Greetings on a night where the big club hopefully escapes the weather and builds upon a very successful few turns through the rotation. After some needed deliberation, the format and name shall stay the same as will the time frame. For at least this member of the PH8 team, one five-game stretch is not enough to get an accurate description of how the team is faring. It takes quite a bit more effort to stay on top of your game for essentially three straight series and that, for our loyal readers, makes for some interesting topics!
Here is the rundown for any potential new visitors 😉
J. = Jack Buck, who needs no introduction. This player may be a star or the last pinch hitter off the bench but was a vocal reason for good/bad play and all that entails.
O. = Ozzie Smith, perhaps the best at doing what it takes to win. But that wasn’t always the case, and the 2011 edition of the Birds on the Bat have many who fit into this category.
B. = Bob Gibson, hands down the most intimidating ever from the mound. Only a hurler who goes above and beyond can make the grade and hope for some ‘Gibby-like’ praise.
By now everyone has had ample time to dissect the Ryan Franklin comments so there is no need to bring them up again here in the Jack Buck segment. What I wanted to mention is how much the former closer sounded like his manager while taking/deflecting most of the blame away from the bullpen. Picture TLR during Spring Training with all the Pujols talk, and you may see what I mean. Here’s hoping the beard and pitcher both regain 2009-2010 form.
Dating as far back as here, Ryan Theriot just seemed like a good fit for the Cardinals. No amount of inside information could have predicted just how well the former Dodger and Cub MI slots into the St. Louis lineup and glaring whole at shortstop. Theriot will never be mistaken for Ozzie Smith but the possible rotating second base and third base options around him definitely make the struggles of March disappear in a hurry. Call him what you will (grinder, dirt, etc) just as long as you notice he gets it done in a winning way.
Clearly the hardest of the three categories to award, Bob Gibson sets a certain level that nearly borders on the impossible. All that gives the Cardinals is a good problem, however, as at least three hurlers were in the running for the nod. Kyle Lohse nailed it down with the most impressive outing of the season to date, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Throwing less than 24 hours after a doubleheader, Lohse gave the rest of the staff a much-needed day off by mowing down Washington and reminded us all why he is an important cog in the rotation.
Stay as dry as you can out there, as this weather should give us all the reason we need to stay inside where it is warm. Grab your favorite beverage of choice and get ready to enjoy the NL Central leaders taking their show on the road to Houston and Atlanta. The regular J.O.B. will be back in rotation just as St. Louis returns home and as the saying goes — hello May, goodbye rain!
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