A rough weekend for the St. Louis Cardinals it was. Rookie Scott Van Slyke, son of former Cardinal Andy Van Slyke, bashed his first career home run on Sunday to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 6-5 win and complete a three-game sweep of the ailing Redbirds.
With first baseman Lance Berkman feared to be lost for the season, the Cardinals are hoping that young padawans, Matt Adams and Matt Carpenter, are the new hope. Carpenter has already shown this season that the force is strong with him and Adams got a hit in his first big-league at-bat. Seven straight losses to the Dodgers make L.A. feel like the center of the evil empire to Cardinals fans. It may only be May, but if the Cardinals want to get back to the World Series, a way to beat the Dodgers they must figure out.
While the Cardinals struggle on the diamond, one area team has proven its worth. The Missouri softball team won its NCAA regional and advances to the super-regional round next weekend. Meanwhile, in the Center of Scottrade on the planet Kiel in the galaxy formerly known as Savvis, the new Blues’ ownership continues to settle in. As far as the team that knocked the Blues out of the playoffs, the L.A. Kings are just one victory away from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.
Although the Blues might still be reeling from their playoff exit, what can’t be forgotten is the season they had. They were among the best in the league and are a young team that should only get better. While beaten up now, the Cardinals are still the defending World Series champs and nobody should underestimate their chances. Overcame the odds last year they did, much like the Rebel Alliance.
Then there are the St. Louis Rams, who long for a return to a time not so long ago in what seems like a galaxy far, far away when their offense was the best in the NFL and they ran the “Greatest Show on Turf.”
Coach Jeff Fisher is building a return to glory around the defense. A lofty goal Fisher has set: Break the NFL sack record, he reportedly told the team. The rebuild begins with strengthening the defense, general manager Les Snead added.
Among the legendary sports figures in attendance at Sunday night’s St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a vital cog of the “Greatest Show” days. Former Rams receiver Isaac Bruce was honored by an area restaurant and spoke of today’s NFL.
Selected at the same position as Bruce in this year’s draft, Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick the Rams drafted. If Sam Bradford is going to evolve into the player many thought he would be, become the proton torpedo in Bradford’s X-Wing fighter, Quick may have to. On the same field, the two will finally be this week as the Rams begin their second week of organized team activities (OTAs).
Know for certain what impact the new Rams draftees or free agents will have until they pad up in training camp we won’t. On the right path they seem to be. Give up hope we must not. May the force be with you.
