SB Nation St. Louis: All Posts by Peter Berkeshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49009/stl-fave.png2013-03-09T21:14:30-06:00https://stlouis.sbnation.com/authors/peter-berkes/rss2013-03-09T21:14:30-06:002013-03-09T21:14:30-06:00Creighton, Wichita State book tickets to MVC final
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bluejays and Shockers are set to fight it out in the MVC Tournament final on Sunday. Here's how the two teams got there.</p> <p>The two best teams in the Missouri Valley Conference all year have proven their quality again in the conference tournament, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/creighton-bluejays">Creighton Bluejays</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/wichita-st-shockers">Wichita State Shockers</a> both clinched a spot in the tournament final with wins on Saturday. The final will be played at 2:05 p.m. ET on Sunday.</p>
<p>Creighton easily took care of business in the first semifinal of the day, crushing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/indiana-st-sycamores">Indiana State</a> 64-43. The Bluejays built a 41-18 lead by halftime, and were able to coast in the second half. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123401/doug-mcdermott" class="sbn-auto-link">Doug McDermott</a> led all scorers with 25 points and nine rebounds, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52478/gregory-echenique" class="sbn-auto-link">Gregory Echenique</a> had 10 points on 5-6 shooting. The Sycamores struggled badly shooting the ball, converting only 26.5% from the floor, and a dreadful 7.7% from three point range.</p>
<p>Wichita State didn't have it quite as easy as Creighton, but the Shockers got the job done, putting away <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/illinois-st-redbirds">Illinois State</a> in the second half, 66-51. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146493/carl-hall" class="sbn-auto-link">Carl Hall</a> led the team with 16 points and eight rebounds, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100872/malcolm-armstead" class="sbn-auto-link">Malcolm Armstead</a> had 15 points and nine rebounds. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/100647/jackie-carmichael" class="sbn-auto-link">Jackie Carmichael</a> went off for 22 points and five rebounds for Illinois State, but the Redbirds shot only 29.1% from the floor as a team.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/bracket/_/id/122/2013-missouri-valley-tournament">You can check out the MVC Tournament bracket here</a>, and for more on the MVC Tournament, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/missouri-valley-basketball-tournament" target="_blank">make sure to check out our coverage at the SB Nation mothership</a>.</p>
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<p><iframe src="https://stlouis.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=20915" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="20915-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2013/3/9/4084822/missouri-valley-conference-2013-basketball-tournament-results-bracketPeter Berkes2012-12-16T09:46:02-06:002012-12-16T09:46:02-06:00Danny Amendola will play vs. Vikings
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams' wide receiver is finally active after suffering a heel injury on Nov. 25.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> wide receiver <span>Danny Amendola</span> is active and will play against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a> on Sunday, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on ESPN's <i>Sunday Countdown</i>. Amendola hasn't played since Nov. 25 against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> due to a heel injury, and is finally active after being a game-time decision last week.</p>
<p>The Rams will gladly welcome Amendola back to the lineup, as they can use another offensive weapon to keep their playoff hopes alive. In eight games this season, he's caught 51 passes for 576 yards and two touchdowns. With Amendola back in the lineup, quarterback <span>Sam Bradford</span> and the Rams' offense have a chance to open things up against the Vikings' defense, which ranks 17th and 18th in the NFL in total defense and passing defense, respectively.</p>
<p>Amendola missed a month earlier this season with a broken collarbone.</p>
<p>The Rams and Vikings kick off at noon CT from the Edward Jones Dome.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/12/16/3772726/danny-amendola-active-week-15Peter Berkes2012-12-14T14:08:38-06:002012-12-14T14:08:38-06:00Janoris Jenkins will play Sunday despite illness
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Rams rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins sat out Friday's practice with an illness, but will be able to play on Sunday against the Vikings.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> cornerback <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/STLouisRams/status/279664815780282368">did not practice on Friday due to an illness, but will be able to play on Sunday</a> against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>. The team did not disclose what kind of illness Jenkins was suffering from, but it doesn't sound particularly serious.</p>
<p>Jenkins, a rookie out of North Alabama, has been a very productive player for the Rams this season. He has accumulated 58 tackles and three interceptions so far this year. Three weeks ago against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>, Jenkins returned two interceptions for touchdowns.</p>
<p>Jenkins began his college career at the University of Florida, but was kicked off the team for multiple drug offenses. He slid all the way to the 39th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft due to concerns over his drug use, but has yet to cause a problem while in St. Louis.</p>
<p>The Rams and Vikings will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday in St. Louis.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/12/14/3767476/janoris-jenkins-st-louis-ramsPeter Berkes2012-12-14T13:54:38-06:002012-12-14T13:54:38-06:00Amendola back at practice, probable vs. Vikings
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<figcaption>Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Danny Amendola was a full participant at practice on Friday, and should be good to go against the Vikings on Sunday.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> wide receiver <span>Danny Amendola</span> was able to fully participate in practice on Friday:</p>
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<p>Rams WR Danny Amendola was at full go in today's practice, listed as probable for Sundays game against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vikings</a>.</p>
— Tony Softli (@SoftliSTL) <a data-datetime="2012-12-14T19:18:56+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/SoftliSTL/status/279666803230244865">December 14, 2012</a>
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<p>Amendola was at full-speed in practice for the first time since injuring his foot against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a>. Amendola hasn't played since Nov. 25 against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>, when he was only able to be on the field for seven snaps. He also missed about a month earlier this season when he dislocated his collarbone.</p>
<p>Despite his injury issues this season, Amendola has still racked up 51 receptions for 576 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. This is his fourth season with the Rams, and Amendola has emerged as their top playmaker at wide receiver. In those four seasons, he's caught 184 passes for 1,636 yards and six touchdowns. He only played one game in 2011 due to a broken arm.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/12/14/3767490/danny-amendola-injury-rams-vs-vikings-probablePeter Berkes2012-12-07T18:12:36-06:002012-12-07T18:12:36-06:00Marco Scutaro turned down offer from Cardinals
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>Giants 2B Marco Scutaro turned down a two-year contract offer from the St. Louis Cardinals before opting to re-sign with the Giants.</p> <p><span>Marco Scutaro</span> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AlexPavlovic/status/277199185042870272">apparently turned down a contract offer</a> from the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a>, according to the San Jose Mercury News' Alex Pavlovic. Scutaro opted to re-sign with the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco Giants</a> for a three-year deal worth $20 million. The Cardinals offered Scutaro a two-year deal. It's uncertain how much money they offered.</p>
<p>Scutaro hit like crazy after being traded to the Giants in the middle of the 2012 season. He batted .362 with three home runs and 44 RBIs after coming to San Francisco, and was one of the Giants' key contributors during their World Series run.</p>
<p>Despite being 37 years old, Scutaro was one of the best middle infield options available on the free agent market this offseason. With Kolten Wong still a year or two away from the major leagues, the Cardinals don't need a long term fix this year, but will want to bring in someone to help improve production at the position.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/12/7/3741844/marco-scutaro-contract-offer-cardinalsPeter Berkes2012-12-07T17:07:26-06:002012-12-07T17:07:26-06:00Danny Amendola could be back for Rams on Sunday
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Rams injury report indicates that WR Danny Amendola might be able to play against the Bills on Sunday despite his heel injury.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.stlouisrams.com/team/injury-report.html">released their Friday injury report this afternoon</a>, and wide receiver <span>Danny Amendola</span> has a shot to play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> on Sunday. Head coach Jeff Fisher said that Amendola will be a game-time decision. Amendola missed the Rams' 16-13 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> last weekend with a heel injury, but was able to practice on both Thursday and Friday this week. He also missed a few weeks earlier this season with a collarbone injury.</p>
<p>Running back Steven Jackson participated for the second straight day after sitting on Wednesday's practice with a foot injury, and he should be able to go on Sunday barring anything unforeseen. Having both Jackson and Amendola in the lineup would make things a lot easier for <span>Sam Bradford</span> and the Rams offense.</p>
<p>Here's the full injury report:</p>
<p>WR Danny Amendola (knee) - Questionable<br>LB <span>Mario Haggan</span> (elbow) - Questionable<br>RB Steven Jackson (foot) - Probable<br>TE <span>Mike McNeill</span> (thigh) - Out<br>OL <span>Scott Wells</span> (knee) - Probable</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/12/7/3741648/rams-bills-injury-nfl-week-14Peter Berkes2012-10-01T15:56:08-05:002012-10-01T15:56:08-05:00Cardinals vs. Reds: Starting lineups
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<p>The <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a> begin their last series of the regular season Monday night against the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Reds</a>. The Cards can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> loss. St. Louis will send <span>Jaime Garcia</span> (6-7, 3.99 ERA) to the mound to take on <span>Bronson Arroyo</span> (12-9, 3.70 ERA). The Reds have already claimed the NL Central crown, but are tied with the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nationals</a> for the best record in the National League and need a strong performance to secure home field advantage in the playoffs.</p>
<p>First pitch from Busch Stadium is 7:15 p.m. CT.</p>
<p><b>Cardinals lineup<br></b>1. <span>Jon Jay</span> (L) CF<br>2. <span>Carlos Beltran</span> (S) RF<br>3. <span>Matt Holliday</span> (R) LF<br>4. <span>Allen Craig</span> (R) 1B<br>5. <span>Yadier Molina</span> (R) C<br>6. <span>David Freese</span> (R) 3B<br>7. <span>Daniel Descalso</span> (L) 2B<br>8. <span>Pete Kozma</span> (R) SS<br>9. Jaime Garcia (L) P</p>
<p><b>Reds lineup</b><br>1. <span>Brandon Phillips</span> (R) 2B<br>2. <span>Zack Cozart</span> (R) SS<br>3. <span>Joey Votto</span> (L) 1B<br>4. <span>Ryan Ludwick</span> (R) LF<br>5. <span>Jay Bruce</span> (L) RF<br>6. <span>Scott Rolen</span> (R) 3B<br>7. <span>Ryan Hanigan</span> (R) C<br>8. <span>Drew Stubbs</span> (R) CF<br>9. Bronson Arroyo (R) P</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2012/10/1/3439644/cardinals-vs-reds-starting-lineupsPeter Berkes2012-10-01T14:57:27-05:002012-10-01T14:57:27-05:00Brockers' ankle looks like it's fine
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<figcaption>Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Rookie DT Michael Brockers saw his first action of the year on Sunday, and his ankle appears to be fine after he suffered a slight aggravation</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> rookie <span>Michael Brockers</span> <a href="http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/9/28/3426132/michael-brockers-injury-rams" target="_blank">saw his first action of the year against the Seattle Seahawks after suffering a high ankle sprain in the preseason</a>. Brockers appeared to reinjure his ankle in the first quarter, but returned to action quickly and <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2012/10/1/3439088/rams-injury-report-eugene-sims" target="_blank">it's thought he suffered nothing more than a tweak</a>.</p>
<p>The Rams took Brockers with the 14th pick in the first round this past year to help shore up their interior defensive line. However, the LSU product has struggled to get onto the field until this past weekend. He was questionable for the game after seeing only limited time in practice, but ended up starting and seeing significant action against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a>.</p>
<p>The Rams will need Brockers to stay healthy, as their defensive line depth has been tested by injuries. Defensive end <span>Eugene Sims</span> suffered a concussion on Sunday, and rookie defensive tackle <span>Matt Conrath</span> is also sidelined with injury.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/10/1/3439278/michael-brockers-injury-updatePeter Berkes2012-10-01T13:11:23-05:002012-10-01T13:11:23-05:00Cards drop second game to Reds, clinch anyway
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<figcaption>Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The St. Louis Cardinals' loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday didn't keep them from celebrating. </p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/10/1/3438720/st-louis-cardinals-magic-numberKevin JeffersChris WhiteGriffin GottaNeal CoolongDan MoorePete EichPeter Berkes2012-10-01T13:09:18-05:002012-10-01T13:09:18-05:00Cards' magic number only 2 for playoff spot
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<figcaption>Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The St. Louis Cardinals' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is only two, and could clinch as soon as Monday night.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a>' magic number to clinch the last NL Wild Card berth is two after both they and the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a> won on Sunday. The Cardinals start their final series of the regular season against the <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Reds</a> on Monday night, with <span>Jaime Garcia</span> (6-7, 3.99 ERA) heading to the mound to face off against <span>Bronson Arroyo</span> (12-9, 3.70 ERA). The Cards can clinch a playoff berth with a win and a Dodgers loss to San Francisco.</p>
<p>The Dodgers face the <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a> in their final series of the year, and will send <span>Aaron Harang</span> (10-10, 3.68 ERA) to the hill, where he'll face Giants ace <span>Matt Cain</span> (16-5, 2.77 ERA). The Dodgers have won five games in a row, so it would seem that they have momentum on their side. However, their margin for error is minimal. Both the Cardinals and Dodgers' opponents have already clinched division titles, but Cincinnati is tied with the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Nationals</a> for the best record in the National League, so they still have something to play for.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2012/10/1/3438658/cardinals-magic-number-wild-cardPeter Berkes