From St. Louis Sports Online #31

August 6, 1995

News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER (8.6.96)

When the Blues are introduced at the Kiel Center next season, the words "Your St. Louis Blues" will ring quite hollow. This team is unquestionably Mike Keenan's Blues, and any semblance to a St. Louis team that fans can invest any emotional stock in is long since gone. Upon his departure from the team, Brendan Shanahan talked about the family atmosphere engendered by Mike Shanahan and the community. Now, that family is mostly splintered. Mike Shanahan is out, as are Kelly Chase, Brendan Shanahan, Curtis Joseph, Craig Janney and front office staffers Susie Mathieu and Tracy Lovasz, among others. With what the average fan knows of these Blues, they might as well be based in an industrial park in St. Louis County. It's a cold, bland operation with a group of robots following Keenan. They very well could win, but any feeling of family or pride in the community has vanished. One more note about Keenan's turnover. Last week he talked about the "quality people" he was bringing into the fold, mentioning Grant Fuhr and Chris Pronger. Fuhr has spent a season out of hockey because of drug abuse, and at the age of twenty Pronger has been involved with two alcohol related arrests in his first two years in the NHL. If this is the quality Keenan desires, keep the women and children away from the Kiel Center.

Jerome Bettis of the Rams ended his three week holdout, leaving him a month to get ready for the regular season opener against Green Bay. That should be plenty of time to learn the offense and get in shape. It's likely that Bettis just wanted to miss the drudgery of two-a-days, and it was worth $56,000 for him to take the first three weeks off. His agent, Lamont Smith, just went about things in a bad way. If Smith and Bettis had just stuck to one story during the holdout, their public perception would have been much better. Nonetheless, the running back still has a chance to be a BIG star in his new hometown. In addition, Bettis recieved a promise from the Rams to talk about an extension after the '95 season. The club was particularly sloppy in their pre-season opener against Seattle, a 34-20 loss. A 4-12 team with a new coach isn't necessarily expected to shine in theiropener. Bettis will be in action Saturday in Oakland.

The Cardinals drew their biggest crowd of the season against the Cubs Saturday night. The problems the Redbirds have experienced this season were evident in the 1-0 loss, when they had to lead off the ninth with Danny Schaeffer, followed byJose Oquendo and John Mabry against Randy Myers. Mark Sweeney, acquired from the Angels and projected by Whitey Herzog as a 12-15 home run man, was called up and will play a lot the rest of the way. Expect David Bell, acquired from Cleveland in the Ken Hill trade, to be called up and play second this week. With Scott Cooper's struggles at third, don't be surprised to see Bell get a shot at third base in 1996.

The St. Louis Stampede will play the first professional football playoff game in St. Louis next Saturday. Tickets are available at (314) 291-7600. GM Jim Otis and Coach Earle Bruce have done a sensational job with the expansion Arena Football League team...and their future looks bright in St. Louis


Cardinals News (8.6.96)

*Prior to Tuesday's game vs. the Astros:
--the Cardinals are 1-28 when they score less than three runs
--Danny Jackson's career NL pitching record is 72-70
--Seven different Cardinals have started at second base, including Jose Oquendo (37 games started), Geronimo Pena (25), Ramon Caraballo (14), Tripp Cromer (6), Scott Hemond (3), Tim Hulett (2), and Manny Lee (1)

*Some Cardinal batting statistics for the month of July:
--Allen Battle: .276 BA; 0 RBI in 58 AB
--Ramon Caraballo: .257 BA; 2 doubles and 1 HR in 35 AB
--Scott Cooper: .164 BA; 13 RBI in 61 AB
--Tripp Cromer: .177 BA; 14 hits, 17 total bases, 0 HR and 4 RBI in 79 AB
--Brian Jordan: .309 BA; 30 hits, 45 total bases, 4 HR and 12 RBI in 97 AB
--Ray Lankford: .275 BA; 25 hits, 47 total bases, 6 HR and 25 RBI in 91 AB
--John Mabry: .258 BA; 23 hits, 28 total bases, 1 HR and 10 RBI in 89 AB
--Tom Pagnozzi: .256 BA; 10 hits, 19 total bases, 2 HR and 5 RBI in 39 AB
--Geronimo Pena: .242 BA; 16 hits, 23 total bases, 0 HR and 3 RBI in 66 AB
--Danny Sheaffer: 178 BA; 8 hits, 10 total bases, 0 HR and 5 RBI in 45 AB

*Rich DeLucia, who was featured in ISSUE #28 of StLSO, had a stellar month of July in which he only allowed 8 hits, 3 earned runs, and 9 walks in 20 innings pitched. DeLucia's July ERA was 1.35. For the year, opposing batters are hitting a meager .199

*Danny Jackson also had a strong July. Although his won-loss record during July was a modest 2-2, Jackson had an ERA of 2.77 in 39 innings pitched

*Geronimo Pena underwent knee surgery 9.4.95 and was placed on the disabled list for the third time of the 1995 season. To replace Pena, the Cardinals purchased the contract of Mark Sweeney from Louisville. Sweeney was the player obtained from the Angels in the John Habyan deal.

*Tom Henke has 298 career saves. Major leaguers with 300 saves include Lee Smith, Jeff Reardon, Rollie Fingers, Rich Gossage, Bruce Sutter, and Dennis Eckersley.


Blues News (8.6.96)

Mike Keenan continued his restructuring of the Blues roster this week, signing Edmonton's Shayne Corson to a lucrative offer sheet that the Oilers refused to match...and then trading restricted free agent Curtis Joseph and Boston University center Mike Grier to Edmonton in exchange for the two number one draft choices that St. Louis was required to send to Edmonton for Corson.

Then Keenan and the Blues traded Steve Duchesne, one of last season's leading players as far as regular season plus-minus statistics were concerned, to Ottawa. In return, Ottawa sent their second-round draft choice in the '96 NHL draft to St. Louis.

The Blues defensive corps thus looks as follows: Al MacInnis, Jeff Norton, Chris Pronger, Murray Baron, Rick Zombo, Jay Wells, and Donald Dufresne. Heralded rookie Jamie Rivers may also be in the mix.


Rams News (8.6.96)

There are no single-game tickets available for the first three home games, since those games are scheduled to be played at Busch Stadium.

But the Rams have announced that single-game tickets for Rams games at the new domed stadium will be sold Sunday, August 27, by phone only.

There will be 4,000 tickets available for each game played at the domed stadium. All 4,000 tickets are $25.00 each. A $2.00 per ticket service charge and a $1.50 per order handling charge will be added to the each order.

The limit on the number of tickets purchased is four tickets per person per game, with a maximum of three games per order.


A Cardinal's St. Louis Blues by MARK BAUSCH (8.6.96)

Cardinal third baseman Scott Cooper is not Mike Keenan's latest acquisition.

On the first day of August, he greeted an approaching reporter with a nervous smile and made the following remarks: "Why do you want to talk with me? Is everyone else gone?"

Cooper was returning to his locker stall after watching some videotape from that night's game vs. the Houston Astros. A few minutes earlier, on his way to the Cards video cubbyhole, Cooper was counseled by hitting coach Chris Chambliss. Cooper seemed to listen intently to Chambliss' quietly-worded advice. As Chambliss spoke to the Cards third baseman, he placed his rather large right arm around Cooper's shoulders.

One thing seemed clear: Scott Cooper is trying as hard as he can to make things right in what remains of the 1995 season. As incredible as it seems, Cooper's dream of returning to play for the hometown Cardinals has gradually turned into a nightmare.

Here are some of the facts: Cooper's batting average during July was a meager .164. His fielding during July was also not up to his usual standards, as he committed six errors. Other than a brief RBI spurt against the Cubs, Cooper's July was a month that he would probably like to forget.

But August is a new month. And a new month could provide a fresh start for Cooper. As Cards broadcaster Mike Shannon is fond of saying, baseball is a game of adjustments (watching Terry Pendleton in the batter's box reaffirms that notion!). Could Scott Cooper make the proper adjustments in the month of August and return to his All-Star form?

Cooper's month began in the August 1 game vs. the Astros, a game in which he had two strong at-bats vs. lefthanded starting pitcher Mike Hampton.

In the second inning, Cooper hit a one-hop rocket in the hole between first and second base. Unfortunately for Cooper, the ball was fielded by 'Stros first-sacker Dave Magadan, who dove to his right to make the play. Magadan's throw to alate-breaking Hampton was just in time to beat Cooper to the bag.

Then, in the seventh inning, Cooper lined a sharp single to center field, making for two hard-hit balls in one night's work.

August. A new month. A new Cooper? I answered his self-deprecating question ("Why do you want to talk to me...") with the series of questions that follows:

StLSO: You hit the ball hard twice tonight. How's everything going for you?
Cooper: I tell you, it's a real battle. I'm really batting things out there.

StLSO: It appeared that you were doing some video work. When you watch yourself on videotape, what exactly are you looking for?
Cooper: Well, I've been battling my body. I have to work on trusting my hands. And I've also been trying too hard to wait for the perfect pitch

StLSO: In your years in Boston, you often started fast and closed fast, with a slow spot in the middle of the season...
Cooper: That's right. But I've never had a year where I've not hit for a one-and-a-half to two month stretch. I need to get hot for a week at a time and then build on that.

StLSO: It's now August. You are probably weary of questions related to the fact that you're playing in your hometown...
Cooper: I'm used to the idea that I'm playing in front of a lot of people that I know. It's time to play ball.

StLSO: You know...an old-timer's advice might be along the lines of "Go out and really tie one on."
Cooper: [Laughing heartily...] Hey, I've tried everything!

StLSO: Thank you, Scott Cooper
Cooper: Thank you.

Examination of the Cardinal Media Guide indicates that Scott Cooper's career batting averages, broken down on a month-by-month basis, are as follows: April (.331); May (.285); June (.257); July (.251); August (.252); and Sept/Oct (.327). As for Cooper's perforomance in early August...

On August 2, Cooper doubled in four at-bats, and drove in both Cardinal runs.

Cooper's effort on August 3 featured a marvelous play in the first inning in which he dove to his left to field a ground ball. But at the plate, he went 0-for-3 but did walk once.

On August 4, Cooper failed to reach base in four at-bats.

August 5 was not Cooper's best day at the plate as he failed to get the ball out of the infield in four at-bats. Suffering from tonsillitis, Darnell Coles started in Cooper's place at third base on Sunday, August 6.

August has not yet been kind to Scott Cooper.


Brian Jordan Breaks Out (8.6.96)

Cardinal right fielder Brian Jordan recently traveled to Maryville University for a lunchtime engagement with St. Louis Rams head coach Rich Brooks and Vice-President Steve Ortmayer. In his first two at-bats later that same day vs. the Mets, Jordan clubbed two 400+ ft. home runs. Then, in the eleventh inning, Jordan singled in the game-winning run when he fought off a pitch and sent the baseball into right field.

It was a good game for the Cardinal right-fielder...and he knew it.

After the game, Jordan made the following remarks:
*"I'm having a good year now, I'm thankful to Mark Lamping and Walt Jocketty for the chance to play every day, and I'm kind of bitter that I didn't get this opportunity two years ago."
*"The two home runs came on a hanging curve ball and on a slider."
*"The game winner came on a fastball in on my hands."
*"This year, I'm looking for a season in which I end up with 20 HRs and 90 RBIs."
*"As far as the Rams and the NFL is concerned, I'm keeping all my options open..."

After a Cardinal defeat, Jordan often sits in front of his locker and quietly stares at shoes piled in locker. This can go on for several minutes, and makes it seem as though Jordan takes losing quite personally.

"I hate losing," Jordan said when asked about his quiet time after a loss. "I put pressure on myself to win. I grew up with it...that's the way I was raised."


Fantasy Camping by JIM HUNSTEIN (8.6.96)

No matter how you feel about the current problems facing baseball or how jaded you've become about the strikes or salaries, or cellars, it can all fade away when you walk into the clubhouse in Busch Stadium and see your name on the back of a big league uniform hanging in your locker. It's yours because it has your name on it, too. For the next three days, I get to play baseball on the turf of Busch.

It's time to play some ball.

The Randy Hundley Fantasy Baseball Camp was in town this past weekend to give 30 grown kids the chance to play with and against other devotees of the game. ("Fans" seems a bit tame to describe these enthusiasts.) Hundley has been running these camps for 14 years for more than 5,000 campers.

As with any major league roster, the players come from all over, including New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Tulsa, Phoenix, and even Ottawa. Hundley told us in our first meeting that the lack of fan support hurting baseball is taking its toll on all aspects of the game and registration was down for this camp. So due to this and all the out-of-towners, he decided to add a new wrinkle to this camp. Seven of the uniforms hanging in the clubhouse featured the blue pinstripes of the Cubs while the rest had the familair birds-on-the-bats logo of the Cardinals.

The campers were divided into three squads of 10. The coaches of each group were for major league players. Team One was coached by former Redbirds Phil Gagliano, Al Hrabosky, and Jose Cardenal, who is now the first base coach for the Cards. Team Two was also coached by former Cards, Mike Tyson and Ted Savage. Team Three, made up of the Cub campers and three of the Cardinal campers, was coached by former Cubbies Gene Oliver and a fellow named Ferguson Jenkins.

The first morning was taken up with rules and the kind of locker room talk that you might expect from former and wannabe pro ball players; lots of mildly crude stories peppered with some salty language. One important topic was the levying of fines by the coaches and their kangaroo court. We could be nailed for five or ten dollars (or more if they felt like it) for infractions such as gettng in the batting cage without a helmet, batting out of order, arriving late, dressing improperly, and other mental errors.

After the morning briefing and pep talk, we headed out for warm-ups. I've been in Busch many times and sat in many different seats. The closest I ever got to thefield was two rows behind home plate. But nothing prepared me for the sense of awe to walk out of through the Cardinals' dugout and step on the field itself. I felt like a gypsy in the palace.

Of course, the wave of emotion might have been due to the incredible heat and humidity. It felt like some one threw a bucket of warm water on us. But no one seemed to mind; such is the life of a ball player.

After some stretching, we paired up and played some catch. After years of softball, the regulation hardball (most of the balls we used were actual game balls at one point in their lives) seemed like a ping pong ball.

The ball seemed even smaller when I stepped into the cage (in order, with helmet, no fine) for some batting practice, or BP as we say in the bigs. We used metal bats, which are about twice as big around as softball bats, which still didn't make up for the smaller ball. Yet I managed to connect well off the pitching machine and hit some crisp liners to the outfield.

After a much-needed water break, we played four innings of an inter-squad game. The three teams switched off hitting, fielding, and sitting/cheering. On inning comprised all three teams batting once. This format provided the best chance to visit with the other campers.

As it turned out, this camp was sort of a family affair. We had two pairs of brothers, one father and son pair (the father had brought another son to a previous camp), and even a father-in-law and son-in-law pair. A couple of college buddies even teamed up.

And there were lots of friends together again from past camps. Hundley says he has a 37 percent repeat business. This camp was no exception, having about two thirds rookies. The elder statesman at the camp was George Goodall, a retired pharmaceutical salesman from south St. Louis. He's 84 and has been to more than 40 camps. His glove is older than most of us and it looks like it was left on the field between inning a few times.

The returning campers get first priority in positions and George has played second forever. Since this was my first camp and I got in late, I was put in right field. But this offered a good chance to observe more of what was going on without getting drilled with a batted ball, from the actual batter or a coach hitting fungoes, while not paying the close attention required in the infield.

The inter-squad game was fun as we all got up four times as each side batted through their line-up...irregardless of outs. Each team's score was the total of the four innings. Team Three finished the day in first place with 14 runs followed by Team Two with 12 and Team One with 10.

After grounding out weakly in my first at bat, I tripled twice (scoring once on a ground out to first) and homered my last time up. All three hits were clean drives to right. (I bat left-handed.) This being a fantasy camp, I employed a liberal policy for tracking hits. Anytime I hit the ball in fair territory and got on base, it's a hit. So those triples might have involved less than perfect fielding. You make up the rules for your fantasies, I'll make up the rules for mine.

During the course of the camp, it occured to me that this has to be a fantasy of sorts for the ex-big leaguers as well. Baseball was a huge part of their lives since they were kids. And they all played in the era when the guys played for the love of the game, not the big bucks. So coaching and playing here gives them a chance to stay in the game while helping a few guys who weren't so lucky living out their own dreams.

That first night, I kept thinking back to high school when I had to make the choice between playing baseball or tennis since they were both spring sports. I opted for tennis and have always regretted it. I was probably a better tennis player (played number one singles), but I realize now that I could always play tennis. But once you drop out of baseball, the opportunities to play later on are limited. Oh well.

The second day of camp started with all our uniforms (we got the whole thing - jerseys, pants, belt, stirrups, fitted caps - all to keep) hanging neatly in our lockers, having been cleaned by the clubhouse boys. They did a great job and it was a nice touch to have everything taken care of.
Each camper got to choose his own number and many wanted the number of their favorite player. Hence, there were several 1s for Ozzie, 6s for Stan the Man, and even a 14 for Boyer.

But numbers were chosen for other reasons. Mickey Martin wore 3, which his father wore in Chicago city softball (16-inch) leagues. Steve Banyon wore 40, which he chose a couple of years ago on that birthday abd decided to stick with it. Jim Muehlschlegel opted for 25, his birthdate. He thought about 23 for Ryne Snadberg, but must not have felt worthy. (He also opted for "Muehl" rather than his entire name arching around the back of his jersy so the first and last letters
wouldn't be tucked in his pants.)

Overall, the second day of camp was much like the first but with the inter-squad game going five innings. The only major difference was the pitching machine. They cranked it up a notch so hits were harder to come by. (I was two for five with a pair of singles.) Team One came back from last place and tied Team Two for first after five innings, forcing a one-inning playoff while Team Three hit the showers. Team One triumphed and won the right to bat and field first against the former players in the big game on Saturday.

The big game, the highlight of the camp, is set up a little differently. The campers would again bat through their line-up with no outs per se. The former players would get three outs but also a six-run cap per inning to keep things from getting out of hand. The players have won every game but one in the 140-plus game series, which makes us the Washington Generals of baseball.

The former players were the home team and took the field after the PA announcer introduced all the players and campers, our names echoing nicely in Busch. We had a nice turnout of family and friends to see the game as the stadium was opened for the event.

They started Ferguson Jenkins, former pitcher for the Cubs and now in the Hall of Fame. He's still in great shape and the pitching coach for the Cubs. Most of our Cub campers were awestruck, the same way Cards campers are when Bob Gibson plays for them.

We stayed pretty close in the game although the former players appeared to be taking it easy on us. Most of them swing a mean bat, We had our own pitchers on the mound, which was probably like bad batting practice for these guys. Hrabosky had the nicest swing of all, knocking a couple of groundrule doubles in their BP on Friday. The players advance on the bases and scored the most on passed balls.

We did our best when we could, but they can still play the game. I got on with a single off Jenkins' first pitch. (An official scorer might have ruled it a fielder's choice to short, but there was no official scorer around.) While taking a lead off first, I decided that these opportunities only present themselves so often.

So I stretched my lead and took off for second. Hundley's throw got there late as Tyson took the throw. I stopped less than spectacularly with a slide that was more of a stumble. I ended up lying on my chest, the bag between my feet. But safe, nonetheless. I had stolen second base off Ferguson Jenkins and Randy Hundley.

In the fourth inning, the second time through our line-up, the players went to the bullpen and called in Hrabosky. He still has a hell of an arm and can definitely bring it. And he didn't mind showing it to the better hitters. He had more than a few strike outs.

We were down by just a couple runs going into the sixth and last inning. The squad batting was Team Three, made of of mostly Cubs campers. Hrabosky had never mde any bones about his dislike (staged or otherwise) of the Cubs being there (except Jenkins), and now was his chance.
He came out for the sixth with his full "Mad Hungarian" schtick going, complete with glued-on Fu Manchu mustache and wild hair. He even lit a ball on fire during one of his psyche-ups behind the mound to better throw smoke. No one had a speed gun, but reasonable estimates put his pitches in the 80s, escpecially against the Cubs. He even broke off some curves against some.

My turn came and he started me out with a fastball over the outside corner for strike one. Then he came sidearm low to even the count at one and one. Another fastball on the corner put me behind one and two. I made up my mind that I was not going to go down without swinging and I was not going to strike out. His next pitch, he told me later, was one of his better curve balls. I rapped a sharp grounder to second for an out. But I had made contact. I hit the thing.

We lost the game, the score was much closer than in recent camps. A few of wanted to play another three innings, but the older players on both sides decided we'd had enough. Besides, they didn't have another pitcher.

And sometimes you have to let a dream end. All dreams have a price and some might say that $1800 is a bit pricey for this sort of thing. But they've never been to such a fantasy camp before. To the campers, it was priceless. We all came away with memories that will last a lifetime, and who can put a price on that?

Besides, there's always next year. I have a feeling I will be in that repeating 37 percent.

Randy Hundley's next camp will be in January in Arizona. His local (St. Louis) number is 621-8989. We'll keep you posted on dates and sites. You'll be glad you went.

From St. Louis Sports Online #32

August 13, 1995

News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER (8.13.95)

When the Blues traded Curtis Joseph and Michael Grier to Edmonton to re-acquire their own two first round draft picks, they had no idea that they wouldn't be able to use those picks to sign another restricted free agent. Because of an obscure rule in the new collective bargaining agreement, the Blues can't use "re-acquired" draft picks as free agent compensation. Therefore, they traded one of the top goalies in the league and one of their top prospects for a twenty-nine year old grinder. When a Blues official was called to inquire about the rule, there was silence on the other end of the line for a moment, and then a "I'll have to check with the league office on this." It seems apparent the Blues wanted to pursue another restricted free agent this year or next, but now can't do so. However, unless they trade the pick, the Blues will have it in hand for next summer's draft at the Kiel Center.
This marks the week that Ozzie Smith returns to the Cardinal lineup, and gets a chance to prove that he should be the Redbird shortstop in 1996. Apparently Smith is nearly rehabbed from shoulder surgery earlier this summer, and should start Friday night against Atlanta. Whether or not he can still play, its likely that he will be the opening day starter for the Cards in '96. The club is locked into his contract, and would have trouble getting him off the roster even if they wanted to.

The Rams improved dramatically from their first pre-season game to their second, but are still a long way from being a playoff contender. In Saturday's loss to Oakland, the first team Ram offensive and defensive lines were both pushed around by the Raiders. The new defensive scheme, which asks that defenders move through the gaps between defensive linemen, is producing many big plays for the offense, but few for the defense. On the plus side for the Rams is the fact that they do have good talent, and once Willie Shaw on defense and Jack Reilley on offense get their plans implemented, this team should be a representative one...and with some luck a playoff contender. They do need more brute strength, that is unquestioned.

The St. Louis Stampede Arena football league team wrapped up their season with a dramatic 51-49 playoff loss to Albany Saturday night at the Kiel Center. Jim Otis and Earle Bruce put together a terrific expansion outfit, and with quarterback John Kaleo in charge, should go farther in the playoffs next season. The 9-3 regular season mark was an Arena League record. Congratulations to the Stampede.


Cardinals News (8.13.95)

*Mike Jorgensen's status as Cardinal manager beyond the 1995 season has always been in doubt. At the time that Jorgensen was named as manager, GM Walt Jocketty specifically noted that Jorgensen was not signed to manage the Cards beyond the current season and that his performance as manager would be evaluated at the end of the season.

Well, no one's blaming Jorgensen, but the Cards record during his tenure as the club's skipper is no better than the man he replaced, Joe Torre.

In addition, Jorgensen's previous position within the organization (Farm Director) has not been filled, leading to speculation that he would return to his old job in the event that he was not rehired as the Redbird manager.

While it is uncomfortable for us at StLSO to speculate on the replacement possibilities for a man (Jorgensen) who is currently busting his rear end in order to retain his position in the dugout, it seems likely that a new man will be brought in to manage the Redbirds in 1996. A bit of speculation is therefore not unwarranted, in our view.

A name often mentioned in connection with the Cardinals 1996 manager's position is A's pitching coach Dave Duncan. And Duncan is one impressive pitching coach...serving as a mentor for three Cy Young award winners, including Bob Welch, Dennis Eckersley, and Lamarr Hoyt.

During Friday's Oakland-Chicago game, A's starter Todd Stottlemyre was shelled by the White Sox. Some of Duncan's comments after the game: "Every starting pitcher will come out and have sub-par stuff. This year Stottlemeyer's been able to fight through it. Tonight he was a step below as far as stuff was concerned. He worked hard and never gave in. In the first inning, the guy only made one bad pitch. Todd Stottlemyreis a good pitcher."

Then, when asked about his future as a manager, Duncan said "I still enjoy being a pitching coach. It's challenging. It's rewarding... but I have been contacted in the past about managing."

When asked about Cards GM Walt Jocketty (a veteran of the Oakland organization), Duncan said that "He was [in Oakland] when I got here. He's a good guy. Walt was very well-respected and well-liked. He worked hard. He was very conscientious, he communicated well, and was always honest. People respect that. He told things the way they were. There was no sugar-coating from Walt...no just making people feel good. I think basically people like that."

Finally,when asked about his contract status for 1996, Duncan said "I'm assuming that I'll be back here [with the A's]..."

*You read it here first, sports fans. A leading candidate to manage the Cards in 1996 is ex-Mariner and ex-Cub skipper Jim Lefebvre, currently the hitting coach for the A's.

*Todd Stottlemyre, after getting shelled by the Chicago White Sox Friday night, was honest in his assessment of his own performance, saying "I stunk...I was terrible. I had no location."

When asked about his Al Hrabosky-like stroll off the mound, at which time he paused for a few moments and seemed to give himself a pep-talk, Stottlemyre said "Really, it's a cooling down period for me...at the time I was making a lot of bad pitches and it was a good time for me to take time out. If the umpire would have started calling balls [due to the delay]...it wouldn't have made any difference...I was throwing balls anyway."

The conversation turned to AL baseball and the designated hitter rule. "It's not that I miss hitting. I've been in the American League my whole career...as a pitcher...there's no doubt that with the DH the game has changed drastically. I think that...it would be good if we would realize as pitchers how tough it is to hit. I think American League pitchers have lost sight of that. There are times that, myself included, that we give the hitter too much credit. I think that if we had to take the bat to the plate and stand there and see how tough it is..."

The chatter then moved to ex-teammate Tom Henke. "He's a beautiful person," said Stottlemyre. "He's a wonderful person...one of my best friends. He's one of those guys...I know he helped me an awful lot. On the road we ate lunch and dinner together all the time. Here I was so young, and at the time that he was with me...I was...I've always been a real emotional player and things would happen and he was always there to say 'Hey, that's OK'. He played a huge role with me and helped me grow up."

When asked what Henke would say if he overheard him talking about his own performance the way that he had a few minutes prior to our conversation (i.e. "I stunk"), Stottlemyre smiled broadly and said "He'd probably agree with me...and say 'That's OK, big man...get'em next time."

More than one Cardinal pitcher has described Henke in similar terms. In other words, Tom Henke appears to be playing a leadership role with Cardinal pitchers, and in particular, Cardinal relievers. Perhaps Henke is responsible for the largely stellar performance of several Cardinal bullpeners.

For that reason alone, the Cards should try their hardest to re-sign the big righthander for the 1996 season.


StLSO Quote of the Week (8.13.95)

The Scene: A's starting pitcher Todd Stottlemyre, after being cuffed around by the White Sox in what Stottlemeyer later said was his worst outing in two years, was "pulling a Hrabosky". The game grinded to a halt as Stottlemeyer strolled to a spot halfway between the mound and second base and proceeded to give himself a good talking to. What happened to the baseball's newly-instituted rules designed to speed up the game? And who was complaining about the speed of the game, anyway?

Noted Chicago sportswriter and TV personality Bill Gleason, surveying the thousands of empty seats at Comiskey Park, said that "The fans aren't complaining about the speed of the game, they're complaining about the game."


StLSO Headlines of the Week (8.13.95)

Two from the Post-Dispatch:
8.8.95--"Reaction to Blues' Deals Stuns Keenan: Give Me Credit for Having Some Brains."
8.10.95 P-D--"Cujo: 'This Has Made Me Stronger'".


Dreaming of Saberhagen by MARK BAUSCH (8.13.95)

This column should be subtitled "What is Walt Jocketty thinking about in terms of the 1996 edition of the Cardinals?"

Here's the deal. In the judgment of some, the Cards failure to acquire any of the established stars that changed hands at or near the recent July 31 trade-without-waivers deadline signifies that Jocketty and the Cards braintrust are NOT making the same mistake that they made last fall.

Remember? Late in calendar year 1994, while the rest of major league baseball was waiting around for a labor settlement, the Cardinals went into action and signed free-agent pitchers Danny Jackson and Tom Henke. Fan interest was high, as it seemed that the Cardinals had plugged two of the largest holes on their woeful pitching staff.

Well, not only has Henke has been near-perfect while serving as the Cards stopper, he has also assumed a leadership role in the Cardinal bullpen. Jackson, on the other hand, was slowed by problems relating to a thyroid condition, and has only occasionally shown the form that led most observers to believe that, in 1994, he was the best lefthanded pitcher in the National League.

But it was the timing of the Jackson/Henke signings that was so dramatic. The new Cards regime seemed to be following through on Lamping's pledge to improve the ballclub...and an impending labor stoppage did not appear to hinder their effort. The signings provided Cards fans with a powerful tonic going into the 1995 season...and Lamping and Jocketty seemed convinced that a bit of fine-tuning could propel the '95 Cards into the NL Central pennant race.

For one reason or another, the Cards braintrust was wrong, as they grossly over-estimated the skill level of the two dozen or so men that would comprise the Cardinal roster this year. Grossly over-estimated? Is that too critical? As of Saturday, the Cards record is 40-60. 'Nuff said.

Fast forward to the end of July, 1995. The NY Mets are cutting payroll and rebuilding with youth...Bret Saberhagen and Bobby Bonilla are on the trading block. Would the Cards be in the market for either of these players?

That neither player was acquired by the Cardinals (Saberhagen was traded to the Rockies, and Bonilla to the Orioles) may signify that Cards GM Walt Jocketty, in consultation with club President Mark Lamping, feels that 1996 is a rebuilding year.

Here's why. When evaluating the many deficiencies within the Cards lineup, it seems obvious that Saberhagen and Bonilla would provide solutions on several fronts...better solutions, in fact, than most players likely to be available in 95-96 off-season. Saberhagen is among baseball's best righthanded starters, while Bonilla's run production in recent years for the Mets has been truly outstanding.

Lamping is young and, at times, seems to have the impatience of a man who wants to go places. The guess here is that Lamping would have really loved to spring a surprise on unsuspecting Cardinal fans last month...by acquiring one of baseball's true superstars. That one or both of these players is not a Redbird may signify that Jocketty and Lamping are not going to repeat the mistake they made in the fall of '94.

In other words, 1996 may just be a rebuilding year in St. Louis.

On the other hand, maybe the Rockies and the Orioles possessed the necessary depth in their farm system so that they both could absorb the trading of prime prospects (Juan Acevedo and Alex Ochoa, respectively)...a shock that the relatively thin Cards system could not presently withstand.

Further evidence that the Cards need to rebuild...not reload. If the word "rebuild" sounds unpalatable, consider the following question: Could a club committed to a rebuilding effort based largely on young players perform any worsethan the '95 Cards?


A Visit to Comiskey by MARK BAUSCH (8.13.95)

Highlights and impressions of Friday night's Chisox-Athletics game at Comiskey Park:
*Frank Thomas is the real deal. The ball jumps off his bat in a way that Cards fans remember the ball jumping off Jack Clark's bat
*Thomas, in each of his first five full season, has walked at least 100 times
*It was widely reported in the Chicago media that Thursday's Cards-Dodgers game, which ended when baseballs rained onto the field (resulting in a Dodgers forfeit), was the first MLB forfeit since the infamous "Disco Demolition" promotion at the old Comiskey Park in 1979.
*Fans visiting Busch Stadium in 1995 often note how quiet the ol' ballpark is this year. The Cards are in last place, and attendance is down 25% or so. Well, Comiskey Park is the same way...quiet and largely empty. Quiet, that is, until Frank Thomas comes to the plate. Then the place comes to life and baseball seems fun again.
*Lance Johnson, the White Sox centerfielder, was acquired many years ago from the Cards, in exchange for Jose DeLeon. Johnson is a good ballplayer who would look very good patrolling center field for the Redbirds. Among his achievements include a major league record of four successive years (1990-94) in which he led his league (the AL) in triples.

In Friday's game, Johnson had only one hit in five at-bats, but made an outstanding over-the-shoulder catch and several intelligent decisions while playing the outfield. Center field is an important position as far as defense is concerned. In 1995, the Cardinals best defensive center fielder has generally been found in right field.
Look for a change to be made in CF when the Cards take the field in '96.

*At Comiskey Park, only one attendance figure is announced: the paid attendance. Unlike most National League parks (including Busch Stadium), it is impossible to estimate the number of no-shows at Comiskey, since the actual number of human beings in the house is not made public.
*Parking in the vicinity of Comiskey Park is problematic and expensive (starting at $8.00/car). And it is more than a bit disconcerting, that in lots no more than fifty yards from Comiskey Park, to note that more than a handful of cars had "The Club" attached to their respective steering wheels. S'pose that's just force of habit...or are the lots near Comiskey that bad?
*Tony La Russa's Oakland club looked good even while getting waxed by the White Sox. In particular, his outfielders ALWAYS threw to the right base...and his players always seemed to hustle.

But St. Louisans should not get their hopes up about enticing the current A's manager to the Gateway City. The Chicago airwaves are full of speculation about LaRussa's imminent return to Chicago.

After Friday's game, LaRussa was in no mood to discuss his future possibilities as a manager. But asking a few questions around the ballpark revealed that LaRussa's first three choices, should he exercise an escape clause in his contract to manage the A's and leave the Bay Area, are (a) the White Sox; (b) the White Sox; and (c) the White Sox.


StLSO Media Watch: The Moonman Does Human Anatomy (8.13.95)

In a recent game at Busch Stadium, Cardinal catcher Danny Sheaffer was hit by the baseball while wearing the tools of ignorance. After being clipped, Sheaffer didn't leave his crouch, but appeared to lean to his left, at which time he was more or less propped up by the home plate umpire. This went on for what seemed like several seconds.

To this listener, Joe Buck appeared to delay his verbal description of what was happening on the field, perhaps because he was (a) not be sure exactly where Scheaffer was hit; or (b) searching for the exact words to use to describe the rather sensitive area that was bothering the Cards catcher; (c) waiting for his partner (Mike Shannon) to chip in with some pearls of wisdom. Most likely it was some combination of (a) - (c).

Into the void stepped Buck's broadcasting partner, the beloved Mike Shannon. Shannon, who has been at his most entertaining during this most awful of Cardinal seasons, came to the rescue, saying that "I think he got hit in the crotch, Joe."

Later, while Sheaffer took a few additional moments to recover his thoughts, Moonman said "You know Joe...when he gets back to the dugout, some of his teammates will come over and ask him how he's doing. They'll act real concerned. Then they'll go back to their seats and laugh."

Mike Shannon remains an integral part of the Cardinals broadcasting team...and a big favorite of the StLSO staff.


StLSO Media Watch: Jack Buck Earns Radio Hall of Fame Honor by BRIAN CRAWFORD (8.13.95)

CHICAGO--Jack Buck will be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame on October 29, in a nationally-broadcast induction ceremony from the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago is sponsoring the event in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of commercial radio broadcasting in America.

Buck was one of five nominees in the Contemporary Network/Syndicated Personalities category. Los Angeles disc jockey Rick Dees, classical music commentator Karl Haas, National Public Radio's Susan Stamberg, and Westwood One talk show host Bruce Williams were nominated with Buck, but were not elected.

Nominations to the Hall of Fame were announced in February by a 43-member national advisory committee made up of radio executives and academics from across the United States. More than 5,000 radio executives, broadcast historians and Radio Hall of Fame members participated in the election process.

From St. Louis Sports Online #33

August 20, 1995

News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER

Although David Bell, the key for the Cardinals in the Ken Hill trade with Cleveland, is up and playing second base for the Redbirds, his learning experience there just provides more versatility for the club. It would surprise few in the organization if Bell would wind up at his natural position of third base next season, and St. Louisan Scott Cooper would be sent packing. The Cards have clearly identified their targets in the free agent market as Atlanta 1B Fred McGriff, Houston 2B Craig Biggio, and Seattle RHP Andy Benes. If they should fail to land either of those position players, the Cards could turn to another position to provide the power and leadoff-man speed necessary. Therefore, having Bell's ability to play more than one position will come in handy. Shortstop Ozzie Smith isback in the lineup, once again proclaiming that he is back this year, and presumably next, to reach the 2,500 hit plateau. He says after reaching that goal, he'll take it day by day. Ozzie is not quoted, by the way, as saying he'd like to come back to take one more run at a World Championship for the team.

The Rams first unit looked awful against Jacksonville, and despite their 27-10 win, the club seems quite a distance from being ready for their season opener September 3. Although the defensive front seven generally gets a good push upfield, they don't do much damage in the offensive backfield. The new "jet" defense is partially doing what its supposed to, but needs more focus in getting to the ball. The offensive line has been unable to provide any upfield push, and so the running game has suffered. The pass blocking so far has been abysmal, causing numerous sacks against...by mediocre defenses and second team units. It's all going to start for the Rams up front, and until those problems are solved, this team is going nowhere fast.

It was a quiet week for the Blues...who probably will stay quiet until the beginning of camp September 10. Defenseman Murray Baron continues to be shopped for a third round draft pick, and Mike Keenan is looking for the best deal for forward Esa Tikkanen. Among other veteran holdovers, defenseman Rick Zombo and center Guy Carbonneau appear to be on thin ice, as it were, with the organization. They will probably be left unprotected in the NHL waiver draft in October.

The Vipers of Roller Hockey International rolled into the second round of the RHI playoffs with a win over Detroit. There aren't many nicer people in sports than Viper GM Bernie Federko and Coach Perry Turnbull. Good luck to those two in their quest for a RHI championship.


Cardinals News by JIM HUNSTEIN (8.20.95)

*After the road trip, the Cardinals record was a meager 40-63, a .388 winning percentage. This is the second worst record in baseball to Minnesota's 36-65 (.356). The 40 wins are split evenly between 20 wins under Mike Jorgensen and 20 wins under Joe Torre. But under Torre, the Cards lost 27 while they've dropped 36 under Jorgensen. In other words, their winning percentage was much better under Torre (.426) than under Jorgensen (.357).

*The Redbirds are doing better on artifical surface than grass. They are 30-39 (.435) on the rug and 10-24 (.294) on the real thing. So it's a good thing they are going to tear up the carpet at Busch this winter and haul in some sod.

*The Cards are 33-48 (.407) against right-handed starters and 7-15 (.318) versus lefties. The amazing thing here isn't how much better they are against right handers, but how many more of them there are.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It is estimated that 10% of the US population is left-handed...another question to ask is why a disproportionate number of lefthanded human beings are employed as professional baseball players.

*Despite their seeming futility, when the games are close, the Cards shine. They are 17-18 in one-run games and a very impressive 9-3 in extra inning games. This speaks very highly of the bullpen since they are keeping the score close in the late or bonus innings.

*Two other areas that are closer than you would have thought are home runs (at home) and stranded runners. The Cards trail their opponents 33-39 in dingers at Busch, which is not what you'd call a friendly confine. Yet they trail the opponents 37-60 in homers away from home. This includes all those hitter-friendly stadia such as Atlanta and Colorado. And the Cards have left 697 runners on base to their opponents' 712, a difference of only 15. That's only one more runner every seven games.

*And finally, a winning percentage under .400 is something of a rarity for this franchise. Granted, there is ample time left to pull out of this nose dive, but if they don't, they'll be playing like they did a long time ago. The last time was 54-83 in 1918. Those were trying times, too. From 1903 through 1918, the Cards finished below .400 nine times. But never since. The single worst season was 43-94 (.314) in 1903. The next worst was in 1908 when they went 49-105 (.318), which also marked the single highest number of losses.

*Alan Benes has started three games for the Louisville Redbirds since his activation from the disabled list. Benes, who was sidelined with elbow problems, pitched two and four scoreless innings in his first two starts. In his third outing, Benes allowed two runs in six innings.

If all goes well healthwise, look to see Benes up in St. Louis in mid- to late-September.


Rams News (8.20.95)

*PSLs are still available. Apparently a few seats in the A, B, CA, and CB levels are still available. The PSL prices for these seats range from $3,000 to $4,500 dollars. Call (314)436-RAMS for further information. A few club seats are also available.

*The St. Louis Rams visit to Jacksonville was interesting in that had the Jacksonville franchise been awarded to St. Louis instead of Jacksonville, the Rams might still be in LA

*QB Chris Miller had a decent game, completing 14 of 24 passes for 141 yards.

But the following sentence, which is lifted word-for-word from StLSO ISSUE #32 (when the Rams/Raiders game was summarized) also accurately describes the Jaguar game: "But the Rams running game was awful...a fact that probably reflects more on offensive line than on the running backs." The offensive line seemed to have little or no forward drive...a signal that could mean that the running game will be non-existent.

In order to be effective, Chris Miller needs a running game. Period. If opponents' defensive lines are allowed to tee off on Miller, it will be a long season in St. Louis.

*St. Louis' fourth and last pre-season game is at San Diego, on Friday, August 25.


An Eventful Day at Busch (8.20.95)

Two memorable events transpired during the August 18 Cards game vs. the Braves--Ozzie Smith returned to the lineup and Tom Henke recorded his 300th career save. StLSO talked with both men after the game.

When asked about his return to the lineup, Smith smiled broadly. "Oh man, it was exciting," he said. "I've been feeling good, throwing without pain for the last two weeks. I've been looking forward to coming back."

Smith also had a few quiet words for his critics in the media. "You know, when you turn thirty, the brainwashing by the media starts. The experts start to say 'He lost a step', or He doesn't throw as hard anymore'...and in a weak moment you fall into the trap and start believing them. I'm looking forward to playing next year."

With two outs in the eighth inning, Tom Henke trudged in from the bullpen and proceeded to pick up his 300th career save. Teammates congratulated Henke with handshakes, hugs, and general words of praise. A few of Henke's comments between the accolades:
*It feels good getting 300 [saves]
*I always try to pitch in such a way that I'm only one pitch away from getting out of trouble
*I'd love to go into September with teams afraid to play us
*There are good guys on this team. We need to go out and have fun
*I try to conduct myself in a way that's right...
*I've been playing baseball for nearly 30 years. I'll miss my friends but I won't miss the game itself
*I still occasionally see my first rookie league roommate, Dave Stokes. He's now a financial planner
*Todd Stottlemyre is probably my best friend in the game. Everybody needs friends. I made some great friends while at Toronto...Stottlemyre, [Garth] Iorg, [Mike] Flanagan...to name a few


The Cards '95 Draftees (8.20.95)

A number of the Cardinals' recent free-agent draftees are playing in the Redbirds minor league system. A few statistical highlights are listed below.

*First-round draft choice Matt Morris (Seton Hall), a 90+ MPH righthanded pitcher, is 0-2 (4.20 ERA) in three starts with the St. Petersburg Cardinals.
*Chris Haas, another '95 first round choice, is a power-hitting high schooler from Paducah KY. After 58 games with Johnson City, Haas has 5 HR and 41 RBI, with a .430 slugging percentage.
*Jason Woolf, a second-round '95 draftee from Hialeah FL, is batting .279 in 31 games with Johnson City. Among his 31 hits are 7 doubles and 1 triple. Woolf, who was rated the third-best defensive player in the draft, has 26 errors.
*Rodney Barfield, a righthanded pitcher from DeKalb Junior College, was drafted in the fourth round. In nine starts with Johnson City, Barfield has pitched 31.1 innings, allowed 49 hits, struck out 14, and walked 27. His ERA is 11.49, and his record is 1-7.
*Matt DeWitt, a tenth-round selection, is another righthanded pitcher now with Johnson City. A native of Las Vegas, DeWitt has a record of 1-6 (7.59 ERA) in 11 starts. He has allowed 75 hits in 53.1 innings.
*Adam Benes, a twentieth-round selection, is 5-2 with New Jersey. Benes has thrown 56.1 inings, given up 50 hits, struck out 36, and walked 17. The University of Evansville product is the brother of Louisville Redbird pitcher Alan Benes, and Seattle Mariner hurler Andy Benes.


Chicago Sports Talk: The Zeile Deal by BRIAN CRAWFORD (8.20.95)

CHICAGO--The lustre has officially worn off Todd Zeile with the Chicago media, but Cubs fans remain typically awe-struck by the level of mediocrity achieved by Zeile and their beloved Cubbies.
The Zeile/Morgan trade was front page news in Chicago back in June, and Cubs fans everywhere were sure they'd pulled off the steal of the century and finally exacted their revenge for the Brock/Broglio deal. But the Chicago media now appears to have come to grips with the Cardinals' real motivation for dumping Zeile's $4 million salary.

Jimmy Piersall, baseball analyst on WSCR in Chicago, finally said what everybody was thinking last Wednesday afternoon after Zeile made a key error in loss to the Dodgers. "I'm getting sick of watching him," Piersall said. "He's got no life out there at all." The Score's afternoon host, Terry Boers, who had interviewed Cardinals' broadcaster Al Hrabosky about Zeile back in June, reminded listeners of Hrabosky's take on the trade. Hrabosky had mercilessly ripped Zeile, saying he personally liked him, but wouldn't want to be stuck in a foxhole with him. Boers dismissed the comments at the time, but said Wednesday, "I'm beginning to think Hrabosky was right."
Apparently Piersall didn't think he made his point adequately on Wednesday, so he opened his appearance on the Score's morning show the next day with the same makes-me-sick rant.

"...I'm getting tired of watching (Zeile), both on defense and offense. He's got 17 errors on defense and he made a boot in the fourth inning yesterday...(that led to a two-out, three-run homer by Tim Wallach that put the game out of reach). I just wish this guy would show some life for me. He's goes after a boot very slow! I have no dislike for the guy...I just dislike watching him play."

"They're laughing in St. Louis," chimed in morning co-host Jim Memelo, "because this is what they said about him in St. Louis. Hrabosky wasn't the only one. We heard from a lot of Cardinals fans that Zeile was just playing flat. He was just dead."

Even the Chicago Tribune got into the Zeile-bashing on Thursday, as Cubs' beat writer Joey Reaves noted, "...Zeile's picked an unfortunate time to start retiring. Zeile, acquired...because third-baseman Steve Buechele wasn't hitting, is starting to make Buechele look like Ty Cobb..."

In fairness to Zeile, he's been hampered by a pinched nerve in his thumb that may be contributing to his circa .220 average since joining the Cubs. But he refuses to use the injury as an excuse for his poor performance.

Meanwhile, the average Cubs fan on the street is busy calculating how a team with no bullpen, that has won only 21 games at home all year, and is barely hovering at the .500 mark can still make up 6.5 games to pass Houston and earn a wild-card bid. That's the kind of math Cubs fans are good at. They're keeping October cleared on their calendars, too. Just in case.


Bob Broeg Writes About the Late Bob Burnes (8.20.95)

Longtime Globe-Democrat sports editor Bob Burnes died July 11, 1995. Mostly retired Post-Dispatch sportswriter Bob Broeg, who knew Burnes for 60 years, in addition to writing an obituary that was published in the P-D, penned a longer tribute that appeared in the August 1995 issue of St. Louis Style Baseball Magazine.

Two paragraphs of Broeg's article are reproduced below:

"Maybe I outpointed him with printed word, but I couldn't carry his vocal chords as a speaker. And as I commented in an obituary column after his death, I spend the rest of my adult life trying to catch up with the guy with whom so many linked me in praise. At the finish, though he was more fully retired than me, he still led the local league in recognition and, I'm sure, in affection."

"After all, he was really a nicer man, kinder and more gentle, though I don't think either of us was as uncritical as it might seem. It's just that in a sign of different times, you'd better open your eyes, buster, when Robert Liston Burnes took you or your favorites to task. Hopefully, the same from Robert Wiley Broeg."

From St. Louis Sports Online #34

August 27, 1995

News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER (8.27.95)

We don't buy in to much of what Tommy Lasorda says on these pages, but one thing he has said before that rings true is that in a normal season, every baseball team, no matter how good or bad, is going to win sixty games and lose sixty games, and it's what they do with the other forty that really count. He is correct. For that reason, don't believe what you see with the recent success of the Cardinals. They are a bad team that happens to be having their little run of success against good ballclubs. They still need to replace their entire infield (moving John Mabry to right, Brian Jordan to center) and they still need another big-time starting pitcher. Previously, many teams have latched on to what they've seen from a team in August or September. We hope Walt Jocketty will trust the first three and a half months of the season, when the Cards were horrible when it mattered. By the way, it hasn't gone unnoticed here that the Cards started winning when Ozzie Smith returned to the lineup. Coincidence?

Former Blues chairman Mike Shanahan and winger Brendan Shanahan held a charity cocktail hour Saturday night in St. Louis, with the event being well attended by numerous former Blues players. Jeff Brown, Nelson Emerson, and Kelly Chase were there, along with several former Blues staffers. The only current Blue on hand was Chris Pronger, the defenseman acquired for Shanahan. More than $20,000 was raised for the Alzheimer's Research of St. Louis University fund, and the Kilo-Diabetes research foundation of St. Louis. By the way, more than 4,000 people attended Brendan Shanahan's benefit softball game Sunday at St. Louis U.

The Rams start up their regular season next Sunday at Green Bay, and are sure to go off at least a touchdown underdog. Left tackle Wayne Gandy, a former first round pick, has been a major disappointment. At this point he is certainly the weak link in the offensive line. Center Bern Brostek and guards Dwayne White, Leo Goeas and Keith Loneker all are (or have been) good players. But with the ankle injury suffered by second round pick Zach Weigert last Friday, the Rams are awfully thin at the tackle spot. Don't count on Chris Miller finishing that Packer game, with Reggie White and Sean Jones taking shots at him all afternoon. By the way, the Rams just plain messed up in their handling of outside linebacker Joe Kelly. They rescinded a contract offer to him, thereby rescinding all provisions of the contract, including their right of first refusal. That front office snafu has hurt their depth at the linebacker position...and could have a big impact on the team. Now that training camp is over, and the regular season is upon us, this bureau has decided to change its prediction from a .500 club to a 5-11, 6-10 entry. Of course, this prognostication may be changed again at mid-season.


Cardinals News (8.27.95)

*In a move that underscores the Cardinal organization's relative strength in the outfield positions (and weakness in the infield), the Redbirds acquired third baseman Jose Oliva from Atlanta in exchange for minor league center fielder Anton French. The switch-hitting French has played the entire season with Peoria, and has put together decent power (10 HR) and speed (57 SB) numbers during his time with the Midwest League squad.

Oliva, 24, increased his home run totals every season between 1988 and 1994 (from 1 with Gulf Coast to 24 with Richmond). With Atlanta in 1994, he hit six home runs in 59 at-bats. Why was he expendable? Two words: Chipper Jones.

Oliva's minor league numbers suggest that he strikes out a lot, walks very little, and commits a relatively large number of errors at third base.

His stats with Atlanta this year: 107 AB, 17 hits, 4 Doubles, 5 HR, 12 RBI, and 6 errors at third base. In his career, 20 of Oliva's 34 big league hits have been for extra bases.

Cards GM Walt Jocketty, on KMOX's Sports on a Sunday show, said that scouts from both leagues feel Oliva has 25-30 HR potential, and that he will be tried at first and third base. It should also be noted that the STATS Inc. 1995 Scouting Notebook lists Oliva as a "Top Prospect."

*Tom Pagnozzi was activated in time for Saturday night's game vs. the Rockies. In order to make room for Pagnozzi, pinch-hitter deluxe Gerald Perry was designated for reassignment.

*Danny Jackson's 1995 season ended Tuesday of last week when an MRI Monday revealed rather serious tendon and ligament damage in his right ankle. The injury occurred on August 6 when Jackson tried to stop between second and third on an extra-base hit to the outfield.

Jackson finished the season 2-12, with a 5.90 ERA.

*After his five inning stint vs. the Reds (which resulted in his first victory as a major leaguer), Brian Barber noted that many his best pitches vs. the Reds came on change-ups.

"My best used to be my fastball. But my change-up is coming around. I guess my slider is third best. Early in the game, I was trying to be too fine with my fastball. My slider was OK, but all three outs in the fifth inning came on change-ups."

*After the August 21st game ended on a dramatic game-winning two out two strike home run by Brian Jordan, the Cards were alive after the game. Some comments:
--Cards Manager Mike Jorgensen: "It appears that Brian [Jordan] is one of the guys, if not THE guy, on this club as far as clutch hitters are concerned. He has matured as a hitter...his pitch selection has gotten better."
--Brian Jordan:"I'm learning and having some success. I love that spot...when the game's on the line. The pitch [that Jordan hit for a homer] was a slider. I want to get 20 HR...maybe 25."


Blues News (8.27.95)

The Blues rumor mill is churning...and the main questions seem to revolve around the team's goaltending (Does C&GM Mike Keenan really believe that Grant Fuhr is capable of reclaiming his past glory?) and the budget (Are other high-priced Blues slated to be traded in further efforts to reduce the payroll [a la Steve Duchesne]?).

As far as the goaltending situation is concerned, a move of some type prior to the 1996 playoffs seems likely. Here's why.

The Keenan/Curtis Joseph saga is well known to all puckheads. In a nutshell, Joseph did not respond well to Iron Mike's brand of "encouragement". Cujo performed poorly in the latter half of the shortened regular season, and played even worse in the playoffs vs. the Vancouver Canucks. What's worse is that Joseph's woes were visible for all to see.

OF SIGNIFICANCE is the fact that Keenan named Joseph as his starting goalie in all seven playoff games. In other words, despite Keenan's lack of confidence in Joseph...he had even less confidence in backup goalie Jon Casey's skills, as far as playoff hockey was concerned.

It therefore seems unlikely that Casey, who was signed to a termination contract this past summer, will remain with the Blues come playoff time. GM Keenan will find a goalie that Coach Keenan feels comfortable with...even as a back-up.

The official start of training camp is September 10.


Rams News (8.27.95)

Sketches of Rams 1995 College Draft Choices:

*Kevin Carter, DE, Florida (1st round)--will start at right defensive end; has played well in spots but needs time to learn the pass-rushing craft at the NFL level
*Zach Weigert, OT, Nebraska (2nd round)--in a battle with Darryl Ashmore for a starting position at offensive right tackle; has not shown the ability (yet) to runblock and at times seems confused while pass blocking. Both of these tendencies will fade with time as the offensive line positions are among the most difficult for NFL rookies
*Jesse James, OT, Mississippi State (2nd round)--has been moved to guard; chatter around Rams camp is that he has not played to the level expected of a second-round draft choice
*Steve McLaughlin, K, Arizona (3rd round)--despite the fact that he is a rookie kicker, his place on the roster seems assured (he is the only placekicker in camp), but longtime St. Louis football fans worry about the placekicking ghosts of the past, particularly in light of his pre-season shakiness
*Lovell Pinkney, WR/TE, Texas (4th round)--Rams coaches have fallen in love with the physical attributes of a player whose special team cover skills may give him the edge he needs to make the squad
*Mike Scurlock, DB, Arizona (5th round)--seems to show up on special teams; seems likely to make the roster
*Gerald McBurrows, DB, Kansas (7th round)--surprisingly strong play in camp means he will make the Opening Day roster
*Herman O'Berry, DB, Oregon (7th round)--cut on Monday of last week
*Bronzell Miller, DE, Utah (7th round)--longshot has shown flashes of pass rushing brilliance, and after being released last week, was re-signed and appears to have a good chance to make the team's practice squad
*J.T. Thomas, WR, Arizona State (7th round)--is in a fight with Pinkney for a roster slot

The Rams 1995 Regular Season Schedule:
(all games start at noon St. Louis time unless otherwise noted):

9.3 at Green Bay
9.10 New Orleans (Busch)
9.17 at Carolina
9.24 Chicago (Busch)
10.1 at Indianapolis (Busch)
10.12 Atlanta 7 pm
10.22 San Francisco 3 pm
10.29 at Philadelphia
11.5 at New Orleans
11.12 Carolina
11.19 at Atlanta
11.26 at San Francisco 3 pm
12.3 at NY Jets
12.10 Buffalo
12.17 Washington
12.24 Miami 3 pm

*Free agent linebacker Joe Kelly signed a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. Media reports state that the contract is worth in excess of $400,000. The Rams are relatively thin at the linebacker position. The starting three are set (Shane Conlan, Roman Phifer, and Carlos Jenkins), but the only capable reserve is Thomas Homco. Kelly will be missed.
*Wide receiver Jermaine Ross, who suffered a knee injury in the pre-season opener vs. Seattle, was placed on the injured reserve list. In other words, he is out for the season
*Reserve running back Cleveland Gary retired
*Offensive tackle Jackie Slater and reserve QB Jamie Martin were placed on the physically unable to perform list, meaning that they are ineligible to play in the first five games of the season
*Late Rams cuts include QB Tommy Maddox, S Anthony Newman, RB James Bostic, TE Rickey Brady, P Bill Kushner, DE Bronzell Miller, and DT Jon Kirksey. Miller will most likely be signed as a practice squad player, while the Rams and Maddox are trying to reach an agreement on a contract that would result in a substantial salary reduction for the backup QB


StLSO Quote of the Week (8.27.95)

During the Thursday afternoon Cards-Reds game at Busch, home plate umpire Brian Gorman's microscopic strike zone seemed to perplex players from both teams as well as the KMOX trio of Buck, Buck, and Shannon.

Said Jack early in the game: "I'm glad that the United Fund drive doesn't depend on this umpire...man, he doesn't give you anything."


StLSO Headline of the Week (8.27.95)

"If Deal Is Right, Jordan Would Be True To Baseball", from the 8.26.95 Post-Dispatch (referring to Brian, of course).


Buck-shots by JOE BUCK (8.27.95)

Hopefully St. Louis Sports Online readers will enjoy reading the random thoughts of a tired traveler. As I sit at the keyboard I feel a long way away from my English major at Indiana University. Also, it's around one a.m., and instead of packing I am perfecting the hunt-and-peck typing method. How can one major in English and not know how to type? Anyway, I am getting ready to leave later today for San Diego, the site of the fourth and final Rams pre-season game.

At this point (after three pre-season games), the Rams have been less than I expected. During the 1994 season, my partner Tim Green and I had the pleasure of broadcasting four Rams games on FOX. Based on that experience as well as viewing hours of videotape from other Rams games, I thought that Coach Rich Brooks' 1995 Rams club would be ready to step to the next level.

But this pre-season has been a little scary. The offensive line needs to get it together. Let's be honest, the best player on the team is Jerome Bettis. If Bettis can't run the ball because of poor blocking up front, the Rams don't figure to hold the ball very long, let alone score many points.

I do believe the team will get better. The Rams have much more talent on that line than a year ago; they just have to come together. They need to settle on a lineup and stick with it. Right now these guys don't know who's to their left and right. But this is the pre-season, so I keep telling myself that we haven't seen all the tricks. If the running game gets going, I really believe this team could win eight games, and contend for a playoff spot. A lot depends on their start, and the thought of a confused o-line against Reggie White and Sean Jones is not too pleasing. Week one, in Green Bay, will be a huge test for the St. Louis Rams.

In my view, Rich Brooks is the right head coach for this team. From what I know of him he's a no-nonsense, no B.S. kind of guy. He's always been a "more-from-less" coach having to recruit at Oregon, and last year his Ducks could have won the Rose Bowl.

As always, though, so much of the way that an NFL coach is perceived depends on how he handles quarterbacks. As far as Rich Brooks is concerned, he likes Chris Miller (a player he recruited at Oregon).

I like Chris Miller too--if HEALTHY. When Miller answers the bell he can beat anyone, especially if the circumstances are right. Let's hope the concussions stay away, and he can show us the form that earned himself a trip to the Pro Bowl while a member of the Atlanta Falcons.

If Miller goes down, my guy is Tommy Maddox. Twice recruited by Dan Reeves and once tabbed as the future Denver QB, Maddox is only 23 years old. Maddox might just now be starting to understand the nuances of NFL defenses...and how an NFL offense can successfully attack those defenses.

But Maddox is an expensive third string quarterback. I believe the Rams have a future star in Maddox--if he ever gets a chance.

The defense is designed to feature linebacker Roman Phifer. Defensive coordinator Willie Shaw calls him the next Junior Seau. Rams fans can only wish...

Again, it's just the pre-season, and they have shown very few blitzes, but Shaw's so-called "jet" defense needs more penetration up front, or it will be a long year. The return of Robert Young should help. There are a lot of questions going into the season, but that makes it fun. This team is capable of anything from a wildcard spot to a four win season again.

The bad news about the new domed stadium is that it has not impressed the networks or the league. People say it's more square that rectangular, so the field will sit more in the middle of the floor, instead of riding up to the stands.

Also, because the Rams insisted on additional luxury suites (compared to the number in the original plans), the press box and broadcast booths (except for the network TV booth) were kicked up to the upper ring of the stadium. It is said to be easily the worst press box location in the NFL. I guess it's a good thing I paid through the nose for two club seats.

In case anybody cares I'll be in Chicago for Opening day as the Bears host the Minnesota Vikings. What a thrill...a 3 pm (Central Time) game at historic Soldier Field.
It doesn't get any better than that. I hope I don't screw it up!!! Nah--it's just football...

It's Time For Bed!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. It finally looks like Allen Watson, Donovan Osborne, and Tom Urbani have figured things out. Now Brian Barber is with the big club, and Alan Benes is close behind. Wait until you see this guy...he'll be better than his big brother, who, by the way, I hope is in a Cardinal uniform next year.
As far as position players are concerned, Brian Jordan, Bernard Gilkey, John Mabry, and now David Bell have been a lot of fun to watch develop. Add Craig Biggio and a Fred McGriff type, and maybe they are not that far away. It doesn't take much these days---.500 teams are in the hunt for a wildcard spot. The Cubs are even alive!!!!!!!! LATER!


Adam Benes Q and A by ERIC NIEDERHOFFER (8.27.95)

On Tuesday 8 August 1995, I interviewed Adam Benes, the youngest of the three pitching Benes brothers (Andy is with Seattle and Alan is with Louisville in the American Association). Since June of this year (when he was drafted in the 20th round of the amateur draft), Adam Benes has been a member of the Cardinals' New Jersey minor league club. Our late-night discussion was arranged by his girlfriend, Angela Sutton, who attends the University of Evansville and happened to be working in my laboratory during the summer.

At the time of the interview, Adam Benes had posted the following statistics: W-L, 3-0; ERA, 2.49; G, 11; GS, 2; GF, 3; IP, 25.1; H, 18; R, 8; ER, 7; HR, 1; BB,10; SO, 14; WP, 1; BK, 2. The following conversation reflects a rare perspective of the game, college, and life.

StLSO: We probably want to start with some background information for our readers. So if I can ask your height and weight.
Benes: O.K.. I'm just under 6'2" and weigh 190 lb.

StLSO: Do you pitch right or left handed?
Benes: I'm a right handed pitcher.

StLSO: And do you also bat right-handed?
Benes: No, I actually I bat lefty. I actually was talking with our manager here. We don't start swinging a bat until AA. If you make it that far. Pitchers don't start hitting until AA. And then you only hit if you're playing against a National League club. If there's an American League club involved there's a designated hitter and that goes up to AAA also. So back to hitting left handed. That's exposing my pitching elbow. Standing in the box, my right elbow is exposed in the front. That's a concern of the hitting instructors. Obviously you don't want to get hit on your pitching elbow. In fact this past fall at school, a lefthander hit me on the elbow. It makes it tough to throw for about a week or so, it swells up. I did a little switch hitting when I was younger in high school. So I might have to bat righthanded all the time. That's something to worry about if I get that far. So I'm not too concerned about it now.

StLSO: Do you think that's one of the reasons why pitchers tend not to bat as well?
Benes: That's exactly right. Most pitchers hit in high school, it goes all the way back to high school. That's one of the concerns of college instructors and also at the professional ranks. A lot of these kids that are mainly pitchers in college and go on into the professionals. They're excellent hitters in HS and once in college they never swing a bat, very few of them do unless they're a pretty good hitter. And you don't swing until AA. So you take a lot of kids where they have a decent swing, they're pretty good hitter and they're 18 years old and don't swing a bat until their 23 or 24. It's tough. If they continued to bat they would be decent hitters. Pitchers aren't expected to hit, just as long as they can lay down a bunt.

StLSO: Let's get a little more of your background. Where were you born and raised?
Benes: Born in Evansville, IN. That's just a little bit from Carbondale, IL. I was there for 12 years, finished 6th grade. My father's job was transferred toConnecticut. He's with the pharmaceutical industry. He works for Mead Johnson and they transferred him to Connecticut. We didn't want to move because our relatives are in the midwest. He got a job in St. Louis with a different company. We were there 9 months. After 2 weeks, his company bought out a company that he works for now in Chicago. We decided to stay there and I went through the 7th grade and then we moved to Lake Forest, IL, where we live now. I went through the 8th grade and high school in Lake Forest.

StLSO: I know that you have two other brothers, do you have any sisters?
Benes: Yes I have one sister, she's the oldest in the family at 29.

StLSO: Is she athletic or a sports fan?
Benes: Obviously, she's a sports fan. She was athletic when she was younger. Kind of tapered off in high school. Kind of lost interest. She played volleyball and tennis. She just had other interests. But follows baseball quite a bit now. Still fairly athletic.

StLSO: Does she live in the midwest?
Benes: Yes, she lives near our parents in the suburbs.

StLSO: Your oldest brother is Andy and the middle brother is Alan? We get into conversations in the lab and it's hard to keep everyone straight sometimes.
Benes: I can imagine. Our parents mix us up sometimes. It helps to remember the four As.

StLSO: Do you guys look alike?
Benes: Oh yeah. The three of us look quite a bit alike. Some people mistake Alan and I a lot. People have many baseball cards and they don't know us very well. Some people out here ask me to sign his AAA baseball card. All 3 of us have similar features.

StLSO: Were sports always a big activity with you as a kid?
Benes: Oh yeah. I've been competing in athletics since I was 4 years old. We did some things around the house even before that. Always been a big part of our lives. All year round we've been competing in athletics since I was 4. In high school, I was a three-sport athlete--football, basketball, and baseball. It's been a big part of my life and it will always be that way whether its in baseball or coaching.

StLSO: Were your brothers supportive of these activities? Did you get to play with or against them in baseball?
Benes: Andy is 5 1/2 years older and was separated from Alan and I. Alan and I are one year apart in school and played quite a bit together. We were on separate teams some of the time, but were able to play together for one year in high school. He and I went to different colleges. Two of the three years he was in college we competed against each other. He played for Creighton and I played against him in three games in my freshman year when I played for Northern Iowa. I transferred to University of Evansville for my sophomore year and I lucked out when I played him in a tournament over a Spring break. He got drafted after that year. Now we're not on the same team but in the same organization. It depends on how well I do. He's on the verge of breaking through. It's something I would really enjoy. It didn't occur to me until this past month or so how neat it would be to play with him in the big leagues. It something I would love to do and it's a long shot but I think with the right breaks it may happen.

StLSO: When did you focus on baseball?
Benes: In college, it was the only thing I could play. I wasn't good or big enough for basketball and football wasn't a consideration, even though I played it in high school for fun. It's pretty rough in high school. I focused on baseball. It's the only thing I had a shot of playing and the only thing I wanted to play. So after the 12th grade when I was 18, I only played baseball.

StLSO: I know you transferred from Northern Iowa to University of Evansville, which is in the same conference as Southern Illinois University. How did that fit in with your academic interests?
Benes: It fit in real well. I didn't have any problems transferring any classes. So that worked out very well. The University of Evansville is an exceptional institution. It was a good decision for both playing baseball and obtaining my degree. I was excited about that and it has proved to be very beneficial. Looking back, I actually have another year to finish up, which I will do by taking another semester this fall and the next fall.

You know that Evansville is an excellent institution and I was excited to transfer there. I had not declared a major before I transferred, you know how it is when you're a freshman and not really focused. You get the general education courses out of the way. After I transferred, I did decide to go secondary physical education. I've been focusing in on that and everything has been going well. I will finish up in three semesters because we have to go to spring training, so I will complete graduation requirements in Fall 1996. I'll have something to fall back on if baseball doesn't work out.

StLSO: It seems that more people are taking five years to complete their undergraduate education these days.
Benes: Sure, it's difficult unless you have a good idea what you're interested in. Education is especially tough, even if your focused because you have to get a minor. If you change minors it's tough.

StLSO: You've probably seen a lot of coaches since high school. Have any of them been influential in your career or attitude?
Benes: I can answer that very easily. It's been my college coach, Jim Brownlee at the University of Evansville. He's not a pitching coach per say but he's an overall manager. We had some problems at UE when our pitching coach transferred to University of Southern Indiana across town. So that was unfortunate. Jim really teaches kids not just baseball but a general approach to the game, which benefits your game and carries over to life. I can attribute a lot of things to Jim and I hope to go back and help out in the fall with the team. He's a guy I will keep in touch with a long time.

StLSO: It's important to have someone to go back to from time to time and it's reassuring that some of the college coaches are filling a void. Let's talk about your experiences in the minor league. I've been told that you were very excited about draft day. Did you expect to be drafted and did you expect to be drafted by the Cardinals?
Benes: I thought I had a shot at getting drafted, because both my brothers were playing draws attention to myself. In college a lot of scouts came to see me. They're not going to draft you just because of that. You have to be able to perform. I had a pretty good season at Evansville and I knew I had a shot. Being a senior and in my last year, I thought I had a chance of playing professionally. I was taken in the 20th round, so it really came as a shock because I hadn't spokenwith anyone in the Cardinal organization. Only one scout watched me pitch.

StLSO: Had you spoken with other organizations?
Benes: Actually, one on one with the Cleveland Indians, the White Sox, and the Kansas City Royals. You hear all the time from the scouts that they're going to take you. I'm sure the Indians or the White Sox would have taken me in the later rounds. I was fortunate to be taken in the 20th round, which really isn't all that high. As far as I'm concerned there's about 50 rounds to select players and I was expecting a late 30th or 40th round. It was a surprise, especially being picked by the Cardinals.

StLSO: It's nice to get excited over that.
Benes: Yeah, I was pretty nervous. The first day (of the draft) they only take the first 15 rounds. In fact, I was out of town that day. I was down in Louisville watching my brother pitch for the Cardinals. Then I came back on the 2nd day, but I wasn't sitting around the house expecting anything. Some guys wait for the phone to ring. I wasn't even doing that. I got a call and was kind of shocked. I was in my own zone. I was overwhelmed and excited to be picked up.

StLSO: It's been a little while since the draft and you have had some playing time. Your statistics are coming along with some recent wins under your belt and a lowering ERA. How do you see your game coming along? You don't have that 99 mph fast ball, but the speed is picking up. How is your game developing? What kind of changes are you seeing and what would you like to change in your pitching?
Benes: Basically, I began as a relief pitcher and we had some guys who were getting in shape and would be moved up. They do that a lot in the minors. There were some guys who go out of school late and went through what's call an extended spring training, which goes from April to June. They send them out here to get their arms in shape and then they move them up. I was a reliever for the first 9 appearances and I pitched 15 or 20 innings. I struggled a bit in relief. That's what I did in college. It's obviously an adjustment. It's a lot different. You're facing the 3, 4, and 5 hitters, the best hitters off the college teams. Obviously the guys can swing their bats. The baseball is a lot different. The seams aren't as high. It would seem not too difficult to adjust to, but it is. When it comes to throwing a breaking ball, it doesn't break as much, it's not as sharp. It was an adjustment.
Mainly it was getting my feet on the ground. It was a new environment, new situation. You're paid to play and that's in the back of your mind. You need to perform and do well for the organization. It took me a couple of appearances to settle down. I was a little jumpy. We moved some guys around and I became a starter. It's been good to me. I've been pitching well and I've become more of a control pitcher. I've had more innings to work with and more pitches to throw. You have more opportunity to improve compared with relief work because you throw more innings.

My control with the fastball has improved a lot. I've really developed my changeup. I didn't throw a changeup in college because you really don't have to. You can get away with two pitches. But in professional baseball you definitely need three pitches. As a right handed pitcher, I throw a lot of fastballs and then breaking balls. I throw a slider because it tails away from the hitter and then to the lefties you throw more changeups because a breaking ball is going to break into a lefty and they can see it more easily and hit a lot better than a right handed hitter. So this forces you to throw three pitches. That's one of the main adjustments I've had to make. Being in control of those three pitches so that I can throw them in any count to any hitter. Being able to throw a 3-2 changeup for a strike, while in college a guy would throw a fastball. So as a starter, I think I've thrown 43 innings now and each time I go out there I'm consistent and that's what I'm excited about. My goal is to gain consistency and let your teammates know that they can count of you. They're not anxious about you giving up runs. If our guys can score a couple of runs that's usually good enough to win a ballgame. Basically I've been able to spot my fastball and set up the changeup to get the other guys to fish for a pitch. That's how I've been successful. Be confident, be successful, throw strikes.

StLSO: You've been a great person to do an interview with and sportswriters will certainly enjoy interviewing you in the future.
Benes: Well thank you.

StLSO: We'll be sending you a copy of the interview and to your family for them to enjoy. Just to finish up, there's been some recent news with the trade of Andy from San Diego to Seattle. What do you think about that?

Benes: I'm excited for Andy and his family. He was happy in San Diego. It's a great place to play. Now that I'm playing pro ball, a lot of our instructors are big league players and at one point in their careers they played out there and said that's one of the best places to play. The weather's nice, the ballpark's nice, the area's nice. And mainly the media is not too hard on the guys. It's different on the East Coast. The New York media is hard on the Yankees. No player really deserves that kind of treatment. Andy's a professional player and really wants to win. You put the money aside. He wasn't doing that too much in San Diego. The team basically traded away all the good players over the past five years. They went downhill and he wasn't winning ball games. He was frustrated. Good numbers, but not winning. It's better if you put up bad numbers and win rather than put up good numbers and lose. You feel better about yourself when you win. People judge a pitcher on wins more than numbers. The most important thing is to help the team win. He excited because he has a shot at the playoffs and teams try for good players at this time of the year. Seattle has been playing well and he has been winning. He's definitely in a good situation. If they decide to sign him, with the players on that team, they'll be hard to beat. He's had a pretty good career thus far and he really deserves this opportunity.
-----
I was impressed with Adam's gentle conversation skills and his perspective on his career and the game. We'll be keeping an eye on Adam Benes and wish him luck and continued success with his career.


The Cardinal Fan's Guide to the Pennant Races by BRIAN CRAWFORD (8.27.95)

It's nearly September and I've just found a way to get excited about what's left of this baseball season. The Cardinals have finally lived down to our expectations and achieved the worst record in baseball. I can also forget my adopted American League team, the White Sox; they're hot on the Cardinals' heels.

But, of the 15-or-so teams still in the hunt for either a division championship or a wild card berth, nine have former Cardinals on their rosters, and several are everyday players. So the odds of seeing the likes of a Willie McGee or a Vince Coleman in another playoff series are pretty good this year. That, my friends, is how I will spend the remainder of this season. And I'm going to like it!
Yeah, I know...the wild card system cheapens the postseason. I'm a baseball purist, too, but what the heck else do we Cardinals fans have this year? Here's a brief rundown of the former Cardinals playing for division leaders or wild card challengers.

Five of the six current division leaders have former Cards in the lineup.

Boston's my sentimental American League pick-to-click. Willie McGee is back and hitting .330 in 27 games this year with the BoSox. Willie's career was threatened by a torn Achilles tendon last year and nobody would touch him until the Red Sox signed him to minor league contract. He played a brief stint in Triple A and came up to the Red Sox in mid-July. I had a chance to see Willie play in Texas in late July and I can tell you he looks exactly the same as the day he joined the Cardinals. (Trivia question: Who was Bob Sykes?) I want Willie to have another World Series ring. The Red Sox also have Rheal Cormier in their rotation (6-3, 3.22) and Luis Alicea is their regular second baseman.

The Indians will probably win it all, but I'm not sure Ken Hill will be a major factor. He's 1-0 since coming over from the Cardinals, but his ERA is up over 5.00 and he's giving up over 10 hits per nine innings. If and when Cleveland gets into the World Series, it follows that he'll be facing hitters who've seen his stuff this year. Remember Mark Clark? He's notched a 7-5 record this year, despite an ERA of almost 6.0, thanks to the Indian hitters, who are leading the AL in batting and are second only to California in runs scored. Tony Pena has played about 75 games behind the plate for the Indians this year and is batting .230. That's without corrective eyewear, by the way.

The California Angels still have a Whitey Herzog remnant left in Rex Hudler. Rex is having a decent year for the Angels, hitting .270 in 24 games. Big Lee Smith hasn't done much except save 30 games in 39 appearances.

The American League wild card contenders include Seattle, who just added one Vincent Maurice Coleman as their regular left fielder. Everybody had just about given up on Vince until Kansas City took a chance by signing him this spring. The Royals traded him to the Mariners on August 15, the same day Junior Griffey reentered the lineup from the disabled list. Left field's been a revolving door for the Mariners; Vince is the 42nd left fielder Griffey Jr. has played with since he started his big league career in 1989.

Of the division leaders in the National League, only the Los Angeles Dodgers are playing with any former Cardinals. In fact, the Dodgers have one of the best former Cardinals playing today, Todd Worrell. Todd finally seems to be back in form, with 25 saves and a frosty 1.84 ERA.

Other NL contenders playing with Cardinal blood include the Phillies, who have Gregg Jefferies, Andy Van Slyke and Mark Whiten in the outfield. The Rockies, who are closer to the division crown in the West than to the wild card, have Andres "Big Cat" Galarraga and, of course, former Cardinal coach Don Baylor as manager. Galarraga....well....you know... One of my favorite Cardinals of the eighties was Milt Thompson, and he's still playing off the bench in Houston.

Finally, there are the Cubs. Last week, I cracked wise about their dim chances to win the wild card . Then they apparently became possessed by unnatural forces and played outside themselves all week, until the Braves stopped by Wrigley for a reality check. Yes, Todd Zeile is a former Cardinal. But he is a Cub now. Period.

It would be a shame for Cardinals fans to write off the whole season entirely. Following former Birdos is a positive way to salvage this season. But don't count on seeing any of these players on television during the stretch run or the playoffs. Thanks to The Baseball Network's idiotic regional television scheme, who knows what we'll see?

Next week I'll cover my other strategy for enjoying the rest of the '95 season--rooting *against* the Cubs.

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