Cardinals ***OFFICIAL*** 2013 STL Cardinals Thread - Page 240

**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

kcpasco · 08-01-2013, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Whats wrong with Carpenter?

Nothing is wrong with Carpenter. The top of the lineup has to hit tonight because the bottom isnt gonna do shit.

**BigRedChief** · 08-01-2013, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mi_chief_fan

Can anyone give a legit reason why Pete "Popout" Kozma is still on the roster?

Because of his defense. Our offesnse is fine with a .200 hitting SS. Cards won a World series with Dal Maxville. Look it up.

/Mo

**BigRedChief** · 08-01-2013, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpasco

Nothing is wrong with Carpenter. The top of the lineup has to hit tonight because the bottom isnt gonna do shit.

So Delsaco is a better hitter than Carpenter now?

kcpasco · 08-01-2013, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

So Delsaco is a better hitter than Carpenter now?

What? I said positions 5-8. Carpenter is batting leadoff.

Mi_chief_fan · 08-01-2013, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Because of his defense. Our offesnse is fine with a .200 hitting SS. Cards won a World series with Dal Maxville. Look it up.

/Mo

Just seems like he's always up in a key spot, and does nothing.

**BigRedChief** · 08-01-2013, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpasco

What? I said positions 5-8. Carpenter is batting leadoff.

Sorry man, I didn't read it right.

But that is our lineup now. If Freese and Holiday don't step it up, we are sunk. Holliday was good last night. Maybe he turned a corner. Freese I think is done. But, no one can ever take the 2011 post season away from him.

It would be a good idea for Freese to move on before its too late.

Mi_chief_fan · 08-01-2013, 05:15 PM

I seriously can't wait for Beltran to be gone. Just brutal. I think he swings at the 1st pitch just so he can sit his old ass down.

kcpasco · 08-01-2013, 05:17 PM

Good job Kelly. Now lets get this kid some runs because I think he can do what Waino couldnt. Carry us to a win tonight.

kcpasco · 08-01-2013, 05:20 PM

Where is the patience. These guys are swinging at everything.

**BigRedChief** · 08-01-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpasco

Good job Kelly. Now lets get this kid some runs because I think he can do what Waino couldnt. Carry us to a win tonight.

You guys hear this stat on the broadcast about Kely..........Lowest ERA in baseball since March or May 31st?

He could really help the club out if he could sustain this. Could even go all the way into the playoffs since he started so late in the season.

kcpasco · 08-01-2013, 05:27 PM

Kozma in this lineup is a fireable offense

kcpasco · 08-01-2013, 07:00 PM

It worked out but wtf is MM thinking having Carp2 bunt? JFC

O.city · 08-01-2013, 07:01 PM

I'm thinking Carp maybe did that himself, he's in a slump right now anyway.

Good to see the bats waking up.

O.city · 08-01-2013, 07:06 PM

Squeezing him on McCutchen there IMo.

kcpasco · 08-01-2013, 07:15 PM

Id let Joe go 1 more inning. I really dont trust anyone in the pen not name Mujica this game.

01-25-2013, 05:27 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3169627 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: 78,982

08-01-2013, 05:15 PM	#3592
Mi_chief_fan There was an idea..... Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Murfreesboro,TN Casino cash: $9942966	I seriously can't wait for Beltran to be gone. Just brutal. I think he swings at the 1st pitch just so he can sit his old ass down. __________________ Bandwagon Predators Fan!
Posts: 3,517

08-01-2013, 05:17 PM	#3593
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $7733463	Good job Kelly. Now lets get this kid some runs because I think he can do what Waino couldnt. Carry us to a win tonight.
Posts: 15,477

08-01-2013, 05:20 PM	#3594
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $7733463	Where is the patience. These guys are swinging at everything.
Posts: 15,477

08-01-2013, 05:27 PM	#3596
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $7733463	Kozma in this lineup is a fireable offense
Posts: 15,477

08-01-2013, 07:00 PM	#3597
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $7733463	It worked out but wtf is MM thinking having Carp2 bunt? JFC
Posts: 15,477

08-01-2013, 07:01 PM	#3598
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2774064	I'm thinking Carp maybe did that himself, he's in a slump right now anyway. Good to see the bats waking up.
Posts: 81,205

08-01-2013, 07:06 PM	#3599
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2774064	Squeezing him on McCutchen there IMo.
Posts: 81,205

08-01-2013, 07:15 PM	#3600
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $7733463	Id let Joe go 1 more inning. I really dont trust anyone in the pen not name Mujica this game.
Posts: 15,477