Two down. One to go?
First, Tony La Russa decided to call it a career after winning the World Series. He retired a week ago Monday.
Second, the St. Louis Blues—which are expected to be purchased by Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer—decided it was time to shake up the underachieving team by firing Davis Payne on Sunday and hiring Ken Hitchcock.
They say these things come in threes. That means Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, who is suddenly the longest-tenured coach of St. Louis’ professional sports franchises, might want to check out his horoscope and see if it says, “You’ll be moving soon.”
After Sunday’s disastrous loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Spagnuolo's job security is as shaky as Jell-O. I’ve stumped for him to get another shot next year, but if owner Stan Kroenke announced that he’s seen enough and is cleaning house, I wouldn’t be surprised.
For now, though, let’s focus on Hitchcock. He is a buddy of Blues GM Doug Armstrong. Armstrong was assistant general manager of the Dallas Stars in 1999, when Hitchcock led that team to a Stanley Cup title. Hitchcock has also known team spokesperson John Davidson for many years.
If it sounds like the fix was in for Hitchcock, it’s because it probably was. He would not have received this opportunity, however, if not for the Blues lackluster 6-7 start. That included a home-opening loss to the Nashville Predators, which was attended by my daughter, Blaine, and I. As we walked back to the car, I thought to myself, "If this keeps up, there is going to be trouble."
The Blues have been a success story, even though the team has not had much success over the past few years. The team sells out or plays to near capacity every home game. Its fans are devout. They buy jerseys along with their tickets. They come early and most don’t leave until late. People have fun at a game—regardless of the final score. But with each season that ends without a playoff berth, the formula for continued success grows more elusive.
Everything is in place for the Blues to take off in big-time fashion. Yet, something seems to be missing.
Enter one Hitchcock. He is a meany. He’s no fun. He screams at players. He will press the Blues youngsters harder than they ever imagined under Payne. Off-ice foolishness will not be accepted, and on-ice excellence will be demanded.
My guess is that the Blues will make the playoffs. Where they go from there is anyone’s guess. But all you gotta do is get in to go far in the postseason. Just ask the Cardinals.
Commentary by Alvin Reid
