This is a great event and it’s always fun being in St. Louis. I could see Busch Stadium from the workout room at the Sheraton, which is where I’m rooming with WSU beat writer Paul Suellentrop this weekend. Of course, baseball season can’t get here soon enough. I like the way the Cardinals are going this spring. Bringing in left-handed reliever Dennys Reyes is a huge signing because of the way St. Louis’ bullpen faltered last season. If things go right, the bullpen could be a strength this year. I like Josh Kinney and Ryan Franklin and the young guns, Chris Perez and Jason Motte, have the ability to be unhittable with their 95-mph-plus fastballs. Pitching is definitely the key and while there are question marks, the Cardinals have a chance to be decent on the mound. Maybe even better.
Back to the tournament. The Valley really knows how to run one of these things. Some of us writers were remarking about how many snacks are around us. There are donuts, mini-muffins, ice cream, pop, chips and a small plate full of fruit. The fruit doesn’t seem to do that well. In this job, it’s always temping to gorge yourself with the wrong things, especially during March when there are so many basketball tournaments. Confession: I just had a bag of Cheetos and a Diet Pepsi. And this morning I had two mini-donuts. I’d give my will power a B-minus so far; I’m going to try and do better the rest of the day.
I figured Indiana State would give Northern Iowa a game today and the Sycamores did just that. This just isn’t a very strong conference this season and it wouldn’t surprise me if any one of about five teams won the championship. Is Wichita State one of those teams? Probably not. But only because the Shockers have drawn No. 2 seed Creighton in tonight’s quarterfinals. There are those who think the pressure the Bluejays must feel, needing at least a win and perhaps as many as two to solidify their at-large profile for the NCAA Tournament, will work against them. I disagree. I think the added pressure will give Creighton a boost. I would be shocked to see a Dana Altman-coached team have a letdown or play at anything less than a high level tonight. That doesn’t mean the Shockers are without hope. They have played so much better during the second half of the season and they actually feel pretty confident about facing Creighton, a team they beat by 14 points in mid-January. I’m looking forward to the game.
I see where Terrell Owens’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is adamant that there are a number of teams interested in the services of the recently-released receiver. Oh, really? Who are they, Drew? Let’s name names. I think somebody will give in and sign Owens. But that somebody _ whoever it is _ will soon regret the decision to bring Owens aboard. How many bridges does this guy have to burn before the bridge collapses? Here are the teams that could, in my opinion, potentially bring Owens aboard: Oakland, Seattle, Detroit, Denver, Houston. Any others? Where do you think Owens will play next season?
If the Shockers lose tonight, I’m headed to Lawrence tomorrow for KU’s game against Texas. Suddenly, I have no feel for the Jayhawks after last night’s confusing loss at Texas Tech. I know KU wasn’t mentally into that game, but to lose by 19 points to the Red Raiders is beyond weird. I just don’t get it.
How good is Missouri? Great at home, so-so on the road. The Tigers are probably headed toward being a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and, with that seed, should win at least a couple of games. Anything short of that will be a disappointment. And the Tigers have a way of disappointing.
I’m always in the market for new music suggestions. So if you have any, drop them here. I have recently downloaded some All-American Rejects, Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce and Katy Perry on my I-pod. I’m going to give the new U2 record a listen, even though I’m hard on the guys sometimes. I think U2 is a rather pretentious band, but I enjoyed a couple of their appearances with David Letterman this week as they were promoting their new music. So, anyway, I’m looking for suggestions here. I need to get out of the classic rock rut.
Talk to you soon.