Cardinals ***Offical 2012 STL Cardinals World Champions Thread *** - Page 70

**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

CoMoChief · 07-27-2012, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Corked or uncorked?

LOL...c'mon he was using his "batting practice" bat

and I have some beachfront property in Idaho I'd like to sell you.

Jewish Rabbi · 07-27-2012, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Did it land in the street or hit one of the buildings?

Nah it was to center. Damn near would have hit the scoreboard if it were to the right just a little more.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-27-2012, 06:55 PM

When is frazod going to become Jake the Snake Roberts?

Frazod · 07-27-2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGM

When is frazod going to become Jake the Snake Roberts?

I'm thinking.... never.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-28-2012, 01:13 PM

Roll over cubbies. Threatening to take the lead in a tie game in the 7th

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-28-2012, 01:22 PM

scrubs take the lead

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-28-2012, 01:48 PM

Here comes Tyler Greene to get picked off or caught stealing.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-28-2012, 02:02 PM

Marmol puts out the fire. Cubs win.

jd1020 · 07-28-2012, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undertaker

Ever watch Sosa hit?

Glenallen Hill

**BigRedChief** · 07-29-2012, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGM

Marmol puts out the fire. Cubs win.

We lost this game in the first inning. All those walks, bases loaded with Beltran, Berkman and Molina coming up. We only get one run because these veteran players went up there with a pitcher that cant find the plate and instead of being patient, swing at the first pitch. Pathetic at bats from veterans that should have known better.

Chief Henry · 07-29-2012, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

We lost this game in the first inning. All those walks, bases loaded with Beltran, Berkman and Molina coming up. We only get one run because these veteran players went up there with a pitcher that cant find the plate and instead of being patient, swing at the first pitch. Pathetic at bats from veterans that should have known better.

They had Smardja on the ropes......you are spot on in your analysis. Beltran needs to get his crap togeather. We waisted another good effort by that rookie pitcher, Joe Kelly.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-29-2012, 05:18 PM

Turned the game on in time earlier to watch Rizzo go deep.

whoman69 · 07-29-2012, 08:07 PM

The Cardinals played up to their potential for the first fifth of the season. Since that point they are 3 games under .500. So that's 31 games they show they can repeat as champions, 71 games where they show they cannot. I think they're closer to the 71 game team than the 31 game team. Doesn't help they've won 7 of their last 10 and dropped two and a half games in the standings in that time.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-29-2012, 08:13 PM

2nd in batting average, 3rd in OPS, 1st in on base percentage, 2nd in runs scored, 9th in ERA - in all of MLB.

And this team is only a few games over .500.

Pathetic.

**BigRedChief** · 07-29-2012, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

2nd in batting average, 3rd in OPS, 1st in on base percentage, 2nd in runs scored, 9th in ERA - in all of MLB.

And this team is only a few games over .500.

Pathetic.

Those numbers are misleading. Way too many games this year they have scored 10+ runs and then lost the series.

01-04-2012, 10:08 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3169627 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: 78,986

07-27-2012, 06:55 PM	#1038
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $4008880	When is frazod going to become Jake the Snake Roberts? __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
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07-28-2012, 01:13 PM	#1040
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $4008880	Roll over cubbies. Threatening to take the lead in a tie game in the 7th __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
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07-28-2012, 01:22 PM	#1041
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $4008880	scrubs take the lead __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
Posts: 68,423

07-28-2012, 01:48 PM	#1042
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $4931115	Here comes Tyler Greene to get picked off or caught stealing.
Posts: 60,167

07-28-2012, 02:02 PM	#1043
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $4008880	Marmol puts out the fire. Cubs win. __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
Posts: 68,423

07-29-2012, 05:18 PM	#1047
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $4008880	Turned the game on in time earlier to watch Rizzo go deep. __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
Posts: 68,423

07-29-2012, 08:13 PM	#1049
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $4931115	2nd in batting average, 3rd in OPS, 1st in on base percentage, 2nd in runs scored, 9th in ERA - in all of MLB. And this team is only a few games over .500. Pathetic.
Posts: 60,167