Silver Sluggers
Written by Mike on November 13, 2008 – 11:12 pm -
The National League Silver Sluggers were announced today, and it was no surprise that the two Cardinal All-Stars were selected. The award, which is voted on by the league’s coaches and managers, is given to the best offensive performers at each position.
Albert Pujols put up a line of .357/.462/.653 to win his fourth Silver Slugger, adding to his already crowded trophy case. He’s also the leading candidate for the NL MVP award.
Ryan Ludwick’s line of .299/.375/.591 was good enough to garner his first Silver Slugger, joining Matt Holliday and Ryan Braun as the three most potent outfield bats in the league.
The Cardinal duo combined to hit 74 home runs and drive in 229 runs in 2008. Yet many, including manager Tony La Russa, believe that an “impact bat” is still a pressing need for the ball club.
Check out Derrick Goold’s Bird Land for more on the story, along with the complete list of this year’s winners.
Cubs Even the Series
Written by Mike on September 10, 2008 – 10:50 pm -
Ted Lilly is good, and that sucks. Really, he’s good. Seriously, that sucks. Lilly kept the Cardinal hitters off balance all night, lasting eight innings, giving up just one run on five hits. He was brilliant. To me, he looks hittable. I guess to Major League hitters, he’s not.
So you’d think that Lilly’s dominance was the difference in the game. You’d be wrong. Blame it on the Cardinals’ defense. The Cards committed two errors, both by Felipe Lopez at third, but they had several other defensive miscues, and it clearly cost them the game. Only one of the Chicago’s four runs was earned, and the Cardinals lost the game 4-3. Here’s the full recap and box score.
I took note of a few other things in tonight’s loss:
- Jason Motte still kicks ass.
- Josh Kinney was awesome. Welcome back.
- Ryan Ludwick now has 33 home runs.
- Cubs pitchers and balks go hand in hand.
- Josh Phelps shouldn’t play in left field.
Chances are, since you’re reading this, you follow the Cardinals as closely as I do. I’m sure you were scoreboard watching, and noticed that although the Phillies lost to the Marlins, both the Brewers and the Astros won tonight, which is bad news for the Redbirds. The Cardinals have now fallen to fourth place in the NL Central, trailing the Cubs by nine games, and 4.5 games back in the Wild Card race.
Yesterday was great. Tonight was horrible. That’s the way it goes, I guess. One thing is for sure, though, the National League Central can no longer be considered a weak division.
So, tomorrow is another day. It’s the rubber game of this heated rivalry. Todd Wellemeyer gets the ball for the Cardinals. Rich Harden will take the mound for the Small Bears. A Cardinal win is imperative for their playoff hopes. Go Cards!
Cards Earn a Split
Written by Mike on August 28, 2008 – 7:37 pm -After losing big in the first game of the short series against Milwaukee on Tuesday, the Cardinals “played a hard nine” to take game two last night.
It was Adam Wainwrights second start since coming off the disabled list. He wasn’t dominant, but he definitely got the job done. He lasted 6 innings on 89 pitches, allowing 3 runs (2 earned), and got a pair of strikeouts. Kyle McClellan and Ryan Franklin each pitched a scoreless inning to bridge the gap to the ninth for Chris Perez.
After taking the lead with a four run eighth, the Cardinals looked once again to Perez to close it out. He was outstanding. Perez picked up his sixth save with three swinging strikeouts against the heart of the Milwaukee order. Derrick Goold has an excellent article on the rookie over at Bird Land.
The offense was quiet until the sixth, when Ryan Ludwick hit a solo homer off of Manny Parra. Ludwick still leads the team in home runs with 32. The Cards stranded the bases loaded in the seventh, and some words were exchanged between Albert Pujols and Carlos Villanueva. The rally came in the very next inning, with RBI going to Ludwick, Troy Glaus, Aaron Miles, and Felipe Lopez. More on the extracurriculars from Bernie Miklasz.
The final score was 5-3. Here’s the complete box score. The win bumped the Cardinals back up to 3.5 games behind the Brewers in the Wild Card race. The Phillies loom just a half-game behind the Cards, although they’ve just started a four game series against the Cubs in Chicago.
Following the day off today, the Cards will open a three game set in Houston tomorrow night. Kyle Lohse gets the ball for the Redbirds, while lefty Randy Wolf will start for the Astros. Milwaukee plays Pittsburgh, so anything less than a sweep of Houston would have to be considered unsuccessful. Go Cards!
Bird Bits
Written by Mike on August 17, 2008 – 10:13 am -First off, I’d be remiss to not point out a debate going on over at Viva El Birdos this morning. houstoncardinal, one of the regular posters at VEB has sparked some heated conversation on the subject of Cardinal prospect Colby Rasmus. He claims that it would benefit the team to call up the youngster and play him in the outfield everyday in place of Skip Schumaker. I think it’s an asinine idea, but rather than hash out why again, I’ll let you read my comments, as well as many others, here. There’s nothing like a baseball debate, and if nothing else, the author did get me in the mood for some baseball today.
Next, check out the odds of who’s going to win the National League Wild Card in an article in the Post Dispatch from Joe Strauss. I still like our chances.
And finally, for those like me that were wondering if we’d see the “B team” out there today for Tony La Russa, here’s the Cardinals’ starting lineup:
- Skip Schumaker CF
- Ryan Ludwick RF
- Albert Pujols 1B
- Rick Ankiel LF
- Troy Glaus 3B
- Adam Kennedy 2B
- Yadier Molina C
- Kyle Lohse P
- Cesar Izuris SS
It’s nice to see the regulars in there while the Cards go for the sweep. With only 36 games left in the season and so many off days coming up, I think it’s time to play the best nine every day.
Four Straight Wins
Written by Mike on August 16, 2008 – 7:59 pm -
With a fine performance from Cardinal starter Joel Pineiro, and four home runs from the supporting cast, the Cardinals picked up a decisive win against the Reds in Cincinnati.
Pineiro earned his third win in as many starts with six strong innings. He allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, and struck out 6 without issuing a walk. Jason Isringhausen, Russ Springer, and Ron Villone each pitched a scoreless inning in relief.
Skip Schumaker and Ryan Ludwick each had a home run, while Albert Pujols hit a pair. 9-3 was the final score. Here’s the complete box score.
You can bet I switched over to the Cubs/Marlins game as soon as the Cardinals recorded the final out. Wouldn’t you know, Kevin Gregg was in trouble again in the ninth, clinging to a one run lead. The Fish prevailed this time, so St. Louis picks up a full game in the standings.
I mentioned yesterday that Adam Wainwright was scheduled to pitch tonight for the Springfield Cardinals. As Matthew Leach reports, the outing went well.
The Cards will go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon with Kyle Lohse on the mound. The Reds will hand the ball to All-Star Edinson Volquez. I’m anxious to see if Tony La Russa uses his typical “getaway day lineup”, or sticks with the big guns due to the off day on Monday. I’ll have a pre-game post up early tomorrow after the lineups are announced. Already at 6-3, a Cardinal win would put an exclamation point on a very successful road trip.
Cards Pummel Zambrano, Cubs
Written by Mike on August 9, 2008 – 9:32 pm -
YES! You know him. You hate him. The ace of the Chicago staff, Carlos Zambrano, and all of his cockiness, were at the center of some extremely entertaining television this afternoon when the Cardinals’ offense put on a hitting clinic.
After losing game one of the series with a subpar showing from the offense, the Redbirds showed up at Wrigley today ready for redemption. Facing Zambrano in Chicago is no easy task. Before today’s game, he was unbeaten at home in ‘08. The Cards were able to chase him out of the game after only 4.1 innings, in which he gave up 9 runs on 10 hits. Yep. 9 runs! Let’s count them:
- 1st inning: Ludwick singles in Schumaker from second
- 3rd inning: Schumaker hits a solo home run
- 3rd inning: Pujols hits a solo home run
- 4th inning: Glaus hits a two run homer
- 5th inning: Lopez singles in Pujols
- 5th inning: Glaus hits a three run home run
And Big Z was done. His nine earned runs were the most he’s ever allowed. The Cards continued to pile on, winning the game 12-3.
With all of the thunder from the Cardinal bats, it’s easy to forget just how important the strong outing from Todd Wellemeyer was. Making his first career start at Wrigley against his former team, the Colonel was impressive. With excellent command, Wellemeyer lasted 6.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 5. The bullpen was able to get the final seven outs without incident, which is an accomplishment in itself. Here’s the complete box score.
Game three of the series is tomorrow night, with Chris Carpenter facing off against Ryan Dempster. A win would certainly add some momentum heading into the four game set in Miami.
Falling Off the Pace
Written by Mike on August 8, 2008 – 7:50 pm -
Dammit Jimmy! Stupid Cubs! This is no way to start a road trip. Even though it took 11 innings, the Cardinals came up on the short end today at Wrigley, and now sit seven games back in the NL Central standings.
Braden Looper turned in a fine performance, allowing just two runs in seven innings. Ironically, the two runs came off the bat of Looper’s former teammate, Jim Edmonds, via a pair of solo home runs. What a kick in the nuts. The bullpen turned in three scoreless innings before losing it in the eleventh. The culprit: Ryan Franklin. Again.
This is a loss that we can’t really pin on Franklin. I suppose most of the blame could fall on the offense, for their lack of timely hitting and base running blunders. Scoring only two runs against the Cubs is never going to get a win. That said, I still can’t seem to stop hating on the bullpen, especially the back end. I know that somebody had to take the loss today, but why does it seem like it’s always the same one or two guys?
I’ve changed my stance on Adam Wainwright’s return. I’m now in favor of him pitching in relief after his rehab assignment. What we’ve been doing isn’t working. I’m still hopeful that rookie Chris Perez gets more and more crucial innings, and I think having Wainwright right there with him could be a big plus.
Here’s some links:
- Today’s recap and box score.
- More on Wainwright’s status, from Derrick Goold.
- The Rick Ankiel story on FSN.
- Ryan Ludwick for MVP?
Game two of the series is tomorrow afternoon. Carlos Zambrano against Todd Wellemeyer. Let’s go Cards!
Pujols Powers Cards Past Dodgers
Written by Mike on August 6, 2008 – 9:15 pm -
After an extra innings win to combat another blown save in the first game of the series last night, the Cardinals poured on the offense and shut the door on the Dodgers in game two tonight.
The star of the game was Albert Pujols, who reached base in all five of his plate appearances, going 4 for 4 with a walk. His hits included a pair of singles, a double, and a grand slam. Keeping pace was the hot hitting Ryan Ludwick, who had three hits of his own, including going back to back with Albert in the fourth with his team leading 29th home run. The two sluggers combined for six RBI. Ludwick also leads the club in that category with 82, and has homered in five consecutive games, tying a franchise record.
The newest Cardinal, Felipe Lopez, made his debut in left field. He was 1 for 3 before being lifted for Joe Mather.
Joel Pineiro earned the win, his fourth of the season, lasting seven innings despite allowing three runs in the first three innings. Completely opposite of his ‘08 trends, Pineiro got better as the game went on. Brad Thompson was terrible in relief, but recently promoted Chris Perez was able to get the final five outs for the first big league save of his career. Saves have illuded the Cardinal bullpen most of the year, so seeing Perez shut the Dodgers down in the ninth was a pleasant surprise.
The final score was 9-6. Here’s the full recap and box score.
Finally, a bit of housekeeping. I want to apologize for the lack of action here on the site during the last two weeks. At first, I had a dreadful schedule at work, finishing a job for none other than Dontrelle Willis. I planned on only missing two or three days of posting, but then lost my internet connection at home. Anyway, I’m finally reconnected to the electronic world, so I’ll be back to posting daily. Be sure to visit often.
Kyle Lohse is on the hill tomorrow as the Cards go for the sweep. The Dodgers give the ball to the lefty Clayton Kershaw. From there, the schedule doesn’t get any easier, as the Redbirds will travel to Chicago for three before coming down to my neck of the woods for four against the Fish.
Cards on a Roll
Written by Mike on July 18, 2008 – 9:19 pm -The St. Louis Cardinals are a fun team to watch. No one could have predicted the club to be in the position they’re in. After winning the first two games of the second half, the Cards are 12 games over .500, at 55-43, trailing the division leading Chicago Cubs by only 3 games. The Small Bears are the only team in the National League with a better record than the Cardinals.
The San Diego series started with another gem from starter Kyle Lohse. He’s now 12-2, with a 3.35 ERA, and as close to automatic as you can get. Rick Ankiel and Joe Mather each hit a home run, while Troy Glaus hit a pair. The Cards won last night 4-3.
Game two was back and forth. Braden Looper was knocked around for six runs in three-plus innings, but the Cards were able to get to Maddux as well. Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick each hit their 22nd home runs and collected three RBI a piece. The Cards practiced what Tony La Russa preaches, played a hard nine, and scored 11 runs on 17 hits, winning it by 4. Here’s the full recap and box score.
Poised to win the series tomorrow afternoon, the Redbirds will send Todd Wellemeyer to the mound to face lefty Randy Wolf. Jaime Garcia is scheduled to make his first Major League start on Sunday.
The Cards made a couple of roster moves prior to tonight’s game. Randy Flores was activated from the disabled list and Joe Mather was sent back to Memphis. Also, Kelvin Jimenez traded places with Chris Perez. Lee Hurwitz has more on the story.
Leftovers
Written by Mike on July 17, 2008 – 11:14 am -The break is over. Back to baseball. Before we get to the upcoming series against the Padres, I thought I’d throw out some random thoughts that I didn’t get posted earlier in the week.
First, how about that home run derby? Josh Hamilton put on a show, and it was fun to watch. If you weren’t rooting for the guy by the end of the night, then you don’t have a heart. It’s a shame he couldn’t take home the trophy.
The All-Star parade was really cool, but the on-field pre-game festivities stole the show. It was an amazing celebration of baseball’s best, in perhaps the most famous cathedral in sports, in it’s last year. Great stuff. I know that when St. Louis hosts the event next year, they won’t have all that hoopla, but I hope they do something to make Cardinal fans proud.
The actual game was entertaining. I really thought the National League had a chance to win this one. At least our guys did well. Albert Pujols was 2 for 3, and Ludwick drew a walk and made a nice diving catch. We’ll get ‘em next year!
There’s been some buzz about the pair of aces missing from the Cards. According to Derrick Goold, both Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter are making strides in their rehabs, and could rejoin the staff in August. Here’s the full story.
The outlook for the other disabled starter doesn’t look as bright. Mark Mulder is meeting with doctors this week to try to figure out how to plan his next move. Back in January, before Spring Training even began, I wrote about the fans’ expectations for the lefty. I posed the question, “How many starts will Mark Mulder make for the Cardinals in 2008?” 72 people responded to the poll. Here’s the breakdown:
- More than 25: 0 votes
- 20-25: 8 votes
- 15-20: 17 votes
- 10-15: 17 votes
- Less than 10: 30 votes
Mulder has made one start, that lasted just 16 pitches. Who could have predicted that? It’s a risk that didn’t pan out. Time to cut ties. Here’s the archived post.
Baseball and beer are my two favorite things, and by now, you’ve heard that Anheuser Busch is being bought by the Belgian brew maker InBev. I’m still not sure how I feel about this. Aside from ordering a good beer at a bar or restaurant occasionally, I usually go out of my way to drink AB products. My loyalty is to the point where I feel guilty drinking something else, and I wouldn’t dare buy anything from the competitors, Miller and Coors. All this beer talk is making me thirsty. What are your thoughts?
Finally, the shameless plugs. If you’re a regular visitor, you’ve surely noticed the ad in the sidebar for the Mizzou event. On July 26, the Roaring Reunion will be held at the Busch Stadium Redbird Club. They have a slew of auction items, and the proceeds will support scholarships for St. Louis area high school seniors planning to attend the University of Missouri. For more information, click here.
A while back, I was sent a copy of the St. Louis Cardinals Baby DVD, from Team Baby Entertainment. Now I don’t have kids, and that’s a good thing, because I’m not sure how often you’re supposed to feed and walk them or whatever. But I’m a big time Cardinals fan, and this video is narrated by Ozzie Smith, so of course I had to check it out. Here’s what they say about it:
Providing a fun-filled, colorful and visually stimulating experience to the St. Louis Cardinals and its sports pagentry, St. Louis Cardinals Baby DVD gives parents, grandparents, family and friends a uniquely entertaining way to share their love, loyalty and passion for their favorite team and the Fredbird with the children in their lives.
Ozzie and Fredbird? I’m sold. They’re a hell of a lot better than Barney or Dora, or whoever your kid is learning to count from. Raise your kid right. Buy this video.
That’s it for now. Game one of the San Diego series is later tonight. Hopefully the Cards can start the second half strong.
