May 7, 1995
News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER (5.7.95)
The early injury bug that has hit the Cardinals is certainly having a major
impact on their success. With Todd Zeile, Geronimo Pena, Rich Rodriguez,
Tim Hulett and Manny Lee on the DL, the Cards are missing the right side
of their infield, including their top three second basemen, their only proven
lefthanded reliever, and their best utilityman in Hulett. Don't discount
Pena's defensive skills either. From a pure ability standpoint, he's the
best the Cards have. And with Ozzie Smith showing decreased range and arm
strength, having a good second baseman becomes more and more important.
All things considered, the club should settle in nicely. Brian Jordan is
off to a fast start, and the starting pitching has yet to really be hammered.
Once the club is healthy, they should be all right. By the way, some pressbox
pundits have placed the over-under on Joe Torre's release date as the 4th
of July. Many are taking the under.
As most of you know, the Blues play game one of their first round Stanley
Cup Playoff series against Vancouver on Sunday, May 7. It was interesting
to observe the last road trip as Mike Keenan prepared his team for "game
49" (the first game of the playoffs), which he had been doing all year.
Suddenly, Curtis Joseph came back playing well, Brendan Shanahan displayed
his best overall game of the year, and many of the veterans got some much
needed rest. With Al MacInnis, Esa Tikkanen and Doug Lidster back, the Blues
can beat anyone. Unfortunately, if Kirk McLean and Pavel Bure get hot, so
can Vancouver. It should be a good series.
The Rams signed former Redskins Super Bowl MVP quarterback Mark Rypien to
back up starter Chris Miller. Rypien doesn't have the long arm he once did,
but he does own an amazing winning percentage as a NFL starter, and will
be a valuable addition. In another move at their first mini-camp as the
St. Louis Rams, they re-signed running back Cleveland Gary, who had been
cut by the previous coaching staff. The club looks like it has a solid player
at each position, but lacks great depth and special teams players. Coach
Rich Brooks is a special teams nut, so look for the Rams to do some more
work in the free agent market. The club will hold training camp in the St.
Louis area, and announce that sight this week.
Last week the Rams decided to take the offer of KSD Radio for their local
rights. The final bid was about $3.2 million for the first year, an amount
that will increase annually for the length of the seven year contract. The
final KMOX offer came in at about $2.7 million annually, so the difference
was about the price of a backup cornerback. One thing for certain about
the Rams...they're in it for the bucks. Not the Bucks, as Jack was offered
as play by play man. KMOX will still air extensive pre-and post-game shows,
have coaches and players during the week, and cover the team better than
any other outlet.
Finally, the St. Louis Stampede, the Arena Football League team owned bythe
same entity that owns the Blues, starts regular season play this week. We'll
keep you apprised of their progress with former Big Red RB Jim Otis in charge
as GM, and former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce running the show on the field.
Blues News (5.7.95)
After the Blues 3-2 loss to Detroit on Wednesday night, Mike Keenan seemed
resigned to the fact that the Blues' heavy late-season schedule was responsible
for his club's lethargic effort. As usual, he did complain about the officiating,
although referee Mike McGeough (pronounced McGoo!) called six penalties
on St. Louis and five on Detroit.
When asked to evaluate Vancouver's prospects vs. the Blues, Keenan said
"They've got a good hockey club, with great goaltending and a veteran
defense." A reporter from British Columbia was present, and politely
asked Keenan to be more specific about the Canucks. Keenan fended off the
question quite nicely, saying that he didn't wish to provide the Canucks
with "both the gun and the bullets."
When asked about the Blues health and readiness for the start of the playoffs,
Keenan said that "Everyone will be ready" but that "We also
need to practice". It therefore came as a surprise to some observers
that there were no mandatory workouts scheduled for Thursday, 5.4.95. Keenan
cited the heavy schedule as the reason for a day off.
There was an interesting exchange between two P-D hockey writers and Keenan
over the latter's secrecy regarding player injuries. In a nutshell, Keenan
said that "It is unfair to the team and to the athlete to disclose
injuries. In the NHL, we do not require that injuries be disclosed. It is
out of loyalty to the players. This is a competitive game, and there is
always the chance that opposing players will go after a given player's weakness."
The Blues 1995 regular season home attendance totaled 467,271. For 24 games,
that averages out to 19,470. I don't have the data in front of me but would
be willing to wager a "cold, frosty one" that the Blues rank in
the top five in NHL attendance, and perhaps as high as second behind those
arch-rival Blackhawks.
Finally, Blues VP Susie Mathieu, when asked about her impending resignation,
said that "The recent lockout gave me a chance to experience the Christmas
holidays with my family. I really enjoyed that. I enjoyed the chance to
see my son actually play a hockey game. And it's a sure sign when your teen
aged daughter tells you that she plans to change religion...and you didn't
see it coming...that it's time for a change in your lifestyle. There must
a 9-5 job out there that I can do."
But when it was pointed out that the Blues ought to be able to find such
a position for a human possessing her skills, experience, and knowledge,
Mathieu said "Look, I know I'm an obsessive-compulsive person. There
are just so many things to do in this job. For example, when someone from
Florida calls in the middle of the night and says 'Susie, Brendan Shanahan
is in jail'...I mean, c'mon! What am I supposed to do...nothing?!"
One thing seems certain. During the Detroit game (about five days after
her resignation was announced), Mathieu roamed around the Kiel Center with
a spring to her step and a large-sized grin on her face. She looked as though
the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders.
Now...how long will this workaholic dynamo of a woman be able to "chill
out"? And will the Blues be able to fill her shoes?
Quotes of the Week (5.7.95)
*"Most people don't have five fractures in a lifetime," said Gene
Gieselmann, commenting on Geronimo Pena's fifth fracture in six years.
*From the 5.8.95 issue of Sports Illustrated--"I'll tell you one thing,
my p.r. department better do their ------- job," Mike Keenan told SI
writer Gary Smith.
Headline of the Week (5.7.95)
From the 4.30.95 Post-Dispatch--"After 20 Years With Blues, Mathieu
To Work Being Mom"
ROB RAMAGE's View of the Blues-Canucks Series
(5.7.95)
When evaluating the Vancouver Canucks, two Vancouver players stand out--Pavel
Bure and Kirk McLean. If either plays to his 1994 playoff form (Bure: 16
goals and 15 assists in the 24 1994 playoff games; McLean: 2.29 GAA and
4 shutouts in 24 games), the Canucks will once again be a force to be reckoned
with.
But in addition to discussing these two marquee players, let's consider
the Canucks personnel in four areas: defensemen, forwards, goaltending,
and intangibles.
As far as the Canucks defensemen are concerned, a word that comes to mind
is "able". Jeff Brown and Jyrki Lumme provide the most offense,
although Brown may miss the first game or two with a slightly separated
shoulder. If the Blues forwards are able to prevent Brown and Lumme from
jumping into the attack, St. Louis' chances of defeating the Canucks improve
dramatically.
Of late, two rookies (Jassen Cullimore and Yevgeny Namestnikov) have seen
increased amounts of ice time on Vancouver's blue line. Persistent Blues
forechecking, a strength of most Mike Keenan teams, should create havoc
and cause turnovers, especially if the aforementioned youngsters see a lot
of ice time.
Vancouver's defenders are not the NHL's most punishing...of those that take
a regular shift (Brown, Lumme, Dave Babych, Bret Hedican, Dana Murzyn, and
Cullimore), Murzyn is the most physical (129 PIM). Murzyn's +14 is testament
to his strong overall play.
Up front, the Canucks have three speedy players--Bure and the Courtnall
brothers, Geoff and Russ. Despite his lackadaisical play this year, Bure
is ever dangerous and Blues defenseman must always be conscious of his location
on the ice. Both Courtnalls have the ability to get under a defenseman's
skin. In addition, Trevor Linden is the team's captain and serves as its
inspiration, while ex-Blue Cliff Ronning hopes to rebound from a sub-par
regular season with a strong playoff performance.
Sergio Momesso is a physical presence, and Tim Hunter is a heavyweight who
will finish. John McIntyre is an Ian Laperriere-type player (without Ian's
skills) who often irritates opponents. As always, Blues defenders must move
the puck quickly to avoid big hits and defeat the Canucks forechecking.
The goaltending match-up is a good one. McLean is much less acrobatic than
Curtis Joseph and is a more traditional stand-up goaltender who plays the
angles well. As far as Joseph is concerned, the Blues netminder seems to
be rejuvenated following his enforced absence for a few games due to injury.
Overall, the Blues-Canucks series has the potential to be a physical one.
Bure's listless play has to be a concern to Canucks coach Rick Ley. Bure
is a great talent and a real treat to watch when he is on. For the world's
hockey fans, it would be nice to see him put whatever seems to be troubling
him in the background and be the superstar that he is. The Blues need to
continue their disciplined, workmanlike ways. The kids (Laperriere, Chasse,
and Roberts) provide a spark, and veterans such as Guy Carbonneau, Al MacInnis,
Greg Gilbert, Glenn Anderson, and Esa Tikkanen have been there before and
provide steadying leadership. Blues holdovers such as Brett Hull, Brendan
Shanahan, and Curtis Joseph are hungry to excel in post-season play.
Finally, Mike Keenan has his club focused and believing they are good. The
players seem to have almost an elitist attitude about themselves...an attitude
fostered by Keenan's relentless pursuit of excellence in everything connected
with his players, whether it be carefully monitored aerobic training sessions,
pristeen locker room conditions, or the chartered jet that ferries his club
to road games. The Blues players, by and large, believe in Keenan...and
that bodes well for St. Louis as they enter this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.
My prediction--Blues in five.
The Displaced Cardinals Fan's Guide to Ballpark
Etiquette by BRIAN CRAWFORD (5.7.95)
Over the past several years, I've seen more Cardinals games at Wrigley Field
than in Busch Stadium. If I ever move from Chicago, I hope it's to another
National League city, so I can still see the Redbirds in person.
In the time I've lived here in Chicago, I've learned some simple, but important
lessons in the art of being the visitor in another team's ballpark. I've
lived here almost ten years, so by now I generally tend to blend right in
when I go to games at Wrigley Field or Comiskey Park. But Wrigley is a special
case when the Cardinals are in town. We do tend to stick out in a crowd,
my friends.
I submit this Displaced Cardinals Fans' Guide to Ballpark Etiquette for
the enjoyment and benefit of my fellow displaced Cardinals fans around the
country. I have boiled it down to eight basic rules.
Rule Number 1: Leave your red pants at home. Only Cardinals fans wear red
pants. If you would *like* to be the object of ridicule (and potential bodily
harm), by all means, slip into those sansabelt polyester double knits and
enjoy yourself. Note: this rule may not apply in Philadelphia or Cincinnati.
Rule Number 2: (Special rule for Wrigley Field) Don't try to talk to the
Guardian Angels on the El trains. Just because they're wearing red hats
doesn't mean they're Cardinals fans.
Rule Number 3: Ingratiate yourself to your neighbors by complimenting the
ballpark and the surrounding community. At Wrigley field, I say things like
"This is the way baseball was meant to be played. What a lovely ballpark."
I never says things like, "What is that dripping from the upper deck?
Does it always smell like urine in here? What a craphole. I drove around
for an hour looking for a parking space and ended up parking in some guy's
yard for $20."
Rule Number 4: Take off your Cardinals hat before paying some guy to park
in his yard. Better yet, carry a Cubs hat in the car with you so you're
sure to get the home price of $10.
Rule Number 5: Play dumb. If you display more than a passing knowledge of
the game, you'll stick out. My rule of thumb at Wrigley is three syllables
or fewer when conversing with the home fans.
Rule Number 6: Don't stare. Pretend those around you are normal. You will
see strange things like Cubs earrings on elderly women who otherwise carry
themselves with poise and dignity.
Rule Number 7: Assess your surroundings before cheering for the Cardinals.
If those around you are drinking heavily and screaming obscenities at the
home team, just think how they'll react when you holler something stupid
like, "Take him deep, Ozzie!" I've mastered the art of cheering
under my breath. Every time the Cardinals score, I sound like I have a bad
case of indigestion.
Rule Number 8: Don't call the beer man "Barney" and don't ask
for a Michelob. They don't have it. You'll be lucky to get a warm Bud Light.
Sit back and enjoy your Old Style.
Okay, that's about it. I have found that by acquiring just a few simple
skills such as these, you should be able to survive quite nicely in any
visiting ballpark.
Just a couple final pointers if you're going to Wrigley Field, however.
Don't make fun of Harry Caray. He's a god with these fans. And to avoid
a Harry Spit Shower, stay away from the lower deck seats just below the
press box during the seventh inning stretch.
"Lemme hear ya! A-one anna two..."
May 15, 1995
News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER (5.15.95)
It was a rather dismal week for St. Louis sports fans, as the Blues dropped
games two and three of their playoff series with Vancouver, and the Cardinals
displayed a striking resemblance to last year's fiasco.
First the Blues. Brendan Shanahan has had an up-and-down playoff series.
This has been Shanahan's Modus Operandi since joining the Blues. Even during
his best seasons, his playoff performances have been less than stellar.
If anyone should rise to the occasion during the playoffs, it is Shanahan,
whom I consider the John Wayne of hockey. Quite simply, when the Blues power
forward plays his game (as he did Saturday night in Game 4, scoring three
goals in the game's second period), the Blues win. If the Blues get knocked
out in the first round, Shanahan will find himself on the trading block
this summer. Curtis Joseph can't be absolved of blame. He has allowed too
many soft goals to be a playoff success. Cujo, if you recall, has not been
the same since former goalie coach Wayne Thomas left for San Jose after
the '93 season. Again, don't be surprised if the Blues make a pitch for
Edmonton's Bill Ranford this off-season, and move Joseph. Brett Hull has
been scoring...but what about his defense? Hull's playoff plus-minus rating
has been abysmal in three games, -3. He's been joined by Al MacInnis and
Steve Duchesne at -2, and defensive whiz Esa Tikkanen at -5. Was Keenan
right? Have the Blues veterans grown so used to low expectations, that they
can't adjust to giving what it takes to win? We'll find out this week.
I'm glad I used the word abysmal above. That describes the Cardinals' Friday
night performance in Los Angeles. Seven errors, three by Scott Cooper, contributed
to an 8-4 loss. This club is too much like last year's to compete for a
post-season spot, even with its strengthened pitching. Imagine the World
Series. Can you imagine Ray Lankford in center field for one of the teams?
I can't. Jose Oquendo at second? Ahhh, no. Ozzie Smith at short? No way.
Smith has lost the ability to move to his right, and is obviously bothered
by a bad shoulder. When Tripp Cromer enters a game, and one notices a striking
improvement at shortstop...something is wrong. So, we have the most important
part of a club, the middle, and I can't picture any of them in the World
Series. The Cardinals still need to make some personnel changes, and that
might include in the dugout. Lankford should be a much better player by
now, and with the lack of development of pitchers, Torre has to take some
blame. It was good to see Todd Zeile return tothe lineup with a pair of
home runs. He says his hand feels fine, and Zeile's stroke looks compact
and defined. Another bright spot for the Cards so far...closer Tom Henke.
Used correctly, as opposed to the way he was used in Texas last season,
he could save 35 games in this, his announced final season.
Look for the Rams to settle on the Mathews-Dickey boys club as their temporary
training facility. St. Louis University decided not to close Parks College,
which was one option, and the Pipefitter Complex in North County, at least
at this writing, appears to be a close second. If the Rams do wind up at
Mathews-Dickey, it'll be a dramatic boost for a struggling area, and a thrill
for many boys that frequent the club.
The St. Louis Stampede won their first ever game, 35-22 over the Memphis
Pharaohs Friday night at Kiel Center. Good luck to General Manager Jim Otis
and the Stampede this season.
Cardinals News (5.15.95)
*Danny Jackson is having some early-season difficulties (i.e. 31 hits in
21 innings). Recall that John Tudor had similar April/May problems in 1985
but recovered to have a season the likes of which Cardinal fans don't often
see. If the Redbirds are to contend in '95, Jackson has to have a season
in which he collects at least 15 wins.
*Allen Watson's ERA is 10.95; he has allowed 21 hits in 12.1 innings pitched.
Louisville appears to be in Watson's immediate future, although the Cards
have currently banished him to the bullpen
*Ozzie Smith's batting average (.224 after Friday night's Los Angeles game)
has leveled off again after rising a bit earlier in the season. The Wizard
has two doubles and one RBI as he attempts to fight Father Time for yet
another season
*Ray Lankford batting average (.258), while of some concern, is consistent
with his mediocre defense and mystifying base-running. The Cards center-fielder
at times seems poised to 'make it big'...at other times his play has mediocrity
written all over it
*Leading the team in hits (23) and RBIs (12) is U-City's Bernard Gilkey
*And in what is more accurately referred to as ex-Cardinal news, former
Cardinal lefty Joe Magrane has signed a minor league contract with the Chicago
Cubs. Magrane will report to the team's extended spring training camp in
Mesa, Arizona to work his way into pitching shape.
The 30-year-old Magrane pitched last season for the California Angels. He
was 2-6 with an ERA of 7.30. Magrane started his career with the Cardinals
with great promise in 1987, and won the NL ERA crown the following year.
His best year was in 1989, when he went 18-9 with a 2.91 ERA nine complete
games.
Magrane has battled injuries throughout his entire career, missing the entire
1991 season and appearing in only five games in 1992.
The Cardinals finally kissed Magrane goodbye in August of 1993 and he signed
five days later with the Angels, who were led by GM Whitey Herzog at the
time.
Blues News (5.15.95)
*The Peoria Rivermen announced that their 11-year affiliation as the Blues
top minor league farm team has been terminated. It is widely known that
many NHL execs (including Mike Keenan) are not enthralled with the IHL's
move away from teams that feature young up-and-coming players, to teams
that feature washed-up former NHL players on the downside of their professional
hockey career.
In addition, that the IHL has teams in several markets (Detroit, Chicago,
Los Angeles) already occupied by NHL teams probably plays a role in NHL
decisions to move their developmental squads elsewhere.
The Blues also announced that Worcester MA will serve as the home for their
American Hockey League affiliate in the upcoming 1995-96 season. The Worcester
shuttle...doesn't have the same ring as the Peoria shuttle, eh?
*Glenn Anderson leads the Blues with 91 career playoff goals. Esa Tikkanen
is second with 55, and Brett Hull has 54
*The draft order for the NHL's 1995 Entry Draft have been announced. The
Blues, who still owe the Washington Capitals a first round pick (to make
a total of five, the required compensation for the Scott Stevens signing),
would have drafted 23rd
*Through the first eight 1995 playoff games, 38.6% of the goals scored were
tallied during special teams situations, compared to the regular season's
29.7%. This does not bode well for the Blues, who were one of the NHL's
finest five-on-five squads this year, but lacked strength in all facets
of special teams play
*After the first game of the Vancouver series, Mike Keenan said that "There
were no passengers in this game, and the youngsters played very well. The
game was very competitive, and not for the faint of heart. And special teams
won the game for us."
As far as player comments after Game One, the word intense was used to describe
the game by several Blues games, including Brendan Shanahan, Ian Laperriere,
Steve Duchesne, and Adam Creighton. Captain Brett Hull said that "Expectations
add pressure, and that takes its toll on the young guys." Shanahan
noted that this year's Blues club spent the entire season focusing on "winning
in the playoffs".
*After the second game of the Vancouver series, Keenan said that "They
scored a big goal at the end of the first period, and McLean played well."
When asked to assess Blues goaltending, Keenan said that "It's tough
to come up with a win when the opposition scores 5 goals on 24 shots."
And when asked about the play of his skaters, Keenan noted that "Only
Ian played physical, maybe Chasse as well. Maybe the older guys need a wake-up
call...none of the guys from New York played well."
Veteran Blues winger Glenn Anderson, when asked about Game 2, said that
"The momentum shifted 12 times during the game; it was tough controlling
their momentum. Our task is to come out for the next game hungrier and more
determined."
When asked about Game 2's outcome, Al MacInnis said "We're going to
have nights like this."
*In Games 1 and 2, Brendan Shanahan had a total of nine shots on goal, while
Brett Hull had eleven, and Todd Elik had ten.
Rams Tidbits (5.15.95)
*The Rams projected receiver corps for the upcoming season includes Alexander
Wright, Isaac Bruce, and Jesse Hester. Others competing for spots on the
roster include Todd Kinchen, Jermain Ross, Turhon O'Bannon, and rookies
Lovell Pinkney and J.T. Thomas
*The Rams released back-up linebackers Brett Collins and Chris Martin
*The Rams have yet to reach a decision regarding their temporary practice
site. Media reports indicate that the Mathews-Dickey Boys' Club remains
the front-runner
*For summer training camp sites, the Rams are considering SEMO, Western
and Eastern Illinois University, as well as Washington and Maryville University
*The Rams' rookie salary cap is $3.4 million. Agents for Kevin Carter, Zach
Wiegert, Jesse James, and the club's seven other draft choices are jockeying
for position as you read this, hoping to make the best deal possible for
their respectiveclients.
Headline of the Week (5.15.95)
From the 5.9.95 issue of the Post-Dispatch--"Radio Waves: KSD Sinks
KMOX Monopoly".
In Dan Caesar's story running below the headline, KSD general manager Karen
Carroll justifies her station's decision to aggressively pursue the Rams,
while KMOX general manager Rod Zimmerman told Caesar "Make no mistake
about it, we wanted the Rams. But there is a limit."
The acquisition of the Rams means that KSD now has the rights to SLU men's
basketball as well as St. Louis Stampede indoor football. The sports boom
in St. Louis rages on...
May 22, 1995
News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER (5.22.95)
The Blues ouster from the playoffs came as a surprise to many, because of
their outstanding regular season...but they proved to us once again...there's
the regular NHL season, and then the real season...the playoffs. Coach and
General Manager Mike Keenan got an opportunity to see his troops under pressure...and
obviously didn't like what he saw. Goalie Curtis Joseph was mostly awful
during the seven game series. Top defenseman Al MacInnis, who claimed he
was healthy, struggled mightily, as did Steve Duchesne. Forward Brendan
Shanahan was invisible for the first three games before catching fire, but
he was injured in game five. Esa Tikkanen did nothing in six of the seven
games. Brett Hull scored six goals, but was an element of a power play unit
that allowed a playoff series record six shorthanded goals. Don't be surprised
to see a major overhaul by Keenan. Glenn Anderson, who played for Keenan
in New York, said after the loss that there are four or five players that
Keenan would like to get this off season. One of those might be Edmonton
goalie Bill Ranford. He, along with the Blues' Joseph...is a free agent.
Others certainly on the bubble include Duchesne, Adam Creighton, Tikkanen,
Rick Zombo, Doug Lidster, Bill Houlder, Joseph, and perhaps Shanahan. The
Blues will almost certainly pursue some unrestricted free agents to supplement
their depth.
The Cardinals are as wild and wooly as ever. After getting swept in San
Diego, where they've lost twelve in a row, the Cards were competitive in
their four game set in San Francisco. The defense, supposedly upgraded,
has continued to struggle. Saturday, the Cards allowed seven unearned runs
in a 10-7 loss to the Giants. Once again, Brian Jordan has been benched
because of a slump that numerous players go through. Joe Torre has a quick
trigger finger in these situations, as his handling of the second base situation
will attest. It wouldn't seem that Walt Jocketty can wait too much longer
before trying to upgrade this team thru trade and changes in the coaching
and managerial staff.
The Rams will train at Maryville University in Town & Country this summer.
The club and the school worked out an agreement over the weekend. St. Louis
fans will have an opportunity to see and meet their new team, starting July
16 until mid-August. One other Ram note...they signed TE Marv Cook, late
of the Patriots and Bears, to play H-back. If this club were heading into
1992, rather than 1995, there would be tremendous optimism. Cook was fabulous
in '91, as were quarterbacks Chris Miller and Mark Rypien (both pro-bowlers),
Alexander Wright was a hot prospect with the Cowboys, and Shane Conlan was
a pro-bowl player with Buffalo. If some of those can regain previous form,
the Rams can be a strong playoff contender in '95.
Cardinals News (5.22.95)
*Rumors persist that Joe Torre is on thin ice, and that the Cardinals must
play a better brand of baseball on the upcoming nine-game homestand if Torre
is to keep his job into the month of June
*Bernard Gilkey continues his strong hitting, leading the team in several
offensive categories, including total bases (52) and RBIs (18)
*Todd Zeile has four home runs in only 42 at bats. Let's see...if Todd bats
420 times this year...
*Scott Cooper has struck out 22 times in 89 at bats. Cooper also leads the
team in walks, collecting 18
*Tom Henke has eight saves and has yet to fail when presented with a "save
opportunity"
*Danny Jackson is 0-4 and has given up 37 hits on 26 innings pitched
*John Frascatore has pitched well in both of his starts, and will continue
to pitch in the rotation
*Tripp Cromer, while batting less that .200, has hit two home runs and made
several plays at shortstop and second base that make it unlikely that he
will be sent down soon
*Donovan Osborne missed his last turn in the starting rotation with what
was reported to be stiffness in his elbow
*Ozzie Smith, suffering from tendinitis in his shoulder as well as a hamstring
injury, has played in only 19 of 25 games
*Ray Lankford continues to lead the NL in doubles. His 13 is only one ahead
of the Cubs Brian McRae, who was an excellent pick-up for the (gasp!) first-place
Chicago club.
Blues News (5.22.95)
The Blues loss to Vancouver in the first round of the NHL playoffs was devastating
to two players who talked with a few straggling media long after Game 7
ended.
Curtis Joseph, whose downcast expression was far more revealing than his
quiet words, seemed to be in shock a full hour after the game had ended.
Joseph said that he was "in a state of disbelief" about the outcome
of the series and Game 7. "Obviously, I wish things had gone differently,"
he whispered to a small group of reporters. He then added that "It
hurts so much right now"...and when a questioner (from St. Louis' Channel
2) asked Joseph whether the issue of his unresolved contract status affected
his play, Joseph said "I'm not gonna answer contract-related questions."
When the thoughtless Channel 2 guy persisted by asking Joseph about his
status for the upcoming season, Joseph quietly but forcefully repeated his
previous statement about contract questions, and the interview was over.
Several minutes later, Brendan Shanahan entered the locker room on crutches.
His comments to the media were as brief as Joseph's, and just as somber.
When asked about his injury, Shanahan said "I had surgery yesterday...two
screws were inserted into my tibia. I broke my leg."
When asked about his overall play, Shanahan said "I felt good late
in the season...I think I showed Mike [Keenan] about my desire and that
the old me was back. I felt strong."
Shanahan was then asked about his injury. He said "I have about three
weeks on these crutches, and in six weeks I'll be better."
It appeared to this reporter that Shanahan's eyes began to tear up as he
was describing his season and his injury. The air was thick...and the Blues
skilled tough guy was showing once again why he is one of the Blues most
popular players.
It was only a feeling, but it seemed that if Gino Odjick had, at that moment,
appeared in the locker room, that Shanahan would have tried to knock Odjick's
block off. Odjick's bare-chested dancing after threatening a few Blues late
in Game 6...surely Shanahan felt that things would have been different had
he not been injured.
Quote of the Week (5.22.95)
"We practiced the power play two days all season," said Brett
Hull after Game Seven of the Vancouver series, a series in which the Blues
gave up a Stanley Cup record six shorthanded goals.
Headline of the Week (5.22.95)
From the 5.20.95 issue of the Post-Dispatch: "Cup Hopes Shattered".
Vancouver PLAYOFF GAME 7 (5.22.95)
The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Blues 5-3 in Game Seven of their playoff
series and thus advanced to play the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference
semifinals.
The game began with early Blues pressure, pressure that the Canucks were
able to repel.
Vancouver's first goal came at 8:35 of the opening period when Adrian Aucoin
scored his first career playoff goal on a slapshot from the center point.
The goal came while Craig Johnson (who replaced Glenn Anderson in the lineup)
was in the penalty box, serving two minutes for hooking.
Pavel Bure then scored yet another shorthanded goal when he broke in all
alone on Curtis Joseph, and beat the Blues goalie with a slick tap-in from
the forehand side. Joseph, like most of the world's goalies, was unable
to read the Russian Rocket's many moves.
But just over a minute later, Basil McRae cut the deficit in half when his
wraparound shot beat Kirk McLean. The goal was McRae's second of the playoffs.
But the Canucks reestablished their two goal lead, when, while on the power
play, Geoff Courtnall pounded on the rebound of a Jeff Brown shot and lifted
the puck over a fallen Joseph. The period ended with Vancouver ahead 3-1,
despite being outshot by St. Louis 14-9.
Both teams scored a single goal in the game's second period. Cliff Ronning's
third of the playoffs made the score 4-1 in favor of Vancouver, and came
as a result of a poor clearing attempt by Joseph. The Blues tally came when
Ian Laperriere's pass from behind the net found Denis Chasse all alone in
front of McLean. Chasse's first of the playoffs beat McLean, and the Blues
had over 32 minutes remaining to score two goals and tie the game. The Blues
seemed well on their way to doing just that as they outshot the Canucks
25-7 in the second period.
But the Canucks seemed to change their style in the third period, going
to a more defensive-oriented scheme that limited the Blues to only five
shots on goal. At 15:25, Brett Hull's shot from the slot beat McLean on
the glove side. The goal made the score 4-3, and gave the crowd and the
Blues some hope for the tying goal.
But the Blues mounted little offensive pressure for the balance of the game,
and Pavel Bure scored an empty net goal at 19:38 to seal the victory for
Vancouver.
For the game, the Blues outshot Vancouver 44-22. But the Canucks outscored
the Blues 5-3, and thus won the series four games to three.
May 29, 1995
News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER (5.29.95)
Joe Torre's managerial career with the Cardinals appears to be hanging by
a thread, if rumors around the press box are any indication. Certainly,
Thursday's win over Atlanta...which featured some running and solid fundamentals,
helped his cause. Torre has some other advantages in his corner...including
the shortened spring training because of the strike, injuries to key players
throughout the lineup, and new General Manager Walt Jocketty's patience
in assessing his new team. Another factor perhaps working in Torre's favor
is that the men we would assume would be at the top of Jocketty's list,
Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan of the A's, aren't available
now, but might be during the off-season. Bernard Gilkey's wrist injury continued
a long trend for the Cards. Geronimo Pena, Tim Hulett (since released),
Todd Zeile, Tom Pagnozzi, Tom Urbani, Donovan Osborne, Rich Rodriguez, Ozzie
Smith and Brian Jordan have all missed time because of injuries. All but
Pagnozzi and Jordan have spent time on the disabled list. The fact is, however,
that even if those players were healthy, its unlikely that the Cardinals
would be good enough to contend for the National League Central title this
year. There just aren't enough good, solid fundamental players around for
that.
The Blues really did a number on their fans with injury information during
the season and the playoffs. Esa Tikkanen played all season with an apparently
chronic shoulder injury, and had shoulder and knee surgery after the season.
Other surgeries included Al MacInnis' shoulder, Adam Creighton's hernia
and a MRI for the knee of center David Roberts. Granted, Mike Keenan didn't
want the opposition to know about the injuries, but two questions persist.
If those players were hurt enough to have surgery, is playing in their...and
the team's, best interests? And did the Blues provide their fans, who pay
the highest ticket prices in the league, the best product possible with
those players participating? Don't be surprised if Keenan makes a strong
pitch for disgruntled Ottawa center Alexei Yashin. The Senators have a ton
of money tied up in centers Yashin, Alexandre Daigle and Radek Bonk. They
could use some young legs and a goalie, and might be a good fit with the
Blues.
The Rams are loading up the trucks in Anaheim as you read this, and will
take off for St. Louis on June 19. There's still one mini-camp left in Southern
California, so the trucks aren't taking off just yet. Employees have been
instructed to be at the Mathews-Dickey boys club on July 5, to start unpacking.
Later that month, the Rams will start training camp at Maryville. All practice
sessions will be open to the public, and those times and dates will be listed
here.
The St. Louis Stampede finally played a real Arena League Football game,
winning 67-65 Friday night at Milwaukee. The expansion franchise is off
to a 3-and-0 start, and worth checking out.
Cardinals News (5.29.95)
*In a story written by the P-D's Rick Hummel, it was reported that Ozzie
Smith, who was placed on the fifteen day disabled list last week, will have
surgery on his right shoulder sometime in the next few days and that the
Cardinal shortstop would be out of action for four to six weeks
*Hummel also reported that Geronimo Pena and Manny Lee will be recalled
from Louisville and placed on the major league roster prior to the Cards
next road trip, which commences June 1
*After watching Danny Jackson lose his fifth game without a victory, a game
in which Jackson threw 5.1 innings and gave up five earned runs, Joe Torre
said "Danny Jackson will be there shortly. I liked him today."
*Ken Hill is eligible for salary arbitration this season. He has asked the
arbitrator for a $5 million salary for the 1995 season
*The Cards current starting rotation consists of John Frascatore, Mark Petkovsek,
Vicente Palacios, Danny Jackson, and Ken Hill
*Bernard Gilkey, through games of 5.27.95, is second in the NL in hits (with
41). Eric Karros leads the league with 42. Gilkey also leads the league
in multi-hit games with 14
*Through games of 5.27.95, Ray Lankford leads the NL in doubles with 14
*Through games of 5.27.95, the Cards are last in the major leagues in triples.
Brian Jordan hit the club's lone three-bagger
*Through games of 5.27.95, the Cards' 54 doubles ranks second in the NL,
behind Colorado's 59
*Through games of 5.27.95, the Cards are thirteenth (out of fourteen teams)
in the NL in fielding percentage. In other words, only the Dodgers have
committed more errors than the Cards
*Through games of 5.27.95, Cards pitchers struck out 148 batters, a total
that is fewer than twelve of the other thirteen NL clubs. Only San Francisco
pitchers (with 146 K's) have fewer strikeouts
*And from the minor league front (through games of 5.24.95):
--the Louisville Redbirds have a record of 28-14. Rigo Beltran and Mark
Petkovsek lead the Redbirds with four victories each
--Tracy Woodson leads the Redbirds with 33 RBIs (in 39 games)
--Mike Gulan, a third baseman with the Arkansas Travelers, leads that club
with 7 HR and 27 RBIs (in 31 games)
--Mike Badorek leads the Travelers with five victories (he has yet to lose),
while Mike Busby has 41 K's in 58 innings pitched
--Elieser Marrero leads St. Petersburg with 6 HR and 30 RBIs (in 43 games)
--Kris Detmers, in ten starts, has compiled a 4-2 won-loss record, while
striking out 56 and giving up 48 hits in 57 innings pitched
--Anton French leads the Peoria Chiefs in homers with 6 (in 132 at bats)
--Blake Stein, in nine starts, has a won-loss record of 5-1, and has struck
out 46 batters in 43.1 innings pitched
--Manual Aybar leads Savannah Cards pitchers in strikeouts with 57 (in 58
IP)
Blues News: 1995
Not a Total Disaster by JEFF GORDON (5.29.95)
OK, so the Blues didn't win the Stanley Cup. Or even a playoff round. All
that "Cup experience" chatter from Mike Keenan sounds like empty
rhetoric today. The veteran Blues could have done a great job narrating
a Stanley Cup documentary, but actually PLAYING in the postseason proved
problematic.
But all was not lost. The Blues enjoyed their best-ever season for player
development. Here were a few highlights:
IAN LAPERRIERE: In his first year out of junior hockey, he made the unlikely
jump through the International Hockey League to the NHL, where he was one
of the top half-dozen rookies in a very good freshman class. Peoria Rivermen
coach Paul MacLean was worried about Ian's skating earlier in the season,
but the youngster just kept coming. He has above average hands, decent playmaking
ability and a fearless physical game. Already he is one of the NHL's most
hated players.
DENIS CHASSE: Remember when everybody whined about the Steve Duchesne deal?
The Blues parted with gutty Bob Bassen, Ron Sutter and Garth Butcher to
get Duchesne from Quebec. Chasse was tossed into the deal and has proven
invaluable. He is a ruthless player with surprisingly good hands and instincts.
Chasse could flourish on a scoring line with, say, Brendan Shanahan and
Laperriere. He played junior hockey with Ian and also had to improve his
skating to reach the NHL. Technically a rookie, he arrived well-seasoned
from his AHL days and he made a remarkable recover from offseason neck surgery.
DAVID ROBERTS: It's too bad Keenan frets about him. Roberts has Craig Janney-like
vision of the ice, great playmaking skills and a nice scoring touch. His
late season scoring streak is no fluke. Four years at the University of
Michigan, a full season in the U.S. Olympic program and the bulk of a season
in the IHL groomed him. He muscled up at Peoria, adding 15 pounds of muscle,
and he seems willing to check. If he could get the minutes Adam Creighton
gets, his numbers would dazzle. But will Keenan prefer to trade him for
veteran help?
PATRICE TARDIF: The Blues were underwhelmed by his showing at the University
of Maine and offered him only a minor league tryout after college. He excelled,
got an NHL deal and was dominating in Peoria in between call-ups to the
Blues. He drives the net, skates well for a big guy and has good instincts.
With Greg Gilbert, Basil McRae and Glenn Anderson in their twilight years,
he could fit in.
CRAIG JOHNSON: After three years at the University of Minnesota and one
season with the U.S. Olympic team, Johnson was ready to have an impact this
season. But the Blues foolishly let him sit during the lockout and set the
kid back. He is a good skater who like to bang and check. He also has some
ability to score on the counterattack.
MIKE GRIER: He decided to stay at Boston University for another season after
starring as a sophomore. He was born to play for Keenan; at 6 feet and 240
pounds, he is a bulldozer who drives the net and scores in tight. After
one more year of collegiate hockey, he will be ready to rock by the 1996
playoffs
.
JAMIE RIVERS: The Blues' affiliation switch IHL to the AHL should benefit
this puck-rushing defenseman, who could become another Steve Duchesne with
the right coaching. He dominated the Ontario Hockey League in his final
season of junior hockey and could be an NHL factor some time next season.
If Keenan keeps all seven of these players, the Blues could build a talent
base that finally rivals the overpowering Detroit Red Wings -- a team that
really nurtured its young players over the years.
Rams Tidbits (5.29.95)
*The P-D's Bernie Miklasz reported that fourth-round draft choice Lovell
Pinkney recently had surgery to "stabilize a stress fracture in his
right foot". Published reports state that Pinkney will be out until
the middle of August
*The Rams are holding a voluntary minicamp that commences June 1 in Anaheim
*The P-D's Lorrraine Kee reported that the Rams have agreed to contract
terms with rookie free agents Andy Conner (a linebacker from Oregon) and
Franklin Stephens (a center from Georgia Southern)
*According to the P-D's Dan Caesar, KTVI Channel 2 will broadcast the Rich
Brooks show at 9:30 pm on Saturdays during the football season
*On Wednesday of this past week, FANS Inc. conducted a drawing for the 2,300
unclaimed Personal Seat Licenses
*KTVI has been selected as the St. Louis affiliate for 1995 Rams exhibition
football
Quote of the Week (5.29.95)
"When I look at the ivy-covered outfield walls at Wrigley Field, what
I see are empty [signless] walls that are not being utilized as revenue
sources, sources that would enable baseball to be more competitive,"
said Chicago native and Phoenix Suns President and part-owner Jerry Colangelo.
Headline of the Week (5.29.95)
From the 5.28.95 Post-Dispatch: "Shoulder Surgery Likely This Week
For O. Smith".
Mark Petkovsek, A Cardinal Debut by MARK
BAUSCH (5.29.95)
The Cardinals' most recent minor-league call-up occurred on May 23rd, when
the contract of Mark Petkovsek, a 28 year old righthanded pitcher, was purchased
from Louisville. Petkovsek, who was signed last November as a six year minor
league free agent, had started eight games for the Louisville squad, compiling
a record of four wins and one loss. His 2.32 ERA was tops among Louisville
starters, and, prior to being recalled, had allowed only 38 hits and 8 walks
in 54.1 innings pitched. So, when Cards starters Donovan Osborne and Tom
Urbani were put on the disabled list in mid-May of this year (and Alan Benes
also on the shelf with minor arm problems), Petkovsek was a logical man
to call up to the big club.
Petkovsek's May 26th Cardinal debut (wearing #46) was by an large a positive
one, as he threw six innings of seven hit-one run ball. He got the big outs
when he needed them, was helped by stellar defensive plays by Ray Lankford
and Tripp Cromer, and walked only one batter. He also seemed to possess
exceptional control of his pitches...a quality that hurlers without 90+
MPH fastballs need in order to survive in the big leagues (see Bob Tewksbury).
Cards manager Joe Torre removed Petkovsek from the game prior to me start
of the seventh inning, with the Cards ahead 3-1. Unfortunately for Petkovsek,
Torre, and the Cardinals, Rene Arocha, who replaced Petkovsek at the beginning
of the seventh inning, failed to protect the lead. Arocha allowed three
runs to score in the seventh inning; there was no further scoring by either
side and the Cards lost to the Reds 4-3. Nevertheless, Petkovsek (who received
a no-decision) pitched well and it seemed logical to speak with him after
his Cardinal debut, especially in light of the fact that Texas resident
Jim Petkovsek (Mark's brother) subscribes to St. Louis Sports Online.
After being introduced to Petkovsek by Cardinals PR Director Brian Bartow,
I spoke with the Cardinals newest hurler on the Busch Stadium Astroturf
the day after his Cardinal debut.
StLSO: Each week, we put together an on-line publication that focuses on
St. Louis sports. A fellow named Jim Petkovsek is one of our subscribers.
He mentioned in one of his e-mail messages that he is from Texas. I've read
that you are from Texas, too. Are you related to Jim?
Petkovsek: Yes, Jim is my brother, and he told me about some of the on-line
stuff.
StLSO: Where are you from in Texas, and where did you go to high school?
Petkovsek: I went to Monsignor Kelly High School in Beaumont
StLSO: Is that a Catholic school?
Petkovsek: Yes. I went to parochial schools for twelve straight years.
StLSO: Did you attend college, and if so, what was your major?
Petkovsek: I went to the University of Texas for three years. My major was
organizational communication. I went back in 1989 to try and finish my degree,
but it proved to be a tough task.
StLSO: What previous organizations were you with?
Petkovsek: I was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1987, and moved to the
Pittsburgh Pirates in 1993. I played in Tucson in 1994.
StLSO: You have played the first part of this season in Louisville, and
were very successful there. Can you talk a bit about your experience there...who
is Louisville's pitching coach?
Petkovsek: Dyar Miller is the coach there, and he made things simple for
me. Basically, his advice is 'Get it over the plate in a good location with
something on it...and let them hit it'.
StLSO: How is your health?
Petkovsek: It is good...I have the usual minor aches and pains that are
associated with pitching but nothing serious.
StLSO: Did you have one pitching coach who was more influential than the
rest?
Petkovsek: Gosh, that's a tough one...I've had so many pitching coaches.
But I would have to say that my brother Scott, who was my high school baseball
coach, was very influential.
StLSO: How do you feel about your performance last night?
Petkovsek: I'm pleased that we were in the ballgame. Of course, you always
want to find something positive in each performance...
StLSO: When were you called up [to the Cardinals]?
Petkovsek: On Tuesday May 23rd.
StLSO: Were you surprised [to be called up]?
Petkovsek: Yes, very much so.
StLSO: When you arrived in St. Louis, were you told that you would be starting?
Petkovsek: Yes I was, but I wasn't told which game.
StLSO: Before pitching vs. the Reds last night, did you look at any scouting
reports?
Petkovsek: Yes, I looked at one having to do with their batters' strengths
and weaknesses.
StLSO: And now that you've pitched a game, will you be looking at video
tape ofyour performance?
Petkovsek: I don't think so. Video tape was big in the Texas Ranger organization.
I'm not sure, but I don't think I'll be relying on it too much here. I go
more by feel.
StLSO: When you played baseball as a youngster, did you play other positions?
Petkovsek: Yeah, I caught and I played shortstop, too.
StLSO: Can you hit?
Petkovsek: Yeah, but you wouldn't know it from last night!
(EDITOR'S NOTE: Petkovsek was hitless in two at-bats and left Tripp Cromer
stranded at second base in the second inning when he grounded out to third.)
StLSO: What pitches do you throw?
Petkovsek: I'm a four pitch pitcher: four seam fastball, sinker ball, curve,
and change-up. When I was in high school, I was able to throw the fastball
by most hitters. But when I got to Texas, Coach Gus (Cliff Gustafson) taught
me the sinker ball. I can get hitters out now with my fastball, but that
usually occurs after I set it up with other pitches.
StLSO: Does umpiring seem to be the same in the major and minor leagues?
Petkovsek: (Pauses.) Yes. It does. I've never been critical of umpires.
StLSO: Overall, you pitched well in your first start. Are you looking forward
to another appearance in the rotation?
Petkovsek: Yes, it looks good for one more start. I'm just taking this one
day at a time.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The Cards Game Notes state that Petkovsek will be starting
vs. Colorado on Wednesday, May 31)
StLSO: One more question. Do you want to say anything to anyone back in
Texas?
Petkovsek: Sure. I'd like to say hi to Sara, Hanna, and Rebecca Petkovsek.
They're my brother Jim's daughters.
So, how did Petkovsek fare in each of the six innings of his first start?
Well, the Reds' first inning ended with a double play started by Tripp Cromer
after Deion Sanders opened the game with a single.
In the top of the second, Ron Gant doubled but was stranded at third after
a nice play by Cromer.
In the third inning, Petkovsek's opposite number with Cincinnati (Kevin
Jarvis) hit a ball over Bernard Gilkey's head in left field. Gilkey didn't
play the ball like Carl Yastrzemski (for our younger readers, Yaz was an
outstanding left fielder with the Boston Red Sox), and Jarvis was credited
with a double. But Petkovsek stranded Jarvis when he induced both Sanders
and Barry Larkin to ground out. Scott Cooper's play on Larkin's hard grounder
was a particularly nice play.
In the Reds' fourth inning, Hal Morris singled and was on first base when
Ron Gant hit a long drive to deep left-center field. Cards center-fielder
Ray Lankford went back on the ball and took a home run away from Gant when
he reached over the yellow line at the top of the fence and caught the ball
for the first out of the inning. Scott Cooper then speared a line drive
to record the inning's second out. After shortstop Cromer committed an error
(leaving runners on first and third), Bret Boone grounded to third for the
inning's third out.
In the top of the fifth, Petkovsek recorded the inning's first out with
a nice cover of first base. He then struck out Jarvis on a 3-2 pitch, and
Sanders made the inning's third out when his liner to left was caught by
Bernard Gilkey's shoe-string effort. At this point, Petkovsek had thrown
shut out ball (no runs on four hits) through five innings.
In the sixth, Larkin led off with a single on a 1-2 pitch. Lenny Harris
(batting for Hal Morris) grounded into a 6-3 double play. Gant walked, stole
second, and advanced to third on Reggie Sanders' infield hit. With two out,
Ed Taubensee singled home Gant when his grounder to short was stopped by
a diving Cromer, who prevented the ball from going into the outfield but
was unable to make a play. Cardinal catcher Tom Pagnozzi then threw out
Taubensee, who was trying to steal second base, ending the inning.
Rene Arocha replaced Petkovsek to start the seventh inning. Arocha had some
bad pitching luck (giving up four singles), and the Reds went on to score
three times to win the game 4-3, depriving Petkovsek of the victory.
Cards fans are hopeful that Mark Petkovsek pitches well enough to stay in
the rotation for awhile. Perhaps he's a late blooming control pitcher, much
like the aforementioned Tewksbury, who, as KMOX's Randy Karraker points
out, had several good seasons with the Cardinals after being discarded by
at least two other major league organizations.
St. Louis Sports Online will keep a close eye on Mark Petkovsek for the
balance of his tenure in St. Louis.
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