.
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February 4
Chris Mason Discusses Blues
Summary by Matt Salata
Blues Goaltender Chris Mason joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Over their last 8 games the Blues have posted a 5-2-1 record. Chris talked about how this team has really been fighting hard in every game and they are beginning to figure out how to finish strong in the 3rd period. Right now the Blues are currently 15th in the Western Conference but are 10 points out of 10th place.
Chris talked about how he wants to continue to play well and help this team to make a push for the playoffs. The more ice time that Mason gets the more comfortable he is and he also gets into a rhythm. He talked about the current struggles of fellow goaltender Manny Legace, who just isn't getting the breaks right now. Chris said that it seems like every bad bounce is going against Manny.
Chris talked a lot about how the young players on this team have really stepped up and have been playing extremely well. The NHL is such a tough league to break into at such a young age but their tenacity and hard work is really paying off. Chris talked about how young teams have a hard time searching for an identity, but he believes that this team has turned the corner and has figured out what needs to be done to keep winning and make that strong push for the playoffs.
Mason is scheduled to sign autographs at the Fairview Heights ice rink this Sunday from 1-3 PM. For more information go www.stlblues.com.
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February 4
Mizzou Signing Day Recap
Summary by Matt Salata
Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune and Behind the Stripes blog joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon to discuss National Singing Day.
Mizzou got highly touted DT prospect Sheldon Richardson who is ranked anywhere from the #4--8 ranked DT nationwide. He was also considering Miami. Dave went on to say that the Mizzou coaching staff had to have been holding their breath over Richardson. Dave thinks that it is highly unlikely that Richardson will go both ways and thinks he will end up on the defensive side of the ball. The guys talked about how he would be a great rush end for the Tigers.
Dave went on to talk about how in-state recruiting is key and how Coach Pinkel has done a great job of keeping the great players from Missouri right in their own backyard. According to Dave, Mizzou is one of the only schools that put together a Plan B, which includes junior college, for Richardson who may not be academically eligible.
Key Singings:
- DT Sheldon Richardson
- QB Blaine Dalton
- QB Ashton Glaser
- OL Jack Meiners
- RB Kendial Lawrence
Ones that got away:
- RB Ronnie Wingo- signed with Arkansas
- RB Montee Ball- signed with Wisconsin
- ATH Bryant Allen- signed with Minnesota, will play both football and basketball
- QB Nathan Scheelhaase- signed with Illinois
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February 4
Richardson Chooses Mizzou
Top recruit Sheldon Richardson, who had previously committed to Mizzou but visited Miami last weekend, has decided to stick with the Tigers.
Richardson prefers to play at tight end, but he projects as a better defensive lineman.
Rivals.com had him as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the country and No. 4 prospect overall. ESPN.Com had him at No. 8.
Richardson has yet to score high enough on the ACT to be academically eligible.
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February 4
Rams Name Director of Pro Personnel
The St. Louis Rams announced today that Mike Williams has been named Director of Pro Personnel.
Williams becomes the first to hold the position on the Rams since 2000.
“Mike knows the players in the NFL and the players in our division,” said Rams general manager Billy Devaney. ‘He knows rosters from the bottom up and the top down and how players move on and off rosters in the off-season. He will fill an important role in this area.”
Williams joins the Rams after nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, the last four as Assistant Director of Pro Personnel. He joined the 49ers in 1999 as a volunteer in the personnel department and became a full-time personnel assistant in 2000.
Williams was defensive coordinator at De Anza College in Cupertino, Calif. in 1998 and coached at Southern Utah University (1997). Williams was defensive coordinator at St. Lawrence High School in Santa Clara, Calif., for three seasons.
A Santa Ana, Calif., native and football-basketball-track and field athlete at Mater Dei High, Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Santa Clara in 1989. He was a four-year starter at safety for the Broncos.
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February 3
Duncan Discusses Cardinals Pitching
Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon live from Florida.
Dave said he isn’t sure if Chris Carpenter has gotten on a mound yet or not, but he is in a throwing program and he will certainly be on a mound soon. Duncan is optimistic right now about Carpenter, and team trainer Barry Weinberg said he will be ready to participate in the same workouts as the other pitchers. As of right now the Cardinals have the feeling that Carpenter will be in the rotation on opening day, but they will find out more once he sees competition in spring training.
Dave said he likes the rotation and each guy is capable of winning a lot of games. Joel Pineiro has been working hard this off-season to be in better shape, and Dave thinks Joel will pitch well because he likely feels he has something to prove.
Kyle McClellan will pitch as a starter his first three outings in camp the same days that Carpenter throws so he is ready to step into Carpenter’s role if needed.
Dave said if there was one thing he would like to see added to the club is an established closer who could come in for one year, but he likes the current staff.
Duncan said it would be a big mistake to name Chris Perez or Jason Motte as the closer right now and have them go through spring training with the burden of being a closer. He said they should let them develop and there may be a point in time during the season when one of them is pitching well enough to close.
Dave also said that if they are in a situation where they don’t have a definite closer, they will go with the best match-up between Perez, Motte, Ryan Franklin, and Trever Miller. Duncan thinks it would work until one of the guys emerged as the main closer.
The biggest thing missing with both Perez and Motte is a consistent second pitch. The consistency of their fastball is good enough. Motte is working on a change-up to go along with a slider. Perez needs to refine the quality of his breaking pitch. Dave said he throws a good one every now and again but needs to be consistent. It will be his main focus during spring training.
Duncan was very open minded to bringing Jason Isringhausen into camp if he showed he was capable, but Dave doesn’t think it is going to happen.
Josh Kinney will be given every opportunity to earn a spot on the roster.
Dave likes Mitchell Boggs, and it won’t be too far in the future for him to be a big league pitcher.
Braden Looper told Dave a couple days ago that teams are interested in him, but they aren’t on the same page contract wise yet, but Duncan thinks he may sign with someone soon.
Chris Duncan is doing great since having disk surgery, and he hasn’t felt as strong as he does now since before he had his hernia.
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February 3
Valero to Remain on Spagnuolo’s Staff
Art Valero will remain with the St. Louis Rams as assistant offensive line coach, Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced today.
Valero, who coached running backs for the Rams in 2008, is the 15th staff addition announced by Spagnuolo since he became the Rams’ head coach Jan. 17.
“We are happy to announce that Art Valero will be retained,” said Spagnuolo. “Art has been an asset to every staff he has been on and we feel fortunate to have him with us. He will work with the offensive line.”
Valero has held a variety of coaching positions since beginning his career as a graduate assistant at Boise State in 1981. Valero coached the offensive line at Iowa State (1983), Long Beach State (1984-86), and New Mexico (1987-89).
Valero was assistant head coach/offensive coordinator at Idaho (1990-94), assistant head coach/offensive line at Utah State (1995-97), and assistant head coach/offensive line at Louisville (1998-2001).
Art was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002-07, working with tight ends and running backs.
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February 2
Rams 75/1 to win 2010 Super Bowl
These 2010 Super Bowl odds are courtesy of Bodog, www.BodogLife.com
Odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl XLIV
New England Patriots 8/1
Dallas Cowboys 9/1
New York Giants 10/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1
Indianapolis Colts 12/1
San Diego Chargers 12/1
Baltimore Ravens 14/1
Tennessee Titans 16/1
Carolina Panthers 18/1
Philadelphia Eagles 18/1
New Orleans Saints 20/1
Atlanta Falcons 25/1
Denver Broncos 25/1
Green Bay Packers 25/1
Jacksonville Jaguars 25/1
Minnesota Vikings 25/1
New York Jets 25/1
Arizona Cardinals 30/1
Chicago Bears 30/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30/1
Buffalo Bills 35/1
Houston Texans 35/1
Miami Dolphins 35/1
Washington Redskins 35/1
Seattle Seahawks 50/1
Cleveland Browns 55/1
Cincinnati Bengals 60/1
San Francisco 49ers 60/1
Oakland Raiders 75/1
St. Louis Rams 75/1
Detroit Lions 100/1
Kansas City Chiefs 100/1
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February 2
Spagnuolo Announces Appointment of Five Additional Coaches
St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced today that he has hired five more coaches for his 2009 coaching staff.
The new coaches include Sylvester Croom, running backs; Rock Gullickson, strength and conditioning; Tom McMahon, special teams coordinator; Matt House, defensive quality control, and Brendan Daly, defensive line.
“We are closing in on completing our staff,” said Spagnuolo. “We are happy to announce the addition of five new members. They bring a wealth of knowledge and a wide variety of experiences. We look forward to getting them settled in and working toward the success of the St. Louis Rams.”
Spagnuolo was named head coach of the Rams on Jan. 17. He has announced the hiring of 14 coaches in the last 16 days.
Others on the 2009 Rams staff include Ken Flajole, defensive coordinator; Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator; Andre Curtis, defensive staff; Paul Ferraro, defensive staff; Dick Curl, assistant head coach/quarterbacks; Charlie Baggett, wide receivers; Steve Loney, offensive line; Frank Leonard, offensive staff, and Bruce Warwick, assistant to the head coach/football operations.
Croom most recently was head coach at Mississippi State, where he was Southeastern Conference coach of the year in 2007 after bringing the Bulldogs from the bottom of the SEC to a 7-5 record in his third season.
Seventeen of Croom’s 30 seasons as a coach have been in the NFL, beginning as running backs coach at Tampa Bay in 1987. He was at Indianapolis in 1991 and at San Diego from 1992-96. He was offensive coordinator at Detroit (1997-2000). He coached running backs at Green Bay (2001-03).
Sylvester’s career has impacted more than the outstanding running backs he’s coached in the NFL (Barry Sanders, Detroit; Ahman Green, Green Bay, and Natrone Means, San Diego) but has been one of historic significance.
Croom was the first African-American head coach in the SEC and followed Wilbur Jackson in 1971 as one of the first African-American players at the University of Alabama. He was the starting center for coach Paul (Bear) Bryant on Crimson Tide teams that posted a 22-2 record in Croom’s last two seasons.
Croom was a Kodak all-America in 1974, then coached 11 years at his alma-mater. Alabama went to 10 bowl games and Croom coached four linebackers who were No. 1 draft choices in the NFL: E.J. Junior, Mike Pitts, Cornelius Bennett, and Derrick Thomas.
Daly, who came to the NFL in 2006 after eight seasons on the collegiate level, was a defensive assistant-defensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings’ defense ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense the last three seasons.
A tight end at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1992-96, McMahon coached at Drake (1998), Villanova (1999, 2005), Maryland (2000), Oklahoma State (2001-03), and Illinois State (2004). He began his career in 1997 in high school at Ridgewood, Florida.
McMahon was Assistant Special Coach for the Atlanta Falcons the last two seasons after 14 seasons as a collegiate linebackers, defensive line, secondary coach, special teams coach, and recruiting coordinator. He was at his alma mater, Carroll College in Helena, Montana, in 1992 and 1994, and was at Utah State from 1995-2006
Gullickson will begin his 10th NFL season and 32nd as a coach. He was named the 2007 NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year, as chosen by the Professional Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society.
Gullickson was with the Green Bay Packers from 2006-08 and was on the New Orleans Saints staff from 200-05. Rock began coaching at Moorhead State, Minnesota, in 1978. He also has coached at Mayville State, North Dakota; Montana State, Rutgers, Texas, and Louisville.
House entered the NFL as a special teams and strength and conditioning assistant in 2008 with the Carolina Panthers. House coached at his alma mater, Michigan State, from 2001-02, at North Carolina, 2003-04, Gardner-Webb in 2005, and the University of Buffalo, 2006-07. House was a special teams, defensive backfield, and defensive line coach on the collegiate level.
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February 1
Blues Recall Wagner & Wozniewski
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today the club has recalled defensemen Steve Wagner and Andy Wozniewski from the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Wagner, 24, has skated in 16 games for the Blues this season, collecting two points (one goal, one assist) along with 18 penalty minutes. The 6-1, 191-pound defenseman has played in 40 National Hockey League games, all with St. Louis, collecting 10 points (three goals, seven assists). This season with Peoria, Wagner has played in 27 games, notching 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) and 23 penalty minutes.
The Grand Rapids, Minnesota native was signed by the Blues as an undrafted free agent on March 20, 2007.
Wozniewski, 28, has skated in 43 games for the Rivermen this season, collecting 12 assists along with 40 penalty minutes. The 6-4, 220-pound defenseman has played in 76 National Hockey League games, recording 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and 81 penalty minutes.
The Buffalo Grove, Illinois native was originally signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs as an undrafted free agent on May 27, 2004.
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January 30
Rams Name Kevin Demoff Executive VP/Football Operations/COO
Kevin Demoff has been named the St. Louis Rams’ Executive Vice President of Football Operations/Chief Operating Officer, the team announced today.
Demoff worked as a senior assistant to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager the past three seasons and has been a key professional football executive for eight years. With the Rams, Demoff will be responsible for all player contract negotiations and will serve as a liaison to ownership on football and business operations.
“We are very excited that Kevin has chosen to join the Rams,” said Rams Owner and Chairman Chip Rosenbloom. “His experience, intelligence and personality will add greatly to our front office team.”
Demoff served as Director of Football Operations for the Arena Football League’s Los Angeles Avengers for four years before joining the Buccaneers as a consultant in 2005. A year later he was named Senior Assistant, in which his duties included contract negotiations, salary cap management, college and pro scouting, and strategic planning.
Kevin is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a Master’s in business administration from the Tuck School of Business. Demoff and his wife, Jennifer, have a daughter, Claire.
“We’re thrilled about having Kevin and Jen joining the Rams family,” said Rams General Manager Billy Devaney. “I’ve known Kevin a long time. He’s a tireless worker, well-rounded in all phases of football operations. He will be a key member of our team as we move forward.”
“I am excited about joining the Rams organization and partnering with Billy and Coach (Steve) Spagnuolo in helping to build a franchise Rams fans can be proud of for years to come,” said Demoff. “The Rams have a storied past and I am grateful to Chip, Lucia (Rodriguez) and Stan (Kroenke) for allowing me to be a part of the team’s future.”
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January 29
Thursday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Joe Zydlo and Charlie Marlow on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
The guys discussed the new coaches who have been added to the Rams staff today and earlier this week. Thomas said there is a lot of experience on the offensive side of the ball now, and he thinks it is shaping up as a pretty good staff.
Thomas said there is interesting discussion on if the Rams should take an offensive tackle or go with Michael Crabtree with the #2 pick overall in the NFL Draft this spring. Thomas said it all depends on if the Rams can add a tackle through free agency.
The guys also discuss if Torry Holt and Orlando Pace will be back next season, and Thomas said he thinks the odds are 60/40 that Holt will be back and 50/50 that Pace will play for the Rams next year.
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January 29
Thursday Mizzou Insider Report
Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune joined Joe Zydlo and Charlie Marlow on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
They started out talking about the basketball game last evening. It seemed like everything Kansas State tried to do worked for them, and Missouri had a lot of difficulty getting things to go their way. Matter said it’s disappointing because they have been playing so well, but after Texas on the road, they have five very winnable games in a row and could be sitting pretty on tournament selection day.
Mizzou has a lot of young players who have shown flashes of their potential so they are still proving themselves and have been inconsistent.
Highly touted high school senior Sheldon Richardson of St. Louis is going to visit Miami this weekend before his final decision even though he has committed to Mizzou twice already. He can be an impact player on the defensive line but prefers to play tight end. Matter said that he isn’t sure how much Richardson could fit in their offense as a tight end, but Coach Pinkel typically lets players play whatever position they want when they first come to school.
Dave said that Richardson could come in and compete for a starting spot on the defensive line for Mizzou as a freshman, and it would be devastating for Mizzou to lose him because of his potential of being an NFL quality lineman.
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January 29
Thursday Cardinals Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Joe Strauss joined Joe Zydlo and Charlie Marlow on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
The team may be announcing the signing of a Korean 38 year old pitcher soon, but he will be sent to the minors and is mainly being signed for depth.
We can talk all we want about the Cardinals signing another pitcher, but the Cardinals have made up their mind that they aren’t going after anyone unless Chris Carpenter can’t pitch. However, Joe said that by the time they know on Carpenter in the middle of next month, most of the free agents will be off the market or on their way off the market.
Ben Sheets pitched well for most of the year last year, but the big question is if he is healthy and if he will stay healthy.
Strauss estimated that Braden Looper will likely get a deal similar to what Jon Garland got--$6 million per year.
Colby Rasmus only had 330 at bats last year at triple-A so the guys said it’s not a guarantee that he will make the club in spring training. Strauss said it would be very easy for the team to send Rasmus back to Memphis for 4-6 weeks, which would keep him out of the arbitration process another year when they get to that point later in his career.
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January 29
Springer Headed to Oakland
The Oakland Athletics agreed to terms with
reliever Russ Springer on a one-year contract Thursday.
Springer went 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 70 games last season for the Cardinals, striking out 45 and walking 18 in 50 1/3 innings.
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January 28
BLUES BUZZ SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues forward
Brad Boyes.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Andy and Brad discussed:
- The Trade Deadline in the NHL and what it is like to be traded on the day of the deadline
- The pressure of playing for the Maple Leafs and the media market of Toronto
- Why he has experienced success playing with the Blues
- What it is like to go through a scoring slump
- Developing chemistry with teammates and why certain players click offensively
- Dealing with the injuries that have hit the Blues this season
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment Andy and Brad discussed:
- Playing Canadian Junior hockey for the Erie Otters with Carlo Colaiacovo
- Getting his jersey retired with Erie during the All-Star Break last season
- The pressure of playing Junior Hockey during your draft year
- How close he still is with his billet family from Junior hockey
- His friendship with Jamal Mayers
- His All-Star Break in Florida
- His +/- figure and how he feels about the stat
- On if the Blues can still make the playoffs
- Does he feel underappreciated around the league?
- The lack of exposure in the NHL
Listen to Segment 2
During the third segment Andy and Brad talked about:
- Brad’s career as a roller hockey player and how beneficial it can be to your skill set
- Brad’s family and how supportive they have been in his career
Listen to Segment 3
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January 28
Spagnuolo Adds 2 More to Staff
St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced today that Andre Curtis is joining the Rams’ defensive coaching staff and that Bruce Warwick has been appointed Assistant to the Head Coach/Football Operations.
“We are pleased to announce two more additions to our staff,” said Spagnuolo. “Andre was with me in New York and, along with the other defensive coaches with the Giants, he was a vital part of our defensive staff. We feel very fortunate to have both on board.”
Curtis was defensive quality control coach for the Giants from 2006-08. He coached defensive ends at Georgia Southern in 2004-05 and played and coached at Virginia Military Institute, returning to the school after graduating in 2000.
Curtis was an all-Southern Conference linebacker at VMI and started 31 consecutive games and made 354 career tackles from 1996-99. He coached linebackers from 2000-03.
Warwick has 18 years’ experience in professional and collegiate football administration, including six years (2000-05) with the Green Bay Packers as Assistant to the General Manager/Director of Football Administration. During this period the Packers won three consecutive NFC Central titles and earned four playoff berths. He also held an executive position with the NFL Europe League in 2000.
After graduating from Columbia College in Syracuse, N.Y., Bruce began his career at Syracuse University in 1991. Warwick also worked at Maryland (1992-93), Clemson (1994-95), Duke (2006) and Tennessee (2007-08).
Warner was director of football operations for Syracuse from 1996-99. The Orangemen, behind quarterback Donavan McNabb, appeared in four consecutive bowl games and posted a 33-16 record.
Others appointed to Spagnuolo’s staff include: Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator; Ken Flajole, defensive coordinator; Dick Curl, Assistant Head Coach/Quarterbacks; Charlie Baggett, wide receivers; Paul Ferraro (defense), and Frank Leonard (offense).
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January 28
Update on St. Louisan Scherzer
St. Louisan Max Scherzer had experienced arm discomfort recently, but had a pain-free throwing session Monday according to the Diamondback’s website.
Arizona Manager Bob Melvin expects Scherzer, who is transitioning to be a starter, to be ready for spring training.
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January 27
Wingo Picks Arkansas Over Mizzou/Illini
St. Louis University High star running back Ronnie Wingo has committed to Arkansas over Missouri and Illinois.
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January 27
Loney Retained, Baggett Added
St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo continued to shape the Rams’ 2009 coaching staff today with the appointment of Charlie Baggett as wide receivers coach and the retention of Steve Loney as offensive line coach.
“Both fit the mold that we are looking for,” said Spagnuolo. “Each has experience in the NFL at their respective positions and brings the desired teaching skills and character background we are looking for.”
Baggett coached wide receivers at the University of Washington the last two seasons and was in the NFL for seven seasons before that, with wide receivers for the Minnesota Vikings from 2000-04 and serving as assistant head coach/wide receivers for the Miami Dolphins in 2005-06. He also coached receivers for the Houston Oilers in 1993-94 and Green Bay Packers in 1999.
Baggett coached two future Hall of Famers, Cris Carter and Randy Moss, for the Vikings. Chris Chambers became the first Miami Dolphins wide receiver in 11 years to go to the Pro Bowl after a career-high 82 catches in 2005. Antonio Freeman and Bill Schroeder combined for 148 receptions for Green Bay in 1999. Haywood Jeffries and Webster Slaughter made the Pro Bowl for the Oilers in 1994.
A three-year starter at quarterback for Michigan State from 1973-75, Baggett began his coaching career at Bowling Green in 1977 and spent 20 years on the collegiate level.
In 14 seasons during two tenures at Michigan State, Baggett coached such future NFL standouts as Andre Rison, Mark Ingram, Plaxico Burress, Lorenzo White, Muhsin Muhammad, Daryl Turner, Derrick Mason, and Courtney Hawkins.
Loney’s Rams offensive line helped Steven Jackson average 118.4 scrimmage yards per game, highest in the NFL in 2008. Playing only 12 games, Jackson rushed for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season.
The Rams’ offensive line allowed slightly more than two sacks a game, the lowest since 2000.
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January 27
Mozeliak Discusses Cardinals
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak joined Kevin Slaten on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Before he heads to Spring Training, John is going to have to go through the arbitration process with Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick, but there is still a chance to get a deal done with Ludwick.
As many as eight guys will be competing for the outfield spots in spring training, and John said some of the players may try switching positions.
Andy Pettitte really wanted to pitch for the Yankees, but if he had any interest in playing in St. Louis, Mozeliak said they would’ve been interested.
The Cardinals were interested in AJ Burnett, but John said what he ended up getting was beyond what they thought his value was, especially with how much the team has tied up in payroll for pitching already.
Mozeliak was asked if he thinks the Cardinals should count on Chris Carpenter being healthy, and he said any other year it would not be smart to take a chance, but with so many other players out there who will be available late in the spring “we will be able to deal with it if we need to.”
John believes that there will also be a trade market late in March when teams realize that the market isn’t going to support their payrolls.
Mozeliak said he doesn’t want to hand anything to anybody, but an “outfield of Ludwick, Colby Rasmus, and Ankiel seems to be pretty attractive to me. I don’t want to put added pressure on Rasmus, but at this point in his career he is ready for the next challenge.”
Given the year he had, and the success he had, David Freese will have the first crack at replacing Troy Glaus at third.
Mozeliak said that Ludwick was never part of a deal especially for someone with similar numbers like Matt Holiday because the team can still control Ludwick for three more years.
Albert Pujols is under contract for two more years and has a one year option. Mozeliak said that for the Cardinals to keep him, it’s going to come down to if Albert wants to be an iconic figure with one club for his career or if he wants to take advantage of being a free agent.
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January 26
Spagnuolo Announces 3 Assist. Coaches
St. Louis Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced today that Dick Curl, Paul Ferraro, and Frank Leonard have joined the Rams’ coaching staff.
Curl, most recently with the Kansas City Chiefs, will be Assistant Head Coach and Quarterbacks Coach.
Ferraro, most recently with the Minnesota Vikings, will join the Rams defensive staff.
Leonard, who served the last two seasons on the Kansas State Wildcats’ staff, will be on the offensive staff.
The three announced today joined recently appointed offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and defensive coordinator Ken Flajole (Flay-juhl).
“We are excited to make this announcement,” said Spagnuolo. “All three are exactly what we are looking for. All are of high character and all about team. We feel very fortunate to add to our staff great teachers with tremendous experience. They look forward to getting started.”
Curl, a 46-year high school, collegiate, and professional coaching veteran who was a quarterback at the University of Richmond, was the Chiefs’ assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach from 2006-08. He came to the NFL in 2000 and worked in the Chiefs’ scouting department and also was on the New York Jets’ staff from 2003-05 as tight ends coach (’03), Senior Assistant (’04), and assistant to the head coach/running backs (’05).
Curl was an NFL Europe coach for nine seasons, three seasons as head coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy. His team appeared in two championship games and won the NFL Europe title in 1999. Curl was the league’s coach of the year in 1998 and ’99.
Ferraro will enter his fifth NFL season and 28th overall. He came to the NFL with the Carolina Panthers in 2005 as special teams assistant-assistant strength and conditioning coach. He has been the special teams coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings since 2006.
Ferraro, who was a safety and all-New England player at Springfield College in Massachusetts in 1981, coached 23 years on the collegiate level. He was instrumental in the development of several outstanding defensive teams during 1991-98 tenure at Bowling Green.
Twelve of Ferraro’s Bowling Green defensive players earned all-Mid American Conference honors. The Falcons were undefeated in league play twice and won postseason bowl games over Fresno State and Nevada, respectively.
Leonard, who played safety at Central Connecticut State, is a 28-year coaching veteran. He was a special assignment scout with the New England Patriots from 2003-06 and coached tight ends at Kansas State in 2007-08.
Leonard, who began coaching in 1982 at Western Connecticut, mentored tight ends, offensive linemen, and running backs from 1994-2003 at the University of Richmond. The Spiders rushed for a school-record 3,669 yards, reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA 1AA playoffs and posted a 10-3 record and No. 6 national ranking in 2000.
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January 26
Ramsey is Big 12 Newcomer of Week
Tiger junior forward led Tigers to two wins, averaged 10.5 points, 4.5 boards
Mizzou forward Keith Ramsey has played outstanding basketball since the start of Big 12 play and the Murfreesboro, Tenn., native was rewarded for his production on Monday when the junior college transfer was named the Big 12’s Newcomer of the Week by the league office.
Ramsey becomes the first Tiger to earn a weekly award from the Big 12 Conference this season.
The 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward earned a pair of starts last week for his defensive abilities, but also performed well on the offensive end as Missouri recorded wins at Oklahoma State (97-95) and against Texas Tech (97-86). The junior averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in the two wins, while shooting 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from the field. He also had three assists and three steals.
Ramsey has now started four consecutive games for the Tigers (4-0) and posted his first two double-figure scoring efforts of the year during that stretch. He has also shot 50 percent or better from the field in each of the last 11 contests.
Missouri Basketball (17-3, 4-1 Big 12) returns to action on Wednesday at Kansas State. The Tigers are looking for their first win in Manhattan since the 2003-04 campaign. Missouri will then return home on Jan. 31 to face the Baylor Bears in the annual “Blackout Game.”
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January 23
Coffman Discusses Preparing for Draft
Mizzou tight end Chase Coffman joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Coffman said that Mizzou didn’t have the season they had hoped to, but it wasn’t a failure. He said it is great to see so many Mizzou players getting invites to the combine.
Chase said he is working on getting stronger and faster and on being fully healthy for the combine. He is also working on coming out of a three-point stance.
Coffman said hopefully whoever drafts him will use him as a receiver, which is his strength. He’s very confident of his blocking ability, but the fact that he hasn’t done it as much is hurting him.
Chase said he has always wanted to play in the NFL since he was a kid, and he was pretty sure he would have a shot once he got to Mizzou.
Coffman is training in Phoenix at Athlete’s Performance along with other prospects like Josh Freeman and William Moore. He said they are learning about everything from proper eating habits to building strength, explosion off the line, and speed.
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January 23
Friday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
The guys think the Rams’ focus after they get a handle on the rest of the coaching staff will be figuring out who will negotiate contracts because they only have till February 27 to negotiate with their own free agents.
The only time that Thomas talked to Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo while Jim was in Mobile, Alabama, was when coach was actually on a layover flying back because Spagnuolo was in his room almost the entire time working on his staff.
The guys talk about how the USC linebackers performed this week preparing for the Senior Bowl, and Thomas said he isn’t sure if Rey Maualuga isn’t an every down player.
Thomas said that there can be a good argument to take an offensive tackle, linebacker, or wide receiver (because of what kind of talent Michael Crabtree is) with the #2 pick overall. Some of the scouts that Thomas talked to in Mobile liked Jeremy Maclin as much or even more than Crabtree, and JT said that Maclin could move up as high as a top 10 pick if he does well at the combine.
The guys also discussed Scott Linehan’s hiring by Detroit as their new offensive coordinator, and Kansas City firing Herm Edwards. One reason that the Rams didn’t wait around on Rex Ryan was because they thought the Chiefs may have fired Edwards, and it would’ve been harder to get Spagnuolo to come to St. Louis.
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January 23
Law Discusses Cardinals
ESPN.com’s Keith Law joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Law said that the Cardinals should run David Freese out there and see what they have because hopefully Troy Glaus won’t be out that long.
Keith said that he thinks Brett Wallace could hit in the majors right now, but he is not good defensively right now and will probably never be great. His bat is so good though that his defense won’t hurt him if he has another year to work on his development at third base.
Even if Glaus has to miss half the year, the Cardinals have pieces they should try at third instead of trying to get someone like Joe Crede. Law suggested that if they are going to spend money, they should go after more pitching depth instead of mediocre third-basemen who are available.
The Cardinals are the second best club in the National League Central behind the Cubs because the Brewers aren’t going to improve their team much more than it is now.
Law has Colby Rasmus still ranked in his Top 10 prospects in the game, and he talked about Rasmus’ skills he has already and talked about his need to improve some things.
Chris Duncan shouldn’t get in the way of anyone especially Rasmus coming up, but Rasmus missed a lot of time last year so there are a couple good arguments to keep him at triple-A until May if he performs well down there.
Law ranked the Cardinals minor league system as the 6th best in his rankings and said that they have a few stars like Rasmus and Wallace, but they a lot of depth. The system will probably start turning out a bunch of average players, which you need on the team because they are cheap and they have trade value.
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January 23
Cardinals Invite 55 Players to Camp
The St. Louis Cardinals today announced its spring training roster as pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training in three weeks. The roster is comprised of 35 roster players
and 20 non-roster invitees. The Cardinals pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout on Saturday, Feb. 14 and their first full-squad workout will take place Tuesday, Feb. 17. This year marks the team’s 12th year of training at their Jupiter, Fla. complex adjacent to Roger Dean Stadium.
The 2009 spring camp will feature nine players from the Cardinals minor league system participating in their first big-league camp. That list includes 2008 top draft pick Brett Wallace, who becomes the first Cardinals position player (non-catcher) since J.D. Drew in 1999 to get a big-league camp invite in his first spring. Drew, who had made his Major League debut the prior September, entered big-league camp as a rookie in 1999. Right-handed pitcher Jess Todd, recently honored at the St. Louis Baseball Writers Dinner as the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year, is also a non-roster invite. Others from this group include pitchers Fernando Salas and Francisco Samuel, catchers Tony Cruz, Steve Hill and Luis De La Cruz, infielder Allen Craig and outfielder Jon Jay.
Young hurlers Tyler Herron, Clayton Mortensen, Adam Ottavino and P.J. Walters, as well as catchers Bryan Anderson and Matt Pagnozzi, outfielder Colby Rasmus and third baseman David Freese, have received Major League camp invites for the second straight year.
IF Joe Thurston, C Justin Knoedler and LHP Ian Ostlund will wear the “birds on the bat” at camp after signing this offseason as minor league free agents.
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January 23
Report: Linehan Hired by Lions
Former Rams head coach Scott Linehan was hired by the Detroit Lions to run their offense according to Chris Mortenson of ESPN.
Linehan had declined the same job with the 49ers Sunday.
He was an offensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings before coaching the Rams.
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January 22
NFL Draft Prospects Talk
Draft Guru Russ Lande joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
As of right now Russ has the Rams drafting OT Eugene Monroe out of the University of Virginia.
If the Rams do take Monroe it will be the second straight year they use the number two pick on a prospect out of UVA.
OT Andre Smith of Alabama has worried NFL scouts because of his weight issues. Monroe is a great pass blocker and that is exactly what the Rams need.
Lande notes that USC ILB Rey Maualuga and Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins may have jumped into the top 5.
William Moore was the only Mizzou player at the Senior Bowl, and Russ said that he hurt his stock. He proved that he is strictly a box safety and will struggle with coverage at the next level. He went from being considered as a first round draft pick last season to possibly a second or third round pick.
Helped Stock at Senior Bowl:
- Shawn Nelson TE Southern Mississippi
- Alex Mack C Cal, solidified himself as top center in draft.
- William Beadie OT UCONN, top 15 pick.
Hurt Stock at Senior Bowl:
- Pat White QB WVU, got hurt.
- Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma, showed no quickness.
- Herman Johnson OT LSU, got beat all week.
QBs at Senior Bowl:
- Graham Harrell, TTU, 6th or 7th round.
- John Parker Wilson, BAMA, 6th or 7th round.
- Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State, solid week improved stock.
- Josh Freeman, KSU, could be top 5 pick, scouts are drooling over his athleticism.
Both USC LBs Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing had a solid week and they both could go in the top 10.
Michael Crabtree has separated himself as the top WR in this draft class.
Chase Daniel had such a horrible week at the East/West game that he has a 50% chance of getting drafted. He showed bad footwork, made inaccurate throws and his arm looked weak.
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January 22
Freese Discusses Chance to Fill in at Third for Glaus
Cardinals minor league third base prospect David Freese joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Freese went to Venezuela this off-season to play ball, but had complications with his left wrist broken, which he has broken twice in the past playing basketball, and had some ligament damage. He was sent home for rest and wore a temporary cast for three weeks, but now he is ready to go.
With the news of Troy Glaus’ surgery, David has been getting phone calls all day from all of his buddies and it feels like he got traded again.
Freese said he is going to jump in head first at in spring training and see what happens.
He said he is definitely ready for a chance to play in the big leagues.
“This is what I live for,” Freese said. “Whatever Tony (LaRussa) asks me to do in spring training, I’m going to try to do it the best I can. To have a chance to make the opening day roster would be a dream come true.”
Freese also talked about needing to be confident or you’re not going to make it too far.
He was bummed about not getting called up last September, but he was really happy for all of his teammates who were called up all season long.
The guys discussed that the Cardinals should’ve brought Freese up last September to get his feet wet, and now he would be in a better position to fill in for Glaus.
Every year he has advanced at third base defensively and he keeps working hard. Jose Oquendo taught him more about being in the right position at third base last year in spring training.
Freese also talked about what he needs to work on to make the adjustment to compete at the major league level.
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January 22
Glaus Out After Shoulder Surgery
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that third baseman Troy Glaus underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday (Jan. 21) for the debridement of his right shoulder. The surgery was performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles, Calif. Glaus will begin physical therapy next week and his recovery is estimated at 12 weeks.
Glaus, 32, batted .270 with 27 home runs and 99 RBI last season – his first as a member of the Cardinals. Glaus finished in the top-10 among N.L. third basemen in RBI, doubles, HR’s and slugging percentage in 2008 and set a Cardinals team record for fielding pct. (.982) by a third baseman, a mark that led the league.
Glaus owns a career batting mark of .258 with 304 homers and 877 RBI in 10-plus seasons with Anaheim, Arizona, Toronto and St. Louis.
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January 21
Potential Draft Pick Interview
Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith, who will be a first round selection, joined The Bernie Miklasz Show on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon from down in Phoenix at the Athletes Performance Center.
Jason talked about how being a tightend his freshman year really helped him after he made his transition to offensive tackle. He said that he has a better idea of how to block downfield as well as a greater knowledge about where and when the blitzes will come.
Smith spoke about what he brings to the field and he touched on bringing a great effort and great attitude. He is just really excited to get into the NFL and to help protect a QB.
One question that Jason has been faced with according to NFL scouts is his bulk. Jason is working hard in the weight room to add bulk onto both his upper and lower frame. His goal is to gain weight but also lose body fat at the same time; he wants to be around 305 lbs when he goes to the combine.
His main goal while training in Phoenix besides adding bulk is to come into the combine and draft with a better mind-set, body and feel for the NFL game. Jason is currently eating about 5,500 calories a day and he thinks he is probably burning more than that.
Mizzou players Chase Coffman and William Moore and other top players from around the nation are training in the same facility as Smith, and he has signed on to be represented by CAA which will also represent Mizzou WR Jeremy Maclin.
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January 21
Ludwick Discusses his Offseason, Arbitration
Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
This is the first time Ludwick has been in the arbitration process, and he said he has gotten involved a little bit by looking at past cases, but Ryan is letting his agent handle everything.
Ludwick talked about how he has stepped up at each level during his career, and discussed the confidence he has gained at each level.
Ryan said he is excited about the approaching season and feels that he has a lot to prove because he doesn’t want people to think last season was a fluke. He said people questioning if he can repeat his output from last year motivates him.
This off-season Ludwick has been in the weight room training hard, taking batting practice from the right and left side, and working with a trainer.
He said things like the trade rumors are beyond his control so he has focused on becoming a better player this off-season because that is what he can control.
Ryan said he feels he fits in right with the other players who are competing in the outfield, and they are all focused on just winning a ring.
The guys also talked about what Ludwick is doing to work on his defense.
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January 21
Wednesday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
The guys talked about filling out the rest of the Rams coaching staff, and Jim pointed out thatww neither of the new coordinators are down in Mobile, Alabama, with Billy Devaney and Steve Spagnuolo.
Devaney has barely left his room since arriving in Mobile because he has been on his phone non-stop.
Thomas talked about what he knows about the new coordinators, and guys who are being interviewed for other positions. Cleveland Browns defensive line coach Randy Melvin has met with Spagnuolo in Mobile, and Jim said he would be surprised if Vikings special teams coach Paul Ferraro wasn’t hired by the Rams.
Maybe one or two assistants typically survive head coach changes, and the guys think wide receivers coach Henry Ellard has the best chance of being retained.
The guys also talked about the players Thomas is watching practice for the Senior Bowl in Mobile. There are a lot of good offensive tackles in this draft, and Jim said he wouldn’t be surprised if they take one with their first pick or if they take one a little later whether they trade down or not.
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January 21
Maclin Signs with Agency
Mizzou wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has decided to sign with Creative Arts Agency (CAA) to represent him, according to Scout.com.
Maclin is expected to be a top-10 pick in this year's draft after his announcement a couple weeks ago to forgoing his remaining two years of eligibility.
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January 21
Rams Hire Coordinators
The Rams have hired Carolina linebackers coach Ken Flajole as their new defensive coordinator. Philadelphia quarterbacks coach Pat Shurmur was hired Tuesday evening as Rams offensive coordinator.
The former Mizzou assistant coach from 1989-93, Flajole has spent the past six seasons in Carolina, and he coached in Seattle and Green Bay before that.
The Rams have asked for permission to interview Vikings special teams coach Paul Ferraro, who was a college teammate of head coach Steve Spagnuolo.
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January 21
Rams Talk with Potential Draft Picks
Top college football players from across the country are practicing this week in Mobile, Alabama, for Saturday’s Senior Bowl game, and representatives from NFL teams are meeting with potential draft picks throughout the week.
According to Stl.Scout.com, the Rams have met with the following players so far (in no particular order):
- OG Jonathan Luigs (Arkansas): Interest from Rams, Redskins
- DT B.J. Raji (Boston College): He had a long meeting with the Rams.
- QB Rhett Bomar (Sam Houston State): Met with the Rams and Eagles.
- CB Patrick Chung (Oregon): After already getting interest from the Browns and the Redskins, Chung also drew the interest of the Broncos, Rams and the Giants.
- OT Michael Oher (Mississippi): Dolphins, Colts, Rams
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January 20
Rams Linebacker Discusses New Coach
Rams linebacker Chris Draft joined Joe Zydlo and Andy Strickland on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
It is rumored that the Rams are considering hiring Carolina Panthers linebackers coach, Ken Flajole, as their new defensive coordinator. Flajole was Draft’s coach for two years in Carolina.
Draft said that Flajole is very knowledgeable of the defense and pays a lot of attention to detail which allows you to build trust and play your position the best you can.
On new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, Draft said he likes how he was a winner with the Giants and brings a winning attitude and toughness to the defense. Chris added that he likes how Spagnuolo trusts his players.
The guys also talked about what the Presidential Inauguration meant to Draft.
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January 20
Coach Murray Discusses Blues
St. Louis Blues Coach Andy Murray joined Joe Zydlo and Andy Strickland on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
The guys talked about the Blues overtime shootout win in Boston yesterday afternoon. Coach said the experience of coming back in that game like they did should help them down the road.
Coach Murray said David Backes has found a way to get going lately and has been one of the top players, but he wondered where he was the first 21 games of the season when he only had three goals.
The guys addressed goalie Manny Legace leaving yesterday’s game due to injury and how the team played in front of Chris Mason. Murray said that you can play very well on the power play and in other aspects of the game, but if you don’t have goaltending you’re just not going to get the job done.
TJ Oshie brings a certain attitude to the team that they need, and Coach said that they look for that type of attitude in other players they would like to add to the team.
The guys also discussed Brad Boyes playing better on the power play than at even strength, the impact of Roman Polak’s injury.
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January 20
Cards Agree to terms with Thompson
The St. Louis Cardinals today agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Brad Thompson on a one-year contract worth $650,000 according to Joe Strauss, thus avoiding salary arbitration.
Thompson, who turns age 27 at the end of this month, pitched in 26 games for the Cardinals last season (six starts) and posted a 6-3 record and 5.15 ERA (64.2 IP / 37 ER).
He is 19-11, 4.24 ERA in 153 career games (24 starts) as a Redbird. St. Louis has won 17 of his 24 (.708 win pct.) career games started.
Today’s signing leaves the Cardinals with two arbitration-eligible players whom have yet to sign: outfielders Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel.
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January 20
Rams Looking at Coordinators
According to Stl.Scout.com, Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Pat Shurmur is expected to be hired by the Rams as their offensive coordinator.
St. Louis is also expected to hire Carolina Panthers linebackers coach, Ken Flajole, as their new defensive coordinator.
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January 19
Spagnuolo Discusses Rams
Rams new head coach Steve Spagnuolo joined Bernie Miklasz on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Bernie started out talking to Spagnuolo about his background growing up in Massachusetts including playing hockey and how long he has been coaching at different levels. They also talked about coaching against the unbeaten New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Spagnuolo talked about game planning against the Rams before the second game this season, and he explained his football philosophy.
“We’ll have defined and distinct philosophies, but you have to be able to adjust along the way. This league is all about adjustments, whether it’s during the week getting ready for a team or in the second quarter of a game, so we’ll adjust along the way,” Steve said.
Spagnuolo said it is all about mutual respect and working together.
“If you are all striving for the same thing, you all believe that the team comes first, nobody cares who gets the credit, then you always have a chance to be successful. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it.”
Steve said he chose the Rams job because “it’s all about the people here” and it’s the right fit. Everyone knows their position in terms of Chip Rosenbloom as owner, Billy Devaney as GM, and Spagnuolo as coach.
Spagnuolo also explained his “four columns” for success which are faith in the philosophies of the team, character, core values, and team first. He said every decision is made with the team in mind.
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January 19
Rams GM Discusses Coach Hire
Rams GM Billy Devaney joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon live at Rams Park.
Earlier in the day Steve Spagnuolo was introduced as the Rams new head coach. Billy said that they thought it was a pipe dream early on, but it worked out well.
Billy has been friends with Spagnuolo for many years, but that isn’t why he was hired. Devaney said he thought very highly of Jim Haslett as well, but he wasn’t the one for the job.
Having interviewed candidates for Atlanta’s head coaching position last season helped in the Rams search because Billy had familiarity with a lot of the candidates.
When Jason Garrett was interviewed on Wednesday as a finalist, he asked to be able to see the facilities so that is why he was in town Friday evening. Garrett was already on his way in when they were ready to pull the trigger on Spagnuolo.
Devaney said he had 100% control throughout the search. John Shaw and Stan Kroenke had valuable input, but at the end of the day Chip Rosenbloom told him to make the decision.
Spagnuolo cares a lot about winning, but along the way he cares about his players and doing things the right way.
“We’ll have passionate players in here who will get after it,” Devaney said.
We have a blank slate at putting this thing together, and I want to put it together the right way. Billy said he doesn’t want to keep players just to win a game, but they need to build for the next couple years to be able to compete for a championship. He said they aren’t worried about how many games they will win next season, but they are focused on building a foundation. Billy added that there are some good players here now though and hopefully they will have a good draft.
Devaney said he thinks Spagnuolo will want to establish the mentality of NFC East football, which is running the football and putting pressure on the quarterback.
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January 19
Cardinals Agree to Terms with Wellemeyer, Duncan
The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to terms today with pitcher Todd Wellemeyer and outfielder Chris Duncan, avoiding salary arbitration with both players. Financial terms of the contracts were not released.
Wellemeyer and Duncan represent two of the team’s five arbitration eligible players. Outfielders Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel and pitcher Brad Thompson have yet to sign.
Wellemeyer, 30, enjoyed a break-out season in 2008, going 13-9 with a 3.71 ERA in his first season as a full-time starter. Wellemeyer earned National League Pitcher of the Month honors in May (4-0, 2.19 ERA) and he held opposing batters to a .245 batting mark for the season (15th in the N.L.).
Wellemeyer owns a career mark of 22-19 with a 4.42 ERA in 167 games (43 starts).
Duncan, 27, had an injury-shortened 2008 season that resulted in season-ending cervical disc replacement surgery on August 4. He batted .248 with 6 home runs and 27 RBI in 76 games. Duncan has compiled a .266 career batting mark with 50 HR’s and 143 RBI in 302 games. He and Albert Pujols are the only Cardinals to begin their careers with consecutive 20-homer seasons.
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January 19
Rams Introduce Spagnuolo
Listen to Press Conference
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January 18
Polak Sidelined Indefinitely
Steve Wagner Recalled From Peoria
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that defenseman Roman Polak will be sidelined indefinitely with a fractured right foot. He suffered the injury in the third period on Jan. 17 vs. Chicago. In addition, the club has recalled defenseman Steve Wagner from the Blues’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Wagner, 24, has skated in 16 games for the Blues this season, collecting two points (one goal, one assist) along with 18 penalty minutes. The 6-1, 191-pound defenseman has played in 40 National Hockey League games, all with St. Louis, collecting 10 points (three goals, seven assists). This season with Peoria, Wagner has played in 23 games, notching 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and 17 penalty minutes.
The Grand Rapids, Minnesota native was signed by the Blues as an undrafted free agent on March 20, 2007.
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January 17
Rams Hire Spagnuolo
The St. Louis Rams announced today that New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has agreed to a four-year contract to become the Rams’ head coach. Spagnuolo will be introduced at a news conference at 11 a.m. Monday, January 19, at the Russell Training Facility.
“We considered some very qualified and outstanding candidates for this position but we kept coming back to Steve Spagnuolo,” said Rams general manager Billy Devaney, who headed the search that began the day after the 2008 season.
“On behalf of Lucia (Rodriguez), Stan (Kroenke) and me, Billy did a spectacular job of presenting some fabulous candidates,” said Rams Owner Chip Rosenbloom. “We’re very excited that Steve will be our head coach and are looking forward to an exciting season.”
“Steve has been on some outstanding defensive staffs during his ten seasons in the NFL,” said Devaney. “He represented what we were looking for when this process began.”
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January 16
Garrett in STL for "Second Interview"
According to Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch, Jason Garrett did indeed fly to St. Louis Friday with his wife, but claimed he is in town for a second interview and that no job had been offered.
However, Garrett is the only finalist to visit St. Louis, and he has a lot in common with Rams GM Billy Devaney, including sharing the same agent.
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January 16
Carpenter Ready for Opening Day?
Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter is expected to be in the starting rotation on opening day as long as he doesn’t have any unforeseen setbacks, according to Joe Strauss on The Bernie Miklasz Show on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Strauss said that Carpenter’s shoulder strength is back where it needs to be, and he should be throwing from a mound in early February. His normal throwing program has only been pushed back a week, and with the season starting a week later, Carpenter should be ready to go opening day.
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January 16
Garrett Headed to St. Louis?
Adam Schefter of the NFL Network wrote on his blog Friday that "Jason Garrett is traveling to St. Louis Friday afternoon, according to a league source, and it could be a sign that the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator is the Rams’ pick as their new head coach."
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January 16
Cardinals Prospects Discussion with Baseball America Executive Editor
Baseball America Executive Editor Jim Callis joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Baseball America has been releasing its top prospects from each team, and Jim said it surprised him, but the Cardinals have one of the deepest farm systems in the game.
Even though the Cardinals’ system ranks high, the guys asked about how much trade value there really is if the team were to make a trade like the Brewers did last season for CC Sabathia. Callis said the Cards would have to include one of their top prospects Colby Rasmus or Brett Wallace in that type of deal.
“I like Chris Perez but he isn’t going to be a headliner in a deal,” Jim said.
Catcher Brian Anderson is supposed to be one of the best prospects in the organization, but Callis said he isn’t that impressed with him.
Baseball America ranked the top 30 prospects in each league, and the Cardinals had seven of the top 30 in the NL central with Colby Rasmus as 2nd overall and Brett Wallace number 3.
Chris Perez was ranked as the top pitching prospect in the NL Central but only the 11th best pitching prospect overall.
The guys discussed how every team likely values their own prospects more than any other club, and that the lists are of the best prospects of each club but the best prospects on a particular team may not compare with those of other teams.
Callis thinks that both Rasmus and Wallace could be all-stars in the majors.
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January 16
Linehan Offered Job in San Fran
According to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, former St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan has been offered the offensive coordinator position with the San Francisco 49ers.
It would be the second time Linehan has replaced Mike Martz after taking over the Rams head coaching job after the 2005 season when Martz was fired.
Rob Chudzinski, Rick Dennison and Clyde Christensen have also interviewed for the offensive-coordinator position.
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January 15
Haslett Out of Consideration
St. Louis Rams General Manager Billy Devaney announced this afternoon that Rams interim head coach Jim Haslett is no longer a candidate for the position.
“Jim took over an impossible situation,” said Devaney. “He kept the team focused and playing hard and, as an organization, we are much better off for his contribution.
“We decided that, after going through the interview process and in the spirit of that process, it was best to let Jim know that we are going to go in a new direction.”
Haslett replaced Scott Linehan as the Rams head coach after the season’s fourth game. The Rams were 2-10 under Haslett.
Devaney said no additional announcement is expected today.
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January 15
Trio of Billikens Taken in 2009 MLS SuperDraft
Saint Louis University had three men's soccer players selected in the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft Thursday in St. Louis.
Dado Hamzagic was the first Billiken drafted when the New England Revolution selected him with the 10th pick in the second round (25th overall). Brandon Barklage went in the third round (36th overall) to DC United, and Kyle Patterson was taken by the LA Galaxy in the fourth round (48th overall).
The trio will look to join a long list of former Billikens currently active in MLS, including Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), John DiRaimondo (Colorado Rapids), Brian Grazier (Colorado Rapids), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Brian McBride (Chicago Fire) and Tim Ward (Colorado Rapids).
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January 15
Cards Prospects Discussion
Cardinals VP of Player Development Jeff Luhnow joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
Baseball America released its top 10 prospects list for the St. Louis Cardinals today, and Luhnow discussed his thoughts on the rankings.
Jeff said that the organization realizes that the minor league system is strengthening. In the past when the Cardinals wanted to make a trade other teams always asked for one or two guys and they were always the same guys, but now the Cardinals have much more depth than there has been in a while.
He said that he doesn’t think they overvalue prospects and that they aren’t reluctant to trade them.
Luhnow said that the Cardinals front office has a pretty good understanding of who their players are and what they are capable of, but until they get there you don’t know what they will really do.
People talk about the payroll a lot, but the Cardinals keep spending money on other parts of the organization like the minor league system, and they hope that it starts to pay off.
The guys discussed giving up a first round pick for a proven free agent such as Juan Cruz, and they talked about specific players in the minors such as Brian Anderson and the 2004 draft class.
Luhnow discussed a few players who are under the radar who could have a big year this season including John Jay, who is a left-handed hitting outfielder with great defense, PJ Walters who has had a terrific winter in Puerto Rico and is very close to taking a rotation spot in the big leagues, and Fernando Salas who played well in Double-A last season.
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January 14
BLUES BUZZ SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues broadcaster
John Kelly.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Andy and John discussed:
- The status of Keith Tkachuk
- The recent Canadian road trip with the Blues
- Chris Mason’s play and the lack of goal scoring the team has provided him
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment Andy and John explains:
- On the upcoming home stand
- What type of trade market there will be at the deadline
- On what made John’s father, Dan Kelly, so successful as a broadcaster
- When he decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps
- The broadcaster’s wing of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto
- On if he feels pressure living up to his father’s success
- On what Andy would like to do in the future with the NHL
- On whom John likes listening to call a hockey game
- On how far off the Blues are from being a good hockey team
- On doing the play by play for a Stanley Cup winning team
Listen to Segment 2
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January 14
Wednesday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Jason Garrett’s interview should be over by now, but Thomas isn’t sure that he is a serious contender because of his lack of NFL coaching experience.
Steve Spagnuolo is flying into LA tonight for his interview tomorrow, and Thomas said by tomorrow night, they may have a good idea of what they want to do. However, if the interviews of Garrett and Spagnuolo follow the same format as Leslie Frazier’s, it might not be till Friday till the Rams brass narrow in on their guy because Frazier met in the evening and in the morning with the Rams.
Thomas thinks by Monday at the latest but maybe Friday they will know who they want to hire.
The Jets are likely waiting on Rex Ryan because there isn’t any word that they interviewed anyone this week, and Ryan wants to coach there so the Rams will probably miss out on him.
Frazier’s interview went really well, and he wants this job so Thomas said don’t count him out.
The guys also wonder how serious Spagnuolo is about taking the Rams job, talk about trying to get a coach hired before the Senior Bowl, and Thomas takes a couple calls.
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January 14
Larry Wilson Discusses Cardinals Football
NFL Hall of Famer Larry Wilson joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
Larry said that it is amazing the things you can go through during the year and be one win away from the Super Bowl.
Wilson said that he attributes the Cardinals success in Arizona to two main things. He said getting your own stadium and having a place to play that you feel is your place makes you want to play hard. The second is that the coaching staff has done a great job getting the team to play hard all the time.
Larry said that over the course of time, everyone was skeptical of Kurt Warner, but he could really throw the football. What he needed was for someone to step up and say that he is their quarterback, and he has really played well this year.
Wilson said that he is amazed at how people have reacted to this situation, and they are excited. The expectation in Arizona is that they will have one heck of a football game Sunday and people want to enjoy being one game away from the Super Bowl.
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January 12
Monday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Thomas said that there is finally some clarity in the Rams head coach search, and we know the five finalists for the job are Leslie Frazier, Jason Garrett, Rex Ryan, Steve Spagnoulo and Jim Haslett. Rams GM Billy Devaney knows each of the guys in the mix pretty well from his work in the Falcon’s coaching search last year.
The guys talked about the coaching trees that the candidates come from, and they talked about how the Jets search will effect who the Rams will hire. The Lions and Raiders search won’t really effect what the Rams do though.
Most Rams coaches recently have been offensive minded so Thomas said maybe we should pay more attention to Jason Garrett.
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January 9
Berglund Named To YoungStars Team
The National Hockey League announced today that Patrik Berglund has been named to play in the NHL’s YoungStars game which will be played on Saturday, Jan. 24th in Montreal. This season’s YoungStars game will feature a sophomore class against first year players in a non-stop, wide-open game of three-on-three.
Berglund, 20, is in his first NHL season with the Blues. He has played in 34 games this season and is tied for 2nd among NHL rookies in points (25) and tied for fourth in goals (12) and assists (13). Berglund currently leads the Blues and is tied for fourth among league rookies with a plus-12 rating.
The Vasteras, Sweden native was originally drafted by the Blues in the first round, 25th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Showcasing the best of the League's young talent, the 10-player sophomore and rookie teams will face off as part of the 2009 Honda/NHL SuperSkills (6 p.m., St. Louis time on VERSUS). This marks the sixth consecutive YoungStars Game at All-Star Weekend and the first under the sophomores vs. rookies format.
YoungStars players were selected by the NHL’s Hockey Operations Department and the NHL Players' Association in consultation with League General Managers.
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January 8
NFL Draft Talk Insider Talk
Russ Lande of the Sporting News War Room and gmjrNFLdraft.com joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon.
If Mizzou’s Jeremy Maclin declares eligible for the Draft tomorrow, Russ said he will probably go from possibly the 20s in the first round to one of the top 15 picks of the second round. He said you just aren’t going to go in the first round if you don’t run under 4.5 or have tremendous size.
Lande said you just don’t see the premier level speed with Maclin, and because of that other teams will look at other players in his same class. Russ said that he would be able to improve in the spring at the combine, and scouts need to see explosion on his cuts. He compared Maclin to Denver’s Eddie Royal.
If Maclin decides to stay at Mizzou for another year, Lande said you are risking a lot by going back to school because if you hurt your knee and never get your speed back, you may not get drafted in the first couple rounds next year and get as much guaranteed money.
Lande has the Rams slotted to pick Alabama’s OT Andre Smith, and Russ doesn’t think NFL teams will be worried about his eligibility trouble in his bowl game. He said that
The Rams should draft a QB every year on the second day and try to get lucky, and he said that the Rams have so many issues that they don’t need to draft a quarterback too high this year.
Middle linebackers are very hard to predict where they will be drafted because teams tend to let them slip in the draft, but Russ said there is no way he would draft one this year with the second overall pick.
The guys also discussed how the Rams can address other needs in the draft and which players will likely be drafted from tonight’s National Championship game.
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January 8
Thursday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Thursday afternoon to give the latest on the Rams head coaching search.
The guys discussed that the Rams should probably be further along in the coaching search since they knew they would need a new head coach since Scott Linehan was fired. They wondered if their lack of progress up to this point showed how much they believed in Jim Haslett.
Jim said that he does know for certain that at least one candidate is concerned about the ownership situation.
The guys also talked about what the Rams are doing with their free agents, and the Rams possibly bringing Mike Martz back as the offensive coordinator.
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January 8
Mizzou – Kansas Basketball Tickets On Sale Friday
Seats available only through mutigers.com, limit four tickets per customer
Mizzou Basketball fans looking to secure tickets to the M&I Bank Border Showdown with the University of Kansas on Feb. 9 can purchase their seats via mutigers.com starting on Friday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m.
Tickets to the Midwest’s hottest hardwood rivalry will only be available online and fans will be limited to four tickets per order due to availability. Tickets are $50 per seat.
The ESPN Big Monday contest is scheduled for 8 p.m. So far this season Missouri is off to a 13-2 start and opens Big 12 play this Saturday at Nebraska. The Tigers returned to the Top 25 for the first time in five seasons earlier this year and are on a four-game winning streak heading into Big 12 play.
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January 7
BLUES BUZZ SHOW
Andy Strickland’s Blues Buzz weekly show on Team 1380 in St. Louis with guest Blues forward David Perron.
Summary by Nick Hand
During the first segment Andy and David discuss:
- the first half of the season
- his point production and his lack of goals
- how close David feels the Blues are to being a winning hockey team
- on being surrounded with other young talent and living with Blues defenseman Jeff Woywitka
- on consistently having to work on being an NHL player
- on promoting the Blues and the sport of hockey in St. Louis
- on building his strength and his training and practicing routine
Listen to Segment 1
During the second segment Perron explains:
- his relationship with Coach Andy Murray
- his path to the NHL playing Junior B hockey and coming out of nowhere
- what it was like to be drafted in the first round of the NHL
- his first training camp with the Blues and making the team out of camp
- the influence David Backes has had on his NHL career
- how he can judge when he is on his game
- on whom he feels is the best player he has played against
- the speed and skill of Andy McDonald and Paul Kariya
- how he acquired his phenomenal hands by playing on an outdoor rink at his house
- going back to his hometown now being an NHL player
Listen to Segment 2
During the third segment Perron talks about:
- talking with other players about what he can do to improve his play
- how he would like to shoot the puck more during the offseason
- how important it is to get shots off quickly
- how important it is to stay positive
- what he enjoys to do in St. Louis when he is not playing
Listen to Segment 3
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January 7
Cards GM Discusses Off-Season
Cardinals GM John Mozeliak joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Wednesday afternoon.
John said they are watching how the market is shaping up and always positioning to be prepared for when the chips start to fall. He isn’t sure when more free agents will be signed, and he thought by now there would be more activity.
He also said he believes the trade market will be exposed this year because payrolls won’t be supported by revenue so John thinks that more teams will be willing to make trades in the spring.
Mozeliak said that the Cardinals are lucky because of the fan support in St. Louis, but it isn’t like they aren’t cutting payroll. He said that people are frustrated, but they are actively doing things behind the scenes
John said that they are going to be in a better position next year after even more payroll comes off the books, but this year was a little bit tighter than thought. However, he said, “If we need to go out and get pitching, we’ll do it. I don’t think we’ll see the same kind of impact with a position player like last year with Glaus.”
Mozeliak said that they knew there was a risk that Aaron Miles would sign with someone else, but they non-tendered him because they thought he would be over valued in the arbitration system. There are still some possibilities that the middle infield might not be the same on opening day than it is right now.
The guys talked about the bench for next season and the possibility of Joe Mather as a “super utility” guy.
John said he probably picked the wrong phrase when he said “low hanging fruit” because it keeps coming back to haunt him, and he regrets saying it, but he thinks people don’t understand what he meant.
In terms of the closer role, John said, understanding what is out there on the market, the team would like to go with Jason Motte and Chris Perez.
Mozeliak said that going into free agency the thought process was: “if there was a way to address the closer role we would, and we made a very true offer to Brian Fuentes. At the end of the day he chose to go somewhere else.”
In terms of arbitration, John thinks they will be able to get a deal done with some of the players before an arbitrator needs to become involved.
The guys also touched on the other teams in the NL Central and where the Cards fit in.
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January 7
Major League Soccer SuperDraft Comes to St. Louis January 15 at 1 p.m. CT
St. Louis Convention Center to Host Player Draft
Will this year’s number one pick achieve domestic and international success akin to that of former St. Louis University and U.S. World Cup team star Brian McBride, the first pick in the inaugural MLS Draft back in 1996? Will this year’s No. 2 pick explode for more than 20 goals in his first season like St. Louis native Taylor Twellman did after going second overall in 2002?
Learn the names of those aiming to become the next MLS stars on Thursday, Jan. 15, when 60 young players will be selected in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. The event will begin at 1 p.m. local time in St. Louis, Mo., in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The first hour of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft will be televised live on ESPN2.
Held at the St. Louis Convention Center – America’s Center, the 2009 MLS SuperDraft will consist of four rounds of 15 picks each. The first overall selection belongs to Seattle Sounders FC, which is set to kick off their inaugural season in MLS this year.
St. Louis is home to many of the nation’s best amateur soccer clubs, a rich tradition of collegiate excellence, a long professional history beginning with the St. Louis Stars, an original member of the NASL, and is one of six cities being considered for the next round of MLS expansion.
This will be the first time the SuperDraft has been held in St. Louis. From the inaugural draft in 1996 until the 2002 MLS SuperDraft, several south Florida cities served as the host for the annual event. Since 2003, the SuperDraft has moved to a new location each year in conjunction with the annual NSCAA convention. Previous host cities include Baltimore, Md., Charlotte, N.C., Kissimmee, Fla., and Kansas City, Mo.
All 15 MLS teams will select from more than 100 players. Only players on a list of draft-eligible players may be selected. The majority of draft prospects are graduating college seniors with no eligibility remaining at their NCAA schools.
Generation adidas players are also eligible for the SuperDraft. Generation adidas is a joint program between MLS and adidas that is dedicated to developing exceptional domestic talent in a professional environment. Each year, a handful of top underclassmen and youth national team soccer players are signed to League contracts and placed in the SuperDraft through this program. The 2009 Generation adidas class will be announced in the coming days.
Prior to the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, the adidas MLS Player Combine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., allows approximately 70 of the nation’s top prospects to complete a four-day evaluation by MLS coaches and scouts. All combine participants are automatically eligible for the SuperDraft. MLS teams may also submit more players for draft consideration.
The MLS SuperDraft is open to the public at no charge, and fans are invited to attend, however seating is limited, and fans are encouraged to arrive early.
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January 7
Tkachuk Named To All-Star Team
Forward Will Appear In His Fifth Career NHL All-Star Game
The National Hockey League announced today that forward Keith Tkachuk has been named to the Western Conference All-Star Team. This marks the fifth time (1997, 1998, 1999, 2004 and 2009) in Tkachuk’s career that he will play in the All-Star game and the second time representing the Blues.
Tkachuk, 36, registered his 1,000th point on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 at Atlanta, becoming the 72nd National Hockey League player to reach this milestone and just the seventh US-born player at the time. He also became the fourth NHL player to record 1,000 points and over 2,000 penalty minutes in a career. In addition, he is the fourth Blue in history to record his 1,000th NHL point while donning the Blue Note behind Bernie Federko, Al MacInnis and Pierre Turgeon.
Tkachuk has played in 1,094 NHL games, amassing 1,011 points (514 goals, 497 assists) along with 2,139 penalty minutes. He has twice been named to the NHL Second All-Star Team (1995 and 1998).
The Melrose, Massachusetts native has represented the United States in six different international competitions, including the 1992, 1998, 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in 2002. He also played in the 1996 and 2004 World Cup of Hockey, helping the United States win the championship in 1996.
Tkachuk was originally selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, 19th overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft.
The 57th NHL All-Star Game will take place in Montreal on Jan. 25.
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January 6
Dierdorf Discusses Rams, NFL
NFL Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf joined Bernie Miklasz, Joe Zydlo, and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Dierdorf said that the Rams need someone who has a personality that fans can rally behind in a new head coach. Fans want to be involved and be enthusiastic, but they aren’t excited by Jim Haslett’s demeanor.
Dan also talked briefly about how involved he will be in the Rams new head coach search.
He talked about the joy he had when he watched his former Cardinals team win last weekend’s playoff game, and the guys discussed this weekend’s match-ups.
The guys also went over the just released list of finalists for this year’s NFL Hall of Fame class that will be voted on.
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January 6
Tuesday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Tuesday afternoon.
Jim Haslett completed his interview for the Rams head coaching job Monday out in California. Thomas said that the timing is pretty odd, but no one knows what the Rams need to do like Haslett so maybe they are setting the bar for the other interviews by talking to Jim this early.
The guys agree that it is hard to believe that the Rams have only conducted two interviews in 9 days so it’s possible that they have talked to other candidates, possibly even college coaches, who no one else knows about.
Thomas has been in pretty steady contact with Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom through email, and Chip has been tight lipped about the coaching search so far, which is different from other searches conducted with the Rams in St. Louis.
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January 6
Kariya Undergoes Successful Hip Surgery
St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that Paul Kariya underwent successful left hip surgery. The surgery was performed by Dr. Marc Philippon.
Kariya’s last game was Nov. 5th in Anaheim and he will be sidelined indefinitely.
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January 5
Warner Discusses Playoff Win
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon to talk about the wild card game win and preparing for this coming weekend against the Panthers.
The environment within the game reminded Kurt of playoff games in St. Louis, but he said he tries to separate his memories and he tries to never compare the present to his days in St. Louis because he enjoys each experience and they are all special.
He said that the atmosphere in Arizona felt special, and it felt like the playoffs all week long.
“You have to prepare the same way whether it’s the playoffs or the first game of the year,” Kurt said.
Warner said the Cardinals haven’t played as well on the East Coast this season and that has to change this weekend when they play at Carolina.
Having a bye is a benefit, but Kurt said there is something to gaining momentum and sometimes there is a rust factor so hopefully they can jump out to a fast start Saturday night.
“It doesn’t matter how confident you are or what you did last week; all that matters is how you perform Saturday night,” Kurt said.
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January 5
Monday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Zydlo on Team 1380 Monday afternoon.
Thomas joined the guys live from Rams Park to discuss the latest in the Rams new head coach search.
The Rams have asked for and received permission to interview Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Dolphins secondary coach Todd Bowles, Cowboys WR coach Ray Sherman, and Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
Other leading candidates in no particular order include Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Titans offensive line coach Mike Munchak, Cardinals offensive coordinator Russ Grimm, former Giants coach Jim Fassel.
Jim Haslett is automatically a finalist, and Green Bay linebackers coach Winston Moss of the Packers has already been interviewed.
If the playoff teams lose this weekend, the Rams will likely look at a couple more coaches on Baltimore’s staff, but if they win again, it might be too long of a wait to interview them.
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January 5
Cards Sign Reliever Ring
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have agreed to terms with free-agent lefthanded relief pitcher Royce Ring on a one-year contract for the 2009 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 6-0, 220-pound Ring joins a Cardinals bullpen staff that includes left-handed relievers Charlie Manning and Trevor Miller, who were also acquired this off-season.
Ring, 28, spent most of 2008 with the Atlanta Braves where he went 2-1 in 42 games. He began the season on the Braves Opening Day roster in ’08, the first time in his career to open the season on a Major League roster. Through June he was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA and he allowed just one run, none earned, in the month of June, spanning 11 games and 6.1 IP.
The California native was originally drafted by San Diego in 1999 but signed with the Chicago White Sox in 2002. The Cardinals are his fifth professional organization as he made his Major League debut with the New York Mets in 2005 and pitched for San Diego in 2007.
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January 2
Friday Rams Insider Report
Post-Dispatch Rams beat writer Jim Thomas joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
The Rams have disputed the claim that money will limit their head coach search, but Thomas said that their actions have indicated otherwise.
The guys discuss that if money is no obstacle then they would be interviewing big name former coaches, but right now they are only going to interview the following seven candidates: Rex Ryan, Todd Bowles, Ray Sherman, Winston Moss, Lesley Frasier, Jim Schwarz, and Jim Haslett.
Moss should be interviewed Saturday, and the guys who aren’t coaching for teams in the playoffs will be brought in next week.
The guys also talked about how a professional franchise like the Rams could be in a financial situation where they couldn’t afford to pay a coach anywhere from $2 to $8 million a year.
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January 2
LaRussa Discusses Cardinals Off-season
Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa joined Bernie Miklasz and Joe Strauss on Team 1380 Friday afternoon.
Tony said he understands that it’s important to get input from the guys in uniform, but in the winter he goes home and doesn’t understand everything that goes on with the economics of signing players. He said that it is a very challenging time, but maybe the team isn’t done making moves this off-season.
The organization has earned credibility over time as doing things the right way, but Tony said that he understands how fans can be uneasy about the team not making any big additions yet.
LaRussa said that the Cardinals are a good team and at the end of the year the belief was that “we have a good core and with 2 or 3 good additions we could be in the hunt.”
On the closer situation, Tony said that our young guys showed a lot last year, but he thinks they need to be in the situation that they can learn and grow and continue to develop. “Fuentes was a real good fit for us, and we all regret it didn’t happen,” he said.
“The organization’s obligation is to take its best shot” at signing free agents.
Kyle McClellan could move into the starting rotation, but Tony said if the number one concern is closing out games it wouldn’t make sense to make him a starter unless they address the closing situation in another manner.
The infield situation is still a work in progress. You take what you have and see if you can acquire anyone to help.
“We took a big hit losing Aaron Miles. We never had a teammate any better than Aaron Miles. This guy was really, really good for us. He was really productive. He probably should’ve started more games than I started him.”
Tony said he is optimistic on Chris Carpenter coming back and starting for the Cardinals because he knows the character of a guy he is, and LaRussa would consider using him in other capacities than just starting.
“I just want Chris in uniform competing,” he said. “I would take Carpenter to get three outs in any inning of a game against any hitters.”
The guys addressed the outfield situation and talked about Colby Rasmus’ chances of playing in the major leagues this year.
“Colby has the kind of talent that when he’s ready he’s going to shove somebody aside, he’s that good. I love the kids talent, but he didn’t have a better spring training last year than the other guys so that is why he started the year in Triple-A.”
The guys also talked about Tony managing after this season, about the minor league system being recognized as one of the top in baseball, and about both Chris Duncan and Rick Ankiel’s potential in producing in the clean-up spot.
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January 2
Odds of Rams Draft Pick
These odds are courtesy of Bodog, www.BodogLife.com.
Who will the St Louis Rams draft with their first round pick in the 2009 NFL draft?
Sam Bradford 3/2
Andre Smith 2/1
Mathew Stafford 9/4
Michael Crabtree 9/2
Michael Oher 9/2
Aaron Curry 18/1
Malcolm Jenkins 20/1
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December 29
Rams 2009 Opponents Announced
The scheduling formula implemented in 2002 with realignment guarantees that all teams play each other on a regular, rotating basis.
Under the formula, every team within a division plays 16 games as follows:
- Home and away against its three division opponents (6 games).
- The four teams from another division within its conference on a rotating three-year cycle (4 games).
- The four teams from a division in the other conference on a rotating four-year cycle (4 games).
- Two intraconference games based on the prior year’s standings (2 games). These games match a first-place team against the first-place teams in the two same-conference divisions the team is not scheduled to play that season. The second-place, third-place, and fourth-place teams in a conference are matched in the same way each year.
Rams 2009 Opponents:
Home: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
Away: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
