Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Former Cardinals In Action 3-1-11: Russell Branyan Hits Three-Run HR; Adam kennedy Hits Solo HR; Nate Robertson & Chris Narveson Pitches 2 Scoreless

Brian Esposito (Astros) entered late in the game at catcher and batted eighth. 0-for-1 with one strikeout.


Placido Polanco (Phillies) started at at third base and batted second. 0-for-2 with one walk.


Rick Ankiel (Nationals) entered late in the game in left field and moved to center, batting sixth. 0-for-2 at the plate.


Ruben Gotay (Marlins) entered late in the game at third base.
Joe Thurston (Marlins) entered late in the game at second base and batted ninth. 1-for-1 with one double and assisted in one double play.


Felipe Lopez (Rays) started at second base and batted sixth. 0-for-2 at the plate.

Michel Hernandez (Orioles) entered late in the game at catcher and batted eighth. One walk.
Randy Winn (Orioles) entered late in the game in left field and moved to center, batted ninth. 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.
Alberto Castillo (Orioles) entered sixth and pitched to one batter. He allowed no hits or runs, and struck one out. (p-s:3-3)(ir-s:1-0)


Mike McCoy (Blue Jays) started at second base and batted ninth. 0-for-2 with one ground into double play and assisted in one double play.


Todd Wellemeyer (Cubs) entered in the fourth and pitched two innings. He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out for the winning decision (1-0). (p-s:11-11)(g/f:1-2)

Terry Evans (Giants) entered late in the game in right field and batted fifth. 0-for-1 with one strikeout.


Edgar Renteria (Reds) started at shortstop and batted second. 1-for-3 with one run and two strikeouts.
Scott Rolen (Reds) started at third base and batted fourth. 0-for-2 with one strikeout.
Miguel Cairo (Reds) started as designated hitter and batted seventh. 1-for-3 at the plate.

Coco Crisp (Athletics) started in centerfield and batted leadoff. 1-for-3 with one double.
Daric Barton (Athletics) started at first base and batted second. 1-for-3 at the plate.


Aaron Miles (Dodgers) entered late in the game at third base and batted second. 0-for-2 and assisted in one double play.

Chris Perez (Indians) entered in the third and pitched one inning. He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck one out. (p-s:5-5)(g/f:2-0)


Chris Narveson (Brewers) entered in the third and pitched two innings. He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out for the hold (1). (p-s:11-11)(g/f:2-2)

Josh Kinney (White Sox) entered in the ninth and pitched one inning. He allowed two hits and no runs. (p-s:5-4)(g/f:1-1)


Jarrett Hoffpauir (Padres) started at second base and batted second. 1-for-1 with one run, two walks, and assisted in one double play.
Randy Flores (Padres) entered in the seventh and pitched one inning. He allowed one hits, no runs, and one walk. (p-s:21-11)(g/f:1-2)


Brett Tomko (Rangers) entered in the third and pitched one inning. He allowed two hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck one out for the blown save (1). (p-s:22-11)

Adam Kennedy (Mariners) started at first base and batted fifth. 1-for-3 with one home run, one RBI, one run, one walk, and assisted in one double play.
Jack Wilson (Mariners) started at shortstop and batted ninth. 1-for-3 and assisted in two double plays.
Nate Robertson (Mariners) started and pitched two innings. He allowed three hits, no runs, and struck three out. (p-s:31-20)(g/f:1-1)
Royce Ring (Mariners) entered in the sixth and pitched one inning. He allowed no hits or runs for the hold (1). (p-s:10-5)(g/f:3-0)


Russell Branyan (Diamondbacks) started at first base and batted fourth. 1-for-4 with one home run, three RBIs, one run, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.

Adam Wainwright Discusses Surgery

One day removed from Tommy John surgery, Cards hurler Adam Wainwright spoke via conference call on Tuesday with the media here in spring training.

Russell Branyan Making His Case To Play First Base

D-backs general manager Kevin Towers signed veteran Russell Branyan to a Minor League contract this spring, and manager Kirk Gibson said he's right there in the mix to play first base.

Nate Robertson Gets Off To A Nice Start

Veteran left-hander Nate Robertson, who is trying to land a spot in the rotation as a non-roster invitee, got out of the box well with two scoreless innings in his first start on Tuesday in the Mariners' 5-4 victory over Texas.

A Woman Playing Major League Baseball? Tony LaRussa Doesn't Rule It Out

Tony La Russa once had a lefthanded third baseman in his lineup, and in the past he has also employed a lefthanded throwing catcher. The Cardinals’ manager is not afraid to bat the pitcher eighth if he thinks it makes his lineup better.

Upbeat Adam Wainwright Optimistic For Future

A bit subdued but still showing his trademark competitiveness and wit, Adam Wainwright addressed reporters on Tuesday for the first time since suffering the elbow injury that forced him to have season-ending surgery.
St. Louis Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright said today that he felt good after his Tommy John elbow surgery of the day before and felt good about having the surgery, which will cost him this season. But Wainwright also said he'll be back full-speed a year from now.
No injury will ever take away the competitive nature of Adam Wainwright.

'W' For Todd Wellemeyer: Reliever Beats Old Team

Todd Wellemeyer was credited with the Cubs' first Cactus League win Tuesday in his first spring outing, and it just happened to be against his former team, the Giants.

Russell Branyan Blasts Homer, But Diamondbacks Lose

Iannetta, Colorado's No. 1 catcher this year, went deep against D-backs starter Joe Saunders in the bottom of the second inning. The D-backs' Russell Branyan answered with a three-run homer off Greg Smith in the fourth.

Chris Carpenter, Mitch Boggs Exit Spring Outings Early

An already trying spring for the Cardinals took another distressing turn on Tuesday when two pitchers were removed from the team's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins due to injuries.
One day after Adam Wainwright had season-ending surgery on his right elbow, the Cardinals other ace, Chris Carpenter, left Tuesday's 7-1 victory over the Marlins with a strained left hamstring.

Already without ace Adam Wainwright for the season, the St. Louis Cardinals saw Opening Day starter Chris Carpenter and key setup man Michell Boggs both leave a game injured Tuesday.

Lance Berkman To DH, Rest Sore Elbow; Rotation Adjustment Telling Of Cardinals Thinking; Tidbits...

Lance Berkman will be limited to designated-hitter duty for the next few days as he recuperates from left elbow soreness.
In a move that undoubtedly makes him the favorite to become the fifth starter in the Cardinals rotation this year, Kyle McClellan has been moved from his previously scheduled start on Thursday and will now start Saturday at Roger Dean Stadium against the Astros.

Don Baylor Is Right Coach To Limit Diamondbacks Strikeouts

When it comes to how not to strike out, there may be no better teacher than new D-backs hitting coach Don Baylor.

Cardinals Beat Marlins 7-1: Matt Holliday, Allen Craig, Jon Jay Each Hit 2-Run HRs; Mark Hamilton Single & Solo HR

Individual Highlights:
Ryan Theriot 2-for-3 with one run.
Colby Rasmus 1-for-3 with one double.
Mark Hamilton 2-for-2 with one home run, one RBI, one run, and assisted in one double play.
Matt Holliday 2-for-2 with one home run, two two-out RBIs, and one run.
Allen Craig 1-for-2 with one home run, two RBIs, one run, and one walk.
Jon Jay 2-for-3 with one home run, two two-out RBIs, and one run.
Chris Carpenter started and pitched 2.2 innings. He allowed one hit, no runs, one walk, and struck two out for the winning decision (1-0). (p-s:17-13)(g/f:5-1)
Mitch Boggs entered in the third and pitched to two batters. He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out. (p-s:8-8)(ir-s:1-0)
Brian Tallet entered in the fourth and pitched 1.2 innings. He allowed two hits, no runs, one walk, and struck two out. (p-s:13-9)(g/f:1-2)
John Gast entered in the eighth and pitched one inning. He allowed no hits or runs, one walk, struck one out, and picked one off. (p-s:10-6)
Adam Reifer entered in the ninth and pitched one inning. He allowed no hits or runs. (p-s:3-3)(g/f:1-1)

Rough Outing:
Matt Carpenter 0-for-2 with one ground into double play and assisted in one double play.
Tyler Greene 0-for-2 at the plate.
Adron Chambers 0-for-2 with one ground into double play.
Lance Berkman 0-for-3 with one ground into double play.
Ramon Vazquez 0-for-2 and assisted in one double play.
Kevin Thomas entered in the sixth and pitched two innings. He allowed two hits, one earned run, hit one batter, and threw one wild pitch. (p-s:9-7)(g/f:4-2)

Memphis Redbirds Team Up With ABC24 & CW30 To Promote Hit New Show Hellcats

All Mid-South cheer squads have a chance to perform live at the first Memphis Redbirds fireworks game on April 9th, 2011.

Kyle McClellan Shifted To Saturday For First Start

St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan confirmed that he's found a way to reshuffle the rotation to fit in the candidates for the open fifth starter job. The change in the schedule puts Kyle McClellan on turn to be available for the first open start of the regular season, if he pitches well enough to earn the job this spring.

Did The Cardinals Overwork Chris Carpenter?

The hits just keep coming for the St. Louis Cardinals, as Chris Carpenter left the mound with the team trainer after throwing 32 pitches today. Following the loss of Adam Wainwright and the devastating blow of Nick Punto‘s absence – as well as some contract talks that might not have gone very well – the Cardinals just can’t afford to keep hemorrhaging talent.

Flip Camera Interview: Nick Derba

The media relations staff of the St. Louis Cardinals are conducting interviews of various players during Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida. We've adjusted the audio, but please comment if you're having issues with the audio.

Cuban Leonys Martin Close To Being Declared Free Agent

Jorge Arangure Twitter

Flip Camera Interview: Jake Westbrook

he media relations staff of the St. Louis Cardinals are conducting interviews of various players during Spring Training in Jupiter, Florida. We've adjusted the audio, but please comment if you're having issues with the audio.

Iker Franco Reports To Quintana Roo Camp After Caribbean Series Win

The latest release received by the pet's "Vaquero" Iker Franco, was a tremendous strike left the arm of the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, after Baja California that will be crowned champion of the Serie del Caribe representing the Mexican baseball.

Joe Sheehan On The Bernie Miklasz Show 3-1-11

Interview with SI.com Contributor Joe Sheehan:

Spring Training Report: Chris Carpenter, Mitch Boggs Injured

The Cardinals are in Jupiter, Florida for spring training. Our own Brian Feldman is in the middle of all the action. Brian will provide constant updates, so check back through the day for the very latest news.

Cardinals Care & Rawlings Team Up To Help Kids In Need

Cardinals Care, the charitable foundation of the St. Louis Cardinals, today announced an expanded partnership with St. Louis-based Rawlings Sporting Goods to benefit area kids.

John Thorn Named Official Baseball Historian For MLB

Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today that author John Thorn has been named the Official Baseball Historian for Major League Baseball.

Pirates Sign 20-Year Old Cuban Pitcher Cesar Lopez

Jorge Ebro Twitter

Quad Cities River Bandits Talent Search Set For March 5

The River Bandits are looking to dip into the deep talent pool of the Quad Cities in search of skilled individuals to perform and entertain fans prior to and during games at Modern Woodmen Park this season, including National Anthem singers.

Tuesday Camp Tidbits: Lance Berkman & B Games

TLR said that Lance Berkman will be held out of pretty much all throwing for a few days to rest his sore elbow. He's the starting DH today and won't be back in the outfield for a few days. He also won't throw in drills.

Do Cardinals Have Emerging Talent, Of Just Some Guys?

The Cardinals organization sits at the crossroads. Either its increased emphasis on player development will pay off or it won’t.

Is 3B Going To Be A Problem For Cardinals Again?

QUESTION: Coming into the season the Cardinals already have stated they will not play third baseman David Freese every day in order to not overwork his surgically repaired ankles. They signed light-hitting but solid gloveman Nick Punto to help pick up the slack at the hot corner, but Punto already has suffered a sports hernia and could be out the season’s first two months. Allen Craig, who projects more power with the bat, stepped into the fray in Monday’s spring training opener and showed there still is much work to be done with the glove – not all that unexpected given how long it’s been since he’s played third base. All that said, have the Cardinals once again left themselves too vulnerable at a position which traditionally calls for both power at the plate and a solid glove in the field?

Q&A: Adron Chambers

If outfielder Adron Chambers, one of the rising prospects the St. Louis Cardinals have in major-league camp this spring, is able to ride his momentum to the majors, his Greyhound story could become legend.

Chris Duncan & Leo Mazzone On The Bob Shelton Show 3-1-11

Former Cardinals 1B/OF Chris Duncan phones into the program. How big of a loss is Adam Wainwright both on the field and in the clubhouse? How likely is Lance Berkman to receive criticism for his play in the outfield this season? And when will Chris make his comeback in the big leagues? You can hear his thoughts on all of these topics and more when you listen to the interview below…

David Freese Exclusive: Getting Closer To Return

Following his pinch-hit appearance in the Grapefruit League opener, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese sat down Tuesday morning to share the latest on how his rehab from ankle surgery is coming along, when he'll be re-evaluated, and what his expectations are for the upcoming season...

Jeremy Bonderman May Sit Out Year

Jerry Crasnick Twitter

Tony LaRussa Weary Of Discussing Lance Berkman's Sore Arm

One of the big stories in St. Louis Cardinals' camp is the soreness of new right fielder Lance Berkman's left elbow, and manager Tony La Russa said this morning he already is tired of talking about it.

Master Cardinals Spring Radio & Television Schedule

While many St. Louis Cardinals fans were disappointed that Monday’s spring opener was not available on radio or television, it was one of just four of the team’s 33 spring games not scheduled to be accessible somehow.

Colby Rasmus, Yadier Molina Debut Today; Lance Berkman To DH

The Cardinals try to avenge Monday's 6-3 loss to the Florida Marlins today by sending out a lineup including catcher Yadier Molina and center fielder Colby Rasmus, but missing first baseman Albert Pujols.

Ronnie Belliard To Miss At Least 10 Days

Wallace Matthews Twitter

Making Room For The Cardinals NRIs: Outrighting

We’ve looked at those non-roster prospects and veteran players that have the best chance of making the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals out of spring training. Now we will consider how the club might make room for them.

2011 Industry Top 50+ Prospect List

I was reading Dollar Sign on the Muscle last night. The author, Kevin Kerrane, noted that the Phillies evenly weighted votes from their 1981 scouts to determine which players they'd persue in the first few rounds of the draft. The thought was that they could get a pretty good feel for the talent pool by highlighting the most commonly endorsed prospects.

Cardinals Expect Great Things From Heart Of Lineup

Having hit alongside MVPs, postseason record-smashers and fellow All-Stars in a lineup before, Cardinals outfielder Lance Berkman can do the math for what it means to bat behind Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday, the most productive duo in the league.

Chris Carpenter Clarifies Remarks About Trade; Adam Wainwright Does Well; Nick Punto Returns; Cardinals Drop Opener

Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter confirmed that he would agree to waive his no-trade leverage if the club sought to deal him this season but insisted that he believes such a development unlikely and not his preference.