Cardinals ***OFFICIAL*** 2013 STL Cardinals Thread - Page 235

**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

Marco Polo · 07-31-2013, 09:59 AM

Yadi must be out more than thought...

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cardinals are indeed looking for a catcher now that Yadier Molina (knee) is headed to the disabled list.

Rosenthal previously reported that the Cardinals wouldn't look for help behind the dish, but now he's hearing otherwise. It makes sense, as Tony Cruz and Rob Johnson aren't the most inspiring combo.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-31-2013, 10:00 AM

That is not good at all. The Buccos might actually take this thing.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanman

I do know one thing about him. There have been several games this year when he waited several batters too long to waddle his fat ass out to the mound to talk to a struggling pitcher. I don't know how good he is behind the scenes in working with the pitchers but I know he has the ability to be absolutely awful in his in-game management.

I've never felt that the PC going to the mound did anything other than stall for a reliever to get up. They all know the scouting reports. Besides, Yadi can likely tell them what small mechanical issues they are dealing with. He's done it for years. Watch him point to his left shoulder behind the plate--he's telling the pitcher that he's flying open.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 10:05 AM

Hit up the Braves for Laird. Gattis is McCann insurance already.

Marco Polo · 07-31-2013, 01:25 PM

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cardinals are in talks with the Cubs regarding catcher Dioner Navarro.

Yadier Molina (knee) was placed on the disabled list Wednesday and could require an extended absence, so the Cardinals are on the lookout for catching help. Navarro would be a good fit, as he's hitting .294/.370/.510 with nine homers through 57 games this year

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cardinals are in talks with the Cubs regarding catcher Dioner Navarro.

Yadier Molina (knee) was placed on the disabled list Wednesday and could require an extended absence, so the Cardinals are on the lookout for catching help. Navarro would be a good fit, as he's hitting .294/.370/.510 with nine homers through 57 games this year

Navarro talks broke down.

In extremely good news, Yadi's knee just showed swelling and inflammation, but no structural damage. Nevertheless, this is a major indictment of Matheny, because his inability to properly manage Yadi's workload, giving him an extra 8-10 days of rest to this point, has cost us Yadi for 15 games.

whoman69 · 07-31-2013, 04:25 PM

Rzepczynski sent to Cleveland for minor league shortstop

O.city · 07-31-2013, 04:26 PM

Pretty easy fix, big bats start hitting like big bats.

Starting pitching durin gthis shit streak has actually been fairly good, or good enough.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 05:51 PM

Bats woke up in the first, but in classic Murphy's/Finagle's fashion, Waino was elevating everything.

What worries me is that Pittsburgh seems to be seeing everything well. They are usually pretty K happy and they aren't offering at any marginal pitches.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 06:12 PM

Jesus, what a horrible ****ing break.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 06:40 PM

At the risk of sounding like Pete Gas, this zone is just an abomination. Then again, so is Waino tonight.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 06:41 PM

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 07:01 PM

It's time. Just put Freese on the DL with some type of ankle soreness, move Carpenter to third, and bring up Wong. He's absolutely killing this team in every way possible. He can't hit, is throwing the ball all over the diamond, and has almost no range.

Frazod · 07-31-2013, 07:04 PM

And to think, I used to get my balls busted by you people for hating Holliday.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 07-31-2013, 07:07 PM

Nice call, Denkinger

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..
Posts: 78,971

07-31-2013, 09:59 AM	#3511
Marco Polo Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 41°59.4′N 87°39.6'W Casino cash: $5828908	Yadi must be out more than thought... FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cardinals are indeed looking for a catcher now that Yadier Molina (knee) is headed to the disabled list. Rosenthal previously reported that the Cardinals wouldn't look for help behind the dish, but now he's hearing otherwise. It makes sense, as Tony Cruz and Rob Johnson aren't the most inspiring combo.
Posts: 2,506

07-31-2013, 10:00 AM	#3512
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $4018880	That is not good at all. The Buccos might actually take this thing. __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
Posts: 68,382

07-31-2013, 10:05 AM	#3514
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	Hit up the Braves for Laird. Gattis is McCann insurance already. __________________ "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
Posts: 74,825

07-31-2013, 01:25 PM	#3515
Marco Polo Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 41°59.4′N 87°39.6'W Casino cash: $5828908	FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cardinals are in talks with the Cubs regarding catcher Dioner Navarro. Yadier Molina (knee) was placed on the disabled list Wednesday and could require an extended absence, so the Cardinals are on the lookout for catching help. Navarro would be a good fit, as he's hitting .294/.370/.510 with nine homers through 57 games this year
Posts: 2,506

07-31-2013, 04:26 PM	#3518
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2784064	Pretty easy fix, big bats start hitting like big bats. Starting pitching durin gthis shit streak has actually been fairly good, or good enough.
Posts: 81,197

07-31-2013, 05:51 PM	#3519
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	Bats woke up in the first, but in classic Murphy's/Finagle's fashion, Waino was elevating everything. What worries me is that Pittsburgh seems to be seeing everything well. They are usually pretty K happy and they aren't offering at any marginal pitches. __________________ "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
Posts: 74,825

07-31-2013, 06:12 PM	#3520
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	Jesus, what a horrible ****ing break. __________________ "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
Posts: 74,825

07-31-2013, 06:40 PM	#3521
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	At the risk of sounding like Pete Gas, this zone is just an abomination. Then again, so is Waino tonight. __________________ "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
Posts: 74,825

07-31-2013, 06:41 PM	#3522
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	__________________ "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
Posts: 74,825

07-31-2013, 07:01 PM	#3523
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	It's time. Just put Freese on the DL with some type of ankle soreness, move Carpenter to third, and bring up Wong. He's absolutely killing this team in every way possible. He can't hit, is throwing the ball all over the diamond, and has almost no range. __________________ "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
Posts: 74,825

07-31-2013, 07:04 PM	#3524
Frazod WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $3165085	And to think, I used to get my balls busted by you people for hating Holliday.
Posts: 119,484

07-31-2013, 07:07 PM	#3525
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	Nice call, Denkinger __________________ "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
Posts: 74,825