So the Cardinals are mad. Good.

04/29/2012

Brewers 3 Cardinals 2

Dear Cardinals,

So you guys are mad.  Good.  You should be mad. you should be upset that you are 1-4 in one run games.  You should be upset that you are failing at hitting with runners in scoring position. You should be mad that so many men are left on base.  (Although that is possibly just a product of a good hitting team-- you guys lead the NL in hits.) 

You are upset because you could have easily had an epic April.

You know where improvements can be made.  Make those improvements in the month of May-- and then maybe you can have an epic May.

You all had a very decent April.  Don't focus on what could have been.  Focus on what's next.  Turn the page, stay loose and have fun!

It's just a game.

'Til Later

May Goal: Sweep a team!

Pssh. This will never get old. Never.

04/28/2012

Brewers 3 Cardinals 7

Dear 'birds,

You've won the series!  Yeah!

After the game, some fool poster on Cards Talk started the following topic "So do you still hate the Reds and Brewers as much?"

Uh. Yes. 

The poster explains his case by saying that the games no longer have that  "I just can't stand these guys feeling."  Well, I can't stand them and whipping these teams will never get old.  I can't stand them because those teams are our biggest competition for the division title.  I want to demolish them.  If it were possible, I would like them mathematically eliminated by mid-summer. Completely out of it.

As it is, once the Brewers and Reds get their stuff together (if they do get it together), I want it extremely obvious that the Cardinals are the team to beat in the Central.  Like, I want the Cardinals to finish at least 10 games ahead of everyone else.

Coming into the season, it looked as though the division would be a three team race.  Right now the Cardinals are the team to beat in the division.  But the division isn't won in April, there is plenty of time and chances are the race will get interesting.  I just hope it doesn't. At the end of the season, I want people to look back and laugh at the fact that those teams were ever consider on par with my Cardinals. 

We just have to stay healthy and focused.

***

Yadier, I believe you are slowly buying every piece of my heart.  You are amazing.  Four for four with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs.  People are starting to realize that your bat is pretty legit.  You're so dependable at the plate and behind it. 

Matty, it sucks that you go hitless the day after you went 3 for 3.  Really, I think you're hitting into some tough luck.  

David, happy birthday!   One more year to the big 3-0. 

Meanwhile, my birthday was Sunday, Carlos Beltran's was Tuesday, Chris Carpenter's was Friday, and David Freese's was Saturday.  A few words: Tauruses are the bestest!

Oh yeah, about the game--Kyle Lohse, what were you doing walking in the tying run!?  The inning could have morphed into one of  your (frustrating) "big blow up" innings, but we avoided that when the Brewer's manager screwed up and let his pitcher bat with two outs and the bases loaded.  Although, the man really didn't have much of a choice-- his bullpen was shot from the seven innings of work it had Friday.

We have possibly screwed up Milwaukee's bullpen for an entire week. HAHAHA.  Whew.  Man, I hope we knock around Greinke tomorrow and increase the damage. (Evil cackle.)

'Til Later

Elixir for Offensive Woes

04/27/2012

Brewers 1 Cardinals 13

Dear Redbirds,

Nothing like Yovani Gallardo for those offensive woes, huh?  He is now 1-9 with a 7.05 ERA against the Cardinals.  He is like the exact opposite of Bud Norris.  Cy Norris-- I mean, Bud Norris-- is 6-2 lifetime against the Cards.  We were probably lucky to get those two wins, because Bud Norris always seems to give up only a hit or two over eight or nine innings whenever he faces the Cardinals.  I'm serious. He's our kryptonite. It's funny because against the rest the league he is quite average, while Gallardo is ace-material against any team not name the Cardinals. Yesterday, Gallardo couldn't get an out in the third inning (and he pitched to six batters).

By the way, boys, thanks for that.  I was on the treadmill at the time you all decided to bat around (which was fun, so no real complaints).  I do little mind tricks when I'm running and start getting tired-- like, okay, just keep running until the end of this inning.

Except last night the inning lasted forever because everyone and they momma got a hit. You boys ought to be ashamed of the way you had poor me suffering on the treadmill.  I mean... really.

I started to worry what will happen to the poor stadium scoreboard if you all had reached double digits in that inning-- can it go higher than single digits for an inning?  This needs to be tested pronto. Preferably against the Reds' Johnny Cueto. Heh Heh.

Anyway, great start to the home stand!

'Til Later

That Other Team to the East

Here is the continuation of my preview of the 2012 NL Central.  I had actually wrote the bulk of this about three weeks ago. Didn't publish it until now (obviously). What can I say for myself, besides the fact that I'm lazy?


The Pittsburgh Pirates have a rich history. One of the original sixteen baseball franchises, they have won five World Series--more than twenty-two other MLB clubs. Their last postseason series victory was a world championship in 1979.  They made the postseason in 1990, 1991, and 1992,  failing  to advance past the first round each time.

The Pirates, with nineteen sub par seasons, hold the North American record for the most consecutive losing seasons. (Think about how that streak probably started: longest streak in Pirates history, longest streak in baseball, longest streak of a US professional team (which was the same as longest streak in baseball, since the Phillies held it I believe), longest streak of a North American team.... what team holds the world record?)

THE (RECENT) PAST:

I don't think there has been any  recent dust ups or feuds between the Cardinals and Pirates.  In 2009, the Cards played the Pirates so often in early in the season that my sister and I learned their entire roster-- something I bet Pirates fans can't claim.  When the Cardinals and Pirates met again late summer, all the players we knew (and loved, in the case of Freddy Sanchez) had been traded.  Such is the life of a Pirates fan, I guess.  They can't get to attached because the ownership has no clue where to steer the organization.  They make "five year plans," only to discard them in two years for a plan completely different in philosophy.

THIS YEAR:

On July 15 and July 18 last season the Pirates were in first place and fans showed up to beautiful PNC Park to root them on.  The Pirates probably won't reach first place this year, but they can definitely finish ahead of the Cubs and Astros again.  Who knows, maybe they'll have a winning season in the process-- they will need to win 10 more games than last year to accomplish this feat.

This year, the Pirates are all about changing their image and finishing the season strong  They added two starting pitchers who have had success in the major leagues. Erik Bedard is a left-hander with a career 3.70 ERA, which is pretty decent considering he pitched in the American League.  Right hander A.J. Burnett helped the Yankees win their 27th championship in 2009 before completely frustrating Yankee fans and ownership in 2010 and 2011.  Pittsburgh's most exciting player is center fielder Andrew McCutchen.

The Pirates are 2 games under .500 right now, good enough for 4th place in the division. Their offense wasn't  too hot in early April, but their pitching has been pretty good. 

Just saying...

04/25/2012
Cardinals 5 Cubs 1

Dear Lance Lynn,

You are a stud. Don't hate me for thinking that you wouldn't be this good.

Please continue to prove me wrong.

Do you know that you are moving up in fantasy leagues?  I think it's all the strikeouts and the sterling ERA.

I hope that whenever you run into a rough patch, if you run into a rough patch, that it isn't that bad and you are able to weather through it.


'Til Later!

"Happy Flight!" meter: 4/6

I have nothing*

04/24/2012

Cardinals 2 Reds 3

Final/10

Redbirds--

No, seriously. I have nothing. Nothing to say.  Due to last night's poorly written Whitney Houston* Glee episode (*see what I did there?) and the Cardinals team I've watched during this road trip, I am only filled with consternation.

Wait.

I do have a few observations:

1. Umpires SUCK!!

2. Wainwright pitched very well. (And he got a no decision, not a loss! So, we're getting closer to that big W each time out.)

3. Blown saves suck more than umpires, especially on back-to-back nights.

4. The "NL best offense" is currently looking like its worse.

5. Watch Holliday finally stop being the one black hole in the line up only to have all the rest of the guys become a big black hole of suck.

6. What team is going to show up this weekend versus the Brewers? Will we begin May out of first place?

Whoops. Number six is questions... oh well. That is all.

Wait.

I have a suggestion: Win today and make this a .500 road trip. Got it? Cool.

'Til Later

*Meanwhile, I've two song title posts in a row! Whitney killed this song in The Bodyguard:

Enjoy! Maybe it'll brighten up what has been a lousy week in the baseball department.

Don't Stop Believing...

04/23/2012

Cardinals 2 Cubs 3

Dear Cards,

Seriously, boys? Is this how our/your string of consecutive series going to end? At the hands of the Chicago Cubs?

I know, I know there are two more games to play in the series.  It isn't over yet, the fat lady isn't singing, don't stop believing.

Well, I can hear the fat lady running through her vocal exercises.  No offense to Adam Wainwright, but he isn't the same pitcher.  It's not his fault.  He probably won't be the Adam Wainwright of yore until August.

I am hopeful he can hold back the Cubs offense just enough that we can score enough runs to win, but the NL best offense is currently not clicking on all cylinders. (Although, maybe we are.  Yesterday's pitcher, Matt Garza,  is a good pitcher and good pitchers have the annoying tendency of shutting down good hitting.)

We really need to win this game tonight, Wainwright.  Offense, you all need to do your thing tonight (no, not the striking out and leaving a ton of men on base,  the other thing-- getting loads of hits and scoring most of the men who get on base). 

Tonight is MUST WIN if you want to have a rubber game tomorrow, if you want a chance of keeping the streak alive and winning a series tomorrow. (To state the obvious).

Adam was better last time, hopefully he'll improve even more.  Maybe this time you hitters can actually score runs while he's on the mound, too.

I feel like this is the first big test of the season-- a mid-term, if you will. It's like everything else-- Berkman going on the DL, center fielders running into walls-- were quizzes.  Although, Chris Carpenter being out indefinitely is a test.

'Til Later!

PS I hope I'm happy later tonight and not bombed out. 

For our stopper...

04/22/2012

Cardinals 5 Pirates 1

Dear Kyle Lohse,

You rock my world.  I knew we will win if our offense wasn't stymied Sunday.  I knew we could win with just a few runs.  You are definitely our stopper--if there is a losing streak, you'll pitch well enough to stop it.

This year you've pitched well enough to win all 4 of your starts, but a 3-0 record with a no decision is obviously outstanding.

You are a very good pitcher when healthy. I hope all continues going well with you. 

Happy Flight last night from Pittsburgh to Chicago!

'Til Later

"Happy Flight!" meter: 3/5

P.S. Drop just a bit of your pixie dust on Adam Wainwright's elbow.

Please tell me how...

04/21/2012

Cardinals 0 Pirates 2

Cards--

How do you have the bases loaded in the first inning with NO OUTS and not score a run?

How!?

I hate how easily it seems this offense is shut down at times.

'Til Later

P.S. Please win later today. Please. It will really make my day.

Outfield Wall: 2- Cardinals' Center Fielders: 0

04/20/2012

Cardinals 4 Pirates 1

Cardinals Center Fielders Declare War on Walls (Walls win)

Dearest Skip and Jon,

It has come to my attention that you haven't been informed that center fields around the league are enclosed by a wall.  When people run into walls, they tend to get hurt. That is to say that the wall always wins.  Yes, even a padded wall. 

So.. you say that padding they put on the walls is really lousy? (Hey! At least its padding and not ivy covering a brick wall!) Well, it's not made to guard against fielders running into it at full speed.  There's this sort of fancy device called a Warning Track-- you know all that dirt that surrounds the field?  Next time you feel dirt and not grass under your cleats-- SLOW DOWN!  Why?  Because the wall is near and it always win.

Jon, your mistake two nights ago was not being a guy called Jim "Jimmy Baseball" Edmonds.  Wow. That sounds harsh.  Let me explain, Jimmy did not run into walls, he climbed them.  I don't know if you know this, but the padding on the walls of Busch Stadium was selected to aid Jimmy-- to make it so he can stab his spikes into it and reach over the wall to steal a home run.  Now, granted that ball landed a bit beyond anyone's reach, but next time you're tracking a ball to the wall-- pull an Edmonds!  Beware that the wall is coming, and prepare to climb it if needed! Okay?  Good.  Now, I hope your sprained shoulder starts feeling better.  The wall is a fierce competitor, isn't?

Skip, your mistake came in letting people call you-- at 32 years old, mind you-- Skip.  Wow. That was unnecessary.  Sorry, Jared, your mistake came in totally disregarding the fact that you were running toward  an immovable piece of padded concrete.  I mean, seriously?  The first inning of the game and our replacement center fielder (for the center fielder who lost his battle with the wall the day before) collides with a wall, leading to the first batter scoring on an inside- the- park home run. (Should we make your RBI total -1?)  I must say, Skip, I was impressed that on your first play of the 2012 season-- your first play since being activated from the disabled list-- you promptly ran into a wall.  

I was dumbly amazed to see this back-to-back wall-attack.  Is it a sign that the Cardinals 2012 campaign is doomed?  Nah. I hope not. (But with Berkman constantly injured and now on the DL (hopefully for the only time this year), Allen Craig nowhere to be seen, and Carp on the mend-- well, we'll preach resilience again this season, it seems).  Some history... Rick Ankiel  was the first A.E. (After Edmonds) center fielder to collide with the wall.  He was carted off on a stretcher while wearing a neck brace. Sigh. 

Anyway, good win. Lance Lynn looked amazing. This game was a 2-1 nail bitter until the ninth inning when the offense decided to use the devices in their hands properly.

'Til Later!

Tossed into the 'ssippi: Outfield walls, those pesky things!

Ok I get it...

04/19/2012

Reds 6 Cardinals 3

Dear Cardinals,

You guys obviously don't want to win on getaway day. You guys obviously don't want to win when there is a possibility of a sweep.  I can accept that as long as you keep winning series.  What I can't accept is Mike Matheny sitting nearly all the bats that play everyday on the same day-- lowering the chances of us winning of getaway games.

'Til Later

"Happy Flight!" meter: 2/4

Offense escapes 'ssippi, no longer anemic

04/18/2012

Reds 1 Cardinals 11

Dear Cards,

Great game last night!  You actually had hits with runners on base!

One thing, Tyler Greene, are you the type of player that only gets RBIs/hits when the team is up by fourteen hundred runs?  Your two-run home run when we were up 8-1 was unnecessary.  I mean, it was fun to watch because its fun to blow teams out, but don't make a habit of only getting hits when we have a large, late lead.  Start hitting in those games where there is a short lead or no lead at all.  Or can you only hit the pitchers managers bring in once the game is hopelessly lost?

'Til Later!

Walk-Off Victory Face

04/17/2012

Reds 1 Cardinals 2

Final/10

Dear birdies,

I was at the game last night and had an awesome time.  But looking back, the team was awful.  Except for Kyle Lohse.

Lohse pitched beautifully. (The bullpen did well, too, if you put aside the blown save that occurred due to the errors).  But the rest of you guys... 2 errors and 14 men left on base!  It seems as if the only the only way any Cardinal touches home plate is through the home run-- can we please start hitting with men on base.

 I thought this team could be one of--if not the top-- best offenses in the NL again.  Prove me right and start being more clutch or whatever.  You all do a great job of getting on base, now get home!

Last night in the 10th inning, I pleaded with the gods of baseball to let a Cardinal victory happen that inning. The bases were juiced with baby birds: Tyler Greene (pinch running for "@dfreese23", i.e. David Freese), Jon Jay ("@jonjayU"), and Daniel Descalso ("@DanielDescalso").  I worried that the ineptitude shown with the bases loaded in the ninth will be displayed once again, but Matt Carpenter ("@MattCarp13"), the current darling of St. Louis, came through leading to my "crazed fan walk-off victory face."  My sister captured it perfectly in the picture after the jump.

Baby Birds are Making Noise, Causing a Ruckus

There are three types of ballplayers: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who wonder what happens. -Roy Campanella

04/15/2012

Cubs 3 Cardinals 10

Dear Baby Birds (previous members of the Memphis Mafia), 

You are awesome! You make it happen.  Last year, Jon Jay wound up playing in 159 games-- the most of any Cardinal.  When David was injured, Daniel Descalso played third base so well that he was a gold glove nominee.  Allen Craig and David Freese became a large part of the post season offense.  Lance Lynn excelled in his playoff bullpen role and has been an awesome starter so far this year.

On Sunday, Matt Carpenter had possibly the greatest day of his professional career-- he went 4 for 4 with five RBIs, a triple and a home run.   I say he was a pretty good sub for his childhood hero, Lance Berkman.

It came to Cardinals Nation's attention that Matt Carpenter will need a nickname-- simply because he shares two names with rather prevalent members of the St Louis Cardinals, Matt Holliday and Chris Carpenter.  A few suggested names (courtesy of St. Louis Post Dispatch's Cards Talk members) were Little Carp, Lil Carp, MC Hammer, T.O. (the other) Carpenter.  My favorite suggestion is knuckles. It definitely fits because he doesn't wear batting gloves!

My favorite thing about the Baby Birds/Memphis Mafia is the fact that you guys have experienced success together in the minor leagues and are now making memories together in the majors.  Plus, Puma says that the thing he likes about the Cardinals young players is that they all come up knowing how to play.  

'Til Later

P.S. Please win tonight-- I'll be in attendance! GO CARDS!

Tossed into the 'ssippi (i.e. those "in the dog house"):

Matt Holliday- Matty hit a long flyout Sunday, he was  warned.
Tyler Greene-  Ugly error on what looked to be a easy, routine play.

Now, that was better...

04/12/2012

Cubs 1 Cardinals 5

Well, Matt Holliday--

Matty, if you hit one more flyout to the warning track, I am tossing you into the 'ssippi river.  (Metaphorically, of course, because you have nearly a foot and a good 120 pounds or so on me.  Also, we need you.)  Usually, I am good judge of whether a ball is staying in the park or not, but in Saturday's game you hit three balls (I think) that had me prepping for my "kiss it goodbye" and "go crazy, folks" routine.  Do you know what it does to one's heart to watch a ball fly 370-ish feet only to die in a fielder's glove?  My heart stops, Matty, and the adrenaline and dopamine and whatever else chemicals that were released for my heart to pump overtime through my body are confused and disappointed.  My entire body is gearing up for a huge, juvenile celebration that my brain shuts down because it's not a home run.  My heart is left in a perilous position-- free falling from the edge of ecstasy.  Basically, your warning track power flyouts could inadvertently kill me one day, Matty. 

Hey 'birdos, we avoided a three game losing streak!

'Til Later

Seriously?

04/13/2012

Cubs 9 Cardinals 5

Cards--

Two straight losses.  One to the Cubs.  Really?

Bye....

'Til Later

P.S. I feel like this could be a disastrous home stand at the moment.

The Boys are Back in Town!

I'm playing Thin Lizzy's "The Boys are Back in Town" on repeat because THE CARDINALS ARE PLAYING AT BUSCH FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE GAME 7 THE VERY LAST BASEBALL GAME THAT TOOK PLACE IN 2011!  (Sorry for yelling. I'm stoked.)  I always relate this song to the return of baseball.  My favorite lines:

The nights are getting warmer, it won't be long

Won't be long til summer comes

Now that the boys are here again



But, of course, the best song I'll hear today plays when the Cardinals parade around Busch Stadium--Budweiser's "Here Comes the King."  My favorite ballpark song.  Ernie Hays, former Cardinals' organist, plays it in the following video.  Mr. Hays retired after 2010, his 40th season playing the ballpark organ.

Okay, birds! Git 'er done!  Please win your first game at home this year, especially since it's against those lousy north siders.

'Til Later

Oh Look! One of the Ol' Birds is limping...

04/10/2012

Cardinals 3 Reds 1

Dear Berkman,

When you legged out that triple Tuesday night, I pressed my hands to my cheeks and made a face like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone--mostly because I didn't think you'll make third, and also-- let's face it, Puma--you're kind of old. 

I liked the aggressiveness, though, because it was the sixth inning and we were only winning by one.  I figured the only way to ensure that a run would score would be that triple, and then a sac fly.  Freese overachieved and  sent the  ball out the park.  

Hindsight is perfect vision.  In hindsight, you should have just stayed on second.  The season is a marathon, not a sprint.  And now you've been slowed due to a torn muscle in your calf.  Apparently, you are aiming to return to the lineup Tuesday.

I hope you recover well and feel all the way healthy when you return.

04/11/2012

Cardinals 3 Reds 4

Dear Birds,

You guys had a hard time finishing series off last year-- you'll win the first two games and then on "get away day" you let the game... get away.  (I know it wasn't the "A" lineup, but no excuses, boys, no excuses!)  At least we won the series but it sucks to lose the last game on a walk off.  

I hope this was just an aberration and the next time you win the first two games of a series you win the third game. 

Also, Jaime, I know you are a person of habit and hate when things throw you off your schedule-- Al Hrabosky says that if you order food that's supposed to arrive in 30 minutes, you start freaking out if it doesn't arrive by that time-- but pitching on the road should really be no different than pitching at home.  Please start pitching better on the road.  Last year, you had a 2.55 ERA at home and a 4.61 ERA on the road-- a huge difference.

I want to break out the broom this weekend against the Cubs.  They used up their run quota for the week in a 8-1 win against the Brewers, so go out and win. Can't wait! I hope I'm not disappointed and I'll be disappointed if we were to lose any of these games.

'Til Later

"HAPPY FLIGHT!" METER:  2/3

The crowd at Great American Ballpark was disguised as seats

04/09/2012

Cardinals 7 Reds 1

Dear Cards,

ALBERT IS GONE (AND WE'VE ONLY PLAYED 5 GAMES), BUT

The team is leading the league in hits, home runs, doubles, total bases, extra base hits, and tied for first in runs scored.  We are for fourth in walks and are tied for first in strikeouts (unfortunately).

Last year, the Cardinals had the best offense in the NL. When Albert left, everyone assumed it wouldn't be a top offense.  I hope the guys continue hitting well and prove all the doubters wrong.  There are several proven, certified legit hitters on the Cardinals roster. 

Meanwhile, we're five games into the season and I already owe Cardinal Glennon's "Homers For Health" $2.25.  I'm not counting, but at this pace I'll owe around $72.00 at the end of the season (ha, ha-- for someone who isn't counting, I sure did the math).  My donation to Cardinal Glennon is just a small drop in the bucket, but it will make a big difference in the life of a child when added to all the other small donations! (Cue the following cliches: "Together We Can Make a Difference" and "Every Little Bit Helps.")  If you, dear reader, haven't pledged,  please do so!

Lets win today and tomorow, 'birds!

'Til Later

Can't Keep Us Down

04/08/2012

Cardinals 9 Brewers 3

Hey Redbirds,

IS THIS REAL LIFE?*

I hope this great start isn't a tease.  I'm afraid that the bullpen will do something to ruin it but so far the "blown save" hasn't reared its ugly head. The bullpen was great late last year, once Marc Rzepczynski (better known as Scrabble) and veteran pitchers who could pitch (imagine that!) were added.  However, like early last year, we once again have old pitchers (Linebrink, who-- thank God-- is on the DL, and Romero) in the 'pen who have to resort to smoke and mirrors to record an out.

In early April, it's hard to gauge a team-- hard to determine what is real and what is a mirage.   Last year, the resilience the team displayed in early April became characteristic of the team.  The blown saves were a trait, too.  I'm liking the patterns this team is displaying so far-- aggressive base running and plentiful hitting.  There's this aura about the team-- I haven't yet decipher it-- but it has something to do with the team's attitude and the way it goes about it's business....

If this is a team of extremes, I hope those extremes are good ones.  For example, I hope the high number of hits continue and I hope the high strikeout total doesn't.

THE RUBBER GAME

Yesterday afternoon, Lance Lynn made a fantastic start: 6.2 Innings Pitched, 2 Hits, 1 Earned Run, 1 Home Run, and 8 strikeouts.  And he still threw mid-90s!  Cardinal batters had FOURTEEN hits.  Relievers did give up two runs (boo), but the Cardinals still caught a "Happy Flight!" from Milwaukee to Cincinnati.

Beat those Reds!  Silence Jay Bruce and Joey Votto's bats!

'Til Later

HAPPY FLIGHT METER: 2/2

 *Gotta love David After Dentist

Crushed Hopes (no longer undefeated)

04/07/2012

Cardinals 0 Brewers 6

Dear 'birds,

I do not like losing... at least it came against a pitcher who went undefeated at home last season.

Adam Wainwright looked good in his return.  Well, his numbers (5.2 IP, 4 Hits, 3ER, 1 BB, 1 K) were good, and his breaking pitches were great.

I hope we won't get shut out anymore this season.  I hate not scoring at all. 

Just win the series tomorrow, boys.  I'm worried because Lance Lynn is pitching tomorrow... what if he is taken out early and it becomes a bullpen game, ruining the bullpen for the Cincinnati series?  I am worried that whoever is pitching for Milwaukee will keep the bats quiet.  I hope not.  I will be disgusted if that happens.  Prove me wrong, Cards.  I want to write about how silly my fears were tomorrow.

This is a good opportunity to show how you respond to losing.  I wonder how Mike Matheny is handling his first loss.

Tomorrow is a "get away day"-- will it be a "happy flight?"

'Til Later

 

What, what!

04/06/2012

Cardinals 11 Brewers 5

Dear Cardinals,

Way to lay the hurt on the Brewers today! Too bad those three Brewers runs scored in the ninth and made the score somewhat respectable.

It's fun spoiling teams home openers.

I'm falling in love with ya'll-- speed and stolen bases, timely hits and home runs, and sexy, gutsy pitching. There's so much swag these first two games.

You all are striving for the extra base.  No one seems afraid of making a mistake, and it shows in the freedom you all give yourselves on the field.  In order to accomplish a goal or the seemingly impossible, you can't be afraid to fail.  If you don't try at all-- if Furcal didn't try to stretch his single into a double because of the fear of being tagged out-- you never know what could occur. You could find yourself in scoring position. Sure, you could play it safe and stay on first, but I like that the team is running the bases aggressively. 

I do hope, however, that you guys will run a small bit more conservatively on such hits if losing.  

I hope Matheny finds the proper balance of resting the old guys and playing the young bench players.  The young guys need to stay sharp and the old guys need to rest their surgically-repaired knees (I am looking at you-- Berkman, Beltran, and Furcal).

The team already look unstoppable.  (Winning makes me write fanciful  nonsense.)

I hope the first loss never happens. But it will, and when it does, I hope this is the sort of team that always come back and wins the next day.

It looks like it may be.

 

Please win tomorrow in Wainwright's first game post- surgery.

'Til Later

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet*

04/04/12

Cardinals 4- Marlins 1

What's up Redbirds!

I really appreciate the fact that you all won last night, because today would be a horrible day if you hadn't.  It is a good day, because I am not anxiously awaiting tomorrow's redemption, I am trying to calculate the odds of a team going 162-0.  Apparently, its five quindecillion to one  (5000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 to 1). Well, there's nothing stopping a girl from dreaming about the impossible. (Although, technically, there is a chance-- a very, very miniscule, near-zero chance-- but a chance all the same.)

Mike Matheny endured an ice cold water-dousing after his first managerial win.  I was wondering why the team seemed extra focused last night-- turns out everyone wanted to get Matheny's big first 'W' out the way.  

It looks like the team enjoys playing for Mike.

AGGRESSIVE BASE RUNNING

All spring, there was talk about how Matheny wanted the team to run more, specifically, he wanted the team to steal more bases.  It occurred to me last night that he just wants the guys to strive for the extra-base, period-- go as far as you can on each hit.  Twice in the first inning, Cardinal players slid into second on fairly close plays. Ballsy.

To cap off an inning of aggressive running, Yadier Molina ran to first base on a groundout to second.  Perhaps he thinks it's still the post season.  He never usually runs that hard on groundouts. I LOVED seeing that effort.  

THERE'S A CRUISE SHIP IN LITTLE HAVANA

One of the EPSN announcers said that Marlins Park's window style makes it look like cruise ship docked in the middle of Miami's Little Havana neighborhood.  This makes sense-- Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria wants to have the feel of the beach and ocean at the ballpark.

Let me say one thing about those Miamians-- they had me mentally exhausted before the first pitch was ever thrown!  Now, St. Louis has clydesdales pulling a Budweiser wagon, leading the parade of Cardinals and Cardinals hall-of-famers around the ballpark, but it isn't nearly the level of sight and sensory that Miami fans were treated to last night.

I mean, the Miami players were escorted by Brazilian dancers! The guy who is famous for singing "Feliz Navidad" sang the National Anthem. It was very slow, but singers don't usually start singing the Star- Spangled banner at a good clip until June, so I forgive him.  Muhammad Ali made a (very slow, awkward and depressing) trek in a cart to deliver the ceremonial first pitch.  I enjoyed watching the Marlins players gather around him for a snapshot.  

In addition to all the Opening Day hoopla, there were people hanging upside down by their ankles, dancing and pouring champagne. I am serious.

Also, besides the much derided home run contraption beyond center field and the much discussed fish tanks behind home plate, Marlins Park also has a pool located at Clevelander bar out in left field.

OH MY LOHSE!

 7.1 IP, 2H, 1ER, 3K

Kyle Lohse...you said that after pitching on the World Series stage, handling an Opening Day start is nothing.  You were right, if your poise last night amidst the Miami madness is any indication.  Your performance last night had everyone saying "Carpenter, who?". It was beautiful watching you no- hit the Marlins for 7 innings. Dominating.  There were a few well-struck balls, but that's what defenders are for, right?
 

HAPPY FLIGHT! 

The first "happy flight" of the season was from Miami to Milwaukee last night!  Hopefully it was the first of many!

For the uninitiated:  "Happy Flight!" was the Cardinals war-cry during the months of September and October last season.  It originated with short stop Rafael Furcal as a reference to the games you win on travel days-- leading to a happy plane ride  to your new location!

Love ya'll! Please win this series against Milwaukee. They are sure to raise their "2011 Division Champions" flag next to their "2008 Wild Card" flag sometime this weekend.

'Til Later

HAPPY FLIGHT METER: 1/1

*Yes, this jingle from the Chevrolet ads that ran last night on ESPN, featuring Detroit Tigers' Prince Fielder and Justin Verlander in a modern day reprise of the Detroit automaker's  game-changing 1974 commercials, is just as catchy now as then... so, what better way to label a post about the (state-side) return of America's game? 

Ain't Nothing 'Bout It Luck

"Baseball presents a living heritage, a game poised between the powerful undertow of seasons past and the hope of next day, next week, next year."

Jim Thorn

Dearest Birds,

Please do not look back and reminisce about last October.  The only time "World Champion" should cross your mind is when you receive your rings on April 14 and raise the pennant over centerfield on April 15.

Do not strut around like World Champions-- play with a chip on your shoulder.  Remember that there's always something to prove.  There are those who doubt this team can repeat, show them it's possible.  Play like underdogs.  Play with scrappiness, stubbornness, and abandon.

Repeating won't be possible if you let complacency settle in your gut.  Your heart should pound with the wish to return to the Fall Classic, and your gut should burn with the desire to make it happen.  It takes work to make it there, you know that from last year.  Put in the work.  Put in more work than last year.

Learn from the 2011 Cardinals, their resilience, their refusal to give up all year-- from February 24, when Wainwright underwent Tommy John surgery until October 27, when they did the impossible in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series.

That team made it so far because they refused to dwell on the members they'd lost.  They did not make excuses.  No one said or thought about how much better, how much easier, the season would be if Waino was available, because twenty-five other guys were.

Focus on the guys in the clubhouse, the ones who take the field, and do not make a presence of any absences.  Create an identity.  Look at past teams and take the best from all of them, become the ultimate Cardinal team.

Play hard.  Play smart.  Play like a Cardinal.  Have fun.  It's just a game. 

In summary, know your enemies and respect your friends. Your enemies are: complacency, contentment, doubt, what was.  Your friends are: resilience, hard work, faith, what is.

'Til Later

P.S. This post's title comes from a country song "Something 'bout a truck" by Kip Moore.  I like this line about luck, although I do believe that luck does have something to do with what happens over the course of a season.  Teams who stay generally healthy during the season are lucky.  I hope the Cardinals are lucky in health this year, especially since they had so much misfortune in that department last year.

I chose this line because you shouldn't depend on luck-- you should work hard and create your own luck.

That Baseball Team to the North

...No, not the Cubs, they are hardly a baseball team these days, I am speaking of the Milwaukee Brewers.

THE (RECENT) PAST:

Last year, the Cardinals and Brewers had a very volatile relationship. 

"T-Plush", the annoying alter ego of Nyger Morgan, tweeted after the Cardinals and Brewers nearly brawled in a September game  that "Where still n 1st and I hope those crying birds injoy watching tha Crew in tha Playoffs!!! Aaaaahhhh!!!"

The almost fight started because Chris Carpenter yelled after striking Morgan out.  Morgan took offense, and spit his wad of tobacco (yeah, gross) towards the mound.  During a game in August, the umpires issued Morgan a warning after he kept yelling at Carp from the dugout. (As an aside, the Cardinals and Morgan had issues when he was a member of the Washington Nationals). 

The great thing about Nyger Morgan is that he plays with heart-- a lot like Carpenter.  However, players should always respect their opponents.  This means you keep your mouth shut and let your game do the talking. Some people think that the exuberance Carp shows on the mound is disrespectful-- that he is trying to show up his opponents.  He isn't.  He is in the moment, competing, and his celebratory yells aren't usually aimed at the opposition.  Plus, he does not disrespect his opponents when interviewed-- he acknowledges their ability and congratulates great plays.

Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke said this about Carpenter before the NLCS: 

"They think his presence, his attitude out there sometimes is like a phony attitude," Greinke said. "And then he yells at people. He just stares people down and stuff. And most pitchers just don't do that. And when guys do, I guess some hitters get mad. Some hitters do it to pitchers. But when you do that some people will get mad.
"There's other pitchers in the league that do it, but, I don't know," Greinke said, "a lot of guys on our team don't like Carpenter."

So, they hate Carpenter because he is "old school"... tough.

I can't find the exact quote, but I believe it was said by a Brewers player last year.  The player spoke about how at spring training, the team they hate with a passion and think about beating is the St. Louis Cardinals.  What a compliment-- I mean, no one in the division has a vendetta against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

THIS YEAR:

Prince Fielder signed with the Detroit Tigers this off season.  The Brewers replaced some of his offense by signing former Cub, Aramis Ramirez, to play third base.  

For years, the Brewers offense-- carried by Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder-- had always been top-notched, but their pitching kept them from being a consistent contender.  Last year, the Brewers finally acquired capable pitching, and made it to the NLCS.  This year, starters Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo will probably make pitching the strongest point of the team, especially with Prince Fielder's production gone.  The Brewers also have a good bullpen.

Reigning MVP Ryan Braun had a difficult off season (he tested positive for steroids during the playoffs, but does not have to serve the 50 game suspension due to a technicality in the way the sample was handled) and it remains to be seen whether he elevates his play, or suffers from all the ridicule he'll hear on the road this season.

The Brewers have solid offense and solid pitching, but suffer on defense.  And, ultimately, it was their defense-- those seven errors in Games 5 and 6 of the NLCS-- that ended their season last year.

That Eastern Team I Dislike

In the coming days, I am going to write about the NL Central teams-- not to actually analyze their chances of winning the NL Central but to become reacquainted with the exact reasons why we dislike them.

First up... the Cincinnati Reds. 

THE (RECENT) PAST:

There was not much animosity last season between the Reds and the Cards, mostly because the Reds finished under .500.  But in 2010, when the Reds and the Cardinals were fighting for the division, there was plenty of animosity.

The hatred looked to continue in 2011 when Adam Wainwright underwent Tommy John surgery and a Cincinnati reporter wrote that  (now former) Reds outfielder Jonny Gomes celebrated Wainwright's surgery by singing a song,  "Wainwright's gone, Wainwright's gone" in the clubhouse.

Of course, Jonny apologized and denied the charge, but I am more inclined to believe the reporter than the ballplayer.  The reporter took down the original article that spoke of the incident, but he wrote in a later article, that he was not the only one who heard Wainwright's name in the song.

Jonny obviously is not the kind of competitor who enjoys winning bragging rights by beating his opponent's best team.

Of course, after this incident, you can only surmise that it's their clubhouse culture-- extreme cockiness to the point of disrespecting opponents.  This is the same clubhouse that houses Brandon Phillips, the second baseman who insulted the Cardinals and proceeded to feign friendliness with Yadi the next day. Yadi wasn't having it, preliminary punches were thrown, ultimately leading to the best Cardinals brawl in recent memory.

You know, I have actually grown to like Brandon Phillips-- or, should I say, admire him.  I appreciate the fact that he's a  really nice guy who loves to visit with fans.  

I just won't ever forgive him for calling the Cardinals what he called them.  Ever.  I support those at Busch Stadium who boo Phillips to this day. 

During the brawl, Jason LaRue and Carpenter were kicked in the back (Carp) and head (LaRue) by Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto, who suddenly forgot how to comprehend even a little English when interviewed about the matter, claiming through a teammate/interpreter that he was scared.  LaRue retired after the season due to post-concussion syndrome.

Another issue the Cardinals and Reds have-- slick baseballs.  Anytime Bronson Arroyo pitches at Great American Ballpark, the balls are slick. Cardinals pitchers DO NOT like this. (For those who don't know, baseballs are rubbed down with mud, so pitchers can get a good grip on the ball and batters won't have to worry a 95 mph pitch slipping and hitting them on the head.)  Carpenter, in particular, will toss back ball after ball because the slickness prevents him from gripping the ball properly. (John Smoltz also had a problem with Cincinnati's slick balls when he was with the Redbirds).  Needless to say, the Reds don't like that the Cardinals have a problem with this.

THIS YEAR:

The Reds are definitely going for it this year.  Last year's top two teams (Brewers and Cardinals), lost large contributors (oh, man, there's a Prince Fielder joke waiting there, but I'll leave it be).  Plus,  with Joey Votto closer to  testing the free agent market, the window of opportunity is closing.

The Reds made aggressive moves this off-season, shipping the future (typical of Jocketty-- depleting the farm system for large acquisitions. SEE: St. Louis Cardinals under his tenure.) to San Diego for starting pitcher Mat Latos. They acquired Cubs reliever, left-hander Sean Marshall, to serve as the bullpen's set-up man.  Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson signed to handle to ninth inning.  Unfortunately, they will be paying him $8.5  million to undergo Tommy John surgery.  Even worse (for whoever owns the Reds), is the fact that that $8.5 million puts a strain on the purse strings.  If the Reds are in the race come the trade deadline, how salary will they be willing to take on in a trade?

All in all, the Reds look to be a solid all-around team-- a good defense and offense, to complement improved pitching.

EDIT (April 3, 2012):  Joey Votto will not become a free-agent after 2013. Yesterday night it was announced that he and the Reds had agreed to a contract extension worth $225 million over 10 years.