ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – I’m writing this on a Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM. We’re only halfway through the week, but already it’s been as busy as we’ve ever seen. Let’s dig in:
1) God bless Lou Brock. I love the Hall of Famer and his family with all of my heart. And I know that he will rally and recover from the amputation of his lower left leg, deemed necessary after an infection related to a diabetic condition. “Lou is a survivor,” his agent, Dick Zitzman told me this morning. “He is a very determined, tough individual surrounded by a wonderful family. He will be up and moving around hopefully very soon.” Zitzman told me he recently brought a visitor to see Brock: 92-year-old Red Schoendienst, who gave him a pep talk as only a former manager could do: “That lifted his spirits greatly,” Zitzman said. “He was smiling, telling old stories.” Get well soon, Lou. Can’t wait to see you slip on that red jacket again.
2) Get well, Lance Lynn. First things first: here’s to a speedy recovery or the big fellow following Tommy John surgery. I always feel worse for the player than I do the team. Lynn, a workhorse righthander for the Cardinals, is a big loss…but this starting rotation can recover. Right now, you’re looking at the following for the 2016 season: Adam Wainwright, Michael Wacha, Carlos Martinez, Jaime Garcia and Marco Gonzales/Tyler Lyons. That’s pretty good. But we all know the Cardinals will explore the free agent and trade markets to see what they can find. While David Price will command top dollar, there are some more affordable options out there (Mike Leake?) who could upgrade the staff. Actually, the best fit might be the return of John Lackey, 36. I’d give him a two-year deal, but probably not three.
3) You can’t spell “Bob Iger” without “Big.” And the announcement that the Disney CEO will be chairman of the Carson NFL stadium project is…big. Huge. Finally, billionaire Rams owner Stan Kroenke has met his match. You want to talk in billions? How about the nearly $2 billion Disney-owned ESPN pays the NFL? Iger’s involvement potentially changes the game for Kroenke’s proposed palace in Inglewood. Iger is set up to be a minority owner of either the Raiders or Chargers, which is big enough. But his expertise in fan development and entertainment will get the NFL’s attention. Dave Peacock says the St. Louis task force’s presentation at the league office couldn’t have gone better today. It’s a tough 1-2 combination to Kroenke. Let’s see how the real estate mogul counterpunches.
4) It’s Jake Allen’s team. The date was one week ago today: November 4, 2015. That’s when Allen took over the St. Louis Blues and made them a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The Blues roared bacon from a 5-2 deficit to beat the Blackhawks 6-5 in Chicago, with Vladimir Tarasenko netting the winning tally in overtime. But it was Allen’s stout goaltending in net – replacing the injured Brian Elliott – that transformed this team. Jake the Snake went on to record a 45-save shutout in Nashville, then a 2-0 brick wall in New Jersey. Allen, who learned mental strength through playing golf, is in a Jordan Spieth-like zone right now. With more skill and toughness added this past offseason, it’s exciting to think where the Blues could go if Allen becomes one of the NHL’s top goaltenders.
5) Mizzou. I grew up with a father as a Missouri alum. And while I didn’t go to school there (I’m an Indiana grad), my passion for the Tigers and the city of Columbia is strong. I’ll say this to my friends in Boone County: have conversations and most importantly, listen to each other. It’s the only way you’re going to have an understanding of what is truly happening in that community. Sure, it might be uncomfortable to do less talking and more listening. I’ll contend it’s the only way to truly heal.
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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