The Beard? Actually, Jason Motte's Got A Better Story

Of course everybody wants to talk about the beard. And that's understandable. It's cool in a ZZ Top kind of way, with the guy having a personality to match.

Springfield News-Leader

An Overview Of Draft Bonanzas, 200-09

2005 Cardinals
6 of the top 78
OF Colby Rasmus (No. 28) makes the entire Cardinals draft by himself, because St. Louis figures to get middling returns from those who followed: SS Tyler Greene (30), RHP Mark McCormick (43, released December '09), RHP Tyler Herron (46, released June '09), RHP Josh Wilson (70) and RHP Nick Webber (78, released July '08).

Baseball America

Draft Hangover: 2005

First off, a quick apology. I’ve been delinquent in my scouting reports over the last several weeks (after asking for suggestions nonetheless) but I’m hopeful that with my schedule settling down a bit, I’ll be able to get back to that.

Future Redbirds

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 4-28-09: Nick Webber Signs Deal, Russell Branyan 5-for-5, Ricky Stone Undergoing Chemotherapy, Julian Tavarez & Kip Wells Closers

Ricky Stone (Free Agent):
Former Reds and Astros pitcher Ricky Stone was in the clubhouse before the game. Stone suffered a seizure last year on Aug. 8, after a Reds-Astros game in fact.

A brain tumor was discovered. He had surgery to remove the tumor and is undergoing chemotherapy.

“It’s going good,” he said. “I’m on chemo five days and off 23. I’m staying fit and doing all I can do.”

Stone gets some of his treatment in Houston. He stays with LanceBerkman when he’s down there.
Cincinnati Enquirer

J.D. Drew (Red Sox):
Also, J.D. Drew returns to the starting lineup. He did not start last night because of a tight left quadriceps, but he did pinch hit in the ninth inning.
Boston Globe

Jamie Moyer (Phillies) & John Mabry (Retired):
The Moyer Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen, haas teamed with Annie's Hope, a bereavement center for kids, to open Camp Erin in St. Louis.
Belleville News-Democrat

Nick Webber (Kansas City):
Pitchers Cody McAllister, 25, and Nick Webber, 24, have also signed 2009 contracts and will come to camp to compete for spots in the starting rotation. McAllister has spent the last two seasons in the Boston Red Sox organization. Webber began his professional career in 2005 as a second round draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals. He has spent the last four seasons in the Cardinals system, including a stint with Class AAA Memphis in 2008.
WIBW

Tyler Johnson (Mariners):
Tyler Johnson arrived in the major leagues as a 24-year-old rookie in 2006 with a fastball and a reputation that followed him from Southern California to St. Louis. The Cardinals loved his left-handed power pitching and his aggressive, get-me-if-you-can mound persona.
NY Times

Russell Branyan (Mariners):
Offensively, it was the kind of night in which Mariners first baseman Russell Branyan could shatter his bat and still muscle a double into right.
Mariners Official Site

Julian Tavarez & Kip Wells (Nationals):
The team will go with a bullpen-by-committee, with right-handers Julian Tavarez and Kip Wells as the late-inning options. Once left-hander Joe Beimel is activated from the disabled list next week, he will most likely be the closer, with Tavarez and Wells becoming the setup men.
Nationals Official Site

Placido Polanco (Tigers):
Let the Tigers' offense be defined by Miguel Cabrera's early tear, Brandon Inge's power surge and Josh Anderson's speedy April. Placido Polanco is quietly off to what might be quite a contract year.
Tigers Official Site

Cody Haerther (Blue Jays):
Double-A New Hampshire actived him off the 7-day disabled list.

Jason Isringhausen (Rays):
Transferred from Double-A Montgomery to Triple-A Durham.

Dewon Brazelton (Camden):
There were two National League scouts at Sunday’s Riversharks-Patriots game.
Atlantic League Baseball

From The Class Of 2005

Forgive me, here: I'm a little disoriented by the reintroduction of actual baseball into my life. For four months—coinciding with my tenure on this site, to make matters worse—we've been making hay, seven times a week, re: the same limited pool of information. Now we've got some new material, but, complicating matters, it is the kind of material in which Kyle Lohse gets beaten up and Joe Thurston homers off a guy who was last effective three years ago. It's like J.D. Salinger coming back after the layoff and writing Twilight fanfiction.

Viva El Birdos

Prospect Pulse: What Does #8 Really Mean

About a week ago, Baseball America slipped me the information that for the first time since they began publishing their rankings of overall minor-league systems the St. Louis Cardinals would reach the top 10, finishing eighth in a poll and discussion of editors there at BA. Since then, there has been a, ahem, tsunami of questions and criticisms.

Birdland

Cardinals Community Top 30: Falling Through The Cracks (# 22)

The 22nd-ranked prospect on last year’s Baseball America Cardinals’ Top 30 was Mark Worrell, and looking that up a few minutes ago reminded me of a way to judge prospects that I try to bring up as much as possible: Not where they fit within an organization, but who wants them outside the organization.

Birdland

Cardinals Minor League News & Notes 8-19-08

Rico Washington:
Re-Activated After Three Days

Josh Wilson:
St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Josh Wilson was placed on the restricted list late last month. The 21-year-old Texan has retired, representing yet another pitching disappointment from the second round of the Cards' 2005 draft.
2005 Second-Rounder Done At 21

Luis De La Cruz:
Rehabbing Wrist For 2009

Cardinals Minor League News & Notes 7-8-08 & 7-9-08

Scott McGregor:
Rough Professional Debut

Andres Rosales:
Rehab Assignment Begins

Nick Webber:
Cardinals Cut Ties With 2005 2nd Rounder

Paul Vasquez:
To The Temporary Inactive List

Ismael Cardona:
19-Year Old Promoted To Quad Cities

Memphis Redbirds Report 7-1-08

Outfielder Shane Robinson is hitting .379 in his introduction to Triple-A with the second-place Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League.

The Birdhouse

Cardinals Roster Moves & News

Nick Webber:
Tough Stretch Leads To D.L.

Mark Diapoules:
Heading To Florida

Ryan Kulik:
Quick Promotion To Full-Season Ball

Matt Arburr:
Co-Midwest Player Of The Week

Brad Thompson:
Recalled To Bolster Pen

Nick Stavinoha:
First Cup Of Coffee Cools

Chris Carpenter:
Third Starter to The Pen?

Matt North:
Appalachian League Pitcher Of The Week

Jess Todd:
Texas League Pitcher Of The Week

Nashville Beats Memphis 8-5: M.Johnson Doubles & 1 RBI, Jimenez 2 Hits & 1 RBI, Rasmus & Anderson 1 RBI Each, Pitching Staff Roughed Up

Individual Highlights:
Colby Rasmus 1-for-5 with 1 RBI & 2 K's.
Josh Phelps 0-for-3 with 2 BB's & 1 K.
D'Angelo Jimenez 2-for-5 with 1 RBI, 1 Run, & 1 SB.
Jarrett Hoffpauir 2-for-3 with 1 Run, 2 BB's, & 1 K.
Mark Johnson 1-for-1 with 1 2B & 1 RBI.
Bryan Anderson 1-for-5 with 1 Two-Out RBI, 2 Throwing Errors, & Allowed 2 SB's.
David Freese 1-for-1 with 1 2B.
Nick Webber 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 Runs(pitches-strikes:9-6)(ground out-fly out:0-3).

Rough Outing:
Cody Haerther 0-for-4 with 1 K.
Jaime Garcia Started, 5 Innings, 4 Hits, 4 Runs(3 ER), 3 BB's, 1 HBP, 2 WP's, & 3 K's(pitches-strikes:75-42)(ground out-fly out:10-2)(1-for-2 with 1 2B & 1 Run At The Plate).
Ron Flores Loss(1-3), 1 Inning,1 Hit, 1 Run(ER), & 2 K's(pitches-strikes:16-11)(ground out-lfy out:0-1)(inherited runners-scored:2-0).
Jason Motte 0.2 Innings, 3 Hits, 3 Runs(All ER), 1 IBB, & 2 K's(pitches-strikes:30-18)(inherited runners-scored:1-1).

Boxscore

Commercial Appeal Post Game

The Tennesean Post Game

Round Rock Beats Memphis 6-1: Team Held To 5 Hits; Freese Doubles & Solo HR, Barden 2 Doubles, Garcia Roughed Up, Webber & Scherer No Hit Last 3 In.

Individual Highlights:
Brian Barden 2-for-4 with 2 2B's & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Colby Rasmus 1-for-3 with 1 BB.
David Freese 2-for-4 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 Two-Out RBI, 1 Run, 1 K, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Nick Webber 2 Innings, 0 Hits Or Runs, 1 BB, & 1 K(pitches-strikes:23-12)(ground out-fly out:3-2).
Matt Scherer 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs, & 1 K(pitches-strikes:11-6)(ground out-fly out:1-1).

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

Commercial Appeal Post Game

Round Rock Beats Memphis 10-6: G.Johnson Hits Solo HR, Stavinoha Doubles & 2 RBI's, Haerther Doubles & 1 RBI, Rasmus 3 Walks, Walters Hammered

Individual Highlights:
Brian Barden 1-for-5 with 1 Two-Out RBI & 1 GIDP.
Colby Rasmus 0-for-2 with 2 Runs, 3 BB's, & 1 K.
Nick Stavinoha 2-for-5 with 1 2B, 2 RBI's, & 1 Run.
David Freese 1-for-4 with 1 Two-Out RBI, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Cody Haerther 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 Run, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Gabe Johnson 1-for-4 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 Run, 2 K's, & 1 PB.
Hugo Castellanos 2.1 Innings, 1 Hit, 0 Runs, 2 BB's, & 1 K(pitches-strikes:43-26)(ground out-fly out:4-2)(1-for-1 At The Plate).
John Wasdin 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs, 1 BB, & 1 K(pitches-strikes:15-9)(ground out-fly out:1-1).

Rough Outing:
Josh Phelps 0-for-4 with 1 BB & 2 K's.
D'Angelo Jimenez 0-for-2.
P.J. Walters Loss(4-1), Started, 1.2 Innings, 9 hits, 9 Runs(All ER), 1 BB, 2 HR's, & 1 K(pitches-strikes:58-36)(ground out-fly out:3-1).
Nick Webber 3 Innings, 2 Hits, 1 Run(ER), 3 BB's, 1 HR, & 1 K(pitches-strikes:46-25)(ground out-fly out:5-3)(1-for-2 with 1 Run At The Plate).
Matt Scherer 1 Inning, 0 Hits Or Runs, 1 BB, & 1 WP(pitches-strikes:14-6)(ground out-fly out:1-2).

Boxscore

Redbirds Official Site Post Game

Memphis Redbirds Report 6-3-08

A 2-5 week has put the Triple-A club on a slide from first place to third in the PCL American North. David Freese has been a bright spot for the offense with 13 RBI in his last eight games.

The Birdhouse

Albuquerque Beats Memphis 6-1: Fresse 1 RBI; Rasmus, Duncan, & Stavinoha All Double, Castellanos Lit Up

Individual Highlights:
Colby Rasmus 2-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K, & 1 Fielding Error.
Chris Duncan 1-for-3 with 1 2B, 1 Run, 1 HBP, & 1 K.
Nick Stavinoha 1-for-4 with 1 2B & 1 GIDP.
David Freese 1-for-3 with 1 Two-Out RBI, 1 BB, & 1 K.
Matt Scherer 1 Inning, 2 Hits, 0 Runs, & 1 BB(pitches-strikes:24-17)(ground out-fly out:1-2).

Rough Outing:
Brian Barden 0-for-4 with 2 K's & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Josh Phelps 0-for-3 with 1 BB, 2 K's, & Assisted In 1 Double Play.
Gabe Johnson 0-for-3 with 2 GIDP's, Allowed 2 SB's, & Gunned 1 Runner Down.
Hugo Castellanos Loss(2-1), Started, 5 Innings, 6 Hits, 5 Runs(All ER), 5 BB's, 2 HR's, 1 HBP, 2 WP's, & 4 K's(pitches-strikes:103-54)(ground out-fly out:3-7).
Nick Webber 2 Innings, 1 Hit, 1 Run(Unearned), 1 BB, & 1 HBP(pitches-strikes:26-13)(ground out-fly out:3-2).

Boxscore

Redbirds Official Site Post Game

Commercial Appeal Post Game

Iowa Beats Memphis 10-3: Reyes Struggles, Freese Hits 3-Run HR, G.Johnson Triples, Stavinhoa 2 Hits, Bullpen Roughed Up

Individual Highlights:
Nick Stavinoha 2-for-4 with 1 Run, 1 BB, & 1 K.
David Freese 1-for-3 with 1 HR, 3 Two-out RBI's, 1 Run, & 1 BB.
Gabe Johnson 1-for-3 with 1 3B, 1 BB, 1 CS, & Allowed 1 SB.

Rough Outing:
Brian Barden 0-for-4 with 1 BB, 2 K's, & Assisted In 2 Double Plays.
Cody Haerther 0-for-4 with 1 K.
Jarrett Hoffpauir 0-for-1 with 1 K.
Anthony Reyes Loss(1-1), Started, 6 Innings, 9 Hits, 4 Runs(All ER), 2 BB's, & 4 K's(pitches-strikes:90-58)(ground out-fly out:10-4)(0-for-2 with 2 K's At The Plate).
Matt Scherer 1 Inning, 3 Hits, 2 Runs(All ER), & 1 K(pitches-strikes:14-10)(ground out-fly out:0-2).
Nick Webber 1 Inning, 3 Innings, 4 Runs(All ER), 1 BB, & 1 HBP(pitches-strikes:21-11)(ground out-fly out:2-1).

Boxscore

Redbirds Official Site Post Game

Commercial Appeal

Scott Vander Weg Comments On Suspension

Having served his 50-game suspension after testing positive for steroids, new Springfield Cardinals reliever Scott Vander Weg is eager to thank the St. Louis organization for not giving up on him.

News-Leader