It's Week 4 of High School Football in St. Louis & St. Charles Mo, as well as across the state. The High School Sports Caravan will broadcast the GAC Game of the Week on 100.7 The Viper. Troy Buchanan Trojans vs Frances Howell Central. You will also hear the game on KYRO, News Talk 1280AM with Paul Runge and Dennis Dunn. Pregame at 6pm. We will preview Troy vs Howell Central, and we will talk about all of the great action across the area tonight.

WEEK 4 of High School Football in the GAC looks like this!! Catch all the action on the High School Sports Caravan Game of the Week, tonight starting at 6pm on 100.7 THE VIPER with Kevin Paulus & Rodney Eldridge The SPortz Yak. Super Joe Cochran will make us sound GREAT working his magic in the studio.

9/20 7pm St. Charles Pirates (0-1), (1-2) at Warrenton Warriors (0-0), 0-3)
9/20 7pm St. Charles West Warriors (1-0), (2-1) at Winfield Warriors (2-1)
9/20 7pm Montgomery County (2-0), (3-0) at Orchard Farm Eagles (0-0), (1-2)
9/20 7pm Holt Indians (0-0), (0-3) at Washington Blue Jays (0-0), (2-1)
9/20 7pm Ft. Zumwalt East Lions (0-0), (3-0) at Cape Central (1-0), (1,2)
9/21 1pm Ft. Zumwalt S. Bulldogs (0-0), (0-3) at Ft Zumwalt N. Panthers (0-0), (3-0)
9/20 7pm Frances Howell N Knights (0-0), (1-2) at Frances Howell Vikings (0-0), (2-1)
9/20 7pm Ft. Zumwalt West Jaguars (0-0), (2-1) at Wentzville Timberland Wolves (0-0), (3-0)
9/20 7pm Troy Buchanan Trojans (0-0), (2-1) at Frances Howell Central Spartans (0-0), (1-2)

 https://www.facebook.com/rodney.eldridge.5/posts/10201163194854535?notif_t=like

 

SPzY

Hard 16

If any baseball club ever needed a dramatic extra innings win to jump start their season, it was the St. Louis Cardinals, Wednesday in Cincinnati. The Cardinals were riding a mild 3 game skid, and they had dropped 5 of their last 6 games. With time running out in the 2013 season, and the Pennant race heating up, the Cards' starting pitching has been suspect, and the bats have cooled. They're struggling to get back the big piece of chicken, known as 1st place in the NL Central.

Winning the division, as we are all aware, would definitely have certain advantages. It would keep the #Redbirds out of a one game, Wild Card playoff, most likely against the same #Reds they needed 16 innings to beat last night. The Washington #Nationals are barely treading water the Wild Card chase, but they will need an epic run in Sept., and a lot of help, if they are going to catch both the #Cards and the Reds. Everyone is currently chasing the #Pirates, who won their 81st game Tuesday night. The 1st place Pirates were defeated by the spoiler Milwaukee #Brewers last night 9-3, lifting the #Cardinals back to within 1 game of the division lead.

As the Cards plated 2 runs in the 4th inning, tying the game at 2, first baseman Allen Craig, crumbled to the ground while rounding 1st, after errant Joey Votto throw. It was called a base hit and an RBI, and a throwing error on Votto, but it would be the last positive thing for Craig on the evening. Craig, suffered what the organization is calling a "left foot sprain." He will be re-evaluated today, and will likely be day-to-day if the injury isn't too severe. The replay showed Craig badly twisting his ankle on the play, unable to even crawl back to 1st base. He would be tagged out, but more importantly, the Cards would have to finish the game without his bat in the line up. Craig (.315/13/97) has hit safely in 8 of his last 10 games, including 1-2 last night, before his untimely exit. Never fear Cardinal Nation, you've got a guy named Matt Adams on the roster.

 

Whatever nickname you choose, "Big City," "Big Country," "Big Nasty," or something else, the "Big guy" put the Cardinals on his back last night, and carried them to victory with not one, but two extra inning home runs.

Adams' night did not start off in such spectacular fashion. Stuck in an 0-14 slump entering the game, Adams was 0-3 last night before he launched his 14th inning homer, putting the Cards up 4-3. After striking out in the 8th, Adams let his frustration show, slamming his bat and helmet to the ground, shattering his bat to splinters. That move may actually have been the best thing that ever happened to the St. Louis Cardinals, as his new bat was loaded with two long range bombs in it's barrel.

Usually reliable closer Edwin Mujica, who had been strategically saved to that point, with solid work from the rest of the bullpen, gave up the lead in the home half of the 13th inning, uncharacteristically blowing the save, and prolonging the suspense in Cincy. The Reds had an excellent chance to close the game out in the 15th inning. They had runners on 1st and 3rd, with 2 outs, when an ill advised bunt attempt was botched by Chris Heisey, hanging Shin-Soo Choo out to dry between 3rd and home. Heisey has owned the mistake, taking the heat off of Reds manager Dusty Baker, who simply said after the game, "You're not going to try a safety bunt with two outs. Heisey thought the third baseman was back, he was bunting for a hit. Choo was going to try to score."

Dusty could only gnaw on his toothpick and watch what would happen next. The game stretched into the 16th inning, and hero Matt Adams once again stepped into a long home run, putting the Cards back on top 5-4. Excitement was obvious in the Card's dugout, but there were still 3 outs to record, before anyone could truly celebrate. Rookie Carlos Martinez took the mound in the bottom of the 16th, for his second inning of work, and he was able to close out the game, earning his second win of the season.

The Cardinals play one final game in Cincinnati today, followed by a weekend series back in St. Louis against the 1st place Pirates. The next four games could ultimately decide how the NL Central will shake out, and who will be the Wild Card teams. Last night's huge win, kept the Cardinals in striking distance of 1st place, and hopefully lit a fire under the team, which has been something less than the team once considered the best in baseball. When they were hitting on all cylinders, the Cards had a superior mix of pitching and hitting, that was unmatched until the pesky Pirates surpassed them shortly after the All-Star break. It will take a supreme effort the next four days, for the Cards to regain 1st place in the NL Central, and position themselves to avoid a Wild Card game. First things first, the Cards will send struggling Lance Lynn to the mound tonight, to try and salvage a split of this four game set with the Reds.

Lets Go Cards!

SPz Y

High School Football Is Back!

Whether you like rapper Eminem or not, I think we're all familiar with one of his most famous hits. Lose Yourself, from the sound track of his semi-autobiographical movie 8-Mile. When you hear the faint scratch of one pick rip across the strings of a guitar, you instantly know what's coming. You can feel it in every fiber of your being. It starts to build up inside, slowly at first, but then the momentum builds and your heart rate increases. Eminem definitely has a flair for the dramatic. There's a raw, inexplicable gut feeling that something big is about to happen. Something very special.

One rip is all it takes, to raise the level of suspense, and make goosebumps pop on your arms. A shiver runs down the back of your neck, and before you know it, a sense of urgency surrounds you. The moment you have worked and prepared for, even dreamed about, has finally arrived. Whatever it is, a huge moment is happening right now, and there's no looking back. Nothing can stop it. It's "Go time." Next, you hear what I feel are some of the most poignant words ever spoken:

"Look, if you had, one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted - one moment
Would you capture it? Or just let it slip?

Yo..."

There is no time for excuses. It's time to show the world what you're made of, and you've got to fight through the fear and uncertainty, if you're going to have success. You've spent your whole life wondering if you've got what it takes to be the best, and finally it's your time to shine in the spotlight. "Will you capture it? Or just let it slip?"

That is the essence of opening night in high school football. It all boils down to one incredible moment in time. Every player has something to prove to his coaches and teammates. Seniors will begin to feel a sense of finality, as they step out onto the field for the last few times, as leaders of men. Juniors know they have to make things happen, or risk letting down the upper class-men who are counting on them to help make their final season, their best season. Sophomores & freshmen who are lucky enough, or gifted enough, to get playing time on Friday nights, know they are one mistake away from being back on the sidelines watching, and possibly waiting another year for their next shot.

Every player has something to prove. Perhaps to his parents, or even an older brother that he watched on Fridays when he was younger. It could be an aunt, uncle, a cousin, or a grandparent sitting in the stands beaming, as the team rushes onto the field to the roars of the crowd. Maybe it's a buddy on the other team, who grew up on the same block, but went to the rival high school. There could be a loved one who can't be there to see this moment happen, but their love and memory lives and flows within. Maybe it's just the school they get the privilege to represent, when they pull that jersey over those pads, and strap on the helmet that bears their school logo. It doesn't matter who or what it is, every player has something to prove when that clock starts ticking, and the game begins.

Ultimately, each player has the most to prove, to the guy looking back at him in the mirror. He will soon learn if all the blood, sweat, and tears were worth the effort. If the countless hours in the weight room, and on the practice field running sprints and conditioning, are going to pay off. If he learned anything from those extra workouts with Dad in the back yard.

A new chapter will be written on Friday Aug. 30, 2013 in St. Louis Mo, as the high school football season kicks off across the area. Mother Nature will have her say, as she brings the kind of heat that has compelled some high school officials to delay start times, only adding to the butterflies flapping in the bellies of these young athletes who simply want to get it on. Patience gentlemen, patience. It's going to happen, and if you've earned it, you're going to have your chance. Only one question remains unanswered, "Will you capture it? Or just let it slip?"

Good luck and God's speed to every high school athlete living out this sheer excitement today, including one very special young man who I love with all my heart. I know without a doubt, his heart is pounding out of his chest today, and his feet are barely touching the ground. I know this because I'm feeling it too. That young man is my son, #79 Connor Eldridge. He will get his chance to experience every ounce of high school football tonight. He takes the field with the weight of defending a 5A State Championship on his shoulders, and on those of his teammates. I have tried to explain it to him, but there are really no words to prepare him for it. He has to live it for himself. I would give anything to share every second inside the helmet with him, but I know my time has passed. This is his shot, and his opportunity, to seize everything he's ever wanted. Capture it son! I Love You, and I love high school football. Now Go Hit Somebody!!

SPz Y

No Excuses Just a Bad Day.

Before all the baseball "talk" gets started in the STL today, I'm going to let Cardinal Nation in on the truth about what happened last night at Busch Stadium. Adam Wainwright just didn't have it. He left a lot of pitches up in the strike zone, and he got lit up by Major League hitters, who get paid a lot of money to smash mistakes. Add the fact that the Reds had simply played embarrassing baseball the two previous games, it was inevitable that somebody had to pay. That somebody turned out to be Waino. He threw a ton of pitches in his last start, well over 100, and maybe his arm was still a bit fatigued. Maybe he didn't warm up properly last night. It's unclear why he didn't have his best stuff last night, but one thing is certain. It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Yadi wasn't catching for one night.

Yadi is GREAT. He's the best catcher in baseball right now, without question. That said, Waino is also a Major League pitcher. Heck, he's an Ace these days. He should be able to pitch to Ham Porter, if he's back there in the gear. It really shouldn't matter who is catching him. It's not as if he's a knuckleballer like R.A. Dickie. There are only a hand full of catchers out there who can catch a guy like that, which is why those pitchers typically pitch to one catcher every outing. Not to mention, Rob Johnson is a Major League catcher too. No, he's not Yadi, but he wouldn't be in the Major Leagues, if he couldn't catch good pitchers, and if he hadn't earned the position. There is too much money involved.

So as you listen to the talk shows today, and as you listen to the excuses for Waino's implosion, just understand that the guy had a bad night. We have all had a bad day at work. We don't blame our bad day on the fact that a co-worker called in sick. It had nothing to do with Yadi getting a day off. Mike Matheny played that card very well in fact, giving him 2 days rest with Thursday being a travel date. At some point, you may hear someone imply that Matheny just gave that game away, because he didn't play Yadi. Please understand that Major League Managers do not give games away. Every day they make a lineup, and they believe those 9 guys can go out there and win the game. People seem to think there are games that don't matter in a 162 game season. While there is no way to win all 162, fans need to understand that they are trying to win them all. There are no throw away games.

Don't believe the hype, and don't buy the excuses. Just accept it for what it was. Simply a bad day for Adam Wainwright. Enjoy your day off Cardinal Nation. The biggest test of the season begins Friday night in Pittsburgh, and we can only hope the Cardinals bats stay as hot as this St. Louis weather.

SPz Y

When will the Rams compete

I would like to say that I understand what the Rams are working toward, as we move into the 2013 football season. They seemed to have drafted well. In Jeff Fisher's second year at the helm, expectations are high following the Rams 7-8-1 record a year ago. Unfortunately, I've seen them play twice this preseason, and I just don't get it. Yes, there is new personnel, but it really doesn't look any different on the field so far. SJ39 left town for younger, faster backs, but the production is no different. At least we could count on Steven Jackson not to fumble the football.

Football analysts and experts keep saying, "They're not going to open up the playbook in preseason." Coach Fisher himself has said he would not show them everything. Okay, that's fine. They're still getting embarrassed, on the field, and they're still playing undisciplined football. I have to believe that Fisher's "vanilla" approach is not unique. All the other NFL coaches aren't just throwing the kitchen sink at the Rams in the preseason either. Yet it still looks like the Rams are completely over-matched.

So, when can we as Rams fans, expect some improvement? When can we as Rams fans expect to see fewer mindless pre-snap penalties? When can we as Rams fans expect to see some plays that actually make sense in 3rd & long situations? Yes, they moved the ball fairly well in the middle of the field against the Packers, but in the Red Zone, the Rams are atrocious, and have been for several seasons. When can Rams fans expect this team to COMPETE?

Baseball has a saying, "You can't walk off the island." Meaning, you need to swing the bat to get hits, and drive in runs. There are times when taking a walk is prudent, but hitting is the biggest key to scoring runs. The Rams settle for 3 points far too often, and have been for years. You can't kick your way off the island either. Scoring touchdowns is how you win football games, especially in the NFL. The Rams cannot score touchdowns in the Red Zone, and frankly, they look confused when they get close to the goal line. They appear to be afraid to run the football, which is what good teams do, when they're close to the goal line. The play calling is poor at best. Preseason or not, bad football is just that, bad football. Call it "vanilla" all you want, at least vanilla ice cream tastes good. I don't think anyone who watched the Rams last night, could have possibly been left with a good taste in their mouth this morning.

I was very happy when the Rams went out and got Jeff Fisher. Clearly, the atmosphere in the organization has changed. I think it's much more positive now, and I think there's a collective goal to return the franchise to being a winner. They're inviting past greats back into the fold, to work with young players. I guess I'm just wondering when all those changes are going to translate into better play on the field? Losing begets losing. Anyone who has ever played a sport knows that. Losing becomes the norm. It spreads through a locker room like a fungus, and even when you disinfect one spot, it's still festering in others.

I wonder if I'm being too critical of the Rams. After all, it is only preseason. My question again, when can we expect to see something different? Week 13? I know these games mean nothing. But it would be very nice to have SOMETHING to look forward to. Someone mentioned that the preseason can be misleading. Teams can look very good when it means nothing, and fall apart when the games count. Even our Rams went 4-0 in the 2011 preseason, and everyone thought it was a new day in St. Louis. They ended 2011 with a 2-14 record.

Maybe it's all a trick. Maybe the switch will flip over to "ON" in week one. Rams fans can only hope so. I wouldn't mind if they lost all 4 preseason games, if there was some kind of fiber to chew on. If there was something pointing towards improvement. Only time will tell, but after 2 preseason games, it's already looking like it could be a very long football season in St. Louis.

SPz Y

NFL DRAMA.

It should come as no surprise to anyone, that Chad Johnson found himself in a court room, nor should anyone be shocked that he caused a big scene, bringing extra attention to the situation. Most of the man's life is a publicity stunt. It is inevitable that sometimes we get sucked in and captured by the spectacle. There was a time when we were just as captivated by a guy they called "Evil," when he came out of virtual obscurity every so often, to captivate millions with his next incredible leap of faith, on that Harley machine. Losing some interest? Just up the steaks. Jump a canyon in a rocket. That'll get the media frenzy stirred up again. Instead of the emergency room counting up broken bones, Chad Johnson tends to find himself in court rooms, following his publicity stunts.

Chad, "Ocho" Johnson, will not do 30 days in jail. But I hope he does 3 to 5 days. There are truly crazy, I'm sorry, mentally challenged/unstable people out there who have real problems, and then there are attention seekers like this guy, who act like they have problems. Then you also unfortunately have the attention seekers, who are truly off their rocker as well. Most times those situations tend to end very badly. I don't know which category Chad Whatshisname fits into, but I do know a sane & rational person doesn't do what he did in anybody's court room. Especially not in a courtroom in front of a female Judge, when the charge you're facing has anything to do with "domestic violence." Whether you did it or not, you still need to understand the charge, and what it means. [You put your hands on somebody who didn't want them there, and in a violent way!!]

Bottom line, you just simply never do something stupid, at the exact moment you're about to get out of something you already did that was stupid. Had his lawyer been a woman, the Judge would have probably hit him with a sexual assault charge. C'MON CHAD!?!? Use what little bit of your brain is actually functioning when you go to court.

That said, perhaps the artist formerly known as "Ocho-Cinqo," is playing the only card he has left in his hand. As is the case in Hollywood, "any publicity, is good publicity." People are mentioning Chad Johnson, I mean Ocho-Cinqo, I mean Johnson again. All of his names are flying across the air waves today. Could it be that this part-time psycho has the ability to foresee the future?

"I'll do my few days, the judge will catch hell for her over-reaction, and let me out with a very harsh public reprimand. There will be a huge media circus when I get out. Everybody will get a book deal, and my name will be out there once again, just a few weeks before NFL camps start."

Perhaps he believes this stunt will parlay itself into an invite to somebody's camp. Even as an unsigned invitee, he'd be in somebody's camp. At this point, Chad Johnson's best hope, would be for somebody to lose their 1 and 2 receivers for the year, and truly have a need to stuff a jersey. Otherwise, it's back to reality TV for the guy who wore #85.

Gotta love the NFL off season in the technology era!


The Sportz Yak

Blues Stop the Bleeding in the Desert.

            The St. Louis Blues rolled into Jobing.com Arena in Glendale AZ Thursday night, in a fairly desperate situation. Regular season games are rarely deemed as “must win,” especially with 20+ games to play. However, with the Blues in a critical nose dive and with the team in apparent disarray, the contest against the Phoenix Coyotes last night certainly fit the bill. When the Blues hit the road this week, they sat smack in the middle of the playoff picture. At game time last night, they found themselves looking up from 9^th place in the Western Conference.

They gave a lack-luster performance in Dallas against the Stars on Sunday afternoon, earning a sound 4-1 whipping. Tuesday night, the L.A. Kings would spot the Blues a 4-1 lead, and then go on to score 5 unanswered goals, en route to a 6-4 come from behind victory. The Blues flat out fell apart in every aspect of the game, and the defending Stanley Cup Champs definitely took advantage.

The Blues also have something of a goalie situation, meaning that both Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak have struggled to say the least. Let’s not hold them solely responsible however. The Blues defense has not played well in front of either guy. Their play has been sloppy, they’ve regularly turned the puck over in their own zone constantly getting caught out of position, and they’ve allowed far too many easy chances by wide open snipers. It is safe to say that the Great Ken Dryden himself would struggle facing the constant point blank barrage Halak and Elliott have seen this year.

            That said, there have also been far too many soft goals allowed by both goalies, and neither player looks very comfortable out there right now. The Blues recalled exciting young rookie Jake Allen from Peoria, after the loss in L.A. Allen was nothing short of spectacular in his last brief visit to the NHL, earning 3 wins in 4 starts before returning to the farm team. With the Blues once again needing a spark, the rookie got the start last night against the Coyotes.

            In any sport, it is sometimes very clear that certain athletes are just a little bit different. Some might even use the word “special.” When you watch them, their movements look very smooth, almost effortless. Jake Allen has that kind of air about him. He does not look like a rookie when he warms up, or when the clock starts ticking. He stops pucks with very little reaction, and does not allow many long rebounds. Allen does not hope to make saves he knows he will make saves. He has no fear, and he appears to be incredibly focused on the puck, rarely surprised by any shot.

Allen definitely belongs in the NHL. Hopefully the powers that be now understand that it may be time to make some roster moves, and get him some help, before he ends up a fragile mess like his predecessors. While they still have some trade value, perhaps the Blues could seek to move Halak or Elliott, for some more productive players, as they try to make a playoff push. A veteran defensemen could certainly help the injury ridden Blues right now.

With the rookie between the pipes, the Blues Chris Stewart(9, 11) would open the scoring, banging in a rebound off a shot from the point by Alex Pietrangelo(5, 11). The Blues gained control of the puck and dropped it back to Pietrangelo at the blue line. “Petro” let the shot fly, and the Coyotes Mike Smith made the initial save, but Stewart was all alone on the doorstep to notch his 9^th goal of the season. The Blues would go on to kill off a penalty, and appeared to be heading into the first intermission with a lead. Unfortunately, on a late power play, they committed another bad turnover which would result in a short handed goal by the Coyotes David Moss at 18:54. Their momentum went right out the window, and the period ended in a 1-1 tie.

            Speaking of momentum, the Blues would find themselves trailing 2-1 just 41 seconds into the second period. Once again, a horrible turnover right in front of Allen resulted in an uncontested scoring chance for Shane Doan. Doan would make no mistake with his slap shot from the near slot, beating the helpless Allen glove side. The Blues seemed to be crumbling as they had two nights ago in L.A., and the Coyote fans were howling after taking the lead. Coach Hitchcock had to be thinking to himself, “here we go again,” whether he would ever admit to it or not.

            Then, Patrik Berglund(11, 3) took over, and the Blues suddenly had life. Berglund took a neat pass from Barret Jackman(2, 5), flipped a shot on goal, and followed his shot to the net. After Stewart fanned on the rebound, the puck landed on Berglund’s stick, and he put it in the back of the net behind Smith, tying the game at 2-2, and stealing back the momentum.

            It would not take long for the St. Louis line of David Perron, Patrik Berglund and Chris Stewart to strike again. This time the Blues would take advantage of a turnover by the Coyotes, and race in on Smith. Perron led Berglund with a pass to the net, and Berglund would take care of the rest, lifting a backhander top shelf from a wicked angle. Smith had no chance, and the Blues quickly had the lead 3-2. The Blues were not done scoring in the 2^nd period. Roughly 2 minutes after taking the lead, Scott Nichol would earn his first goal of the season, on a strong fore check by the Blues. Winger Jaden Schwartz(2, 4) worked hard in the corner to get control of the puck and dart in front of the net. He slid a pass over to Nichol, who did not miss, and all of a sudden the Blues were up 4-2.

            They were in a similar position two nights ago, and Blues fans have come to expect that no lead is safe with this team. There was a definite difference in the body language last night against the Coyotes however, possibly due to the calm of their rookie goal tender, who made the routine saves, and kept the Blues out in front. The 2^nd period would end with the Blues up 4-2, and the Coyotes reeling.

            The 3^rd period was not a disaster for the Note, who finally played 60 minutes of hockey for a change. Vladimir Sobotka (4, 6) would put the Blues ahead 5-2, and later  Pietrangelo , would tack on goal number 6. They would go on to win the game 6-3, after Phoenix Keith Yandle scored a late 3^rd period goal with time running out, and the game already in hand for the Blues. It’s never good to give up goals at the end of any period, but with a 4 goal cushion, this time it would not be a problem. The Blues still need to address playing a full 60 minutes of hockey moving forward, but the game last night was truly a breath of fresh air for the St. Louis faithful, who could see their team’s playoff hopes fading on this road trip.

            The Blues next action is Saturday afternoon in San Jose. The Sharks have become a dangerous conference rival for the Blues, and every game seems to take on a playoff feel between the teams. The Blues will need to play with the same sense of urgency they showed in Phoenix, if they want to win in the “Shark Tank.” Jake Allen will get the start again, looking to avenge his only NHL loss, a 2-1 regulation defeat at home on Feb. 19^th.

With the victory over Phoenix, the Blues have crept back into the 8^th and final playoff spot, with 26 points. Once again, they are tied with 3 teams, Dallas Stars, L.A. Kings, and their next opponents, the San Jose Sharks. It would be very nice if they could get themselves on a winning streak at this juncture, and force someone else to scramble for the 8^th slot, and a potential meeting with the unbelievable Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the playoffs.

Rodney N Eldridge

The Sportz Yak

Unfortunate Injury or Poor Management?

The Cardinals and Rafael Furcal have announced that he will have surgery on his right elbow, to repair damaged ligaments. This is the same elbow he hurt last fall, but chose to "rehab" rather than get the surgery right away. The Cardinals organization chose not to pursue other shortstops in the off season, and simply hope that Furcal would be ready to play in 2013. He has not been able to throw all spring, and now he will have the operation he could, or should have had months ago, which will essentially end his season. I'm curious who Cards fans should hold accountable for this situation?

I understand that you cannot force a player to get an operation, even when they are under contract. I also understand that ligaments do not repair themselves, and I can't understand why the Cardinals didn't take some kind of action in the off season, when Furcal refused to get surgery. If a player will not do absolutely everything they need to do to get their body ready for the next season, what is their true commitment to the team, to their contract, and to the game? Do these players owe anything to the fans? What can management do now, with the season just 3 weeks away? Is Pete Kozma the answer at shortstop? Will they be able to sign or trade for a player at this juncture?

People have questioned the Cardinals medical team over the years. Do the Cards have a competent medical staff? Are they making decisions based on money, or based on what the athletes need to do, to be in the best possible condition to play? If a player like Furcal, can essentially hold the team hostage and keep them waiting on what might or might not happen, what does that say about the money these players are making? What does it say about their control over the organization? Are they worth the multiple millions their agents are demanding?

Bottom line, the Cardinals are in a bit of trouble up the middle right now, with unproven players at second base, and now at shortstop. In a system ripe with pitching that pitches to contact, how are the Cards going to make a playoff run this year, with a sub-par middle infield? I think St. Louis fans should be optimistic about the team, but concerned about their defense.







Rodney N Eldridge
The Sportz Yak

Atrocious

If the NHL playoffs began today, The St. Louis Blues would be packing for home, which would probably be for the best. The Blues have no idea what it takes to win a hockey game right now, never mind win a playoff series. The team set out on a five game road trip, with an opportunity to separate themselves from several Western Conference teams, by beating them head-to-head. It seemed possible considering the Blues have been better on the road this season, than at home. Unfortunately for Blues fans, opportunity is knocking, but nobody is home.

Since February 1, the Blues have lost 10 of 15 games. With a few exceptions, they have been grossly outplayed in those games. It could be said they were more lucky than good in the few games they won, specifically at Detroit, at Vancouver, and home against Edmonton. They fell behind in each of those games, and put themselves in a position where they had to play catch up hockey. Not the best formula for the Blues.

Okay, maybe they deserved a better fate in Colorado, losing a 1-0 heartbreaker in overtime. They also should have won at home against Anaheim, even though they did not play very well at times in that contest, and ultimately found a way to lose it in the shoot-out.

Those who religiously sip the Blues “Kool-Aid” will not appreciate this, but after searching for words that properly describe their play over the last month, one that probably says it best is atrocious.

atrocious adj. shockingly cruel or wicked || of very bad quality || extremely painful || very unpleasant [fr. L. atrox (atrocis), cruel] Webster’s Dictionary Encyclopedic Edition.

This clearly isn’t your 109 point St. Louis Blues from a year ago. No sir, the 2012-2013 edition has virtually no heart at all. There are individuals out there giving up the body, and leaving it all out on the ice every night. David Backes "C" is a perfect example of that, playing most of the game last night with a bloody face, after catching a high stick that was apparently missed by the refs, who found plenty of other occasions to raise their right arms. However, the collective pulse is weak and the Blues are being outworked at both ends of the ice, night after night. It is most glaring on the defensive end, with the Blues regularly leaving men unattended in front of whoever is the unfortunate backstop that evening.

The Blues went to Dallas on Sunday, tied with five other teams at 24 points, sitting in 5^th place in the conference. After back to back losses to the Stars on Sunday 4-1, and the Kings last night 6-4, they now sit in 9^th place in the conference, skating themselves right out of the playoff picture. It doesn’t get any easier for the Blues, who still have to go to Phoenix, San Jose, and Anaheim, and figure out how to win hockey games, against teams they are now chasing.

The Blues scored first in Dallas, and then proceeded to give up 4 unanswered goals, suffering a very unpleasant 4-1 loss. The loss dropped them into the 8^th and final playoff spot, and seemed to set the cruel tone for this west coast swing. This team is just not good enough.

That fact has never been more crystal clear than it was last night in Los Angeles. The Blues came out flying, scoring the first goal, and getting in three scraps with the defending Stanley Cup Champs, as if to say, “We are not going to be pushed around any more this year.” The Kings missed that message, and pushed them around anyway.

After spotting the Blues a 4-1 lead, and pulling starting goaltender Jonathan Bernier, who started on consecutive nights for the first time in his career, the Kings turned on the juice. They scored 5 unanswered goals, erasing what should have been a “safe” lead, and exposing the Blues as a team in utter disarray. They do not come from behind very well, and last night they proved that they cannot play with a lead either.

             By definition, the Blues have been atrocious since they shot out to a 6-1 record to start their season. It has been extremely painful to watch at times, and they have allowed far too many ridiculously easy scoring chances during the stretch. Some will argue, “They have played hard,” or “They’ve had a lot of injuries,” and they would be correct to say those things. Still, there is honestly no excuse for the way this team is playing right now, and any professional athlete needs to know that there are no acceptable excuses, for the way they are playing right now.

Guys who are getting paid to play hockey, or any sport professionally, are expected to play at a very high level. It’s that simple. The Blues, are not playing with any level of quality, and it is beginning to take on a similar aroma to the way the beloved St. Louis Cardinals stunk up the NLCS last season. They basically forgot how to play baseball after being up 3 games to 1 against the San Francisco Giants a year ago. They went on to drop 3 straight games, scoring only 1 run in 27 innings. Atrocious fit then and it fits where the Blues are concerned now.

The Blues recalled goaltender Jake Allen from the Peoria Rivermen immediately after the game last night. Allen provided a major spark when the team was struggling back in February, and hopefully he can bring some of that same energy with him upon his return. No word yet if he will start Thursday in Phoenix, but it stands to reason, the kid will play. The Blues have also signed defenseman Joel Edmundson and forward Yannick Veilleux to three-year entry level contracts today. Again, no word on when they will join the team.

The Blues do not have time to cry over spilled milk. They will take on the Phoenix Coyotes Thursday night, in another very important conference road game. The Blues can pull themselves out of this nosedive, if they can find a way to get ahead, and play with a lead tomorrow night in Arizona. There is not much room for error with 26 games to play, all against division rivals. They need to figure out a way to get on a positive run, and win a few consecutive games, if they don’t want to be playing golf at the end of April.

Rodney N Eldridge

The Sportz Yak

Blackhawks Dismantle Blues

       Buzz saw, steam roller, wood chipper, wrecking ball, Terminator, Predator, take your pick. Real or fictional, the St. Louis Blues ran into a well oiled destruction machine last night at Scottrade Center that flattened them, and took them apart piece by piece. The undefeated Chicago Blackhawks lived up to the hype, dismantling the Blues in every aspect of the game en route to a 3-0 shutout.

           It took only 12 seconds for the Hawks to demonstrate exactly why they were 16-0-3 coming in. The Blues arch rivals won the opening face off, dropped back into their zone, set up their offense, and started up the ice. Four sharp passes later, they found Jonathan Toews on the doorstep for a goal that was far too easy. In the blink of an eye, the Blues trailed 1-0, and the crowd was stunned.

Towes who won the face off, was allowed to float right down the middle of the ice completely untouched, leaving Jaroslav Halak with no chance. Blues fans, hoping to dodge a bullet, held their breath as the NHL reviewed the goal that went in off of Towes’ skate. League officials would quickly rule that he made no specific kicking motion to redirect the puck. The goal would stand, much to the delight of the significant Blackhawk following in attendance.

           The Blues appeared to be stuck in quicksand, while the Hawks skated circles around them, outworking the Blues, and controlling the game from start to finish. In his post game press conference, Coach Hitch would say, “We made too many mistakes in critical areas, offensively and defensively.”

           

The Blues managed to keep the Blackhawks at bay for a while, after giving up the lightning fast opening goal. They were still clearly out played and out hustled all night long. The Hawks were more aggressive, maintaining constant pressure in the Blues zone, throwing pucks at Halak, and crashing the middle looking for rebound opportunities. The listless Blues allowed chance after chance, in front of their own goal. Halak played well despite what the score would indicate.

The Blues had several scoring chances in the 2^nd period, including 3 power play opportunities. Kevin Shattenkirk beat goalie Ray Emery with a long wrist shot on their third man advantage of the period, but the puck rang off the goalpost and stayed out. The refs immediately indicated no goal, and play continued, even after an overzealous red light flashed momentarily. Ray Emery, did not start the game, but was forced to take over after starter Corey Crawford who only faced 7 shots, was unable to answer the bell for the 2^nd period. In typical hockey fashion, no word was given on Crawford’s injury, but he was clearly in some discomfort at the end of the 1^st period. The Blues had five power play chances on the night, and put 23 total shots on goal, but all were turned aside. The once potent power play unit has not netted a goal in 5 games, adding to the Blues home scoring woes.

The Hawks on the other hand, would break through again early in the 3^rd period. The Blues were sloppy in their end, giving up a bad turnover behind the net. Winger Bryan Bickell gained control of the puck and found a wide open Andrew Shaw, all alone in the slot, who ripped a wrister past Halak. It was a recurring theme on the night. The Blues could not keep anyone out of the middle of the ice in front of the defenseless Halak, who deserved a better fate. Where is Chris Pronger when we need him? Prongs was actually in the building last night, as was the great Al MacInnis, to celebrate #5 Barret Jackman becoming the Blues all time leader in games played by a defenseman, 616 and counting. They could have used both Hall of Famers last night.

            A few minutes later, after killing off another feeble Blues power play effort, the Hawks would once again catch the Blues out of position. Toews scored his second goal of the night, tapping in a rebound off a big shot from the point by defenseman Nick Leddy. The goal put the Hawks ahead 3-0, and they were on cruise control from there

It was not the performance the Blues needed against the NHL’s top team, who extended their record to 17-0-3 on the season, good for a league high 37 points. Anaheim and Montreal have 28 points, and can only see shrinking taillights as the Blackhawks continue to race away from the rest of the league.

The loss drops the Blues into 7^th place in the Western Conference. Their 22 points are tied with 4 other teams, including the Kings, Wild, Sharks, and Stars. The Phoenix Coyotes are nipping all their heels with 21 points, and the Blues next opponent Edmonton Oilers, are also in the mix with 20 points.

The Blues will have to battle hard, to stay in the playoff picture. It will not take long to figure out which direction they’re going, as they will take on the Oilers tonight at Scottrade, before hitting the road to play Dallas, L.A., Phoenix, San Jose, and Anaheim. This next road trip may very well decide the season for the Blues, and it will be imperative that they figure out how to score some goals during the stretch. The Blues could find themselves on the outside looking in very quickly, with little time to make up ground should they fall behind in the conference.

If there is any consolation, the Blues have played much better hockey on the road. Still, it would be nice to rinse away the bad taste of the Chicago loss tonight at home, before packing their bags for Dallas. Coach Hitchcock has said that we will see goalie Brian Elliott in one of the next two games, most likely in Dallas. “He had another good day of practice, and we’ve got to get him going soon,” said Hitch of Elliott on Wednesday.

The Blues are dealing with the injury bug once again. Vladimir Terasenko has been out since sustaining a head injury in Colorado. Welcome to the NHL rookie, here’s your concussion. Andy McDonald was hurt in practice on Tuesday, and was placed on the IR list with a knee injury. Alexander Steen is listed as day-to-day, with what is being called an upper body injury. The Blues have recalled Chris Porter, and Andrew Murray from Peoria, and they refuse to make excuses for their play.

“These are short-term injuries. Everybody’s got them,” Hitchcock said after Wednesday’s practice. “All you’ve got to do is [watch] the NHL Network every hour and there’s another injury that pops up. We’ve been lucky so far. We’ve got three or four quality forwards out, but everybody’s got that going.”

“We’ll get through this fine.”

The puck drops tonight at 7pm, and the game can be seen on Fox Sports Midwest. John Kelly @jkellyhockey and Darren Pang @panger40 will have the call, with BernieFederko

 

Rodney N Eldridge

The Sportz Yak