Cardinals ***Offical 2012 STL Cardinals World Champions Thread *** - Page 100

**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 · 10-12-2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

yep, for whatever reason they get it going when they are at their worse.

Bases loaded and no one out with the top of the line up coming up.

They have to be patient but if he throws one dead red, hit the shit out of it (do you hear me David Freese?).

jd1020 · 10-12-2012, 08:19 PM

INFIELD FLY!

jd1020 · 10-12-2012, 08:23 PM

Pitcher cant throw strikes, bases loaded for the 2nd time in the inning. 1 run scored on wild pitch. And no one up in the bullpen... Washington is playing it smart!

kcpasco · 10-12-2012, 08:25 PM

Me thinks Craig just missed 1

KC_Connection · 10-12-2012, 08:26 PM

I'm not sure why Gio is still out there against this string of righties. This is bad managing.

jd1020 · 10-12-2012, 08:27 PM

Yadier bailing him out.

That was horrible managing.

Took him throwing a wild pitch for a run and walking in a run to get someone up in the bullpen in what was a 6-1 game in a win or go home game.

KC_Connection · 10-12-2012, 08:28 PM

He's lucky Yadi just swung at that...he would have walked another one otherwise.

Miles · 10-12-2012, 08:28 PM

Damn. Was really hoping for more there.

Swanman · 10-12-2012, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

He's lucky Yadi just swung at that...he would have walked another one otherwise.

He just missed the first two pitches a foot outside. You don't swing at that third pitch unless it's cock high and as big as a beach ball. But everyone on the Cardinals thinks they are Babe ****ing Ruth.

kcpasco · 10-12-2012, 08:30 PM

If only Waino brought his C game instead of his F

Swanman · 10-12-2012, 08:35 PM

Win or lose, Rosenthal is flat out filthy.

**BigRedChief** · 10-12-2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

He's lucky Yadi just swung at that...he would have walked another one otherwise.

KC connection, your a Royals fan, correct?

What do you think of the Royals letting this Lees Summit pitcher (Rosenthal) throwing 100 mph and striking out hitters get off their draft board? Pretty sure he went in the 21st round.

**BigRedChief** · 10-12-2012, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanman

He just missed the first two pitches a foot outside. You don't swing at that third pitch unless it's cock high and as big as a beach ball. But everyone on the Cardinals thinks they are Babe ****ing Ruth.

Especially if he has just walked 3 players.

Swanman · 10-12-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Especially if he has just walked 3 players.

Thus far, Yadi has been useless at the plate this series. Matheny should have had the hard take on. Yet another managerial blunder.

kcpasco · 10-12-2012, 08:44 PM

Yadi has been clutch enough in his career I got no beef with him trying to park one in the bleachers there.

01-04-2012, 10:08 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-561038 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: 81,254

10-12-2012, 08:19 PM	#1487
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $7042645	INFIELD FLY!
Posts: 24,501

10-12-2012, 08:23 PM	#1488
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $7042645	Pitcher cant throw strikes, bases loaded for the 2nd time in the inning. 1 run scored on wild pitch. And no one up in the bullpen... Washington is playing it smart!
Posts: 24,501

10-12-2012, 08:25 PM	#1489
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $6143463	Me thinks Craig just missed 1
Posts: 15,945

10-12-2012, 08:26 PM	#1490
KC_Connection Perpetual Mediocrity Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $1752783	I'm not sure why Gio is still out there against this string of righties. This is bad managing.
Posts: 57,604

10-12-2012, 08:27 PM	#1491
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $7042645	Yadier bailing him out. That was horrible managing. Took him throwing a wild pitch for a run and walking in a run to get someone up in the bullpen in what was a 6-1 game in a win or go home game.
Posts: 24,501

10-12-2012, 08:28 PM	#1492
KC_Connection Perpetual Mediocrity Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $1752783	He's lucky Yadi just swung at that...he would have walked another one otherwise.
Posts: 57,604

10-12-2012, 08:28 PM	#1493
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $-1497600	Damn. Was really hoping for more there.
Posts: 14,539

10-12-2012, 08:30 PM	#1495
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $6143463	If only Waino brought his C game instead of his F
Posts: 15,945

10-12-2012, 08:35 PM	#1496
Swanman It's a league game, Dude Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Itasca, IL Casino cash: $9967354	Win or lose, Rosenthal is flat out filthy.
Posts: 4,719

10-12-2012, 08:44 PM	#1500
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $6143463	Yadi has been clutch enough in his career I got no beef with him trying to park one in the bleachers there.
Posts: 15,945