The Online Source for St. Louis Sports
ISSUE #73
May 24, 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 #73 contains features and updates about the Cardinals, Blues, and
Rams. The usual assortment of quotes, headlines, media news, interactivity,
and statistics are also found within StLSO #73.
Contributors to #73 include KMOX radio's Randy Karraker, Jim Hunstein, Scott
Simon, V-100 on-air personality Brian Stull, Riverfront Times hockey columnist
Randy Hu, contributing writer Mike Rainey, and Australian Cardinals fan
Philip McConachie.
This week's editorial includes an StLSO exclusive: an unedited transcript
of a conversation between Blues GM Mike Keenan and Blues coach Mike Keenan.
And yes, Elvis has just left the building.
St. Louis Sports Online can be reached at StLSports@aol.com and via FAX
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St. Louis Sports Online MAY.96.4 CONTENTS
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News
2.2 Blues News by BRIAN STULL
2.3 Rams Report
2.4 Vipers Update by GARY GRIFFAW
2.5 Stampede Update by RANDY HU
2.4 StLSO Quotes of the Week
2.5 StLSO Headlines of the Week
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Blues Stories
3.1.1 A Reporter's View of the Blues by BRIAN STULL
3.1.2 Another Blues View by MIKE RAINEY
3.1.3 Feeling Blue by RANDY HU
3.2 Cardinals Stories
3.2.1 The Minor League Report
3.2.2 Hitting and Pitching by SCOTT SIMON
3.2.3 Cardinals Followers In Australia by PHIL McCONACHIE
4.0 StLSO Recaps
4.1 Blues Summaries
4.2 Cardinals Series-by-Series Recaps by JIM HUNSTEIN
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through 5.22.96)
5.2 Blues Playoff Statistics (after Detroit series)
6.0 StLSO Media Views by SCOTT SIMON
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
8.0 StLSO Editorials
St. Louis Sports Online MAY.96.4
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER
It isn't even Memorial Day yet, and it appears that the wild card chances
of the Cardinals or any other Central Division team are out the window.
The surprising success of Montreal and the continued good play of San Diego
seem to assure that, at ten games back already, the Redbirds would have
a difficult time catching up. Fortunately, the division the Cards are in
is this year's bad division. Two years ago, it was the AL West, with every
team before the strike below .500, and last year it was the AL Central,
where Cleveland won 100 games, and Kansas City was second with seventy.
The '96 NL Central champ might finish with 82 or 83 wins, so all is not
lost for Card fans. Todd Stottlemyre and Donovan Osborne have pitched well
of late, Mark Petkovsek is about back to where he was last year, and Mike
Morgan looked good in his first start. Now is the first time we can say
we hope Andy Benes reaches his career winning percentage of .500. Alan Benes
will spend some time in the bullpen, working on his ERA of seven-plus, and
Dennis Eckersley will take some time off nursing a bad elbow. If Eck's injury
is more serious that now thought, look for T.J. Mathews to take the bulk
of the closing load. Don't be surprised to see Tony La Russa turn to a bullpen
by committee. And BE surprised if the Cards plead with Tom Henke to return.
They feel that with what's on hand now...with the big club and in the system,
they can find a closer if Eckersley's injury is serious.
That the Blues were vanquished from the playoffs was no surprise...Steve
Yzerman is on a mission and played like it Thursday night as he scored the
winner for Detroit. This will be an interesting off-season for the Blues.
While most observers are concentrating on Wayne Gretzky being back, I like
to look at the bigger picture, and wonder whether the Kiel Center Partners
will be back. It's no secret in town that the Blues have been shopped, and
it wouldn't surprise me a bit if a partnership fronted by Mike Shanahan
would take over the team. If that happens, depending on where the big money
for a purchase comes from, it is quite possible that President Jack Quinn
and Coach/GM Mike Keenan would be replaced. Then...we wonder about Gretzky.......
The Rams start their final mini-camp on the last day of May, and practice
for three days. It is amazing to go to their practice facility at Mathews-Dickey
Boys' club and see the offensive or defensive linemen, on the field with
their position coach. As D'Marco Farr pointed out, this is something they
couldn't do last year...not really having a home and moving to St. Louis
until the middle of the summer. Farr thinks the ability of the lines to
develop some continuity will have a big impact on their success this year.
Look for negotiations with the Rams and Mitch Frankel, the agent for Lawrence
Phillips, to start any day now. Phillips is serious about wanting to get
to camp on time...and so his negotiations will probably start early for
a first rounder.
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News
*With Mike Morgan off the DL, Cards manager Tony La Russa briefly toyed
with the idea of a six-man rotation. Saying that Mark Petkovsek "had
given us a chance to win all four times out", the sinkerballing righthander
was, for a time, on the list of starters that also included Morgan, both
Benes brothers, Todd Stottlemyre, and Donovan Osborne.
But after Alan Benes was roughed up in Colorado (not making it out of the
second inning), another poor outing or two might mean that young Alan would
find himself toiling in the bullpen. And with Dennis Eckersley shut down
for awhile with an ailing elbow (MRI revealed no structural damage), it
wouldn't surprise some observers to see Alan Benes and his fastball tested
as a closer.
*Cardinal outfielders Ray Lankford and Brian Jordan have launched ticket
donation programs that aim to benefit the youth of St. Louis. Lankford's
Landing and Brian's Bunch will be located in Bleachers Section 505, and
will provide 50 tickets each for Friday and Sunday home games, respectively.
Beneficiaries of the programs include the Herbert Hoover Boys Club, the
Explorers, and a variety of church groups.
Also of note: Jerry Clinton (Grey Eagle Distributors) has matched Lankford's
ticket donation.
2.2 Blues News
Of major concern to the Blues is the goaltender situation. Late in the regular
season, Jon Casey grumbled about playing next year in Europe. As evidence
of that fact, Casey purchased white goaltender pads, so that they could
be customized to match any color scheme. Occasional snipes at Casey's regular-season
play by Blues C&GM Mike Keenan no doubt contributed to Casey's uncertainty/unhappiness
about his NHL future.
Then starting goalie Grant Fuhr's knee was Kypeosized, and the reconstructive
surgery on Fuhr's knee is expected to keep him sidelined for at least the
first few weeks of the 1996-97 season.
Finally, Casey stood on his head in the playoffs, before letting in a 55-footer
from the stick of Steve Yzerman in Game 7 vs. the Red Wings.
One would expect that Casey, in light of his strong playoff run, would get
first crack at the Blues job this fall.
If there's one constant from the Blues, though, it's that the team is always
springing surprises on its players and fans. Media speculation has centered
on veteran Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey, who is an unrestricted free agent.
2.3 Rams Report
The Rams new Earth City training center is nearly completed, and the business
portion of the Rams operation is expected to occupy the new site in the
first week of June. The Rams football operations move will take place shortly
thereafter.
2.4 Vipers Update by GARY GRIFFAW
Training camp opened on Monday, May 20th at the North County Recreation
Complex.
Most of the main players will be back again this season. Returning forwards
include Christian Skoryna, Frank Cirone, Frank LaScala, and Wayne Anchikoski.
Defensemen Russ Parent, Rik Wilson, Jeff Beaudin, and Dave Dupas will return.
Chris Rogles and Allain Roy will be in goal.
Randy Smith, Jeff Lindsay, and Cam Plante will not be with the team. Smith
was not re-signed because of his lack of defense.
Lindsay is remaining in Europe, while Plante was traded to Denver.
The Vipers will play exhibition games in Oklahoma City against the Coyotes
on May 25th and 26th.
2.5 Stampede Update by RANDY HU
The fast-starting St. Louis Stampede rounded up the posse, circled the wagons,
and punched out a few doggies en route to a 60-41 crushing of the Memphis
Pharoahs last Friday in an Arena Football League contest before 6,093 fans
at the Kiel Center. The Stampede, winning their second consecutive game,
improved to 2-2.
St. Louis running back Bernard Hall, a bruising 6-1, 245-pound steer, rushed
for an AFL record-tying 5 touchdowns, equaling his production from last
week in the 59-22 destruction of the Minnesota Fighting Pike. (Note: The
Fighting Pike are this year's winner of the New York Islander "Fish
Stick" Memorial trophy). In a sport designed for passing, Stampede
head coach Earle Bruce has revived his glory days at Ohio State by playing
smash-mouth, ball-control football. This has set up the play-action passing
of quarterback John Kaleo, who has brilliantly led the offense.
The highlight of the game for the Stampede came on a 52-yard kickoff return
by Michael "The Touchdown Maker" Baker to put the game out of
reach at 37-20. Special team play and the defense have contributed greatly
to this modest winning streak.
Following a bye next week, the Stampede travel to the Albany Firebirds on
June 1, before returning home to play the Iowa Barnstormers on June 7.
2.6 StLSO Quotes of the Week
*Joe Buck, on a recent Cardinals radiocast: "The entire NL Central...in
1996 is...is just, well, not good at all."
*Mike Shannon, during the same broadcast (a Cards game at Coors Field):
"Maybe these bats are just aluminum bats...[covered] with veneer."
2.7 StLSO Headlines of the Week
*From the 5.18.96 Post-Dispatch: "A Motown Letdown"
*From the 5.20.96 Post-Dispatch: "Cards Sink To A New Rocky Mtn. Low"
*From the 5.21.96 Post-Dispatch: "Eckersley to Rest Arm a Few Days"
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Blues Post-Mortem
3.1.1 A Reporter's View of the Blues
by BRIAN STULL
After over seven months of playing, the St.Louis Blues have finished their
season. While some may feel that the season left something to be desired,
it would be hard pressed to argue that the Blues accomplished less than
success in the playoffs. Losing to the Detroit RedWings at 3:15 of double
overtime in Game 7 surprised many critics who didn't give this team a chance
to make it past the first round over Toronto.
The disappointment of the loss was still evident as the players cleaned
out their lockers Saturday afternoon at the Kiel Center, some said they
would continue to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs to see how old teammates
fare, but most players planned on taking a couple of weeks recreation to
just get away from it all.
That is the plan for St.Louis C&GM Mike Keenan, who said he'll wait
a couple of weeks before starting to decide about plans for next year. In
the meantime, a few words of thanks to some players.......
Thanks to Grant Fuhr; an incredible season by any standard, especially impressive
for someone who was supposed to have seen better days. Rest that knee up,
Grant, we'll look for you on the golf course in July and on the ice in time
for training camp.
Thanks to Tony Twist; the toughest guy in the league and a heart to match,
an enforcer that evened the score against less disciplined goons. Kudos
for taking over the Gateway Hockey program and hopefully you and Rams defensive
tackle DeMarco Farr will get your tag team shot at Hulk and Company.
Thanks to Chris Pronger; turned his season and the fans around midway thru,
then stepped up another level for the playoffs. Here's to even better things
next year.
Thanks to Murray Baron; "Bear" continued to establish himself
as one of the best and most underrated defensemen in the NHL, he once again
played big in the playoffs. Enjoy the cross-country Harley trip.
Thanks to Shayne Corson; despite not particularly liking media attention
(Shayne would occasionally leave clothes in his locker to keep reporters
waiting, while he snuck out the back) Shayne was especially accommodating
while wearing the "C" and let his actions on the ice speak for
itself. Corson was another standout for the Blues during the playoffs and
an anchor in front of opposing goalies.
Thanks to Wayne Gretzky; deciding to play in St.Louis wasn't looked upon
favorably by many outside of the St.Louis area, but Wayne did what he felt
was best. And despite missing a couple of scoring opportunities, the Great
One did his thing, playmaking, in the playoffs. Let's get the contract done
and get ready for next year.
Thanks to Jon Casey; you showed what being a professional and believing
in yourself is all about. Best of luck next year whether it's in the NHL
or Europe.
Thanks to Brett Hull and Mike Keenan; besides providing some headlines,
both fulfilled their duties--Iron Mike showed his plan for a playoff team
had merit and the Golden Brett showed he is indeed a two-way player and
capable of scoring at anytime on any goaltender. Let's hope that this pair
remains intact long enough to sip champagne.
And finally, special thanks to Greg Gilbert and Jay Wells. Despite not a
lot of ice time and injury, these two veterans provided leadership behind
the scenes as well as providing insight to the game of hockey for a reporter
learning the ropes around the ice rink. Best of luck to both of you, hope
you're back in uniform next year.
So for now the Blues bandwagon stops, sorry Mr. McKenna--you'll have to
find a different ride to work!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Brian McKenna is a mid-morning talk show host on KFNS. McKenna,
a favorite of the StLSO editorial staff, was "accused" by his
pal, Riverfront Times and StLSO columnist Randy Hu, of being a "Blues
Apologist"...and is quite adept at fending off criticisms of the home
hockey club.
The Blues bandwagon that Brian Stull referred to was driven by McKenna all
season--and the bandwagon, in the words of Stull, "needed new shocks"
when the Blues were up 3-2 vs. Detroit.
3.1.2 Another Blues View by MIKE RAINEY
It was expected to be a short, one-sided series. The gifted Detroit Red
Wings against the old, slow, underachieving Blues. After the 8-3 loss in
Game 2 many thought the series would be over after 4 games. The call-in
shows were flooded with negativity. But the Blues had other ideas. This
group of aging warriors had been to the top before, and proved they had
at least one last gasp left. They stormed back after a 2-0 deficit in the
series to take a 3-2 lead. Although they blew a golden opportunity to wrap
up the series on home ice in Game 6, they came back with one of the greatest
defensive efforts in team history in Game 7, only to fall short in double
overtime 1-0.
There is no question Game 7 will go down as one of the greatest games in
Blues history, and one of the most bitter losses. The Blues had given the
juggernaut Wings the scare of their lives. It took a monumental effort from
everybody to shut down this explosive team for more than 81 minutes. The
Blues achieved this impressive feat with great play from their top four
defensemen, outstanding goaltending from Jon Casey, and solid backchecking
and forechecking from their forwards. Defensemen Al MacInnis, Murray Baron,
Igor Kravchuck, and Chris Pronger were terrific not only in Game 7, but
throughout the series. They logged an incredible amount of ice time, and
didn't seem to tire a bit.
The development of Pronger was especially promising. He seemed to send a
message to Florida Panthers rising star Ed Jovanovski that he is going to
have some competition for the Norris Trophy in five years. Pronger played
in the neighborhood of 35 minutes a game in the playoffs. He was assertive
physically, playing the man instead of the puck, and demonstrated poise
with the puck in key situations. Pronger also displayed his offensive skills
which are still a little rough. He manned the left point on the power play,
but has some learning to do if he is to become a one of the league's elite
offensive defensemen. Baron has emerged into one of the NHL's top defensive
defensemen. He hit everything in red and white that moved all series long.
MacInnis and Kravchuck played well in their own end, and moved the puck
well out of their end with nice transition passes. Steve Leach, Shayne Corson,
and Peter Zezel were terrific in both ends of the rink throughout the series.
In the end, however, the Blues lack of offensive skill was their downfall.
Just one goal would have lifted them to the Conference Finals for the first
time in 10 years. But it was great drama and the Blues gave the fans something
to get excited about in an otherwise dull season. There is no shame in losing
to the best regular season team in NHL history, in double overtime of Game
7, on the road, with your back-up goalie playing. Many of Mike Keenan's
moves during the season puzzled fans, but the playoffs showed he had a clue
after all. Earlier in the season Keenan said: "Give me credit for having
some brains." Maybe he does at that.
3.1.3 Feeling Blue by RANDY HU
When Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman fired a rising 60-foot cannon
just over the right shoulder of St. Louis goalie Jon Casey 75 seconds into
double overtime of the decisive seventh game of the Western Conference semifinals
last Thursday, it abruptly ended the contest and the Blues marathon season.
I was starting to think that the Freemen would surrender first, but then
again, if Bob Dole can reach a decision, anyone can. Speaking of presidential
candidates, wasn't that was nice of Bill Clinton to come into town the following
day to console the Bluenote get-a-lifers? The Kiel Partners and coach/GM
Mike Keenan embark into the predictably tumultuous offseason with many questions,
decisions, and changes facing them. Fans are looking at an AARP (already,
already, retire...please), high-priced team with inflated ticket prices,
the certainties of expanded pay-per-view next season, and uncertainties
about the future direction of the franchise. More on that later.
In an epic struggle in which both teams shed much blood to gain control
of precious ice, the multi-dimensional Wings eventually pounded away at
the Blues soft underbelly and handed Keenan his first loss in seven tries
in the second round of the playoffs. The Blues held (literally) Detroit
in check for most of the series, as the referees looked the other way in
the essence of playoff hockey. There was more clutching and grabbing than
at a topless joint. Yzerman, who recently suffered a groin injury against
conference final opponent Colorado, was the deciding factor from the beginning.
"I don't score a whole lot from that far out,"' said Yzerman,
who stripped the puck from Blues captain Wayne Gretzky on the series-winning
goal. "I shot the puck, looked up and it just tucked inside the bar.
I was more surprised than anybody that it went in." Including Casey.
"I saw it, but it didn't look like it was on goal," said Casey.
"It just got over my shoulder and then went down into the net. I'm
devastated." If not for the outstanding play of Casey, the Blues would
have been swept or eliminated much sooner.
This was the 22nd time a seventh game has gone to overtime, but just the
second time one went to an extra period scoreless. The only other time was
in 1950, when Detroit's Leo Reise tallied at 8:39 of overtime to beat the
Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0 in the Stanley Cup semifinals. The Blues have not
won a deciding game since 1991 when they defeated the Red Wings, 3-2, in
the Norris Division semifinals. St. Louis has not won a game 7 on the road
since 1972, with a 2-1 victory at Minnesota.
The Blues qualified for the fifth spot in the conference playoffs on the
last day of the season and could have easily finished eighth in the tight
scramble. No big deal, right? Making the NHL playoffs is like making the
phone book. But, a first round loss to Toronto would have been financially
devastating. The Blues had a chance to administer the knockout blow against
Detroit, advance to the conference finals, and wash the red ink from the
Kiel Partners' books, but they lacked the killer instinct to bury them in
game 6. Bottom line, the Blues beat a sub.500 Toronto team in the first
round of the playoffs and lost in the second round. There is ample space
for improvement.
Gretzky, as in the first round against Toronto, didn't create much offense
in the final two games of the series against the Wings. "I'm upset
and real disappointed," said the Great One, who made me tired watching
him labor. "Maybe I just overskated the puck when Yzerman picked it
up." Is Gretzky, 35 going on 99, worthy of a 3-year, $23 million contract?
If the Kiel Partners enforce a salary cap, which is likely, no. The money
would be better spent to obtain and develop younger players. A more reasonable
scenario for Gretzky would be a one-year deal with a club option for the
second year. Gretzky has maintained that he isn't the same dominant player
that he once was, but from the other side of his mouth, he hasn't backed
down from his unrealistic demands to be the game's highest paid player.
Will Keenan return or flee to coach Toronto? "I'm not leaving St. Louis
unless the ownership doesn't want me here anymore," said Iron Mike
in a recent interview. "We didn't score like we had hoped and we will
pursue free agents within our budget. Every team in the NHL will be busy
this offseason as rosters are gradually reduced and the restrictions of
free agency are loosened." Keenan ought to look at how the Florida
Panthers operate. They are a young team who can win it all, minus the egos
and with a payroll half of the Blues. It's not who has the most championship
rings and experience. It's about team discipline and chemistry.
This is Keenan's offseason. Normal rules need not apply.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Randy Hu is the hockey columnist for The Riverfront Times.
He can also be heard Wednesday mornings on all-sports KFNS (590 AM)
3.1.4 Blues Facts, Opinions, and Questions
FACT: Versus the Red Wings, Wayne Gretzky, at times, played like Tony Hrkac.
OPINION: Gretzky's back, which required him to miss a couple of late-season
games, is bothering him.
QUESTION: Is a 35 year old Gretzky worth $20+ million over three years?
FACT: Wayne Gretzky skipped town prior to season-ending meetings between
Blues players and C&GM Mike Keenan
OPINION: Gretzky's travails this season, which included bad press from US
and Canada when word of a possible exit from LA became public, the subsequent
trade to St. Louis and extended separation from his family, combined with
continued unfortunate news on the legal front regarding his friend and business
associate Bruce McNall, took a heavy emotional toll on the Great One
QUESTION: Rather than asking whether or not Gretzky wants to return to St.
Louis to finish his career, is it more appropriate to ask whether he believes
that his career is already over, and that he may choose to retire?
FACT: Brett Hull was uncharacteristically average during the Red Wings series.
OPINION: Hull's hamstring is bothering him.
QUESTION: Assuming that 99 returns to St. Louis next year, will Brett and
Wayne play on the same line?
FACT: Multi-million dollar Keenan acquisitions Geoff Courtnall and Shayne
Corson combined to score 42 goals this season; ex-Blue (and $3 million dollar
player) Brendan Shanahan scored 44 goals for the Hartford Whalers
OPINION: GM Keenan believed that Courtnall and Corson, with proper encouragement
from Coach Keenan, would both top the 30-goal mark
QUESTION: Did Keenan examine Courtnall's and Corson's lifetime stats?
FACT: Brian Noonan and Adam Creighton, drawing $1 million and $750,000 salaries,
combined to score 24 goals this season
OPINION: GM Keenan believed that Noonan and Creighton, with proper encouragement
from Coach Keenan, would both top the 20-goal mark
QUESTION: Where will Noonan and Creighton play next season, keeping in mind
that both signed multi-year deals prior to the start of the 1995-96 season?
FACT: During the Red Wings series, four Blues defensemen (Al MacInnis, Igor
Kravchuk, Chris Pronger, and Murray Baron) received nearly all of the ice
time.
OPINION: The Blues defense was the strongest part of their team during the
playoffs.
QUESTIONS: Will Jamie Rivers take a regular shift on the blue line in 1996-97?
And if he does, will he be wearing the Bluenote?
FACT: The on-ice appearances of Peter Zezel and Steve Leach were two of
the brighter spots in the Blues playoff run.
OPINION: If healthy, Zezel and Leach can help the Blues in 96-97...if utilized
properly.
QUESTION: Both men are unrestricted free agents at the end of this season.
Will both return?
3.2 Cardinals Stories
3.2.1 The Minor League Report
*Dmitri Young continues to put up good numbers at Louisville. In 39 games,
Young has 46 hits and 75 stolen bases, while driving in 20 runs. Among those
46 hits are 11 doubles and 6 homers
*In 34 games (only nine of which he played 3B), Jose Oliva has piled up
7 homers and 27 RBI, while hitting .262.
*The Louisville middle infield combination (Tripp Cromer at SS, Aaron Holbert
at 2B) isn't setting the world on fire. Through games of May 20, Cromer
and Holbert are batting .200 and .220, respectively, and have eight extra-base
hits between them (in over 200 combined at-bats)
*3B Mike Gulan is hitting a heavy .268, and playing pretty solid defense.
Included in Gulan's 30 base hits are nine doubles, one triple, and five
homers.
*Louisville's starting rotation includes Brian Barber (5.27 ERA), John Frascatore
(4.18 ERA), Tom Urbani (3.98 ERA), and Mike Busby (6.25 ERA). Frascatore's
eight starts leads the team. In four rehab starts at Louisville, Mike Morgan's
ERA was 7.04.
Overall, Louisville's record (as of May 20) was 14-25.
*Arkansas' record (as of May 20) was 20-19. Center fielder Scarborough Green
(formerly known as Bert Green) joined the Travelers after being called up
from St. Pete, where he hit .293 in 36 games. In his first game with Arkansas,
Green had three hits (including a home run). Other Arkansas standouts include
3B Chris Fick (who hit for the cycle in a game in which he also had 7 RBI)
and C Elieser Marrero (.296 and 6 HR in 32 games), who had an 8-for-8 stretch
over two games.
*CF Juan Munoz, who was hitting .355 at Peoria, replaced Green at St. Petersburg,
where he continued his hot hitting (5 hits in 15 AB)
3.2.2 Hitting and Pitching by SCOTT SIMON
So just how bad is pitching in baseball? The Cardinals gave up 30 runs in
three games at Colorado over the weekend. But Detroit gave up 41 in three
losses to the White Sox.
College baseball isn't helping. Last Wednesday, in the first round of the
Missouri Valley Conference tournament at Wichita, the SIU-Carbondale Salukis,
lost their first round game to Evansville, 29-10, giving up 29 hits. In
fact, in each of the three first round games that day, the winning team
scored at least 20 runs.
Is it the chicken or the egg? Is the pitching that bad, or the hitting that
good? College baseball coaches I've talked to in the past week said that
hitters get to tee off at their level, and have no fear. It's pretty obvious
that attitude continues through all levels of baseball.
Surprisingly, the coaches I spoke with said a strike zone called above the
belt wouldn't help in the long run, because hitters would adjust. Some of
them suggested raising the pitching mound gradually, from the current 10
inches to 12 inches, then consider taking it to 15 inches later.
Remember the last time the pitching mound was 15 inches elevated? Bob Gibson
had a major league record 1.12 ERA, and the American League batting champion
(Carl Yastrzemski) had just a .299 average (the records record .300, because
the fraction was rounded up). The year was 1968.
If we're so into baseball nostaglia, with grass fields and uniforms with
belts, let's go back and help pitchers get somewhat of an edge before baseball
games start outscoring the NFL.
3.2.3 Cardinals Followers In Australia by PHIL McCONACHIE
I play with 'the cardinals' in the St. George competition in Sydney, Australia.
As a bunch of catholics playing cricket our club formed twenty two years.the
name was chosen because of our religious connections,the style of play of
the St. Louis team,and a parents coaching affiliation with the sydney winter
team "Cardinals" during the 1950's.
Since then many members of our club have followed the red birds (We even
celebrated the 1982 World Series win long and hard) and the thrills that
Ozzie Smith in particular has provided have given us much pleasure.
Also, my brother Tony, in 1979 & 1983,travelled around to most of the
major league clubs watching baseball while on summer holidays. Bryant Gumbel
eventually caught up and interviewed him. Tony played baseball for the state
at the highest australian level in 1982 & 1984 so he must have learnt
something.
These days we get weekly coverage on tv over here(or down under as you call
it) and the U.S. baseball mags continue to be read,but for me now there's
nothing like the net.
I was amazed when I first discovered your articles and information via the
St.Louis Sports Online. I've added a bookmark and follow the '96 Cards with
great interest. We get the results in the sydney newspapers but there's
nothing like turning up to work and reading your emails.
In fact I print the details and hand them on to other interested club members
at my next opportunity.although the ladder has the St. Louis team nearer
the bottom.
An ex-player (Gerry Tancred) from our club will be umpiring at the Atlanta
Olympics. And then there's our own Dave Nilsson - two home runs in the one
dig for the Brewers.
What a wakka! His Oz team 'the Melbourne Reds' couldn't quite hold out our
victorious Sydney Blues to win there first Australian championship.
Thanks for the opportunity to write.
4.0 StLSO Game Recaps
4.1 Blues Summaries
4.1.1 Blues at Detroit GAME 7
In a classic Game 7 matchup likely to be remembered by Blues fans as one
of the most exciting Stanley Cup games in Blues history, Detroit defeated
St. Louis 1-0.
The winning goal came 1:15 into the second overtime period, and resulted
when Red Wings center Steve Yzerman fired a 55 foot shot at a screened Jon
Casey. Casey, who had stopped all 39 previous Red Wing shots, made a late
attempt to stop Yzerman's shot, which was targeted for the upper corner
of the net.
In perhaps the Blues best scoring chance, Detroit goalie Chris Osgood stopped
Shayne Corson on a mini-breakaway late in the first overtime period. Other
than that, the Blues stayed in a defensive shell for much of the game...a
strategy that nearly pulled off what would have been a monumental upset.
As a result of their victory, Detroit moves on to play Colorado in the Western
Conference finals. The Blues make tee times.
4.2 Cardinals Series-by-Series Summaries by JIM HUNSTEIN
4.2.1 Cardinals at Florida (May 13-15)
IN THE ARCHIVES: The underachieving Cards once again dropped two of three
games, this time to the Florida Marlins. This is getting old.
ON THE SCOREBOARD: G1: Marlins 5, Cards 2; G2: Marlins 11, Cards 5; G3:
Cards 6, Marlins 0
IN THE HOUSE: G1 19,227; G2 16,070; G3 18,066
GOING IN: Cards were 16-21, tied with the Pirates 1.5 games behind the Astros
and Reds. (either in last place or third, depending on your point of view)
COMING OUT: 17-23, still tied with the Bucs and 2.5 games behind Houston
AT THE PLATE: Mark Sweeney came alive and then some. He was 4-for-9 with
4 runs scored in the series, including a double and his first two homers
of the year. The second came in G3 as the lead-off batter. Also in that
game Willie McGee went deep. Actually, the Cards were surprisingly efficient
in driving in runners in scoring position; only 6 runners stranded on second
or third. Ozzie Smith played in all three games (pinch-hitting in G1 and
starting G2 and G3) and was 3-for-8 with 2 runs scored but 2 of those 6
runners stranded.
ON THE BASEPATHS: Ray Lankford took over second place in the team steals
department with his fourth of the year. (Royce Clayton leads with 10.) Miguel
Mejia, pinch-running for Gary Gaetti in the eighth inning of G3 swiped his
second of the year. He advanced to third on a throwing error and scored
on John Mabry's infield single.
ON THE MOUND: Andy Benes started G1 and broke with family tradition and
pitched well (2 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings with 5 whiffs), but not well
enough to get the win. HIs record fell to 1-6 but his ERA improved to 5.57.
But then, he was invited to leave the game early, not by Tony La Russa,
but by the umps for hitting Gary Sheffield. Donovan Osborne suffered a similar
fate in G2; good outing, no win. In fact, he had a certain level of security
turning over a 3-2 lead to the bullpen, which failed him miserably. In G3,
Todd Stottlemyre secured his position as staff ace with a four-hit complete
game shut-out to improve his record to 3-2. It was his first National League
shutout. He was so strong, in fact, that he fanned all three men he faced
in the bottom of the ninth inning for a total of 13 Ks in the game. Purely
awesome performance.
FROM THE BULLPEN: Getting more incendiary. The firemen seem to have gas
in their hoses lately. TJ Mathews and Rich Batchelor (just recalled from
Louisville where his four saves was second best in the Cards' farm system),
two-would-be closers, got tagged for 3 runs in 2 1/3 innings in G1. In G2,
forget about it. Instead of protecting (much less saving) the 3-2 lead (in
their defense, perhaps they didn't recognize one), Cory Bailey promptly
gave up 3 runs in 1/3 of an inning, then Jeff Parrett gave up another 3
runs in 1 inning, and Rick Honeycutt served up his three without ever recording
an out. Only Tony Fossas broke the pattern and threw a perfect three-pitch
2/3 of an inning. Little wonder that LaRussa opted to let Stottlemyre finish
G3.
IN THE FIELD: 5 errors in the series served to solidify the Cards' hold
on the most porous defense, the only thing that the club can seem to hold
on to. Alicea had his team-leading tenth error, Clayton had his fifth, Mabry
his second, and Gaetti his fourth and fifth.
CATCH-ALL: Llllllet's get rrready to rrrrunmble!! Well, at least in terms
of baseball, so no actual punches were thrown. Benes hit Sheffield in G1,
to which Sheffield took great exception. Both were ejected, although why
Benes got thumbed for pitching inside is beyond explanation. (No way was
he trying to hit Sheffield; the last thing any of the Benes clan needs is
another baserunner.) Guess if the umps don't know where the strike zone
is, they don't know what a beanball is.
OVERALL: This is a rough way to start a 12-game, 14-day road trip that will
end up here right before Memorial Day.
UP NEXT: Three-game set with the Rockies in Denver
4.2.2 Cardinals at Colorado (May 17-19)
IN THE ARCHIVES: The Rocky Mountains turned into Heartbreak Ridge for the
Cardinals as they were swept by the Rockies in three.
SCORES: G1: Rockies 12, Cards 11; G2: Rockies 9, Cards 8; G3: Rockies 10,
Cards 3
IN THE HOUSE: G1 48,074; G2 48,103; G3 48,075 (all sell-outs)
GOING IN: Cards were 17-23, tied with Pittsburgh 2 games behind Houston.
COMING OUT: 17-26, all alone in last place (even the lowly Pirates don't
want to hang out with these guys) but still only 4 games behind Houston,
who is only one game under .500 and in first place.
AT THE PLATE: The big story is John Mabry. He accomplished something in
G2 that has never been done in major league baseball history. He hit for
a natural cycle - single, double triple, home run all in a row with no interruption.
(Not that it counts, but he followed the dinger with a walk - intentional,
no less. Don Baylor knows not to deal to the hottest hand.) He finished
the game with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. In the slugfest that was G1, four
Redbirds (Royce Clayton, Tom Pagnozzi, Luis Alicea, Mabry) had two hits
apiece. And Pags? His two hits were both homers late (fifth and seventh
innings) in the game. He and Brian Jordan, who also homered, each had 4
RBI. In Slugfest II, The Sequel, (i.e., G2) besides Mabry, Gary Gaetti and
Ray Lankford also went deep, the first time in quite a while the Cards had
back-to-back 3-homer games. Lankford also went deep (and high - only the
third dinger ever to reach the upper decks at Coors Field) in G3, his 11th
round-tripper of the season. Mabry went 1-for-4 in G3 (and 7-for-13 in the
series) to raise his average to .321, the highest by far of any Card regular.
Pagnozzi was 5-for-13 in the series to boost his average to .311.
ON THE BASEPATHS: Maybe the thin air makes players faster runners as well
as batter hitters. Clayton and Lankford each had a pair of steals in the
series. The former was caught going for the trifects in G3.
ON THE MOUND: The thin air of Denver is no place for a struggling pitching
staff, which is what the Cards seem to have. Especially those named Benes.
Alan was once again shelled in G1 and got chased earlier than usual, even
for him. He lasted just 1 1/3 innings and was tagged for 6 earned runs on
5 hits and 3 walks. In G2, Long lost Mike Morgan made his 1996 debut with
a performance that was not great, but by comparison, worth waiting for.
He yielded 2 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings with 3 strike outs. He turned
a lead over to the relief corps, which is more than most starters have done
lately. Andy Benes (case in point) started G3 with more success than usual,
giving up only two runs in five innings. But that sixth inning did him in
as he gave up 4 more runs on 4 hits and a sacrifice fly. Andy's ERA went
up to 5.92 and his record sunk to 1-7.
FROM THE BULLPEN: The bullpen isn't quite bull-you-know-what, but it sure
stinks up the joint. Mark Petkovsek was banished to the pen with the return
of Morgan to the rotation and did his best to prove Tony La Russa was right.
He came into G1 to relieve Alan and was hit for 5 runs in 4 innings. Later
on, erstwhile Cardinal Cory Bailey gave up the winning run in the eighth
inning and took the loss. The Cards went into the ninth inning of G2 with
an 8-4 lead but Dennis Eckersley was just plain ickie as he gave up 5 runs
on 4 hits, including two homers. He is now back in St. Louis for some MRI
testing on his elbow. Yeah, that's the problem. Jeff Parrett was the lone
reliever in G3 and in typical fashion was battered for 4 runs in 2 innings.
IN THE FIELD: It's getting better, but not much. It's sad when the worst
fielding team in baseball has to look at its defense as a bright spot. Pagnozzi,
Mabry, and Jordan all proved they were human by erring.
CATCH-ALL: The last time a Cardinal hit for the cycle was Lankford back
in September, 1991. Before that was McGee in June, 1984. Only one Cardinal
has ever hit for the cycle twice, Ken Boyer in 1961 and 1964. When Ron Gant
is ready to come off the DL, Alan Benes might be Louisville bound. Petkovsek
could be right back in the rotation depending on what happens to Alan Benes.
Bailey has already been sent down to make room on the roster for Morgan.
In G3, the Cards lost to Mark Thompson, who threw a complete game. Guess
what. He's one of those dreaded replacement players from the strike last
year.
OVERALL: The Cards have the worst record in the National League. Only the
Tigers at 12-33 are having a more futile year. Baseball like it oughta be?
It oughta be alot better than last year's team, which the 1996 version is
becoming more and more like. If you average 7 runs a game, you should be
able to get at least one win. But not if your staff gives up an average
of more than 10 runs a game.
UP NEXT: Three-game series with Houston at the Astrodome
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through 5.22.96)
5.1.1 Cards Hitting Statistics
BA SLG OBA G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E
Mabry .344 .510 .394 42 151 20 52 77 11 1 4 22 11 22 0 1 3
Borders .323 .369 .333 23 65 3 21 24 3 0 0 4 1 13 0 1 3
Sheaffer .315 .397 .351 31 73 5 23 29 4 1 0 10 4 8 2 3 2
Sweeney .309 .456 .427 37 68 15 21 31 4 0 2 9 14 12 0 0 2
McGee .304 .452 .350 36 115 17 35 52 8 0 3 18 8 23 0 1 2
Smith .286 .343 .359 12 35 4 10 12 2 0 0 5 4 1 0 1 1
Lankford .284 .556 .339 45 169 25 48 94 7 3 11 34 16 45 6 2 0
Pagnozzi .284 .500 .313 23 74 11 21 37 7 0 3 15 4 12 0 1 2
Jordan .267 .425 .305 33 120 18 32 51 7 0 4 20 6 26 2 2 1
Clayton .253 .361 .320 42 158 21 40 57 10 2 1 15 17 34 12 5 5
Alicea .252 .356 .320 45 163 23 41 58 14 0 1 11 16 35 3 1 11
Gaetti .248 .400 .302 28 105 13 26 42 4 0 4 8 8 16 1 0 5
Gant .228 .465 .355 33 101 19 23 47 4 1 6 26 19 24 3 2 3
Bradshaw .200 .200 .385 9 10 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 1 0
Bell .173 .235 .247 33 81 4 14 19 2 0 1 1 7 13 0 0 4
Holbert .000 .000 .000 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mejia .000 .000 .000 13 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 0
5.1.2 Cards Pitching Statistics
W- L ERA G GS CG GF SH SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
Mathews 1- 1 1.67 21 0 0 7 0 2 27.0 16 8 5 3 12 21
Fossas 0- 3 2.50 22 0 0 1 0 0 18.0 15 6 5 2 9 13
Batchelor 0- 0 3.18 2 0 0 2 0 0 5.2 6 2 2 0 0 3
Morgan 0- 0 3.18 1 1 0 0 0 0 5.2 5 2 2 2 2 3
Osborne 3- 2 3.26 7 7 1 0 0 0 47.0 44 24 17 6 9 25
Stott-myre 4- 2 3.82 10 10 1 0 1 0 66.0 61 29 28 8 32 62
Parrett 2- 2 4.21 18 0 0 7 0 0 25.2 23 12 12 2 14 27
Honeycutt 0- 0 4.41 20 0 0 6 0 1 16.1 16 8 8 1 6 14
Eckersley 0- 4 4.66 18 0 0 17 0 8 19.1 26 13 10 2 2 21
Petkovsek 2- 0 4.82 7 4 0 1 0 0 28.0 33 15 15 6 14 11
Bailey 2- 1 5.64 19 0 0 2 0 0 22.1 28 15 14 1 14 21
Andy Benes 1- 7 5.92 10 10 0 0 0 0 59.1 63 44 39 8 17 48
Alan Benes 4- 3 6.38 10 10 1 0 0 0 55.0 56 45 39 9 26 49
Urbani 1- 0 7.71 3 2 0 0 0 0 11.2 15 10 10 3 4 1
Barber 0- 0 15.00 1 1 0 0 0 0 3.0 4 5 5 0 6 1
Busby 0- 1 18.00 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.0 9 13 8 4 4 4
5.2 Blues Playoff Statistics (after the conclusion of the Detroit series)
5.2.1 Scoring
NO. PLAYER GP G A PTS +/- PIM PP SH GW OT S PCTG
C 99 WAYNE GRETZKY 13 2 14 16 2 0 1 0 1 0 25 8.0
L 9 SHAYNE CORSON 13 8 6 14 1- 22 6 1 1 0 37 21.6
R 16 BRETT HULL 13 6 5 11 2 10 2 1 1 0 52 11.5
D 2 AL MACINNIS 13 3 4 7 2 20 1 0 0 0 48 6.3
D 5 IGOR KRAVCHUK 10 1 5 6 0 4 0 0 1 1 14 7.1
D 44 CHRIS PRONGER 13 1 5 6 0 16 0 0 0 0 20 5.0
R 28 BRIAN NOONAN 13 4 1 5 5- 10 0 0 0 0 21 19.0
R 27 STEPHEN LEACH 11 3 2 5 4 10 1 0 1 0 11 27.3
R 36 GLENN ANDERSON 11 1 4 5 5 6 0 0 1 1 20 5.0
C 25 PETER ZEZEL 10 3 0 3 4 2 0 1 0 0 17 17.6
L 14 GEOFF COURTNALL 13 0 3 3 2 14 0 0 0 0 26 .0
L 13 YURI KHMYLEV 6 1 1 2 1 4 0 0 1 0 8 12.5
L 18 TONY TWIST 10 1 1 2 0 16 0 0 0 0 1 100.0
C 20 ADAM CREIGHTON 13 1 1 2 4- 8 0 0 0 0 18 5.6
L 32 STEPHANE MATTEAU 11 0 2 2 2- 8 0 0 0 0 13 .0
G 30 JON CASEY 12 0 2 2 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 .0
C 23 CRAIG MACTAVISH 13 0 2 2 0 6 0 0 0 0 11 .0
D 34 MURRAY BARON 13 1 0 1 4 20 0 1 0 0 10 10.0
D 22 CHARLIE HUDDY 13 1 0 1 1 8 0 0 0 0 14 7.1
C 15 MIKE HUDSON 2 0 1 1 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 .0
D 26 JAY WELLS 12 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 .0
G 29 BRUCE RACINE 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .0
D 33 KEN SUTTON 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .0
G 31 GRANT FUHR 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .0
L 17 BASIL MCRAE 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 .0
R 12 ROB PEARSON 2 0 0 0 1 14 0 0 0 0 2 .0
D 35 *CHRISTER OLSSON 3 0 0 0 1- 0 0 0 0 0 0 .0
5.2.2 Goaltending
# GOALTENDER GPI MINS AVG W L EN SO GA SA SV % G A PIM
29 BRUCE RACINE 1 1 .00 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0
31 GRANT FUHR 2 69 .87 1 0 0 0 1 45 .978 0 0 0
30 JON CASEY 12 747 2.89 6 6 0 1 36 378 .905 0 2 8
TOTALS 13 818 2.71 7 6 0 1 37 423 .913
6.0 StLSO Media Views by SCOTT SIMON