Waino Dominates, The Road Trip, #HighSockSunday

08/21/2012

Astros 0 Cardinals 7

Dear 'birds,

I had meant to post this days ago.  But, things go in the way.
Basically, I got lazy.

But Waino, this was a very impressive start for you.  I know
it was against the lastros and all, but throwing a complete game shutout with twelve strikeouts
is nothing to sniff at, right? (Even if your opponent looks like they'll
struggle against college teams).

Last night was another great start by Waino.  He only allowed 2 runs and the Cardinals
beat the Reds 8-2.

I have to say 'birds, I'm impressed.  I hope
that you continue to win series from here on out, especially
on this road trip because it is a really important one against post season contenders.

Til Later

Recap of  Astros series:
7-0 W, 4-2 W, 13-5 W

Recap of Reds series:
8-5 W*, 2-8 L, 8-2 W

* Lance Lynn went 2 innings, Joe Kelly pitched 3 innings in relief and got the win. This outing came five days after Joe's five and two-thirds (I think, I'm too lazy to check if its true or not) relief outing in that 19 inning game versus the Pirates.  The Cardinals made the decision this weekend to put Lynn in the bullpen and Kelly as a starter, the way my gut felt it should be all long.  (But, of course, after this was made official, for a second I felt sick and thought Lynn should still be the starter because it will possibly be more annoying to watch a reliever come in and not shut down the opposition than to have a starter who struggles through five innings.  However, I believe that Lynn will excel in this role and that Joe will be able to keep the Cardinals in games while pitching deeper into games because he gets outs in far fewer pitches than Lance (thank God).  I hope Lance goes into that bulldog bullpen mode he had last year-- he told the media that he still considers himself a starter. Lance-- please bring the heat and attack hitters out of the pen, don't try to be cute!) 

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.

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.

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

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.

The Rise and Fall of Carpenter = The Rise and Fall of the Cards

Observe:

• 2003: The Cardinals sign Chris Carpenter, hoping that he'll be able to pitch by mid- season. He is not able to compete because of a muscle tear in his shoulder.
• The Redbirds finish third in the division. (They'd won the division in 2002).
• An aside: I'm not too sure this year should count, since he wasn't on the 40 man roster. 
• 2004:  Chris Carpenter re-signs with the Cards. He finishes the season with a 15-5 record. Unfortunately, a nerve problem in his bicep prevents him from pitching in the postseason.
• The Cardinals win the NL pennant, earning their first World Series appearance since 1987. 
• 2005:  Carpenter wins the NL Cy Young award with a 21-5 record. 
• Cardinals lose to the Houston Astros in the NLCS.
• 2006:  Carpenter finishes the regular season with 15-8 record.  He is healthy and pitches in the postseason.
• Cardinals win their first World Series since 1982.
• 2007: Carp pitches on Opening Day, the only game he pitches this season.  Tommy John surgery in July places him out of commission until mid-season 2008.
• Cardinals finish under .500 at 78-84, behind the Cubs and Brewers.  
• 2008: In July, Carpenter returns and makes his first of three starts before being shut down again.
• The Cardinals finish behind the Cubs, Brewers, and Astros with a 86-76 record.
• 2009: Carpenter wins NL Comeback Player of the Year, and is runner-up in the Cy Young voting.
• Cardinals win the division and lose to the Dodgers in the NLDS.
• 2010: Carp becomes an All-Star for the third time and wins 16 games.
• The Cardinals finish second in the division to Reds.
• 2011:  At the beginning of the season, Carpenter pitched well, but receive little run support. He finishes the season with only eleven victories.  He logs the most innings of all major league pitchers, when the post season is taken into account.
• Cardinals finish second in the division, and enter the post season as wild cards.  They win their eleventh World Series.
• 2012:  As of today: Carpenter is out indefinitely due to nerve irritation in his right shoulder-- sources are reporting it's similar to the shoulder discomfort he dealt with in 2008.  According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Carp will have to let his shoulder recover, then restrengthen it. This can take a matter of weeks or months.
• What will the Cardinals do this year?  I still think they'll be pretty good.  Hopefully, they'll do what they did last year when an ace went down-- accept it and move on.  I don't want to hear anything about "treading water" until Carpenter comes back.  This team can win without Carp, just like they won without Wainwright last year.    
 
tl;dr:  With the exception of 2010, every year that Carpenter was healthy and able to pitch, the Cardinals played in the post season.  And every year he wasn't able to pitch, they didn't make the post season. 
 
And that, folks, is what I call Kate-analysis!  I know, I know, very hard hitting stuff.  You may hold your applause.
 
'Til Later