Cardinals ***OFFICIAL*** 2013 STL Cardinals Thread - Page 22

**BigRedChief** · 08:16 PM

From Bernie's column:

People have asked me why we’re not more emotional,” Matheny said in his office after Sunday’s game. “They say that we look subdued, always intense. That our actions are methodical, robotic at times. That’s what got us here. This isn’t the time to change it.”

It’s hard to argue with the manager’s assessment. The Cardinals finished with 97 victories, most by a Cards team since 2005, and tied with Boston for No. 1 in the majors this year.

Their 54-27 showing at Busch Stadium matches the 1985 team for the best single-season home winning percentage (.667) by the Cardinals since 1944.

A postseason theme has emerged, and it echoes the mantra that surfaced before the start of 2013: remember the fall of 2012. Remember falling to San Francisco in the NLCS.

The Cardinals’ veterans still haven’t forgotten. They still aren’t over it. It’s why Matheny resists GM John Mozeliak’s urgings to smile and put on a happier face.

Here's the most impressive aspect of the Cardinals' division championship: they prevailed over two other outstanding teams, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

The 97-win Cardinals were better this year (regular season) than they were in 2011, when they won 90 games, and 2012, when they won 88.
Here are a few numbers that help put the Cardinals' Central title and No. 1 NL seed in perspective:

* Since MLB switched to a three-division format in each league in 1994, this was only the sixth time that a division had three 90-plus win teams. St. Louis won 97, Pittsburgh 94, and Cincinnati 90.
* Since the format change, this was only the second time that an NL division had three 90-win teams. In 2002 the NL West had Arizona (98 wins), San Francisco (95) and Los Angeles (92).
* The 2013 Cardinals faced more esteemed and difficult competition at the top of the division than any of the division-winning teams managed by Tony La Russa.

The Pirates were hardly pushovers; the Cardinals had to work like mad and kick in with a strong finish to put the division away, and didn't clinch until Game No. 160.

The Cardinals went 9-10 against Pittsburgh this season and were 11-8 vs. Cincinnati.

The Cardinals won only three of 10 games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and split the 10 games at Cincinnati. The Cardinals were 6-3 against both teams at Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals (1st), Pirates (3rd) and Reds (5th) ranked among the top five in wins in the NL. The three teams were among the top 11 in wins in MLB. All three teams finished in the top five in the majors for best overall ERA, and each were in the top five MLB for best starting-pitching ERA.

The original purpose to this piece was to point out that the Cardinals managed to finish with the league's best record while competing in a division that had three 90-win teams for only the second time in the last 19 years of National League baseball.

The Cardinals really earned this.
Thanks for reading ...
— Bernie

'Hamas' Jenkins · 04-04-2013, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I was talking about the fan base being pissed at trading Taveras + Kelly + one of Rosenthal/Jenkins/Martinez for Profar not the idea of trading Taveras.

They wouldn't revolt. They'd be pissed, but they'd show up.

**BigRedChief** · 04-04-2013, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

They wouldn't revolt. They'd be pissed, but they'd show up.

Yeah Card fans showed up 22K+ for every game in the late 70's when we sucked ass. We are just too loyal. the fandome runs too deep.

duncan_idaho · 04-04-2013, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I was talking about the fan base being pissed at trading Taveras + Kelly + one of Rosenthal/Jenkins/Martinez for Profar not the idea of trading Taveras.

I don't think they'd ask for Rosenthal+Taveras+ another piece.

You'd see Texas take Taveras + Rosenthal, IMO.

I think a third piece becomes involved ONLY if Joe Kelly is part of the deal. He's not a strong enough second piece by himself. The third piece would likely be a minor-league guy, and not part of the elite core that is basically ready to start for an MLB team (Miller, Wacha, Rosenthal)

Frazod · 04-04-2013, 08:59 AM

Is anybody else concerned about Lynnderella's arm falling off in the 5th inning? I realize it's only one game, but it sure looks like he's picking up where he left off last year, and not in a good way.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 04-04-2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Is anybody else concerned about Lynnderella's arm falling off in the 5th inning? I realize it's only one game, but it sure looks like he's picking up where he left off last year, and not in a good way.

Not really. The guy is a load and it's early in the season. I'd be far more concerned with Garcia, as he's proven over multiple seasons that anything more than 6 innings from him is an absolute godsend.

Lynn is just a second year starter. He's got good, but not great, stuff and he's going to occasionally fall off the cliff. If it happens for two more starts then get concerned, but I wouldn't read too much into last night's struggles being a carryover from last year.

**BigRedChief** · 04-04-2013, 10:06 AM

Read in Bernie's column..........

Boggs had blown 8 out of the 12 save opportunities in his big league career.

duncan_idaho · 04-04-2013, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Read in Bernie's column..........

Boggs had blown 8 out of the 12 save opportunities in his big league career.

: Drums fingers together, eyes Trevor Rosenthal:

'Hamas' Jenkins · 04-04-2013, 10:07 AM

It's Boggs, what do you expect?

Technically, he's earned the right to be the next guy in line, so you just have to hope he only ****s up a few times before Motte comes back or they give the role to Rosenthal.

Pepe Silvia · 04-05-2013, 02:54 PM

Beltran has become a liability, trade him for whatever they can get for him.

Jewish Rabbi · 04-05-2013, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerinMo

Beltran has become a liability, trade him for whatever they can get for him.

Lawls. Don't you think that's a bit premature after playing 2 games?

**BigRedChief** · 04-05-2013, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerinMo

Beltran has become a liability, trade him for whatever they can get for him.

GEEEZZZ a little early for this......

He has a no trade clause. He's not going anywhere.

Pasta Little Brioni · 04-05-2013, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerinMo

Beltran has become a liability, trade him for whatever they can get for him.

JFC

ChiefsCountry · 04-05-2013, 07:48 PM

Beltran for Frenchy. Lets get it done boys.

Pepe Silvia · 04-06-2013, 11:23 AM

I knew I'd get that response. I just think last year was a fluke for him, he didn't really produce with the Mets during his time there which is why I wasn't too crazy about getting him last year. Just have a feeling he will revert back to his old self. If I'm wrong i'll gladly eat crow.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 04-06-2013, 11:48 AM

If Beltran's healthy, he'll produce. His power numbers were depressed by the new ballpark in NY. It's done it to everyone.

He won't hit at the level he did over the first half, but it's reasonable to expect .280 and 25 homers from him if you can squeeze 130ish games out.

01-25-2013, 05:27 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $1228962 VARSITY	*OFFICIAL* 2013 STL Cardinals Thread From Bernie's column: People have asked me why we’re not more emotional,” Matheny said in his office after Sunday’s game. “They say that we look subdued, always intense. That our actions are methodical, robotic at times. That’s what got us here. This isn’t the time to change it.” It’s hard to argue with the manager’s assessment. The Cardinals finished with 97 victories, most by a Cards team since 2005, and tied with Boston for No. 1 in the majors this year. Their 54-27 showing at Busch Stadium matches the 1985 team for the best single-season home winning percentage (.667) by the Cardinals since 1944. A postseason theme has emerged, and it echoes the mantra that surfaced before the start of 2013: remember the fall of 2012. Remember falling to San Francisco in the NLCS. The Cardinals’ veterans still haven’t forgotten. They still aren’t over it. It’s why Matheny resists GM John Mozeliak’s urgings to smile and put on a happier face. Here's the most impressive aspect of the Cardinals' division championship: they prevailed over two other outstanding teams, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The 97-win Cardinals were better this year (regular season) than they were in 2011, when they won 90 games, and 2012, when they won 88. Here are a few numbers that help put the Cardinals' Central title and No. 1 NL seed in perspective: * Since MLB switched to a three-division format in each league in 1994, this was only the sixth time that a division had three 90-plus win teams. St. Louis won 97, Pittsburgh 94, and Cincinnati 90. * Since the format change, this was only the second time that an NL division had three 90-win teams. In 2002 the NL West had Arizona (98 wins), San Francisco (95) and Los Angeles (92). * The 2013 Cardinals faced more esteemed and difficult competition at the top of the division than any of the division-winning teams managed by Tony La Russa. The Pirates were hardly pushovers; the Cardinals had to work like mad and kick in with a strong finish to put the division away, and didn't clinch until Game No. 160. The Cardinals went 9-10 against Pittsburgh this season and were 11-8 vs. Cincinnati. The Cardinals won only three of 10 games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and split the 10 games at Cincinnati. The Cardinals were 6-3 against both teams at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals (1st), Pirates (3rd) and Reds (5th) ranked among the top five in wins in the NL. The three teams were among the top 11 in wins in MLB. All three teams finished in the top five in the majors for best overall ERA, and each were in the top five MLB for best starting-pitching ERA. The original purpose to this piece was to point out that the Cardinals managed to finish with the league's best record while competing in a division that had three 90-win teams for only the second time in the last 19 years of National League baseball. The Cardinals really earned this. Thanks for reading ... — Bernie Last edited by BigRedChief; 10-02-2013 at 08:16 PM..
Posts: 80,122

04-04-2013, 08:59 AM	#319
Frazod WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $1263385	Is anybody else concerned about Lynnderella's arm falling off in the 5th inning? I realize it's only one game, but it sure looks like he's picking up where he left off last year, and not in a good way.
Posts: 120,121

04-04-2013, 10:06 AM	#321
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $1228962 VARSITY	Read in Bernie's column.......... Boggs had blown 8 out of the 12 save opportunities in his big league career. __________________ Mind you own damn business
Posts: 80,122

04-04-2013, 10:07 AM	#323
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7669572	It's Boggs, what do you expect? Technically, he's earned the right to be the next guy in line, so you just have to hope he only ****s up a few times before Motte comes back or they give the role to Rosenthal. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,974

04-05-2013, 02:54 PM	#324
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $94664	Beltran has become a liability, trade him for whatever they can get for him.
Posts: 17,388

04-05-2013, 07:48 PM	#328
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $458752	Beltran for Frenchy. Lets get it done boys.
Posts: 51,018

04-06-2013, 11:23 AM	#329
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $94664	I knew I'd get that response. I just think last year was a fluke for him, he didn't really produce with the Mets during his time there which is why I wasn't too crazy about getting him last year. Just have a feeling he will revert back to his old self. If I'm wrong i'll gladly eat crow.
Posts: 17,388

04-06-2013, 11:48 AM	#330
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7669572	If Beltran's healthy, he'll produce. His power numbers were depressed by the new ballpark in NY. It's done it to everyone. He won't hit at the level he did over the first half, but it's reasonable to expect .280 and 25 homers from him if you can squeeze 130ish games out. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,974