Yeah, it seems like it's been an entire year of 3-2 or 5-4 games.

So, when is Dumpster going to come back to earth? Anyone actually think he'll pitch this well all season?

But in this case yeaterday it was obvious that the coaches told the players to be swinging at first strikes since they were all swinging at first strike fastballs.

yup.

Is Dusty Baker his hitting coach?

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I'm very thankful that I did not get to watch that game yesterday. I was really hoping to send the Cards 9 back. Oh well at least Dempster is on the mound tonight.

And we have Carpenter back. You guys couldn't even hit Wellenmeyer yesterday. Your team hasn't had very hot bats the last two games have they?

Who is Chris Carpenter?

Just in case you've forgotten the impact Chris Carpenter has had on the Cardinals in recent years, here's a look at some of his highlights:

— He led major-league starters in win percentage from 2004-07: 51-19 (.729)

— He won 2005 Cy Young Award, first Cardinals pitcher to do so since Bob Gibson in 1970.

— He carries a 5-1 postseason record, including three wins in team's 2006 World Series drive.

— The Cardinals won 17 consecutive starts by Carpenter from June 14 to Sept. 13, 2005

— The Cardinals were 20-8 in Carpenter's 2004 starts.

— He needed only 28 starts to win 20 games in 2005, fewest since 1934 and third-fewest in franchise history.

— The Cardinals have lost consecutive starts by Carpenter only seven times in his 94 regular-season starts.

— He had a 13-game win streak from June 3 to Sept. 8, 2005.

— The Cardinals won 288 games, an average 96 per season, with Carpenter available for the majority of the 2004-06 seasons.

And since he's been back after the "Tommy John " surgery.......9 innings pitched....1 earned run. I like our chances tonight if Carp can get to the 7th inning.
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my bet is Cards pound the Dumpster tonite. take series and pickup a game. :D

As soon as the entire Cardinals team comes back down to Earth...

11 games over .500 after 119 games. 43 games left and they will likely not do any worse than .500. Lets say 1 game under, so they have 21 more wins and 22 losses down the stretch and end the season 10 games over at 86-76.

Thats a good solid record. Its not like they are going to win 105 games. They would likely miss the wildcard if they end it 10 games over but that usually would get you in.

They are also doing this while playing in the toughest division in the NL by far.

The starting pitching has done well enough to keep them in games and the hitting has been good enough to win more than they lost.

I know you don't like the Cards but why is it hard to say they have a pretty decent team rather than its a fluke?

Because Hootie is a dumbass. I've tried being civil and reasoning with him, as has Hamas, but there's no getting around it anymore.

Oh, and Hootie, for the record, I have to work tonight. So if the Cards get piss-pounded you don't have to make a remark about where I am tonight.

Lotta time / games left Cubbies to choke it away. I just hate to think the no D Brew Crew can win Division.

About game time. Need to win this thing with Carpenter on the mound.

Dempster is a monster at Wrigley. This is gonna be a tough game.