Mike Shanahan Out In Denver – Could He Be a Candidate in KC or Cleveland?

December 30, 2008 By 3 Comments
mike-shanahan

As a Chiefs fan I am happy, but as a football fan I am utterly shocked. I realize the Broncos choked in a big way and had their asses handed to them by San Diego on Sunday night for the Division Title, but by no means did I expect Mike Shanahan to lose his job be fired by Denver.

I mean come on, when you think of Denver, you think of John Elway, and then who?

Mike Shanahan Fired in DenverMike Shanahan.

This guy has been a spectacular NFL head coach over the past 14 years in Denver, which includes back to back Super Bowl titles in 1998 and 1999. Mike Shanahan has compiled a record of 146 – 89 over his tenure at Denver and has been a contender in the West it seems like every year.

I don’t have much more to say here other than WOW, and that the firing of Mike Shanahan definitely opens the door for some teams that are currently looking for a head coach.

Now that Mike Shanahan has been fired by Denver, would he be a potential fit in Cleveland? How about Detroit? Or wait, what about the Jets? Or, no way, what would it be like if the Chiefs let Herm go and Shanahan takes over in Kansas City! That would be sweet!!

This offseason is really getting interesting and as a Chiefs fan I have always hated the Broncos, but I can’t deny the fact that Shanahan has always had my respect as a Coach for what he has been able to accomplish year in and year out.

Merry Xmas to the next team that lands Mike Shanahan as their new head coach.

coop92 is a contributing author to Midwest Sports Fans, as well as the editor at Midwest Sports Junkies. Check out his site for additional analysis of the St. Louis Cardinals, the BCS, and Missouri Tigers football.

Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: coaching carousel, denver broncos, mike shanahan, NFL

After Loss to Eagles, Plenty Of Blame To Go Around In Big D

December 30, 2008 By 3 Comments

Well, here we go again.

After a royal butt whipping at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in a Win-and-In game Sunday afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys are saying everything but the right thing.

The Cowboys had an opportunity to reach the playoffs with a win at Philly, but all they accomplished was wasting 3 hours of my day (actually about 2, because I couldn’t stand to watch any more) and costing me another point in my football pool.

Terrell Owens Crying - Plenty of Blame to Go Around in DallasThe frustrating part of this is the fact that I have yet to hear anyone stand up and say, you know what, Philly played a great game and that we didn’t deserve to win. Instead, all I am hearing is that it’s so and so’s fault, or listening to T.O. cry again because his quarterback played terrible when it matters.

I do think that Jerry Jones needs to look in the mirror a little and understand that money doesn’t buy championships. The Cowboys lack unity and toughness. When the chips are down, the finger pointing begins; yet when things are rolling well, the cocky Cowboys think “we are the best team in football.”

It’s apparent that Jerry Jones is going to bring Head Coach Wade Phillips back next year. I guess I have to respect that decision, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I truly believe that the attitude and mental toughness of a team comes from a coach that has a strong personality and demands the best out of his players. It’s an attitude, and it starts at the top. There’s no doubt the Cowboys have the talent to be an elite force in the NFL, what they lack are the guts and passion to go out and make it happen.

I don’t mean to slam on Dallas, and I have been a Cowboy fan for many, many years now. But more than anything, I am a football fan. I follow the Chiefs, Rams and Cowboys. I guess that’s maybe where my frustration is coming from, because the first two are terrible and the Cowboys were the only hope this year. Oh well, I will still enjoy watching the playoffs and Super Bowl.

The Cowboys will move into their new $1.1 billion dollar stadium next year, and the question is whether or not they will field a team worthy of this commitment. I for one will be interested to see what, if any, changes are made during the offseason.

coop92 is a contributing author to Midwest Sports Fans, as well as the editor at Midwest Sports Junkies. Check out his site for additional analysis of the St. Louis Cardinals, the BCS, and Missouri Tigers football.

Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL, Uncategorized Tagged With: dallas cowboys, Jerry Jones, NFL, Terrell Owens, wade phillips

Missouri Tigers – Northwestern Wildcats to Meet At The Alamo

December 8, 2008 By Leave a Comment
missouri-logo

Missouri Tigers - Northwestern Wildcats in Alamo BowlFirst off, I have to say how disappointed I was with the outcome of Mizzou’s Big 12 Championship match-up with Oklahoma. To lose is one thing but to lose that convincingly is another. I mean seriously, OU dominated every facet of the game from the beginning to the end.

There were spells during the game that it felt like Mizzou might actually get something going but then OU would make an adjustment and immediately shut things down. On the flip side I saw nothing that led me to believe Mizzou was trying different schemes or options to try and slow OU down. The most puzzling to me was how far off the line the corners were playing. They were giving OU receivers 5 to 8 yards of cushion the entire game. I mean come on, you’re down 38-7 at the half, what is there to lose by jamming some receivers and getting a little more physical?

Now, I will say that Oklahoma is very impressive; this squad is clicking on all cylinders right now. I keep hearing that Oklahoma will be an underdog to Florida in the Championship game. I don’t see it. Florida is a very good team as well but I honestly don’t see any college team beating the Sooners right now. You can’t tell me that OU’s defense is not good enough to hang with Florida. There’s no doubt Mizzou didn’t do themselves any favors by turning the ball over 3 times, but still, the OU D held the 6th ranked offense inMissouri - Northwestern in Alamo Bowl the nation to only 21 points.

I do think this will be a great matchup between the Sooners and Gators but I have to give the edge to Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, Mizzou has accepted an invite to play in the Alamo bowl against Northwestern on Dec. 29th. Two teams with completely different expectations coming into the season, Missouri was a preseason National Championship favorite while Northwestern was just hoping to get into and win a bowl game.

These two teams have not faced each other since 1987 when the Tigers beat the Wildcats in Columbia 28-3. These teams have previously faced off 8 times and are split at 4 wins apiece.

Again, the strength of Mizzou is its explosive offense and its weakness is the 100th ranked defense. Mizzou has losses to three top 25 teams, getting beat by an average of 23 points. Northwestern has losses to two top 2Northwestern to play Missouri in Alamo Bowl5 teams by an average of 26 points. Both teams faced Illinois this year with Mizzou winning by 10 and Northwestern winning by 17.

This should be a good ballgame. Mizzou has several seniors in which this will be their last hoorah, so I am sure they will want to go out on top and give Mizzou their first back to back 10-win seasons in school history.

Northwestern will be playing to reach that 10-win mark as well. Like Mizzou, Northwestern has 23 seniors that will be looking to go out on top. It has been 59 years since Northwestern has won a bowl game.

I have to give the edge to Mizzou on Offense and Northwestern on Defense. Should make for an interesting game. Go Tigers !!

coop92 is a contributing author to Midwest Sports Fans, as well as the editor at Midwest Sports Junkies. Check out his site for additional analysis of the St. Louis Cardinals, the BCS, and Missouri Tigers football.

Filed Under: CFB, Featured Column Tagged With: alamo bowl, bowl games, CFB, missouri tigers, Northwestern Wildcats

Cards Go Greene – Trade with Padres for Khalil

December 4, 2008 By 1 Comment
Khalil Greene

Published reports indicate that the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres have agreed on a trade bringing Khalil Greene to St. Louis for two relievers. The names of the relievers have not been published and I, as well as many other Redbird fans, are very curious to find out who the relievers are.

Khalil Greene is apparently owed 6.5 million in 2009 and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Again, the full details of this trade have not been released yet so we are unsure if the Cards are on the hook for the full $6.5 million or if the Padres have agreed to eat some of this money.

Greene had a breakout year in 2007, cranking 27 HR’s and driving in 97 RBI’s, while playing a very smooth shortstop. Greene struSt. Louis Cardinals Sign Khalil Greeneggled at the plate in 2008, though, as experts feel he was consumed with trying to hit the long ball. Khalil only hit .213 in 2008 with 10 HR’s and 35 RBI’s through 105 games. His season was cut short July 31st as he broke his hand after apparently punching a storage unit.

Reports show that Khalil Greene had a falling out with the Padres front office and it has been rumored for a while now that they were wanting to move him, whether just to get rid of his salary or turn the page with someone else.

I am sure the Cardinals are hoping that a change of scenery will help Greene return to his ’07 form. Khalil Greene has performed better away from pitcher-friendly Petco park over his years there, to the tune of a .270 BA and 50 HR’s versus .255 and 30 HR’s at Petco.

When the details of this deal are finally released we will be able to truly decide if the Cards have made a smart move here. Hopefully they have’nt given up some top name prospects and likewise, hopefully Greene can return to being the electric, smooth, power hitting shortstop that helped him make a name for himself.

I will say it’s nice to actually see the Cards doing something. They have made some moves over the past couple of years but not necessarily what a lot of fans were hoping for. Again, that’s why we’re fans and not management. The Cards continue to compete and hopefully with a few more strong moves this off season the Cards can climb back to the top of the Central.

coop92 is a contributing author to Midwest Sports Fans, as well as the editor at Midwest Sports Junkies. Check out his site for additional analysis of the Cardinals, the BCS, and Missouri Tigers football.

Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: hot stove, khalil greene, MLB, St. Louis Cardinals, trades

Its Miller Time: St. Louis Cardinals Sign Relief Pitcher Trever Miller

December 3, 2008 By 2 Comments

After weeks of uncertainty by many and an overall confusing situation, Left handed reliever Trevor Miller has agreed to terms on a one year contract with the Cards. This announcement was expected a few weeks ago but apparently something showed up in his physical that complicated the announcement.

The initial thought was that Miller would sign a two year deal but reports are now stating that Miller and the Cards have agreed on a one year deal. Compensation appears to be in the 2 million dollar range assuming Miller meets certain performance incentives.

Trever Miller Signs With St. Louis CardinalsMiller has been very consistent over the past 6 seasons posting 60 plus innings in each. Miller has a lifetime ERA of 4.43 in 422 1/3 innings. Millers 2008 stats for the AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays were a little better than his career stats. Miller posted a 4.15 ERA in 68 appearances with 44 strikeouts and 20 walks while surrendering only 2 home runs.

Miller has been dominant against lefties to the tune of a .209 batting average, a .305 on base percentage and a .308 slugging percentage.

I can see Miller being very comfortable playing for Tony Larussa. Tony is known to pick his spots and his match ups very carefully. They don’t always work out but Tony is very consistent in how he uses his left handed relievers.

I Feel the Cards may look to add additional left handed relief as we head into the Winter meetings next week. I will be very curious to see how the Cards address the rest of the pen as well as the holes at second and short.

Was this a good move by the Cards, I guess time will tell. I can say that 2 million is not a huge investment as long as it provides the stability we need from the left side.

What say ye about this move and whats your thoughts about how MO is going to shape the rest of the team.

coop92 is a contributing author to Midwest Sports Fans, as well as the editor at Midwest Sports Junkies.  Check out his site for additional analysis of the Cardinals, the BCS, and Missouri Tigers football.

Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: hot stove, MLB, St. Louis Cardinals, trever miller

St. Louis Cardinals Decline Arbitration on Russ Springer – Good Move?

December 2, 2008 By Leave a Comment
russ-springer

As most are aware the Cards have declined arbitration to all of their pending free agents, in particular Braden Looper and Russ Springer. So what does this mean for 2009?

I for one must say that I am a bit surprised the Cardinals did not offer to Russ Springer. I get the fact his career is about over and I also get the fact that he has had just as many bad years as he has good. But I have to look back on his performance in St. Louis and say thanks Russ! There’s no denying the fact that Springer stabilized a shaky bullpen in 2008. Was he perfect every time out? Well no; but who is?

Cardinals Decline Arbitration on Russ SpringerThe 2008 version of the Cardinals pen was made up with a lot of youth and I have to believe that Springer’s presence and mentoring helped some of these young guys with the mental aspects of the game. There is no one better to bring along young pitchers than experienced, battle-tested players that have a great attitude and work ethic. Not to mention the fact that Russ Springer was very steady coming out of the pen this past year and could be counted on more times than not to get the Cards out of a jam.

Now, I get the fact that he could still be in a Cards uniform next year and personally hope that’s the case. We all know he wants to play in St. Louis next year. I guess the question is, what are the Cards really planning to do?

coop92 is a contributing author to Midwest Sports Fans, as well as the editor at Midwest Sports Junkies.  Check out his site for additional analysis of the Cardinals, the BCS, and Missouri Tigers football.

Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: hot stove, russ springer, St. Louis Cardinals