06.30.08 - Cardinals vs. Mets (inning by inning)
Going to try something tonight, as I can actually sit in front my TV and watch the game rather than watching on the computer via MLB.tv.
I will update this post inning-by-inning with my thoughts. Maybe you’ll care what I have to say, maybe not. Ultimately, it really doesn’t matter, because I’m going to write it either way.
Top of the first
Excellent sequence to Jose Reyes by Cards starter Kyle Lohse. Got ahead in the count and stayed there. Lohse of course follows that up by walking Luis Castillo. As David Wright steps in, it occurs to me that the Mets have one of those lineups like Detroit that basically scares the tar out of me virtually from top to bottom. Lohse is Jekyll-and-Hyde’ing this first inning, as he couldn’t have pitched better to strike out Wright. Another 0-2 count to start off Carlos Beltran, two excellent breaking balls that couldn’t have missed the outside corner by much, and a good contact out to Aaron Miles at second. Great inning to start the game for Lohse.
Bottom of the first
Skip Schumaker works a lead-off walk from Mets starter John Maine in a very patient at-bat after first pitch swinging. Aaron “Grit” Miles is still hitting .321, who would have called that before the season started? Miles continues his hitting streak with a single, extending that streak to now twelve games. Skipper with good, aggressive base-running to reach third ahead of Albert Pujols. The Cardinals need to continue to put El Hombre at the plate in situations like these where the opposing team is almost required to pitch to him, or if they pitch around, it will be just as damaging. Pujols with a great single through the hole on the right side to score Schu. There should be a pool for how many MLB at-bats Rick Ankiel will have to amass before announcers will forego the “this is an amazing story” schtick. Outstanding patience by Ankiel to draw a walk to load the bases for Troy Glaus. Maine has already thrown 17 pitches to the first four batters. Of course, Glaus naturally swings at the first pitch after the pitcher has walked two of four batters. Terrible outcome (despite another run scoring) for a hitter like Glaus, as he puts down a tailor-made double-play grounder to the shortstop. Hit a fly ball into the outfield Troy! And, to no ones surprise, Chris Duncan fails to do anything worthwhile and grounds out to first. So again the Cardinals load the bases with no one out, and only come away with one run.
Top of the second
Lohse starts off Carlos Delgado 0-2 (he’s doing a really good job of that early here) and then hits him trying to bust him inside. The pitches Lohse misses with have been good, trying to get guys to chase on favorable pitcher counts. Again 0-2 this time to Ryan Church and Lohse gets the double-play ball this time. Lohse again with a first-pitch strike to Endy Chavez before Chavez singles into right field to break up the no-hitter. AGAIN Lohse goes 0-2 to Brian Schneider, Chris Duncan almost hurts himself trying to catch a foul ball, and Lohse sets him down with a good breaking ball on a full count. Lohse has now thrown first pitch strikes to every batter he’s faced, and taken six of eight to an 0-2 count. Good stuff from Kyle.
Bottom of second
Yadier Molina leads off with a flare single into right field. The Cardinals sure look comfortable and happy to be back home at Busch. Lohse is unable to get a bunt down on the first two strikes, and his third attempt nails the umpire Brian O’Nora in the stomach knocking the wind out of him. It is clear from replays that Lohse fouled the pitch off and he is down on strikes. Brendan “Boog” Ryan grounds to third and Wright has no play on Molina at second. Two outs with Molina on second for Schumaker. Schu swings at the first pitch for the second time tonight and fouls it off. Skipper grounds a ball pretty weakly to Castillo at second who watches it roll right between his legs, allowing Molina to score. Maine throws a pick-off attempt away up the right field stands, giving Schumaker the chance to take two bases, again aggressively taking the extra base to get to third. The throw to third almost escapes Wright to allow Schumaker to score. Grit skies one to center field to end the inning. This inning underscores a big reason why the Cardinals have been able to win this season and why the Mets are struggling: defense.
Top of the third
Lohse misses with his first pitch for the first time tonight, and naturally it’s to John Maine, the pitcher. Lohse recovers nicely to strike him out, one down. Lohse working really quickly tonight, a signature Dave Duncan trait. EXCELLENT over the head catch by Ankiel in center field, still conjuring images of Jimmy Edmonds out there. WOW! First, another outstanding, head-strong sequence by Lohse to come back from down 3-0 to Castillo, battled full and then Brendan Ryan came across second base to grab a high-hop, slow roller and get Castillo by half a step. Two really solid defensive plays in that inning. If there is any time for Ryan to try staking a claim to the shortstop position for next season, it’s now, with pending free agent Cesar Izturis on the disabled list.
Bottom of the third
Pujols flies out to Beltran in center field to lead off the inning. Ankiel fights off a bunch of pitches with two strikes before singling into right field. Ankiel showing some patience at the plate tonight, I like it. Glaus with a big-time double into the left field corner on a well-timed hit-and-run by Tony LaRussa, Ankiel scores easily. Here’s something you won’t see every day. Duncan is intentionally walked to set up the double play. Molina fights off a bunch of pitches before popping up behind the plate to Schneider. Lohse gives a swing just about all he could muster and flies out meekly to left field.
Top of the fourth
Lohse gets ahead of Wright 0-2 again and chalks up another strikeout. Yet another first pitch strike to Beltran, but he strokes a single to the opposite field between third and short. Delgado flies out to center field. ESPN reviewing/replaying the 2006 NLCS - still love that Molina home run! Ryan Church rifles a line drive through the right side, Beltran takes third base just ahead of a strong throw from Schumaker. First and third with two out for Endy Chavez. Lohse with first pitch balls now to the last three hitters. Might be something to keep an eye on. Chavez chops one to Miles at second for the third out. Lohse doing a great job of getting ground ball outs tonight.
Bottom of the fourth
Ryan fights hard with an 0-2 count, fouling off several pitches before grounding out to second. Love that they are making Maine throw a bunch of pitches tonight. The third first pitch swing of the night for Schumaker, in three at-bats, and he grounds out to Reyes at short. Miles with a roller down the third base line that Wright throws away! Wright tried to do too much with that ball when he should’ve just eaten it, and Miles stands up at second. Pujols with another RBI single, this one straight up the middle. Miles scores easily. El Hombre has to be one of the best at that. Ankiel wastes no time shedding his patience from the first two at-bats and lines out to end the inning. Cards 5, Mets 0.
Top of the fifth
Schneider quickly grounds out to shortstop, another strong throw from Ryan. We’ve seen the last of John Maine for the night. Andy Phillips enters to pinch hit. Carlos Muniz is warming in the Mets bullpen. Another first pitch strike from Lohse, Phillips fouls a few off, then singles to left on a sharp grounder through short and third. First pitch strike to Reyes, who is obviously a bunt threat here - but instead flies out to Duncan in left. First pitch strike to Castillo. Another ground ball through a hole up the middle - and Ankiel air mails one trying to throw Andy Phillips out at third. Has Rick not been watching the Keystone Cops routine the Mets have been putting on? Castillo to second, Phillips scores. Lohse stays mentally tough and gets Wright to pop out down the first base line - makes me nervous to see Albert chugging that hard after that ball - nice grab by Grit.
Bottom of the fifth
Carlos Muniz relieves John Maine. Muniz’ credentials so far on the season are, well, underwhelming. Let’s go Cards! Glaus leads off the inning by taking a fastball in the elbow. Umpire O’Nora half-escorts him to first base, as if there is some sort of reason for Glaus to go after Muniz, not sure what that’s all about? Surely he doesn’t think that’s retaliation for the Delgado plunk earlier? Holy schnikes Chris Duncan hit a home run! I don’t believe what I just saw! (Credit to the late, great Mr. Buck) A two-run towering drive for Duncan just inside the right foul pole. Molina flies out to center field. Duncan looks ecstatic in the dugout, he was obviously stoked going around first base pumping the fist. Gosh, I sure hope this one might finally get this kid going, as Mozeliak has made it pretty clear Duncan isn’t going anywhere. Lohse bloops out to shortstop. Brendan Ryan gives one a charge into left center, and Endy Chavez makes a fantastic running grab. This guy is always robbing the Cardinals of hits…
Top of the sixth
Lohse needs to settle in here and just throw strikes in the Dave Duncan Pitch to Contact System ™ to get a quick win out of this lead. Ugh. I should stop projecting onto these guys, as Lohse proceeds to walk Beltran on four pitches. LaRussa going to the bullpen phone as Lohse goes 3-1 to Delgado. Kyle promptly gets Delgado into a 4-6-3 double play. Nice work Lohse. Quickly 3-0 to Church, and it’s clear Lohse is running out of steam - I suspect we’ll see a reliever next inning. Church flies out to left to end the inning. If Lohse’s spot comes up in the bottom, expect a pinch hitter. Might be a good spot for Mulder to get some action with a lead.
Bottom of the sixth
Schumaker leads off the sixth with a line out off the shoelaces to second baseman Castillo. Miles with a quick flyout to center. Pujols ends the first scoreless inning for the Cardinals by flying out to Beltran in center field.
Top of the seventh
Lohse starts the top of seven with a first-pitch strike to Chavez. Chavez grounds out to second base. Schneider takes a first pitch strike from Kyle. Schneider is out on a shot toward Pujols at first, and Lohse continues to cruise (knock on wood). Scott Schoeneweis is up in the Mets bullpen as former Cardinal Marlon Anderson swings and whiffs on another first pitch strike from Lohse. Bouncing ball to second base and Anderson is out.
Bottom of the seventh
Argh. More FPS (first pitch swinging) from Rick Ankiel. A ground-out to the second baseman Castillo. Oh, ESPN brings up a point that I had forgotten to previously mention - Nick Stavinoha was sent down today to make room for a 13th pitcher, Brad Thompson. Thompson I’m sure will take over the long relief/spot start role. Troy “Santa” Glaus with a double into the right field corner - I love seeing a guy like Glaus going the other way - reminds me of Pujols and how great a hitter he is, just taking what the pitcher gives him. Duncan looks feeble, as always, versus a left handed pitcher throwing breaking balls. Molina takes an intentional walk, with Lohse on deck. Ron Villone is up in the bullpen, color me confused. Why, if they’re going to carry him on the roster, would LaRussa not give Mark Mulder a shot to throw here? Get someone else up as soon as he comes in, hedge yourself, but why not Mulder? Brian Barton pinch hitting for Lohse with two outs here. Barton does a nice job working the count full, and he takes ball four inside. Excellent at-bat for Barton. Ryan with a first pitch swing after a walk. Ryan pops up to center field in an at-bat that is the polar opposite of Barton’s. Ryan was impatient, swung at a couple of bad pitches. I assume Villone to come in for the top of eight.
Top of the eighth
Indeed it is Ron Villone to start the eighth. Color me confused. Well, color me confused again. Great pitch by Villone on the outside corner to ring up Reyes looking (batting right-handed no less). Castillo fires a hot shot ground ball at Brendan Ryan, who can’t come up with it at short. Castillo is on, E6. Two solid pitches from Villone that it looked like Wright wasn’t expecting, to run the count to 2-2. After a breaking ball on 2-2 that looked darn close, Villone issues the walk to Wright, and there are runners on first and second. Well look who is up in the bullpen…Springer the righty, and Mulder the left-hander up in the pen should Villone not find his way out of this. Isringhausen was just shown limping around the ‘pen, not sure if that’s a good sign, we’ll see if his new knee brace will help. Steve Phillips agreeing with me about why not Mulder to start the inning - not sure if I should be happy about that or not. Well look at Ron Villone hitting that low, outside corner pitch again to ring up Beltran. Two strikeouts for Villone in the inning. Villone gets Delgado to ground out to Ryan to end the inning. So it was long and tumultuous, but a relatively decent inning for Villone, comparatively. The curiosity in me still hopes to see Mulder next inning, and I might get my wish with two left handed hitters still coming up.
Bottom of the eighth
Aaron Heilman now pitching for the Mets. Skip Schumaker swings at the first pitch again and grounds out to the first baseman. The only first pitch that Schu hasn’t swung at tonight was a called strike. Miles with a smoker back up the middle for a base hit. Springer has taken a seat, Mulder the only arm left up in the Cardinal bullpen. Looks like I’ll be pacified tonight. Pujols ropes one into left, but right at Endy Chavez. Two outs. 2-2 to Ankiel, Mulder looking like he wishes Ank would just strike out so he can get in there and get “the moment” over with. Ankiel walks by taking inside on a full count. Glaus runs the count full then takes another hit-by-pitch, this one barely grazing his stomach. Santa’s gonna have some stitch marks on him tonight. Bases loaded for Duncan. Duncan strikes out, he did a nice job taking some low pitches out of the zone that I normally would expect him to swing at. But it still seems he’s overmatched in a lot of these plate appearances. Bring on Mulder!
Top of the ninth
Not to put any undue pressure on you Mark, but Milwaukee is already up 2-0 in the top of the first inning. Mulder’s 2008 debut. First ever relief appearance. Here goes! Blast-from-the-past Fernando Tatis pinch hitting. First pitch strike, fouled off a 91-mph fastball. Ground out to shortstop for Tatis, one out for Mulder. 92-mph fastball to Chavez for strike one. Big ole hook breaking ball to Chavez is blooped into left for a hit - supposedly the bad start in Memphis was a lot of those hits, hopefully they don’t string these together again here tonight. Ramon Castro pinch hitting for Schneider - first pitch strike at 90-mph. Second pitch called strike at 91-mph. Big nasty curve ball in on the hands foul-tipped by Castro. Good miss outside, Castro checks his swing. Mulder’s velocity seems good. Another close miss low, 2-2 to Castro. Misses wide. Swing and a miss for the strikeout on 3-2 with a 90-mph fastball! 2 outs, Damion Easley pinch-hitting for the pitcher. Mulder misses low 92-mph. (I should note all these pitch readings are from the ESPN broadcast gun.) Another bloop to right on a good pitch for Easley. Both hits have been pretty weak bloops. Reyes swings at the first pitch and flies out to right. Cards win! Mulder with a scoreless ninth, and boy does he look happy. 
WHEW was that intense! I think I covered every at-bat there. I don’t envision this being a regular item here, barring a really overwhelming reaction from you two loyal readers.
So Lohse looks fantastic, throws a lot of strikes, and gets his tenth win. At 10-2, Lohse has to be getting a long look for an All-Star berth. Pujols continues his good hitting since coming off of the disabled list. Duncan homers, but otherwise looks pedestrian again. Bad defense on both sides. And of all things, Mark Mulder finally gets in a game and pitches a scoreless ninth inning. Mulder for LOOGY?
Cheers until tomorrow.
Sunday Spitballs - 06.29.08
Another week, another frustrating set of performances from the Cards’ bullpen.
- Not that I haven’t appreciated him before, and I haven’t taken notice of his other-worldly performance in his career to-date, but Cardinal fans should really take pause at being so lucky to watch Albert Pujols on an everyday basis. The man is an incredible ballplayer, perhaps the best of a (my) generation. El Hombre has come back from his calf injury with little ill effect, another ferocious home run on Sunday in the books.
- Thank goodness that inter-league play is over for another year. I’m sick of the Royals. That club is seemingly (hopefully, for their long-suffering fans) on the upswing. Here’s hoping the latest management team over there doesn’t screw up this go-round like they did with Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, et al.
- The bullpen was excellent on Saturday, and unspectacular, but effective nonetheless today. Russ Springer is pretty lights out right now, and should be Tony’s go-to guy so long as his arm will allow.
- His struggles with command and inexperience aside, I think we’ll see Chris Perez stick with the club for the remainder of the season, barring a complete collapse in some facet of his game. I think he clearly has the ‘future closer’ stamp on him for this organization, and they need to expose him as much as possible to big-league hitters prior to assuming that role.
- Rumor has it that first round draft pick Brett Wallace has signed with the Cardinals and his signing will be announced on Monday. I would expect (hope?) that they will put on a similar show at Busch as they did with second-round pick Lance Lynn. Perhaps suit Wallace up and let him take BP swings alongside Pujols?
- I expressed some concern about placing the Cardinals’ catching duties in the hands of Jason LaRue a couple of weeks ago when Yadier Molina went down with a mild concussion. Luckily two things have happened since then. Molina has made a speedy recovery and remained with the team with no disabled list time spent. LaRue, meantime, has stepped up admirably. LaRue has hit .296/.321/.444 since June 15th, the day of Molina’s injury. That doesn’t even include today’s two-for-four with a home run and four runs batted in. Kudos Mr. LaRue.
- Who’d have dreamed that after the early-week meltdowns against Detroit and the general struggles the Cards have seemingly faced lately, that they’d end today only 2.5 games behind the Cubs in the NL Central Division? Makes those two giveaway losses against the Tigers loom that much larger right now, doesn’t it?
- Mark Mulder was activated and sent to the Cardinals’ bullpen this week, as Mike Parisi found himself another ticket to Memphis. Mulder has yet to appear in a game with the big club. I’m curious if this is an opportunity to have Mulder work directly with Dave Duncan for a while rather than intermittent contact and working with the minor league coaches. I also wonder if it matters. If Mulder could somehow make a contribution to this bullpen from the left-handed side of the rubber, he could yet wind up a hero this season.
- Mitchell Boggs made a real solid start on Saturday to run his record to 3-0 with the Cardinals. This time he didn’t need the run support shown him in his previous starts. Could he be settling in as a bona-fide big league starter? Obviously he’s not a world-beater, but he’s already given this team more than they likely expected out of him.
- Randy Flores found himself on the disabled list this week with, as I recall, “ankle inflammation.” I know I’ve said this before, and I’ll repeat it again - since when did Bill Belichick take over the Cardinals’ roster moves and sports information department? This team has had more struggling players come up with “injuries” than I can remember ever occurring with any professional sports team. Is this a widely used tactic that I’m not aware of, or should the Cardinals be afraid of some changing rules and/or review of their roster moves sometime soon?
- The Flores move unfortunately didn’t stem the tide in the pen. Jason Isringhausen almost found himself on vacation again with a tweaked knee, only to remain on the club and pitch an inning and two-thirds today. Despite missing on the Izzy situation, I think View from the Cheap Seats still has it right when they say it’s clear the organization needs to look for outside help to right the bullpen ship.
The Cubs aren’t invincible folks. Tony is running some half-decent lineups out there now (but, seriously, can we stop the Aaron Miles at third base charade?) and the starting rotation is still holding afloat.
Should be an interesting second half to the season!
What I would love to see from the Cardinals tonight
I realize tonight’s lineup has probably already been posted somewhere. Here’s what I think it should be regardless:
LF Skip Schumaker
RF Ryan Ludwick
DH Albert Pujols (no sense pushing him hard when there is DH available)
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Troy Glaus
1B Chris Duncan (despite his current uselessness at the plate, he’s the best 1B option outside of Pujols)
C Yadier Molina
2B Adam Kennedy
SS Brendan Ryan
I could take or leave an exchange of Kennedy and Aaron Miles at second base. Both are hitting pretty well right now.
I think that is the lineup that gives us the best chance to win against a right-handed starting pitcher. Make it happen Tony.
Here’s hoping rookie Mitchell Boggs continues to see outstanding run support. Don’t let Ron Villone pitch to righties. Just for the hell of it, why not let Jason Isringhausen try to close a game again?
Tony, I’m glaring at you. I know you think you’re the smartest man on the face of the planet, but what this team needs right now is to be given the best chance to win. I don’t care if a reliever pitched two innings yesterday, he’s a professional. If he’s your best option to get two or three hitters out tonight, USE HIM.
Oh yeah, and how ’bout scoring some runs boys?
Filed Under Aaron Miles, Adam Kennedy, Albert Pujols, Brendan Ryan, Chris Duncan, Jason Isringhausen, Mitchell Boggs, Rick Ankiel, Ron Villone, Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker, Tony LaRussa, Troy Glaus, Yadier Molina
Leave a Comment | Posted on June 28, 2008 by PHE | 
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Cardinals versus Royals
At this stage, I’m not really sure how else to describe it.
Words, for the most part, escape me. This team has failed. Four times. Tonight more emphatically than before.
Sigh.
Recapping the Detroit series (puke)
Utter and Complete Failure - 2
Success - 1
That’s about the best way I can describe the last three days versus the Tigers. And that doesn’t encompass the whole team - plenty of Cardinal players did quite well for themselves in the vast expanse of outfield that is Comerica Park.
The bullpen was another story.
I was all set to type up a quick set of notes on Tuesday night’s game, after watching the Cubs lose to the Orioles (all the while obsessively checking the Cards game on my phone and keeping tabs on the Wrigley scoreboard), and seeing the Birds take yet another series opener - spirits were high. I was prepared to post that this was my ideal setup for the bullpen for the rest of the season:
Pitchers IP H R ER BB SO HR PC-ST ERA B Looper (W, 9-5) 6.0 7 4 4 1 3 3 95-66 4.22 R Springer 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12-8 2.28 K McClellan 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 12-8 2.45 R Franklin 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 15-10 2.78
Russ Springer, Kyle McClellan, Ryan Franklin to close out the win - and not a single run surrendered.
Then there was Wednesday night’s game. Winnable, certainly, by all accounts.
Pitchers IP H R ER BB SO HR PC-ST ERA K Lohse 4.0 11 5 5 1 2 1 83-53 3.94 C Perez 2.0 2 0 0 0 1 0 45-29 3.71 J Isringhausen (B, 7) 1.0 2 1 1 1 0 0 13-5 6.29 R Flores 0.0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2-2 5.12 K McClellan (L, 0-3; B, 3) 1.0 3 1 1 0 0 0 18-11 2.61
Ok, so Kyle Lohse wasn’t real successful to begin with, but it’s difficult not to give up hits when the park you’re in makes routine fly balls into hits. Comerica is the polar opposite of Minute Maid Park. While the Juice Box can barely contain a routine fly ball, Comerica turns them into singles barely beyond the infield dirt. It’s a truly fascinating phenomenon.
Anyway, it was good to see Chris Perez get back on track in an extended outing, but the rest of the guys basically crapped the bed, culminating in McClellan’s “performance” in throwing a wild pitch to put Randy Flores’ inherited runner (via a fielder’s choice, the runner was still Flores’ responsibility) into scoring position, which against this bullpen might as well mean he’s already crossed the plate.
Then there was today’s gem.
Pitchers IP H R ER BB SO HR PC-ST ERA T Wellemeyer 5.0 4 0 0 0 3 0 76-50 3.46 R Villone 0.2 2 1 1 2 2 0 26-14 5.83 J Isringhausen 2.1 2 0 0 0 2 0 27-19 5.74 R Franklin (B, 4) 1.0 2 1 1 0 2 1 20-14 2.95 M Parisi (L, 0-4) 0.2 1 1 1 3 0 0 22-8 8.22
Flores was sent down to make room for Albert Pujols’ triumphant return - El Hombre was four-for-four and reached base in all five plate appearances, including an RBI single to take the lead in the top of the ninth - and Ron Villone assumed Flores’ spot in the LOOGY role. Except Tony LaRussa forgot how the role he basically invented works. Villone continued to pitch to right-handed hitters after allowing his one lefty batter, Curtis Granderson to reach base. The problem there is that righties pretty much get paid their salaries by facing Villone.
Jason Isringhausen pitched a surprisingly solid two inning outing following up Villone, then handed the game over to Ryan Franklin. Franklin blew the save in the bottom of nine (raise your hand if you didn’t see that one coming), and new staff pariah Mike Parisi walked in the winning run in the bottom of the tenth.
Now, as anyone who reads here regularly will know, I’ve defended Parisi in the recent past. I will go only so far as to say that LaRussa ordered two intentional walks in the inning to pretty much guarantee Parisi would fail. Short of that, this kid has to perform. I’m done making excuses for him, and frankly, I’d be surprised if we ever see him in the majors again with St Louis.
So ultimately, the Cardinals had yet another opportunity to sweep in Detroit. Once again, it was against a team that would be a huge boost and success had they completed the sweep. Instead, they walk away with two losses they essentially gave away. The bullpen is to blame.
Sure, Troy Glaus and Ryan Ludwick stranded seven runners each today, but the Cardinals still had the lead going into the bottom of the ninth. Stranded runners and missed opportunities or not, the Cards had chances to win - I dare say games in hand - and blew it. That’s on the bullpen.
Exciting stat of the week following this series? The starting rotation is (including today’s game) 36-17. The bullpen is 9-18. That’s disgusting.
Worse? Look at that link again. The starters have surrendered 126 walks in 474.1 innings pitched (again, including today’s game). The bullpen has allowed 121 walks in 247 innings pitched. That’s not disgusting, that’s appalling. It’s unfathomable.
Something has to give with this bullpen. One can only assume that Flores’ “ankle discomfort” or whatever excuse they gave to put him on the disabled list is just that, an excuse to get his head right, similar to Izzy’s laceration. Problem is, even with his head right, I don’t think Flores can keep this team in contention out of the bullpen. I know Ron Villone can’t do it. McClellan is getting to the point of being borderline overused. Springer can’t go on back to back days because of the mileage on his arm (at least presumably).
GM John Mozeliak finds himself in what may be the first true test of his tenure with the club. The team is in contention. They seemingly have enough weapons on offense (can TLR please keep finding at-bats for Aaron Miles?) as long as they don’t all slump at once. The starting pitching is solid, so long as they don’t have any more major breakdowns in health between now and the end of the season. The glaring need is in the bullpen.
Perhaps some starters coming back from the extended disabled list can bolster the bullpen by causing a more-or-less forced shift in the arms on the staff, but I wouldn’t count on it.
I’m usually not prone to exaggeration, but I think the Cards find themselves on a slippery slope right now. Surely there are lots of folks in that pen losing confidence as we speak (if they have any left to spare), and it doesn’t seem to be improving. Before long, MLB is going to catch onto the Bill Belichick-esque act of putting these guys on the DL with hang-nails in order to give their brains a chance to forget about blown saves and 1-run losses of the past.
For reference sake, Dr. Paletta, just how long does it take for a pitcher to forget that he walked in a winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning?
Filed Under Aaron Miles, Albert Pujols, Bullpen, Chris Perez, Dr. George Paletta, Inter-league, Jason Isringhausen, John Mozeliak, Kyle Lohse, Kyle McClellan, Mike Parisi, Non-Cardinals, Randy Flores, Ron Villone, Russ Springer, Ryan Franklin, Ryan Ludwick, Starting Rotation, Tony LaRussa, Troy Glaus
2 Comments | Posted on June 26, 2008 by PHE | Subscribe!
Researching the enemy (and some scouting too)
Ok, so I’m not a professional scout - nor would I consider myself even an amateur scout - but it sounds like a much better excuse for me attending the Cubs-Orioles game at Wrigley last night than just “my buddy had an extra ticket.”
Some notes from the game that would be of interest to other Cardinal fans:
- Harry Caray’s Steakhouse in Chicago probably would’ve been ok with the Cubs winning their 15th straight home game on Tuesday night, but their bottom line is probably happier with the loss. Harry’s was selling draft beers for 45 cents each until the Cubs lost at home.
- While it is still weird to see Jim Edmonds in blue and white pinstripes, I’m happy to see him succeed again. He hit another home run Monday night, this one a three-run job. I can’t help but wonder if he’s finally getting into somewhat healthy shape again?
- If I could have Chrismas in June, I would ask for Brian Roberts wrapped up neatly and ready to play wearing the Birds-on-the-Bat. Roberts was three-for-five, with a triple, two runs scored, and a run batted in. He is a prototypical lead-off hitter (at least as prototypical as you can find one these days), and would easily seam into the Cardinal lineup. Only problem? I don’t envision the Orioles doing any selling as long as they are continuing to win. I also don’t envision the Cardinals being able, or more importantly, willing, to send the O’s what they will desire in trade for Roberts. Sigh. A man can dream…
- George Sherrill has nasty stuff. Just filthy. Yes, he loaded up the bases and made it as dramatic as a patented Jason Isringhausen ninth-inning, but the three straight strikeouts of Ronny Cedeno, Kosuke Fukudome, and Henry Blanco showcased how nasty he can be when he is on his game. Another guy I can wish upon a star that the Cards had at their disposal in the bullpen.
- Speaking of the Fukudome strikeout, I am wondering if Sherrill just made the blueprint for pitching to Kosuke. First pitch, high and tight - and hard. Next three pitches were sick sliders that finished away from the hitter. Kosuke weakly flailed at the pitches, being set down on three pitches after the first one up-and-in. Are you paying attention Randy Flores? Something tells me this situation might arise for you at some stage this season.
- Jeremy Guthrie impressed me during his start. He’s been the victim of poor run support while compiling a 4-7 record this season. He was still hitting 94-95 mph on the stadium gun during the sixth inning.
- Despite my obvious alliance and loyalty to the Cardinals, it’s still hard to beat watching a game from the bleachers at Wrigley. *ducks*
Ok, ok - enough about other teams - bully for the Cardinals for steaming into Comerica Park and taking the first game of the Detroit series. Hoping they can get tonight’s game restarted here soon - the radar is looking like it’s clearing up.
I’ll catch up on Cards versus Tigers tomorrow - in the meantime, keep hoping and wishing for a Sherrill or Roberts under your tree…
Filed Under Central Division, Former Cardinals, Inter-league, Jason Isringhausen, Non-Cardinals, Randy Flores
3 Comments | Posted on June 25, 2008 by PHE | Subscribe!
The Cardinals’ bullpen is “cooler”
Well, since I’m seemingly the last one to jump on the bandwagon with publicizing this, I thought I’d catch up to the pack.
The Cards have recently been using a motorized cooler, courtesy of senior bullpen member Jason Isringhausen to get their ice and beverages back and forth from the clubhouse to the ‘pen.
Kyle McClellan was the rookie nominated for the job, and Chris Perez subs in when McClellan can’t return the rig to the clubhouse. They’ve even posted McClellan’s number on the back of the thing (of course, leave it to MLB to have their print on it too):
You can find similar “vehicles” at Cruzin Coolers, so if you wanted your own model, I’m sure the folks over there would oblige.
Just be careful when you cruise your cooler around town…
Filed Under Bullpen, Chris Perez, Fun, Jason Isringhausen, Kyle McClellan
2 Comments | Posted on June 24, 2008 by PHE | Subscribe!
Mark Mulder didn’t pitch
I decided that since the Cardinals were off tonight, and Mark Mulder was scheduled to pitch in Memphis, I would tune in to the radio broadcast courtesy of the streaming broadcast of the fine folks that are the voice of the Nashville Sounds, WNSR in Nashville TN.
Lo and behold, I was mildly surprised to see Clayton Mortensen listed in the box score as the starter.
No matter, I thought. Mulder will get a couple well-timed innings in via a relief role, and have plenty of time to rest his arm prior to a Saturday start versus Kansas City.
Au contraire. Back stiffness this time, eh? This team has more excuses than Bill Belichick. Let him go. Mulder clearly will never be healthy again, regardless of his ailments or how well his body responds to a beating at the AAA level.
Now that I’ve got that bit of frustration released on the world, and with apologies to the folks at Future Redbirds (I’m not even coming near to stepping on your turf, but since I spent my time listening anyway) here’s what I DID hear via WNSR tonight:
- Derrick Turnbow started for Nashville and pitched one inning. He did fairly well, but that obviously isn’t representative of his overall time with the Sounds. The guy clearly can’t find the plate anymore.
- Turnbow was followed by former Cardinals farmhand Chris Narveson, who was tagged for six of Memphis’ runs on the evening.
- Colby Rasmus started off the scoring with a solo home run into center field in the top of the third. Rasmus also had a double in the seventh, and stole second base after a first inning walk.
- Mortensen was wild, throwing at least two or three wild pitches and generally having Bryan Anderson chasing things all over the place for the better part of the first four or five innings. Mortensen walked Narveson after an intentional walk to get to him, and was just generally wild early on.
- Mortensen eventually settled in to put up a statistically great start, 7 2/3 innings, 7 hits, 1 run, 0 earned.
- Memphis hitters struck out fifteen times on the evening. Turnbow struck out the side in his one inning, Narveson had seven K’s in his four innings.
- Josh Phelps had two RBI’s on a double and a single. He also struck out three times. No threat to El Hombre any time soon.
- Shane Robinson had what sounded like (I was listening to radio, people) an amazing catch to rob a home run, heading head-on into the wall to make the catch. Robinson was 0-4 with a run scored in his second game with the Redbirds.
- Jarrett Hoffpauir was the hero on the night, with a big 3-run, 2-out double in the top of the sixth to cap off a five-run inning. Hoffpauir was also limping around after most of his at-bats after fouling multiple pitches off of his left leg/foot. Hopefully he will be able to bounce back easily with some ice. Wouldn’t surprise me to see this kid be the tenth rookie with the big club this season.
There you have it. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the game - despite Mulder’s absence - it was a refreshing departure from the usual tense attitude regarding the big league club. These kids are playing for a paycheck, no doubt, but there is still something innocent about it.
Congrats to the Memphis Redbirds on a well-deserved win. Hopefully see a bunch of you in St Louis soon.
Filed Under Bryan Anderson, Clayton Mortensen, Colby Rasmus, Jarrett Hoffpauir, Josh Phelps, Mark Mulder, Memphis Redbirds, Non-Cardinals, Shane Robinson
2 Comments | Posted on June 23, 2008 by PHE | Subscribe!
