The Online Source for St. Louis Sports
ISSUE #88
September 9, 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 #88 include Jim Hunstein, Randy Hu, Mike Huss, Mike Rainey,
and several StLSO subscribers.
Everything's happening at once on the St. Louis sports scene, and StLSO
#88 is our biggest yet. Look for an interesting Q and A with Louisville
Redbirds manager Joe Pettini (3.1), along with 1996 final Redbirds' statistics
(5.2).
Be sure to check out Jim Hunstein's "A Sports Fix" (3.3), as well
as Hunstein's informative Cards and Rams recaps.
Finally, look to the Interactivity portion of StLSO (7.0) for great thoughts
from you, StLSO's loyal subscribers.
St. Louis Sports Online can be reached at StLSports@aol.com and via FAX
(618-457-5691). Subscription information can be obtained sending a polite
request to StLSports@aol.com.
St. Louis Sports Online is also available on the World Wide Web at http://itdcomm.com/stlsol/
The publisher of St. Louis Sports Online requests that no part of StLSO
be reproduced or transmitted (electronically or otherwise) without e-mail
permission, which can be gained by sending e-mail to StLSports@aol.com
St. Louis Sports Online SEPTEMBER.96.2 CONTENTS
1.0 StLSO News and Notes
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News by the StLSO staff
2.2 Rams Report by JIM HUNSTEIN
2.3 Blues News by MIKE RAINEY
2.4 StLSO Quote of the Week
2.5 StLSO Headlines of the Week
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Joe Pettini Q and A
3.2 Player Comments About Joe Pettini
3.3 A Sports Fix by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.4 Cardinal Quotes from 9.4.96 Post-Game contributed by Jim Hunstein
3.5 Hot Dogging It by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.6 The Late Eighties It Ain't by MIKE HUSS
3.7 Top 15 Things Prettier Than The Rams Loss To The 49ers by JIM HUNSTEIN
3.8 Sacrificial Rams by RANDY HU
4.0 StLSO Recaps by JIM HUNSTEIN
4.1 Cardinals Series-by-Series Summaries
4.2 Rams at San Francisco: Same As It Ever Was
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through 9.9.96)
5.2 Louisville Redbirds Statistics (final)
5.3 Game Statistics: Rams vs. 49ers
5.4 Major League Baseball Standings (through September 9)
6.0 StLSO Media Views by MARK BAUSCH
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
8.0 StLSO Editorial--The Home Stretch
St. Louis Sports Online SEPTEMBER.96.2
1.0 StLSO News and Notes
As the pennant race really starts to heat up, it is good to see that Tony
La Russa has come to a set plan as far his bullpen is concerned. While it
seems that lefties Rick Honeycutt and Tony Fossas are used whenever necessary,
TJ Mathews is now firmly in place as the team's set-up man. Not a bad role
for Mathews, who, despite an occasional blow-up, has managed to limit opposing
batters to a team-low .199 batting average. Mathews' numbers really are
quite impressive: in 76.1 innings, he has allowed only 55 hits and 27 walks,
while striking out 75 batters.
La Russa himself has suggested recently that Mathews may be developing into
the kind of pitcher who could eventually close games at the major-league
level. This off-season should be interesting in that regard, as GM Walt
Jocketty analyzes a bullpen laden with forty-something types (with Honeycutt,
Fossas, and Eckersley all on the long side of 40 years of age)
That the '96 season is The Year of the Home Run...and maybe the year of
the Juiced Ball...is dramatized by the relatively large number of home runs
allowed by the Cards four top starters--29 (Todd Stottlemyre in 29 starts);
26 (Alan Benes in 29 starts); 25 (Andy Benes in 30 starts) and 19 (Donovan
Osborne in 27 starts).
Compare those numbers with the HRs allowed by Cardinals' starters during
1982's regular season: 12 (Joaquin Andujar in 37 starts); 16 (Bob Forsch
in 34 starts and Steve Mura in 30 starts); and 8 (Dave LaPoint and John
Stuper, both in 21 starts).
The Rams offensive line performance continues to mystify talent experts
around the league. Several of the players on that line (Bern Brostek, Dwayne
White, Wayne Gandy, and Zach Wiegert) are reasonably well thought of...but
as a unit, the line hasn't performed with any level of consistency during
the Rams tenure in St. Louis.
Coach Rich Brooks is getting a lot of heat for inserting Tony Banks into
the lineup, for his first NFL snap, against the powerhouse 49ers...when
the Rams were at their own one-yard line. Brooks' explanation of the timing
of that move (that he and his staff had decided before the game to make
a change (to Banks) if starter Steve Walsh proved incapable of leading the
team...regardless of the situation) seems reasonable from this corner...although
one could find fault with the decision itself...as well as the team's lack
of effort to re-sign last year's backup QB, Mark Rypien.
Lawrence Phillips-Tim Biakabutuka update: Advantage, Touchdown Timmy.
The Blues have opened up their 1996 training camp...and Blues' fans have
no doubt had their fill of seeing ex-Blues Brendan Shanahan, Curtis Joseph,
Rod Brind'Amour, Scott Stevens, and Wayne Gretzky play in the 1996 World
Cup of Hockey. Brett Hull is one Blue playing (and starring) in the tournament,
and it doesn't take much of an imagination to think that The Golden Brett
really enjoys showing the world his talent.
Also on the Blues' front--Blues executive VP Ron Caron said that an upcoming
trade of a defenseman (for a playmaking center) is all but certain. Lordy...it
seemed like the Blues were more fun when Caron had a significant role with
the team.
Finally, this bureau finds the latest word from the Blues brain?trust interesting--word
from Market Street is that the team will give long looks to some of the
youngsters in this year's training camp. Says here that, come playoff time,
Mordecai (Three-Finger) Brown would have been able to count on one hand
(his pitching hand) the number of players on the Blues' roster under the
age of 25.
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News by the StLSO staff
*Division Series tickets for home games involving the Cardinals will go
on sale on Sunday, September 15 at 8 am CDT. The tickets will be sold on
a random first-come, first-served basis with a limit of four tickets per
order. The number to call? (314)-421-2400...there will be no mail orders
or box office sales.
Terrace reserved ($15), bleacher seats ($10), and standing room ($10) tickets
are the only tickets available for purchase. There is an additional $10
postage and handling charge for each order.
*Brian Jordan recently collected his third NL Player of the Week honor...this
time for the week of September 2 - 8, 1996. Jordan was 11-for-22 in six
games with four doubles....and is currently batting .318 with 15 homers
and a career-high 96 RBI.
*Gary Gaetti is leading the NL in fielding percentage at .972 (7 errors
in 247 chances) among third basemen. 52 of his 65 RBI have come since June
1. And 11 of his 18 homers have been solo shots.
*Royce Clayton has hit in 68 percent (77 of 112) of his games played. He
has a team high 23 infield hits (one came in G3 against the Astros) and
9 bunt hits.
*The Cards are 44-31 since Ron Gant came off the DL (right hamstring) on
June 16. He drilled his 11th career homer in that game.
*Brian Jordan now has 31 RBI when the bases are loaded. He's hitting .684
(13-for-19) with the sacks juiced and .420 (55-for-131) with runners merely
in scoring position, second in the NL. 13 of his 14 homers have come on
the road and he's hitting .330 (46-for-139) after the 6th inning.
*Ray Lankford has the highest stolen base success rate (91 percent; 3-for-33)
in the NL among runners with at least 30 attempts. He has scored 35 runs
in his last 44 starts. He has committed only one error this season.
*Willie McGee is batting .344 (42-for-122) with runners in scoring position
and .336 (47-140) at Busch. He leads the team with 10 pinch hits and 8 pinch
RBI.
*Dennis Eckersley is 26-for-29 in save opportunities, second best in the
NL. Two of his three blown saves were back in April. Eck has saves in 7
of the last 10 Cards victories.
*Feeling a sense of foreboding about the upcoming west coast road trip?
Not surprising; the Cards have won only 7 of 18 games against the Giants
and Dodgers this year.
*The Cardinals have 3 players with 20 or more homers (Ron Gant with 26,
Ray Lankford with 21, and Gary Gaetti right at 20) for the first time since
1957.
*The pitching rotation for the Giants series shapes up as follows: Andy
Benes goes Monday night; Mark Petkovsek pitches Tuesday; and Danny Jackson
is slated to start on Wednesday. Tony La Russa hopes that Alan Benes is
ready to go sometime during the Dodgers series.
2.2 Rams Report by JIM HUNSTEIN
*RB Lawrence Phillips faces more problems off the field. In a story reported
in the Post, Katherine McEwen, the women he attacked by at Nebraska, has
filed a civil suit against the running back. She alleges that Phillips beat,
threatened, and sexually assaulted her during their 2-year relationship.
The law suit was filed August 16 in Kansas CIty but remained sealed until
September 3.
*Looking for some help on the offensive line, the Rams signed former Kansas
City OL Joe Valerio. He had been waived this preseason by the Chiefs after
being used in a number of roles since being drafted in the second round
of the 1991 draft. Valerio (6-5, 295) played guard, tackle, and center (including
deep snapper). He was also a fan favorite as the primary receiver on tackle-eligible
plays, having caught a TD pass from Joe Montana in 1993 and Steve Bono in
1995.
*OT Zach Wiegert and DT D'Marco Farr have been named to Muscle and Fitness
magazine's 1996 NFL Strength Team.
*The Rams have rushed for a total of 106 yards in two games. Former Bighorn
Jerome Bettis gained more than that for his new team (the Steelers) on Sunday
against the Ravens. He also scored a touchdown, which the entire Rams team
couldn't do against the 49ers. By the way, fellow former Bighorn Leonard
Russell rushed for 62 yards and 2 TDs for the Chargers over the Bengals.
Hmmm. Maybe they can run after all and the problem is the offensive line.
Duh.
*Speaking of porous, the O-line has the distinction of allowing the 49ers
to score two safeties for the first time in franchise history. It should
be noted that the Rams hold the NFL record for scoring three safeties in
a game. That was against the Giants on September 30, 1984.
*The Rams had only 105 net yards of offense against the Niners. The franchise
record for fewest yards is 58 on November 29, 1942 against the Bears. The
105 yards were the 49ers' lowest yield since 1977 and the Rams' six first
downs was the Niners fourth lowest yield in their history.
*How strong is the defense? Very. They are allowing only 2.5 yards per rushing
attempt. The longest run from scrimmage this year is the 12-yard jaunt by
Derek Loville on Sunday. They went into the game ranked 2nd against the
rush in the NFL. They were 21st against the pass (and 10th overall) but
did not allow the luminous Steve Young-Jerry Rice connection into the end
zone.
*Here's an idea: Shotgun formation. If the line is letting everyone through,
why not start the quarterback five yards back and hit the quick routes?
*The 49ers' average starting position was their own 48-yard line. The Rams'
was their own 20. The 49ers got into the red zone inside the Rams' 20) seven
times; only three were converted to TDs on two one-yard runs and a two-yard
run and two became field goals. The Rams managed to cross the mid-field
stripe once all day.
*This was the 12th loss in a row for the Rams against the 49ers. This one
had to be the dirtiest of the dozen.
*The Rams have lost OL Jesse James for four games (including Sunday's game
with San Francisco) due to a suspension by the NFL for violating the league's
drug- and alcohol-abuse guidelines. James, a second-round draft choice in
1995, was something of a risk to begin with, having tested positive for
drug use prior to the draft. Because of that, he was under extra monitoring
by the league. A 4-game suspension is given for a second offense. He played
one game with the Rams last year and may not practice or play until Sunday,
October 13.
*WR Billy Williams, who impressed in training camp and had been assigned
to the practice squad, was activated and took James's place on the roster.
*CB Jeremy Lincoln was signed by the Rams on Wednesday and has agreed to
a two-year deal worth $1.5 million, including a $300,000 signing bonus,
a $376,000 salary this year, and an $825,000 salary next year.
2.3 Blues News by MIKE RAINEY
*Blues offensive news--
As the Blues open training camp, former Blue Ron Sutter is one of the center
candidates. Among the better-known newcomers at center include former first-round
draft choice Robert Petrovicky and Jim Campbell, who, prior to playing on
the 1994 US Olympic team, was Montreal's second draft choice in the 1991
entry draft.
Sutter, Petrovicky, and Campbell join Shayne Corson, Adam Creighton, Mike
Hudson, Craig MacTavish, and Peter Zezel at center.
Right wing seems set, with Brett Hull, Steve Leach, Joe Murphy, Brian Noonan,
and Rob Pearson more-or-less firmly in place.
Left wing? Pencil in Geoff Courtnall, Yuri Khmylev, Stephane Matteau, Basil
McRae, Tony Twist, and newcomer Scott Pellerin.
*The Blues officially opened training camp on Sunday with physicals given
at the Double-Tree Hotel in West County. Chris Pronger and Grant Fuhr, who
didn't fare very well in this area last year, excelled this year. Pronger
build a weight room in his cottage this summer, and worked hard at adding
bulk to his 6'5" frame, while Fuhr, who reported 25 pounds overweight
last year, tipped the scales at a trim 193 on Sunday.
*Fuhr has made a remarkable recovery from his potentially career threatening
injury in the playoffs last spring. He is weeks ahead of schedule in his
rehab program, and very well could be in the nets opening night.
*Brett Hull won't be in camp for a while yet. Hull is starring for Team
USA in the World Cup of Hockey tournament which will conclude this week.
Team USA has advanced to the finals against Canada in a best-of-three series
that will begin in Montreal on Tuesday. Hull has 4 goals in the tournament
thus far.
*Without a true number 1 center on the roster, Coach Mike Keenan is planning
on using Shayne Corson in that role to start the season. Corson is naturally
a winger, but Keenan is desperate for help in at center ice.
*Keenan feels his defensive corps of Al MacInnis, Murray Baron, Pronger,
Igor Kravchuk, Marc Bergevin, and Trent Yawney is one of the 2 or 3 best
in the NHL. Jamie Rivers could also fit into the mix if he finally develops
and has a solid training camp.
2.4 StLSO Quote of the Week
Jack Buck, speaking to a recent Sports Open Line caller who asked about
the proper name of the "foul pole" (i.e. fair pole or foul pole)
in light of Joe Buck's recent FOX telecast in which the younger Buck referred
to it as a fair pole:
"Really? Well, he's still my son. I'll tell him that it's a foul pole.
And you listen, because if in the future he refers to it as a fair pole,
then...well...I guess that means I've lost control of my kids."
2.5 StLSO Headline of the Week
*From the 9.8.96 Post-Dispatch: "What's Up: Keenan Sees 'Kids' As Exciting"
*From the 9.3.96 Post-Dispatch: "Golden Oldies" with a sub-head
"McGee, Smith Give Cards Comeback Win"
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Joe Pettini Q and A
The 1996 American Association regular season has ended. For Joe Pettini,
who just completed his third season as manager of the Louisville Redbirds
(the Cardinals AAA farm affiliate), the season's end provided what undoubtedly
was a welcome relief to a less-than-spectacular year for his club.
Pettini, who in his second year at the half of the Redbirds (1995) led his
squad to the American Association championship (in part due to strong playoff
pitching performances by Alan Benes), couldn't have been pleased by the
following Louisville Redbird numbers for the just-completed 1996 campaign:
*Fourth and last in the American Association East, with a 60-84 W-L record,
24 games behind division-leading Buffalo.
*Seventh out of eight AmAs teams in batting average (.250; Buffalo's .273
team BA led the league) and last in runs scored (583; Buffalo's 723 runs
scored led the league).
*Eighth and last in team ERA (4.76; Indianapolis' 3.53 ERA led the league)
But a minor league manager's job is two-fold. In addition to fielding a
competitive team (to keep the local ownership and fans happy), he is also
responsible for the care and grooming of his organization's top major-league
prospects.
With that in mind, the StLSO staff jumped at the chance to interview Joe
Pettini. Pettini, who made it to the "Big Show" as an infielder
with the Giants in the early 1980's, has managed in the Cardinals' minor
league farm system for the past eight years (1989--Hamilton in the New York-Pennsylvania
league; 1990--St. Petersburg in the Florida State League; 1991-93--Arkansas
in the Texas League; and 1994-96--Louisville in the American Association).
During that time, Pettini has managed at least two dozen young men who at
some point in their career put on the St. Louis Cardinal uniform, including
current Cardinals Donovan Osborne, John Mabry, and Dmitri Young. Other current
Cardinals that Pettini managed at Louisville include Mark Sweeney, Rich
Batchelor, and Mike Di Felice.
Pettini, a native of West Virginia, was graduated from Mercer University
in 1977. His major league debut came in 1980 as a member of the San Francisco
Giants. His lifetime major league batting average? A meager .203, in 188
games.
A main highlight of Pettini's minor league managerial career was the 1995
American Association championship that his Louisville Redbirds took home.
Just a year later, though, Pettini's club was more than a bit shy of championship
caliber.
The following Q and A was conducted late Thursday evening (September 5)...just
a few days after Pettini returned home.
The start of the interview was delayed a bit...because when we first touched
base, Pettini was communicating with his boss, Cardinals Farm Director Mike
Jorgensen.
StLSO: Joe, thank you in advance. Our readers will appreciate hearing from
you. As I hope you realize, St. Louis Sports Online is an electronic magazine
that attempts to intelligently inform our readers about all matters pertaining
to St. Louis sports.
Pettini: I enjoy reading it...it keeps me informed.
StLSO: You've managed the AAA Louisville Redbirds for three seasons. How
do you assess the just-completed 1996 Redbirds season?
Pettini: Overall, as a team, not real successful. But looking at it from
a development standpoint, I think we did a good job as far as getting a
Dmitri Young, Rich Batchelor, Mike Di Felice, Aaron Holbert, and a Mike
Gulan a step closer to being ML players...not to mention a Eric Ludwick,
Manny Aybar, etc.
StLSO: Who were the best teams this year in the American Association?
Pettini: Buffalo, no doubt, for much of the season. Indy was strong, except
for so many player moves throughout much of the season, and Omaha and Iowa
featured many outstanding young players.
StLSO: And who were some of the best players in the American Association
this year?
Pettini: Jeff Abbott (OF, Nashville, White Sox system); he and Dmitri [Young]
fought it out to the end for batting title. Nigel Wilson (OF, Buffalo, Indians
system) is a very good offensive player but sub-standard defensively. Lee
Stevens (DH, Oklahoma City, Rangers system) had a shot at the triple crown.
StLSO: What sticks out in your mind the most regarding your years in Louisville?
Pettini: Louisville has been a big part of my career. [I] spent parts of
three seasons playing there, two coaching when I retired as a player, and
[I] just finished my third year as the manager. I've been a part of three
championships and five play-off teams. [Louisville is] a good city and has
a good ballpark. Louisville has good fans and [there are] good people working
there. I feel very good about being able to spend the years there that I
did...and especially working with an organization like St. Louis.
StLSO: You've managed at all levels in the Cards organization, starting
with Hamilton in the NYP league in 1989. Is it correct to assume that you
aspire to manage in the major leagues?
Pettini: In the future, yes. It's been a while since I've been there. My
last season in the major leagues was '83 with the Giants. I would be more
realistic getting back as a coach first.
StLSO: So a major league third-base coaching job would be a step closer...in
your view...to your eventual goal of managing in the big leagues?
Pettini: Any kind of job at that level. Before getting any recognition for
a ML managing job, you have to get back to that level, work at that level
with some kind of success before your name could ever get thrown in a hat
for a managing job. I'm not somebody who's name is recognized by a lot of
people.
StLSO: You managed the Texas League's Arkansas Travelers (AA) in '91, '92,
and '93. What sticks out in your mind from those three years?
Pettini: Those were the learning years. Little Rock was a great place. A
lot of players came through there with me. [The Southern league is] a great
league with good competition. [It was my] first time seeing so many prospects
in one season, and it was a very good learning experience for me as well
as the players playing there for the first time
The competition was a lot more consistent [in AA ball], and for me, as a
manager, it put everybody on close to an even playing field for the first
time.
StLSO: Who were the best players on your...'89 Hamilton team?...your '90
St. Pete team...your '91-'93 Arkansas teams...and your '94-'96 Louisville
teams?
Pettini: That's a tough question to put in perspective. Is it a player who
helps you win, or a guy who struggles but know eventually will pitch or
play in the ML's?
As far as prospects are concerned: Tripp Cromer at Hamilton and St. Pete;
Donovan Osborne and John Mabry at Arkansas; and Dmitri Young at Louisville.
Those are some of the best prospects that came along with me.
But as far as players who played well for me at those levels, you could
name Tracy Woodson, Ray Giannelli, Gerald Young, Scott Coolbaugh, Howard
Prager, etc. Understand?
StLSO: That's my next question. Is there a difference between a given minor
league team's best players and that same team's best major league prospects?
Pettini: There's a big difference. Prospects are the young players that
come along within your organization. You get them along the way, teach them,
watch them develop, and hope that someday they'll help your ML team. A lot
of times, especially in AAA, you sign what we call six-year minor league
free agents, who may be players that have some major league time. These
players may have had a good deal of success at the minor league level, too.
You sign [six-year minor league free agents] for two reasons--
One-To help your minor league club have some success.
Two- If your big league team needs help during the season, and you don't
have any young players ready at that position, you have an experienced player
ready to fill in that isn't going to Geeb out on you.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mark Petkovsek was a recent Cardinals signee as a six-year
free agent.
StLSO: Can you tell us about your playing career a bit...
Pettini: As far as my career, I was a borderline player, who happened to
make it to the major leagues and spent parts of four years there as a utility
player. One thing I try to tell my players in the minor leagues is that
you can make it with desire, hard work, and playing the game right and hard.
I made it, and I wasn't that good. It's such a waste to see a lot of today's
players expect promotions to the ML level just because they put in their
time. A promotion to the major leagues...that's something that has to be
earned. Those are the best players in the world. Not just anybody gets to
go there and play.
StLSO: A check of the recordbook indicates that you hit one home run in
your big league career. Surely you remember the situation?
Pettini: In Chicago, vs. Willie Hernandez, top of the ninth inning and we
were only up about 10 runs. By the way, it was against the wind.
StLSO: That one big league homer means that you hit one more home run in
your big league career than Tony La Russa did in his...
Pettini: What can I say, I was a better hitter.
StLSO: Your extensive experience in both the major and minor leagues as
a player and coach and manager (over 20 years), combined with the fact that
you're a college graduate, gives you a unique perspective on the following
question:
If, in the spring of 1997, you were a highly-recruited senior in high school
with the necessary academic attributes to be accepted at a good four year
college (that also has a solid college baseball tradition), would you lean
toward college baseball or would you consider starting your post-high school
baseball career in some club's minor league organization?
Pettini: When I graduated from HS, that was hardly a question at all. In
fact I told all scouts my mind was already made up. Today, with the money
handed out to young players to forgo college, it's very hard to turn it
down. That's if a player is a high enough pick and thought of enough to
warrant that kind of compensation for not going to school.
If a player is of marginal talent, I feel it is still a wise move to go
to school first. If the talent is there, he'll get his time at the major
level. Having been in pro baseball for twenty years now, you see a lot more
players walk away without a major league pension then those who do make
it. Besides it only takes a five or six year major league career nowadays
for a kid to be pretty well set up financially. It's awfully tough releasing
kids who have been around the minor leagues for 9-10 years without a degree
or big-league time. But like I said, if someone offers you a million and
a half to sign a contract, what would you do?
StLSO: I'd take the dough.
Were there major influences on you in terms of your decision to make a career
out of baseball after your playing career was over? And are you pleased
with that decision?
Pettini: Very much pleased. To start off with, one would never get into
the business without having an extreme love for it. You can only play so
long. Some of us, not as long as we would have liked. Staying in the game
that you've spent your whole life in wasn't much of a decision. Lee Thomas,
when he was farm director, and Jim Fregosi, whom I played for in Louisville,
were a big part of getting me to stay on with the Cardinals as a coach and
eventually as a manager.
StLSO: Undoubtedly you're aware of what happened at Little Rock this year,
in terms of which young prospects in the St. Louis organization made progress
as far as their baseball skills are concerned. Do you expect to manage the
Redbirds again next year, and have you given much thought yet to what your
1997 Louisville Redbirds lineup might look like?
Pettini: Well, you never know year to year. I, for one, would love to be
back in Louisville next year. For one thing, Louisville has meant so much
to me in my career, and even though we finished with a championship last
year, I'd hate to leave there on such a sour note. We weren't as competitive
as you would have liked.
But there are many ways to help an organization, and I could be in another
position next year. I do love managing, it's the closest thing to putting
on a glove and taking a swing.
Playing this game is the ultimate.
As far as next year's line-up in Louisville. Pitching should be very strong.
Guys like {Manny] Aybar, [Matt] Morris, [Mike] Busby (if healthy)...these
are big time definite prospects. As you know, you don't get very far without
pitching.
Everyday players playing for Louisville next year could be Mike Gulan, Aaron
Holbert, and Elieser Marrero (C from AA Arkansas). They'll definitely need
some help as far as bullpen is concerned, especially with a good lefthanded
relief guy.
With Fossas and Honeycutt, it would be smart to find a guy at that level
that could do the job there, and out of necessity, be called up and help
out at ML level. There aren't any lefthanders that are ready or available
down below. Unless you move a starter to the pen. I'm not real familiar
with just how good some of the pitchers below are.
StLSO: What occupies your time during the off-season, and when do you make
the trip to St. Pete? I assume you're involved in organizational meetings
before then. I'm trying to get an idea as to how much "time off"
from baseball you get...
Pettini: When I first started managing, I went to the winter league in St.
Pete for about five straight years. When I got to AAA, when the season went
a little longer with play-offs, I started just relaxing at home and getting
some time with the family. It can be a long year being away so long...with
a wife who is a school teacher and a daughter and son at home.
The off-season gives me a chance to be with them. Baseball is a love, they
are my life. Plus you need the time to recharge. Baseball seasons aren't
like the others. It's every day for seven months. It's very demanding physically
and mentally. That's the case whether you're playing, coaching or managing.
With some time off, your ready to jump in head over heels when spring training
comes around.
StLSO: Could you provide short profiles of Mike Gulan, Micah Franklin, and
Mike DiFelice?
Pettini:
*Mike Gulan--a player with a few weapons. Good hands, good arm, and can
hit with a little power. Just needs consistency with all of them. To play
at a major league level...consistency is the name of the game. Not just
flashes here and there. He needs more time.
*Micah Franklin- Has some tools but will have to improve all levels to advance.
Offensively, has some power, but very inconsistent. Defensively is where
most improvement is needed. Likes to concentrate on hitting the most. Might
not be able to hit enough to overlook defensive flaws.
*Mike Di Felice--one of the guys I had more pleasure sending to the major
leagues than any other. Very good kid, hard worker, wants to help a team
win. Probably talking a ML back-up catcher. Outstanding defensively. Good
at blocking ball, throwing out runners, very accurate with throws. Offensively,
no slouch, close to an average hitter with occasional pop.
StLSO: After watching major league managers and coaches rather closely for
the past two years, my sense of things is that many of the coaches (in particular
pitching coaches) know at least as much about baseball and handling players
as most managers...but they don't particularly relish dealing with the media,
and prefer to do their work more in the background. Would you care to comment
on that statement?
Pettini: I may not be sufficiently qualified to comment. Part of the manager's
job is to deal with the media. Coaches are there to coach and help the players.
Talking to the media at times for them may be more of an inconvenience than
anything else. The "what can it accomplish" attitude. Their main
job is to help the players and the team win.
StLSO: That's a really good answer, Joe. Finally, what are your favorite
Web Sites, and what are your favorite parts of St. Louis Sports Online?
Pettini: The Cardinals, what else!!!!!!!!
I think we've covered about everything. Keep the Cardinals hot in September.
I would like to come to St. Louis for a World Series game again.
3.2 Player Comments About Joe Pettini
Mark Sweeney: "He was my manager for three weeks last year when I was
traded to St. Louis and told that I was to learn the first base position.
I had three weeks to accomplish that task, and Joe Pettini was a big part
of my learning the position.
"He's an unbelievably hard worker...such a scrapper...with an overachiever-type
attitude. [He's] the type of guy that doesn't BS you...and he's there to
do the work every day. In my case that meant a crash course at first base...he
was there every day for me, hitting ground balls.
"In addition, I've been on another organization's AAA team, and I can
tell you that Joe does a very good job with the two types of players on
most AAA rosters--the team's best prospects as well as those players not
considered prospects any more. That's a tough thing to do at that level."
*Rich Batchelor--"[Pettini] knows the game well. He's been around awhile.
I would definitely call him a players' manager. He's a great guy both on
and off the field.
"I felt bad for him this year. It was a bad year, and kind of a let
down for him with the season.
"I was a closer all through my career in the Yankees' system...but
that changed when I was traded over here. But this spring, Joe went to bat
for me to get the closer's role. He stuck with me all year, and all the
save situations [for Louisville] this year were mine."
*Mike Di Felice--"Joe Pettini is like a father figure to me. He took
care of my attitude on the field in order to prepare me for this step. Everything
was positive in order to get me ready to move on to this level.
"[He] always worked on consistency and focus...and would get on me
as soon as I made mistakes. He has been there for me...when he felt he could
help me...hitting, fielding, mentally...he took the time because he knew
I had the ability to get here. His experience [as a major leaguer] definitely
helped me get here."
3.3 A Sports Fix by JIM HUNSTEIN
I stare straight ahead and see nothing. There is noise but I hear nothing.
I am seated but feel nothing. There is nothing to taste or smell.
Sensory deprivation tank? Nope. Driving through western Kansas. (And, to
be fair, eastern Colorado.) Nothing but horizon as far as the eye can see,
even with binoculars. The kids are bickering in the backseat but I tuned
them out miles ago. (Great ploy for you traveling parents: Individual tape
players and a box of cassettes. Keeps than amused for hours. Especially
if you give them blank tapes and tell them to wait for the scary story.)
My wife is listening to a book on tape, "The Tenth Insight". I
got news for you, the 11th Insight is that the author is full of the stuff
you put 10 pounds of in a 5-pound bag
We are on our way to our first real vacation in way too long. But I can't
get sports out of my mind. I love sports. Only gone for a day and I miss
it. So I decided to use my interminable driving time to figure out a way
to improve and or save a few of my favorites.
Keep in mind that I think sports are one of the greatest diversions ever
invented this side of strip poker. There is nothing better than taking in
a baseball game on a pleasant summer evening. Or watching a football or
hockey game with the kids. I personally take credit for the 1988 men's Olympic
volleyball team for winning the gold because every time I held my then-newborn
daughter, they won a point.
But let's concentrate on the issue at hand. And that is that many sports
have room for improvement. Following are a few random thoughts on a few
random sports:
OLYMPICS: Speaking of...
*The most important thing they can do to fix the Olympics is to move them
to odd years. By playing every Leap Year, they tend to be come the lead-in
to the most dreaded time of life; Election Season. This is like not being
able to enjoy your three-day weekend because of the ubiquitous furniture
ads on TV.
*Eliminate all sports that have to be judged. That's just asking for partiality
and potential corruption. Besides, who can tell the difference between a
7.126 and a 7.234, which could mean the silver instead of the goal? However,
anyone can see a .10 difference in first and second in the 100. No non-Olympic
judged events (predominantly dog shows and beauty pageants) are hardly taken
seriously by anyone not directly involved.
*No pros. Sorry, but I rooted against the Dream Team and I feel no less
American.
*Just because it's something more than a handful of people enjoy does not
mean it should be an Olympic sport. Mountain biking, boardsailing, mogul
skiing, and yachting have no business there.
*We don't need every single event of any given sport. Cut out a third of
the track & field events and no one will miss them. Much as I love it,
beach volleyball is expendable. Would you believe that there is a movement
underway to add 4-on-4 beach volleyball? If you can accept team handball
you can. (What's team handball? Water polo without the pool.)
BASEBALL:
*No artificial turf. If you can't grow grass, you can't play. (This does
not apply to the Cards; they have a grass field by definition only.)
*Eliminate the designated hitter. It's a joke and hampers AL-NL comparisons.
Those who are concerned that the cement-gloved old fogies that would be
put out of work can take heart that the impending expansion will give plenty
of major league jobs to non-deserving players. Also get rid of the DH in
the minors. In little league, the pitchers were invariably the best athletes
on the field. By the time they reach the bigs, they can't even bunt their
way out of a wet paper bag. Why? They're not sure where the bat rack is.
Keep their batting eyes sharp by making them hit.
*Now that the DH is toast, bring on interleague play. It hasn't hurt any
other sport; their championship finals are as popular (read: profitable)
as ever if not more so.
*And melt down all those aluminum bats to make more beer cans. (However,
I am a true believer in titanium on the public parks softball fields. God
I love modern technology.)
*As with most sports, the season is getting too long. Shorten the regular
season if they decide to keep the insipid wildcard playoffs. Nothing should
run from Valentine's Day to Halloween. My car won't, why should the baseball
season?
FOOTBALL:
*Again, punt the turf. Football should be outside. My apologies to the Rams
and the TWA Dome people, but how is Sean Landeta supposed to kick high enough
to bring rain if they're indoors? How about a retractable roof that stays
open during the week to grow the grass and then shut it if there is more
than six inches of snow on game day.
*Flags for chop blocks by the offensive lineman. They're out there trying
to end careers more than protect a passer.
*A big yes to instant replay. But step up the process. If TV can show the
play from every conceivable angle short of the nostrilcam within seconds,
the replay judge ought to come up with a decision sooner. Guess he's just
waiting for the bribery bids to come in.
*And what's up with the quarterback rating? It's absolutely meaningless
if the fans don't know what goes into computing it. At one point last season,
Todd Kinchen threw an incompletion on a trick play and had a higher rating
than Mark Rypien. (Maybe that's why neither's a Bighorn any more.) A stat
like that is garbage. It's like the decathlon, which is based on a point
total. Where do the points come from?
HOCKEY:
*Season is way too long. (And expensive, but we all know that and nothing
will change it.) Everyone from the owners to players to Joe Winebox (he's
Joe Sixpack's rich cousin) in in the club seats knows that the season is
nothing more than a seeding process for the playoffs. Cut the regular season
in half and save us some dough.
BASKETBALL:
*Ditto.
*There are way, way, way, way too many time outs. You can cook a roast with
a crock pot in the last minute of a close NBA game.
*Automatic ejection for intentional fouls. Premeditated murder always carries
a stiffer penalty than involuntary manslaughter.
SOCCER:
*Sorry, America, but some sports just don't get to be high scoring affairs.
But maybe if they played on a field smaller than Ireland...
*Wonder why so many people don't care about soccer? Who can love a sport
where no one falls on a loose ball?
TENNIS:
*Lighten up. Let the fans make some noise or at least get up to go to the
bathroom. It's a hell of a lot harder to hit a 90 mph fastball than a ball
you just tossed over your own head. Let the people cheer when they want.
Right now too much noise is coming from the spoiled brat players who complain
too loud when the linesmen (there are those judges again) offend them and
they need attention because their parents sent them to a concentration camp
with sunblock.
*Fix that scoring system. What brainiac thought up Love-15-30-40? And why
hasn't someone smarter changed it to 0-1-2-3?
(EDITOR'S NOTE: In a previous feature, Mr. Hunstein offended Australian
readers of StLSO...s'pose now we'll hear from the Brits?)
*Put some kind of limit on the rackets. First they became metal, then bigger,
and now longer. It's just a matter of time before they discover pine tar.
*Why are people still bowing at Wimbledon? They actually had to bow to lame
duck royalty like Diana. Didn't we fight an entire war and earn a mid-summer
holiday to stop having to bow to those inbreeds?
(EDITOR'S NOTE: The previous editor's note was written without any knowledge
of the Wimbledon comments...)
GOLF:
*One word: Shorts
BOXING:
*I'm not going to say anything bad about boxing because I'm afraid of the
Mafia.
AUTO RACING:
*Motor sports is an oxymoron.
HORSERACING:
*This is a sport only if you're the horse. Otherwise, all you do is hand
on and wipe mud from your eyes. And hope it's just mud.
GAMBLING:
*Not a sport? Then why are the odds all over the agate page? Gambling is
a way of life, but not a sport. It's prominence on the sports pages does
not make it a sport. If it did, then by the same example strip bars would
be sports.
3.4 Cardinal Quotes from 9.4.96 Post-Game contributed by Jim Hunstein
*Manager Tony La Russa on getting Craig Biggio out in 14 at-bats: "It's
a freak thing. He's such a great player. Some times a guy runs through a
few at-bats where there's no basehits. But I'd hate to have to play the
Astros having to get Biggio out to win the game. I'm telling you you're
not going to be very successful."
*La Russa on the sweep: "We have a good attitude. We were just concentrating
on the series we were playing. We're just going to play them one at a time.
The idea was to win the series. Coming in today, we didn't want to set any
limits. If they were good enough to beat us, you just tip your cap. We didn't
want to just be satisfied with two. We were going to take our best shot.
Turned out all right."
*La Russa on momentum: "There is something to momentum. I think it's
a little bit overplayed as far as carrying game to game. It's definitely
a factor during the game. I think it was [Earl] Weaver who said, 'The starting
pitcher the next day tales your momentum away.' So you have to be careful
getting too excited about the first game. But it definitely gave up some
positive vibes."*La Russa on Tom Pagnozzi's power surge: "I'm
glad you brought that up. The way the game was played, and you respect that
[Houston] offense, every time we added a run it was huge. Most of the time,
he gets credit for his defense. He's had a big offensive year. But today
was real special. We needed all the runs."
*La Russa on Dennis Eckersley's at-bat: "Because he's not expected
to hit much, and because sometimes he's got a little ouch here and there,
he rarely even takes batting practice. He probably hadn't taken a swing
in batting practice in two or three months. When he was with the Cubs and
I was with the White Sox, I saw him go deep a couple times. I mentioned
that to Ray [Lankford], "I've seen this man hit a ball hit a home run
in Wrigley Field.' Ray said, 'Not tonight.' "
*La Russa on the day off after six wins in a row: "I think it's a good
day off for our club. We only got three this month so I think we better
take them and be glad we got them... We'll take the day off. I think the
guys have earned it."
*La Russa on the Padres coming in: "Early in the season, we liked their
club a lot because of their defense and their balance. They say they don't
et a lot of home runs but they get a lot of basehits. They've got very good
starting pitching and a legitimate closer. It's a real good club. I think
they're going to face a real good club themselves. So it should be a great
competition."
*Tom Pagnozzi on the importance of the Houston series: "Obviously it
was huge. We had a chance to really do some damage here and we were able
to accomplish it. I don't think anybody's kidding themselves and saying
it wasn't a big series. Let's be serious. San Diego is a big series. Every
series from here on out is big."
*Pagnozzi on the team record against Houston: "I don't know what it
is. To say that you went 11-2 against Houston is remarkable. That's the
only reason why we're in this race is what we did against Houston."
*Pagnozzi on his own power surge: "I never go up and think about [hitting
homers]. That's when I go into my slumps. I just go back and try to put
the ball in play, hit it where it's pitched.. Every once in a while I'll
make a mistake and hit it far enough to where they can't get to it."
*Pagnozzi after G3: "Today Royce [Clayton] and I were talking during
BP and I hadn't hit a home run in a while. I told him, 'I'm not even thinking
about that. Maybe I'm trying to pull the ball too much. I'm getting back
to my basic basehit stroke, just hit singles, use my hands.' After my first
home run, Royce comes up to me and says, 'Yeah, OK." After my second
one, he was, "OK, now what do want to do?' "
*Andy Benes: "Everyone did their job tonight. Everybody's happy in
here. You don't want to get too excited. It's not like last year when I
was on [Seattle] where we won the [one-game tie-breaker] playoff game on
a Monday and it was over and we were going to be in the playoffs. We have
a long road in front of us. The team in the other clubhouse is a very good
team. We feel very fortunate to win the three games. We've got to come out
Friday [against the Padres] and play hard. If we play hard the rest of the
year, we have a pretty good chance."
*Benes on the success against the Astros: "It's amazing that we won
eleven out of thirteen games. Every game, maybe with the exception of yesterday's
[Card's 12-3 win in G2] seems like it's going down to the last inning or
two. We were able to make a good pitch, have a ball hit to somebody, make
the hit that we needed, or make the defensive play to win the game. It's
not like these games were out of control."
*Dennis Eckersley on the winning streak: "We were flat. We lost those
three games in Florida. So this team really showed a lot of character to
come back and beat Colorado in three and beat Houston in 3. So we're on
a high right now. Hopefully, one day off won't kill us. Whether you're going
good or bad, it's hard to get it cranked back up. But just the idea that
you're in first place gets you fired up."
*Eckersley on his first at-bat in 10 years: "It was all right. All
you want to do is not make a fool of yourself. If he'd have left it inside,
I might have killed it. I hurt my ribs a little bit in spring training.
Ever since then, I said it's not worth it swinging. I hope it doesn't happen
again."
*Eckersley on facing tough teams in pennant races: "I'd rather play
someone that's battling instead of someone that's relaxed. The pressure's
on them, too. It's not so much guys just trying to pad their numbers. I'd
rather play somebody good."
*John Mabry: "Any time you can jump out to an early lead against a
team like Houston is a feather in your cap. We played them tough. We got
great pitching from our guys and clutch hitting and great defense. That's
what you need to win."
*Mabry on the day off: "I think all days off at this time of the year
are good. The nicks and cuts and bruises need to heal. And to be tough down
the stretch, everybody's got to be healthy. It's going to be a great day
off for Ron [Gant] with his shoulder being hurt. It gives him a chance to
take it easy and heal up a little bit. So I think it'll be a good time for
us."
3.5 Hot Dogging It by JIM HUNSTEIN
With football season now overlapping baseball season, (the Rams and the
Cards both playing at high noon last Sunday in downtown St. Louis) and the
hockey training camp just getting underway, the first thought on the minds
of most fans has to be: Where will they get enough hot dogs to feed the
masses?
If you knew what goes into most wieners, you not only would have no doubt,
you likely would not even eat one. But for those of us with a strong enough
constitution to handle such gruesome tidbits, the point is mute. We'll eat
them no mater what.
Well, almost. There are certain times when even the most potent of gastric
juices can't handle a tube steak. So how do you know when to lay on the
mustard and when to not touch one with a 10-meter cattle prod? Thought you'd
never ask. In no particular order, here are...
Top 10 Signs You've Gotten A Bad Hot Dog
*It wags when you put on the mustard
*Camouflage coloring
*Releases a loud hiss when you bite it
*Already has teeth marks
*Wick is burning at both ends
*You didn't know they'd come with a crunchy style
*Slathered in pine tar
*Sings "Maybe you'd like to be an Oscar Meyer wiener!"
*Has marks from where the jockey was hitting it (thanks, Rodney)
*Purrs audibly
3.6 The Late Eighties It Ain't by MIKE HUSS
For those of us who feel that Baseball is king, this is Most Wonderful Time
of the Year. Pennant races are in full force and individual records may
or may not be shattered in these remaining three weeks of the regular season.
Even the dreaded Wild Card--the gimmick created by football and abused by
hockey, has even the strongest baseball purist curious as to its outcome.
Here in the Gateway City, this is the most meaningful baseball September
since 1989. Remember back then? Whitey Herzog was still the Manager. "Driving
Miss Daisy" won the Academy Award, and Dan Quayle was the Vice President.
Those Cardinals were in a dog fight with the Chicago Cubs for first place
in the then National League East, as Pedro Guerrero was putting up MVP Numbers
. Unfortunately, Reliever Todd Worrell suffered an injury and the Redbirds
never recovered. They lost the division to the Northsiders from Chicago.
Yet here in 1996, the Cardinals appeared to be the front runner in the National
League Central. Why doesn't everyone want to see them in person??
It has been popular recently for us media types to put our thinking caps
on, as to why fans are not backing Busch Stadium with the Cards in contention.
Radio shows such as mine have provided instant feedback. Even Bernie Miklasz,
the lead columnist for the Post Dispatch, gave his top ten reasons why the
fans have been apathetic during 1996.
Not to be outdone, allow me to provide only three reasons why I think this
situation exists.
First and foremost, fans are still VERY skeptical of the Players and Owners
of the lack of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Quite bluntly, they do
not trust either side . Two years ago both parties stole someone that was
very precious to baseball fans--the World Series. Without a collective bargaining
agreement--it could happen again. Probably not--but it is possible.
Baseball fans are the most emotional of all Sport Junkies. We appreciate
the books, the folklore, the movies of our game. Yet, when the game is abused--we
feel betrayed. Baseball needs to restore credibility and trust. Fans want
to rush to this team--but are afraid Donald Fehr will pull the cord to the
guillotine just before the start of the Series.
I have been told during the past home stand that in 1996, Cardinal ticket
sales to fans in outlying regions were considerably down. The Red Birds
are a regional team: Fans exist not just in the St. Louis area--but central
Missouri, Southern Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and
in Mississippi. This is highly significant because the Cardinal Brass make
a Marketing Blitz to these out of towners.
Fans simply did not make the trip to our fair city as in past summers. Why
make these travel plans if the players decide to strike again??
Secondly, when the Labor Dispute ended the 1994 season, Baseball fans in
St. Louis and across the fruited plain discovered there were other things
to do--and other things to spend their discretionary dollars. Although Personal
Seat Licenses (the expensive items necessary to be able to purchase season
tickets) have become the recent rage in St. Louis--legalized gambling boats
have really dug into the entertainment dollar of the region. The Cardinals
are directly competing for these dollars.
The Cardinals are trying to recapture their position as the team of choice
in this town. While the point can be debated, I think that crown is currently
held by the Rams, although their honeymoon support may be starting to dwindle
It would be interesting to know just how many fans opted not to drive downtown
for a first place-pennant race game on a warm September afternoon versus
a Rams game on television against an opponent they have not defeated since
the Bush Administration.
Baseball has created this situation and the Cardinals are now in competitive
market.
Thirdly, remember this is the Show-Me State. Fans still want to be shown
that this organization cares forwinning rather than the bottom line. Perhaps
St. Louis fans have been programmed over the recent decade to watch the
bottom line over the pitching line. Although Mr. Baur, Mr. DeWitt, and Mr.
Hanser have done a wonderful job to make the Stadium fan friendly and the
team competitive, it must continue. There is still the perception, in the
eyes of some fans, that Fred Kuhlmann, Dal Maxvill and the Evil Empire of
Pestalozzi Street still exists.
So it should be fun in September in our town both on and off the field.
It is the opinion here that the Cardinals will survive the upcoming West
Coast Road Trip, and eventually win the division. Remember, phone in orders
for post season play start next Sunday!!
Last season at this time, Cincinnati, a traditional baseball town, did not
sell out its first round playoff games when the Reds won the National League
Central Title. Although this is the most wonderful time of the year, what
statement would would be made if the sellouts do not occur here?
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike Huss hosts Sportstalk on Tuesdays and Thursdays, via
the waves of WGNU-AM 920. Sportstalk runs from 8-9 pm.
3.7 Top 15 Things Prettier Than The Rams Loss To The 49ers by JIM HUNSTEIN
15. The win over the Bengals (barely)
14. A baby's first try at eating real food. And the resulting contents of
the diaper shortly thereafter.
13. A junior high school cafeteria kitchen
12. Your average train wreck
11. The Cards' recent series against the Marlins
10. The Rockies' pitching stats
9. Jack Buck's political neutrality
8. The floor around Lenny Dykstra's spittoon
7. Any marching band's rendition of "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown".
6. Bob Carpenter trying to read poetry
5. Rosanne singing the national anthem
4. The mood on the Cowboys' bench as Emmitt stuck his landing. (And the
mood on the Giants' bench when he just plain stuck them.)
3. Blues pre-season ticket sales
2. Dennis Rodman's make-up table
1. The alleged grass at Busch
3.8 Sacrificial Rams by RANDY HU
Can you think of a better time of the year for local sports fans? The Cardinals
are in a tight pennant race, the Rams occupy our Sundays, plus the pucks
and hoops will be launched soon. However, witnessing the first couple of
Rams games were as painful as watching Roseanne reruns.
In their home opener, the Rams didn't exactly whip their opponents, but
the turnover-plagued Bengals were pitiful in beating themselves. St. Louis
two touchdown series consisted of a grand total of 7 plays, covering 28
yards. Miss Daisy has been on longer Sunday drives. Overall, their scoring
drives, including 4 field goals, were 35 plays for 99 yards. Well, a victory
is a victory, and the offense could only get better, right? Wrong, Jerry
Rice-A-Roni breath.
The 49'ers were the San Francisco treat in their dominating 34-0 silencing
of the Rams. The humiliating defeat firmly established our woolly friends
as wannabes. The inept Rams offense managed only 105 net yards on 50 snaps
and created a much overblown quarterback controversy between veteran Steve
Walsh and rookie Tony Banks. "I don't know how there can be a controversy
when no one moved the ball," suggested Rams head coach Rich Brooks,
who has suddenly lost his flair for creativity and trick plays. Some fans
have even suggested bringing back Mark Rypien from exile, but he is content
to be the football equivalent of former Cardinal pitcher Tom Henke.
Walsh heard the catcalls in the first game and was ineffective in the first
quarter against the 'Niners, although the game was still scoreless. Following
an Walsh interception, Brooks panicked and made a college move by inserting
Banks. Starting at his own 1-yard line in a lose-lose situation against
one of the better defenses in the football, Banks was subsequently flagged
for a safety and the rout was on.
"Unfortunately, I didn't play very well today, but my confidence isn't
rattled," said an unnerved Banks. "sI need to make quicker decisions."
Why did Brooks flip-flop? A week earlier, he said the fans booing of Walsh
made him want to stick with Walsh even more. If Walsh was brought in to
the No.1 QB, why yank him after only 5 quarters of work? In sickness and
in health, for good times and bad times, right? "I obviously made some
decisions that didn't turn out very well," said Brooks.
Rookie back Lawrence Phillips has been running in quicksand behind a suspect
offensive line (check out Jerome Bettis's resurgence in Pittsburgh this
year), as it is becoming more apparent that his off-field troubles are distracting
him. Phillips is averaging only 2 yards a carry and a cloud of dust, but
it's not time for backups Greg Robinson or Harold Green. Banks is not the
quick-fix answer, as evidenced by his tentativeness and inability to hold
onto the football. Michigan State is a far cry from the NFL and even though
he is a tremendously gifted athlete in terms of ability, Banks has a lot
to learn. Under the right circumstances, developing into a quality QB takes
time.
Whether the Rams played the rookie salary cap to their advantage or just
drafted well, there were only 4 teams that had all of their draft picks
on the final roster this year, led by St. Louis with 10. Brooks has exhibited
painstaking patience with his young troops and needs to show the same with
Walsh, who hasn't played full-time since 1994.
There is no QB controversy here. Walsh is still the man, but needs Brook's
vote of confidence. "It was a little frustrating, but I feel like I'm
still the starter," said Walsh. "It's never nice to be pulled
out of a game so quickly. The pass I threw for an interception was unfortunate
because (receiver Eddie) Kennison fell down."
With the Rams porous offensive line, Walsh needs to stick with what has
made him successful in the past. He is most effective when he hits his receivers
with quick pops over the middle, mixing screen passes and draw plays, and
getting Phillips outside. More importantly, he needs to block out the criticism
and focus on the task at hand. Said Walsh, "My job is to rise above
this and stay strong-willed . . . and I know I will."
Lamb Chops: Every Sunday, over 60,000 St. Louis football fans peer with
the naked eye (or the smarter ones who use binoculars) at the continuous
action off the field It's our own lovely Ram lovelies, cheering before the
game, in between plays, and during time-outs. Squeezed into skimpy blue
outfits about a size too small, we admire these ambassadors of the sidelines
as they stomp, kick, wave, and Macarena their way into our hearts.
The turnover on the Rams roster this year is not just limited to the players.
This season, 350 young ladies auditioned for 39 positions on the squad,
which include 19 rookies. Their new costumes show off impossible waistlines,
which expose more ribs than a KC Masterpiece menu.
They arrive at 8:00 am on gamedays to practice their routines and apply
the necessary cosmetics. They are paid $50 per game, but according to Angie
and Janice, two of the more prettier cheerleaders this side of Dallas, "It's
not just the football game, but all of the charitable events that make it
worthwhile." Most are single, but like other NFL team policies, dating
players is forbidden.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Randy Hu is the sports columnist for The Riverfront Times.
4.0 StLSO Recaps by JIM HUNSTEIN
4.1 Cardinals Series Summaries
4.1.1 Cardinals vs. Astros (September 2 - 4)
IN THE ARCHIVES: The Cardinals lowered the broom, er, boom, on their NL
Central rivals, the Astros. The 3-game sweep (the back half of a 6-game
winning streak) by the Redbirds pushed them from 1 1/2 down to 1 1/2 up.
ON THE SCOREBOARD: G1: 8-7 Cards (on a run in the bottom of the 10th); G2:
12-3 Cards (4 in the 7th, 4 in the 8th); G3: 6-4 Cards (2 HR by Pags)
GOING IN: 72-65, in second place, 1 1/2 behind Houston
GOING OUT: 75-65, back in first place, 1 1/2 over the Astros
AT THE PLATE: Tom Pagnozzi was phenomenal. He hit is all 3 games, including
3-for-4 in G2 and 2 homers in G3. The heroes of G1 were the top of the order,
who were a combined 9-for-13 (Ozzie Smith 3-for-5, Ray Lankford 2-for-3,
Willie McGee 4-for-5) with 4 walks, 7 RBI and 4 runs scored. Actually, Smith
scored those 4 runs, including the winning run in the 10th on a basehit
by McGee. The Wizard also hit his second homer of the year. Five Cards had
a multi-hit G2, including Ron Gant, back in the line-up after only 5 days
out with a torn rotator cuff. Gary Gaetti hit #18 in G2, which came right
after John Mabry was robbed of #12 by a great leaping catch over the wall
by Brian Hunter in straight away center. Mabry got his revenge, and his
homer, in G3. But it was overshadowed by the pair (#s 12 & 13) Pagnozzi
rifled over the left field fence. Brian Jordan once again came up, and through,
with the bases loaded in the 5th. But his RBI came when he was hit on the
hand by Donne Wall. Fans immediately thought Sammy Sosa, remembering the
Cubs slugger knocked out for 4 to 6 weeks with a broken hand on a very similar
play.
FROM THE BENCH: An even .500 (3-for-6) for the series, including a pair
of singles by Mark Sweeney and Dmitri Young in the 4-run 8th of G2.
ON THE BASEPATHS: Miguel Mejia further endeared himself to Cards fans in
G1, after being inserted as a pinch-runner, by getting picked off third
after rounding the base too far in the 10th. But Smith alertly took second
on the play, allowing him to score on McGee's hit. Clayton got a run the
old-fashioned way in the 7th of G3; he manufactured it. He got on with a
single and stole second (#27). He took third by tagging on a deep liner
to left. He then scored easily on a single.
ON THE MOUND: Three team victories, but only 2 good outings. Donovan Osborne
got the team off to a real bad start in G1. He lasted only 3 1/3 innings
and gave up 7 runs (3 in the 1st, 4 in the 4th) on 8 hits. A no-decision
was the best thing he could have hoped for, other than the eventual win.
Todd Stottlemyre took control in G2, fanning 9 and scattering 4 hits in
8 innings to improve his record to 12-10. Andy Benes was overpowering as
well in G3, even though he was working on only 3-day's rest. He also gave
up only 4 hits but in 7 innings, the last one being a lead-off homer in
the 8th. He is now 16-9 on the season, having won his seventh straight at
home.
FROM THE BULLPEN: It took a lot of relief work in G1 to secure the win,
but the 6th reliever of the game (none of whom were scored upon) got the
win. That was none other than Alan Benes (13-8), who fanned Derrick May
on 3 pitches to end the game in his first ever relief appearance. Cory Bailey
showed why he was sent to Louisville last weekend by doing some bad mop-up
work (1 run on 2 hits and a walk in the 9th) in G2. TJ Mathews was equally
inept taking over for AnBenes in G3, giving up a 2-out single and RBI-double.
Dennis Eckersley came in to record the last out of the 8th but got in trouble
in the 9th giving up a 2-out double and a single before getting Craig Biggio
to pop out.
IN THE FIELD: Slumps are as easy to come by with a glove as with a bat.
Just ask Clayton. In G3, he was tagged with one error. But he was lucky.
On his first attempt in the 2nd, he fielded the ball cleanly but his throw
pulled Mabry off the bag, though he was able to make a sweeping tag. Same
scenario in the 3rd, but the throw was high this time and Mabry was lucky
to land on the bag before the runner crossed. The E came in the 4th when
he bobbled the ball allowing Sean Berry to reach and eventually score. Then
came his fourth chance in the 5th and he made the catch and throw cleanly
for an out. After his glove was "fixed", Clayton had a pair of
singles and the aforementioned baserunning highlight film.
CATCH-ALL: Banner headlines: "Garbo Talks", "Dewey Defeats
Truman", and now "Eck Bats". Eckersley strolled casually
to the batter's box in the bottom of the 8th, the first time in nearly 10
years. (His last plate appearance, ironically enough, was in Busch on September
27, 1986 as a starter for the Cubs. He was 0-for-2 that night.) He has not
even taken BP for a couple months due to minor injuries. He took a mighty
cut on the first pitch, obviously from the Joaquin Andujar school of bat
speed. He eventually popped out to center. It should be noted that perhaps
no one spends less time circling the bases after a homer than Pagnozzi.
He now has 3 2-homer games this season and in his career.
OVERALL: Purely conjecture, but staging that great, but not-great-enough,
comeback against the Marlins may have been the catalyst for the current
6-win streak. By not finishing off the Marlins, the Cards may have felt
they had some unfinished business and the Rox and Stros were the ones to
pay. The Cards have hit 62 homers at home this year, a new season high for
the venerable ol' ballyard. The previous high was 59 in 1993. You have to
like the attitude of the Benii in this pennant race. Andy was ready, and
called upon to, pitch in 3-days rest. Alan, with his next start pushed back
to Friday, agreed to go to the bullpen and came away with his 13th win.
IN THE HOUSE: G1: 32,955; G2: 23,955 (on the night the Cards take over first;
hello? Where is everyone?) G3: 34,891 (That's more like it; the front-runners
band wagoneers are emerging from their little nooks and crannies.)
ON THE CLOCK: G1: 4:01 (10-inning affair); G2: 2:51; G3: 2:45
ON DECK: Three games with the NLW powerhouse Padres, with one of the better
pitching staffs this side of Atlanta. (Present company excluded,of course)
IN THE HOLE: The last west coast swing of the year; 3 in San Fran and 4
in LA.
4.1.2 Cardinals vs. Padres (September 6 - 8)
IN THE ARCHIVES: The Cards ended the homestand with a 2-of-3 drubbing of
the NL West powerhouse Padres (who have dropped into a tie with the Dodgers).
The Redbirds remain atop the NL Central with 19 games remaining, 12 against
NLC opponents.
ON THE SCOREBOARD: G1: 8-3 Cards (3-run homer by Brain Jordan); G2: 8-3
Cards (5-run 5th with a grand slam by Donovan Osborne); G3: 5-4 Padres (4-run
6th off Todd Stottlemyre)
GOING OUT: 77-66, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Astros, 4 ahead of the Reds,
and 5 1/2 ahead of the Cubs.
AT THE PLATE: As good as the SD pitching staff is supposed to be, the Cards
rapped out 28 hits, including 4 homers, 2 by Gary Gaetti (numbers 19 &
20). The biggest blow had to be the grand slam in G2 by Osborne. It blew
open the game even though the Pads came back with 2 runs in the next inning.
Jordan remained red hot, going 7-for-11 (how convenient) with his 15th homer
in G1, 3 doubles, 4 RBI (96 for the year), and 5 runs scored. He stood and
watched his home run bounce off the foul/fair pole screen not to show up
the pitcher but because he thought it was going foul. His first double broke
up a perfect game and broke the seal on the 5-run 5th in G2. He's not batting
.318 and would be among the league leaders if he had enough at-bats. Gaetti
also hit in all three games, a combined 4-for-9.
OFF THE BENCH: Willie McGee was 1-for-2 off the bench and is now hitting
.314 (11-for-35) as a pinch hitter. But that hit was a double that scored
Tom Pagnozzi on the wet field. (Pags is no mudder and should not have been
sent.)
ON THE BASES: Gaetti, not the most fleet of foot (his first few steps are
reminiscent of Fred Flintstone as they are all in one place), tagged and
scored from third on a line drive out to right by John Mabry. Lankford stole
number 31 and 18 in a row without being caught. His 91.2 success rate is
best in the NL. Ozzie Smith was caught stealing in G2 although replays showed
he probably beat the tag.
ON THE MOUND: Alan Benes struggled early in G1, going to full counts on
the first 4 hitters. He was then tagged for 2 runs (not earned due to the
first of Royce Clayton's two errors in the game) in 4 2/3 innings. Then
he was literally hit, taking a line drive off his pitching hand. Osborne
truly earned the win in G2 with his bat as well as his arm. But he got a
little casual after his salami, loading the bases on a walk and 2 hits with
no outs. He escaped with only 2 runs scoring.) His record improves to 12-8,
a personal high. His 7 1/3 innings also sets a new personal best in innings-pitched.
Stottlemyre was tagged for 4 runs in 7 innings, the capper being a 3-run
shot by Wally Joyner. His record falls to 12-11.
FROM THE BULLPEN: Another good series for the relief corps. Mark Petkovsek
(10-2) got the win in G1 as the second reliever after AlBenes was hit. He
faced a bases loaded situation after Tony Fossas walked the only man he
faced. In 8 innings of relief work, the bullpen allowed only 1 run, which
came off Danny Jackson in the 9th of G3. It proved to be very decisive,
however, as it gave the Pads a 5-2 lead as Gaetti hit a 2-run homer in the
bottom of the 9th.
IN THE FIELD: G1 was not one for Clayton's highlight reel. He had 2 errors,
the first (a bobbled grounder) put men on first and third with Tony Gwynn
up. (Yes, he got a hit, an RBI single.) He also had a throwing error later
in the game. AlBenes was charged with as error when, after being hit on
his pitching hand, he picked up the ball and threw it away.
CATCH-ALL: Jordan is riding an 11-game hitting streak after his 3-for-4
performance in G3. In the streak, he is hitting a cool .500 (20-for-40).
In a nice show of class, the Cardinals retired uniform number 9, worn by
Hall of Famer Enos "Country" Slaughter. It was part of the celebration
for the 50th anniversary of the 1946 championship season. Other retired
players' numbers include Red Schoendienst' 2, Stan Musial's 6, Kenny Boyer's
14, Dizzy Dean's 17, Lou Brock's 20, and Bob Gibson's 45. They also retired
the number 85 in honor of the late, great Gussie Busch. Speaking of golden
oldies, the last time a Cards pitcher hit a grand slam was in 1986 by Bob
Forsch.
OVERALL: Can you believe there are only 6 home games left? Sept. 17-19 (Tues,
Wed, Thurs) against the Cubs and Sept. 27-29 (Fri Sat Sun) against the Reds
to wrap the season. Cards are 8-2 in their last 10 games (the best in baseball)
after an 8-4 homestand that featured an 8-game winning streak.
IN THE HOUSE: G1: 28,116; G2: 42,846 (Not bad for a Saturday afternoon after
the time was switched to be on national TV as the Fox game of the week.);
G3: 30,897 (Real bad for a Sunday afternoon game between two division leaders;
hope no one stayed home to watch the Rams instead.)
ON THE CLOCK: G1: 3:05 (not including a 1:03 rain delay in the top of the
7th); G2: 2:50; G3: 2:50
ON DECK: 3 against the Giants in SF, dead last in the West, 18 1/2 out,
and 2-8 in their last 10 games. Just the kind of team with nothing to lose
that could take 2 of 3 (or worse) from the Redbirds.
IN THE HOLE: 4 against the Dodgers in LA, now tied with the Padres for first
in the West. Fortunately, the Cards play better against better teams.
4.2 Rams at San Francisco: Same As It Ever Was
The Rams were humiliated by the 49ers to the tune of 34-0 on Sunday. The
Bighorns played in 3Com Park but they played like NinCom Poops. The offensive
line was as porous as a plate of macaroni and cheese. In fact, they were
cooked just about as fast. And the play-calling wasn't much better than
the play execution.
The O-line permitted seven sacks by the 49er defense, which granted was
ranked 7th in the league. But they didn't seem to be even delayed slightly
at the line of scrimmage. They blew through like they were on their way
to all-you-can-eat night at the Sizzler. Unfortunately, it was the Ram quarterbacks
who had their lunches handed to them.
The only bright spot in the game, other than maybe making the 49ers grossly
(though justifiably) overconfident in the next match-up in four weeks, was
the play of the defense. Were they not required to play two-thirds of the
game,they might have been able to keep the San Francisco part of the scoreboard
a little less lit up. Linebackers Roman Phifer and Robert Jones were rocks,
making 14 and 8 unassisted tackles, respectively.
The D prevented the high-flying 49er offense from scoring a touchdown in
the air. In fact, they have only permitted one passing TD in two games so
far against a couple of well-hyped offensive teams. The secondary kept WR
Jerry Rice in check, allowing him only 99 yards on 7 receptions and a longest
play of just 39 yards.
The Rams anemic offense managed a paltry 105 yards of total offense. They
lost 45 yards on those sacks, which also cost the team a couple of points
in a safety. The 2-pointer, the first scoring of the game, came when rookie
QB Tony Banks was called for intentionally grounding in his own end zone.
Poor Banks. It's a good thing Coach Rich Brooks likes the guy, or at least
professes to. Imagine what he would do to a passer he didn't like if he
puts a guy he's fond of into this situation: First and 10 on your own 6-inch
line staring into the teeth of one of the best defensive units in the universe.
(The fact that you have one of the others is of little assurance right now
other than the fact that they have kept your team in the scoreless game
so far.) Keep in mind that Mr. First Round Draft Pick can count his yardage
so far on one hand because of the big ol' linemen licking their chops for
a crack at the new meat. And only the game is on the line. Welcome to the
NFL.
This was only the first of several questionable decisions by Brooks. Another
came at the close of the first half in the form some shaky play-calling.
Instead of killing the ball and heading to the locker room trailing just
12-0, his tactics (plus a horrid punt snap) resulted in yet another safety
for the 49ers.
But the nagging question is why the overall game plan is so ill-suited for
this team. The Rams signed a ball-control quarterback who is supposedly
very good at short range and adept at moving the chains. They drafted the
top-rated running back to bust loose some rushes. It would seem to be a
perfect match.
Yet they have yet to let RB Lawrence Phillips carry the ball enough to figure
out to get through. No back can come in and become the next Emmitt Smith.
Even Emmitt Smith. It takes time. More importantly, it takes reps. Phillips
should be carrying the ball at least 20 times a game. For this team to get
to where it wants to be (or at least to where it looks like they want to
be), come hell or high water Phillips should be getting the ball. That will
help loosen up the defense enough to let Steve Walsh or Banks mix in some
passes and maybe even (gasp!) a deep ball.
Of course, not much will work against a strong defense. That was shown by
both teams early on. On each team's first possession, they got an initial
first down and then punted. Then both went 3-and-out. The Rams were about
to repeat the pattern until they faced third and long after a sack, the
first of the game and the Niners first of the season. Walsh tried to go
up top to WR Eddie Kennison. But the rookie had fallen and former Ram CB
Marquez Pope ran under the ball and returned the interception 25 yards to
the St. Louis 30.
Thus challenged, the Bighorn defense stood its ground. The first quarter
ended with the 49ers facing fourth and inches on the Rams 8. FB Tommy Vardell
bulled through for the first down to begin the second quarter. Three plays
later they once again faced fourth down, this time for the touchdown. RB
Derek Loville took the handoff from pass formation and ran into R Jones
and Phifer who pushed him back.
The Rams took over on downs deep in their own territory and Brooks sent
Banks into the fray. He overthrew WR Isaac Bruce on his first play. On his
second play in the NFL, he retreated deep into his end zone and, while going
down in the grasp of DT Dana Stubblefield, he threw the ball away and was
flagged for intentional grounding. Doing this in the end zone means a safety
and the 49ers led 2-0.
The 49ers took the free kick by P Sean Landeta to their own 41 and set up
shop. They methodically drove down the field, covering the 59 yards in 10
plays and scoring on a 1-yard plunge by Loville, giving San Francisco a
9-0 lead with just under 6 minutes left in the half. At this point, the
St. Louis defense had been on the field for 20 of the last 22 plays.
The Rams once again stared with lousy field position at their own 14. Blame
JT Thomas, who took the kick off 4 yards deep in his own end zone and never
even seeing the 15. After three plays, the Rams faced fourth and inches
and opted to go for it. If for no other reason, it would have let the defense
rest at least one more play. Banks earned his first first down on the quarterback
keeper. But then they went 3-and-out and had to punt.
The Niners added to their lead on another long, time-consuming, defense-tiring
drive that resulted in a 38-yard field goal. It was to have been a 23-yarder
but for a couple of offensive penalties. No matter, San Francisco led 12-0
with only 36 seconds remaining.
The prudent thing to do would be to run the ball into the pile and let time
run out, especially since the Niners had used their timeouts and the Rams
had the ball on their own 22. But after RB Harold Green ran for a few yards,
Brooks called a timeout. What for? Then came in incomplete pass to again
stop the clock. Green once again took the ball and ran out of bounds instead
of stopping short and letting the clock run.
So facing fourth down and a stopped clock, the Rams lined up for a punt.
Newly signed deep snapper Joe Valerio put a little too much deep on the
snap and it sailed way over Landeta's head. The veteran punter chased the
ball as the 49ers chased him. Rather than let the enemy recover the ball
for 6, he kicked it out of the end zone and gave them 2. On the sidelines,
he appeared to be giving Brooks a piece of his mind. The 49ers led 14-0
at the half after they mercifully let the clock run after the free kick.
The Rams had amassed a pitiful 32 yards of total offense in the first half
of play while the 49ers had 191 yards. The Niners had 13 first downs to
the Bighorns' 2. The most telling statistic was the time of possession;
San Francisco had the ball nearly twice as long as St. Louis, 19:32 to 10:28.
The 49ers had problems of their own to start the second half. On the third
play, QB Steve Young pulled a groin muscle on a scramble and would not return
in the game. (Not like he needed to.) Elvis Grbac took over but they had
to punt.
St. Louis took over on their own 20 and Banks was running for his life.
On the first play he had to scramble out of the pocket and threw a laser
to Bruce for a first down. After Phillips got a yard up the middle, Banks
was sacked twice in a row. The second was a blindside blitz by CB Tyronne
Drakeford, who knocked the ball loose, which was recovered by Stubblefield
at the St. Louis 37. The Rams defense held and the Niners missed on a 45-yard
field goal.
On third down, though, Banks fumbled again and the Packers took over on
the Rams 19. The defense once again did not allow anyone in their own end
zone, stopping the Niners from scoring from first and goal on the 8. They
settled for a 22-yard field goal and a 17-0 lead, which they had at the
end of the third quarter.
The Rams' next possession began on their own 37. The best play of the drive
was a 22-yard pass to TE Aaron Laing that took the ball to the 49er 35-yard
line. That was the first time the Rams' offense had been in San Francisco
territory all day. They got as far as the 21-yard line thanks to a pass
interference penalty, but that was it. Brooks called his first trick play
of the season, a pass play by Phillips. The play gave the running back a
taste of what his fellow rookie Banks had been going through as he was tackled,
although they didn't call it a sack. Two penalties later, St. Louis was
out of field goal range. In fact, the Rams faced second and 32 as the third
quarter ended.
After a Landeta punt into the end zone, San Francisco started to look like
the 49er offense of legend. Two passes to Rice of 24 and 39 yards took the
Niners deep into the Rams territory. The Bighorn defense, tired as they
were, stood tall once again, turning them back from first and goal on the
3. They settled (also, once again) for a field goal and led 20-0.
After a 3-and-out, the 49ers were once again on the march. They were aided
by a 36-yard pass interference penalty on CB Todd Lyght, which put the ball
on the Rams' 15. Five plays later the Niners scored on a 2-yard slice by
Vardell. After another Banks sack and fumble, the Niners scored again and
led 34-0.
Astutely sensing things were out of hand, Brooks brought in third-string
QB Jamie Martin, also in his first NFL game ever. His first play was a 18-yard
completion to Bruce. He followed that with another pass to Bruce, a 5-yarder.
He then fumbled the ball but recovered it himself. But after the play was
over, the frustration finally got to OT Darryl Ashmore and he clubbed someone
in the head, sending the Rams back 15 yards to their own 17.
But the Rams went no further and punted. The 49ers let the clock run and
no one on the Rams's side was about to stop it as San Francisco beat the
Rams for the 12th consecutive time.
The Rams fall to 1-1 and are in the middle of the NFC West division. The
49ers are 2-0 and tied for first with the Panthers, who beat the Saints
22-20. The Saints are 0-2 and tied for last with the Falcons, who lost to
Vikings 23-17. The entire division has the next week off. The Rams will
face the Redskins at home in two weeks.
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through September 9)
5.1.1 Batting
AB HIT 2B 3B HR SLG RUN RBI BB SO OBP SB CS E AVG Young,Dmitri 6 2 0 0 0 .333 1 1 0 0 .333 0 0 1 .333 Jordan,Brian 466 148 35 1 15 .494 79 96 27 74 .355 18 3 2 .318 McGee,Willie 280 85 14 2 5 .421 50 40 16 56 .341 4 1 4 .304 Smith,Ozzie 192 57 8 1 2 .380 34 16 22 8 .369 7 4 8 .297 Mabry,John 494 144 26 2 12 .425 56 69 30 83 .332 3 2 7 .291 Lankford,Ray 489 138 33 6 21 .503 93 81 65 114 .366 31 4 1 .282 Clayton,Royce 441 124 20 3 5 .374 58 33 33 81 .331 27 15 13 .281 Pagnozzi,Tom 360 100 21 0 13 .444 46 49 20 69 .316 4 1 8 .278 Sweeney,Mark 155 42 9 0 3 .387 28 22 29 26 .386 2 0 3 .271 Gaetti,Gary 456 123 24 3 20 .467 63 71 31 82 .316 2 2 9 .270 Bradshaw,Terry 12 3 0 0 0 .250 2 0 3 1 .400 0 1 0 .250 Alicea,Luis 337 84 21 3 4 .365 48 38 44 73 .336 8 2 22 .249 Sheaffer,Danny 179 44 9 3 2 .363 10 19 9 24 .282 2 3 5 .246 Gant,Ron 360 88 13 2 26 .508 64 73 64 81 .358 13 4 4 .244 Bell,David 137 29 6 0 1 .277 10 8 9 19 .260 0 1 5 .212 Gallego,Mike 117 24 2 0 0 .222 9 4 9 26 .262 0 0 1 .205 Mejia,Miguel 16 1 0 0 0 .062 7 0 0 9 .062 4 3 1 .062 Di Felice,Mike 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 .000
W L IP HIT RUN ER BB SO ERA SA BS HR G ST C Batchelor,Rich 0 0 8.1 7 2 2 1 4 2.16 0 0 0 4 0 0 Fossas,Tony 0 4 41.2 36 17 12 18 32 2.59 2 4 6 57 0 0 Mathews,TJ 2 5 76.1 55 28 24 27 75 2.83 4 3 8 59 0 0 Honeycutt,Rick 2 1 43.1 40 16 16 7 29 3.32 3 3 3 55 0 0 Eckersley,D 0 5 50.0 52 22 19 6 42 3.42 26 2 7 52 0 0 Osborne,Donovan 12 8 179.2 172 78 69 48 119 3.46 0 0 19 27 27 2 Bailey,Cory 3 2 48.0 54 21 19 26 34 3.56 0 1 1 44 0 0 Petkovsek,Mark 10 2 75.2 74 33 31 30 35 3.69 0 3 9 42 4 0 Benes,Andy 16 9 204.2 192 95 87 63 148 3.83 1 0 25 31 30 3 Stottlemyre,T 12 11 201.1 179 96 92 86 172 4.11 0 0 29 30 30 5 Jackson,Danny 0 0 16.2 23 8 8 7 9 4.32 0 0 1 9 1 0 Benes,Alan 13 8 169.2 167 106 91 75 115 4.83 0 0 26 30 29 3 Ludwick,Eric 0 0 1.0 3 3 3 1 2 27.00 0 0 1 1 0 0
AVG AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB Bell, David, 2B .176 136 9 24 5 1 0 7 7 15 1 Bradshaw, Terry, OF .303 389 56 118 23 1 12 44 42 64 21 Cromer, Tripp, SS .225 244 28 55 4 4 4 25 22 47 3 Deak, Darrel, DH .232 164 19 38 4 0 8 18 24 47 2 Di Felice, Mike, C .285 246 25 70 13 0 9 33 20 43 0 Diggs, Tony, OF .205 308 35 63 14 2 7 23 33 49 5 Franklin, Micah, OF .232 289 43 67 18 3 15 53 40 71 2 Gulan, Mike, 3B .255 419 47 107 27 4 17 55 26 119 7 Hare, Shawn, OF .163 49 3 8 1 0 1 1 3 11 1 Hemond, Scott, C .260 150 15 39 10 1 3 15 13 35 1 Holbert, Aaron, 2B .264 436 54 115 16 6 4 32 21 61 20 Oliva, Jose, DH .242 413 53 100 13 0 31 86 34 101 3 Stefanski, Mike, C .208 125 11 26 7 1 2 9 11 10 1 Wimmer, Chris, OF .249 345 40 86 11 2 2 23 16 41 11
W L ERA G SV IP H R ER BB SO Arrandale, Matt 5 4 4.78 63 3 79.0 83 51 42 33 38 Aybar, Manuel 2 2 3.23 5 0 30.2 26 12 11 7 25 Badorek, Mike 0 4 5.29 20 0 49.1 52 34 29 18 22 Barber, Brian 0 6 5.62 11 0 49.2 49 37 31 26 33 Batchelor, Richard 5 2 4.12 51 28 54.2 59 29 25 19 57 Beltran, Rigo 8 6 4.35 38 0 130.1 132 67 63 24 132 Busby, Mike 2 5 6.38 14 0 72.0 89 57 51 44 53 Dixon, Steve 0 0 10.38 5 0 4.1 4 5 5 3 2 Frascatore, John 6 13 5.18 36 0 156.1 180 106 90 42 95 Lowe, Sean 8 9 4.70 25 0 115.0 127 72 60 51 76 Ludwick, Eric 3 4 2.83 11 0 60.1 55 24 19 24 73 Maxcy, Brian 4 2 4.79 36 1 62.0 63 34 33 32 52 Morris, Matt 0 1 3.38 1 0 8.0 8 3 3 1 9 Mutis, Jeff 2 3 5.87 32 1 38.1 44 26 25 19 21 VanRyn, Ben 4 6 4.88 19 1 66.1 69 43 36 27 42
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 F
Rams 0 0 0 0 0
49ers 0 14 3 17 34
Team Stats:
Rams 49ers
First downs 6 23
Rushing 1 11
Passing 5 8
Penalties 0 4
Third down eff. 2-13 6-17
Fourth down eff. 1-2 1-2
Net yards rushing 36 129
Rushes 16 42
Average/rush 2.3 3.1
Net yards passing 69 222
Sacks-yds lost 7-45 1-2
Gross yds passing 114 224
Total net yards 105 351
Total plays 50 73
Average/play 2.1 4.8
Punts-Average 6-38.7 3-41.7
Total return yds 67 105
Punt returns 0-0 4-31
Kickoff returns 4-67 3-49
Interceptions 0-0 1-25
Penalties-yards 11-82 4-45
Fumbles-lost 5-3 1-0
Time of possession 21:23 38:37
American League National League
Eastern Divisions
Team Won Lost GB PCT Team Won Lost GB PCT
New York 79 63 - .556 Atlanta 86 56 - .606
Baltimore 76 66 3.0 .535 Montreal 78 64 8.0 .549
Boston 73 70 6.5 .510 Florida 70 74 17.0 .486
Toronto 66 77 13.5 .462 New York 63 80 23.5 .441
Detroit 51 92 28.5 .357 Philadelphia 58 86 29.0 .403
Central Divisions
Team Won Lost GB PCT Team Won Lost GB PCT
Cleveland 83 58 - .589 CARDINALS 77 66 - .538
Chicago 78 66 6.5 .542 Houston 76 68 1.5 .528
Minnesota 72 71 12.0 .503 Cincinnati 73 70 4.0 .510
Milwaukee 68 76 16.5 .472 Chicago 71 71 5.5 .500
Kansas City 65 79 19.5 .451 Pittsburgh 59 82 17.0 .418
Western Divisions
Team Won Lost GB PCT Team Won Lost GB PCT
Texas 81 61 - .570 Los Angeles 78 64 - .549
Seattle 73 68 7.5 .518 San Diego 79 65 - .549
Oakland 70 75 12.5 .483 Colorado 72 71 6.5 .503
California 65 78 16.5 .455 San Francisco 59 82 18.5 .418