The Online Source for St. Louis Sports
ISSUE
#87
September 2, 1996
Copyright © 1996 St. Louis Sports Online
Reproduction Prohibited Without Permission of Publisher [StLSports@aol.com]
Edited by Mark Bausch
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.
Contributors to #87 include Jim Hunstein, Randy Hu, and Mike Huss.
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St. Louis Sports Online SEPTEMBER.96.1
1.0 StLSO News and Notes
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News by JIM HUNSTEIN
2.2 Blues News
2.3 Rams Report by JIM HUNSTEIN
2.4 StLSO Quote of the Week
2.5 StLSO Headlines of the Week
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Rams Outlook by MIKE HUSS
3.2 Two Lists from Jim Hunstein
3.3 It's A Guy Thing by RANDY HU
3.4 Cardinals Quotes collected by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.5 Rams Quotes collected by JIM HUNSTEIN
4.0 StLSO Recaps
4.1 Cardinals Series-by-Series Summaries by JIM HUNSTEIN
4.2 Rams Beat Bengals In 1996 Opener by JIM HUNSTEIN
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through 9.1.96)
5.2 MLB Standings (through 9.1.96)
5.3 Game Statistics: Rams vs. Bengals
6.0 StLSO Media Views
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
8.0 StLSO Editorials
8.1 Gant Out, What Next? Ozzie, You Say?
8.2 He'll Be Back...Somewhere
St. Louis Sports Online SEPTEMBER.96.1
1.0 StLSO News and Notes
Recently fired Marlins manager Rene Lachemann was at Busch Stadium on Sunday.
An old acquaintance of Cards manager Tony La Russa, Lachemann has apparently
been offered an unspecified position in the Cardinals organization. But
Lachemann, a highly respected baseball man, is thought to have at least
a couple of additional job opportunities available to him...including a
significant role (the manager's position?) with the expansion Tampa franchise.
The Cardinals' recovery from their early season woes coincided with Ron
Gant's mid-June return to the lineup, after suffering an injured right hamstring
that he suffered in May. Gant, whose 26 HRs is the most by a Cardinal outfielder
since Stan Musial's 29 in 1957, is once again on the shelf, this time with
what has been called a torn rotator cuff in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.
Gant suffered the injury Friday night after sliding head-first into home
plate. Although Gant is officially listed as day-to-day, team physician
Stan London said that Gant will miss several games. As this is written,
the Redbirds are 2-0 in Gant's absence, with Mark Sweeney and Willie McGee
playing starring roles as substitute outfielders. Time will tell if Gant's
current absence will have the same effect as his previous five-week absence.
Recent Busch Stadium crowds, for home games vs. contending teams in the
middle of what has proven to be a decent pennant race, have been somewhat
of a disappointment to Cards' staffers. Souvenir vendors outside Busch Stadium
claim that the out-of-state Cardinals fans have yet to return in the big
numbers that characterized the Whiteyball (and post-Whiteyball) era. Perhaps
the hoped-for labor agreement, combined with a 1996 post-season appearance
by the Redbirds, will entice Hoosiers, Hawkeyes, and Sooners to make plans
for next year.
The Rams victory over Cincinnati was largely the result of stellar special
teams play...and wonderful team defense. Unfortunately, in 1996's initial
regular season game, the o-line's play was as it was throughout 1995. Only
LT Wayne Gandy played up to his potential up front. If the Rams hope to
have any chance next week vs. the 'Niners, the quality of play in front
of Steve Walsh will have to improve...considerably. Speaking of Walsh, the
TWA Dome fans booed long and hard at the Rams new starting QB. It seems
only a matter of time before rookie backup Tony Banks gets his chance to
play...although with the porous offensive line (and a spotty running game),
the youngster better get his scramblin' shoes on.
The Blues? Brett Hull has starred in the World Cup of hockey, bagging two
points and two assists in a game vs. Team Canada. Little in the way of concrete
news has emanated from the lips of C&GM Mike Keenan regarding Hull's
future in St. Louis. Despite Hull's protestations, it wouldn't be hard to
imagine the Golden Brett desiring to be moved (a) away from Keenan; and
(b) to a team with a better chance of winning the Stanley Cup. On the other
hand, a well-placed Blues insider told StLSO last winter that the Blues
had been trying to trade Hull for the past three or four years...and that
the market for his services was less than anyone imagined.
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News by JIM HUNSTEIN
*Amazingly, five Cards pitchers (the Benes brothers, Donovan Osborne, Todd
Stottlemyre, and Mark Petkovsek) have combined for 59 of the team's 73 victories.
Despite more than 210 appearances, the foursome of Dennis Eckersley, Tony
Fossas, Rick Honeycutt, and TJ Mathews have a total of four wins.
*The Cardinals are ninth in the NL in runs scored, despite a .265 BA that
is sixth-highest in the league. Two sets of numbers stand out...numbers
that may explain the team's relatively low scoring totals. First, the Cardinals
HR total is tenth highest in the league...and the team ranks 12th in walks.
Those numbers fit this year's Redbirds to a "T".
*Ozzie Smith's recent 2,450th hit put him into 80th place on baseball's
all-time hit list, just ahead of Red Schoendienst.
*After the Astros leave town (on the night of September 4), there are only
nine more home games in the 1996 regular season. A highlight of the remaining
schedule is the Cubs upcoming visit to St. Louis (September 17, 18, and
19). As this is written, the Cubs still within striking distance of first
place in the NL Centra. Welcome back to St. Louis, Harry.
*Cardinals won-loss record month-by-month:
12-15 in April
12-14 in May
17-10 in June
15-11 in July
15-15 in August
*Dmitri Young is sporting Whitey Herzog's old uniform number 24. By the
way, Young appears significantly trimmer than the media guide listing of
240 pounds. But it still looks like he might make a beeping noise when he
backs up, though.
*Ron Gant was scratched from Saturday night's line-up with some soreness
after a hard head-first slide into home Friday night. He was safe and returned
in that game. He is now listed as day to day. According to team physician,
Dr. Stan London, Gant has a "partial tear in his left rotator cuff."
This would not bode well for the Cards if Gant is lost for the season. That
would be like a partial tear in the hull of the Titanic. This is eerily
reminiscent of the 1987 season when Jack Clark went down with a bad ankle.
*Alan and Andy Benes are the first brother tandem since Joe & Phil Niekro
in 1985 to have each won ten or more games in the same season.
*With the win in the first game against the Rockies, the Cards earned win
number 70, the first time since 1993 they've reached that plateau.
2.2 Blues News
*Blues Vice-President Bruce Affleck said that 1996 season ticket sales were
running at a 90% rate of renewal. Newspaper ads describing club seats, though,
seem to suggest that prospective buyers of at least some of the pricier
Kiel seats need a bit of encouragement: buyers of club seats get their seats
for the first two rounds of the playoffs FOR FREE. It would be interesting
to find out what percentage of club seat patrons purchased playoff tickets
in 1996.
*A few Blues players have started skating at the Chesterfield rink that
serves as the Blues practice headquarters. With training camp just a couple
of weeks away...Blues fans are dusting off those Larry Patey jerseys as
you read this. This year's Blues squad...heck, who knows what to say about
it except that C&GM Mike Keenan is undoubtedly plotting a major makeover
of his corps of center ice men...especially by the time that the playoffs
begin. As it stands now, Shayne Corson is the team's #1 centerman...and
Corson is probably best-suited for left wing duty.
2.3 Rams Report by JIM HUNSTEIN
*Sunday's win over the Bengals gives the Rams a three-game winning streak
in season openers, a five-game home-opener winning streak, a 13-13 opening
day record at home, and an overall opening day record of 32-27.
*Coach Rich Brooks is now 2-0 in season openers and home openers. This was
the 99th win of his coaching career.
*The Rams are now 2-3 at the TWDome. They are also 21-24 in domed stadii.
*The win also snaps a three-game losing streak dating back to the end of
last year and a three-game home losing streak.
*A couple of number changes before the game; TE Hayward Clay switched from
49 to 81 and WR JT Thomas switched from 18 to 87.
*Coming into this game, the Rams have the fourth best record in the month
of September in the last 10 years. They are 23-14 (.622) and tied with the
Chiefs. The best record belongs to the Bills at 27-9 (.750), followed by
the Bears and 49ers tied at 26-11 (.703).
*It's no wonder that RB Lawrence Phillips felt it was necessary to drive
with such excessive speed that fateful night last spring. Once he got a
load of the offensive line was going to have to run behind, he was afraid
it might be his last chance to go fast for a while.
*Since moving to St. Louis, every Rams home game has been played in a sold-out
stadium.
*Rams 1996 Regular Season Schedule and Results
SEP. 1 CINCINNATI W 26-16
SEP. 8 at San Francisco 3:00
SEP. 15 Bye
SEP. 22 WASHINGTON 12:00
SEP. 29 at Arizona 3:00
OCT. 6 SAN FRANCISCO 3:00
OCT. 13 at Carolina 12:00
OCT. 20 JACKSONVILLE 3:00
OCT. 27 at Baltimore 12:00
NOV. 3 at Pittsburgh 12:00
NOV. 10 ATLANTA 12:00
NOV. 17 CAROLINA 12:00
NOV. 24 GREEN BAY 7:00
DEC. 1 at New Orleans 3:00
DEC. 8 at Chicago 12:00
DEC. 15 at Atlanta 12:00
DEC. 21 NEW ORLEANS 3:00(ALL TIMES ARE CENTRAL)
*RAMS OPENING DAY ROSTER
(Number, Name, Position, Height, Weight, Year, College)
4 Steve Walsh QB 6-3 205 8 Miami (Fla)
5 Sean Landeta P 6-0 210 12 Towson State
8 Chip Lohmiller K 6-3 215 9 Minnesota
10 Jamie Martin QB 6-2 215 3 Weber State
12 Tony Banks QB 6-4 220 R Michigan State
20 Keith Crawford CB 6-2 195 3 Howard Payne
21 Lawrence Phillips RB 6-0 229 R Nebraska
22 MIke Scurlock CB 5-10 197 2 Arizona
23 Gerald McBurrows S 5-11 195 2 Kansas
27 Anthony Parker CB 5-10 181 7 Arizona State
28 Greg Robinson RB 5-10 205 4 NE Louisiana
30 Harold Green RB 6-2 222 7 South Carolina
32 Toby Wright S 5-11 203 3 Nebraska
34 Derrick Harris RB 6-0 253 R Miami (Fla)
35 Keith Lyle S 6-2 204 3 Virginia
38 Marquis Walker CB 5-10 165 R SE Missouri
41 Todd Lyght CB 6-0 186 5 Notre Dame
44 Gerald Moore RB 5-9 233 R Oklahoma
45 Ernie Conwell TE/FB 6-1 253 R Washington
46 Torin Dorn CB 6-0 190 6 North Carolina
50 Antonio Goss LB 6-4 228 7 North Carolina
51 Carlos Jenkins LB 6-3 217 6 Michigan State
52 Paschall Davis LB 6-2 225 1 Texas A&I
53 Cedric Figaro LB 6-3 242 7 Notre Dame
54 Percell Gaskins LB 6-0 225 R Kansas State
55 Robert Jones LB 6-2 244 5 East Carolina
58 Roman Phifer LB 6-2 235 6 UCLA
60 Mike Gruttadauria C 6-3 273 1 Central Florida
61 Bern Brostek C/OG 6-3 300 7 Washington
65 Jon Kirksey DT 6-4 350 1 Sacramento State
67 Dwayne White OG 6-2 315 7 Alcorn State (Miss.)
70 Wayne Gandy OT 6-4 292 3 Auburn
71 Chuck Belin OG 6-2 305 4 Wisconsin
72 Zach Wiegert OT 6-4 305 2 Nebraska
73 Fred Miller OT 6-7 305 R Baylor
75 D'Marco Farr DT 6-1 270 3 Washington
77 Darryl Ashmore OT 6-7 310 5 Northwestern
79 Leo Goeas OG 6-4 300 7 Hawaii
80 Isaac Bruce WR 6-0 180 3 Memphis State
81 Hayward Clay TE 6-3 256 R Texas A&M
82 Jermaine Ross WR 6-0 192 2 Purdue
84 Troy Drayton TE 6-3 255 4 Penn State
86 Aaron Laing TE 6-3 264 2 New Mexico State
87 JT Thomas WR 5-10 173 2 Arizona State
88 Eddie Kennison WR 6-0 191 R LSU
89 Alexander Wright WR 6-0 195 7 Auburn
91 Leslie O'Neal DE 6-4 265 10 Oklahoma State
93 Kevin Carter DE 6-5 274 2 Florida
94 Alberto White DE 6-3 245 2 Texas Southern
97 Chuck Osborne DT 6-2 281 R Arizona
98 Jimmie Jones DT 6-4 285 7 Miami (Fla)
99 James Harris DE 6-6 278 4 Temple
*RAMS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE:
QB: Walsh, Banks, Martin
RB: Phillips, Green Robinson, Moore
FB: Harris, Conwell
WR1: Bruce, Thomas, Ross
WR2: Wright, Kennison
TE: Laing, Clay, Drayton
LOT: Gandy, Miller
LOG: Brostek, Goeas, James
C: Gruttadauria, Brostek
ROG: White, Belin
ROT: Wiegert, Ashmore
DEFENSE:
RDE: O'Neal, White
NT: Jones, Kirksey
UT: Farr, Osborne
LDE: Carter, Harris
WLB: Phifer, Gaskins
MLB: Jones, Figaro
SLB: Jenkins, Davis, Goss
LCB: Lyght, Scurlock
RCB: Parker, Walker, Crawford
SS: Wright, McBurrows
FS: Lyle, Dorn
SPECIAL TEAMS:
P: Landeta
K: Lohmiller
H: Lyle, Martin, Walsh
KC: James, Miller, Conwell
PC: Davis, James, Conwell
KR: Kennison, Phillips, Thomas
PR: Kennison, Ross, Parker
2.4 StLSO Quote of the Week
*Tony La Russa, on Tom Pagnozzi's beaning by Rockies pitcher Curtis Leskanic,
specifically commenting on whether [La Russa] felt that the pitch was intentional:
"I can't read anybody's mind...a major league pitcher ought to be able
to throw below the shoulder, especially if he throws inside. There's no
excuse for that...I don't care how wild you are."
2.5 StLSO Headlines of the Week
*From the 8.30.96 P-D: "Rams Far From Unbleatable, Will Miss Playoffs"
(headline above a Bernie Miklasz commentary)
*From the 8.30.96 P-D: "Marlins Leave Birds Listing To Port",
with the subhead "Florida Sweep Keeps Cards 2.5 Behind".
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Rams Outlook by MIKE HUSS
Sunday starts Week 1 of the National Football League and Year #2 of the
Rams era in St. Louis. Some would say that Sunday starts the four month
journey to determine whether it will be either Dallas or San Francisco in
the Super Bowl. Although I can not argue with that logic--let's examine
the home team and how they match up in Glitzy Spotlight known as the NFL.
The Rams enter 1996 with a young crop of players with ten of their draft
choices making the Big Club. Offensively, with new QB Steve Walsh, the team
may be more conservative but stable. Lawrence Phillips' presence could make
the running game frightening or frightful . Fans seem eager to view the
exploits of Eddie Kennison and Tony Banks against the likes of the 49ers
and Packers.
It was 16 months ago when the Rams became the team of choice in this town.
Before even playing a game, Blue & Gold Licensed Merchandise was selling
at a fever pitch. Radio stations were overbidding to air their games. Local
television anchors were going on location to Preseason games. The community
group hug had begun with anyone holding a PSL.
[SIDE NOTE: The Harvard Business School should invite John Shaw as a guest
speaker. Topic: How to maximize your profit in a hot market before selling
your product.]
Although each home game is a guaranteed sellout, the Rams will have to produce
on the field and in the standings. The Cardinals are back in a pennant race
and following baseball again has become popular in this town And don't forget
there is a core group of fans who will always be interested in the constant
melodrama on ice at the Kiel Center.
During the last preseason game against San Diego, there were actually boos
which streamed from the $250 per seat PSL Holders in the Trans World Dome.
Phillips still has lukewarm support in this town and PSLers are looking
for a return on their investment. Last season's 7-9 was acceptable--but
it was bittersweet in light of the 4-0 start.
Rich Brooks realizes that he has a young ball club which is still learning
in his scheme He has also put his signature on this team by eliminating
some players which did not fit into his system. (Hey Mike Keenan--see it
can be done with the fans' support!!) There are indications that with the
status of Walsh and the offensive line--you may see the Rams more conservative
than in '95, but the defense should be improved.
All of these are healthy observations which gets the fans fired up. As Hank
Williams Jr. says--"Are you ready for some Football?" Everyone
is a playoff team on week one of the season....well maybe not in Phoenix.
However, the Rams should realize that the novelty of the NFL's return to
the Gateway City is slowing down.
Those bandwagon Rams fans are will realize that an autumn drive in the country
will be more appealing than driving Downtown for an overpriced parking spot
near the Dome.
The Rams will be profitable on their 1996 Balance Sheet whether they go
11-5 or 5-11. However, an intangible asset is at stake for them in 1996--credibility.
Advancement of this team will confirm to the fans and that success is a
priority and the quality of the product is vital. Let's remember: that was
always the main criticism of the previous Pro Football Operation in this
town.
With that said--let the kickoff begin and put the Brats on the grill. Oh
yeah, for what it's worth, I think the Rams will be better , a predicted
9-7 season. But it will not be good enough to get an Wild Card invitation
to Paul Tagliabue's post season playoff party.
Who knows, maybe next year at this time, I can write this entire column
again!!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike Huss hosts "Sportstalk" from 8-9 pm each and
every Tuesday and Thursday on WGNU-AM 920.
3.2 Two Lists from Jim Hunstein
3.2.1 Top 12 Signs You're Probably Going To Get Cut From The Rams
12. Everyone tells you there are plenty of opportunities in Arena football
11. The only weight training you're doing are 12-ounce diminishing curls
10. You keep falling for the ol' "you go deep" trick on every
single play
9. You think two-a-days are just weak vitamins and avoid them
8. Your jersey is just a t-shirt with duct tape numbers
7. Some guys hold the blocking dummies; you are one
6. You held out for 3 weeks and no one noticed
5. The only balls you're thrown in practice are by the coach's kid
4. Your locker is a port-a-potty
3. You were drafted as a kicker
2. Two other people have your same number and one of them is the mascot
1. Your helmet is inflatable
3.2.2 Top 12 Signs That Fredbird Has Gone Nuts
12. Enlisted in the Greek army
11. Was seen stalking Daisy Duck during his recent vacation at Disneyland
10. Calls the right field bleachers "Darwin's waiting room"
9. Stays up late at night watching VH-1 for some wacky 70s' dance moves
to "Disco Duck"
8. Now sporting fishnet stockings
7. Wants to adopt the Towel Boy
6. Can't decide who came first, him or the egg
5. Flies north in the winter
4. Sank his nest egg in Blues season tickets
3. Wearing pants
2. Wants to be referred to as Free Range Freddie from now on
1. He corked his beak
3.3 It's A Guy Thing by RANDY HU
One of the few sacred things left in this world that men have the edge over
women is our insatiable passion for sports. If there's only one thing we
know well, it's our sports. Most of our free waking hours are usually spent
playing, watching, discussing, arguing, and devouring anything that involves
a ball and a defense. Been there, done that a million times. It's probably
because our genes were twisted into the shape of footballs from birth.
Recently on a local radio-talk show, some bold women have made inferences
that they know just as much about sports as men do. Say what? Why in the
wide, wide, world of sports would these women want to challenge our cherished
domain in a battle of the sexes? In the first place, discussing a woman's
place in sports is about as delicate as a Ted Kaczynski wrapped parcel.
Though, when it comes to a sports perspective, men are as different from
women than say, the distance from Mars to Venus.
For guys, only sex is more of an aphrodisiac than sports. How else can one
explain why we can actually recite the career batting averages of Leron
Lee, Joe Hague, and Boots Day? Talk about a waste of long-term memory cells,
but boys will be boys. Remember, it's in our jeans.
Take for instance the Rams-Bengals game on Sunday. To some, watching the
mistake-filled contest was as painful as a third molar extraction. But for
the real enthusiasts, it doesn't get any better than a tailgating, 3-day
sunny weekend, topping it off with a home opening 26-16 victory celebration.
It's nice to see the Rams outscoring their baseball counterparts that day,
who by the way, went for two and beat up the Colorado Rockies, 15-6.
For years, gals went to the games dutifully with their spouses or boyfriends
to casually view the game, soak up the atmosphere, visit with friends, or
just plain people watch. To guys, every contest is the Super Bowl or World
Series, while our female counterparts try to assure us that it's just another
game. You can appreciate this more fully if you've ever played blood and
guts coed softball. Nowadays, to their credit, some women fans have learned
the trivial intricacies of the games that most guys take for granted and
live for.
Guy things and girl things differ like the Pope and Dick Morris. Guy things
include hogging the remote control, fantasy football, trying to be like
Mike (Jordan), late night White Castles, air guitaring, public gas emissions,
memorizing lines from Caddyshack, the 3 Stooges, and fudging golf scores.
Examples of girl things are mail order catalogs, countless shoe ownership,
workout videos, Dooney purses, Oprah, 15-hour sales, Brad Pitt pinups, tear-jerking
soap operas, psychics, and bathroom gossip sessions. Sure, there are your
crossover types, but for the most part, the stereotypes fit like a batting
glove. And that's the beauty of it all.
Female athletes have made tremendous strides in furthering women's involvement
and growing interest in sports. Steffi Graf, Annika Sorenstam, Jackie Joyner-Kersee,
Amy Van Dyken, and Kerri Strug and company, are champions in their arenas.
That's great, but for us guys, life is sports, the rest is just details.
Sorry girls, but this ones a gimme.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Randy Hu is the sports columnist for The Riverfront Times.
3.4 Cardinals Quotes collected by JIM HUNSTEIN
Manager Tony La Russa on the Cards' explosion of hits and runs in the first
Rockies game: "They finally got to the oasis and they were going to
drink til they were full."
La Russa on Ray Lankford's 4-for-5 performance (tying a career high four
hits in a game): "Ray had a big day and kind of sparked us."
La Russa on the Card's running: "The thing that's fun is that we can
generate some baserunners. We have so many guys that have really outstanding
instincts and aggressiveness on the bases. They want to run and take the
extra base. The great job that Brian [Jordan] did to put that ball in play.
There aren't that many guys who could try and score form third the way Ray
did. That led to, instead of bases loaded, a run and second and third. They're
really fun to watch when they use their legs."
La Russa, when asked if he was pretty pleased with Alan Benes's performance:
"Both. He was pretty and I was pleased."
Tom Pagnozzi on the way the Cards came back in the final game of the Marlins
series and how it helped against the Rockies: "We got down early and
I said to someone 'Boy, I hope this is rock bottom.' And maybe it was because
we came out and ended up scoring nine runs. I think that really helped a
couple guys and we came out today swinging lumber."
Pagnozzi on Alan Benes: "The main thing with him is to get him into
the flow of the game, pitching-wise; to get him comfortable early. He seems
to struggle [early] at times when he does that and it gets him behind."
Pagnozzi on coming out of his own slump: "I feel better at the plate
now. I felt like I was coming out of it when I was hitting the ball hard
for outs. That's always a good sign. When it;s going bad, you can't hit
anything hard. It seems to be the step when you come out and hit the ball
hard and be right at someone."
Pagnozzi on whether players watch the out-of-town scoreboard: "If you're
not, then you're crazy. It's what baseball's all about. If someone tells
you they're not, I think they're kidding themselves."
Alan Benes on whether he feels more pressure pitching in a stretch drive:
"I don't think so. I felt a little pressure in Houston. I was a little
nervous in Houston because I knew it was a huge series for us. I knew I
was going to have to be on my game to get those guys out because they've
got a good team. I've been throwing the ball well. I kind of feel like I'm
in a groove of some sort. I was pretty confident coming into tonight. I've
faced these guys three times so I knew what I was going to have to do. It
was just a matter of going out and trying to execute."
3.5 Rams Quotes collected by JIM HUNSTEIN
Coach Rich Brooks: "The good news is we win with no significant injuries
in a game that was destined by mistakes, almost from the start. We were
the one that hung in there and made the fewest in the end result and we
took advantage of their mistakes, too."
Brooks: "We wanted to be more aggressive this year and we decided we
would mix it more and bring heat and pressure. We will have a special block
up every week and this was a well-designed and well-executed."
Brooks on the offensive line: "In some instances I thought [QB Steve]
Walsh did a good job in just getting out of there and not getting sacked.
We did not give our passer much time to make decisions back there and the
Bengals give you a lot of problems in that regard."
Brooks on the win: "It is very important to get this win. It is a win
and doesn't have to be a Rembrandt. You know if we had had 400 yards and
completed three touchdown passes and whatever, it might have been wonderful.
But we got a win and that's all we needed to do."
Brooks on the mistakes: "Again the penalty bug hit us big and hit them
big. This is an area that we continue to flounder on and need to get better.
We keep saying that and we are not doing as good a job as we need to. And
we can't keep putting ourselves in those kind of spots and in those kind
of holes and continue to have favorable results."
Brooks on the fans: "I heard the fans make a lot of noise and I heard
the chants for the quarterback change. But I can't wilt at the first uprising
in the stands. But the fans were great and the noise level was the best
I've heard in the Dome."
Quarterback Steve Walsh on the game: "[It was] horrible in the beginning.
We started out with turnovers which killed the momentum. We hung in there
with the defense and special teams, which gave us great field position in
the second half. We did enough to win."
Walsh on his own play: "I know when I'm not playing well. The fans
don't have to tell me. I just keep plugging away and I know things will
happen for us."
Walsh on QB Tony Banks: "The back-up quarterback is always the most
popular player on the team."
WR Eddie Kennison on playing well: "It was important. When the team
picks you first round, you may be a rookie, but they don't want you to act
like a rookie. They want to put you right on the spot. They want you to
come in and perform."
DT D'Marco Farr: "We were able to get the 12th man, the fans, into
it today. We're starting to have a home field advantage now. I am happy
for the fans, players, and coaches. We have to go back now and look at the
film and put this one behind us and get ready for next week."
4.0 StLSO Recaps
4.1 Cardinals Series-by-Series Summaries by
JIM HUNSTEIN
4.1.1 Cardinals vs. Marlins (August 27 - August 29)
IN THE ARCHIVES: And then disaster struck. The Cardinals were swept by the
Marlins just as they were establishing themselves as legitimate playoff
contenders. Now, having lost 8 of their last 10 (the only worse team in
the NL are the Mets, who have lost 7 in a row and 9 of the last 10), the
Redbirds find themselves sinking in the wildcard race.
ON THE SCOREBOARD: G1: 6-3 Marlins (3-run first off Mike Morgan) G2: 3-2
Marlins (3 walks in the 10th by Cory Bailey) G3: 10-9 Marlins (8 runs in
2 innings off Todd Stottlemyre)
GOING IN: 69-62, 1/2 game out of first place behind the Astros
COMING OUT: 69-65, 2 1/2 games behind the Astros. Also, the Cards are only
4 games over .500 and threatening to fall below it as the Rockies, Astros,
and Padres come to town next.
AT THE PLATE: It's not like the bats were dead. The Cards managed 30 hits
in the series although nearly half (14) came in G3. The numbers 2, 3, 4,
and 5 hitters were a combined 0-for-17 with 7 Ks in G1 and 2-for-19 in G2.
(The number 1 and 2 slots for the Marlins produced more hits in just G2,
going 5-for-9.) Redbird hitters also stranded 26 runners, 15 of them in
scoring position (7 in G2 alone). Only 2 homers in the series, Royce Clayton's
5th in G1 and Ron Gant's 26th in G3. The Redbirds almost pulled out a win
in G3 with 3 runs in the 9th but fell short as newcomer Dmitri Young, representing
the winning run, popped out to shallow short.
OFF THE BENCH: The bench is starting to respond! Ozzie Smith and Willie
McGee (who else?) each had pinch singles in G1 although Gant whiffed in
the 9th. In G2, Clayton was intentionally passed in the 6th but McGee fanned
in the 8th. Danny Sheaffer and Luis Alicea both failed in G3 while Ray Lankford
singled in the 9th to keep the rally alive.
ON THE BASEPATHS: Some fairly conservative baserunning in G2. Donovan Osborne
(2-for-2 with an RBI and a run) hit a double that rolled to the left-center
field wall, scoring Alicea. But had Osborne been hustling, he should have
made third easily on a ball that rolled for that long. He then would have
scored on Smith's ensuing single.
ON THE MOUND: Not much to write home about. Mike Morgan (4-8) went only
2 1/3 innings in G1 and gave up 5 runs on 6 hits. That chased him not only
from the game, but the team as he was released shortly thereafter. (Danny
Jackson takes his place in the rotation.) Osborne's hard luck season continued
as he had a good outing in G2 (only 2 runs on 9 hits in 6 innings) but did
not get a decision. Todd Stottlemyre (11-10) was shellacked in G3 for 8
runs (all earned) on 7 hits (4 HRs) and 2 walks in only 2 innings
FROM THE BULLPEN: The relievers gave up only 2 hits (both by Mark Petkovsek
in G1 after taking over for Morgan) in 10 2/3 innings of relief in G1 and
G2. OF course, that doesn't include the 3 10th inning walks and a sacrifice
fly given up by Bailey (3-2) to lose G2. But in 7 innings of G3, they gave
up 2 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks.
CATCH-ALL: Adios Mike Morgan, 4-8 with an ERA of 5.24 after his G1 loss.
Howdy Dmitri Young, who was 1-for-4 with a hit-by-pitch in his debut in
G3. General Manager Walt Jocketty is openly coveting slugging Jeff King,
the future former Pirate second baseman. Here's a plan: Platoon John Mabry
and Young at first. Play McGee every other day to rest one of the three
outfielders. This way, the Cards will almost always have a real power threat
coming off the bench to pinch-hit. Right now, they don't have anyone who
can strike fear, mostly just guys who can strike out.
OVERALL: It's time for a gut check in the Cards' locker room. Those who
want to suck it up, act like big leaguers in a pennant race, and try to
win this thing should stand up and be counted. The rest should merely keep
hanging their heads and wait for the trade bait sign to be hung around their
necks. Close games against teams like the Marlins are the ones that real
contenders find a way to win rather than lose. Those are the ones that mean
the difference between being 2 games up or down when the season is over.
They are the games that determine who packs for home on September 30 and
who packs for Atlanta. With real teams coming to town, all actually making
a name for themselves in their races, the Redbirds are facing their toughest
test the next 10 days. Where they finish after playing 3 games each with
the Rockies, Astros, and Padres will determine the character and fate of
this team.
IN THE HOUSE: G1: 24,784; G2: 21,767; G3: 23,105 Note to the Cards on attendance:
Please do what you can to replace those deadasses sitting behind the plate
with either some fans who enjoy cheering (hey, all of these games were fairly
close) or at least some autotrons that will give the impression of humans
not sitting on their thumbs.
ON THE CLOCK: G1: 2:30; G2: 3:30 (10-inning game); G3: 3:33
ON DECK: 3 at home with the Rockies, who have won 7 of heir last 10 aided
by last week's sweep of the Cards in Coors Field
IN THE HOLE: 3 at home with the division-leading Astros, against whom the
Cards managed a split earlier this week. Still lurking are the NL West leading
Padres.
4.1.2 Cardinals vs. Rockies (August 30 - September 1)
IN THE ARCHIVES: The Cardinals more than answered the challenge issued right
here (well, last issue) to play like contenders, not pretenders. None of
the games were easy, but in G3, up two games to none on the strength of
the Benii arms, the Redbirds rallied for 6 runs in the 7th and 4 more in
the 8th to trounce the Rockies in the series finale. If they won't let us
win there, we won't let them win here. Despite the 3 Ws, the Cards picked
up only one game on the Astros, who come to town next.
GOING IN: 69-65, second place, 2 1/2 games behind Houston
COMING OUT: 72-65, second place, 1 1/2 games behind Houston
ON THE SCOREBOARD: G1: 7-4 Cards (Lankford 4-for-5) G2: 2-1 Cards (4-hitter
by Andy Benes) G3: 15-6 Cards (10 runs in the 7th and 8th)
AT THE PLATE: Big series and the bats responded with 36 hits, including
18 in G3. Ray Lankford led the way with 4 hits (2 of them doubles) in G1,
tying his one-game best. Tom Pagnozzi was 3-for-4 in the game. G2 was a
more subdued affair, with only 5 hits for the team. Lankford had 2, including
his 21st homer of the year. Just about everyone joined in the reindeer games
in G3. John Mabry led the way with 4 hits, 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI. Lankford
(who else?), Willie McGee, and Danny Jackson also had a pair of ribbies
each. Brian Jordan and Mike Gallego each had 3 hits.
OFF THE BENCH: The bench was 1-for 3 in the series, the only hit a single
by Gaetti in the 7th of G3. And in G3, the imaginative pinch-hitters got
on base using 5 of the 8 ways to reach base. Dmitri Young reached on a fielder's
choice in the 4th. Luis Alicea reached on a hit-by-pitch in the 7th. McGee
walked in the 7th. Then Gaetti got the hit. Finally, Miguel Mejia was inserted
as a pinch runner in the 8th. (For you trivia hounds, the other ways to
reach base are error, catcher's interference, and dropped third strike.)
ON THE BASEPATHS: Good, aggressive baserunning. Lankford scored from second
on a Brian Jordan grounder that went off third baseman Vinnie Castilla's
glove. Later, Ron Gant scored from third on a contact play, sliding under
the tag. He came up holding his arm because he had hurt the shoulder. No
one thought much about it, however, since he finished the game. The only
steals of the series came in G3, naturally; Royce Clayton swiped number
26, Mabry swiped number 3, and Pagnozzi swiped number 4.
ON THE MOUND: Alan Benes had a rough time in G1 (3 runs on 6 hits and 3
walks in 6 innings) but earned the win to improve to 12-8. Big brother was
watching and Andy continued his quest for comeback player of the year with
a great game in G2. He lasted 8 innings and gave up just 1 run (on a wild
pitch, so it was his own fault) on 4 hits and 5 walks while striking out
8. His record improves to 15-9. Danny Jackson left the bullpen to start
G3, his first start in more than a year. He gave up 3 runs on 6 hits and
a pair of walks in just 4 innings.
FROM THE BULLPEN: Dennis Eckersley earned saves number 24 and 25 in preserving
the Benii wins. New call-up Eric Ludwick made his Cardinal debut in relief
of Jackson in G3 and was greeted rudely by the Rockies; 3 runs on 3 hits
in one inning. But he fanned two. Mark Petkovsek relieved for 2 more innings
and was the beneficiary of the Cards' 6-run 7th inning for his 9th win of
the season. He is one win shy of tying his season best of 10 wins, which
he earned in 1988 in A ball at Charlotte and in 1994 in Tucson in AAA ball.
IN THE FIELD: Ozzie was lucky to not get an error in G2 when, after going
into the hole for an Ellis Burks grounder, he sort of slipped and never
got the throw off. Burks was credited with a hit. But he was gunned down
by Tom Pagnozzi on a high pitch trying to steal. In the 4th inning, Pags
let a 58-foot slider through his wickets to let a run score. Ruled a wild
pitch from Alan Benes. The only error in the game was a Mike Gallego's throwing
error in G2 on the back end of a would-be 6-4-3 double play. One other note
about Jordan. He made a great play on a short-hopper by Willie McGee. Huh?,
you say? Jordan was in the on deck circle. And just as he does when he catches
the third out, he tossed the ball into the stands.
CATCH-ALL: Ron Gant is expected to miss the Astros series due to his torn
left rotator cuff. Mejia's recall from injury rehab might actually be a
good thing. For one, his place on the roster is not as critical as it once
was seeing as how the rosters have been expanded. Besides, the team did
a lot better when he was in the dugout. (Not in the line-up, mind you, but
in the dugout.)
OVERALL: Pagnozzi took a Curtis Leskanic pitch off the coconut in the 8th
inning of G3. This was after the Cards had taken the lead and were poised
to sweep the series. It was also after Alicea was plunked in the 7th. Question:
Why didn't Honeycutt, pitching the 9th, drill a Rockie? This is not to advocate
head-hunting, but you can't let one of your players get a near lobotomy
without letting the other team know a) you don't appreciate it, b) you won't
put up with it, and c) some one will pay for it. Manager Tony La Russa was
quoted in the Post as saying "there's no excuse for that."
IN THE HOUSE: G1: 25,530; G2: 35,804; G3: 28,552
ON THE CLOCK: G1: 2:48; G2: 2:36; G3: 3:46 (take all the time you want when
scoring 15 on the Rox)
ON DECK: 3-game set with the NLC-leading (and arch-rivals) Astros
IN THE HOLE: A rare Thursday off, then a trifecta at Busch with the NLW-leading
Padres to finish up the home stand.
4.2 Rams Beat Bengals In 1996 Opener by JIM
HUNSTEIN
The Rams scored 16 points in the fourth quarter to open the season with
a somewhat sloppy 26-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals before the ninth
consecutive sellout crowd in St. Louis and the fifth at the Trans World
Dome.
Fortunately for the Rams, the Bengals were just that much sloppier. The
game featured eight turnovers, St. Louis picking up three fumbles and losing
two while intercepting two passes. And there were 27 penalties, 11 by the
Bighorns.
Free agent QB Steve Walsh was rather unimpressive in his Ram debut, completing
only 13 of 35 passes for 154 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. But
in fairness, it was hard to see just how well he could play since he was
running for his life some of the time as the Bengal defensive front poured
through seemingly at will on pass plays.
First round pick RB Lawrence Phillips was equally adequate in his first
NFL game. He rushed for only 46 yards on 21 carries. He fumbled the ball
away on the second play of the game, which led to a Bengal field goal. But
he ran in for a pair of touchdowns, both one-yard plunges over the top.
He's the first Rams rookie to runs for two TDs since 1983 when Eric Dickerson
did it six times. Phillips, recently named to the special teams as a kick
returner, had his longest run of the day near the end of the first half
when he took a kick 35 yards.
But the game had its moments. The Rams other first round selection WR Eddie
Kennison, returning punts in place of the traded Todd Kinchen, returned
his only chance 40 yards in the first quarter to set up the first Ram score.
He finished the day with four catches for 70 yards including a 35 yarder.
But he fumbled at the end of that run.
The most exciting play of the game, and the one that turned the tide for
the Bighorns, came at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Bengals were
faced with third and 10 from near midfield and QB Jeff Blake went deep up
the middle, but the only player nearby was S Keith Lyle, who picked it at
about the 12. He ended up with a 61-yard return to the Bengal 32. The big
hit was delivered by DT Jimmie Jones on TE Tony McGee, but many of the defensive
unit had a chance lay a lick on the opponent of their choice. That return
was the longest interception return for the Rams since Vince Newsom brought
one back 81 yards for a touchdown against the Packers in 1989.
Special teams played a big role as well, both triggered by players just
claimed off waivers from playoff teams. The biggest play being a blocked
punt LB Antonio Goss (from San Francisco) late in the third quarter. He
went straight up the middle almost untouched. The ball was recovered by
LB Paschall Davis. In the middle of the fourth quarter after a game-tying
field goal, CB Keith Crawford (from Green Bay) drilled Bengal return man
David Dunn, knocking the ball loose. It was caught by WR Jermaine Ross and
set up Phillips' second touchdown, the one that gave the Rams their game-winning
score.
The game started off on very shaky ground after Phillips fumbled on his
second carry, the second play of the game, giving Cincinnati the ball on
the Ram 35. But the defense held firm and, nine plays later, the Bengals
had to settle for a 27-yard field goal. They had made a 31-yarder early
but the Rams were called for defensive holding. (Question: How do you defensive
hold on a field goal attempt?) In any event, Cincinnati led 3-0.
The Rams went nowhere on their next series, the drive stymied by a missed
catch by Kennison on a play that would have been the first down. The defense
once again held firm, forcing the Bengals to punt, the fateful one that
Kennison returned for 40 yards before being run out of bounds by the punter,
Lee Johnson. A 17-yard screen pass to RB Harold Green took the ball to the
one. Phillips vaulted the pile to give the Rams a 7-3 lead.
The second to last play of the first quarter, Blake mishandled the snap
and LB Carlos Jenkins recovered the ball on the Rams 34. But the drive stalled
after the Rams got their first first down of the game on a six-yard run
by RB Greg Robinson. P Sean Landeta boomed the punt 49 yards, outkicking
his coverage. Return man Corey Sawyer ran the ball back 62 yards to the
Rams 16 before being brought down by Lyle. The Bengals once again had to
settle for a field goal and trailed 7-6.
The Rams took the ball to midfield before having to punt forcing a fair
catch at the Bengals 12. The Rams had them pinned back but on third and
15 from their own 7, Blake went deep and found WR Carl Pickens, who beat
CB Anthony Parker and made a spectacular catch over his outside shoulder
for a 46-yard gain to the St. Louis 47. (Presumably, Parker didn't want
to step on his blue suede shoes.) The Bengals again could not reach the
end zone but took the lead 9-7 with a 47-yard field goal that had distance
to spare.
The Rams had a chance to regain the lead as time ran out in the half, but
K Chip Lohmiller pushed his 44-yard field goal attempt a little bit wide
to the right and the half ended with the Bengals on top 9-7. The Rams had
only 120 total yard in the first half, but held the Bengals to 144 yards.
Both team had amassed some penalties though; St. Louis had nine for 51 yards
and Cincinnati had 8 for 48 yards.
The Rams kicked off for the second half but Dunn took it back 41 yards to
his own 45. The defense held and forced a punt, which sailed out of bounds.
The Rams got screwed by the zebras when they placed the ball on the 10,
missing the real placement by about 10 or 12 yards. Three plays later, Walsh
threw low to Kennison on an out route and CB Ashley Ambrose dived in front
for the interception. The Bengals scored six plays later on a six-yard pass
to WR Darnay Scott in the back of the end zone. The point after made the
score 16-7.
The Bighorns came back with a scoring drive of their own, one which featured
a couple of loose balls that the Rams recovered. The drive was capped by
a 42-yard Lohmiller field goal and St. Louis trailed 16-10. Lohmiller sent
the ensuing kickoff into the end zone for a touchback. Cincinnati once again
went three-and-out and set up to punt. But Goss shot through the middle
and blocked the kick and the Rams recovered on the Bengal 15.
The Rams converted on fourth and one from the six on a sneak by Walsh, but
they had to settle for a 20-yard field goal to pull to within three at 16-13.
The next Bengal series was interrupted by Lyle's interception and 61-yard
runback. The Rams again could not get across the alumni stripe and used
a 29-yard field goal to tie the game at 16-16.
But on the following kickoff, Carwford caused the fumble that Ross recovered
at the Bengal 15. Three plays later Phillips' one-yard plunge gave the Rams
a 23-16 lead.
On the first play of the Bengals next drive, DE Kevin Carter recorded the
third Bighorn sack (and his first) of the game and also managed to knock
the ball loose. DE Leslie O'Neal, who had a sack of his own in the first
quarter, recovered the ball on the Bengal six. Three plays and three yards
later, Lohmiller once again had to put points on the board, a 20-yard chip
shot that gave the Rams a 26-16 lead.
The Bengals finally got a chance to run a few plays but faced fourth and
17 from the Rams 48 when Blake through incomplete up the middle. The Rams
took over on downs with 2:31 remaining. With just over a minute remaining,
the Rams had fourth and 10 on the Cincinnati 40 and were prepared to punt.
They were reprieved when S Chris Shelling hit Landeta for a roughing the
kicker penalty, which carries an automatic first down. Walsh took two kneel-downs
to preserve the 26-16 victory.
The win assures the Rams of a share of first place in the NFC West division.
It also sets up a showdown with co-leader San Francisco next Sunday out
on the left coast.
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through games of 9.1.96)
5.1.1 Batting
AB HIT 2B 3B HR SLG RUN RBI BB SO OBP SB CS E AVG
Jordan,Brian 444 137 31 1 14 .477 74 89 25 73 .345 18 3 2 .309
Mabry,John 471 141 26 2 11 .433 54 64 29 79 .340 3 2 6 .299
McGee,Willie 273 80 13 2 5 .410 49 37 15 56 .330 4 1 4 .293
Smith,Ozzie 182 52 6 1 1 .346 29 13 20 7 .356 7 3 8 .286
Clayton,Royce 423 120 19 3 5 .378 56 30 33 79 .336 26 15 10 .284
Lankford,Ray 469 132 31 6 21 .507 90 78 59 109 .362 29 3 1 .281
Pagnozzi,Tom 336 91 20 0 11 .429 40 46 19 66 .310 4 1 7 .271
Sweeney,Mark 154 41 9 0 3 .383 27 21 28 26 .379 2 0 3 .266
Gaetti,Gary 433 115 22 2 17 .443 57 63 30 78 .313 2 2 8 .266
Sheaffer,Danny 178 44 9 3 2 .365 10 19 9 24 .283 2 3 5 .247
Gant,Ron 343 83 11 2 26 .513 58 73 61 79 .356 13 4 4 .242
Alicea,Luis 323 78 21 2 4 .356 44 36 41 69 .327 8 2 22 .241
Gallego,Mike 109 24 2 0 0 .239 9 4 9 24 .280 0 0 1 .220
Bell,David 136 29 6 0 1 .279 10 8 9 19 .262 0 1 5 .213
Bradshaw,Terry 10 2 0 0 0 .200 1 0 3 1 .385 0 1 0 .200
Young,Dmitri 5 1 0 0 0 .200 1 0 0 0 .200 0 0 1 .200
Mejia,Miguel 16 1 0 0 0 .062 7 0 0 9 .062 3 3 1 .062
Difelice,Mike 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 .000
5.1.2 Pitching
W L IP HIT RUN ER BB SO ERA SA BS HR G ST C
Fossas,Tony 0 4 40.2 35 17 12 17 31 2.66 2 4 6 54 0 0
Mathews,TJ 2 5 71.2 50 27 23 27 70 2.89 4 3 8 55 0 0
Osborne,Donovan 11 8 169.0 159 68 59 44 111 3.14 0 0 17 25 25 2
Batchelor,Rich 0 0 5.2 6 2 2 0 3 3.18 0 0 0 2 0 0
Honeycutt,Rick 2 1 42.2 39 16 16 7 29 3.38 3 3 3 54 0 0
Eckersley,D 0 5 47.2 49 21 18 6 41 3.40 25 2 7 50 0 0
Bailey,Cory 3 2 46.2 52 20 18 24 33 3.47 0 1 1 42 0 0
Petkovsek,Mark 9 2 73.2 71 32 31 29 34 3.79 0 3 9 40 4 0
Benes,Andy 15 9 197.2 188 93 86 61 143 3.92 1 0 24 30 29 3
Stottlemyre,T 11 10 186.1 170 90 86 81 156 4.15 0 0 28 28 28 5
Jackson,Danny 0 0 14.0 17 7 7 5 6 4.50 0 0 1 7 1 0
Benes,Alan 12 8 164.2 164 104 91 71 110 4.97 0 0 26 28 28 3
Ludwick,Eric 0 0 1.0 3 3 3 1 2 27.00 0 0 1 1 0 0
5.2 MLB Standings (through games of 9.1.96)
American League National League
Eastern Divisions
Team Won Lost GB PCT Team Won Lost GB PCT
New York 76 60 - .559 Atlanta 84 52 - .618
Baltimore 72 64 4.0 .529 Montreal 73 62 10.5 .541
Boston 70 67 6.5 .511 Florida 66 71 18.5 .482
Toronto 63 74 13.5 .460 New York 61 76 23.5 .445
Detroit 49 88 27.5 .358 Philadelphia 55 82 29.5 .401
Central Divisions
Team Won Lost GB PCT Team Won Lost GB PCT
Cleveland 81 55 - .596 Houston 74 64 - .536
Chicago 74 64 8.0 .536 CARDINALS 72 65 1.5 .526
Minnesota 68 69 13.5 .496 Chicago 68 67 4.5 .504
Milwaukee 66 72 16.0 .478 Cincinnati 67 69 6.0 .493
Kansas City 63 75 19.0 .457 Pittsburgh 57 79 16.0 .419
Western Divisions
Team Won Lost GB PCT Team Won Lost GB PCT
Texas 77 59 - .566 San Diego 76 62 - .551
Seattle 71 65 6.0 .522 Los Angeles 74 62 1.0 .544
Oakland 66 73 12.5 .475 Colorado 70 68 6.0 .507
California 63 74 14.5 .460 San Francisco 58 76 16.0 .433
5.3 Game Statistics: Rams vs. Bengals
Scoring Summary:
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 F
Bengals 3 6 7 0 16
Rams 7 0 3 16 26
FIRST QUARTER:
Bengals; 27-yd FG, Pelfrey
Rams; Phillips, 1-yd run (Lohmiller kick)
SECOND QUARTER:
Bengals; 35-yd FG, Pelfrey
Bengals; 47-yd FG, Pelfrey
THIRD QUARTER:
Bengals; Scott, 6-yd pass from Blake (Pelfrey kick)
Rams; 42-yd FG, Lohmiller
FOURTH QUARTER:
Rams; 20-yd FG, Lohmiller
Rams; 29-yd FG, Lohmiller
Rams; Phillips, 1-yd run (Lohmiller kick)
Rams; 20-yd FG, Lohmiller
Team Stats:
Bengals Rams
First downs 14 18
Third down efficiency 9-18 5-16
Fourth down efficiency 0-1 1-1
Total net yards 242 209
Offensive plays-yds/play 65-3.7 72-2.9
Rushing yards 37 70
Passing yards 205 139
Punts-average yards 3-26.3 3-45.3
Penalties-yards 16-101 11-61
Fumbles-lost 3-3 3-2
Time of possession 29:51 30:09
Individual Stats:
RUSHING (carries-yards-TDs):
Rams: Phillips 21-46-2, Green 5-15-0, Walsh 5-13-0, Robinson 3-(-4), Harris
1-0
Bengals: Carter 14-14-0, Bieniemy 2-12-0, Hearst 3-6-0, Blake 2-4-0, Scott
1-1-0
PASSING: (Attempts-completions-yards-touchdowns-interceptions)
Rams: Walsh 35-13-154-0-1
Bengals: Blake 40-23-226-1-2
RECEIVING: (Catches-yards-TDs)
Rams: Kennison 4-70-0, Bruce 4-40-0, Green 4-38-0, Robinson 1-6-0
Bengals: Pickens 6-91-0, Scott 6-76-1, Carter 5-22-0, McGee 2-19-0, Bieniemy
2-10-0, Battaglia 1-4-0, Cothran 1-4-0
DEFENSE: (Tackles-assists-sacks/yards)
Rams: Jenkins 7-1-0, R Jones 7-1-0, Phifer 6-2-0, Lyght 8-0-0, Parker 6-1-0,
Carter 4-2-1/9, Gaskins 3-0-0, Lyle 3-0-0, Farr 1-1-0, O'Neal 1-1-1/5, Dorn
2-0-0, J Jones 1-0-1/7, T Wright 2-0-0, J Harris 0-1-0, Crawford1-0-0, Goss
1-0-0
Bengals: Tovar 7-1-0, Francis 5-1-1/8, Wilkinson 5-0-1/7, Smith 4-1-0, Spencer
4-1-0, T Johnson 4-0-0, McDonald 3-1-0, Orlando 4-0-0, Walker 3-0-0, Langford
2-1-0, Ambrose 3-0-0, Copeland 2-0-0, Stallings 1-1-0, Morabito 1-0-0, Dixon
1-0-0, L Johnson 1-0-0, Wheeler 1-0-0
Scoring Summary:
6.0 StLSO Media Views
The sports mania that has swept St. Louis radio shows no signs of abating.
An example? Sunday's sports-oriented programming on KMOX, KSD, KFNS, and
WIBV airwaves.
The following summary is undoubtedly incomplete, and represents one man's
attempt to channel surf while watching baseball at Busch Stadium.
*KMOX's sports day began with Ron Jacober's Sunday morning sports show at
10 am, which led into a football Tailgate show at 11 am (with help from
Randy Karraker and Doug McElvein)...followed by Cardinals pre-game, game,
and post-game coverage...which led into an NFL scoreboard show at about
5:00 pm or so. Randy Karraker then returned for Sports Open Line that ran
from 6-8:00 pm.
That's a whole day's worth of sports coverage, mostly Cardinals...some NFL...courtesy
of KMOX.
*KSD's coverage focused on their marquee product--the St. Louis Rams. This
listener heard a pre-pregame show a little after 9:00 am...the show (which
was hosted by Kevin Slaten and Tom Wheatley, I think) may have started before
9. The regular pregame show (a Tim Liotta-Steve Schlanger-voiced gig) began
at 10 am, and ran right up until game time at noon. After the play-by-play,
there was post-game and then post-postgame coverage which, if memory serves
correct, wasn't over until after sundown. The last show (hosted by Charlie
(Tuna) Edwards) included phone calls from listeners.
That's a whole day of sports coverage at KSD, coverage that was almost exclusively
Rams-oriented.
*KFNS' coverage included a lot of ESPN Radio material (which this listener
finds informative), as well as pre- and post- game shows hosted by Howard
Balzer and friends (including Mike Claiborne). Jackie Smith sat in on the
post-game show. As always, KFNS' programming featured on listener phone
calls.
The KFNS coverage was heavily oriented toward the NFL, and to the Rams in
particular. No surprise for St. Louis' only all-sports station, on the first
Sunday in September.
*WIBV's Sunday sports day began at 9:00 am, when Doug Vaughn and Earl Austin
Jr. began their day's work on a show that, to this listener, is patterned
after the KMOX Sunday sports show in that Vaughn and Austin attempt to cover
all area sports, including motor racing!
Vaughn is one of the best-kept secrets in the St. Louis sports media...the
show is worth listening to. Sunday morning radio listeners have plenty of
time to do just that...since on most Sundays the show doesn't end until
1:00 pm.
IN SUMMARY:
In the previous paragraphs, there are undoubtedly names that have been missed...and
programming that has been inaccurately described. One thing seems certain.
Not too long ago, KMOX had dibs on Sunday sports radio in St. Louis.
As of September 1996, those days are over.
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
*Scott Simon sends the following from Kansas City--
Newsradio 980 KMBZ-AM, Kansas City's most dominant sports radio station
(Royals, Kansas Jayhawks, KC Blades hockey, UMKC basketball, CBS radio sports
play by play) is looking for a sports talk show host, evenings, which also
will include sportscast anchoring and reporting. Current host leaving to
continue own business which includes hosting weekly PGA show on ESPN.
Also may include work on heritage sister station Talkradio 810 KCMO-AM,
which carries Missouri Tigers.
Requirement is to have at least a couple of years of medium to major market
experience, and also be able to present strong arbitron ratings with audience
growth in your current, and previous markets, along with key demographic
appeal, because KMBZ is a solid heritage top 7 station in KC. Naturally,
must have thorough working knowledge of the above franchises, and regional
sports.
Applications should be sent to: John Butler; Operations Manager; KMBZ/KCMO;
4935 Belinder; Westwood KS 66205
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Simon also points out that he served as an assignment
editor while at Channel 30.
*Jeff Martindale writes from Georgia--
Mike Morgan released?? Dmitri Young called up?? IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!
*Terry Coffman writes from Texas--
I thoroughly enjoy St. Louis Sports Online. It is a Godsend down here in
Astros country.
*Joseph writes from Illinois--
Your publication keeps getting better and better. But please tell Bernie
Miklasz how to subscribe. The other day, in response to a caller who wanted
to know how to keep track of St. Louis-area sports news, he talked about
St. Louis Sports Online. But I don't think he knows your e-mail address.
EDITOR'S NOTE: It's StLSports@aol.com.
*John writes from Florida--
Listening/watching the Cards against the Marlins on the Sunshine Network
here in FL. You can tell that Jay Randolph, the Marlins play-by-play man,
still has a great love of the Redbirds.
He mentioned that there has been some trouble with the new grass field.
What can you tell us about the field? Bermuda grass? Bluegrass?
EDITOR'S NOTE: A rye grass sod was laid in the off-season...and then seeded
with bermuda grass. Something's not right with the bermuda, in terms of
the way that it grabbed hold of the sand underneath...and the turf is VERY
loose. Few Cardinals players are willing to go on the record about the field,
but two of the more prominent Redbirds have called the surface "terrible".
*Bernard C. Ourth writes from Wyoming--
Blues Fans:
1) Stop whining about Mike Keenan. Blues fans have moaned and moaned over
the years about not getting to the Cup, so the Blues get the one guy available
who already has been there. You must let him do things his own way. His
success with different teams is no accident.
2) Blues need a scoring center, no doubt. Consider, however, their potential
sets of wings: Courtnall and Hull; Murphy and Corson; Noonan and Matteau.
Not bad at all. Size, speed, experience and two-way play , with a couple
exceptions.
3) 'Notes have very good, deep defense. The one move that may have changed
some the Blues situation this summer was the Hawerchuk trade. What could
the Blues have gotten for a Hawerchuk/MacInnis or Hawerchuk/Hull package?
Roenick? Zhamnov?
One last request, to Randy Hu: Please stop patting yourself when you make
a prediction about the Blues making a mistake. Tell us about your predictions
that DON'T happen.
*Keith Hamilton writes--
Randy Karraker's article regarding the Ram's release of RB Brent Moss was
right on target. I admired Moss for his work ethic, talent and determination
as much as I loathed Robinson for his whining and lack of effort. While
Moss is the type of player you'd consider a role model, Robinson is that
spoiled pariah that epitomizes all that is wrong in professional sports.
My concern is that our impressionable first round draft pick might follow
the example of Mr. Robinson. Imagine the mixed signals Lawrence is receiving
from our front office right about now...
8.0 StLSO Editorials
8.1 Gant Out, What Next? Ozzie, You Say?
The Cardinals are now 2-0 since it was announced that Ron Gant suffered
a torn left rotator cuff in Friday night's game vs. the Rockies. It seems
likely that Gant will be out at least a week...maybe longer.
Can this new prosperity last? Can the Cardinals overcome the loss of their
biggest home run threat? Of course, answers to those questions depend on
the offensive output of the infield corner men (Gary Gaetti and John Mabry)
as well as outfielders Brian Jordan, Ray Lankford, and Willie McGee.
If any three of those five players goes on a tear, then Gant's absence will
hardly be missed.
Meanwhile, veteran shortstop Ozzie Smith continues to contribute. Utilized
mainly against righthanded pitching, The Wizard has compiled rather impressive
offensive statistics and also has performed quite well in spots that demand
"situational hitting".
But don't forget about Royce Clayton, either. For the week that ended September
1, Clayton batted .391 in seven games, banging out nine hits in 23 ABs.
Together, the Cardinals' shortstop duo of Clayton and Smith have banged
out 175 hits in 1996, with only ten of those hits coming while either man
was in a pinch-hitting role.
That's pretty good production from the most important defensive position
in the lineup.
And that kind of production may be needed now more than ever, with Gant
out of the lineup. So what does Ozzie do on Labor Day?
Three hits, one walk, four runs scored (including the game-winner in the
tenth inning), as well as his second homer of the season.
Creating an environment for Smith and Clayton so that both would be in the
frame of mind to put up quality numbers...while each would clearly like
to have the SS job to himself...(with Ozzie still occasionally vocalizing
that fact)...that was perhaps Tony La Russa's greatest challenge this spring.
And, from this angle, a barometer for how well La Russa handled the Smith-Clayton
affair was how some of the younger Cardinals players (Brian Jordan and Ray
Lankford, to name two) would respond to the situation.
You know the drill--would the future Hall-of-Famer, in his last year with
the Cardinals, be treated with the respect that he deserved? And would the
incoming player also be given his due? And would any of the ill feelings
effect the production of younger Cardinals?
Things didn't look so good, earlier in the year, when The Wizard publicly
called La Russa a liar. No other player could have gotten away with such
a statement...a statement that must have stung the ears of the Cardinals
manager, who, like Smith, is a self-made man that possesses a substantial
amount of pride.
But Cardinals fans surely recall that, shortly after Smith's outburst, the
Redbirds went on a tear, with Jordan and Lankford assuming starring roles.
And now that Ozzie is making his presence felt, in a big way, ON the field...will
his younger colleagues follow suit?
The bet here is that they will. The degree to which they do may in large
part determine the fate of the 1996 Cardinals.
It is now September.
GM Walt Jocketty has done his part: he has assembled a team that is in a
pennant race in the last month of the season.
Manager Tony La Russa has done his part: all hands on deck seem to be working
together in a productive fashion.
La Russa is fond of saying that the game of baseball is about the players.
It is only fitting, then, that the players do their part, too.
8.2 He'll Be Back...Somewhere
On August 28, the Cardinals announced two roster moves. First, Dmitri Young
was called up from Louisville. Young's call-up had been long-expected--the
former first-round draft choice was batting .333 in 122 games with the Redbirds,
with 31 doubles, eight triples, and 15 home runs.
To make room for Young, the Cardinals announced the release of veteran righthander
Mike Morgan. In a way, this move was expected, too, in that Morgan's last
four starts were disastrous for himself and for the Cardinals. All four
games resulted in losses for the Cardinals, and Morgan pitched a total of
14 innings in those four starts, allowing 34 hits and 21 earned runs.
But a closer look at Morgan's 18 big league starts in 1996 suggests that
some pitching-starved major league team will request his services come spring
training 1997.
Out of Morgan's first 14 Cardinals starts, only two of them could be classified
as anything less than a quality start. Morgan's record in June and July,
in particular, deserves closer examination.
In June, the veteran righthander made five starts, pitching 5, 7, 5, 8,
and 7 innings in each appearance, respectively. In those June starts he
allowed 3, 2, 2, 4, and 3 earned runs, respectively. Morgan's June record?
Despite five solid efforts, the luckless ex-Cub was 1-2, with two no-decisions.
Then in July, Morgan had only one bad outing, going 6, 4.1, 7, 8, and 7
innings while allowing 2, 8, 2, 1, and 1 earned run in those five starts.
As in June, Morgan's July record was 1-2, with two no-decisions.
So for June and July, Morgan made ten starts. In eight of those appearances
he allowed three or fewer runs; out of those eight he pitched at least six
innings in seven of those eight. His June and July won-loss record? Two
up and four down. But for the most part, he did pitch well...and was an
integral part of a five-man rotation that spearheaded the Cardinals' early
summer climb to the top of the NL Central.
In other words, Morgan's awful stretch of pitching came at exactly the wrong
time, as far as his future in St. Louis was concerned. Prior to his release,
Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty did attempt to trade Morgan...but apparently
there were no takers for his $1.25 salary, which in addition to the base
of just over a million dollars, apparently contained a number of incentives
that Morgan was just about to reach. Without knowing the ins-and-outs of
baseball contract legalese...and Morgan's contract in particular, it stands
to reason that those incentives are at least part of the reason that the
righthander is probably fishing right about now: no club wants to take on
those incentives for just a handful of appearances.
Look for a healthy Mike Morgan ("My arm and shoulder haven't felt this
good in a long time. I feel like I could pitch another two or three years,"
he said recently.) to resurface on a big-league roster in 1997. Maybe even
with the Rockies, since his sinkerballing style of pitching may go over
well in Coors Field.