Ten Points For Tuesday … 

1. If Steven Jackson voiding his contract comes as a surprise, you’re late to the party. To some degree, Jackson did the Rams a favor by taking the PR hit. Instead of the organization releasing it’s career rushing leader, he opted out and is set to become a free agent on March 12th. Jackson turns 30 in July, and unfortunately father time has caught up.

Jackson hasn’t had a TD run over 10 yards since Week 1 two seasons ago against Philadelphia. It’s a shame Jackson never played on a winning team. His tenacity and mental strength played an impeccable role for the NFL’s youngest roster. His maturity evolved over the years and his criticism became more precisely delivered. He’s a leader in the St. Louis community, and hopefully both sides can work out a reasonable deal.

2. I believe Danny Amendola is a goner. The Rams view him as replaceable considering Chris Givens’ emergence. The money Amendola could command will likely get out of hand for a guy whose injury prone. Amendola’s willingness to play hurt is second to none, and his chemistry with QB Sam Bradford is glaring — but at what cost? Tough call.

3. Resign William Hayes. Hayes played all over the defensive line last season. Jeff Fisher drafted him in Tennessee, and they knew what they were getting when he signed as a free agent last offseason. Hayes shows great strength bull rushing the passer, and TeamRankings.com valued him as 28th in the league with tackles for loss.

4. The Cardinals are taking a smart approach with Adam Wainwright. They’re not losing boat loads of money ensuring his arm has completely healed. If he’s 100% healthy, Waino will have his payday. Unlike Albert Pujols, Adam Wainwright won’t take offense to the organization taking their time. If Wainwright returns as the staff ace, he’s a Cardinal for his career. If he’s as inconsistent as 2012, adios.

5. Here’s a crazy thought … trade David Freese. For the right price, I’m not against it. Put Matt Carpenter at 3B full time, acquire a legit short stop, and second base becomes a platoon. Sure sounds better than Pete Kozma, Ronny Cedeno, and Daniel Descalso up the middle.

Dwayne Evans looks to drive against Butler on Friday

6. SLU won a huge game Friday at Butler. The Bills are hitting their stride on all cylinders. Mike McCall Jr. led all scorers with 18 points, Dwayne Evans added 17, and Kwamain Mitchell scored 12. The Billikens defense fought back from a 5-point first half deficit and the Bulldogs went 2/12 from 3-pt in the 2nd half.

The Bills scored 19 points off 14 turnovers, and outscored Butler 38-18 in the paint. The Bills only blemish? Free throw shooting down the stretch. Just 8/17 in the second half, and 54% for the game … it kept the Bulldogs breathing. Congrats to SLU, and pretty cool almost 500 Billiken fans made the trip up.

7. Interim head coach Jim Crews has certainly done his part filling in for the late Rick Majerus. Athletic Director Chris May (and of course Fr. Biondi) will have a very interesting decision to make. Crews’ big knock is recruiting. He would have to bring in a top-notch recruiter to keep the program at its current level. At this rate, SLU is potentially a hot seat for prospective head coaches.

8. I don’t like NASCAR or any other sport (INDY) that resembles car racing. I’m sure attending the event is fun (drunk) and all, but please, not on TV. It seems rigged how the caution vehicle can slow everyone down, bunch everyone up, and basically reset the race. I do appreciate the drivers’ skill. Hitting 200+ MPH in those close quarters is fascinating … but not for television.

9. Alex Smith is likely headed to the Kansas City Chiefs. Interesting how his situation played out. Jo-Lonn Dunbar knocks out Smith. Colin Kaepernick replaces Smith, leading 49ers to a Super Bowl. Smith ousted. Alex Smith was playing at high level prior to his concussion, and as the Rams found out in 1999, having 2 superb quarterbacks never hurts.

10. Here’s a shocker: Dontrelle Willis’ attempted comeback with the Chicago Cubs lasted all of seven pitches before he left the game with shoulder tightness. Oh, how some things never change … Like Phil “Flip” Pressey turning the ball over.

Happy Tuesday All.

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