Sneaks Spotlight
When I first thought of a ?Sneaks Spotlight? game I thought to look for a game that people would want to get some insight on and do some homework, regardless if I have a selection on it and get some information out so people could make an informed decision on the game. On a Sunday night the obvious game to tackle is the ESPN late night game as it usually is the only game going and most gamblers look to play a game when it is the only one on the board and nationally televised. Then yesterday the shocking news ripped through the baseball world that Darryl Kile had died. Therefore I was going to pass on the Spotlight game perhaps waiting to later next week to start.
After reading some of the forum responses to the death and some of the reaction of how people think the players will react tonight, I thought it would be a great chance to start with the spotlight this game. First and foremost I never met Daryl Kile and do not know anyone who knows him personally, but as a fan of the game you just got the impression that Kile was a great guy. With that said I think it is ludicrous to think that he was involved in any bad doings, to include drugs, steroids, etc. Then to see some of the quality acts in the game to step forward and hold back tears as they described Kile more than sealed the deal for me. He is a class act and it is a very horrible loss for baseball, the cardinal organization, the fans, and of course, his family. I am sure that I have many people agree when I say his family is in our prayers.
He was described as the ultimate teammate by many and with that being said his loss will affect players all around baseball, not only in tonight?s game. All flags were lowered at Minute Maid Park in Houston and there was a moment of silence at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The Cardinals flag was at half-staff at Turner Field in Atlanta and two pictures of Kile were put on the scoreboard in Montreal
This also affected individual players as the Astro?s sat out three players to include Bagwell, and Biggio. Larry Walker also had a heart filled press conference explaining that last night would be one of the toughest games he ever would have to play. So in my opinion there is no question that the players are and will be affected by his death, not only tonight but also in many games to follow.
"Our club is just totally staggered, I mean, devastated," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said, wiping away tears. "You guys know what a pro he is." ``This is all about Flynn (Kile's wife) and the (three) kids.
``There isn't one thought about our ball club.''
The players, some of whom had been close to late broadcaster Jack Buck, still were reeling from the legendary broadcaster's death late Tuesday night. ``This doesn't seem real,'' reliever Gene Stechschulte said.
Reliever Steve Kline, who always has something to say, waved off all questions as he headed for the bus, looking straight ahead. ``Why do bad things happen to good people?'' asked Kline.
Pitcher Matt Morris said, ``Unbelievable,'' as he, too, scurried to the bus.
There are also many thoughts that many people have expressed that many of the cardinal players would want to win this in Kile?s name or for the Kile family, and although I do not doubt this, the game is not that big, and I think players may want to win this for Kile because they may have no other way to express their loss and feel this is the best thing they could do. I believe players perform better in a situation like this because they are trying to avoid thinking of the pain and concentrate on the game. Therefore when great players do just that they play up to their potential. Two of the more vocal players may have shown that last night. Bagwell who did not play in his game against the Mariners came in to pinch hit late in the game and came through with the game winner. Larry Walker played in what he called the toughest game of his life and went 3-6 while hitting a home run. Although these players played well, I think you would be hard pressed to find a player on the field tonight, on either team who does not want to get a hit, or win a game for Daryl Kile.
I will be watching tonight, but it will not be to keep an eye on the total or to look for a team to pull out a win, but in respect out of Daryl Kile.
Spotlight Selection: Pass and spend the night with your friends and family.
JT
Sneaks
When I first thought of a ?Sneaks Spotlight? game I thought to look for a game that people would want to get some insight on and do some homework, regardless if I have a selection on it and get some information out so people could make an informed decision on the game. On a Sunday night the obvious game to tackle is the ESPN late night game as it usually is the only game going and most gamblers look to play a game when it is the only one on the board and nationally televised. Then yesterday the shocking news ripped through the baseball world that Darryl Kile had died. Therefore I was going to pass on the Spotlight game perhaps waiting to later next week to start.
After reading some of the forum responses to the death and some of the reaction of how people think the players will react tonight, I thought it would be a great chance to start with the spotlight this game. First and foremost I never met Daryl Kile and do not know anyone who knows him personally, but as a fan of the game you just got the impression that Kile was a great guy. With that said I think it is ludicrous to think that he was involved in any bad doings, to include drugs, steroids, etc. Then to see some of the quality acts in the game to step forward and hold back tears as they described Kile more than sealed the deal for me. He is a class act and it is a very horrible loss for baseball, the cardinal organization, the fans, and of course, his family. I am sure that I have many people agree when I say his family is in our prayers.
He was described as the ultimate teammate by many and with that being said his loss will affect players all around baseball, not only in tonight?s game. All flags were lowered at Minute Maid Park in Houston and there was a moment of silence at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The Cardinals flag was at half-staff at Turner Field in Atlanta and two pictures of Kile were put on the scoreboard in Montreal
This also affected individual players as the Astro?s sat out three players to include Bagwell, and Biggio. Larry Walker also had a heart filled press conference explaining that last night would be one of the toughest games he ever would have to play. So in my opinion there is no question that the players are and will be affected by his death, not only tonight but also in many games to follow.
"Our club is just totally staggered, I mean, devastated," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said, wiping away tears. "You guys know what a pro he is." ``This is all about Flynn (Kile's wife) and the (three) kids.
``There isn't one thought about our ball club.''
The players, some of whom had been close to late broadcaster Jack Buck, still were reeling from the legendary broadcaster's death late Tuesday night. ``This doesn't seem real,'' reliever Gene Stechschulte said.
Reliever Steve Kline, who always has something to say, waved off all questions as he headed for the bus, looking straight ahead. ``Why do bad things happen to good people?'' asked Kline.
Pitcher Matt Morris said, ``Unbelievable,'' as he, too, scurried to the bus.
There are also many thoughts that many people have expressed that many of the cardinal players would want to win this in Kile?s name or for the Kile family, and although I do not doubt this, the game is not that big, and I think players may want to win this for Kile because they may have no other way to express their loss and feel this is the best thing they could do. I believe players perform better in a situation like this because they are trying to avoid thinking of the pain and concentrate on the game. Therefore when great players do just that they play up to their potential. Two of the more vocal players may have shown that last night. Bagwell who did not play in his game against the Mariners came in to pinch hit late in the game and came through with the game winner. Larry Walker played in what he called the toughest game of his life and went 3-6 while hitting a home run. Although these players played well, I think you would be hard pressed to find a player on the field tonight, on either team who does not want to get a hit, or win a game for Daryl Kile.
I will be watching tonight, but it will not be to keep an eye on the total or to look for a team to pull out a win, but in respect out of Daryl Kile.
Spotlight Selection: Pass and spend the night with your friends and family.
JT
Sneaks
