We here in the Lou have been quite blessed the past few years to witness the rise of two future/current stars in their respective sports. Rising through the ranks at around the same time, Vladimir Tarasenko and Carlos Martinez were both praised for what appeared to be innate and exceptional ability at their crafts. Tarasenko had spent years in the KHL honing his skills on the ice and developing a high hockey IQ. Martinez played baseball in the Dominican Republic, where the sport is more than just that, but like a way of life, a celebration. Both are natural talents from countries that live and breathe their respective sports. Both had highly anticipated arrivals and big moments. Both are young and enthusiastic and just represent everything fans love about hockey and baseball. They are a natural pair to work together.
Last summer, Carlos Martinez needed our votes to help put him in the 2015 All Star game. Game recognizes game, and Vladimir Tarasenko was one of the first to help his cause:
Carlos Martinez would storm back to win the fan vote, besting the likes of Clayton Kershaw and Johnny Cueto in a dramatic victory. It was glorious. Now, Vladimir Tarasenko needs our votes and guess who is lending his support?
.@Cardinals fans! RT & vote @StLouisBlues @tara9191 for #NHL17CoverVote #NHL17Tarasenko Show your St. Louis support! pic.twitter.com/LVmhPgyKYb
— Carlos Martinez (@Tsunamy27) April 26, 2016
That is right. Carlos has got your back, Vladi. Tweet the hashtag #NHL17Tarasenko to vote for our favorite Russian to be on the cover of EA Sports NHL 17!
Vote for the cover of NHL 17 | nhl.com
what else is going on in baseball...
- Clayton Kershaw and Giancarlo Stanton had a classic movie-ready battle on Tuesday night | MLB.com
- David Price values pitching deep into game | redsox.com
- Early All-Star voting, based strictly on WAR. | Sports on Earth
- The Most and Least Generous Strike Zones | FanGraphs Baseball
- Crowdsourcing MLB Broadcasters: Day 8 of 10 | FanGraphs Baseball
- The Astros Are In Trouble | FanGraphs Baseball
- The Astros are a mess, but they need to be patient | SBNation.com
- What is wrong with the Royals underachievers? | Royals Review
- Oliver Perez dismantled a cup in the bullpen with his teeth like a can opener | SBNation.com
what the cardinals are up to...
- Matheny: Tonight's late starting time 'ridiculous' | St. Louis Cardinals | stltoday.com
- Ozzie Smith honored by Rhode Island folk-rock band | Joe's St. Louis | stltoday.com
- Redbirds Reverb: Birds on the Bash ... What the Heck is Going On Here? | 101Sports.com
- Redbirds Reverb: Everybody Hits, Even the Starting Pitcher | 101Sports.com
KNOW THINE ENEMY...
the arizona diamondbacks
- The Bard's Take: The Glove of Nick Ahmed | AZ Snake Pit
- An Arizona Diamondbacks Community | AZ Snake Pit
the nl central
- Andrew McCutchen hits three homers at Coors | pirates.com
- Addison Russell helps Cubs defeat Brewers | MLB.com
- Billy Hamilton defied gravity and levitated on this leaping catch | MLB.com