Don't worry, it's all an illusion

I hope no one was too worried. 

Wow, has it really been that long?

Anyway, all is well. Things have changed quite a bit since I've been gone, though. Both in my life and in the baseball world.

Ups and downs doesn't quite accurately describe the intense losses and breath-taking highs that have defined the Cardinals these last 10 years.

We won in 2011. And what a win.

 

 

David Freese, everybody.

Oh, and I may or may not have sent Nelson Cruz a fruit basket after Game Six. 

Albert moved on. 

 

Greener pastures or whatever. I was angry. Hurt. Confused. Inconsolable. Then I got over it.

Chris Duncan passed on. 

 

He's playing left field in Heaven, I have no doubt. And if he isn't, then I don't want to go.

Tony spent a day in jail for "driving while entitled."

 

Maybe that wasn't the exact charge, but close enough. 

Anthony Reyes became an LA County fire fighter. 

And proved once and for all that he is the hero I always knew him to be.

Jason Isringhausen was inducted into the Cardinals HOF and the Missouri Sports HOF. 

*swoon*

 

The team barely looks the same and yet it's still the Cardinals we know and love. Life is funny. And sad. And millions of other adjectives depending on a million things. 

I only wish I could have some of those moments back. 

p.s.  I know there are maaaaany more significant things that have happened, these are just the ones that popped into my head first. 

planting seeds for Spring

I know I've been a little remiss in my blogging this offseason, and for that I apologize. Some things can't be helped, though, and I figure it's better to just move on and see what the 2010 season has in store for baseball, the Cardinals, and fans. After all, it's a new year, with new possibilities, and some new faces. What could be be better? (Other than actually getting to go to Jupiter and watch Spring baseball in person, that is.)

We're still waiting for a few of the transcripts to go up, but if you've missed out entirely, you can check out the Roundtable discussions, all archived over at the UCB site.

Excited about the season? About the '10 Cardinals? You should be. There's a lot to be excited for!

Sounds like Jaime García, barring any major natural disasters, will be the fifth starter in a pretty sound rotation. I like that. I like him. I'll tell you why (don't even bother asking, it just slows me down). (1) He's young. (2) He's a lefty. (3) What little we have seen from him in the past was very promising. (4) You can tell he wants it.

Fingers crossed that he turns out to be our just-what-we-needed-but-didn't-know-it-at-the-time player. It's nice to have one of those each year, and it's definitely pitching's turn to contribute.

Speaking of the rotation...

What really needs to be said of Wainwright and Carpenter? They're doing what they do.

Penny, if you judge by the excitement in Mike Shannon's voice (which I do), was absolutely owning the Marlins batters he faced yesterday. He was working fast, too, which is always a good sign. Whatever weird injury he may have sustained this Spring doesn't seem to be affecting him much at all. (Hopes that Yadi recovers equally well.)

Lohse goes today (on 550, if you live close enough to pick it up) against the Mets. I heard somewhere he's predicted to be roughly as good as he was in '08, and nothing would make me happier. (Actually, I'd even take '09 Lohse, for what it's worth.)

Also, yesterday...

Brendan Ryan made some very nice, not so run-of-the-mill plays at short, and again, Mike was jumping out of his chair (metaphorically speaking) with each call. Maybe they were as spectacular as all that, or maybe Mike was just in a "jumping out of his chair" mood. Either way, I can't wait to get this season started.

Felipe López has 5 stolen bases this Spring? Huh. Maybe I'd put him in the leadoff spot and save B-Ryan for the niner.

That leaves Rasmus for the 2-hole, captains obvious for 3 and 4, Freese for the fifth spot, Skip in #6, Yadi (or LaRue *sob*) batting seventh, and the pitcher eighth. Of course, unless I'm playing Flip in right field, I'll need to thin out the infielders a little. Luddy would bat fifth, in that case, with Freese sixth, and move Skip to the first spot. If Lugo is playing, I'd bat him ninth, so not much rearranging needed.

Whew. No wonder TLR never smiles. I smell a new record for number of unique lineups in a season. (Previously held by TLR.)

8 days until Opening Day! 15 Until the Cardinals Home Opener! See you in Saint Louis!

peekers and ballyhoo and reason #14,998

I have a startling and tragic confession to make, fellow baseball and Cardinals fans. I won't draw it out or string you along, I'll just blurt it right out, and hope upon hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.

Ready?

Here goes.

Until two days ago, I had not yet read 3 Nights in August.

Go ahead, berate me if you must. I can take it.

I undoubtedly deserve it.

And I only hurt myself with my procrastination. For as interesting and informative as I knew it would be, I could not have guessed how GOOD this book is.

It is magnificently well-written and extremely complimentary to the St Louis club and fans. It is chock-full of the inside jokes and stories we outsiders long for. It is interspersed with touching and heart-breaking descriptions of the loss of Darryl Kile, the meltdown of Rick Ankiel, and the emotional withdrawal of JD Drew. And throughout it all, Buzz captures the excitement and passion of those 3 games so well that I felt like I was right there in the dugout with Tony.

It helps if you're a Cardinals fan, but any baseball fan (with the possible exception of Cubs fans) would enjoy this book. If you're like me and are taking your time with your list of "to-reads", skip ahead. In fact, drop whatever you are currently doing and read this book. Now. No exceptions. And if you've already read it, read it again. My copy is now a permanent fixture in my purse.

fizzle... pop... dead

We played hard and lost. We have nothing to be ashamed of.

Good season, everyone. Now go home and rest up, because Spring Training is only about five months away.

I guess it wasn't meant to be.

(pause for dramatic effect)

Oh, well. There's always next year. (Egads, did I just say that? Deep breath, I will not turn into a Cubs fan.)

I like a good underdog, so I'll be rooting for the Rockies and Twins.

Where do the other playoff teams stand? Glad you asked? (And yes, I realize you didn't actually ask.)

• I heard on ESPN yesterday(?) that it might be "a while before they can play competitive baseball in Colorado again."

• Minnesota, with ankles in hands, are on the verge of a fate similar to the Cards.

• The BoSox were swept out of their series as well.

• No promises, but if it comes down to the Yankees and the Dodgers, I might just put in a DVD and forget about baseball altogether.

The offseason should be interesting, if nothing else.

• TLR and Dave Duncan may or may not be back. I would love for them to return, but I'm not holding my breath.

• Matt Holliday will probably end up with the Yankees (unless you believe in karma).

• Mark DeRosa will probably end up back with the Cubs (or possibly the Padres).

• Troy Glaus won't sign anywhere this offseason, but I expect him to get ST invites.

• Rick Ankiel will NOT get everything Scott Boras thinks he's worth, but he won't do too badly. He'll stay in the NL, because as we all saw this year, his defense is much better than his offense.

• Joel Pineiro will get a 1-year deal to stay with the Cardinals.

• Jason Motte has seen the last of big league action for a while.

• Todd Wellemeyer... well, it's hard to say if he'll get any interest this winter, but he's a very likable guy, and I hope he gets another chance. Somewhere else. Cause, well, likable is nice and all, but I want to win next year.

• John Smoltz will definitely get interest, but I'm not entirely sure he wants to come back, regardless of what he says. I'd love to see him back in a Cardinals uniform, but that's a hard one to pick.

I guess that's the upside of a long season--you don't have to wait too long for another chance.

(forced smile)


(sigh)

(sob)

I'm just going to bury my face in a pillow and cry for a few weeks.

One more season over, one more opportunity missed.

Blah.

bring it on

September 2. We're comfortably in first place in the Central, 10.5 games ahead of the Cubs, and tied for the best NL record with the Dodgers. Magic number: 20. And yes, it is now officially acceptable to start talking about the magic number. Magic number = the number of Cardinals wins plus Cubs losses that will guarantee us a spot in the playoffs. It is also the number that will eliminate the Cubs from the NL Central race. (Isn't it fun how that works out?) Twenty. Veinte. Venti. Vingt. A score. An icosahedron. Calcium. An actual magic number. Here's what I'm thinking about today:

• Our mid-season acquisitions have all lived up to/exceeded expectations, and everyone on the team is contributing (and by everyone, I of course mean everyone except Joe Thurston who is nearly worthless).

• TLR will will let you know when it's finally safe to talk about the post-season, probably about 10 minutes before the first pitch of the NLDS. Until then, you will live in the moment and YOU WILL LIKE IT.

• No comment on the Duncan situation. Do you suppose it would be too weird for the Cards to pick the Dunc-inator back up?

• September call-ups? Um.... Can I get back to you on that?

• Chris Carpenter has a place deep inside where he goes when he doesn't have his best stuff. A place, apparently, where he can find the strength to muscle out a quality start and give his team a chance to win even when his command isn't there and his best pitches aren't quite right. That's what makes him one of the best in the business. Where would we be without him?

• Brad Penny is a jerk. I know he was on my wish list, and I know he pitched magnificently for the Giants in his first start back in the NL, but you have to draw the line somewhere, and sometimes that line is right around "he is a jerk". I know talent is important, but you don't want to sacrifice clubhouse chemistry. And no, this is not sour grapes.

• Jason Motte pitches much better with no pressure (can you believe 5 K?), while John Smoltz likes a little fire under his butt. Mm-hm. San Fran can have Penny.

• Troy Glaus is back, sort of. He's as tall as ever, and the uniform still fits, it seems. Therefore, I hereby predict that he will be one of the highest paid pinch hitters in the majors this post-season*, but he won't really do much. I love Troy and I wish him the best (and yes, I was giving him a mini standing ovation of my own in the living room last night), but Mr DeRosa has won my heart and I'm desperately hoping we can bring him back in 2010.

There's probably more, but I'll save that for later. Later. *Knock on wood.

a few (more) bits

I read the scouting reports and descriptions of players' abilities, and I understand (some of) the statistics and how they correspond to success in the big leagues, but all the words and abbreviations and numbers in the world can't compare to actually making visual contact with a player--seeing him do what he does--when it comes to deciding if I like his stuff. (Now, of course, my opinion means very little to anyone but me, but given the choice between reading mountains of other people's opinions or drawing my own conclusions about a player's worth, I'd much rather see him for myself.) 

So when I finally got to see Dennys Reyes pitch an inning today, I was very excited. I was even more excited after he finished, because it went well. Seeing a LOOGY who can actually face more than one batter at a time is encouraging, because Tony's management style when it comes to the lefty specialists, to put it mildly, could use some work. 

Chris Perez, on the other hand, gave up the tie-breaking winning run to the 'Stros and didn't have much command. I guess that's part of the idea behind Spring Training, though, isn't it? Real game situations that allow you to see where you need work, without the threat of a "permanent record" hanging over your head. Well, if you say so. 

Derrick Goold has a wonderful series going on for the P-D in which he asks some very random (and rarely baseball-related) questions to baseball players. His latest "P-DQ" was with Todd Wellemeyer, and if you haven't read it, READ IT. Right now. Just go. He (DG, not TW) is also going to be a guest on the UCB's weekly podcast tonight (and for all my 31 years I still have no idea what exactly the term "podcast" refers to, but it calls to mind terrible images of pod people) and talk about everything Cardinals you can imagine for an hour or so. (But probably no extraterrestrial parasites. Probably.) 

I was looking over some predictions I made back in January about what the off-season would bring (or not bring, as it were), and so far, I'm doing pretty well. Look out for more predictions at the end of March. The UCB's next scheduled project will cover how we think the AL, NL, and post-season will break down, and posts should start going up on Monday. There may be a little bias showing when it comes to the NL Central, but they should be good reading anyway.

speaking of disappointment

Well, the news just keeps rolling in, doesn't it?

AK signed a minor league deal with the AL champions. He'll work on earning a spot as a back-up second baseman, but I challenge you to find anyone who believes that he'll have an everyday job in Tampa. I guess I've already moved on from caring about the Kennedy issue, because, well... I don't care. I wish Adam the best of luck in his pursuits, and I hope he finds a situation that makes him happy. Saved us $400,000 now, didn't it?

The news that did get my attention was that Joel Piñeiro, the guy who last season (and the one before that) showed as little emotion (pre-game, mid-game, or post-game) as I have ever seen from a latino ball player, is lashing out at José Oquendo (the PR manager) for relegating him to bullpen duties for the upcoming Classic. (Maybe 'lashing out' is too subjective a term, but then, I'm a blogger, not a journalist.)

However you see it (and whatever terms you use to describe it), I can understand his feelings. Joel was eager to represent his country as a starting pitcher (as he did in 2006), and actually made statements earlier on that if he wasn't going to be in the rotation, he probably wouldn't participate. Then the Cardinals made it known that they would prefer he didn't participate in the WBC because of the Spring Training time he would miss.

Of course, LaRussa denies any direct involvement in Oquendo's decision (and I believe him), but that doesn't mean the issue wasn't in the back of Cheíto's mind when he picked his starting three and Piñeiro wasn't one of them.

Joel opted to skip the World Baseball Classic, but I choose not to see it as a spoiled player throwing a hissy-fit. I think that Joel probably knows the importance of being present for all of ST, and would have skipped out only for a really good reason (ie, taking the mound as a starter for Puerto Rico). Now that that isn't an option any more, he has decided to remain in Jupiter for camp.

Personally, I'm glad to see him finally show some corazón about something. And he has really sexy eyes.

we're not cheap... ish

Bernie's latest article reminds us that the off-season is far from over, there are still plenty of fish in the sea, and having the worst job in the league is a distinction Jim Haslett should be proud of. Oh, and Tony wants a new closer or he's going to do something really drastic.

So besides the obvious truth-bending and the failure to actually say anything of substance or commit to any figure, DeWitt basically almost kind of halfway promised the fans that he may or may not possibly spend any more money. That's right, promised.

Aside from all that, I'm willing to give DeWitt and Mozeliak the benefit of the doubt regarding payroll and player acquisition (even though I still reserve the right to say 'I told you so' if it turns out that there is some covert, evil plan afoot). After all, other clubs' fans are busily complaining about the same things Cards' fans have been complaining about, and with few exceptions, nobody has made any really big moves. (Unless you count the Cubs shuffling players like a blackjack dealer.) Of course, that doesn't mean our time is infinite. I hope they're ready to back-up their equivocal words with ambiguous (and possibly reduntant) action, 'cause nobody will wait forever.

LaRussa reiterated his reluctance to give the closing job to the rookies, and then threatened to have Carpenter's arms and legs broken use Carp in that capacity if the higher-ups don't bring in a veteran to close games. Seems like we've seen that tactic used by Tony in the past. (Although he isn't exactly known for his use of restraint when it comes to the bullpen. Just the opposite, in fact.) To put it succinctly, I'm not okay with Carp closing, I don't care what the options are.

I'm still upset about losing Miles, but after reading lots of opinions and arguments, I'm willing to concede that at least a small part of my dismay comes from the fact that he didn't just leave the Cardinals, he left the Cardinals for the Cubs. It's bad enough when certain players move on, but to see them take up arms with the enemy is just too much to bear. I think I would have been better able to deal with it had he signed with the Padres or the Mets or even the Reds. (Yes, I said the Mets.)

So where are we this off-season? We re-signed Lohse, picked up Greene and Miller, let go of Springer, Looper, López, and Miles, and.... Well, judging by the numbers alone, I'd say we're in the red. (Or black. I can never remember which is the bad one.) Anyway, we're negative to the tune of a starting pitcher, a closer, and probably one more lefty reliever.

Suggestions: Sign Andy Pettitte to a 2-year/$20 million deal. Sign Ohman to a two-year/$10 million deal. Trade outfielder X (Ankiel, Schumaker, or Ludwick, or any combination of three minor leaguers) for a past-his-prime-but-still-effective-when-he's-healthy right-handed veteran closer... hey wait, don't we have one of those?

it's ugly, but probably not spelled correctly

Have you seen all the hateful things Brewers' fans are saying about us? (Or maybe they just appear hateful because I'm misinterpreting their misspelled words and faulty grammar.) 

I can understand why they are frustrated, having not played in October for the better part of three decades, but why take it out on the Cardinals and the Cards' fans? What did we ever do? It's not like Tony's hiding a cabinet full of voodoo dolls wearing Milwaukee uniforms. Right? So, what then? It's a mystery to me.

opportunities squandered

Jim Edmonds had something to prove and he proved it. He went deep twice off Looper. The good news is that the one time he had a baserunner in front of him, he hit into a double play. He stared into the Cardinals dugout on his way past after hitting the first long ball, but Tony swears he wasn't paying attention and couldn't care less even if he had noticed the blatant gesture directed primarily toward him. Their relationship seems to have deteriorated just a tad. It's too bad, really, because by all accounts they were fairly close when Jimmy was wearing the birds on the bat. I still like Edmonds and try to keep up with what's he's up to, but I sure like him a lot better when he's not hitting home runs against us. 

Ryan Franklin's squirrel was apparently asleep during Frankie's second inning of work. He (Franklin, not the squirrel) loaded the bases and then Izturis couldn't quite reach a line drive right over his head. The bullpen looked good otherwise, though. Pérez went for the second day in a row after being recalled from Memphis, and he's looking more and more like a potential closer. I know Tony says he wants to go the collective route, but if you've got a guy who can get the job done, why not use him? As far as I'm concerned, anything is better than Franklin (even with the squirrel) and I absolutely don't want to see Wainwright pitching out of the 'pen, although they rarely ask me and even more rarely listen. 

The Cards stranded seven, and Troy Glaus stranded five all by himself. He's now 0 for 4,208,665 all-time against the Cubs. His last hit against them was in his dreams, and even then it was only a bloop infield single that he just barely ran out. Maybe tomorrow would be a good day for him to get a day off. (Like that's going to happen....) Izturis went two for three (including a double) and stole two bases today, and was 6 for 12 with an RBI in the series against the Dodgers (that's .500 for those who are really bad at math). I can't help but wonder if the acquisition of López hasn't inspired César to fight a little harder for playing time, but I'm sure it's just a coincidence. Whatever the cause, it's good to see him producing offensively. Will this series define the season for the Redbirds? The end is in sight, Cards fans, and if you've got a lucky rabbit's foot in the back of the closet that you forgot about until just now, DIG IT OUT... We've got some Cubbies to crush.

some advice

Don't talk to Tony about the bullpen if you know what's good for you.

Another hard loss for the Redbirds last night. The good news is, the Cubs lost again, too. The bad news is, we're solidly in third place.

updates from the farside

There's a lot of news these days, but I want to start with the (how can I put this?) disappointing start from Mark Mulder. No one knew what to expect, especially me. He'd had two relief appearances--one went well, the other not so much--but hadn't made a start in almost a year. And no quality starts since the first half of 2006. So when he stepped onto the mound, everyone held their breath. 

He struck out the first batter, then walked the second, and that's when things went wrong. 

He threw over to first to check on the runner, and basically just slung the ball to Albert. 

After that he had no control at all and threw seven straight balls before finally motioning to LaRue that he needed help. 

He was taken out of the game at that point--three batters faced--and placed back on the DL with shoulder strain. Apparently, something happened with his arm during that throw to first. Brad Thompson, the resident "long man," came in for relief. 

The big question looming over the clubhouse these days: Will Mulder ever pitch professionally again? If I were a gambler, I'd bet the farm he won't. Let's not forget, however--and I'm also addressing myself with this--that Mark Mulder is a person, not just a player or a number or a trade value. He hasn't pitched up to expectations, but he has given it all he had and then some, and he deserves a little sympathy while he mourns his career. Bryan Burnwell put it best, I think, when he said, "The fact that he failed doesn't deserve our derision. The fact that he tried so hard does deserve our admiration." Thanks, Mark, for all you tried to do. 

Also new on the pitching front, the Brewers acquired CC Sabathia from Cleveland and the Cubs picked up Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from Oakland. Tony, who hasn't been in the best of moods lately anyway, is a little upset about the Cardinals front office's reluctance to make any similar moves. And he makes a good point. Sure, we've got two of the best pitchers in the NL coming back from the DL (probably at the start of August, but don't hold your breath), but what do we do until then? Maybe the Brewers and Cubs would be nice enough to keep their new guys out of the rotation for a while so we can catch up. That's only fair, after all. 

Ludwick did not get voted to the All-Star team by the "fans." He was, however, voted on by his fellow MLB players, and will get no less than TWO tickets to the game--I suggest he take his wife and mother--although he probably could buy more if he needed. Congratulations, Ryan. 

Albert was also selected to the AS team. Congratulations, Albert. 

Neither of them will start. Albert has indicated that if invited, he would participate in the homerun derby. I find the whole business to be repugnant, and I have nothing else to say. 

Glaus is now something like 0-752 against the Cubs. In 48 ABs. I know that sounds impossible, but you know what they say about Troy... 

We've lost two series in a row. The only good thing about the AS break this year is that it may come at the right time for the 'birds. A few days off may be just what the boys need (with the exception of Albert and Ryan who will probably come away from the exhibition game with a new lease on the season). That's what I'm hoping anyway. 

Roster moves: Barton is on the DL. Izturis is back from the DL. Jaime García is the new LHP in the bullpen. Mather is up. Boggs is down. Mulder.... well, you know.

he's a complete man

I guess Looper was worried about the chili situ as well, and decided it would be safer if he just took matters into his own hands.
9 shut-out innings, 3 hits, 4 strike-outs, and didn't walk anybody.
"It was a good, solid game, but the guy that deserves most of the credit is the pitcher," manager Tony La Russa said. "He set the tone."
Of course, he batted before he ever threw a pitch, and his teammates gave him a 5-run lead to take to the mound in the bottom of the first. That can certainly help a guy have a good game. But Tony's right. Braden was on his game and very sharp all night.

Albert's going to miss at least three weeks with a strained calf. We'll see if he's back for the ASG. Actually, if the Cards can keep things going without him, I wouldn't expect anybody to hurry him back before he's ready. Anybody but Albert, that is.

Did you see Soriano get clipped by that pitch last night? I was worried about his face, but apparently it broke his hand. He's going to miss 6 weeks....

missing you

What I think the fans need to remember is that here’s a guy who sparked us in his first two years. I don’t understand this impatience with this guy. It’s atypical for the way they act.
—Manager Tony La Russa, on the Busch Stadium fans’ treatment of optioned OF Chris Duncan.

I love you and miss you, Duncan. No matter how good Mather is, he'll never take your place.

Chris is hitting .214 (3 for 14) in the 4 games he's started at Memphis. Not great, but at least he's playing. He also has 4 walks and 3 strike-outs.

got his game on

If you ever get the chance to sit in section 371, row 2, seat 17 at Busch to see a Cardinals game, decline. Don't do it. I don't care if it's free (or even if someone offers to pay you to sit there). You won't see any of left or center field (including the left and center fielders), and instead of watching the batter and the third base line, you'll be watching the left field foul pole, although you'll have a great shot of the home plate umpire and the ball/strike calls.
Yes, I sat there last night, and I have absolutely no doubt that my terrible seat and inability to follow the game had everything to do with the late innings meltdown that I heard about and watched replays of on the jumbo-tron (since I couldn't actually see). Regardless of the bad luck associated with my situation, though, this loss is totally on Tony. Even from my ridiculously pitiful vantage point, I could tell that Adam was tired and on the verge of giving up a big hit. So one would assume that Tony, from the far better position he was in, should have known. Now I'm sure that when Dave went out to the mound to talk to Wainwright, Adam told him that he was fine and could definitely get this last guy out, no problem. However, since when does Tony listen to the pitcher? Even Adam. For that matter, when does Dave?
Wainwright looked so good early. The offense had it turned on early. And I was definitely enjoying the game early (the blocked view and annoying neighbors notwithstanding). So I guess it wasn't a total loss. I still really enjoy going to games. The atmosphere, the food, the thrill of seeing my idols in person (if not quite so up-close). The next time I go, though, I'll see you on the first base line. No binoculars required.

whoa . . . back up

Yesterday, Tony got more than a little red in the face defending his decision to keep Chris Duncan in the lineup, disputing media members' claims that the only reason Duncan hasn't been sent down thus far is Tony's relationship with Dave Duncan. He insisted that Chris has earned his spot in the lineup and that all decisions about who plays and who sits are based solely on performance. 

That being said, guess who got sent down to Memphis today? 

On the plus side, we'll finally get to see Joe Mather ("Mighty," as I've heard him called) in a big league game. 

It does make me wonder, though, why now? Tony is not the type to cave to the media. Nor is he the type to let such rumblings influence his management. But what other explanation could there be? Has he finally gone soft where the sports writers are concerned? 

And what's more, Bernie Miklasz of the Post-Dispatch was one of the first to even suggest that Duncan should be sent down. He clarified his point on the FSN pre-game show by explaining that maybe Chris needs some time to play every day and get things straightened out. But regardless of Bernie's intentions, we all know that Bernie and Tony do not have a stellar relationship. In fact, after the incident last season, one might wonder if there isn't still a little bad blood there. 

So how does Tony listen to the rumors, read the coverage, and defend Chris' position on national television, and then turn around and ship him to AAA? Even if this move has been in the works for some time, the timing sure stinks.

what's up?

I know it's only been a couple of days, but it feels like I haven't written anything in a while. Must be that I keep staring at a blank page searching for words to express myself, and I keep coming up short. Is that writer's block? Does it apply to blogging? 

Barton hit his first ML home run in the dreadful loss to Houston the other day. 

Looper looked terrible--4 runs in the first inning--and Berkman, along with the rest of the Astros line-up, looked très haute. So good, in fact, that I realized it would be a travesty of justice if he didn't make it to the All-Star Game. 

What a mess that whole situation is. I'd say it's a complete joke, but since home-field goes to the winner's league, it's really more serious than that. Stay with me. I'll think of the word.

Boy, when our pitching is on, it's on, and when it's not, it just pulls everything else down with it. The last two games were a perfect example. There is no particular difference between Chacón and Rodríguez, but when Looper came out Tuesday and gave up four runs in the first inning, the Cards were unable to get those runs back. Then Wainwright shut down the same lineup on Wednesday, and our boys came through with the big hits. 

Tonight it'll be Lohse (4-2)--with some good games and some bad ones--against Oswalt (4-4)--who's had some very good luck pitching to the Cardinals. But I won't speculate or try to predict anything, as that usually only gets me in trouble. (I think it's best if I stick to picking apart games after they're over.) 

One more thing... I'm not touching the Chris Duncan issue. Okay, I'll say this, I have the utmost respect for Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan, and I have a bit of a bias towards Chris (he's my hero), and I would never, never, never in a million years believe Tony would put a player in the lineup for any reason other than merit. 

Chris earned his spot. 

Period. 

Think what you want, I know what's up.

what's a hundred times better than 24?

2400! 

Yea, Tony! Congratulations! 

He said it would have been better a week ago, and he's right, but we'll take it. 

Let's see, what else happened yesterday? 

Ludwick won the game with his second HR of the game. 

Albert hit his ninth homer (of the season) trying to keep up, but in the tenth inning Ryan said, "not today." 

Glaus added to his RBI total, now he's up to 28 (only Albert has more--29). 

The Cardinals only stranded FIVE in the whole game. 

Thanks to Yadi's rocket-launcher of an arm, the Redbirds caught 3 runners trying to steal, and Yadi picked off another who strayed a little too far from first. 

Despite the bullpen's best efforts (blowing a 5-run lead late in the game), the Cards were able to hold on and win it in extra innings. (I would mention that we're back in 2nd place in the Central, but it's early and the standings fluctuate so much that it's too much trouble to stay on top of them.... But we are.) 

Let's not kid ourselves folks, this game had to be won for the Cardinals. Before yesterday, they had lost 8 of 10, including two out of three against the Pirates at Busch--the first series they've lost at home. Maybe they can still win this series before they leave for the west coast for a couple of sets.

what was he thinking?

First of all, I'm beginning to wonder if rain is bad luck for the Cardinals. 

Opening day, they were leading the Rockies 5-1, and the game was called after 3 innings. Then they lost the make-up game the next day. 

Friday, April 25, the game was delayed for two hours before the first pitch, and the Cardinals lost to the Astros. 

Last week in Milwaukee, even though they played with the roof closed, the weather outside was rainy and cold for the whole series--which the Cards lost. (Okay, I admit this one may be stretching it.) 

Tuesday they had a 27-minute rain delay before the game started, and lost to Pittsburgh in extra innings. 

Today it rained steadily throughout the entire game, and they gave up a 5-1 lead before eventually losing to the Pirates 11-5. 

Secondly, Glaus certainly seems to have found his stride. He went 2 for 3 on Sunday, drew 3 walks on Monday, hit his second home run of the season on Tuesday, had three hits yesterday, and got another three hits and an RBI today. 

Now on to my original point. 

The game situation: it's the top of the eighth at home and you have a one-run lead. 

The reliever situation: Your closer very recently asked to be removed from his duties because of his inability to locate pitches/get batters out/finish off innings/et cetera. You want him to get some work, but part of his problem earlier in the season seemed to be connected to having too much work. He just pitched yesterday and although he retired all three batters he faced, he didn't seem to have his best stuff (all three hit fly balls) and may have been saved by his outfielders. And I repeat, he just pitched yesterday. 

Which part of this scenario leads to the decision to send him out there? Was it the fact that he just pitched yesterday? Or maybe that HE JUST PITCHED YESTERDAY? In summation, I was completely un-shocked that Izzy gave up, what was it? FOUR runs before recording a single out, seeing as HE JUST PITCHED YESTERDAY. Did I mention that he just pitched yesterday? Right.

hey, listen up

If you haven't already, check out the sports talk mornings on AM1380 with Jim Hayes (and a couple of other guys you might recognize). This morning they got into my favorite discussion topic: Anthony Reyes. I just want to point out that they made my argument--something I have touted for the last 2 seasons plus--that while Dave Duncan may be a demi-god when it comes to working with pitchers and bringing out their individual talents, his and A-Rey's ideas of how A-Rey should pitch may be too far apart to surmount. 

I have the greatest respect for Dave and for Anthony, and I would love to see Anthony starting again someday, but I doubt it will be with the Redbirds, and I doubt it will be under Duncan. Nevertheless, I wish Anthony all the best in his career, even if it takes him away from St Louis. I only hope that he gets to a point where he can get his control under control and show us what I have always known he's made of. (Sorry about the preposition on the end there, fellow grammar-philes.) 

They also touched on the Roger Clemens issue (the word I was searching for was arrogant, thank you, Jim), and during the forum it came out that there is now another alleged mistress of Clemens'. Turns out he may have also been involved at some point with the ex-wife of golfer John Daly, and let's face it, not a woman with the best taste in men. 

Okay, I said before that I don't care what Clemens has done, as a ball player he is dead to me. However, the story just keeps getting more intriguing and pulling me back into the sordid depths of Roger's past. Can you blame me? 

But now, on to other, less nauseating things. In what has become a very fluid line-up for the Cardinals, Rick Ankiel hit in the 4-spot last night and went 3 for 3 with a walk and 2RBI. It looked grim early, but the Cards were able to battle back from a 2-0 deficit with some unusually timely hitting. 

I say "unusually" because one of the main reasons LaRussa keeps rearranging the line-up is the recent surplus of stranded runners. Last night was generally no different, they stranded 11, but had 4 hits in a row at one point, and were able to capitalize when it counted. 

Chances are, we'll see more changes in batting order in the upcoming series with the Cubs, but as it was pointed out this morning by Mr Bubbles (and I'm paraphrasing here), if it's working, shut up and go with it. A record 18-win April speaks for itself. 

And p.s., to those of you who want to attach an asterisk to that stat, let me remind you that the March 31 game that was postponed and played on April 1 (and therefore not technically an April game) was a loss, so even without it, that's still 18 wins. 

And if you still want to argue that they had more games in April this year than in any of the previous seasons, and that somehow that makes it less impressive, I want to point out that they played 29 games in 30 days and won 18 of them WITH ONE DAY OFF. For me, that makes it more impressive.