Cardinals ***Offical 2012 STL Cardinals World Champions Thread *** - Page 141

**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

**BigRedChief** · 10-21-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Detroit is loving this.

2006 they won the ALCS in 4 games. Detroit had to wait around for the Cardinals who won the NLCS in 7 games. They only won 1 game and the Cards were WS champs.

**BigRedChief** · 10-21-2012, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Damn this team can't make anything easy. I think only 3 teams have blown a 3-1 series lead in the LCS.

It aint over yet. We have a game 7. We were down 6-0 in a win or go home game in the NLDS going into the 6th inning. They have proved they can come back time and time again.

jd1020 · 10-21-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

2006 they won the ALCS in 4 games. Detroit had to wait around for the Cardinals who won the NLCS in 7 games. They only won 1 game and the Cards were WS champs.

And?

**BigRedChief** · 10-21-2012, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

And?

Dude are you serious? You said they are happy waiting around. Last time they went to the WS they waited around and it didn't turn out well. I'm in no mood to be trolled pal.

jd1020 · 10-21-2012, 07:25 PM

Ya. I'm sure the Tigers are hoping the Cards win this so they can save Wainwright for game 1.

VAChief · 10-21-2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Ya. I'm sure the Tigers are hoping the Cards win this so they can save Wainwright for game 1.

Wainwright would pitch game 1 regardless of whether the Cards win tonight or tomorrow night. Tomorrow is Lohse.

**BigRedChief** · 10-21-2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAChief

Wainwright would pitch game 1 regardless of whether the Cards win tonight or tomorrow night. Tomorrow is Lohse.

The way Shelby Miller has pitched in his limited time he should get the next Lynn start (if there ever is another one).

jd1020 · 10-21-2012, 07:57 PM

Look at this attention whore.

Jesus Christ.

And then she stumbles on the words...

ChiefsCountry · 10-21-2012, 07:58 PM

WTH is that singing the God Bless America?

**OnTheWarpath15** · 10-21-2012, 07:58 PM

There's our opening.

Bad juju when you butcher God Bless America.

O.city · 10-21-2012, 08:02 PM

Seems after game 4, our offense thought it was a best of 5 series.

**BigRedChief** · 10-21-2012, 08:12 PM

DKnobler ‏@DKnobler Since 1975, 14 home teams have won a Game 6 to force Game 7. 13 of 14 went on to win Game 7. Lone exception: 2006 Mets vs. Cardinals.
Retweeted by Joe Posnanski

**BigRedChief** · 10-21-2012, 08:17 PM

SF has had the oldest and most weirdest singers this series.

jd1020 · 10-21-2012, 08:39 PM

Yadi making him earn that out.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 10-21-2012, 08:43 PM

I'll give this to Joe Buck. Even though he's a Cards fan personally he doesn't let it show in his broadcasts.

01-04-2012, 10:08 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $1128962 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: 80,181

10-21-2012, 07:25 PM	#2105
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $7352645	Ya. I'm sure the Tigers are hoping the Cards win this so they can save Wainwright for game 1.
Posts: 24,425

10-21-2012, 07:57 PM	#2108
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $7352645	Look at this attention whore. Jesus Christ. And then she stumbles on the words...
Posts: 24,425

10-21-2012, 07:58 PM	#2109
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $358752	WTH is that singing the God Bless America?
Posts: 51,092

10-21-2012, 07:58 PM	#2110
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $3821115	There's our opening. Bad juju when you butcher God Bless America.
Posts: 60,402

10-21-2012, 08:02 PM	#2111
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $1094064	Seems after game 4, our offense thought it was a best of 5 series.
Posts: 82,883

10-21-2012, 08:12 PM	#2112
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $1128962 VARSITY	DKnobler ‏@DKnobler Since 1975, 14 home teams have won a Game 6 to force Game 7. 13 of 14 went on to win Game 7. Lone exception: 2006 Mets vs. Cardinals. Retweeted by Joe Posnanski __________________ Mind you own damn business
Posts: 80,181

10-21-2012, 08:17 PM	#2113
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $1128962 VARSITY	SF has had the oldest and most weirdest singers this series. __________________ Mind you own damn business
Posts: 80,181

10-21-2012, 08:39 PM	#2114
jd1020 In Search of a Life Join Date: Nov 2010 Casino cash: $7352645	Yadi making him earn that out.
Posts: 24,425

10-21-2012, 08:43 PM	#2115
Dr. Johnny Fever stax of wax Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	I'll give this to Joe Buck. Even though he's a Cards fan personally he doesn't let it show in his broadcasts. __________________ courtesy of BoneKrusher "Baseball? It's just a game. As simple as a ball and bat, yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, a business and sometimes a religion." Ernie Harwell
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