The Online Source for St. Louis Sports
ISSUE #59
February 27, 1996
Copyright © 1996 St. Louis Sports Online
Reproduction Prohibited Without Permission of Publisher [StLSports@aol.com]
St. Louis Sports Online is an online sports weekly that aims to provide
St. Louisans (and transplanted St. Louisans) with an additional source of
news, information, and humor about St. Louis-area sports events and St.
Louis-area sports teams.
ISSUE #59 includes contributions from St. Louis' radio mercenary, Randy
Karraker; StLSO senior writer Jim Hunstein; StLSO Blues beat writer Brian
Stull; Riverfront Times hockey columnist Randy Hu, StLSO media writer Scott
Simon (three articles) and StLSO college basketball correspondent Doug Bray.
A highlight of this week's issue: StLSO subscriber Nancy Buchanan contributes
her on-the-mark analysis of the Blues' recent wins over Detroit and Chicago.
A reminder: StLSO welcomes reader contributions.
St. Louis Sports Online can be reached at StLSports@aol.com and via FAX
(618-457-5691). E-mail subscriptions to StLSO are free, and can be obtained
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St. Louis Sports Online FEBRUARY.96.4
CONTENTS
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News
2.2 Blues Banter by BRIAN STULL
2.3 Rams News by JIM HUNSTEIN
2.4 Ambush Update
2.5 Vipers Update by G. GRIFFAW
2.6 St. Louis University Update by DOUG BRAY
2.7 Illini Update by DOUG BRAY
2.8 StLSO Quote of the Week
2.9 StLSO Headline of the Week
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Who Are Those Guys? by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.2 Cardinals Minor League Report by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.3 The Great Hoax by RANDY HU
3.4 Around the Horns by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.5 Buchanon's Blues Analysis by NANCY BUCHANAN
4.0 StLSO Game Recaps
4.1 Blues Summaries by BRIAN STULL
4.2 College Basketball Roundup by Doug Bray
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Blues Statistics (through GAME #61)
6.0 StLSO Media Watch by SCOTT SIMON
6.1 Cut to the Bone at KMOX
6.2 Who's First?
6.3 Changes at the Post-Dispatch
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
8.0 StLSO Editorial
St. Louis Sports Online FEBRUARY.96.4
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY
KARRAKER
Here we are on the verge...again...of a Wayne Gretzky to the Blues trade.
It appears to be the same cast of characters as it was around the all-star
break. Word is that the Kings would like Gretzky to play one more home game,
Wednesday vs. Tampa Bay...before dealing him to the Blues for Thursday's
game at Vancouver. How do the Blues replace Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif
and Roman Vopat? For the rest of this year, Vopat is a non factor, he can't
be called up by the Blues. Tardif can be effectively replaced by Greg Gilbert,
who'll return soon from back problems. The Blues don't really have someone
to replace the speed provided by Johnson, but Paul Broten and eventually
Basil McRae and Geoff Courtnall can be expected to be equal or better playoff
performers. Oh by the way, remember how Keenan had so many ex-Oilers in
New York? He had Glenn Anderson, Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, Jeff Beukeboom,
Adam Graves and Esa Tikkanen, among others. Here in St. Louis, it's Grant
Fuhr, Shayne Corson, Courtnall, Igor Kravchuk, and Ken Sutton, in addition
to Gretzky. Ummm, we'll take the group assembled in New York, thanks.
No other way to put it...the Rams were outworked and outhustled by the Bears
for the services of Bryan Cox. Folks in an around the NFL had been saying
for months that it was virtually a done deal, and Cox himself talked about
coming here after the last game of the season. The Rams should have been
at his house bright and early the Friday morning free agency started. Instead,
they set up a visit by Cox, and let someone slide in ahead of them. The
Bears went into the meeting and said "what'll it take you to cancel
all your visits?" Cox and his agent laid down the numbers, Chicago
agreed...and a deal was struck. The next day, the Rams blamed the agent.
They should have taken it upon themselves. Now, if they continue to run
the "jet" defense, the Rams better darn well pick up a pair of
big, fast linebackers, and a defensive end to replace Fred Stokes, who signed
with New Orleans. In the "jet" defensive linemen fly upfield thru
the gaps between the o-line. You need fast, smart defensive linemen (like
Stokes) to run the scheme, and linebackers (like Cox, Junior Seau, a start-of-season
Roman Phifer) that can both support the run and drop back in coverage. Steve
Ortmayer and company have lots of work ahead if they plan on improving their
defense in 1996.
Nice to hear Ozzie Smith saying down in Florida that he'll do what it takes
to win, even if that includes coming off the bench. Ozzie is either A) Very
confident in his ability to beat out Royce Clayton at short. B) Impressed
with the leadership ability and intelligence of Tony La Russa, to the point
that he'll trust number 10 to make the right choice, or C) now well aware
that the Cards wouldn't hesitate to remove him from the roster if he's a
disruption, which would end any hopes of a farewell tour. Whatever the reason,
it can't hurt the club at all.
Finally, a personal note. Thanks to all of you that cared enough to listen
to me on KMOX over the years, and went to the effort to write to or call
after the cutbacks at the station. I can't tell you how flattering that
is and how much I appreciate it, as do the other nine people whose jobs
were eliminated at the station. I'll continue to do the Sunday night Sports
Open Line show, and will certainly keep you folks abreast of where you can
catch me in the future.
2.0 StLSO Sport Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News
*Highlights and oddities of the Cardinals 1996 regular season schedule:
--a twelve-game road trip that commences on May 13 in Miami, Florida...and
after three-game trips to Colorado and Houston, ends up on May 26 in Miami,
Florida! In other words, all six of the Cards 1996 road games vs. the Marlins
take place in May.
--six Busch Stadium Cardinals-Marlins games in August (16, 17, 18 and 27,
18, and 29)
--42 of the Cards' final 68 games take place in Busch Stadium
--three afternoon games that open the season (April 1, 3, and 4 vs. the
Mets in Shea)
--seven of the Cards' first twelve games are afternoon affairs
2.2 Blues Banter by BRIAN STULL
The Blues are 5-1-2 in their last eight games and are three games above
.500 since the All-Star break......FEELIN' AT HOME: Rob Pearson has stepped
right in to his role on the Blues since being acquired in exchange for Denis
Chasse at the end of January. Pearson jumped off the bench as the sixth
attacker to score the tying goal against Chicago with 0.6 seconds left on
the clock and had a big goal against LA. Says Pearson," I'm feeling
really comfortable, Mike's giving me a great opportunity and in the past,
in Washington I really didn't get a lot of ice time and I just kinda lost
a little bit sitting on the bench.".........OUR PATIENCE IS WEARING
THIN: Wayne Gretzky came to town on Saturday and left on Sunday, but will
he back this season? Not even Wayne knows,"I probably know about as
much as you guys know (the media). ...I really don't know what's going on,
I just try to come to the rink and work hard for Larry and play the best
I can for the team"......COMPARISON: "I don't think he gives up
the puck enough to be a Robinson," joked LA coach Larry Robinson when
I asked if he thought Mike Keenan's prediction of Chris Pronger being the
next Larry Robinson was accurate.....LACKING TESTOSTERONE: Add Shane Churla
to the list of Dave Manson, Eric Lindros and the others that have snuck
a shot at Tony Twist and then backed away when confronted by number 18......MORE
ON THE GREAT ONE: "Probably." - Larry Robinson answering when
asked if Gretzky would be leaving St.Louis with the rest of the Kings........STILL
HUNGRY: Despite coming from behind to tie LA, the Blues players were not
pleased with only a tie. Several commented that they should have played
better and earned a victory, but as Grant Fuhr pointed out, " this
time of year it's important to get a point every game, no matter how you
do it. We got a point, so that's the bottom line." IN THE BLINK OF
AN EYE: I was running late to the Ottawa game, but parked my car as Lynn
"the Opera Lady" was finishing the national anthem. As I rode
in the elevator up to the press box, an usher informed me it was 2-0. By
the time I got to my seat it was 4-0...........A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE:
A few media types journeyed to the Chicago game and came back impressed
with the atmosphere in the United Center. It seems the UC goes dark before
the game and there's a ten minute video which highlights Blackhawk history
which drives the fans into screaming hysteria just as the spotlight hits
the national anthem singer. Of course the applause carries through the singing
and the fans remain on their feet yelling until the first Chicago goal.
Maybe someday.........
*Blues February 1996 Schedule and Results
# DATE HOME AWAY result comment
50 Thu Feb 1 VANCOUVER T 2-2 Courtnall: 1G
51 Sat 3 PHILADELPHIA L 7-3 Lindros: 3G
52 Tue 6 DALLAS L 5-2 team listless
53 Thu 8 CHICAGO L 6-1 5 3rd period goals
54 Sat 10 DALLAS W 6-3 Olsson: 2G
55 Sun 11 FLORIDA T 2-2 Olsson: 2A
56 Tue 13 TAMPA BAY W 3-2 Hull: 1G
57 Fri 16 DETROIT W 4-3 4 3rd period Gs
58 Sun 18 WINNIPEG W 3-0 Fuhr sharp
59 Tue 20 OTTAWA L 7-1 4-0 after 5 minutes
60 Thu 22 CHICAGO W 4-3 come-from-behind
61 Sat 24 LOS ANGELES T 2-2 #99 preview?
62 Thu 29 VANCOUVER 7:30
2.3 Rams News by JIM HUNSTEIN
New Bears free-agent acquisition Bryan Cox was on Mike Bush's Sunday night
sports show and basically said he didn't feel that the Rans were serious
about even talking to him...much less signing him. He was on the show with
his agent, Cliff Brady (from Chicago, not that that means anything), and
both basically talked about how the Rams blew the whole deal, and basically
forced Cox's signing with the Bears. But he did acknowledge that the Rams
were the third team on his short list. The most interesting comment Cox
made, a comment that Bush never followed up, was that the Rams have a self-imposed
salary limit of $2.5 million/yr per player signed.
2.4 Ambush Update
St. Louis Ambush Schedule and Results
February
03 Kansas City Attack W 23-5
04 Tampa Bay Terror W 23-16
17 Kansas City Attack
19 at Kansas City Attack W 15-4
23 Chicago Power W 10-6
25 at Milwaukee Wave L 6-19
29 Detroit Rockers
March
01 at Buffalo Blizzard
02 at Harrisburg Heat
09 Chicago Power
10 Cincinnati Silverbacks
15 at Wichita Wings
16 at Detroit Rockers
23 Baltimore Spirit
Ambush Ticket Information: (314) 291-7600 or (314) 962-GOAL
2.5 Vipers Update by GARY GRIFFAW
Bernie Federko's St. Louis Vipers took part in the RHL's recent draft.
The Vipers ten picks are listed below. Note the St. Louis connections!
1. Doug Evans
2. Stu Kulak
3. Bob Wiren
4. Rob Hudson
5. Kevin Plager
6. Frank Morris
7. Scott Campbell
8. Danny Gratton
9. Derek Higdon
10. Joe Stephen
2.6 St. Louis University Update by DOUG BRAY
This week, the Billikens will be at Southern Mississippi on Wednesday Night,
and SLU will travel to DePaul on Saturday. Wednesday night's game will start
at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday's will start at 2:05.
2.7 Illini Update by DOUG BRAY
Following the game with Iowa, Illinois coach Lou Henson said that this would
be his last season. Henson, 64, announced that he would retire after this
season despite having one year left on his contract. As a head coach for
34 seasons, Henson has a 662-327 record and ranks seventh among all time
Division I coaches in wins. He is in his 21st season with the Illini, and
holds a 422-220 overall record with the University of Illinois.
This week the Illini will be in Bloomington to take on the Indiana University
on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
2.8 StLSO Quotes of the Week
*Blues executive Vice-President Ron Caron, speaking on KMOX's Sports on
a Sunday show: "There's going to have to be a stronger relationship
between the [Blues] coaches and the [Blues] players."
*Blues President Jack Quinn, speaking on KSD-AM 550 during Monday's drive-time
show hosted by StLSO's Randy Karraker: "If certain things take place,
[Wayne Gretzky in a Blues uniform Thursday night in Vancouver] is not out
of the realm of possibility."
2.9 StLSO Headline of the Week
From the 2.22.96 Post-Dispatch: "Cox Deal Leaves Ortmayer Fuming".
The sub-head: "Rams Had No Chance, General Manager Says"
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Who Are Those Guys? by JIM HUNSTEIN
All the talk in baseball circles these days is centered around all the wonderful
things the new Cardinal owners are doing for the team, the city, and all
of society in general. But do we really know who these guys are? Following
are a few brief notes on the principals.
Frederick O. Hanser: Chairman of the investor group that purchased the team,
stadium, and four nearby parking garages from Anheuser Busch for a cool
$150 mil.
Andrew Baur: Chairman of Southwest Bank and the parent Mississippi Valley
Bancshares. He is the a former chairman of the Regional Commerce & Growth
Association from 1989-1991. By the way, his father is Andy Baur, local real
estate developer and founder of Baur Properties, who developed Maryville
Campus Office Park along Highway 40.
William O. DeWitt, Jr.: Chairman of the Reynolds, DeWitt and Company, an
investment firm in Cincinnati. He was once the batboy of the old (as opposed
to the new) St. Louis Browns when Bill Veeck was the owner. The story has
been widely told that he gave his uniform to midget Eddie Gaedel for Veeck's
legendary publicity stunt. That uniform now hangs in Cooperstown.
Stephen F. Brauer: President of Hunter Engineering Company.
Donna DeWitt Lambert: Board member of Mississippi Valley Bancshares.
John K. Wallace: Chairman of Regency Group.
G. Watts Humphrey: A former St. Louisan who now resides in Pittsburgh and
owns a steel company.
Robert Castellini: President of Castellini Produce in Cincinnati and director
of Future Now, a computer company.
Mercer Reynolds III: A partner with DeWitt in the investment firm.
Pulitzer Sports II: A subsidiary of Pulitzer Publishing Company, the group
that publishes the Post.
This is not, as you might imagine, a randomly formed gang; most have worked
together in other enterprises, some sports-related. Hanser, Baur, DeWitt,
Humphrey, and Mrs. Lambert were part of the group that bought Southwest
Bank in 1984. Wallace and Brauer were among the investors that tried to
secure an NFL expansion franchise for St. Louis. Castellini and Reynolds
were part owners with DeWitt in ownership of the Rangers and the Orioles.
And DeWitt himself is a former partner with the Reds.
3.2 Cardinals Minor League Report by
JIM HUNSTEIN
3.2.1 The Affiliates: Addresses and Phone Numbers
Louisville Redbirds
PO Box 36407; Louisville, KY 40233
Phone: 502-367-9121 fax: 502-368-5120
General Manager, Dale Owens; Manager Joe Pattini
Arkansas Travelers
PO Box 5599; Little Rock, AR 72215
Phone: 501-664-1555 fax: 501-664-1834
General manager, Bill Valentine; Manager Rick Mahler
St. Petersburg Cardinals
PO Box 12557; St. Petersburg, FL 33733
Phone: 813-822-3384 fax: 813-895-1556
General manager, Steve Cohen; manager Chris Maloney
Peoria Chiefs
1524 W. Nebraska Avenue; Peoria, IL 61605
Phone: 309-688-1622 fax: 309-686-4516
General manager, Rocky Vonachen; manager Roy Silver
New Jersey Cardinals
PO Box 28; Augusta NJ 07822
Phone: 201-579-7500 fax: 201-579-7502
General manager, Tony Torre; manager Scott Melvin
Johnson City Cardinals
PO Box 568; Johnson City, TN 36701
Phone: 615-461-4850 fax: 615-461-4864
General manager, Lonnie Lowe; manager Steve Turco
Extended Spring Training - Busch Complex
7901 30th Avenue North; St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Phone: 813-345-5300 fax: 813-345-4279
3.2.2 1996 Cardinals Minor League Directory
Mike Jorgenson, Director of Player Development
Marty Maier, Director of Scouting
Scott Smulczenski, Assistant Player Development/Scouting
Gaylen Pitts, Assistant Field Coordinator, Player Development
George Kissell, Senior Field Coordinator, Player Development
Dave Rickets, Catching Instructor
Mark Riggins, Pitching Coordinator
John Vuch, Assistant Player Development/Major League Operations
Dave Mozeliak, Assistant, Scouting
Judy Francis, Administrative Assistant
3.3 The Great Hoax by RANDY HU
All the speculation revolving around the Wayne Gretzky trade vigil are drawing
haunting parallels to the O.J. Simpson trial of the century. When is the
hype gonna end? There is so much of a "scoop" mentality floating
around the NHL, that the league has become the National Enquirer on ice.
In the six weeks since Gretzky told LA Kings management to upgrade the team
or he'd bolt, reports have sent him to Toronto, Detroit, New York, Philadelphia,
Anaheim, Vancouver, Chicago, and all points in between. I'm surprised that
Deep Blue, the IBM chess playing computer, hasn't spit out an opinion.
ESPN reported late Sunday night that the Kings would send Gretzky, 35, to
the Blues for forwards Craig Johnson, Patrice Tardif, Roman Vopat, and a
No. 1 draft pick in 1997 by Tuesday. (Great, another report. Let me start
ignoring that one right away.) If true, that would leave center David Roberts
as the only player on the current roster who was originally drafted by the
Blues. Everyone else was either acquired by trade, waivers or free agency.
What a way to build a team. Why even draft?
As for the Kings, since losing to Montreal in the Stanley Cup finals in
1993, there has been trouble among the many crowned heads in the kingdom
of LA. From the imprisonment of former owner Bruce McNall to the team not
making the playoffs the last two years, attendance and interest ve waned.
The Kings have gone 2-15-3 since the Gretzky rumors heated up and the team
is obviously distracted.
"Every morning I wake up, it makes for good reading material,"
said beleaguered Kings coach Larry Robinson. "Most of it, all of it,
is speculative. I can see that it is taking a toll. There's a lot of stress
on Wayne's face. He's not unlike the rest of us." When pressed if he
thinks Gretzky will be traded, Robinson said, "I think he will still
be with the team and I have to look at it that way. Every man in the room
is part of the team until a trade is made. That is how I have to prepare
the team. I can't go on speculation."
"You try to keep the whole thing aside but I don't think we are handling
it very well right now," said longtime teammate Jari Kurri, who is
also the subject of trade rumors. "Just look at our record. We are
trying to deal with it the best we can but we are human."
Gretzky is in the final year of his contract, and the March 20 trading deadline
looms near. If the Kings fail to re-sign him, he'll be an unrestricted free
agent in the off-season. "It's hard for everyone," Gretzky said.
"It's taken its toll on everyone. It's gotten to the point where it's
probably better for everyone if something happens. I've learned one thing
in my 18 years in the league. Just when you've figured everything out about
this game, you learn something new. Trust me."
As I mentioned in a previous column, I think Gretzky will remain in LA.
If Gretzky becomes a Blue, he would not lead them to the Stanley Cup championship.
His reported salary demands of $21 million over 3 years and the right to
retain his own marketing rights, will not only upend the salary structure
of the team, but destroy team morale. Gretzky is said not to be philosophically
opposed to playing for a middle-of-the-pack team but is opposed to any financial
deal that would change his status as the NHL's top paid player. Who's going
to pay for his salary? You are. Figure on adding about 10 bucks a ticket
across the board to $65, $55, $47, and $40.
Everyone in the Kings camp is denying any deal has been struck with the
Blues. "There is no deal in place with any of our players," said
GM Sam "The Disaster" McMaster, who is in danger of losing his
job if the Kings miss the playoffs. PR director Rick Minch said "that
there is no agreement with any team to keep him out of uniform nor is there
any deal in the works."
If the Blues are close to a deal, they apparently aren't negotiating with
Gretzky's agent, Mike Barnett. Barnett told ESPN on Sunday night that he
hasn't heard from the Blues. Blues GM/coach Mike Keenan said recently that
he wouldn't be surprised if Gretzky finished the season with the Kings.
"I really am not pursuing anything," Keenan said. "It's up
to them to make their own decisions and to make the call on it. They certainly
haven't indicated to anyone in this league what their intentions are."
Sure, by the time this column goes to print, Gretzky may already be fitted
for a Blue #99 sweater and egg will have been planted firmly on my face.
But if not, the Blues will be better off in the long run.
3.4 Around the Horns by JIM HUNSTEIN
*As we all know, the Rams lost the Bryan Cox sweepstakes. It seems the Bears
wanted the services of the inside linebacker more than the Rams. They signed
the East St. Louis native to a four-year, $13.2 million contract to patrol
in Soldier Field, or where ever they end up playing.
A big stink has been raised as to whether the Rams blew their chance or
whether they got stiffed by Cox. Only Oliver Stone might be able to get
to the bottom of it, but the bottom line is that Cox didn't want to play
here. No amount of finger-pointing, name-calling, or sour-graping will put
horns on his head.
Cox told a national radio audience that his prime motivation was to get
to the Super Bowl. Consequently, he said, his choice came down to the Bears
and the Packers. When the host mentioned playing in his home town, Cox pretty
much blew off the notion. Why he thinks the Bears are closer to the big
game than the Packers indicates that he might have been practicing without
his helmet too long.
But then Wayne Gretzky wants to get to another Stanley Cup and he may (or
may not) be coming to the Blues.
*Meanwhile other free agents are shopping the Rams. And one's a linebacker!
Eagles inside LB Kurt Gouveia stopped by the Ram's Mathews-Dickey Boys'
Club practice facility last week. He goes 6'1" and 240 pounds and sounds
like he's ready to be fitted for a jersey. "I'm excited to be here.
Hopefully I can upgrade the position [ILB] and shore things up for them."
At 31, he led the Eagles in tackles last eason with 137. And that was playing
the second half of the season with a calf injury. He spent the previous
eight seasons with the Redskins and had his career best in 1993 when he
had 174 stops. He helped Washington win two Super Bowls and had an interception
of Jim Kelly in Super Bowl XXVI. Gouviea visited Minnesota earlier in the
week.
During a visit to Denver, Charger DE Leslie O'Neal has said he will visit
the Rams this week. From here, he's on to Kansas City. He has already been
to San Francisco, so his plans are obviously up in the air. The inside track
the Rams have is defensive coordinator Willie Shaw, who was San Diego's
secondary coach on the 1994 AFC championship team.O'Neal was a major supporter
in Shaw's effort to become the defensive coordinator there, but he was passed
over. O'Neal is also 31 but had 12.5 sacks for the Chargers last season
and ranks ninth on the NFL career sack list with 105.5.
But perhaps the biggest name planning a visit is AFC champion Steeler QB
Neil O'Donnell. This one's a long shot for a number of reasons. His two
Super Bowl interceptions notwithstanding, the Steelers have put a four-year,
$12.4 million offer on the table. Also, the New York Jets are in hot pursuit
and O'Donnell grew up in New Jersey. (Cox already showed how important such
ties are.) But after visiting with the Jets, O'Donnell talked about Pittsburgh
in the past tense. Finally, he is represented by none other than super agent
Leigh Steinberg, who seems to have represented every NFL quarterback since
Charlie Johnson. If that name rings a bell (Steinberg's, not Johnson's),
he's the guy who led the Save The Rams campaign to keep out newest bestest
buddies in the Southland. But if the Bighorns pony up enough dead presidents,
I'm sure Leigh will reconsider just how heinous Georgia Frontierre really
is.
*If the Rams are serious about signing a free agent quarterback, they better
plan to cough up serious money. The average base salary of the 10 highest-paid
passers in 1995 was $3.65 million. So much for that $2.5 million ceiling.
*The free agent the Bighorns have signed, CB Maurice Hurst, was due in town
this past weekend to visit the Rams. And his doctor. Seems Hurst had surgery
at Barnes Hospital back in December to repair a ruptured disc.
*The Bighorns have lost two back-up defensive linemen (a true cynic might
imply that all the defensive line ever did was back up) to NFC West division
rival New Orleans. Both DT Clarence Jones and DE Fred Stokes both signed
with the Saints presumably with the hope that they'll get more playing time.
The terms of Stokes' deal were not disclosed but Jones inked a three-year,
$4.5 million dollar contract.
*While those Rams were looking for opportunities over the rainbow (or at
least on Bourbon Street, which is not a bad place to start), several players
have been looking in their own [new] backyards. LB Thomas Homco (who could
pass for Brett Hull in a dark bar late at night) has bought a home in Clayton
and DE D'Marco Farr is closing in on a condo in the Central West End.
*Rams officials, on the other hand, might have another move on their minds.
They have been touring Cheeseland in search of a possible new summer training
camp site. So far, they have checked out the facilities at University of
Wisconsin - Stevens Point.. They are also reportedly considering Wisconsin
- Eau Claire, Eastern Illinois in Charleston, Illinois, Western Illinois
in Macomb, Illinois, and of course Maryville University.
*The Rams lost one off-field personnel member recently. Harley Sewell has
been a member of the Rams' scouting department since 1963. But he has announced
that he will retire from full-time scouting after the NFL draft, whcih will
be April 20-21.
3.5 Buchanon's Blues Analysis by NANCY BUCHANAN
How did the Blues beat the Blackhawks? The same way they beat Detroit--with
dogged defense which produced opportunistic offense. Without the services
of injured Zezel, Courtnall and Hudson for the Chicago game, Keenan nonetheless
came up with three offensive lines and kept these three lines together throughout
the game (until the last few minutes of regulation when he juggled the lines
to give his best players more ice time.)
In the Detroit game, Keenan also kept his lines together throughout the
game.
Here are the lines Keenan put together:
vs. Detroit vs. Chicago
RW Hull Hull
C Corson Corson
LW Courtnall Roberts
RW Noonan Pearson
C Hudson Noonan
LW Matteau Matteau
RW Pearson Tardif
C Hawerchuk Hawerchuk
LW Johnson Johnson
RW Tardif no 4th line used
C Zezel
LW Twist
Keenan had to balance offensive strength without leaving any line too
weak defensively when he prepared for the Chicago game.
Keenan kept Hull/Corson together replacing Courtnall with Roberts. At the
end of the third period, Johnson took Roberts' place on this line; however,
for most of the game Johnson was kept on the third line with Hawerchuk and
Tardif perhaps because the 3rd line would have been too weak without Johnson.
The grinding second line of Noonan and Matteau missed the services of Hudson
but was just as strong with Pearson. This former Blackhawk/Ranger line was
great in both games--controlling the puck in their offensive zone and frustrating
the competition by playing keep away at the boards. This line scored or
at least was on the ice for two of the four goals against Detroit and two
of the four goals against Chicago!!
During the last seven shifts of regulation time against Chicago, Keenan
juggled his lines to give his best players the most chances to tie the game:
Only one shift was given to Roberts, Tardif and Twist; Two shifts each went
to Johnson and Hawerchuk. Keenan gave three shifts each to Noonan, Matteau,
Hull, Corson and Pearson. For Pearson's goal at the buzzer, he was on the
ice with forwards Noonan, Hull and Corson (Fuhr having been pulled with
seconds remaining.)
Noonan did a great job adjusting to center for the Chicago game from his
regular spot at right wing. He won several key faceoffs. Noonan's winning
clutch goal against Chicago was as exciting as Matteau's winner against
Detroit. Maybe Keenan was right when he said Stanley Cup experience was
important.... Noonan's assist on Pearson's last second goal in regulation
time was equaled only by MacInnis' assist on Noonan's game winner.
In summary, Keenan knows how to put lines together even when injuries plague
the roster. The Blues are not the best team in the league but they can win
against the best. On nights when this team comes to the arena believing
in themselves and with something to prove against a top team, they perform.
4.0 StLSO Game Recaps
4.1 Blues Summaries by BRIAN STULL
4.1.1 Ottawa (GAME #59; 2.20.96)
The Blues suffered a disappointing 7-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday
evening. Ottawa took control right away, scoring four goals on their first
six shots. After the first two wrap-arounds, Mike Keenan pulled Grant Fuhr
and sent in Bruce Racine. That made little difference as the puck continued
to find the back of the net for the Senators.
At 18:59, Alexei Yashin scored his second goal of the period, shooting from
below the left circle and getting the deflection off Chris Pronger to make
it 5-0. Grant Fuhr was back in the net to start the second period, but Sean
Hill continued the onslaught firing a shot from the right point, which once
again went off Pronger for the goal.
Moments later, Peter Zezel got cross-checked into Rob Pearson and strained
his neck on the way to the ice. Zezel laid motionless and after a delay
in which he was attended to by physicians, Zezel was taken off the ice by
stretcher.
At 13:08, the Blues finally got on the board as Pearson banged home the
rebound from a Pronger shot and the score was 6-1. Ottawa added a final
goal at 6:35 of the third period to garner the hat trick and finish the
scoring at 7-1.
GAMENOTES: St.Louis outshot Ottawa 33/25....Fuhr stopped 13/17, Racine 5/8,
and Damian Rhodes was 32/33.......the Blues were 0/4 on the power play,
Ottawa 1/5....the Blues next game is in Chicago on Thursday.
4.1.2 at Chicago (GAME #60; 2.22.96)
The St.Louis Blues traveled to Chicago to battle the Blackhawks and spoiled
a hat trick from Tony Amonte enroute to coming back for a 4-3 overtime victory.
Amonte got things started for Chicago, taking a pass from Jeremy Roenick
in the far corner and beating Grant Fuhr at 2:48 of the first period. The
Blues came right back as Al MacInnis blasted a slapper from the point just
:24 later to tie the game 1-1.
Patrice Tardiff got into the scoring act, recording a goal at 4:29 on wrap
around that Ed Belfour kicked in for the goal. Later it was Roenick going
after Rob Pearson with Chris Chelios and Belfour jumping into the mix. Belfour
picked up a roughing penalty as did Pearson and Roenick.
Tony Amonte tied the game 2-2 at 14:05 of the second period, putting the
rebound up and over Fuhr for the goal. It wasn't until the third period
that Amonte finished off the hat trick, bouncing the puck in off of Roenick's
stick at 6:53.
Things looked grim for the Blues as time began to run out. With :06 left
in regulation, Fuhr went to the bench and Rob Pearson came on as the sixth
attacker just as Brian Noonan got control of the puck, sending it over to
Pearson skating in who fired for the goal with just six-tenths of a second
left.
It was Noonan in overtime who got open for the rebound from an Al MacInnis
slapshot and Noonan had the open net for the goal at 3:14 and the Blues
had the victory 4-3.
4.1.3 Los Angeles (GAME #61; 2.24.96)
The St.Louis Blues played host to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night
and came from behind to earn a 2-2 tie. Los Angeles jumped out in front
early when Gary Shuchuk fired from just inside the blue line to beat Grant
Fuhr at 0:54.
Just under a minute later, Rob Pearson tied the game for St.Louis as Brian
Noonan stole the puck and sent the pass over to Pearson for the breakaway
on Kelly Hrudey. Both Fuhr and Hrudey were flawless the rest of the period,
turning away every attempt.
Tempers flared in the second period as Kevin Stevens and Chris Pronger began
shoving and Jari Kurri and Craig Johnson had words, but there wasn't any
scoring until 1:09 of the third period when LA went on the power play. Kurri
got the puck to the right of Fuhr and sent a quick pass over to an open
Stevens for the easy goal.
Moments later, Shayne Corson was cross-checked and then dragged down, but
referee Dan Marouelli had put his whistle away, despite Corson, Kurri, Stevens,
and Johnson exchangin pleasantries. The mood continued at 6:30 as Murray
Baron and Kurri shoved and Rob Pearson came over to show his prescence.
Mike Keenan sent Tony Twist onto the ice to settle things down, but during
the shift Kevin Stevens hammered Igor Kravchuk into the boards. Pronger
was the first over to go after Stevens, but soon Twist was along the boards
being held back by players and linesmen.
Later in the period, Pearson moved in and blistered a shot which nailed
Hrudey just below the left clavicle, but he held on for the save. Then it
was another shoving match as McSorley went after one of the Blues, but got
tied up from behind by Twist. Meanwhile, Shane Churla, who had backed away
from Twist earlier, decided to go for Twist but instead met up with Murray
Baron. Sean O'Donnell, who tried for Corson, was sent off for interference
at 14:07.
With just over two minutes left in regulation, Brett Hull stole the puck
and worked in, leaving the puck for Ken Sutton who dropped it for Corson
who fired from the top of the slot to beat Hrudey at 18:01.
Grant Fuhr preserved the tie with a spectacular kick save in the final moments
and the announced crowd of 20.141 was on its feet at the end of regulation.
The Blues could only manage one shot in the overtime and LA had two and
the game ended 2-2.
GAMENOTES: St.Louis outshot LA 33/24......the Blues powerplay was 0/5 during
9:28 of possession.....Rob Pearson had seven shots on goal to lead all players.....Adam
Creighton returned to the lineup after being out with a broken jaw....the
Blues are off until Thursday when they travel to Vancouver.
4.2 College Basketball Week-In-Review by DOUG BRAY
4.2.1 St. Louis University Summaries
18, 560 fans were on hand at the Kiel Center on Monday to see the Billikens
lose to Cincinnati for the second time this season 69-64. It was the fifth
loss for the Bill's in their past seven games. There was some good news
for SLU, it was the first time in the past three conference games that the
Billikens lost by less than 25 points. They fell by 32 points less than
two weeks ago in Cincinnati. SLU went into the locker room at halftime trailing
by only five points, 29-24, and they trailed by only three points with only
three minutes remainig, but the Bearcats hit 11 of 14 free throws down the
stretch and held on for the five point victory. Jeff Harris was the leading
scorer for St. Louis University with 19 points, Jamal Johnson added 16 points,
and Vergil Cobbin scored 11 points. Damon Flint was the leading scorer for
the Bearcats, with 16 points.
On Wednesday, the Billikens used a 51 point second half to beat the Skyhawks
of Tennessee-Martin 91-65 at the Kiel Center. SLU only had a 40-37 lead
at the half, but played strong in the second half to pull away with the
26 point victory. SLU hit a season high 13 three pointers, and shot 50%
from behind the three point arc. The Billikens Corey Frazier was the top
scorer on the night with 20 points, Vergil Cobbin scored a season high 17,
and Jeff Harris added 17 points. Center Michael Hart was the top scorer
for Tenessee-Martin with 19 points.
On Sunday, 19,714 fans were on hand at the Kiel Center, in St. Louis, to
see the Billikens win their last scheduled home game of the season, 69-58
over Conference USA rival Marquette. SLU pulled out to a 30-24 halftime
lead and shot 14 of 20 from the floor in the second half to pull out the
11 point victory. The Billikens turned the ball over only eight times in
the game, and shot 51% from the floor. It was only the third time the entire
season the Bills made more shots than they missed. Vergil Cobbin was the
high scorer for the Bills, with 18 points. It was the final home game for
SLU seniors Jamal Johnson and Carlos McCauley.
4.2.2 University of Missouri Summaries
Reserve Kansas State guard Aaron Swartzendruber scored 24 points to help
the Wildcats to a 69-64 victory over the University of Missouri on Wednesday
Night in Manhattan, KS. The Tigers outrebounded the Wildcats, 43-36, but
could not overcome the Kansas State lead. The Tigers trailed by only three
points, 39-36 at halftime. But a 30 point second half rallied the Wildcats
to the five point victory. Julian Winfiled scored a season high 19 points
for the Tigers, and Jason Sutherland added 18 points. The Wildcats Swartzendruber,
who only averages 3.6 points per game, scored a career high 24.
The Tigers lost for the first time at home this season 78-74 to Iowa State
on Saturday afternoon. The Cyclones ended a 10 year loosing streak at the
Hearnes Center, and Mizzou now has a blemish on what previously an unblemished,
13-0 record at home. The Tigers led 36-35 at halftime, and pulled to within
two points, 72-70 with just 1:33 left in the game. With 20.6 seconds to
go, Freshan Danny Allouche made one free throw, and missed the second. On
the rebound, Mizzou's Kelly Thames was fouled, he hit both free throws and
the score was 75-74 Iowa State. The Cyclones Kenny Pratt was fouled on the
inbounds, and he hit both of his free throws, and Iowa State pulled out
the four point victory. Julian Winfield scored 25 points for the Tigers,
and Allouche scored 13 points. Dedric Willoughby was the leading scorer
for the Cyclones, with 25 points, and Pratt scored 21 points.
4.2.3 University of Illinois Summaries
Purdue Forward Roy Hairston made 8 of 12 shots from the field and ended
up with 23 points as the Boilermakers beat the University of Illinois 74-71
in Champaign on Tuesday night. Illinois fell behind 34-32 at halftime, but
came back and trailed by three with only 0.7 seconds left to go in the game.
But Purdue's Todd Foster stole Richard Keene's inbounds pass to preserve
the three point victory. Illinois finished the game with a 37-31 rebounding
advantage, but only shot 43% from the floor. Matt Heldman was the top scorer
for the Illini with 20 points, and Kiwane Garris added 19 points. Hariston
was the game's top scorer with 23 points.
On Sunday, Illinois guard Richard Keene scored a career high 25 points on
the way to a 91-86 win over Iowa. Keene hit seven of 14 shots, including
a career best six of 12 from three point range. The Illini hit 14 three
pointers in 34 attemps and lead the Hawkeyes 40-38 at halftime. The Fightn'
Illini were up by seven points with 1:19 remaing in the game, before Iowa
cut the lead to two with only 23 seconds. The Hawkeyes needed a three pointer
to tie the game with just under 20 seconds to go, but Andre Woolridge missed
a long shot, and Keene was fouled on the rebound. He hit the two free throws
and Illinois pulled out the five point win. Illinois made 12 of 14 free
throws in the last five and a half minutes and shot 42% from the floor in
the game. Sophmore Bryant Notree scored 18 points for the Illini, and Matt
Heldman and Kiwane Garris each scored 15 points. The victory ended Iowa's
four game winning streak.
The Illini are currently 17-9 overall and 6-8 in the Big Ten Conference.
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Blues Statistics (through GAME #61)
5.1.1 Scoring Statistics
PLAYER TEAM GP G A PTS +/- PIM PP SH GW GT S PCTG
Brett Hull Stl 53 34 34 68 5 28 12 5 6 0 262 13.0
Al Macinnis Stl 61 12 34 46 1- 66 6 1 1 1 226 5.3
Shayne Corson Stl 61 16 24 40 9 152 11 0 0 2 111 14.4
Dale Hawerchuk Stl 60 12 28 40 3 22 5 0 1 0 132 9.1
Geoff Courtnall Stl 58 20 14 34 1- 87 5 1 1 0 191 10.5
Brian Noonan Stl 61 11 19 30 3 73 3 1 5 0 108 10.2
Chris Pronger Stl 57 6 16 22 1 88 2 1 1 0 106 5.7
Stephane Matteau Stl 25 5 9 14 6- 38 3 0 1 1 43 11.6
NYR 32 4 2 6 2- 22 1 0 0 0 39 10.3
Total 57 9 11 20 8- 60 4 0 1 1 82 11.0
Igor Kravchuk Stl 22 1 8 9 3 8 0 0 0 0 65 1.5
Edm 26 4 4 8 15- 10 3 0 0 0 59 6.8
Total 48 5 12 17 12- 18 3 0 0 0 124 4.0
Craig Johnson Stl 49 8 7 15 4- 30 1 0 0 0 72 11.1
Peter Zezel Stl 40 5 10 15 1 8 1 0 0 0 57 8.8
Adam Creighton Stl 40 6 7 13 3- 53 2 0 2 0 61 9.8
Mike Hudson Stl 18 2 8 10 4 12 0 0 0 0 24 8.3
Tor 27 2 0 2 5- 29 0 0 0 0 27 7.4
Total 45 4 8 12 1- 41 0 0 0 0 51 7.8
Murray Baron Stl 61 1 7 8 3- 134 0 0 0 0 60 1.7
Ken Sutton Stl 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
Edm 32 0 8 8 11- 39 0 0 0 0 39 0.0
Total 34 0 8 8 10- 41 0 0 0 0 39 0.0
Dave Roberts Stl 26 1 6 7 7- 12 1 0 1 0 33 3.0
Rob Pearson Stl 13 4 2 6 3 26 0 0 1 0 31 12.9
Tony Twist Stl 39 3 2 5 1 59 0 0 1 0 9 33.3
Christer Olsson Stl 13 2 3 5 3- 4 2 0 0 0 20 10.0
Roman Vopat Stl 25 2 3 5 8- 48 1 0 1 0 33 6.1
J.J. Daigneault Stl 37 1 3 4 5- 24 0 0 0 0 45 2.2
Mon 7 0 1 1 1- 6 0 0 0 0 3 0.0
Total 44 1 4 5 6- 30 0 0 0 0 48 2.1
Patrice Tardif Stl 23 3 0 3 2- 12 0 0 1 0 21 14.3
Paul Broten Stl 17 0 1 1 1- 4 0 0 0 0 11 0.0
Dallas Eakins Stl 17 0 1 1 3- 32 0 0 0 0 6 0.0
Grant Fuhr Stl 61 0 1 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
Greg Gilbert Stl 14 0 1 1 0 8 0 0 0 0 8 0.0
Jay Wells Stl 58 0 1 1 6- 63 0 0 0 0 20 0.0
Fred Knipscheer Stl 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0.0
Basil Mcrae Stl 11 0 0 0 1- 20 0 0 0 0 1 0.0
Bruce Racine Stl 10 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
Jamie Rivers Stl 3 0 0 0 1- 2 0 0 0 0 5 0.0
Kevin Sawyer Stl 6 0 0 0 2- 23 0 0 0 0 1 0.0
Alex Vasilevskli Stl 1 0 0 0 1- 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
5.1.2 Goaltending Statistics
(GPI) GAMES PLAYED IN (MINS) MINUTES PLAYED (AVG) 60 MINUTE AVERAGE
(EN) EMPTY-NET GOALS AGAINST (SO) SHUTOUTS (GA) GOALS AGAINST
(SA) SHOTS AGAINST (SPCTG) SAVE PERCENTAGE
GOALTENDER GPI MINS AVG W L T EN SO GA SA SPCTG G A PIM
Grant Fuhr 61 3494 2.82 26 22 11 2 164 1728 .905 0 1 4
Bruce Racine 10 213 2.82 0 2 0 0 10 94 .894 0 0 2
Stl Totals 61 3718 2.84 26 24 11 1 2 176 1828 .904
6.0 StLSO Media Watch by SCOTT SIMON
6.1 Cut to the Bone at KMOX
Two more KMOX employees were laid off earlier this week, part of the mass
layoff on Feb. 16.
News reporter Daryl Lloyd and do-it-all writer and producer Jon McSweeney
got their notices when they returned to work following the weekend.
The layoff was widely reported in St. Louis, as lead stories on FOX 2 and
News 4. St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bill McClellan took on Rod Zimmerman,
general manager of KMOX, with this stinging observation:
"From the start of Zimmerman's tenure, it was clear that he didn't
have a vision. At times, it seemed like he didn't have a clue."
"He hired J.C. Corcoran, then the local bad boy of radio, and when
Corcoran performed as he had always performed, Zimmerman fired him."
McClellan continued: "He said the cuts would make the station 'more
competitive. Our listeners will not hear a difference,' [Zimmerman] said."
McClellan's kicker? "Sadly, we already have."
6.2 Who's First?
If Wayne Gretzky is traded to the Blues, look for every television station,
as well as KMOX and KFNS to claim a "scoop".
When the Cardinals acquired Dennis Eckersley, Channel 5, KMOX, and KFNS
all took credit for the "scoop" about the trade. They took this
credit reporting the trade AFTER IT HAD ALREADY HAPPENED. It's only a scoop
when you report it BEFORE IT HAPPENS!
Besides, we read stories for two weeks it might happen.
For the record, who gets credit for the Gretzky-to-St. Louis story? A newspaper
in Toronto, who first reported this a couple of months ago. Runner-up to
ESPN for putting gas on the fire this past Sunday.
So, if any St. Louis media outlet claims a scoop here, let's send them a
shovel to clean up the manure they are trying to pass off as aggressive
reporting.
6.3 Changes at the Post-Dispatch
Changes being made at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch management structure could
result in a better sports section.
On Monday, it was announced that a new general manager was hired, from Copley
papers in San Diego. Staffers tell me he will focus on marketing the newspaper,
which the paper needs right now.
Second, an executive editor will be hired in the next three months to report
to Nicholas Penniman, Publisher of the Post-Dispatch, and will oversee Managing
Editor Foster Davis, and Editor William Woo.
The news was not welcomed by Davis. Staffers tell me when he heard the news,
he abruptly left the newspaper office.
What does this mean to sports? First, you have to understand what has transpired
at the paper since 1992. First, Woo successully lobbied Penniman to get
rid of then-Managing Editor David Lippman for Davis.
The irony here is that Lippman was a long time editor for the sports department
in the 60's and 70's, when we all felt the sports section was much better
than it is now.
Davis and Woo, neither a supporter of sports, worked their imprimatur on
the entire paper, which is why circulation has dropped from 360,000 in 1994
to today's standard of 316,000 (Sundays are not included in this average),
thus resulting in yesterday's announcement.
Davis and Woo will report to the new Executive Editor when he or she comes
on board, and that probably won't sit well with them. There are rumors that
the changes might not stop there, that Davis and Woo might be replaced.
Many StLSO readers may not realize that P-D Executive Sports Editor Bob
Pastin was replaced last year by Phil Gaitens. Gaitens is a very nice man,
but came to sports FROM THE BUSINESS SECTION! In my opinion, assistants
Mike Smith or Bill Coats should have been appointed to the top post.
Gaitens' judgement has to be questioned. Last Thursday, the section ran
a "tale of the tape" between Tony Twist of the Blues and Bob Probert
of the Blackhawks as the game advance. Nice graphics, but how did they know
they would tangle? Twist hardly played, there were no fights between the
two, and the sports section wasted critically diminished space.
Let's see what rain falls on the Post in the next six months.
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
*Pat Dressel writes--
Although I very much enjoy getting and reading your fine articles, I am
asking that you take me off your mailing list. I am subscribed to several
list servers and get a fair amount of work and personal e-mail - the volume
is beginning to become unmanageable. Fear not - you have not lost a loyal
reader - I will merely check them out via a bookmark in my Internet browser.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Check out our WWW page. And please take a minute or two to
answer the survey questions while you're browsing.
*Ron Jacobs writes from California--
With the 12th choice and some surefire offensive linemen and defensive players
available and going early, they should be able to get a good RB--the top
guys all could be pretty good. I wonder what they'll get for Bettis, of
whom I now have 350+ cards to show for his downward spiraling career. Mr.
"More Cards Than Yards." But you know, he still could turn out
to be an Ironhead, with motivation, a good salary and some blockers. I've
always sensed that he and Brooks didn't take to each other and Brooks is
only human, he wants "his" boys. Remember O'Berry, the DB draft
choice from Oregon who quickly vanished?
What p***** me off is that an expansion team virtually bought itself an
offensive line in 48 hours (Searcy, Stepnowski) and so far the Rams' (only)
"big" deal is to sign a DB who was riding the bench in NE by end
of last season.
And the rumors of going for Cris Chandler as QB have not only died down,
but if he was any good he wouldn't have lost his job to a rookie. I saw
him whenever Miller concussed at Anaheim, and Chandler's no prize. Probably
end up--again--with Everett still better than any QB the Rams have this
year. How do they expect to be viable in NFC West, where every other team
in division has better QB?
I guess even if Georgia had Steve Forbes' money she just wouldn't spend
it on the little item known as "players." I guess St. Louis didn't
pay her enough. Right.
*Scott Thompson writes from Utah--
I was sad to read about the departure of Randy Karrakar and other layoffs
at KMOX. I enjoyed listening to Randy and hearing his sports insights while
I was in St. Louis. He's too good to be out of work for too long and I'm
sure other stations will be knocking down his door with offers. As a kid,
whenever you wanted to hear about sports you just turn the radio to 1120AM
KMOX. They were the place, no one else ever came close. Today KMOX has move
competition and I truely believe that the station as a whole has gone downhill
overall since Robert Hyland's death. It would appear the roll downhill is
not over. What a shame to see how the mighty have fallen.
On a brighter note-- Can any true Cardinal Baseball Fan not be excited by
the prospects for this year's team? With a line-up of Lankford, Jordan,
Gant, Gaetti, and Clayton plus the Benes' Brothers, Stottlemyre, Osborne
and Eckersley on the pitching staff...this team should certainly challenge
for the division title. I'm ready to say "Play Ball"!!!
Please keep up the fine work and articles in your sports report. For those
of us no longer in St. Louis you are a godsend.
*Tim Willmann writes--
I have not received my StLSO and I'm going crazy. I need info.
EDITOR'S NOTE: You are still on the subscription list. Something happened
at your end that prevented #58 from being transmitted to your site. #58
has been posted on the StLSO WWW site: http://itdcomm.com/stlsol/
*Jeffrey Funke writes--
My father raised his family to be die-Hard Cardinal fans in a basically
pro-Cub town (Dyersville, Iowa, home of Field of Dreams). My brother and
I have also become avid Blues fans. I would dearly love to be added to your
subscription list. I've followed the Redbirds through the lean years, and
now I'm ready for another championship. Please consider my request.
*Theodore Benjamin writes--
I have been reading your newsletter for most of its existence.
I have stopped taking any mail that can be construed as personal at my office
e-mail address. I will continue reading your fine publication through the
World-Wide Web at home, so you can trim your mailing list a little and drop
that address from your subscription list.
BTW, how long will it be before the Cardinals' radio and television networks
are fleshed out? I would like a listing of them here or on their web site
for obvious reasons. When I visited West Tennessee last summer, I found
one or two relatively lower-power TV stations that said they carried their
games. I doubt I could get them here in North Alabama, but at least I would
know where to try.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Look for the Cards TV and Radio affiliate list in an upcoming
issue of StLSO.
*John Scherzinger writes--
Randy Karraker: I am a fan of yours, and I was very sorry to hear that KMOX
let you go. I felt that you were always very kind and considerate of the
fans who called KMOX's Open Line. I am a huge SLU Billiken fan, and I felt
that you were the only sports personality at KMOX who seemed to give a hoot
about SLU.
This has been a very trying year for SLU; especially, considering that expectations
are much greater since they got in the NCAA tournament two years in a row.
Hopefully, Spoon will get some very good basketball players to commit to
SLU this recruiting season. I want to wish you the best of luck, and I am
sure that you will find an even better position at one of KMOX's competitors.
*Screenname DOCTATER writes--
Rams warning from the Spud... Jeff George has a great arm, decent stats,
but unfortunately lacks the one thing that makes a great quarterback - A
head. The guy is a loser. Every crunch-time situation he's been in, he's
not come through. The defenses around the league know: Rattle George and
you've got him. I fear that if the Rams sign him, there will be many broken
hearts in St.Louis this December.
Very early Redbirds predictions: Lankford will have his best year in '96.
And the youngsters will out-pitch the old guys, by far.
*Doug Feldmann writes from Bloomington, Indiana--
I'm 25 years old, and grew up a Cardinal fan in Chicago, ironically. I've
always enjoyed the professionalism shown by KMOX, and I'll say that Randy
Karreker is handling the situation admirably. I will continue to listen
to KMOX AND Randy, wherever he may be -- because they both represent the
best in radio.
*Alan Burchardt writes from Bloomington, Indiana
Just wanted to say I was shocked to learn about the mass firings at KMOX
and I wish the best to Mr. Karraker. His radio programs (and writings in
StLSO) have always been of outstanding quality... something I look forward
to. And if the Mighty MOX no longer appreciates the sort of quality he brings,
they don't deserve the benefit of his fine talents.
*Susan Rochette-Crawley writes--
I'd just like to express my excitement that Eckersley is coming to the Cards!
I'd love to have a poster of him doing his wind-up!
8.0 StLSO Editorial: A Few Words About KMOX and the Post-Dispatch
KMOX GM Rod Zimmerman's comment (6.1 in this issue of StLSO) that KMOX listeners
won't be able to tell the difference (in terms of KMOX's on-air product
after the station's recent layoffs) surprised yours truly, too.
Let's take Zimmerman's comments at face value. In other words, let's assume
he believes what he says.
One of two things is going on here...and both are less-than-positive. Either
Zimmerman himself can't hear the difference (between KMOX in its glory days
and the recent-vintage KMOX)...or else he sadly underestimates the "Radio
IQ" possessed by the average KMOX listener.
When it's all said and done, though, in the face of the Westinghouse takeover,
did Zimmerman have any choice in the dismantling of KMOX?
As reported in StLSO ISSUE #58, Westinghouse is looking to maximize profits
from the already profitable KMOX. Rick Desloge, in an article in this week's
St. Louis Business Journal, writes that Westinghouse has promised Zimmerman
and KMOX management autonomy as far as its future in St. Louis is concerned,
providing that the station DOUBLES its profits.
As far as KMOX's sports coverage is concerned, there is no question that
it has ALREADY been weakened by the recent changes. With Mike Kelly traveling
with Norm Stewart's Mizzou team, Ron Jacober has had to "go it alone"
on the two most recent Sunday morning sports shows.
In the recent past, Kelly's (or Jacober's) absence was often covered by
another KMOX staffer. Not on the past two Sundays, though.
Ron Jacober is a serviceable sportscaster. But doing the better part of
a three hour show solo (a show that includes scores, updates, AND the live
interviews that characterize the Sunday KMOX show as the perfect week-in-review
program) is a task better shared between two qualified sportscasters.
Zimmerman is flat wrong if he believes his listeners aren't discerning enough
to realize that the most recent staffing cuts do in fact diminish the high
quality that KMOX listeners have come to expect from "The Voice of
St. Louis".
Finally, in 6.3 of this issue, StLSO media writer Scott Simon describes
some of the recent changes at the P-D.
Mixed in with Simon's timely scoops are occasional opinions about the possible
effects of those changes, as well as the effects of other recent changes
in the management structure at St. Louis' only daily newspaper.
Simon's comments are his own. StLSO readers who desire an additional opinion
should continue reading.
Regarding the P-D's sports section, yours truly believes that changes made
since Bob Pastin's ouster (culminating in Gaitens' being named Executive
Sports Editor) have substantially improved the look and content of the daily
sports section. For sure, additional improvement is warranted. (Let me count
the ways...)
In addition, on more than one occasion I've gone back into the microfilm
to check on a P-D article from the 60's, 70's, or 80's. My reaction to those
decades-old sports sections? Generally, it is a reaction that has a substantial
component of disappointment within it.
In other words, we may fondly REMEMBER the sports pages from those eras...but
a gander at the actual product from those days provides an oft-needed reminder
that our memories often play tricks on us, in terms what really happened
in "The Good Old Days".
Finally, it should be mentioned that I have never met Bob Pastin, Phil Gaitens,
or Bill Coats. On one occasion, I was introduced to Mike Smith.