Thrust into the most important game of the season, junior righthander Cody Schumacher threw a complete game shutout to keep Missouri State’s season alive with a 7-0 victory today at Hammons Field. The Missouri Valley Conference Tournament win pushes MSU through to Thursday to face the loser of tonight’s Southern Illinois-Bradley game and ends Wichita State’s season.

Schumacher struck out 8 batters, walking 3 and allowing just two hits. Taking the place of Clay Murphy in the starting rotation, who is out with elbow problems, Schumacher faced just 5 batters above the minimum and is now 8-1 on the season.

Today
Game 5 — (5) Evansville 8, (1) Indiana State 5
Game 6 — (2) Missouri State 7, (3) Wichita State 0
Game 7 — (8) Creighton vs. (4) Illinois State – 4:00 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 8 — (6) Southern Illinois vs. (7) Bradley – 7:30 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch

Thursday’s schedule
Game 9 (Loser Gm 7 vs. (5) Evansville) – 9:00 a.m.
Game 10 (Loser Gm 8 vs. (2) Missouri State) – 12:30 p.m.
Game 11 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 4:00 p.m.
Game 12 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s scores
(4) Illinois State 10, (5) Evansville 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(8) Creighton 5, (1) Indiana State 0 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(6) Southern Illinois 6, (3) Wichita State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(7) Bradley 5, (2) Missouri State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch

Missouri State squandered eight innings of one-run ball from Nick Petree and fell 5-3 to seventh-seeded Bradley Tuesday night (subscription) in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Hammons Field.

The shocking loss places MSU’s season and potential postseason in jeopardy as the Bears will face third-seeded Wichita State today at 12:30 p.m. WSU was upset by sixth-seeded Southern Illinois 6-3 Tuesday. MSU sports information has confirmed that first-round draft prospect Pierce Johnson is starting for the Bears today.

(Thanks to our friends at MissouriStateBears.com. The links below are theirs.)

Tuesday’s scores
(4) Illinois State 10, (5) Evansville 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(8) Creighton 5, (1) Indiana State 0 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(6) Southern Illinois 6, (3) Wichita State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch
(7) Bradley 5, (2) Missouri State 3 – Box Score – GameTracker – Watch

Today
Game 5 (#5 Evansville vs. #1 Indiana State) – 9:00 a.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 6 (#3 Wichita State vs. #2 Missouri State) – 12:30 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 7 (#8 Creighton vs. #4 Illinois State) – 4:00 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch
Game 8 (#6 Southern Illinois vs. #7 Bradley) – 7:30 p.m. – GameTracker – Watch

Looking forward to Thursday?
Game 9 (Loser Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 5) – 9:00 a.m.
Game 10 (Loser Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 6) – 12:30 p.m.
Game 11 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 4:00 p.m.
Game 12 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Matt Palmer

Former Missouri State pitcher Matt Palmer was called up from Triple-A Tucson by the San Diego Padres Tuesday. He made his Padres debut Tuesday against St. Louis, throwing a scoreless inning and striking out a batter.

It’s the third big league team the 33-year-old Palmer has played for after being a 31st round pick in the 2002 draft by the San Francisco Giants. In all, he’s 13-7 in 61 MLB appearances for San Francisco, the Los Angels Angels and now the Padres. He’s made 20 starts and carries a 4.49 ERA spanning 184 1/3 innings, striking out 97 and walking 92. His best season was 2009 with the Angels where he made 40 appearances — 13 starts — and had a 3.93 ERA in 121 1/3 innings.

Palmer got off to a rough start at Triple-A Tucson until he missed a start because of a blister. After skipping a turn in the starting rotation, Palmer had won his last 3 starts, allowing just 4 earned runs in 18 innings.

For weekly updates on current MLB players with local roots, click here for SGFers in the Bigs.

Nick Petree

We’ve been chronicling the season of Missouri State sophomore righthanded pitcher Nick Petree all season long, and to no one’s surprise, he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Petree finished the regular season with the following line:

10-3, 0.91 ERA, 99 1/3 IP, 10 ER, 102 K, 33 BB, 72 H, .201 BAA

But, it was Petree’s ridiculous ERA that was a gateway to his amazing season. At 0.91, it led the nation as the only number below 1 run per 9 innings.  After allowing 4 runs in 6 innings Thursday vs. Indiana State it ended two amazing streaks. It snapped a span of 38 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings and 73 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run (March 2-May 17).

We’ve broken it down by each game during that 76-day span:

• March 2, 8-3 W vs. Northwestern State: 7 IP, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 H, 4 BB, 5 K (W, 2-1)
• March 9, 3-0 W vs. SIU-Edwardsville: 6 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 8 K (W, 3-1)
• March 17, 5-0 W vs. Oral Roberts: 8 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 9 K (W, 4-1)
• March 24, 7-0 W vs. Creighton: 9 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 10 K (W, 5-1)
• March 31, 8-4 W vs. Dallas Baptist: 7 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 5 K (W, 6-1)
• April 6, 2-1 L vs. Bradley: 8 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K (L, 6-2)
• April 14, 14-4 W vs. Illinois State: 5 1/3 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K (W, 7-2)
• April 20, 6-0 W vs. Wichita State: 6 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 9 K (W, 8-2)
• April 27, 1-0 W vs. Southern Illinois: 7 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 K (ND)
• May 4, 7-0 W vs. Air Force: 8 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 12 K (W, 9-2)
• May 11, 2-0 W vs. Evansville: 8 IP, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 9 K (W, 10-2)
• May 17, 6-3 L vs. Indiana State: 6 IP, 4 R, 4 ER, 12 H, 4 BB, 5 K (L, 10-3)

Petree was a 3-time MVC Pitcher of the Week and an NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist, who becomes the third MSU pitcher to earn top MVC honors in the last 5 seasons and the fifth MSU pitcher to earn MVC POY accolades.

A total of 9 Missouri State baseball players were selected for all-conference honors Monday by the league’s head coaches. Petree, Kevin Medrano and MVC Freshman of the Year Tyler Burgess were all chosen for the Valley’s first team, while four other Bears were tabbed for second-team honors and two more picked up honorable mention recognition.

Medrano was named first-team All-MVC for the fourth consecutive season and batted .332 with 17 doubles. Burgess, the Bears’ closer, had 11 saves in 22 appearances with  1.24 ERA in 36 1/3 innings, striking out 30 and walking 14.

In addition to the Bears’ three first-teamers, seniors Brock Chaffin, Brent Seifertand Spiker Helms, along with junior Luke Voit were chosen for the league’s second team, while juniors Keenen Maddox and Cody Schumacher were named honorable mention All-MVC. Finally, both Petree and Medrano were among the honorees for the Valley’s All-Defensive squad.

Despite winning this past weekend’s series at Indiana State, Missouri State still finished as the second seed in this weekend’s Missouri Valley Conference baseball tournament at Hammons Field.

Of course, the importance of the tourney is imperative — win and you’re going to the NCAA Tournament. Here is the tournament schedule:

Tuesday

• Game 1 (#5 Evansville vs. #4 Illinois State) – 9:00 a.m.
• Game 2 (#8 Creighton vs. #1 Indiana State) – 12:30 p.m.
• Game 3 (#6 Southern Illinois vs. #3 Wichita State) – 4:00 p.m.
• Game 4 (#7 Bradley vs #2 Missouri State) – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday

• Game 5 (Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Gm 2) – 9:00 a.m.
• Game 6 (Loser Gm 3 vs. Loser Gm 4) – 12:30 p.m.
• Game 7 (Winner Gm 1 vs. Winner Gm 2) – 4:00 p.m.
• Game 8 (Winner Gm 3 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday

• Game 9 (Loser Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 5) – 9:00 a.m.
• Game 10 (Loser Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 6) – 12:30 p.m.
• Game 11 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 4:00 p.m.
• Game 12 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 4) – 7:30 p.m.

Friday

• *Game 13 (Winner Gm 7 vs. Winner Gm 9) – 12:30 p.m.
• *Game 14 (Winner Gm 8 vs. Winner Gm 10) – 4:00 p.m.

*If necessary

Saturday, May 26

• Game 15 (Winner Brkt 1 vs. Winner Brkt 2) – 7:07 p.m.

Missouri State as the host will play the 7:30 p.m. game of the first day of the tournament. The order of the other games will be determined by seeds. Seeds 1, 4, 5 and 8 will be in one bracket. Seeds 2, 3, 6 and 7 will be in the opposite bracket. Seed 1 will play Seed 8, Seed 4 will play Seed 5, Seed 2 will play Seed 7 and Seed 3 will play Seed 6 in the opening round.
Ticket Information

All Tournament Prices

All Tournament – Season Ticket Holder $40.00
All Tournament – Non-Season Ticket Holder $50.00
All Tournament – Fac/Staff Season Ticket Holder $40.00
All Tournament – Fac/Staff Non-Season Ticket Holder $50.00

Single Game Prices

• Adult $10.00
• Student/Child over 2 (Includes any college student with ID) $5.00
• Children under 2 Free

ShoFight 20 will be bringing its 15-fight Mixed Martial Arts card to the O’Reilly Family Event Center June 16, Drury University announced Thursday.

ShoFight 20 will feature a main event between UFC veterans Shamar Bailey and Karo “The Heat” Parysian, a fight that will be for the ShoFight Welterweight Championship. The card will feature 14 other fights, including a ShoFight Middleweight title fight between Terry Martin and Kendall “The Spyder” Grove. Both are also UFC veterans.

Tickets are available today at DruryTickets.com or by phone at (417)873-6389. Prices start at $18.

Parysian is a UFC and Strikeforce veteran, fighting in the UFC most recently as 2010.

Bailey was a quarterfinalist on UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter featuring Team Lesnar and Team De Los Santos. He was eventually signed to the promotion andfaced Danny Castillo at UFC 139. However, weighed in at 3 pounds too heavy and the fight was bumped up to 158 catchweight. He lost to Castillo via first round TKO and was released from the promotion.

The rest of the card includes

• Jonatas Noveas vs. Drew Fickett
• Chris “Crazyman” McDaniel vs. Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett
• Mike Wessell vs. Aaron Rosa
• Alan Gibson vs. Dustin Phillips
• Chris “Gritz” Gruetzmacher vs. Roli Delgado
• Lucas “The Hillbilly Lightstorm” Overcast vs. Matt “Luke Duke” Lucas
• Sevak Magakian vs. John “Guns” Gunderson
• Josh McDonald vs. Karen Darabedyan
• Lyle “Fancy Pants” Beerbohm vs. Marcus “Maximus” Aurelio
• “Smilin” Sam Alvey vs. “Mr. International” Shonie Carter
• Robert Saborudden vs. Jacob “Straighjacket” Ritchie
• Chris Barnes vs. Jesse Zeguin
• Jason Ignacek vs. Ara Meridian

This is from the night Pierce Johnson struck out 16 Creighton batters earlier this season.

UPDATED: In his initial MLB mock draft, ESPN.com’s Keith Law has Missouri State righthanded pitcher Pierce Johnson going No. 29 to the Arizona Diamondbacks (subscription link).

This is what Law said in his synopsis:

He could have gone in that 13-16 range if healthy, but a forearm strain has left his status unclear. He could still go that high if the medicals come back clean.

Earlier this week, Law Johnson as the country’s 59th best prospect. There was hype at the beginning of the season, positioning Pierce Johnson as a Top-60 MLB draft prospect, and Johnson’s done nothing to diminish his standing. If nothing else, he’s strengthened it. At 59 overall, he’s the 31st pitcher on the board, and the 12th best college pitcher.

It’s been well-chronicled how dominant this year’s pitching staff has been at MSU, and Johnson has been a huge part of that. Currently, he’s 2-6 with a 2.85 ERA in 11 starts with 3 complete games. He’s pitched 75 2/3 innings, striking out 94 while walking 25 and allowing 24 earned runs. His 94 strikeouts rank him 25th in the country and he ranks 12th in the country in strikeouts per 9 innings (11.18).

After missing a few starts in the middle of the season, Johnson has seemed to have worked through soreness in his right forearm.

MSU will travel to Indiana State this weekend. The Bears currently trail the Sycamores by 1.5 games heading into the final weekend of the season.

The Springfield Public Schools athletics office announced the teams for the 2013 Bass Pro Tournament of Champions today. Here is the raw news for the tournament on January 17-19. Check back later this week for more insight and information.

Montverde Academy, Montverde, FL (22-5) National Rank # 14 (Maxpreps)

• Kasey Hill – (2013) Guard – Ranked # 8 (Rivals) – Committed to: Florida
• Chris Davenport – (2013) Forward – Recruited by: Clemson & Florida State
• Dakari Johnson – (2014) Center – Ranked # 4 (Scout) – Recruited by: Georgetown, Kentucky, Ohio State, Syracuse, & Louisville
• D’Angelo Russell – (2014) Guard – Ranked # 16 (Rivals) – Recruited by: Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, & Tennessee

John Bosco High School –Bellflower, CA (25-8)

• Isaac Hamilton – (2013) Guard – Ranked # 11 – Recruited by: Arizona, Baylor, & Kansas
• Daniel Hamilton – (2014) Forward – Recruited by: Baylor, UConn, USC, & St. Johns
• Devin Burleson – (2014) Center – Recruited by: New Mexico, Oregon, & Texas

Prestonwood Christian, Plano, TX (27-4) – National Ranked # 9 (MaxPreps)

• Julius Randle – (2013) Forward – Ranked # 3 (Rivals) – Recruited by: Kansas, Missouri, Texas, North Carolina, Kentucky, & Ohio State
• Marquan Botley – (2014) Guard – Recruited by: Memphis & TCU
• Mickey Mitchell – (2015) Forward – Ranked Top Ten in Sophomore Class

Paul VI High School, Fairfax, VA (35-3) State Champions – National Ranked # 8 (Maxpreps)

• Stanford Robinson – (2013) Guard – Ranked # 88 (Rivals) – Recruited by: Georgetown, North Carolina State, & Wake Forest
• Tim Higgins – (2013) Center – Committed to: Cornell
• Marcus Derrickson – (2015) Forward – Ranked Top Ten in Sophomore Class – Recruited by: Georgetown, North Carolina, Syracuse, & Maryland

Bullitt East High School, Mount Washington, KY (26-6)

• Derek Willis – (2013) Forward – Ranked # 26 (Rivals) – Committed to: Kentucky

Hall High School, Little Rock, AR (27-3) – State Champions

• Bobby Portis – (2013) Center – Ranked # 56 (Rivals) – Committed to : Arkansas

Nixa High School, Nixa, MO (30-2) – Class 5 State Runner-Up

• Austin Ruder – (2013) – Committed to: Missouri State

Hillcrest High School, Springfield, MO (18-5) – Class 4 State Runner-Up

While most SGFers grew accustomed to former SGF Cardinals manager Pop Warner’s laid-back style, current Cardinals manager Mike Shildt is making sure we know he’s not the same guy.

The Texas League has suspended Shildt for 3 games after he made inappropriate contact with an umpire while arguing balls and strikes during a game with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in Springdale. Upon reading the News-Leader’s story, it’s described as incidental. But after watching this video, I’m no so sure. Of course, the ejection came the night after SGF was no-hit by NWA.

Either way, understand that with Shildt frisbeeing his batting helmet at an ump and hitting coach Phil Wellman being best-known for the greatest managerial blowup in minor-league history, the SGF Cardinals are now equipped with the most entertaining coaching staff any fan could ask for.

The Springfield Cardinals were no-hit Thursday night by the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in a 2-0 loss in Springdale, Ark. NWA is the Kansas City Royals’ Double-A affiliate, and it’s the first time in franchise history the SGF Cards didn’t get a hit in a game.

The last time the Springfield Cardinals left Hammons Field, it ended in an 0-8 road trip. This time, things couldn’t have started out worse.

NWA started rehabbing big-league reliever Greg Holland, who pitched a clean first. He was followed by lefthanded starting prospect Chris Dwyer, who pitched 6 2/3 no-hit innings where he struck out 5 and walked two — the last time Dwyer pitched against SGF, he allowed 10 runs. Reliever Brendan Lafferty got the final out of the eighth and closer Kendal Volz pitched a clean ninth.

The Cards will continue their four-game set against NWA tonight at 7:30. Michael Blazek will start for Springfield against Jake Odorizzi of the Naturals.

Branson has hired former Clever coach Brian McTague as its boys' baskeball coach.

Branson High School has hired former Clever coach Brian McTague to be its boys’ basketball coach, he confirmed to TAGsgf.com Thursday night.

McTague, was 125-67 at Clever over the past seven seasons — including final four appearances in 2008 and 2010. He said the Branson opening is one he’s always had his eye on.

“If you ask my friends, Branson is a job I’ve always been interested in,” he said via phone Thursday. “I feel like it’s one of the best openings in the area. It’s got great facilities and over the past 10 years, it’s really become a great basketball area. Coach (Randy) Bishop deserves a lot of credit for that.”

A Spokane native, McTague has been waiting in the wings to get a chance at one of the area’s larger schools. Branson is a Class 5 school and is just a season removed from a great run of state rankings and deep playoff runs. Before taking over at Clever, which was his first head coaching job, he was an assistant at Glendale for seven years.

Bishop left Branson for Lawrenceville, Ill. HS after 9 seasons. McTague was hired over Spokane coach Larry Brown, according to reports by the Tri-Lakes News.

MSU has dismissed QB Trevor Wooden for a violation of team rules.

While Missouri State administration wouldn’t reveal what exactly happened, school athletic director Kyle Moats announced quarterback Trevor Wooden has been dismissed from the football team.

Wooden,a  High Springs, Fla. native, lead the Missouri Valley Football Conference in total offense last season and was expected to be the Bears’ starter again this coming season.

“This is obviously a very difficult situation, and it’s never easy to make a call like this,” MSU football coach Terry Allen said in a release. “But based on the circumstances, I feel it is in the best interest of our program to make a clean break and start moving forward.”

Moats said he supports Allen’s decision and noted the behavioral expectations of every MSU student-athlete are clearly defined.

“We expect Missouri State student-athletes to abide by the rules set forth by the University, the athletic department and their respective teams,” Moats said. “When they fail to meet those obligations and responsibilities, there are consequences.

“I know there were a lot of people counting on Trevor to be a leader on this team and be the face of our program this fall. However, our coaches have to enforce the rules consistently regardless of whether a player is a starter or a role player. That’s the right thing to do, and I support our coaches when they have to make tough calls like this.”

On Aug. 25, 2011, Allen suspended Wooden for the season opener against Arkansas for a separate violation of team rules. He started the remaining 10 games. His numbers were impressive, despite MSU’s tough season. His 2,420 yards of total offense were the best in the MVFC and ranked 14th nationally. As a redshirt freshman wide receiver in 2010, Wooden played in 11 games, started 10 contests and caught 21 passes for 284 yards.

He was one of 24 returning players on the 2012 MSU roster with starting experience from last season.

The Bears will open fall camp on Aug. 2 with at least two scholarship quarterbacks in sophomore Kierra Harris (Texarkana, Ark.) and newcomer Brodie Lambert (Fr., Arlington, Texas).

Mizzou's new football helmets

The 4th annual Lorenzo Williams and Friends Weekend is returning to the Ozarks July 6th and 7th, featuring some of the best Mizzou football alumni, many of which have made it to the NFL.

The event includes a golf gournament at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club on the 6th, as well as an autograph session at Ashley Furniture that night.  The youth football camp will be at Lake Country Soccer on the 7th.

Expected to be in attendance are Lorenzo Williams, Jeremy Maclin, Aldon Smith, Blaine Gabbert, Martin Rucker, Sean Weatherspoon, Chase Coffman, William Moore, Tony Temple, Attiyah Ellison, Corby Jones, Mike Jones, Wes Kemp, Jerrell Jackson, Jaron Baston, Brad Ekwerekwu, Danario Alexander, Roland Young, Steve Erickson, Derrick Ming and a few other possibilities. Former Missouri State tight end and current Philadelphia Eagle Clay Harbor is expected to be in attendance, as well as current Mizzou players.

Proceeds of the events will go towards 12 children charities this year, including CMN/St. Judes, Care to Learn, the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Wish I May, The Ellis Fund, the Hamels Foundation and Pipkin Middle School are among them.

Simpson

Missouri State’s men’s basketball team has signed Michael Simpson, a senior at Klein Collins High School from just outside of the Houston, Texas area. He averaged 15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists and made 81 percent of his free throws as a senior.

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Simpson is described as long and athletic, but can shoot it.

“He is a long, athletic, and skilled wing player who has a great stroke from the perimeter,” MSU coach Paul Lusk said. “He adds another skilled player to our recruiting class and gives us a versatile scoring threat.”

According to  MSU’s sports information department, Simpson was a two-time all-district selection and was ranked No. 37 on the Greater Houston Top 150 Senior Prospect List. TexasHoops.com lists him as the 48th best player in the state.

An honors student with a 3.6 grade-point average, he also played AAU ball for the elite Texas Pro team. He helped Klein Collins High, a Class 5A program, to a 19-14 record in 2011-12.

Simpson is MSU’s second commitment this spring, along with Tevin Bracey (G, 6-3, 180, Bronx, N.Y., Gompers High, Westchester [N.Y.] CC). The spring National Letter of Intent signing period runs through May 16 for basketball. Simpson and Bracey join a trio of fall signees — Bruce Marshall (C, 6-10, 205, Fr., Fayette, Mo., Fayette High), Marcus Marshall (SG, 6-2, 180, Fr., St. Paul, Minn., Johnson High) and Gavin Thurman (PF, 6-7, 210, Fr., Wichita, Kan., Heights High) — on the list of five Missouri State roster additions for the 2012-13 season.

Here are some Simpson highlights:

Today the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame announced its 26th class of inductees. They include Bob Brown, Dr. John P. Ferguson, Jr., Dr. Bruce Harger, Jane A. Meyer and Leon Neal, and will be inducted on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.

Bob Brown (right) is entering another local sports Hall of Fame.

Bob Brown is best known as one of the best high school coaches in local history, earning 672 career victories. He won a state title at Bolivar in 1960 and was a coach at Parkview during the “Jolly Green Giants” states in the mid-’60s. In more than 35 years of high school coaching, he reached four final fours and won 12 conference titles. After retiring from Parkview, Brown was a college assistant at both Tulsa and Western Kentucky. He finished his career by coach Springfield Catholic for 6 years.

Dr. John P. Ferguson, Jr. is one of the area’s golf legends. Whether he was winning junior championships (1929), area high schol championships (1930-32) or city championships (1931 and 36), Ferguson was as good as it got — and that was during an era that produce multiple Masters champions (Herman Keiser and Horton Smith). Ferguson starred in college, as well, winning conference titles at Drury before transferring to Yale to pursue a medical degree. After carving a niche as one of SGF’s top physicians, Ferguson continued to dominate the local scene, winning the Hickory Hills Country Club championship in 1951 and ’52. He shot his age each year from age 73 to 89.

Dr. Bruce Harger had a distinguished 26-year military career, including the Air Force Academy. But, it was at Drury where he made his local sports fame. Harger was Drury’s athletic director from 1988 to 2003, overseeing the move from NAIA to NCAA Division II where the number of the school’s sports exploded from 6 to 13. Before moving to its current home, the Great Lakes Valley Conference, Drury played in The Heartland Conference, something that Harger helped form. Harger passed away in 2003 after a 3-year battle with cancer.

Jane A. Meyer did a lot of things with sports in the radio business, but the most important to the local sports scene involved the Missouri State Lady Bears. Meyer began working at KTXR when she and her husband Kan took ownership in 1964. As president and GM of KTXR, she began airing Kansas City Royals baseball and Evangel College sports. By the late ’70s, the station had the rights to the St. Louis Cardinals and Drury basketball. However, it was in 1984 that Jane put the Lady Bears road games on the radio during a time when very few stations carried women’s basketball that made KTXR very unique. The station even added volleyball in 1991. She passed away in 2002.

Leon Neal

Leon Neal just completed his 18th season as Evangel’s women’s basketball coach, but it’s more than his current tenure than earns him the honor. Sure, he has 380 wins and nine NAIA national tournament appearances — twice reaching the Final Four – but he was quite the player for the Crusaders. He was the school’s first NAIA All-America and his 782 points scored in 1977-78 still ranks as the school’s second-highest single-season total. After college, he turned down several NBA training camp offers to play for Athletes in Action, a touring Christian team, and then spent seven pro seasons playing in Portugal. On Feb. 6, Leon and his daughter NaTasha both had their Evangel numbers — both No. 44 — retired by the school.

Tickets for the dinner and ceremonies are $40, and may be reserved by calling 417.869.4848. The Hall of Fame was founded by Bonus Frost in 1987 and now is a 501-C3 organization. It exists to recognize outstanding accomplishments in athletics by local natives and residents and to benefit local youth sports organizations. Through its first 25 years, the Hall has contributed over $242,000 to such groups for the purchase of equipment. Plaques representing each inductee are on display at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Here's Lamberth from his playing days at MSU. That autograph looks authentic to me.

Former Missouri State basketball player Dale Lamberth has been named the boys’ basketball coach at Crane, he confirmed today.

We will have more details, but it’s an interesting hire for many reasons. One, it’s a high-profile local guy getting his first crack at a high school job. Lamberth averaged 9.8 points during his three years at MSU (2005-08) and has been an assistant at Hillcrest.

But it’s not just interesting for that reason. It’s interesting because Lamberth is replacing Rob Guerin, who was let go just a season after winning a Class 2 title.

We’ll have more thoughts from Lamberth later today, but wanted to get the news out there.

Mark Bernsen

Stranger things have happened in the Ozarks — especially recently — but I’m just not so sure this is the oddest.

Former Missouri State men’s basketball coach Mark Bernsen has agreed to be the next coach at Mountain Grove High School, according to local reports. The 62-year-old Bernsen replaces Wayne Jessen, who left to accept an administration job at MV-BT-Liberty.

Bernsen is best known as the guy who took over for Charlie Spoonhour at MSU, going 48-37 from 1992-95 with an NIT trip.

According to KSPR’s Mike Scott, Bernsen became aware of the opening by Mountain Grove assistant principal Wayne Duane Hiler, who Bernsen developed a friendship with during his time in Springfield.  When asked why Mountain Grove?  Bersen responded, “have you been to Mountain Grove? that’s why.”

So, let’s recap the recent HS coaching moves:

• 600-game winner and girls’ basketball coaching legend Gary Murphy gets canned at Marshfield.
• Murphy is replaced by Shelly Jones, who goes from Drury assistant back to the HS ranks where she was a great coach at Parkview.
• Crane doesn’t bring back coach Rob Guerin, just one season removed from a Class 2 state title.
• Republic hires former MSU player/assistant coach Trevyor Fisher.
• Willard hires former Mizzou player Lamont Frazier.
• Crane then hires former MSU player Dale Lamberth, his first HS head coaching job.

What else could happen? Dare yourself to dream. Here are my top 3 coaching scenarios (that are completely fake and would never happen).

• Jackie Stiles becomes the Skyline HS girls’ coach (my alma mater. No offense, Kevin Cheek…)
• Melody Campbell and Tara Mitchem team up to coach (insert team).
• Norm Stewart to Weaubleau HS.
• Melvin Booker to Houston HS.
• Danny Moore to Verona HS.

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (May 1).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum had two starts in the past 7 days, the last one coming in the form of 7 shutout innings at San Diego. He ended up with a no-decision, but induced 10 ground ball outs and 6 strikeouts. His walks are up, but his ERA is still very low.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

The Miami Marlins got to Ziegler for his first loss of the season Saturday. Otherwise, the former MSU pitcher is cruising right along. Saturday’s loss snapped a string of eight-consecutive scoreless outings.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray continues to find work, even if it is sporadic. He pitched one-third of an inning in a loss to Kansas City Friday and pitched a clean inning against the Angels Tuesday. His ERA continues to sink to where he might get trusted with more prominent roles.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert has returned to a specialist role recently, pitching just one-third of an inning his past three appearances. The last one came Tuesday against Colorado, where he picked up his third hold of the season.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

It looks like Detwiler is human after all. After a tremendous start that saw him give up 1 earned run in 16 innings, he was tagged for the loss at the Dodgers Friday. It still wasn’t a bad outing, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings. His ERA is still 1.64.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell has had to make his last four starts on the road and the last one didn’t turn out so well. He was saddled with his second loss Saturday, this one at Cincinnati. His season looks like this: Two good starts, three no-so-good starts.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

Howard has been cleared to move forward with baseball activity and he is heading to Clearwater, Fla., to try to do just that. The plan is to gradually increase baseball activities and continue to build strength in the leg. He’s recovering from Achilles’ surgery.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

Nothing is going right for Palmer. He leaves the Angels organization to join the Padres and he gets beat up at Triple-A Tucson to start the season. He was scratched from his last start with a blister. Hopefully he can regain his form.

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll got blown up in his last two relief appearances, including two runs and four hits in two innings at New Orleans. It’s ballooned his ERA to 5.65 and his batting average against to .375.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann’s not getting much help from his defense. He’s allowed three unearned runs — to go along with 3 earned runs — in his last two appearances. That includes two unearned runs in an inning in front of the hometown crowd at Hammons Field last night. He didn’t allow a hit, but walked two.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

After his first loss of the season last week, Kickham put together two interesting starts. He pitched 5 innings of one-run ball, but then flashed wildness with 5 walks, 4 hits and 2 runs in just 3 1/3 innings vs. Bowie. His overall body of work is still strong, even if his walks are very high.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle delivered back-to-back scoreless performances in the past week, throwing 3 scoreless innings. In his last 6 innings, he’s only alowed 3 hits and one run, striking out 7. That’s the kind of stuff that got him a brief stint at Triple-A last season.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

Clark finally had his first rough outing of the season at Lakeland, but it could have been much worse. The Mizzou grad gave up 5 hits, but only one run on Thursday. He turned around against the same team and pitched two scoreless innings last night, earning his first victory.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola has signed with the Winnepeg Goldeyes of the American Association. It’s the same league former MSU closer/Glendale HS alum Dan Kickham will play in with the KC T-Bones.
• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays.
• After talking to MSU pitching coach Paul Evans, former MSU pitcher Aaron Meade, a 10th round pick in 2010, has not been assigned to a full-season team yet after ending with Orem of the short-season Pioneer League. However, after messing around during a bullpen and throwing sidearm, the Angels coaches want him to experiment with that arm slot. Once he’s ready, he’ll be deployed.
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Per MSU coach Paul Evans, former MSU ace Brett Sinkbeil’s has retired. He received some offers
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Jermaine Saffold will get a chance to make the Cincinnati Bengals roster.

Former Missouri State football players Jermaine Saffold and Chris Douglas signed with NFL teams over the weekend as undrafted free agents.

Neither was drafted, but the Cincinnati Bengals signed Saffold, the MSU Player of the Year, and the Buffalo Bills signed Douglas.

Safford caught 45 passes for 913 yards and a team record-tying 8 receiving touchdowns. His 83 yards per game ranked 25th in the nation and he shattered MSU record for career receiving yards (2,221) and season (913). At his Pro Day in March, the 6-foot-1, 198-pound Saffold ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and broad jumped 10 feet, 3 inches.

The 5-9, 213-pound Douglas rushed for only 511 yards and 3 TDs in 2011, but rushed for 1,081 yards and was 27th in the nation in rushing yards per game (95.6). He ran a 4.47 in his 40 on MSU Pro Day.

For an entire list of NFL rookie free agents, click here.

After a smashing debut last week as the initial winners of The Showdown, the new head-to-head team sports trivia contest on KOZL’s Ozarks Sports Sunday, Team TAG was invited back to face Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar.

It wasn’t close.

TAG Media 6 | Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar 2

TAG is now 2-0 and waiting to take down on a team from Mediacom. Consider the challenge accepted. Watch the segment below and come back later this afternoon for another YouTube special.

OSS Showdown Ep. 2 from Justin Dougherty on Vimeo.

Tony Parker is a big dude, and now he'll try to be the next great UCLA center.

Miller Grove (Ga.) High School senior and recent Bass Pro Tournament of Champions alum Tony Parker surprised many on Monday by committing to UCLA. According to ESPN.com, it gave the Bruins the top recruiting class in the country.

Even when he was here in SGF in January, Parker kept his recruiting options open and his preferences secret. He mentioned schools all over the country, but never mentioned UCLA. But, according to ESPN, after the Bruins secured Shabazz Muhammad, the country’s No. 1 talent, to go with No. 3 Kyle Anderson and No. 62 Jordan Adams, Parker — who is No. 27 — wanted to make an impact quickly.

“Duke, Ohio State and UGA: Those three schools were right behind. I love (Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski), I love what he had going, but I just thought UCLA was a better fit for me and the people I was coming in with,” Parker said. “Ohio State, it doesn’t get no better for a big man there. But I just thought I would have to work harder at UCLA and would probably come in with more of a chip on my shoulder.”

Here is a list of other T of C alums and which Division I schools they will play for next season:

• Archie Goodwin, Sylvan Hills (Ark.) — Kentucky
• Grant Jerrett, La Verne (Cal.) — Arizona
• Omar Calhoun, Christ the King (NY) — Connecticut
• L.J. Rose, Westbury Christian (Texas) — Baylor
• Brandon Morris, Miller Grove (Ga.) — Georgia
• A.J. Avery, St. Rita (Ill.) — Western Michigan
• Tony Hicks, St. Rita (Ill.) — Penn
• Delvin Dickerson, Westbury Christian (Texas) — South Alabama
• Jeremiah Turner, Lincoln (Cal.)  — Cal-Irvine
• Devon Turk, Westbury Christian (Texas) — Loyola (Ill.)

When it comes to The Showdown, the score is easy to read:

TAG Media 5 | KOLR/KOZL 4

As a part of a new sports trivia segment on Ozarks Sports Sunday, KOZL’s revolutionary weekend sports show, TAG Media ‘s four-person team of Allen Vaughan, Brett Johnston, Mark Archambeault and Kyle Green (BakedFreshDaily.com) took down KOLR/KOZL sports anchors Dan Lucy and Nick Carboni, as well as the ever-versatile news anchor Kate Stacy.

Watch the segment from last night’s episode and stay tuned for TAG’s victory acceptance speech.

OSS Showdown Ep. 1 from Justin Dougherty on Vimeo.

And, here is our acceptance speech (produced by Baked Fresh Daily)

Here's a sweet black-and-white photo of Lamont Frazier from his playing days.

According to local reports, Willard High School has hired former Mizzou player Lamont Frazier as its boys’ basketball coach.

Frazier was most recently the coach at Poplar Bluff from 2005-2011 and had a xxxxx record no one has reported his coaching record, but it’s his Mizzou lineage that attracts the most attention. He captained the 1993-94 team to a 28-4 season and played four years under Norm Stewart, finishing 15th on the school’s all-time assist list and 20th in steals.

Frazier replaces Dusty Killingsworth, who stepped down after 3 seasons as the Willard coach. Killingsworth was 47-33 and won a district title in 2011.

The former Mizzou star is the second local head basketball coach with Division I playing experience. On Monday, Republic hired former Greenwood and Missouri State guard Trevyor Fisher.

How much did Kyle Weems improve his NBA Draft stock? A Huffington Post columnist said significantly.

We chronicled Kyle Weems’ trip to the Portsmouth Invitational last week, but a columnist/NBA draft analyst writing for the Huffington Post said the former Missouri State great was among the 10 best NBA prospects at this year’s event.

Carl Berman, who is listed as Managing Partner, NetScouts Basketball “The International Basketball Connection” wrote the following about Weems:

Has very good size. He is 6’6 ½” with sneakers and is a solid 225 lbs. He has three point range (40.4). He has a quick, high release with good rotation. He can mix it up inside and is a solid rebounder (7.2 rpg). He is a physical defender and moves very well for a big, physical player. He has a 6’10″wingspan (+4 ½”).

The NBA Draft is June 28.

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games (April 17).

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum pitched better in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Atlanta and rookie Mike Minor than he did in his season-opening victory. Either way, it looks like Marcum’s shoulder problems look to be over and he’s still one of the top No. 3 starters in all of baseball.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

The D Backs put Ziegler to use in the past week, pitching in 4 games and only allowing 4 baserunners in 3 2/3 innings. None of them scored, and he did pick up his first hold of the season Thursday at San Diego.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray earned wins in back-to-back bullpen appearances against the Los Angeles Angels. They were functions of good timing, rather than great pitching, as he was brought in for one batter each time, lasting just 1/3 of an inning. He retired Peter Bourjos and Howard Kendrick. Looks like he’s carved out a role in the Twins bullpen.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert picked up his first two holds of the season last week, both against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a situational reliever with outings of 1/3 and 2/3 of an inning. So far, he’s only pitched 2 1/3 innings, but he’s made 4 appearances and is in high-leverage situations. And, it doesn’t help to play for the team with the best record in the majors (9-2)

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler’s second start of the season wasn’t as eventful. The former Missouri State ace was bailed out by his offense and received a no decision against Cincinnati, who tagged Detwiler for 5 runs — but only 1 earned — and 6 hits. He pitched 5 innings, but with a 0.90 ERA through 10 innings, Detwiler looks to have nailed down that No. 5 spot in the starting rotation.

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell’s second start didn’t live up to the lofty expectations he set for himself. Pitching at Miami, Harrell allowed 4 runs and 7 hits in 4 innings, efforting 85 pitches. His team came back late, giving Harrell a no-decision. He makes his third start tonight against the red-hot Washington Nationals and will face Jordan Zimmermann.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

The former Missouri State slugger still hasn’t been cleared to return to normal baseball activities, according to this report. The Phillies need him, too. They rank 27th in runs scored and 28th in home runs.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

At Salt Lake City, Palmer was roughed up in 3 2/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and 5 walks. He only struck out one. It has been a rough start for Palmer, who is trying to position himself as the next guy to start for San Diego if an injury comes to the starting rotation.

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll hadn’t allowed a run until last night against Toledo, where he gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in just an inning. But, before that, he’d had 5 scoreless outings. Of his 6 appearances, he’s pitched an inning or more each time.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann’s last two outings for Northwest Arkansas weren’t the prettiest. He allowed 2 runs in 2 2/3 innings to Corpus Christi and then 1 run in 2/3 of an inning to San Antonio. He’s getting a reputation as a fly ball pitcher as his Ground Out/Air Out ratio is 0.27.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

Kickham shook his Double-A nerves and showed he can dominate. In his second start, Kickham threw 6 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6. He was ranked as the Giants’ No. 20 prospect by Baseball America, but might shoot up the rankings if he can keep this up.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle pitched his first scoreless outing Saturday at San Jose, but then got tagged for 3 runs in 1 1/3 innings Tuesday at Visalia. His strikeout rate is high, but his WHIP is 1.6.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

Clark continues to dazzle in his High-A tenure, this time, pitching 3 scoreless innings across two appearances in the last week. He allowed his first — and only — hit Friday and overall, he’s only allowed 3 baserunners in 5 innings. On Tuesday, he pitched the ninth with a 5-0 lead. As a college guy, if he has success in middle relief, he could be upwardly mobile.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Warsaw graduate Johnny Eierman is in extended Spring Training with Tampa Bay after being a third-round pick by the Rays last season. In 59 at-bats, he hit /254/.328/.424 with the Gulf Coast League Rays.
• After talking to MSU pitching coach Paul Evans, former MSU pitcher Aaron Meade, a 10th round pick in 2010, has not been assigned to a full-season team yet after ending with Orem of the short-season Pioneer League. However, after messing around during a bullpen and throwing sidearm, the Angels coaches want him to experiment with that arm slot. Once he’s ready, he’ll be deployed.
• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola was in Giants camp, but was cut on March 29. He has not been picked up anywhere else, yet.
• I haven’t found any information on Brett Sinkbeil’s whereabouts. He was last in Pittsburgh’s system, playing at Double-A Altoona.
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.
• Former MSU and Glendale pitcher Dan Kickham was released by the Detroit Tigers on March 27.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Not sure how many chin-ups Weems did Thursday, but he scored 8 points in a loss.

Former Missouri State great Kyle Weems saved his best for last at the the Portsmouth Invitational, a showcase for the country’s top senior college basketball players.

Weems lead Team Mike Duman to an 88-78 victory in the seventh-place game over K&D Rounds Landscaping, featuring West Virginia’s Truck Bryant and Old Dominion’s Kent Bazemore Saturday.

After scoring 12 on Friday, Weems exploded for 20 points on 16 shots in 33 minutes. He played more minutes than anyone else on the team, and took more shots. His rebounds were down, but he continued to get in the passing lanes and steal passes. Here’s his stat line:

• 33 minutes, 20 points (9-16 FG, 2-5 3P, 0-0 FT), 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 steals, 1 block

As we try to make sense of Weems’ showing, here are his three performances listed next to each other:

• Saturday: 33 minutes, 20 points (9-16 FG, 2-5 3P, 0-0 FT), 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
• Friday: 29 minutes, 12 points (6-12 FG, 0-3 3P, 0-0 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, 1 block
• Thursday: 29 minutes, 8 points (4-11 FG, 0-2, 3P, 0-0 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Weems proved that he could score, averaging 13.3 points per game against the best senior college basketball players in the country. He also averaged 3.3 steals per game and blocked a shot, and it shows that he’s willing to play defense against other small forwards at the next level.

Something that stands out is how Weems played 91 minutes in three games, but didn’t shoot a single free throw. Without seeing the games, it’s likely it means Weems hung around the perimeter during the tournament, trying to show he can play on the perimeter. He shot 2-for-10 from 3-point range in 3 games.

He didn’t make the All-Tournament Team, but here’s the list that did:

• MVP — Kyle O’Quinn ( Norfolk State / Portsmouth Sports Club )
• Garrett Stutz ( Wichita State / Roger Brown’s )
• Ricardo Ratliffe ( Missouri / Roger Brown’s )
• Henry Sims ( Georgetown / Portsmouth Sports Club )
• Kevin Murphy ( Tennessee Tech / Portsmouth Sports Club )
• JaMychal Green ( Alabama / Portsmouth Partnership )
• Jordan Theodore ( Seton Hall / Portsmouth Partnership )
• Augustus Gilchrist ( USF / Norfolk Sports Club )
• Wendell McKines ( New Mexico State / Norfolk Sports Club )
• Kim English ( Missouri / Mike Duman Auto )
• Ashton Gibbs ( Pittsburgh / Mike Duman Auto )
• Rakim Sanders ( Fairfield / K&D Round )

Also, the event treats the players like a mini-combine and officially measures them. Weems is officially 6-foot-5 1/2, 223.4 pounds and an 82-inch wingspan (6-foot-10).

The NBA Draft is June 28.

Not sure how many chin-ups Weems did Thursday, but he scored 8 points in a loss.

Game 2 for Team Mike Duman and former Missouri State great Kyle Weems didn’t turn out exactly like they’d hoped, either.

As we reported earlier this week, Weems is in Portsmouth, Virginia for the Portsmouth Invitational, a showcase for the country’s top senior college basketball players.

Weems showed well again, scoring 12 points, grabbing 5 rebound and 5 steals. His team, however, lost 89-87 to Sales System LTD, which features Arizona’s Kyle Fogg and Florida State’s Xavier Gibson. Here is what his line looked like:

• 29 minutes, 12 points (6-12 FG, 0-3 3P, 0-0 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, 1 block

Team Duman will K&D Rounds Landscaping at noon today. Featured on that team are West Virginia’s Truck Bryant and Old Dominion’s Kent Bazemore.

Here’s a link to Game’s 1′s stats.

Brad Beal, as a player at Chaminde High School.

Florida Gators freshman Brad Beal and Bass Pro Tournament of Champions alumn will declare for the NBA draft, the school announced Friday morning.

The 6-foot-3, 207-pound guard widely regarded as a top-five pick in this year’s draft. Beal will be the Gators’ first one-and-done player since Donnell Harvey in 2000

He averaged 14.8 points and led UF with 6.7 rebounds a game. He was named to the All-SEC first team and All-Freshman team.

As a junior at the 2010 T of C, Beal made the all-tournament team despite an 8th-place finish.

Beal, a shooting guard who often played forward because of injuries, helped lead the Gators to a 26-11 record and a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance.

Here are highlights from Beal back in 2010:

Not sure how many chin-ups Weems did Thursday, but he scored 8 points in a loss.

As we reported earlier this week, former Missouri State great Kyle Weems is in Portsmouth, Virginia for the Portsmouth Invitational, a showcase for the country’s top senior college basketball players.

His first game for Team Mike Duman was last night, featuring teammates Kim English (Mizzou), Ashton Gibbs (Pitt) and Juan Fernandez (Temple). Team Duman lost 85-79, but Weems got plenty of time and seemed to play well. Here is his line, and we will update this for each game:

• 29 minutes, 8 points (4-11 FG, 0-2, 3P, 0-0 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Team Duman moves to the consolation bracket to face Sales Systems Ltd., which features Arizona’s Kyle Fogg and Seton Hall’s Herb Pope at 2:15 Central Time.

Joe Zimmer

According to multiple local reports, Rogersville state champion wrestler and football star Joe Zimmer has signed to wrestle at the University of Nebraska.

Zimmer captured back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons, winning the Class 2 195 pound state title in February. For his career, Zimmer enjoyed a 182-15 career record and won his last 97 matches. In football, he was the Class 3 Defensive Player of the Year

Reportedly, Zimmer considered Minnesota, Stanford, Central Michigan and the service academies. He plans to major in Pre-Med.

Everyone likes see the local athlete succeed. That’s why we created SGFers in the Bigs, a snapshot of where they are playing and how they are playing. Because it’s likely with all of these athletes, we’ve watched them do something incredible — and now we can all brag on them.

All stats are through Tuesday’s games.

Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee Brewers (Missouri State)

Marcum made his season debut Monday and earned a win over the Chicago Cubs. It was typical Marcum, grinding out another quality start. He’ll start again Saturday against Atlanta and rookie Mike Minor.

Brad Ziegler, Arizona Diamondbacks (Missouri State)

The D Backs are red-hot, but Ziegler didn’t make his season debut until Tuesday, and ended up with a blown save. He had a 2-1 lead in the seventh, but couldn’t get out unscatched, allowing San Diego to tie the game at 2. Arizona, however, came back to win the game and is now 4-0.

Jeff Gray, Minnesota Twins (Missouri State)

Gray, who many expected would be a long reliever, has made two short appearances — both against Baltimore. He’s only allowed one hit in one inning, but he’s walked 2. But, every day he hangs on the roster, it strengthens his chance to last the entire season.

Scott Elbert, LA Dodgers (Seneca HS)

Elbert is the only lefthander in the Dodgers bullpen, so his numbers shouldn’t cause any panic — he’s there to stay. Actually, he should get a lot of work this season. The Dodgers beat Pittsburgh yesterday in LA’s home opener, and continue this week.

Ross Detwiler, Washington Nationals (Missouri State)

Detwiler earned the victory in his first start of the season, shutting out the previously undefeated New York Mets on Tuesday. The No. 6 pick in the 2007 draft kept the Mets from going 5-0 for the first time since 1985. Detwiler threw just 71 pitches before being pulled

Lucas Harrell, Houston Astros (Ozark HS)

Harrell couldn’t have enjoyed a better debut than Saturday vs. Colorado, where he threw 7 shutout innings, allowing only 3 hits and walking none. He controlled the strike zone and didn’t give in to hitters by putting them on base. It was a reflection of his spring, and counting his last two outings before the regular season began, he’s thrown 18 consecutive scoreless innings.

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies (Missouri State)

Cardinals fans remember Ryan Howard’s last at-bat, which was a ground out to end the Phillies’ season and propel St. Louis to the NLCS and eventually the World Series. But, on that ground out, Howard ruptured an Achilles tendon and will be out until at least June. It will be a blow for the Bears alum, and could result in a lost season for the former NL MVP.

SGFers in the Minors

Matt Palmer, San Diego Padres Triple-A (Missouri State)

Palmer started Monday and lost to Sacramento. It wasn’t a horrible start as he lasted just 5 innings, but only allowed 3 runs. After spending his entire career in the Angels organization, Palmer is now with San Diego, and wouldn’t that be a great place to pitch for Palmer — Petco Park?

Scott Carroll, Cincinnati Reds Triple-A (Missouri State)

Carroll looks to be pitching out of the Louisville bullpen, which might not be the worst thing for him. He wasn’t having success as a starter, and his relief numbers look clean, thus far.

Buddy Baumann, KC Royals Double-A (MSU & Rogersville HS)

Baumann is still pitching multiple innings out of the NWA bullpen, and so far looks great. He’s struck out 8 batters in 5 innings over two appearances, with just one wals. If you add up his stats, it looks like a good starter’s performance. His value might be in bullpen, and he’s adapting to that role great.

Mike Kickham, SF Giants Double-A (Missouri State and Glendale HS)

Kickham is in the middle of the most important stretch of his career after skipping High-A to land at Double-A Richmond. His first start didn’t include any earned runs, but was shortened by walks —  4 of them. He allowed an unearned run and one hit, but threw 71 pitches in just 3 2/3 innings. He should make his home debut Saturday.

Pat Doyle, Cincinnati Reds High-A (Missouri State)

Doyle has given up a run in each of his 2012 appearances, but pitched two full innings on Monday. He’ll continue to pitch middle relief and hope to string together a bunch of strong performances.

Tyler Clark Detroit Tigers High-A (Catholic HS)

After being a late add to the Lakeland roster, Clark sparkled in his High-A debut against Brevard County Tuesday. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only a baserunner on a walk and no hits, striking out 3. He pitched the 5th and 6th innings after a brief start by Shawn Teufel.

Wait, I thought they were in pro baseball…

• Former MSU infielder Toby Gardenhire retired and was named as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Former MSU slugger Josh Mazzola was in Giants camp, but was cut on March 29. He has not been picked up anywhere else, yet.
• I haven’t found any information on Brett Sinkbeil’s whereabouts. He was last in Pittsburgh’s system, playing at Double-A Altoona.
• All information points to former MSU catcher Dallas Hord catcher having retired.
• Former Rogersville HS slugger Seth Conner has reported to extended spring training, but told us he has been told by Toronto field coordinator Doug Davis that he is switching to being a full-time catcher. “They told me they liked my leadership qualities and my work ethic. They think I can pull it off, and once my confidence is up, I think I can, too.”
• Former MSU and Kickapoo pitcher J.C. Casey has reported to extended spring training and hopes to get assigned to a full-season team soon.
• Former MSU pitcher Aaron Meade, a 10th round pick in 2010, has not been assigned to a full-season team yet after ending with Orem of the short-season Pioneer League.
• Former MSU and Glendale pitcher Dan Kickham was released by the Detroit Tigers on March 27.

Anything or anyone we missed? Send it to me at allen@tagsgf.com

Ahearn is back in the NBA, at least for 10 days.

Former Missouri State guard Blake Ahearn will be in uniform tonight for the Utah Jazz after signing a 10-day contract, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

The 27-year-old Ahearn averaged 23.9 points and 5.1 assists in 37 games this season with the NBA Developmental League’s Reno Bighorns. He shot 40.9 percent from the 3-point line and 96 percent from the free throw line. Those numbers look familiar to what Ahearn did when he played with MSU from 2003-07.

Ahearn was signed for depth after the Jazz lost both Earl Watson and C.J. Miles to injuries this weekend. The 6-2 Ahearn has 15 games of prior NBA experience with Miami (2007-08) and San Antonio (08-09), averaging 13.0 minutes per game and 5.2 points.

The St. Louis native is eighth on the MSU career scoring list with 1,677 points and holds the NCAA record for career free-throw percentage at 94.6 percent.

Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor said he liked Ahearn’s perimeter versatility.

“… We saw him in the D-League Showcase [in January] and he showed improvement in all aspects of his game,” O’Connor said.

Ozark native Lucas Harrell dominated the Colorado Rockies last night.

Not to spoil it, but Harrell shut down one of the best lineups in baseball with the following line:

7 innings, 0 runs allowed, 3 H, 0 BB, 4 Ks

Of course, coming into Spring Training, Harrell was simply fighting for a spot on the roster. At the end of camp, he found himself the club’s No. 2 starter.

Click here to watch the video.

Usually an event that sells out, the UnCivil War Mixed Martial Arts fights series is back at the Howard Johnson Conference Center (3333 S. Glenstone) Saturday at 7 p.m.

The card will feature 12 MMA cagefights from fighters from all over the region, as well as 4 Muay Thai kickboxing bouts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling exhibition fights.

The card will also feature Brian Green as the ring announcer. Many will remember Green as the guy who Kimbo Slice knocked out on with 3 seconds left in the fight on March 24. Event promoter Eric Stevens said a big screen will feature a replay of the fight throughout the night.

The weigh-in is tonight at Classic Sports inside the Howard Johnson. Doors open Saturday at 5:30 p.m., there will be an afterparty at Classics immediately following the fights.

For more information, find them on Facebook.

Special Guest Ring Announcer: Brian Green!

Brian Green recently fought the internet sensation Kimbo Slice for 4 grueling rounds… We will be showing a big screen replay of this epic fight as a special feature in addition to all of our other LIVE bouts!

12 or MORE MMA Cagefights!

This event will feature 12 or more MMA Cagefights featuring MMA Fighters and Brawlers from all over the region!

4 Muay Thai Kickboxing Fights

This event will also feature kickboxing matches between Adults and Youth from Springfield Fight Club, Team Fusion and Lewis’ Boxing Gym!

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Wrestling Exhibition Fights

We will also have a few matches in the grappling arts featuring Adults and Youth from the Springfield area.

Our goal at this event is to give the fans an inside look at the individual fighting styles that make up our sport of MIxed Martial Arts… Don’t miss this event. There won’t be another one like it!

Doors open at 5:30 fights Begin at 7pm… Join us for weigh-ins Friday Night at Classics Sports Bar inside the Howard Johnson. There will also be a great after-party at Classics immediatley following the fights!

Dan Kickham

In a surprising move, righthanded pitcher Dan Kickham has been released by the Detroit Tigers. The former Glendale High School pitcher and Missouri State closer, who was drafted in the 33rd round in last year’s draft, was blindsided by the news.

“That’s just part of the business. They didn’t think I was making enough progress and they wanted to move on,” said Kickham, who is back in Springfield.

Kickham, 23, said he wasn’t sure why he was released, as he felt he was having a good Spring Training. He said he “kept his nose clean” while in Lakeland, Fla. and didn’t get into any legal troubles. He also said his velocity was 87-88 mph at the beginning of camp, but was starting to rise as he threw more, even into the low 90s, which is where he tied the MSU single-season record for saves in 2011 with 13. Kickham maintained an unblemished ERA for much of the season, finishing at 1.84 over 29 1/3 innings. He balanced 24 strikeouts with 16 walks and a batting average allowed of .192.

He said he has no ill will for the Tigers organization — even watching the Tigers-Red Sox Opening Day game Thursday on ESPN — but it’s something he’ll definitely use to better himself.

“I just thank them for the opportunity, but it will definitely be something I use for motivation, too. I definitely want to continue to play professional baseball.”

Kickham said after talking to his agent, the best route back to affiliated ball would be to latch on with an independent team and use it as an audition. Kickham said he will soon join the Kansas City T-Bones, members of the American Association, which features teams like the St. Paul Saints and the Fort Worth Kats, who have both had high-profile players use as a stepping stone.

DGB made the all-state basketball team, too.

The Missouri high school all-state basketball teams and final polls as selected by the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. Local players/teams are in bold.

BOYS

Class 5
First Team
Nolan Berry, 6-8, jr., DeSmet
Jordon Granger, 6-8, sr., McCluer North
Ryan Rosburg, 6-10, sr., Marquette
Jalen Norman, 6-5, jr., Nixa
Shaquille Harrison, 6-3, sr., Lee’s Summit West
Ryan Rippee, 6-6, sr., Kickapoo
Tony Cochran, 5-10, sr., Vianney
T.J. Tisdell, 6-6, sr., Cape Girardeau Central
Will Harrington, 6-3, Sr., Lee’s Summit North
Deron Hill, 6-4, sr., Ruskin

Second Team
Austin Ruder, 6-2, jr., Nixa
Travis Jorgenson, 6-0, jr., Rock Bridge
Rayshawn Simmons, 6-3, sr., Webster Groves
Cameron Johnson, 6-3, sr., Glendale
Derek Deters, 6-3, sr., Troy Buchanan
Shun Williams, 6-5, jr., St. Joseph Central
Desmond Buerge, 6-5, sr., Carthage
Darrell Johnson, 6-8, sr., Parkway North
Marvin Clark, 6-6, jr., Blue Springs
DJ Booker, 6-2, sr., Blue Springs South

Coach of the Year
Randy Reed, McCluer North

Final Rankings
1. McCluer North 28-1
2. Nixa 30-2
3. Vianney 27-2
4. McCluer 25-4
5. Lee’s Summit West 27-4
6. Rock Bridge 24-5
7. Rockhurst
8. Marquette 20-12
9. Hazelwood Central 19-7
10. St. Joseph Central 21-6

CLASS 4
First Team
Dorial Green-Beckham, 6-6, sr., Hillcrest
Joe Young, 6-4, sr., Logan-Rogersville
Paul McRoberts, 6-3, sr., Soldan
Jared White, 6-2, sr., De Soto
Nick Yocum, 5-10, sr., Republic
Deion Hughes, 6-3, sr., Helias
Tyler Peterson, 6-3, sr., Savannah
Kevin Baker, 6-1, jr., Imagine Prep
Travon Williams, 6-3, sr., University City
Terry Jamison, 5-9, sr., Sikeston

Second Team
Loomis Gerring, 6-5, sr., Grandview
Austin Reed, 6-2, sr., Mexico
Bryce Dolan, 6-0, sr., Borgia
Randy Holmes, 6-4, sr., Soldan
Cory Briggs, 6-3, sr., Moberly
Connor Fleming, 6-7, sr., Westminster Christian
Nathan Meystedt, 5-10, sr., Notre Dame (Cape Girardeau)
Garret Loew, 6-6, sr., Liberty North
Jared Greenlee, 6-4, sr., Marshfield
John Hall, 6-1, sr., Eldon

Coach of the Year
Justin Tatum, Soldan

Final Rankings
1. Soldan 25-5
2. Hillcrest 26-6
3. Liberty North 24-7
4. Imagine 23-9
5. Sikeston 23-5
6. Logan-Rogersville 21-8
7. Republic 21-6
8. Helias 20-9
9. Borgia 22-6
10. Marshfield 21-7

CLASS 3
First Team
Cameron Biedscheid, 6-8, sr., Cardinal Ritter
Greg Tucker, 6-2, sr., Charleston
Ben Denbow, 6-5, sr., Licking
Martez Harrison, 5-11, sr., University Academy
Cory Bower, 6-2, sr., East Buchanan
Broderick Newbill, 6-6, sr., Hogan Prep
Anthony Virdure, 5-11, jr., Lutheran North
Eli Sample, 6-3, sr., Crystal City
Eric Moles, 6-3, sr., Adrian
Shane Williams, 6-0, jr., Mount Vernon

Second Team
Maurice Mason, 6-2, sr., Hogan Prep
Tyrell Thirkield, 6-1, jr., Lafayette County
Darrell Monroe, 6-2, so., Caruthersville
Edin Mehmedovic, 6-4, so., Bayless
Scott Kroeger, 5-10, sr., Elsberry
Garrett McDowell, 6-2, jr., St. Pius X-Festus
Ryan Parham, 5-11, jr., Charleston
Nick Carlos, 6-7, jr., Southern Boone County
Jake Schannuth, 6-5, sr., Hermann
Zach Cotner, 6-0, sr., Scott City
Kody Ettinger, 5-8, jr., Cuba
Michael Fleshman, 6-0, sr., Cameron
Jerrod Harmon, 6-5, sr., Fair Grove
Skylar Knoll, 6-4, sr., Southwest (Washburn)
Derek Hutchins, 6-4, sr., Doniphan

Coach of the Year
Danny Farmer, Charleston

Final Rankings
1. Charleston 31-2
2. Hogan Prep 20-11
3. Lutheran North 25-8
4. Mount Vernon 25-6
5. Cardinal Ritter 21-6
6. Crystal City 25-6
7. California 20-10
8. Lafayette County 27-3
9. Elsberry 28-3
10. Cameron 22-7

CLASS 2
First Team
Jackson Conaway, 6-1, sr., Viburnum
Riley Jenkins, 6-1, sr., Norwood
Brent Bush, 6-1, sr., DeKalb
Austin Essick, 6-0, jr., Billings
Tim Looney, 6-0, sr., Greenwood
Brad Roberts, 6-3, so., Cairo
Jamie Massey, 6-7, jr., Holcomb
Bruce Marshall, 6-10, sr., Fayette
Zach Wyatt, 6-0, jr., Salisbury
Skylar Overlander, 6-0, sr., Lone Jack

Second Team
Milton Spaulding, 5-10, jr., Crossroads
Brady Chastain, 6-1, jr., Billings
Kaleb Harter, 6-0, sr., Billings
Austin Wyatt, 6-0, jr., Salisbury
Austin Francis, 6-6, jr., Salisbury
Dalton Mills, 6-1, jr., Polo
Jordan Pearson, 6-6, sr., Osceola
Jerome Thomas, 6-2, sr., Hayti
Adam Roe, 6-5, so., West Platte
Cody Rector, 6-4, sr., Van Buren

Coach of the Year
Kendall Tilley, Billings

Final Rankings
1. Billings 29-3
2. Salisbury 30-2
3. Norwood 27-3
4. Hayti 22-10
5. Sturgeon 25-3
6. Osceola 21-11
7. DeKalb 26-3
8. Holcomb 23-6
9. Cairo 20-10
10. Richland 21-8

CLASS 1
First Team
Dominique Porter, 5-11, sr., Scott County Central
CJ Bolton, 6-4, jr., Drexel
Forrest Hicks, 6-7, sr., St. Joseph Christian
Colton Hartley, 6-1, jr., Mercer
Jesse Utt, 6-4, jr., Braymer
LaMarcus Steward, 5-9, sr., Scott County Central
Alex Oserowsky, 6-3, sr., Thomas Jefferson Independent
Chris Pavy, 5-10, sr., Risco
Mike Buerge, 6-3, sr., Climax Springs
Dillon Yung, 6-3, sr., Glasgow

Second Team
Derek Smith, 6-0, jr., Meadville
James Macklin, 6-3, sr., North Pemiscot
Lucas Schawang, 6-1, jr., Mound City
Clayton Schieber, 5-11, sr., Jefferson
Blake Seba, 6-2, sr., Drexel
Adam Teague, 5-6, sr., Fair Play
Klayton Kuschel, 6-7, sr., Chamois
Ryan Loethen, 6-1, sr., St. Elizabeth
JJ Chatfield, 6-4, sr., Marion County
Peyton Swift, 6-0, sr., La Plata
Coach of the Year
Kenyon Wright, Scott County Central

Final Rankings
1. Scott County Central 22-10
2. Drexel 26-5
3. Glasgow 26-6
4. Eminence 23-7
5. Marion County 27-2
6. St. Joseph Christian 24-8
7. Meadville 29-1
8. Climax Springs 24-6
9. Jefferson 22-8
10. Fair Play 25-3

GIRLS

CLASS 5
First Team
Megan Deines, 6-0, sr., Glendale
Maddie Stock, 6-1, jr., St. Joseph’s Academy
Sophie Cunningham, 6-0, fr., Rock Bridge
Mikala McGhee, 5-11, sr., Pattonville
Taylor Manuel, 6-3, sr., Incarnate Word
Annie Armstrong, 5-8, sr., Kickapoo
Marina Laramie, 6-1, sr., Fort Zumwalt West
Lindsey Cunningham, 6-0, sr., Rock Bridge
Tyonna Snow, 5-9, sr., Blue Springs
Emiah Bingley, 5-7, sr., Lee’s Summit West

Second Team
Imani Johnson, 6-0, so., Lee’s Summit North
Napheesa Collier, 6-0, fr., Jefferson City
Andi Haney, 5-7, jr., West Plains
Hannah Cook, 5-11, so., Ozark
Aubrey Buckley, 6-1, so., Parkview
Dru Haertling, 5-8, sr., Jackson
Sydney Stipanovich, 6-3., jr, St. Joseph’s Academy
Jordynn Martin, 5-9, sr., Lafayette (Wildwood)
Karyla Middlebrook, 5-8, jr., Blue Springs
Sharese Jones, 5-8, sr., Francis Howell Central

Coach of the Year
Jill Nagel, Rock Bridge

Final Rankings
1. Rock Bridge 26-3
2. Blue Springs 26-5
3. Incarnate Word 26-7
4. St. Joseph’s Academy 25-5
5. Fort Zumwalt West 26-7
6. Ozark 25-5
7. Kirkwood 24-4
8. Glendale 22-4
9. Nixa 21-6
10. Carthage 21-8

CLASS 4
First Team
Shanity James, 6-0, sr., Miller Career
Kindred Wesemann, 5-7, jr., Pleasant Hill
Alice Heinzler, 5-6, jr., Republic
Sadie Stipanovich, 6-3, jr., Westminster Christian
Brittany Harris, 6-0, jr., Dexter
Olivia Hackmann, 5-9, sr., Helias
Maddie Nelson, 5-7, jr., Smithville
Lauren Aldridge, 5-7, so., Marshfield
Brittany Atkins, 5-10, sr., Lincoln Prep
Sarah Magana, 5-6, sr., Bolivar

Second Team
Sarah Kreul, 5-6, jr., Republic
McKenzie Russell, 5-7, jr., Kirksville
Courtney Powell, 5-8, sr., Westminster Christian
McKenzie Haddox, 5-7, sr., Borgia
Liticia Allen, 5-5, sr., Moberly
Alex Rohlfing, 5-8, sr., Duchesne
Corri Hamilton, 5-10, sr., Fulton
Grace Keane, 5-9, jr., Notre Dame de Sion
Kati Davis, 5-11, sr., Owensville
Camilla Neumann, 5-11, sr., Van Horn

Coach of the Year
Kris Flood, Republic

Final Rankings
1. Republic 23-8
2. Smithville 26-6
3. Miller Career 23-6
4. Westminster Christian 26-5
5. Pleasant Hill 25-3
6. Dexter 24-5
7. Helias 21-8
8. Bolivar 20-7
9. Borgia 24-4
10. Kirksville 23-4

CLASS 3
First Team
Kara Johnson, 5-10, sr., Principia
Danielle Goodman, 5-10, sr., Mount Vernon
Lexie Oak, 5-11, sr., KC-St. Pius X
Rachel Gall, 6-4, sr., Hallsville
Elsie Greenwood, 5-9, jr., Hamilton
Garrett Burton, 5-6, sr., Stockton
Katie Gettinger, 5-7, sr., West County
Katie Hogan, 6-2, sr., Scott City
Ashli Burton, 5-6, sr., Stockton
Benesha Childress, 5-9, jr., New Madrid County Central

Second Team
Hunter Yoakum, 5-7, jr., Dixon
Bekah Bade, 5-7, sr., Springfield Catholic
Liz Gilman, 5-9, jr., Principia
Brittany Harris-Conway, 5-9, sr., St. James
LeeAnn Polowy, 5-7, so., Blair Oaks
Anna Curtis, 5-7, sr., Cameron
Kayla Glenn, 5-6, sr., Lawson
Tori Cole, 6-1, jr., Twin Rivers
Tamiaya Henderson, 5-11, jr., Mount Vernon
Leann Lansdown, 5-6, sr., Seymour
Amelia Bramer, 5-10, sr., Mount Vernon
Sydney Deeken, 6-0, so., California
Lexi Morris, 5-8, fr., Clearwater
Ashton Luttrull, 5-8, jr., Highland
Morgan Kensinger, 6-2, jr., Fair Grove

Coach of the Year
Doug Hepler, Mount Vernon

Final Rankings
1. Mount Vernon 26-7
2. Stockton 24-8
3. Hallsville 26-6
4. Seymour 30-2
5. Principia 26-4
6. California 21-8
7. Lawson 25-5
8. Hermann 26-2
9. Cameron 24-5
10. Crystal City 24-6

CLASS 2
First Team
Lauren Jaeger, 6-0, sr., Clopton
Chelsey Kroese, 5-11, sr., Harrisburg
Addy Roller, 5-7, sr., Purdy
Emilee Buckler, 5-9, sr., North Platte
Rachel Steinhoff, 5-6, so., New Haven
Erin Bollmann, 5-9, sr., Meadow Heights
Carrie Shephard, 5-8, so., South Pemiscot
Natalie Fleming, 5-9, jr., Silex
Josie Young, 5-8, fr., Marionville
Larra Kubinski, 6-2, sr., Crocker

Second Team
Meagan Claxton, 5-5, sr., Fordland
Taylor Cook, 5-10, sr., Lesterville
Hannah Yelton, 5-5, sr., Newburg
Cailyn Long, 5-11, fr., Sparta
Emily Case, 5-8, sr., Richland
Sammie Jo Copeland, 6-0, jr., Polo
Torri Blythe, 5-8, jr., Maysville
Kori Dodson, 5-7, sr., Liberal
Brittany Higgins, 5-9, sr., Sweet Springs
Whitney Welker, 5-9, sr., Meadow Heights

Coach of the Year
Dan Bachmeier, Harrisburg

Final Rankings
1. Harrisburg 29-2
2. New Haven 18-13
3. Marionville 22-11
4. North Platte 26-5
5. Meadow Heights 22-5
6. Clopton 24-5
7. Purdy 24-6
8. Crocker 24-6
9. Maysville 23-5
10. Fordland 24-6

CLASS 1
First Team
Tristan Carrasquillo, 5-9, sr., Verona
Kendall Hart, 5-10, sr., Montrose
Sierra Michaelis, 5-10, jr., Mercer
Jessica Redd, 6-1, sr., Marion County
Heather Harman, 5-9, so., Walnut Grove
Megan Rosenbohm, 5-8, so., Nodaway-Holt
Miranda Brandt, 5-10, jr., Chamois
Kelsey Williams, 5-6, sr., Eminence
Jamie Hale, 5-10, sr., Chadwick
Kendle Schieber, 5-7, sr., Jefferson

Second Team
Randi Lee Plunkett, 5-10, sr., Marion County
Michaela Daniels, 5-6, sr., Hale
Courtney Owens, 5-11, jr., Mercer
Alexa Taff, 5-4, sr., St. Joseph Christian
Cheyenne Baxter, 6-1, jr., Norborne
Courtney Coulter, 5-6, sr., Eminence
Amy Oleynik, 6-0, sr., Otterville
Machela VanGennip, 5-8, jr., Delta
Cortney Roberts, 5-7, sr., Southwest Livingston
Nikki Fuemmeler, 6-0, so., Glasgow

Coach of the Year
Jeff Williams, Eminence

Final Rankings
1. Eminence 29-1
2. Walnut Grove 26-6
3. Marion County 30-1
4. Montrose 27-1
5. Jefferson 28-4
6. Mercer 28-1
7. Chamois 23-5
8. Chadwick 23-6
9. St. Joseph Christian 22-7
10. Glasgow 23-5

St. Louis GM John Mozeliak signs a few autograph before the exhibition game.

More than 10,000 people were in attendance at Hammons Field to see the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Springfield Cardinals 3-2, and that’s not counting the people that watched on TV. We know this area is full of Cardinals fans, and that’s why we’ve assembled the ultimate Cardinals notebook, covering all aspects of the exhibition with video and insight.

David Freese is ready to be a star

The David Freese story is simple. Local St. Louis kid becomes World Series hero. But for the narrative to be more than just a one-act story, he has to stay healthy for an entire season — something he hasn’t been able to accomplish in his 3 big league seasons.

Even last year, Freese had only 333 at-bats, going .297/.350/.441 with 10 home runs. In 604 MLB ABs, he has 15 home runs. He’s long on potential — and clutch ability — but short on longevity results.

The most hilarious part of the media interaction was referencing the last time he was at Hammons Field, back in 2010, on a rehab assignment when his season ended after tearing ligaments in his ankle while rounding third base. He looked like he’d been shot by a sniper.

John Mozeliak explains stars’ absence at exhibition

We outline it here, but St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak spoke on a few important issues before the exhibition.

• He’s excited about the news on Carpenter, which isn’t an out-for-the-season situation.
• Asked if former SGF Cardinal Lance Lynn can fill the void: “I think we can do this from within as an organization, and we don’t exactly know when Carp will be back. If Carp comes back, Lynn will go back down to the bullpen.”
• He explained the team’s decision to keep some of the stars, including Lance Berkman, Yadier Molina and Carlos Beltran, as well as the entire starting rotation in Florida, rather than coming to the exhibition. “It’s about where guys are at physically and when they were playing. And obviously the game on Wednesday does count. We just wanted to make sure we spread the wealth. … The other thing is our off day is so late and we didn’t want to wear guys out.”
• Mozeliak was also asked about his love of scarves and overall high fashion. After laughing, he replied, “I’m glad to see there’s good fashion in Springfield.” He then, gave some tips, referring to burgundy leather.

Mike Matheny lays out expectations for 2012

New St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny addressed the media before the exhibition, touching on a number of topics.

• Have the butterflies gone out of your stomach? “Every day is exciting. … I learn something every day. Trying to do that every day, there’s a lot to learn. We have a very talented group of players and talented coaching staff. … It was a good experience. To downplay a win, even in spring training, is a mistake. We want to make winning a habit.”
• He touched about Rafael Furcal, and speculation that he might not be the every day shortstop. “He’s our starting shortstop. That’s why he’s here. A few times we used other guys, it was because timing doesn’t always happen. It takes extra at-bats. … He’s had some good at-bats the last couple of games.”
• When asked if Furcal was his leadoff guy Wednesday, he said, “We’ll see.”
• He touched on starting pitcher Adam Wainwright’s health. “He’s had a good spring. I think he was a pleasant surprise to all of us, because we knew that healthwise, he was working his way into being ready, but as far as just how sharp he was, I don’t think any of us expected to see what we saw. He threw again this morning as was sharp again. “

Former SGF Cardinals Tyler Greene discusses 2012

A lot has been made about former SGF Cardinals shortstop Tyler Greene and his role on the 2012 team. He’s struggled offensively and defensively the past two seasons, but has thrived at Triple-A Memphis. He’s currently being slotted as a guy who will split time with Daniel Descalso at second base. He addressed the media Monday:

• On whether he’s happy to share time with Descalso: “Have Descalso’s a good player and it’s going to be best for the team. Everyone is going to play their best and it will be good for the team.”
• Greene is out of minor-league options, meaning if the team wanted to demote him, he’d have to clear waivers first. Does that put pressure on him? “I’ve been working hard and getting more experience. I’m just trying to get better and better.”

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Pitching prospect Carlos Martinez dazzles for STL

Martinez is the Cardinals’ No. 2 prospect and was a surprise addition to the St. Louis roster. He ended up pitching the final 4 innings for St. Louis. He showcased the arsenal that has him ranked as a top 50 prospect in all of baseball and the No. 2 prospect in the Cardinals organization.

As you can see in the video below, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Martinez hit 99, 100 and 101 mph on the Hammons Field radar gun. Of course, the local radar gun hasn’t always been 100 percent accurate, but even if it’s the normal 2-4 mph below, that’s still in the high 90s.

He pitched four innings, allowing two runs and struck out STL’s No. 3 prospect, Oscar Taveres, to end the game. Martinez, a native of the Dominican Republic, will open the season at High-A Palm Beach, the same place he finished last season.

After breakout season, Daniel Descalso ready for bigger role

Former Springfield Cardinal second baseman Daniel Descalso found himself thrust into a utility role last season, playing all over the infield — mostly because he hit well, hit in clutch situations and played great defense.

Now, he’s ready for a bigger role, which will include regular time at second base, but also at shortstop and third base. He actually seemed to question whether there would actually be a timeshare at second base with Tyler Greene, or not.

• “We’ll see how that plays out. I’m not sure how Mike is going to work it, but I’m sure he’ll play whoever he thinks gives the team the best shot to win that night. We’ll just see how it goes.”

Pitching prospect Trevor Rosenthal tosses 4 perfect innings

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Cardinals minor leaguer Trevor Rosenthal, about how he’s skipping High-A Palm Beach to start for Springfield, and how his velocity is creeping into the mid-90s. But, when he unleashed 4 perfect innings on his soon-to-be Double-A teammates, it proved all of it right.

The Cardinals didn’t keep an official box score, but he struck out 4 batters and alowed no baserunners in 4 innings. Very efficient, very dominant. We captured two at-bats, each against top Cardinals hitting prospects, second baseman Kolten Wong and outfielder Oscar Taveres.

Erik Komatsu makes St. Louis roster, also produces music

Not many knew who Erik Komatsu was when he was selected off the Washington Nationals roster in the Rule V draft. But now, with a big thanks to Twitter, Komatsu isn’t just a bench outfielder who the Cardinals decided to keep, rather than give back to Washington, but he’s a guy who produces hip hop and electronic music.

He goes by the name Komo Beatz, and has produced dozens of beats that artists can lease for $10 on Soundclick.com (we’ve embedded the player below). He said his musical influences are mostly the same as everyone else, Jay Z, Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac.

“It’s something I wanted to try, and just did it. People say they like them,” Komatsu said.

But, what about his teammates?

“I played some for them (Sunday). They said they liked it. It was a cool thing to play it (in the clubhouse),” he said.

When asked about teammates rapping over the beats, Komatsu said that hasn’t happened — yet.

“Freese looks like he wants to get down, but I don’t know how many of those guys even like rap music,” he said. “But, I might freestyle, if I’m in the zone.”

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon throws out first pitch

It wasn’t his best first pitch, but Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said the first pitch he threw out Monday night at Hammons Field wasn’t that bad, either. Nixon addressed the media, hitting a few topics.

Ozark native Lucas Harrell has been named the Astros' No. 2 starter.

Lucas Harrell continues to make steps in the right direction. This morning, the Ozark native and righthanded pitcher learned that not he has made the Houston Astros opening day roster, he’s the No. 2 starter.

“I couldn’t be more happy,” Harrell said. “I was so excited. It feels great to just to be apart of this team and organization. Getting the chance to start with all four of the other guys in this rotation is an honor.”

It’s been a long time coming for Harrell, 26, after being a fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft by the Chicago White Sox. The Ozark native hopes to never look back.

It’s a significant achievement for Harrell, who pitched 11 games for the White Sox from 2010-11, but he fell out of favor with the organization and former manager Ozzie Guillen. When he was designated for assignment in July of last season, the Astros quickly claimed him. He started at Triple-A Oklahoma City and finished the season with the Astros with a 4.50 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 13 innings, spanning 6 appearances.

Harrell has thrown 11 consecutive shutout innings, 6 Monday vs. Double-A Corpus Christi and 5 against the Miami Marlins last Wednesday in just 54 pitches. Before spring training started, he hoped to make the starting rotation, but recent reports said he was in consideration for a long relief role and not the rotation.

The Astros open the regular season Friday at home against the Colorado Rockies. He will pitch Saturday.

More Harell:

• Harrell makes an appearance on The High Road on Sunday, April 1
• Harrell makes an appearance on The High Road before Spring Training (audio)
• Harrell will make first Astros start
• Harrell is now a Houston Astro

Sure, the St. Louis Cardinals came to Hammons Field and beat the Springfield Cardinals 3-2 in front of 10,079 fans on Monday night, but it wasn’t the entire group that will open the season Wednesday as the defending World Series champions.

While Matt Holliday, David Freese, Jon Jay and Jason Motte were the big draws, notable in their absence were Lance Berkman, Yadier Molina, Rafael Furcal and free agent acquisition Carlos Beltran.

Mozeliak explained why, referencing the St. Louis’ opener Wednesday night in Miami.

It’s about where guys are at physically and when they were playing. And obviously the game on Wednesday does count. We just wanted to make sure we spread the wealth. … The other thing is our off day is so late and we didn’t want to wear guys out.”

Watch the entire conversation below.

Carlos Martinez (center) holds court before the Cardinals-Cardinals exhibition Monday afternoon.

A surprise addition to the St. Louis roster — only for the St. Louis/Springfield Cardinals exhibition at Hammons Field Monday night — 20-year-old righthanded pitching phenom Carlos Martinez gave fans in the Ozarks a taste of what might be coming later this summer.

And it’s going to be good.

Martinez ended up pitching the final 4 innings for St. Louis in a 3-2 win over Springfield, but it’s the way he did it that was so impressive. Sure, he gave up the only two runs of the game, but he was able to showcase the arsenal that has him ranked as a top 50 prospect in all of baseball and the No. 2 prospect in the Cardinals organization.

He pitched four innings, allowing two runs and struck out Taveres to end the game. Martinez, a native of the Dominican Republic, will open the season at High-A Palm Beach, the same place he finished last season..

As you can see in the video below, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Martinez hit 99, 100 and 101 mph on the Hammons Field radar gun. Of course, the local radar gun hasn’t always been 100 percent accurate, but even if it’s the normal 2-4 mph below, that’s still in the high 90s.

In other words, he lived up the hype. The only trouble he found himself in was when he walked fellow top prospect and SGF second baseman Kolten Wong, only to give up an RBI triple to No. 2 prospect Oscar Tavares, another 19-year-old.

“Carlos is very good,” Taveres said. “Wooo, he throws hard. He came at me with the fastball, then a breaking ball and a change. Then he threw another fastball and it’s the one I hit. We don’t see guys like that too often.”

St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said he was eager to see Martinez in this type of big league enviroment.

“It was our decision and we’re excited about him,” Mozeliak said. “Talk about two great arms (with Trevor Rosenthal).”

Martinez’ first inning

Martinez’ second inning

The best part of living in a city that has Double-A baseball is how the Springfield Cardinals are in the middle of everything in the St. Louis Cardinals universe.

Think an injury to the big-league club doesn’t mean much? If there’s a promotion from Triple-A to St. Louis, the ripple is felt here, generally leading to a roster move. Same goes for someone who is sent down from St. Louis to Triple-A Memphis. Either way you cut it, Springfield is always in the center of it.

And that’s not counting the breakout stars that few see coming each year, or the top-notch prospects we get to see. In all, there are 10 former Springfield Cardinals that have graduated to this year’s St Louis Cardinals roster, and a few others who have made injury rehab cameos like Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Kyle Lohse and David Freese.

Here are capsule breakdowns for this year’s Springfield Cardinals opening-day roster. The Cardinals open the season at home Thursday against the Frisco RoughRiders.

Here are the players listed by position.

Outfield

OF

Oscar Taveres Born: 06/19/1992 Birthplace: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 180 Bats: L Throws: L

Taveres is the wunderkind you’ve been waiting for. People freaked out when Shelby Miller reached SGF at age 20, so what’s going to happen when Taveres starts to rake at just 19? He led the Low-A Midwest League with a .386 batting average (!) and OPSed over 1.000 with only 8 home runs. Scouts say he’s an on-base machine with the ability to hit in the middle of an order, and like Matt Adams last season, Taveres is skipping High-A. The best thing? We’ll likely get him for the entire 2012 season. He’s the best offensive prospect to reach SGF since Colby Rasmus.

OF

Tommy Pham Born: 03/08/1988 Birthplace: Las Vegas, NV Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 175 Bats: R Throws: R

Pham was off to another great start at Double-A before he got injured — again. Now, he’s still banged up with a shoulder injury which will limit him to DH duty before it’s fully healed. He had eye surgery in the offseason and still has all the raw tools he had as a 16th round pick in the 2006 draft. But now he’s 24 and needs to show he can stay healthy.

OF

Adam Melker Born: 01/31/1988 Birthplace: Claremont, CA College: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 180 Bats: L Throws: L

Every once in a while, a low-round pick will emerge at SGF and surprise. At every level, Melker has hit and the organization forgets about his 44th round draft status. He hit a speed bump at Palm Beach with little extra-base power, but has had a nice spring and will provide depth. He’s running out of time as he’s already 24, but he’ll get a crack at Double-A.

OF

Jake Shaffer Born: 08/16/1987 Birthplace: Walton, KY College: Northern Kentucky Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 190 Bats: L Throws: L

Recently added to the roster after being a late cut out of Seattle Mariners camp, Shaffer was quickly signed by the Cardinals and assigned to SGF. His numbers seem to support his 15th round draft status in 2008, but he’ll be 25 in August, so time is running out. Drury fans will recognize Northern Kentucky as a Great Lakes Valley Conference team, and yes, he’s a Division II guy.

Infield

1B

Xavier Scruggs Born: 09/23/1987 Birthplace: Poway, CA Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 210 Bats: R Throws: R

Scruggs finished 2010 at SGF, but was quickly sent back to Palm Beach to start 2011 — mostly because he was blocked by Matt Adams, the eventual Texas League Player of the Year. Now, he’s SGF’s starting first baseman and could put up prodigious power numbers. He belted 21 bombs at spacious Palm Beach and is a home run-or-nothing guy. A 19th rounder in 2008 out of UNLV, he’ll be 25 in September.

2B

Kolten Wong Born: 10/10/1990 Birthplace: Hilo, HI College: Hawaii Height: 5′ 9″ Weight: 190 Bats: L Throws: R

St. Louis’ first-round pick just last year (22nd overall) tore up the Midwest League last season and is already at Double-A. If not for Taveres, he’d be the marquee player this summer. He’s considered fast-tracked to St. Louis, which hasn’t had a steady second baseman since Fernando Vina. Wong is expected to be that guy, equipped with a short, powerful stroke and good knowledge of the strike zone. He might not be long for SGF, either.

2B/ SS

Jose Garcia Born: 02/11/1988 Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 170 Bats: R Throws: R

Garcia isn’t considered an elite prospect, and he’s back for a third stint in SGF after being called up to Memphis to finish 2011. He’s a versatile infielder and hit above .320 at both levels last season. He’ll be a part of a timeshare at SS, but his bat could sneak into the lineup all over the infield this season.

2B/ SS

Greg Garcia Born: 08/08/1989 Birthplace: El Cajon, CA College: Hawaii Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 175 Bats: L Throws: R

A seventh round pick in the 2010 draft, Garcia was a college teammate of Kolten Wong and they’ll team up for the Cardinals’ double-play combo many times this season. His bat isn’t anything special, but he did explode at Palm Beach with an on-base percentage of .400 in 210 ABs. He’ll start off splitting time at shortstop with Jose Garcia.

3B

Niko Vasquez Born: 02/26/1989 Birthplace: Oxnard, CA Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 170 Bats: R Throws: R

Niko started in SGF last season, but was quickly rooted out by Zack Cox — and and a lack of production. It didn’t get better in Palm Beach, either, as he hasn’t hit since he blistered Johnson City after being a third round pick in 2008 right out of high school. Stranger things have happened than 23-year-olds out of HS figuring it out at Double-A, and Niko has a ton of power potential. He’ll start out as SGF’s starting third baseman this season.

C

Audry Perez Born: 12/23/1988 Birthplace: Sabana Grande, Dominican Republic Height: 5′ 9″ Weight: 180 Bats: R Throws: R

Perez showed flashes of greatness last season as a early-season addition to SGF, especially on defense. Offensively, he showed he has ability, but he refuses to walk. In 316 ABs last year, Perez walked only 7 times. He’ll be the Cards’ starting catcher.

C

Nick Derba Born: 09/09/1985 Birthplace: College Point, NY College: Manhattan Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 190 Bats: R Throws: R

Nick Derba has maintained a minor-league career because solid defensive catchers are hard to find. That’s what makes the greats so hard to discover, because while Derba can maintain a pitching staff, he can’t hit. Over 5 minor league seasons, while Derba has reached Triple-A, he’s hit below .200 5 times. He starts the season as the backup catcher.

C

Kleininger Teran Born: 07/23/1989 Birthplace: Maracay, Venezuela Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 168 Bats: L Throws: R

A big surprise to make the Springfield team, apparently the Cards are carrying 3 catchers. Teran has had all of 5 at-bats of A ball and opened last season at Johnson City, the lower level of rookie ball. He’s one of 4 SGF Cards that jumped High-A Palm Beach altogether.

Pitchers

RHP

Trevor Rosenthal Born: 05/29/1990 Birthplace: Lee’s Summit, MO College: Cowley County CC, KS Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 190 Bats: R Throws: R

Trevor Rosenthal is this year’s SGF ace atop the starting rotation. Guys like Rosenthal give all baseball players hope. A junior college kid out of Lee’s Summit West, Rosenthal was a 21st round pick in the 2009 draft and shown he has what it makes to makes scouts dream. While his numbers at Low-A Quad Cities weren’t overly dreamy, the Cardinals front office is having him skip High-A and go to the top of the SGF rotation. He’s just a year older than Shelby Miller was when arriving to Double-A, as Rosenthal will be 22 in late May.

LHP

John Gast Born: 02/16/1989 Birthplace: Altamonte Springs, FL College: Florida State Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 195 Bats: L Throws: L

Gast came to SGF midway through last season to much fanfare. A sixth round pick in 2010, making Double-A in Year 2, much was expected for the starter. The results? Meh. He showed rare flashes of wildness and overall inconsistency. Still, he has the ability to throw the gem and keep hitters off balance with a four-pitch arsenal. He knows he has an opportunity in a system that lacks southpaw depth, too.

RHP

Michael Blazek Born: 03/16/1989 Birthplace: Las Vegas, NV Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 180 Bats: R Throws: R

A 35th round pick out a Las Vegas high school in 2007, Blazek is still just 23 and has caught the eye of Cardinals management. After 24 starts in SGF, which produced 11 wins and 128 Ks in 133 2/3 innings, as well as a 5.45 ERA and 25 home runs allowed, Blazek made two solid starts at Memphis. It goes to prove that sometimes the numbers are what you believe. They want him to stick in the rotation, but his swing and miss stuff would play very well in the bullpen, if not. He’ll be a starter here in SGF with the ability to move up to Memphis in case of injury.

RHP

Scott Gorgen Born: 01/27/1987 Birthplace: Concord, CA College: UC Irvine Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 190 Bats: R Throws: R

Two years ago, Gorgen was a burgeoning starting pitcher prospect who many thought was too short to become a big league starter. Then, over 12 starts in 2010, he was virtually unhittable, striking out 46 in 50 innings and holding batters to a .188 average. His sinker was working, as well as a wipe-out breaking ball. The only thing that could stop him was Tommy John surgery, which cost him the rest of 2010 and all of 2011. Now, he’s back and we will see if his stuff is where it left off — or, maybe better.

LHP

Tyler Lyons Born: 02/21/1988 Birthplace: Lubbock, TX College: Oklahoma State Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 195 Bats: S Throws: L

A ninth-round pick in 2010 out of Oklahoma State, Lyons didn’t pitch in 2010, but put together a strong pro debut at High-A Palm Beach last season. His peripherals aren’t overly impressive, but he did throw the first no-hitter in PB history last season, a 7-inning domination of Fort Myers. He will start for SGF in the Cards/Cards exhibition Monday.

LHP

Sam Freeman Born: 06/24/1987 Birthplace: Houston, TX College: Kansas Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 170 Bats: R Throws: L

Sam Freeman is on the 40-man roster and honestly represents all most of St. Louis’ lefthanded relief pitching organizational depth. He missed all of 2010 with Tommy John surgery, but worked his way back to SGF last season, making 52 appearances. He’s not a traditional lefty specialist, which is why he might be in the mix for saves this season as the team searches for a closer. If he excels, expect him to quickly move to Memphis. He’ll turn 25 in June.

LHP

Nick Greenwood Born: 09/28/1987 Birthplace: Southington, CT College: Rhode Island Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 180 Bats: R Throws: L

Pitching at 3 levels in a minor league season is always a good thing, even if 59 of his 62 2011 appearances were made at Double-A. Greenwood was up-and-down for SGF — like all of its bullpen — but as with Freeman, this organization is slim on lefties. He’ll get a chance to pitch his way in and out of a job all season, especially since he was part of the Jake Westbrook-Ryan Ludwick trade two seasons ago.

RHP

Eric Fornataro Born: 01/02/1988 Birthplace: Houston, TX College: Miami Dade CC South Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 195 Bats: R Throws: R

Fornataro pitched into some bad luck last year, spending all season as a starter at Palm Beach. But, at 24, it’s time to advance to Double-A, and with a stacked rotation, he’ll begin at SGF as a long reliever. He was a sixth-round pick out of Miami Dade CC in 2008. Win-loss record is normally an overblown stat, but as a starter over the last two seasons, he’s 14-28. That’s hard to ignore.

RHP

Deryk Hooker Born: 06/21/1989 Birthplace: San Diego, CA Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 185 Bats: R Throws: R

Hooker pitched at three levels last seaason, but only made 14 appearances — all starts. He’s only 22, so there’s time and the Cardinals believe in his big frame. But, he needs to be healthy to see return on their investment in a 7th round pick in 2007. He’ll pitch out of the bullpen and hope there are rotation opportunities soon.

RHP

Kevin Thomas Born: 07/08/1986 Birthplace: Lufkin, TX College: Stephen F Austin State Height: 6′ 3″ Weight: 215 Bats: R Throws: R

The Cardinals thought they had a steal in Thomas, a 33rd round pick in 2008 out of Stephen F. Austin State, especially after a 2.27 ERA in 14 Palm Beach starts in 2010. He was SGF’s Opening Day starter last season and never found his footing. A sinkerballer, he got pounded, even though he had a 2.56 ground out/fly out ratio. After 16 starts and a plus-6 ERA, he ended up in the bullpen. That’s where he’ll start this season. If he struggles, his career might be over.

RHP

Keith Butler Born: 01/30/1989 Birthplace: Morgantown, KY College: Wabash Valley Col Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 180 Bats: R Throws: R

A 24th round pick out of Wabash Valley College, Butler has turned into a solid pro reliever. Now in Double-A at 23 years old, don’t be surprised if Butler emerges as the closer. His stuff isn’t anything special, but he gets outs at a high rate. Between both A levels last season, opposing batters hit less than 150 against him and his ERA was sub 1.25. Crazy, and he gets swings and misses, too.

RHP

Scott Schneider Born: 06/07/1988 Birthplace: Fallbrook, CA College: St Marys Col Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 175 Bats: R Throws: R

Thought to be someone the rotation could depend on, Schneider had a rough year, barely keeping his ERA under 6. He was removed from the rotation after 20 starts and provided some long relief. He’s back, trying to find a way to keep his job.

RHP

Jorge Rondon Born: 09/16/1988 Birthplace: Calabozo, Venezuela Height: 6′ 1″ Weight: 175 Bats: R Throws: R

Don’t look at Rondon’s stats. (I said, don’t!) Yes, his ERA was nearly 10 last season and opponents might have qualified for batting titles if he regularly pitched. Reports out of Jupiter say his controll is better, which was the genesis of his struggles. He walked more batters (33) than he struck out (30), too. Yikes.

Starting season on DL

RHP Jordan Swagerty, who finished as last year’s closer, but was expected to join rotation. He’s out for the entire season and will have Tommy John surgery.

David Freese

As Cardinals fans in SGF prepare for the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Springfield Cardinals exhibition game tomorrow night at Hammons Field, the rosters might not be exactly what was expected.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported today while Matt Holliday and David Freese will headline the St. Louis Cardinals in attendance, stars like Lance Berkman, Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina — and the entire starting pitching rotation — will not make the trip.

Former SGF Cardinals currently on the STL roster like Jon Jay, Tyler Greene, Daniel Descalso and Matt Carpenter will be suiting up. Starting the game for St. Louis will be righthander Trevor Rosenthal, who is expected to be SGF’s ace this season and finished last season at Low-A Quad Cities. Lefthander Tyler Lyons is making the start for SGF.

First pitch is expected to be 6:08 p.m. and tickets are still available by visiting SpringfieldCardinals.com