4thebirds...: 08/01/2008 - 09/01/2008

Thursday, September 11, 2008

4thebirds...LIVEcast Cubs vs. Cardinals 9/11/08

Redbird Report

Redbird Report: "With Derek Lee at the plate, Lilly tried to score on a soft chopper to Ceaser Iztruis, who threw Lilly out at home. With the close play at home, Lilly went in hard at home, trying to jar the ball loose from Yadier Molina, where Lilly's knee went into the thigh of Molina. Molina suffered a bruised thigh which would later be the reason for him leaving the game after his at-bat in the bottom of the 4th-inning."

4thebirds...
... Here's a game summary from a young sportswriter whose blog was featured on MLB Blogs. Quite a writer.

This is his About Me profile on the MLB site.

About Redbirdfan13
A St. Louis Cardinals fan all of my
life, I've grown up knowing quality baseball with the knowledge of the best fans
in the game. I've recently begun writing about baseball and just got an article
I wrote published in a decently sized newspaper that has quite a following in
the area I live in. I'm 19 years old and love baseball, hoping to enter into the
world of sports reporting or writing after college is done.
Interests
Watching baseball, writing, keeping up with
the MLB, and spending time with the Mrs's.

LIVEcast reminder 9/11/08 Cubs/Cards

NOTE FOR ANY OTHER CARDINALS' BLOGGERS: You are more than welcome to hook up with the live blog, which can be run on your site and this site simultaneously (and any number of other sites as well, i.e., the live blog we use will run concurrently on three other sites related to 4thebirds. If you're interested, use the Email the Author link below this post, or just use the remark box during the live blog and inquire.

NOTE FOR UCB MEMBERS: Any United Cardinals Bloggers who wish to test the live blogging code, or use via e-mail invite, or otherwise would like to jump in for a few minutes to test the functionality of this device, please use the Email the Author link below this post if you do not already have my e-mail address. I will need your e-mail address that you would use for your Cover-it-Live account to send you the invite. Your invite will contain all the instructions needed to set up a live blog window, either in a browser window separate from your site, or with the addition of the live blog window within a post on your site.

For tonight's game, I will be doing limited posting in case someone needs some help on this. If you have a Wordpress site, you can still use this system, but you will have to do it a different way. Generally, Blogger blogs handle this very well, and most sites that can embed html code.

Redbird Randoms...9/11/08

On-deck: The Cards play the rubber match of the Cubs/Cards series tonight at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Game time is 7:15 p.m. CT.

Probables: CHC-Rich Harden RHP (9-2, 1.99) vs. STL-Todd Wellemeyer RHP (12-6, 3.74)

Birds' Perch: The Cardinals have slipped into fourth place in the NL Central, 9.0 games behind the first place Chicago Cubs, 4.5 games behind the second place Milwaukee Brewers (also NL WC leaders), 0.5 games behind the third place Houston Astros.

Next series: The Cardinals start a 9-game road trip tomorrow with the first three games at Pittsburgh, then three games in Cincinnati, then a day off before finishing the road trip with three games at Chicago.

Bird is the word | Future Redbirds

Bird is the word Future Redbirds: "Just when we see former River City Rascal Josh Kinney back in action in the big leagues again, we learn that the Cardinals have purchased the contract of 24-year old RHP Ryan Bird from the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League."

4thebirds...
... If they're up-and-coming Redbirds, Future Redbirds has the "word on the Bird."

Bird Land » Blog Archive » Prospect Audit: The Bird Land 7

Bird Land » Blog Archive » Prospect Audit: The Bird Land 7: "In the past couple Farmnik entries, we’ve set the stage for the prospect ranking season and the revising of the Baseball America Top 30 (on bookshelves next February, of course). First, we revisited this year’s Top 30 and then a poll of the readers for the top 2009 rookie, breakout candidate and sleeper.

Now, the Bird Land 7."

4thebirds...
... Here's a neat list of top prospects, compiled with the help of some United Cardinals Bloggers.

STLtoday - Cubs won't be playing Astros here

STLtoday - Cubs won't be playing Astros here: "Don't expect to see the Cubs stick around for the weekend to play the Astros here at Busch Stadium.

There was buzz around the stadium Wednesday night that if Hurricane Ike disrupted things in Houston this weekend, the scheduled series between the Cubs and Astros could be moved here."

4thebirds...
... Probably won't happen, but whatever the outcome is, it will be interesting, given the nature of the NL Wild Card.

STLtoday - The Free Agent 15

STLtoday - The Free Agent 15: "Here at STLtoday.com Sports, we get pounded with questions about the ’09 free agent class. Which players should the Cardinals target?"

4thebirds...
... Here is a thought-provoking piece by Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. This one is fun because every one's opinion is desired, but nobody can claim they're right, or that anyone else is wrong, at least, not until and unless the Cards actually deal for one of the players on Gordon's Free Agent 15.

STLtoday - Cards suffer world of hurt

STLtoday - Cards suffer world of hurt: "I'm assuming it was a little breezy late Wednesday night on the streets of Wrigleyville. But that wasn't a gust coming off Lake Michigan on Chicago's North Side. More likely, the mighty wind was whipped up by thousands of Cubs fans who exhaled simultaneously after their heroes put down the Cardinals 4-3 at Busch Stadium."

4thebirds...
... A much more even-tempered and effective piece by Miklasz, whose normal column seems to contain at least one item that pisses somebody off.

(Then again, don't we all?)

You can see he's still trying to ease his way back from his "Redbird Write-off" a few days ago.

This is how you do it, Bernie: When I projected Pujols would go on a tear for the last two games of this series with the Cubs, I was wrong. Oh, he has hit (2-for-4), but honestly, not like I was figuring. So the correct response is: "Man-oh-man, did I ever call that one wrong!" I'll say that, and I don't even have an audience. (Maybe that's why? Hmm.)

Must forgive Bernie, however, because we know if he didn't care about the subject matter of which he writes (in this case, the Cardinals), he wouldn't rant and would probably become a bit dull. We're pretty sure the Post-Dispatch don't pay for "Dull," so we get it.

In any event, the article explores we can speculate is just about how most of Cardinal Nation feels, and there-in lies Bernie's gift.

(Note: This isn't a love-hate rant; Bernie Miklasz really is respected around here.)

Daily Farm Report - 9/10/08 | Future Redbirds

Daily Farm Report - 9/10/08 Future Redbirds: "We are so very near the end, but thankfully Batavia has kept the DFR’s alive for a little while longer. Derrick Goold follows up the UCB’s top seven lists with his own. His methodology was a little different from Erik’s, as he didn’t consider Perez, Mather, Garcia or Boggs eligible. It’s always good to get DG’s take on the prospects."

4thebirds...
... DFR

Pujols is clutch; is that even news worthy? « Redbird Ramblings

Pujols is clutch; is that even news worthy? « Redbird Ramblings: "so, what do you know? the big bad central division leading cubbies came to town yesterday. looks like the cards caught them at the right time.

big z and harden are both out, but the cubbies still had dempster (who has had a very good season as a starter) start for them last night. it did not start out very well. the cubs got two runs off of lohse in the first inning and another one in the third. dempster seemed to be on for five innings."

4thebirds...
... Ramblings from Redbird Ramblings.

Not to be confused with 4thebirds "Redbird Ramblings," which had been used some time back, before realizing there was blog by that name. It's quite a common phrase, and no doubt, there's plenty more of them out there somewhere. But since, we've called one of our (almost daily) features, Redbird Randoms.

In any event, the link points to the blog, not any of our old posts.

SportingNews.com - The Sporting Blog - Molina Learns the Hard Way Not to Be on the Tracks When the Lilly Train's Coming Through

SportingNews.com - The Sporting Blog - Molina Learns the Hard Way Not to Be on the Tracks When the Lilly Train's Coming Through: "When you hear the name Ted Lilly, you probably think 'crafty lefty, decent stuff, a good middle rotation guy.' But when I think Ted Lilly, I think of two words: Bad."

4thebirds...
... And you can guess what the other word is.

Clean play, cheap shot, no matter. The point is that Ted Lilly is the example of old school baseball, the type that the Cubs need to make their way through the eons to glory. (And I do mean eons.)

There have been many stories that include last night's collision, and a few, like this one, that have zeroed in on the play. The odd thing is that all the stories seem to take the tone that Molina is the guy to be hated in all this.

Why? Because he's a catcher that got ran down by a base runner?

Happens all the time, by big burly base runners and diminutive base runners. It's part of the game.

And yes, Molina should've known better than assume a base runner is going to allow him a "gimme touch-out." But since when does Molina become the object of hatred?

I guess if the publication posting this wants to alienate Cardinal Nation, so be it. We'd appreciate it, however, if they stated the publication's bias in the title or subtitle, perhaps, something that says certain players get the "up slant" and and others get blindsided.

Just wondering if the writer hates the St. Louis Cardinals, or Yadier Molina in particular, or perhaps his ethnicity? After all, he was run down by a "Lilly" white Caucasian. See? That Card don't play.

Clean play, cheap shot? Don't matter. Fair reporting does matter.

Cubs Even the Series | Mike On The Cards

Cubs Even the Series Mike On The Cards: "Ted Lilly is good, and that sucks. Really, he’s good. Seriously, that sucks. Lilly kept the Cardinal hitters off balance all night, lasting eight innings, giving up just one run on five hits. He was brilliant. To me, he looks hittable. I guess to Major League hitters, he’s not."

4thebirds...
... Yes, Ted Lilly is really good. And he's smart (about pitching, anyway). And, he has command. And, he can change speeds.

These qualities make for a really good pitcher. The thing that makes Lilly look so hittable is that he doesn't throw all that hard. But his location and choice is outstanding, and make no mistake, Lilly knows hitters.

The earned run statement is valid, and frustration is valid. But so is Lilly, and as a Cardinals' fan, that does suck.

Texas Teams Monitoring Hurricane Ike - Sports News Story - WFSB Hartford

Texas Teams Monitoring Hurricane Ike - Sports News Story - WFSB Hartford: "The Houston Astros are scheduled to open a key three-game series with the Chicago Cubs starting Friday, and several high schools along the Gulf Coast and in Central Texas have already decided to call off or reschedule weekend games."

4thebirds...
... Ike is wanting on the schedule, and there's nothing baseball can do about it.

New York Mets may not need to worry about Philadelphia Phillies, writer says - New York Mets baseball - NJ.com

New York Mets may not need to worry about Philadelphia Phillies, writer says - New York Mets baseball - NJ.com: "New York Mets fans are talking about it and the papers are reporting it; the 2007 collapse is still far from an afterthought. But one writer has openly admitted (via a nifty grading system) that the Philadelphia Phillies will have a much harder time trying to catch the Mets this season."

4thebirds...
... Right now, Phillies news is important to Cardinal Nation, due to the current state of the NL Wild Card.

Cardinal Nation Globe: CNG posts used for evil

Cardinal Nation Globe: CNG posts used for evil

4thebirds...
... Season and series ain't over yet. I seen in a forum post yesterday, a fair-weather fan twist old Ernie's phrase in speaking about the current series: "Let's lose two!"

Making a move | News-Leader.com | Springfield News-Leader

Making a move News-Leader.com Springfield News-Leader: "The Springfield Cardinals finished with the best full-season record in the Texas League's North Division (76-64), but they didn't make the playoffs -- victims of a first-half tiebreaker."

4thebirds...
... Erin Bolen of the Springfield News-Leader covered the end of the Class AA affiliate Springfield Cardinals' season.

Change cropped up for Bandits in '08 / QCTimes.com

Change cropped up for Bandits in '08 / QCTimes.com: "On and off the field, the 2008 season will be remembered as a year of change for the Quad-Cities River Bandits.

Manager Steve Dillard dealt with a changing roster throughout his team’s 68-66 season, in which more players suited up for Quad-Cities than any of the 47 seasons that preceded it."

4thebirds...
... Steve Batterson covers the QC River Bandits like no other. Always something new to report from the Class A affiliate.

Lilly, Cubs clip Cards - :: Cincinnati news story :: LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV in Cincinnati

Lilly, Cubs clip Cards - :: Cincinnati news story :: LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV in Cincinnati: "Ted Lilly hurled eight strong innings and the Chicago Cubs held on for a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, in the middle contest of a three-game set from Busch Stadium.

Lilly (14-9) allowed five hits and one run, while striking out five and walking none to get the win. Felix Pie, Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez each recorded an RBI for the Cubs, who had dropped two in a row coming in."

4thebirds...
... Game summary.

Lilly calms concerns, stifles Cards | MLB.com: News

Lilly calms concerns, stifles Cards MLB.com: News: "ST. LOUIS -- Ted Lilly did not hear Lou Piniella's rant after Tuesday's game, but the left-hander got the message.

Lilly pitched eight solid innings and survived a head-on collision at home plate as the Cubs took advantage of two errors by third baseman Felipe Lopez in a four-run second inning to beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-3, on Wednesday night."

4thebirds...
... Game summary.

Cubs keep lead over Brew Crew

Cubs keep lead over Brew Crew: "Ted Lilly pitched eight superb innings as the Chicago Cubs downed the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-3, in a critical National League Central Division battle on Wednesday.

Lilly (14-9) yielded just one run and five hits while striking out five without a walk. Kerry Wood picked up his 29th save despite allowing a two-run homer by Ryan Ludwick in the ninth."

4thebirds...
... Game summary.

Cards clubhouse blog: Kinney's comeback highlights losing effort

Cards clubhouse blog: Kinney's comeback highlights losing effort: "The Cardinals lost to Chicago 4-3 on Wednesday, the latest blow to their playoff hopes for this season. But for one Cardinal, the night was a success.
Reliever Josh Kinney, a former Frontier League pitcher, threw a scoreless seventh inning in his first regular-season game since Oct. 1, 2006. Kinney needed just six pitches to dispose of Aramis Ramirez, Geovany Soto and Kosuke Fukudome."

4thebirds...
... David Wilhelm of the Belleview News-Democrat present a transcription of Josh Kinney's statement after yesterday's game.

It's good to see a writer hit upon Kinney's comeback in some detail. Kinney could have more impact on the Cardinals current and long-term destiny than people are yet realizing. Wilhelm seems to have spotted the significance.

Rockin' the Red: Are the Cards still in it?

Rockin' the Red: Are the Cards still in it?: "I'm not totally sure what to write here. Every time I declare the Cardinals out of the Wild Card race, they get back in it. Every time I jump back on the bandwagon, they fall right back off it."

4thebirds...
... Kujo, you are a Cardinals' blogger, of course the Cardinals are still in it.

All kidding aside, check with Rockin' the Red often to find out if any discussion has developed re: Cards in? Cards out?

Cheap seats blog: Carp is still ailing

Cheap seats blog: Carp is still ailing: "A month after he injured his shoulder at Wrigley Field, things apparently still aren't well with Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter."

4thebirds...
... Scott Wuerz asks tough questions about Carp's condition.

STLtoday - Cubs, Lilly make good things happen

STLtoday - Cubs, Lilly make good things happen: "But mostly this was about starting pitching. Lilly, who had been 4-2 with a 2.98 earned-run average against the Cardinals while pitching for Toronto and the Cubs, was not much short of stifling."

4thebirds...
... Last night's defeat at the hands of Ted Lilly and the Chicago Cubs had, as most games, dozens of plays that factor in to how the game developed, and eventually, the result of its conclusion.

But the biggest factor, addressed here by Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was Cubs' pitcher Ted Lilly. Give credit where credit is due.

Lilly takes Piniella's message to heart :: Beacon News :: Sports

Lilly takes Piniella's message to heart :: Beacon News :: Sports: "ST. LOUIS -- Maybe Barack Obama is right about the power of words.

As soon as Cubs manager Lou Piniella roared about his team's need to ''go out and kick somebody's ass,'' pitcher Ted Lilly showed teammates the way -- by crashing through St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina trying to score in the second inning Wednesday night."

4thebirds...
... A Chicago-are newsgroup article hyping the Cubs win and trying to make a direct connection between Piniella's fiery speech from the day before with Ted Lilly's trying to knock Yadier Molina's block off at home plate.

Redbirds Fun: A Nation Remembers

Redbirds Fun: A Nation Remembers

4thebirds...
... a nice Nine-eleven memorial presentation, including Youtube video of Jack Buck.

STLtoday - Ankiel on hold

STLtoday - Ankiel on hold: "Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel will seek a second opinion in the coming days on an abdominal injury that has not improved in recent weeks, Cardinals officials confirmed Wednesday. Manager Tony La Russa said he would use the outfielder 'sparingly' or 'when needed' until the result of his meeting with a specialist."

4thebirds...
... an update of sorts by Derrick Goold regarding Rick Ankiel's abdominal injury. Other updates include Memphis Redbirds, Hurrican Ike (relative to Cubs), and more.

photo by Barbara Moore

Utility is tough, Lopez still the right Redbird

Felipe Lopez has taken quite a bit of heat for his pair of miscues in last night's ball game, but the knock on the recently acquired former All-Star is a bit rough considering the situation.

Of course, there are no excuses for a brain blowout on a force play that found Lopez trying to tag a base runner instead. Lopez himself admits to all that, and that the goof-up, plus his throwing error, cost his team.

But oh how quickly folks forget that just the this past Sunday, Lopez dove on a ball down the third base line off the bat of Marlins' leadoff hitter Hanley Ramirez to start off the game with a putout for Adam Wainwright and his team instead of a double with no one out in the first inning.

Tit for tat, last night's errors were undoubtedly part of what Cards' manager Tony La Russa called "ugly" in his post-game interview, without pointing any specific fingers, you might say. No big deal. Lopez knows it. We move on.

Cardinal Nation should consider this, however. Lopez has started, substituted, pinched-into games, covered outfield positions, infield positions, and if he's around another week so, may join Aaron Miles as a utility man who has pitched.

Keep in mind that last night's lineup had bats in mind more so than defense. La Russa could have played Josh Phelps at third and Nick Stavinoha in left field. Phelps, after all, is an infielder; right side, but still, an infielder. Phelps, to our knowledge, had little or no outfield experience to that point. And indeed (and also, no fault of Phelps), there were a couple of balls Phelps played conservatively that a regular outfielder would've handled much more aggressively, and that, due to experience alone.

Or ... Aaron Miles could've played at third base. He's done so before, and with Adam Kennedy, surprisingly starting at second base with a left-handed pitcher on the hill, would've allowed Lopez to take his two or three games more of outfield experience than Phelps into left field.

But there certainly isn't any faulting La Russa on finding a way to keep Lopez's bat in the lineup, as the man has performed well since becoming a Redbird.

If that's La Russa's strategy, so be it. There's no denying he favors hitters over defenders, and maybe that's because he has gotten used to Rick Ankiel (in healthier times) roaming center field, and has enjoyed infield corners with gloves that if aren't destined to go gold this season, are certainly line with the stuff.

That being said, you have to concede that La Russa has to find some way to get every bit of offense on that field as possible, considering how much difficulty the Cardinals have had at the plate this year. Hence, Lopez is in the game, and in a variety of positions, each one with there own set of skills and strategies.

Keep in mind that yesterday's errors were one each of the position knowledge and skills oriented. In other words, mental and physical. A force play is obvious to most of us, but on that field, Lopez has to pre-think, so to speak, all the possibilities of the play about to occur. He isn't just out there reacting to whatever happens, although that sometimes is what occurs.

Lopez had to consider (before the pitch is thrown), things like:

who is batting?
where does he usually hit?
what pitch is being thrown, as this can affect the "where" part?
is the turf fast today?
where do I go on a single to left?
where do I go on single to center?
where do I go on single to right?
what's my duties on an extra basehit? to left? to center? to right? into the alleys?
is this a bunt situation?
what is my coverage on this bunt? (often called by the catcher, but there is a standard bunt defense that the Cardinals were probably employing just because there was a "new man on the job"
what is my read on a batted ball as far as direction? speed of ball?
what is my read on a bunted ball? do I charge or retreat?
how many outs? (yes, reader, a simple thing, and did you even consider that yet? Ah-ha!)
an oh, there is so much more....

...and as a third baseman (or any other position player), you have to consider tons of factors like these between every pitch, and then some.

So should Lopez be crucified for the mental mistake on the force play? Probably not, although if he hung from one arm for a while, that would surely be enough for him to burn that experience into his thinking as a third baseman.

But wait a minute. Today, he might be playing left field again, and what are his duties on this particular pitch, game situation, according to the batter at the plate, and his own pitcher on the mound, and what pitch is he throwing, and how is the outfielder next to me playing, and what do I do on a ball into the gap, and ...

Throwing error, mental error, okay. Get over it, folks. All Lopez needs to do is think about correction, practice skills for correction, and play wherever La Russa points tomorrow.

photos by Barbara Moore

Shaky 'D' costly against Cubs | MLB.com: News

Shaky 'D' costly against Cubs MLB.com: News: "ST. LOUIS -- As the schedule dwindles to its final two weeks, the Cardinals have little margin for error. They certainly have no room for two errors in the same inning.

Just such an unraveling doomed them on Wednesday night, with a pair of Felipe Lopez miscues turning a one-run inning into a four-run outburst. The ugly frame sent St. Louis to a 4-3 loss to the Cubs, ending a three-game winning streak and knocking the Cards back to 4 1/2 games behind Wild Card-leading Milwaukee."

4thebirds...
... MLB.com beat writer Matthew Leach tells the of the "ugly" game that led to the Cardinals' 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs last night.

Most articles regarding this game are hard on Felipe Lopez, but it's kind of surprising he hasn't made more errors, the way he has been bounced around that defense. Lopez makes no excuses.

Cardinals get last home crack at Cubs | MLB.com: News

Cardinals get last home crack at Cubs MLB.com: News: "ST. LOUIS -- The stakes are surely still too high for any hijinks, but it's clear that some elements in the Cardinals' clubhouse are a little irritated with some actions by the Cubs as Thursday's series finale approaches.

On Tuesday, it was infielder Brian Barden expressing frustration with a high-and-tight pitch from Carlos Marmol. On Wednesday, manager Tony La Russa made it clear -- without explicitly saying so -- that he was annoyed by Ted Lilly's collision with Yadier Molina at home plate."

4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach previews the rubber match tonight at Busch Stadium while quoting Yadier Molina and Tony La Russa regarding the Ted Lilly collision with Molina in last night's game.

Most players and media are calling it a clean play, but not all convinced. Or so it seems.

:: TheSouthern.com - Southern Illinois' Homepage ::

:: TheSouthern.com - Southern Illinois' Homepage ::: "Miners' pitcher Ryan Bird will have a new address beginning this week.

The Frontier League's pitcher of the year will head down to Jupiter, Fla., home of the St. Louis Cardinals' instructional team, for an evaluation by the club's scouts.

'Incredible situation for him,' said Miners' manager Mike Pinto.Miners' pitcher Ryan Bird will have a new address beginning this week.

The Frontier League's pitcher of the year will head down to Jupiter, Fla., home of the St. Louis Cardinals' instructional team, for an evaluation by the club's scouts.

'Incredible situation for him,' said Miners' manager Mike Pinto."

4thebirds...
... The Cardinals' organization are taking a much closer look at this young pitcher who'd attended St. Louis University.

Modern Woodmen Park playing surface to get makeover / QCTimes.com

Modern Woodmen Park playing surface to get makeover / QCTimes.com: "Harvesting the small patch of corn that sits behind the Quad-Cities River Bandits bullpen won’t be the only field work taking place at Modern Woodmen Park this fall.

The playing field at Davenport’s Midwest League stadium will be getting an offseason makeover as well, addressing concerns of the River Bandits’ parent club, the St. Louis Cardinals."

4thebirds...
... Ben Kratz, the groundskeeper at Modern Woodmen Park, is on deck for the River Bandits this Autumn. His task. Fix the field.

Kratz is a full-time groundskeeper for the facility that hosts the St. Louis Cardinals' Class A Quad-Cities River Bandits. The Cardinals have concerns, as do visiting ball clubs, that a player could get hurt do to the poor condition of the playing surface.

Not Kratz's fault. The Mississippi had a lot to do with the deterioration of the field throughout the course of this season.

The QCTimes.com lays it all out, the publication that provides a great portion, if not most, of the QC River Bandits coverage.

Cards overcome long odds to contend | MLB.com: News

Cards overcome long odds to contend MLB.com: News: "ST. LOUIS -- For perseverance in the face of adversity, no team in the 2008 season has surpassed the St. Louis Cardinals.

This is not quite the same as winning a pennant, but there ought to be some credit due for hanging tough despite a series of debilitating injuries to crucial personnel. The fact that with less than three weeks left in the regular season the Cardinals are still in the postseason chase is a tribute to their persistence and determination."

4thebirds...
... Quitting isn't in the Cards.

Chipper pulls past Pujols in batting race | braves.com: News

Chipper pulls past Pujols in batting race braves.com: News: "Chipper Jones has repeatedly said over the past couple of weeks that regardless of who wins the National League batting title, Albert Pujols is the league's best hitter.

But it certainly doesn't look like Jones is going to let Pujols win the title without a fight."

4thebirds...
... The race within the race, at least, for the fans. Pujols, if we know him at all, is putting the team first, and batting title second.

Cubs eagerly awaiting return of aces | cubs.com: News

Cubs eagerly awaiting return of aces cubs.com: News: "On Thursday, Rich Harden will make his first start since Aug. 29. The right-hander is anxious to get back on the mound.

'It feels like a long time,' said Harden, who has made nine starts since joining the Cubs in a July 8 deal with Oakland. 'I only skipped one start. It feels like it's been a month, especially losing a few games, too. I want to get out there.'"

4thebirds...
... Harden's first start in a while, and although he is a great pitcher, the Cards are hoping he isn't quite on his best stuff out of the chute.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Washington Times - Tejada hits grand slam, Astros beat Pirates 7-4

Washington Times - Tejada hits grand slam, Astros beat Pirates 7-4: "Miguel Tejada's grand slam broke open a close game in the sixth inning and helped the surging Houston Astros beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 on Wednesday night."

4thebirds...
... A Washington Times summary of the night the Astros beat the Bucs and slipped past the Cards into third place as well as leaped ahead (of the Cards) a half-game in the NLWC.

Red-Hot Astros Streak Past Pitiful Pirates - MLB News Story - WKMG Orlando

Red-Hot Astros Streak Past Pitiful Pirates - MLB News Story - WKMG Orlando: "Miguel Tejada smacked a grand slam and Brian Moehler threw six effective innings, as the Houston Astros continued their torrid post-All Star break stretch with a 7-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, in the third installment of a four-game series from Minute Maid Park."

4thebirds...
... Here's an Astro's game summary, how they overtook the Cardinals for third place by knocking off the Bucs.

STLtoday - Fielding flaws cost Cards

STLtoday - Fielding flaws cost Cards: "Widely referred to as overachievers, the Cardinals used consistent defense and solid fundamentals to climb into contention this season. The absence of same Wednesday escorted them to fourth place. MORE CARDINALS
BIRD LAND: A user's guide to Albert's elbow "

4thebirds...
... The Cardinals may not have played up to the standards of some folks, but they did play a tough game against maybe the best team in baseball, and are in a position to win the three-game series tonight.

Joe Strauss covers the hot spots of the game, taking a pretty tough line on substituting third baseman Felipe Lopez.

All knocks aside, all the Cardinals really need to do is put the loss behind them, right next to the wins, and get ready to play the next game of "this is the most important game of the season." That's September, and it's great that the Cards are here.

Cubs beat Cards despite ninth-inning meltdown - MLB - CBSSports.com Live GameCenter

Cubs beat Cards despite ninth-inning meltdown - MLB - CBSSports.com Live GameCenter: "Ted Lilly pitched eight sharp innings and the Chicago Cubs capitalized on shaky fielding by injured Troy Glaus' replacement, beating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 Wednesday night for only their second win in nine games."

4thebirds...
... Game summary from CBSSports.com.

Lilly stymies Cards, Cubs even series

Lilly stymies Cards, Cubs even series: "ST. LOUIS --Ted Lilly held the St. Louis Cardinals to one run on five hits in eight innings and the Chicago Cubs capitalized on two errors by third baseman Felipe Lopez to post a 4-3 win Wednesday."

4thebirds...
... The early line from the Belleville News Democrat

R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens

R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens: "Baseball in Batavia nearly died over the winter. Given a second chance at life, the Muckdogs have run with the opportunity.

There's a lot of history here. The Batavia franchise is a charter member of the New York-Penn League dating back to 1939. But the game of baseball outgrew small town America and last winter, facing an economic and organizational crisis, the Muckdogs nearly folded."

4thebirds...
... The Low-A Cardinals' affiliate Batavia Muckdogs are doing well in their playoffs, but the organization that is the Batavia Muckdogs has made a comeback of its own. This story tells you what that it took to accomplish a better organization and team.

Lilly calms Cubs' concerns, stifles Cards | MLB.com: News

Lilly calms Cubs' concerns, stifles Cards MLB.com: News: "Lou Piniella wanted to see the Cubs kick some butt. Ted Lilly did just that.

Lilly survived a head-on crash at home plate and the Cubs took advantage of two errors by third baseman Felipe Lopez in a four-run second inning to beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-3, on Wednesday night."

4thebirds...
... Game summary from MLB.com

Cards fall short on comeback, slip to fourth in NL Central

The Chicago Cubs evened up the series with the St. Louis Cardinals tonight, holding off a ninth inning comeback that featured a double to the right-center field wall by Albert Pujols, then a two-run homer to the same area, only one row up, by Ryan Ludwick, who earned his 100th and 101st RBI of the season.

Ludwick's round-tripper, however, wasn't enough to bring the Cardinals back, Kerry Wood getting the save for the Cubs as the Cards drop a tough one, 4-3.

Pujols helped the Cards score first, in the first inning, when he grounded home Cesar Izturis to give the Cards an early 1-0 lead.

Felix Pie singled home K Fukudome in the top of the next inning, the start of a frame in which the Cubs scored all of their four runs on the night. Alfonso Soriano brought home a couple when he grounded into a fielder's choice to third baseman Felipe Lopez, who threw wildly to Adam Kennedy covering second, allowing Mark DeRosa and Pie to score. Aramis Ramirez then

singled home Soriano.

That four-run frame forced Looper to throw about three innings worth of pitches, after which he lasted through the fifth. His pitch count ended up at 106, and from there La Russa went with Randy Flores, Jason Motte, Josh Kinney, Ron Villone, and Kelvin Jimenez, the five relievers allowing no Cubs runs and no hits in four combined innings of work. Looper had given up the four runs, but only one of those was earned.

You could easily count Looper's performance as another excellent outing for a Cards' starter, but with a very rough inning.

So what the game challenge became was Cubs' starter Ted Lilly, who always seems to have the Cardinals' number. Lilly went eight stellar innings, at one point, taking out Yadier Molina at the plate and going back on the mound to throw some more. Molina would play a few more innings and then have to leave the game with what La Russa called a severe bruise in his post-game interview.

Lilly's command of his fast ball, slider, curve, and change kept the Cardinals' batsmen off balance most of the night, until Cubs' manager pulled him for reliever Kerry Wood in the ninth. That's when Pujols and Ludwick worked up a couple of comeback runs.

Unfortunately, falling short in the ninth meant a loss that, combined with a Houston Astros victory tonight, causes the Cards to slip into fourth place in the NL Central.

The Milwaukee Brewers won their game earlier in the day, so the NL Central stacks up with the Cubs in first, Brewers 4.5 games behind them in second, then, the Astros, 8.5 games out, and in fourth, the Cards, now 9.0 games out.

The Wild Card race adds up quite differently, and not as badly as the regular season standings. The Brewers still lead the NL WC. The Astros enjoy a real boost from their victory tonight, moving up to second in the WC, tied with the Phillies, both 4.0 games behind the Brewers. The Cards aren't in a horrible spot, only 4.5 games behind in the WC.

Tomorrow night features the rubber match, which, given the way the first two games of the series has gone, promises to be exciting.

Rich Harden (9-2, 1.99) is slated to pitch for the Cubs, opposed by the Cards' Todd Wellemeyer (12-6, 3.74). Game time is 7:15 p.m. CT.

photos by Barbara Moore

The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO - Mike Pound: Mike Shannon has a rougher job than column writing

The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO - Mike Pound: Mike Shannon has a rougher job than column writing: "We all have days when we don’t look forward to going to work.

Days when the thought of what awaits you at your job fills you with dread, with fear, with nausea. I’m sure Mike Shannon, who as the longtime St. Louis Cardinals radio broadcaster probably has the best job in the world, has days when he has to drag himself to work: “Shoot. I have to drive over to Bush Stadium, sit in the radio booth, drink beer and watch baseball again. I wish I wrote a newspaper column.”"

4thebirds...
... The columnist wrote a whole column (if that's what it was), about nothing. Weird the way he dissed Shannon. Maybe he's a friend or something and is pranking him a good one. If not, maybe one day Shannon will bust him a good one in the chops. It makes you wonder what the heck the connection is, but there's not a whole lot of articles about Mike Shannon, so this gets the nod.

Anyhow, if you check out the article, you might wonder just who the drinker really is.

photo by Barbara Moore

MRI negative on Glaus' right shoulder

MRI negative on Glaus' right shoulder: "An MRI exam Wednesday on the right shoulder of St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus was negative."

4thebirds...
... MRI says OK for Glaus. See what David Wilhelm says about it.

Exile in goatville < Chicago News, Events and Culture | Chi-Town Daily News |

Exile in goatville < Chicago News, Events and Culture Chi-Town Daily News : "I'll admit it, I can't even watch a majority of these games. I can't endure the agony."

4thebirds...
... This writer believes the Cubs are struggling because they don't possess what he believes is a standout, MVP-quality hitter.

4thebirds 4thoughts

There's not much left for the Cardinals to do during the perpetual hype of the Cubs/Cards rivalry except prep and play.

It appears the Cards will be without the services of third baseman Troy Glaus; for how long, no one's sure. Felipe Lopez figures to be his replacement, but depending on what kind of lineup manager Tony La Russa will mark up with left-hander Ted Lilly on the hill for the North Siders, this could take some thought.

The Glaus shoulder injury will strain a bit more than his shoulder, as it is unlikely Rick Ankiel or Skip Schumaker will start. And though there are calliups to use, one of them isn't Joe Mather, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Lopez in left. This would be a good time for TLR to get Stavinoha back into the mix, except that Lilly will eat him up with off-speed.

Due to Lilly's ability to mix curves and change speeds, it might not be a bad idea (and we know this goes against TLR's grain) to use an extra singles hitter. God forbid we have two players shorter than six-foot tall as it is, but bat handling instead of fanning may be the best order of business tonight. Until Lilly is done for the night, anyhow. Then, you can pinch all the power into the batters' box you want.

Cubs' manager Lou Piniella has shot the works with his post-game tirade, so if his squad fails to react, he has nowhere to go with another media show. Do look for Piniella to shake things up on the field if possible. In other words, Yadi better get ready to go a-gunnin', because it is entirely possible that the Cubs' skipper will be sending anyone who reaches first base, until Yadi proves he can thrown them out. Also, Molina has a lot of season on him, so another Cubs' base running technique will be to break for the next base when the ball is in the dirt. There is no waiting to see if Yadi scoops the ball, or blocks it, or whether it deflects away; it's just, go.

Otherwise, look for Piniella to use the hit-and-run whenever possible. There's few things that can get a team's momentum going like a risky hit and run, especially with a pitcher like Braden Looper, who almost never walks anyone. When a pitcher is that much around the plate, a batter is much more likely to get a decent pitch to hit, increasing the chances for contact and success on the play.

These are not strategies of desperation, however. It just seems like the Cubs will be looking for plays that instill confidence, so they can quit thinking about how and when the other team is going to "come get em." (The Cards know that feeling, and so does Cardinal Nation.) When Soto, for instance, failed to execute proper placement on a sacrifice bunt last night, the result was a demoralizing (for the Cubs) double play. It's possible Mr. Piniella will yet use some bunts tonight, but maybe with a player that has actually performed the play at least once this entire season.

One key to getting to Ted Lilly will be to get him in the set position, where his effectiveness goes way down. He does lose some movement and zip on his fast ball with base runners aboard, and is likely to overuse his breaking ball, even more so than his change-up, and he has excellent command of both. When this occurs, it would help if the Cards could do some stealing, but don't count on it as TLR favors the longball, even if it comes once every three innings. These factors play against the Cards, but getting Lilly into the set, and keeping him there, is still the Cards best shot at getting to the awesome Cubs' hurler.

(And it may sound funny, but the Redbirds would probably be better off if they were facing Carlos Zambrano.)

Certainly the Cardinals are aware of Lilly's favored pitching progression against them, and you couldn't blame the lefty hurler for using the same pattern, at least until the Cards' batsmen can prove they can overcome the mix. What we're talking about here is a constantly alternating (if that isn't redundant) pattern of fast ball up and in, off speed low and away, fast ball up and in, off speed low and away, etc. If the Cards go chasing after this common pitching approach, you will see Lilly not only continue the pattern, but throw nothing over the plate. Once Lilly determines that the Cardinal hitters are will to hack inside and reach outside, the pitches in this pattern will get farther and farther outside the strike zone. And who could blame him?

This is simply the challenge of facing a great pitcher. If you're lucky, he's off location or just doesn't have his stuff. That's what happened to Lohse. It can happen to Lilly. But don't rely on it.

Better that the Cardinals beat Lilly like they did Dempster; on a night where he does seem un-hittable. In that way, you suck up all the confidence and momentum and leave nothing but despair for your opponent. We'll just have to see who accomplishes this tonight.

The great thing about baseball, however, is that none of this could happen. A game can take on any demeanor and change the strategy by the inning.

Last projection, sort of out on a limb, sort of not: Pujols will go on a tear at the plate, but not for the reason you might think. This has nothing to do with the fact that he has just hit three homers in three games. What it has to do with is that Pujols is riding a high as far as playing for those kids last weekend, the whole Walk in the Park thing, which means a lot to Pujols. And on a mechanical note, I've said long ago, when Pujols was going through what I would call a rough patch which I though was caused by a swing set up to pull only. Back then, I stated that when Pujols hitting most effectively, he has some drives into the right-center field alley, and beyond.

Well, that's what I saw last night, and so, tonight, I look for him to really punish the baseball, left, center, right. The bigger question is whether La Russa can place anyone in the lineup to protect him, and the only way I can see to do that is with 9-1-2 as contact, singles hitters, even though TLR will probably hit power in the number two slot. The clean-up hitter is critical tonight, because we're about out of options.

not Ankiel; a lefty
not Glaus; he's injured
not Mather; he's injured, and a shame, because he can really see the off-speed stuff and hit it hard
Ludwick, and hope he gets on track, but with Lilly and his off-speed skills, yikes
Stavinoha, on a risk; off-speed challenged
not Duncan, he's injured, and, a dead-pull lefty
Phelps, with enough big league experience not to fold, but not enough recent ABs to be sharp, a risk

No, my pick would be Yadi. Sounds goofy at first, but it does make sense. Either that or stick with Luddy, who although has struggled of late, has indeed, played a big part in the what success the Cardinals offense has had.

Out of time. Game starts in a few hours.

photo by Barbara Moore

Cards Not Done Yet | Mike On The Cards

Cards Not Done Yet Mike On The Cards: "The Cardinals were able to come away with a win last night in the first game of a three game series against the division leading Chicago Cubs. Two key swings stood out in the win. One, a rocket three run homer off the bat of Albert Pujols to tie the game in the sixth. The other, a weak, check swing dribbler past the pitcher from Cesar Izturis to score the winning run from third. Baseball is funny that way."

4thebirds...
... The unique Mike on the Cards take on last night's game.

Fungoes

Fungoes: "The Albert Pujols Show continued its sold-out run at Busch Stadium Tuesday night, as the Cardinals’ perennial MVP candidate showed the Cubs how precarious a three-run lead in the sixth inning can be."

4thebirds...
... A study of Pujols impact. You'll have to digest some stats, but there's some meaning in there.

Season End Hardware | Future Redbirds

Season End Hardware Future Redbirds: "The regular minor league season is in the books, and I would reckon now is the time when the organization starts to think about who is their minor league player and pitcher of the year. Before the Cardinals name theirs, we as a community we could vote for ours. This is not about who is the best prospect, we are talking about performance on the field this past season. The 2008 draft class does not qualify given the fact they were unable to play a full season, so no votes for the Walrus please, deserving as some of you may feel that he is."

4thebirds...
... Fan vote, it seems. Check it out if you like minor league Cards.

Rockin' the Red: Lovable losers

Rockin' the Red: Lovable losers

4thebirds...
... Funny photo here.

STLtoday - Update: What Albert says about his elbow

STLtoday - Update: What Albert says about his elbow: "'Unless I blow it out tonight or in the next three weeks, I'm not going to have surgery after the season,' he said. 'That's how I feel.'"

4thebirds...
... The latest on Pujols' decision to have or not have surgery.

Three worthy of being NL's top skipper | MLB.com: News

Three worthy of being NL's top skipper MLB.com: News: "Lou Piniella has the Cubs in position for a second straight division crown.

Tony La Russa took an overhauled Cardinals club that many thought destined for also-ran status and has it playing contending baseball.

Jerry Manuel turned around an underachieving Mets team and has it pointed toward the playoffs."

4thebirds...
... Guess who we're voting for?

Rosenblog| Chicago Tribune | Blog

Rosenblog Chicago Tribune Blog: "The Cubs have induced rampant panic by losing eight of nine games. They have caused chaos with injuries to two pitchers who would be among your top three playoff starters. They have set off the eruption of Mount St. Piniella after their best pitcher couldn’t hold a 3-0 lead against the supposedly plummeting Cardinals."

4thebirds...
... More panic from the North Side.

Bernie’s Extra Points » Blog Archive » The Strange NL Central

Bernie’s Extra Points » Blog Archive » The Strange NL Central: "What the heck is going on here?"

4thebirds...
... I'll tell you what's going on here. Bernie's not talking '09 any more.

It seems 4thebirds and about three other blogs were the only ones screaming that the Cards have every bit of a chance to get that Wild Card.

There's no halfway, folks, you're in or your out.

C.A.R.D.s -- Batavia outlast Lowell, Cutler perfect at plate

The Batavia Muckdogs went into double-digits to beat the Lowell Spinners in playoff action yesterday, 13-9.

Arquimedis Nieto, one of five Muckdogs' hurlers used, got the win. Jason Burrsma earned the save.

Muckdogs of note:

Thomas Eager struck out five Spinners in 2.0 innings
George Brown struck out four Spinners in 3.0 innings
Chris Cutler went 4-for-4, scoring 3 runs
Shane Peterson went 3-for-4 with a double and scoring 2 runs
Chris Swauger went 2-for-5 with two doubles and 4 RBIs
Edwin Gomez went 1-for-3 with a double, scoring two runs and tabbing 3 RBIs

Palm Beach Cardinals: News: Article

Palm Beach Cardinals: News: Article: "JUPITER, FL - Palm Beach Cardinals' Starting Pitcher Tyler Herron was named Florida State League Pitcher of the Week for the period of July 28-August 3, 2008. He made one start, which came on August 2 against the Brevard County Manatees, and pitched eight scoreless innings and allowed just three hits and one walk while striking out five batters."

4thebirds...
... Tyler Herron plays for the St. Louis Cardinals' High-A affiliate Palm Beach Cardinals, and was named the Player of the Week by the Florida State League.

Full story at the link above.

Johnson City Cardinals: News: Article

Johnson City Cardinals: News: Article: "Johnson City, Tenn. (Aug. 23, 2008) --- The Appalachian League announced the All-Star team earlier this week. The Johnson City Cardinals' Curt Smith was named 'Player of the Year.' Smith was the Cardinals only player named to the All-Star team."

4thebirds...
... We've heard the name Curt Smith a lot this season, a St. Louis Cardinals' affiliate player who works out of Tennessee, a member of the Rookie League, the Johnson City Cardinals to be exact.

Smith was named the Player of the Year by the Appalachian League.

Get the full story at the link above.

Quad Cities River Bandits: News: Article

Quad Cities River Bandits: News: Article: "Former Quad Cities River Bandits ace Nick Additon capped a breakout 2008 season by being named the St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher of the Month in August, while former Quad Cities outfielder Daryl Jones was honored as the organization's Player of the Month."

4thebirds...
... In following what we could of the Cardinals' minor league system, we kept hearing the name of pitcher Nick Additon, who spent most of this season with Class A affiliate Quad-Cities River Bandits. Just prior to the close of the season, Additon was promoted to Class High-A Palm Beach Cardinals, and despite where he'd played, he was named the St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher of the Month in August.

A more in-depth story can be found at the link, from the feature written by Ben Chiswick.

Minor League Baseball: News: Article

Minor League Baseball: News: Article: "Batavia Muckdogs (46-28) vs. Lowell Spinners (40-33)
Best-of-3 Round 1 series begins Monday, Sept. 8

It could end up being a historic season for one of these clubs as neither has ever won a league title. It's Lowell's first time even qualifying for the postseason, while Batavia is making its first playoff appearance since becoming affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals (2000). The outcome could well be determined by Batavia's pitching staff, which is the second-deepest in the playoff pool. With three hurlers who have won six games, the Muckdogs own the third lowest team ERA in the league (3.30). Lowell doesn't stand out in any one category, but is solid across the board. Still, the Spinners have got to be concerned about slinking into the playoffs, having won just four of their last six, while Batavia was victorious in seven of its last 10 games."

4thebirds...
... The St. Louis Cardinals' Low-A affiliate Batavia Muckdogs has made the playoffs at their level, and will play the Lowell Spinners. This MiLB article includes all the important information on the match-up, plus other minor league match-ups.

Having brought much of the Cardinals' affiliate news to you over the course of the season, it is great to hear that the Low-A Muckdogs have made the grade this time around. Congrats from Cardinal Nation and 4thebirds.

Sweetness (C70 At The Bat)

Sweetness (C70 At The Bat): "How terrible is it that we are so spoiled? I'm in my early thirties. Pujols will probably retire in my mid-forties. After that, it's all downhill. Because I can't imagine I'll ever see a player as amazing as he is."

4thebirds...
... The C70 take on last night's victory, his thoughts on Pujols' greatness, his choice for Goat, caution regarding the hype of the win, and my favorite, that last night's game had that "playoff tension" feel to it. Now that's something both red and blue fans can appreciate.

Phils' big rally not enough to catch Fish | phillies.com: News

Phils' big rally not enough to catch Fish phillies.com: News: "Tuesday was an important start for Kyle Kendrick, and if he could have mapped it out, this wasn't the way it would have began.

The 24-year-old Phillies right-hander had already given up four early runs when pitching coach Rich Dubee came to the mound for a conference in the second inning."

4thebirds...
... It's not enough the Cardinals have to catch up to the Brewers, now they have to chase the Phillies at the same time.

Of the Brewers, Phillies, and Astros, regarding the Wild Card race in the NL, the Phillies seem like the team to worry about the most. Last night may have taken an edge off of that concern, at least for a night.

photo by Barbara Moore

Astros letting their play do the talking | astros.com: News

Astros letting their play do the talking astros.com: News: "With each win, the unthinkable becomes just a little more plausible. But the Astros aren't seriously talking playoffs yet, despite winning 12 of their last 13.

'We've still got a tremendous amount to do if we're going to make the playoffs,' first baseman Lance Berkman said. 'It would still take a small miracle, but it would take a smaller one today than it would have a month ago.'"

4thebirds...
... It has not gone unnoticed that the Astros and right on the Cardinals' tail feathers in the NL Central.

Race not waiting for Brewers' bats | brewers.com: News

Race not waiting for Brewers' bats brewers.com: News: "The Brewers' middle of the order picked a terrible time to slump all at once."

4thebirds...
... Slump away, Brew-Crew, and keep every jersey tucked while you're at it, as jinxed by Cardinal Nation.

A friendly tease from the Brewers' competition to the south, the one's camped out by The Man.

photo by JodieandLarry

Brewers need CC to save finale | brewers.com: News

Brewers need CC to save finale brewers.com: News: "Some have wondered this week why Sabathia was lined up to pitch against the Reds in the first place. The Brewers, after all, have a crucial four-game series looming Thursday against the Phillies that could go a long way to deciding the National League Wild Card."

4thebirds...
... Cardinal Nation is more than happy that C.C. Sabathia is being worked out of the rotation for the crucial four-game series with the Phillies.

The Cards wouldn't mind if the Phils took the series, 3-1.

photo by JodieandLarry

Brewers fall to Reds in 11 innings | brewers.com: News

Brewers fall to Reds in 11 innings brewers.com: News: "All of the pitching changes, pinch-hitters and pinch-runners made it feel like a Spring Training game, but it had all the import of October.
And the Brewers, once again, let it slip away."

4thebirds...
... It seems the Brewers are doing everything possible to let the Phillies, Cardinals, and Astros get a legitimate shot at the Wild Card.

So be it.

photo by JodieandLarry

No time to panic on North Side | MLB.com: News

No time to panic on North Side MLB.com: News: "This is no time to panic. It might be time to be seriously concerned, but no, panic would still not be appropriate."

4thebirds...
... You have to wonder why the word panic is anywhere to be found on the Official Web Site of the Chicago Cubs. Yet there it is, and in the headline, at that.

Fukudome to get starting chance soon | cubs.com: News

Fukudome to get starting chance soon cubs.com: News: "Kosuke Fukudome will likely return to the Cubs' lineup on Wednesday. It's time."

4thebirds...
... No rest for the ... Cubbies.

Lou Piniella wants Fukudome back in the lineup, not soon, but now.

Cards activate Barton from disabled list | stlcardinals.com: News

Cards activate Barton from disabled list stlcardinals.com: News: "When Barton arrived at Busch Stadium on Tuesday, it was not yet determined whether he would be activated. Following pregame activities, however, he was cleared for limited action."

4thebirds...
... Good to know Barton is okay and ready for at least some action, if needed. He is quite fast and is such a smart guy, you'd think Tony La Russa would consider Barton for specific pinch-running roles, if that falls within the realm of what Barton can do.

Glaus exits with shoulder injury | stlcardinals.com: News

Glaus exits with shoulder injury stlcardinals.com: News: "'It was a swing,' Glaus said. 'It's been going on for a little bit. I got some treatment done on it Sunday, I got a little injection to try to get it to calm down, and it didn't really calm it down much.'"

4thebirds...
... Not a good thing, when the Cards' member who has played in more games this season than any teammate leaves the game with injury.

Lopez did a great job at covering, but we've found out that we need Lopez in five or six other places, so Glaus, hopefully, recovers soon.

Cardinal Nation Globe: Cards take first game behind multiple heroes

Cardinal Nation Globe: Cards take first game behind multiple heroes: "This 2008 St. Louis Cardinals team will go down as one of my favorites. They definitely know how to put up a fight and play the game the right way."

4thebirds...
... Get Cardinal Nation Globe's take on last night's game.

Pujols clarifies surgery comments | stlcardinals.com: News

Pujols clarifies surgery comments stlcardinals.com: News: "Pujols said that his right elbow, which has been a problem since he sustained a serious ulnar collateral ligament strain in 2003, has been less problematic this year than it was in '07. He will receive consultation on the injury after the season ends, and while surgery remains a possibility, Pujols told MLB.com on Tuesday that it's far from a given."

4thebirds...
... When it comes to speculation regarding the possibility of surgery for Albert Pujols' injured arm, it might be best to take the word of the man, himself.

photo by Barbara Moore

STLtoday - Cubs feeling frustrated

STLtoday - Cubs feeling frustrated: "The Chicago Cubs, hellbent on trying to make it to the World Series for the first time in 63 years and win it for the first time in 100, had dropped seven of their previous eight games coming into Tuesday's series opener at Busch Stadium with the Cardinals. But 'What, me worry?' as Alfred E. Neuman said and Lou Piniella might have said."

4thebirds...
... Rick Hummel's take on the Cubs' frustration.

The Cardinals' have lost so many of these type of last-inning comebacks, it makes you wonder if they should've taken the same attitude that Lou has, that this type of baseball is unacceptable, and he means the first time, let alone the twentieth. Lou does have the right attitude. Fortunately for the Cards, Lou hasn't been able to instill that kind of pride into his club.

Another lead slips away from Cubs :: Beacon News :: Sports

Another lead slips away from Cubs :: Beacon News :: Sports: "They were still talking Tuesday about that road trip through the wrong part of Ohio Friday that Cubs manager Lou Piniella and coach Matt Sinatro took on the way to Cincinnati to start this three-city trip."

4thebirds...
... Another take on last night's Cardinals' victory.

Izturis delivers a walk-off win vs. Cubs | stlcardinals.com: News

Izturis delivers a walk-off win vs. Cubs stlcardinals.com: News: "Brian Barden took the term 'sacrifice bunt' a little too literally. But he got the job done, helping to pave the way for the Cardinals' 4-3 comeback win over the Cubs at Busch Stadium on Tuesday night."

4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach's take on the Cardinals' win last night.

STLtoday - Carpenter is unavailable

STLtoday - Carpenter is unavailable: "'I'm not your typical reliever,' said Carpenter, whose last relief appearance was in 2000. 'Recovery-wise, we have to be smart, and I didn't recover well enough lately to take the chance and throw me back out there. ... The point is, we're not going to take any chances if there's any doubt whatsoever.'"

4thebirds...
... Derrick Goold grabs some quotes off of Carp and TLR, putting together this piece that lines out just how and when (if at all) the Cardinals will use him.

Currently, Carpenter is delegated to the bullpen, but he has never felt, by his own admission, well enough to throw since he has been out there [in the bullpen].

In fact, there appears to be so much worry over whether Carpenter should pitch any more this season, one has to wonder if he simple shouldn't shut it down for the balance of the 2008 season. What is probably keeping him in uniform right now is that there is: a) no roster conflicts or problems; b) the Cards are still in the hunt; c) he wants to.

Bird Land » Blog Archive » Prospect Audit: The Bird Land 7

Bird Land » Blog Archive » Prospect Audit: The Bird Land 7: "In the past couple Farmnik entries, we’ve set the stage for the prospect ranking season and the revising of the Baseball America Top 30 (on bookshelves next February, of course). First, we revisited this year’s Top 30 and then a poll of the readers for the top 2009 rookie, breakout candidate and sleeper."

4thebirds...
... Prospect City, so to speak, by Derrick Goold. It's easy to forget about the minors when the bigs are about to go post.

If you like digging into stats in the hopes that they may predict something of these underclassmen, have at it in the special feature by St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Goold.

East grad Randy Wells makes his major league debut with Cubs

East grad Randy Wells makes his major league debut with Cubs: "Wells, 26, slipped on a blue Cubs jersey (No. 36) Tuesday before his first National League game. Wells, who will workout of the bullpen, could pitch today or Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals, his favorite team as a boy."

4thebirds...
... Local boy comes home. Here's a chance to find out much more about Randy Wells, now with the Cubs but whose favorite childhood team was the Cardinals.

Pujols, Lee represent best in NL as slick-fielding first basemen

Pujols, Lee represent best in NL as slick-fielding first basemen: "The top defensive first basemen in the National League were on display Tuesday night at Busch Stadium.

Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals and Derrek Lee of the Chicago Cubs have combined to win four of the last five Gold Gloves. Lee won in 2003 with Florida and 2005 and 2007 with the Cubs. Pujols won in 2006."

4thebirds...
... David Wilhelm hits upon defense here, a welcome change when it comes to Pujols and his home runs of late. Many people don't realize just how good a first baseman is, and Derrek Lee is no slouch, either, having won more Gold Gloves than Pujols.

photo by Gerri Novak

seMissourian.com: Story: Cards rally to 4-3 win against the Cubs

seMissourian.com: Story: Cards rally to 4-3 win against the Cubs: "Highly agitated, Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella rolled up his sleeves during a postgame news conference to illustrate a point. The fiery manager wants his players to roll up their sleeves, too, and finish off the competition in the NL Central.

'We're playing like we're waiting to get beat,' Piniella said after a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. 'You don't have a big enough lead in September to play ball like that.'"

4thebirds...
... A game summary including Piniella's attempt at firing up his worrisome ball club.

Kinney waiting for chance to help Cards | MLB.com: News

Kinney waiting for chance to help Cards MLB.com: News: "Two years removed from being a playoff hero, Josh Kinney is just hoping to get in a game this month."

4thebirds...
...Matthew Leach lines out the situation for Cards' pitcher Josh Kinney.

While Kinney could pitch in a game situation, it seems unlikely with the Cards in the WC race and Kinney without recent innings in real game situations.

edmontonsun.com - Other Sports - Cubs will again be armed and dangerous

edmontonsun.com - Other Sports - Cubs will again be armed and dangerous: "Chicago Cubs pitchers Rich Harden and Carlos Zambrano remained on track for starts later this week, good news for the struggling NL Central leaders."

4thebirds...
... News re: the return of Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden to the Cubs' starting rotation.

Piniello is stating that their (Zambrano and Harden) had something to do with the Cub's recent 1-7 streak.

Now the Cubs know what it has been like in St. Louis -- all year.

photo by Barbara Moore

edmontonsun.com - Other Sports - No surgery for Pujols?

edmontonsun.com - Other Sports - No surgery for Pujols?: "Major league batting leader Albert Pujols may be headed to reconstructive elbow surgery that could sideline him into next season. Or he might not."

4thebirds...
... This article leaves the issue of the possibility of Pujols needing elbow surgery up in the air, but the accumulative opinion, and mostly weighted by Pujols' own statements, make it unlikely that the first baseman will undergo any surgery in the upcoming off-season.

Things change, but for the moment, we'll post what's out there so you can decide.

photo by SD Dirk

Redbird Randoms...9/10/08

On-deck: The Cardinals play the second game of a three-game set with rivals, the Chicago Cubs, tonight at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Game time is 7:15 p.m. CT.

Probables: CHC-Ted Lilly LHP (13-9, 4.43) vs. STL-Braden Looper RHP (12-11, 4.09)

Birds' Perch: The standing for the Cards is about as tight as it can be without some change, the St. Louis team still in third place in the NL Central, 8.0 games behind the first place Cubs, 4.5 behind the second place Brewers, but only a half-game ahead of the Astros.

Wild Card: The NL WC leader Brewers lost in extra innings last night, and now hold a 3.0 game over the Phillies. The Astros are 4.5 games out of the WC, and the Cards are smack-dab in the middle, 4.0 games out of the WC.

photo by Barbara Moore

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Pujols homers, Izturis checks, Ryan slides, Cards nip Cubs

Albert Pujols clobbered his third home run in as many days to get his team back in a game that seemed hopeless against one of the toughest pitchers in the National League, the Chicago Cubs' Ryan Dempster.

The three-run blast to right-center field knotted the game at three-each in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Until that point, the Cardinals had played every inning down, the Cubs jumping all over starter Kyle Lohse in the first inning for two of the three runs they would score for the night. The first inning rally was the product of a Ryan Theriot single, then back to back doubles by Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, respectively. Theriot scored on the Lee two-bagger. Lee scored when Ramirez's shot into the left field corner somehow bounced up and rolled along the top of the wall, warranting a ground rule double that scored Lee.

In the third inning, Theriot reached again, and this time, Ramirez singled him home to put the Cubs up 3-0.

And that's how the game went, Dempster rolling and Lohse struggling.

Cards' skipper Tony La Russa didn't feel Lohse was anywhere near his usual excellent performance standards and pulled him with one out in sixth inning, calling upon rookie Jason Motte, who shut down Dempster and Soriano with the bases loaded to get the Cards out of a huge dilemma.

La Russa would go on to use Ron Villone, Ryan Franklin, and Chris Perez.

The Cubs missed one golden opportunity to score in the fourth when Geovany failed to score on single with two outs, instead holding up at third base.

Instead of blowing a game in the ninth, as has happened many times this season, the Cardinals had a chance to reverse that trend.

Yadier Molina led off the final frame with a single to right field. La Russa promptly pinch-ran Brendan Ryan for Molina, who earlier in the game, failed to score from first base when Felipe Lopez drove a ball off the right field wall.

Cubs' manager Lou Piniella had brought in Carlos Marmol in relief for the ninth, who had difficulty attempting to hold Ryan close at first base, balking him into scoring position with no outs. Lopez then drew a walk, putting Cardinals on first and second. La Russa then pinch-hit call-up Brian Barden, who sac-bunted both runners up a base, now to second and third base.

The next decision for La Russa was whether to pinch hit for Izturis, but this time, TLR made no decision at all, actually, leaving Izturis in to bat with no outs and a pulled-in Cubs' defense. Izturis made contact on a check-swing, Ryan getting a great jump from third base as the ball made it past Marmol on the mound and forced second baseman Mike Fontenot to spend an extra second to field and fire home. Ryan found his way around the blocking left

foot of Geovany Soto and slid sideways, slapping his left hand on the dish as he slid past.

The play would be scored a fielder's choice, but it was a big walk-off win for the Cardinals, who refuse to throw in the towel on this season, even when most of the media have already started talking about next season in earnest.

The Cardinals were very much in the NL Wild Card race when they were down by six games to the WC-leading Milwaukee Brewers, and now they are even closer.

The Houston Astros won their game tonight, keeping them within a half-game of the Cards. The Philadelphia Phillies started tonight a couple games ahead of the Redbirds in the WC, but lost 10-8 to the Florida Marlins.

And finally, the Milwaukee Brewers fell to the Cincinatti Reds, 5-4, in eleven innings, making the WC even tighter.

The Cardinals play the second game of the Cubs' series tonight at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Game time is 7:15 p.m.

photos by Barbara Moore

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