A Strange Game

07/27/2012

Cubs 6 Cardinals 9

Dear 'birds,

This was not the type of start

Lance Lynn will write home about-- he coughed up

all six runs.  And he is the first starter since June

to not go at least six innings. But hey, Lance, 

at least your ERA is still under four.

The Cards took Cubs starter Travis Wood deep today. They knocked 

five home runs out of the park-- one for each of the first 

five innings. Matty hit one in the first, Yadi

in the second,  Puma in the third (right-handed!), Baby Carp

in the fourth, and Craig in the fifth. That's historic. A first

in franchise history.

Another thing: the wind wasn't blowing 

out today at Wrigley. Those balls were just hammered.

(And I'm sure that plenty of Cubs fans were the same

way during the course of the game.)

I love beating up on the Cubs. But mostly

I love winning all the time.

I wonder what kind of winning percentage we can

put up from here to the end of the season?

Til Later.

A quick note about next week

I have today's game post written and set to publish
at 8 AM. I wrote it tonight because I have work
tomorrow during the  dead hours of the morning.

I am leaving town for a week this Sunday and I don't know when
I'll be able to catch a game. (If gameday is inexpensive
I'll order it for the week and hope that the games won't be blacked out
where I'll be.) I will try to update the blog,
however, while I'm gone.

I think. It is a pseudo-vacation. Maybe I should vacation
from everything I normally do.

Til Later. :)

Great Home Stand

07/26/2012

Dodgers 4 Cardinals 7

Dear Redbirds,

Color me impressed.

A 6 and 1 homestand,

and 18 hits last night.

Motte pitched for the second day 

in a row and got a second save. The 'pen

hasn't blown a game during this streak yet.

Or did they screw it up Monday?

I can't remember too many good things

since then.

 

"Happy Flight!" meter: 12/23

Raffy has a habit

07/25/2012

Dodgers 2 Cardinals 3

Final/12

Dear Raffy Furcal (and Friends),

I like your new habit.  

What habit?

The walk-off hit habit.

And what about old man Berkman?

Getting the walk in the 12th inning.

And the Joe Kelly ran the bases because

the Puma is operating with one leg, these days.

Joe Kelly is fast but Puma gave him a new name.

Baby Giraffe.

The general belief of Joe's teammates is that

he  runs fast, but that he isn't so coordinated.

He tripped over second base last night.

Or second base reached up and tripped him.

Some people say that he was hit by a sniper 

when he fell rounding second.

They were joking, of course,

it would not have been a joke if the game

hadn't ended after the 12th.

I like Joe Kelly.

He pitches well, can hit, and can fly.

Wow. Bet he's having the time of his life up here

in the Bigs.

Til Later.

Catching Up

Dear Cardinals,

I have to play catch up today on THREE games. Why? Because I've been lazy. Sorry.

07/22/2012

Cubs 0 Cardinals 7

I am impressed that you guys swept the Cubs. They had been playing good baseball and you all hadn't been, so it left very good vibes. It was the second sweep of the season and first in the NL Central (which, by the way, we need to start playing better in the division, men). The first inning was entertaining with more of those "down the line" doubles from the seventh inning of the previous game.  We outscored the Cubs 23-1 in the series, which I still find hilarious days later. 

07/23/2012

Dodgers 5 Cardinals 3

I figured we were back to the same-old Cardinals after this game. Chad Billingsley hadn't been pitching well, but of course, we go out there and lose.  It was frustrating because it was something I've seen before.  After this game I determined that we weren't going to win a game in this series because this team just didn't want to win.

07/24/2012

Dodgers 2 Cardinals 8

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw, 2011's Triple Crown and Cy Young Award winner, started this game for the Dodgers.  He made the us look silly for four and two-thirds innings, the Dodgers had a 2 run lead that seem insurmountable, but then the we erupted for eight runs over two innings. The sixth inning was strange because the runs piled up quietly and quickly.  Talk about twilight zone. One second the game was tied, some guys reached base, and then somehow six runs touched the plate. Daniel Descalso, the only lefty in the line up, had the first two hits against Kershaw.  Adam Wainwright was batting .071 for the year, (An anomaly because he is a good-hitting pitcher. He has five career home-runs, one of which he hit in his first career at-bat) but he hit a double to bring home the first Cardinal run and a bases loaded walk.

Til Later.

Like a Soundtrack to a July Saturday Night

07/21/2012

Cubs 0 Cardinals 12

Dear Cardinals,

Cardinal's baseball is the soundtrack to my summer. My nights are empty, so empty, on days when the team doesn't play.  I love that there's always a game to keep me company, to occupy those hot idle, afternoon and evening minutes.

Seeing as the Cardinals are a constant  presence in my life, I always check in on the games.  Saturday night, I went to watch Nelly perform at Soldier's memorial for Fair St. Louis. (It was free and so much fun! My sister and I arrived early and got a spot about six rows from the stage. I'm on ear-rest right now, because it was LOUD and I forgot to buy earplugs.)  Before Nelly took the stage, I called my dad to see what was going on at the game.  (I don't have internet on my phone, people!)  He says, "It's nothing-nothing. Sixth inning."  I hang up the phone thinking, oh, it's going to be one of those nights, isn't?

While on the Metrolink after a spectacular show, I called my dad to check up on the game. Nelly had mentioned that the Cardinals had won but he didn't say the score. Here's the transcript:

ME: Hey dad, what did the Cardinals do?

DAD: They won, 12 nothing.

ME: THEY SCORED TWELVE RUNS! How did that happen? How did they do that, it was nothing-nothing in the sixth!

DAD: Yup, they scored twelve runs in the seventh inning.

ME: They scored twelve runs in the seventh! IN ONE INNING!

I watched the replay of the game.  The bottom half of the seventh went on for ages.  When dad saw me watching the game he says, "I feel asleep three times and every time I woke up it was still the seventh inning."

Many amazing things happen in that inning.  Many record setting things happened in that inning. They tied a record for the most doubles in one inning with seven.  They had eight extra base hits, thanks to a Skip Schumaker triple.  They tied the franchise record set in 1926 for most runs in a inning. 

However, the craziest thing to me about that inning is the fact that EIGHT of the twelve runs scored after there were two outs.  Insane.

Til Later.

What does this team need?

07/20/2012

Cubs 1 Cardinals 4

Dear Cards,

WHAT DOES THIS TEAM NEED!?!

Last month we needed starting pitching. Now they are doing well.

And do we really need a starter with Jaime Garcia coming back sometime in August (is this still the case with him on the 60 day DL)?  When he comes back, hopefully he'll be strong enough to pitch well and deep into games, and we can move either Joe Kelly or Lance Lynn into the bullpen which would be a huge help.

But how much longer will Waino be able to pitch?  The Nationals are setting down Stephen Strasburg once he reaches the inning limit the doctor put on his surgically repaired arm.  (Though, now the Nationals are saying if they have a chance at the Series, he will still pitch).

If the Cardinals make the playoffs, will they be able to count on Adam Wainwright to be the workhorse Chris Carpenter was last season?

We need better relievers.  We need the offense to shake this funk they're in.  Last night was the first time since July 8 that the team has scored more than three runs.

I say this all the time, but sometime very soon everything will actually click and this team will roll along winning games like the machine they should be, right?

It will be so awesome if they emulated the 2002 Oakland A's and go on a 20 game win-streak.  I'll love to see that, especially through August, which has typically been the worse months of Cardinals baseball these last few years.

Til Later.

Worse Road Trip Ever

07/17/2012

Cardinals 2 Brewers 3

07/18/2012

Cardinals 3 Brewers 4

Dear Cardinals,

How long can this team continue playing below their level without it affecting the belief the team holds that they are good enough?

I mean, I still think this team is good-- I think this team is great.  How much longer will  this team have to play like this to convince me that this is truly the team they are-- mediocre?  Is the team convinced they can't be any better?  Is that why they're playing horribly?

Out starting pitching was outstanding this road trip, hitting was awful.  We only won one game. Out of six.

Whats worse, is that the Cubs are in town tonight and they are playing well.  They are probably still leading the fecal league standings, but they're winning, at least.  I hope we win this weekend.

I hope that this is the last week/ month of mediocre baseball.

Unhappy flight to the Lou.

Til Later.

"Happy Flight!"  meter: 11/22

Another Late Inning Comeback!

07/16/2012

Cardinals 3 Brewers 2

Dear 'birds,

I don't know how far behind the Cardinals the Brewers are, but I am dubbing this series "battle to stay in third place" all the same.

The Cardinals battled last night. It was fun watching the ninth inning comeback-- 3 runs! Matt Holliday hit the game-tying single that, of course, did nothing to shut up his haters.

Til Later

Swept out of Cincinnati

07/15/2012

Cardinals 2 Reds 4

Dear Redbirds,

I don't think I'm ever going to learn how to spell Cincinnati without looking up whether its spelled with two t's or two n's.

Another showdown for second place, except this time we couldn't  even win one game. It's frustrating how often this team chooses not to rise for the occasion.

This weekend was also frustrating because the pitching was pretty good.  Apparently the Reds pitching was even better, because it stymied our offense.  Of course,  mayber the offense is just going through some downtime.  I hate when that happens.

Lousy Flight from Cincy to Milwaukee.

Til Later.

"Happy Flight!"meter: 11/21

Obligatory Post...

05/14/2012

Cardinals 2 Reds 3

Final/10

Dear Cardinals,

The most frustrating part about all this is that we are a good team. It sucks losing like this all the time.  The bullpen needs to be fixed. It is dragging me down. 

Victor Marte shouldn't be trusted in close games anymore. Neither should any of our other relievers, actually.

Til Later.

Quick game summary

07/13/2012

Cardinals 3 Reds 5

Dear Redbirds,

It was more of the same. I guess this team is never going to be any better than it is.

What a inning!

07/08/2012

Marlins 4 Cardinals 5

Dear Redbirds,

The end of the first half was amazing.  I feel as though the comeback victory built team chemistry and general excitement for the second half.

I loved that team that came to bat in the bottom of the ninth-- that team refused to lose.  And they didn't.  I loved the way that you all worked the count-- Daniel Descalso's at-bat was particularly impressive, mostly because it was Daniel Descalso up there fouling off pitches. (Okay, that isn't fair.  He isn't on the same field as Tyler Greene, who would've just struck out in that situations.  Descalso is one of those tough-minded, young Cardinals who play ball and play it hard and play it right.)

Raffy's single plated the tying run and winning runs, he really needed that hit. I had fun watching him celebrate it.

David Freese avoided the tag by the Marlins catcher and scored the winning run.  I tell you, that guy always seems to be involved in all the exciting plays.

Til Later

2012 All-Star Game: NL Stands Giant, Breaks Out Special Can of Whoop A**

07/10/2012

NL 8 AL 0

National League Wins for the Third Straight Year

Yes, the All Star game was over by the first inning.  No, this did not upset me, I thoroughly enjoyed the rout.  It was a great way for Chipper Jones to end his career.  I enjoyed watching Tony La Russa go out on top.  Again.

La Russa had some curious in game moves. Two of the moves had Cubs fans shouting: Conspiracy!  The first move? David Freese played first base last night.  As we all know, the man is a third baseman.  The Cubs' Brian LaHair was second first baseman on the roster, he entered the game after Joey Votto and David Freese had their turn at first.  The second move Cubs fans jeered was the fact that Rafael Furcal was the only All-Star to play seven innings.  They wanted to see their young phenom shortstop Starlin Castro.  I'm sure La Russa was just remembering those times Cardinals players reached base due to a Starlin Castro error.  (I was).  Luckily, it wasn't a close game, so I felt safe with him at short.

Rafael Furcal had fun last night in his first All-Star start. According to the St Louis Post-Dispatch, he was thrilled play seven innings and to be the player La Russa chose to reenter the game as the "emergency replacement fielder."  He also hit one of a record three triples for the NL.

I wonder if SF Giants fans are upset-- their team drove in five runs last night!  Melky Cabrera had a RBI single and two run homer.  Kung Fu Panda, the alias of  Pablo Sandoval, hit a bases loaded triple.  Perhaps the Giants problem is that they don't have enough people getting on base so these guys can drive in a lot of runs nightly.  That or the offense relaxes because they know their pitching will only allow about three runs.   Giant pitcher Matt Cain started the game,  tossing two innings  and setting the tone for shut out baseball.

The NL may have a losing winning percentage in interleague play, but the league has won  four of the last six world series (Cardinals in 2006, Phillies in 2008, Giants in 2010, Cardinals in 2011-- hey two Cardinals victories!) and the last three All-Star Games. 

Meanwhile after last night, the question on everyone's mind is whether Ron Washington will ever beat the NL when it counts. He is 0-2 in All-Star game appearances and 0-2 in World Series appearances.

Til Later!

We Won!

07/07/2012

Marlins 2 Cardinals 3

Dear 'birds,

Today's topic of conversation: Lohse is boss. The End.

Til Later!

This team: URGGGH

07/06/2012

Marlins 3 Cardinals 2

Dear Redbirds,

I didn't see the game last night because I was  at the Arch grounds enjoying Third Eye Blind at Fair St. Louis.

But, seriously? THREE errors. You all deserved to lose.

You do know that we are third in the division, only two* games (I think) ahead of the lousy Brew Crew?

Seriously, you all need to start playing the way that you are capable of.

Til Later.

*4.5, but still. Start winning.

Matt Holliday is now an All-Star

07/05/2012

Rockies 2 Cardinals 6

Quick notes before I head out to Fair St. Louis:

 

Turns out that Yadier Molina won't be attending the All-Star game, so Matt Holliday was named in his place.  

Last night, something amazing happen-- this team beat a team it was supposed to beat.  

I am so happy we didn't split this series.

Meanwhile, the Marlins are in town today and my only question is if we ever play anyone else from the NL East.  

If you count Spring Training, we've probably played the Marlins the most.

Til Later

Game 83 Takes Place Today!

07/03/2012

Rockies 3 Cardinals 2

07/04/2012

Rockies 1 Cardinals 4

Dear Mr. Freese,

Congratulations on becoming an All-Star! You're welcome.  I voted for you countless times;  you should thank me, because my votes made all the difference, of course.

All right, all right. Joking aside, you deserve this honor.  I'm glad you were the top vote getter in the Final Vote.  There is a small part of me that is upset because this means you won't truly get a break before the second half of the season, but I hope that you enjoy the experience!

Later!

It was one of those "I'll believe when I see it" situations

07/02/2012

Rockies 3 Cardinals 9

Dear Chris Carpenter,

I hate to hear that you are undergoing surgery.  Honestly, though, I never did expect you back this year (I hoped you'll be back), so the news isn't as heartbreaking as it should be.

Not that I'm not disappointed.

You are Chris Carpenter.  I am going to miss the fierceness and competitiveness you show on the mound.  I love that. I hope you stick around and guide this team, and cheer them on.  They need you.  Without your speech last year at the end of August, the guys would not have been focused. You gave them a purpose. You motivated the team, you knew the words to say.  Let's not embarrass ourselves, you said, let's not embarrass the fans who believe in us and support us. That was something the team could handle: playing good baseball.  You didn't dwell on the fact that the team weren't mathematically eliminated and yet seemed far out of the pennant; you gave them another focus, instead-- winning ballgames one by one.

The good thing about knowing that you aren't going to be back is that we can now look for pitching help. It'll be interesting to see how Mozeliak goes about it-- will he get a starter and move Lance Lynn to the 'pen. (Joe Kelly will probably go to the 'pen when Jaime Garcia returns.) Or will he get a reliever?

Some words on last night's game:

Allen Craig. Kyle Lohse. That is all.

One more thing:  Allen Craig has great numbers and he has been on the DL a lot this year. Man can hit.

And another: Kyle Lohse has pitched very well this year.

'Til Later.

I'm Back! ( I was off sulking)

06/29/2012

Pirates 14 Cardinals 5

06/30/2012

Pirates 7 Cardinals 3

07/01/2012

Pirates 4 Cardinals 5

Hola Cardenales!

It's me, Kate.  I'm sorry I didn't write for three days. 

I was just sulking.

This team is so confusing.  I hate how you all play with my emotions. Cue Big Worm from Friday:

I thought that this was going to be the home stand that showed everybody that we are a force to be reckon with in the Central.  

I thought we would take over second place and gun for first after the All Star Break next week.

I thought that team I saw in April had came back and was going to stay for the rest of the year.

But I finally understand that this team's Main Objective is inconsistency.

And I know to live by my old motto: Hope for the best, expect the worse. 

Later.