Madison and St. Clair counties were jointly ranked as the nation’s fifth worst “judicial hellhole.” ATRF defines a “judicial hellhole” as “a place where judges systematically apply laws and court procedures in an unfair and unbalanced manner.”

We saw a good example of this unfairness and imbalance earlier this month. The asbestos trial docket for Madison County for 2013 was set on Dec. 1 by Judge Barbara Crowder, and she awarded a whopping 82 percent of those future trial slots to three personal injury lawyer firms. On Dec. 5 and 6, those three firms gave Crowder’s campaign committee a total of $30,000.

It’s bad enough that this looks like a quid pro quo, but it’s just as bad that Crowder reserved all those 2013 trial slots for cases that haven’t even been filed.

This kind of questionable behavior encourages personal injury lawyers to file lawsuits in Madison County — even lawsuits that have nothing to do with the metro-east. The “judicial hellholes” report found that only about one in 10 of Madison County’s asbestos cases have any connection to the area, with most plaintiffs living in other states.

Being ranked as one of the worst places in the country for legal fairness may encourage personal injury lawyers to flock here, but it will just as likely keep new employers away. Businesses expand or relocate in places where the legal system is considered fair and balanced, so returning to “judicial hellhole” status will undoubtedly impede job growth efforts at a time when new jobs are desperately needed.

After the lawyers’ campaign contributions to Crowder were revealed, she was removed from overseeing the asbestos docket. Very soon, voters will have a chance to render their own verdicts on Madison and St. Clair County judges who have allowed metro-east courts to relapse into “judicial hellholes.”

Judges as well as judicial candidates on the ballot in 2012 will be pressed to spell out what they will do to strengthen reforms and restore fairness to metro-east courts. Good judges matter, and making the metro-east a more attractive place for job growth depends on a fair judiciary.

Down-ballot judicial elections often get overlooked, but climbing back out of the “judicial hellhole” and bringing jobs and opportunities back to the metro-east depends on voters placing a high priority on these elections.

Though we may all wish for a World Series repeat, let’s hope a “judicial hellholes” repeat is not in the cards.

Travis Akin is executive director of Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch (I-LAW), a grass-roots watchdog group dedicated to educating the public about the widespread costs of lawsuit abuse.

ST. LOUIS –

Carlos Beltran and the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a two-year contract pending results of a physical, a move that would fortify the team’s lineup following the departure of Albert Pujols.

The team disclosed the agreement Thursday night and said it expects to make a formal announcement shortly after the holidays.

KMOX, the Cardinals’ flagship radio station, reported the deal is for $26 million over two years — the same figure cited by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because financial details of the agreement were not announced by the team.

The 34-year-old Beltran batted .300 with 22 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .385 on-base percentage for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants this year. He likely will be the opening-day right fielder for the Cardinals next season. Lance Berkman is expected to move to first base, taking Pujols’ spot.

Beltran and Berkman are switch-hitters, giving new manager Mike Matheny lineup flexibility.

Earlier this month, St. Louis re-signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to a two-year, $14 million contract and added left-handed reliever J.C. Romero with a one-year, $750,000 deal.

After Pujols signed a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said he expected his team’s payroll to perhaps exceed this year’s total of $110 million.

Allen Craig, coming off an impressive postseason, gives the Cardinals another strong option in the outfield but will miss at least the first month of the season while recovering from knee surgery.

A six-time All-Star, Beltran began his career with the cross-state Royals in 1998, three years after Kansas City drafted him in the second round. The switch-hitter has a .283 career batting average with 302 home runs and 1,146 RBIs.

“Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple of years.”

Beltran faced the Cardinals in a pair of NL championship series, in 2004 with Houston and 2006 with the Mets. St. Louis won both series despite several big hits by Beltran.

With a chance to put the Mets in the World Series, however, he struck out to end Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS against Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright.

ST. LOUIS — Carlos Beltran and the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a two-year contract pending results of a physical, a move that would fortify the team’s lineup following the departure of Albert Pujols.

The team disclosed the agreement Thursday night and said it expects to make a formal announcement shortly after the holidays.

KMOX, the Cardinals’ flagship radio station, reported the deal is for $26 million over two years — the same figure cited by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to AP.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because financial details of the agreement were not announced by the team.

The 34-year-old Beltran batted .300 with 22 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .385 on-base percentage for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants this year. He likely will be the opening-day right fielder for the Cardinals next season. Lance Berkman is expected to move to first base, taking Pujols’ spot.

Beltran and Berkman are switch-hitters, giving new manager Mike Matheny lineup flexibility.

Earlier this month, St. Louis re-signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to a two-year, $14 million contract and added left-handed reliever J.C. Romero with a one-year, $750,000 deal. The Cardinals appear to need only a few spare parts to finalize the roster.

After Pujols signed a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said he expected his team’s payroll to perhaps exceed this year’s total of $110 million.

Allen Craig, coming off an impressive postseason, gives the Cardinals another strong option in the outfield but will miss at least the first month of the season while recovering from knee surgery.

A six-time All-Star, Beltran began his career with the cross-state Royals in 1998, three years after Kansas City drafted him in the second round.

The switch-hitter has a .283 career batting average with 302 home runs and 1,146 RBIs.

“Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple of years.”

Nationals land Gonzalez

AP

OAKLAND — All-Star pitcher Gio Gonzalez said Thursday the Oakland Athletics have agreed to trade him to the Washington Nationals, and the deal is nearly finished.

“It’s 99 percent done,” Gonzalez said in a phone interview. “It’s pending a physical and I’m just waiting to hear from my agent.”

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Carlos Beltran and the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a two-year contract pending results of a physical, a move that would fortify the team’s lineup following the departure of Albert Pujols.

The team disclosed the agreement Thursday night and said it expects to make a formal announcement shortly after the holidays.

KMOX, the Cardinals’ flagship radio station, reported the deal is for $26 million over two years — the same figure cited by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because financial details of the agreement were not announced by the team.

The 34-year-old Beltran batted .300 with 22 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .385 on-base percentage for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants this year. He likely will be the opening-day right fielder for the Cardinals next season. Lance Berkman is expected to move to first base, taking Pujols’ spot.

Beltran and Berkman are switch-hitters, giving new manager Mike Matheny lineup flexibility.

Earlier this month, St. Louis re-signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to a two-year, $14 million contract and added left-handed reliever J.C. Romero with a one-year, $750,000 deal. The Cardinals appear to need only a few spare parts to finalize the roster.

After Pujols signed a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said he expected his team’s payroll to perhaps exceed this year’s total of $110 million.

Allen Craig, coming off an impressive postseason, gives the Cardinals another strong option in the outfield but will miss at least the first month of the season while recovering from knee surgery.

A six-time All-Star, Beltran began his career with the cross-state Royals in 1998, three years after Kansas City drafted him in the second round. The switch-hitter has a .283 career batting average with 302 home runs and 1,146 RBIs.

“Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple of years.”

Beltran faced the Cardinals in a pair of NL championship series, in 2004 with Houston and 2006 with the Mets. St. Louis won both series despite several big hits by Beltran.

With a chance to put the Mets in the World Series, however, he struck out looking to end Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS against Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright.

KMOX, the Cardinals’ flagship radio station, reported the deal is for $26 million over two years — the same figure cited by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because financial details of the agreement were not announced by the team.

The 34-year-old Beltran batted .300 with 22 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .385 on-base percentage for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants this year. He likely will be the opening-day right fielder for the Cardinals next season. Lance Berkman is expected to move to first base, taking Pujols’ spot.

Beltran and Berkman are switch-hitters, giving new manager Mike Matheny lineup flexibility.

Earlier this month, St. Louis re-signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to a two-year, $14 million contract and added left-handed reliever J.C. Romero with a one-year, $750,000 deal. The Cardinals appear to need only a few spare parts to finalize the roster.

After Pujols signed a $254 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said he expected his team’s payroll to perhaps exceed this year’s total of $110 million.

Allen Craig, coming off an impressive postseason, gives the Cardinals another strong option in the outfield but will miss at least the first month of the season while recovering from knee surgery.

A six-time All-Star, Beltran began his career with the cross-state Royals in 1998, three years after Kansas City drafted him in the second round. The switch-hitter has a .283 career batting average with 302 home runs and 1,146 RBIs.

“Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple of years.”

Beltran faced the Cardinals in a pair of NL championship series, in 2004 with Houston and 2006 with the Mets. St. Louis won both series despite several big hits by Beltran.

With a chance to put the Mets in the World Series, however, he struck out looking to end Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS against Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright.

___

AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Carlos Beltran and the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a two-year contract pending results of a physical, fortifying the team’s lineup following the departure of Albert Pujols.

The team disclosed the move Thursday night and said it expects to make a formal announcement shortly after the holidays. KMOX, the Cardinals’ flagship radio station, reported the deal is for $26 million over two years – the same figure cited by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because financial details of the agreement were not announced by the team.

The 34-year-old Beltran batted .300 with 22 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .385 on-base percentage for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants this year. He likely will be the opening-day right fielder for the Cardinals next season.

Lance Berkman is expected to move to first base, taking Pujols’ spot. Allen Craig, coming off an impressive postseason, gives the Cardinals another strong outfield option but will miss at least the first month while recovering from knee surgery.

A six-time All-Star, Beltran began his career with the cross-state Royals in 1998, three years after Kansas City drafted him in the second round. The switch-hitter has a .283 career batting average with 302 home runs and 1,146 RBIs.

“Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple of years.”

Beltran faced the Cardinals in a pair of NL championship series, in 2004 with Houston and 2006 with the Mets. St. Louis won both series despite several big hits by Beltran. With a chance to put the Mets in the World Series, however, he struck out looking to end Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS against Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

ST. LOUIS – Carlos Beltran and the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a two-year contract pending results of a physical, fortifying the team’s lineup following the departure of Albert Pujols.

The team disclosed the move Thursday night and said it expects to make a formal announcement shortly after the holidays.

KMOX, the Cardinals’ flagship radio station, reported the deal is for $26 million over two years – the same figure cited by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because financial details of the agreement were not announced by the team.

The 34-year-old Beltran batted .300 with 22 home runs, 84 RBIs and a .385 on-base percentage for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants this year. He likely will be the opening-day right fielder for the Cardinals next season. Lance Berkman is expected to move to first base, taking Pujols’ spot.

Allen Craig, coming off an impressive postseason, gives the Cardinals another strong outfield option but will miss at least the first month while recovering from knee surgery.

A six-time All-Star, Beltran began his career with the cross-state Royals in 1998, three years after Kansas City drafted him in the second round. The switch-hitter has a .283 career batting average with 302 home runs and 1,146 RBIs.

“Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. “It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple of years.”

Beltran faced the Cardinals in a pair of NL championship series, in 2004 with Houston and 2006 with the Mets. St. Louis won both series despite several big hits by Beltran.

With a chance to put the Mets in the World Series, however, he struck out looking to end Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS against Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright.

Fifth in a series of 10 Cleveland Browns wins in 10 days.

No Jim Brown, no Gary Collins, no problem as the Cleveland Browns defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, 27-24, on this date, Dec. 19, of 1965.

Long-suffering Cleveland Browns fans deserve a holiday treat. So we’re offering 10 victories in 10 days leading up to Christmas.

Here’s the game story, as it appeared in the next day’s Plain Dealer.

Browns Win With Collins, Brown Out

Busch Stadium, St. Louis

By Charles Heaton
Plain Dealer Reporter

The Browns’ wild regular-season finale in St. Louis may be just the
tuneup the team needed for the National Football League title match.

They rallied in the last quarter yesterday to topple the St. Louis
Cardinals, 27-24, at Busch Stadium. And they did it with both Jim Brown
and Gary Collins on the bench

Jim had been tossed out of the game
late in the second quarter along with Joe Robb, the Cards defensive end,
after a kicking, fist-swinging altercation.

Collins, the clutch
catcher and league’s leading punter, moved to the sideline earlier with
bruised ribs. Stunned by the loss of two standouts, the Eastern
champions saw the Cards score 17 points to take a seven-point lead.

Then the Browns slashed back with Tom Hutchinson taking a 24-yard pass from Frank Ryan in the end zone for the winning points.

Now the Blanton Collier club, which wound up with an 11-3 mark, must
start preparations for the Jan. 2 visit to Green Bay or Baltimore and
its bid for a second straight NFL crown. Yesterday’s finish, in which
the Browns beat the Cards after two straight losses to the Missouri
club, started out like a romp.

THE BROWNS jumped out to a 17-0 lead and seemed on the way to another score when the roof started to come down.

Collins had opened the scoring with a nice catch of a 13-yard pass from Ryan. That came in the first period.

Early in the second quarter, Jim Brown bulled three yards for a score
so the fullback’s banishment a few minutes later killed his chances of
moving ahead of Chicago’s Gale Sayers in the touchdown race. An
interception by Jim Houston, Cleveland’s all-pro linebacker, had given
the Browns those two scoring opportunities.

THEN LARRY BENZ picked
off a pass by Buddy Humphrey in the same period to set the Browns in
motion again. This time they settled for Lou Groza’s 44-yard field goal.
The mighty Toe also had one for 45 yards in the final.

Cleveland seemed on its way to clinching the victory on this bright
chilly day as many of the 29,348 fans booed the Cards in general and
Humphrey in particular. It was second down on the St. Louis 20 with
seven yards to go when Ryan fired in the direction of Brewer.

The slot end, who caught five passes for 51 yards, was well covered.
Larry Wilson, who finished the day with three thefts, grabbed the ball
and set out down the sideline.

Ryan tried to block the gutty
safetyman out of bounds about the Cleveland 20, but failed and Wilson
scooted in for the score. So the Cards trailed by only 10 at the half.

ST. LOUIS struck back in the third quarter with Terry Nofsinger, a Pittsburgh castoff, at quarterback.

Terry scored the first touchdown on a sneak and then accurate Jim Bakken evened the count at 17-all on a 23-yard field goal.

The Cleveland offense, with Charley Scales at fullback, and Hutchinson
replacing Collins, couldn’t move in the third period and Bobby Franklin
punted poorly.

So the Cards had field position and kept the pressure on as the finale started.

WILSON made
his third interception and returned 19 yards to the Cleveland 16. Five
plays later, Nofsinger passed to Bill Triplett, former Miami of Ohio
star, for five yards and the touchdown.

Bakken’s extra point
gave the Cards a 24-17 bulge and it seemed that the Browns would take a
second straight defeat into the title game.

Matters still
remained dark when Groza missed a 39-yard field goal. Minutes later,
however, the Toe redeemed himself with one of 45 right through the
uprights.

That made it 24-20 in favor of the Cards. A touchdown would mean victory.

THAT’S WHEN Vince
Costello made the biggest interception of all. The veteran middle
linebacker picked off a Nofsinger pass intended for Triplett and
returned 10 yards to the St. Louis 24.

On the first play, Ryan
fired a strike to Hutchinson, who beat Pat Fischer, a pro bowl defensive
back last season, to get open in the end zone.

There were more than four minutes left and time for a final St. Louis threat.

The Browns again were able to move into field position but the fiery
Fischer sliced through to block Groza’s try from the 38. And Pat,
picking up the ball about midfield, raced all the way to the Cleveland
23 before being slammed down.

THE BROWNS’
defense, which sagged in the third period, suddenly became a
championship unit again. Galen Fiss reached out with one arm to stop
Willis Crenshaw for a one-yard gain when the big back seemed about to
break away.

Then Nofsinger’s pass to Triplett made only three and Jackie Smith couldn’t hang on to another in the end zone.

St. Louis could have had a tie with the usually unerring Bakken ready,
but coach Wally Lemm went for the victory. Nofsinger couldn’t find Bobby
Joe Conrad with his pass, however.

It was an important victory
because the club shook off the loss of Brown and Collins and rallied to
win. Now on to Green Bay or Baltimore.