Biggest Choke Since the Sir William Howe

By ExtraPointDJ | June 12th, 2010

How about the miracle goal by the United States this afternoon.  I never watch soccer.  I will not try to dazzle anyone with analysis.  However, I think I know enough about the sport to know a player that choked when I see it.  At least this big choke happened in a country that a little civility in England for goalie Robert Green.  Heck, he may take a beating from a few soccer hooligan that resemble the ones from the movie Eurotrip.  However, I do think that if this took place in some countries that he would be put to death after a great deal of torture in an execution style format.  The kind that Michael Vick the posse of Bad News Kennels would use. 

Where does this mistake rank?  I would say that it is right at the top.  I would say that Bill Buckner would eclipse it.  However, I am finding it tough to think of other big chokes.  Tell me ones that come to your mind. 

Do not feel bad for Green by the way.  England will get out of their pool with two wins.  Most importantly, Sir William Howe was commander-in-chief for Great Britain during the American Revolution.  He lived 30 more years after the war and was elected governor of a province.  Green will be fine.

Kiffen Needs To Recruit More “Hostesses”

By Roger | June 10th, 2010

With the news that USC is likely to be placed on two year probation from postseason play, have a reduction in scholarships, and forfeiture of wins, it certainly begs the question – will Lane Kiffen re-commit to using “hostesses” like he did at Tennessee to overcome any recruiting obstacles and attract talent to USC?  The Tennessee “hostess” controversy has been well documented – it clearly was effective in Knoxville which is south of the Mason Dixon line.  It would likely be effective in Southern Cal, too. 

There have been subtle rumors of a possible Vanderbilt to the Big 10 although it appears that Vandy might be most likely to remain in the SEC.  With Vanderbilt being south of the Mason Dixon line like the other SEC schools, from a geographic perspective it makes most sense to be in the SEC, historically the most dominant football conference. 

It will be interesting to see where all the schools decide to go.  One thing is for sure………it will have nothing to do with the “student athlete” and everything to do with the greedy universities looking to maximize the TV revenue dollar.

Two First Calls Left

By ExtraPointDJ | June 9th, 2010

Well, as many of you may know, Roger and I found out about a month ago that the morning show that we do on 590 The Fan would be ending….to be honest….I am not as disappointed as I thought I would be…my goal when I started this show nearly a year ago was to make it through the summer….then when august rolled around….I then wanted to really test myself to see if I could go a whole school year and be able to do three jobs all at the same time and do them at a high level….would I be able to deliver go sports radio in the morning to the fans in st. louis…I feel that on most days we did this….it was entertaining and a new perspective that Roger and myself offered to the sports fans in st. louis…..we had great contest…..solid interviews….and input from the callers…..we viewed ourselves as the voicebox for the sports fans of St. Louis…..without you the callers….this show would not have been nearly as fun to do each day….
 
Then could I handle the responsibilities of being a baseball coach…..this one did not really become part of the equation until february as far as the grind that it brings to the daily schedule….I was able to do that job better than I had ever done before….that is not meant to come across as arrogant….but I felt a little more pressure to show that I was doing a good job because if things went poorly….the reason would be right there for all the critic every coach has to deal with…..I can imagined comments like: does this guy really have the right focus for our kids if he sitting around yapping about sports at 5AM in the morning….it is not all about winning either…..the kids learned the fundamentals….they conducted themselves with class on and off the field….and the talent of the players allowed us to have the most successful JV season in my six years at Windsor with a 16-5 record….more importantly….they will take the little things needed to be a winner to the next level if they project the way I believe they will……..
 
Lastly…..waking up at 3:45 each day….would I be able to do my job at a high level in the classroom….this was the biggest goal for me…..there were moments wear it was tough to make it through the day….for the most part I was able to bring the same level of enthusiasm to my class and produce great results…..this year….I had 89% of my students pass the state test for communication arts called “The English II End of Course Exam”….I was able to handle the duties of being a teacher that happen outside of the classroom such as announcing at athletic events…serving on school committees….and helping with charity organizations that help the student body……
 
The last year has been a great joy….but like all great phases of life…..it would eventually have to come to an end…..friday morning at 6:58 AM….will be that final moment…..for the people that listened…..Roger and I truly appreciate it…..for the people that helped make this happen at school…..I appreciate your support to let me live the dream of being a radio host that got the chance to talk sports each and every weekday…..it will be a chapter of the Jeffries story I will fondly remember….

Thursday’s Lineup

By Roger | June 9th, 2010

During Thursday’s show, the following guests will join us -

6:05 AM   Tim Klutsarits – Tim writes for Examiner.com and has some strong opinions on the Rams and how their offseason has been so far.

6:20 AM  Rambo – St. Louis Slam – Rambo joins us for her weekly segment to update us on all things Slam.

6:30 AM – Al Barthold – www.sendlebrontochicago.com – Al has received much recent national notoriety with his website and desire to see LeBron in a Bulls uniform, and he will join us tomorrow morning. 

Champs and Chumps, Arlington’s Angle, and Don’s Dandies, of course, will be part of the daily schedule as well.

Tuesday Tidbits

By Roger | June 8th, 2010

Without question, the most overpaid human being on this planet is Bud Selig – 18 million annually to be incompetent!!……….I would sign Suppan to a minimum MLB contract – when you have a combo of Hawksworth and Walters on the mound, you might as well not take the field – not sure if Suppan would be any better, but I am open minded on the matter…..good move by the Rams to “acquire” Bruce – it is doubtful, however, that the organization will put together an appropriate ceremony for the Reverend Ike – the track record of the Rams is to not properly salute their stars……..Strasburg should be great for the Nationals and great for MLB – I hope he does very well from the start tonight…..very funny to hear people call Kroenke a “shrewd businessman” – many people could be very shrewd when they marry a billionaire……the NFL is showing that being part of the good ole boy club is more important than properly enforcing their cross ownership rules when it comes to owners owning other franchises – allowing Kroenke to “sell” his other franchises to his wife or son is making a mockery of the rule…..Stan has stood by silently while the franchise has been run into the ground by Shaw, Zygmunt, Devaney, Linehan, et al….I prefer the self made billionaire in Khan….by the way, I do not think the Rams have any more talent than the day they hired Devaney…..every time they take a step forward, they take a step backwards…….

Spagnuolo Offers No Hint On Atogwe

By Roger | June 4th, 2010

When Don and I interviewed Coach Spagnuolo this morning on the First Call, he was unsure as to whether or not OJ Atogwe will sign with the Rams or one of the several teams vying for his services.  This would be a setback if he does not sign with the Rams.  There are times when it appears that everytime the Rams take a step forward they then take a step backward.  Alex Barron would have been a solid backup OT, but the Rams traded him for a linebacker some in Dallas call “Barbie” Carpenter.  When the Rams drafted Laurinitis in 2009 they then release Tinoisoma.  These moves were not cap related either.  Releasing Tinoisoma made no sense because the Rams have not had depth at the LB position for quite some time.

When I asked Coach Spagnuolo whether or not the franchise is being limited in its spending due to the impending ownership change, he did not really answer the question which leads me to believe that Rosenbloom and Kroenke have put limits on the team spending.

Regardless, until the Rams have an owner in place who demonstrates by action a commitment to winning the Rams will not make significant progress.  My first choice is Khan, an avid Rams fan already and a self made man.  If Kroenke is the choice of NFL owners, it would be my hope that he holds the front office and coaching staff to a very high standard, and I hope he creates a climate where winning is expected.

Health Insurance Landscape Changing

By Roger | June 3rd, 2010

With the recent legislation passed, many changes to the health insurance field for consumers will be occurring over the next months and years.  Employers will have additional requirements, and individuals looking to purchase health insurance will have options they did not once have. 

What will it do in terms of pricing?  If you currently own a business and offer benefits to your employees, what will the new legislation mean to you?  Have you shopped for health insurance pricing lately?  Sinnott Insurance Agency can help you with these questions and answers at (636)458-7576 – I would be happy to help!!

Perhaps you would like to find out the cost of dental insurance either on an individual basis or if you own a business what would it cost to offer group dental?  Vision insurance can be offered on a voluntary (employee paid) basis – would you like to know the cost?  Are you and your spouse expecting a new baby or have you recently bought a house – these events often drive one to evaluate their life insurance needs – for term life quotes, contact me at (636)458-7576. 

Many employers do not know the exact answers to many questions as it pertains to their employee benefits.  I can help…do not hesitate to call at (636)458-7576.

Minihane, Spagnuolo Set To Join The First Call

By Roger | June 2nd, 2010

Kirk Minihane of WEEI Sports Boston will be joining us Thursday morning to talk Celtic vs. Lakers NBA Championship.  He has strong, well thought out opinions, and we look forward to hearing from him.

On Friday, Coach Spagnuolo will be joining us live as well.  We will talk Rams football with Coach Spags and get his thoughts as the Rams prepare for training camp.

Tuesday Tidbits

By Roger | June 1st, 2010

Is Roy Halladay good or what??? ………Great to see Cards hitters give Jaime Garcia some offensive production!!……Rasmus needs to hustle on EVERY play and does he know how to throw???….Celtics to upset the Lakers in 5 games – Garnett leads the way!!!……Ubaldo Jimenez was 15-12 last season, and he is lights out this season – amazing how his ERA keeps going down…..looks like the Chicago might be soon hoisting a Stanley Cup – I am rooting for Checketts to lead the Blues to a Cup win, too….when Arnoldis Chapman joins the Reds rotation, they become an even more formidable challenger in the NL Central race…..if St. Louis is a great soccer town, how is it that the Athletica had the worst attendance in their soccer league??

Friday’s Four

By Roger | May 21st, 2010

Here are four things to think about today….

1)  Would you like to see LeBron play for the Dallas Mavericks?  I would definitely like to see that.  Mark Cuban is determined to win an NBA championship – it is debatable whether adding LeBron would be the final piece to the puzzle, though.  It would be great drama and very entertaining, though, and would make Mavericks basketball “must see TV.”

2)  I have said it before but it is worth repeating…what a great trade Jocketty made in acquiring Wainwright from the Braves for Drew (Ray King came to the Cards, too) – JD Drew has been solid but definitely not spectacular while Wainwright played a major role in the 2006 World Series as a closer and has made himself a Top 3 pitcher in the National League and a potential Cy Young candidate again this season.

3)  Varsity baseball or softball coach?  Time for Don to get the opportunity on a bigger stage.  His junior varsity teams have excelled under his leadership and coaching.  My sense is that Don’s teams are very well prepared for each game, his players play hard for him, and if one of his players has an eight game hitting streak, he will not sit him like LaRussa sat Ludwick (then using him to pinch hit).

4)  After Don and I interviewed Bill Madden today about his new book on George Steinbrenner, it made me appreciate how George was as an owner, and it reminded me that guys like him, Augie Busch, and Gene Autry were a rare breed, the likes of which we may not ever see again in Major League Baseball.  They were about as uncorporate as you get, and I like that quality!!