Cardinals ***OFFICIAL*** 2013 STL Cardinals Thread - Page 103

**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

Pepe Silvia · 06-09-2013, 01:12 PM

I'm ready for some Sunday Night Baseball, followed by Game of Thrones.

**** the Dreads!!!!!

**BigRedChief** · 06-09-2013, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PackerinMo

I'm ready for some Sunday Night Baseball, followed by Game of Thrones.

**** the Dreads!!!!!

Season finale of GOT too.

O.city · 06-09-2013, 06:01 PM

It was just brought up on BBTN, but both Schilling and Sutcliffe said they'd take Posey over Molina.

I'm obviously a homer, but I'm taking Molina 5 times out of 5. Previously, the offensive difference was so wide you could easily make a case. But now, with Molina's offensive skill as well as the fact that he's the best defensive catcher, I don't know.

O.city · 06-09-2013, 06:05 PM

Oh and Westbrook threw 7 innings in Peoria 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks.

O.city · 06-09-2013, 06:13 PM

And Votto was definitely off the bag last night.

duncan_idaho · 06-09-2013, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

It was just brought up on BBTN, but both Schilling and Sutcliffe said they'd take Posey over Molina.

I'm obviously a homer, but I'm taking Molina 5 times out of 5. Previously, the offensive difference was so wide you could easily make a case. But now, with Molina's offensive skill as well as the fact that he's the best defensive catcher, I don't know.

It's a close call and possibly too close to call. Hard to argue with the all-around game or leadership of either player.

O.city · 06-09-2013, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

It's a close call and possibly too close to call. Hard to argue with the all-around game or leadership of either player.

Probably so.

But, IMO, which of course being a Cardinals fan I would feel this way, but I don't think Posey is the defensive player Molina is. Not just catching, but the way he shuts down the running game and handles the staff.

O.city · 06-09-2013, 06:26 PM

1 hard hit ball and we are down already.

O.city · 06-09-2013, 06:48 PM

Also, I hate Arroyo.

Pepe Silvia · 06-09-2013, 06:54 PM

****, Carp almost tied it up.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-09-2013, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

It was just brought up on BBTN, but both Schilling and Sutcliffe said they'd take Posey over Molina.

I'm obviously a homer, but I'm taking Molina 5 times out of 5. Previously, the offensive difference was so wide you could easily make a case. But now, with Molina's offensive skill as well as the fact that he's the best defensive catcher, I don't know.

Molina also handles a staff significantly better. It's not close. If I were choosing players this year, there isn't a single player in baseball I'd take over Yadier Molina. Even the advanced metrics can't do him adequate justice, as there aren't many tools out there to measure how well a pitcher handles a staff.

This isn't exactly new. Even though the Cardinals are the second most successful franchise in baseball history, many of their players are often overlooked.

A great comparison is to look at the media falling over themselves to fellate Puig after five games, then looks at what Pujols did his first 24 games as a Cardinal:

.370/.431/.739

8HR, 27 RBI

While playing four positions across the diamond.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-09-2013, 06:57 PM

We have hit three balls in this shitbox that they've caught right at the wall in the last two games.

Pepe Silvia · 06-09-2013, 06:58 PM

The only thing Posey can do better than Molina is the long ball,thats it. I know this might sound biased being a Cards fan but hes nowhere near the defensive catcher Yadi is.

O.city · 06-09-2013, 07:00 PM

Lynn having some control issues tonight.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-09-2013, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Lynn having some control issues tonight.

He only missed his spot by about four inches there, and through two innings he'd thrown nine balls to 24 strikes.

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..
Posts: 78,937

06-09-2013, 01:12 PM	#1531
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1994664	I'm ready for some Sunday Night Baseball, followed by Game of Thrones. **** the Dreads!!!!!
Posts: 16,532

06-09-2013, 06:01 PM	#1533
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	It was just brought up on BBTN, but both Schilling and Sutcliffe said they'd take Posey over Molina. I'm obviously a homer, but I'm taking Molina 5 times out of 5. Previously, the offensive difference was so wide you could easily make a case. But now, with Molina's offensive skill as well as the fact that he's the best defensive catcher, I don't know.
Posts: 81,176

06-09-2013, 06:05 PM	#1534
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	Oh and Westbrook threw 7 innings in Peoria 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks.
Posts: 81,176

06-09-2013, 06:13 PM	#1535
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	And Votto was definitely off the bag last night.
Posts: 81,176

06-09-2013, 06:26 PM	#1538
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	1 hard hit ball and we are down already.
Posts: 81,176

06-09-2013, 06:48 PM	#1539
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	Also, I hate Arroyo.
Posts: 81,176

06-09-2013, 06:54 PM	#1540
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1994664	****, Carp almost tied it up.
Posts: 16,532

06-09-2013, 06:57 PM	#1542
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8019572	We have hit three balls in this shitbox that they've caught right at the wall in the last two games. __________________ "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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06-09-2013, 06:58 PM	#1543
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1994664	The only thing Posey can do better than Molina is the long ball,thats it. I know this might sound biased being a Cards fan but hes nowhere near the defensive catcher Yadi is.
Posts: 16,532

06-09-2013, 07:00 PM	#1544
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	Lynn having some control issues tonight.
Posts: 81,176