Like a Kid Again...

"We just wanted to give them a false sense of security."

Who? The Tigers? The media? The world?

This can be the only explanation (and the rash of injuries that plagued the Redbrids) for the sub-par regular season and dominating post-season.

THE CARDINALS ARE WORLD CHAMPS! Its a good feeling. And now for some icing.

Here is a list of media who picked the Tigers (this is not a complete list so feel free to put their names in the comment box and I'll add them on):

How do you like your crow,
from ESPN,
Philips-Tigers in 5?
Olney-Tigers in 5?
Caple-Tigers in 5?
Crasnick-Tigers in 6?
Law-Tigers in 5?
Gammons-Tigers in 7?
Stark-Tigers in 6?
Neyer-Tigers in a sweep?
Kruk-Tigers in 6?
from Sportsline,
the name we don't speak of-Tigers in a sweep?
Mccarthy-Tigers in 5?
Rosen-Tigers in 5?
Mack-Tigers in 6?

I can't find the experts picks for Foxsports or SI. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it.

But tip your cap to:
Ravech-Cards in 7.

There are some similar comments at Fungoes.

As for those who say, "It was a poor series" or "The best teams weren't in it" or "It was a boring series" or "The Tigers threw the game away" you all are probably the same ones that would like to see a 17-15 game as opposed to a perfect game. Good defense DOES NOT mean a bad game. And that is what the Cardinals had: Good Defense; i.e., good pitching. Note that the errors might have made the difference in ONLY ONE GAME. If you need me to elaborate on this, then didn't watch the games.

Here's to the Cardinals: World Champions!

Cardnilly put it best: WOOOOOOOO!

Bellyitcher says: "Pinch me!"

Birdwatch "can't believe what happened."

Get up, Baby is getting into tailoring.

All in the Cards tell "how sweet it is!"

Like the Cardinal's Diaspora, I too love it when I am asked "how does it feel to be world champs""like I had something to do with it."

The 26th man "still can’t fully comprehend it."

Redbirds Fun says, "That's a winner!" and give a list to all who contributed this year.

RedbirdRamblings hollar, "WOOOOOOOOOOO!" too.

Redbirdbrain is "still floating."

The Red Crush call them a "Team of Destiny."

In Walt We Trust claims that "all is right with the world."

FYC is still "awrapped in joy."

The Capital City Cardinals (I live in KY too!) give a Queen'esque salute!

So too does Rockin' the Red!

Cardinal Girl proclaims that its time to "revel."

Party Like its 1982 is currently doing just that.

In the Cards is "basking in the Glory."

The Cards deck gives an hommage to Jack.

YNOT a Blog gives the current Cubs vs. Cardinals WS count.

Having Sobered up, Stan Musial's Stance is ready to talk.

Go Crazy, Folks is St. Peter for Halloween as we are welcomed into Baseball heaven!

As for me, I feel like a kid again.

-CJ

Rain Rain Go Away

"To rain or not to rain?", that is the question! There are some pluses and minuses concerning the rainy weather in general.

Minuses
1. It hurts momentum.
2. Gives rest for Tigers' bullpen who pitched several innings on Tues.
3. Gives rest for Kenny Rogers and MAY even include the chance that he appears two more times this series. (However, his status was probably not changed due to the rainout last night as the travel day is simply eaten up. Yet, if the Tigers lose game 4, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in game 5 on short rest.)
4. Gives the Tigers' bats a chance to regroup.
5. "The War at Home"

Pluses
1. The Cardinals will be resting comfortably in their homes while the Tigers sit in a hotel one day and get relocated another.
2. Gives rest to Weaver and Carpenter.
3. Gives the Cardinals' bats a chance to regroup as they have been only slightly better than the Tigers in the past 3 games.
4. Carpenter could pitch 2 more times. If there are rainouts until Fri or Sat it could be glorious for the RedBirds.
5. Those who were saying that the layoff hurt the Tigers will have to agree that this could hurt them more.
6. I didn't have to tape "Lost."

We'll just have to wait and see.
-CJ

CARP COMES CORRECT!

Great outting by Carp. Only one batter got to ball 3. Only one batter saw more than 4 pitches (and he saw only 5). Only three baserunners all night! No walks! Carp goes 8 innings on 83 pitches. That is one of the more dominant pitching performances in the World Series--EVER. While there were a couple of hard hit balls, they were few and far between. The three hits just found holes. If Soup has half the game Carp did, I will be pleased. One might say he has really overachieved in the NLCS, but he has been the hottest pitcher since the all-star break. That said, I feel good going into game four. Add in the Cardinal's success against righties (Bonderman goes tonight) and I like their chances even better. The Tigers can still make it a series. If they are able to snag one in STL, then they have his Pineness for game 6. If Reyes is going in game 5, then the Tigers have a good shot. I sincerely doubt that he will have a similar type performance that he had in game 1--however, I would love to be wrong.

What's up with playing "We will rock you" after Pudge got hit hard with a pitch? The Cardinals have more class than that. Whoever is in charge of the music and sound effects inbetween pitches and at-bats needs to be more sensitive. In football, everyone shuts-up and takes a knee. In baseball, it should be the same. I couldn't hear any applause when Pudge got back up (over the TV). Anyone that was actually there here any applause? If not, then I'm dissappointed in "the best fans in sports."

The people who are complaining that this is a boring series, are the same people who were complaining that the Cardinals don't have any pitching. Warm up the ovens, Folks. Prepare to put the crows in the oven.

One last thing, do you realize that this is the fastest the Cardinals have gone in the post-season since 1987. What does that say about they 2004 and 2005 Cardinals.....hmmmm?

Edit: I've added a truck load of links to some new Cardinal blogs. There seems to be more popping up then ever before. Some of them are REALLY good. Check em out. But please, always come back.

-CJ

Smile it is 1 and 1

The Cardinals waltzed into Detroit using their two weaker pitchers and they came out even. Now the scales are tipped in our favor. 3 games in StL. Carp and Soup for the first two. That's right kids, even if we only win 2 in StL then we have a distinct advantage going back to Detroit. The stuff on Rogers' hand sure made for an odd atmosphere, and I'm sure that TLR played it down cause his hand appeared to be clean after the first and because of the apparent coziness between the two ball clubs. However, if that wasn't pine tar, I don't have a blog. Tootsie rolls? AVS is dealing some serious bologna. Every pitcher I know is very particular about their grip. I think a sticky melted chocolate would have been cleaned off. Plus, tootsie rolls don't have a yellow hue. However, he got away with some serious mistakes. Several linedrives were picked up by the outfield, and Pujols and Molina both barely missed going yard. As for Scott Miller, this is the last time we mention his name on this blog. He is a hack of a writer who no longer deserves my attention on this blog. When I said he was like the squirrelly reporter from 61*, I was dead on. As for Scott Rolen, he appeared to be seeing the ball well, and I like to see some added protection for Pujols in the lineup. As for Encarnation, get him out of there. He is NOT seeing the ball--in the box or in the field. He bobbles nearly every ball that comes his way. He takes angles on balls like he has never played the outfield before. And frankly, he looks like he just doesn't care to be out there. Put in J-Rod or put happy feet Speizio or deer in the headlights Duncan. It may not be pretty when they are out there, but they haven't cost us runs yet. Even my wife said, "It looks like he is deciding to swing before he even sees the ball. And then just throws his bat out there." Pretty sad endictment if even my wife (remember the swastika incident?) noticed that detail. All in all, we are looking good. We almost won that game last night, despite some wicked pitching by Rogers. I just can't stand that guy.

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings."
-Earl Wilson


If that's true of a regular game, then I wonder what a World Series game is.
-CJ

Allow me a few moments...

...to celebrate. Great game. Good pitching, despite the media punks. The pitching was so good against what was supposed to be the best lineup in the bigs(save the Yanks). Now it appears the Cardinals have a chance. I'm not going to go out on a limb and say that the Cardinals WILL win it. But I will say it won't be 4 or 5. I called the Mets series, and don't see the Cardinals going down that hard. Wouldn't it be strange if this underachieveing 83 game winning club went farther than the 105 club a few years ago. And we don't have destiny to fight against this time. My prediction: Cardinals in 6. "What?!" you say. I went ahead and said it. Its not a guarantee. Only a prediction. Play semantics all you want.
-CJ

5 left

One more to get there, four after that. Scott Miller http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9736310 gives a laughable turnaround from the previous night's rantings. This guy should have a blog somewhere, not a sportsline.com column. Errr wait. It looks like Weaver is a solid post-season pitcher-home or away. The infield wasn't positioned as well as it was in Game 1 for the Mets. That was the only difference between Glavine's start then and last night. Pujol's homer wouldn't have cleared the fence in Shea. Kenney looked good--then bad. I don't see the Cards dropping 2 at Shea with Carp and Soup against Lobster and TBA. Duncan was due. I said it right before his swing. Don't believe me? I have witnesses.
-CJ

He wasn't all that good...

Glavine watched screaming linedrive after linedrive get snagged by an impressive infield. We all watched as he fell behind in the count only to be bailed out by poor at-bats. Sure, that might be due to his quality, but it didn't look it. Weaver was certainly the better pitcher that day. Add in the horrible strikezone and you have a mediocre outing by Glavine. And to Jon Heyman, what's Pujols' BA against the Mets... 286! That's over 4 games! Anyone can have a 286. Add in the fact that he has had at LEAST 3 scalding linedrives snagged by leaping infielders. How many runs does that account for? Let's be honest folks, the Mets showed up for game 4. Hancock is certainly not the answer for middle relief. But if Weaver pitches like last time (I know it was a road game) I think the Cardinals have a good shot. Sure we have to go back to NY, but Carpenter is on the mound against Maine. As to the drama regarding Rolen and TLR...give it up media! Nobody wants to be benched. Nobody wants to start an injured player. Since your daytime award winning Yankees are gone you have to try to stir up trouble elsewhere. Yes, Scott Miller. You are the sniveling little reporter in the movie 61*. Reading your article on Sportsline.com killed more braincells then an entire college binge night. Not an ounce of evidence to prove that there was the turmoil that you are making it out to be. "I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."-BM

-CJ

To all the doubters...

How do you like your crow served? To all those who said, "we'll get there but we won't do anything when we do." Nya nya! I know we haven't done that much, but its something. Here's to the real STL Cards showing up! GO CARDS!
-CJ

DANG IT LR!

If he has a player hit and run with the pitcher at the plate one more time, I'm going to scream.
-CJ

To the Doubters...

There WAS a whole lot of doubting going on amongst the supposedly "best fans in basbeball." The phrase heard most often was "but they won't do anything in the post-season." With the best player in all of baseball plus a legitimate ace, the Cardinals can do more than "nothing." Mark you caledars, today you heard it here on The Cardinal Virtue: The Cardinals will win the NL. That may not be saying as much as that normally means, but its more than anyone else is.
-CJ

Super Pujols

In a reality some people think is completely devoid of real superheros--I submit A. Pujols. The "man" just tied Willie Mays for game winning HR's in a season. Mere mortal? Nay, I say. But perhaps last night's triple-deck-dinger should have counted for extra. The Cardinals found themselves in their 3rd 7th game slide. Like Superman saving the always beleaguered Metropolis, so too has Pujols carried this steakiest of teams into the land of magic number 4. Assuming we retain our 1st place Central position, there are things that even the mighty Puols can't save the redbirds from--a collapse by the Dodgers. The Phillies have a relatively easy schedule remaining 1 at D.C. and 3 in Florida. The Dodgers also have a fairly easy 3 agaisnt S.F. and 1 against CO. With only a 1 game lead in the Wildcard, its anyone's game. I'm sure most of you are aware that if the Phillies get the W.C. it means we play the Mets. While the Mets have been cold of late, they are playing clinched playoff baseball--an entirely different game. What do I think? Lets not blow this Central thingy--then we'll bother with who we will play.
-CJ

I write more "back posts" then normal ones...

Such is the life of grad school. Funny how my last post was about an 8 game slide. Now we are facing another one. The pressure is on and we are facing the biggest choke job in MLB history. That's right, kids--in MLB history. Have you ever been to Houston and seen the size of their cockroaches? Know how cockroaches never die? Can you think of a better name than the Astros?
-CJ

Off the Snide!

Took long enough but the ball finally bounced our way. "A matter of time?" yes and no. Depends on the antecedant...Was it a matter of time that we hit the snide? Was it a matter of time that we came out of it. I guess its rather yes and yes. We started out strong but then became too reliant upon Pujols to win games. When I say reliant, I mean he had too many game winning one run game hits. You win a lot by one run and you're going to be like the Nats last year. We got found out. Are we still strong enough to win the central? Of course. But lets not get crazy kids. Unless we pick up a fantastic starting pitcher (I don't know what with), by trade time...we won't get past the pennant. That's right...you heard it here first...unless someone has already read it. I haven't been blog trolling in a while due to my dell laptop frying its own mother board. Thanks a lot dell...and the warranty just ran out. I better be careful I'm typing this on a dell at the library...they have eyes...and ears...but I guess you don't need ears to hear what I'm typing.

-Crazy CJ

WHAT?! Molina?!

For you stupid Cardinal-fans out there that are voting for Yadier for the All-Star game (he's third in the National league catcher spot), STOP! You are making us look bad. We are supposed to be the "smartest" fans in the game. Lets not vote like a bunch of "homers."
-CJ

Just Maintain...

Just maintain...give Pujols plenty of rest and no reason to rush back. Let's make sure he is good and healthy.

Glad Pujols is on the DL

For all those people writing out there that us Cardinal fans would rather see Pujols break Bonds' single season homerun record then win the World Series--read the title! He has been playing with a hurt back for some time now. I want nothing more than to see him healthy. We tried to rush Rolen back last year and look where that got us. I'm certain we can make the post season--its winning in the post season that concerns me the most. So take your time Albert. Take your time Chris. Jimmy. Let's not rush things. Its a long season lets play it accordingly.
-CJ

Coming out of retirement...

...for the second time. I would say it doesn't matter, but its the Astros. Should we go ahead and delcare them the wildcard winners now? Gosh, I'm sick of the Rocket.
-CJ

Did we really need...

...the modifying prepositional phrase? What planet is Garner on?

"He's the hottest man on the planet with somebody in scoring position."

-Garner on AP

-CJ

Semester is over!

Papers are graded...mine are turned in. Ah! It feels good. Almost as good as our lead on the Central. Now that feels good. Let's catch up...
1.Pujols is on a record breaking pace, but how long will it take before he starts getting the intentional pass more often. While it is true Albert has had way more protection than Bonds, its only a matter of time. Which means, that 81 HR pace (or whatver it is now), is going to taper off.... Additionally, his back has been bothering him quite a bit. Let's not have anymore slips on the logos shall we? And no, that wasn't some clever messianic reference either, but man...that would be clever. Anyone heard any word...get it? "word?" "logos?" ...nothing?...nevermind. Philistines. Has anyone heard anyting regarding his palatar facieitis (sp?). Has Saruman or Denethor looked into this? Gosh, I'm full of all sorts of nerdy references today. Just consider it making up for missing nearly a month. Seriously, how is his foot?

2.I saw AP strikeout the other day. I was curious...so I looked it up. He's only K'd 11 times. Anyone know the record for best HR to SO ratio? Compared to previous seasons he's doing good for AP.

3.Will the Bullpen keep up this pace? Does are bullpen remind you of the Goonies?
No? Me neither.

4.Is it me or are the Tigers the worst 1st place team ever? No? Look at their schedule and talk to me later.

5.I am one of those people that believes that it doesn't matter where Clemens winds up, he's going to directly effect the outcome of the Cardinals.

6.welp gotta run.
-CJ

Its My Fault

Seems like everytime I try to catch the Cards coming into Great American Ballpark, they lose. I blame myself. So...I won't go to today's game. Plus I have papers to grade.

Some notes on last nights game:
Pujols was seeing the ball well. He stroked several LONG fall balls. He just got under a few. He's looking good. He feels confident he can hit it out EVERY pitch.

Molina looks miserable. Put me in coach. At what point does his poor hitting make him too much of a liability? At least Matheny got a few bloop hits here are there. Bennett is NOT the answer.

How in the world did Arroyo EVER hit those two homeruns? He has one of the ugliest swings I've ever seen...even for a former AL pitcher. And someone get that boy some scissors. His hair was in MY face and I was in the Mezzanine.

Cheerleaders?!?! At a baseball game. Reds lose several respect points in my book. And they were dancing to the B52's to boot--bleh!

To the fat Red's fan who swore so much that he would make Good Will Hunting blush, your behavior in front of children is not cool.

To the rest of the Red's fans, you all are a class act, I always have a great time coming to GAB...except that the Cards lose every time I come to watch. Maybe that's why ya'll are so nice to me...
-CJ

That's much better!

Edmonds getting in on the act! Bout time!! But even better are good outings from Izzy and Carp. Carp is once again bringing filthy stuff, and if the lineup would have stepped up he'd be 3 and 0.

Question: When and who were the last pair to win the Cy Young and MVP in back to back years(either league and they don't have to be on the same team)?
-CJ

UGH

Let's not ever lose like that to the Pirates EVER again.
-CJ

Rolen's Back

One of the most encouraging things I noticed over the first few games is the play by Scott Rolen. Not only has he been seeing the ball well (as John Rooney points out EVERY at bat), but his play in the field looks good. That diving stop and throw to first from his knees can only be described as FILTHY! Jeff Cirillo needs to go ask for his lunch money back, as that was a mugging.

I really like Pujols' attitude regarding his HR. "I don't care about the home run...I care about the win." This is what separates Pujols from many of the other players out there. He leaves the conjecturing about individual accomplishments to wannabe pundits like me.

This is a big game for Marquis. He came out okay, but walked too many. He's in a contract year, and I hope that we are going to see some good stuff from him.

Bush had a great outing last time for the Brew-crew. Let's hope we can get to him early and make the kid sweat.

"If he raced his pregnant wife he'd finish third." (on catcher Mide Scioscia)
- Tommy Lasorda

-CJ

Having missed a sweep...

If one were to be out of town the Chicago series was one to miss. So I'll just pretend that Izzy can throw strikes, Pujols can average more than 1 hit per series, and as Rob at Birdwatch said, "Sitting Edmonds leaves the Cardinals' lineup looking like Pujols, Rolen and the Seven Dwarves in a one-run game."

So...after our sweep of the Phillies we come back home to our brand new stadium and after an amazing game in which Pujols get his 4th of the season and Mulder hits his first ever, we are sitting pretty with a well deserved day off before the game on wed. Opening day was fantastic, as the closest I was able to get was to drive by the stadium just before at 3 central on HWY 64 on my way back from Oklahoma. Does anyone understnad how torturous this was for me? I was completely helpless, being so close, no way to get a ticket, sniff...sniff...I can't take anymore. I'll have to write more later....sniff...
-CJ

I'll take it

I'll take it. 4 run inning is all it takes. Marquis was oookay. I'm out of town and I'll post more later.
-CJ

Big Day for X-Files

Big day for X-Files. I've been anxious to see him all offseason. As most everyone knows, this is a big year for Mulder. He's a FA and is looking to get back to his position before the last little funk he had in Oakland. While he had a great season for most pitchers last year, it was not up to par for him. It would do this heart some good to see him come out with a dominating performance of a very good Phillies line-up.

As for Rollins, I'm excited for him, as his current streak is very impressive. I find myself cheering for and against the person challenging the record. Some may not like me for it, but I find myself wanting the mystique of the old record to stay intact. I felt similar regarding MacG and Sosa (and later Bonds)when they were chasing Roger M. Hindsight being 20/20, I really wish they hadn't succeeded, for obvious reasons. But I have little reason (so far) to doubt Rollins' authenticity.

For the sake of my Redbirds, however, I hope he hits nothing but air.

"It's bad luck to be superstitious."
Dave Coggin, Phillies

-CJ

More Miles

Miles. double. triple. So far so good.

Pujols 2 homers...

Carpenter...was looking good until the 4th. But with that kinda lead...But the Philies usually hit Carpenter.

Got to like the intentional walk to put ducks on a pond for the grand salami for Rolen.

Speaking of Rolen...I want to be deeeeead wrong.

Looks like a "W" to start off the season.

"It good to be the king!" -Mel Brooks, History of the World Part I

-CJ

Magic 8ball

Feel free to send in your questions to your very own CardinalJohn, a pathetic excuse for a prophet, but you'll get my gut feeling nonetheless.

In a few hours another glorious season for the St. Louis Cardinals will be underway. I'm really stoked.

Will Pujols do even better this year?
My sources say, "Yes." Stronger, more experienced, and he's only 26.

Will Rolen be back to form?
Probably not. He'll be back--as in better than 2005, but that is hardly saying anything. Unfortunely, I don't think he'll ever revert back to his prime. I hope I'm DEAD WRONG.

Will the rotation be able to put up 2005esque numbers?
Most Likely. I've had to eat crow regarding these guys more than once. I've learned not to doubt 'em.

Will the bullpen hold up?
Outlook hazy--for obvious reasons.

Will our outfield be enough?
Yes, but it won't be pretty. I'll join the aging Edmonds but cheer for him all the more. I still think he's got a few more web-gems in him.

Infield replacements?
Yes, and don't believe the doom and gloom talk about the replacements. They were saying the same things about Eck and Grud last year.

Will they win 100 games again?
No.

Will they win the World Series?
Outlook positive.

Will they win today against the Phillies?
You bet your sweet bippy!

-CJ

...than you can shake a stick at

Lots of new (at least to me) cardinal blogs out there. Here are a few:
http://crimsonfowl.blogspot.com/
http://26thman.com/
http://progenyofpagnozzi.blogspot.com/
http://cardsfanschicago.com/
http://redbirdsfun.blogspot.com/
http://redbirddiary.blogspot.com/
http://www.stlouiscardsblog.com/
http://www.lawman3842.com/blog/
http://www.redbirdramblings.blogspot.com/
http://birdbrain.wordpress.com/
http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/
http://reverendredbird.wordpress.com/
http://www.theredcrush.com/
http://www.inwaltwetrust.com/

"Whatever I feel like doing, Gosh!"
-CJ

Clearing Cobwebs

Its time to clear the cobwebs of another offseason, and things look promising.

This is where I tell you that many a blogger and even more a professional writer will point out how "staying healthy is the key" to a successful season.

This is where I tell you that there are some new blogs out there that are worth a look (more on that in a later post).

This is where I tell you that is a bummer that Redbird Reasoning is no longer posting.

This is where I tell you that the player I refuse to talk about has now resurfaced only to fall to another injury.

...where I tell you that the way people are bemoaning Encarnacion, Spivey, and the left-fielder-to-be-named sounds an awful lot like the moans a year ago about Nunez, Grud, and Eckstein.

...where I tell you that we have a great problem if Ponson is battling just to make the rotation.

...where I tell you that Pujols better not hurt himself playing in the WBC.

...where I tell you a part of me is cheering for the Dom Rep.

...that I can't wait for my first game at new Busch.

...that loyalties aside, losing Morris is a very good thing, hated to see you go, Mo.

...that you know its going to be a good year in the central when the Reds are all hyped about their 37 year old prospect from Japan.

...that the Pirates are still the Pirates, the Cubs are still the Cubs, and the Astros are just too old.

Here's to another quality year. GO CARDS!

"You can't take her stuff. She's too old. I mean look at her...she's ooollld."
Happy Gilmore

-CJ