Burwell & Company Show Note Tuesday 11.10.09

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9:02a-- Brian Feldman is co hosting the show with Bryan Burwell today. Burwell and Feldman are both pleased to hear that Brett Hull still has strong ties to St. Louis and being a member of the St. Louis Blues is still his identity. Feldman says that it looks like the Cardinals are preparing for life after Matt Holliday; Burwell says that he doesn't understand why the Cardinals don't break the bank for Matt Holliday and keep him in St. Louis. Feldman was co hosting the show with Burwell back in July when Buster Olney broke the Holliday trade; though back then he thought it was a bad deal. Burwell said that you can't decide if the Holliday deal was bad until everything plays out. If Holliday leaves St. Louis without helping contribute to a World Series title; the deal was a bust. But if Holliday signs a multiyear extension and continues to be a force batting behind Albert Pujols; the deal was worth it. Feldman thinks that signing Holliday to a multiyear, expensive deal, it may backfire in the years to come because Holliday and Pujols will be in their mid-thirties by the time their contracts are up and the Redbirds payroll will be tied up primarily in 2 players.

9:23a-- What does Burwell & Company think of the reinstatement of Oregon RB LaGarrette Blount? Feldman believes Blount is sorry for punching an opposing player and he's glad Blount is getting the second chance he deserves. Burwell says things like this happen in competitive sports and even though it wasn't the right thing to do, he believes Blount deserves a second chance as well. Feldman thinks the media made too big a deal out of Blount's punch and the team overreacted by suspending him. Feldman says the fact that Albert Haynesworth stepped on an opposing players face and received a 5 game suspension warrants Blount's reinstatement. However, Feldman wonders if the whole idea of punishment and suspension in sports may be losing a little credibility due to all of the reduced sentences and light punishments. Feldman cannot stand the BCS standings and he thinks this year may finally expose how corrupt the system actually is, especially if three or more teams go undefeated and don't get a chance to play in the national championship game. Burwell believes Florida will play Texas in the BCS championship game because he thinks Alabama will lose to Florida in the SEC championship game.

9:43a-- Yahoo! baseball columnist Jeff Passan joined the show to talk about the MLB offseason. Feldman believes that if the Cardinals don't resign Holliday, Jermaine Dye is the next best fit for St. Louis. Passan says Holliday wouldn't have hired Scott Boras as his agent if he wasn't trying to get as much money as possible and he doesn't believe Holliday will be in a Cardinal uniform next season. Passan thinks Holliday will command a nine-figure deal from someone like Boston or New York. Passan believes the Cardinals should resign Joel Pinero and go with a rookie or seasoned vet for the fifth rotation spot. Passan thinks Holliday is a better defensive player than Jason Bay and he would take Holliday at his best over Bay. Passan says Jermaine Dye would be a decent fit in St. Louis because he can hit homeruns and play better-than-average defensive, but the Cards shouldn't overcommit themselves to a player of his caliber. Passan thinks Chone Figgins would be a great fit in St. Louis because he fills the hole at third base and at the top of the lineup, but he believes a lot of different teams will be interested in him.

10:03a-- Feldman says he loves Chone Figgin's versitility and that he would be a great addition to the lineup; however bringing in Figgins means that you are committed to hitting Ryan Ludwick in the cleanup spot and Colby Rasmus hitting fifth. Burwell says no matter what, Matt Holliday needs to be the number one priority this offseason. Feldman says Jermaine Dye is also a good route for the Cardinals to go simply because he usually has a high batting average and always hits between 25 and 35 homeruns. Burwell thinks Johnny Damon would be a good fit, but he believes he'll resign with New York and if he doesn't, he'll likely be too expensive for the Redbirds. Burwell thinks Mark DeRosa and Xavier Nady are too big of risks due to their injuries.

10:24a-- ESPN NFL analyst John Clayton joined the guys to talk some football. Clayton says the New Orleans Saints are more than likely the most complete team in the NFL, though there are still some questions about their defense but he thinks the Vikings are the most talented team in football. Clayton believes the Saints are the closest thing to the "Greatest Show on Turf" the NFL has seen since the 1999-2001 Rams. Clayton says that even tough Steven Jackson will likely rush for over 100 yards againt the Saints this weekend, the Rams don't stand a chance. Clayton doesn't think the Rams should even consider trading Jackson because there is no one that would be able to match his talent that is available. In the AFC, Clayton still likes the Colts despite their recent struggles against the Texans. Clayton thinks there is a market for Larry Johnson and he will more than likely sign somewhere in the next week; probably Houston or Washington. Clayton says Raiders coach Tom Cable will finish out the year and then more than likely be let go. Clayton believes the Steelers further exposed the Broncos last night, but as long as they beat the Chargers they will be more than likely make the playoffs. Clayton says there is no question that Jay Cutler is a better quarterback than Kyle Orton. Clayton says based on their decision-making, the Oakland Raiders are the worst franchise in football; with the Cleveland Browns as a close second.

10:43a-- The guys took some calls and read some texts about what John Clayton had to say.

11:04a-- What's wrong with the Mizzou Tigers? Mizzou is 1-4 in the Big 12 this year and some fans are calling for the resgination or firing of coach Gary Pinkel. Burwell doesn't think Pinkel is to blame for all of the team's recent  struggles and the fans need to realize that we live in Missouri, not California, Florida or Texas, and we can't expect double digit wins every season. Feldman agrees and says players like Jeremy Maclin don't grow on trees around here. The guys both say that the University of Missouri doesn't have five-star high school athletes lining up at the door to play like USC, Texas and Florida does. Burwell says the team doesn't have that many seniors this year and that is a contributing factor, but he is disappointed than the Tigers can't run the football. Feldman says the Tigers could conceivable go 8-4 or 7-5 in a bad year, which is still pretty impressive.

11:23a-- Former St. Louis Blue Bernie Federko joined the guys to talk some hockey. Bernie says Brett Hull is without question the face of the St. Louis Blues and no one has had the impact on the franchise that he's had. Bernie says in his opinion, Brett Hull is the great Blue that's ever played in St. Louis. Bernie says being inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame is both unbelievable and humbling. Bernie says the current Blues team needs to start scoring goals; he believes the primary goal scorers are trying to do too much, but says it's only a matter of time before the team starts to click again. Bernie says the upcoming six game homestand is very important for the teams' confidence. Bernie believes there is a lack of chemisty amongst many of the players, which could be the reason for their continued struggles. Federko says there are too many instances where the team isn't working together, which is why the power play has been so lackluster so far this season. Bernie says tonight's game against the Canucks isn't much of a revenge game, as it is a statement that they are going to start winning at home.

11:43a-- It't time for the Crossover with Bernie Miklasz!

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