The Most Influential Cardinal, otherwise known as the “King of Baseball” is documented. Hue Jackson, Robert Griffin III, and a big game for Jaroslav Halak tonight in his return to Montreal.

Mike Shannon mentioned on KMOX’s Hot Stove League Show last night that the absence of Dave Duncan would not alter the fundamentals of Cardinals baseball. He referred to George Kissell, the late longtime manager, coach, player, and instructor for the Cardinals organization.

Kissell “tutored virtually every player who made it to the Cardinals through their minor league system going back to the 1940s, and he imparted his baseball wisdom to players arriving in St. Louis from other major league teams. What became known as the Cardinals way — their approach to fielding, hitting and strategy — was essentially the Kissell way.”

Joe Torre, who mananged St. Louis from 1990-95, spoke highly of his ability to communicate with everyone. Communicating in ways that allowed people to understand. I.E. teaching Torre footwork drills by relating it to a “basketball defender ill-positioned to guard a fleet player like Bob Cousy.”

Kissell devised Spring Training routines and schedules that are still implemented.

So without taking anything away from Duncan, but rather acknowledging credit to the man whose influence on the 2^nd “most winningest” organization (11 World Series) still reigns.

Pitching Coach Derek Lilliquist enters his 11^th season within the organization and Dyar Miller enters his 17^th. I think it’s safe to say the “Kissell way” will continue.

NFL

Early Lines

New Orleans +3.5 @ San Francisco

Denver -14 @ New England

Houston +7.5 @ Baltimore

New York +8 @ Green Bay

I’ll have my picks later in the week–but I do like the road teams A LOT in the NFC games.

Robert Griffin III is headed to the NFL. What does this mean for St. Louis? Will there be a team that wants him at #2 overall?

Again, I think St. Louis needs to acquire two first round picks and a future 2^nd or 3^rd for any deal to go down.

How good of a passer is Griffin? He threw for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns. Teams will certainly overpay for him.

However, how far can the Rams afford to fall in the draft? They need play makers–and the elite won’t fall very far. (Blackmon, Richardson, Demps, Floyd).

The Raiders will have their 8th head coach since 2000 after firing Hue Jackson today. He’s probably super pissed now (video below). The Raiders went 1-4 down the stretch to finish 8-8 and set NFL records for the most penalized team in the history of the game. Unfair? That’s politics biatch.

Politics from a new General Manager who wants to hire his own man. Reggie McKenzie is in charge in Oakland after Al Davis’

death. McKenzie has ties to Green Bay and my 2$ is on Winston Moss to get the job.

Moss is an interesting candidate. He has held the title of assistant head coach the past 4 years in GB. He was a linebacker for the Raiders during his 11-year career, and has developed linebackers Clay Matthews, AJ Hawk, Desmond Bishop, Erik Walden, and Nick Barnett. Impressive list.

NHL

Finally, the Blues play in Montrael tonight. There cannot be a letdown. Not against a bad Habs team (16-18-7 overall; 7-7-6 at the Bell Centre)

The Blues 7-9-3 road record needs to improve. Jaroslav Halak returns to Montrael for the first time since he was traded to St. Louis two seasons ago. Halak is 1-5-3 in road games.

St. Louis needs this victory tonight before a huge game Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks. Don’t look ahead!

Thanks for reading.