I didn't get to catch much of this tonight. The Blues were buzzing the last ten minutes I heard though. It seems as if the Oilers have called it a season already. Blues outshot them 42-18. We haven't done that very often this year.
In other news, the Blues have finally announced local ownership (Tom Stillman, owner of Summit Distributing) AND signed a multi-year deal to move radio back to KMOX. That won't matter much to me as I have the XM for the Blues games, but it is nice to know I can get them on the mighty KMOX if I need to.
Now if the Cards can just get themselves back on KMOX where they belong.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Euro 2008: A Game In Hand Is Worth....
With the exception of the Scots, it looks like they are dancing in the streets of the British and Irish Isles. On Monday, Northern Ireland woke to the shocking news that the hardliners of both the Catholic and Protestant had agreed to officially stop killing one another and two days later their squad beat Sweden to sit atop Group F (game in hand). From press accounts, guess which one they were more excited about.
Ireland (with a game, even two in hand) is tied atop Group D after beating Slovakia. An apparently miserable English performance nonetheless puts them in a second place Group E tie with a...wait for it, wait for it...game in hand. Even the Welsh managed a win, though there is no game in hand, it was against San Marino and they are buried in fifth place of Group D.
These damned games in hand mean that the Irish squads are off until Fall and my three weeks in England in June will net me no more soccer pub craic than England v. Estonia, Scotland v. Faroe Islands and a Czech ass-kicking of the Welsh. Damn.
One of the joys of my 2002 trip to England was strolling to a Covent Garden pub at 9:00 AM on a Sunday morning to watch the Engalnd/Sweden match from Japan (or S. Korea). The place was packed and an absolute blast. And I spent the other three days across the street at Jimmy Ryan's Coach & Horses Pub (not the touristy Coach & Horses in SoHo or wherever) pretending to understand the old Irish ex-pats talk of the Irish squad and Richard Harris' drinking problem.....
Ireland (with a game, even two in hand) is tied atop Group D after beating Slovakia. An apparently miserable English performance nonetheless puts them in a second place Group E tie with a...wait for it, wait for it...game in hand. Even the Welsh managed a win, though there is no game in hand, it was against San Marino and they are buried in fifth place of Group D.
These damned games in hand mean that the Irish squads are off until Fall and my three weeks in England in June will net me no more soccer pub craic than England v. Estonia, Scotland v. Faroe Islands and a Czech ass-kicking of the Welsh. Damn.
One of the joys of my 2002 trip to England was strolling to a Covent Garden pub at 9:00 AM on a Sunday morning to watch the Engalnd/Sweden match from Japan (or S. Korea). The place was packed and an absolute blast. And I spent the other three days across the street at Jimmy Ryan's Coach & Horses Pub (not the touristy Coach & Horses in SoHo or wherever) pretending to understand the old Irish ex-pats talk of the Irish squad and Richard Harris' drinking problem.....
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
United States 0 - 0 Guatemala
Ugh.
What can you say. A terrible game against a terrible opponent with terrible (Mexican) referees.
If this is really the best competition the US Soccer Federation can scrounge up I think I'd rather have the guys scrimmage against themselves. This is a complete and utter waste.
I want that two hours of my life back.
What can you say. A terrible game against a terrible opponent with terrible (Mexican) referees.
If this is really the best competition the US Soccer Federation can scrounge up I think I'd rather have the guys scrimmage against themselves. This is a complete and utter waste.
I want that two hours of my life back.
I Guess I Won't Draft Him For My Fantasy Team
Urbina sentenced to 14 years in prison
The cache of being a Major Leaguer sure ain't what it used to be. You can't even attempt to set fire to anyone anymore.
Former Major League baseball pitcher Ugueth Urbina was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the attempted murder of five workers on his family's ranch, the Attorney General's Office announced Wednesday.
...
The 32-year-old free agent was accused of joining a group of men in attacking and injuring workers with machetes and pouring gasoline on them at his family's ranch, located about 25 miles south of Caracas.
"The ruling was too severe," said Jose Antonio Baez, a former attorney who represented Urbina.
Urbina repeatedly has denied involvement with the violence, saying he was sleeping at the time of the attack.
The pitcher's lawyer, Jose Luis Tamayo, has said that Urbina surprised the workers by showing up at his ranch that night while they were bathing in the pool without permission. Urbina spoke sharply to them, but later left and went to sleep, according to Tamayo.
Urbina, a two-time All-Star, last pitched in the major leagues with the Phillies in 2005. He's 30th on the all-time saves list with 237.
The cache of being a Major Leaguer sure ain't what it used to be. You can't even attempt to set fire to anyone anymore.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Ricky Schramm Update
Steve Goff had the following on Soccer Insider:
Good luck to Ricky in the USL. I figured from the get-go that he wouldn't fit in with United plans, but it is nice to hear he is getting other people interested in his services. Ricky (or a buddy of his at GTown) took exception with my downplaying his chances of latching on with DC here, but we wish him all the best.
I'll still be happy to be proven wrong...as long as he doesn't latch on with New York, or Chicago....or Columbus....Colorado always kinda got on my nerves too....
After weeks of phone tag, I was finally able to touch base with Ricky Schramm, the former Georgetown standout who was drafted by D.C. United and subsequently released after a few weeks of training camp.
Schramm tells me he has had two formal workouts with the third-division Richmond Kickers and is close to reaching a deal with the second-tier USL club. His hope is that, if he performs well this summer, he will get another shot at MLS later this year or next season.
Besides DCU, the L.A. Galaxy had expressed interest in him after the college season and might have drafted him if DCU had not claimed him first. But by the time DCU let him go, the Galaxy was well on its way to finalizing its developmental roster. "They basically said it was too late in the game to bring me in at this point, but they said they would keep an eye on me," he said. "They just want me to play somewhere this year. I'm just happy I'll probably have a place to play this summer."
I asked Schramm if he thought United gave him a fair shake before letting him go. "Yeah, I was lucky to have the opportunity with D.C. and, if anything, I was able to see where I stood in terms of MLS and where I need to be."
Schramm was a pure forward in college, but United believed his only chance to make the club was if he could prove himself as a flank player.
"It just wasn't the right fit and I knew that almost right away," he said. "I think I could've showed them something up top, but that wasn't what they were looking for."
Good luck to Ricky in the USL. I figured from the get-go that he wouldn't fit in with United plans, but it is nice to hear he is getting other people interested in his services. Ricky (or a buddy of his at GTown) took exception with my downplaying his chances of latching on with DC here, but we wish him all the best.
I'll still be happy to be proven wrong...as long as he doesn't latch on with New York, or Chicago....or Columbus....Colorado always kinda got on my nerves too....
Fallout
I promised I wouldn't bitch about NHL officiating anymore this season, but there has been a couple of interesting things resulting from the debacle in St. Louis last week.
From the PD:
Interesting, very interesting.
There was also this comment from an eye-witness watching from the cheap seats:
I tend to doubt they would find more leeway in the minors, but I understand the sentiment.
From the PD:
GOOD-BYE TO MR. MCGEOUGH?
The hapless work of referee Mick McGeough came to the attention of the NHL after he denied the Blues two legit goals against Ottawa. Here is an item Ottawa Sun scribe Bruce Garrioch recently published:
“Referee Mick McGeough, who has been getting plenty of heat for blown calls this season, likely won’t work in the playoffs. If that’s the case, there’s a strong chance the veteran official may not be back next year.”
That would be a real shame.
Interesting, very interesting.
There was also this comment from an eye-witness watching from the cheap seats:
As a student at a University in Tennesee, I rarely get to see a Blues hockey game. I was happy when I learned that during my spring break, I would be able to attend one. Unluckily, that game ended up being the one last Tuesday night. The Blues didn’t play amazingly well; I didn’t expect them to. I also didn’t expect the horrendous officiating. The college hockey and minor league hockey games that I have attended were never as poorly officiated as this game was. Following the game, Chris Kerber made many insightful comments about the pair of McGeough and LaRue [a rhyming couplet?]. Kerber was shocked and dismayed over the failure of the referees to understand the rules. Bob Plager chimed in, calling Denny LaRue an “out and out liar.” I was extremely disappointed in this aspect of the game.
I viewed the game from Section 315. At the end of the game, everyone in the upper bowl took issue with the officiating, voicing their opinions loudly. One fan, a seventy-odd year old man, was shouting in the first row of section 314. At the end of the game, the man overexerted himself. He had a heart attack and died. This was extremely difficult to watch. And it underscored even more the utter failure of Denny LaRue and Mick McGeough. They should feel guilty, they should apologize, and they should send flowers to this man’s family. And they should go back to working minor league hockey, where some fans might give them more leeway.
I tend to doubt they would find more leeway in the minors, but I understand the sentiment.
On Second Thought I'll Just Order The Gyro
Man's ear bitten off in Greek soccer brawl
Your team loses 4-1 AND you get your ear bitten off. OK, that's worse than getting screwed by NHL refs.
Four men have been arrested on the island of Crete after part of a man's ear was bitten off during a brawl after Greece's 4-1 loss to Turkey in a European Championship qualifier.
The incident occurred Saturday near the town of Ierapetra during a fight between Bulgarian workers and local Greek men who had been watching the match on television, police said Tuesday.
Local businessman Dimitris Tsimbibakis was hospitalized after a man bit his ear. He told authorities he had intervened to try and break up the fight but was beaten by four Bulgarian men.
The fight apparently started after the Bulgarian men cheered Turkey's goals.
Your team loses 4-1 AND you get your ear bitten off. OK, that's worse than getting screwed by NHL refs.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Fighting Sioux Advance
TJ Oshie will join Ben Bishop as the Blues prospects making it to the Frozen Four in St. Louis, after the Sioux beat Minnesota today in OT.
This was a thoroughly just result. North Dakota was by far the best team today, and they dominated the overtime period, so much so that it would have been unthinkable for the Gophers to have advanced. Although the game was close, like the Final Five championship game last week, it was nowhere near as entertaining a game. The teams played much closer to the vest, so it wasn't the high flying hit fest it might have been.
Oshie had a good game, but not a great game. His line was the best on the day, but that had more to do with Toews who finally had a very good game (after a couple of clunkers.) Oshie was very lucky that he didn't wind up being the goat today. With Radke earning a 5 Minute major penalty on a very dirty hit against Eric Johnson, Oshie while killing the penalty very clearly played the puck with a broken stick. The refs decided not to call it, for some inexplicable reason...they had to have seen it.
Barriball scored a nice power play goal late in the game to tie the score at 2 and set up OT, but he wasn't very visible for much of the game. Johnson played pretty well, although I got the feeling he was trying to do too much as the game wore on and the Sioux kept the Gophers pinned deep.
For the Blues fan, however, there was no way to lose this one. Which was a nice change of pace.
This was a thoroughly just result. North Dakota was by far the best team today, and they dominated the overtime period, so much so that it would have been unthinkable for the Gophers to have advanced. Although the game was close, like the Final Five championship game last week, it was nowhere near as entertaining a game. The teams played much closer to the vest, so it wasn't the high flying hit fest it might have been.
Oshie had a good game, but not a great game. His line was the best on the day, but that had more to do with Toews who finally had a very good game (after a couple of clunkers.) Oshie was very lucky that he didn't wind up being the goat today. With Radke earning a 5 Minute major penalty on a very dirty hit against Eric Johnson, Oshie while killing the penalty very clearly played the puck with a broken stick. The refs decided not to call it, for some inexplicable reason...they had to have seen it.
Barriball scored a nice power play goal late in the game to tie the score at 2 and set up OT, but he wasn't very visible for much of the game. Johnson played pretty well, although I got the feeling he was trying to do too much as the game wore on and the Sioux kept the Gophers pinned deep.
For the Blues fan, however, there was no way to lose this one. Which was a nice change of pace.
United States 3 1 Ecuador (Fulltime)
Well, it did get ugly...for Ecuador.
Donovan had an outstanding second half, and the entire team played much better. Bringing Bradley in did wonders for the composure in the midfield. The way the US is set up personnel wise they should probably go with a 4-5-1 as their base formation. Donovan as an attacking midfielder is the best option. No one else in the player pool could sit in that midfield role and provide good enough service. Plus he can make great runs and finish. Putting him up front makes him too dependant on service that will never come.
Fulltime Grades:
Howard 6 - Not much to do in the second half.
Bocanegra 4 - No glaring errors. Beat for pace a couple times early.
Onyewu 6 - A couple of nice stops in both halves.
Conrad 4 - Can play better.
Cerundolo 4 - Beaten for pace early. Did better in 2nd as Ecuador wore down.
Donovan 8 - Great hat trick. Would have been a 9 were this a non-friendly.
Dempsy 4 - Looked a little rusty out there. Couple Nice moments.
Beasley 4 - Much better second half after disastrous first. Lost a half step?
Feilhaber 4 - Less noticeable in second half. That was good and bad.
Johnson 3 - Some work. Too timid.
Ching 4 - Puts his body in harms way, linked up well with Donovan on a goal.
Of the subs only Bradley gets a grade:
Bradley: 6 - Really settled down the midfield. Nice impact.
Donovan had an outstanding second half, and the entire team played much better. Bringing Bradley in did wonders for the composure in the midfield. The way the US is set up personnel wise they should probably go with a 4-5-1 as their base formation. Donovan as an attacking midfielder is the best option. No one else in the player pool could sit in that midfield role and provide good enough service. Plus he can make great runs and finish. Putting him up front makes him too dependant on service that will never come.
Fulltime Grades:
Howard 6 - Not much to do in the second half.
Bocanegra 4 - No glaring errors. Beat for pace a couple times early.
Onyewu 6 - A couple of nice stops in both halves.
Conrad 4 - Can play better.
Cerundolo 4 - Beaten for pace early. Did better in 2nd as Ecuador wore down.
Donovan 8 - Great hat trick. Would have been a 9 were this a non-friendly.
Dempsy 4 - Looked a little rusty out there. Couple Nice moments.
Beasley 4 - Much better second half after disastrous first. Lost a half step?
Feilhaber 4 - Less noticeable in second half. That was good and bad.
Johnson 3 - Some work. Too timid.
Ching 4 - Puts his body in harms way, linked up well with Donovan on a goal.
Of the subs only Bradley gets a grade:
Bradley: 6 - Really settled down the midfield. Nice impact.
United States 1 1 Ecuador (Halftime)
Ohmigod. That was easily the worst display of U.S. soccer since the 1998 World Cup. Simply dreadful from (almost) start to finish. Donovon scores in the first 40 seconds of the game, with a nicely taken boomer of a shot after a lucky bounce. But after that...nothing. Our backline seems INCREDIBLY slow. If Howard wasn't on his game it could be 3 or 4 to 1.
Quick half time ratings:
Howard 6
Bocanegra 3
Onyewu 5
Conrad 4
Cerundolo 4
Donovon 7
Dempsy 4
Beasley 2
Feilhaber 4
Johnson 3
Ching 3
Beasley has been an unmitigated disaster so far. You can see his teammates lose complete confidence in him. The US would finally get some nice movement through midfield via Donovon, a pass would be sent out towards Beasley, and nothing would ever happen. Towards the end of the half they had simply stopped sending balls his way.
This could get ugly later.
Quick half time ratings:
Howard 6
Bocanegra 3
Onyewu 5
Conrad 4
Cerundolo 4
Donovon 7
Dempsy 4
Beasley 2
Feilhaber 4
Johnson 3
Ching 3
Beasley has been an unmitigated disaster so far. You can see his teammates lose complete confidence in him. The US would finally get some nice movement through midfield via Donovon, a pass would be sent out towards Beasley, and nothing would ever happen. Towards the end of the half they had simply stopped sending balls his way.
This could get ugly later.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
NCAA's West Regional Semis (Hockey)
I just finished watching the (taped) game between Michigan and North Dakota. The Sioux won 8-5 in a wild one. Blues prospect TJ Oshie netted a hat trick and added an assist in a great offensive performance. The game itself was weird to watch. In the first 30 minutes of the game there were twelve goals. In the last 30 minutes there was one, a empty netter scored by Oshie. Michigan scored 2 goals in the first minutes of the game. They also scored 2 goals in the first minute of the second period. The other 58 minutes they were outscored 8-1.
The first 30 minutes saw bad defense and worse goaltending, on both sides. Michigan, coached by Blues legend Red Berensen, was a wildly undisciplined team tonight. They took boatloads of penalties. The refs were even being kind to them. If the refs had felt like actually calling "charging" when it happened you could have added another 10 minutes in penalties easy. The Sioux goaltender was really, really bad at times, but turned in a nice third period when he needed to. So I give him credit for that. The Wolverine goalie was just awful throughout.
Oshie had a dynamite game. I really don't see what this kid has to gain by staying for his junior year in college. I hope the Blues offer him a contract this summer. he has a shot of staying with the team after the next training camp.
The other semi saw Minnesota come back in the last few minutes to beat Air Force 4-3. This was after Air Force took a 3-1 deep into the third period. Air Force was able to give the Gophers fits by doing something incredibly simple. They forechecked with only two, but they really pressured the Minnesota defensemen hard and were able to force bad pass after bad pass. The Gophers simply could not get anything going off the rush, which neutralized what advantage they had as the more offensive team. Air Force played about as perfect a game as they could play, but they still came up short.
The Blues prospects didn't fare too well. Barriball had a sub par game. He simply didn't add much, mostly because he never could gain speed on a rush because of the bad passing from his defense.
Eric Johnson played ok. There were no glaring errors, like last time out against North Dakota, but he certainly didn't put his stamp on the game. He picked up a nice assist on a powerplay goal, and he does seem to have a nice, heavy shot from the point. That will come in handy.
In other Regional action (which I did not get to see unfortunately), goaltender Ben Bishop has lead Maine to the Frozen Four with a 3-1 win today. So there will be at least two Blues prospects in town for the finals.
[In my best greedy Mr. Burns voice]
Excellent!
The first 30 minutes saw bad defense and worse goaltending, on both sides. Michigan, coached by Blues legend Red Berensen, was a wildly undisciplined team tonight. They took boatloads of penalties. The refs were even being kind to them. If the refs had felt like actually calling "charging" when it happened you could have added another 10 minutes in penalties easy. The Sioux goaltender was really, really bad at times, but turned in a nice third period when he needed to. So I give him credit for that. The Wolverine goalie was just awful throughout.
Oshie had a dynamite game. I really don't see what this kid has to gain by staying for his junior year in college. I hope the Blues offer him a contract this summer. he has a shot of staying with the team after the next training camp.
The other semi saw Minnesota come back in the last few minutes to beat Air Force 4-3. This was after Air Force took a 3-1 deep into the third period. Air Force was able to give the Gophers fits by doing something incredibly simple. They forechecked with only two, but they really pressured the Minnesota defensemen hard and were able to force bad pass after bad pass. The Gophers simply could not get anything going off the rush, which neutralized what advantage they had as the more offensive team. Air Force played about as perfect a game as they could play, but they still came up short.
The Blues prospects didn't fare too well. Barriball had a sub par game. He simply didn't add much, mostly because he never could gain speed on a rush because of the bad passing from his defense.
Eric Johnson played ok. There were no glaring errors, like last time out against North Dakota, but he certainly didn't put his stamp on the game. He picked up a nice assist on a powerplay goal, and he does seem to have a nice, heavy shot from the point. That will come in handy.
In other Regional action (which I did not get to see unfortunately), goaltender Ben Bishop has lead Maine to the Frozen Four with a 3-1 win today. So there will be at least two Blues prospects in town for the finals.
[In my best greedy Mr. Burns voice]
Excellent!
Blues 3 Red Wings 2 (SO)
This was a frustrating game to listen to. The Blues came out flying, trying to put the debacle in Minneapolis out of their mind. Goals from Tomas Mojzis and Brad Boyes gave us a 2-0 lead early. But you knew the comeback was gonna come hard. The Blues are not a team that will put you away, even when they have you down.
TO be fair, it is hard to say the Blues deserved two points today. Bacashihua stood on his head for two periods and turned away 40 of 42 shots. Basically it was forty minutes of the Red Wings announcers saying "Tremendous save by Bacashihua!" over and over again.
There was some controversy about the last two shots in the shootout. Weight's eventually counted and Cleary's eventually didn't. The Wings announcers take was they were probably both in, but on replays you can see Weight's puck in the net and you never see Cleary's in the net. I haven't seen the replay so i don't know.
I'll take the win, especially over Detroit. Actually, this gives the Blues the win in the season series 4-3-1. That is always nice to hear.
TO be fair, it is hard to say the Blues deserved two points today. Bacashihua stood on his head for two periods and turned away 40 of 42 shots. Basically it was forty minutes of the Red Wings announcers saying "Tremendous save by Bacashihua!" over and over again.
There was some controversy about the last two shots in the shootout. Weight's eventually counted and Cleary's eventually didn't. The Wings announcers take was they were probably both in, but on replays you can see Weight's puck in the net and you never see Cleary's in the net. I haven't seen the replay so i don't know.
I'll take the win, especially over Detroit. Actually, this gives the Blues the win in the season series 4-3-1. That is always nice to hear.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sadly Predictable
Anybody who has followed the NHL for any length of time knew what was coming for the Blues tonight. You complain about the officiating to the league office (who acknowledge the merits of your complaints btw), and you are going to pay the next game. It's inevitable. The officials are like the thin blue line...they cover for their own.
So you are Doug Weight and you take a stick to the face that busts your lip wide open and knocks you out of the game? Nah, the refs are blind, they don't see anything wrong with that. You are Lee Stempniak and you are hooked from behind while circling the net while the Blues are putting great pressure on? What? Sorry, the refs minds must have been elsewhere.
Look cross eyed at a Wild player? To the box with you.
Alright refs, you got your revenge, now drop your capriciousness and return to your usual state of incompetence.
UPDATE:
I'm done bitching about the NHL refs this season (barring something truly idiotic occuring during the playoffs...so I've a 50/50 shot.)
The next complaints will be about MLS refs, but that is a couple weeks away yet.
So you are Doug Weight and you take a stick to the face that busts your lip wide open and knocks you out of the game? Nah, the refs are blind, they don't see anything wrong with that. You are Lee Stempniak and you are hooked from behind while circling the net while the Blues are putting great pressure on? What? Sorry, the refs minds must have been elsewhere.
Look cross eyed at a Wild player? To the box with you.
Alright refs, you got your revenge, now drop your capriciousness and return to your usual state of incompetence.
UPDATE:
I'm done bitching about the NHL refs this season (barring something truly idiotic occuring during the playoffs...so I've a 50/50 shot.)
The next complaints will be about MLS refs, but that is a couple weeks away yet.
Oh, That's F&^%ing Spiffy
La Russa arrested:
Well this gets the 2007 season off with a bang.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa was jailed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department early this morning on a charge of suspicion of driving under the influence, according to a police report obtained by the Post-Dispatch.
La Russa, 62, was booked at 4:07 a.m. local time after Jupiter police conducted the traffic stop.
The arrest potentially represents La Russa’s first offense, according to the report.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff placed the report online before most players had arrived at the team’s spring training complex.
La Russa typically arrives at Roger Dean Stadium around 7 a.m.
A release from the Jupiter Police Department said the traffic stop had happened around midnight. The police report said he had been given a field sobriety test that showed La Russa’s blood alcohol level was 0.093. Florida law considers 0.080 driving under the influence. He gave two breath samples at Palm Beach County Jail before being booked.
La Russa was found inside his stalled dark blue Escalade SUV at Frederick Small Blvd. and Military Trail, about 1 1/2 miles from the stadium and less than a mile from the manager’s spring residence, the release from Jupiter police said.
La Russa was found asleep behind the wheel with his foot on the vehicle’s brake pedal. When an undercover officer told him to put the car in park, the Cardinals manager complied, according to a release.
A report filed by Jupiter police said that the Cardinals manager was breathing but that initial attempts to rouse La Russa by "repeated knocks on the window" on the driver’s side window had failed.
Well this gets the 2007 season off with a bang.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The NHL Is Now In The Business Of Killing Blues Fans
Apparently an elderly Blues fan blew a gasket after the display of NHL incompetence last night and died of the resulting heart attack late in the game. It's sad to think that among his very last thoughts was about how this league continues to screw over the Blues.
R.I.P.
God, knows I'll be joining you one day and for the same reason; Death by NHL referee.
The Blues and the Post-Dispatch are not pleased.
Jeff Gordon's take: Send in the clowns -- an upgrade over NHL refs
You hardly ever see such an open condemnation of officiating coming from a major newspaper, but last night's game was so bad it couldn't be ignored. You simply cannot pretend it wasn't happening.
Fire Larue.
R.I.P.
God, knows I'll be joining you one day and for the same reason; Death by NHL referee.
The Blues and the Post-Dispatch are not pleased.
Jeff Gordon's take: Send in the clowns -- an upgrade over NHL refs
The Blues are working hard to the end. They are busting their tails night after night. They are establishing team pride and integrity during the final weeks of the season.
So it is only fair that they expect the NHL officials to maintain their integrity while working their games -– and to not hand victories to the other side, as they did Tuesday night.
This team has been on the wrong side of poor calls and inexplicable non-calls in recent games, culminating with the fiasco against Ottawa at the Scottrade Center.
NHL referees Mick “Mister” McGeough and Dennis LaRue refused to acknowledge one obvious goal, then waved off a second obvious goal. The first goal would have given the Blues a 3-2 lead and the second would have tied the game 3-3. Advertisement
“It’s a disgrace,” Blues president John Davidson said.
“Unreal,” Blues coach Andy Murray said.
“This should not happen in this day and age,” Blues center Doug Weight said.
On the first goal, er, non-goal, Brad Boyes took a third-period pass from Weight at the left post and jammed the puck toward the empty goal. Senators goaltender Martin Gerber dove back, reached into the goal with his stick and knocked the puck back out.
This was a goal, clear as could be.
But the goal judge didn’t see it. McGeough and LaRue missed it, too. They didn’t ask for a video review. They rushed to restart play. And video review judge Jerry Burt didn’t call down to notify the officials of their blunder until after play had resumed.
Davidson was furious in the press box. Murray was furious on the bench, since he had been notified, before play resumed, that Boyes shot was well into the net. Blues players were baffled on the ice, especially when the review horn sounded while they had control of the puck in the offensive zone.
What was going on here?
“There are 25 cameras,” an exasperated Weight said afterward. “Certain people have certain jobs to do.”
The NHL has gone to great lengths to operate an elaborate replay system. There is a replay judge in the press box. There are observers in a Toronto war room, carefully examining every close goal-mouth call in televised league games.
Blues games have been stopped for an eternity while these observers used the latest video technology to back up, slow down, blow up and digitally enhance replays. I’ve seen goals counted against the Blues when all replays appeared utterly inconclusive to the naked eye.
It is impressive, the lengths the league goes to in examining potential goals.
And yet, the Blues scored an obvious against Ottawa and it doesn’t count because all the officials involved -– on the ice, in the booth, in Toronto -– refused to do their job correctly.
I understand the Senators are fighting for playoff positioning and the Blues are not, but there ought to be some semblance of fairness in the NHL.
Had the referees merely missed the goal, it would be no big deal. That happens all the time, especially with lightly regarded referees like McGeough and LaRue.
(Among the phrases uttered around the Blues dressing room Tuesday night was “clown nose.” But I’m not telling who said it, because that person would get fined.)
That is why the NHL has gone to great lengths to back up the officials. The fact this replay system was simply ignored, to Ottawa’s obvious benefit . . . well, that is shocking.
BUT IT GETS WORSE!
The officials tried to offset their mistake by calling a series of penalties on the Senators, who responded by scoring a go-ahead shorthanded goal. With a bit more than two minutes left to play, Blues power forward David Backes scored the tying goal by jamming home a loose puck in the crease.
McGeough, though, disallowed the goal even through he hadn’t stopped play. He claimed Gerber had covered the puck, which, in reality, never happened.
The referee said he was in the process of blowing his whistle when the puck went into the net. Yeah, like Gerber was “in the process” of covering the puck when Backes scored. Please.
“Why would he blow the whistle?” Murray wondered. “The puck was moving.”
Again, replays were damning. This time there was nothing the review judge or the Toronto war room could do (or not do) to fix the error. The call was McGeough’s to make -- and, in this case, to blow.
The Senators got their two points and the Blues got some bad explanations. Should the franchise demand an apology?
“What does an apology do for us right now?” Murray said.
What the Blues can request, going forward, is an honest effort from the officials in every single game. If they are going to give their best shot during these dog days of the season, it is reasonable to expect the NHL’s on-ice and off-ice officials to do the same.
You hardly ever see such an open condemnation of officiating coming from a major newspaper, but last night's game was so bad it couldn't be ignored. You simply cannot pretend it wasn't happening.
Fire Larue.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
How Do They Allow Larue To Stay In This League?
It is very obvious to anyone who watches NHL game that Dennis Larue has no business on an NHL ice surface. He is simply a disgrace. Yet there he is materially affect yet another NHL game with his gross incompetence. And I'm not claiming he is out to get the Blues (like I might with someone like Mick McGeough). Oh, I'll do that sometimes, but deep down I know I'm just a little unbalanced when it comes to the Blues. Larue is different because he ruins every game he officiates every time. He is 0 for his career.
For the love of all that is holy, get him the hell out of there, and send him back to the pee-wee league...that he will probably ruin as well.
UPDATE:
Kelly Chase is about to lose it on the radio after yet another bad call, as the Blues/Senators game is quickly disintegrating into something ugly. Some Ottawa player went after Jackman's knee and God only knows what will happen now.
Chase: "This crap has been going on for seven years while New York is supposed to be 'handling' this. There is no accountability."
UPDATE:
Now Larue won't allow the Blues to make a goaltender change although they cannot be denied the change.
Fire Larue now.
UPDATE:
The Blues have had a second goal taken away from them. This time by McGeough.
This is a joke.
UPDATE:
Someone should probably check the bank accounts or the IQ of the two officials doing the game tonight. They are either cheating for the benefit of gamblers or they are retarded.
Blues lose 4-2 with the empty netter.
UPDATE:
I'm not alone in thinking the Blues got robbed tonight. From Sportsnet in Canada:
Just another example of the Canadia....I mean the National Hockey League in action.
The NHL will obviously show they are fair and above board by fining the Blues.
For the love of all that is holy, get him the hell out of there, and send him back to the pee-wee league...that he will probably ruin as well.
UPDATE:
Kelly Chase is about to lose it on the radio after yet another bad call, as the Blues/Senators game is quickly disintegrating into something ugly. Some Ottawa player went after Jackman's knee and God only knows what will happen now.
Chase: "This crap has been going on for seven years while New York is supposed to be 'handling' this. There is no accountability."
UPDATE:
Now Larue won't allow the Blues to make a goaltender change although they cannot be denied the change.
Fire Larue now.
UPDATE:
The Blues have had a second goal taken away from them. This time by McGeough.
This is a joke.
UPDATE:
Someone should probably check the bank accounts or the IQ of the two officials doing the game tonight. They are either cheating for the benefit of gamblers or they are retarded.
Blues lose 4-2 with the empty netter.
UPDATE:
I'm not alone in thinking the Blues got robbed tonight. From Sportsnet in Canada:
The Ottawa Senators will take wins any way they can get them.
Antoine Vermette scored a short-handed goal 4:26 into the third period to lift the Senators to a 4-2 victory Tuesday night over the St. Louis Blues, who felt they were robbed of two goals. The first of the disputed calls came moments before Vermette's winner.
"I have to tell you, I don't have a lot of sympathy," Senators coach Bryan Murray said.
Brad Boyes put the puck in at 3:14 of the final period and moments before play was stopped when Senators goalie Martin Gerber took possession of the puck. Replays showed that the puck went about a foot past the goal line before Gerber pulled it back with his stick and smothered it. The goal light wasn't turned on and the officials didn't look at replays until after play resumed.
According to Rule 78.6, once a game has restarted following a stoppage of play -- in this case when Gerber held onto the puck -- a replay can't award or disallow a goal.
"This should not happen in this day and age," said Blues centre Doug Weight, who also lamented his team allowing two short-handed goals. "There's going to be sometimes you catch it, sometimes you don't."
The horn blew and play stopped 33 seconds later. The referees talked briefly with video goal judge Jerry Burt. Blues coach Andy Murray said referee Michael McGeough acknowledged during the delay that the goal should have counted but they couldn't reverse the call.
Andy Murray was annoyed that play was stopped with the Blues in possession of the puck in the Senators zone. He was more angry that Burt and NHL officials in Toronto, who monitor every game and can call for a review, didn't in a timely fashion.
"The video goal judge said he watched the replay and said he didn't think it went in," he said. "I mean, it's not even close. It's not even close."
He also took exception to Bryan Murray saying he clearly heard the whistle blow "well before" the puck went over the red line.
"His hearing isn't good if that's the case," the Blues coach said.
Just another example of the Canadia....I mean the National Hockey League in action.
The NHL will obviously show they are fair and above board by fining the Blues.
Undermining Your Good Point With A Really Dumb One
From PerthNow: West Coast name is 'dumb'
I couldn't agree more. I've always hated regional appellations. I can't stand the "Texas" Rangers, or the "Golden State" Warriors. Teams should be named after the areas they are actually representing...like the Dallas Rangers, or the Minneapolis Twins, or the stinking, rat infested swamps of Jersey Devils.
Of course, the guy makes a good point and then has to flush said point right down the old toilet:
International exposure? For Aussie rules? I hate to break it him, but the as for the extent of international exposure...if you are reading this that will pretty much be the extent of it. I don't think calling the team Perth Eagles would do all that much. It isn't as if everyone here in the states goes on and on about the Swans or something.
I know I'm just a dumb American, but I'd guess that the West Coast Eagles are located somewhere on Australia's West Coast.
But that is me...always going out on a limb.
FOOTBALL commentator Dennis Cometti says the name of the 2006 AFL football champions, the West Coast Eagles, is "American crapola".
Cometti says that West Coast Eagles is a "dumb name'' and that the side should have been called the Perth Eagles.
I couldn't agree more. I've always hated regional appellations. I can't stand the "Texas" Rangers, or the "Golden State" Warriors. Teams should be named after the areas they are actually representing...like the Dallas Rangers, or the Minneapolis Twins, or the stinking, rat infested swamps of Jersey Devils.
Of course, the guy makes a good point and then has to flush said point right down the old toilet:
He said it was a travesty that no AFL side was named Perth, robbing the state of international exposure.
He said that at a time when WA's reputation was suffering nationally and internationally because of image and corruption problems, the state could have benefited by telling the world it had the nation's best football side.
International exposure? For Aussie rules? I hate to break it him, but the as for the extent of international exposure...if you are reading this that will pretty much be the extent of it. I don't think calling the team Perth Eagles would do all that much. It isn't as if everyone here in the states goes on and on about the Swans or something.
Cometti claimed that "privately'', the West Coast Eagles had acknowledged there was a problem with the club's name and had canvassed the idea of a change - claims strenuously denied by West Coast Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett.
He said yesterday that during his 18 years at the club, the Eagles had never discussed changing the name to Perth Eagles, or anything else, and he could not see that happening in the future.
"People who set up the club gave an enormous amount of thought to the name,'' he said.
"It encapsulates the whole of the state, from Esperance through to Wyndham. The club is for all West Australians, not just people from Perth.''
Mr Nisbett disagreed with Cometti's view that Perth Eagles would help sell the city and the state.
"Most people (overseas) don't even know where Perth is, let along the West Coast, so I don't know that it particularly makes any difference,'' he said.
Cometti, widely regarded as Australia's best football commentator, said Perth needed a bit more excitement.
"Generally, if you are looking for excitement in Perth, you are barking up the wrong tree,'' he said.
I know I'm just a dumb American, but I'd guess that the West Coast Eagles are located somewhere on Australia's West Coast.
But that is me...always going out on a limb.
Men After My Own Heart
Anyone who has ever played in a game for a hopelessly outclassed team can appreciate the following story of Ireland's first foray into international baseball:
It's Temple v. Hofstra all over again. (That'll make sense to any Cosby devotees out there.)
When Kindle and his band of 30 or so baseball brothers began playing with a hardball in 1995, there were no diamonds in Dublin, no backstops, no tailored lawns and no accounting for the weather. "They play from April to September; those are the only times that are warm and dry enough to play," Fitzgerald said. "Even then, the periodic rain can make a warm sunny day a miserably cold day within minutes. The wind is terrible too. The wind just roars off the Atlantic Ocean and crosses the entire country. It's a challenge, to say the least. But they play through almost anything."
Before long, the group thought it could represent Ireland in the 1996 European Championships. And in true Jamaican bobsled style, it did just that. Ireland debuted against the Czech Republic, and after seeing the impressive Czechs in drills, the Irish coaches reached a decision.
"The (Czechs) were just bashing the ball in batting practice, and I turned to one of the coaches and said, 'Oh man, this is nasty, this is a psychological game,'" Kindle said. "I said, 'If we lose, let's not lose our pride.' And he said, 'I agree. Let's not take BP.'"
It's Temple v. Hofstra all over again. (That'll make sense to any Cosby devotees out there.)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
College Hockey
I just want to point folks to a nice story in the PD: College hockey is gaining fans, fervor
Blues rookie David Backes was a high school senior in Minneapolis when the NCAA Division I hockey championships came to the Twin Cities in 2002. All four schools brought their pep bands and legions of loyal supporters, creating a boisterous, fever-pitched environment. The play brimmed with passion and fire.
"I got to go," Backes said, "and the atmosphere in the building was unbelievable."
The semifinals and championship game — known since the mid-'90s as the Frozen Four — drew nearly 40,000 spectators to Excel Center in St. Paul. Minnesota beat Maine 4-3 in overtime for the title, and Backes was hooked.
The following August, he enrolled at Minnesota State-Mankato, choosing college over the major junior leagues in Canada that traditionally produced most of the NHL prospects.
Backes' experience is not unusual anymore; college hockey has been on a steady rise.
Some 59 schools field Division I teams (up from 40 in 1990), and nearly 25 percent of the current 900-plus NHL players came out of college hockey programs, according to figures compiled by the Elias Sports Bureau.
Former Blues star Red Berenson, Michigan's coach since 1984, said college hockey "was a grass-roots sport when I came down here; now, it's big-time. It's been dramatic."
When I lived in Washington DC there was a small Public Television station in Northern Virginia that used to show a ton of the NCAA hockey tournament as their spring pledge drive programming. It was just great to watch, and that station became the first one I ever sent money to. Since then I've been a big fan of college hockey, although I have not developed a rooting interest as such, except for pulling for schools that have Blues prospects on their current roster.
It's a good game. As Webb Wilder would say, "Pick up on it."
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Bristol Rover 2 - 0 Notts County
The late season swoon continues for the Magpies. It is a little sickening since this squad was in a positition to claim a play-off spot. Promotion always seemed unlikely, I'll admit, but it might have been valuable experience for next season.
The BBC on this game:
Notts sitting in 15th in the table.
The BBC on this game:
Two fine strikes from Stuart Nicholson lit up an otherwise scrappy mid-table affair as Rovers emerged with the win.
The on-loan striker fired Rovers ahead in the 53rd minute when he tucked away his shot following a penetrating run and cut-back by Lewis Haldane.
And Nicholson settled the outcome in superb style, accepting a 71st minute pass on the left-flank before lashing home a volley from a narrow angle.
County struggled, though Craig Hinton almost scored an own goal for them.
Notts sitting in 15th in the table.
A Terrific Game Of Hockey
The WCHA championship game tonight between the University of Minnesota and the University of North Dakota was a joy to watch. It was especially fun for a fan of the St. Louis Blues as there were three players in uniform tonight that will one day wear the Blue note. Minnesota won the game 3-2 in OT on a highlight reel goal from Blake Wheeler.
Here is my take on the Blues-to-be:
TJ Oshie: Oshie had a great game tonight. His line was by far the most dominant line on the ice for most of the game. They were usually matched up against the top Minnesota line so there was a see-saw quality to the play. At one point the Gophers would have the edge, at others the Sioux. Throughout TJ was dangerous. He had an assist on one of the goals, and could have picked up a couple more if his forwards could get the puck on net. As a player he reminds me of (brace yourself) Craig Janney...and I mean that as a huge compliment. I never bought into Keenan's running down of Janney. Yes, he was more of a complimentary player, but so what? Lots of players play better when they are surrounded by talent. That is not a bad thing. It means they play UP to the cast. Have a decent cast and they will excel. Put a high scoring winger on a line with Oshie and he will get him the puck. Oshie might be ready to challenge for a spot in St. Louis next year, although a year at Peoria might be called for.
Eric Johnson: Eric had an eventful game. He had some opportunity to display just what makes him so exciting. His puck movement has done nothing but get better as the season has progressed, and it was ok to start with. Tonight he did a nice job on the powerplay point, and he picked up a goal on an opportunistic rush, beating the goalie five hole from a bad angle. The broadcasters thought it was a weak goal but I'm not too sure. The goalie had to protect against Johnson passing into the middle, and when he slid across to deal with Johnson he left himself open. Get the puck on net and good things happen, right? On the negative side, he took a needless penalty for delay of game. He was upset that a penalty wasn't called for some infraction against him so he picked up the puck and threw it out of the zone. That's a no-no. He also almost had a complete mental breakdown in the last 5 seconds of regulation, giving up the puck deep in his own zone that lead to a glorious scoring chance for the Sioux at the buzzer. He was a bit lucky. That is the sort of mental mistake that Blues fans will have to get used to as he makes his transition tot he pro game, but there is little doubt in my mind that he will be ready to make the jump next season.
Jay Barriball: Jay had a great game. He is just a pest. He gets rewarded with the assist on the OT game winner, although there was a lot of luck involved in that. If you see the goal you will know what I mean. On the other hand, Jay did a great job standing the North Dakota player up at the blue line to create the chance in the first place, so I won't quibble too much. Barriball did some good work on the penalty kill, and worked well defensively in general. He is very responsible that way, and that will translate well to the pro game. He also has some wheels, and broke in on net a couple of times when he caught the defense flat footed. I will o out on a limb and say that I think Jay will play at the next level. He should probably stay at Minnesota for at least the next season (if not the next two), and really become a cog on the power play. He could be a Theo Fleury type of player (without the drug use or the chippiness I hope), and who wouldn't need one of those?
The NCAA's promise to be awesome this year.
Here is my take on the Blues-to-be:
TJ Oshie: Oshie had a great game tonight. His line was by far the most dominant line on the ice for most of the game. They were usually matched up against the top Minnesota line so there was a see-saw quality to the play. At one point the Gophers would have the edge, at others the Sioux. Throughout TJ was dangerous. He had an assist on one of the goals, and could have picked up a couple more if his forwards could get the puck on net. As a player he reminds me of (brace yourself) Craig Janney...and I mean that as a huge compliment. I never bought into Keenan's running down of Janney. Yes, he was more of a complimentary player, but so what? Lots of players play better when they are surrounded by talent. That is not a bad thing. It means they play UP to the cast. Have a decent cast and they will excel. Put a high scoring winger on a line with Oshie and he will get him the puck. Oshie might be ready to challenge for a spot in St. Louis next year, although a year at Peoria might be called for.
Eric Johnson: Eric had an eventful game. He had some opportunity to display just what makes him so exciting. His puck movement has done nothing but get better as the season has progressed, and it was ok to start with. Tonight he did a nice job on the powerplay point, and he picked up a goal on an opportunistic rush, beating the goalie five hole from a bad angle. The broadcasters thought it was a weak goal but I'm not too sure. The goalie had to protect against Johnson passing into the middle, and when he slid across to deal with Johnson he left himself open. Get the puck on net and good things happen, right? On the negative side, he took a needless penalty for delay of game. He was upset that a penalty wasn't called for some infraction against him so he picked up the puck and threw it out of the zone. That's a no-no. He also almost had a complete mental breakdown in the last 5 seconds of regulation, giving up the puck deep in his own zone that lead to a glorious scoring chance for the Sioux at the buzzer. He was a bit lucky. That is the sort of mental mistake that Blues fans will have to get used to as he makes his transition tot he pro game, but there is little doubt in my mind that he will be ready to make the jump next season.
Jay Barriball: Jay had a great game. He is just a pest. He gets rewarded with the assist on the OT game winner, although there was a lot of luck involved in that. If you see the goal you will know what I mean. On the other hand, Jay did a great job standing the North Dakota player up at the blue line to create the chance in the first place, so I won't quibble too much. Barriball did some good work on the penalty kill, and worked well defensively in general. He is very responsible that way, and that will translate well to the pro game. He also has some wheels, and broke in on net a couple of times when he caught the defense flat footed. I will o out on a limb and say that I think Jay will play at the next level. He should probably stay at Minnesota for at least the next season (if not the next two), and really become a cog on the power play. He could be a Theo Fleury type of player (without the drug use or the chippiness I hope), and who wouldn't need one of those?
The NCAA's promise to be awesome this year.
Second Verse Same As The First
Cardinal nation was a little apprehensive about Jason Isringhausen's first appearance since last season's hip surgery. Would he pitch the same?
Phew! Izzy's back. Pass me the Maalox.
I've actually become intrigued by the Dennis Dove story:
As I stated in the comments of a Southlandish post, the Cards have pitching depth in the organization that I've never seen before. I got sort of used to our first option in the minors being the likes of a Jason Simontacchi. No offense is meant to Simo, but he was never gonna overawe you with his talent. You could have said the thing about the entire organization over the last 20+ years.
Now it is different...thank God. A couple of ill timed, long term injuries could still do us in this season, although the culprit in that situation would be the inexperience of the possible replacements and not their lack of talent.
Remember when the success or failure of a Cards season would be predicated on whether they could get the likes of Kent Bottenfield to turn in All-Star performances? Aren't you glad to see the end of those days?
Isringhausen allowed two hits, was charged with an error, escaped a resulting bases-loaded jam without allowing a run...
Phew! Izzy's back. Pass me the Maalox.
I've actually become intrigued by the Dennis Dove story:
Reliever Dennis Dove had just thrown a fastball clocked at 97 mph, struck out two of the three batters he faced with gnarly sinkers, and got the third batter to pop up weakly to first base.
It was the kind of outing that turns a prospect into a contender pitching for a big league job, and when pitching coach Dave Duncan was asked about him, his answer was a shock:
"I would think that we're probably going to send him out tomorrow. You can't pitch like that in the big leagues."
Duncan paused.
Then revealed his sarcasm. "That's too good. We don't like those guys that throw 95, 96."
Dove has been lauded as one of the finer arms in the Cardinals' organization for several years, but a move to the bullpen has improved his command, and Dove is vying for a shot in the big league bullpen. Several days ago, Duncan said he was worth watching for "the future." After a save this week and a perfect ninth Thursday, Dove has done more than rev his fastball. He may have sped up the future.
His spring stats: 5 1/3 innings, one run, three hits, no walks and four strikeouts.
As I stated in the comments of a Southlandish post, the Cards have pitching depth in the organization that I've never seen before. I got sort of used to our first option in the minors being the likes of a Jason Simontacchi. No offense is meant to Simo, but he was never gonna overawe you with his talent. You could have said the thing about the entire organization over the last 20+ years.
Now it is different...thank God. A couple of ill timed, long term injuries could still do us in this season, although the culprit in that situation would be the inexperience of the possible replacements and not their lack of talent.
Remember when the success or failure of a Cards season would be predicated on whether they could get the likes of Kent Bottenfield to turn in All-Star performances? Aren't you glad to see the end of those days?
Tagg 2....Electric Boogaloo
The Cards were in Fort Myers this past Tuesday to play the Twins and I snagged a third row box seat behind home plate. The joy was watching Johan Santana pitch up close and personal. As a former catcher who never caught anyone who threw above the low-80s, I am in awe of guys like Santana – terrific velocity and phenomenal control down in the strike zone. It reminded me of 1991 when I got to stand ten feet behind the catcher while Jack Morris was warming up.
Santana is a minor god on the mound. When he went two strikes on Chris Duncan you knew what was coming and it was just cruel. A vicious change left Duncan looking like a Little Leaguer. He never had a chance.
Other thoughts:
Wells looked very smooth in his three innings of work. I was not expecting a pitcher who seemed so in command and comfortable.
Rincon gave up a couple of runs. The rest were surrendered by guys who aren’t projected to be on the staff. In particular, I saw that Hawkesworth was designated for assignment today. He punched his ticket to Memphis on Tuesday. He was not sharp. Everything was up in the zone and the Twins smoked several line drives off of him in his single inning of work.
Our previous subject of ridicule, Tagg Bozied, beat the piss out of the ball. He was 1-4 and the hit was among his weakest swings. He took Santana 400-plus feet down the left field line, hooking just foul. It was a mammoth shot, especially from my perspective just behind home. Still, it was his second hardest hit ball of the day. Later in the game I had switched around to a seat along the third base line and Bozied CRUSHED a liner that nearly tore the third baseman’s glove off.
Molina also put his cannon on display, gunning down a runner at second. His release and velocity from behind the plate are inversely proportional to his release and velocity on the basepaths, which he demonstrated in one of the most impressive slow motion first-to-third scampers I’ve ever seen.
Finally, Electric Boogaloo. One of the joys of Spring Training is sitting next to a fan with knowledge of baseball history. The gentleman next to me was originally from Cleveland. When the subject of the 1970s Cleveland Indians came up, on cue, we both said, “Oscar Gamble!” You can't buy moments like that.
TAGG, You’re it!
A comment from my buddy, Cin-Cin, about the Cards newest slugging prospect killed me:
“Is it just me, or does Tagg Bozied sound like either a bad men's cologne or a wild strain of VD…”
“Is it just me, or does Tagg Bozied sound like either a bad men's cologne or a wild strain of VD…”
Hello….and Goodbye
First, the goodbye. That would be to my Illini. You can’t win in the Dance if you can’t handle a full court press and make free throws.
As for the hello, I’m Southlandish, a longtime friend of The Iconic Midwesterner dating from our University of Illinois days. I’m a lifelong Cards and Illini fan who has spent the last 16 years on Florida’s west coast. I LOATHE all Florida sports teams and for years my preferred outcome for the annual Gator-Seminole game was for the team buses to spontaneously combust on the way to the stadium. With maturity, I now simply root for a rash of hamstring injuries.
As for other sport, I’ve always detested the NBA, never watched the NHL and in recent years found myself watching an ever-dwindling number of NFL games.
I spend of fair amount of time in Europe each year and reading English papers. Consequently, I have become more and more interested in European club and national soccer. The Guardian’s weekly football podcast is now a favorite.
feed://www.guardian.co.uk/podcast/0,,329566055,00.xml
Sporting highlights include meeting Jack Buck at Al Lang Field and having fourth row season tickets at Assembly Hall for the Flying Illini Final Four team. Lowlights include being at Busch Stadium when Vince Coleman was run over by the tarp and at Wrigley Field the day Daryl Kile died. It was surreal but it also made me proud to be a Midwesterner. 38,000 people who were primed for a classic nationally televised Cards/Cubs battle filed out of Wrigley quietly and respectfully that day with nary an incident.
Well, that’s about it for the seriousness. From here on out it’s snark and venom.
As for the hello, I’m Southlandish, a longtime friend of The Iconic Midwesterner dating from our University of Illinois days. I’m a lifelong Cards and Illini fan who has spent the last 16 years on Florida’s west coast. I LOATHE all Florida sports teams and for years my preferred outcome for the annual Gator-Seminole game was for the team buses to spontaneously combust on the way to the stadium. With maturity, I now simply root for a rash of hamstring injuries.
As for other sport, I’ve always detested the NBA, never watched the NHL and in recent years found myself watching an ever-dwindling number of NFL games.
I spend of fair amount of time in Europe each year and reading English papers. Consequently, I have become more and more interested in European club and national soccer. The Guardian’s weekly football podcast is now a favorite.
feed://www.guardian.co.uk/podcast/0,,329566055,00.xml
Sporting highlights include meeting Jack Buck at Al Lang Field and having fourth row season tickets at Assembly Hall for the Flying Illini Final Four team. Lowlights include being at Busch Stadium when Vince Coleman was run over by the tarp and at Wrigley Field the day Daryl Kile died. It was surreal but it also made me proud to be a Midwesterner. 38,000 people who were primed for a classic nationally televised Cards/Cubs battle filed out of Wrigley quietly and respectfully that day with nary an incident.
Well, that’s about it for the seriousness. From here on out it’s snark and venom.
Friday, March 16, 2007
March Madness
Southlandish here. Following up on The Iconic Midwesterner's lament about this year's tourney, I've been thinking about a new tournament format. I have a little time to kill before by Illini tip-off on the way to their early exit.
I wish the NCAA would just take the FA Cup (English Football) approach and say everyone is in. There are 336 Division I schools, I think. You add three more rounds to the tourney. Get rid of those silly damned conference tourneys, which pervert everything by making the winner the automatic bid and shortening the regular season conference schedules. There is no excuse for Big Ten teams not to play each conference member home and away, which leads to some of the bitching about the strength of schedule come seeding time.
You give 176 teams bids into the first full bracket round of 256 and the other 160 bottom-feeders have a one round play in game to fill in the balance of 80 spots. Then you play out eight rounds. Every year you are going to end up with some REAL Cinderella stories. Really shitty teams who win four games and make the round of 32. All the Majors have all their teams in so they should be happy and they should all easily win their first two or three games before running into the big boys.
Sure there is still going to be bitching about seeds but the bottom line is that everyone is ultimately in control of their own destiny and no legitimate top 50 team is going to play anyone but cupcakes for their first three games. If you're Illinois and you lose your second game to 10-20 LaSalle, you earned your disgrace. Stop whining.
It would be one helluva tournament and truly MARCH Madness because Selection Sunday is going to have to be bumped to the first Sunday in March and the three extra games mean that the whole month is going to be about the NCAA Tourney. A month of mania works for the World Cup. I can't believe it wouldn't be the same for the NCAA.
As for the NIT being eliminated, again referring to European football, re-package (and rename it) it as a kind of Champions League that runs through the first half of the next season. There are 32 Division I conferences. Make it a five round tourney of the previous year champs starting early in the season and wrapping up just as the conference schedules start. That would give you seven weeks or so to play it out. Only 8 teams are even going to be playing a third game so it isn't intrusive on team scheduling, especially since we already see large disparities in games played because of scheduling and early season tournaments. I think Indiana played 4 fewer games than Illinois this year. An ESPN could hype the hell out of it. Look what they already do with the Rivalry Weeks.
It's fun to fantasize about this stuff.
I wish the NCAA would just take the FA Cup (English Football) approach and say everyone is in. There are 336 Division I schools, I think. You add three more rounds to the tourney. Get rid of those silly damned conference tourneys, which pervert everything by making the winner the automatic bid and shortening the regular season conference schedules. There is no excuse for Big Ten teams not to play each conference member home and away, which leads to some of the bitching about the strength of schedule come seeding time.
You give 176 teams bids into the first full bracket round of 256 and the other 160 bottom-feeders have a one round play in game to fill in the balance of 80 spots. Then you play out eight rounds. Every year you are going to end up with some REAL Cinderella stories. Really shitty teams who win four games and make the round of 32. All the Majors have all their teams in so they should be happy and they should all easily win their first two or three games before running into the big boys.
Sure there is still going to be bitching about seeds but the bottom line is that everyone is ultimately in control of their own destiny and no legitimate top 50 team is going to play anyone but cupcakes for their first three games. If you're Illinois and you lose your second game to 10-20 LaSalle, you earned your disgrace. Stop whining.
It would be one helluva tournament and truly MARCH Madness because Selection Sunday is going to have to be bumped to the first Sunday in March and the three extra games mean that the whole month is going to be about the NCAA Tourney. A month of mania works for the World Cup. I can't believe it wouldn't be the same for the NCAA.
As for the NIT being eliminated, again referring to European football, re-package (and rename it) it as a kind of Champions League that runs through the first half of the next season. There are 32 Division I conferences. Make it a five round tourney of the previous year champs starting early in the season and wrapping up just as the conference schedules start. That would give you seven weeks or so to play it out. Only 8 teams are even going to be playing a third game so it isn't intrusive on team scheduling, especially since we already see large disparities in games played because of scheduling and early season tournaments. I think Indiana played 4 fewer games than Illinois this year. An ESPN could hype the hell out of it. Look what they already do with the Rivalry Weeks.
It's fun to fantasize about this stuff.
Tournament Blues
I used to get very up for the NCAA tournament, but t certainly hasn't been the case this year. For starters, neither of my rooting interests were very good this year. The Billikens had an improving season over their last couple, but they badly faltered and wound up being snubbed from even the NIT. Mizzou just looked like a second rater all year, so there was never a bandwagon to jump aboard. (I'm a Billikens fans first and foremost. I support the Mizzou basketball team usually only after SLU has ended its season. So I'll admit it is more casual.)
This year the only thing I've had to cheer for is negative. I was quite happy to see Duke crash out in the first round. I hate Duke with an all consuming passion that probably doesn't come close to measuring up to the bile generated by UNC faithful, but it is impressive for a Midwesterner.
Another problem this year is how boring the field is. You've got the major conferences and the minnows with their auto bids, and almost nobody else. Look at the Big 10. They are doing a good job of winning games (which is the name of the game), but Good God!, they are not entertaining. The Indianas and Michigan States of the world are dull as dishwater. Wisconsin can play a helluva good defensive game, but watching them attempt to put the ball in the basket is almost painful.
It seemed to me that the SEC had the best played ball in the country by far. I'm not saying that an SEC team will win it all (although I wouldn't be surprised), but they will be the best games to watch. Easily.
This year the only thing I've had to cheer for is negative. I was quite happy to see Duke crash out in the first round. I hate Duke with an all consuming passion that probably doesn't come close to measuring up to the bile generated by UNC faithful, but it is impressive for a Midwesterner.
Another problem this year is how boring the field is. You've got the major conferences and the minnows with their auto bids, and almost nobody else. Look at the Big 10. They are doing a good job of winning games (which is the name of the game), but Good God!, they are not entertaining. The Indianas and Michigan States of the world are dull as dishwater. Wisconsin can play a helluva good defensive game, but watching them attempt to put the ball in the basket is almost painful.
It seemed to me that the SEC had the best played ball in the country by far. I'm not saying that an SEC team will win it all (although I wouldn't be surprised), but they will be the best games to watch. Easily.
DC United 1-1 Chivas
Well, it was never going to be easy, but DC United is in a big hole in its two-game total goal series with Chivas. A 1-1 tie at RFK was not exactly what was called for, but it will have to do. On the plus side United it seems United did come out and play pretty well after the break, and maybe they can carry a little momentum into the game April 3 in Guadalajara...but it seems like am uphill battle all the way.
Emilio, quickly turning into a favorite of THIS fan, scored again in injury time to scrape the draw out for DC. Gomez supplied him with the assist off a free kick. I have to say that in the early going this season we look extremely dangerous from free kick situations. It has been awhile since that has been true. If we start scoring every so often from our corners I may just fall out of my chair.
Here is the take from over at An American's View:
And from DCenters:
Emilio, quickly turning into a favorite of THIS fan, scored again in injury time to scrape the draw out for DC. Gomez supplied him with the assist off a free kick. I have to say that in the early going this season we look extremely dangerous from free kick situations. It has been awhile since that has been true. If we start scoring every so often from our corners I may just fall out of my chair.
Here is the take from over at An American's View:
Tonight's match was what I really expected the first Olimpia match to look like. United looked like they were in pre-season form. Our offense was never really clicking and our runs were rampant and off sequence. Our defense, for the most part was very strong, yet looked erratic at times. Facundo Erpen had at times the match of his life and at other times, a very horrible match. If we get anything out of this match tonight is that for 90 minutes, we showed that we can go blow for blow with the best in CONCACAF and still remain standing.
Emilio had a less than stellar match, then again coming off of his last two, he really didn't have anywhere else to go but down. He had some really nice runs and passes, but he was never really able to get through the final step and get a really good shot on goal....until the 90th minute when he headed in United's goal. This guy is a striker of every facet of the term. He can work the match for 89 minutes, then in that last minute, he strikes. Thank god he is in United black & red.
My Man of The Match was Bobby Boswell. That boy was all over the place in the back line. Everytime Erpen was beat or made a shotty kick, Boswell was there to clean it up. Boswell shut down their central forwards and was huge for our defense. That guy is growing right before our eyes. I expect him to start getting offers from overseas as soon as the 2008 January transfer window.
And from DCenters:
On the first point, Chivas was clearly the more dangerous team, although the United defense did well to contain them for the first sixty minutes. Namoff especially made several vital interventions before his effort was spoiled when he deflected Bravo's shot past Troy Perkins. The main problem for United was that they couldn't seem to generate chances when they had possession, and never really put Chivas on their heels. A significant problem was that United was consistently beat to 50-50 balls, and were never confident when making moves on Chivas players. That could be preseason form, or it could just have been nerves. Or perhaps Chivas really is that better in the marginal situations. However, certain players did play their heart out, and in addition to Namoff I should credit Ben Olsen, Christian Gomez, and Clyde Simms.
On the second point, Chivas were a bunch of divas and thugs throughout the night, blatantly mugging the United midfield and then pouting on the slightest call. Pathetic. Special call-out to Gonzalo Pineda (#7), who was in a give-and-take with Ben Olsen all night. At the end of the match, Ben did the honorable thing and went to shake hands. Pineda took the outstretched arm, and with his left hand delivered a shove to Olsen's face. Pineda is a useless wretch of a human being. He wouldn't know class if you spotted him the C and the L.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Proof
Anybody else feel that Standford's pathetically woeful performance today pretty much proves they had no business being in the tournament? Considering how intermittently crappy Louisville can be this is nothing but an embarrassment for the selection committee. Unfortunately, they know no shame.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Last Night's Blues Loss
Things have been a little busy around here, so my blogging has been lighter than usual. I did get the chance to listen to the Blues game last night, for a change. I liked some of what I heard. We seem to have three lines that can threaten to put the puck in the net. Boyes continues to impress; Stempniak continues to grow in stature as a goal scorer; Weight is playing like someone who wants to be around next season; Backes is still making some strides forward, etc.
But this team still has problems putting people away. The Calgary radio crew mentioned that the Blues played noticeably better when they were behind, and seemed to go into a shell once they were tied or even had a lead. And it is true. After a decent first period, the Blues sat back and let the Flames come at them time and again. Granted the Blues still almost won the game, but Stempniak's bid for a hat trick game winner in OT was denied by a fantastic save, but that doesn't excuse the passivity that creeps into their game.
Don't get me wrong. The glass is definitely half full here. But I'm getting to the point where I'm expecting more from this team, which in an of itself is a good sign.
But this team still has problems putting people away. The Calgary radio crew mentioned that the Blues played noticeably better when they were behind, and seemed to go into a shell once they were tied or even had a lead. And it is true. After a decent first period, the Blues sat back and let the Flames come at them time and again. Granted the Blues still almost won the game, but Stempniak's bid for a hat trick game winner in OT was denied by a fantastic save, but that doesn't excuse the passivity that creeps into their game.
Don't get me wrong. The glass is definitely half full here. But I'm getting to the point where I'm expecting more from this team, which in an of itself is a good sign.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Simon Swings
Prelude to a laying down of the law? NHL suspends Simon for stick to face
Ironically Simon's act was worse than Bertuzzi's, although Bertuzzi caused the far greater injury. Simon should count himself damn lucky he didn't hurt Hollweg badly. Both Simon and Hollweg were saved by pure dumb luck.
The league has to make this suspension a lengthy one. 20 games at a minimum. 40 wouldn't be out of the question. And none of that making the suspension liable only during the regular season. If the Islanders make the playoffs (which seems unlikely at this moment), Simon should have to sit.
What makes this equally sad is the fact that Simon is going to be remembered as basically a goon. He scored 29 goals in the 1999-2000 season for the Washington Capitals, where he played the game with an edge. Unfortunately, he has shown an inability to control himself on the ice.
That is why he has to sit...for a long time.
New York Islanders forward Chris Simon was suspended indefinitely by the NHL on Friday for his stick-swinging hit to the face of Rangers center Ryan Hollweg.
Simon was given a match penalty for deliberate attempt to injure late in Thursday night's 2-1 loss to the Rangers. The length of the suspension won't be determined until after a disciplinary hearing. That hasn't been scheduled but is expected to take place next week, likely in Toronto.
Simon was ejected with just more than 6 minutes left, and the ensuing power play led to the decisive goal in the Rangers' victory.
Just seconds before he was hit, Hollweg drove Simon into the boards with a hard, clean check. Simon got up angrily and met Hollweg as they came together again. He then swung his stick into Hollweg's face, just above his neck.
Hollweg's chin was bloodied, but he was not seriously injured and expects to play Saturday when the Rangers visit Pittsburgh.
Simon has been suspended several times before by the league, and that could carry weight when the latest punishment is handed out.
"I've always been known as a team guy, and I feel real bad about letting the team down," said Simon, who scored the Islanders' lone goal Thursday. "I think I'll wait until I talk to the league office, and then I'll answer all questions afterward."
Simon was back at Nassau Coliseum on Friday morning for the Islanders' team picture, but he didn't participate in practice. General manager Garth Snow declined to comment until after the hearing.
The Islanders have 15 games left and a tenuous hold on an Eastern Conference playoff berth. They might have to go the rest of the way without Simon, whose 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame provides an imposing presence on the ice.
"We'll just talk to the league and see what happens," said coach Ted Nolan, who like Simon is a member of the Ojibwa North American Indian tribe. "On something like that, you're disappointed. It doesn't matter who it is."
Simon's hit, which conjured memories of the shot Marty McSorley landed to the head of Donald Brashear seven years ago, flattened Hollweg with 6:31 remaining and left him motionless for several minutes in the Rangers' zone.
While Hollweg recovered quickly, Simon likely will feel the sting of his actions for quite some time.
"It's not easy to see a teammate lose his cool, and to have it happen with 6 minutes left in the game. It's a tough one to swallow," Islanders defenseman Brendan Witt said. "We were undisciplined, and it cost us."
McSorley was suspended for the final 23 games in the 2000 season for knocking out Brashear with a swinging stick. The ban was extended until February 2001 by Bettman, and McSorley never played in the NHL again.
Todd Bertuzzi missed the final 13 regular-season games and the playoffs because of his blindside punch to the head of Colorado's Steve Moore on March 11, 2004. But the banishment was extended to 17 months and prevented him from playing anywhere during the yearlong NHL lockout.
Ironically Simon's act was worse than Bertuzzi's, although Bertuzzi caused the far greater injury. Simon should count himself damn lucky he didn't hurt Hollweg badly. Both Simon and Hollweg were saved by pure dumb luck.
The league has to make this suspension a lengthy one. 20 games at a minimum. 40 wouldn't be out of the question. And none of that making the suspension liable only during the regular season. If the Islanders make the playoffs (which seems unlikely at this moment), Simon should have to sit.
What makes this equally sad is the fact that Simon is going to be remembered as basically a goon. He scored 29 goals in the 1999-2000 season for the Washington Capitals, where he played the game with an edge. Unfortunately, he has shown an inability to control himself on the ice.
That is why he has to sit...for a long time.
The Good, The Bad, and The...Um...Good
Yesterday was a pretty good day for me sport's wise.
The Blues handled the Dallas Stars. Boyes scored again, continuing his late season hot streak. Stempniak scored again, and Weight netted two.
The Billikens showed some backbone and beat UMass in an OT thriller. (Even though they continue to miss free throws late. How many bullets can you dodge?) GW awaits today. (And, man, do I wish the A10 had more TV exposure. If this season is the best they can do TV wise what makes the A10 better than the Missouri Valley?)
The bad news is the loss of Cardinals reliever Josh Kinney for the season to arm surgery.
But, back to the good, I notice that a new name is starting to come up as a potential left-handed starter for the Cards, Randy Keisler:
The Blues handled the Dallas Stars. Boyes scored again, continuing his late season hot streak. Stempniak scored again, and Weight netted two.
The Billikens showed some backbone and beat UMass in an OT thriller. (Even though they continue to miss free throws late. How many bullets can you dodge?) GW awaits today. (And, man, do I wish the A10 had more TV exposure. If this season is the best they can do TV wise what makes the A10 better than the Missouri Valley?)
The bad news is the loss of Cardinals reliever Josh Kinney for the season to arm surgery.
But, back to the good, I notice that a new name is starting to come up as a potential left-handed starter for the Cards, Randy Keisler:
You may remember him as the hotshot New York Yankees prospect. Keisler struck out the side in his inning Thursday and kept chugging through two more innings. La Russa remarked after the game that he liked how he was going after guys, liked Keisler’s array of pitches and that he “actually pitched better than (starter Kip Wells).”
Keisler is in camp as a starter and will continue to pitch as a contender in the rotation competition, most likely with a spot awaiting him at Triple-A Memphis.
The Cardinals see him as a starter and Keisler has little interest in relieving because he sees that as competing with one of his dearest friends, Randy Flores. Where that puts Keisler in this equation is unclear, because the “priority five” rotation is cruising through its second turn and the Cardinals have had little reason so far to alter their plans.
“My goal is to go out there, open eyes and win a job,” Keisler said Thursday. “I know I have to be lights out, every time. That’s hard to do, but that’s what it takes.”
Keisler joked that he has been the new guy in the clubhouse the last four years, bouncing from big-league team to big-league team, from opportunity to opportunity that mirrors the one he has with the Cardinals. Duncan has spoken positively about Keisler’s sessions all camp. He’s got control. He’s got stuff. And Thursday he showed he has game.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Saint Louis U. 78 Duquesne 77
From the AP:
As usual with this team, they have to make it interesting, even when they are playing a team that was 10-17 and had lost seven games in a row. I'm glad they won, but I'm also glad I didn't have to watch it because I'm certain it would have driven me nuts. Seeing IV brick front ends in the last ten seconds might have been enough to finish me off.
Hopefully this win will be enough to ensure a place in the NIT. I just cannot see this team going on a tournament run of any length, in the A-10 or anywhere else, but it is good for the younger guys to get some tournament experience.
UMass is up next.
Tommie Liddell hit a go-ahead layup with 2:00 to play and St. Louis held Duquesne without a basket the rest of the way in posting a 78-77 victory in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament on Wednesday.
Duquesne, which recovered from the tragedy of having five players shot in an on-campus incident in September to make the conference tournament, had a chance to tie the game with 7.6 seconds to play, but Scott Grote missed the second of two free throws.
The Dukes got one final chance when Ian Vouyoukas missed the front end of a one-and-one opportunity with 6.2 seconds left, but Kevin Lisch stripped the ball from Aaron Jackson as he went to shoot with about two seconds to play. Jackson got an off-balance shot off after recovering the ball, but it was uncertain whether it would have counted.
As usual with this team, they have to make it interesting, even when they are playing a team that was 10-17 and had lost seven games in a row. I'm glad they won, but I'm also glad I didn't have to watch it because I'm certain it would have driven me nuts. Seeing IV brick front ends in the last ten seconds might have been enough to finish me off.
Hopefully this win will be enough to ensure a place in the NIT. I just cannot see this team going on a tournament run of any length, in the A-10 or anywhere else, but it is good for the younger guys to get some tournament experience.
UMass is up next.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Madness (And Not The Good "March" Kind)
From the PD: St. Louis Derby appears unlikely to take place this year
For those of you that might not know what it is like at one of the smaller tracks, drawing 10,000 fans to Fairmount for a non-Triple Crown race day is huge. You just do not get horses of the Lawyer Ron or Cielo Gold quality. Hell, at a place like Fairmount, $7500 claiming races for non-winners of a race this year is a damn good race. So skipping the only race that would draw real top quality talent is a real slap in the face to St. Louis area race fans.
Obviously, the folks at Fairmount would like to have their event be one of the bigger events on the racing calendar for that day, and obviously they enjoyed a brighter spotlight because the Pennsylvania Derby didn't run. But that was an artificial situation that was never going to last. Even if the Pennsylvania Derby never ran again, some other track would promote a big race to fill that date on the summer racing schedule.
They should realize that and simply pick a date and stick with it year in and year out. Horse owners pick their schedule out far in advance. Make the St. Louis Derby something they can build up horses for and they will do so. There is more than enough talent in the racing world to get a good field for a $250,000 race, even if it were running the same day as the Pennsylvania Derby.
Here you have a backer in Cooper willing to pony up for a quarter million dollar horse race at your facility, and you can't be bothered to set it up.
Madness.
The St. Louis Derby, the richest thoroughbred race in Fairmount Park's 82-year history, which drew an estimated 10,000 people last season, will not take place this year, said Jeff Cooper, who last year ponied up $200,000 of the $250,000 guaranteed purse.
The problem appears to be the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby, which will be held on Sept. 3. A lack of funding prevented that race from taking place last year, but the introduction of slot machines to Pennsylvania race tracks has revitalized the race.
Additionally, several horse racing issues within the Illinois Legislature are preventing Fairmount Park president and general manager Brian Zander from committing to a specific date.
"Brian's quote was 'He wanted to take a year off,' " said Cooper, managing partner of the SimmonsCooper law firm in East Alton. "I'm not sure how you take a year off with a yearly event. And re-visit next year as though we'd be willing to come back to Fairmount Park two years from now.
"We're more than willing. But the park has told us they're not interested in doing it, which is amazing to me, to say the least."
Zander said the track's financial condition means it cannot afford to put on such a race.
"As far as me saying taking a year off, no, I've never said that," he said. "I said we're going to have to see that it makes sense for us to do it, taking into consideration that we have to find a spot for the race and that we don't have a funding thing. I just said, basically, it's going to be a little bit difficult to try to get this done. At this point, it's to be announced."
The St. Louis Derby was supposed to be part of the track's 90-date live season, which opens today with a 1 p.m. post time for a nine-race card. The derby was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25, nine days before the Pennsylvania Derby, so the chances of drawing a competitive field for a $250,000 purse were slim.
Last year's Derby drew a 12-horse field (one was scratched before the race), including eventual winner Lawyer Ron and two horses — Cielo Gold and More Than Regal — who were second and third, respectively, in the West Virginia Derby, held three weeks before.
"It's unbelievably disappointing," said Cooper, who plans to talk with Ellis Park officials in Henderson, Ky., about holding an event there.
For those of you that might not know what it is like at one of the smaller tracks, drawing 10,000 fans to Fairmount for a non-Triple Crown race day is huge. You just do not get horses of the Lawyer Ron or Cielo Gold quality. Hell, at a place like Fairmount, $7500 claiming races for non-winners of a race this year is a damn good race. So skipping the only race that would draw real top quality talent is a real slap in the face to St. Louis area race fans.
Obviously, the folks at Fairmount would like to have their event be one of the bigger events on the racing calendar for that day, and obviously they enjoyed a brighter spotlight because the Pennsylvania Derby didn't run. But that was an artificial situation that was never going to last. Even if the Pennsylvania Derby never ran again, some other track would promote a big race to fill that date on the summer racing schedule.
They should realize that and simply pick a date and stick with it year in and year out. Horse owners pick their schedule out far in advance. Make the St. Louis Derby something they can build up horses for and they will do so. There is more than enough talent in the racing world to get a good field for a $250,000 race, even if it were running the same day as the Pennsylvania Derby.
Here you have a backer in Cooper willing to pony up for a quarter million dollar horse race at your facility, and you can't be bothered to set it up.
Madness.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Sanford Is Not A NHL Goalie
Blues lose another point because Sanford CANNOT handle shootouts.
Too bad as the Rangers are not a good team.
Too bad as the Rangers are not a good team.
Cards Game In Progress
The old XM radio is getting a workout today, as I flip between the Blues and Cards game. At least the Cardinals know the benefit of scoring early and often. It is 8-1 after 8 innings.
Marlins pitching had some trouble with their control today and the Cards capitalized. We also are running a lot, which is always good to see.
Marlins pitching had some trouble with their control today and the Cards capitalized. We also are running a lot, which is always good to see.
Blues Game In Progress
The Blues played a pretty nice road game today for awhile. Goals from Boyes and Dvorak got us out to an early lead, but we pissed it away. TOo damn tentative after that. Sanford is playing well, but there have been copious defensive breakdowns.
I hate giving up tying goals in the last 3 minutes.
I hate giving up tying goals in the last 3 minutes.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
DC United 3 2 CD Olimpia
Once again I didn't get to see any of it. Just sat here in Wisconsin watching another foot or two of snow fall.
DAMN DAMN DAMN
Anywho...here is the take of someone at RFK tonight: From An American's View
They had a crowd over 8k, which for one of these games in the rain ain't half bad. And much better than the crowds Chivas got in Mexico, although no one in this country would give DC that sort fo credit.
Nice to hear Houston pulled out a series win in the competition as well.
DAMN DAMN DAMN
Anywho...here is the take of someone at RFK tonight: From An American's View
Anyways, DC United picked up another very early season, impressive victory tonight over a CD Olimpia (I want to call them the Oompalooma's for some reason) club that is in mid season form. They won tonight 3-2, and earned a 7-3 aggregate goals victory in their Quarter Final series. Up next is CD Chivas de Guadelajara on the 15th at RFK.
First the good:
- Finishing: Once again, DC United were able to put away the ball when given the chance. Yes, one goal was a PK, but both of Emilio's goals were spectacular! Hopefully this goal scoring form carries through for the next two matches, much less the entire season.
- Defensive Composure: With the exception of the second goal, our defense looked very composed and in control. I would have to say that Boswell, Erpen, Namoff and Simms killed off about 10 minutes of the match at the end, simply with their ball control. Erpen still had a few of his "WTF!?!?!" moments, but Boswell showed exactly why he will be a regular part of the USMNT this summer with his ability to cover for his fellow defenders.
They had a crowd over 8k, which for one of these games in the rain ain't half bad. And much better than the crowds Chivas got in Mexico, although no one in this country would give DC that sort fo credit.
Nice to hear Houston pulled out a series win in the competition as well.
Islanders 2 Blues 3 (OT)
Isn't this a nice change of pace. It is usually the Blues who find themselves trying to kill off a penalty going into OT. 4 on 3's are deadly as ever, but this time it is Stempniak slaming home the winner.
Two points instead of just one. Very nice, indeed.
The looks like the Blues had some jump tonight, outshooting the Isles 39 to 27. But it took two late goals to send the thing to OT in the first place. This isn't too surprising when you consider the Blues were working three new players into the mix. No points for Boyes, Metropolit or Nieminen, although Boyes was a +1 with three shots on goal.
Good road win. We are still on a roll.
Two points instead of just one. Very nice, indeed.
The looks like the Blues had some jump tonight, outshooting the Isles 39 to 27. But it took two late goals to send the thing to OT in the first place. This isn't too surprising when you consider the Blues were working three new players into the mix. No points for Boyes, Metropolit or Nieminen, although Boyes was a +1 with three shots on goal.
Good road win. We are still on a roll.
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