Cardinals ***OFFICIAL*** 2013 STL Cardinals Thread - Page 82

**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

**BigRedChief** · 06-03-2013, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I feel like they always have been.

He's a guy with arthritic ankles and a history of alcoholism - does it really make any sense to lock him up long-term when you have him under team control for 3 more seasons?

I'd ride David Freese through 2015 then let him walk as a FA. He'd be approaching his age 33 season at that point and likely won't get too terribly much on the open market.

At that point you re-assess. If Wisdom or Kelly come along as you've hoped, Freese won't be needed. If Wong or Garcia have forced your hand at 2b, you can always slide Carpenter back over to 3b (though I hate doing that; why move a guy to 3b that can give you that kind of offense and plus defense at 2b, a much hard position to fill?).

The Cardinals would have plenty of options.

Freese hasn't ever been a candidate for a long-term extension, IMO. He's played overaged for most of his career and just doesn't appear to be a wise gamble for a smart ballclub. Extract as much value from him as you can from his team controlled years and then let him walk as he enters his decline years. It's the only way a mid-market payroll can keep it's best young players in the organization.

I don't think refusing to sign him to an extension means they won't have him back.

What you are saying makes sense. I understand the financials of baseball dictate to just let Freese play out through arbitration to age 33.

But as we have just been discussing, Freese's 6th game performance will be one of our best memories evah as a Cardinals fan. I don't want him treated unfairly or have him leave the Cardinals under negative circumstances.

I know I'm thinking with my heart not my head. Same thing happened with Pujols. He was my favorite Cardinal since the Gibson/Brock era. I got over that, I guess I'll get over Freese leaving badly, if that happens.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-03-2013, 05:51 PM

Yadi gets one game, which is effectively no suspension at all. Appeal and then pick a good day to rest him.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-03-2013, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

What you are saying makes sense. I understand the financials of baseball dictate to just let Freese play out through arbitration to age 33.

But as we have just been discussing, Freese's 6th game performance will be one of our best memories evah as a Cardinals fan. I don't want him treated unfairly or have him leave the Cardinals under negative circumstances.

I know I'm thinking with my heart not my head. Same thing happened with Pujols. He was my favorite Cardinal since the Gibson/Brock era. I got over that, I guess I'll get over Freese leaving badly, if that happens.

Freese not getting a contract extension doesn't mean he's going to leave on bad terms. Pujols was the greatest RH hitter of our lifetime and he left over a few million dollars in a 200+ million dollar deal. Freese wouldn't be selling the team out like a mercenary. At its worst it might resemble Edmonds' departure, and even that is probably hyperbolic.

**BigRedChief** · 06-03-2013, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Yadi gets one game, which is effectively no suspension at all. Appeal and then pick a good day to rest him.

They talked about this on the broadcast. They lose the appeal, Molina serves the suspension the next day. So, if they decide on Thursday to deny the appeal, he sits out a game in cincy.

Also we can't bring up a minor league catcher in case Cruz gets hurt without taking someone off the 40 man roster and adding the catcher.

Should have just took the day. they are not going to let it slide.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 06-03-2013, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I just read through the about 500 posts in the 2011 Cardinals thread that encompassed that game. I was nervous just re-reading the damn things.

I just watched the official WS film. How ****ing ridiculous is it that I still get nervous watching, even though I know the outcome?

These should be a submission in the "You baww, you lose" thread, but only about 10 of us would understand:

ChiefsCountry · 06-03-2013, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I was reading on another board that freese and or his agent wanted a deal like Craig this off season and Mo didn't even want to discuss a deal. Anyone hear this rumor before? Think freese's days are numbered in STL?

Signing Freeze to an Allen Craig type deal would be Dayton Moore stupid.

O.city · 06-03-2013, 07:31 PM

Matt carpenter is a mo ****ing baseball player. I love watching the dude play baseball

ChiefsCountry · 06-03-2013, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

I just watched the official WS film. How ****ing ridiculous is it that I still get nervous watching, even though I know the outcome?

These should be a submission in the "You baww, you lose" thread, but only about 10 of us would understand:

Hell that game 6 is so talked about nobody even talks about Pujols becoming Superman in game 3. Just as a fan of baseball, it was one hell of a World Series. Shame they all can't be like that.

O.city · 06-03-2013, 07:38 PM

Most depressing thing about game 6, wait as a cardinal fan, the only depressing thing, is that the morning ofI the game my dads boss who owns the company they work for, had 2 extra unaccounted for green seat tickets he wanted to give to dad for the two of us, but didnt think we would want to drive 3 hours one way for it. So he didnt call

Still furious with him. But he is making up for it with a potential British open trip, so that goes thru I might let it go

Pepe Silvia · 06-03-2013, 07:44 PM

I'd like to thank Lance Lynn for becoming an awesome SP for us.

Pepe Silvia · 06-03-2013, 07:58 PM

And Yadi for being the beast that he is.

Frazod · 06-03-2013, 08:08 PM

Beltran blasts another one.

**BigRedChief** · 06-03-2013, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerinMo

And Yadi for being the beast that he is.

And learning how to hit like an All-Star instead of just being satisfied with the title of best defensive catcher in the game.

**BigRedChief** · 06-03-2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Most depressing thing about game 6, wait as a cardinal fan, the only depressing thing, is that the morning ofI the game my dads boss who owns the company they work for, had 2 extra unaccounted for green seat tickets he wanted to give to dad for the two of us, but didnt think we would want to drive 3 hours one way for it. So he didnt call

Still furious with him. But he is making up for it with a potential British open trip, so that goes thru I might let it go

Seeing one of the best baseball games ever played, a World Series game live....doesn't equal a golf tournament.

Pepe Silvia · 06-03-2013, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Beltran blasts another one.

Its great having him in fantasy as well. Hes tearing it up this year.

01-25-2013, 05:27 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3229627 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..
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06-03-2013, 05:51 PM	#1217
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8019572	Yadi gets one game, which is effectively no suspension at all. Appeal and then pick a good day to rest him. __________________ "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
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06-03-2013, 07:31 PM	#1222
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	Matt carpenter is a mo ****ing baseball player. I love watching the dude play baseball
Posts: 81,172

06-03-2013, 07:38 PM	#1224
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	Most depressing thing about game 6, wait as a cardinal fan, the only depressing thing, is that the morning ofI the game my dads boss who owns the company they work for, had 2 extra unaccounted for green seat tickets he wanted to give to dad for the two of us, but didnt think we would want to drive 3 hours one way for it. So he didnt call Still furious with him. But he is making up for it with a potential British open trip, so that goes thru I might let it go
Posts: 81,172

06-03-2013, 07:44 PM	#1225
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1994664	I'd like to thank Lance Lynn for becoming an awesome SP for us.
Posts: 16,532

06-03-2013, 07:58 PM	#1226
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1994664	And Yadi for being the beast that he is.
Posts: 16,532

06-03-2013, 08:08 PM	#1227
Frazod WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $3215085	Beltran blasts another one.
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