I really feel the need to vent about the Blues.

[FHgrad99]

I have been wanting to do this for a long time and I guess now is as good of time as any to do this. I feel like it's time for me to get some things off my chest concerning the Blues. If I had the e-mail address of somebody in Blues management I would send something similar to this post to them.

This has been the most difficult year for me as a Blues fan by far because I'm faced with the prospect that the Blues are going to miss the playoffs for the first time in my life (I turn 25 on Saturday). I sickens me to watch this team that the city was proud of turned into a team that I'm now embarassed to be a fan of.

I don't blame Mike Kitchen or the players because they are trying their best with the cards they where dealt this year. I blame Bill Laurie, Mark Sauer and Larry Pleau for the Blues problems. It seems that they have forgotten what should be the number one priority of all sports franchises and that's winning. This franchise used to be focused on winning. What is the focus now? I know that the focuse is not winning they've shown that by their lack of effort to bring in guys who can score goals. Scott Young and Dean McAmmond where not big impact signings.

I think that the Blues management has quit on the fans and the city of St. Louis. I know that this team is for sale but they've victimized the Blues fans by not giving them a competitive team to watch. They could at least rewarded the Blues fans patience during the lockout by giving them a team to be excited about. I can't be exicted about this team. I am normally an optimistic person but even my optomism has my limits and right now the Blues team has set up camp past my limits of optimism. What did the fans do to deserve this team?

[Richter35]

every team goes through it...

at least this isnt happening to you!

my team went through it for 7 straight years... in 7 years from now if they still arent in the playoffs. and you have had every has been superstar from the last decade on your team... all with a GM that said If i had their payroll, we'd make the playoffs every year!

at least you guys are starting your fire sale now... not 7 years down the road!

Do i sound bitter? ...its probably because i am!

[Helton72]

I will second everything that you just said, and it was well said indeed. I understand totally where you are coming from and I agree with you. Unfortunately in sports every team usually goes through something like this at some point in their existence. Even the Yankees were horrible during the 1980's. Mark Sauer has a lot of blame on him, but he did go on the air on KTRS and apologize to the fans of St. Louis for the team they have. I thought that was extremely classy to do.

Let's face it, it's the Laurie's fault. They forced Pleau to trade someone and they couldn't sign anyone because of the money issues. The Pronger trade was HORRIBLE and I blame Pleau for that. He is one of the worst GM's in the NHL. The team isn't done trading either and at this point it's in our best interest to just let them all go. Goodbye Weight, Drake, Weinrich or whoever else is gone as well. It's painful to watch this team give 100% EVERY game and still lose because the talent isn't up to par. Mike Kitchen in no way should be fired because of this season. If he had half the talent level this team would be in the playoffs right now. Not to mention the horrible FA signing of Patrick Lalime. If Sanford is playing the entire seasons, things would be different as well.

Back to the issue at hand. Get a new owner! If this team doesn't have a new owner by summertime, expect more the same crappiness next year with the team. WHEN they trade their higher-priced guys, we will have a lot of cap room next season. If we have an owner, then good things can come. We will be younger, with new ownership, and new FA players. Next year could be bright, but not until the Laurie's drop their ridiculous price tag and sell the damn team.

This team doesn't embarrass themselves on effort, only talent. This city is used to winning but they deserve better then this. It's pathetic to watch

[Zero]

I pretty much agree with everything you guys have said. It has been tough to be a Blues fan this year.