THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: With Drew Bennett already cut and now Torry Holt asking for his release, how early do you see the St. Louis Rams targeting a wide receiver in this year’s draft? Are there still quality options after Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin are gone, or will the Rams have to consider striking early for a quality WR?

JIM THOMAS
Let’s see what the rest of free agency brings, but there aren’t really many options left, at least younger ones. As for the draft, the problem with taking a wide receiver at No. 2 overall is that you still need an offensive tackle. If the Rams opt for a receiver at the top of the second round, Kenny Britt of Rutgers and Brian Robiskie of Ohio State are possibilities.

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Barring a trade or free-agent signing, the Rams will have to make WR a priority in the draft. If they don’t go for Jeremy Maclin or Michael Crabtree in the first round — hopefully after trading down — they’ll have to take a hard look at WR in Round 2. But they can’t pass on a better player at another position. They can’t force it. Finding a taller more physical receiver might have to wait for next year’s wish list.

JEFF GORDON
Crabtree is an option, of course, but LB Aaron Curry looks like a great pick for the defensive side — and you have to believe Spags will push for him. The Rams are going to run a ground-control offense. This will be a run-first team. Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton both have nice upsides. The free-agent wide receiver pool isn’t great, but the Rams ought to at least add depth with a veteran and then pick somebody later in the draft for more depth.

KATHLEEN NELSON
I think the Rams first might try to get one of the geezer wideouts to provide a little stability. Drafting a first-rounder and throwing him immediately into the fire would be unfair to the draftee. Remember when the Rams drafted Torry Holt? Isaac Bruce was the man, and Holt had a role model from whom to learn. I wonder how Torry would have fared as the undisputed No. 1. I’d bet not as well as he did; Bruce took the pressure off Holt

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

HOLT AMONG GAME’S ELITE? I heard a ridiculous discussion on the radio last night about whether or not Torry Holt was one of the game’s “great” receivers during his time in the league. Are you kidding me? As Jim Thomas pointed out in his story today, Holt, the No. 6 overall pick in the 1999 draft, has caught more passes (817) for more yards (11,872) than any receiver in the NFL this decade. Need more perspective … Thomas provided it. Over Holt’s 10-year career, his average of 80.1 yards per game is the highest for any WR in league history. At the age of 32, Holt is 11th overall in career receptions (869) and 14th in career receiving yards (12,660). It’s guaranteed he’ll continue to build on those career numbers and move on up the list.

Anyone who looks at those numbers and doesn’t believe Torry Holt has been one of the league’s elite receivers over the last decade should just stop watching football. Right now. Turn it off. Watch rugby.

Now, with that said, it’s hard to say if the Rams would be making a mistake to cut Holt now. He is coming off his worst season ever. But generally speaking, WRs don’t necessarily deteriorate at the age-30 plateau as quickly as, say, RBs. Many WRs continue to put up decent numbers into their mid-30s. And how many of Holt’s reduced numbers in 2008 were a product of him losing a step, and how many of them were the product of a completely dysfunctional offense where the QB spent more time on his back than on his feet?

There are no easy answers here, and I believe Holt has played his last game as a Ram. But rather than celebrating his departure, I think Rams fans should celebrate all he gave this team for 10 years. Other than grumbling a bit at the end of last season as he was worked out of the offense, Holt was always a classy guy. There is no arguing the production he put up while here.

IT ALL STARTED WITH MADONNA: Long before the steroid revelations and the tearful apologies, I told you the A-Rod kingdom would fall sooner than expected … and it was because of the bad mojo he brought on himself for dating Madonna. Now, just days after saying A-Rod had a cyst on his hip that needed to be checked out, ESPN is reporting that Rodriguez needs surgery and will be out up to 10 weeks. This is the same cyst that earlier this week Yankees manager Joe Girardi said A-Rod had played with all last season. Of course, ESPN doesn’t have the news nailed down yet, and they are sourcing the story completely on something A-Rod’s brother said. So we’ll have to wait and see what’s really going on here.

I’m just thinking out loud here, but if I had a relationship with Madonna and I had a “cyst” on my hip, I’d be asking doctors to do all kinds of tests on that thing to find out exactly what it is. I’m just sayin’.

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SOMETHING TO PONDER

CAN YOU IMAGINE? So we’re sitting here in the office this morning discussing Terrell Owen’s divorce from the Dallas Cowboys. Trouble has followed T.O. everywhere he’s been, like Schleprock in the Flintstones who always walked around with the dark cloud over his head. That said, his prolific numbers keep teams coming back for more. Which team, we wondered, would take a chance on T.O. My first thought was crazy Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders … but with a young coach and young QB, that might be too much for even the Raiders. And then this was mentioned: How about the Patriots? Holy cow, can you imagine the knocking knees of DBs if you were facing a Patriots offense with T.O. lined up on one side of the field and Randy Moss on the other … and with Tom Brady throwing them the ball. Unstoppable … on the field, at least. But chances are they’d never get that far as T.O. and Moss would likely implode the Patriots before mini-camps were even completed. Still, it’s an interesting thought and Patriots coach Bill Belichick has a record of making guys buy into team first … who knows.

Regardless, according to the Dallas Morning News this morning, Terrell Owens had to go. Some interesting thoughts considering how vital he was thought to be to the Cowboys and QB Tony Romo just a short while ago.

Just curious, if Torry Holt were to be released, would any Rams fans like to see T.O. end up in St. Louis?

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY

MARCH 5, 1973 — New York Yankees pitchers Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich announce that they have traded wives, kids and dogs. While Peterson eventually marries the former Susanne Kekich, Marilyn Peterson and Kekich soon part. (Source: “This Day in Baseball” by David Nemec and Scott Flatlow)

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: It’s been stated that top prospect Colby Rasmus will have a legitimate shot to compete for the starting center field job this season. However, the Cardinals outfield looks mighty crowded. Barring a trade of one of the current outfielders, is there a possibility that the arrival of Rasmus could be delayed because of the outfield surplus?

JOE STRAUSS
Much depends on Raz’ performance this spring. TLR is on record saying Rasmus is the kind of talent you move others to accommodate. However, if Rasmus’ performance falters or looks physically limited, the club doesn’t have to include him on its opening day roster. Indeed, there are reasons to delay his arrival by 4-6 weeks, i.e. delaying service time for purposes of arbitration and free agency. That said, I believe the Cardinals will move an OF this spring. I would expect Skip Schumaker to be most vulnerable. He hit .302 in 540 ABs last season and proved an effective leadoff guy. He’s a plus OF. He’s cheap. Ironically, if the Cardinals didn’t have Raz’ on the way, Schu would be a strong fit.

RICK HUMMEL
If the Cardinals don’t trade one of their current outfielders, Rasmus might have to start the season at Class AAA Memphis. I don’t see him being a part-time player here at the start of the season. But I do expect to see one of the outfielders ultimately dealt.

DERRICK GOOLD
Unless he has a dazzling spring training that is exactly what will happen. Last spring, we heard manager Tony La Russa describe how Rasmus had to out-play one of the other outfielders to win a job, and though he did out-play some of the outfielders who made the 25-man roster, outfielders like Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel and Skip Schumaker had far superior springs than Rasmus, who did lead the Grapefruit League in walks. This winter we’ve been treated to a slightly enhanced stance from La Russa.

Rasmus has the talent to “elbow” others aside. When he’s ready to play for the Cardinals, the Cardinals will be ready for him, La Russa has said. The opportunity is there for Rasmus. It could be center field that he wins. It could be the leadoff spot that he wins. But he’ll have to put up the numbers or be crunched by them. Then it’s Memphis, ahoy!

JEFF GORDON
If Colby has a great spring he should make the team. I don’t believe the Cardinals will hold him back because of the outfield surplus. That situation will be addressed anyway. John Mozeliak will have to trade an outfielder this spring, unless somebody gets hurt — or unless Skip Schumaker and Joe Mather end up on the infield.

DAN O’NEILL
I think it’s most probable Rasmus will start the season at Memphis, barring a spring training trade. However, should he look the part in spring, perhaps the Cardinals should move lefthanded-throwing Ryan Ludwick to third base. That would offset the fact that they have a righthanded-throwing first baseman in Albert Pujols, and there would be balance once more in the universe.

Or, given the possibly vulnerable makeup of the pitching staff, and given the team currently is almost devoid of infielders, maybe the Cardinals should play to their strength. They could forego starting a third baseman or a second baseman and start five outfielders.

Think of it. The Radical Redbirds will have a lineup that includes the pitcher batting eighth and five outfielders. We may not get to the World Series, but we’ll be tough to beat in slow-pitch softball.

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

TOM BRADY JUMPS THE SHARK: When photographs popped up this week of Gisele Bundchen hand-feeding Tom Brady at poolside, Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy decided his tolerance for the golden boy’s “sweetness” had worn off.

“You simply cannot have your quarterback being fed like an infant at poolside,” Shaughnessy writes. “Remember, people — this is a football player we’re talking about. This is your quarterback. Think there’s any photographic evidence of Johnny Unitas being spoon-fed? Bet Slingin’ Sammy Baugh’s wife never tried to sling any hash into his mouth.”

You’ve got to read the column and take a peak at the photographs to truly appreciate this one. Brady may never be the same. (Until he wins another Super Bowl, that is.)

HOCKEYTOWN STRIKES AGAIN: Many wonder how the Detroit Red Wings can put up such dominant teams year in and year out. They have a roster full of explosive names yet somehow manage to remain under the salary cap. A smart and creative front office has certainly helped the cause.

Take the announcement expected later today that stud winger Henrik Zetterberg is being locked up in a 12-year, $72 million contract. Zetterberg, who scored 92 points in 75 games last season, is still only 28 years old, and is playing in what is likely the early prime years of his career. Sure, the Wings may be overpaying a little at $6 million per season near the end of Zetterberg’s contract, but they also get one of the games best players for only $6 million per season through his prime years.

I can think of a lot of guys making $6 million per year right now that can’t hold a candle to Zetterberg … much less what Zetterberg likely will produce in the years ahead. So that’s how the Red Wings do it.

On a brighter note, Blues fans at least get to see a talent like Zetterberg play plenty of times in coming seasons, as he’ll be a fixture right here in the Western Conference Central division for years to come. The Wings made sure of that.

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SOMETHING TO PONDER

THE RETURN OF MRS. DOUBTFIRE: Surly Scotsman Colin Montgomerie has been named captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team for next year’s competition in Wales. Lucky for Capt. Monty the match is being played across the pond, as he’s often been a focal point of fan derision while playing in the States. One notable example came at the 1997 U.S. Open, where Montgomerie — who carries a few pounds around the middle and has rosy red cheeks — was serenaded by fans calling him Mrs. Doubtfire, based on his resemblance to the cross-dressing character played by Robin Williams in the movie.

But no one can ridicule Monty’s record in the Ryder. In eight appearances, he has been on the winning side five times. He also has the second-best career record for the European team with 20 wins, nine losses and seven halves.

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY

JAN. 28, 1980 — Hank Aaron refuses Commissioner Bowie Kuhn’s award honoring him for belting his 715th homer, citing baseball’s neglect of retired Negro leaguers. (SOURCE: “This Day In Baseball”)

MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

SO YOU NEED A QB: It seems like just yesterday that Marc Bulger was being proclaimed one of the best quarterbacks in the game. That was when he was being signed to a six-year, $65 million contract extension that made him the highest-paid player in St. Louis Rams franchise history. It was July 2007. Two sub-par seasons later and Bulger has become a lightning rod of scorn for Rams fans.

But what is new coach Steve Spagnuolo to do? He certainly can’t trade Bulger with that price tag hanging around his neck, and to cut Bulger would slam the team’s salary cap. But can Spags afford to stick with Bulger through another season like the last two? Probably not. Spagnuolo needs to win now … or at least show marked improvement. That’s why many fans would like to see the team address the position in this year’s draft. The crop of talent is high (see Matt Stafford below.) But the team has so many needs to address, is it best to take a QB as high as No. 2? Again, probably not. And it may be difficult to get a QB in the lower rounds that could feasibly play and make an impact next season if needed.

But there could be another option. That guy from New England. No, not that one. But the man behind the man: Matt Cassel. You may remember him as the guy who stepped in when Tom Brady went down in Week 1 last season. Cassel, who had not started a game since high school, became an overnight NFL sensation. He threw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions and ranked 10th in the NFL in QB rating at 89.4

Cassel is now at a crossroads and his future will be determined soon … a future that could have him becoming an unrestricted free agent as soon as Feb. 27. A lot could depend on Brady’s return to health, and there have been mixed reports on whether or not Brady will be ready to start the season. But the clock starts ticking for the Patriots on Feb. 5, when they’ll have two weeks to decide if they want to put the franchise tag on Cassel … at a cost of about $14 million. Can the Patriots afford to pay their backup QB that kind of dough? We’ll see. But if not, Cassel will be free to sign with any team.

“This is Tom’s team,” Cassel told ESPNEWS Thursday. “The Patriots have been Tom’s team. He’s built that franchise up with his own two hands. He’s the guy, and he was the MVP the year before. I realize that. He’s been such a mentor for me that I would say, ‘No, there is no quarterback competition.’ ”

That could be read as, “I’m perfectly happy backing up Tom,” or as, “He’s the guy, and if I get a chance elsewhere, I may need to move on.” Only Cassel knows.

How much has Cassel proven in one year and how much would it cost to lock him up for three or four years? Who knows. But if I worked in the Rams’ front office, I’d be trying to figure it out. Logically, though, it won’t come at a $14 million-per-year rate … that’s just the figure for the franchise tag, when a player must be paid among the top five at his position. A longer-term contract for Cassel most certainly will not reach that number … and maybe he ends up back with the Patriots anyway after becoming a UFA under a new contract with them.

But Brady’s still young and it’s his team … how long does Cassel want to remain a backup? Wouldn’t he rather be running an offense of his own? Stay tuned.

NHL LEARNS FROM HISTORY, MOVES FORWARD: According to the Associated Press, the NHL Players’ Association decided today not to reopen the collective bargaining agreement with the NHL, ensuring labor peace through the 2010-11 season. “The players and their executive board decided that due to the current economic conditions as well as the players’ focus on continuing to help grow this game and expose our great athletes to many more fans, now is not the appropriate time to enter complex labor negotiations,” NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly told the A.P.

Obviously the NHL learned some valuable lessons from their shutdown a few years ago. The game is reclaiming fans and regaining speed in attendance. The last thing the league needs is any labor strife. But I wonder to myself: Would MLB, NFL and NBA players take the same stance in this tough economy? I bet puckheads everywhere would answer: “No.”

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THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Who do you think is the best player available in this year’s NFL draft?

JEFF GORDON
Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree is the can’t-miss guy. As a big wide-out with great skill, he can step in and have a huge impact immediately. Not even the Detroit Lions could screw this guy up. Quarterbacks Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez have obvious potential, but neither comes with guarantees. Experts have the Rams taking Alabama tackle Andre Smith, but his body type makes you wonder if he can handle NFL speed rushers.

BILL COATS
Alabama tackle Andre Smith. He’ll step in and start at left tackle — the second-most-important position on offense — for somebody. He’ll make an immediate impact. Not many rookies are able to do that.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Michael Crabtree. Scouts love the measurables: 6-3, 215. He’s strong and smooth, seems to run routes crisply and has a feature-length reel of acrobatic catches.

STU DURANDO
Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford. It’s time for the Rams to start grooming a new quarterback and Stafford would be perfect — if he’s not already gone. He didn’t put up spectacular numbers like the quarterbacks in the Big 12, but he’s considered a better prospect with a strong arm and accuracy on deep passes.

VAHE GREGORIAN
Michael Crabtree: Breathtaking skills make him a sure gamebreaker.

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THINGS TO PONDER

HOPEFUL FOR LEADERSHIP: New Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo was one of the hotter prospects this offseason to move into a head coaching position — though he had no previous head coaching experience at any level. Whether he ultimately succeeds or fails remains to be seen. But I find the optimism about Spagnuolo’s hiring to be strikingly similar to Obama-mania (another new leader moving into unchartered waters.) The sentiment that I see providing such optimism for both: Anything’s better than what we had.

For Rams fans and for America, I hope the optimism for both is validated by history. (Note: They both got four-year contracts, so we’ll see soon enough.)

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY

JANUARY 23, 1993 — By electing Reggie Jackson on his initial ballot, the Baseball Hall of Fame admits its first position player to total more career strikeouts (2,597) than hits (2,584).
(SOURCE: “This Day in Baseball”)