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: 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: Gateway Tech’s Sheldon Richardson, ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 4 high school player in the nation, has already committed to Mizzou but reportedly is still considering an official visit to Miami this weekend. Should a player who has already committed still be visiting other schools?

VAHE GREGORIAN
For whatever reason, the college football culture seems permissive of visits after commitments are made, especially for high-level recruits like Richardson. That said, when somebody gives his word, and in fact gives it a second time as he did, it just seems wrong to take another visit. At some point, your commitment should mean you’ve taken everything else off the table and you mean it, even if it’s not written yet.

STU DURANDO
NCAA rules make this possible, so there’s nothing to stop a recruit from doing it. So it should absolutely be allowed. This happens in dozens of instances every year. The problem is that schools and the media hound these kids for decisions for months and many make announcements when they’re not fully equipped to do so. Another problem is that coaches don’t respect a recruit’s committment and continue to call in hopes of getting him to make a visit. It’s just a part of the grimy side of recruiting.

JEFF GORDON
In an ideal world, a commitment is a commitment. It would be nice if kids — and coaches — stood by their word. But they don’t. The recruiting game is too volatile for that. Since coaches renege all the time (and even pull scholarships from struggling players), I can’t blame a top recruit for keeping his options open until he actually signs on the dotted line.

BRYAN BURWELL
As a former mediocre college athlete who was recruited by Division I, mid-major and Division II schools, I am sympathetic to the difficult task that every 18-year-old kid like Sheldon Richardson is dealing with. I think a lot of times there are outside pressures on these kids to commit to the in-state school even if they don’t want to go there. Often the pressure is so great that some kids figure the best way to deal with it is to make a verbal commitment to the local school and that allows them to then investigate the other schools they might have a genuine interest in. I have no problem with a kid exploring other options after a verbal commitment. It’s too critical a decision to handle, a choice that could affect the rest of a young athlete’s life. So if he or she is having second thoughts about a verbal commitment, I say make sure. Take the extra visit.

KATHLEEN NELSON
They are children. Coaches and fans can fall into the trap of treating a huge talent in a super-sized body as an adult. Deep down — well, pretty close to the surface, actually — the big talents betray themselves as 17- or 18-year-olds. These are big decisions, and we shouldn’t expect teenagers to make adult commitments. Even adults — such as COACHES — don’t stick to their university commitments. And we shouldn’t be surprised if youngsters change their minds.

BILL COATS
In an ideal world, no. Your word should be your bond. But that’s not how it works these days. The bottom line is, this is a big decision and kids should strive to identify the best place for them. If that means more visits after making an oral commitment, so be it.

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MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

GETTING DEFENSIVE: When Barret Jackman first came up with the St. Louis Blues, I think many fans saw a future superstar. Jackman was tough, aggressive, physical and showed some puck-moving abilities. But he also had a couple of other studs playing along the blue line with him (you know who I’m talking about.) Before you know it, Jackman began struggling with injuries and found himself on a bit of an island as some bigger-name players retired or moved on. And he began to hear it from the fans.

Now a veteran at the ripe old age of 27 and wearing an “A” on his sweater, Jackman has come full circle. His play caught my eye early this season … a rejuvenated pep in his step. And as the defensive corps kept losing one player after another to injury, it seemed to me Jackman elevated his game a little more each time. No, he doesn’t brawl as much as he used to (I think that’s a good thing, actually), but he’s got just enough nastiness in him to keep opponents honest. But most importantly, I think he’s just really stepped us as the leader on the defensive end of the ice.

Testing my theory, I asked Blues reporter Jeremy Rutherford to send along the following inquiry to team president John Davidson:

Many fans are seeing Barret Jackman in an all-new light this season. With so many injuries, he’s really seemed to take control in the defensive zone. Can you comment on Jackman’s play this season?

As usual, JR came through. And here’s what JD had to say:

“This is the best I’ve seen (Jackman) play since I’ve been here . . . the most consistent I’ve seen him play. His puck decisions have been better, he knows how to leverage bigger people along the boards and in the corners. I think he’s had a good year.

“He reminds me of a throwback . . . a player who plays hard, plays bigger than what he is, never complains about anything. Gets banged up, bruised up and never misses time. You don’t see him sitting around a medical room. There’s no maintenance to the man. He just a throwback. He’s one of those character people on and off the ice.

“I’m glad he’s played well . . . he’s been given an opportunity this year to have a lot more ice time, a lot more important ice time, and he’s done his part for us.”

– There you have it. Round Two’s observations are confirmed by the team president himself. I jest. But thanks to JR for gathering the info and to JD for taking the time to address the topic.

“CHUCKY” VOWS TO RETURN: In his first public comments since his firing as Tampa Bay head coach, Jon Gruden tells ESPN that he has no doubt he’ll coach again, whether “it’s the NFL, college, high school or, maybe, I’ll just be the best damn flag football coach in the history of Florida. I’m now head of the FFCA — Fired Florida Coaches Association.”

There’s little doubt Gruden will return to an NFL sideline. Coaches who have won Super Bowls (Tampa, 2003) have a way of finding jobs. Especially someone like Gruden, who in 11 seasons as a head coach (4 with Oakland, 7 with Tampa) has had only three teams finish with sub-.500 records.

His NFL coaching record speaks for itself. His relationships with some players, however, not so much. In the ESPN article linked above, former Buccaneer Simeon Rice says Gruden is a “scumbag” who wasn’t truthful with him. And Gruden has a long history of clashing with his QBs.

Nonetheless, Chucky’s return is guaranteed. So that cute, little visor he wears will become vogue once again on an NFL sideline …. somewhere, someday. Man, I hate that visor.

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TENNIS ANYONE?

SERENA TOPS THE LIST: According to Bloomberg News, Serena Williams passed Annika Sorenstam as the top prize money-earner in womens sports history after securing a place in the Australian Open finals that guarantees her a paycheck of $660,000. That would bring Williams total to $22.7 million for her career if she loses, and even more if she collects the $2 million winner’s check. Here’s a look at the top seven money-winners all-time in women’s sports:

1. Serena Williams: $22.7 million (if she loses in finals.)
2. Annika Sorenstam: $22.6 million
3. Lindsay Davenport $22.1 million
4. Venus Williams $22.0 million
5. Steffi Graf $21.9 million
6. Martina Navratilova $21.6 million
7. Martina Hingis $20.1 million
(Sources: Bloomberg News, WTA, LPGA)

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STAT OF THE DAY

39 — The record for fewest NHL games needed to score 50 goals from the start of the season. Wayne Gretzky did it for the Edmonton Oilers in the 1981-82 season. And he did it in grand style, scoring five goals in his 39th game of the season to reach the 50-goal plateau. Gretzky went on to record an NHL-record 92 goals that season. (SOURCE: “Hockey’s Top 100”)