By JP
A motto of many Fortune 500 companies is "continual improvement" or a variation thereof. That is exactly what the Cardinals are doing right now. Matt Carpenter, Allen Craig, and Kolten Wong are heating up at the plate and I think Jhonny Peralta will be coming around soon. Jaime Garcia and Jason Motte have returned from injuries and helped a struggling pitching staff. And, of course, the St. Louis Cardinals are only a game and a half out of first place. They have made this turn around (albeit a small one) but taking two steps forward every time they are forced to take a step back.
They have accomplished this in many ways. First of all, taking at least two of three games during their last four series is a key factor. The Cards lose Joe Kelley to injury but get Jaime back and he seems to be pitching well enough right now. They have a team right now capable of competing for a Wild Card spot, but what do they need to win the division or go deep into the post season?
To win the division, the Cardinals need to improve their offense. Right now they may be able to do that with minor leaguers. Since being sent back down to the minors, Randal Grichuk has been hitting the cover off of the ball and both Oscar Taveras and Stephen Piscotty have been hitting very well. It is unlikely we will see all three this season and given Mike Matheny's LaRussa-esque seeming dislike for rookies or very young players, we may not see them get much playing time at all. In several games, Matheny has opted to go with veteran player Mark Ellis at second base over Kolten Wong, who has shown marked improvement. Because of this, I don't expect to see someone like Taveras coming in and sparking the offense like Yasiel Puig did for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
To go deep into the playoffs the Cardinals need a third starting pitcher, at least in the opinion of this highly uncredentialed little blogger. But what about Shelby Miller, Jaime Garcia, Lance Lynn, or even Joe Kelley you ask? Miller faded down the stretch last year which is a big reason that he wasn't used much in the post season. That doesn't mean he won't be successful this year, but, while he does have a 6-3 record, he hasn't really showed the lights out stuff that Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha have. Garcia can't be counted on for a full season even if he does seem healthy right now and Lance Lynn, while a good first half of the season pitcher, seems to have used all of his good stuff by the All-Star break. So, what does that leave?
The Cardinals really have no Major league ready pitching in the minors right now and the free agents that are still on the market are not the third dominant pitcher that the Cardinals need for the post season. John Mozeliak is unlikely to make any trades until very close to the non-waiver trade deadline and if he does, it likely won't be splashy. He hasn't made a big trade since acquiring Matt Holliday in 2009. I wouldn't mind having someone like Cliff Lee (who wouldn't?) even though he will be 36 at the end of August. He's a left handed pitcher which was one of the Cardinals biggest problems in the World Series. Had they had a good left handed pitcher to throw two games, that pitcher likely would have cooled David Ortiz and maybe would have given the Cards another ring. That is, of course, all speculation. Lee is 4-4 this season with a respectable 3.18 ERA, but went on the DL five days ago with an elbow strain, so I am guessing that Mozeliak will shy away from him.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
A Broom, a Foul, and a New Lease
By JP
There was a look of horror on the faces of Cardinals fans everywhere Wednesday night that had nothing (probably) to do with Michael Jackson's posthumous Billboard Music Awards performance four days earler; it was because a Matt Adams' foul ball found its way into the Cards dugout and hit Michael Wacha just above his right elbow. We can all breathe a sigh of relief, however, because it sounds like Wacha will make his next sttart. But that isn't the only good news.
The Cardinals swept the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three game series. Wainwright was his usual dominant self and Allen Craig's bat is waking up and Jhonny Peralta seems to be hitting a little better now. Shane Robinson went 3-4 at the plate after a short stint in the minors. But the take away is that MAYBE the offense is starting to get going. Let's see what happens in Cincy this weekend.
Lastly, the Cards are 8-2 in their last 10 games while the Milwaukee Brewers are 4-6 which has allowed the Cards to climb to within 1.5 games of the division league. So, here's to at least taking two of three of from Cincy. Cheers!
There was a look of horror on the faces of Cardinals fans everywhere Wednesday night that had nothing (probably) to do with Michael Jackson's posthumous Billboard Music Awards performance four days earler; it was because a Matt Adams' foul ball found its way into the Cards dugout and hit Michael Wacha just above his right elbow. We can all breathe a sigh of relief, however, because it sounds like Wacha will make his next sttart. But that isn't the only good news.
The Cardinals swept the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three game series. Wainwright was his usual dominant self and Allen Craig's bat is waking up and Jhonny Peralta seems to be hitting a little better now. Shane Robinson went 3-4 at the plate after a short stint in the minors. But the take away is that MAYBE the offense is starting to get going. Let's see what happens in Cincy this weekend.
Lastly, the Cards are 8-2 in their last 10 games while the Milwaukee Brewers are 4-6 which has allowed the Cards to climb to within 1.5 games of the division league. So, here's to at least taking two of three of from Cincy. Cheers!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
We've Only Just Begun
By JP
The Cardinals just got done taking two of three games from the Cubs and Braves, respectively, over the last two series and next up are the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-bags, er, D-Backs have a better record than the Cubs and the same amount of wins as the Pirates. So what does that mean?
Not a damn things. The Cardinals have been so wishy washy this season that it's hard to tell how they will fare against Arizona. From here, the Cardinals look in great shape with Wainwright, Wacha, and Lynn thowing the next three games. Allen Craig may be heating up and Kolten Wong looks like his stint in the minors did him a world of good, ala Micheal Wacha last season. But what is St. Louis's real problem?
It kind of looks like relievers. The Cards had a 4-2 lead against the Atlanta Braves, but the bullpen let that slip away. Jaime Garcia pitched decently, which is a pleasant surprise since he hasn't pitched since, um 2008? I didn't fact check that, but it's probably right.
Tony La Russa was fond of saying (or may never have said, again, I don't do a lot of fact checking) that the first goal is to get to 5 games over .500. A sweep of the D-Bags...dammit I did it again...D-Backs would put the Cardinals at 5 gamse over. That is, at least, a starting point. They have to get to five over before they can get to twenty (yay math!).
Sure, it would be nice to have the Cardinals be at 30-10 or something like that, but what matters isn't having a great record in the regular season it's making the post season. Exibit A:2006. Exhibit 2-ish: 2011. In 2006 the Cardinals won their division ata record of 83-78, a mere five games over .500. They, of course, won the World Series that year. They were a Wild Card team in 2011 and again won the World Series. Cardinals fans don't have to look very far back in team history for evidence that the regular season doesn't mean much as long as they make the playoffs.
The Cardinals just got done taking two of three games from the Cubs and Braves, respectively, over the last two series and next up are the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-bags, er, D-Backs have a better record than the Cubs and the same amount of wins as the Pirates. So what does that mean?
Not a damn things. The Cardinals have been so wishy washy this season that it's hard to tell how they will fare against Arizona. From here, the Cardinals look in great shape with Wainwright, Wacha, and Lynn thowing the next three games. Allen Craig may be heating up and Kolten Wong looks like his stint in the minors did him a world of good, ala Micheal Wacha last season. But what is St. Louis's real problem?
It kind of looks like relievers. The Cards had a 4-2 lead against the Atlanta Braves, but the bullpen let that slip away. Jaime Garcia pitched decently, which is a pleasant surprise since he hasn't pitched since, um 2008? I didn't fact check that, but it's probably right.
Tony La Russa was fond of saying (or may never have said, again, I don't do a lot of fact checking) that the first goal is to get to 5 games over .500. A sweep of the D-Bags...dammit I did it again...D-Backs would put the Cardinals at 5 gamse over. That is, at least, a starting point. They have to get to five over before they can get to twenty (yay math!).
Sure, it would be nice to have the Cardinals be at 30-10 or something like that, but what matters isn't having a great record in the regular season it's making the post season. Exibit A:2006. Exhibit 2-ish: 2011. In 2006 the Cardinals won their division ata record of 83-78, a mere five games over .500. They, of course, won the World Series that year. They were a Wild Card team in 2011 and again won the World Series. Cardinals fans don't have to look very far back in team history for evidence that the regular season doesn't mean much as long as they make the playoffs.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Don't Worry...Yet
By JP
Yep, the Cardinals are not looking good. At 19-19 (.500) the Cards are second in the division and 5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers. They aren't hitting and their bullpen has been suspect. But there is one number to keep in mind before getting worried: 124.
There are 124 games left this season. That is 76% of the season remaining. But what does that mean? Does that mean that fans have to suffer through another four and a half months of .500 baseball? Perhaps, but more likely there is plenty of time to right the ship. Rmember last season (2013) when the Dodgers were 10-15 games below .500 at the all-star break? They ended up with one of the best records in baseball and played the Cardinals for a chance to go to the World Series. 2006 should prove that all the Cardinals need to do is make the playoffs.
Sure, right now the fact that Peter Borjous, Jhonny Peralta, and Allen Craig are not hitting well at all right now and Trevor Rosenthall and Shane Mannes are both struggling a little in the bullpen and the Cards aren't getting much production out 2nd, but there is plenty of time to get things going. Have faith in Matheny. He will get things going.
Yep, the Cardinals are not looking good. At 19-19 (.500) the Cards are second in the division and 5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers. They aren't hitting and their bullpen has been suspect. But there is one number to keep in mind before getting worried: 124.
There are 124 games left this season. That is 76% of the season remaining. But what does that mean? Does that mean that fans have to suffer through another four and a half months of .500 baseball? Perhaps, but more likely there is plenty of time to right the ship. Rmember last season (2013) when the Dodgers were 10-15 games below .500 at the all-star break? They ended up with one of the best records in baseball and played the Cardinals for a chance to go to the World Series. 2006 should prove that all the Cardinals need to do is make the playoffs.
Sure, right now the fact that Peter Borjous, Jhonny Peralta, and Allen Craig are not hitting well at all right now and Trevor Rosenthall and Shane Mannes are both struggling a little in the bullpen and the Cards aren't getting much production out 2nd, but there is plenty of time to get things going. Have faith in Matheny. He will get things going.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Last Call For Spring Training Baseball, So Finish Your Whiskey or Beer
By JP
Spring Training is almost over and as of Monday, Marth 31st it will be regular season. Opening Day is Monday! Iam so excited I feel tingly all over, I am short of breath and my left arm hurts. But Cardinals baseball can do that to a man. It could be worse, I could be having a heart attack or something.
I now live in the great state of Texas, which is, of course, Rangers country. I have encountered some bitterness from Rangers fans over 2011, some even pulling a page right out of the Rules to Being a Cubs fan playbook and stating silly things like "Ha, ha, the Cardinals lost in the World Series." Completely ignoring the fact the fan's team wasn't even in the playoffs. But, the vast majority of the time my experiences with Rangers fans has been pretty pleasant. In fact, I may hit a Rangers game or two this year, but mostly because I like watching professional baseball. And in the history of the Cardinals, the Rangers are, outside of 2011, a nonentity. There just isn't any history between the clubs. I certainly hope that in 2015 the Cardinals play the Rangers in Arlington.
2014 is going to be an exciting season. The Cards have one of the deepest pitching staffs they have had in a long time and have an impoved offense and defense. The additions of Peter Bourjos and Jhonny Peralta should help the Cards get over the hump to another WS victory. If Jaime Garcia, a left handed pitcher, can get and stay healthy that could help seal the deal. But that's a big if. There are a lot of factors that could be obstacles (such as injuries or a Wacha and/or Miller regression), but I am really looking forward to this season. Go Cards!
Spring Training is almost over and as of Monday, Marth 31st it will be regular season. Opening Day is Monday! Iam so excited I feel tingly all over, I am short of breath and my left arm hurts. But Cardinals baseball can do that to a man. It could be worse, I could be having a heart attack or something.
I now live in the great state of Texas, which is, of course, Rangers country. I have encountered some bitterness from Rangers fans over 2011, some even pulling a page right out of the Rules to Being a Cubs fan playbook and stating silly things like "Ha, ha, the Cardinals lost in the World Series." Completely ignoring the fact the fan's team wasn't even in the playoffs. But, the vast majority of the time my experiences with Rangers fans has been pretty pleasant. In fact, I may hit a Rangers game or two this year, but mostly because I like watching professional baseball. And in the history of the Cardinals, the Rangers are, outside of 2011, a nonentity. There just isn't any history between the clubs. I certainly hope that in 2015 the Cardinals play the Rangers in Arlington.
2014 is going to be an exciting season. The Cards have one of the deepest pitching staffs they have had in a long time and have an impoved offense and defense. The additions of Peter Bourjos and Jhonny Peralta should help the Cards get over the hump to another WS victory. If Jaime Garcia, a left handed pitcher, can get and stay healthy that could help seal the deal. But that's a big if. There are a lot of factors that could be obstacles (such as injuries or a Wacha and/or Miller regression), but I am really looking forward to this season. Go Cards!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Oh Baseball, How I've Missed You
By JP
The long, cold winter has an end in sight
Spring Training, the sun after a dark night
Pitchers and catchers and position players galore
Baseball season is so close, I can't take it anymore!
Now I have moved so far away
I still think of you everyday
Cardinals in red, birds on the bat
St. Louis is where heaven is at
The starting rotation has not been set
But Wainwright and Wacha will be there you bet
With Molina leading the way behind the plate
There is no doubt this season will be great
Some old heroes have now been lost
And perhaps some lines were crossed
But forgiveness abounds in the Gateway to the West
That is way out team is the best!
It has been awhile since my last post
More to come I would like to boast
But the future I cannot tell
My intent is good and well
Living in the Land of the Ranger
I often feel like a stranger
But those in the UCB* are my kin of a sort
And can be found between every port
From the west to the east
Our clan is a hungry beast
More banners are sure to come
This season promises to be quite fun!
*United Cardinal Bloggers
The long, cold winter has an end in sight
Spring Training, the sun after a dark night
Pitchers and catchers and position players galore
Baseball season is so close, I can't take it anymore!
Now I have moved so far away
I still think of you everyday
Cardinals in red, birds on the bat
St. Louis is where heaven is at
The starting rotation has not been set
But Wainwright and Wacha will be there you bet
With Molina leading the way behind the plate
There is no doubt this season will be great
Some old heroes have now been lost
And perhaps some lines were crossed
But forgiveness abounds in the Gateway to the West
That is way out team is the best!
It has been awhile since my last post
More to come I would like to boast
But the future I cannot tell
My intent is good and well
Living in the Land of the Ranger
I often feel like a stranger
But those in the UCB* are my kin of a sort
And can be found between every port
From the west to the east
Our clan is a hungry beast
More banners are sure to come
This season promises to be quite fun!
*United Cardinal Bloggers
Sunday, January 12, 2014
He's Not the Wong Choice
By JP
Kolten Wong had a less than stellar Major League debut during his call up in August. In fact, he had a .153 batting average and became "nothing" more than a pinch hitter/runner. But there is reason to believe that Wong is the right choice at 2nd base.
First, he showed flashes up plus defense ability at the position during the World Series. Secondly he should be able to improve that batting average with regular time at 2nd, which should happen this season with the Cards trading David Freese to the Angels which will allow Matt Carpenter to shift over to his normal position of 3rd base. Lastly, but most important, is Wong's work ethic.
Kolten Wong has been working almost without rest since the end of the 2013 season to improve both his defense and offense and that is something Cards fans can be excited about. Sure, many (most? all?) Cards players spend a chunk of the off season trying to improve, but Wong is determined to be the every day second baseman and to contribute to the Cardinals 2014 season and goal to retrun-and win-the Worlds series. The Cardinals signed former Dodger Mark Ellis as a back up in case Wong struggles, but base on his work ethic, I think he will do well.
--14--
Kolten Wong had a less than stellar Major League debut during his call up in August. In fact, he had a .153 batting average and became "nothing" more than a pinch hitter/runner. But there is reason to believe that Wong is the right choice at 2nd base.
First, he showed flashes up plus defense ability at the position during the World Series. Secondly he should be able to improve that batting average with regular time at 2nd, which should happen this season with the Cards trading David Freese to the Angels which will allow Matt Carpenter to shift over to his normal position of 3rd base. Lastly, but most important, is Wong's work ethic.
Kolten Wong has been working almost without rest since the end of the 2013 season to improve both his defense and offense and that is something Cards fans can be excited about. Sure, many (most? all?) Cards players spend a chunk of the off season trying to improve, but Wong is determined to be the every day second baseman and to contribute to the Cardinals 2014 season and goal to retrun-and win-the Worlds series. The Cardinals signed former Dodger Mark Ellis as a back up in case Wong struggles, but base on his work ethic, I think he will do well.
--14--
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