Alexander Steen stayin' a Blue

The St. Louis Blues and forward Alexander Steen have agreed to a three-year contract extension. The deal is worth $17.4 million. Steen will make $5.1 million starting next season. In the final year of Steen's new deal he'll make $6.5 million. The deal also includes a no-trade clause. He would have become a free agent after the 2013-014 NHL season. He was a first round pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2002 NHL draft, overall he was picked 24th. He ended up not living up to expectations in Toronto and was traded by the Maple Leafs during to 2008-09 season to the St. Louis Blues with defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo for right wing Lee Stempniak. He ended up finding success on the Blues. And had his best season in 2010-2011 when he scored 20 goals, and had 31 assists for 51 points.

Steen right now looks like he'll have a career year this season, and is on pace for now. As of now, Steen has 22 goals, and 14 assists for 36 points.

He's played nine seasons in the NHL. Over those nine seasons his career stats are: 570 games played, 145 goals, 194 assists, 339 points, and is a plus 31. He's developed into a team leader on the Blues. He's one of their alternate captains on the team.

I like this move a lot for the Blues. The Blues like to reward their players with contracts once they show they they are worth the money under Tom Stillman's onwership. Steen is also a fan favorite on the Blues. He's worked hard to deserve his contract extension. I think soon the Blues will need to figure out if they can keep David Backes and TJ Oshie. Hopefully the Blues will be able to keep both Backes and Oshie around long-term. As for me I like how Tom Stillman's ownership group waits for players to show that their worth a long-term deal. Steen could have made more money on the free agent market. So the Blues got him at cheaper price for a player like Steen. It's a win-win for both sides. And Steen likes playing in St. Louis.

Cardinals sign free agent 2B Mark Ellis

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free agent second baseman Mark Ellis. Ellis, 36, signed a one-year deal that is worth $5.25 million. He could end up making a total of $6 million based on performance bonuses. He drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the ninth round of the 1999 MLB draft. The Royals ended up trading Ellis to the Oakland Athletics in 2001. He reached the majors for the first time in 2002. He played for the Athletics until June 30, 2011, when he was traded to the Colorado Rockies. He left the Rockies after the 2011 season as a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent two seasons playing for the Dodgers.

Ellis is pretty much known for his defense, and is one of the best defensive second baseman in the league. He almost won a gold glove in 2006 playing for the Athletics. But, that was lost to Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek. His fielding percentage that year broke Bret Boone's single-season AL record for second baseman. Ellis can hit left handed pitching. That will be a good thing for the Cardinals to have. He can hit for power at times, but he won't hit 10-13 home runs like he as able to earlier in his career. He is good at getting extra base hits though. If he enters a game late, his battaing average is .281. So, he's pretty much ready when he's needed. He is also a good leader in the clubhouse and well liked by players on the teams he's played for.

He's played eleven seasons in the MLB. Over those eleven seasons his career stats are: 1,362 games played, 1,311 hits, 251 doubles, 25 triples, 675 runs, 538 rbi's, 78 stolen bases, and a batting average of .265.

Last season for the Dodgers he hit .270 with 6 home runs and 48 rbi's. What did the Cardinals sign Ellis for you might ask? That's because they needed a right handed bat off the bench, and some who can hit left handed pitching. And second baseman Kolten Wong bats left handed. At times Ellis and Wong will platoon, and Ellis might play some thirdbase if he needs to fill in for Matt Carpenter. Ellis should a good pick up for the Cardinals 2014 team. I know Dodgers fans are upset about him leaving the Dodgers. So that should be good thing to know about Ellis.

As for me I like the move. And I hope it works out. The move should work out if Ellis can play well for the Cardinals.

On a side note the Cardinals 2014 coaching staff is complete. They've hired former MLB third baseman David Bell as their assistant hitting coach. Bell played for the Cardinals from 1995-1998. Last season, Bell was the third base coach for the Chicago Cubs. Before last season he was a manager in the Cincinnati Reds minors.

Omar Infante lands in Kansas City

Free agent second baseman Omar Infante has signed a four-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. The deal is said to be worth $30 million. He was one of the top free agents on the market for second base. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1999 as an amateur free agent. He'd play for the Tigers for eight seasons, before being traded to the Atlanta Braves. He spent three seasons with the Braves. In his last season with the Braves, which was in 2010, he made the NL All-Star team. That was the first time he made an All-Star team in the MLB. The Miami Marlins got him from the Braves in a trade after the 2010 season. He spent a season and a half playing for the Marlins. On July 23, 2012, Infante was traded back to the Detriot Tigers with pitcher Aníbal Sánchez for pitchers Jacob Turner, Brian Flynn, and cather Rob Brantley.

How does Infante improve the Royals? The Royals needed a second baseman, and upgraded in Infante. He has some power, and can hit. He should do well in the Royals line up, who came close to making the playoffs last season. And he brings a little speed, if the Royals want to use him in the running game, which the Royals like to steal bases.

Infante has been in the MLB for twelve seasons, over that time his career stats are: 1,209 games played, 1,165 hits, 504 runs, 207 doubles, 42 triples, 74 home runs, 421 rbi's, 69 stolen bases, and a batting average of .279. His best season came in 2013, when he hit 318.

As of right now, the Royals look like they could make the playoffs in 2014. Will that happen? That remains to be seen. But, they have the right team to be able to make the playoffs if they can stay healthy. I think they need maybe one or two more starting pitchers though. I like the signing of Infante, after the Royals lost out on Carlos Beltran to the New York Yankees.

Carlos Beltran signs in New York again; this time with Yankees

Free agent right fielder Carlos Beltran has signed with the New York Yankees. Beltran gets a three-year contract, that's worth $45 million. The Yankees lost free agent second basemen Robinson Cano to the Seattle Mariners, and filled his loss by signing Beltran. Beltran's bat should be able to help the Yankees line up, after losing Cano to the Mariners. Beltran has played in the MLB for sixteen seasons. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 1995 MLB draft. He played for the Royals from 1998 until June,2004 when he was traded to the Houston Astros. He spent the rest of the 04 season with the Astros.

After 2004, Beltran became a free agent and signed with the New York Mets for a seven year deal. That deal was worth $119 million. The Mets ended up traded Beltran in July, 2011 to the San Francisco Giants for starting pitching prospect Zack Wheeler. The Giants were hoping the Beltran would be enough to help push their team into the playoffs, but Beltran wasn't enough to help get the Giants into the playoffs.

He left the Giants after the 2011 season, and signed a two-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Beltran was hoping to get his first World Series ring of his career. He reached the World Series for the first time ever in his career in 2013. But, Beltran and the Cardinals would lose in six games to the Boston Red Sox.

He's established himself as one of the best all time hitters in the postseason, hitting .333 for his postseason career, with 16 home runs, and 40 rbi's.

His career stats are: 2,064 games played, 2,228 hits, 1,346 runs, 446 doubles, 77 tiples, 358 home runs, 1,327 rbi's, 308 stolen bases, and a batting average of .283.

Beltran should be a future Hall Of Famer, whenever his career is over. He pretty much needs a World Series ring somehow before he retires. I would have liked to see it happen in St. Louis even though, that didn't happen. He'll be missed in St. Louis. I'm glad to have seen him play for the Cardinals, even though he didn't get a World Series ring as a Cardinal. I hope Beltran gets a World Series ring before he retires, he's worked hard to deserve one. Beltran is an eight time All-Star over his career, with three gold golve awards, two silver slugger awards, and he won the AL rookie of year in 1999.

Curtis Granderson leaves Yankees; for crosstown rival New York Mets

The New York Mets found themselves a nice addition by signing free agent centerfielder Curtis Granderson to a four-year contract that's worth $60 million. Granderson, 32, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2002 in the third round of the MLB draft. He reached the MLB in 2004 and played for the Tigers until 2009. After the 2009 season, Granderson was traded to the New York Yankees in a three-team trade. He played for the Yankees from 2010-2013. He's a three-time All-Star and has led the MLB in triples in 2007 and 2008. In 2011 and 2012, Granderson had back to back 40 home run seasons. He was also the AL rbi leader in 2011 with 119 rbi's.

Granderson has played ten seasons in the MLB. His career stats are: 1,187 games, 1,157 hits, 780 runs, 199 doubles, 80 triples, 217 home runs, 606 rbi's, 122 stolen bases, and a .261 batting average.

In 2013, Granderson was hurt and only played 61 games. If he's healthy, he should be able to help the Mets improve. It looks like the Mets made a smart move by signing Granderson. As for myself, I thought he'd get a bigger contract. That's due to the free agent market right now. One pefect example would be Robinson Cano signing with the Seattle Mariners for 10-years, worth $240 million. Cano's deal reminds me of when the Angels overpaid for Albert Pujols after the 2011 season. And that deal has hurt the Angels. I also think that the Mets make the most sense for Granderson. He can become their leadoff hitter. And the Mets can build around him and All-Star thirdbaseman David Wright.

Norichika Aoki traded to Royals

The Milwaukee Brewers traded outfielder Norichika Aoki to the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Will Smith. Aoki, 31, came over from Japan in 2012, after spending eight seasons playing baseball in Japan. He's in the last year of his contract which the Brewers signed him to. He became a spark plug in the Brewers line-up, and was their lead off hitter a lot of the time. In 2012, for the Brewers he hit .288, with 10 home runs, 81 runs scored, 37 doubles, 150 hits, 50 rbi's, and 30 stolen bases. Aoki's 37 doubles became the most ever by a Brewers rookie in a single season. He can play all three outfield positions. Aoki also is good at getting on base, which is something the Royals needed help with.

Aoki's career stats in two full MLB seasons are: 306 games played, 321 hits, 161 runs scored, 57 doubles, 7 triples, 18 home runs, 87 rbi's, 50 stolen bases, and a batting average of .287.

What do the Brewers get in Will Smith? He's a lefty pitcher who can start. The Brewers seem to plan to want to use him as a starting pitcher, which is something the Brewers need. Smith came up for the Royals in 2012 and started 16 games going 6-9 with an era of 5.32. Last season, Smith pitched out of the bullpen for the Royals and seemed to do better pitching out of the bullpen for them. He finished the season with an era of 3.24.

Smith's career stats are: 35 games, 17 games started, 8 wins, 10 losses, 102 strikeouts, 123.0 innings pitched, and an era of 4.76.

As for me, I like this trade for the Royals better. I could end up liking it more for both teams though, depending on how Will Smith does this season for the Brewers. I also wonder why the Brewers traded Aoki, when he seems to love to hit against one of their big rivals in the St. Louis Cardinals. If the Brewers didn't like him hitting against the Cardinals, I'm fine with that; one less Cardinal killer to worry about facing a lot in their own division. I hope Will Smith proves me wrong and does a good job. I have a feeling that he does. So, this trade could end up helping both teams out. Time will tell to if it does help both teams out. At least it seems like the Royals improved themselves though.

Red Sox land Edward Mujica

The Boston Red Sox signed free agent closer Edward Mujica, to a 2-year contract that's worth $9.5 million. Mujica was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He became one of their top pitching prospects and reached the majors in 2006. He played for the Indians until 2008. The Indians traded him to the San Diego Padres in April, 2009. The Padres had Mujica for two seasons. He then moved onto the Miami Marlins with pitcher Ryan Webb for centerfielder Cameron Maybin. Mujica stayed with the Marlins from 2011 until July 31,2012, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals at the time traded minor league prospect Zack Cox for Mujica. At the time of the deal, people wondered why the Cardinals gave up on Cox for Mujica. That was pretty much because of Mujica's numbers at the time the Cardinals traded for him. He had an era of 4.38 for the Marlins, and the Cardinals needed bullpen help. He would later become the Cardinals set-up man in 2012.

In 2013, the Cardinals lost closer Jason Motte for the season due to Tommy John surgery. After that happened, the Cardinals needed to find a closer. They first tried Mitchell Boggs as closer (who had been tried as a closer before, but it had failed). Boggs failed again trying to close games, and later lost control and was traded to the Colorado Rockies for an international signing bonus. Mujica ended up becoming the Cardinals closer for 2013. He did well in the closers role, with an era of 2.78 and getting 37 saves in his first time as a closer in the MLB. Mujica became an All-Star for the first time in his career and helped lead the Cardinals into the World Series.

Mujica has spent eight seasons in the MLB. Over that time for his career his stats are: 381 games played, 4 games started, 19 wins, 19 losses, 3.75 era, 350 strikeouts, 41 saves, and 439.1 innings pitched.

Without Mujica, who knows what the Cardinals would have done in 2013. He helped save the Cardinals when they needed someone to take a big role, and he did well. It should be a good signing for the Boston Red Sox. They can either use him as a closer or as a set-up man. Either way, the Red Sox improved their bullpen for 2014.

Do I wish the Cardinals could have kept Mujica? Yes, but it wasn't going to happen with Trevor Rosenthal becoming the closer for 2014, and Jason Motte coming back in 2014 after missing the 2013.  The Cardinals have other pitchers coming up through the minors who seem ready for the MLB. I'm glad Mujica found a team and got a pay raise. He earned it. I hope he does well for the Red Sox and that Red Sox fans come to like him.

Nationals upgrade starting pitching, trade for Doug Fister

The Washington Nationals have landed starting pitcher Doug Fister from the Detroit Tigers in a four-player trade. The Nationals sent utility infielder Steve Lombardozzi, pitchers Ian Krol, and Robbie Ray for Fister. Fister was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in there seventh round of the 2006 MLB draft (overall 201st). He was with the Mariners from 2009, until July 30,2011 when he was traded to the Tigers. He was able to find success with the Tigers, winning AL pitcher of the month for September. Fister also did well in the 2011 playoffs for the Tigers. Last season, Fister had a career high in wins going 14-9 with an era of 3.67. He finished his career for the Tigers with a record of 32-20 with an era of 3.29, and 440.2 innings.

On the Nationals, Fister will join a starting rotation that includes Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, and Gio Gonzalez. They will have pitcher Ross Detwiler competing for the fifth spot in their rotation. Fister is owed $6.9 million this season and will be in his second year of arbitration.

Fister's career record in five seasons is: 44-50, era 3.53, 130 games, 127 starts, and 818.2 innings pitched.

Doug Fister should be an upgrade for the Nationals. Over the last two seasons they had starting pitchers Edwin Jackson and Dan Haren, both didn't turn out too well for the Nationals. So, it looks like an upgrade for the Nationals, who were hoping to upgrade their starting rotation. He also seems to have developed into a better pitcher since the joined the Tigers. Will he be the same pitcher on the Nationals? That will be found out in 2014.

Jhonny Peralta lands in St. Louis

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta to a four-year contract that's worth $52 million. Peralta was one the the top free agents on the market at shortstop, besides Stephen Drew. Pretty much, the market in free agency for a shortstop was thin. The Cardinals also don't give up a draft pick and keep their prospects without giving anything big up. So, that seems like a win-win for the Cardinals. I even think Drew signs for more money than Peralta did, but we'll see if I end up being right on that.

Peralta will be 32 in May. He came up with the Cleveland Indians back in 2003. He played for the Indians until July 2010, when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. He played for the Tigers from July 2010, until the 2013 season. He ended up making the All-Star team two times for the AL in 2011 and 2013. Last season, he was suspended for 50 games after being connected to the Biogenesis scandal. He accepted it and served time. He came back and did well for the Tigers in the playoffs. During the ALDS, he hit 417, and in the ALCS he hit 286. His lifetime postseason batting average is 283.

So far, for Peralta's career in eleven seasons in the MLB, he's played in 1,383 games, hitting 268, with 1,369 hits, 295 doubles, 156 home runs, and 698 rbi's. He should be an upgrade over Pete Kozma at shortshop. Yes, he cheated, but he served time. Players seem to be forgiven a lot of the time in sports after they serve time and if they don't make the same mistake again. Will he remain clean? Lets hope so; he's been a good player over his career, besides last season getting suspended. The Cardinals have wanted Peralta in recent years. As of right now, he looks like he'll help improve the Cardinals line up. He can hit 10-20 home runs.

The Cardinals as of right now look like they might have a better team than they did in 2013. Pretty much all they need to do now is upgrade their bench. If the Cardinals can get a strong bench, then the Cardinals should have a better team heading into the 2014 season. So, now for the Cardinals to go improve their bench. The bench was pretty much one of the things that hurt the Cardinals in the World Series. As of right now, the Cardinals are having a pretty great offseason, without giving up anything to improve their team.

David Freese traded to Angels for Peter Bourjos and prospect Randal Grichuk

The St. Louis Cardinals and  Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have agreed to a four player deal. The deal includes All-Star third baseman David Freese and relief pitcher Fernando Salas to the Angels for centerfielder Peter Bourjos, and outfield prospect Randal Grichuk. David Freese was an All-Star in 2012, after showing what he can do when healthy in 2011 and coming through big in the 2011 postseason, winning both NLCS MVP and World Series MVP. After, having a great season in 2012, Freese's numbers were down in 2013.

Why were Freese's numbers down? Maybe no one knows, but people can always guess or assume things. But, I think I might know of a big reason why his numbers were down. Mark McGwire leaving to become the Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach. Freese seemed like he did well with McGwire as his hitting coach, and at times it can be hard for players to fully adjust to a new hitting coach or even change. Freese could get a bounce back year on the Angels, if he can stay healthy. The Angels have one of the best hitting coaches around in Don Baylor, who gets lots of credit for helping Andres Galarraga re-find his career in 1993 playing for the Colorado Rockies.

Fernando Salas filled in as closer for a bit during the 2011 Cardinals season. He finished the season with 24 saves, and an era of 2.28. After 2011, Salas never seemed to pick up where he left off in 011.

What do the Cardinals have in both Bourjos and Grichuk you might ask? Well, both players could be interesting. Pete Bourjos is one of the best defensivie center fielders, when he's healthy. Even though, he hasn't been fully healthy since 2011. But, he tied Austin Jackson for the most triples in the American league in 2011, with 11 triples. He ended up hitting 271, with 72 runs scored, 136 hits, 26 doubles, 12 home runs, 43 rbi's, and 22 stolen bases. During the 2011 season, he ranked 5th for runs saved among MLB centerfielders. So far, for his career his has 41 stolen bases.

As for Randal Grichuk, he was the Angels no.2 top prospect. He seems to be best as a corner OF in the future. He was drafted in 2009, one spot a head of Angels CF Mike Trout. Grichuk seems like he's a work in progress at 22, with power. The downside is he strikesout a lot, so he'll need to try to imrpove on  the strikeouts somewhat. Overall, he has hit 284 in the minors with 61 home runs, 259 rbi's in 433 games played.

If both Bourjos and Freese can be healthy, they both help improve both teams. Maybe both players just needed new teams. Bourjos will be coming off of wrist surgery. As of right now, it looks like Matt Carpenter will be playing his normal position thirdbase, instead of second base. And Kolten Wong could be starting at second base. Yes, Wong could be a question mark at scond base, because he hasn't done much to show that he can handle the MLB. But, the Cardinals seem to do well with question marks surrounding them. Again, it looks like this trade could help both teams. The Angels needed a thrid baseman. Now the Cardinals need to go find a starting shortstop.

Mike Matheny agrees to contract extension with Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that they have signed manager Mike Matheny to a three year contract extension, that will keep him as the manager through the 2017 season. Matheny 43, had been in his last season of this current deal which was an option from his original deal. He never managed in any baseball level before becoming the Cardinals manager after Tony La Russa retired in 2011. In Matheny's first season as manager, he led the Cardinals to the 2012 NLCS. But, that team lost in the seven games to the San Francisco Giants. And in 2013, the Cardinals lost starting pitcher Chris Carpenter for the season, along with closer Jason Motte, and starting shortstop Rafael Furcal all due to injuries. They had to use twenty rookies in 2013, and were able to win 97 games (their most wins since the 2005 Cardinals, when they won 100 games). Matheny's 2013 Cardinals, were only two wins shy from winning the franchises 12th World Series title.

Matheny became the first Cardinals manager to lead them to lots of success in his first two seasons as their manager. His managing record is 185-139, with a winning percentage of .571. There's no word on how much money Matheny's new deal will pay him.

It's a win-win for both sides, Matheny seems to have learned a lot as a manager. And he seems like he learned a lot about managing when he was a player in the MLB playing under Tony La Russa, Phil Garner, Jim Fregosi, and Felipe Alou. Players seem to enjoy having Matheny as their manager, and he does a great job with rookies. I think a lot of that is because he's a former player himself.

When, Matheny first joined the Cardinals as their manager, I wasn't sure on what to think of it and wondered if the Cardinals were making the right hire. The Cardinals have proved people wrong, including myself who weren't sure about it or who thought it would be a bad move. I think a lot of that was because he had never managed anywhere before.

Kudos to the Cardinals for hiring Matheny and giving him a chance. Hopefully
soon the 12th World Series title will be going down Market Street.

Orioles hire Dave Wallace as pitching coach

The Baltimore Orioles have hired former MLB pitcher Dave Wallace to be their new pitching coach. Wallace, 66, has been around for awhile, if no ones heard of him before. The first became a MLB pitching coach for the New York Mets, from 1999-2000. He later became the Boston Red Sox pitching coach in 2003, until August 2006. After that, he worked for the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and most recently the Atlanta Braves. He worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers after he retired as a player, and he's been given credit for developing some pretty good pitchers over the years, just to name a few of the names who he helped are: Orel Hershiser, Pedro Martinez, Ramon Martinez, Hideo Nomo, and Chan Ho Park.

It seems like the Orioles may have found a pretty good pitching coach. Wallace replaces Rick Adair, who left the Orioles back in August for personal reasons. Regardless, Wallace at least has a proven track record for the Orioles to work from. Will he be good for them as their pitching coach? Time will tell, but the Orioles have the talent in their pitchers, with likes of Chris Tillman and a few others. And back in 2000, the New York Mets went to the World Series with Wallace as their pitching coach, even though they lost to the New York Yankees.

As for myself, it looks like a good hire by the Orioles.

Brenden Morrow lands with Blues

The St. Louis Blues and free agent left-winger Brenden Morrow have agreed to a one-year deal, worth $1.5 million. The deal could end up being a bargain for a player like Morrow, who had other teams wanting him. My guess is that the Blues, may have have offered less money.

Morrow, 34, was picked by the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 1997 NHL draft, he was picked 25th overall in the draft. He's been playing in the NHL since 1999-2000. All of his seasons were with the Stars, up until he was traded around the trade deadline to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Yes, Morrow's best days as a 20-30 goal scorer, could be behind him. But, he might able to add some scoring. And he'll add some leadership to the team, who was a captain on the Stars. Last season, Morrow scored 12 goals, with 13 assists. Can Morrow score 10-15 goals with the Blues? I guess we all will find out during the season, I see him scoring around there, if he can stay healthy.

He also use to kill the Blues a lot in games, when he was playing against the Blues. So having him on the team, is better than having him playing against us.

Morrow's career stats: 850 games played, 249 goals, 293 assists, 542 points, and is a plus 107. In the playoffs he's played 92 games, 19 goals, 27 assists, 46 points, and is a plus 2.

His best season in the NHL was back in 07-08, when he scored 32 goals, with 42 assists .... which were good for a total of 74 points on the season.

All in all, it seems like a good move for the Blues and for Morrow. Now it's time for Morrow to show us that it's a good move for both sides. Morrow knows Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock and GM Doug Armstrong all from the Dallas Stars. And he knows current Blues center Derek Roy, who played for the Stars some last season, before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks.

Welcome Morrow to the St. Louis Blues!

PIETRANGELO AGREES TO DEAL WITH BLUES!

The St. Louis Blues and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo have agreed to a seven-year contract. Pietrangelo ended his holdout by getting the deal signed. Pietrangelo's new contract is worth a total of $45.5 million. This season he'll make $5 million, 2014-2015 $5.5 million, 015-016 $6.5 million, $7 million until 018-019, then in his last year of his contract in 019-020 he'll make 7.5 million. He was drafted by the Blues in the 2008 NHL draft, and was picked 4th overall. He played his first full season in the NHL with the Blues in 2010-2011. During the 011-012 season, Pietrangelo became the second defenseman in Blues history to have both six game-winning goals and six power play goals in the same season, the only other defenseman to do so in Blues history was Hall Of Fame defenseman Al MacInnis.

Pietrangelo's career stats in the NHL as of right now: 224 games played, 29 goals, 92 assists, 121 points, and is a plus 25. In the playoffs, he's played in 14 games and has 1 goal, 6 assists, 7 points, and is a plus 1.

Even though he's developing into one of the league's top defenseman, last year he seemed to take a step back.  I think that could have been due to the lockout, which pretty much seemed to be the case for other NHL players. But, when the Blues traded for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, Pietrangelo seemed to improve after the trade happened. His best season was in 011-012, when he played 81 games, scoring 12 goals, with 39 assists, and 51 points.

It's nice to see the Blues finally get Alex Pietrangelo signed, with him signed they got their offseason done. And it should be good season for the Blues starting in October. If defenseman Ryan Whitney does well in camp on his tryout, what do you do with him? Do you end up signing him and trading defenseman Ian Cole? After all you can never have too much defense. I even wonder if Whitney does well in camp, if they could talk him into signing a two-way contract, that way he could be playing at Chicago. And if any of the Blues defenseman were to get hurt, he could earn the call up.

KUDOS TO THE BLUES OWNERSHIP FOR SPENDING MONEY THE RIGHT WAY. LETS GO BLUES!

Cardinals land fromer closer John Axford from Brewers

The St, Louis Cardinals have acquired John Axford from the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named later. Axford, 30, is a former closer for the Brewers. He came up for the Brewers back in 2009, and pitched in seven games, with 1 save and no blown saves. In 2010, he became the Brewers closer saving 24 games, with 3 holds, and 3 blown saves. Then in 2011, it was Axford's best season in the MLB. He had 46 saves, and two blown saves. That included with an era of 1.95. He also lead the NL in saves in 011, and won the NL Rolaids Relief Man Award (that award is given to the top relief pitchers in the AL  and NL).

In 2012, he pretty much fell apart as the Brewers closer, getting 35 saves and blowing 9 of them, with an era of 4.67. So far in 2013, Axford has been a little bit better than he was in 2012 even though all of his stats may not show it (some of them do show it though). He has 19 holds this season, even though he's blown 6 games, with an era of 4.45. Lots of his problems seem to be giving up the home run ball in Miller Park and at The Great American Ballpark. Sometimes players need a change of scenery after falling off a team. He's under team control through 2016, he's arbitration eligible. So if he doesn't do well, he could end up being non-tendered in December by the Cardinals.

If Edward Mujica needs a day off or two, Axford could get a chance to save, because he has closer experience in the MLB level. It also could end up being a nice pick up if, Mujica's arm problems are worse than thought of. Time will tell if Axford can do well on the Cardinals, I have a feeling that he can if given a chance. He also won't have Ryan Braun as a distraction.

For Axford's career his stats as of now are: 268 games played, 263.1 innings, 21 wins, 19 losses, 106 saves, 20 blown saves, a whip of 1.33, and an era of 3.35. In his postseason career, he has an era of 1.29 and has 3 saves, and 1 blown save.

He'll be in no.34 for the Cardinals starting tonight in Pittsburgh. He's making $5 million this season. He also could end up being a nice help with Trevor Rosenthal leading to closer Edward Mujica. Looks like a good move for the Cardinals bullpen, again time will tell if it is or isn't.

Magnus Paajarvi re-signs with Blues

The St. Louis Blues and forward Magnus Paajarvi have agreed to a two-year contract. He'll be getting paid $1.2 million over those two years. The Blues got Magnus Paajarvi in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers that sent forward David Perron to the Oilers. Both Paajarvi and Perron were former first round picks, who didn't fit their teams systems that well.

Paajarvi, 22, has a chance to see if he can improve his game on the Blues. He's shown flashes that he can be good when he played for the Oilers. He also comes from a hockey family; that might be a good thing. His dad, Gunnar Svensson, played hockey over in Sweden. He's currently a sports agent, one of the players who he's an agent for is Henrik Zetterberg. Having a family with history in hockey can help players at times. As of right now, Paajarvi is expected to be on a line with Blues center Patrik Berglund. Berglund is also from Sweden, and both have played on the same line for team Sweden before. Could that help both Berglund and Paajarvi during the season? That will soon be answered if they do end up on the same line.

In his career as of now he's played in 163 games, with 26 goals, 32 assists, 58 points, and is a minus 21. He's scored 5 power play goals, 1 shorthanded goal, and 2 game winning goals. The two game winning goals came last season, along with the shorthanded goal.

I'm interested in seeing if Paajarvi can improve as a player on the Blues once the season starts. And there's a chance that he could. That's pretty much because he is still young and has been learning how to use his skill better. Now all the Blues need to do is get defenseman Alex Pietrangelo signed to a long-term deal and then their offseason is complete. Could they end up trading one of their goalies in Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak to clear some cap space? Time will tell. The Blues have had a nice offseason from what it seems like. Will that transfer onto the ice once the season starts? We'll find out soon once October comes! One thing for sure is that the Blues got bigger in size.

Jay Bouwmeester lands contract extension with Blues

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to a five-year contract extension, worth $27 million. Bouwmeester,29, would have become a free agent after this season. He'll make $6.68 million in 2013-2014. This seasons salary is the last of a five-year deal that he signed when he played for the Calgary Flames. After the 2013-2014 season, he'll make $5.4 million a year. He took a pay-cut to stay around as a Blue, if you look at the salary compared to this season.

Bouwmeester was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the 2002 NHL draft and was 3rd overall. The Blues traded for him last season, when he was a member of the Calgary Flames. To get him the Blues traded prospects Mark Cundari, Reto Berra, and a first round pick in the 2013 NHL draft. He currently owns the NHL's record for most consecutive games played and counting by a defenseman. Last season, he played in 47 games, fourteen of them as a Blue and thirty-three for the Flames. He scored 7 goals (one came with the Blues), 15 assists (six came with the Blues), and 22 points (seven came with the Blues). He also played in all of the Blues six postseason games, and has one assist. That was his first time he reached the playoffs in his career.

Jay Bouwmeester's career stats so far are: 764 games played, 72 goals, 235 assists, 307 points, and is a minus 60. The minus 60 is dropping, due to Bouwmeester playing better hockey. I think lots of that is because he was counted on a lot on the Panthers, who aren't that great of a team. It can also take players awhile to develop; not all of them become the player they are said to be on the team who they are drafted by. And then sometimes others fail to live up to expectations after they are drafted.

I'm glad that the Blues were able to get Bouwmeester signed to a long-term deal. Even though he likes St. Louis a lot, there's no way of knowing if his price may have been higher during preseason or the regular season. The Blues current ownership kind of reminds me of the way Bill Laurie's ownership group spent money, except this group seems to be better at working contracts out. They aren't afraid to spend money when it needs to be spent. And they seem to spend money the right way.

All the Blues need to do now is get defenseman Alex Pietrangelo under contract, along with forward Magnus Paajarvi. Paajarvi shouldn't cost much once he signs.

Jake Allen re-signs with Blues

The St. Louis Blues and goaltender Jake Allen have agreed to a two-year contract. Allen gets a two-way contract this year, which will pay him $750k, and next season it's a one-way contract which will pay him $850k. What's the difference between a two-way contract and a one-way contract? A two-way contract allows that player to go to the AHL (American Hockey League) without being put on waivers to be sent down. And a one-way contract the player pretty much is on the team, and if sent down needs to clear waivers to go to the AHL. Allen, 23, was drafted by the Blues in the 2008 NHL draft, overall he was picked 34th in the draft.

Allen's first season was, last season when he played in fifteen game for the Blues. He went 9-4, with one shutout, and finished with a goals against average of 2.46. He also finished with a save percentage of .905, which ranked second among NHL rookie goaltenders. The nine wins made Allen, post the best winning percentage for a Blues rookie goalie in franchise history, which was .692. Allen also became the first rookie goalie for the Blues to win at least nine games, since former Blues goalie Curtis Joseph back in the 1989-1990 season.

I see this as a win-win for both sides. Allen has a chance to be a number one NHL goalie. Will it be with the Blues? Time will tell. The other two Blues goalies, Brain Elliott and Jaroslav Halak's contracts are up after this season. So, that could help Allen make the team for sure after this season, unless one of them ends up traded this season to let Allen be on the team. Allen has proved that he can play in the NHL. I hope he becomes the Blues number one goalie in the future, as I'm sure there are other Blues fans who hope the same. Now the Blues only have two remaining players to get under contract, those two players are defensemen Alex Pietrangelo and forward Magnus Paajarvi.

It's nice to see the Blues almost having their offseason complete.

Chris Stewart re-signs with Blues

The St. Louis Blues and forward Chris Stewart have avoided going to arbitration. Stewart has re-signed with the Blues for two years. The two year contract for Stewart is worth a total of $8.3 million. He'll make $4.1 million in the 2013-2014 season, and $4.2 million in 2014-2015. He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2006 NHL draft in the first round, overall he was picked 18th in the draft. He played for the Avalanche for two and a half seasons.

Stewart would end up being traded to the St. Louis Blues during the 2010-2011 season. When he first joined the Blues after trade in his first game as a Blue, he scored two goals. That made the the fifth Blues player in franchise history to score two goals in their debut. He also got off to the best start in franchise history, scoring six goals in his first five games with the Blues.

As of now Stewart has played in 319 career games, scoring 100 goals, 102 assists, 202 points, and is a minus 19 (even though that has gotten better since joining the Blues). In the playoffs, he's played 19 games, scoring 5 goals, with 1 assist, 6 points, and is a minus 2. His best season was in 2009-2010 for the Avalanche, he played in 77 games, scoring 28 goals, 36 assists, 64 points, and finished with a plus 4.

Stewart has made himself into a better player on the Blues, even though he hasn't had 64 points yet. But he is capable of it, last season he came into camp in his best shape of his career after having a bad season in 2011-2012. That helped him out a lot last season, and he ended up leading the Blues in points with 36.

For a player who is still young at 25, and knowing what he can do if he plays up to his ability during the season, this is a perfect deal for the Blues. Stewart would have gotten more money if he and the Blues had gone to arbitration. Now the Blues need to go get defenseman Alex Pietrangelo signed long-term, and get a deal done with forward Magnus Paajarvi.

Blues trade David Perron to Oilers, for Magnus Paajarvi

The St. Louis Blues have traded left winger David Perron to the Edmonton Oilers for left winger Magnus Paajarvi and a 2nd round pick in the 2014 NHL draft. Perron, 25, was drafted by the Blues in the first round of the NHL draft in 2007 (26th overall). He's played six seasons in the NHL for the Blues and played in 340 games, scoring 84 goals, 114 assists, with 198 points, achieving a plus 45. He's also played 19 playoff games, scoring 2 goals, 7 assists, with 9 points, receiving a minus 4. His best season points wise came in his 2nd NHL season playing in 81 games, and finishing with 15 goals and 35 assists (that's good for a total of 50 points).

During Perron's fourth season, Joe Thornton gave him a hit to the head. Even though Perron was able to come back and play the rest of the game, he later got a concussion from the hit. Perron ended up missing the rest of the season, and the total of games Perron missed was 97 games total. Thornton was only suspended for two games. Since then, Perron seems to play like he's scared that he'll get another concussion. He also tends to think he's Wayne Gretzky at times, as in he'll think he can do almost everything himself. But, hockey is a team sport. He should pass the puck more, and not try to do everything himself. He seems to get into trouble a lot of the time when he does that.

Does Perron still have the potential to be a good player? Yes. The thing is that he pretty much needed a wake-up call, to notice that he has great talent if he learns to use his talent and become a better player. The Oilers have lots of talented players on their team. So, that could help Perron become a better player. If he doesn't do that I'm not sure how long he'll stay in the NHL. I like Perron, but he needs to improve. It wasn't going to happen on the Blues, pretty much because, he doesn't fit current Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock's system. I hope Perron learns how to become the player that he wants to become on the Oilers.

Who is Magnus Paajarvi might you ask? Paajarvi was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2009 NHL draft (10th overall). Paajarvi, 22, has played three seasons in the NHL. His best season was in the rookie season (2010-2011). In that reason he played 80 games, scoring 15 goals, 19 assists, with 34 points, receiving a minus 13. He later fell off after his rookie season, due to not doing well. Last season, he improved his game somewhat. I think lots of that was playing in the AHL for part of the season, due to the NHL lockout. While, in the AHL he figured out how to use his speed and size.

Is there a clear winner in the deal as of right now? If I had to choose right now, I'd say no. Because, both players needed a change. So, as of right now it's a win-win for both Perron and Paajarvi. It might take a season or two too see which team won the trade. I hope both players end up improving, both of them have the potential in them to become better players.

Derek Roy joins Blues

What!? I thought the Blues weren't said to do anything, after not doing much on their first day off free agency. Well anyway, the St. Louis Blues and free agent center Derek Roy have agreed to a one-year deal, worth $4 million. Roy 30, was drafted in 2001 in the 2nd round of the NHL draft (32nd overall) by the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres had Roy for seven seasons, his best season came in 2007-2008. During the 07-08 season, he scored 32 goals and got 49 assists. His most points in the NHL in 81. He finished the season as a plus 13. The Sabers ended up trading Roy in 2012 to the Dallas Stars for forward Steve Ott and defenseman Adam Pardy.

He didn't do that great while playing for the Dallas Stars in 2012-2013, and ended up being traded off to the Vancouver Canucks for defenseman Kevin Connauton and a 2nd round pick. Roy has been healthy for the most part of his NHL career except for one season, which was in 2010-2011. Last season though, he didn't do that great, and pretty much had an off year. Roy scored only 7 goals, and had 21 assists.

The signing by the Blues looks like a low risk move, with a chance for Roy to bounce back. Roy could have gotten more money in free agency, if he had played a lot better than he did last season. Roy also could give the Blues a number one center, which is something that the Blues need. He wouldn't be asked to do everything also, like he was asked to do on the Sabers.

So far for Roy's career, he's played in 591 NHL games, scoring 168 goals, 287 assists, 455 points, and is a plus 43. He's had 43 power play goals also. In the postseason, he's played 45 games, scoring 7 goals, 19 assists, 26 points, and is a plus 9.

Roy is capable of getting 70 points. If the Blues can get anything close to that, this deal ends up being a big win for the Blues. He also knows two current Blues on the current roster. Both of the players who he knows are: defenseman Jordan Leopold (knows him from their days on the Sabers) and center Maxim Lapierre (spent time with him on the Canucks).

Jordan Leopold staying in St. Louis

The St. Louis Blues and defenseman Jordan Leopold have agreed to a two-year deal, the deal is worth a total of $4.5 million over the two years. He would have become a free-agent on July 5th. Leopold 32, was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2nd round of the NHL draft in 1999, overall he is picked 44th. He never played for the Ducks in the NHL, and ended up being traded to the Calgary Flames in 2000-2001 for forward Andrei Nazarov and a 2nd round pick. His first NHL season came in 2002-2003 for the Flames. He played for the Flames from 2002-2006, before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche had him for two full seasons, and had him for half a season in 2008-2009, but ended up trading him back to the Flames. He was traded back to the Flames for defenseman Ryan Wilson and a 2nd round pick.

After the 2008-2009 season, the Flames traded his free agent rights to the Florida Panthers for the rights to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. During the 2009-2010 season, he was traded again this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2nd round pick. Leopold ended up leaving the Penguins as a free-agent by signing a three-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres. In the final year of his contract with the Sabers, around the trade deadline in 2012-2013, the Sabers ended up trading him to the Blues for draft picks. He ended up playing 15 games for the Blues, while getting 2 assists. He also played in all six of the Blues postseason games.

For his career his career so far, he's played 625 games, scoring 65 goals, 139 assists, 204 points, and is a -32. Leopold has played 65 postseason games, his most were in 03-04 while with the Flames. He played in 26 games that postseason, the Flames ended up going onto the Stanley Cup but lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Leopold has played ten season in the NHL.

I like the deal for Leopold and the Blues. At that price that he signed for it looks like a steal, he also played well for the Blues down the stretch run at the end of the season. Leopold can also be used on the power play, if need be.
He seemed like he fit in well with the players who were in the Blues locker room.

Kevin Shattenkirk staying in St. Louis, agrees to deal with Blues

The St. Louis Blues and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk have agreed to a four-year deal. Shattenkirk will earn $17 million over the four years of his new contract. He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2007 NHL draft, he was picked in the first round and picked 14th overall. He would play in 46 games for the Avalanche, before being traded to the St. Louis Blues with forward Chris Stewart, a second round pick for defenseman Erik Johnson, center Jay McClement, and a first round pick.

The deal helped the Blues a lot, giving them a better defenseman than Erik Johnson was. Shattenkirk would end up playing in 26 for the Blues, scoring 2 goals, and getting 15 assists. All of that was in his rookie season in 2010-2011. So far for his career, he's played 201 games, 23 goals, 86 assists, 109 points, and he's a plus 18. Also, since coming into the NHL in 2010, Shattenkirk ranks fourth among American-born defensemen currently playing in points. As for goals and assists he ranks fifth.

The deal was big on the Blues to do list in the offseason, now they need to get defenseman Alex Pietrangelo singed, and forward Chris Stewart. 

I'm glad to see Kevin Shattenkirk staying a Blue, as I'm sure lots of other people are glad also. I give kudos to the Blues management for getting Shattenkirk signed, now for some of the other core players to hopefully be signed, as in the two I mentioned  above Pietrangelo and Stewart.  

Patrik Berglund re-signs with Blues

The St. Louis Blues and center Patrik Berglund have agreed to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $3.25 million. Berglund 25, was drafted in the 2006 NHL draft by the Blues in the 1st round, he was picked 25th overall. In his five seasons in the NHL, two of them he's scored 20 goals, 19 goals in one, 17 last year season, and his lowest was 13 goals (which was in his 2nd NHL season). He scored his first NHL goal on October 13th, 2008 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. While, he's shown some flashes that he can be good he really hasn't shown it yet that he's worth a long-term deal. He's had one season, which was his 3rd NHL season, when he got 52 points, in his rookie season he was able to get 47 points. For his career, so far Berglund has played 358 games, 92 goals, 96 assists, 188 points, and is a plus 13.

This one-year contract for Berglund is pretty much, show us you're worth a long-term deal. I know it sometimes takes awhile for players from Sweden to fully come into their own in the NHL. So, maybe that's the case with Berglund. Hopefully, he's able to show the Blues that he's worth a long-term deal. As for myself, I like the deal. It's a win-win type for both sides.

ALONG COMES AUSTIN, SIGNS WITH RAMS

Rookie wide receiver Tavon Austin has agreed to a five-year contract with the St. Louis Rams. He'll earn $12,751 million over the five years, and gets a $7,653 million signing bonus. Austin, 22 was picked 8th overall by the Rams in the NFL Draft back in April, when the Rams traded up from no.16 to 8th with the Buffalo Bills to draft Austin. He spent his college football career playing for the West Virginia Mountaineers, he served as both the punt returner and kick returner in his time at the West Virginia. Austin never missed a game in his college career.

While at West Virginia, Austin played in 52 games, catching 288 passes, 3,413 yards, and 29 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,033 yards and 6 touchdowns. Last season for the Mountaineers, he had 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns. Before going to West Virginia, in high school Austin played running back. Austin is only 5'9, but with the speed has he should be able to develop into a nice weapon for the Rams offense. He'll be the Rams kick returner for sure.

Out of all of the Rams draft picks only Austin and linebacker Alec Ogletree out of Georgia, were the only two to get five-year contracts, the rest of the Rams draft picks all got four-year contracts (that includes Austin's teammate at West Virginia wide receiver Stedman Bailey). 

I can't wait until Austin returns a kick for a touchdown during the NFL season, he should be fun for Rams fans to watch.

Ian Cole re-signs with Blues

St. Louis Blues defenseman Ian Cole has agreed to a contract extension with the Blues. The deal is a two-year contract, worth a total of $1.65 million. He'll make $750,000 in 2013-2014, and $900,000 in 2014-2015. The deal is also, a one-way contract. Cole who's 24, was drafted by the Blues in the 2007 NHL draft, he was picked in the first round and was picked 18th overall. He ended up making his NHL debut on November 6th, 2010 against the Boston Bruins in Boston. He scored his first career NHL goal on March 9th, 2011 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Cole has showed scoring ability while playing college hockey and in AHL (American Hockey League). He hasn't shown much of it in the NHL yet, even though he's showed flashes of it while playing for the Blues.
In college hockey while playing for Notre Dame, he played 111 games, with 17 goals, 51 assists, for a total of 68 points. While, playing in the AHL, he played 109 games, 10 goals, 28 assists, for a total of 38 points.

So, far his career stats are: 67 games played, 2 goals, 9 assists, for a total of 11 points. He also is a plus 9 in his career, and has 67 penalty minutes. 

It will be nice seeing Cole in the NHL without going to the minors, during the season. So, hopefully that can help Cole improve his game in the NHL. It's also nice to see Cole staying around. I wonder who the Blues will re-sign next.

Adam Cracknell re-signs with Blues

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Adam Cracknell to a one-year contract for the 2013-2014 season. He'll earn $600,000 for this coming season. Cracknell would have been an unrestricted free agent on June 30th. He was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2004 NHL draft, picked in the 9th round and he was picked 279th overall. Cracknell, who will turn 28 in July failed to make the Flames NHL roster, and was let go by the Flames in 2009. He would end up joining the Blues on July 16, 2009, as an as an unrestricted free agent after spending four seasons in the Flames minors (2006-2009).

Cracknell would finally reach the NHL with the Blues on December 15th, 2010 against the Detroit Red Wings. He would later score his first NHL goal against the Red Wings on March 12th, 2011. He would end up playing in 24 games, scoring 3 goals, and getting 4 assists. And finished the season a plus 1. Cracknell seems to create scoring chances when he plays. And he's done well on the 4th line for the Blues. Last season, the Blues finally found a shut down 4th line which was later known as the CPR line: Adam Cracknell, Chris Porter, and Ryan Reaves. That line ended up becoming one of the Blues best lines last season, and played well in the playoffs.

So far, for his career Cracknell has played 46 games in the NHL, scoring 6 goals, with 8 assists, for a total of 14 points, and is a plus 5. Cracknell also has a total of 12 penalty minutes.

I'm a bit surprised that Cracknell got only a one-year deal, but then maybe the Blues ownership wants him to prove to them that he's worth a 2 or 3 year deal with a full-season played in the NHL in 2013-2014. It's great to know the the CPR line will be staying put.

Wainwright staying a Cardinal

The St. Louis Cardinals and starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, have agreed to a five-year deal, that's worth $97.5 million. Wainwright could have been a free agent after the 2013 season, he could have made more money on the free agent market, know how crazy the free agent market is now days for starting pitchers and top free agents, instead his contract will expire after the 2018 season. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2000 MLB draft, he went in the first round, and overall was pick no.29. In December 2003, the Braves traded Wainwright to the Cardinals with starting pitcher Jason Marquis, and relief pitcher Ray King for outfielder J.D. Drew, and  outfielder Eli Marrero.

Wainwright ended up spending only two seasons in the Cardinals minors, and reaching the MLB in 2005. His major league debut was on September 11, 2005 against the New York Mets.

After having been a starting pitcher through out his entire minor league career, Wainwright made the Cardinals Opening Day roster in 2006, as a relief pitcher. He hit his first MLB career home run on May 24, 2006 against San Francisco Giants pitcher Noah Lowry, that came in his first career at bat in the MLB. That marked the 22nd time a MLB player hit his first career home run, off of the first pitch that he saw thrown to him. It also made Wainwright the 11th National League player to accomplish it. Later on in 2006, Wainwright would end up becoming the Cardinals closer, after Jason Isringhausen had to have season ending hip surgery. He ended up getting three saves in five save opportunities. In the playoffs, he'd come up big getting four saves in five opportunities. Wainwright closed out the final game against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS (National League Division Series), the final game of the NLCS (National League Championship Series) against the New York Mets, and then striking out Detroit Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge in game 5 of the World Series. The last out in the NLCS may have been the best one. He was facing batter Carlos Beltran (now currently a teammate of Wainwright's) with two outs and the bases loaded. Beltran would end up seeing a nasty curveball, and struck out looking at it.

Wainwright would become a full-time starting pitcher in the MLB in 2007, going 14-12 with an era of 3.70 and pitching 202 innings and starting 32 games. Wainwright later ended up becoming an All-Star in 2010, and also winning a gold glove in 2009.  In 2009, he went 19-8 with an era of 2.63, starting 34 games and striking-out 212 batters, and pitched 233 innings. Wainwright would then win 20 games in 2010 going 20-11 with an era of 2.42, starting 33 games, striking-out 213 batters, and pitched 230.1 innings.

So far, Wainwright has pitched seven seasons in his career, he missed all of 2011 with Tommy John surgery. His career stats for his seven year career as of now are: 80 wins, 48 losses, era 3.15, 1073 innings pitched, 908 strikeouts, 151 games started, has pitched in 214 games, and a whip of 1.21.

It's a great signing for the Cardinals, and keeps their ace around longer also. So the Cardinals won't need to work about him now, and with other young starting pitchers in the Cardinals minor working their way up to the MLB. One of the most recently ones to reach the MLB is the Cardinals no.5 starting pitcher Shelby Miller, and hopefully more on the way in the future. Having Wainwright around should help lead the Cardinals starting rotation, while others adjust to the MLB. Well done by the Cardinals at making sure Wainwright got signed before the season started.

I also wonder if the Braves regret trading Adam Wainwright at all, even when he grew up a Braves fan. I know former Braves starting pitcher John Smoltz had told the Braves not to trade Wainwright. Smoltz was right, even though Wainwright was the key that sent the Braves J.D. Drew.

Brewers land starting pitcher Kyle Lohse

Free agent starting pitcher Kyle Lohse is no longer without a team. The Milwaukee Brewers have signed Kyle Lohse to a three-year deal, that's worth $33 million. Lohse had been a top free agent starting pitcher on the free agent market. But, teams were scared to sign Lohse, pretty much because of the MLB rules where a team would forfeit a draft pick in order to sign Lohse. Lohse had declined the Cardinals one-year deal for $13.3 million, when they made him qualifying offer before free agency started. Scott Boras, Lohse's agent wanted to get him a three-year deal, for $45 million. The Brewers will forfeit their 17th pick in the MLB draft, that goes to the Cardinals, but that will become pick no.28. Lohse had been working out in Arizona and throwing 90-pitch simulated games, in order to stay in shape and ready for a team to sign him.

Lohse was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 1996 MLB draft, they picked him in the 29th round, and overall he was pick no.862. In 1999, Lohse would be traded by the Cubs to the Minnesota Twins, who he played for from 2001-2006. The Twins would end up trading Lohse to the Cincinnati Reds, on July 31, 2006. Lohse played for the Reds for the rest of 2006, until half of the 2007 season. In 2007, he was traded from the Red to the Philadelphia Phillies. Lohse started 11 games for the Phillies going 3-0 with an era of 4.72. The Phillies tried to bring Lohse back in free agency after the 2007 season, but he wanted more than what the Phillies were offering him. So, he stayed a free agent for along time and the Cardinals ended up signing him to a one-year deal, on March 14, 2008. Lohse found a home with the Cardinals and would end up staying a Cardinal from 2008-2012. Lohse got a World Series ring with the Cardinals in 2011.

Last season, Lohse started 33 games and went 16-3 with an era of 2.86. He also pitched 211 innings, that marked the third time in his career to reach 200 innings in his career. Lohse also lead the NL (National League) starting pitchers in winning percentage, that was .842. While, Lohse isn't known for strikeouts he also set a new career high in strikeouts with 143, and the last two seasons he has a record of 30-11.

So far in Lohse's twelve year career in the MLB, his career stats are: 118 wins, 109 losses, 1973 innings pitched, 1238 strikeouts, 331 starts, 335 games played, 4.45 era, and a whip of 1.369.

Does Lohse turn out to be a good pick up for the Brewers or does he turn out to be Jeff Suppan 2.0 for the Brewers? Suppan was also overpaid by the Brewers in a free agency years back by the Brewers, after leaving the Cardinals. Suppan pretty much became a big game pitcher in the playoffs for the Cardinals and turned his career around, but went down hill after going to the Brewers. I guess we'll find out soon, if Lohse turns out to be a good pick up for the Brewers or Jeff Suppan 2.0. Lohse is a good guy, and I wish him well, except for when he's pitching against the Cardinals. 

Longview: Tackle lands in Gateway City

Free agent left tackle Jake Long has found a new home with the St. Louis Rams. Long signed with the Rams coming over from the Miami Dolphins, who he spent his first five seasons with. Long's deal with is a four-year contract, and it's worth up to $36 million. The Miami Dolphins drafted Long in the 2008 NFL draft, out of Michigan, he was the number one pick overall in the draft (the second pick in that draft, is current Rams defensive end: Chris Long, both Jake and Chris aren't related). As for Jake Long, he ended up starting in every game in his first three seasons, and in made the Pro Bowl four times (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011).

In Long, the Rams upgrade their offensive line big time, yes they may have overpaid for him, but in the long-run it will pay off. And teams also need to overpay at times to improve themselves. St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford  looks like he'll have his best offensive-line around him for the first time in his NFL career. Bradford was also begging the Rams to get Long. Long has been hurt the past two seasons, but the Rams physical showed no red flags, when they had him in town on Wednesday. Long's injuries were related to triceps and biceps, and he ended up missing six games. He's also had shoulder and knee issues during his NFL career. But, the Rams ended up getting the best tackle in free agency. And if healthy, which he seems to be healthy as of right now, he'll help the Rams offensive line a lot.

Even though the Rams might not appear as winners in free agency as of right now to some, for losing WR Danny Amendola in free agency to the New England Patriots, the Rams are winners. Yes, they'll miss Amendola, but he gets hurt a lot, I'd love to see him stay healthy for a season though. But, the Rams have upgraded at TE by signing Jared Cook last week, and now by landing Jake Long. Both Cook and Long were listed as top free agents. Cook can also line up as a WR if need be at times. And yes, Cook's career numbers might not look that great, but he really didn't have that great of a QB throwing to him, when he was on the Titans. Bradford should be able to get the ball to Cook a lot, more than any of the Titans QB's did. And the Rams, haven't had a solid left tackle since the days of Orlando Pace, who could end up being in the Hall Of Fame someday.

The Rams current left tackle Rodger Saffold (until Jake Long signed with the Rams) can now be moved to either guard or right tackle. Saffold is in a contract year, and he's showed flashes that he can be a good football player, but he's been hurt the past couple of seasons. Saffold has only been healthy one time in his career so far, which is in his rookie year in 2010.

On a side note when will the Miami Dolphins learn that they can't beat the Rams during the offseason? Now the Dolphins are 0-3 against the Rams when it comes the offseason moves. The Rams beat them out for head coach Jeff Fisher last offseason, and this offseason the Dolphins lost out on both TE Jared Cook, and now left tackle Jake Long (who the Dolphins were hoping to keep). I'm kind of starting to wonder if it's something with the Dolphins owner or their general manger or both of them.

Rams hit ground running on first day of free agency in NFL

The St. Louis Rams started off NFL free agency on the right foot, on the first day. They re-signed defensive end Williams Hayes to a three year contract, worth $10.5 million. Hayes joined the Rams last offseason coming over in free agency from the Tennessee Titans, who the played for from 2008-2011. The Titans drafted Hayes in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL draft out of Winston-Salem State, overall he was pick no.103. In his rookie season, Hayes played in eight games, recording thirteen tackles, and one sack. Last season for the Rams, Hayes was brought in as a back up for Chris Long and Robert Quinn. And Hayes had a breakout year on the Rams playing in all sixteen games, recording thirty-five tackles, and seven sacks.  It was also the first time Hayes played in all sixteen games, since the 2009 season. So far in Hayes' career his stats are: 64 games played, 147 tackles, 15 sacks, and three pass deflections (including two last season, his first time since his rookie season).

The Rams also were able to land a top offensive tight end in Jared Cook,  he was signed to a five year contract, worth $38.5 million. Cook like Hayes, played for the Tennessee Titans. Cook was drafted by the Titans in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft out of South Carolina, overall he was pick no.89. Cook adds size and speed, if used right in the offense. He's 6'5 and weight 248 pounds. He can play both tight end and wide receiver. Cook should be able to be a nice red zone target for Sam Bradford, in Cook's career in the NFL he really has never had a QB and a good offense. In Bradford, he has someone who can get the ball to him. So far Cook's career stats are: 59 games played (11 starts), 131 receptions, 1,717 yards, and 8 touchdowns. He's still young also, and has room to improve his game, he'll turn 26 in April.

Could the Rams be busy on day two of NFL free agency? As of right now it looks like they could be busy, with free agent FS Louis Delmas coming into town, and free agent LT Jake Long in town for a physical, as of right now the word is that if Long passes his physical, then he's a Ram. As for Delmas, he has connection with the Rams current defensive coordinator Tim Walton, who coached him on the Detroit Lions. If both join, then pretty much the Rams can wait until the NFL draft (in April) to fill out more needs for the team.

Cardinals and Craig agree to long-term deal

The St. Louis Cardinals and first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig have agreed to a five-year contract extension, the deal includes an option for a sixth year for the 2018 season. The deal will also wipe out Craig's arbitration years, which his first arbitration year wasn't until next offseason. Craig's new deal is worth $31 million. He'll make $1.75 million for the 2013 season, $2.75 million in 2014, $5.5 million in 2015, $9 million in 2016, and $11 million in 2017. The club option for the 2018 season is worth, $13 million and it comes with a $1 million buyout. So, the total deal could end up being worth a total of $43 million.

Craig was drafted by the Cardinals in the 2006 MLB draft, he was picked in the eighth round, and was pick no.256 overall. He played college baseball at the University of California, Berkeley. Craig showed power at every level in the minors, and would make the Cardinals opening day roster for the 2010 season. Craig made his MLB debut on April 8, 2010 against the Cincinnati Reds. He would hit his first MLB career home run on July 19, 2010 off of the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick.

He also helped the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series over the Texas Rangers. In games one and two Craig ended up getting the game winning rbi, that gave the Cardinals both leads and would win by Craig's rbi in both game, and both came as a pinch hitter. Then in game 7 of the World Series, Craig hit a home run that also ended up being the game winning rbi. The three game winning rbi's by Craig tied a World Series record held by both Hank Greenberg and Kiki Cuyler, who also had three game winning rbi's in World Series play. Craig also caught the last out of the 2011 World Series, he would later give the ball to Tony La Russa, after hearing that La Russa was retiring and that La Russa wanted the ball. He also felt that La Russa deserved the ball.

So far for Craig's three seasons in the MLB his career stats are: batting avarage .300, 235 hits, 37 rbi's, 150 rbi's, 7 stolen bases, 783 at bats, and has played in 238 games. In 2012, Craig was a full-time starter in the Cardinals line up, he played 119 games and hit 307 with 22 home runs and 92 rbi's. It's a nice deal for Craig, and locks up one of the Cardinals core players. Now the Cardinals need to get starting pitcher Adam Wainwright signed to a long-term deal. 

Capitals sign Holtby to contract extension

The Washington Capitals and goalie Braden Holtby have agreed to a two-year deal, that's worth $3.7 million. The deal keeps Holtby from becoming a restricted free agent, which he had been set to become one starting July 1. The deal also gives Holtby more time to become the Capitals number one goalie, before they think about a long-term deal with Holtby. The Capitals drafted Holtby in the 4th round of the 2008 NHL draft, he was picked 93rd overall in the draft.

Holtby 23-years old first came up during the 2010-2011 season, he played in fourteen games that season for the Capitals. He went 10-2-2 with two shutouts, and a goals against avarage of 1.79. He then played in seven games last season, going 4-2-1 with one shutout and a goals against avarage of 2.49. Holtby also helped defeat the defending Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs last season in seven games, the Capitals would end up losing in the second round of the NHL playoffs in seven games to the New York Rangers. Holtby ended up playing fourteen games for the Capitals during their playoff run last season, going 7-7 with a goals against avarage of 1.95. So, at least Holtby has the potential to become the Capitals long-term goalie, if he's able to keep improving during his new contract and shows the Capitals that he's worth a long-term deal in the future. So far, Holtby could end up having a nice career in the NHL, as of now his career stats are: 19 wins, 10 losses, 3 overtime losses, 4 shutouts, with a goals against avarage of 2.51, and has played in 32 games, with a total of 1,720 minutes played.

It looks like the deal will turn out to be a good deal for both sides, Holtby also has a home for at least a few more years, even if he fails to improve the Capitals get to find out if he's worth giving a long-term deal. As of right now, he could be worth a long-term deal based on his numbers, even though right now this season he hasn't been doing that great. But, then again there are other reasons to why he hasn't been doing that great this season. And who knows, maybe that changes before the season ends.

MLB 2013 Division Prediction Standings

American League

AL East:
1. Baltimore Orioles
2. Toronto Blue Jays (wild card)
3. Tampa Bay Rays
4. New York Yankees
5. Boston Red Sox


AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers (could see a three team race for the AL Central, if the Indians pitching holds up, and White Sox battled the Tigers down to the end of the season, so I'll pick the Tigers pretty much because of their pitching staff, even though the White Sox have a chance, and maybe the Indians).
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Minnesota Twins


AL West:
1. Texas Rangers
2. Oakland Athletics (wild card)
3. Los Angeles Angels
4. Seattle Mariners
5. Houston Astros


National League:

NL East:
1. Washington Nationals
2. Atlanta Braves (wild card)

3. New York Mets

4. Philadelphia Phillies

5. Miami Marlins

NL Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Cincinnati Reds (wild card, should be another fun battle with the Cardinals to try to get first place though)
3. Pittsburgh Pirates (have a chance to get third place, with the Brewers having problems at first base)
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Chicago Cubs


NL West:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. San Francisco Giants
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres

Orioles and O'Day agree to two-year deal

The Baltimore Orioles and right-handed relief pitcher Darren O'Day have agree to a two-year contract, worth $5.8 million. The deal includes a club option for the 2015 season, worth $4.25 million. The contract also buys out the final years of arbitration for O'Day, who has become a nice addition for the Orioles bullpen.

O'Day was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as an amateur free agent back in 2006. He made his MLB debut on March 31,2008 for the Angels. The New York Mets would end up taking O'Day in the 5 rule draft on December 11, 2008. O'Day didn't last that long with the Mets, and was designated for assignment two weeks into the season. The Texas Rangers would claim O'Day off of waivers on April 22, 2009. He his first game as a Ranger came in extra innings, against the Toronto Blue Jays, that was also on the same day the Rangers picked him up off of waivers from the Mets. O'Day lasted three seasons for the Rangers, 2009-2011. He did well for the Rangers in both 2009 and 2010. He went 2-1 with an era of 1.94 in 64 games in 09 for the Rangers, pitching a total of 55.2 innings with 54 strikeouts and 17 walks, while getting 2 saves. In 2010, O'Day went 6-2 with an era of 2.03 in 72 games, pitching 62 innings with 45 strikeouts and 12 walks. O'Day was hurt in 2011 for the Rangers, and finished the season going 0-1 with an era of 5.40. His first injury was a partial acetabular labrum tear, that was in his left hip. His second injury that would send him to the DL (disabled list) was right shoulder inflammation.

The Rangers end up keeping him off of their postseason roster in 2011, and would later put him on waivers after the postseason was over. The Baltimore Orioles claimed O'Day off of waivers on November 2, 2011. In O'Day's first season with the Orioles in 2012, he bounced back after being hurt in 2011. While in 2012, O'Day went 7-1 in 69 games, pitching 67 innings, with 69 strikeouts and 14 walks. So far for O'Day's five year career his career stats are: 15 wins, 6 losses, 2.73 era, 2 saves, 247.2 innings, 217 strikeouts, 63 walks, and has pitched in 255 games.

It looks like a win win for both sides, and that O'Day has found a home with the Orioles.

Rams bring in Tim Walton as defensive coordinator

The Rams have ended their search for a new defensive coordinator, they have hired 41-year old Tim Walton as their new defensive coordinator. Walton comes from the Detroit Lions, he was running the Lions secondary since the 2009 season. He's also coached fourteen years in college football, including stops at: Bowling Green, Louisiana State University, Memphis, Miami, and Syracuse. Walton has been coaching football since 1995, he was a defensive coordinator in college for Miami in 2007, and Memphis in 2008. During his college coaching career, Walton helped develop: Antrel Rolle, Brandon Meriweather, Corey Webster, Devin Hester, Idrees Bashir, Kelly Jennings, Kenny Phillips, LaRon Landry, and Michael Stone. Last season offseason, Walton almost joined Jeff Fisher's staff, but instead to stay with the Detroit Lions. Walton worked with current Rams assistant secondary coach Brandon Fisher (one of the sons of current Rams head coach Jeff Fisher) in 2011 on the Lions.

Before hiring Walton, the Rams interviewed three other people for their defensive coordinator position, those three people were: Dick Jauron, Rob Ryan, and Mike Singletary. Ryan left because it was figured out that he wanted to run the defense as a 3-4, when Fisher goes with a 4-3. Ryan later was hired by the New Orleans Saints as their new defensive coordinator, where he will run a 3-4 defense. Walton's name out of everyone seems to be the most interesting one, because of his background in coaching in college and developing players for the NFL. 

Walton also should have no trouble knowing the Rams defense, since he worked under Lions head coach  Jim Schwartz. Fisher and Schwartz pretty much run the same defensive scheme.  Fisher's staff includes three veteran coaches in: Chuck Cecil, Dave McGinnis, and Frank Bush, who can all help Walton out with the Rams defense. All three have been defensive coordinators in the NFL. Walton seems like he's a solid hire by the Rams. And who knows maybe in the future, Walton even becomes a head coach in the NFL.