Cardinals ***Offical 2012 STL Cardinals World Champions Thread *** - Page 75

**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

Swanman · 08-07-2012, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

What I'm saying is I NEVER SEE IT. Granted, I don't watch all that many games, but if I flip on the Cardinals game and he comes up to bat, 9 times out of 10 he strikes out. I see his stats, and realize he must be playing well. It just doesn't seem to happen when I'm watching. On TV or in person.

I think my negative Holliday mojo has turned into a force of nature.

I have watched most of the games due to the wonder of MLB.tv and I used to be part of the Holliday hater club. I still cringe when he comes up in a clutch situation after the last couple seasons with him, but I will say this: The mofo hits the shit out of the ball. He probably has more outs from hitting a laser directly to an outfielder than anyone in MLB. His numbers are great now because those lasers are finding gaps.

Swanman · 08-07-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

This is basically the same team that we had written off last year. How can anyone say they are done when they are 11 games over .500?

Like last year, this team seems to have found a stable lineup. Berkman being in and out so much was really screwing things up. Now that he is basically done, we will have Craig 90% of the time at 1st and Carpenter the other days. The Tyler Greene experiment is seemingly over so we have Skip and DD back there, which is not spectacular but decent. SS, 3B, LF, CF, and RF have been set all season so it's just a matter of sprinkling in guys like DD, Skip, Robinson to give rest days. Lastly, the bullpen finally seems to be more stable with Mujica being the 7th inning guy and guys like Scrabble, Salas, Fuentes, et all being situational guys where they belong. The one big wildcard is Garcia coming back (assuming he does) and what that does to Joe Kelly or Lance Lynn (if he starts to break down due to innings).

**BigRedChief** · 08-07-2012, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanman

I have watched most of the games due to the wonder of MLB.tv and I used to be part of the Holliday hater club. I still cringe when he comes up in a clutch situation after the last couple seasons with him, but I will say this: The mofo hits the shit out of the ball. He probably has more outs from hitting a laser directly to an outfielder than anyone in MLB. His numbers are great now because those lasers are finding gaps.

He does hit the ball hard. What were they saying on the ESPN telecast, some Chicago pitcher saying Holliday hits the baseball like Brian Erlacher?

**BigRedChief** · 08-07-2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanman

The one big wildcard is Garcia coming back (assuming he does) and what that does to Joe Kelly or Lance Lynn (if he starts to break down due to innings).

I don't know why they have ruled out a 6 man rotation already? Westbrook's #'s starting on 6 days rest is off the chart. I think Kelley's is too. Waino is coming off Tommy John.

Jewish Rabbi · 08-07-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I don't know why they have ruled out a 6 man rotation already? Westbrook's #'s starting on 6 days rest is off the chart. I think Kelley's is too. Waino is coming off Tommy John.

They do still need the bullpen help from either Kelly or Lynn. The only pitcher who has a legitimate shot at pitching more than 6 innings day-in day-out is Wainwright.

whoman69 · 08-07-2012, 12:30 PM

They're on ESPN tomorrow. Probably get it blacked out again.

**BigRedChief** · 08-07-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

They do still need the bullpen help from either Kelly or Lynn. The only pitcher who has a legitimate shot at pitching more than 6 innings day-in day-out is Wainwright.

We dont want tire out waino. He didnt pitch for a year. they cut open his elbow. We are going to need him in the one game wildcard playoff game.

stlchiefs · 08-07-2012, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanman

I have watched most of the games due to the wonder of MLB.tv and I used to be part of the Holliday hater club. I still cringe when he comes up in a clutch situation after the last couple seasons with him, but I will say this: The mofo hits the shit out of the ball. He probably has more outs from hitting a laser directly to an outfielder than anyone in MLB. His numbers are great now because those lasers are finding gaps.

Holliday, Laser. Nice I see what you did there:

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseb...a4bcf6878.html

VAChief · 08-08-2012, 08:16 PM

Okay, has everyone seen enough of Tyler Greene to say enough is enough? He is flat out pathetic in the field and absolutely clueless at the plate.

**BigRedChief** · 08-09-2012, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAChief

Okay, has everyone seen enough of Tyler Greene to say enough is enough? He is flat out pathetic in the field and absolutely clueless at the plate.

It's to the embrassing level. Why is he still on the roster?

Frazod · 08-09-2012, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

It's to the embrassing level. Why is he still on the roster?

Is it just me, or does it seem like this team takes longer to flush than any in baseball? Look how long it took them to shitcan Franklin last year. If they'd kept him one more game there wouldn't have been a playoff run.

And HOLY SHIT, 15-0? At home? WTF

Glad I missed this one.

**BigRedChief** · 08-09-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Is it just me, or does it seem like this team takes longer to flush than any in baseball? Look how long it took them to shitcan Franklin last year. If they'd kept him one more game there wouldn't have been a playoff run.

And HOLY SHIT, 15-0? At home? WTF

Glad I missed this one.

When Cardinal fans start booing a player they are through in STL. The fans rarely boo players during a slump. There may be a smattering of boo's at times but not the majority of fans.

I dont blame them for trying to save Greene. We all see the raw talent. We can all read the fantastic stats in AAA. But, for whatever reason, and it has to be mental, its just not clicking and its hurting the ball club. Maybe the clubhouse and majo players/leaders like him and pushing to keep giving him a chance.

It's way past time to just cut him.

**TrebMaxx** · 08-09-2012, 11:10 AM

Greene traded to Houston! Not sure who they traded him for.

Edit: For a player to be named later.

epitome1170 · 08-09-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

Greene traded to Houston! Not sure who they traded him for.

Edit: For a player to be named later.

Or cash considerations.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/4479/tyler-greene

Swanman · 08-09-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epitome1170

Or cash considerations.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/4479/tyler-greene

About tree-fiddy. That's what I would pay, not a penny more.

01-04-2012, 10:08 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3229627 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: 78,936

08-08-2012, 08:16 PM	#1119
VAChief Comfortably Numb Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Virginia Casino cash: $5295842	Okay, has everyone seen enough of Tyler Greene to say enough is enough? He is flat out pathetic in the field and absolutely clueless at the plate.
Posts: 5,525

08-09-2012, 11:10 AM	#1123
TrebMaxx Supporter Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Peoples Republic of CoMo Casino cash: $1567252	Greene traded to Houston! Not sure who they traded him for. Edit: For a player to be named later. __________________ Last edited by TrebMaxx; 08-09-2012 at 11:16 AM.. Reason: Update
Posts: 4,321