And now we can make it official: Welcome to St. Louis, Sam Bradford.
After agreeing to a massive six-year, $78 million contract that includes a record $50 million in guaranteed funds, Bradford is more than just a quarterback. He's a one-man boost to the lagging St. Louis economy.
While you're throwing passes, Sam, make sure to throw some of that money around, too. Share the wealth. Save the franchise. And save some local businesses.
We're happy for Bradford and the Rams. But now we know why some NFL veterans and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell want to institute a rookie salary cap. Come on, now: $50 million guaranteed for a guy who hasn't taken an NFL snap?
A guaranteed $50 million, even if HE snaps?
The stakes are enormous. And this goes beyond the accounting of dollars.
Bradford brings many potential qualities to a down-and-out franchise. The Rams need a new, promising identity that can energize the fan base. Bradford is that symbol of hope. He is in a position to do more to transform the franchise than any player since Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner in 1999.
If Bradford develops into an elite quarterback who can deliver the Rams back to the NFL playoffs and keep the seats filled at the Edward Jones Dome, his impact will be profound. Bradford can stabilize the franchise and keep it safe for St. Louis. And in that case, he will be worth every dollar.
If Bradford can't stay healthy, if he fails, or if he's just average, then the Rams will be in trouble. The financial investment will blow up. The hopes and dreams will be crushed. Fans will become more disenchanted. The empty-seat count will escalate. The Rams will have to start rebuilding all over again. And the franchise will be weakened. And their stadium lease expires after the 2014 season. Goodness.
Given the circumstances, I don't know if any NFL rookie has faced as much pressure as Bradford will encounter in St. Louis. That right shoulder will be loaded down with an immense weight of expectations. And the size of the contract only adds to the heaviness.
Bradford is here now, ready to go to work. He'll be on the field at Rams Park today for the first full-squad practice. He'll need time to grow. He'll need time to prove himself. And we'll be watching every step, to see if he's on the way to becoming Peyton Manning, or on the way to becoming Joey Harrington.
For now, the Rams fans' sad eyes have brightened. They have something to look forward to, a new beginning in the form of Sam the Ram. But what will we be saying five years from now, or 10 years from now?
You just want to believe that he'll be worth all of this.
Reading Time, 3 Minutes
I hope we pack the Scottrade Center next Saturday, Aug. 7, to support our own Devon Alexander, who will putting his WBC and IBF 140-pound world championships on the line against challenger Andriy Kotelnik. I can't wait for this. And I can't say enough positive things about the undefeated Alexander. He's an outstanding young man who is proudly loyal to St. Louis. He's an aggressive and entertaining competitor who stands in front of his opponent and fights, and boxing needs more of that straightforward style.
Alexander-Kotelnik is one of three championship fights on the card, so there's good value in the ticket price. (In one of the other title bouts, St. Louisan Cory Spinks will defend his 154-pound IBF championship against Cornelius Bundrage, who is trained by Emanuel Steward.) This is a star vehicle for Alexander, who clearly is being promoted by the influential cable network HBO, which will beam the fight around the world.
Retired Rams cornerback Aeneas Williams is the pastor of The Spirit of the Lord Family Church, located at 206 Emerling Drive, not far from Interstate 70 and Florissant Avenue. Last weekend Williams was inducted into the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame. (He's a native.) ... From Bits contributor Andy Strickland: Marshall Faulk was a late lineup scratch, so Rams running back Steven Jackson introduced Nelly on Thursday night for the concert at Kiener Plaza, which was part of the events to promote the St. Louis bid to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
Retired Blues enforcer Kelly Chase, the team's radio analyst, is a contestant on "Battle of the Blades," a Canadian reality show that pairs world-class figure skaters with former NHL players. Chase is preparing by working with Kurt Browning. You can follow Chaser's progress by reading his blog at www.stlblues.com. ... Isn't it about time for the Blues and Erik Johnson to reach an agreement on a contract extension?
It's going to be busy at Rams Park on Monday. Alexander and promoter Don King are stopping by to say hello to the Rams. And the beloved Dick Vermeil, who coached the 1999 Rams to the Super Bowl championship, is also scheduled to visit Rams Park on Monday. ... Alexander will throw out the first pitch before Tuesday's Astros-Cardinals game at Busch. ... One more note on Alexander: On Thursday night at 7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Midwest will debut the documentary "Gateway to Greatness: The Devon Alexander Story."
Given the mediocre offense being supplied by many of the members of the Cardinals infield, the team will need David Freese to come back strong from his ankle and foot injuries. But can he? Freese is batting .324 with runners in scoring position, and he's hitting .296 for the season. But he batted .258 with a .325 slugging percentage in his last 169 plate appearances going back to May 6. ... MLS star Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution) was back home in St. Louis this week; he told us he's considering retiring after suffering seven concussions during his soccer career.
The difference between Hal McRae (2009) as hitting coach and Mark McGwire as hitting coach in 2010? Not much. The Cardinals entered the weekend batting .262 with a .332 onbase percentage and a .411 slugging percentage and were averaging 4.43 runs a game. The 2009 Cardinals batted .263 with a .333 onbase percentage, .415 slugging percentage and scored 4.51 runs a game. The home-run rate is identical (0.99 per game.) The walk rates and strikeout rates are virtually the same.
The Nice Section
• Mike Emerson and the good folks at Pappy's Smokehouse (3106 Olive Street, near the St. Louis U. campus) are selling raffle tickets to raise funds for Dan Dailey, a retired teacher from Ursuline Academy who is in a very difficult fight against ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The raffle prize was donated by Albert Pujols, who autographed one of his No. 5 jerseys to help the cause. Tickets, available at Pappy's on Aug. 1, are $5 each or three for $10. The drawing is Aug. 20 and the winner need not be present to win.
• The 30th Annual Wyman Golf Tournament is Aug. 16 at Whitmoor CC. Wyman helps underprivileged teens develop their potential. Cardinals broadcaster Dan McLaughlin will be on hand as the honorary chairman. The event includes golf, brunch and dinner-auction. For information call 636-549-1247 or visit www.wymancenter.org
