Cardinals ***OFFICIAL*** 2013 STL Cardinals Thread - Page 160

**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 · 06-24-2013, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

This is probably a stretch, but I'm wondering if they are thinking that Craig ends up sticking in a corner OF spot next year or the year after, with Holliday likely moving on if they can.

With their thoughts that they've expressed about keeping Adams, I'm wondering if they want him at 1st, with Craig moving around.

Holliday already has a NTC and he'll be a 10-5 player after 2014. Besides, who is going to take Holliday? The Yankees? New York would eat him alive. I guess we could pawn him off on one of the dipshit teams occupying LA. What's another overpaid, declining outfielder for them?

**BigRedChief** · 06-24-2013, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

So he's the best paid assistant coach in MLB history and the only one that occupies a roster spot to boot. Awesome.

Sounds like Matheny has some personal feelings for Wiggington that are getting in his way of viewing Wiggington's on the field performance.

**BigRedChief** · 06-24-2013, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Holliday already has a NTC and he'll be a 10-5 player after 2014. Besides, who is going to take Holliday? The Yankees? New York would eat him alive. I guess we could pawn him off on one of the dipshit teams occupying LA. What's another overpaid, declining outfielder for them?

Why do fans keep bringing up trade Holliday. It's never going to happen. Why would he agree to any trade? He's not going to get a better place to be. And he has no value except as a DH in the AL. But, he's not going to agree to any deal. Fans just need to give up on the idea.

Holliday is ours to deal with for another 3 years. We and the FO just need to plan on the decline.

I read an article about never giving a 30+ year old player a multi year, high $ deal. Holliday was pointed at as one of the better deals. At least the Cardinals got what they paid for for 3 years of the deal. Thats better than most.

Pepe Silvia · 06-25-2013, 07:20 PM

Carp rules!

Mi_chief_fan · 06-25-2013, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerinMo

Carp rules!

Damn, I've missed the Astros.

Jewish Rabbi · 06-25-2013, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

If Tavares comes up and hits like he is supposed to, Inadequate defense would be ok.

Taveras is still hurt. Placed on the DL again. I doubt we see him at all this year, honestly.

Pepe Silvia · 06-25-2013, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mi_chief_fan

Damn, I've missed the Astros.

I know, thats at least 15 easy wins right there.

Jewish Rabbi · 06-25-2013, 07:51 PM

Lost in the offensive outburst is the fact that Westbrook is throwing a pretty good game thru 5, if you know what I'm saying...

Frazod · 06-25-2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerinMo

I know, thats at least 15 easy wins right there.

That's okay. After this past weekend, I'll take the three.

Marcellus · 06-25-2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

Lost in the offensive outburst is the fact that Westbrook is throwing a pretty good game thru 5, if you know what I'm saying...

Mi_chief_fan · 06-25-2013, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

Lost in the offensive outburst is the fact that Westbrook is throwing a pretty good game thru 5, if you know what I'm saying...

Someone on Twitter already tried to jinx it. I was having none of it.

Jewish Rabbi · 06-25-2013, 08:06 PM

And there goes that.

Marcellus · 06-25-2013, 08:07 PM

Hope you are happy.

Mi_chief_fan · 06-25-2013, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Hope you are happy.

I put it on Marvin Hudson, missed 2 easy strike calls before that.

Pepe Silvia · 06-25-2013, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

That's okay. After this past weekend, I'll take the three.

Plus the Reds and Pirates would benefit from it as well so its not like it would matter all that much anyway.

01-25-2013, 05:27 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3179627 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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06-25-2013, 07:20 PM	#2389
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1944664	Carp rules!
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06-25-2013, 07:51 PM	#2393
Jewish Rabbi What's up braj? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Placencia, Belize Casino cash: $2158320	Lost in the offensive outburst is the fact that Westbrook is throwing a pretty good game thru 5, if you know what I'm saying...
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06-25-2013, 08:06 PM	#2397
Jewish Rabbi What's up braj? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Placencia, Belize Casino cash: $2158320	And there goes that.
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06-25-2013, 08:07 PM	#2398
Marcellus Diablo Negro Join Date: Sep 2003 Casino cash: $3122662	Hope you are happy.
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