Dear Kurt - Good luck out there

Dear Kurt,

I just want to say just a few words before we, the Rams, release the greatest quarterback our franchise's history.

First of all, I'd like to tell you -- since no one else ever has -- thank you for rescuing a franchise that trusted its team to Tony Banks. Some of the true fans remember the days of Lawrence Phillips and Banks, and it wasn't fun.

When I give you your outright release next week your career, like Phillips', might just be done, too.

Oh sure, I'm happy the Giants have promised you the starting job -- for only Week 1 -- just remember, though, you are only guaranteed the first quarter of the first game and that's it.

But, if you play the way you think you can and the way you're telling all of us you can, then the first quarter will be all you need to secure the job for the next few quarters or maybe even the next few weeks.

But somewhere, in another life maybe, I've heard this song and dance before. Oh wait, it was just last season. Remember when David Wilson told all of his readers that you were setting yourself up for the most disastrous season of all time? (See the Sept. 2, 2003, edition of the Southeast Missourian)

In fact, it's fitting that you would go to New York, since that's where your career ended with the Rams after you stunk up the joint in Week 1 last year and I yanked your sorry, grocery-bagging arm.

It's refreshing to see that you have a new-found confidence in yourself, though, because the rest of the league ain't exactly beating down your door to offer you a contract.

So in the words of Donald Trump: You're fired, get out.

With a heavy heart,

Mike Martz

Tuesday

The Cardinals will squeeze in a three-game homestand in the midst of a 13-game road stretch. The Cards host the Pirates on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. and at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Then they hit the road for another seven days.

High school soccer fans can catch girls playoff action at the Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton, Mo. Notre Dame plays DuBourg in a Class 1 quarterfinal game at 5 p.m., and Jackson plays Nerinx Hall at 6 p.m. in a Class 2 sectional.

Wednesday

Who cares if the Indians lost to Tennessee-Martin in the last game of the season, they've got the ability when they need it. They'll get it going this week because the OVC Tournament begins today in Paducah, Ky.

Oran High School hosts North Pemiscot in a Class 1 sectional baseball game, and Kelly hosts Caruthersville in a Class 2 sectional contest.

Thursday

Sikeston's bid for the Class 3 baseball title includes a sectional showdown with defending state champion North County High School in Desloge.

Friday

Did the lead get you excited for some football? You can go watch Scott Pingel and the Show Me Believers take on Fort Wayne at the Family Arena in St. Charles at 7 p.m.

Saturday

The Cardinals are out of town but the Memphis Redbirds will host the Albuquerque Isotopes at 4 p.m. Before the game the Redbirds will honor World War II veterans with the dedication of a new memorial around the ballpark.

David Wilson is a sportswriter for the Southeast Missourian. His column appears every Monday.