I couldn’t help myself. Joe Sports Fan’s Matt Sebek challenged his followers on Twitter last night to write the headline for today’s game story about Brad Penny’s effort last night… and what you see above is what you get. I’m ashamed.
Penny was masterful, obviously already seeing benefits from working under pitching coach Dave Duncan, and an increased use of his split-finger fastball.
Ryan Jones (@Ryan_Jones29) notes:
Pennys use of his 4 seamer is down 27% from 09, splitter use is up around 25%. #stlcards #DuncanEffect
Penny has indeed been “money”.
Franklin: Three for Three
Sure, he gave up a couple cheapies in Cincinnati in a game that didn’t matter.
Last night, Ryan Franklin hit his spots – as we’ve mentioned is necessary for him to succeed – and retired the three batters he faced with six pitches.
Don’t look now, but Franklin is three-for-three in save opportunities. Beats the hell out of having a future Hall-of-Famer at closer right now…
Ryan out at shortstop, Lopez in
Brendan Ryan continues to struggle at the plate, so he’ll get a breather in today’s game against the Astros. Sure is nice having Felipe Lopez around at times like this isn’t it?
Lopez doesn’t have a starting role with the team, but I’m still convinced he’s going to see at least 400 at bats.
Cards try to solve Bud Norris
The Cardinals don’t have a real strong history of hitting Astros pitcher Bud Norris. (Small sample size alert!)
But Norris’ pitches have been decidedly hittable in his eleven big league starts, especially the fastball.
The last two series finales have had nasty getaway day looks to them, let’s see if the Cards can break through and put some good wood on Norris’ heater today.
Next game: Astros (Norris) at Cardinals (Lohse), 04/15/2010 12:40pm
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