Saturday, November 30, 2013
MLB.com report: Royals willing to overpay, deal Billy Butler to get Beltran
The Yankees are the still the favorite to sign Cardinals free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran, but those in the know are saying that the Kansas City Royals are a strong dark horse and are willing to overpay to get Beltran.
If they are able to land Beltran, who started his career with the Royals, they reportedly will play him quite a few games at designated hitter. To cover some of the extra costs, they are likely to deal Billy Butler.
If they are able to land Beltran, who started his career with the Royals, they reportedly will play him quite a few games at designated hitter. To cover some of the extra costs, they are likely to deal Billy Butler.
Shonte Clay's 30 leads MSSU women past Rockhurst
Thanks to a career-high 30 points from senior forward Shonte Clay, the Missouri Southern Lions women's basketball team raced past Rockhurst 82-56 this afternoon at the Mason-Halpin Field House.
Becoming the first Lion to score 30 points in a game since Jasmine Lovejoy in 2011 when she scored 33 points in the season finale against Pittsburg State, Mosley finished with 30 points on 10-13 shooting from the field, including going a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. She added a career-high 14 rebounds, including seven of the Lions (5-1) nine offensive boards on the afternoon.
Sharese Jones nearly had her second double-double of the season as she added 15 points and nine rebounds.Nicole Hartzog chipped in 15 points and Alexis Fitzpatrick added 10 along with five assists.
Rockhurst (4-3) was in scoring by Kendall Hartand Mary Dineen who each finished with nine points.
With the Hawks jumping out to an early 10-8 lead, Southern responded with a 7-0 run thanks to a three-pointer from Hartzog and a pair of layups from Shonte Clay and Alexis Fitzpatrick. After Rockhurst kept the Lions lead at five over the next four minutes, Southern used another 7-0 run to extend their lead to 30-18 getting all seven points from Jones, including hitting a pair of three-pointers.
With a Rockhurst free throw cutting the lead to nine at 34-25, Southern responded with a 8-0 run getting a pair of layups from Mosley, free throws from Jones and a layup from Fitzpatrick to take a comfortable 17-point lead as they took a 43-28 lead into the halftime break.
Looking to put the game away quickly into the second half, the Lions did just that as they started the half on a 16-5 run getting eight points from Hartzog and four from Mosley to extend their lead to 59-33. Rockhurst responded with a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 59-39, but Southern put the Hawks away using an 13-1 run, including eight points from Mosley over the ensuing 4:42 to take a commanding 72-40 lead with 7:47 to play in the game. The Lions would win by a final of 82-56.
Southern shot 50% from the field on the day going 28-56, while hitting 7-of-24 (.292) from three-point range. The Lions had their best game from the free-throw line as they shot 19-of-22 from the line.
Southern returns to action at home on Thursday as they start MIAA play hosting Nebraska-Kearney (3-3) at 5:30 p.m. at Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
MSSU men drop Ottawa 101-75
The Missouri Southern basketball team had five score in double-figures and reached triple-digits for the third-straight game as the Lions took out visiting Ottawa 101-75 today in non-conference action at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
It is the first time in the program's history the Lions (5-1) have scored at least 100 points or more in three-straight games. Southern has had back-to-back 100+ point games multiple times and had a stretch of four of six games in the 1985-86 season, but the Lions have never had three-straight games with 100+ points until today.
Lane Barlow led the Lions in scoring with 17 points as five different players reached double-figures. Cameron Cornelius had 16 points on 6-9 shooting, while Barlow was 7-8 from the field and 3-4 from long range. Marquis Addison scored 12, while Slim Magee added in 11 points and Austin Wright had 10. Jordan Talbert had eight points and five rebounds, while knocking down a career-high six blocked shots.
Ottawa (4-6) had three score in double-figures led by 19 points from Adam Hasty.
The teams traded baskets early on and a layup from Ottawa's Jason Haase tied the score at eight with 16:29 left in the first half. A quick 6-0 run from the Lions pushed the Southern lead to 14-8 and after the Braves cut the lead to three (16-13) with 14:01 left, the Lions went on 12-0 run to open up a 28-13 lead on a three from Wright with 10:45 left in the half. The lead was 18 after a layup from Barlow made the score 37-19 with 8:02 left and the Lions took a 16-point lead (53-37) into the locker room at halftime.
A layup from Cornelius with 14:56 left in the second-half gave the Lions a 22-point lead (66-46). The lead was 26 (93-67) after a layup from Randy Clark with 4:23 left and a three from Stephen Atkinson broke the century mark and gave Southern a 101-73 lead with 19 seconds left.
Southern had a 48-22 advantage in the paint and scored 30 points off of 22 Ottawa turnovers. The Lions committed just nine miscues of their own, while hauling in seven blocks and 11 steals, while assisting on 21-38 made baskets. Southern shot 54 percent from the field and 73 percent from the free-throw line.
The Lions will be back in action on Thursday evening as Southern gets into its conference slate, playing host to Nebraska-Kearney at 7:30 pm in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
Friday, November 29, 2013
MSSU men to play Ottawa Saturday
Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern men's basketball team will play host to Ottawa University on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
The Series: The Lions and Ottawa have met only once before in the history of the two schools. The two teams met on December 22, 1970 and the Lions took the game 80-65. The game was part of the Mineral Water Classic in Excelsior Springs, Mo. where the Lions' won the tournament, defeating Doane College in the opener.
MIAA Team Ranks: The Lions rank third in the MIAA in scoring margin and fourth in scoring defense and field goal defense. They lead the MIAA in steals and rank second in blocks. They lead the league in offensive rebounds, averaging 14.6 per game.
MIAA Individual Ranks: Marquis Addison ranks 8th in the MIAA in scoring and second in steals. Slim Mageeand Addison rank second and fourth in field goal percentage, respectively. Jordan Talbert is fifth in rebounding, while leading the league in offensive rebounds. Magee and Talbert rank fourth and seventh in blocks.
Passing 1,000: Marquis Addison became the newest member of the 1,000 point club at MSSU with 20 points against Central Missouri last season. He currently has 1,178 points, moving in front of Hiram Ocasio for 11th place all-time in scoring at Southern. He is the fourth Lion in the past three seasons to pass 1,000, joining Jason Adams, Skyler Bowlin and Keane Thomann.
Passing 1,000: Marquis Addison became the newest member of the 1,000 point club at MSSU with 20 points against Central Missouri last season. He currently has 1,178 points, moving in front of Hiram Ocasio for 11th place all-time in scoring at Southern. He is the fourth Lion in the past three seasons to pass 1,000, joining Jason Adams, Skyler Bowlin and Keane Thomann.
Corn moves Up Wins Ladder: Coach Robert Corn won his 380th career game against Central Bible and that moved him into fourth place on the MIAA career wins list, passing Truman's Boyd King (46-71). He now has 392 wins and is second among active coaches (Bob Chipman).
Points a Plenty: Southern scored 100 points in back-to-back games for the first time since the opening two games of the 2011-12 season in wins over Dallas Baptist and Arkansas-Monticello. The 112 points scored against Bethany were the most in a game since the Lions won 114-48 against Messenger College in 2003.
Up Next: The Lions will jump into MIAA play next week when the Lions play host to Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday (Dec. 5) at 7:30 pm and then will host Washburn at 3 pm on Saturday, December 7.
Four teams reportedly interested in former Cardinals closer Mujica
The Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels are reportedly interested in St. Louis Cardinals free agent reliever Edward Mujica.
Mujica was a key to the Cardinals reaching the postseason in 2012 when he served as the team's seventh inning reliever after being obtained midway through the season.
After Jason Motte was lost for the season and an early tryout for Mitchell Boggs was unsuccessful and led to Boggs' depature, Mujica stepped in and was unstoppable for much of the season, collecting 37 saves before falling apart during the last month of the season.
Mujica was a key to the Cardinals reaching the postseason in 2012 when he served as the team's seventh inning reliever after being obtained midway through the season.
After Jason Motte was lost for the season and an early tryout for Mitchell Boggs was unsuccessful and led to Boggs' depature, Mujica stepped in and was unstoppable for much of the season, collecting 37 saves before falling apart during the last month of the season.
MSSU women to play Rockhurst Saturday
Coming off a 30-point win on the road at Northwestern Oklahoma State Tuesday, the Missouri Southern women's basketball team wraps up their two-game non-conference road swing Saturday afternoon when they travel to Kansas City, Mo. to face the Rockhurst Hawks at 4 p.m. at Mason-Halpin Field House.
The Lions last time out (4-1): Behind another pair of stellar performances from Dominique Mosley andSharese Jones, the Missouri Southern women's basketball team cruised past Northwestern Oklahoma State 84-54 Tuesday (Nov. 26) afternoon at Percefull Fieldhouse in Alva, Oklahoma.
The Lions (4-1) were led in scoring by Mosley as she dropped 24 points on 11-of-15 shooting on the day. Jones, coming into the game averaging 16 points per game, was right on her average as she added 16 points, including connecting on 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. Nicole Hartzog chipped in 12 points, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line, as all 10 Lions who played scored at least two points. Mosley and Samantha Soyezgrabbed a team-high seven rebounds while Soyez, who leads the MIAA in assists per game, dished out seven helpers.
Nearly leading from start to finish, Northwestern got on the scoreboard first, but Southern responded right away as Hartzog hit a pair of free throws and Mosley hit a jumper to take a 4-2 lead. The Lions would not trail for the rest of the game, but the Rangers did hang around for a while in the first half getting within six (24-18) after a pair of free throws with 6:09 to play in the first half. Southern ended the half on a 11-5 run as Mosley hit a pair of jumpers, Alexis Fitzpatrick nailed a three-pointer and Jones and Shonte Clay each hit a jumper to take a 35-23 lead into halftime.
The Lions got off to a fast start in the second half scoring the first seven points out of the locker room getting four more points from Mosley and three from Jones to open up a 42-23 lead. It was off to the races from their as the Rangers were unable to get any closer than 16 the rest of the way. A jumper from freshman centerConnor Shriver, her first collegiate basket, gave Southern their largest of the game at 30 as they would win by that final 84-54.
The Hawks last time out (4-2): Four players scored in double figures to lead Rockhurst to an 85-78 victory over Baker Tuesday night (Nov. 26) at RU's Mason-Halpin Field House. The win moves the Hawks' record to 4-2. Kendall Hart led the Hawks with 21 points as she made five-of-seven three-point shots. Rockhurst shot 40 percent on three-point field goals (8 of 20).
Shavonne Brewer scored 20 points behind 10-of-13 free throw shooting, Mary Dineen made all eight of her free throws to finish with 18 points. The Hawks made 70 percent of their free throws (21 of 30). Dineen also finished with six rebounds and four assists. Lauren Meyers added 12 points and seven rebounds. Taylor Skala made five steals in her first game of the season.
The Coaches: Ronda Hubbard (4-1) is in her 13th year on the staff at Missouri Southern and was promoted to the position of Interim Head Coach on July 2, 2013 after the retirement of Maryann Mitts. During her 12 years with the Lions, she has helped the team to a 189-145 record, including winning marks and a trip to the MIAA post season tournament in all by one of those 12 seasons. In 2000-01, Hubbard helped the University of Texas-Pan American post its most wins in a season since becoming an NCAA Division I institution in 1985, and the second most victories in school history. Prior to her stint at Texas-Pan American, she served on current Lions head coach Maryann Mitts' staff as an assistant at Rockhurst University from 1996-2000. There, she helped the Lady Hawks post a 68-45 record and advance to the 1997-98 Sweet 16.
Larry Park (29-82) is in his fifth season as the head coach of the women's basketball program. Park has coached for the past 29 seasons on the collegiate level. He has been an assistant coach for the Rockhurst men's program since 1996. Park played an important role in Rockhurst's successful conversion from an NAIA Division I affiliate to an NCAA Division II member in 1998. Prior to joining the Rockhurst men's staff in 1996, Park spent five seasons as an assistant men's coach at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo. He also was an assistant men's coach at Ottawa University (1986-89) and UMKC (1982-85).
The series between the two schools: Rockhurst leads the overall series with the Lions 10-7, but Southern did win the most recent matchup in the series, nearly 10 years ago, at home on January 12, 2004 85-54. The Lions are 5-2 against the Hawks at home, but are only 2-7on the road in Kansas City, while falling in their only neutral site meeting at the Pittsburg State Thanksgiving Tournament in 1997.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Missouri Southern women cruise past Northwestern Oklahoma State
Behind another pair of stellar performances from Dominique Mosley and Sharese Jones, the Missouri Southern women's basketball team cruised past Northwestern Oklahoma State 84-54 this afternoon at Percefull Fieldhouse.
The Lions (4-1) were led in scoring by Mosley as she dropped 24 points on 11-of-15 shooting on the day. Jones, coming into the game averaging 16 points per game, was right on her average as she added 16 points, including connecting on 8-of-9 from the free-throw line.
Nicole Hartzog chipped in 12 points, going a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line, as all 10 Lions who played scored at least two points. Mosley and Samantha Soyez grabbed a team-high seven rebounds while Soyez, who leads the MIAA in assists per game, dished out seven helpers.
The Rangers (0-7) had three players with eight points as 10 different players scored at least three points on the afternoon.
Nearly leading from start to finish, Northwestern got on the scoreboard first, but Southern responded right away as Hartzog hit a pair of free throws and Mosley hit a jumper to take a 4-2 lead. The Lions would not trail for the rest of the game, but the Rangers did hang around for a while in the first half getting within six (24-18) after a pair of free throws with 6:09 to play in the first half. Southern ended the half on a 11-5 run as Mosley hit a pair of jumpers,Alexis Fitzpatrick nailed a three-pointer and Jones and Shonte Clay each hit a jumper to take a 35-23 lead into halftime.
The Lions got off to a fast start in the second half scoring the first seven points out of the locker room getting four more points from Mosley and three from Jones to open up a 42-23 lead. It was off to the races from their as the Rangers were unable to get any closer than 16 the rest of the way. A jumper from freshman center Connor Shriver, her first collegiate basket, gave Southern their largest of the game at 30 as they would win by that final 84-54.
The Lions shot 49.2% (29-59) from the field on the afternoon, but only were 1-10 (.100) from three-point range. Southern attempted a season-high 31 free throw attempts, hitting on 25 of them for a 80.6% clip. They outrebounded the Rangers 44-34 while collecting 15 assists and nabbed a season-high 14 steals.
Southern continues its non-conference road swing on Saturday when it travels to Kansas City to face Rockhurst (3-2) at 4 p.m. at Mason-Halpin Field House.
Skip Schumaker signs with Cincinnati
The signing of former Cardinal outfielder/second baseman Skip Schumaker, reported as close to happening last week, is now official:
“The first thing I wanted to do going through free agency for the first time – it happened so quick – I wanted to go with a team that had a really good chance to win,” he said. “The Reds have been that way, one of the best teams in the National League the last three or four years. I knew that division really well. Walt Jocketty drafted me in 2001 and gave me a chance to play professional baseball.
“It was just a really good fit for me and my family. We're really excited about the opportunity.”
Schumaker played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013.
Could Carlos Beltran wind up staying in NL Central?
A nightmare scenario may be developing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
The last thing the Cardinals want is for free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran to stay in the National League Central, but the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has reached out to Beltran's agent.
The last thing the Cardinals want is for free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran to stay in the National League Central, but the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has reached out to Beltran's agent.
Could the Reds be looking at Carlos Beltran? According to a report in Primera Hora, a newspaper in Puerto Rico, the Reds have reached out to Beltran’s agent, Dan Lozano. The author of the report, Noel Piñeiro told the Enquirer in an e-mail that Beltran said Lozano informed him of the Reds’ interest. Piñeiro said Beltran also told him he expects to make a decision by mid-December.
Beltran, 36, is also being courted by the Tigers, Yankees, Rangers, Orioles, Mariners, Red Sox and Royals, according to the same report.
The Reds are a long shot in the Beltran sweepstakes, according to the report.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
New York Post: Yankees are favorites to sign Carlos Beltran
The New York Post reports that the Yankees are the favorite to land free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran,who has spent the past two years with the St. Louis Cardinals:
According to a free agent outfielder who the Yankees have talked to, Beltran is going to be a Yankee.
The sticking point is the length of the deal for Beltran, who will be 37 in April and made $13 million last season when he helped the Cardinals reach the World Series.
Perhaps a two-year deal with an easy attainable option for the third year can be worked out.
Perhaps a two-year deal with an easy attainable option for the third year can be worked out.
In the first week of November, the Red Sox were the most aggressive of the three teams chasing Beltran. Now, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Yankees have pulled even with the other four teams in the hunt for Beltran. In addition to the Red Sox, the Mariners, Orioles and Royals are in on Beltran.
The same person said Beltran won’t reach a decision this week.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Cardinals sign Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta
The St. Louis Cardinals signed free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who played for Detroit in 2013:
Peralta, 31, is a career .268 hitters, with 156 home runs and 698 RBI in a career spanning the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers from 2003 to 2013.
Peralta is from the Dominican Republic and has played in the last 3 All-Star games on the American League team.
St. Louis signed Peralta to a four-year contract.
Report: Cardinals close to deal with free agent shortstop
Media sources are saying the St. Louis Cardinals are close to signing Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta, though there is some talk that Redbird officials may be looking at Peralta as much for his ability to play third base and will still be hunting a shortstop if Peralta is signed.
Peralta was suspended for 50 days during the 2013 season for violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy, but the Cardinals have had some success with signing players in that situation before.
Former Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin was suspended the year before he joined St. Louis.
Peralta was suspended for 50 days during the 2013 season for violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy, but the Cardinals have had some success with signing players in that situation before.
Former Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin was suspended the year before he joined St. Louis.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Watch Webb City's state semi-final football game today on Turner Resports
Coverage of the Class 4A state semi-final game between Cape Central and Webb City can be watched on this website tomorrow.
The game, which is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. is being played at Webb City.
The game, which is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. is being played at Webb City.
Freese: My time in St. Louis was "heaven on earth"
“My time in St. Louis has been awesome,” Freese said in a conference call from Anaheim. “To be a Padre was great and then to randomly get brought home by (John Mozeliak in his first deal) it was kind of heaven on earth. We had some great runs. We did some exceptional things and we won a World Series. You can call this a fresh start. You just close this chapter and move on.”
Cardinals trade David Freese to Angels
With Bourjos, the Cardinals are getting a superior center fielder who is an upgrade over John Jay, but who has been somewhat injury prone.
St. Louis is expected to move Matt Carpenter to third base and give rookie Kolten Wong a shot at winning the second base job.
With Bourjos on board and highly touted rookie Oscar Taveras just added to the roster, plus the Cardinals wanting to give Matt Adams more at-bats in 2014, it is unlikely the club will make a serious effort at resigning free agent Carlos Beltran.
It could also mean the end of John Jay as a Cardinal since Jay's defense slipped considerably during the 2013 season and Shane Robinson is considered more likely to be productive, both as a pinch hitter and as a defensive replacement at all three outfield positions.
LA Times columnist: Freese not the only Cardinal on Angels' radar
Los Angeles Times columnist Mike DiGiovanna wirtes that the Los Angeles Angels are not only interested in St. Louis third baseman David Freese, but also would like to pry loose some of the Cardinals' young pitching (who wouldn't):
Wacha, Rosenthal and Martinez are surely off limits, but St. Louis might be willing to part with Miller, Lynn, Kelly, Maness or Siegrist if the Angels would include shortstop Erick Aybar or center fielder Peter Bourjos, who have been linked with the Cardinals this winter. Angels slugger Mark Trumbo would probably yield an even better return.
Wacha, Rosenthal and Martinez are surely off limits, but St. Louis might be willing to part with Miller, Lynn, Kelly, Maness or Siegrist if the Angels would include shortstop Erick Aybar or center fielder Peter Bourjos, who have been linked with the Cardinals this winter. Angels slugger Mark Trumbo would probably yield an even better return.
Yankees, Angels interested in David Freese
With Kolten Wong ready to take over second base and third base being Matt Carpenter's natural position, the Cardinals are listening to offers for their third baseman.
The Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees have indicated interest in Freese. Though Freese had an off season in 2012, the Cardinals are reportedly reluctant to trade him.
Outfielder Peter Bourjos and shortstop Erick Aybar have been mentioned as possibilities if the Cards trade with the Angels.
Former MSSU baseball coach Warren Turner to be inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
A report from KODE's Andy Searcy
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Chris Carpenter announces retirement
No more rumors of Chris Carpenter comebacks.
The St. Louis Cardinals announced Carpenter's resignation today:
The St. Louis Cardinals announced Carpenter's resignation today:
The 38-year-old right-hander, who won the 2005 National League Cy Young Award and finished third in the voting the following year, made just three appearances in the past two years because of multiple injuries.
"He will always be remembered as one of the great players in Cardinal history, having been a part of and a core piece of and without whom we wouldn't have been to a lot of these positions of four pennants and two world championships during his tenure here as the leader of the pitching staff," team chairman Bill DeWitt said.
Cardinals extend Matheny's contract through 2017
The St.Louis Cardinals announced today that they have extended manager Mike Matheny's contract through 2017. Matheny's current contract would have expired following the 2014 season:
"You come in and try to do your job and want to try to represent the organization as a whole the best you can," Matheny said. "Fortunately, we've had a group of guys who've played extremely well in the two years I've been here. … I just can't imagine doing anything that I enjoy more than what I'm doing right now."
"You come in and try to do your job and want to try to represent the organization as a whole the best you can," Matheny said. "Fortunately, we've had a group of guys who've played extremely well in the two years I've been here. … I just can't imagine doing anything that I enjoy more than what I'm doing right now."
In his second season, Matheny helped lead the Cardinals to the 2013 World Series, where they fell to the Red Sox in six games. Considering the success in such a short period of time and the smooth transition, Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak said he was eager to take care of the extension sooner rather than later.
Reds to sign Skip Schumaker
The Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that former Cardinals second baseman/outfielder Skip Schumaker is signing with the Reds
The deal is reportedly for two years.
Schumaker played for the Dodgers in 2013:
The deal is reportedly for two years.
Schumaker played for the Dodgers in 2013:
Schumaker, who will be 34 next season, adds much-needed depth to the Reds’ roster. Last season he played second base and all three outfield spots for the Dodgers, in addition to two pitching appearances. Last year was his first year outside St. Louis and he played in 125 games for the Dodgers, hitting .263/.332/.332. He started 74 games for the Dodgers — 34 at second base, 17 in center field, 14 in left field, eight in right and one as the team’s designated hitter.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Denver columnist to Chiefs: Leave the real AFC fight to the big dogs
Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla, who wrote last week that the Chiefs were frauds says the Sunday night Broncos win over Kansas City proves him correct. He ended this morning's column with these words:
Kansas City was never the main threat to the Broncos for AFC supremacy. That is the job more suited to New England.
Hey, Frauds.
You served a noble purpose, forcing the Broncos to earn a victory that was more grit than glamour.
Now, go sit on the porch, young pups, and leave the real AFC fight to the big dogs.
It will be interesting to see if Kislza says the same thing two weeks from now.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Denver columnist: Kansas City Chiefs are a fraud
Sports columnists are known for their strong opinions and Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post is no exception.
In today's column, Kiszla offered the following assessment of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will play at Denver Sunday night:
In today's column, Kiszla offered the following assessment of the Kansas City Chiefs, who will play at Denver Sunday night:
The Broncos can do the rest of the NFL a favor and expose Kansas City as a fraud hiding behind its 9-0 record.
The Chiefs do not have what it takes to win the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs are a cute story, but nothing more than an inconvenience to serious championship contenders. They're ankle biters. So long as they don't bite the aching ankle of Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, Denver has nothing to worry about in the AFC showdown Sunday night.
Rumor has it the Chiefs are the next great NFL defense.
Truth is: The last time the Chiefs were spotted in Denver, all those legend-in-the-making defenders — including Eric Berry, Justin Houston, Dontari Poe and Tamba Hali — walked off the field in defeat after being torched for 38 points during one of those wintry, 35-degree days that supposedly reduces Manning to a quivering, shivering shell of a quarterback.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Watch Webb City's semi-final football game right here
Barring any unforeseen technical problems, you can watch the state semi-final football game between Webb City High School and Westminster right here on the Turner Resports.
Thanks to all of you who watched the Webb City-Carl Junction game here Monday night.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers the following preview of Saturday's matchup:
Webb City, the top-ranked team in Class 4, rolled past Carl Junction 48-20 at home in its sectional behind a variety of big plays. ... Westminster defeated Ladue 28-20 behind 175 yards rushing, three scoring passes and one rushing TD from Brett Bond. ... Trey Parra leads the Cardinals’ offensive attack with 1,233 yards rushing and 22 TDs. Webb City has scored 48 points or more eight times this season. ... Trey Merritt (1,433 yards rushing, 15 TDs) leads the Wildcats’ offensive attack. Bond has thrown for 811 yards and 10 TDs. Kyle Kinner (370 receiving yards 3 TDs) is the Wildcats’ top receiving option. ... Devin Pickett leads Webb City with 639 yards passing and 12 TDs.
Thanks to all of you who watched the Webb City-Carl Junction game here Monday night.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers the following preview of Saturday's matchup:
Webb City, the top-ranked team in Class 4, rolled past Carl Junction 48-20 at home in its sectional behind a variety of big plays. ... Westminster defeated Ladue 28-20 behind 175 yards rushing, three scoring passes and one rushing TD from Brett Bond. ... Trey Parra leads the Cardinals’ offensive attack with 1,233 yards rushing and 22 TDs. Webb City has scored 48 points or more eight times this season. ... Trey Merritt (1,433 yards rushing, 15 TDs) leads the Wildcats’ offensive attack. Bond has thrown for 811 yards and 10 TDs. Kyle Kinner (370 receiving yards 3 TDs) is the Wildcats’ top receiving option. ... Devin Pickett leads Webb City with 639 yards passing and 12 TDs.
Order your 2014 St. Louis Cardinals box, wall calendars here
St. Louis Cardinals wall and box calendars can be ordered through these links, with part of the money going to support the Turner Report/Inside Joplin blogs.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Minor league team's general manager: Joplin community presence overwhelming
El Paso Diablos General Manager Matt LaBranche was enthusiastic about the prospect of moving his independent baseball team to Joplin following the presentation at Monday night's City Council meeting.
"The City of Joplin expressed interest a while back, and they jumped ahead of other prospective cities," LaBranche told ABC-7 Monday night.
According to LaBranche, he estimated that the cost to the city for the renovations to the city's stadium would be about $6 million. The Diablos ownership group has talked with an architect on the potential renovations for Joe Becker Stadium, and the stadium is in need of concession space, seats, and an update.
"When we were in El Paso we were kind of on an island as far as teams go in the American Association of Independent Baseball, " LaBranche explained. "Joplin is centrally located for this league which would mean less travel expenses and is a city that really wants pro baseball."
The city of Joplin may build a plaza to help accommodate the growth and modernization of the city around the ballpark.
According to LaBranche the entire city showed their enthusiasm about the potential move by being present at the City Council meeting Monday.
"It was overwhelming the community presence we got at that meeting," LaBranche said.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Allen Barbre: It's cool to win at Green Bay
Even better, it came in the facility that he once called home- Lambeau Field.
Barbre's contributions to the win were highlighted in this Philadelphia Daily News article:
Barbre played three seasons for the Pack, after they drafted him out of Missouri Southern State in 2007. His seven career starts all came for Green Bay in 2009. Barbre, 29, the Eagles' top offensive-line reserve, ended up playing most of yesterday's 27-13 Eagles victory over the Packers after left tackle Jason Peters, the fulcrum of the o-line, left with a quadriceps injury. Peters was injured on the first play after he returned from what the Eagles called a "head injury." Peters came into the game fighting finger, shoulder and pectoral muscle injuries.
"It's definitely cool to come back here and get a win, after being released here, and getting to play, that's awesome," Barbre said. He said he didn't get tired, and felt very good after he adjusted to being in there.
Left guard Evan Mathis, asked how big a deal it was to have to play much of the game without Peters, said: "It's not a big deal when Allen Barbre is your sixth man. Allen is incredibly talented. He can play guard and tackle, on both sides. You don't even think about it, when he comes in to replace any of us. He can fill in. He prepares like he's going to play. He has a head for the game. He's very athletic and very strong . . . He's a starting-caliber player."
Monday, November 11, 2013
If Joplin gets a minor league baseball team, what should it be called?
Just because Joplin city officials are talking with the owners of the minor league El Paso Diablos of the American Association about bringing that team here does not mean it will happen.
Nor is there any guarantee that Joplin baseball fans will have any say in the naming of the team if it does come here.
With those caveats out of the way, let's pick a name for the next team to call Joe Becker Stadium home.
Some might suggest the Joplin Miners looking back into the colorful history both of minor league baseball here and the city itself; those without a clue might want to call it Soaring Heights.
What is your choice? Leave your comment below.
Nor is there any guarantee that Joplin baseball fans will have any say in the naming of the team if it does come here.
With those caveats out of the way, let's pick a name for the next team to call Joe Becker Stadium home.
Some might suggest the Joplin Miners looking back into the colorful history both of minor league baseball here and the city itself; those without a clue might want to call it Soaring Heights.
What is your choice? Leave your comment below.
El Paso Diablos talking move to Joplin
KZRG is reporting that the El Paso Diablos of the American Association are talking with Joplin city officials:
Under the plan, Joe Becker would be redeveloped to seat 4200 people and include a plaza that would host offices and restaurants.
Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr tells News Talk KZRG what it would cost to bring the baseball team here. "What they've asked is a $6 million investment on the part of the city. Some of it is nearby parking improvements and some other ancillary uses around the stadium. But it's a $6 million investment and I think we can do that. That's one of the things we'll be looking into without creating any hardship or taking away from any services."
If a deal can be worked out, the team, whatever its name would be at that point, would begin play during the 2015 season.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Veterans Committee to consider LaRussa, Torre, Simmons, Quisenberry for Hall of Fame
Tony LaRussa, who guided the Cardinals and the Oakland A's to six World Series appearances and three world championships and is the third-winningest manager of all time, is joined by three other powerhouse managers- Torre, who led the Cardinals in the pre-LaRussa era, and had stints with the Mets and Dodgers, but is best known for piling up the world championships with the Yankees at the beginning of the Derek Jeter/Mariano Rivera era, Bobby Cox, who led the Braves to 15 consecutive division championshiops and one world championship, and the late Billy Martin, who managed the Yankees five times.
Torre, of course, also played for the Cardinals, coming over in the 1969 trade that sent former MVP and Cardinal fan favorite Orlando Cepeda to the Braves.
In 1971, the slow-footed Torre, had an MVP season, leading the NL with a .363 average.
Ted Simmons, one of the best hitting catchers of all time, had the misfortune of playing with the Cardinals during their slack times in the 1970. He did not reach the World Series until late in his career, when he led the Milwaukee Brewers to the Series and a seven-game loss to his former team, the Cardinals.
The other former Cardinal to be considered, the late Dan Quisenberry, had one solid season as a setup reliever in St. Louis, but spent most of his career as the submarining closer for the Kansas City Royals.
Cardinals remove Adron Chambers, restore Jason Motte to 40-man roster
It seems like forever since the last time we saw Jason Motte close a game for the Cardinals. Hopefully, that will change in 2014. The two men handled the closer duties in 2013, Edward Mujica and Trevor Rosenthal, will not likely be handling the duties next year.
Rosenthal has made no secret of his desire to be a starter and Mujica has declared for free agency and is not likely to be returning, considering the way his season ended and the Cardinals' wealth of young pitchers. It is likely, however, that Rosenthal will start the season working the ninth inning.
Motte was restored from the 60-day disabled list today.
The Cardinals removed three players who saw major league duty this season from the 40-man roster. The biggest name was Adron Chambers, who has spent as much time playing in post-season games the past three years as he has in the regular season.
Also removed were first baseman/outfielder Brock Peterson and backup catcher Rob Johnson. Johnson was given a lot of credit for the work he did with the Cardinals' younger pitchers, and was especially valuable during the brief time this season that Yadier Molina and Tony Cruz were both injured, but with the possibility of adding a free agent and Johnson's advancing age, the roster space was needed more than a third string catcher.
Rosenthal has made no secret of his desire to be a starter and Mujica has declared for free agency and is not likely to be returning, considering the way his season ended and the Cardinals' wealth of young pitchers. It is likely, however, that Rosenthal will start the season working the ninth inning.
Motte was restored from the 60-day disabled list today.
The Cardinals removed three players who saw major league duty this season from the 40-man roster. The biggest name was Adron Chambers, who has spent as much time playing in post-season games the past three years as he has in the regular season.
Also removed were first baseman/outfielder Brock Peterson and backup catcher Rob Johnson. Johnson was given a lot of credit for the work he did with the Cardinals' younger pitchers, and was especially valuable during the brief time this season that Yadier Molina and Tony Cruz were both injured, but with the possibility of adding a free agent and Johnson's advancing age, the roster space was needed more than a third string catcher.
Video- Kansas City Chiefs defend their 9-0 record
The critics have pointed out the losing records of the Kansas City Chiefs' opponents as the Chiefs have rolled to a 9-0 record. In this Kansas City Star video, the players defend their record.
MLB.com report: Cardinals have flexibility to pursue Tulowitzki
A full season exposed Pete Kozma's weaknesses and Daniel Descalso is more suited to be a valuable reserve who can play at any spot in the infield rather than a starter at short.
Options include free agents Steven Drew of the Red Sox and Jhonny Peralta of the Tigers, hoping that Kozma gets better, or going on the cheap and gambling that Rafael Furcal will be healthy, something that has not been the case for years.
MLB.com presents another possibility- With the contracts of Chris Carpenter, Jake Westbrook, Edward Mujuica, and John Axford off the books, the Cardinals might think about putting the money into a proven commodity like the Colorado Rockies' free agent shortshop Troy Tulowitzki:
Payroll flexibility to add a big-ticket veteran. If you're thinking Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki would look good in a Cardinals uniform, you're not alone. With only around $70 million on the books for 2014 before arbitration cases, the Cardinals could do something dramatic.
The article also notes that the Cardinals, more than any other team in baseball, including the world champion Red Sox, are poised to be a contender for years to come.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Cardinals make qualifying offer to Carlos Beltran
General manager John Mozeliak and manager Mike Matheny met with reporters Monday for the first time since losing a six-game World Series to the Red Sox last week. Mozeliak says he expects the 36-year-old Beltran to seek a multiyear contract elsewhere. "We never want to close doors," Mozeliak said. "Reality is when you look at the depth, trying to find ample playing time, I'm not sure how happy he will be." Beltran topped 600 plate appearances both seasons with the Cardinals, needing just occasional rest for his surgically repaired knees. He batted .296 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs this year, and had several big hits in the postseason, too. "I reminded him what an incredible season he had for us," Matheny said. "We don't know how this whole thing is going to play out." But the outfield will be crowded with Matt Adams expected to be the everyday first baseman and cleanup man Allen Craig moving to right field. Top prospect Oscar Taveras also figures to be in the mix.
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