Bleacher Report - Articles by john dmytruk

Pat Shurmur Brings New Look to St. Louis Rams' Offense

john dmytruk — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:10:23 -0400

The Rams' official Web site has reported that their offense will look different this coming season. The Rams will be playing a version of the Philadelphia Eagles' "West Coast" offense.

The scheme will put more emphasis on running the ball. The passes will be short, and will require the receivers to run after making a catch.

The shorter passes should help the offensive line. They will not have to protect Bulger for as long. While the shorter pass protection time might help the line, the line will now be required to make a lot more calls.

As for the receivers, speed will be required, as well as a good set of hands.

While writing this article, I mulled over how defenses would react. One defensive reaction would be to contract by bringing the defensive back up to the line. This would give opportunities of longer passes.

But to be honest, I am more interested in the offensive possibilities. The passing play now becomes hybrid running play. When the offense targets a particular area of the defense, they will flood that area with players.

Remember that receivers now have to not only catch the ball, but run with it. So now, that receiver will have blockers ready for him. It also opens up the possibility of a misdirection pass. They could flood a defensive area while going to another.

Another thing to remember is that you need 10 yards for a first down, and it doesn't say how you get it. Any combination of three or four yards per play from scrimmage will get you that first down.

I like the possibilities in the offensive scheme. You have more control. You can eat more time off the clock with the running and short passes while wearing the defense down.

St Louis Rams' Quarterback Marc Bulger Has No More Excuses For Losing

john dmytruk — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:29:36 -0400

Before I begin to about the quarterback situation, I want to give you a metaphor on how I see the current situation of this team.

If you have to compare this team to a building that has been on fire. Say the fire started at 9:00 p.m. and ended at 3:00 a.m. For three hours until sunrise, you inspect the damage in the dark with artificial lights. But in the daylight, you get a true picture of the damage.

The Rams had been slowly destroyed by fire, but at beginning of the last season, the destruction stopped when Chris Rosenbloom took over the team. Yet, you could not assess the true damage because you had been kept in the dark because Linehan and his inept assistants kept you that way with Shaw and Zygmunt's help.

We have arrived at the dawn of a new day, and Shaw has been neutralized while Zygmount left. A new coaching staff pushed out Linehan's cronies. So now, we can look at this team under daylight, and truly see how much damage has been done.

Under daylight we can take a true look at the Rams quarterback situation, or better yet, at Marc Bulger.

Let us look at Chris Rosenbloom and the remainder of the $56 million contract. That clock on the contract sounds like it may be winding down for Marc Bulger. The lack of attention on the offense excuses for Mr Bulger may be coming to an end.

I want to start with the poor offensive line blocking. They brought in Jason Brown from Baltimore to start at the center position. This position had been a problem for several season well this acquisition move takes care of the problem.

The addition of Brown and added with Jacob Bell and last year's draft choices will help the line.

The passing and running attack will be helped with the addition of Karney from New Orleans. He will be starting as a blocking fullback position. Besides making holes for Steve Jackson, he can the line on passing downs.

The offensive system has been simple to either run or pass the ball. Coach Spagnoulo does want a complicated offense with funny names. He just wants to move the ball. You do that with players not plays or systems.

This system will be so simple that Brock Berlin will be able to handle it.

I hope that I made it pretty simple that Marc Bulger, like Scott Linehan, has been bought notice in a subtle way—win or else.

Now to go back to looking at this team in the daylight.

This team has the talent at some level to turn it around may be not the way Miami did last year. The talent has been there, but because of poor ownership, foolish management, and inept coaching the talent got lost.

We need to keep an open mind to what see before us now, not the past. Accept the fact that the Super Bowl or playoffs loom in this team future, but a stronger course to get there.

Rams Need More Than Bulger and Berlin at QB

john dmytruk — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 16:40:52 -0400

Having released Trent Green, the Rams have Brock Berlin penciled in at the backup quarterback spot. They've made no effort to replace him as of yet, though the list of available free agents includes Kerry Collins and Jeff Garcia.

If the Rams want to bypass the free agent market, then thye must pursue the college route. I would like to make a case for Mike Teel of Rutgers as a possible second-day pick. Look at his following stats:

YEAR	CMP	ATT	YDS	CMP%	YPA	LNG	TD	INT	SACK	RAT
2005	51	101	683	50.5	6.76	38	2	10	6	94.03
2006	164	296	2135	55.4	7.21	72	12	13	7	120.59
2007	203	349	3147	58.2	9.02	69	20	13	7	145.37
2008	243	396	3,418	61.6	8.63	93	25	13	16	148.13

He also has four bowl appearances, and won three of them.

In 2008, he led the Scarlet Knights to an 11-1 record and a victory in the Papajohns.com Bowl over North Carolina State. I know, Papajohns.com isn't a big name (and none of their other bowl appearances have been in big-name games), but it's the fact that rutgers is playing in the postseason that should be taken into account.

Still, I think the best scenario would be to release Brock Berlin, bring in a free agent, and draft someone like Teel in the later rounds. By signing someone like a Collins or a Garcia, you have an able backup for Bulger and time for your rookie to develop.

Also, keep in mind that Bulger has two concussions. A third one might force him to retire. It would be better in the long-term for the team to have an experienced backup should worst come to worst.

Will Brock Berlin Have a Chance to Prove He's As Talented As Marc Bulger?

john dmytruk — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:01:09 -0400

With the release of Trent Green, Brock Berlin moved into the No. 2 spot behind Marc Bulger. He shares many similarities with Bulger. Both spent time on the Rams' practice squad and as a third string quarterback, the only difference being that Bulger became a starter after exclamatory performance. Berlin has yet to play for any significant time to judge his performance.

Besides performance, the only other difference would be the Saints drafted Bulger in the sixth round in 2000, while Berlin signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2005.

Before becoming the starter for the Rams, Bulger had been with them once before on their practice squad. In between these times he had a spot on the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad.

After signing with Miami in 2005, Berlin would be released in August of 2005, only to be signed again in January of 2006 by Miami. He would play for the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europe. Again, Miami would release in August 2006. The following spring his luck would turn for him.

Dallas signed Berlin in April of 2007 as a free agent, and right after that he signed as a free agent with St. Louis. In December 2007, he started and played his first pro game against Cincinnati.

Oh, I found another difference—he lost his pro debut while Bulger won his.

Marc Bulger had the third quarterback spot behind Kurt Warner and Jamie Martin. Warner had lost Mike Martz's favor, while Martin went nowhere. Brock Berlin had the third spot behind Bulger and Green. Bulger has a multi-year $56 million contract with the Rams, and the Rams released Green.

Will we be able to find out if the similarities between the quarterbacks also include talent? No one can answer that question. Only an injury to Bulger or an excellent camp by Berlin would provide that answer. Also, my finger pulse on the Rams cannot tell if they will keep Berlin at the second spot or release him.

No matter what the future has for Brock Berlin, you can still see some similarities between him and Marc Bulger.

The Hopeful Resurrection of the St. Louis Rams Has Started

john dmytruk — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:16:26 -0400

The Rams have made several changes over the past couple of weeks. They released Orlando Pace this past Wednesday. It also looks like Torry Holt will also be gone either through a trade or release.

They also have made several additions to bolster their offensive line, fullback position, and defensive backfield.

With the departure of Pace, Devaney wants to move Alex Barron from RT to LT. He also wants to move Jacob Bell from LG to RT. Some people could question these moves, but I agree with them.

In 2007, Barron had to play LT in place of Pace, who went down with injury while Bell played three games at RT for the Titans in 2007. The Titans' rushing offense ranked fifth in the NFL by gaining 2,109 in 2007.

I would also like to make this comment about Barron. I know he hasn't stepped into the role they expected him to, but now, the responsibility has been put on his shoulders.

He no longer has Pace to carry him, but they put him in this position to either perform or be gone.

The Rams may want to trade Holt rather than release him. I like the idea because they can control where he goes.

Remember when they released Isaac Bruce, he went right to their division rival—the 49ers. But in reality, you cannot tell if any team would be interested in Holt, especially with concerns about his knee.

The Rams signed Jason Brown as their starting center on Feb. 28. Brown comes from the Ravens, where he played guard and center.

If you haven't read Brown's interview, I suggest, when you get a chance, to go over to the Rams' website. This man has energy and could emerge as a leader on the offensive line.

Then on Wednesday, the Rams signed fullback Mike Karney and strong safety James Butler. Karney comes from the Saints and is expected to start as a blocking FB for Steve Jackson. Butler will start in the defensive backfield.

Finally, with the release of Pace and the evidential release of Holt, the Greatest Show on Turf could finally be put to rest. It will also free up $14 million to rebuild this team.

I Must Be Dreaming: St. Louis Rams Hire Proven Winner, Steve Spagnuolo

john dmytruk — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:20:39 -0500

I don't want to wake from this dream because in this dream the Rams made the right decision. They actually hired a proven winner—at least at the defensive coordinator position. They signed last year's Super Bowl Champion Giants' defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.

And when they introduced him, he took control of the press conference. He actually gave solid answers. He did not look like a deer caught in the head lights like a previous coach.

When asked what type offense he would have? He replied that it would not have fancy name, but consist of running the ball and protecting the passer. He wants to give us a simple offense that moves the ball.

This new head coach will bring with him new assistant coaches. Some have said that some of the assists may come from the Philadelphia Eagles while one from the New York Giants. He will get rid of the Miami Dolphins' castoffs.

But at last, I have to comeback to reality. Spagnuolo has his work cut for him. I can give you two such examples where work needs to be done.

He talked about building on a solid foundation. Well he will need solid offensive and defensive lines to be that foundation. If he wants to run the ball and protect the passer, he will need a strong offensive line.

Which brings me to the quarterback situation. Both Marc Bulger and Trent Greene each have two concussions. By league rule: One more concussion could put either one of them into early retirement. A strong line could prevent such a risk, but not indefinitely. With one lucky shot, comes the risk of a career ending concussion.

With that being said, I want welcome Coach Spagnuolo and wish him the best. Now let me get back to my dream of a possible winning season.

Look at Manny Ramirez's Time In Boston, And Would You Give him a Long Contract?

john dmytruk — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:27:58 -0500

The Manny Ramirez watch continues with no end in sight. One will have figured that Manny would have been signed by some team by now and that would be the end of the story. One would have thought, but the wait continues.

The Dodgers made him a two year 45 million dollar deal, but then took it back. Manny's agent Scott Boras wants more years in the contract for Manny. That won't happen because the Dodgers and other teams remain reluctant to give a long term contract, and why would that be?

Let us go back to Boston and the year 2000 when he signed an eight year deal worth about 160 million and topped off with 20 million dollar options for 2009 and 2010 making the total worth of the contract about 200 million dollars.

You would figure that this would satisfy Manny, and he would be the model player for the Red Sox. Yes, one would figure that except that on 2003 he got himself benched for one game. He got caught in the bar of the hotel that he had been staying with Yankee, Enrique Wilson. The Red Sox were playing the Yankees at the time of the incident, and oh yeah, Manny had been too sick to play.

In 2005, he expressed his desire to get traded, and after rumors of a trade to either the Batimore Orioles or the New York Mets, he withdrew his desire for a trade after talks to both teams failed.

In 2008, his final year in Boston, he started two fights. The first one with first basemen Kevin Youkilis because allegedly he became upset with Youkilis constant complaining during a Tampa Bay Rays game. Then he started a fight with travel secretary Jack McCormick because he wanted 16 tickets for a Houston game. Manny threw McCormick on the ground.

What finally got Manny out of Boston was that he claimed he could not play because of a sore knee. When he did play, he dogged it on the field.

If what you have read, gives you the impression that I am against the Dodgers signing Manny Ramirez, I am not. On the field, he played and he did play a major part in the Dodgers advancing in the playoffs in 2007. Yet, you have to look at Manny in terms of the old saying about guests being like fish after three days. They stink or to put it in polite terms they wear out their welcome.

Before I forget, in 2003, Boston put him on waivers in order to get rid of his high contract and then as the case today, nobody showed any interest.

The two year, 45 million dollar contact sounds very wise to me.

Coy Bacon, Former Los Angeles Rams Star, Dead at the Age of 66

john dmytruk — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:40:21 -0500

Los Angeles Rams standout pass rusher Coy Bacon died at the age of 66 in Cincinnati on Dec. 22, 2008.

The Rams picked up Bacon in 1968 from the Continental Football League, a minor league. He became part of the then famous "Fearsome Foursome" and played behind Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Roger Brown, and Lamar Lundy. He became a starter in '69.

Bacon played for the Rams from 1968 to 1972, and during that time he made the Pro Bowl three times. The Rams' Alumni Organization voted him Defensive Lineman of the Year in '71 and '72.

They sent him to the Chargers as part of a package deal for quarterback John Hadl in 1973. In 1976 the Chargers traded him to the Bengals for Charlie Joiner, and in 1978 the Redskins signed him to the team with which he would finish out his career.

After retiring, Coy went on to become a motivational speaker. He also worked with young people in Ironton, Ohio.

The Rams Say Goodbye to Jim Haslett, Now What About Shaw?

john dmytruk — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:35:50 -0500

The Rams said "No thanks," to Jim Haslett and sent him packing, while I wonder why John Shaw still lingers. I must say that I hated to see Haslett go, but Shaw reminds of the spirit of death that hangs over this team.

My boss told me that the Rams would be keeping Haslett, so they could keep the price of the team down when they sell the team. He said he read this on NFL.com Rumors. I found nothing supporting his claim when I checked it out. Well, this sort of shoots his claim down.

I thought the Rams should have given him another chance. I thought that if you give him a full year rather then part of a year then maybe he would turn things around.

I liked when he laid the law down with the team. He even got Marc Bulger's attention. But you can't really make a strong case for him when his record stands at 2-10 though I really enjoyed their win over the Cowboys.

Now, that Haslett has been shown the door, Shaw should be the next one to leave. He should go sit with Zygmount on some California beach. They can reminiscence about how they con the fans in LA and St. Louis as the slowly get drunk on martinis. One could only wish.

Yet, Shaw remains an adviser to Rosenbloom during the team's head coach search, and will remain with the team in an advisory role. Mr. Shaw, with all due respect, why don't you just take my advice in the previous paragraph, and do us fans a favor?

The Time Has Come for Ram Fans to Address the White Elephant in the Corner

john dmytruk — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:48:24 -0500

Lately, I read many articles on this site that speculate the Rams' future, and the writers have built their speculations on sound foundations. Some have said that a first round draft pick could mean a quick turn around for the team while others say a new coach will do the trick. Yet, none of these will impact the currant situation until we discuss the white elephant in the corner.

In one article that I read, the author laid out his case for the first round pick. He had a good suggestion for later round picks, and he laid his reasons like an attorney laying his case before his jury. He had me agreeing except he skipped the white elephant.

In a couple of other articles, the authors laid out their cases for a new coach even though several of the of the players want Haslett to return. They made sound cases even if they shut out the players' opinions. But at last they ignored the elephant.

You know even the media has ignored the elephant or has forgotten about it, and I bet you even forgot about it.

Well I haven't because during different parts of the offseason this topic has been addressed. Articles have appeared at various times about the sale of the team. The first came right after the death of Georgia, and in it they wrote that the siblings would not sell the team.

Around the same time, Steve Jackson spoke in an interview how players had been upset about rumors of a possible sale. Then finally the 49'ers owners brought up the sale again.

The summer had been the last time that you had heard about the sale of the team, but we shouldn't, as fans, forget the possible sale. Just as the players have a stake in the sale, so do we as fans, especially if you live in Saint Louis and are season ticket holders.

Along with this rumor of sale, came another rumor of a move. According to this rumor, the team would move to vacant LA. The good news for fans in Saint Louis is that this can't happen until 2010 when the lease ends.

If this teams does leave Saint Louis, so will the jobs that the team provided for local residents.

I didn't write this to say that solid draft picks or a new coach won't help, but when new owners come so do wholesale changes. I want the Chip to be honest about a future sale of this team.

The Rams Ended the Season the Way They Began—By Losing

john dmytruk — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:42:53 -0500

My fellow compatriots, our suffering for this season has come to an end today, and we suffered through a season of almost total despair, though shimmers of hope did shine through. We did get rid of Scott Linehan, and this team did beat the Cowboys. So we did have some bright spots in which to find some joy.

You have to admit this team does show some consistency by the way they bookended this season. This loss to the Falcons has that subtle ring of what more could you expect form this team, a win? They ended this season just like they began it—how fitting.

If you really wanted to see this team win, I would say that the alcoholic spirits that you had over the holidays blinded your better judgment. Besides, a win might just screw our chances in the draft. This loss gives us a chance at the higher pick in the draft. I would have settled for first, but that belongs to the Lions, and I don't want to steal their joy.

However, I must be frank about some of the previous first round picks. They just didn't workout? Remember that guy Phillips from Nebraska, the sexual assailant? He became a disciplinary problem and didn't last long for this team. All of this has been brought to you by Shaw and Zygmunt, men of football knowledge.

Their carnival act began 28 years ago right after Carroll Rosenbloom's death and continued for those years. For those who may have started rooting for the Rams, the letdowns did not start in St. Louis, but in LA. Yes, a charade in two different venues. Like sidewalk hustlers who had been shut down on one corner, they swindle others on another corner.

My favorite slight of hand that they used happened in LA back in the nineties and will write about often. They sold us on the line that well known running backs could replace one. What they did not say is these two well known running backs had been wash. Their names for those who can remember, Marcus Dubree and Curtis Warner. Neither lasted.

So, this New Year's as you raise your glasses and tell the tales of season of long ago, remember that the huskers have been stopped. One I wish would have the honor to resign even his consultant position, but thieves have no honor. This New Year's, I will bring change for what had been robbed from us fans.

Happy New Year, and to a better season!

Tony Romo Should Not Care What The Media Will Say About The Cowboys After Loss

john dmytruk — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 05:27:46 -0500

Early Friday morning, I received the following text message from a friend, a die-hard Cowboys fan: "Cowboys 30 Ravens 7. We are on our way to Tampa." Now, I am not a Cowboys fan, and I will most likely root against them as it suits my needs. So, you know, I wasn't watching the game especially, since Comcast makes me pay for the NFL Network.

This morning when I put on ESPN, not only did I see the score, I also heard what Tony Romo had to say about the game. He said that the media would probably have them as losers again after having them as winners last week.

Well Tony, you don't really have control of your future playoff hopes now. Also, at one point, the Giants dominated the Eastern Division while you hung out in third place. And your win over the Giants made you look like serious playoff contender.

If he thinks that the Dallas media could be fickle, he should read and listen to the New York media. After the Jets beat the Titans, they started writing and talking about a Giants and Jets Superbowl. All the talk ended when the both teams started losing. Now the media chides them when ever they can.

I heard a local radio show host say that the Jets should take their win over Buffalo as a favor from the gods, and try to make something out of the win. Other talking-heads treat both teams with caution when talking about wins now. So, the Cowboys do not face anymore media changing opinions than any other team in the NFL.

Now, I comeback to my friend. I will text him tomorrow with the real score, and remind him he still owes me a sandwich for the Cowboys' loss to the Rams.

The Rams Get a Moral Uplift While The Rest Of The NFC West Gets Wierder

john dmytruk — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:01:58 -0500

Usually, when I write about football, it is about the Rams. Well, today I decided to look at the weak NFC West. Besides, how much more you can beat up on the Rams' owners and management?

That and we my have a race for division heating up.

The Rams' defense showed up on Sunday, now if only the offense would show. Even though the Rams lost to the Dolphins, they did stop them from making the game a blowout by holding the Dolphins to three field goals. While the Rams' offense had their own Red Zone woes, the Dolphins could only manage one touchdown against the defense- challenged Rams.

Meanwhile, one has has to wonder if Steven Jackson replaced Marshall Faulk as the heart and soul of this team.

The big news, though, was the 49'ers came east to Buffalo, and won. Remember just over two weeks ago, and how the Cardinals would wrap up the division? Many thought this way because the three other teams had only two wins each. Now the 49'ers can win the division if they run the table. Three of their remaining four opponents would be against stronger playoff bound teams.

On the otherhand, the Cardinals have an easier task. They can loose three of their upcoming games and still win the division. To sum it all up, one 49'er loss, and the division belongs to the Cardinals sooner then later.

You Pay a Man $56 Million, But You Do Nothing To Protect Your Investment

john dmytruk — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:20:48 -0500

Marc Bulger passed his psyche test and will play on Sunday, according the Saint Louis Rams' Web site. He will be join by Steve Jackson and Orlando Pace, who will be returning from injuries.

Jim Haslett said that Bulger passed his psyche and will play on Sunday against the Dolphins. Haslett is not sure by what score he past by, but that he has past.

This has been Bulger's second concussion. The league states that a player has to retire after three concussions. The Rams have to think about his future.

Marc Bulger has a $56 million contract with this team, and he is playing his second year of this contract. This will be his second concussion, which means one more and he has to retire. Now you ask will the Bulger be a Ram next year?

Now, before I get accused of being insensitive about Bulger's plight, hear me out. You pay this man the money, but then you doing nothing to protect him. Let me repeat it again. You paid him $56 million and did nothing to protect him.

This, to me, falls under insanity. Whether he deserved the money falls under irrelevant. What falls under relevant, you did nothing to protect him or other words, "protect your investment."

Also, Chip Rosenbloom attended the game against the Bears. His attitude about the game, " underwhelmed." I smell the winds of change that will bring an end to the 30-year party that some people had at the consequences of the fans and the team.

Los Angeles Dodgers Take Game Three After Dropping Game Two

john dmytruk — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:50:32 -0400

Both the Dodgers and the Giants scored runs in the first inning.

While batting second, Andre Ethier singled to right. After Russell Martin flied out to center field, James Loney doubled to right and Ethier scored. The Dodgers ended the inning when second baseman Ray Durham tagged out Lonely.

The Giants' Fred Lewis, batting first, doubled to right. After Durham struck out, Randy Winn was safe at first on a throwing error by pitcher Eric Stults. Lewis advanced to third and eventually scored when Bengie Molina grounded out to third baseman Blake DeWitt.

The Dodgers scored two more runs in the third. Angel Berroa opened the inning with a single to center. Stults then hit a single to short, but an error by shortstop Emmanuel Burriss sent Stults to second and Berroa to third. Matt Kemp's single brought in Berroa and advanced Stults to third. Stults then scored on Ethier's sacrifice fly to left.

In the top of the fourth, Rich Aurilia hit a homer to left on the first pitch of the at-bat.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Dodgers answered right back with two more runs. Kemp walked and Ethier singled to right which sent Kemp to third. Both runners would score when Lonely hit a double to left.

In the top of the ninth with the score 5-2, the Giants scored again when Durham's sacrifice fly brought in Burriss.

The Dodgers would eventually win the game 5-3 and the series 2-1.

The Dodgers' Brian Falkenborg got the win and Matt Cain got the loss.

On Monday night, the Dodgers open a three game series against the Atlanta Braves at Dodgers Stadium. The Dodgers' Hiroki Koroda will face the Braves' Jorge Campillo.

Dodgers loose to the Giants 5-2 in the Seventh Inning

john dmytruk — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:39:05 -0400

The Dodgers began the scoring first when Andre Ethier, batting second, hit a double to bring in Matt Kemp. After Russell Martin struck out, Jeff Kent hit a single to center and Ethier moved to third.

Then Ethier scored when Andruw Jones grounded into a fielders' choice. Shortstop Omar Vizquel threw the ball to second to get Kent out. The first inning ended with the Dodgers leading the Giants 2-0.

The score would remain that way until the sixth when the Giants scored one run. Chan Ho Park walked Ray Durham. He then advanced to second when Randy Winn grounded out to second baseman Kent.

Aaron Rowand brought in Ray Durham with a double to right.

The Giants hit four more runs in the seventh.

Joe Biemel opened the seventh inning for the Dodgers. Jose Castillo got a double to right. Next, Vizquel hit a sacrifice ball to first baseman James Loney. Castillo advanced to third.

The Dodgers replaced Biemel with Brian Falkenborg. He struck out Rich Aurilia who was pinch hitting for Barry Zito, but he gave up a single to Fred Lewis which brought in Castillo.

Lewis moved to second with a Durham walk. Next, Winn hit a single to right and Lewis scored. With Winn at first and Durham at third, Cory Wade replaced Falkenborg.

Durham and Winn both score off of Benji Molina's double to right. This made the game's final score 5-2 Giants.

The Dodgers' Falkenborg got the loss and Zito got the win for the Giants.

The Dodgers' Eric Stults will face Matt Cain for their next game.

Two Dodgers Homers Added a Nice Topping to Their Win Over the Astros

john dmytruk — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:23:03 -0400

The Dodgers scored early in the first. After Matt Kemp struck out, Russell Martin singled to right. Jeff Kent's walk pushed Martin to second where he scored when James Loney doubled and Kent advanced to third.

Both Kent and Loney scored on Blake Dewitt's single to center. The Dodgers left the inning with a 3-0 nothing lead.

The score would remain that way until the top of third when Andre Ethier hit a homer off the first pitch of the inning.

The Astros did not counter back until the fifth inning. A fielding error by second baseman Luis Maza put Geoff Blum on first. Hunter Pence singled to right.

With Pence on first and Blum on second, J.R. Towles doubled. His double brought in the two runners and brought the score to 4-2.

The Dodgers answered right back when Loney homered on 3-1 count.

The Dodgers' 5-2 lead would remain that way for the remainder of the game.

Chad Billingsley got the win and Takashi Saito the save. The loss goes to Astro's Brandon Backe.

The Dodgers take the four game series 3-1 and move to one-and-a-half games behind the Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers go to San Francisco for a three game series starting Friday Jul. 4. Derek Lowe will be on the mound for the Dodgers.

Dodgers-Indians: Dodgers Take One from the Indians

john dmytruk — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:55:42 -0400

The Dodgers scored early and took one from the Indians.

In the first inning, Juan Pierre starts off the scoring binge with a single off Byrd. Kemp, next up, hits a double pushing Pierre to third. Pierre and Kemp score on Loney's double to right. Then, Martin hits a homer to left bringing in Loney. This made the score 4-0. DeWitt, Ethier and Maza"s outs left the inning at 4-0.

This would remain the same until the third.

Sizemore opened up the inning with a single to center. Sizemore advanced to third on Corroll's single. Sizemore scored when Choo grounded one to the second baseman Maza who threw to the shortstop Berroa who tagged out Carroll. Choo was safe at first.

Peralta walked and Choo moved to second. Next, Garko singled home Choo. A wild pitch put Peralta on third and Garko on second. Peralta scored when Blake grounded out to first. Shoppach struck out ending the inning for the Indians.

The score, 4-3, would remain for the rest of the game.

Billingsley got the win and Byrd the loss.

The Indians took the series 2-1. The Dodgers have Monday off and they play Tuesday night when the White Sox come to town.

Marc Bulger and Scott Linehan Will Make or Break St. Louis Rams

john dmytruk — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:57:06 -0400

I struggled to write this because I didn’t know how to start. But to me, this photo sums up the problem with the St. Louis Rams' offense, Marc Bulger and Scott Linehan.

Bulger's part would be his lack of leadership.

Yes, he throws up numbers or passing yardage, but what about points? Let’s cut to the chase—wins. Even in Warner's worst year, he still got the team to the Super Bowl.

I still don't understand how he has earned the over $60 million the Rams pay him.

He hasn't brought this team to the Super Bowl or a conference championship. He even had the same players that Warner had when he went to the Super Bowl without the results.

I think that sums up Bulger, so now let us visit Linehan.

Linehan has the same problem as Bulger—lack of leadership.

If things go south in 2008, don't throw your coaches under the bus like you did to Olsen. Let Saunders do his job, and back him in the press.

Trent Green Returns to the St. Louis Rams

john dmytruk — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:11:54 -0400

Trent Green returned to the Rams after seven years.

He played eight games for the Rams in 2000 before being replaced by Kurt Warner. After leaving the Rams, Green played six years for the Chiefs and one year for the Dolphins. In 2004, he peaked at 369 passes in 556 attempts with 4,591 years. He left the Dolphins after playing five games before a second concussion sidelined him.

Coach Linehan feels the addition of Green completes the quarterback position for the Rams. This may be true in the fact that Green has the potential to be a good backup for incumbent starter Marc Bulger, but that does change if you factor in the two concussions.

If Green plays, he faces the risk of another head injury and permanent brain damage. He does not only face this risk in a game but also in practice. The Rams should rethink this move.

NFL: St Louis Rams Hire New Coaches

john dmytruk — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:55:21 -0500

The St. Louis Rams made coaching changes to try and turn around the team.

After a dismal 3-13 start, the four of the Rams’ five coaches have been replaced.

Replacing Olsen as offensive coordinator will be Al Saunders from the Washington Redskins. Saunders returns to the team, formally coached the receivers of the Greatest Show on Earth. He likes to the West Coast style offense, but don't discount him running the ball.

Terry Shea becomes the quarterback coach replacing Doug Nussmeier. Shea came from the Miami Dolphins.

Art Valero picks up the running back coaching position thus replacing Wayne Mosses. Valero comes from Tampa Bay.

The last position to be filled was the offensive line coach. Steve Looney replaces Paul Boudrea. Looney comes from Drake.

The Rams hired Billy Daveny as their Vice President of Players Operations. He left the Atlanta Falcons where he brought DE John Abraham to via a three way trade.