Cardinals ***Offical 2012 STL Cardinals World Champions Thread *** - Page 159

**BigRedChief** · 08:57 PM

St. Louis Cardinals: 7 reasons fans should feel good about 2012

Posted Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at 9:26 PM

St. Louis Cardinals fans are likely feeling deflated after the collapse that put an end to the team's dreams of a World Series repeat, but there is good reason to be excited.

With all of the odds against them, the Cardinals managed to push their 2012 season beyond any anticipated boundary.

Given all of the season's changes and the adversity the team had to fight through, the fact that they played in October at all was an anomaly in itself. On paper, it made sense for the Cardinals to be in the playoffs, but few saw them as a true threat.
As the season continued, even fans began to doubt as they watched the team seemingly crumble in June and July. When the Cardinals finally came to life in September they went 11-5 in the last 16 games of the season to lock up the second Wild Card position in its inaugural year.

That run, despite it's crushing end in Cincinnati in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series, lots of good came from the Cardinals' season and playoff run.
Following in no particular order are 10 reasons Cardinals fans have to be excited about the 2013 season.

Trevor Rosenthal
When rookie fireballer Trevor Rosenthal made his first trip to St. Louis, it was obvious almost instantly that he was something special.
Between his 100 mph fastball and the general inability for almost anyone to hit off of him, he became a huge part of the Cardinals playoff run.

He pitched in a total of 19 regular season games before the 22-year-old rookie from Lee's Summit, Mo. got his first taste of postseason baseball and he put on quite a show.
In 8.2 IP over seven postseason appearances, Rosenthal held opponents to only two hits and no runs.
It's possible that down the stretch he may have already earned his spot in the rotation for 2013.

Shelby Miller
The long-coveted fastball pitching prospect Shelby Miller also made his first trip to St. Louis in 2012 and put on a good show.
In 13.2 IP over six regular season games, Miller surrendered only two runs on nine hits. His postseason performance was more of the same with two runs on four hits in 3.2 IP.

Despite a dismal first half of the season in Memphis, Miller got himself together and still managed to make one major league start before the end of the season -- a very impressive start at that.
Against the Cincinnati Reds in the final game of the regular season, Miller posted 5.2 hitless innings. He gave up no runs and collected his first major league win.

Expect to see a lot more of Miller in St. Louis early in 2013.

Joe Kelly
When Joe Kelly made his major league debut on June 10, few could have guessed the importance he would play throughout the remainder of the 2012 season.
Kelly started 16 games for the Cardinals this season filling in for Jaime Garcia and Lance Lynn, but it was the postseason when he really came through for his teammates.

When starting pitchers struggled time and again in October, it was Kelly who came to their rescue.
In seven postseason appearances, Kelly threw 7.2 innings and surrendered only two runs on six hits. Kelly came through for the Cardinals from the bullpen.
There's a good chance that could be his home in the future.

Mike Matheny
When the Cardinals hired Mike Matheny to take over for Tony LaRussa, many question bringing in a manager with no experience to such a storied franchise.

He had a few hiccups and growing pains along the way, but for a rookie manager to get his team where Matheny did this year speaks volumes.
His players have a strong respect for Matheny and credit his positive style with being a driving force behind their 2012 success.
True, he didn't get them through the NLCS, but the team made it to an all or nothing Game 7. That's good experience for the players obviously, but also for Matheny. Not only did he learn a lot about managing in the media pressure cooker that is postseason baseball, he also got a taste of what it felt like to win as a manager.

NLCS loss means more drive to win
While the NLCS loss was a good lesson for a young manager, it's an even more important lesson for a young player.
The 2011 championship lit a fire under young players like Lance Lynn and Jon Jay. That fire helped drive them to extremely successful sophomore seasons.

What happened in 2012 will likely do the same for Rosenthal, Miller and Kelly. Their 2013 season may not be like Jay or Lynn's 2012, but now they've gotten a little taste of what it feels like to be a winner.

Both the excitement and the public humbling can be a great experience for any young player.

The run was without several key components
In a season riddled with injuries, none were as crucial as those late in the season.
The loss of Lance Berkman and Rafael Furcal significantly weakened the team's bench. Instead of having Pete Kozma, Allen Craig and Matt Carpenter to pinch hit, the team wound up having to use them in the lineup.

The loss of Jaime Garcia and Jake Westbrook also rocked the Cardinals. Instead of having Lynn and Westbrook also available from the bullpen, Lynn was pushed back into the rotation after a very successful NLDS bullpen stint.

Having gotten as deep into the playoffs as the Cardinals did in spite of the injuries is quite the accomplishment.

They did it without Pujols, LaRussa and Duncan
Few in the world of sports gave the Cardinals a fighting chance when Albert Pujols left the team to play on the west coast. Surely this team couldn't be as good as they were?

Few gave them a chance after longtime manager Tony LaRussa decided it was time to retire.
Few gave them a chance after pitching coach Dave Duncan left the team.
The Cardinals did it despite all of that. That's something any fan should be proud of.

No, they didn't hoist a trophy. There will be no parade or tickertape.
What there is, though, is hope for next year and that will come sooner than you may think.
After all, pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in just four short months.

From a blog I was sent on twitter: http://www.dailystatesman.com/blogs/...es/entry/50051

**BigRedChief** · 10-25-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAChief

Offers for Miller? Andrus is the only guy I have seen that might be available that would seem like a possibility. Andrus is only 24 and I think he would flourish in St. Louis. We could be set up the middle for 10 years if Wong pans out as expected. Maybe not All-Stars every year, but solid all around guys.

Andrus will get big money in 2 years. We dont need to pay $20 million a year for a SS and lose Miller.

seclark · 11-01-2012, 12:30 PM

rip ernie hays

http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/c...b7970fe6d.html

sec

**BigRedChief** · 11-02-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seclark

rip ernie hays

http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/c...b7970fe6d.html

sec

its always said when legends pass on.

Frazod · 11-05-2012, 07:43 PM

McGwire won't be back - apparently he's headed to LA. Mabry will be the new hitting coach.

I, for one, won't miss him.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cardina...0957--mlb.html

**BigRedChief** · 11-05-2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

McGwire won't be back - apparently he's headed to LA. Mabry will be the new hitting coach.

I, for one, won't miss him.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cardina...0957--mlb.html

yeah you could see that one coming a mile away. Closer to home for McGuire. Mabry is long time BFF with Methany.

whoman69 · 11-05-2012, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

yeah you could see that one coming a mile away. Closer to home for McGuire. Mabry is long time BFF with Methany.

I hope he can get our batters to be able to handle the inside pitch. Otherwise the Giants showed every NL team how to beat the Cardinals.

Imon Yourside · 11-06-2012, 12:37 AM

Mi_chief_fan · 11-06-2012, 07:56 AM

I'd love it if the Cards could sign Affeldt (sp?) from the Giants. Would solve a big need.

Who's on everyone else's wishlist? (I'd really like Ryan Ludwick, but he's obviously too expensive.)

jd1020 · 11-06-2012, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KILLER_CLOWN

I was laughin pretty good when that happened.

Wilson never blinks, look around, and barely moves his head.

O.city · 11-07-2012, 06:05 PM

Cabrera to Cards?
4:40
PM ET
Asdrubal Cabrera | Indians
RECOMMEND1COMMENTS0EMAIL

The Cleveland Indians, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com Wednesday, are expected to field calls on Shin-Soo Choo, Justin Masterson and Chris Perez this winter. Another player garnering interest already, however, is Asdrubal Cabrera, the club's starting shortstop.

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the St. Louis Cardinals have legitimate interest in Cabrera, and a glance at both clubs' needs it appears there could be a match here.

The Indians need pitching in the worst way. The Cardinals have depth in that department. While they do need to keep an eye on the injury situation with lefty Jaime Garcia, they do have an extra arm to move in the right deal.

Shelby Miller isn't likely to be that arm, but Trevor Rosenthal, Lance Lynn or prospect Carlos Martinez could be part of a package.

Other clubs that could show strong interest in Cabrera include the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could help the Indians fill another need -- right-handed hitting outfielder -- by discussing a deal involving Justin Upton. The D-backs are thought to be seeking a shortstop and if Cabrera is available, the two sides could find common ground.

DJ's left nut · 11-07-2012, 06:35 PM

If they give up more than Joe Kelly, they're !@#$ing insane.

Asdrubal Cabrera is incredibly overrated. He makes some great highlight reel plays, but his mediocre range is the reason for it.

He's owed $16 million over the next 2 years and simply isn't very good. If the Cards gave up Rosenthal or Lynn for that guy, then Moe is an absolute fool.

Mi_chief_fan · 11-07-2012, 06:40 PM

Completely agree, but I'm not even sure I'd include Kelly.

O.city · 11-07-2012, 06:41 PM

What do you guys suggest we do at SS?

Mi_chief_fan · 11-07-2012, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

What do you guys suggest we do at SS?

What's Furcal's prognosis? If unavailable, I'd say Stephen Drew. Wouldn't be too expensive.

O.city · 11-07-2012, 06:45 PM

Drew is about the only SS in free agency so he likely will get a pretty decent contract.

01-04-2012, 10:08 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $1128962 VARSITY	*Offical 2012 STL Cardinals World Champions Thread * St. Louis Cardinals: 7 reasons fans should feel good about 2012 Posted Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at 9:26 PM St. Louis Cardinals fans are likely feeling deflated after the collapse that put an end to the team's dreams of a World Series repeat, but there is good reason to be excited. With all of the odds against them, the Cardinals managed to push their 2012 season beyond any anticipated boundary. Given all of the season's changes and the adversity the team had to fight through, the fact that they played in October at all was an anomaly in itself. On paper, it made sense for the Cardinals to be in the playoffs, but few saw them as a true threat. As the season continued, even fans began to doubt as they watched the team seemingly crumble in June and July. When the Cardinals finally came to life in September they went 11-5 in the last 16 games of the season to lock up the second Wild Card position in its inaugural year. That run, despite it's crushing end in Cincinnati in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series, lots of good came from the Cardinals' season and playoff run. Following in no particular order are 10 reasons Cardinals fans have to be excited about the 2013 season. Trevor Rosenthal When rookie fireballer Trevor Rosenthal made his first trip to St. Louis, it was obvious almost instantly that he was something special. Between his 100 mph fastball and the general inability for almost anyone to hit off of him, he became a huge part of the Cardinals playoff run. He pitched in a total of 19 regular season games before the 22-year-old rookie from Lee's Summit, Mo. got his first taste of postseason baseball and he put on quite a show. In 8.2 IP over seven postseason appearances, Rosenthal held opponents to only two hits and no runs. It's possible that down the stretch he may have already earned his spot in the rotation for 2013. Shelby Miller The long-coveted fastball pitching prospect Shelby Miller also made his first trip to St. Louis in 2012 and put on a good show. In 13.2 IP over six regular season games, Miller surrendered only two runs on nine hits. His postseason performance was more of the same with two runs on four hits in 3.2 IP. Despite a dismal first half of the season in Memphis, Miller got himself together and still managed to make one major league start before the end of the season -- a very impressive start at that. Against the Cincinnati Reds in the final game of the regular season, Miller posted 5.2 hitless innings. He gave up no runs and collected his first major league win. Expect to see a lot more of Miller in St. Louis early in 2013. Joe Kelly When Joe Kelly made his major league debut on June 10, few could have guessed the importance he would play throughout the remainder of the 2012 season. Kelly started 16 games for the Cardinals this season filling in for Jaime Garcia and Lance Lynn, but it was the postseason when he really came through for his teammates. When starting pitchers struggled time and again in October, it was Kelly who came to their rescue. In seven postseason appearances, Kelly threw 7.2 innings and surrendered only two runs on six hits. Kelly came through for the Cardinals from the bullpen. There's a good chance that could be his home in the future. Mike Matheny When the Cardinals hired Mike Matheny to take over for Tony LaRussa, many question bringing in a manager with no experience to such a storied franchise. He had a few hiccups and growing pains along the way, but for a rookie manager to get his team where Matheny did this year speaks volumes. His players have a strong respect for Matheny and credit his positive style with being a driving force behind their 2012 success. True, he didn't get them through the NLCS, but the team made it to an all or nothing Game 7. That's good experience for the players obviously, but also for Matheny. Not only did he learn a lot about managing in the media pressure cooker that is postseason baseball, he also got a taste of what it felt like to win as a manager. NLCS loss means more drive to win While the NLCS loss was a good lesson for a young manager, it's an even more important lesson for a young player. The 2011 championship lit a fire under young players like Lance Lynn and Jon Jay. That fire helped drive them to extremely successful sophomore seasons. What happened in 2012 will likely do the same for Rosenthal, Miller and Kelly. Their 2013 season may not be like Jay or Lynn's 2012, but now they've gotten a little taste of what it feels like to be a winner. Both the excitement and the public humbling can be a great experience for any young player. The run was without several key components In a season riddled with injuries, none were as crucial as those late in the season. The loss of Lance Berkman and Rafael Furcal significantly weakened the team's bench. Instead of having Pete Kozma, Allen Craig and Matt Carpenter to pinch hit, the team wound up having to use them in the lineup. The loss of Jaime Garcia and Jake Westbrook also rocked the Cardinals. Instead of having Lynn and Westbrook also available from the bullpen, Lynn was pushed back into the rotation after a very successful NLDS bullpen stint. Having gotten as deep into the playoffs as the Cardinals did in spite of the injuries is quite the accomplishment. They did it without Pujols, LaRussa and Duncan Few in the world of sports gave the Cardinals a fighting chance when Albert Pujols left the team to play on the west coast. Surely this team couldn't be as good as they were? Few gave them a chance after longtime manager Tony LaRussa decided it was time to retire. Few gave them a chance after pitching coach Dave Duncan left the team. The Cardinals did it despite all of that. That's something any fan should be proud of. No, they didn't hoist a trophy. There will be no parade or tickertape. What there is, though, is hope for next year and that will come sooner than you may think. After all, pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in just four short months. From a blog I was sent on twitter: http://www.dailystatesman.com/blogs/...es/entry/50051 Last edited by BigRedChief; 10-24-2012 at 08:57 PM..
Posts: 80,181

11-01-2012, 12:30 PM	#2372
seclark MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: nemo Casino cash: $-230100	rip ernie hays http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/c...b7970fe6d.html sec __________________ "Mr. seclark. Wrong for gravy, wrong for jelly, wrong for biscuits." -rj "If every Planeteer who was disliked by another Planeteer stopped being a Planeteer we wouldn't have any Planeteers." -rj
Posts: 13,438

11-05-2012, 07:43 PM	#2374
Frazod WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $1163385	McGwire won't be back - apparently he's headed to LA. Mabry will be the new hitting coach. I, for one, won't miss him. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cardina...0957--mlb.html
Posts: 120,285

11-06-2012, 12:37 AM	#2377
Imon Yourside WhatUneed2Hear Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: AllSoulsMatter Casino cash: $813181	__________________ "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" Peter 5:8 "Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay" Isaiah 29:16 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
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11-06-2012, 07:56 AM	#2378
Mi_chief_fan There was an idea..... Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Murfreesboro,TN Casino cash: $9942966	I'd love it if the Cards could sign Affeldt (sp?) from the Giants. Would solve a big need. Who's on everyone else's wishlist? (I'd really like Ryan Ludwick, but he's obviously too expensive.) __________________ Bandwagon Predators Fan!
Posts: 3,517

11-07-2012, 06:05 PM	#2380
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $1094064	Cabrera to Cards? 4:40 PM ET Asdrubal Cabrera \| Indians RECOMMEND1COMMENTS0EMAIL The Cleveland Indians, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com Wednesday, are expected to field calls on Shin-Soo Choo, Justin Masterson and Chris Perez this winter. Another player garnering interest already, however, is Asdrubal Cabrera, the club's starting shortstop. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the St. Louis Cardinals have legitimate interest in Cabrera, and a glance at both clubs' needs it appears there could be a match here. The Indians need pitching in the worst way. The Cardinals have depth in that department. While they do need to keep an eye on the injury situation with lefty Jaime Garcia, they do have an extra arm to move in the right deal. Shelby Miller isn't likely to be that arm, but Trevor Rosenthal, Lance Lynn or prospect Carlos Martinez could be part of a package. Other clubs that could show strong interest in Cabrera include the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could help the Indians fill another need -- right-handed hitting outfielder -- by discussing a deal involving Justin Upton. The D-backs are thought to be seeking a shortstop and if Cabrera is available, the two sides could find common ground.
Posts: 82,883

11-07-2012, 06:35 PM	#2381
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $1079099	If they give up more than Joe Kelly, they're !@#$ing insane. Asdrubal Cabrera is incredibly overrated. He makes some great highlight reel plays, but his mediocre range is the reason for it. He's owed $16 million over the next 2 years and simply isn't very good. If the Cards gave up Rosenthal or Lynn for that guy, then Moe is an absolute fool. __________________ "If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..." "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
Posts: 63,321

11-07-2012, 06:40 PM	#2382
Mi_chief_fan There was an idea..... Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Murfreesboro,TN Casino cash: $9942966	Completely agree, but I'm not even sure I'd include Kelly. __________________ Bandwagon Predators Fan!
Posts: 3,517

11-07-2012, 06:41 PM	#2383
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $1094064	What do you guys suggest we do at SS?
Posts: 82,883

11-07-2012, 06:45 PM	#2385
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $1094064	Drew is about the only SS in free agency so he likely will get a pretty decent contract.
Posts: 82,883