Jimmy = Cub

It's all over but the signing. Even if Jimmy wants to be a Cub to stick to those who traded him, he'll always be a Cardinal to me. Besides, it was that defiant attitude that we all loved about him to begin with. No, I won't like to see him in Cub blue. Overall, I don't feel that this is the best opportunity for him. I think that the Cub fans won't want him there, it will hurt his restaurant, and won't win any friends within Cardinal nation. Honestly, I thought that the Cards were MORE than loyal to him. The deal he got at the end of the 2006 season was MORE than generous. On the other hand, TLR's comments "that we don't need another left handed AB" (can't find my source...it disappeared on me) don't seem to help matters much as it appeared rather dismissive--but it was probably beyond that anyway.

For me it's shame, but if I could be there at Busch, I don't care if I'm the only one standing, I'll be applauding on my feet chanting "Jimmy! Jimmy!"

-CJ

SAY IT AIN'T SO, JIMMY!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Don't Worry Be Happy

Seriously. Relax. Don't do it. It's okay. The sky is not falling. When you think about how many times the Cardinals have had 6+ runs put up on them, you should be glad. Wainy had one bad inning. That's allowed. We all knew he wasn't Gibby. Yes, I know, I've been talking to my 8 week old baby so much that it's effecting my languagy.

The problem with this road trip was two things. I bet you can guess. 1) weak run production 2) bullpen issues. Notice that the Cardinals score 3 runs they tend to lose. It's simple math really. Score less and you will lose more. Other than two 8+ run losses, the pitching staff is simply posting below average numbers (a good thing in case you aren't following the logic). What does this mean? Help is needed for the bullpen...but more importantly...
GET A FREAKING NEW BAT FOR THE LINEUP!

-CJ

Okay...you can worry a little.

Too Disgusting

I was almost too disgusted to post. But then I got to thinkin'...who's really to blame. Earlier I watched the Mets crush the Dodgers. Brad Penny had a rough outing. I watched as pitches which were down or out of the strikezone got golfed into the outfield. Several deflections led to some infield hits. Penny wasn't pitching great...but he wasn't pitching that bad either.

"Wait...wait...wait!" you say. "What do the Dodgers have to do with the Cards' game last night?"

Izzy was and has been getting hammered. By and large, we're not talkin' bad luck. People are launching on him like a pack of Mentos in a two liter of diet Coke. Sure, Pujols slipped up. He does from time to time. But there are still a fair amount of you out there who keep clamoring for him to "be held accountable." To those who keep claiming this...you are silly. Go back to your corner. Annnnnyhoo...where was I? Oh yea! It's not just Izzy. He was put in a tough situation. It's the bullpen in total. Apparently, TLR has confidence in the bullpen: "We have a bullpen that can shut them down, but it just didn't do it." I don't know if this is well founded. Give me more than three occasions where the bullpen looked like it could shut anyone down and I'll grant TLR's claim. But I don't think there are!

Some people want to chalk up the loss to the bats. Yes, it is true that 3 runs is below average for the Cards (they're averaging about 4.7 per game this year). But 4.7 is only .1 per game above the league median (yes, I was too lazy to do the averaging). Yes, the need for a better bat still weighs heavily--and is rightly the priority. However, the bullpen should not give up 4 runs in 2 innings. I suggest that 1.7 runs below your average in a game is not half as bad as giving up 4 runs in 2 innings. The goat, as C70 would say, is the bullpen.

Ankiel's got one...

...and it's not for taking pictures. Other than preserving a "W" for the Cards, the best thing about his two throws (which, if you haven't seen click here) is that many teams are going to seriously think twice before running on him in the future. What's amazing on both the throws was his accuracy from such a distance...ironic, no?

So...TLR was obviously trying to get the bullpen some rest. But I wouldn't be too surprised if there is some hesitancy to pass on close games to the bullpen. Nevertheless, it was good to see Looper go that long. Although it did get a little shaky at the end. I'm going to have to chalk this one up as "losable". No, not all 1 run games would be considered "losable". However, if it wasn't for solid hitting from Looper and those throws from Ankiel then our beloved Redbirds might not have pulled it off. Perfect throws to third from deep center and batting heroics from pitchers is not something I want to rely on.

Okay...okay...I admit. We have it good right now. Real good. Second best record in the bigs. I really can't complain. However, before the break there needs to be a move. Duncan and Reyes and change for a good bat. In the near future, I'll be posting my most wanted list (a good want). In the mean time, let me know your wish list. Who would you like to see join the Cardinal ranks? Who should go? I'd love to get your feedback.

-CJ

What was Worse?

What was worse last night: the Rockies announcers last night or the officiating? McKay was clearly playfully pushing Helton at first. The Cardinals clearly have had the high socks for some time--since the 1800's. Hurdle clearly was making just as many moves as TLR. Izturis clearly didn't put his glove up "in self-defense." Molina was clearly safe. Molina clearly didn't catch the foul tip third strike.

Ryan looked silly at the plate in the 9th.
Pujols looked like he was running better.
Pujols looked like his back was hurting on the pickoff bluff at 2nd.
Pujols looked like a genius in the 9th.

For that 1% of the population gripin' about Pujols in the clutch: Shut up.

Edit: I'd like to add that I really enjoyed the outing from Parisi. You could tell he was a bit nervous, but he had quality stuff. Good to see Izzy pitch well. His BB was controversial. That's two strong outings in a row. Let's keep it up. Flores pitched better than his stat line showed. The hits that came off him were either extended zone hits, or that weak "excuse me" swing hit that went just a bit farther than my 7 week old daughter can spit up. Def. what I call a "losable" game. But we'll take it.

-CJ

Parisi for Reyes

Mike Parisi was called up today. Always glad to see a youngin get his first shot in the show. Reyes was sent down. With all the trade rumors that were circulating around Reyes, I can't help but wonder if this will lessen his value. Last year started a chain of events which Reyes has never quite recovered from. His World Series heroics of 2006 seem to have been a premature pinnacle. I hope that he is able to get back to that form. In the end, I hope this move helps rejuvenate the bullpen. Do you agree with this move? Disagree? What do you think?

Edited: Perhaps they want Reyes to get more time starting in AAA in order to demonstrate his abilities?
-CJ

UCB Game Blog: 2nd Inning

Thanks for the great start, Mike from Stan Musial's Stance.

After a perfect first, Lohse looks to carry over his sharp April to May. Lohse has been one of the most pleasant surprises about this season--and this season has been full of em. The outfield is playing out nicely. The rotation is sharp. And Pujols looks strong. Lohse was a great pickup, who, I must say, I had my doubts about. However, Dave Donuts has pulled another pitcher from his hat.

Lohse quickly pulls ahead of Fukudome only to give up a leadoff single. Leadoff batters reaching base was a big problem for the Cards last year. This year it seems to have been kept to a minimum.

The pitcher's best friend smiles upon Lohse as DeRosa grounds into the DP. Speaking of which, I just found a store that sells Dr. Pepper here in Ireland. Now if I could just rustle up some IBC Rootbeer I'll be good to go...oh yeah...the blog.

With the bases cleared Lohse gets Soto to ground out to shortstop. Another strong inning for Kyle. I'm really likin' him more and more with each start.

Bottom of the 2nd:
Luds strikes out on four pitches. 1st pitch swinging again. I love Luds. IMHO he should be more regular in the outfield, however...Luds gets behind a bit too often. I'd like to see him laying off some more in order to be more effective in front of Pujols. Since the lineup has been changed again it's a bit different. Nevertheless, does anyone think that Luds could be good enough protection from Pujols? I don't know if he is the long term answer. As I have said several times before: Protection for Pujols should be the number one acquisition priority. Number two? Bullpen issues. Who would you be comfortable with? Izzy? Not anymore. Reyes? Still not what was expected. Springer? Hardly. Fraklin, Villone, Flores, and McC? Better but still not where we wanna be. Number three? Doing something with Izturis. His glove aside, he's got to go. Reyes for Greene (SD) sounds promising. Once Carp gets back the bullpen will be strengthened.

Surprise, surprise. Glaus flied out again. Think he's been scouted? Seriously, they know how to pitch him every time. I'm really gettin' fed up with folks talkin' about how many RBI's he's getting. Seriously, I could get RBI's when Pujols et.al. are ALWAYS gettin' on a head of me.

Ankiel is in a different spot in the lineup. I think these changes are NOT good for the team. I'd like to see more of a rhythm get setup. Skip should be leading off. Luds with his sick OPS should be second. Pujols third. Ankiel cleanup. Glaus 5th--IF he starts slugging. Kennedy and Molina 6 and 7. Pitcher 8th and Ryan (not Izturis) as the additional leadoff. Ankiel grounds out.

A rather lackluster inning for the Cardinals here. Bummer--I hoped I would have more to talk about. Well, here's hopin' that the Redbirds come to life with the bats later on.

Thanks for stoppin' by. Feel free to stop by in the future as we rant, rave, and review more Cards action. I'll now pass the baton over to Mike at Mike on the Cards. Enjoy the progressive blog and go Cards!

-CJ

Benjamin Linus Would Be Proud

I was about to make the case that the Cardinals are losing a lot of close games and are thus better than their record shows. They are making silly errors (see: Duncan, last night), stranding more people than Oceanic Flight 815, getting line-drives caught like colds in January, and having overall simple bad luck. 7/11, no, not the store, of the Redbirds' losses are what I call winnable (winnable means that if one small thing had gone differently it could have easily been a W for the good guys). The Cardinals lead MLB with 231 LOB. Sure, that's partially due to the Cardinals ranked #1 OBP (tied with the Cubs at .367). This is actually good news, because it is just a matter of time before those base runners get home. The Cards, while having made a few very untimely errors, only have 12 errors on the season--good enough for a tie for 5th best. However, I started looking at the W's and there are a slew of single run wins as well. 6/16 were one run games. Add in a couple of losable games and we're lookin' at 50% of our wins. What's that mean? I think it means our record accurately reflects the team thus far. Perhaps we're a bit better than we appear in the standings.

You know the guy I'm talkin' about. He has Austrailia--the purples. He doesn't look menacing in his little corner of the board. He has to fight through the mess that is Asia. But then all of a sudden, one turn, his paltry forces have accumulated into a fearsome pile of plastic impunity. I'd like to think that the rolls will go the Cardinals' way soon.

Looks like I might make that case after all.

-CJ

Batting McClellan Bottom 8th

It might be a little too early...but it's been two games that one might expect Izzy and TLR has avoided him. Sure, today was not a save situation (4 run lead), but McClellan was left in the game (with one out) to sacrifice with Molina at first. Doesn't seem to be a sign of a whole lot of confidence in our normal closer. Sure, you could say that TLR is simply giving Izzy some time to recover from the fiasco a couple of nights ago. But the night before TLR let a pitcher go all the way for the first time all year--which, btw, was a save situation. It's too early to come to any conclusions, but I wouldn't be surprised to see McClellan or another pitcher be groomed for the closer role in the near future.

-CJ

That's one way...

..to handle the bullpen issues. I've always preferred Wainwright closing out games.

Bullpen Issues

We have them. We have them badly. Something needs to be done. No, we still need protection for Pujols. A little more offense and we still mighta pulled it off. But Izzy is getting HAMMERED. Perhaps we can just move some from the rotation once the big guns get back.

-CJ

For Love of the Cardinals

Dear Cardinals Admin,

I'm not the only one. Sure, I've brought it up before, but I'm saying it again now. Pujols is in the prime of his career and you all didn't sign him to that big contract to watch him get walked 1/3 of his AB. Even worse, he isn't on this team so that he can get waked 50%+ with MoB. I'm not saying Pujols isn't a team player, but you have to think that he may get the itch to play with a team that will give him chances.

But, even if you don't do it for the team or for Pujols, you should do it for me. I don't want to watch Skip stretch a single into a double only to watch someone fly out and then 1b is glaringly open. With Pujols 3rd, 9,1, and 2 are not gettin' on base enough. EVERYONE knows that's why the pitcher hits 8th on this team. But I'm gettin' off topic.

I'm not even saying that you have to go out and get Barry Bonds. But, if you care for Pujols, who obviously cares for this franchise (look how cheaply you got him for many years), if you care for his legacy (and thus the future legacy of the Cardinals), if you care for releasing a quality product for your fans, then by any and all means necessary GET SOME FREAKING PROTECTION FOR THE MAN! Ortiz has Manny, A-Rod has an entire team, and Vlad has half a team. I'm not saying that the Cards go out like the American league Warbuckses. But this team needs another superstar. Rolen filled the roll nicely for a couple of years, but the time has come for protecting YOUR INVESTMENT. Your money will be better spent if a fearsome hitter is acquired. Glaus is solid, but not even close to your answer.

I am thrilled for the potential of Ankiel, Ludwick, Ryan, et.al., but they are not the answers either--at least not that I can see now.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Cards, but this is a glaring weakness and problem. Pujols is one of those players that will be legendary. He's one of those guys who is willing to get paid less than others of lesser talent just for the team. Let's make sure this continues to be a place where the relationship is mutually beneficial. Ask not what your Pujols can do for you! Ask what can you do for your Pujols!

-CJ
This message brought to you by the blogger who hopes his progressive dinner inning isn't like the 6th inning of tonight's Astros game (Looper singles, Ryan flies out, Schumaker double play).

Why are you a Cardinals fan?

Someone asked about my "Cardinals experience." Therefore, I thought I would share my brief response.

My first memory of baseball was my dad jumping up and down screaming as the ball rolled underneath Buckner's legs. Now, I'm not as young as that may sound, but I didn't start watching baseball from the cradle. However, I wasn't old either--7 years old. I'm sure in my household I would have watched some games before that--but that is when it stuck. Following the '86 World Series, I started watching the Cardinals in '87. It was my first full season of following baseball. As far as I'm concerned they're the greatest team ever and they got hosed in the series against the Twins. Tommy Herr was SAFE! That stupid Metrodome and those stupid hankies. Seriously, that's when I fell in love with the Cards. Ironically enough, I loved the 3rd base incident with Will Clark--who even though I loved the Cards became my favorite player. When Clark ended his career with the Cardinals I was thrilled. I enjoy the classy nature of the Card's organization yet they have a gritty and "bootstraped" history. I am proud to be a Card's fan especially because of the overall class and IQ of Cardinals fans (when I sent out that response I misspelled "especially" LOL). Soooo, enough about me. Tell me, if you like, when did you come to like the Cardinals?
BTW If you didn't see it, watch Osgoo...errr Pineiro with the kick save.
-CJ

ROFL

Here's a comment made on Obviously You're not a Golfer

"...in Cardinals Nation, not knowing how to spell Albert's last name is like not knowing the pledge of allegiance..."

Seriously, I think I need stitches...
-CJ

What They Were Thinking

Here's a snippet from one of favorite Cardinal blogs, Fungoes: "Happily, the team corrected the problem today, but we’re concerned about the thought process that animated such a reckless decision."

This was regarding the decision to option Washington (536 OPS; .158 BA) instead of the expected Brad Thompson. The decision to go short handed in the infield caused some unorthodox moves to say the least. Fungoes does a great job of explaining the potential disaster that could have occurred from having too many pitchers.

The slight injury to Izturis has forced the call-up of Brendan Ryan (SS) and the demotion of Thompson.

However, I offer these thoughts on the aforementioned "thought process".

A. There have been several times that TLR has played his cards differently than the norm. Yet, often times it seems as though those gambles have paid off. No, they don't always work, but when they do they appear as genius.

B. It is clear that no one could have predicted the injury to Izturis. Had TLR et.al. known this, I doubt Washington would have been moved down.

C. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that player options had something to do with it. Washington was a flier and if I am not mistaken has never been called up before. I mean, if you don't want to lose an option on Thompson, who else are you going to send down?

D. TLR was having a tough time fitting Washington into the lineup as it was. And with that anemic OPS who's to blame him? Don't get me wrong, Rico was a feel good story about a guy finally getting his chance (been in the minors from 10+ years). 2/7 of Washington's appearances were in the outfield anyway.

All in all, I agree that sending Rico was prolly the wrong move. However, eating up one of Rico's options (especially if he is eligible for a 4th) is not half as bad as taking ANOTHER of Thompson's. However, the semi-injury to Izturis makes this all moot.

So...now the real question becomes: Why isn't Ludwick starting every game?

-CJ

Another...

Another..."good loss". Okay, but there are beginning to be to many. Perhaps I got to excited with our hot start and we are slowly drifting back to reality. Maybe I just shouldn't complain about splitting a series with the Brewers. It's only the second split series of the year (only one lost series). Please excuse the construction, but I had to get rid of a lot of dead links and put in links to new blogs.

Big Mac Land

On the anniversary of the longest homer ever, Pujols' left the yard in a HURRY! More on this in the AM.

That's How to Lose

This is how you want to lose a ball game. Fielder's quasi-pop fly had bifocals and dropped catastrophically into left field. This was the only reason why we went to extra innings. It's the way you want to lose. Last night, in my weekly poker match, I made it to head's-up play by some tight play at a loose table. I was short stacked but with confidence. I flop trip 8's. I go all in, my opponent calls with Q-4 of hearts. One heart on the flop. You know what came on the turn and the river. See that's what I'm talkin' about. That's how you want to lose. Put yourself in position to take care of those and we're talkin' October. Sure 3 runs isn't enough to install massive amounts of confidence, but we're going to have those games. I'm more than happy to take 2 outta 3 against the Brewers.

So....ehhh...Ludwick is on fire. I told ya! Actually, I've been yellin' about him for several seasons now. Huh? You checked my archives and you only saw one post on him. Okay...but I said I've been yellin' about him. I didn't necessarily mean posting. Anyhoo...I knew it. Proof or not. Now the question is...how much staying power do Ludwick and co. have?

-CJ

Lucky Lucky

The Cardinals clinched another series victory. They haven't lost a series yet (splitting the away series with the Giants). Tonight they'll get the brooms and dustpans ready. Last night was verrrry lucky. I don't know if anyone at the ball park got a good look at Shu's homer, but from my angle it didn't look like it cleared. However, the closest person to it (RF Hart) didn't seem to object much. At least not on my TV. Perhaps he was objecting but wasn't shown. The debated homer aside, Izzy was gettin' hammered. The two doubles were hammered to RF. Pujols made amends for his gaff a few nights ago with a snazzy snag of another well hit ball to RF. Looks like Izzy is up to the same ole tricks. His pretty ERA took a beating and is up to 4.91. Nevertheless, the lineup put up the hits and the runs. As for me, I'd like to not have to rely on disputed and picther homeruns for my "W's."


Cards Vs. Umps

Don't be fooled. The Cards were playing the Umpires more this series than the Giants. Horribly inconsistent strikezones. Last night's game during the ninth was the worst. Ludwick and Duncan both called out on what was clearly a ball each time.

All in all I am really happy with the way the Cards are losing...losing close games. It's a sign of good things.

Ludwick is playing some great ball.

What would the outcome have been if that first pitch to Pujols hadn't been a wild pitch? Bummer...

-CJ

Starting Pitching

It was another solid outing for the rotation as Wellemeyer (7ip 2 er). However, a 9th inning rally to tie it up was overcome by a walkoff homer. Good Astros pitching and some lucky positioning was too much to overcome (not to mention a horrific Hickox strikezone). Hopefully Duncan's plate awareness will improve as he was made to look quite silly. The lefty, Wandy, seemed to baffle several Cardinal batters. The southpaw advantage left hot Ankiel hitless. Pujols got his first hit off Rodriguez.

However, my biggest gripe is once again about that joke of stadium. Towels HR once again would have been in a double or an out in most parks. Tejada played very well for the 'Stros as his defensive performance plus his walkoff (no doubter) made him the player of the game.

-CJ

Feelin' Good

I know it's the start of the season and even the Pirates fans are feelin' good. However, I'm stolked...and for several reasons:

• The Redbirds are a young team for a change. 15 of the active roster are under 30. While many are pushing 30, it is a big change from what we had last year. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Rolen and Edmonds. But it's nice to know that things seem to be on the upswing again.
  
• The entire outfield is new and they seem to be excited to play ball. The talent of this group is eye popping. Here's hoping it comes to fruition on the field.
• Rico Washington finally getting his chance is reeeeeeaaallly cool.
  
• Last night's performance was nice to see after the debacle that was our first loss. I was wondering which will be the real Cards: the team that jumped out to a 5-1 lead on opening night or the team that blew a tiny 1 run lead through mistakes.
• Welly pitched fairly well.
• The only bad performance might be considered: Franklin. The bullpen has not been impressive so far.
• Overall, if this team can hold on till Carpenter, Mulder, and Clement...yikes.

-CJ

Day 1--kinda

Well I have a daughter. Born during Spring training no less. Yes, I have a daddy and daughter matching Pujols shirts. Yes, she'll have to grow into it (she's only up to 6lbs 2 oz--it's for 3-6 month babies). Yes, she was upset that the game got rained out. Yes, she thinks that the PPD rule in baseball is one of the worst in all sports. Yes, I was extremely disappointed that I stayed up to watch the game (6 hour difference here in Ireland). Yes, I plan on posting more often.

Baseball is even better when you get to watch it with your own kid.
~CJ

Whoah....who are you?

I live in Ireland. That's right. That's where I've been. Plugging away at my dissertation. Not that anyone even remotely reads this anymore. Weren't a whole lot of you to begin with. Anyway. After that worthless season, I remind all of you of the 5 year rule. In said rule, you are in no way allowed to complain about your team for 5 years after winning a championship. That said, if LaRussa leaves, the Cardinals BETTER pick up Torre. Letting Jocketty go was a huge mistake. Let's see if they can right the ship.

Josh Hancock

In a horrible accident Josh Hancock was killed when his car collided with a tow truck. May the Lord grant peace and comfort to his family and the Cardinal nation. Please pray for his family and all those who grieve this loss.

Hats off to ya, Josh.

-CJ

On Track

I take it Pujols read my blog...ahem. Okay...maybe not. But still, you gotta admit that the timing was nice. Although 2-5 won't go a long way to raise Pujols' BA, those 2 HR's will help the OPS (the perfect stat that it is).

Anyhoo...I'll take .500 ball right now. Right now. Later, not so much. But while Mulder and Carp are getting healthy, this is a great time to cheer on the others. Wainwright, Looper, and Wells are all posting sub 2.50 ERAs. Duncan is on fire. Good times.

And since Puljos isn't worried....neither will I be.

-CJ

Settling Down

The Cardinal nation can sit back and take a deep breath. After being swept by the Mets, at home no less, the Cardinals have bounced back nicely. Behind strong pitching and late inning heroics the Redbirds swept the Pirates and took two from the Astros. Now, if the weather permits, they look to get off to a good start against the Brewers--a team that many pick to win the Central. What is most surprising about the Cardinals' start is that they are doing it without their two biggest stars. With Carpenter sidelined with elbow problems, Pujols has been woeful at the plate (606 OPS). Instead the Cardinals have relied on the surprising Looper and Keisler (Carp's Triple-A call-up sub), plus the phenom Wainwright (you can have J.D. Drew) and free agent signee, Kip Wells.

Once Pujols, Carp, and Rolen get on track...
-CJ

What the heck?!

What the heck was that?! Let's start with the good things I noticed about opening night--cause they will be quick.

Goodthings:
A. Carpenter looked sharp--occaisionally.
B. Kennedy looked good.

That's it. Now take a deep breath and lets look at the bad.

Badthings:
A. WHAT THE HECK IS QUENDO doing sending Eckstein with Pujols on deck?! First of all, we're down by several runs, second: Pujols is on deck, third: Beltran has a freakin' canon, fourth: Pujols is on deck, fifth: it makes first base open which is bad because, sixth: Pujols is on deck.

B. Starting Taguchi? Chris Duncan was on fire in spring training and you start So? Say it ain't So. Lil Dunkin coulda fielded better than that...and that's saying a lot.

But my wife just called and now I have to run.
Let me just say this:
How many double plays we hit into?
-sigh CJ

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

"Anti-Gems"

Call me evil. Tell me I'm sick. Say whatever you want but here are some juicy comments that I found on various blogs. Enjoy!

"Awww, Poo Holes!!!"

"Nothing like the swift horse kick in the jimmy of tonight's two-out, two-strike homer by Pujols."

"Everybody on Planet Earth knew it was so far gone."

"By the way no rinky-dink tee-ball homer into the circus seats for Pujols."

"If you truly love the game of baseball and see the bigger picture, we witnessed one of the most beautiful hits in the game of baseball when Pujols knocked that pitch out of the park. I hate it that he did that. It makes me sick, but when you love this game, you know that what we saw in that hit was pure beauty."

"Of course you're not going to win. Baseball in Houston is a clown show with your stupid buzzing, the silly little costumes, and those chip shot boxes in left field."

"If I hear one more person on the radio whine that Houston is "owed" a World Series, I'm gonna spew."

"Man that ball got outta here in a hurry. I mean anything travels that far oughta have a…stewardess on it, don't you think?"

“Juuuuuust incase you missed the last 50 highlights of Pujols going yard, here it is again folks in slow motion!” Astros fans, do you care for lemon juice to go with that salt on your wound?”

"They have found a way salvage a loss from the jaws of victory."

"It was like "Field of Dreams." But this was "Field of Nightmares.""

"We're in deep doo-doo."

"I know Astros fans are meant to suffer, but isn't forty years the usual limit?"

"So what, a KCMO firm designed Enron Field. Big deal. Still doesn't change the fact that there is a HILL IN CENTER FIELD."

"Can we agree that there's no such thing as a "closer" when Albert Pujols comes up to bat?"

and the Cou de Gras:

"Pujols stood there admiring that home run while Phil Cuzzi ran over from his right field post to signal "FOUL BALL!""

Click here if you're feeling really mean.
http://eksports.blogspot.com/
http://plunkbiggio.blogspot.com/


"Laugh it up Fuzzball." -Han Solo

-CJ

What the heck?

A totally scorched and crushed baseball was found in my backyard today. Anyone know anything about this?

-CJ

From Worst to Best

Two outs. One of the best closers in the game. But Eck does what he does best. Edgar who? Edmonds battles to get on base. Pujols, mighty Pujols. I woke up the entire apartment complex. He smoked it up over the train tracks. I always hated that stupid train whistle every time they score. No whistle for that! I loved watching the reaction of the fans as they go into a state of absolute shock. Pettite was hilarious. You can see him mouth "Oh...my...gosh."

And for those who were wondering. Yes, I was praying. Back to Busch.

-A very happy CJ

Worst Ever

I have never in all my years seen a game called as poorly. The strikezone was anything but "consistent." All sorts of high and low calls going for the Astros but nothing for the Cards. Then ejecting Edmonds was CRAZY. It doesn't matter what he might have said you can't eject him there unless he bumps him or something. This isn't regular season. What is wrong with the Ump that he has to have his crew chief stick up for him and then has to eject one of the premier players in the game because of something he said.

And how bad is it that we can't get a runner home from third with no outs. I'm too steamed to write more. The Astros are too good a team for the Cards to have to play against the umps too.

-a really mad CJ

17-12!!!!

So I'm watching some football yesterday. And they've got MLB baseball scores in the little box in the upper righthand corner of my TV screen. And I see STL 17 ARI 12!!! I'm thinking holy cow that's a high score. Then I'm thinking...wait we don't play the Diamondbacks today. Then a gamebreak and I hear that St Louis despite little offense pulled out a win!!! WHAT IN THE WORLD?!!?!? Then I realize that the little box in the righthand corner of my TV screen switched to NFL. And I feel pretty silly...

-CJ

Fish...

All of a sudden I'm an Astros fan. Happens every year. I start cheering for some team that will make it nice for us. I REALLLLLLLY want to play the Padres in the division series. And the only way it looks like that will happen is for the Astros to rise up. Prob is if they don't then the Braves get about as close to a free pass to the 7er. But our beloved birds deserve that free pass. And don't worry about 'Stros in the 7er. They're not half what they were at the end of last year.

"Bow to your Sensei!"

-CJ

Who me?

Wow its been a long time since I've posted. I guess that's what two summer school sessions of grad level biblical Hebrew will do to you. I'm not out of the woods yet as I still have 3 weeks of good times. Then its "out of the frying pan and into the fire" as the fall semester starts up.

So....Injuries galore and we're still 10 games up on arguably the hottest team in baseball.

Imagine a Cardinal's lineup with a healthy Rolen, Molina, Edmonds, Pujols, Walker, and Sanders. Just imagine.

And let me tell you what I'm sick of. "The Astros sure are dangerous with those 1-2-3 starting pitchers. In a short series blah blah blah." Its true. Any team with quality starters will be dangerous in a short series. But seriously...lets give the Redbird's starters their due. Carpenter (CY frontrunner), Mulder, Morris (a resurgent) then imagine Suppan and Marquis coming out of the pen. Yeah that's sick. Astros don't have that. And they don't have Carlos "he should have that removed" Beltran to hit 9 HR's in an abreiviated postseason for them. Kent gone too? Sure the killer B's are in rare form, but does anyone think that they will stay at that? Think Petite will be healthy? hahahhahaha

The Cardinals have maintained a 10 game lead with the likes of Diaz and Mahoney, J-Rod (man he takes a beating), Seabol, John Gall (about bloody time he got the call), Luna, and Nunez more than frequenting the lineup? This is not what one would expect to maintain a lead the likes of which the Cardinal's are sporting. This season reminds me of a basketball game. A team packed with stars gets out to an early lead and then has to rest starters for foul trouble, injuries, or a simple breather. Then they put in these guys you've never heard of. But just when you thought that the trailing team might make a run without the stars in there the scrubs hold em off, and even extend the lead. Is there anything more demoralizing to the team trying to come back? The current Cardinals roster is doing just that. With healthy and great pitching and a more than scrapy lineup, let the Astros be the "Hottest team in baseball" all they want. Imagine as they real off another 8-10 stretch and they look up and still see another double digit lead.

Man, its good to be a Cardinals fan.

"Your mom goes to college."
-CJ

Concerned?

I am. Call me nervous. Call me unsatisfiable. Call me irresponsible. I am, but don't call me Surely. Wanna know why?

More than one weak series against the Reds, Pirates, and Rockies. Doesn't really boost your confidence.

Several wins by only one run.

Hope remains in that several losses were by only one run. And even though we split a four game swaf with the Pirates we dramatically outscored them.

Honestly, it seems eerily similar to the way we played in the last post-season. We play strong against the Dodgers. We start strong against the Astros and then we almost blew it. We then get cloobered but a freight train with fate graffittied on one side and Red Sox on the other.

Unless we start playing like the 44 Birds...

"Its much easier to find four good starters than five." -Earl Weaver

-CJ

Smokin'

• That ladies and gentlemen is a GEM. 2 baserunners through 9 innings. That's how you spell relief. Carpenter really showed up Halladay's splended performance from the day before with 1 hit and 1 walk and no runs through 9IP. AND against the former team. Proving you really can have your cake and eat it too.
• After Walker talking about walking, many in the "Cardinal Nation" (not the blog) began to be worried (myself included), but with the comment "especially if we win the World Series" and a 2 HR-hustling-performance, Redbird fans can rest easier.
• The fact that the Cardinals continue to shine without Rolen and Edmonds (bruised ribs for the past two games) only continues to lift my hopes (not that they were low) for this season.

-CJ

Benching A-Rod for Marquis?

Yup. That's what I'm doing in my fantasy league. Why? I'll tell you.

*Background singing: "He's going to tell. He's going to tell."

STOP THAT! Stop that! No singing on my blog.

With my last post I wondered if I wasn't as loyal of a Cardinals fan because I said some crazy stuff like Lee deserves to start over Pujols yadda yadda.

Then I ran into a small problem. I have A-Rod and Marquis. Against my better judegement I have benched A-Rod and started Joe Randa. Unwise? Most likely. Will I pay? Probably. Am I loyal? You tell me.

"What's wrong with her. She's beautiful. She's got huge...tracts of land."

-CJ

All Star Game Voting Run Amuck

Okay...something has got to be done. We the fans are not intelligent enough, apparently, to vote for the best player. We'll keep a running count of when the fans get it right and when they don't. (Stats don't lie...usually). (Stats will only get a "point" when the public is wrong). Now some people might object that injuries aren't the player's fault and doesn't show who is the best player. Was Ripken's streak just luck? In order to deserve an All-Star vote....you have to play. Oh and another thing. I know its a little early. All the more reason to get on to the millions who have already cast their ballots. ****AND BECAUSE SOME FEEL THAT MY LACK OF USE OF stats like SLG AND OBP IS A SIGN THAT I am part of the public I accuse let me say this: YOU ARE RIGHT. KINDA...read the comments for further details.

Starting at 1B:

1B-NL Albert Pujols has over twice as many votes as Derrek Lee. This is despite the fact that Lee has a .385 BA over Albert's .338, 3 more runs, 3 more HRs, 7 more RBI's, and 4 more stolen bases. AND all this on an inferior team. Eck is getting on base--a lot. Edmond's poor performance as of late and Sanders in a slight slump recently might contribute to a lack of protection for Albert. In addition, I think that Albert's stats will rise and Lee's will come back to earth. However, as it stands now one should not select Albert over Lee. However I wouldn't fault you too much--'cause its Albert.

Stats 1 Morons 0

1B-AL Hold on to your wigs and keys kids. This is ugly. Maybe the ugliest. Tino Martinez (Card's fans may get warm fuzzies voting for this likeable guy but come on) is leading in the AL. Who's second? Kevin Millar. Third? Paul Konerko. You have to get to the fourth to get to the best AL first baseman, Mark Teixeira (that's a doozy to spell). Here are their respective stats. Brace yourself. BA: Martinez .238!!!!! Millar .255!!!!! Konerko .228!!!!! Teixeira a lousy .303. HR's, I suppose, is what they have in common? Teixeira and Konerko with 14, Tino with 12 and Millar with 4. Never mind. Mark has 13 more Runs than the nearest of these 3 fan favs, more RBI's, and even leads, tied with Tino, in SB! SB is singular. (Whaddya want? They're 1B not jack rabbits).

Stats 2 Forest Gumps 0

2B-NL Good. We needed to recover from that last one. Kent has twice the amount of votes that 3rd place Grud has. Despite Grud's strikingly better BA, Kent's power with 11 HR's (3 for Grud), and he leads Grud in just about every other category despite being on such a poor team means that the morons aren't O-fer any more.

Stats 2 Kids 1

2B-AL Very well done for the kids here as well. Soriano and Roberts are neck and neck. Roberts has an astronomical BA while Soriano has 4 more dingers. Soriano leads in most of the other categories because of the hammerin' Texas lineup. The Orioles aren't slouches either. Fan's get it right again. Wonders never cease.

Stats 2 Public 2

SS-NL Just when you thought things were going well. Our vote leader: Nomar Garciapara. The man has been on the DL SINCE HIS 51st AB AND UP UNTIL THEN...wait for it...he was batting .157 with ZERO, count them again if you have to, ZERO HR's. Tino take a seat. This is the worst. Below is listed the NL SS's who would qualify over Nomar **takes a big breath*** Barmes, Perez, Izturis, Reyes, Lopez, Rollins, Vizquel, Eckstein, Furcal, Hall, Blum, Everett, Gonzalez, Greene, Clayton, Wilson, Aurillia, Perez, Cintron, Hardy, Guzman, Woodward, Jackson, Vizcaino, and finally Jesse Garcia--the fourth Padres' SS on our list and despite fewer AB's managed more HRs.

Stats 3 Bad idea when cousins marry 2

SS-AL Tejada has the most--as he should.

Stats 3 Average Joe 3

3B-NL Scotty Rolen has a commanding lead despite only playing in 30 games and sporting a .257 batting average. Second place isn't any better with Chipper Jones only playing in 30 as well but has better stats in EVERY category known to man-kind than Rolen. How do you justify voting for 2 guys who have played only half the season. Glaus is third, and while he is strokin' em with 13 HRs, he's got a pathetic .251. Hardly a All-Star Starter. A surprising Ensberg or Wright would be much better choices--both with power AND BA.

Stats 4 Highest Order of Primates 3

3B-AL A-Rod is dominating. Glad he's on my fantasy team.

Stats 4 Peeps 4

C-NL Another one bites the dust. San Diego's Ramon Hernandez is far and away the best NL Catcher. Yet he has so few votes that he doesn't even register (I assume he has at least some votes). Let's compare Hernandez with the top 5 NL Catcher vote getters. BA: Hernandez .289, Piazza .253, La Duca .287, Estrada .275, our own Yadier .250, Barrett .275 Runs: Her 25, Piaz 21, LD 17, Yoda 17, Barr 15 HR's: Her 6, Piaz 6, LD 2, Yoda 2, Barr 5 RBI's: Her 31, Piaz 22, LD 21, Yoda 17, and Barr 23. You do the math. Unless you're one of...them. Then trust my math when I say he's "far and away."

Stats 5 Brain Farts 4

C-AL At least they get it right on this end. But Ivan could sneak up and steal it from the deserving Veritek. Jason is lucky that he plays in Boston so he gets the votes.

Stats 5 Bob and Company 5

(OF is worth 1 a piece)

OF-NL Who should be there: Miguel Cabrera and Bobby Abreu for sure; than okay picks would be Carlos Lee, Brady Clark, Pat Burrell, or Milton Bradley. Who's the top three in votes? Carlos Beltran, Jim Edmonds (close but no cigar), and Ken Griffey Jr. Residents geniuses drop 3 on this one. AH but I can foresee the comments and emails now: "But John, they didn't put Bonds up there at least." No they didn't. But for a guy who hasn't even picked up Don Baylor's tooth-pick let alone a bat all season 138,000+ future Ivy leaguers put up their arms for the SF out-outfielder. Not enough to get him into the All-Star game but enough to show the fan's ineptitude.

Stats 8 Larry, Moe, Curly, and the other guy too 5

OF-AL Who belongs? Sheffield and Damon....Ichiro, Garret Anderson, Rondell White, or even Trot Nixon would have sufficed. Instead? Vlad (not a terrible choice in the face of a small injury [but see note above]) and Manny. MIT grads got one right with Ichiro.

Stats 10 "Happy Hands Club" rejects 6

DH-NL You're probably one of the ones who voted for Nomar and Bonds aren't you?

DH-AL We'll end on a note that might bring some hope to humanity. Ortiz. But I'm betting that the reason he has the most votes is not because of his stats but because he's the only DH they know of.

Stats 10 Napoleon Dynamite under-study 7

Conclusion: Have sportswriters, players, coaches, managers, bat-boys, or monkeys at type writers do the All-Star voting instead. Sure they got several right. That's not the point. The fact is the public has blown so many but such a wide margin. There are deserving players out there who are getting robbed of the honor they deserve.

Homer's Brain to Homer: "That's it I'm out of here." ***Footsteps. Door opens and closes.***

-CJ

Sweet Slider Good Bye

Have you ever seen anything like it? EVER? Not me. Sick just plain sick. I love it. Its like golfing for Pujols. Never have I seen anyone have such mastery over the strikezone and take a perfect pitch like that, one-handed mind you, out of the park in the clutch. (Of course another 1 run win against a bottom-feeder). 1 game away from the best record in baseball and things are looking good though. The ChiSox are overachieving right now, to boot. And the NL Central is underachieving right now. If the Cardinals continue at this rate it would take more than a cessation of the underachieving by the rest of the Central to catch up. Don't expect it to happen. 'Cause it won't.

Its worth repeating: The rest of the NL Central needs to make like a well placed Colorado Slider and kiss it Good-bye.
-CJ

1-Runnin' em

Several of our last wins have been by one run. I guess one shouldn't complain, but against the pathetic Royals and Pirates? Somehow I expect our boys in Red to hammer those two especially.

But I am not very concerned as every team will go through low points. Which leads me to a different lense which one may look through. Its a good thing to hit one's low points against the "cellar dwellars." So its nice to win when you're playing your worst.

But let's put the other hat on for a moment. But our worst should be more than 1 point above these guys right?

Seriously, this the professional level and any team is capable of beating any team any day. Here's to hoping that we are any team and not any team.

-CJ

While I was away...

Well...I successfully finished another semester. I think finals went well. So while I was away...

• The Cardinals keep Rollin' without Rolen. In the end this could be a really good thing. Kinda. It means that guys like Mabry and Nunez will get more AB's and they are hitting pretty well. I'm not implying that they are better than Rolen, but I am saying that its a good thing to get them into the swing of things instead of fermenting on the bench.
• Izzy's back. And I have been fairly impressed with the Bullpen's performance thus far. Brad Thompson has been a pleasant surprise. But it is nice knowing that Jason is back to wrap things up. Last nights K against Abreu with the bases juiced was quite a relief. Probably why they call them relievers, huh?
  
• Molina seems to be more comfortable with the stick these days--an addition that takes the sting away from losing Matheny's excellent but albeit expensive glove.
• Noticing a dramatic difference between last years Central and this years (so far). Only one team at or above .500. Wow. Last year it seemed like the Central was the cream of the crop. Could it be that perhaps....dare to dream....I was right? With the subtractions of Sosa, Alou, Kent, Beltron etc. has the Central been thinned of its prowess? I think the answer is clear.
• First full day off since I don't know when. Going to see Star Wars (better not have any annoying Gungan's this time). Going to write my first real blurp for my blog in I don't know how long. Going to NOT think about the language of ancient Greek. Going to make like Kyp and chat with babes all day. Okay...okay....maybe not the last one.

Free at last!
-CJ

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