Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols, & Ryan Franklin Named To The 2009 All-Star Team

MLB Roster

First baseman Albert Pujols, catcher Yadier Molina and closer Ryan Franklin will be the St. Louis Cardinals three hometown representatives for the 80th All-Star Game, which will take place July 14 at Busch Stadium.
Cardinal Beat

Eight-time All-Star and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols will lead the National League into the 80th All-Star Game, which will be held July 14 at Busch Stadium.
Cardinal Beat

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have yet to visit St. Louis’ new downtown ballpark during inteleague play, but both American League East rivals will have several players familiar with it after the 80th All-Star Game.
Cardinal Beat

Major League Baseball will announce its All-Star teams this afternoon, and there will be the usual debate about who deserved to be picked for the July 14 game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis but got snubbed. As you wait for the real squads to be announced you can debate who got snubbed on the official On The Beat All-Star team.
Baseball Prospectus

Baseball fans, let there be no doubt. This season and this All-Star Game belong to Albert Pujols.
Cardinals Official Site

Everyone already knew about Albert Pujols. Now it seems the word has gotten out about Yadier Molina, as well.
Cardinals Official Site

Sunday Lineups & Tidbits: Mark DeRosa, Ryan Franklin, Brendan Ryan

It's a pleasant day by the river in Cincinnati, breezy, mild and cloudy. But the forecast says it'll be clearing up as the afternoon goes on.
Obviously, You're Not A Golfer

While starting for the third consecutive game of this three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, Rick Ankiel will also appear at his third different outfield position in three games.
Cardinal Beat

While the St. Louis Cardinals are off Monday, injured infielder-outfielder Mark DeRosa will return to St. Louis to have his sprained left wrist re-examined. If he passes muster, DeRosa is expected to rejoin the team in Milwaukee in time for Tuesday night’s game but DeRosa, who has yet to take batting practice, is unsure exactly as to when he will be able to play again.
Cardinal Beat

Memphis Redbirds Preview 7-5-09

The Redbirds rallied late to defeat the Round Rock Express 3-2 in extra innings Saturday night before a season-high crowd of 14,182.

Memphis Redbirds Official Site

Whither Ryan Ludwick

Would you believe that the Cards’ player w/ the 2nd most RBI has exactly half as many as our RBI leader? Pujols has 82 RBI and Ryan Ludwick has 41.

Viva El Birdos

Cardinals Prospect Interview: Scott Schneider

Dustin Mattison continues our St. Louis Cardinals’ draft series with right-handed pitcher Scott Schneider.

The Birdhouse

Fernando Salas: Rehab Assignment In Jupiter

The Birdhouse

Cardinals Minor League Notebook 7-5-09

Pitching led the way as Arquimedes Nieto carried a no-hitter into the eighth for Quad Cities and Tyler Lavigne spun a one-hit shutout for Johnson City. Well, except for Springfield allowing 18 runs, that is. The system went 5-4 on Saturday.
The Birdhouse

Springfield News-Leader Extended Post Game
Tri Cities Sports Post Game

Springfield Cardinals Report 7-5-09: Lance Lynn To Start; Pop Warner To Coach In Futures Game; Gaylen Pitts To Handle MGR Duties At Springfield

Today's game

Midland vs. Springfield, at Hammons Field, 6:10 p.m.

Springfield News-Leader

Memphis Redbirds' Closer Jess Todd Moves Fast

Perhaps Redbirds closer Jess Todd's secret weapon can be found in his suitcase.

Todd, owner of a 1.56 ERA on the road this season, has spent most of his baseball career moving from place to place.

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Barrel Awareness: Revisiting The Texas League 2006 Bats

Yesteday, I released a study where I highlighted current minor leaguers by league who have above-average walk, strikeout and power rates. My thinking was that hitters who are above-average in these three skills are relatively safe bets to find major league success.

Project Prospect

Nicaraguan National Championship 7-5-09

Boer-Managua lost to Esteli 7-3, keeping Esteli alive in the run to the Championship game. Granada shut out Rivas 3-0 and have advanced, winning the series 4-1: Post Game and La Prensa

Former DSL Cardinal Edgard Montiel went 2-for-4 in the game.

The league's top regualr season pitcher Alvaro Lopez pitched earlier in the series.

Boer and Esteli face off on Sunday, July 5 with Boer leading the series 3-2.

Ex-Cardinals Watch 7-5-09: Darren Oliver Veteran Leader In Bullpen; Scott Rolen Hitting Streak Ends; Ron Villone Looks To Rebound

Darren Oliver (Angles):
While the Angels' bullpen makeup has continued to change throughout the first half of the season, one piece of its structure has stayed constant.
Darren Oliver.
Angels Official Site

Scott Rolen (Blue Jays):
Gaston was hoping that chain of events would lead to another clutch hit for hot-hitting third baseman Scott Rolen, who extended his career-best hitting streak to 21 games with a fourth-inning double. Instead, Rolen popped out to New York second baseman Robinson Cano, and Jays first baseman Lyle Overbay followed with a lineout that ended the inning.
Blue Jays Official Site

Braden Looper (Brewers):
Looper did make it stand, escaping bases-loaded jams in each of the first two innings on the way to his second straight win. He limited the Cubs to two runs -- on Milton Bradley's homer in the third -- over six innings.
Brewers Official Site

Dan Haren (Diamondbacks):
On a day he likely will be named to the National League All-Star team, D-backs starter Dan Haren will take the mound in the series finale against the Rockies.
Diamondbacks Official Site

Kiko Calero (Marlins):
Kiko Calero's first rehab assignment appearance was an impressive one.
The Fish Pond

Ron Villone (Nationals):
In his first 19 appearances, Nationals reliever Ron Villone didn't give up a run in 17 innings.

But in his past 10 appearances, Villone is 0-5 and has given up eight runs in six innings. His ERA is now at 3.13. Villone last pitched on Friday against the Braves, giving up a run in one-third of an inning in a 9-8 loss.
Nationals Official Site

Jamie Moyer (Phillies):
Left-hander Jamie Moyer made the 600th start of his career -- the only other active pitcher to have more than 600 starts is Randy Johnson, who has 602 -- a good one. He allowed just five hits, one run and one walk and struck out one in 6 1/3 innings.
Phillies Official Site

Left Stranded

Albert Pujols stepped into the box with two out in the seventh inning of Saturday's game at Cincinnati. The Cardinals, who had played poorly all afternoon, were down by three runs. But hope finally appeared, wearing No. 5. Pujols had two runners on. He raised his bat, cocked and loaded.

STL Today

Ryan Ludwick's Struggles Mirror Problems For Cardinals' Offense

He would probably prefer it otherwise, but Ryan Ludwick is so far the face of the Cardinals' offense.

STL Today

Colby Rasmus Goes Deep Against Cincinnati; Albert Pujols 3rd Fastest To 350 HRs & Concerns Over HR Derby; Kyle Lohse Heads To Memphis

The Cardinals didn't get much done offensively Saturday, going nothing for seven with men in scoring position. But rookie outfielder Colby Rasmus, who had eight hits in his first 14 at-bats after having a stomach problem tended to, crushed a 453-foot homer deep into the right-field seats in the first inning.

STL Today

St. Louis Seeks A Cut Of All-Star Roster Bonuses

Baseball fans aren't the only ones eagerly awaiting Sunday's release of the 2009 All-Star roster.

STL Today

July 2nd International Signings: 7-4-09 Update

Jorge Arangure tweets that the Twins are #3 on the Miguel Angel Sano sweepstakes behind Orioles and Pirates.

Rangers Sign Luis Sardinas

Giants Sign Marvin Barrios

Arquimedes Nieto Flirts With No-Hitter, Then Loses

According to Quad Cities pitching coach Ace Adams, Arquimedes Nieto's record isn't indicative of how well he's pitched this season.

MiLB

Drug Tainted Home Run Records Can't Be Erased

The year 1998 actually happened. There are national and world events recorded in history and personal moments preserved in memories.

My San Antonio

Cardinals Minor League News & Notes 7-4-09

Andrew Brown: Good News & Bad News

Ian Ostlund: Back Onto Memphis Disabled List

Pop Warner Will Coach In Futures Game; Springfield Cardinals' Saturday Lineup

Brett Wallace and Daryl Jones will have some familiar company at the MLB All-Star Futures Game next week at Busch Stadium.

Springfield News-Leader

Jarrett Hoffpauir A Possiblity To Start In Finale (Game Notes 7-5-09)

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa doesn't believe in "reward" starts. If he did, rookie Jarrett Hoffpauir would have gotten the call on Saturday, 15 hours after his game-winning hit against the Reds on Friday night.

Cardinals Official Site

Saturday Notables 7-4-09

Saturday, July 4, 6:35 PM - Memphis Redbirds (37-43) vs. Round Rock Express (37-44)

Chirp Chatter

Reds Beat Cardinals 5-2: Colby Rasmus Solo HR; Blake Hawksworth Pitches 2.1 Innings Of Scoreless Ball; Brad Thompson Has Another Rough Outing

Individual Highlights:
Skip Schumaker 2-for-4.
Colby Rasmus 1-for-3 with one home run, one RBI, one run, and one strikeout.
Ryan Ludwick 1-for-1.
Albert Pujols 1-for-3 with one run, one walk, and assisted in one double play.
Brendan Ryan 1-for-1 with one caught stealing/pickoff.
Blake Hawksworth 2.1 innings, three hits, and no runs. (p-s:22-17)(g/f:3-4)
Trever Miller 0.2 innings, no hits or runs, and one strikeout. (p-s:6-4)(g/f:0-1)(ir-s:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Rick Ankiel 0-for-4 with one outfield assist and assisted in one double play.
Jarrett Hoffpauir 0-for-2.
Tyler Greene 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and one thrwoing error.
Brad Thompson Started, Loss (2-5), five innings, nine hits, five runs (four earned), two walks, and four strikeouts. 0-for-1 with one sacrifice and one strikeout at the plate. (p-s:83-59)(g/f:5-5)

Boxscore
Cardinals Official Site Post Game
AP/STL Today Post Game
STL Today Post Game

Rays MGR Joe Madden Will Savor Chance To Manage All-Star Game In St. Louis

Joe Maddon doesn't like all the politics involved with managing the All-Star Game.

St. Petersburg Times

Memphis Redbirds Preview 7-4-09

The Redbirds finished up a seven-game road trip Friday by losing to Albuquerque 4-3 which gave the Isotopes the three-game sweep and left the 'Birds 2-4 on the trip.

Memphis Redbirds Official Site

Brad Thompson Has Another Poor Start

Righthander Brad Thompson had his third straight mediocre start for the Cardinals today as the Cincinnati Reds touched him up for five runs in five innings as they took a 5-2 lead over the St. Louis Cardinals into the late innings at Great American Ball Park.

Cardinal Beat

All-Star Game Is Great Chance To Celebrate Stan Musial

Keep your fingers crossed for good luck, but we can expect to see Cardinals icon Stan Musial make an on-field appearance as part of the pregame All-Star Game festivities at Busch Stadium on July 14.

STL Today

Saturday Tidbits: Brendan Ryan, Rotation, Jarrett Hoffpauir, Mark DeRosa

I can't say there's a lot of optimism regarding the start of this game. The tarp is out, and the forecast calls for rain throughout the afternoon. Here's hoping.

Obviously, You're Not A Golfer

Cardinals' Relief Ace Ryan Franklin To Get Some Rest

If St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin hasn’t impressed the All-Star selectors enough already, he won’t have any more chances to do so. Franklin, who has 20 saves in 21 opportunities, has pitched three days in a row and manager Tony La Russa said, “The next time you’ll see him will be Tuesday.”

Cardinal Beat

Barrel Awareness: A Study Of Above-Average MiLB Hitters

A few months ago, I decided to do a back-of-the-envelope calculation to determine which minor league hitters were above-average in three of my favorite hitting statistics: walk percentage, strikeout percentage, and isolated power. I've put aside the envelope in favor of a more formal study.

Project Prospect

Saturday's Lineup 7-4-09; Brendan Ryan Late Scratch

1. Schumaker 2B
2. Rasmus CF
3. Pujols 1B
4. Duncan LF
5. Ankiel RF
6. Molina C
7. Thurston 3B
8. Thompson P
9. Ryan SS
9. T.Greene SS (Ryan has been scratched)
Obviously, You're Not A Golfer

In the first half of the season, St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has been juggling his four regular outfielders, giving each a significant chance to play. “Everybody’s got at-bats,” said La Russa.
Cardinal Beat

Shortstop Brendan Ryan, impressive both offensively and defensively but who has had trouble staying on the field lately for the St. Louis Cardinals, was a late scratch today, with rookie Tyler Greene replacing him and batting ninth.
Cardinal Beat

MLB Clubs To Hold Special On-Field Ceremonies On 4th To Honor 70th Anniversary Of Lou Gehrig's Farewell Speech

In an effort to raise awareness and financial support for organizations leading the fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, every Major League Baseball

The Biz Of Baseball

Jarrett Hoffpauir: The Birdhouse's Cardinals MiLB Player Of The Month For June 2009

Then-Memphis second baseman Jarrett Hoffpauir is our Scout.com Cardinals Minor League Player of the Month for June. He also was named the Cardinals organization Player of the Month.

The Birdhouse

Andres Beras: 50-Game Suspension Over

The Birdhouse

Cardinals Minor League Notebook 7-4-09

Nick Additon spins six shutout innings at Palm Beach, D’Marcus Ingram plates four for Batavia, Grabiel Hernandez continues his hot streak and more as the Cards' affiliates went 6-3 on Friday.
The Birdhouse

Springfield News-Leader Extended Post Game
The Batavian Post Game
Tri Cities Sports Post Game
VSL Official Site Announcement

Two Relievers Designated For Assignments Caught Interest From The Cardinals In The Past

Jack Taschner understood that the Phillies traded for him in March because they needed an extra left-hander in the bullpen. relievers
Phillies Official Site

Veteran relief pitcher Matt Herges was designated for assignment by the Indians following their 15-3 win over the A's on Friday.
Indians Official Site

Put Me In, Coach

Over the last 7 games, Colby Rasmus has started just 4. He has actually had the fortunate opportunity to pinch hit in 2 of the other 3 games and garnered a 2nd PA in last night’s game, finishing 2 for 2 on the night. Over the same 7 games, Chris Duncan and Rick Ankiel have each started 5 times and Ryan Ludwick has started 6. When Rick Ankiel went on the DL in May, Rasmus assumed the everyday spot in CF. For the most part, this continued with Ludwick on the DL as well but Ludwick returned from the DL on May 29. Here are the players’ numbers from May 29 through July 2. (UZR is for the entire season.)

Viva El Birdos

Springfield Cardinals Report 7-4-09: Brian Broderick To Start; Daniel Descalso Joins Memphis; Colt Sedbrook & Shane Peterson Promoted To Springfield

Today's game

Frisco vs. Springfield, at Hammons Field, 7:10 p.m.
Springfield News-Leader

David Kopp: Progress Toward Return

Memphis Redbirds' Brett Wallace Soaks Up Experience

It was just a couple of weeks ago that Brett Wallace was sitting around his apartment, watching the College World Series as he cheered on his Arizona State Sun Devils.

Memphis Commercial Appeal

Albert Pujols' Slam Notches Several Milestones

Albert Pujols may have a little bit of record fatigue, but everyone around him is enjoying the show.

Cardinals Official Site

All-Star Selection Show Set For Sunday

After more than two months of faithfully voting up to 25 times online and punching ballpark ballots, Major League Baseball fans have spoken loudly to decide starting position players for the 80th All-Star Game on July 14 at Busch Stadium.

MLB

Playground-Ball Bloodbath

For those who have not figured it out yet, the Memphis Redbirds are an organization that revolve around competition. Sure there is an actual team that plays, but it is the front office where the real thirst for blood and achievement takes place. Whether it be a Hot Dog Race or a Press Box bacon-eating contest, it is not important just to accomplish something, it is important to be the best, and that is it.

Chirp Chatter

Nicaraguan National Championship 7-4-09

Boer-Managua beat Esteli 5-4 on Friday: Post Game, La Prensa, and El Nuevo Diario

Alvaro Lopez started for Boer.

Former DSL Cardinal Edgard Montiel is listed on the Boer roster.

Boer has a 3-1 lead over Esteli in the best of seven series, scheduled to continue today.
Granada beat Rivas 4-1 on Friday and hold a 3-1 lead in that series.

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Asros Sign July 2nd & Nicaraguan Prospect Alexander Jose Martinez Gomez

The dream of playing in the Major Leagues, the adolescent of 16 years Alexander Jose Gomez Martinez, a resident of the neighborhood Fundecí in Leon, he signed a contract for 25 thousand dollars yesterday in University City with Academy Houston Astros Republic Dominicana. (Translated)
La Prensa

The St. Louis Cardinals were one of a handful of teams to have sent scouts to check him out.
El Nuevo Diario

Google Translate

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July 2nd Signing Cheslor Cuthbert With Kansas City Royals Scouts

(Picture Courtesy of Gerald Hernandez)

Cardenales de Lajas Moves On In Puerto Rican Federation Tournament

Lajas Cardinals became the ninth quarter progresses to the final series in the sectional tournament top of the Baseball Federation of Puerto Rico yesterday to win the oil by Peñuelas 16-4. (Translated)

Primera Hora
Google Translate

Pirates, Orioles Wait As Investigation Into Miguel Angel Sano's Age Continues

Expectations. Miguel Angel Sano and his family want to see materialize the dream of the prospectus, which is to embrace professionalism, but an investigation by MLB so far prevented Sabt Sunday .- In reaching the conclusion of his big contract, the novelist Miguel Angel Sano owns a feat little desired by any novice that is in the process of July 2. The prospectus that has been investigated more times. (Translated)

Listin Diario
Google Translate

Ex-Cardinals Watch 7-4-09: Kiko Calero Begins Rehab; Coco Crisp Moved to 60-Day D.L.; Chad Paronto Activated; Mike Rose Hits D.L.

Felipe Lopez, Dan Haren, & Blaine Boyer(Diamondbacks):
Felipe Lopez - Has been everything the Diamondbacks expected when they signed him to a one-year deal to replace Orlando Hudson. Has some value despite his mental lapses. Atlanta needs help at second base.

Dan Haren - If the Diamondbacks had done anything to this point as a team, he'd probably be a lock for the NL starter at the All-Star Game.

Blaine Boyer - Been around only a month and can fill several bullpen roles, but probably not part of the long-term plan.
AZ Central

Russell Branyan (Mariners):
Who's No. 2? We asked this question of one front-office man this week: If Holliday is, theoretically, the best bat in this market, who's likely to be the second-best bat? His surprising answer: "Josh Willingham?" OK, that was a very tentative answer, based on the shape of the market right now. Two other names the same exec nominated were just as surprising. Russell Branyan, if Seattle makes him available, was one. The other? "I would have said Miguel Tejada," he said. "But I don't see the Astros doing any selling."
ESPN

Clint Hurdle (Free Agent) & Randy Flores (Rockies):
Clint Hurdle would not have fallen on his sword had the 'pen been this mighty under his watch.
Denver Post

Scott Rolen (Blue Jays):
Scott Rolen finds ecstasy in the agony of his job. He admits that may sound strange. But since joining the elite ranks of his profession 14 years ago, it has kept him going.
National Post

Cesar Izturis (Orioles):
Cesar Izturis may be back sooner than expected. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said Friday that there's a "very good possibility" that Izturis may return from his bout with appendicitis in the Orioles' last series before the All-Star break.
The Spence Report

Jeff Suppan (Brewers):
Jeff Suppan was very good on the mound Friday afternoon, but he wasn't fast enough on the basepaths.
Brewers Official Site

Kiko Calero (Marlins):
Reliever Kiko Calero, on the disabled list since June 21, is slated to throw in rehab assignment games for Class A Jupiter on Saturday and Monday. If all goes well, Calero could rejoin the team in Arizona. The Marlins open a four-game set with the Diamondbacks on July 9.
The Fish Pond

Coco Crisp (Royals):
Was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

Chad Paronto (Astros):
Triple-A Round Rock activated him from the 7-day disabled list.

Mike Rose (Dodgers):
Double-A Chattanooga placed him on the 7-day disabled list.

Terry Evans (Angels):
The Triple-A Salt Lake outfielder was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star Team
MiLB

Albert Pujols Does It For The 15th Time: 5 RBIs

When Dusty Baker dropped his head in the Cincinnati Reds dugout in the eighth inning Friday night, his body language said it all. The Reds manager decided to have veteran reliever David Weathers go after Albert Pujols with the bases loaded and one out with his club up by three.

The Cardinal Nation

Kyle Lohse Will Have One More Rehab Start; Mark DeRosa Hopes To Be Available Tuesday; Albert Pujols June NL POTM; Ryan Franklin For All-Star 2009

Tony La Russa said he told Kyle Lohse he was going to be the Cardinals’ Manny Ramirez and entertain fans all through the system.
STL Today

Kyle Lohse: Rehab Heads Southeast To Memphis