Ex-Cardinals Watch 5-27-09: Rich Rundles Optioned Out; Jose Contreras, Matt Weagle, & Matt Spade Cut Loose; Aaron Miles Hits D.L.

Aaron Miles (Cubs):
On Wednesday, infielder Aaron Miles was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained shoulder.
Cubs Official Site

Russell Branyan (Mariners):
But thanks to Branyan's tie-breaking, two-run home run in the sixth inning off Athletics starter Trevor Cahill, and Bedard's masterful pitching over 6 2/3 innings, the ongoing RISP misfires were not much of a factor.
Mariners Official Site

Jack Wilson (Pirates):
Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson will both be back in Friday's lineup after both being given the day off on Wednesday. Sanchez and Wilson had both started 15 games in a row before Wednesday's breather.
Pirates Official Site

Coco Crisp (Royals):
Center fielder Coco Crisp was out of the Royals' lineup with a sore right shoulder on Wednesday but is not likely headed for the disabled list, manager Trey Hillman said.
Royals Official Site

Rich Rundles (Indians):
Was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus.

Juan Richardson (Lincoln):
Placed on the inactive list by the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association.

Gary Burnham (Chiba Lotte):
Former two-time Bridgeport Bluefish Gary Burnham is making a splash in the Eastern Hemisphere. Burnham, a Hartford native, is now in his first season of professional baseball at the major league level. The hard-hitting lefty is currently a member of the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japan Pacific League. Chiba Lotte may sound familiar to Connecticut residents as they are managed by none other than Bobby Valentine, a former manager of the New York Mets.
Atlantic League Official Site

Stuart Pomeranz (New Jersey):
Was placed on the inactive list by the New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am League.

Mike Schellinger (Sussex):
Was placed on the inactive list by the Sussex Skyhawks of the Can-Am League.

Jose Conteras (Free Agent):
Was released by the Quebec Capitals of the Can-Am League.

Matt Weagle (Free Agent):
Was released by the Worcester Tornadoes of the Can-Am League.

Matt Spade (Free Agent):
The Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League placed him on irrevocable waivers.

Ex-Cardinals Watch 5-17-09: Jason Isringhausen Activated, Ben Julianel Signs Deal, Nick Webber Let Go, Adam Kennedy 1st HR Of 2009

Adam Kennedy (Athletics):
The A's first-inning fireworks chased Detroit starter Armando Galarraga after just two-thirds of an inning. Adam Kennedy started it with a solo home run off the base of the right-field foul pole. Ryan Sweeney added a sacrifice fly, and, with two out, catcher Landon Powell belted a three-run double.
Athletics Official Site

Jeff Weaver (Dodgers):
Manager Joe Torre said that Jeff Weaver, who won Friday night's game in relief and lost Saturday night's, would start if Stults can't. Weaver is 1-0 in two starts this year.
Dodgers Official Site

Russell Branyan (Mariners):
The Mariners scored two in the second on Russell Branyan's leadoff home run, his ninth, on Justin Masterson's first pitch. Cedeno drove in the second run, a two-out triple that scored Betancourt from second.
Mariners Official Site

Fernando Tatis (Mets):
Alex Cora just left the game with an injured right thumb, and Fernando Tatis is playing shortstop for the first time in 11 years.
Noble Thoughts

Luke Gregerson & Luis Perdomo (Padres):
The Padres bullpen has been a much-maligned unit during a fitful stretch where the Padres had dropped 20 of 24 games.
Padres Official Site

Jason Isringhausen (Rays):
Veteran reliever Jason Isringhausen was reinstated from Triple-A Durham to take the roster spot.
Rays Official Site

Ben Julianel (Rockies):
Signed to a minor league contract and assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Nick Webber (Free Agent):
Kansas City T-Bones of the Northern League placed him on irrevocable waivers.

Matt Spade (Winnipeg):
Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Northern League placed him on the disabled list.

Former Cardinals Playing In The Northern League 2009

Juan Diaz - Winnipeg Goldeyes
Todd Moser - Kansas City T-Bones
Matt Spade - Winnipeg Goldeyes
Nick Webber - Kansas City T-Bones

Missing In Action From 2008 Season:
Nate Cotton (Fargo-Moorhead), Bo Hart (Kansas City), Robert Ransom (Winnipeg), and Brad Voyles (Gary).

Northern League opened their season On May 15: Official Site

Ex-Cardinals Watch 4-20-09: Esteban Yan & Matt Spade Sign Deals, Ron Villone Activated, So Taguchi Loyal To Cubs, Jason Isringhausen 1st Rehab Game

So Taguchi (Cubs):
Iowa Cubs manager Bobby Dickerson discovered quickly where So Taguchi’s loyalty now resides.

“Who ya pulling for?” Dickerson asked Taguchi in front of a clubhouse television on which players watched the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry before Friday’s game in Des Moines.

“Cubs,” Taguchi said.
Des Moines Register

Aaron Miles (Cubs):
Jason Marquis has a very good memory. When the right-hander started on April 15 for Colorado against his former team, the Cubs, he could rely on his own database.
Cubs Official Site

Julian Tavarez (Nationals):
Julian Tavarez has not allowed a run in five of his seven outings.
Nationals Official Site

Jason Marquis (Rockies):
Marquis' previous two starts had been stellar. Though he wasn't nearly as good Monday, giving up nine hits and six earned runs in five innings, he almost salvaged the performance. But two pitches hurt. He fell behind Mark Reynolds 2-0 and served up a second-inning homer. Against Montero, it was a poor location for his first pitch.
Rockies Official Site

Ron Villone & Kip Wells (Nationals):
Triple-A Syracuse activated Villone, while the Nationals purchased Wells contract.

Jason Isringhausen (Rays):
Rehabbing right-hander Jason Isringhausen also pitched in relief for the Biscuits, working a scoreless seventh inning, striking out two.
Montgomery Biscuits Official Site Post Game

Esteban Yan (Bridgeport):
The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signings of pitchers Esteban Yan and Corey Lee. Yan joins the Bluefish after spending last season with Norfolk (AAA, Orioles) of the International League, appearing in 37 games and recording 55 strikeouts over 47 innings of work. Lee will make his return to professional baseball after sitting out the past two years.
Bridgeport Bluefish Official Site

Matt Spade (Winnipeg):
The lone southpaws on the club, Baldwin and Odom were joined today by three other lefties when Goldeyes manager Rick Forney announced the signings of Daniel Haigwood (pictured), Dan DeLucia (de-loosha) and Matt Spade. There are now 23 players on the pre-season roster, 13 of whom are pitchers.
Northern League Official Site

Ex-Cardinals Watch 4-6-09: Raul Gonzalez, Dewon Brazelton, Carlos Pupo, Felix Jose, & Matt Spade Sign Deals; Cesar Izturis & Felipe Lopez Hit HRs

Cesar Izturis (Orioles):
Hail Cesar. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley has often spoken of Cesar Izturis as his team's X-Factor, and he watched as the shortstop played a big role on Opening Day.
Orioles Official Site

Anthony Reyes (Indians):
Your first chance to see the Kinston Indians takes place Tuesday, April 7th as the K-Tribe hosts the defending NCAA Division II National Champions from Mount Olive College. The exhibition game starts at 7pm at Historic Grainger Stadium and Cleveland Indians starter Anthony Reyes is scheduled to take the hill for at least five innings. Reyes, penciled in as the fifth starter in the Big Tribe’s rotation, is getting in some extra work before the season starts. Making his Big League debut in 2005 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Reyes came to the Indians in a trade last season.
WITN

David Eckstein (Padres):
By raising his hands and attacking pitches as he did with the Cardinals from 2005-07, David Eckstein said he believes he can rebound from his disappointing season in 2008.
San Diego Union-Tribune

Felipe Lopez (Diamondbacks):
Felipe Lopez, making his debut in Sedona Red, and veteran Tony Clark each homered twice and both switch-hitters hit them from each side of the plate. It was the first time two teammates had ever done it on Opening Day and it was the first time in the regular season since New York's Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams on April 23, 2000.
Diamondbacks Official Site

Luke Gregerson (Padres):
There are nametags above the lockers and names stitched on the back of the jerseys, which might come in handy for Padres manager Bud Black as he attempts to decipher exactly who is in his bullpen.
Padres Offcial Site

Jamie Moyer (Phillies):
Things didn't go exactly as planned for the Phillies on Opening Night against the Braves, so they will look to left-hander Jamie Moyer to right the ship.
Phillies Offcial Site

Jack Wilson (Pirates):
Shortstop Jack Wilson raised his hands just slightly, and with it, spoiled the Cardinals' attempts to potentially christen a new closer and seal a home opener win on Monday.
Pirates Official Site

Jason Marquis (Rockies):
The Rockies ended Spring Training with thee of their five starters possessing ERAs above 6.00.
Rockies Official Site

Raul Gonzalez (Long Island Ducks):
Long Island Ducks team officials today announced the signing of outfielder Raul Gonzalez. The 35-year-old has enjoyed five stops in the Major Leagues with four different organizations (Mets, Cubs, Indians and Reds), earning his first call-up in 2000 at the age of 26 with the Cubs.
Atlantic League Official Site

Dewon Brazetlon (Camden Riversharks):
Thanks to Jeff, one of our many loyal readers, for pointing out that the Camden Riversharks have signed P Dewon Brazelton out of their open tryout.
Atlantic League Baseball News

Carlos Pupo (Rockford River Hawks):
The Rockford RiverHawks announced Monday that they have signed three players, two with experience in major-league organizations.
Rockford River Hawks Official Site

Felix Jose (Schaumburg Flyers):
Signed deal for 2009 season.

Matt Spade (Winnipeg Goldeyes):
Signed deal for 2009 season.

Final Cardinals Spring Training Summary

A few closing notes from Roger Dean Stadium on today's Cardinals action:

Springfield News-Leader

Cardinals Cut Nine From Minor League Camp

One of the St. Louis Cardinals first forays into the Asian free-agent market, pitcher Hyang-Nam Choi, was one of nine cuts from the minor-league camp this morning. Choi, a righthander, was signed this past winter and brought to camp with the idea that he would at least make the Class AAA Memphis bullpen. At 37, Choi had to move fast to make the signing matter, and when it became clear that he was inconsistent in the minor-league games the Cardinals moved him to make room for a prospect in the Memphis bullpen.
Birdland

The nine players released by the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday are Hyang-Nam Choi, Russ Haltiwanger, Jon Mikrut, Brian Cartie, Zach Pitts, Matt Spade, Wayne Daman, Jose Mateo and Jameson Maj.
The Cardinal Nation

Vuch Report: Cardinals Minors Spring Game Reports 3-19-09

The Cardinal Nation

Future Redbirds

Birdland

Quad Cities Relief Pitcher Of The Year: 2008

Pete Parise receives the nod as our top reliever on the 2008 Quad Cities River Bandits, the St. Louis Cardinals affiliate in the Class-A Midwest League.

The Birdhouse

Wisconsin Beat Quad Cities 5-0: Bolivar Only Hit, Bad Ending To Season

Individual Highlights:
Domnit Bolivar 1-for-3 with 2 K's.
Matt Spade 0.1 Innings, 0 Hits Or Runs(ground out-fly out:0-1)(inherited runners-scored:1-0).
J.D. Stambaugh 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:2-0).
Jorge Rondon 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:1-0).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Times Post Game

Quad Cities Beat Wisconsin 6-3: Edwards & Murphy Both 1 HR & 2 RBI's, Smith Doubles & 1 RBI, Ingram 1 RBI, Fick Nice Start, Gonzalez 1st Save

Individual Highlights:
D'Marcus Ingram 1-for-5 with 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 SB, & 1 OF Assist.
Jon Edwards 2-for-3 with 1 HR, 2 RBI's(1 w/Two-Outs), 1 Run, & 1 Sac Fly.
Curt Smith 2-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 RBI, & 1 Throwing Error.
Domnit Bolivar 2-for-4 with 1 Run, 1 K, & 1 CS.
Blake Murphy 2-for-3 with 1 HR, 2 RBI's(1 w/Two-Outs), 1 Run, & 1 BB.
Chuckie Fick Win(6-5), Started, 6 Innings, 5 Hits, 3 Runs(2 ER), 1 BB, 1 HBP, & 6 K's(ground out-fly out:7-4).
Dylan Gonzalez (SV, 1), 2 Innings, 3 Hits, 0 Runs, 1 BB, 1 WP, & 3 K's(ground out-fly out:0-1).

Rough Outing:
Tommy Pham 0-for-3 with 1 Sacrifice, 1 K, & 1 GIDP.
Nick Peoples 0-for-4 with 1 K.
Matt Spade (H, 6), 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:0-1)(inherited runners-scored:1-1).

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Times Post Game

Wisconsin Beat Quad Cities 6-2: Ingram 1 RBI, Hooker Nice Start, Espinoza & Oeder 1 Run Each, Stambaugh Roughed Up

Individual Highlights:
D'Marcus Ingram 1-for-4 with 1 RBI, 1 K, & 1 CS.
Roberto Espinoza 1-for-3 with 1 Run & 1 PB.
Ross Oeder 1-for-2 with 1 Run, 1 Sacrifice, 1 K, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Deryk Hooker Started, 5.2 Innings, 6 Hits, 2 Runs(1 ER), 2 BB's, 1 HBP, & 6 K's(ground out-fly out:5-6).
Matt Spade 1.1 Innings, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:2-0)(inherited runners-scored:2-0).

Rough Outing:
Carlos Pupo 0-for-4 with 1 K & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Curt Smith 0-for-4 with 4 K's.
Niko Vasquez 0-for-3 with 1 BB & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
J.D. Stambaugh Loss(2-5), 1.2 Innings, 2 Hits, 4 Runs(2 ER), 1 HBP, & 3 K's(ground out-fly out:1-1)(inherited runners-scored:2-0).
Matt Frevert 0.1 Innings, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 1 BB(ground out-fly out:0-1)(inherited runners-scored:3-3).

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Post Game

Post Cresent Post Game

Burlington Beat Quad Cites 14-4: Team Commits 6 Errors, Chambers & Smith 2 RBI's Each, Kulik & Gonzalez Hit Hard

Individual Highlights:
Adron Chambers 1-for-4 with 2 RBI's & 1 Run.
Curt Smith 1-for-4 with 2 Two-Out RBI's.
Matt Frevert 2 Innings, 2 Hits, 0 Runs, & 1 BB(ground out-fly out:2-4).
Jorge Rondon 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:1-1).

Rough Outing:
Jon Edwards 0-for-4 with 1 GIDP & 1 Fielding Error.
Domnit Bolivar 0-for-4 with 1 K & 1 Fielding Error.
Ryan Kulik Loss(5-5), Started, 1.2 Innings, 8 Hits, 9 Runs(4 ER), 1 BB, 1 HBP, & 1 WP(ground out-fly out:3-2).
Dylan Gonzalez 2.1 Innings, 7 Hits, 2 Runs(All ER), 1 BB, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:1-4)(inherited runners-scored:1-1).
Matt Spade 1 Inning, 2 Hits, 3 Runs(1 ER), 1 BB, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:0-1).

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

The Hawkeye Post Game

Quad Cities Beat Wisconsin 5-3: Rivera Doubles & 2 RBI's, Smith & Pham 1 RBI Each, Bolivar Triples, Vasquez & Murphy Both Double, Kulik Nice Start

Individual Highlights:
Niko Vasquez 2-for-5 with 1 2B, 1 Run, 2 K's, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Francisco Rivera 2-for-5 with 1 2B, 2 RBI's(1 w/Two-Outs), & Assisted In 2 Double Plays.
Curt Smith 0-for-5 with 1 RBI & 1 K.
Jon Edwards 0-for-2 with 2 BB's & 1 K.
Domnit Bolivar 2-for-4 with 1 3B, 1 Run, 1 Throwing Error, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Tommy Pham 1-for-4 with 1 RBI & 2 K's.
Blake Murphy 1-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 K, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Oliver Marmol 2-for-4 with 1 2B, 2 Runs, 1 K, & Assisted In 2 Double Plays.
Ryan Kulik Win(5-4), Started, 7 Innings, 11 Hits, 3 Runs(2 ER), 1 HR, 9 K's, & 1 PO(ground out-fly out:6-3).
Matt Spade (SV, 1), 2 Innings, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 4 K's(ground out-fly out:1-1).

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Post Cresent Post Game

Burlington Beat Quad Cities 5-1: Team Held To 5 Hits, Murphy 1 RBI, Rivera 2 Hits, Pham 1 Run, Bullpen Game Goes Sour

Individual Highlights:
D'Marcus Ingram 1-for-4 with 1 K & 1 Fielding Error.
Domnit Bolivar 1-for-4.
Francisco Rivera 2-for-4, 1 Fielding Error, & Assisted In 2 Double Plays.
Blake Murphy 0-for-2 with 1 RBI, 1 Sac Fly, 1 BB, 1 K, & Allowed 1 SB.
Oliver Marmol 1-for-3 with 1 K.
Eduardo Sanchez 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 1 BB, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:2-0).
Dylan Gonzalez 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs1 BB, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:1-1).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

...Chuckie Fick, who was a late scratch due to illness.
River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Times Post Game

Burlington Beat Quad Cities 4-2: Pupo Doubles & 1 RBI, Rivera 1 RBI, Castillo Struggles

Individual Highlights:
Brett Wallace 1-for-3 with 1 Run, 1 HBP, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Tommy Pham 1-for-4 with 1 Run, 1 SB, & 2 K's.
Francisco Rivera 1-for-4 with 1 RBI.
Carlos Pupo 1-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 K's, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.

Rough Outing:
Adron Chambers 0-for-3 with 1 BB & 2 K's.
Blake Murphy 0-for-4 with 2 K's & Allowed 1 SB.
Oliver Marmol 0-for-3 with 1 BB, 2 K's, 1 CS/PO, & 1 Fielding Error.
Richard Castillo Loss(6-4), Started, 6.2 Innings, 6 Hits, 3 Runs(All ER), 2 BB's, 2 HR's, & 6 K's(ground out-fly out:10-4).
Matt Spade 0.2 Innings, 2 Hits, 1 Run(ER), 1 WP, & 1 K.
Eduardo Sanchez 1.2 Innings, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 1 BB(ground out-fly out:2-2)(inherited runners-scored:1-1).

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Times Post Game

Beloit Beat Quad Cities 6-1: Bolivar 3 Hits, Doubles & 1 Run; Fick K's 5 & Struggles, Stambaugh Nice Outing

Individual Highlights:
Adron Chambers 1-for-4 with 1 K.
Domnit Bolivar 3-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 Run, & 1 Throwing Error.
Brett Wallace 1-for-4 with 1 Throwing Error & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Francisco Rivera 1-for-4.
J.D. Stambaugh 3 Innings, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 3 K's(ground out-fly out:4-2).
Matt Spade 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs(ground out-fly out:1-2).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Beloit Daily News Post Game

Clinton Beat Quad Cities 4-2: Wallace 2 RBI's, Chambers 2 Walks & 1 Run, Bolivar & Marmol Both Double, Castillo Struggles But K's 7

Individual Highlights:
Adron Chambers 1-for-3 with 1 Run, 2 BB's, & 1 SB.
Domnit Bolivar 1-for-5 with 1 2B & 2 K's.
Brett Wallace 1-for-4 with 2 RBI's, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Nick Peoples 1-for-4.
Oliver Marmol 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 Run, 1 HBP, 1 K, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Matt Spade 2 Innings, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:3-2).
Dylan Gonzalez 1 inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:0-1).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Times Post Game

Cedar Rapids Beat Quad CItes 10-1: Pupo 3 Hits, Murphy 2 Hits, Castillo Struggles, Spade Pounded

Individual Highlights:
Blake Murphy 2-for-3 with 1 Run.
Tommy Pham 1-for-3 with 1 CS & 1 OF Assist.
Carlos Pupo 3-for-3 with 1 Fielding Error & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Dylan Gonzalez 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:1-0).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Times Post Game

Quad Cities Beat Dayton 18-0: Luna 2 HR's & 5 RBI's; Murphy Grand Slam; Chambers Doubles, 1 HR, & 3 RBI's; Wallace Doubles & 3 RBI's, Castillo Great!!

Individual Highlights:
D'Marcus Ingram 2-for-6 with 1 2B, 1 Two-Out RBI, 2 Runs, & 1 K.
Adron Chambers 4-for-5 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI's(2 w/Two-Outs), 3 Runs, & 1 BB.
Pete Kozma 1-for-5 with 1 2B, 1 Run, 1 BB, 1 K, & Assisted In 2 Double Plays.
Brett Wallace 2-for-5 with 1 2B, 3 RBI's, 3 Runs, , 1 BB, & 1 K.
Tommy Pham 2-for-4 with 1 3B, 1 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Aaron Luna 2-for-5 with 2 HR's, 5 RBI's, 2 Runs, & 1 K.
Carlos Pupo 2-for-5 with 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 K, & Assisted In 2 Double Plays.
Blake Murphy 2-for-4 with 1 HR, 4 RBI's, 1 Run, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Oliver Marmol 1-for-4 with 1 2B, 2 Runs, 1 HBP, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Richard Castillo Win(6-1), Started, 7 Innings, 5 Hits, 0 Runs, 2 HBP's, & 7 K's(ground out-fly out:5-9).
Kenny Maiques 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 1 K(ground out-fly out:1-1).
Matt Spade 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, & 2 K's(ground out-fly out:1-0).

Boxscore

River Bandits Official Site Post Game

Quad-City Post Game

Dayton Daily News Post Game