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Stream of consciousness
* The Rams shouldn't even THINK about raising ticket prices until they make the playoffs.
Since we're on the subject, after a third consecutive summer of also-ran baseball, Cardinals owners won't have the gall to increase ticket prices again, will they?
* Cardinals owners used the booming popularity of Mark McGwire to protect them from a fan backlash before the 1999 season. Despite jacking ticket prices and knowing that they would draw more than 3 million fans, the owners actually slashed the team payroll from $52 million to $46 million. Will the fans accept that in 2000?
Add the increasing displeasure with GM Walt Jocketty and manager Tony La Russa to the marketing mix, and the Cardinals may find it much more difficult to cash in on McGwire again in 2000.
The Blues, at least, have lowered the cost of some tickets.
Jocketty says his offseason priority is to find a productive outfielder.
You mean, kind of like Brian Jordan?
On Aug. 10, La Russa said: "My entire motivation is for us to play well enough in the last 50 games that the majority of people think I'm the right guy to manage the club in 2000."
Since La Russa made that comment, the Cardinals have lost 20of 31 games.
La Russa can probably draw his own conclusion.
The Cardinals need to honor Willie McGee. I hope they're planning something. Only seven home games remain.
* Western Michigan at Mizzou: This game makes me nervous.
* Good move by La Russa, to go the conservative route with Rick Ankiel the rest of the way. The Kid has thrown enough innings this season.
* I'm happy for Ted Simmons, that he got the big-cheese job with the San Diego Padres. I'm unhappy that he won't be working for the Cardinals, who could use Simba's brainpower.
* Keith Lyle: There isn't a better free safety in the NFL.
* It's great to see manager Larry Dierker back in the Houston dugout this weekend; we missed him the last time the Astros were in town.
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