THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Given time in the pocket, do you think Marc Bulger is capable of rediscovering the accuracy that marked his play earlier in his career?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
When Bulger was at his best, 2006, he was throwing to Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Kevin Curtis. And Steven Jackson was having a career year in the backfield. The last time the Rams won a playoff game, 2004, Bulger not only had Holt, Bruce and Jackson, but Marshall Faulk also contributed 1,000+ yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving). If the quality around Bulger is above-average, he can be an efficient quarterback. And there’s no doubt his completion percentage would go up. But he’s not the type of QB who can elevate a team. He needs the cast around him.

JIM THOMAS
Sure. But it pays to have receivers that can consistently gain separation and get open. And that obviously hasn’t always been the case this season with a young, unproven receiving corps.

BILL COATS
He’s very accurate in practice, when pressure isn’t being applied. So, you’d have to assume that he could be accurate on Sundays if protected. It also would help him if the Rams had a more formidable stable of receivers.

JEFF GORDON
Accuracy from the pocket will not be a problem for Marc IF the Rams protect him. He will make some nice throws. But will the offensive game plan allow him to attack opponents with those mid-range passes he can hit all day? Also, will his lack of mobility prevent him from succeeding on the roll-out and bootleg passes that Kyle Boller throws so well? Those questions will remain even if the offensive line can build a sturdy pocket for him.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Time in the pocket isn’t enough to revive the passing game. The Rams need reliable receivers as well as improved pass protection.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
I suppose it’s possible but a lot of that accuracy early in his career was the product of having top-shelf receivers. Those guys caught everything they were supposed to and then caught some more just for good measure. More time to see a play develop is always going to help but having proven, Pro Bowl caliber receivers like Holt and Bruce had as much to do with those high completion percentages as the amount of time Bulger had to throw the ball. More time to throw would benefit Bulger, no doubt, but more time and more talent at wide receiver would be the only way to do a true comparison between Bulger now and Bulger back then.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Though camp is still in its very early days, who is one offensive player that you think could surprise St. Louis Rams fans this season?

JEFF GORDON
Richie Incognito became a popular target of criticism last year, due to his undisciplined play. But the guy is a beast. I can see Steven Jackson running right behind Incognito and Jason Smith all day. That is a formidable tag team. Sandwiched between the two Jasons — two potential team leaders — Richie could finally come into his own.

BILL COATS
That could be tight end Daniel Fells. He’s knocked Joe Klopfenstein, a former No. 2 draft pick, down the depth chart with his stout play during practice. He has very good hands and is an adept blocker. The only question for Fells is, can he do it on Sundays?

KATHLEEN NELSON
Wide receiver Keenan Burton. He had a few injuries that held him back last year, but he’ll be pushed by the veterans the Rams have signed in the offseason, especially Laurent Robinson and Ronald Curry.

ROGER HENSLEY
Can you call a team’s No. 1 wide receiver a surprise? Given just one year of experience — and that being on a team that had trouble moving the ball through the air last season — I’d say yes. So I’ll go with Donnie Avery. His numbers as a rookie weren’t bad — 53 catches for 674 yards and three TDs. But that was with Torry Holt lining up on the other side of the field to relieve some pressure. Now Avery is being asked to be the man. With Steven Jackson pounding the ball between the tackles with any consistency and if Marc Bulger can get any time in the pocket and rediscover the accuracy he showed just a few years back, Avery should find room to roam through defensive backfields. I believe he’ll be a difference-maker for the Rams this year. Oh, did I mention that Bulger hit Avery for a 50-yard touchdown pass in practice Sunday? Stay tuned.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
Randy McMichael. Before coming to St. Louis he was a significant weapon for the Miami Dolphins, recording 195 catches from 2004-2006. He’s still only 30 years old and he’s got a chance to be the possession guy for Marc Bulger. If he can stay healthy, McMichael could well be the team’s most consistent receiving threat and with his size could also be a top option in the red zone.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Rams minicamps run today through Saturday. What impact, if any, will player performances at this minicamp have on the Rams draft later this month? Will the coaches be more closely evaluating areas of need during this period?

JIM THOMAS
It’s one thing to watch a player on tape; quite another to see him in person. Even though the Rams aren’t in full pads over the weekend, watching the players drill and practice in five practices over three days will help coach Steve Spagnuolo and his staff evaluate the current roster. What happens here isn’t going to change how the Rams feel about their needs at offensive tackle and wide receiver, but it could have an impact on how they feel about some positions.

BRYAN BURWELL
Between the OTA’s and this first minicamp, the Rams coaches and front office will have plenty of time to evaluate the veteran talent. This will be the first critical looks in more competitive situations and it will definitely be an evaluation process that will provide plenty of answers about what direction to go in the draft.

BILL COATS
The biggest reason the Rams are having their extra minicamp (you get three instead of the usual two if you have a new coach) now is to further evaluate on-hand personnel in advance of the draft. So, these five practices over three days will have a major impact on their approach come April 25-26.

JEFF GORDON
The new staff is doubtlessly eager to assess young receivers Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton, since they head the depth chart as we speak. Also, a guy who played hurt all last year, Adam Carriker, is an interesting player for the new staff. I’m sure he didn’t impress on tape. Offensive line coach Steve Loney is a holdover from the previous staff, so Steve Spagnuolo should already have the book on inconsistent starters Alex Barron and Jacob Bell. Overall, though, the Rams need help at almost every position. Nothing that happens at the minicamp will change that.

BONUS ROUND:
BERNIE MIKLASZ SHAREs HIS THOUGHTS ON MINICAMP
I want to see the young veterans step up and take control of this team. It’s their time to be the leaders of the new generation of Rams. Chip Rosenbloom, Billy Devaney and Steve Spagnuolo have done their share, so far, to give this franchise a needed makeover. And now it’s the players’ turn. The talented young crew featuring guys such as Steven Jackson, O.J. Atogwe, Ron Bartell, Chris Long and Jacob Bell (to name a few) have to take ownership of the locker room. The same applies to the top free-agent recruits, Jason Brown and James Butler. In particular, I’m intrigued by how all of the changes will affect Steven Jackson. Torry Holt and Orlando Pace are gone, and Leonard Little is on the downside, so to a large extent the Rams are Steven Jackson’s team now. He’s The Franchise. He’s an immense talent. He’s a good person. He has a lively personality. I’d like to see him maximize his talent and persona to emerge as the Rams’ boldest and most constructive leader.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: There has been an intense amount of criticism aimed at quarterback Marc Bulger this offseason from Rams’ fans. Do you think Bulger’s numbers last year were the result of declining skills, injury, lack of team chemistry, a woeful offensive line, a combination of all these things or something not even mentioned here?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Since the start of the 2007 season Bulger is 38th among NFL quarterbacks (minimum 10 games) in QB rating, 37th in completion percentage, and 39th in yards per attempt. That’s pathetic. And to blame that all on the O-line, receivers and coaches is ludicrous. He has to play better. He has to be a leader. He must to do his part to elevate his team. And Bulger hasn’t done that since 2006. He hasn’t done it since signing a big contract.

JIM THOMAS
For most of the past two seasons, everything around Marc Bulger has been substandard, from the offensive line, to the play-calling, to injury-depleted lineups most Sundays. This has been especially true when Steven Jackson has been out of the lineup — and he’s missed eight games entirely and most of two others over the past two seasons. The defense and special teams haven’t helped, either, when it comes to field position. But Bulger’s accuracy has been down, his footwork and decision-making have deteriorated, and he isn’t seeing the field as well. With a stronger lineup around him, maybe Bulger can get it back.

BILL COATS
Bulger had several things working against him last year: an injury-riddled offensive line, young receivers trying to adapt to the NFL, a disconnect with head coach Scott Linehan and offensive coordinator Al Saunders, and the cumulative effect of getting pounded over the last few seasons. Working behind a decent line in a system he believes in would do wonders for Bulger.

JEFF GORDON
Bulger was not the same quarterback for a lot of reasons. The cumulative beatings in recent years took a toll on him. So did the emotional and mental strain of losing. He was not as confident and decisive in the pocket. Physically, he could still make accurate throws. Under fire, however, he wasn’t the same guy. Then you mix in all the mistakes made by his rookie receivers — running the wrong routes, making incorrect reads — and you had a total disaster. Some of this can be fixed as Bulger works with his still-learning receivers during this offseason. But the real progress must be made in games. If the Rams run the ball well, put him in favorable down-and-distance situations and keep him off his back, will he regain his Pro Bowl form? That is NOT a given.

KATHLEEN NELSON
This one has more ingredients than my mom’s Irish stew. Bulger never found a groove for many reasons. A suspect line put Bulger in danger too often. Through injury and/or age, Torry Holt wasn’t the same receiver and Drew Bennett was never a factor. Bulger and the young receivers probably haven’t had enough time to develop chemistry. Being benched didn’t help. Being restored to No. 1 didn’t seem to help. Quarterbacks always draw more than their fair share of criticism. This situation is no different.

MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

MY LAST HOLT RANT: For the life of me I cannot understand why the new Rams’ regime is so eager to see Torry Holt go. They haven’t said so, but new coach Steve Spagnuolo has made his position clear with his silence concerning Holt. Yes, Holt was disenchanted at the end of last season as he seemed to get phased out of the offense, but who on that Rams team wasn’t disenchanted last season?

Holt, who has caught more passes (817) for more yards (11,872) than any receiver in the NFL this decade, is not done yet. Sure, he’s 32 years old and is coming off his worst season as a pro (64 receptions, 796 yards with three TDs.) But how much of last season’s production can be laid at the feet of Holt? Consider this:

1. The patterns Holt was asked to run in offensive coordinator Al Saunders’ offense last year did not match up with Holt’s skills — not when he was 32, not when he was 22. Where were the slants and hot reads that were Holt’s bread and butter over the years?

2. The team’s quarterback had a terrible year. Marc Bulger’s 71.4 QB rating ranks him 27th in the league among QBs who threw at least 300 passes. (That puts Bulger just ahead of former Rams’ third-string QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had a 70.0 QB rating for the woeful Bengals.) Also, Bulger’s 57% completion percentage ranks him 27th among NFL quarterbacks last year. Remember, folks, there are only 32 teams in the NFL … so how well are your WRs going to do when your quarterback ranks in the league’s cellar in QB rating and completion percentage?

3. Without a respected threat like Isaac Bruce on the field to complement Holt, team’s could easily roll their coverage onto him like a blanket. Who was there to relieve the pressure, the so-called “teen” squad? Puh-leeze. Rookie Donnie Avery had a decent year, but his stat line of 53 catches, 674 yards and 3 TDs ranked below Holt across the board (and he had the advantage of Holt drawing the coverage away from him.) Keenan Burton? 13 catches, 172 yards, 1 TD. Nice. Oh, and then there’s the always consistent, always pedestrian numbers of Dane Looker — 23-271-2. And, the team even lost it’s tight end threat when Randy McMichael went down after only 11 catches for 139 yards. I’m not even going to mention Drew Bennett. Bottom line … Holt had no real protection against consistent double coverage.

4. If a 35-year-old Terrell Owens can shuffle off to Buffalo and still be a wide receiver, you cannot convince me that a 32-year-0ld Torry Holt doesn’t have a few good years left in those legs. And he’ll do it without always stirring up stuff, belittling teammates and coaches or blaming his plight on the QB.

Bottom line, as I asked at the beginning of this rant, why exactly are the Rams so eager to send Holt packing? Yes, Holt has asked to be released. But I believe that’s mostly because he’s been made to feel unwanted. Here’s a guy who was the team’s No. 6 overall pick in the 1999 draft and who gave the team 10 great years, in which time he established historial NFL rankings of 11th overall in career receptions (869) and 14th in career receiving yards (12,660). And I don’t believe he’s done yet. If I thought that, I would say, “Go ahead and release him.” This is not a sentimental argument.

I understand the Rams could save some salary cap money if they release Holt. But chances are, as soon as they do, another team will step up and pay Holt that same money. And are you telling me you don’t think Holt could have an excellent season catching passes from Tony Romo down in Dallas while lined up on the field with WR Roy Williams and TE Jason Witten?

And therein lies my main point: I do not believe Torry Holt is done. I believe his one bad season is a byproduct of a dysfunctional team that had bad leadership and a bad QB in 2008. This guy is not ready to be put out to pasture.

And if I’ve totally swung and missed on this one come the end of the 2009 NFL season, you can let me hear about it. But if I’m right, I’m going to re-run this little rant just to remind the haters what they so eagerly chased out of town.

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THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: If you were coaching the Blues, what would you be focusing on right now to help increase scoring for this team?

JEREMY RUTHERFORD
Shoot the puck and keep the lines together as much as possible. The Blues are 26th in the NHL in shots per game with 27.8. That’s only a smidge better than the last-place team in the league, Minnesota, with 27.6. Blues coach Andy Murray has conducted entire practices with the theme of shooting the puck, and they do in practice. But when game time comes, the Blues are often hesitant to shoot the puck . . . 5 on 5 and on the power play. I don’t know what else you can do as a coach except take away ice time from those who pass up shots. Also, I would keep the same guys playing together. In private, most players will tell you that they would prefer to play with the same linemates for an extended period of time, more than three or four games. Sometimes it’s been out of necessity, but Murray has mixed up the lines more than a lot of players would like.

KEVIN WHEELER (Host of “Sports Open Line” on KMOX)
Shooting the puck. Yeah, it seems simplistic but so what? It may also be an easy answer because it’s something Andy Murray has talked about, but it is most certainly true. Keeping things simple is the right way to go here. Even with a couple of bad performances in the past week the Blues are still 15-10-5 in their last 30 games, so I don’t think it’s necessary to overthink the situation. That’s a 98-point pace since Christmas and even though there are some things Coach would like to see his team do more consistently I’d have to say things are going pretty well.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci

ANDY STRICKLAND (Hockeybuzz.com, Team 1380)
Even though the Blues are far from being considered an explosive offensive hockey club, I don’t look at scoring as being the major issue. It’s not like the Blues are getting shutout or losing games 2-1 night in and night out. Everyone’s familiar with the saying “you can’t score if you don’t shoot” and I think the Blues at times over-pass and fail to direct pucks on net when the opportunity presents itself.

With that being said … The Blues style of play is not conducive for a team looking to open up the game and doesn’t emphasize an attacking aggressive forecheck. The Blues, in my opinion, would generate more scoring chances if the club generated more speed through the neutral zone and played more on their toes as opposed to allowing the opposition (on many nights) to initiate the play. The Blues rely heavily on their shutdown players who don’t spend a lot of time in the offensive end and therefore don’t create a whole lot offensively. We’ve recently seen players who the Blues need to rely on for offense such as David Perron, Patrik Berglund, and David Backes taken out of their element and placed in a fourth-line role. It doesn’t help when Keith Tkachuk is struggling offensively and when Brad Boyes goes nearly ten games without a goal. The Blues need more offensive consistency from their “top players” and, oh, by the way, the club receives virtually no offense from the back end. That certainly doesn’t help.

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ON THIS DATE

MARCH 10, 1995 — After hitting .202 in Double A ball, former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan announces that he is leaving baseball behind and returning to pro basketball. Jordan had been playing with a White Sox affiliate. (Source: “This Day in Baseball” by David Nemec and Scott Flatow)

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Who do you think will win the MVC tournament this weekend AND which darkhorse team wouldn’t surprise you if they jumped up and made some noise in the tourney?

VAHE GREGORIAN
Creighton has the mojo and the been-there-before to win the MVC. As for darkhorses, this is one of those years where I would be very surprised if the title game is anyone but Creighton and Northern Iowa, the top two seeds, and can’t imagine any team winning beyond No. 3 Illinois State or No. 4 Bradley. But it might be good for the Valley if someone else did.

BRYAN BURWELL
No.1 seed Creighton has the one thing none of the other MVC teams have — a 10-deep roster that becomes a huge strength at tournament time. However the team that intrigues me the most is Illinois State. They ought to have a huge chip on their shoulder after last year’s disappointing show in the finals that cost them a trip to the NCAA’s.

BILL COATS
Although Northern Iowa is the No. 1 seed, Creighton is the best team in the field. As for a darkhorse, let’s go with Indiana State. The Sycamores’ victory over Drake on Thursday night marked their seventh win in their last eight games. They’re hot at the right time.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Creighton has won 10 straight and is peaking at the perfect time. The Jays were clicking on all cylinders when they mashed the Salukis in Carbondale a couple weeks ago and looked just as strong holding off Illinois State in the final regular-season game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Illinois State make a run, though. Led by “Mad Men” head-honcho look-alike Tim Jankovich, the Redbirds started the season 14-0 but lost the final three games of the conference season. If they get preseason MVP Osiris Eldridge out of his funk, the Redbirds could surprise the rest of the Valley.

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME: So you’re rubbing nickels together in a tough economy and wondering when things will break your way. Well, Rick Reilly offers up one bright spot in his column on ESPN.com, letting readers know the many different ways you can get into big games cheap right now while folks are unloading their tickets. Check out his ideas and see if any of them might work for you.

HOMEGROWN HEROES: The New York Daily news has put together a special feature on their website highlighting the greatest sports figures to come out of New York. This is not sports legends that necessarily played for New York pro teams … these are hometown products who went on to achieve great things. Take a look at the list, it’s pretty cool. What St. Louisans would fit on such a list here?

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STAT OF THE DAY

1,848 — With all the talk of Torry Holt and Terrell Owens this week, I thought we’d cap it off with a look at the most yards gained in an NFL season by a wide receiver. The leader, of course, is Jerry Rice with 1,848. Here’s a look at the top three performances:

1. Jerry Rice, 1,848 yards, San Francisco, 1995
2. ISAAC BRUCE, 1,781 yards, St. Louis, 1995
3. Charley Hennigan, 1,746 yards, Houston, 1961

Source: NFL Record and Fact Book

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: Does the Rams’ release of wide receiver Drew Bennett have any impact on whether or not Torry Holt is back with the team next season, or do you think this just means the team will seek a WR earlier in the draft or try to target a veteran in free agency?

JIM THOMAS
Absolutely none. Even had he stayed, Bennett would have had to prove himself all over again in St. Louis. Similarly, Bennett’s release won’t really have much of an impact on what the Rams do draft-wise or free agent-wise with the position.

BILL COATS
I don’t think it affects Holt’s status, because the Rams saved virtually nothing in the salary cap by releasing Bennett. Still, the team is going to have to round up some wide receivers in the next few months, via free agency, the draft or otherwise. Right now, they’re very young and very slim at that position.

BRYAN BURWELL
The release of Drew Bennett is totally independent of what the Rams front office plans to do with Torry Holt. One (Bennett) was a totally unproductive mistake of free agency who never proved to be an effective weapon or leader for this struggling offense. Cutting him shows that GM Billy Devaney and head coach Steve Spagnuolo won’t waste much time keeping anyone who can’t help this franchise win. The decision on Holt — and by extension Orlando Pace — will come down to only one thing: Can they still help win ball games? That’s exactly how the decision should be made.

KATHLEEN NELSON
I think Bennett’s departure has no effect on Holt’s future, if what our own Jim Thomas reported a few days ago remains true about Holt being unwilling to restructure his deal. I also agree with Jim that the Rams might feel that after delivering seven Pro Bowl seasons, Holt deserves another shot — soon — at glory. That’s more likely to happen elsewhere. Free agents Laveranues Coles and T.J. Houshmanzadeh might be worth talking to, since the Rams could use a veteran, steadying hand at receiver, but the cupboard is pretty bare after those two.

TOM ACKERMAN (Sports anchor on “Total Information A.M.” on KMOX)
If Holt doesn’t restructure his contract, I don’t see how he stays in St. Louis. Torry still has some good football left in him, but that’s a hefty price tag for the Rams if he isn’t their No. 1 receiving option anymore. The offense will revolve around Steven Jackson, anyway, so the offensive line is a priority. The Rams need a defensive identity, too, and that will require money. Second-year wideouts Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton are intriguing, but they need a veteran on the roster. I wish there was a way to keep Holt around, but I envision the Rams searching for a free-agent veteran WR at a lesser price.

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

IT’S MANNY’S WORLD: And apparently he’s just sharing it with the rest of us. Poor Manny Ramirez, the player without a team. Remember a few weeks back when Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols was lobbying for Manny to join the Cardinals because his out-of-work friend said no teams wanted him? Poppycock.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers have reapproached Ramirez with a new offer: a two-year deal that would pay Ramirez $25 million this season and a player option at $20 million next season. That means Ramirez can “choose” whether or not to accept the $20 million next year. But at this point Ramirez has not accepted the deal and it’s reported his agent Scott Boras is still in “negotiations” with the Dodgers on the contract.

Negotiations? What exactly more does Ramirez want? Unquestionably he’s been one of the game’s bigger sluggers over the years (when, that is, he actually feels like playing.) But what more is he looking for? Does Ramirez and Boras think the Dodgers should pony up for a four- or five-year deal for an outfielder (I use the term loosely) who’s going to turn 37 in May?

I’ve always kind of enjoyed sitting back and watching the theatrics that come along with Manny being Manny, but the excess and largesse surrounding this whole offseason with Ramirez is just too much. If he does sign the deal with the Dodgers, it’s only a matter of time until Ramirez finds something else to pout about and holds the team hostage to his demands. Look around, Manny, you ain’t got it so bad.

MANNY, PART DEUX: The satirical online magazine The Onion reports today that agent Scott Boras was able to get Manny $20 billion in economic stimulus funds from the U.S. government. Oh, and there are incentives. Check it out.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

FREE AGENCY AWAITS: The NFL free agency period opens at midnight tonight. You’re likely to see a lot of movement around the league this year. Make sure you check out Jim Thomas’ report in the Post-Dispatch tomorrow morning where he breaks down not only the Rams’ needs in free agency, but also highlights the top five free agents at every position.

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STAT OF THE DAY

41 years — Before Wednesday night, that’s how long it had been since Northwestern University men’s basketball team had beaten Indiana at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. The Wildcats had been 0-33 in Bloomington since their last victory there in 1968.

THE WATERCOOLER
(Post-Dispatch columnists and beat writers share their thoughts on a question of the day.)

Question: What are your expectations for Khalil Greene at shortstop for the Cardinals next season?

JOE STRAUSS
Greene is a lesser defensive player than Cesar Izturis who will probably benefit from exiting what had become a toxic situation in San Diego. Significant questions persist over his offensive approach, unwieldy strikeout totals and low on-base percentage. The Cardinals now project four 100-strikeout bats (Greene, Ankiel, Glaus, Ludwick). It’s a Band-Aid that leaves the Cardinals seeking their fifth shortstop in seven seasons for 2010. Greene is regarded as an introspective, spiritual person … a good guy. But there are many who now wonder if overanalysis contributed to last season’s dramatic offensive tumble. For now, it may be best to describe the move as “neutral” with decent upside.

RICK HUMMEL
I’m a big Khalil Greene fan, despite his awful season last year. If he hadn’t been so bad, the Cardinals might not have been able to get him so cheaply, seemingly. He should hit 20 home runs and drive in 75 and make the plays that need to be made. He will strike out, but so does everybody but Pujols, Molina and Schumaker.

DERRICK GOOLD
Greene fits the change-of-scenery label — a talent who after a power surge and 97 RBIs in 2007 was thought to be a charter member of the National League’s group of wunderkind shortstops, only to collapse into a disastrous 2008. He needs a fresh start. He has a one-year engagement with the Cardinals to do so. Getting out of Petco Park and away from the rapidly bailing San Diego franchise should engage and revive Greene’s interest and ability. He’s a career .270 hitter and a .484 slugger outside of Petco Park, and at his best he’s an athletic defensive player with reliable gap power. The Cardinals will get that Greene, not the 27-homer breakout of 2007, with the good glove, 30-plus doubles and an on-base percentage that makes it difficult to bat him near the top of the order.

BRYAN BURWELL
If Greene returns to his 2007 form, this is a good deal. His glove will be reliable, but the Cards have to get the 27-homer production for this to be considered a success.

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

CARDS GET SHORTSTOP, BUT AT WHAT COST: Obviously the big news of the day is the Cardinals trade for Padres shortstop Khalil Greene. The move comes on the heels of the Cards signing lefty reliever Trever Miller to a one-year deal Wednesday. That means the Cards have addressed two of the areas they deemed most important before even arriving at the Winter Meetings this weekend. Next up: a second baseman, an impact bat and perhaps a starting pitcher (pending news on Chris Carpenter, of course.)

What’s not yet known is what the Cardinals are giving up for Greene, though Joe Strauss has reported the move will cost the Cardinals organization two pitchers, neither of whom was on the major-league roster at the end of last season.

Bernie Miklasz says that manager Tony La Russa might want to consider Greene in the No. 6 hole. That’s been Greene’s best lineup spot during his career. In 636 ABs as a No. 6 hitter Greene has 31 homers, 110 RBIs and a .489 SLG.

Meanwhile, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Greene’s frustration over a season-long hitting slump last year boiled over July 30, when Greene punched a storage chest in a clubhouse tunnel at Petco Park, fracturing his left hand (insert Julian Tavarez joke here). Greene missed the final two months of 2008 because of the injury. You can read about that and what Padres fans are saying about the deal on the Union-Tribune link above.

SPEAKING OF SHORTSTOPS: The San Francisco Giants are expected to announce today that they’ve signed former Cardinal Edgar Renteria, who some locals had hoped would return to the Redbirds. Renteria will replace 11-time Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel. It is reported that Renteria will receive an $18.5 million, two-year contract. That’s a lot of cake for a 33-year-old shortstop who’s range has diminished and who just finished a season batting .270 with 10 homers and 55 RBIs. I guess the economy doesn’t suck for everybody.

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A FEW THINGS TO PONDER

A RULEBOOK REFRESHER: Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was ridiculed mercilessly a few weeks back for not knowing that an overtime game can end in a tie in the NFL. But is he the only player in the league who would be baffled by some of the game’s rules? ESPN.com’s Rick Reilly put a number of players to the test. I found the results hilarious. Check it out.

PACKERS, OK. BUT THE SPURS? According to a consumer survey released this week, the Green Bay Packers have the strongest brand in its local market of any North American team in the major sports leagues. “What this is saying is the following the Packers have is more intensely loyal to supporting the Packers than any other team,” Len Perna, president of New Jersey-based Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, told the Associated Press. “What this basically says is that all other things being equal, a sponsor gets more value in sponsoring the Packers than any other team.”

The Packers ranked first among 122 team brands in the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball. That’s got to be a tough pill to swallow for the Best Fans in Baseball. But fear not, Cardinal Nation. According to the survey, Cards fan at least showed up in the top ten, barely. Biggest surprise omissions here for me were the Cowboys and the Cubs. Oh well, in the words of Richard Dawson: And the survey says …

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Boston Red Sox
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. New England Patriots
5. Indianapolis Colts
6. Detroit Red Wings
7. San Antonio Spurs
8. Pittsburgh Penguins
9. Boston Celtics
10. St. Louis Cardinals

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STATS OF THE DAY

38 … 623 … 6 — Those are the receptions, yards and touchdowns for Isaac Bruce this season.

45 … 526 … 2 — Those are the receptions, yards and touchdowns for Torry Holt this season.

Did the Rams cut ties with the wrong receiver? You make the call.