Sunday, May 1, 2011
What Makes An MV3.1?
When it comes to describing the potential for production from the middle of the Cardinals' order, right fielder Lance Berkman certainly has the closest view, hitting fifth behind Silver Slugger-winners Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday.
Inside Baseball: Offense Has Been Better, But Is That Enough To Win?
When General Manager John Mozeliak talked about the 2011 season last winter, his stated goal was to improve the Cardinals’ offense – “deepening” the lineup so all of the burden for run production would not fall on the shoulders of Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday.
Quad Cities Surrenders Ten Runs In Final Four Frames
After allowing a first inning run to the Timber Rattlers, the River Bandits came back in the bottom of the first and scored two runs on a two RBI double from third baseman Jonathan Rodriguez (1-for-4, 2 RBI) . The Bandits then took a 5-2 lead, only to give up 10 more runs over the final four innings and eventually losing 12-5 against Wisconsin.
If nothing else, the Quad-Cities River Bandits went down swinging Sunday evening.
If nothing else, the Quad-Cities River Bandits went down swinging Sunday evening.
Glove Fest: How Cardinals Defense Ranked In April
Ranging back on a fly ball that would have been the first out of the ninth inning and the fourth consecutive batter retired by Cardinals reliever Ryan Franklin, shortstop Ryan Theriot muffed the catch Sunday afternoon in Atlanta.
Derek Lowe: Arrest Didn't Impact Performance
If the tumult of the past few days had any effect on his performance, Braves pitcher Derek Lowe wasn’t about to say so. Or even entertain the question.
Justin Smith Paces Palm Beach To 3-2 Win
Right-hander Justin Smith bounced back from a rough previous start to pitch a career-high seven shutout innings in a 3-2 Palm Beach Cardinals (9-15) victory over the Bradenton Marauders (12-13) Sunday night at Roger Dean Stadium.
Palm Beach Cardinals Official Site
Palm Beach Cardinals Official Site
Coco Crisp Raps Two Hits In Return To Athletics Lineup
A's center fielder Coco Crisp and second baseman Mark Ellis returned to the starting lineup on Sunday for the club's 7-2 win over the Texas Rangers.
Chris Narveson Solid, But Brewers Stifled In Houston
In six innings, Narveson allowed seven hits and four runs with seven strikeouts and no walks. But it was the home run to Lee that doomed him and the Brewers, whose previous low for hits this season was five, against the Braves on April 4.
Brett Wallace Extends Hitting Streak To Ten Games
First baseman Brett Wallace extended his hitting streak to 10 games in his first at-bat on Sunday with an infield single off the glove of Brewers shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt. The streak continued despite Wallace's pinch-hit walk in his only plate appearance on Saturday, a day after he left Friday's game with a hip contusion.
Lights-Out Kyle Lohse Locks Horns With Marlins
When you've been around the game as long as Kyle Lohse, it doesn't take long to find your focus.
Out Of Options, Pedro Martinez Closing In On Retirement
Pedro Martinez has virtually ruled out a return to the major leagues and says he is on his way to retirement.
Springfield Shutout By Tulsa 3-0
The tarp was pulled and the wind was blowing as the Springfield Cardinals took to the field after a 41 minute rain delay on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Hammons Field.
A three-run fourth inning proved to be the demise of the Springfield Cardinals in a 3-0 loss to the Tulsa Drillers in a rain-shortened game Sunday at Hammons Field.
A three-run fourth inning proved to be the demise of the Springfield Cardinals in a 3-0 loss to the Tulsa Drillers in a rain-shortened game Sunday at Hammons Field.
David Freese Hit By Pitch, Breaks Left Hand
The Cardinals are going to have to do without David Freese for a while. Freese is all but certain to be placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday after suffering a broken bone in his left hand in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Braves. Freese said that he may require surgery to correct the break.
Cardinals Official Site
Third baseman David Freese will be lost the Cardinals for at least a month and perhaps significantly longer after suffering a broken bone in his left hand during Sunday’s 6-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Cardinals Official Site
Third baseman David Freese will be lost the Cardinals for at least a month and perhaps significantly longer after suffering a broken bone in his left hand during Sunday’s 6-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Braves Beat Cardinals 6-5: Matt Holliday 2 Doubles & 2 RBIs; Lance Berkman Single, Double, & 1 RBI; Albert Pujols & Yadier Molina Each 1 RBI
Individual Highlights:
Colby Rasmus 1-for-4 with one run, one walk, and three strikeouts.
Albert Pujols 1-for-4 with one RBI, two strikeouts, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.
Matt Holliday 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBIs, two runs, one walk, and grounded into one double play.
Lance Berkman 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Yadier Molina 1-for-3 with one RBI, one walk, and one sac fly.
Rough Outing:
Daniel Descalso 0-for-2 with one sacrifice and assisted in one double play.
David Freese 0-for-2 with one hit by pitch and one strikeout.
Ryan Theriot 0-for-4 with one strikeout, grounded into one double play, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.
Jaime Garcia started and pitched six innings. He allowed five hits, four runs (three earned), one home run, one walk, and struck six out. 1-for-3 with one run and one strikeout. (p-s:99-61)(g/f:5-5)
Cardinals Minor League News & Notes 5-1-11
Hector Hernandez: A Short Stay
Chris Edmondson: Quad Cities Debut
Virgil Hill: Not Ready For Full-Season Ball
Scott Rolen Unlikely To Come Off DL Friday
Third baseman Scott Rolen (strained left shoulder) is eligible to come off the disabled list Friday, but odds of that are slim. Rolen still is not swinging a bat.
Joe Mather Faces Ex-Team In First Start With Atlanta
Joe Mather earned the nickname "Joey Bombs" while working his way up through the Cardinals' system.
Could Brandon League Be Trade Bait?
The Seattle Mariners started the season without their closer David Aardsma, who is rehabbing in Triple-A Tacoma and should be back in early May. But in his absence, Brandon League has been perfect in save opportunities, picking up No. 7 Saturday in Boston.
Sunday's Tidbits: Lots On The Lineup
If you’ve spent any time reading this blog or following my tweets, you know I love talking lineup construction. Coincidentally, we spent a good deal of our morning chat with TLR talking about the current Cards lineup, so, a couple of notes on that topic.
Cardinals Content With Closer Committee For Now; St. Louis In No Rush To Bring Back Allen Craig; After Great Game, Gerald Laird Watches Brother Thrive
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is no big fan of a "closer by committee" approach. But La Russa also knows that, as one of his favorite sayings goes, you do what you have to instead of what you want to.
Allen Craig Headed Back To St. Louis
Allen Craig’s rehab stint with the Springfield Cardinals came to an end before the start of Sunday’s game against the Tulsa Drillers.
The Cardinal Nation April 2011 Player Of The Month: Alex Castellanos
Outfielder Alex Castellanos has made a major splash in his first month with Double-A Springfield.
Round Rock @ Memphis Postponed Due To Rain
Memphis Redbirds Twitter
Cardinals Minor League Notebook 5-1-11
Tony Cruz hits grand slam, Aaron Luna drives in three to send Memphis to victory. Tommy Pham homers, Scott Schneider K's six over six as Springfield falls one run short. Eric Fornataro strikes out six over eight innings in Palm Beach win. Anthony Ferrara tosses seven no-hit innings as Quad Cities shuts out opponent.
Games Of The Day 5-1-11
The Cardinals and Braves send Jaime Garcia and Derek Lowe to the mound as St. Louis goes for the series sweep. Garcia comes into the game with a 2.08 ERA, having improved both his power and control compared to his excellent 2010 effort. Lowe makes his first start since his DUI arrest. Lowe is showing surprising power, with 32 K in 33 2/3 innings. Unfortunately for him, the high strikeout rate has not translated into a low batting average allowed.
Mitch Boggs Starts "To Establish" Himself
Wearing a full beard, Western-style long-sleeved plaid shirt and jeans, Mitchell Boggs looked more like a lumberjack than a major league relief pitcher as he stood inside the visitors’ locker room at Turner Field late Saturday afternoon.
Former Cardinals In NPB 5-1-11
Majors:
Brian Falkenborg (Softbank) has made seven relief appearances posting an 0-0 record, 3.86 ERA, and two saves. He's allowed five hits, three earned runs, three walks, and struck nine out over seven innings.
Tomo Ohka (Yokohama) has made two starts posting an 0-1 record and 15.00 ERA. He's allowed 14 hits, ten earned runs, one home run, three walks, and struck three out over six innings. (sent down to minors)
Minors:
Kelvin Jimenez (Rakuten) has made one relief appearances posting an 0-0 record and 27.00 ERA. He's allowed eight hits, six earned runs, one walk, and hit one batter over two innings.
Evan MacLane (Orix) has made four starts posting a 1-2 record and 2.96 ERA. He's allowed 24 hits, 11 runs (eight earned), six walks, hit three batters, and struck 18 out over 24.1 innings. 2-for-7 (286) with two RBIs, two total bases, five strikeouts, .286 OBP, and .286 SLG.
Tomo Ohka (Yohohama) has made one start posting an 0-0 record and 2.57 ERA. He's allowed six hits, two earned runs, one walk, and struck three out over seven innings.
So Taguchi (Orix) has played in 21 games going 12-for-58 (.207) with two doubles, one triple, one home run, three RBIs, 19 total bases, seven runs, five walks, grounded into one double play, 12 strikeouts, .328 SLG, and .270 OBP.
Luis Sojo Named Venezuelan Team Coach For 2013 World Baseball Classic
The Federación Venezolana de Beisbol radified Luis Sojo as the manager for the Venezuelan National Team for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. It was announced at a press conference at Hotel Alba Caracus.
Springfield Falters Late In Loss To Tulsa
With clubhouse TVs and the lone radio purposely turned off after a ninth-inning debacle, Springfield Cardinals shortstop Ryan Jackson sat in front of his locker and appeared as steamed as anyone Saturday night.
Saturday 4-30-11 College Roundup
Lefthander Josh Osich threw Oregon State's first complete-game no-hitter since 1947 in the Beavers' 2-0 win at UCLA. Osich struck out 13 and allowed just one baserunner—a fourth-inning walk to Dean Espy. It was the fourth no-hitter in Oregon State history. "It's the greatest feeling," Osich told BA afterward. "I don't even know how to explain it."
Edgar Renteria Drives In Winning Run In Extras For Reds
Edgar Renteria once won a World Series for the Florida Marlins with a walk-off single. Saturday night, he beat his former team in similar fashion.
Anthony Ferrara Pitches Seven Hitless Innings
Anthony Ferrara is as superstitious as they come. He makes sure he puts on his pants the same way before every game. And he certainly doesn't talk about perfect games in the dugout.
Virus Plagues Tony LaRussa; Lineup Maneuverings; Matt Holliday Enjoying Lineup; Daniel Descalso's Day; Allen Craig's Rehab
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is dealing with a virus that exhibits the symptoms of shingles, a painful affliction that typically includes rash, sensitivity to light and eventually scabbing. La Russa has endured the full range of those symptoms since admitting to extreme discomfort during the season's first road trip.
Charlie Sheen, Rick Horton, Todd Zeile As Odd Combo
In a 40-year career at the Post-Dispatch, among the things I thought I would never see would be the names Todd Zeile, Rick Horton and Charlie Sheen in the same sentence. But not only were they in the same sentence the other day in this newspaper, they were in the same room at the same hotel.
Cardinals Organization Stocked With Power Arms
There was a time not too long ago, back when Jason Motte was behind the plate instead of throwing to it, that the number of legit power arms in the Cardinals' system could be counted on one hand, with fingers to spare.
Growing Pains In Cardinals Bullpen
The math is obvious, the explanations less so.
The Cardinals entered the weekend three games over .500 despite seven blown saves within six games. The Cardinals had lost each game that featured a blown save. Turn those around and a 14-11 team is 20-5.
The Cardinals entered the weekend three games over .500 despite seven blown saves within six games. The Cardinals had lost each game that featured a blown save. Turn those around and a 14-11 team is 20-5.
For Mitch Boggs, The Job Is Still The Job
He knows his role, and no matter if there are three outs in the ninth or three outs in the seventh, as a general rule, his job is to get three outs.
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