Mizzou Links, 4-6-09

We start, for possibly the last time of the season, with Mizzou Basketball, where The Trib has a lovely season roundup to share.  No new information whatsoever in it, but you'll enjoy it nonetheless.  And if that's not enough wrap-up goodness, check out a Missourian wrap-up podcast.

Spring Football scrimmage #2 went into the books over the weekend...and we've got the links to prove it!  The defense got to hit the QBs on Saturday, which is fun for all involved.  Blaine Gabbert responded positively to the physical play, to say the least.

• The Trib: Gabbert looks and plays the part

  Through seven spring practices and yesterday’s two-hour scrimmage, Gabbert continues to bolster his case to succeed Chase Daniel behind center this fall, completing 27 of 37 passes for 203 yards, a touchdown and an interception. With Daniel always nearby, perhaps auditioning for a future job as quarterbacks coach, Gabbert displayed nimble feet in the pocket and serviceable accuracy — just like he has all spring.

  “I feel comfortable with the offense,” Gabbert said after the offense outscored the defense 60-54, using the coaching staff’s scoring system. “We have good camaraderie with all the guys, and I’m kind of looking at it like my job now.”

• Dave Matter: Gabbert, defense mix it up on Faurot

  “Today we came out and ran to the football the best we have all spring,” Weatherspoon said. “And I think that had a lot to do with our Thursday practice.” Defensive coordinator Dave Steckel “talked to us after practice for about 20 minutes and he wasn’t joking around. He said, ‘If anyone’s not running to the ball, you’re dropping off the depth chart.’ It’s a dictatorship. And what Coach Stec says, if you don’t get it done, something’s going to happen.” I’ve got a feeling that quote might be music to some fans’ ears.

• Dave Matter: A closer look: MU Offensive Line
• KC Star: Missouri's QBs take a few hits in scrimmage
• KC Star: MU football scrimmage notebook
• PowerMizzou: Taking the reins
• PowerMizzou: New man in the middle

Quickly to football recruiting, where PowerMizzou checks in with Lake Dallas QB James Franklin, "the one" for Mizzou this year.

Finally, to baseball, where the story was a familiar one for Mizzou over the weekend.  Solid pitching, no discernible offense whatsoever.  A 2-1 Friday loss was followed by a 7-4 Saturday loss before Mizzou managed just enough to salvage a game, winning 5-4 on Sunday.  Mizzou is now 15-16, 5-7 in conference play.  To say the least, their streak of NCAA tourney appearances is on life support. They've scored 14 runs in their last six conference games and have yet to score more than 5 runs in a conference game.

It wasn't supposed to be this way this season, but Mizzou only has two guys batting over .300 (Conner Mach, Greg Folgia) and four regulars batting under .225 (Kyle Mach .223, Andrew Thigpen .219, Trevor Coleman .209, Steve Gray an astounding .198).  Yes, we miss Jacob Priday, but that doesn't even begin to explain this season-long offensive slump. Mizzou just held a dynamic OU offense to just 13 runs in three games and still lost the series.

• PowerMizzou (Friday): Tigers come up short
• PowerMizzou (Saturday): Tigers continue to struggle at the plate
• The Trib (Saturday): MU frustrated by Oklahoma
• The Missourian (Saturday): Offense continues to sag for Missouri baseball team
• PowerMizzou (Sunday): Big inning lifts Tigers
• The Missourian (Sunday): Big inning boosts Missouri baseball team