It's Good to be Right...

I don't have much time to do a proper write up. However, 4 starts, 3 wins, and a tiny ERA later, I will begin to toot my own horn for Penny. I noted some time ago that he would be an excellent addition under DD...I noted it even before he went to the Sox. And when he was let go by the Sox I wanted him then. So, yeah, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn, or something like that.

And then our own Trey was excited about the Penny signing--while others moaned. Now Penny is pitching lights out. The only downside of that is if he's a Type A at the end of the season (I still doubt that) then we can't offer him arbitration--and I think that means no supplementary draft picks. Correct me if I'm wrong. However, if we get Type A FA stuff outta him this year...then I'll say he was well worth the cash.

-CJ

Epic

I'm sure many of you are aware of the 20 inning game the Cards played against the Mets last night that ended in a 2-1 loss. TRL and most of the players talked afterward about how proud they were to have played in such a game and of the heart the whole team showed despite the loss. I echo those sentiments, but I do have one minor quibble with the game. What was TRL thinking with the double switch that took Holliday out and left the pitcher batting behind Pujols? I'm not too mad about taking Holliday out per se. He's been ill and clearly struggling on this homestand, but I did not like the double switch. This gave the Mets the opportunity to twice intentionally walk Pujols in extra innings with runners on. It was no decision at all for them really, as they got to face a pitcher instead. Allen Craig is no Holliday, but he would have at least made them think about it. Considering Albert got a hit the two times he was pitched to in extras, it's reasonable to assume he would have won the game for us in one of those earlier opportunities if he had had the chance. Sometimes TRL falls a little too much in love with the double switch, and this was one of those times. A great game for sure, but one I would rather have won.

-Trey

Quick Thoughts

• TLR says that he isn't worried about Carp. Hmmm...that helps--a bit.
• I really enjoyed the 5-0 shut out last night. But we SHOULD have scored way more. Holliday had a couple of opportunities but left men on. We also made several silly base-running errors: Wainwright trying to advance, Rasmus, trying to steal, Luds trying to advance on the throw.
• The early Skippy haters (and there were lots this season) have been shut down. It's ridiculous to get worked up over two games and Spring training.
• We could easily be undefeated thus far. It's too bad Penny couldn't get the win before. I'm really excited to see if he can bring some of the same stuff.

-CJ

Comeback Cards

Yeah I know, before you say anything, I know I forgot to finish the season preview. I'll still try and get to it at some point. I think. Anyway, exciting game tonight. Cards score two in the top of the ninth by the surprising way of a Nick Stavinoha pinch-hit two-run home run. Perhaps more importantly, the bullpen actually did well after some real struggles in the first series. Hawkesworth and Reyes each pitched a scoreless inning following a not quite stellar start by Lohse. Franklin got the save with a scoreless bottom of the ninth. Certainly it seems that the offense could be MUCH better than last year based on the first few games, and hopefully the starting pitching will be at least as good, but the bullpen is where the few questions we have lie. Tonight was definitely a nice step in the right direction. The Cards close this series against the Brew Crew before their first homestand of the year starts on Monday by playing on Sunday night baseball, so I am looking forward to seeing them live for the first time then. Carp starts I believe, so should be good times!

-Trey

A Penny Saved...

...would be a Win earned. But it wasn't a save situation and we lost. So...ahmmm so much for wit. Talk about your winnable games. Penny turned in a fairly strong performance. Bronson stymied Cardinals' bats for much of the night (my night your day). And Motte comes on and pitches much like he did on opening day. Eeesh. That bullpen of ours which was lookin' poor on paper to enter the season is now lookin' paper thin. Who can you trust?

BTW, I've been forced, thanks to ESPN America, to watch American League games and man...those are boring. No switches. So little strategy. What do AL managers actually do again?

-CJ

A FRANKlin Discussion

I've never wanted to have one of those blogs that boohoos a team when they're winning. And I don't plan to start now. Furthermore, it's not right to freak out after only two games. However, when there was a pattern from last year that might be being carried over to this year, it's not unfair to raise the eyebrows.

Perhaps the most disconcerting thing is Franklin's play over the last two games. In fact, his overall performance reminds me of Izzy before his "injury." If you recall, Izzy had several games where he was still picking up saves but he was getting hit hard. Fortunately for those games, and for us last night those balls were hit right at defenders. But just like Izzy's liners, if Franklin continues to miss his spots those hard hit balls will eventually find holes. I really liked TLR using the opportunity on opening day to get a look at Franklin. And I hope that Franklin gets back to his early 2009 season form--but I have to admit to being worried.

Another concern is swinging at balls way outside. Several folks looked committed to swinging--and these were at pitches that looked bad coming out of the hand. Admittedly, I didn't have a view behind homeplate but the swings I'm talking about didn't exactly have deceiving action on them. Yadier, Ryan, and even Pujols. I'm going to keep an eye out for it. I just don't understand why they're pressing against such an underwhelming offense like the Reds.

All in all, we've got the brooms in hand, and the real test begins as we delve into the deeps that is 3-4-5 of the rotation. I mean, common, you expect to win with Carp and Waino, don't ya?

-CJ

Just noticed this post after I made mine. http://www.pitchershiteighth.com/2010/04/08/redbird-reveille-frankhausen-ball-busch-free-parking-jaime-garcia/

Happy Opening Day!

A lot to talk about! 4-5 with two HRs for Pujols. IBB in front of Molina and he rips a GS! Franklin didn't look good though...
Anyhow, it's a good start to the season overall. My daughter yelling: "Go Skippy!" Too bad he went 0fer with an E.
-CJ