ChiefsPlanet - View Single Post - Cardinals The "Official" Cardinals Discussion Thread.

**BigRedChief** · 07-14-2008, 10:30 AM

From the St. Louis paper
--------------------------------------------------------------

How many among us would have honestly predicted that the Cardinals would be 10 games over .500 at the break and possess the NL's second-best record? Or that the Cardinals could make these advances despite having to put 17 players on the disabled list, including team MVP Albert Pujols, No. 1 starter Adam Wainwright and all-time franchise saves leader Jason Isringhausen? The rehabbing former Cy Young award winner, Chris Carpenter, hasn't thrown a pitch.

Offseason signee Matt Clement (shoulder) hasn't surfaced because of decreased velocity.

Mark Mulder sadly unraveled again. And yet the Cardinals have defied the adversity and the forecasts to grind their way into postseason contention. And this was supposed to be a season of rebuilding, retooling, revamping, etc. Why?

Several reasons, in no particular order:
1. Pitching coach Dave Duncan's rotation has surprisingly held up for a 40-23 record and a 4.13 ERA. Year after year, Duncan squeezes terrific results from makeshift rotations.
2. Kyle Lohse, who hasn't lost since May 8, is 11-2 with a 3.39 ERA.
3. Breakout power seasons from Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel, who have combined for 41 homers and 115 RBIs. Last season Cardinals outfielders produced 68 homers in 162 games. This year, through 96 games, the outfielders already have launched 53 homers.
4. Third baseman Troy Glaus has 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 94 games played. Last season the Cardinals received only 12 homers and 77 RBIs from seven players who manned the third-base position over 162 games.
5. Dramatically improved defense.

Don't forget Aaron Miles, batting .317. Or Skip Schumaker, who has done a fine job as a leadoff man and is hitting .339 against righthanded pitching. Or catcher Yadier Molina's impressive development as a hitter; he's batting .339 since April 23.

Of course, La Russa is the fixed axis. All things Cardinal revolve around him. He gives this team its toughness, its personality.

At the break, the Cardinals should exhale and take a bow.
And then it's back to work.

07-14-2008, 10:30 AM	#208
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-671038 VARSITY	From the St. Louis paper -------------------------------------------------------------- How many among us would have honestly predicted that the Cardinals would be 10 games over .500 at the break and possess the NL's second-best record? Or that the Cardinals could make these advances despite having to put 17 players on the disabled list, including team MVP Albert Pujols, No. 1 starter Adam Wainwright and all-time franchise saves leader Jason Isringhausen? The rehabbing former Cy Young award winner, Chris Carpenter, hasn't thrown a pitch. Offseason signee Matt Clement (shoulder) hasn't surfaced because of decreased velocity. Mark Mulder sadly unraveled again. And yet the Cardinals have defied the adversity and the forecasts to grind their way into postseason contention. And this was supposed to be a season of rebuilding, retooling, revamping, etc. Why? Several reasons, in no particular order: 1. Pitching coach Dave Duncan's rotation has surprisingly held up for a 40-23 record and a 4.13 ERA. Year after year, Duncan squeezes terrific results from makeshift rotations. 2. Kyle Lohse, who hasn't lost since May 8, is 11-2 with a 3.39 ERA. 3. Breakout power seasons from Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel, who have combined for 41 homers and 115 RBIs. Last season Cardinals outfielders produced 68 homers in 162 games. This year, through 96 games, the outfielders already have launched 53 homers. 4. Third baseman Troy Glaus has 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 94 games played. Last season the Cardinals received only 12 homers and 77 RBIs from seven players who manned the third-base position over 162 games. 5. Dramatically improved defense. Don't forget Aaron Miles, batting .317. Or Skip Schumaker, who has done a fine job as a leadoff man and is hitting .339 against righthanded pitching. Or catcher Yadier Molina's impressive development as a hitter; he's batting .339 since April 23. Of course, La Russa is the fixed axis. All things Cardinal revolve around him. He gives this team its toughness, its personality. At the break, the Cardinals should exhale and take a bow. And then it's back to work. __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
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