FINALS

That's where I've been. I know you all miss me a ton. **cricket noises** ahemm... Have no fear. I'll be back in a week or so. Let's try not to lose another series to the Padres while I'm still gone.

"You have the worst reflexes of all-time, Kyp."

-CJ

4-0 top of the third

Carpenter has a one hitter through 2. Looks like we have another quality start in the...wait for it....Brewing. In baseball's version of the "Bud Bowl" the boys in red have had quite the advantage. The Brewers, one of MLB's bottom feeders when it comes to payroll, can't expect to continue to shell out peanuts and expect to field a regularly competitive ball club. The Cardinals, on the other hand are near the top when it comes to payroll, although significantly lower than your Yankees or Red Sox types. With the Cardinal's off to their best start since 82 one begins to wonder if they can surpass last years wonderful 100+ win season. I expect good things. Reasons they won't surpass it:

• the always present injury bug (see Izzy for more details)
• Bullpen questions
• luke warm bats

But are those real questions? Are those real doubts that are unique to the Redbirds? Hardly. With a low OBP and BA one might question the bats. But who are they kidding. Its just a matter of time before things really get going. 6 hits through 3 innings is a good start. Any team is in danger of the injury bug. And if the rotation continues to get quality starts...what bullpen questions?

Reasons they will:

• Healthy (for now)
• Mulder, Morris, Carpenter appear to be firing on all cylinders
• Quality from Suppan, Marquis
• Strong Bats (formidable lineup, top to bottom)

"I've got a good mind to join a club and beat you over the head with it."

-- Groucho Marx (Duck Soup)

-CJ

The A's called. They want their...

10

4

0

All bow in worship of our beloved X-files!

And now you know....the rest of the story! Good day!

-CJ

Bad Cardinals Fans of Significance?

The best stuff in this article is near the bottom. So don't start reading, get bored and leave, UNTIL you read the bottom.

With a host of possible problems, Mulder, Rolen, Julian, et.al., one has to worry--even the most positive. I'm not talking lying awake at night or even having nightmares, but when you sit down to write about "your team" you feel...unsettled. 3-4 and just a few quality starts. What are you supposed to feel--happy? Hardly. I suppose someone will hollar that I should be grateful that we did pull out a couple that we SHOULD have lost. No...that only makes me feel worse. Thanks for bringing it up, Einstein.

But WAIT! Let's not forget the fact that at the end of May the Cardinals were merely 4 games over .500.

Ahh I feel better now.

Don't you?

On an entirely different note. QUICK! In the next minute think of all the negative interactions between Cards fans and any visiting opponent. QUICK! In the next 10 seconds think of negative encounters in Yankees vs. Red Sox. Which one is did you come up with the most? Let me know what you think. I for one know that there are some great Yankee and Red Sox fans out there. But ratio-wise, why is it that there is an abundance of bad ones for this rivalry? (And I even read a blog trying to say the fan DIDN'T take a swing at him. He claimed that he hasn't seen a replay that shows an attack definitively. Apparently he needs to adjust his rabbit ears and turn on ESPN). I want to know how Veritek got a triple when a fan actually hit a player. And the guy was SIMPLY EJECTED. No prosecution!

The biggest hating I've ever personally seen by the Cardinals faithful was vs. my favorite Cardinal of all time (then Giant) Will Clark. But the hating on him because of his hard slide into Oquendo (before the coaching days) could hardly be counted as "an incident." Plus things sure seemed forgiven after an amazing finish to his career in St. Louis. I believe Will holds the record for most curtain calls per Cardinal at-bat. (No, I didn't look that up).

Did we have any streakers during Mac's run? But that is a different type altogether.

In 10 seconds I could think of 4 at Fenway and that's just thinking of the past two years. I'm sure people with better memories could easily think of more. And I'm not even talking about between the players. There is something there in that rivalry that I am glad doesn't exist in the Cubs vs. Cards. Some may say that the other rivalry is better, because it is more intense. Personally, I don't think so. I love going to Bush and seeing the Cubs hats. I love seeing Fred Bird atop the faithful that visit Wrigley.

fortunately, there are tons of great fans in that NE rivalry, and they FAR OUTNUMBER the slack-jawed morons that pull stunts like the other night. But pound for pound seems like the NE has more than their fair share.

BTW When is Christian Family Day at Bush this year?

-CJ

Wasn't Pretty But it Works

I'm sure it wasn't what Mulder had hoped for, but I am sure that we'll take a win any way we can get it. With 4 ER through 6 innings, Mulder was good enough to hand it over to Reyes and Izzy. Reyes did give up a couple of BBs but 3 strikeouts in 2 innings makes me pleased. Izzy gives up two BB and gets 2 K's. I'll take it.

Question of the day: Are you comfortable handing the ball off to Reyes in a close one in the late innings? I'm not--yet.

"Am I some clown here to amuse you?" After watching Scarface and Goodfellas back to back I have to say...wow that was depressing. I think I'll watch The Jerk again.

-CJ

Blogger is driving me nuts!

So, Petite is healthy.

Our bullpen looks weak. I'm not going to try and make it sound good. Many have tried to put a spin on things especially about Tavarez. He had a DISASTROUS end of the season last year. And was not impressed with his FIRST game back. His second game back-- not so much either. I think I might need to change the name of my blog to "I hope I'm wrong but...."

I digress...its only the second game of the season. Has last year changed your expectations? Let me know what you think. I know that for me, I think I might have too high of expectations. Is it out of the question to EXPECT 100+ again?

So here it is: 101 w's. Division crown and World Series appearance. Feel free to call me on it.

Rick passed waivers. Good thing. He looks promising at the plate. He's still young. Here's wishing him well. Promise: Unless Ricky makes it to the bigs you will not here me talk about him anymore.

Cubs look nice and suspect. Yeah I know....that's old news. I just like saying it. Here's wishing them healthy. I NEVER want to win cause of something tragic.

Lots of here's wishing.

"Kitten Juggling!" LOLOL

My first time seeing The Jerk.

-CJ

So....Off we go

So, Petite is healthy.

Our bullpen looks weak. I'm not going to try and make it sound good. Many have tried to put a spin on things especially about Tavarez. He had a DISASTROUS end of the season last year. And was not impressed with his FIRST game back. His second game back-- not so much either. I think I might need to change the name of my blog to "I hope I'm wrong but...."

I digress...its only the second game of the season. Has last year changed your expectations? Let me know what you think. I know that for me, I think I might have too high of expectations. Is it out of the question to EXPECT 100+ again?

So here it is: 101 w's. Division crown and World Series appearance. Feel free to call me on it.

Rick passed waivers. Good thing. He looks promising at the plate. He's still young. Here's wishing him well. Promise: Unless Ricky makes it to the bigs you will not here me talk about him anymore.

Cubs look nice and suspect. Yeah I know....that's old news. I just like saying it. Here's wishing them healthy. I NEVER want to win cause of something tragic.
Lots of "here's wishing."
"Kitten Juggling!" LOLOL My first time seeing The Jerk.

-CJ

Yippy Skippy!

Wow it feels like Summer already!

My Church History professor and devout Yankees fan put it well: "'9-2' all is right with the world again." Then he says, "2090 sounds about right."

7-3! WOW! 7 strong innings and only one ER! That's what we want to see. Fluke year? BAH! Nay I say! Carpenter Comes Correct!

3 dingers! Can't ask for a much better opening.

Only concern will be the bullpen. Reyes, King, and Tavarez looked suspect. But let's keep the chins up out there.

And we did it all against Oswalt! Magic 8-ball: Sources say, "YES!"

-CJ

Albert to Get His Shot?

That's the first thing that popped into my mind when I heard that Barry might be gone for part or all of the upcoming season.

• As has been pointed out over at Get Up, Baby (I originally said Curveblog but I mixed em up), these type of things need to be taken lightly.
• However, if the aforementioned retirement/slow rehab takes place for the Giants' left-fielder, what does that mean as far as competition for Pujols?
• Beltre has been reassigned to the Siberia.
• Beltran will be readjusting, and last year fell short of Pujols in EVERY major category save BA and steals.
• Helton can be dangerous every year at Coors, but it unlikely that we will see a surge strong enough to pass Pujols. I'm fairly confident that Helton's best years are (unfortunetly) behind him.
• Abreu seems to be one of the biggest contenders for the NL MVP crown in 2005. With power, speed, and a great OBP he looks like one of the front runners. However, he will need more than HR's in the upper 20's and a higher BA to get the job done. A lot will have to do with the protection he recieves with Thome batting behind him. Look for the decline of Thome to be a slight decline for Bobby as well.
• Edmonds will NOT have the year he had last year.
• Rolen, if healthy, should have another great season. But he will need to boost his HR total to have a shot.
• Dunn doesnt have the average or the OBP.
• Is there anyone else that might pose a threat that I haven't listed? Please comment and let me know what you think.

Don: [playing kickball] Hey, Napoleon. Did you wet the bed last night?

Napoleon Dynamite: Hey, Don, did you take a dump in your bed last night?

Don: I could kick your butt, Napoleon, so I'd shut up.

Napoleon Dynamite: Why don't you go tell your mom to shut up?

Don: What did you say?

Napoleon Dynamite: Whatever I feel like I wanna say.

Don: Did you say something about my mom?

Napoleon Dynamite: Maybe I did, maybe I didn't.

Don: Do you wanna die, Napoleon?

Napoleon Dynamite: Yeah right. Who's the only one here who knows the illegal ninja moves from the government?

-I do. CJ.

Talkin' Turkey

I've been on this horse before, so I'll make it quick. $5 Million for Cedeno. Ouch.

$12.5 Million for Walker. Hopefully not too much Ouch. Depends on how much PT he gets. If he fails to get 130 games (which is LaRussa's "happy" goal) people will begin to stratch their heads.

Morris for dramatically cheaper is looking better and better with his quick return to health. Although he got hammered the other day I expect a much better season than compared to 2004.

The money not spent on the likes of Edgar could mean exciting new possiblities to shore up the bullpen. Long relief is looking more and more like the next pothole to clean-up.

Check out this great blog: Hardball Dollars, as it has UP TO DATE information!

"Well, I have all your equipment in my locker. You should probably come get it cause I can't fit my numchucks in there anymore. "

-CJ

Coming to a wavier wire near you...

...Rick Ankiel.

1. If you didn't know it already, Rick Ankiel has officially retired from pitching, and switched to outfield.

2. If you didn't know it already, Slippery Rick is out of options. i.e. Ricky has to clear waivers to be able to be sent back down.

3. If you didn't know it already, there is lots of talk about Rick being the answer to our "aging" outfield. Get over it. The kid hit well...in "A" ball. He's a great hitting pitcher, but not good enough to eat up a roster spot when he ain't pitching. I really like the guy, but I don't quite understand the facination with him--to the point where people think that he's going to make the team with his lumber.

4. This is a conversation between Ankielites and Cardinal's skipper Tony La Russa.
Tony: Ankiel has officially retired from pitching.
Ankielites: (Weeping and Gnashing of teeth)
Tony: But he's going try to be an outfielder.
Ankielites: (Hallelujah Chorus)
Tony: But the chances don't look good for him making the team.
Ankielites: Chances don't look good? Not good as in one in a hundred?"
Tony: More like one in a million.
Ankielites: So you're tellin' us there's a chance!!! Yesssss!

5. Apparently I have to say something. But is anyone out there about as sick and tired of Bernie Miklasz as I am? In a post in his column on Wed. Ole Weekend Bernie ripped the Cardinals for "babying" Ankiel. While this is true to a certain extent, does he honestly think that Ankiel will make the team? Maybe he missed La Russa's quote concerning the dramatic turn of events."La Russa conceded there will be few, if any, at-bats for Ankiel during the team's exhibition schedule. 'I can't give them to him because he's not going to make our team.'" La Russa said. (Courtesy of St. Louis Post-dispatch). Regardless, of whether he saw the quote or not, his ranting on the subject is too much. ("Don't read him then!" my wife says as I yell at the computer screen). Its as bad as another recent article of his on how "Injuries, or the lack thereof is the key, for the Cardinals." What team is this not true of? Seriously, name one? How about a post about something original/informational/factual! But I digress...

6. I started thinking that this might be a bluff on the part of the Cardinals in order to see if they could squeeze Ricky through waivers. I have heard a rumour about a team(s) that might call the bluff. That's all I can say on the matter. (I feel so important saying that!) I will not reveal "deep-throat." (all of a sudden I get lots of hits from porn junkies) Digressing again...but then I saw that Scott Boras, Rick's agent, was informing all the teams that RICK WILL NOT PITCH FOR ANYONE. Which gave credance to the idea that this was not some desperate attempt to keep the "golden project" just a little bit longer. OR it is an even more elaborate attempt to keep the birdies on his chest. (and there was great rejoicing from the Ankielites).

7. Looks like what this does do, here comes the silver lining....wait for it....a quality lefty minus the demons will get a better shot. Myers and Flores--among others.

8. Looks like Rick had a good outting in--batting practice on Thursday. I can see the Ankielites begin to salivate now.

9. In REAL news Walker should be back to start in a Spring game.

10. "Stay home and eat all the freakin' chips, Kip."

"Napoleon, don't be jealous that I've been chatting online with babes all day. Besides, we both know that I'm training to be a cage fighter. "

"Since when, Kip? You have the worst reflexes of all time."

-CJ

The Dugout

There is a new blog called "The Dugout." (See links section). First post looks good and I couldn't agree more. Here's to Smore!

-CJ

Did I mention...SPRING!!!!

Man it's great to be talking about some actual action.

• Will Clark will be helping out this year....with the Diamondbacks. (Thanks Liam) So strike it up B.B 'cause the Thrill is gone. Apparently the switch had something to do with his agent and Arizona. You heard it here first: Because of these events the Diamondbacks will rise up and only lose the division by 15 games this year. :)
• Heard some recent ill-mannered Cubs fans on a message board (I know I know....trolling for trouble, a lion eating a fly, whale to plankton etc. humor me just a little 'cause I was wondering if they seriously have a point) talking about how the Cardinals are destroying Pujols' career by not sitting him out a year so that his heel may heal. So far Pujols has not yet undergone the surgery cutting part of the ligament in order to relieve the stress that his injury has caused, but has had 2 treatments of orthotripsy which help to cause ligament healing in 90% of folks. Continued PT after these treatments should not cause any further damage. (Info courtesy of WebMD; no, I'm not a med student) Sooooo when our Little bears suggested that we sit him, I think it was just wishful thinking on their part. When asked if he had been taking it easy this off season Pujols responded, "There's no easy work in the offseason," he said. "Does my body look like I took it easy?" (stlcardinals.com)
• Morris and Carpenter were throwing well and Duncan seems to think Morris will be ready by mid April. Very encouraging news considering the June 1 expectation date early announced.
• "Take a look at what I'm wearing, people. You think anybody wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it. Last off, my students will learn about self respect. You think anybody thinks I'm a failure because I go home to Starla at night? Forget about it!"

I know, I'm addicted.

-CJ

SPRING!!!!!!

• Interesting fact: Every year that Will Clark has helped out in the Cardinals' organization they have gone to the post-season--whether in the lineup or coaching during the Spring. Coincidence? Maybe...but I choose to think otherwise.
• Excited to see Myers in spring training. I'm really glad that we cheaply shored up the lefty part of the bullpen.
• X-files really struggled at the end of the season last year--I'm REALLY anxious to see how he performs.
• Here's hoping that Yadier proves us right for not shelling out for the "stickless" but likable Matheny. His battle with Diaz should prove to be interesting. Take note how much PT they both get.
• Anyone know who the Spring Training coaches are this year? Hopefully the "Thrill isn't gone."
• Ankiel--EVERY other eye will be on this kid. Here's wishing him well. Best of luck, Rick!
• A chance to see Bo Hart in action! Live it up Jupiter-folk. Watching his overachieving is quite the sight.
• How the heck are you going to do that? I don't know build her a cake or something.

-CJ

Beltran, Sosa, Alou, etc.

I'm loving it. I love watching NL central competition leave town. Watching the likes of Beltran, Sosa, Alou, and Clement to name a few big names that have left town, sure makes you wonder why so many still don't give the Cardinals their proper due. In the Baseball Special of the Sporting News the Cardinals were picked to finish 2nd in the central. Why? The loss of Matheny, Womack, and Renteria too much to contend with? Please. Despite the fact that Molina is not the quality of Matheny--yet, and Eckky is definetly no Edgar, Grud IS an upgrade from the ailing Womack, and lest we forget we have X-files now. With a healthy Carpenter, Pujols (here's hoping), and Rolen how are the Redbirds not better? The departure of Beltran and the eating up of $$ by the Rocket has only hurt the Astros, and the Cubs are saying goodbye to a lot of power and a very strong starter. As for the Reds and the Pirates, I don't see any major improvements that would warrant their pick as the new big dog in the Central. Wow this is going to be an exciting season--too bad there is a ton of basketball between now and then...
-CJ

Voices in my head

Biggest Question on the horizon is come and gone-Mark G.

Now my question is do you like him? Drop me some comments on what you think...as for me the jury is still out. No, I don't have a multiple personality.

Another question for anyone who happens to look at my blog: Matt Leach said in a recent post at stlcardinals.com, "But it's just as possible that the Cards are plugging in a Gold Glove-caliber defender who will outhit the guy who departed, and doing it at about one-tenth the cost." Do you think Molina has that much upside? Why or why not? (Didn't you always hate it when you were taking a test and the question had a yes or no answer and then the teacher tacked that annoying why or why not question at the end?)

In other news Pujols is reportedly doing much better with his heel problem, and Carpenter will be ready to go for Spring Training. Some other Jury (not the one in my head) is still out on Morris' avialability for the start of the season. Which makes me worried that we added that extra year and didn't go after someone else. But John! What about loyalty?!?! What about the ace that was so amazing just a few years ago?!?! So good in fact we started paying him 12M a year!!! Nevermind I see your point....even though his extention is much better.

-CJ and CJ and CJ

Anyone still around?

After grad school fall semester finals and crazy Christmas break in San Diego I'm back in the saddle.

Mulder-Stars of tomorrow for now? Most likely. This trade lost us some serious prospects in Kiko and Danny but the upside for next year has been greatly increased. With a great deal in a cheaper extention with Morris, and Mulder replacing the aging Williams, things are looking up. Mulder's health is to be taken into consideration, but with a healthy Carpenter things should be fine. Especially important is Mulder's addition to the rotation because Morris will be out the first few weeks due to surgery.

Matheny-No way we should keep him for that type of money. Shame though because of his leadership, glove, and healthy clubhouse attitude. Won't miss his bat though. 'Cept for those rare but sweet memories of him coming through in the clutch in late innings.

Edgar-Bummer, but he was "slumping" for him. His stats saw a distinct dropoff in 2004 (an non I'm not talking about his RBI's and yes I know he had to lose his lineup spot) and this could free up some $$ for something brewing.

Eckstein-This guy's persona seems to fit in with the Redbirds. His range is the big "suspect" talk, but if he plays anything like he did with the MLB champs a few years ago he will be a fine and cheaper addition. Question is who will he be turning two with? My initial response to Alomar is "N O !" Don't like his attitude and his stats with the Sox are hidious. Maybe I'm still stuck on the whole umpire spitting incident. So ugly...I suppose I should let it go. How many years has it been since then? Believe he was with the Orioles.

Others-Wow, bid a fond farewell to the Simo-man, Kliner (won't miss your finger though hehe), and Womack.

Walt-Just the Mulder deal? Something doesn't add up here. Look for Jockety to pull off something exciting. Losing $10M of Morris' money and losing Edgar frees up something, interesting to see what he does with it.

Good to be back
-CJ

Here's a couple of good tidbits

• ESPN.com has this: "The Red Sox World Series win was sheer mathematics: Number of days between Red Sox World Series triumphs: 31,459. The fabled mathematical concept, PI (of PI R SQUARED fame): 3.14159. Draw your own conclusions."
• Baseball Prospectus, courtesy of the Cardinals link blog: "We've secretly replaced the National League Champions with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Let's see who notices."
• Random Redbird Reasoning has a great breakdown of our Cardinals.
• Fox Sports has some interesting rumours concerning Randy Johnson and Pedro:"The Cards and D-backs may be close to a deal that would send young pitchers Dan Haren, Kiko Calero and or Rick Ankiel to Arizona for SP Randy Johnson." and "The Cards may have interest in free agent starter Pedro Martinez. Martinez, in turn, says he'd be willing to play for Tony La Russa."
• Musings of a Philosophical Scrivener has a great list of free agents.

Enjoy, but please don't stay away too long.

-CJ

Offseason Stuff

Things have been kinda sparce 'round here lately.

• Williams option was wisely declined. I would love to see him back with us but the $8M + is a bit steep and I like the buyout. The Aging Woody is best kept only if the price is right. My feeling is that he won't be here next season.
• Carpenter was wisely accepted and to no one's surprise, Chris will be a birdie again. With Morris and Williams most likely on their way out it was imperative to keep some semblence of last year's rotation. The key here is firepower. If you have 50 infantry soldiers great! But if I have a tank and 25 soldiers--look out! I think it should be the Cardinal's main goal to open up the wallet and get Johnson. Someone like Radke would be nice (I don't think the Twins are going to let him get away), but he still wouldn't be the big gun the Cardinals need.
• Congrats to Edmonds, Matheny, and Rolen on pickng up brand new Gold Gloves. Well deserved and really un-debated. These three won in their respective positions hands-down!
• Now let us all hope that the impossible will happen: Re-signing Renteria and signing a big name pitcher.

-CJ

Bye Brian

Brian at Redbrid Nation is closing up shop. Tis a shame as that was one of the best Cardinal blogs out there. I admire him for making sure his priorities are straight. Here's to the hard work and labor of love that was the Redbird nation.

-CJ