THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Kurt Warner has not played for the St. Louis Rams since 2003. In fact, after one year with the Giants, he has spent the last five seasons with NFC West rival Arizona. Yet his name still evokes great passion among most Rams’ fans. What do you think it is about Warner that holds such a special place among the fan base here?

JIM THOMAS
Warner’s rise from obscurity to Super Bowl MVP was THE sports story in 1999. The Greatest Show on Turf teams will go down in history as one of the greatest offenses ever. Teams like the Patriots and Colts may have had longer staying power. Great offenses like the Saints come and go. But no team will probably ever duplicate what the Rams did in scoring 500-plus points three years in a row — at least not in a 16-game schedule. But it’s not just what Warner did on the field as triggerman of those offenses, it’s the way he did it — with class, character, and charisma — that makes him a St. Louis sports icon.

BILL COATS
Two Super Bowls . . . one Super Bowl victory . . . two league MVP awards . . . the best pro football St. Louis has ever seen, 1999-2001. Beyond all that, St. Louisans love to embrace athletes who shine off the field, too. Warner certainly fits that bill, with his charity work, his faith, etc. Plus, his continued loyalty to St. Louis resonates here.

JEFF GORDON
One, he is an amazing story. Two, he actually led this star-crossed franchise to two Super Bowls. Warner was the ultimate underdog-made-good story and he never let his storybook success go to his head. He remained committed to helping people and sharing his faith. So not only did he succeed at a very high level, he remained a genuine hero to his fans. Such stories seem rare in our sports world.

KATHLEEN NELSON
First, he was the Super Bowl MVP. He led Rams fans to the promised land.

Second is his underdog backstory. It fits with the perception of St. Louis — from within as well as without — as a scrappy underdog. He had the common touch, which even nonsports fans can relate to, and he didn’t lose it. He led the underdogs and the undervalued to the promised land

Third, his religious and family values resonate with a large portion of the population. He showed that nice guys could finish first. After success in the Super Bowl, he became more committed to his foundation and its work, spending more time, not less, with his coat drive and families with special needs kids. He was an example of giving back, remembering where you came from, and always staying grounded.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: How would you assess the play of Rams quarterback Marc Bulger so far this season?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
With Bulger, I’ve learned that people see what they want to see in him so it’s virtually impossible to have a reasonable discussion about him. The Bulger apologists will blame any of his shortcomings on the coaches, receivers, offensive line, visitors from Mars, global warming, media, etc. Anything except actually hold Bulger accountable. And the haters won’t cut him any slack whatsoever; they want us to believe that Bulger should be playing like Kurt Warner no matter what he’s surrounded with.

Here are the stats: after two games, Bulger ranks 32nd among NFL quarterbacks in yards per passing attempt, 31st in completion percentage, and 27th in passer rating. Are all of those numbers on him? No, only a wingnut would conclude that. So far offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur hasn’t displayed much flair in his passing game, the offensive line is shaky in pass protection, and the Rams arguably have the worst set of receivers in the NFL. But Bulger shares a big piece of the responsibility. According to film review done by STATS LLC, eight of his incompletions in the Washington loss were the result of poor, inaccurate throws. He has to make more plays when the opportunities are available to be made. And he hasn’t done that. For example: only 4 of 9 completions in the red zone. On the plus side, Bulger has done pretty well on third down, completing 12 of 19. And I have no problem with how he is competing.

Again, I know that answer isn’t what the extremists on opposite sides want to hear. The Bulger lovers want him babied by the media, and the Bulger haters want him savaged at every turn.

JIM THOMAS
I’d give him about a C or a C-minus. Receivers have left a lot of yards on the field, either through outright drops or balls that they at least got their hands on. He has not thrown any interceptions, and it seems pretty clear that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is stressing minimal mistakes and throwing the ball away when nothing’s there. But Bulger has missed on some throws, and a 50 percent completion rate isn’t going to take you very far in 2009.

BRYAN BURWELL
Bulger has once again proven how tough a competitor he is, even if his stats don’t reflect it. Both Sonny Jurgensen, a Hall of Fame QB, and Joe Theismann, a QB who won a Super Bowl, told me that Bulger’s performance through two weeks has been admirable. “I don’t know how Bulger will last through Week 8 with the sort of protection he’s gotten,” Theismann said.

But football is a bottom-line business , and 0-2 is 0-2 and Bulger will have to make some plays to win the game.

BILL COATS
Mediocre, at best. When an offense produces just seven points in two games, the quarterback takes the lion’s share of the heat, and deservedly so. Still, other factors have entered in, such as dropped passes, dubious play-calling, and sporadic breakdowns in blocking. Bulger hasn’t thrown with his usual accuracy, but he improved significantly overall from Week 1 to Week 2.

JEFF GORDON
Marc has been OK. He hasn’t been great, obviously, but he showed signs of improving over last year’s fiasco. He stood in, took big hits and delivered some nice throws in Washington. This offense is limited schematically and the WR corps is not great. But he will need to find ways to lead the Rams to victories or he, too, will move on. His contract gave him one more shot here. He has to do more with it. Just OK, at the dollars he is earning, is not good enough.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Bulger’s performance at the same level for 16 games won’t lead the Rams to postseason glory, but I can’t separate it from the play of the offensive line and the receivers. The line hasn’t given him as much protection as he needs, and the young receivers have made few (if any) game-changing plays in the Rams’ favor.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
In a word, meh. Let’s just call it the “south side of average” and say he hasn’t exactly been the kind of player that lifts people up around him. It’s not Bulger’s fault the high-priced offensive line doesn’t keep the heat off of him with any consistency. He had no say in putting together this no-name receiving corps either. At the same time, Bulger is missing throws he should be completing and, at least from where I’m sitting on Sundays (my couch), he doesn’t appear to be playing with any confidence. I’m not saying it’s easy to be a cocky gunslinger out there when you’re not getting much help, I’m just saying Bulger’s performance brings out the “meh” in me.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Today’s question deals with a bit of nostalgia as the Rams get set to begin a season marking the 10-year anniversary of the team’s last Super Bowl win. What is your most vivid memory of that season? One player, one interview, one play, one moment, one decision … what stands out to you the most, personally, from that 1999 team?

JIM THOMAS
Of course, there’s the tackle by linebacker Mike Jones to save the Super Bowl. And Isaac Bruce’s memorable game-winning TD catch to win the game. But four memories stand out vividly:

• After Trent Green went down with his season-ending knee injury in the third preseason game, I turned to one of my colleagues in the press box and said, “They’ll be lucky to win four games.”

• The late Bill Walsh, then a 49ers executive, making a cameo at Dick Vermeil’s postgame press conference, telling Vermeil in a stage whisper: “You’re going all the way.” Vermeil’s Rams had just ended a 17-game losing streak against San Francisco to start the season 4-0.

• Perhaps the most underrated catch in NFL playoff history: Ricky Proehl with defender Brian Kelly all over him, for the game winner late in the NFC title game slugfest against Tampa Bay.

• The late Georgia Frontiere, clutching the Lombardi Trophy after the Super Bowl victory over Tennessee, telling Paul Tagliabue and the football world: “This proves we did the right thing moving to St. Louis.”

BILL COATS
One play: Ricky Proehl’s acrobatic, juggling catch in the end zone that beat Tampa Bay 11-6 in the waning moments of the NFC championship game. It seemed surreal, as if the impossible had just happened: the Rams — the ST. LOUIS Rams — were actually going to the Super Bowl.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Fondest memory: Kurt Warner, sitting on this absurdly little stool in the middle of the locker room, moments after the Rams’ victory over the Chargers on August 28. Rodney Harrison had crashed into Trent Green’s knee, ending Green’s season and handing the reins of the offense to this nobody.

This was my first visit to an NFL locker room, and it had been completely unplanned. I attended the game as a dry run in my then-role as pro sports player/coach (best title of my career!), coordinating coverage and communicating with the guys back in the office. Jim Thomas put me to work (as opposed to the other way around), sending me to the locker room to get the first comments from Warner.

If Warner hadn’t kept his No. 13 jersey on and I hadn’t checked the roster, I wouldn’t have known who he was. But in his first answer to the question, “Are you ready?” he looked up at the two or three us who had gathered, exuding calm and confidence. You could tell he knew he was ready. The rest of us weren’t so sure, but he proved us all wrong in a hurry.

JEFF GORDON
I’ll give you an odd one: Covering the Rams’ early preseason scrimmage (against the Colts, I believe) in Champaign, Ill. We watched clunky Kurt Warner struggle to master the Mike Martz offense. He threw a wobbly TD pass that reached his target because rival defenders collided going for the pick. I remember chatting with Warner after the scrimmage, wondering why he was on the team. When Trent Green went down, the whole organization groaned because Warner had been so utterly unimpressive in camp. But I guess it turned out OK in the end.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: A new era is beginning for Rams football with new faces in many places around Rams Park — from the front office to the field. What better time to look back at the Rams time here in St. Louis. With that in mind, who has been your favorite player to watch in a Rams uniform since the team arrived here?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Favorite Ram? That’s easy: Lawrence Phillips. Just kidding.

This is a tough one to answer. The best Rams player I’ve covered is Marshall Faulk. The best personal story I’ve covered is Kurt Warner. My favorite guy to deal with was probably D’Marco Farr, who had the tremendous underdog spirit that defined the 1999 Rams. But my favorite player was Isaac Bruce. He was great when the team was bad. He was great when the team was great. In the 1999 season, he made the big plays to beat San Francisco in that huge regular-season game at The Ed. He scored the first TD to help beat Minnesota in the first NFL playoff game in St. Louis. He caught the winning 73-yard TD pass for the go-ahead TD in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory. He had immense pride and set high standards and remained consistent in performance and personality whether the team was up or down. Just a great professional, who never wavered as a competitor, or in his personal beliefs.

BRYAN BURWELL
Marshall faulk in a runaway . . . the most breathlessly gifted athlete to wear a st. Louis rams jersey, he was also the smartest. At his best, faulk was one of those rare stars who would make a move or two every game that you know no normal man could do.

JEFF GORDON
The best player has been Marshall Faulk, hands down. He was the total package — clutch performer, smart player and an on-field leader. But Kurt Warner is my favorite. Watching him in training camp before his ascension, I believed he was a stiff. I’ll never forget those ducks he lobbed during a scrimmage in Champaign, Ill. And then, magically, he led the “Greatest Show on Turf” on an amazing Super Bowl run. He is the best story I’ve ever covered and arguably the nicest athlete as well.

DAN O’NEILL
Without question, Kurt Warner has been my favorite Rams player and, more than that, my favorite player of any team or any sport.

How do you top someone who is a record-setting quarterback, leads a dismal franchise to a championship and on top of that, is a wonderful human being? Warner doesn’t just honor God and his faith by pointing to the sky after he does something on the field, he honors them by treating other people with kindness, respect and generosity.

JEREMY RUTHERFORD
My favorite was London Fletcher. The undrafted linebacker was 5-foot-10 and 245 pounds, and if there was a tackle to be made, he made it. He was the Rams’ rookie of the year in 1998 and he was a big reason they won the Super Bowl in 2000. I had a chance to cover those Rams’ teams and Fletcher was one of the more affable, entertaining guys in the locker room, and he always wore a big smile. The defense hasn’t had a good middle linebacker since Fletcher signed with Buffalo as a free agent in 2002. The Rams didn’t think he was worth the big bucks, but somehow Fletcher is still making tackles in Washington.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: There recently has been a lot of speculation about whether or not Missouri basketball coach Mike Anderson would leave Mizzou next year to become head coach at Alabama or Georgia. Do you believe either of those spots to be a better job than what Anderson has now at Missouri?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Missouri is clearly the best job of the three. I don’t know Anderson well on a personal level and can’t know what’s in his mind or heart. But if he is inclined to move on I would have to think that the idea of going home to Alabama is appealing to Coach and his wife. If Alabama throws a bunch of money at him the idea of a homecoming would be even sweeter. But again I can’t pretend I know what the man is thinking or whether the lure of going home to Alabama is a powerful and personal factor.

VAHE GREGORIAN
Obviously, the chance to coach in the SEC isn’t to be shrugged off, especially since Coach Anderson is from Birmingham. And maybe those programs have deeper pockets than Mizzou in terms of what they might be able to offer financially. But MU has been to more NCAA Tournaments (21, on the verge of 22) than those two programs combined (20) and reached more regional finals (four) than those two combined (one). Now that the program is back on its feet, it is regularly selling out Mizzou Arena. In short, the Tigers have better tradition and are in a far better place now — contending for Big 12 title — than the two SEC also-rans. Perhaps the temptation to go home or near home will be too much for Anderson to resist, or maybe one of the schools will make an offer he can’t turn down. But he’s already got the best of the three jobs right now.

STU DURANDO
In terms of success, Alabama has enjoyed the most this decade of the three programs, having gone to the NCAA Tournament seven times under Mark Gottfried, who resigned in the middle of this season. The Crimson Tide have dipped some in recent years but went to the tournament from 2002-06, earned a No. 1 ranking in ’03 and reached the Elite Eight in ’04. Georgia and Missouri have both been to the tournament four times since 2000 but those appearances were awhile ago. Of course, Alabama might be attractive because Anderson is from Birmingham and had success at UAB while recruiting successfully in that region of the country. That certainly would make Alabama interested in him.

But at Georgia and Alabama, the basketball programs take a backseat to the football programs, at least moreso than at Missouri. A little research showed that Missouri, Georgia and Alabama spent comparable amounts on men’s basketball during the 2007-08 season, according to data provided by each school for their equity in athletics reports. Missouri actually spent the most despite having a smaller overall athletic budget and generated the most revenue of the three. Expenditures for football at Alabama and Georgia far exceeded those at Missouri.

JEFF GORDON
Missouri is a better job, based on the long-range potential of the program. Wonderful arena, strong basketball conference, history of strong support, solid national profile, two metro areas within two hours . . . the pieces are all there. Anderson has natural ties to the SEC recruiting area, but he is proving capable of luring strong recruits to Mizzou. The one plus offered by Alabama and Georgia: Working in the shadow of SEC football affords a coach plenty of room to work.

TOM TIMMERMANN
Given the choice between living in Columbia, Mo., Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Athens, Ga., I’d choose Athens hands down. It’s a great city. However, I wouldn’t choose to coach in the SEC. It’s the worst of the six BCS leagues and in just about every city, the basketball program is incidental to the football program. I think Anderson has the potential to be more successful — and over a longer period of time — at Mizzou than at either Alabama or Georgia. The others would probably throw more money his way, but they have to.

KATHLEEN NELSON
I’ve never seen the facilities at Alabama, Missouri or Georgia, so I don’t know which of the three has more comfy chairs for watching film or newer dumbbells for workouts or softer training tables — the stuff that separates great programs from good ones and seems to matter a lot to recruits. Perhaps the facilities are on equal footing. But say “Crimson Tide” or “Bulldogs” to a sports fan, and he’ll think of football. They are Football Schools. Not basketball schools. In contrast, the reputation of Missouri’s basketball program stands on a par these days with the football program. If being treated on equal footing with football is important to Anderson, he should stay.

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

A FEW BLUES VIEWS:

1. Welcome to St. Louis, Danny Richmond. So now I understand why there was all the excitement about the trade deadline … who knew the Blues had the chance to land an AHL defenseman? (Yes, the deadline is still a little more than an hour away, so something else could happen.)

2. With the Blues only a few points out of a playoff spot, it’s nice that fans have had something to get excited about this late in the season. It’s been a long time. But after watching the Red Army march into the Scotty last night and completely dismantle the Blues, it was a stark reminder of how far this team has to go to compete with the league’s elite, particularly in a playoff series. I believe the Blues will reach the playoffs next year … but without adding some offensive talent, it’s going to take another two or three years for the kids to grow up before this team can trade punches with the big boys come playoff time.

3. Question: Is David Backes playing on the grind line because of his lack of production, or, is David Backes’ lack of production because he is playing on the grind line? Chicken or the egg, please? A month ago I was singing Backes’ praises as perhaps the team’s best player. In recent weeks he’s been MIA. Would the real David Backes please stand up?

DUST UP IN THE DESERT: Just a month ago Arizona Cardinal fans were celebrating their team’s wild ascension to Super Bowl contender. So many warm and fuzzy stories about the Lil’ Engine that Could and how everything was finally coming together for this franchise. Fast forward one month … MVP quarterback Kurt Warner remains unsigned and is being wooed by the division rival Niners. Star wide receiver Anquan Boldin has told the club he wants a contract extension, and if that can’t be worked out, he’d wants to be traded. And today comes the news that RB Edgerrin James has told the club he’d like to be released. That’s a lot of turmoil in one month. Perhaps that Super Bowl appearance was just a stopover at an oasis and the team will soon be banished to desert afterthought once again.

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SOMETHING TO PONDER

FLIP-FLOPPING IN L.A.: Just last week the Los Angeles media was taking Manny Ramirez to task for turning down the Dodgers two-year, $45 million contract offer. Manny was selfish. Manny didn’t care about anyone but Manny. Nobody else wanted Manny so he should feel privileged by the Dodgers’ offer, etc., etc., etc. Bottom line, the L.A. media ate him up. But upon the news that Manny apparently has changed his mind, he’s just a “giggly,” good-hearted, misunderstood guy. Well, you can read yourself what T.J. Simers has to say in the L.A. Times today.

For my money, Manny’s as selfish as ever and the only reason he’s taking this deal now is because his reputation has become so unmanageable that he knows he’s not going to get a better offer from anyone else. So the L.A. media can wrap their arms around Manny today … but let’s watch how long it takes before they are dogging him in Hollywood for not hustling, pouting, etc., etc., etc.

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STAT OF THE DAY

47 — That’s the most points scored by an individual player in one NHL playoff year. Wayne Gretzky did it for the Edmonton Oilers in 1985. On their march to the Stanley Cup that year, the Oilers played just 18 games. Gretzky collected his 47 points on 17 goals and 30 assists, an average of 2.6 points per game. Wow. (Source: Hockey’s Top 100: The Game’s Greatest Records)

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: The Rams signed cornerback Ron Bartell to a 4-year, $28 million contract Monday. Is Bartell really a $7 million a year player?

JIM THOMAS
Any time you make a deal in the first week or so of free agency, expect to overpay. It’s just the way it works. And New Orleans was ready to step up with a very similar offer anyway. The Rams couldn’t afford to be left short at corner, a thin position depth-wise even with Bartell under contract.

BRYAN BURWELL
There is a very reliable standard in sports that determines if an athlete is worth it: Did he get it? If he did, he’s worth it. Bartell is an ascending player who deseerves the money he has gotten from the Rams.

BILL COATS
Maybe not. But when you’ve won just five games over two seasons, you’re often going to have to pay a bit more to lure — or in this case, retain — players during free agency. Bartell is the Rams’ best cover corner, and they really couldn’t afford to lose him. So, they had to pony up.

JEFF GORDON
Bartell is a very solid cornerback on a horrendous defense. He also became a free agent at just the right time — when the free-agent cornerback pool was shallow. So, sure, he is a $7 million player. The Rams had to overspend a bit to prevent another leak from forming in the team’s secondary. I don’t know if this guy will ever become an elite “shutdown” corner, but at least he had enough pride to play at a consistently good level on a team that tanked two years in a row. Not many of his teammates can say the same.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Bernie Miklasz used an impressive array of stats in Tuesday’s Post-Dispatch to prove that Bartell is in the upper echelon of cornerbacks. From that perspective, he’s worth it. I think the opposite of the hometown discount (would that be the Stay-At-Home Surcharge?) applies to the Rams. With a 5-27 record the last two years, maybe they have to pay a little more to keep talent, as well as lure talent.

TOM ACKERMAN (Sports anchor on “Total Information A.M.” on KMOX)
Bartell is a dependable cornerback, so he’s worth the market price for such a player. Domonique Foxworth, for example, recently signed with the Ravens for a similar number. Bartell’s contract is incentive-laden; he’ll have to prove that he’s a $28 million corner. I’ve always liked Bartell. He’s worked hard to develop into an NFL-caliber defensive back. He always seems to be around the ball, and that instinctive ability should help him flourish in Steve Spagnuolo’s structured defense.

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

A MILE HIGH, OR JUST HIGH? Can someone please explain to me why the Denver Broncos are so eager to kick QB Jay Cutler to the curb? All the former first-round draft pick did this past season — his third in the league — was pass for 4,526 yards, 25 TDs with only 18 INTs. Oh, and he was named to his first Pro Bowl. Still, Denver totally screwed up this past weekend by including Cutler’s name in a three-team trade involving New England and Tampa Bay that would have shipped Cutler to Tampa and brought Patriots QB Matt Cassell to Denver … where he could work with new head coach and former Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel.

Personally, I wouldn’t trade Cutler and his rocket arm straight up for the dink-and-dunk quarterbacking of Cassell, who by the way hadn’t started a game since high school before taking over for Tom Brady when he went down last year. And if including Cutler’s name in those trade talks wasn’t insult enough for the young QB, now word from the Minneapolis Star Tribune is that the Vikings are interested in attaining Cutler and talks are believed to be ongoing.

I just don’t get it. If the Broncos were to deal Cutler, their QB depth chart would consist of Patrick Ramsey (failure everywhere he’s been) and Darrell Hackney (really, Darrell Hackney?) As a rookie head coach, McDaniels made a major blunder causing this fissure with his 25-year-old franchise QB so soon after his arrival in Denver. Perhaps they’ll kiss and make up for P.R. reasons, but you can’t tell me Cutler’s now not going to want to take the first train out of Denver asap … and who can blame him?

If I’m missing something here, I’d love to have someone explain it to me.

SPEAKING OF QBS: Former St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner is getting the red-carpet treatment from the San Francisco 49ers as they try to lure him to yet another NFC West division rival. Warner reportedly has been offered a two-year, $20 million contract to return to the Cardinals, but according to the San Francisco Chronicle is seeking closer to $30 million for two years, a salary cap number the Niners could easily accommodate. How much is a two-time MVP and Super Bowl winning quarterback worth? Stay tuned to find out. Meanwhile, check out the royal treatment Kurt and Brenda received in San Francisco.

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SOMETHING TO PONDER

BLUES, WINGS AND THE TRADE DEADLINE: I’ve read and heard a lot lately saying the decision of whether the Blues are buyers or sellers at tomorrow’s trade deadline depends largely on how they perform tonight against Detroit. I don’t really understand that rationale, and frankly, hope it’s not true. With 19 games remaining after tonight, why would this one game against the Wings carry such import? Are the Blues supposed to prove tonight they can hang with the likes of Detroit? Well maybe they can for one night, but I don’t think that necessarily signals this is a playoff team, and it certainly isn’t an indicator of whether or not they could actually contend if they were to make the playoffs. All year long we’ve heard coach Andy Murray say to not look forward, don’t watch the standings and the only thing that’s important is that the team gets two points in their next game. So why would emotions run so high for tonight’s game that one would make club-altering decisions based on this singular outcome? Makes no sense to me. But as I’ve said before, I’m no GM, so perhaps the “experts” see something here that I don’t.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ll be at the Scotty tonight and am looking forward to a rowdy crowd and great game. And who wouldn’t want to see the Blues pull one off under such circumstances? I just don’t see the logic in basing anything about the club’s future on the outcome of this one game. I’m just sayin’.

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STAT OF THE DAY

38 — Most home runs hit by a player in his first season. That distinction is held by Frank Robinson and Wally Berger — both hit 38 home runs in their first seasons. Many folks mistakenly think it’s Mark McGwire, who belted 49 HRs during his rookie season in 1987. However, while McGwire holds the rookie record, 1987 wasn’t his first season. He had 53 at-bats in 1986.

Here’s a look at the top 10 players who hit the most home runs in their “first” season:

Player/HRs/Year

1. Frank Robinson/38/1956
2. Wally Berger/38/1930
3. ALBERT PUJOLS/37/2001
4. Ryan Braun/34/2007
5. Jimmie Hall/33/1963
6. Ted Williams/31/1939
7. Pete Incaviglia/30/1986
8. Joe DiMaggio/29/1936
9. Evan Longoria/27/2008
10. Dan Uggla/27/2006
(Source: Baseballreference.com)

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: With 23 games remaining, the St. Louis Blues are six points back in the hunt for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. What must the Blues focus on performance-wise during this stretch run that will give them a shot of claiming a playoff spot?

JEREMY RUTHERFORD
Just being consistent. The Blues were competitive in both Nashville games, continuing to battle against a hot goaltender. For their effort, they earned three out of a possible four points and could have had four. But last week, they weren’t competitive for two periods against Columbus, and they got what they deserved. The Blues are going to lose a handful of games in the final 23, but if they want to have a chance at the playoffs, they have to be competitive in all 23. And that means making a play — whether it’s a scoring chance or a save — when it’s there. The Blues have had chances in several games recently, including Saturday’s game versus Nashville, to make one more play . . . and it would have made the difference. They need that one play.

TOM TIMMERMANN
The Blues need to come out fast, score early, take a lead and then win in regulation. Overtime games won’t cut it. Comeback wins or overtime wins may be great for drama and emotion, but the overtime games are of limited help when it comes to points. Some first period energy — and goals — are what they need.

DAN O’NEILL
Because there are so many teams ahead of them, because the teams involved play so many games with each other down the stretch, because someone is always picking up points, it will be very difficult for the Blues to move into a playoff spot. In terms of performance, the most important factor for the Blues is goaltending. Chris Mason has to be a difference-maker if the team is to have any chance of winning the number of games it will take to make the jump.

JEFF GORDON
I talked to Rick Wamslety today and he really liked what Chris Mason had done in goal the last two months. And the team’s five-on-five play is much better, too. Roman Polak’s return has solidified the D. Now the Blues just have to score more — as we saw Tuesday night.

ANDY STRICKLAND (Hockeybuzz.com, Team 1380)
It goes without saying the Blues won’t win hockey games if they fail to score like we witnessed the other night against Nashville. The recipe for winning hockey doesn’t change here in the final 20-plus games left on the schedule. They need solid goaltending every night, which for the most part they have received as of late, to go along with a commitment to the defensive zone. The Blues are not going to scare anybody offensively during 5-on-5 play. This puts an even greater emphasis on the power play, which can’t let them down as it did on Saturday. Last but not least, the mentality must change in the 4-on-4 overtime. The Blues, to me, play too passively in OT, which is not a winning formula. I would like to see more urgency to play the best players, those who give your team the best chance to score and ultimately win the hockey game. The fact that Patrik Berglund, David Perron, and Carlo Colaiacovo didn’t even enter the ice Saturday during OT is inexcusable to me. How Jay McKee goes from not being able to crack the lineup a few days earlier to playing in OT is certainly a head scratcher.

ROGER HENSLEY
Remember when then-Kansas City Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil told running back Larry Johnson it was time to “take off the diapers?” Remember how Johnson responded by becoming one of the league’s premier RBs? I think it’s about time for this Blues team to be told to take off the diapers. There are just too many ready-made excuses — from the team’s youth to injuries that still have a few key players off the ice. Instead of focusing on that, however, it’s time to focus on what they do have. There is a stable of thoroughbreds over there at the Scottrade, guys plenty capable of getting the job done, and they’ve shown that against some elite teams. This team has been entertaining and hard-working all season. But now it’s time to finish the job … and that means finishing games. The Blues need to reel off a couple of mini-streaks to build the confidence and momentum they seem to lack. My message to this team would come from the Stuart Smalley collection: “You’re good enough, you’re skilled enough and, doggone it, people like you.”

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

THE WARNER MYSTERY: Arizona QB Kurt Warner completed the 2008 regular season ranked in the league’s top five in completion percentage, passing yards, TD passes and passer rating. He led the Cardinals to the only playoff success they’ve had in the desert, taking the team all the way to the Super Bowl. Warner, 37, says he wants to play for the Cardinals next season. The Cardinals say they want Warner back. So why is it Warner is without a contract just four days before free agency opens in the NFL? ESPN.com’s Mike Sando says it’s because it is hard to put a value on Warner. But you can see what a few scouts think Warner’s contract value should be in Sando’s story today.

I predict Warner will sign a contract with the Cardinals in the next four days for one season at about $10.5 to $11 million. But who knows, maybe Brenda is telling Kurt to hold out for more.

MACLIN MAKES HIS MARK: The Chicago Tribune’s Dan Pompei had this to say about Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin from the NFL combine: “While running routes and catching the ball, (Maclin) looked like the best player on the field—which he was supposed to be. He also showed his resiliency by not missing a drill after injuring his leg while trying to adjust to a poorly thrown ball.”

Pompei takes a look at the ups and downs from yesterday’s workouts in this article.

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SOMETHING TO PONDER

NO JOSHING AROUND: The remarkable story of Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton has been well-chronicled. He broke free of addictions to crack, cocaine and alcohol in 2005 and has resurrected his career in a MVP fashion. This year, he went a step further, dropping his habit of chewing tobacco. That’s not an easy thing to do in a major league clubhouse, where so many of your buddies still reach for a can of dip. But Hamilton is used to doing things that aren’t easy. If you don’t know much about Hamilton, this story in today’s Dallas Morning News is an excellent way to catch up.

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NUMBER OF THE DAY

$4.4 million — Total compensation for USC football coach Pete Carroll, making him the highest-paid private university employee in the United States for the 2006-07 fiscal year, according to a report today in the L.A. Times. Carroll’s Trojans have won two national titles, seven consecutive Pac 10 titles and have played in seven consecutive BCS bowl games.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: What is the most exciting and/or memorable sports moment you’ve witnessed live during your career?

(To all of our readers, after seeing what all the journalists have to say to this question, please go to the comments field below and share your favorite sports eyewitness accounts.)

BERNIE MIKLASZ
I have been blessed to witness so many spectacular moments from my perch along press row. There was Mike Tyson, in his prime, delivering a cold-blooded first-round knockout of Michael Spinks in 1989. Ozzie Smith’s dramatic HR to beat the Dodgers in Game 5 of the 1985 NLCS. Joe Montana throwing the winning touchdown pass to John Taylor to lead the 49ers to a come-from-behind victory in Super Bowl 23. Adam Wainwright’s strikeout of Carlos Beltran to clinch Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS at Shea Stadium to send the underdog Cardinals to the World Series. And Wainwright doing it again (Brandon Inge this time) to wrap up the Cardinals’ 10th World Series championship. McGwire’s 62nd homer was awfully exciting at the time.

And before I name my No. 1 moment, let me make special mention of my runner-up: Michael Jordan sinking the winning jumper at Utah in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. The clutch shot provided the Chicago Bulls with their sixth NBA title of the Jordan Era and it would be his last appearance in the NBA championship series. And what a way to go out: the Bulls down, Jordan stealing the ball from Karl Malone, and making his way upcourt to burn Bryon Russell with a crossover dribble to give MJ an open look on that winning 17 foot jumper for his 44th and 45th points of the night.

But the No. 1 is Mike Jones making “The Tackle” of Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson just short of the goal line to save the 1999 Rams’ thrilling victory in Super Bowl 34 on Jan. 30, 2000. So many things set up that moment, including Ricky Proehl’s TD catch to beat Tampa Bay in the 1999 NFC Championship, and Kurt Warner and Isaac Bruce hooking up for that remarkable 73-yard TD pass to put the Rams ahead of Tennessee in that Super Bowl. But the Jones tackle made the dream season into something shocking and real: a Super Bowl championship for a St. Louis NFL team and before 1999 that was something I thought I would never see.

JEFF GORDON
The home-run pass from Kurt Warner to Isaac Bruce in the Super Bowl edges out George Brett’s ALCS homer against Goose Gossage and Villanova’s title game conquest of mighty Georgetown. The whole Rams season was astonishing, then it ended spectacularly with Bruce’s catch and The Tackle. (For me, that play was more a case of Kevin Dyson not getting it done after making the catch.)

MIKE SMITH
In the “arena” at Lake Placid for the 1980 Winter Olympics, there was “press seating” next to the ice for 150 credentialed journalists. You had to line up hours ahead of time to claim one of the seats, but the shuttle bus from our “lodge” out in the Adirondack wilderness broke down that day. Three of us actually hitchhiked into town, putting us behind the first 150 camped out in line.

So, do you believe in miracles? Aware of some space at the back of the broom closet that served as the “broadcast booth” for the game, press officials sent gophers next door to Lake Placid High School to borrow risers from the music department. They schlepped the risers to the broadcast booth, set tiny school chairs on them and crafted an auxiliary press box for about a dozen of us.

And that’s how I got to watch the Miracle On Ice game, sitting three feet directly behind … Al Michaels.

RICK HUMMEL
Sitting at ringside and hearing the ring announcer declare St. Louisan Leon Spinks, an enormous underdog, the winner by a split decision in the world heavyweight championship bout against champion Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas in 1978. I remember climbing onto the ring apron and holding the ropes and saying to myself, “Now, what I am going to write?” because I, like the judge sitting next to me, felt that Spinks had fought well but hadn’t won the fight. I wasn’t prepared for the announcement that Spinks actually had won.

DERRICK GOOLD
One from each of the two beats I’ve had at the Post-Dispatch, and oddly neither of which was too “exciting” for the locals.

First, hockey: Back at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, I covered the tremendous Gold Medal game between Canada and Team USA. Never been at a louder rink and never seen as much at stake as there was for the Canadian team that day. Great game. Great history. Afterward, Wayne Gretzky handed me the “lucky Loonie” they had buried at center ice so I could check the date.

Second, baseball: In 2004, after Game 4 of the World Series, as Red Sox fans wept and got free admission into the ballpark to see the “curse” calmed after 86 years, I stood beside Johnny Pesky as he tried to get into a locked Boston clubhouse in between hugging anyone and everyone who happened by. I don’t think I’ve seen joy like Pesky’s unbridled joy too often in my life. And then the door opened and Pedro Martinez doused everyone with champagne.

BILL COATS
The finish of the 1982 Indianapolis 500. Veteran Gordon Johncock seemingly had the race won, but young Rick Mears began closing on him in the final laps. They pulled even down the front stretch with a lap to go and went wheel-to-wheel the rest of the way. Johncock nosed in front out of the final turn and won by 16-hundredths of a second in front of about 400,000 screaming fans.

GERRY FRALEY
The 2006 Rose Bowl, with the national championship on the line, came down to one play. Trailing 38-33 with 26 seconds remaining, Texas had a fourth-and-five from the USC eight. The play, “Sneak 928,’’ called for quarterback Vince Young to throw. With his first two options covered, Young pulled back the ball and ran to the right side. USC’s lauded defense, which included linebacker Rey Maualuga, could not catch him. Young got to the corner, ran through the tackle of lineman Frostee Rucker and scored the winning touchdown.

That bold play encapsuled Young’s remarkable game. He came as close as a player can come to winning a game single-handedly, running for 200 yards and throwing for 247 yards.

One question lingered for the group of reporters standing just outside the corner of the end zone for that play. Why were several USC song-girls cheering and shaking their pom-pons as Young scored?

JEREMY RUTHERFORD
The date was March 26, 2005. The venue was Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. I was covering the Illini basketball team, and with Dee Brown, Deron Williams, James Augustine, Roger Powell and Luther Head, they were hopeful to get to St. Louis for the Final Four. But here the Illini were trailing Arizona 75-60 in an Elite Eight game with four minutes remaining in regulation. A promising season was nearly extinct. Then in one of the most thrilling comebacks in NCAA Tournament history, the Illini went on a 20-5 run, tied the score on Williams’ improbable 3-pointer, and won 90-89 in OT. Some called it “The Resurrection at Rosemont.” I’ll never forget re-writing my entire game story, or watching the Illini travel to play in the NCAA championship game in my backyard. Of course, they lost to North Carolina in the final, but not before producing the best sporting event I’ve ever witnessed.

Editor’s Note: Jeremy provided the following link for anyone who might want to take a stroll down memory lane with that unbelievable come-from-behind Illini win.

ROGER HENSLEY: I’ll never forget being at Minute Maid Park in Houston for Game 5 of the 2005 NLCS. The fans there were going absolutely berserk as the Astros led the series 3-1 and were just one out from securing a 4-2 win over the Cardinals that would propel them to the World Series. Albert Pujols stepped to the plate with two men on and two outs and the Houston crowd was yelling at the top of their lungs thinking closer Brad Lidge was about to turn out the lights on the series. As soon as Pujols made contact with the ball, I mean instantaneously, you knew it was leaving the park, and it flew all the way up onto those silly train tracks in Houston. I have never in my life witnessed a place go from being so insanely loud to pin-drop quiet so quickly. It was just an amazing moment to experience. Of course the Cards did go on to lose that series with Astros back at Busch Stadium, but it doesn’t diminish the memory of that moment one bit. (A close second may be Edmonds diving catch in centerfield in the 2004 NLCS.)

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

ALBERT TAKES A STAND: I thought Joe Strauss brought the heat in this morning’s Post-Dispatch when he quoted Albert Pujols as saying, “My goal is to try to win. If this organization goes the other way, then I have to go the other way.” Those are some pretty strong word’s coming from “The Franchise.” Pujols appears a pretty straight-shooter in the article and tries to be diplomatic by not pointing fingers at anyone, but it’s clear that as a guy who’s deferred millions of dollars in his own paycheck to give the club financial flexibility he is frustrated by the team’s tight purse strings. I wonder what team owner Bill DeWitt and general manager John Mozeliak thought when they read Pujols’ comments today? I know my reaction … “wow.”

If you missed the story, you can still check it out on our Web site. And in addition to the payroll questions, make sure you read to the bottom of the story to get Pujols’ take on steroids. He’s sticking by his guns on things he’s said in the past about performance enhancers and his convictions appear pretty strong on the issue. He doesn’t sound like a guy who’s worried his name is going to be on the list of 104 players who were randomly tested in 2003 (known now as the A-Rod list.)

SPEAKING OF STEROIDS: Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz tells the Associated Press that he believes players who test positive for steroids should be suspended from baseball for the whole season. Now you’re talking. Big Papi, who once said the only thing a test would find inside him was a whole lot of rice and beans, often has been a voice of reason in baseball. Just a big, fun-loving guy who genuinely seems to just have fun playing the game. A full-season suspension would hit players where it really counts — in their wallets — so I think this might be the most sensible thing I’ve heard yet. And today I’ve become a bigger fan of Ortiz.

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THINGS TO PONDER

THE POWER PLAY DANCE: I don’t yet really know much about this latest craze going on at the Scottrade Center known as the “power play dance,” but I’m determined to find out. I’m taking my daughter to next Tuesday’s game with Phoenix, and if I see enough folks doing it we might just have to do a write-up in the paper about it. I need to see for myself if it’s just a couple folks doing it, or if it’s really catching on as a phenomenon at the games. I see a lot of posters on our forums discussing the merits of the dance — whether it’s cool or dorky or whatever — but I’m not sure why anyone would criticize others for getting fired up and showing their support in whatever way they so desire … within reason, of course. But if it’s really catching on at the Scotty, I’m betting my 10-year-old will be doing the dance by game’s end.

THE COMBINE’S VALUE: Hey, Rams fans, ESPN has a live chat going on all day today with a panel of their experts breaking down the upcoming NFL Combine and what it might mean to your favorite team. If you haven’t stopped in, it might be worth a look.

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STAT OF DAY

35 — The largest margin of victory in the regular-season goal-scoring race. Who did it? Brett Hull for the 1990-91 St. Louis Blues. Hull netted 86 goals that season. There were three runners-up for second-place at 51 goals apiece … Steve Yzerman, Cam Neely and Theoren Fleury. (Source: Hockey’s Top 100, the Game’s Greatest Records.)

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Today’s Super Bowl edition of Round Two asks our writers a three-pronged question.

1. Who will win the Super Bowl and why?
2. Final score?
3. Who wins MVP?

Here’s what they say:

JIM THOMAS
PITTSBURGH: Too much defense and more offense than given credit for.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 31, Arizona 20
MVP: Ben Roethlisberger

BERNIE MIKLASZ
ARIZONA: It will be a game of pressure. All week, the Steelers have stressed that their No. 1 priority is to get after Cards QB Kurt Warner and disrupt the timing of the AZ offense. The Steelers linebackers will apply pressure by banging those AZ receivers as they come off the line to get into their patterns. The Cardinals will apply pressure by spreading those WRs out, finding the middle seams in the 3-4, and exploiting the open spaces created by the blitz. It’s all about Warner making quick reads and getting the ball out of there, and I think he’s on top of his game right now. FINAL SCORE: Arizona 24, Pittsburgh 20
MVP: Kurt Warner — I have to go with Warner. Predictable, I know. But the man does hold the record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl (414) and he’s going to have all kinds of opportunities to make plays in this one.

BILL COATS
PITTSBURGH: The Cardinals haven’t seen the likes of the Pittsburgh defense. And I’ll take a great defense over a great offense in any championship game.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 24, Arizona 17
MVP: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu becomes a two-pronged weapon, helping to snuff the Arizona run game and helping keep the passing attack in control.

JOE STRAUSS
PITTSBURGH: Warner outplays Big Ben but turnovers lead to two Steeler scores. They’re the difference in a compelling Circus Maximus.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 26, Arizona 21
MVP: Troy Polamalu

RICK HUMMEL
PITTSBURGH: The Steelers win because noted defensive coach Dick LeBeau will have had two weeks to prepare for the Cardinals.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 19, Arizona 13
MVP: James Harrison

JEFF GORDON
ARIZONA: Real experts expect the mighty Steelers defense to stuff Arizona’s ground game, pound Kurt Warner, force a million turnovers and win going away. But I prefer to keep my seat on the Warner Bandwagon.
FINAL SCORE: Arizona 24, Pittsburgh 20
MVP: Kurt Warner

GERRY FRALEY
PITTSBURGH: Go back to late September, when Arizona played at the New York Jets. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner came apart in the face of the Jets’ relentless pass rush. Warner took five sacks and threw three interceptions and had four fumbles in the 56-35 loss. That could happen again on Sunday. In James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh has the best pair of outside linebackers in the Super Bowl since the New York Giants turned Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks loose on Denver in 1987. Harrison and Woodley combined for 27 ½ sacks in the regular season. They have five in the post-season, four by the super-charged Woodley.

Pittsburgh’s Dick LeBeau, a master defensive coordinator, will do everything possible to enable Harrison and Woodley to harass Warner. The more often they get to Warner, the more likely he is to cough up the ball. In his last 33 games, Warner has 24 fumbles when sacked, losing 13. He also has seven multi-interception games in that span.

Arizona backers are thinking with their heart. Pittsburgh backers are thinking with their wallet. The wallet wins.

FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 30, Arizona 13
MVP: LaMarr Woodley

REID LAYMANCE
PITTSBURGH: The Steelers have just as many playmakers as the Cardinals, except Pittsburgh’s are on defense.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 21, Arizona 17
MVP: Troy Polamalu

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

THE TEN WORST: It warmed my heart to run across this piece in the New York Daily News where they explore the ten worst Super Bowl teams of all-time. First, because a Patriots team was included. Second, because it was the 1986 version of the Pats that my beloved Chicago Bears slapped, battered and bruised to the tune of a 46-10 beatdown. I can still hear the Super Bowl Shuffle … “You’re lookin’ at the Fridge and I’m a rookie, I may be large but I’m no dumb cookie …” They just don’t write lyrics like that anymore. But I digress, take a look at Daily News ten worst and cast your vote.

EX-TEAMMATES TURNING ON BONDS? ESPN is reporting that Bobby Estalella, a former teammate of Barry Bonds in San Francisco, is expected to provide testimony during a trial next month that supports the government’s contention that Bonds knowingly took steroids. Don’t be surprised to see a few more subpoenas issued to guys from the Giants clubhouse … or, perhaps even guys coming forward on their own. Remember, Bonds wasn’t the most popular guy on the team. His private TV and reclining lounger in the clubhouse, not to mention his reported arrogance even with his own teammates, irked many. This could end up being a case of what goes around comes around.

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THINGS TO PONDER

IT’S COOL, MON: According to the Associated Press, Japanese sumo wrestler Shinichi Suzukawa was arrested and accused of marijuana possession today, the fourth wrestler in the country’s ancient sport to be implicated in a widening drug scandal.

What, you thought those guys got that big naturally? It takes a whole lot of Twinkies and Doritos to put on those kind of pounds.

COBWEBS ON THE BRAIN: I think I remember seeing the Blues give up two late goals and losing a game last night. Perhaps I’m just having recurring memories from a season-long pattern of games lost late. Or perhaps my memory is fuzzy because I hoisted two extra cold ones to mourn those two late goals at an Edwardsville establishment known as Mr. Norton’s Basement. I’m not really sure what happened, but I do know when I put my head on my pillow last night I had visions of John Tavares donning the Blue Note dancing through my head. The glass remains half-full in my little fantasy world.

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SUPER BOWL STAT

1 — Number of athletes to appear in a Super Bowl AND a World Series. Neon Deion Sanders. He played with the Cowboys in the Super Bowl on this date in 1994. “Primetime” also appeared in the 1992 World Series with the Atlanta Braves.

THINGS TO PONDER

CURSES FOR KURT: Sorry, Arizona Cardinal fans, but Sports Illustrated has planted Kurt Warner on the cover of this week’s magazine. You know what that means, right? The dreaded SI curse. I couldn’t find a picture of the cover on the Sports Illustrated Web site, but you can see it here at the Arizona Republic.

Speaking of Sports Illustrated, you should check out their article on “Why Warner is better QB than Manning.”

NEVER TOO MUCH MO: As Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak chats live with readers at STLtoday.com, taking on their questions about this offseason and this year’s team, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com has just posted a story that takes a look at Mo and Cardinal Nation, in general. Here’s how Crasnick’s story kicks off: “Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak makes for an easy target. He’s a bookish-looking guy with an understated demeanor, a self-deprecating sense of humor and a name that’s difficult to pronounce (Mo-ZAY-lock). He succeeded Walt Jocketty, one of the most accomplished executives in the game, and works alongside a manager, Tony La Russa, who wields considerable clout and isn’t afraid to express his opinions.”

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

MEET THE RAMS NEW O-MAN: Pat Shurmer, who has been the Eagles quarterbacks coach for the past seven seasons, is not a name that was on my radar as the Rams next offensive coordinator. But a look at the Eagles media guide points out a few interesting tidbits on Shurmer:

• He has helped Donovan McNabb earn three of his five Pro Bowl berths, including in 2004 when McNabb turned in his most productive season. (And it’s no secret that Rams QB Marc Bulger could use a little tutoring right now.)

• In 2002 Shurmer earned praise around the league when McNabb and backup QB Koy Detmer both went down with injuries. In came third-stringer A.J. Feeley and the Eagles went 4-1 down the stretch. (We don’t even know who the Rams backup QB will be this coming season.)

• Little-known fact: Shurmer’s uncle, the late Fritz Shurmur, served as the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator from 1994-98, when the team earned two NFC championships and a Super Bowl title. (So perhaps Pat Shurmer can even help out the Rams defense, too.)

AND NOW MEET THE RAMS NEW D-MAN: Gotta admit, didn’t know much about Panthers LB coach Ken Flajole either, before Jim Thomas reported this morning that he will be the Rams new defensive coordinator. A few facts on Flajole:

• As defensive backs coach with Seattle in 1999, Flajole’s secondary led the NFL with 30 interceptions. (O.J. Atogwe has to be licking his chops somewhere today.)

• In his first year as LB coach with Carolina in 2003, his linebackers became a focal point for the team. Dan Morgan set a club record with 25 tackles in Super Bowl XXXVIII and Will Witherspoon had a career-high 114 regular-season tackles that season. (Perhaps now we’ll see Witherspoon move back to his natural position at outside linebacker for the Rams.)

• Little-known fact: Flajole has a Missouri connection already; he was an assistant coach at Mizzou from 1989-93.

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STAT OF THE DAY

351 — All-time record of career home runs hit by a second baseman, recorded by Jeff Kent, who announced his retirement today. That’s 74 more than second place Ryne Sandberg. In all, Kent hit 377 career homers (351 while playing 2B.)

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SORRY FOLKS: We had a lot of issues on our blogs today. For that reason, I’ve pulled the main Round Two Watercooler topic that was slated for today to save for discussion tomorrow. Please tune back in tomorrow to get our writers’ take on Ryan Ludwick’s chances of reproducing last season’s success.