Cardinals ***Offical 2012 STL Cardinals World Champions Thread *** - Page 108

**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

kcxiv · 10-12-2012, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPchief

Agreed, It's gonna be even worse if they miss the playoffs next year.

or if he blows his arm early next year.

VAChief · 10-12-2012, 10:39 PM

I don't have the words anymore...incredible!

Mi_chief_fan · 10-12-2012, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

How the **** am I supposed to work at 6 am?

Yeah, I think I'll stay up all night!

DJ's left nut · 10-12-2012, 10:41 PM

Seriously - to any Chiefs fans that aren't Cardinals fans, you really should give it a try.

This is the franchise that fuels me through November and December when I know the Chiefs, Blues and Tigers are well on their way to ripping my heart out.

When everything falls to shit, I know that by God, I'll get an effort out of my Redbirds.

NJChiefsFan · 10-12-2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fruit Ninja

it just makes no freaking sense to anyone outside of their organization. Its just mind boggling.

Good come back by the Cards though, was fun to watch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fruit Ninja

or if he blows his arm early next year.

It doesn't make sense to the players in the organization either. That's another thing. The kid has to deal with this his whole career until they win. He wanted to pitch, but fair or not, he will hold the pressure on his shoulders(oh no) to justify this move. Atleast make him the 7th inning guy or something. Wow.

Imagine he is on the roster. You bring him in during that 9th inning rally. Who knows what happens.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 10-12-2012, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Seriously - to any Chiefs fans that aren't Cardinals fans, you really should give it a try.

This is the franchise that fuels me through November and December when I know the Chiefs, Blues and Tigers are well on their way to ripping my heart out.

When everything falls to shit, I know that by God, I'll get an effort out of my Redbirds.

That's the one good thing about the NHL lockout.

The Blues can't break my heart this spring.

**Reaper16** · 10-12-2012, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Seriously - to any Chiefs fans that aren't Cardinals fans, you really should give it a try.

This is the franchise that fuels me through November and December when I know the Chiefs, Blues and Tigers are well on their way to ripping my heart out.

When everything falls to shit, I know that by God, I'll get an effort out of my Redbirds.

Don't ever ****ing talk that way to me again. I am a human being, Goddamnit.

KC_Connection · 10-12-2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

Thats like the graph from last year look at the Red Sox chances vs. the Rays during the end of the season.

There was a 96.5% chance they would lose after Craig K'd. Baseball is crazy, the Cardinals are crazy.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 10-12-2012, 10:44 PM

Pretty cool move by Carp in the clubhouse.

**Reaper16** · 10-12-2012, 10:44 PM

Oh, BTW, congrats again, guys. Must be nice.

Rams Fan · 10-12-2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper16

Don't ever ****ing talk that way to me again. I am a human being, Goddamnit.

Don't hate, appreciate.

KC_Connection · 10-12-2012, 10:46 PM

Washington was one pitch away from winning like 10 times in that inning. So ridiculous.

kcxiv · 10-12-2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

It doesn't make sense to the players in the organization either. That's another thing. The kid has to deal with this his whole career until they win. He wanted to pitch, but fair or not, he will hold the pressure on his shoulders(oh no) to justify this move. Atleast make him the 7th inning guy or something. Wow.

Imagine he is on the roster. You bring him in during that 9th inning rally. Who knows what happens.

yeah, not even in relief, i was gonna post that. Its just stupid. i just dont see how they can justify that. When you get into the post season and have a chance at winning it all you go all in.

If he's gonna get hurt, its gonna happen regardless, they didnt over use him.

Mi_chief_fan · 10-12-2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

Washington was one pitch away from winning like 10 times in that inning. So ridiculous.

Now they know what the former team from DC felt like last fall.

tk13 · 10-12-2012, 10:47 PM

I thought the Strasburg thing was a bad idea from the beginning... but I think people are just going to pile on now, I'm not sure it would've made a difference here. Odds are he would've just as well been starting tonight. Unless he went 9 innings he's not going to stop the Cardinals leprechaun of doom.

01-04-2012, 10:08 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3219627 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: 78,938

10-12-2012, 10:39 PM	#1607
VAChief Comfortably Numb Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Virginia Casino cash: $5285842	I don't have the words anymore...incredible!
Posts: 5,529

10-12-2012, 10:41 PM	#1609
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $3079099	Seriously - to any Chiefs fans that aren't Cardinals fans, you really should give it a try. This is the franchise that fuels me through November and December when I know the Chiefs, Blues and Tigers are well on their way to ripping my heart out. When everything falls to shit, I know that by God, I'll get an effort out of my Redbirds. __________________ "If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..." "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
Posts: 60,106

10-12-2012, 10:44 PM	#1614
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $4961115	Pretty cool move by Carp in the clubhouse.
Posts: 60,166

10-12-2012, 10:46 PM	#1617
KC_Connection Perpetual Mediocrity Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $5452783	Washington was one pitch away from winning like 10 times in that inning. So ridiculous.
Posts: 48,591

10-12-2012, 10:47 PM	#1620
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $2062500	I thought the Strasburg thing was a bad idea from the beginning... but I think people are just going to pile on now, I'm not sure it would've made a difference here. Odds are he would've just as well been starting tonight. Unless he went 9 innings he's not going to stop the Cardinals leprechaun of doom.
Posts: 54,911