Keeping You Informed: Special Cardinal Programming
21 hours ago
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Hello. Hello! Seem to have lost the connection.
The Cardinals Community LIVEblog has "blogged down," so to speak. At the time of this posting, there are (and have been,) connectivity issues with the company that provides the service.
The afternoon LIVEblog remain open, but mainly to see if the problem is corrected by the Cardinals game time this evening; 6:10 p.m. CT.
If the LIVEblog is still having connection problems, the LIVEcast blog will be delayed, or even cancelled altogether. Otherwise, we will launch the LIVEcast blog for the game either on time or somewhat late.
Ankiel undergoes surgery for hernia | stlcardinals.com: News
Ankiel undergoes surgery for hernia stlcardinals.com: News: "The Cardinals confirmed outfielder Rick Ankiel underwent surgery in Philadelphia on Wednesday to repair a sports hernia."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach reveals information relative to Rick Ankiel's surgery in Philadelphia yesterday.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach reveals information relative to Rick Ankiel's surgery in Philadelphia yesterday.
Bats take night off in loss to Brewers | cubs.com: News
Bats take night off in loss to Brewers cubs.com: News: "The Milwaukee Brewers spoiled the Cubs' party plans."
4thebirds...
... game summary of last night's game between the Cubs and the Brewers.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... game summary of last night's game between the Cubs and the Brewers.
STLtoday - Lumber's slumber is costly yet again
STLtoday - Lumber's slumber is costly yet again: "The not-so-good news: Three of those hits left the park in a hurry against Redbirds starting pitcher Todd Wellemeyer.
Worst of all, the Cardinals once again didn't see the bottom of the ninth inning in a 3-0 loss played out before a gathering of 14,850 and their canines."
4thebirds...
... All we can say is we need some offense. There isn't a whole lot of analysis in that. Wellemeyer could easily have won with a few runs scored. Even after giving up three dingers in four batters.
You can't win if you don't score.
Read more...
Worst of all, the Cardinals once again didn't see the bottom of the ninth inning in a 3-0 loss played out before a gathering of 14,850 and their canines."
4thebirds...
... All we can say is we need some offense. There isn't a whole lot of analysis in that. Wellemeyer could easily have won with a few runs scored. Even after giving up three dingers in four batters.
You can't win if you don't score.
New-look lineup likely vs. Volquez | stlcardinals.com: News
New-look lineup likely vs. Volquez stlcardinals.com: News: "Edinson Volquez stuck it to the Cardinals one month ago, so when the right-hander faces St. Louis again Thursday, manager Tony La Russa may try a new look in his lineup.
A few things are sure. Ryan Ludwick, who has been slumping, will get the night off against Volquez. La Russa said that Felipe Lopez will start at second base. And, of course, Kyle Lohse will start. The rest of the starting nine, however, could be unusual as the Cards try to shake an offensive skid."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach previews what should be an interesting game versus Edinson Volquez.
Read more...
A few things are sure. Ryan Ludwick, who has been slumping, will get the night off against Volquez. La Russa said that Felipe Lopez will start at second base. And, of course, Kyle Lohse will start. The rest of the starting nine, however, could be unusual as the Cards try to shake an offensive skid."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach previews what should be an interesting game versus Edinson Volquez.
STLtoday - Notebook: Eye on 2009
STLtoday - Notebook: Eye on 2009: "Mathematically eliminated from the NL Central race Tuesday night, the Cardinals appear increasingly to be looking forward to next season.
Exhibit D: Brendan Ryan debuts in right field.
Manager Tony La Russa gave Ryan his first major-league start in the outfield, bringing to eight the number of players to start at the position this year."
4thebirds...
... Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch hits upon Ryan's initial shot at playing outfield last night. Strauss also updates Rick Ankiel and Randy Flores.
Read more...
Exhibit D: Brendan Ryan debuts in right field.
Manager Tony La Russa gave Ryan his first major-league start in the outfield, bringing to eight the number of players to start at the position this year."
4thebirds...
... Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch hits upon Ryan's initial shot at playing outfield last night. Strauss also updates Rick Ankiel and Randy Flores.
Redbird Randoms...9/18/08 Lohse
On-deck: The Cardinals try to prevent a sweep by the Cincinnati Reds tonight at Great American Ball Park at 6:10 p.m. CT.
Probables: STL-Kyle Lohse RHP (13-6, 3.80) vs. CIN-Edison Volquez RHP (16-5, 3.22)
Birds' Perch: The Cards are eliminated from the possiblilty of obtaining first place in the NL Central.
Wild Card: The Cards are 6.0 games behind in the NL Wild Card with an Elimination number of six.
For Cards, every ball park is on Elm Street
The next five days/games for the St. Louis Cardinals might just be the toughest they've faced this season when it comes to opponents' starting pitching.
Starting tonight in Cincinnati, the Cards bat against Edwin Volquez, but that's just a prelude to the meat of the nightmare.
Just wait until they get to Clark & Addison in Chicago. Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster. Wrigley Field may as well be Elm Street, with Freddy Krueger in the rotation.
And come Monday morning, the Cards get to wake up to the thought that they're in Arizona, and as they near Chase Field, the sinister laughing they hear coming from within is Brandon Webb warming up.
Wild Card not so wild for Cards
There are six teams in the running for the NL Wild Card, and the Cardinals are just about at the bottom of the heap. Only the D'backs are farther down, and that could change within a week.
The official rundown places the Mets on top with the Brewers a smidgen behind, a half-game. Then comes a small trio that you could say, "... still got a shot," to include the Astros, Marlins, and Cardinals, in that order, and respectively, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 games out.
After that questionable pack comes the Outlanders, the Diamondbacks, but if you do the math, well, we have to list them here. Truth be known, there may be a few more Outlanders by the weekend.
More imposing than the "games behind" number, though, is the "Eeeee-limini-naaaaation digit."
That's the combo of games won by the WC leader and the losses of the team under the microscope. When you look at that number, things look ugly for some, even the trio teasing to stay in the WC race.
On this blog, our focus is the Cardinals, and their E-number is currently 6. Six is cutting it close, and the only teams truly wild in the race right now are the Mets and the Brewers. (The Mets and the Phillies, by the way, can't seem to give away the NL East fast enough, so they should be considered as interchangeable in the NL WC.)
There is one wild aspect to a not-so-wild race for the Cardinals: they can actually add some hope to the equation when it comes to the Marlins, Astros, and Brewers, because like themselves, these teams are just as prone to losing a bunch in a row.
Not quite so with the Mets, although they're working on it.
Possibly a more wild perspective for the Cardinals is that this status quo will change.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Cards not tired of losing
The Cardinals are tired, all right.
Just not tired of losing.
Not yet.
But they need to be.
Sounds like a cut-down, but in the truest sense of the statement, when any team gets tired enough of losing, they simply find a way to win, even when they're not good enough, or don't match up, or are injured, or fatigued.
No doubt, the Cardinals look demoralized, and at this point, they've tried as hard a team can try, and for whatever reason, came up short, a whole bunch of times.
Once more, there's little sense in going into numbers other than the final score. And even that isn't the point. The Cardinals lost to the Reds. Okay
Stats don't mean a whole lot in times like these. And you wouldn't want to follow them anyhow, as all the numbers are going to tell you is that you aren't getting it done.
It's a vicious cycle, and the Cards are in it, looking nothing like the team we all know they truly are. Odd thing is, they're still in the Wild Card. (The regular standings are no more. Done. Gone. The loss eliminated the Cards from any mathematical chance at getting into first place in the NL Central.
But the Wild Card is still there to go after, and that is something to play for. As stated last night, we wait to see if someone on the team steps up to take a leadership role, does something to push the Redbirds into a higher level of concentration.
Not going to grind them. That's too easy. And wrong.
In fact, I'm really liking this team, even more than before, because they still expect to play at a high level every time they take the field. And if they're showing that they're down a little, well, that's going to happen now and then. The next challenge is to see if they can tighten their belts yet again.
Look for real fireworks tomorrow night, if the Cards are truly tired of losing. Getting up in arms after the game is out of reach don't count. That means little. It would be better if they turned on the afterburners right off the bat, played like every inning was their last.
New day tomorrow, new chance to get after it.
That's what happens when you're having a rough patch.
Read more...
Cardinals look to buy Triple-A franchise - International Herald Tribune
Cardinals look to buy Triple-A franchise - International Herald Tribune: "Last week, the St. Louis Cardinals renewed a four-year affiliate agreement with Triple-A Memphis. Soon, they may own the farm club.
The Cardinals and Memphis Redbirds, their top affiliate since 1998, signed a non-binding letter of intent to negotiate the purchase from the Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation."
4thebirds...
... It looks as if the parent club is figuring out how to get through the complexities of purchasing their Triple-A affiliate.
Read more...
The Cardinals and Memphis Redbirds, their top affiliate since 1998, signed a non-binding letter of intent to negotiate the purchase from the Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation."
4thebirds...
... It looks as if the parent club is figuring out how to get through the complexities of purchasing their Triple-A affiliate.
Cards' 2009 Schedule is Out
Cards' 2009 Schedule is Out: "The St. Louis Cardinals will open at home for the third straight year in 2009, and will face the rival Chicago Cubs 10 times in the first 43 games next season in a schedule released on Wednesday.
The Cardinals will host the All-Star Game for the first time since 1966 on July 14th."
4thebirds...
... 2009 schedule.
Read more...
The Cardinals will host the All-Star Game for the first time since 1966 on July 14th."
4thebirds...
... 2009 schedule.
ksdk.com | St. Louis, MO | Harang Throws Six-Hitter as Reds Beat Cards
ksdk.com St. Louis, MO Harang Throws Six-Hitter as Reds Beat Cards: "Aaron Harang pitched a six-hitter and the Cincinnati Reds hit back-to-back homers to beat St. Louis 3-0 and send the Cardinals to their seventh straight loss Wednesday night."
4thebirds...
... game summary from KSDK.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... game summary from KSDK.
Bird Land » Blog Archive » Torre, the player, among 10 finalists for Hall
Bird Land » Blog Archive » Torre, the player, among 10 finalists for Hall: "Former Cardinal Joe Torre, a Hall of Fame manager by any stretch of the definition, is one of 10 former players announced this afternoon as finalists for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame through the new veterans’ selection process."
4thebirds...
... Torre on the HOF ballot.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Torre on the HOF ballot.
Cardinals to buy Memphis Redbirds - St. Louis Business Journal:
Cardinals to buy Memphis Redbirds - St. Louis Business Journal:: "The St. Louis Cardinals, the Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation and Blues City Baseball have officially announced the signing of a non-binding letter of intent to begin the process of the Cardinals purchasing the Memphis Redbirds franchise from the Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation."
4thebirds...
... more re: purchase of the Memphis Redbirds.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... more re: purchase of the Memphis Redbirds.
Classic baseball song celebrates 100th anniversary | ScrippsNews
Classic baseball song celebrates 100th anniversary ScrippsNews: "It’s the 100th anniversary for “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.” Jack Norworth wrote the song and reportedly more than 2,500 songs in a long career, including 'Shine On, Harvest Moon.” Obviously none were as famous or popular as his baseball ditty.
There were baseball songs written long before Noroworth’s. Most agree the first known baseball song was “The Base Ball Polka” penned in 1858. However, Katie Casey’s song rose above them all."
4thebirds...
... Indeed, what a ditty!
Read more...
There were baseball songs written long before Noroworth’s. Most agree the first known baseball song was “The Base Ball Polka” penned in 1858. However, Katie Casey’s song rose above them all."
4thebirds...
... Indeed, what a ditty!
Redbirds reveal 2009 schedule | stlcardinals.com: News
Redbirds reveal 2009 schedule stlcardinals.com: News: "The Cardinals will begin 2009 at home and they will end at home. In between, it could be a bit tricky.
For the second year in a row, St. Louis will play at home both on Opening Day and on the last day of the regular season. Major League Baseball announced the '09 schedules for all 30 teams on Wednesday."
4thebirds...
... 2009 schedule, now that's something to look forward to.
Read more...
For the second year in a row, St. Louis will play at home both on Opening Day and on the last day of the regular season. Major League Baseball announced the '09 schedules for all 30 teams on Wednesday."
4thebirds...
... 2009 schedule, now that's something to look forward to.
Cards live blog daytime session today
Another open live blog will be activated sometime this morning.
Cardinals Community LIVEblog Session -- All Access is the name to look for, the title not containing 4thebirds... branding so other Cardinals and sports blogs can embed the live window directly into their posts.
Most bloggers can get "on board" with some type of access to post entries throughout the day without moderation.
The daytime blog sessions are sometimes active and at other times static, as there is no live game progressing "in the background." The blog viewers tend to like them, however, because they can run like a news ticker, information posting at any time throughout the day.
Viewers can also send their remarks, comments, questions, etc. without having to register or download anything.
Contact 4thebirds... with requests and questions, or send a post through the live blog.
Read more...
Howard leads surging Phillies into first place; Cubs beat Sabathia to spoil Sveum's debut
Howard leads surging Phillies into first place; Cubs beat Sabathia to spoil Sveum's debut: "Riding another September surge, Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies are back in first place.
The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers appear headed in the opposite direction — no matter who is managing them.Riding another September surge, Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies are back in first place.
The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers appear headed in the opposite direction — no matter who is managing them."
4thebirds...
... News of the Cards' competitors.
Read more...
The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers appear headed in the opposite direction — no matter who is managing them.Riding another September surge, Ryan Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies are back in first place.
The New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers appear headed in the opposite direction — no matter who is managing them."
4thebirds...
... News of the Cards' competitors.
St. Louis Cardinals seek to acquire Memphis Redbirds : Redbirds : Memphis Commercial Appeal
St. Louis Cardinals seek to acquire Memphis Redbirds : Redbirds : Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Less than a week after renewing their affiliate agreement with the Memphis Redbirds, the St. Louis Cardinals took a major step toward buying the club on Tuesday.
The Cardinals and Redbirds issued a joint statement confirming they have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to pursue a transaction by which the Cardinals will buy their top minor league baseball affiliate."
4thebirds...
... Continued negotiations regarding the acquisition of the Redbirds. Is this a good thing or not? One thing's for sure, major league teams buying minor league franchises is a new trend in baseball.
Read more...
The Cardinals and Redbirds issued a joint statement confirming they have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to pursue a transaction by which the Cardinals will buy their top minor league baseball affiliate."
4thebirds...
... Continued negotiations regarding the acquisition of the Redbirds. Is this a good thing or not? One thing's for sure, major league teams buying minor league franchises is a new trend in baseball.
Ludwick looks to shake slump | stlcardinals.com: News
Ludwick looks to shake slump stlcardinals.com: News: "Just a couple of weeks ago, Ryan Ludwick was garnering some talk as a candidate for the National League Most Valuable Player award. Now he's just trying to shake a slump."
4thebirds...
... Leach examines Ryan Ludwick's current slump.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Leach examines Ryan Ludwick's current slump.
Arroyo notches 15th win as Reds sink Cards
Arroyo notches 15th win as Reds sink Cards: "For most of last season, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Edwin Encarnacion was Mr. Clutch. He'd put runners in scoring position or fill the bases, and he'd drive in some runs, usually sweep the bases clean.
But the man who hit .360 last season with runners in scoring position went into a witness protection program this year."
4thebirds...
... Hal McCoy gives us a game summary from a Cincinnati perspective, having his say about Albert Pujols.
Read more...
But the man who hit .360 last season with runners in scoring position went into a witness protection program this year."
4thebirds...
... Hal McCoy gives us a game summary from a Cincinnati perspective, having his say about Albert Pujols.
STLtoday - Notebook: Surgery for Ankiel
STLtoday - Notebook: Surgery for Ankiel: "Cardinals center fielder Rick Ankiel's season officially concludes today in Philadelphia when he has surgery to repair a sports hernia.
The club confirmed the procedure Tuesday, four days after Ankiel traveled to Philadelphia rather than accompany the team to Pittsburgh. Manager Tony La Russa habitually wrote Ankiel's name on the lineup card during the Pirates series but on Tuesday acknowledged there is no longer a need to send out diminished players."
4thebirds...
... Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explores the current condition of Rick Ankiel.
Read more...
The club confirmed the procedure Tuesday, four days after Ankiel traveled to Philadelphia rather than accompany the team to Pittsburgh. Manager Tony La Russa habitually wrote Ankiel's name on the lineup card during the Pirates series but on Tuesday acknowledged there is no longer a need to send out diminished players."
4thebirds...
... Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explores the current condition of Rick Ankiel.
STLtoday - Birds are fading fast as losing streak hits 6
STLtoday - Birds are fading fast as losing streak hits 6: "Call it justice or luck, opportunism or resilience. Whatever the quality, the Cardinals have apparently exhausted their allotment for this season.
Another passable start from luckless Braden Looper (12-13) and another early lead again brought the Cardinals nothing but a season-high sixth consecutive loss Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park."
4thebirds...
... game summary from Joe Stauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Read more...
Another passable start from luckless Braden Looper (12-13) and another early lead again brought the Cardinals nothing but a season-high sixth consecutive loss Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park."
4thebirds...
... game summary from Joe Stauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
STLtoday - More tests for Carpenter
STLtoday - More tests for Carpenter: "The Cardinals find themselves in a familiar posture regarding Chris Carpenter. Five weeks after Carpenter walked off the Wrigley Field mound with sharp pain beneath his right shoulder, the club still holds its collective breath about what lies next.
Carpenter returned to St. Louis on Monday and is scheduled for tests later this week to determine the severity of a nerve condition that has contributed to muscle weakness near his right shoulder."
4thebirds...
... Joe Strauss explores the current condition of pitcher Chris Carpenter.
Read more...
Carpenter returned to St. Louis on Monday and is scheduled for tests later this week to determine the severity of a nerve condition that has contributed to muscle weakness near his right shoulder."
4thebirds...
... Joe Strauss explores the current condition of pitcher Chris Carpenter.
San Luis Obispo County’s website | 09/17/2008 | Recap: Cincinnati vs. St. Louis
San Luis Obispo County’s website 09/17/2008 Recap: Cincinnati vs. St. Louis: "Corey Patterson had two hits and two runs driven in to propel the Reds to a 7-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park.
Edwin Encarnacion drove in three runs on a bases-loaded double while seven different players scored a run for the Reds, winners of three straight."
4thebirds...
... game summary (recap)
Read more...
Edwin Encarnacion drove in three runs on a bases-loaded double while seven different players scored a run for the Reds, winners of three straight."
4thebirds...
... game summary (recap)
Cheap Seats blog: Ankiel will be at the Galleria
Cheap Seats blog: Ankiel will be at the Galleria: "He might not be able to play, but Rick Ankiel can still sign his name and shake hands.
The Cardinals outfielder will make an appearance Saturday, Sept. 27 at Macy's in the St. Louis Galleria from noon until 1:30 p.m. during which he will talk about his life and career, including his accomplishment of making the major leagues twice -- first as a pitcher and later as an outfielder and power hitter."
4thebirds...
... Something Ankiel can do right now, but this is more like newsprint spam. Maybe I've blogged an advertisement. I disclaim it, although it could be Rick Ankiel news, I guess, sort of, maybe, but then again...
Read more...
The Cardinals outfielder will make an appearance Saturday, Sept. 27 at Macy's in the St. Louis Galleria from noon until 1:30 p.m. during which he will talk about his life and career, including his accomplishment of making the major leagues twice -- first as a pitcher and later as an outfielder and power hitter."
4thebirds...
... Something Ankiel can do right now, but this is more like newsprint spam. Maybe I've blogged an advertisement. I disclaim it, although it could be Rick Ankiel news, I guess, sort of, maybe, but then again...
Arroyo, Encarnacion lift Reds past Cards
Arroyo, Encarnacion lift Reds past Cards: "After winning 14 games in both 2005 and 2006, Bronson Arroyo naturally wanted to do better."
4thebirds...
... game summary
Read more...
4thebirds...
... game summary
Cards drop another | News-Leader.com | Springfield News-Leader
Cards drop another News-Leader.com Springfield News-Leader: "After winning 14 games in both 2005 and 2006, Bronson Arroyo naturally wanted to do better."
4thebirds...
... game summary
Read more...
4thebirds...
... game summary
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
No number fix for Cards
No matter how long I look at the numbers: of the game; of the series, the regular standings; the Wild Card standings, I can't make them read the way I'd like to given my bias toward the Cardinals.
So, the idea is not to look so long at that data. Even when the numbers are good, it's always a reflection of yesterday, and can never guarantee today, or tomorrow.
The St. Louis Cardinals loss tonight, another demoralizing game.
We know what we have on the squad. We know what we don't have. And we think we know what we need.
But while everyone spews ideas of how to fix things (usually by purchasing new toys because they can't figure out how to make the old ones work), how about we use these low points in the season to see if one or more players "steps up" or "stands out" into a leader's role.
To me, this is one of those bleak periods when you'd like to see someone who wants to get things on track so badly that they actually make huge mistakes, or refuse to back down from one of those shoving matches, or plays themselves down into the dirt and back up again.
Someone on this team has to throw down the gauntlet, so to speak, even in a loss, because at this stage, that is how you claw your way back into respectability. Doesn't even matter how good or bad the players are, or you think they are. Someone has to push it and set the bar not to a higher level, but a tougher level.
Enough said in a late-night post. No numbers can fix this situation. De-stress and get after it tomorrow.
Read more...
STLtoday - Reds' Arroyo sets career high for wins
STLtoday - Reds' Arroyo sets career high for wins: "Bronson Arroyo set a single-season career high for wins and Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run double to lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-2 win over the reeling Cardinals on Tuesday night."
4thebirds...
... Game summary.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game summary.
Redbirds to be sold to St. Louis Cardinals - Memphis Business Journal:
Redbirds to be sold to St. Louis Cardinals - Memphis Business Journal:: "The St. Louis Cardinals, the Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation and Blues City Baseball have officially announced the signing of a non-binding letter of intent to begin the process of the Cardinals purchasing the Memphis Redbirds franchise from the Memphis Redbirds Baseball Foundation.
If it goes through, the deal would follow what Dave Chase, president of baseball operations for the Memphis Redbirds, called a growing trend of major league baseball teams buying minor league affiliates."
4thebirds...
... The Redbirds will soon be owned by the Redbirds. Huh?
Read more...
If it goes through, the deal would follow what Dave Chase, president of baseball operations for the Memphis Redbirds, called a growing trend of major league baseball teams buying minor league affiliates."
4thebirds...
... The Redbirds will soon be owned by the Redbirds. Huh?
Glaus late addition to Cards' lineup | MLB.com: News
Glaus late addition to Cards' lineup MLB.com: News: "The Cardinals got a rare and welcome change of pace on Tuesday when one of their central players was a late addition to the lineup, rather than being removed from a game."
4thebirds...
... Yadi and Ank out, Glaus back in.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Yadi and Ank out, Glaus back in.
Molina a few days from rejoining Cards | stlcardinals.com: News
Molina a few days from rejoining Cards stlcardinals.com: News: "Yadier Molina remains at least a few days away from returning to the Cardinals' lineup, manager Tony La Russa said on Tuesday. Additionally, La Russa said that outfielder Rick Ankiel has scheduled a date for surgery to repair his sports hernia."
4thebirds...
... Yadi may yet be back in 2008. Ankiel, probably not.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Yadi may yet be back in 2008. Ankiel, probably not.
Arroyo sets career high for wins as Reds top Cards : 24 Hour Breaking Sports : The Buffalo News
Arroyo sets career high for wins as Reds top Cards : 24 Hour Breaking Sports : The Buffalo News: "Bronson Arroyo set a single-season career high for wins and Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run double to lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-2 win over the reeling St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night."
4thebirds...
... Game summary.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game summary.
Tell us what you think: When will Cubs clinch? - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com
Tell us what you think: When will Cubs clinch? - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com: "The Chicago Cubs begin a three-game series against the second-place Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have a Magic Number of 6 in order to clinch the National League Central Division. That means any combination of Cubs wins and Brewers losses totaling 6 will lead to a divisional flag flying over Chicago."
4thebirds...
... Chicago is posturing to clinch.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Chicago is posturing to clinch.
Bernie’s Extra Points » Blog Archive » Cardinals: Another September Swoon
Bernie’s Extra Points » Blog Archive » Cardinals: Another September Swoon: "That’s terrible, especially considering Tony La Russa’s reputation for being a strong closer. What are the reasons? Well, it isn’t easy to pinpoint. Of course, the La Russa haters will heap the blame on him. While it’s true that every manager is responsible for how the team plays, targeting La Russa seems like a reach. At least to me, anyway."
4thebirds...
... Why? Why? Why ... are the Cards' faltering. Miklasz has ideas.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Why? Why? Why ... are the Cards' faltering. Miklasz has ideas.
Reds up slightly at turnstiles | coshoctontribune.com | Coshocton Tribune
Reds up slightly at turnstiles coshoctontribune.com Coshocton Tribune: "Going into the final seven home games, the team has drawn 1,928,549. The Reds open a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals tonight, followed by a series with Milwaukee, and a makeup game with Florida.
'I'm pleased . . . considering,' said Phil Castellini, the club's chief operating officer."
4thebirds...
... The Cardinals should have a hand in boosting the Reds' attendance.
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'I'm pleased . . . considering,' said Phil Castellini, the club's chief operating officer."
4thebirds...
... The Cardinals should have a hand in boosting the Reds' attendance.
St. Louis Cardinals (78-71) at Cincinnati Reds (68-81), 7:10 p.m. - 09/16/2008 - MiamiHerald.com
St. Louis Cardinals (78-71) at Cincinnati Reds (68-81), 7:10 p.m. - 09/16/2008 - MiamiHerald.com: "Right-hander Bronson Arroyo can establish a new personal- best for single-season wins tonight when the Cincinnati Reds host the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park."
4thebirds...
... Game preview.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game preview.
Fired Yost says he has no regrets managing Brewers - The Denver Post
Fired Yost says he has no regrets managing Brewers - The Denver Post: "Former Brewers manager Ned Yost says he feels he accomplished everything he set out to do except for taking Milwaukee to the playoffs.
Yost was fired Monday and replaced with third-base coach Dale Sveum. The Brewers are tied with Philadelphia for the NL wild-card lead with 12 games to play."
4thebirds...
... More Yost toast.
Read more...
Yost was fired Monday and replaced with third-base coach Dale Sveum. The Brewers are tied with Philadelphia for the NL wild-card lead with 12 games to play."
4thebirds...
... More Yost toast.
Rockin' the Red: Ned Yost fired
Rockin' the Red: Ned Yost fired: "You don't fire your manager when you're in first place, no matter how bad you've been playing."
4thebirds...
... Apparently, Yost ain't the Most. This story posted today by Rockin' the Red.
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4thebirds...
... Apparently, Yost ain't the Most. This story posted today by Rockin' the Red.
The Final Stretch (C70 At The Bat)
The Final Stretch (C70 At The Bat): "The next time the Cardinals have a day off (barring rain or something else strange), it'll start a stretch of six months without a game. A series in Cincinnati starts tonight, then to Chicago, then back to St. Louis for Arizona (four games) and the final weekend against the Reds."
4thebirds...
... Heck, I wasn't panicking about the pennant race, the Wild Card, the injuries, but ya just had to go and say "stretch of six months without a game," didn't you?
Wub-wub-wub-wub-wub.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Heck, I wasn't panicking about the pennant race, the Wild Card, the injuries, but ya just had to go and say "stretch of six months without a game," didn't you?
Wub-wub-wub-wub-wub.
Searching for a lefty in the desert | Future Redbirds
Searching for a lefty in the desert Future Redbirds: "I don’t think it’s a coincidence that three of the pitchers the Cardinals are sending to the Arizona Fall League are left-handed, especially considering the “southpawfulness” we have witnessed this season. (Yeah, that’s right. Southpawfulness. Sure it’s corny, but every time you say it, you owe me a quarter.) The Cardinals may as well audition their in-house options while monitoring the free agent market."
4thebirds...
... Future Redbirds has a new posting relative to left-handed pitchers and the Arizona Fall League.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Future Redbirds has a new posting relative to left-handed pitchers and the Arizona Fall League.
Boston Red Sox - It's not just hitters taking cuts - The Boston Globe
Boston Red Sox - It's not just hitters taking cuts - The Boston Globe: "In a land where the roots of desolate poverty run deeper than the sugar cane and boys become the blood diamonds of baseball, Pablo Lantigua was renowned as a risk-taker. He explored the lawless barrios and back roads of this Third World nation - hotspots other major league scouts skirted - in pursuit of the next Pedro MartÃnez and David Ortiz."
4thebirds...
... Could these types of stories be the next black eye for MLB?
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Could these types of stories be the next black eye for MLB?
Brewers fire manager Ned Yost -- OrlandoSentinel.com
Brewers fire manager Ned Yost -- OrlandoSentinel.com: "In an unprecedented move, the Milwaukee Brewers fired manager Ned Yost on Monday, hoping to pull out of another late-season slump that has jeopardized the team's chance of making the playoffs for the first time since 1982."
4thebirds...
... Too bad for Yost. This was like cooking the meal, serving the meal, then not being permitted to eat the meal.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Too bad for Yost. This was like cooking the meal, serving the meal, then not being permitted to eat the meal.
ROCHESTER'S NEWS LEADER NEWSRADIO 1180 WHAM
ROCHESTER'S NEWS LEADER NEWSRADIO 1180 WHAM: "Ted Lilly threw a one-hitter over seven innings as the Chicago Cubs swept a two-game set against the Houston Astros with a 6-1 win.
Just one day after Carlos Zambrano's first no-hitter for the Cubs in 36 years, Lilly (15-9) didn't give up a hit until Mark Loretta got Houston's only hit of the series, a single in the seventh inning. He finished his outing with one walk and nine strikeouts to win his second straight start."
4thebirds...
... Ted Lilly continues to thrive with the Cubs.
Read more...
Just one day after Carlos Zambrano's first no-hitter for the Cubs in 36 years, Lilly (15-9) didn't give up a hit until Mark Loretta got Houston's only hit of the series, a single in the seventh inning. He finished his outing with one walk and nine strikeouts to win his second straight start."
4thebirds...
... Ted Lilly continues to thrive with the Cubs.
La Russa comes to Yankee Stadium one last time : 24 Hour Breaking Sports : The Buffalo News
La Russa comes to Yankee Stadium one last time : 24 Hour Breaking Sports : The Buffalo News: "Tony La Russa had to see Yankee Stadium one more time. So with the Cardinals off Monday following a series in Pittsburgh and ahead of one in Cincinnati, the St. Louis manager made the trek to the 85-year-old ballpark.
'A lot of memories here,' he said."
4thebirds...
... Some of Tony La Russa's memories of Yankee Stadium.
Read more...
'A lot of memories here,' he said."
4thebirds...
... Some of Tony La Russa's memories of Yankee Stadium.
STLtoday - Future is now for Cards' bullpen
STLtoday - Future is now for Cards' bullpen: "Cardinals setup man Ryan Franklin can take a survey of the bullpen he calls home and eye plenty of firepower, like the popping fastballs of rookies Chris Perez and Jason Motte, and guile like Kyle McClellan's. But he also can see the future.
There's a lot of 2009 in this final month of 2008.
'We're probably going to be young,' Franklin said of next year's bullpen. 'I'll have to do a lot of fathering.'"
4thebirds...
... Somewhat of a picture of next year's bullpen is what you're seeing right now, according to Derrick Goold of stltoday.com.
Read more...
There's a lot of 2009 in this final month of 2008.
'We're probably going to be young,' Franklin said of next year's bullpen. 'I'll have to do a lot of fathering.'"
4thebirds...
... Somewhat of a picture of next year's bullpen is what you're seeing right now, according to Derrick Goold of stltoday.com.
Cheap seats blog: Fans get annual promise from Cards management
Cheap seats blog: Fans get annual promise from Cards management: "Cardinals fans got their annual promise from management Sunday the the team would be 'aggressive' in trying to improve itself this off-season.
General manager John Mozeliak told KTRS following the Cardinals being swept by the -- ahem -- Pirates, that he sees a proverbial 'impact bat' help for the starting rotation and improvement in the middle infield to be a priority. Despite the fact that the bullpen was terrible this year and likely was more to blame than any other part of the team for the team's awful 2008 season, Mozeliak said he sees the 'pen men as 'a strength.'"
4thebirds...
... Speculation on off-season moves for the Cards, including references to Edgar Renteria and A.J. Burnett.
Read more...
General manager John Mozeliak told KTRS following the Cardinals being swept by the -- ahem -- Pirates, that he sees a proverbial 'impact bat' help for the starting rotation and improvement in the middle infield to be a priority. Despite the fact that the bullpen was terrible this year and likely was more to blame than any other part of the team for the team's awful 2008 season, Mozeliak said he sees the 'pen men as 'a strength.'"
4thebirds...
... Speculation on off-season moves for the Cards, including references to Edgar Renteria and A.J. Burnett.
Redbird Randoms...9/16/08 Looper
On-deck: The St. Louis Cardinals start the second leg of a three-team road trip tonight, taking on the Cincinatti Reds at the Great American Ballpark. Game time is 6:10 p.m. CT.
Probables: STL-Braden Looper RHP (12-12, 4.02) vs CIN-Bronson Arroyo RHP (14-10, 4.65)
Birds' Perch: The Cardinals remain in fourth place in the NL Central, 12.5 games behind the division leading Chicago Cubs; 4.5 games behind the second place Milwaukee Brewers, and 2.0 games behind the third place Houston Astros.
Wild Card: The Cardinals are 4.5 games behind two teams which are tied for the NL Wild Card spot: the Brewers and the Phillies. The Astros stand between the Cards and the WC leaders, 2.0 games ahead of the Cardinals.
Read more...
Monday, September 15, 2008
LIVEblog viewers up
4thebirds... wishes to thank all the Cardinals Community LIVEblog -- All Access viewers who attended throughout the day.
Although the Cardinals had an off-day, the number of viewers eclipsed the average for LIVEcast blogging sessions.
The Cardinals Community LIVEblog Session --All Access runs slow at periods of the day, but it presents the chance for regulars of 4thebirds... to post a comment at almost any time and have it viewed on several web sites and/or blogs at once.
Author e-mails had questioned why the 4thebirds... title wasn't in the LIVEblog description. The reason for the absence of the title is because the LIVEblog can then be embedded on other web sites in a generic form that is more easily shared by multiple sites and/or blogs.
Just having the live blog on 4thebirds... is awesome enough. To share the blog makes it possible for every participating site to benefit from the cross-traffic. Viewers can post from a variety of their favorite participating sites in this manner.
Almost any site can "get on board" with us. It's so easy that if a site wanted in on tomorrow night's LIVEcast of the Cardinals/Reds game, for instance, we could get them up and running in probably a little over five to ten minutes. Bing-bang-blog, live.
Inquire if interested, but not within an hour of game time, as we need our own set up time.
Read more...
Cards' run exceeded expectations | stlcardinals.com: News
Cards' run exceeded expectations stlcardinals.com: News: "The cavalry never arrived, but the Cardinals have never given up the fight."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach seems to be giving a semi-homily, if that's possible. A full-blown funeral is probably out of the question, because unlike most bloggers, who never face these players in interviews, he has to make sure they'll still talk to him for his next assignment.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach seems to be giving a semi-homily, if that's possible. A full-blown funeral is probably out of the question, because unlike most bloggers, who never face these players in interviews, he has to make sure they'll still talk to him for his next assignment.
Fungoes » Blog Archive » Weekend wrapup: No fight left
Fungoes » Blog Archive » Weekend wrapup: No fight left: "Rather than assertively and instantly insisting to the umpire that Doug 'A-Rod' Mientkiewicz had obstructed him, Aaron Miles slunk around in dejection, while Tony La Russa made a pro forma visit to the infield and even tried to appeal to the enemy, Mientkiewicz, who stood sneering at him from second base."
4thebirds...
... Game exploratory, rather than summary, found on Fungoes, a United Cardinals Blogger.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game exploratory, rather than summary, found on Fungoes, a United Cardinals Blogger.
Kirkwood-Webster Journal | News | Dog-tired and tired of dogs
Kirkwood-Webster Journal News Dog-tired and tired of dogs: "Al Hrabosky, the former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and current broadcaster, joined them for a hot dog at his restaurant.
“I’ve got a good dog,” he told them. “I’ve been accused of having a little bit too much mustard on myself at times.”
Hrabosky’s Chicago-style dog seems an appropriate addition to the tour. The Cardinals would play the Chicago Cubs later in the day at Busch Stadium. Executive Chef Steven Richardson talks up the hot dog. He listed the toppings — tomato, pickle, red onion, medium hot banana peppers and “atomic relish,” featuring buffalo wing sauce and sliced jalapeño."
4thebirds...
... 24, not the TV series, but the hot dog challenge: 24 dogs in 24 hours, and Al Hrabosky's restaurant was one of the midway stops. Read the article, but hold the mustard!
Read more...
“I’ve got a good dog,” he told them. “I’ve been accused of having a little bit too much mustard on myself at times.”
Hrabosky’s Chicago-style dog seems an appropriate addition to the tour. The Cardinals would play the Chicago Cubs later in the day at Busch Stadium. Executive Chef Steven Richardson talks up the hot dog. He listed the toppings — tomato, pickle, red onion, medium hot banana peppers and “atomic relish,” featuring buffalo wing sauce and sliced jalapeño."
4thebirds...
... 24, not the TV series, but the hot dog challenge: 24 dogs in 24 hours, and Al Hrabosky's restaurant was one of the midway stops. Read the article, but hold the mustard!
Colby sitting out winter ball for “personal reasons” | Future Redbirds
Colby sitting out winter ball for “personal reasons” Future Redbirds: "Apparently Colby is not going to play winter ball, and it has nothing to do with related injuries."
4thebirds...
... A story on Colby Rasmus's decision not to play winter baseball.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... A story on Colby Rasmus's decision not to play winter baseball.
The Final Nails (C70 At The Bat)
The Final Nails (C70 At The Bat): "Wow. Don't blog for a while and see what happens. The Cardinals had been able to fool themselves that they were on the fringes of a wild-card race. The last five days took care of that."
4thebirds...
... C70 catches up with a five-game summary.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... C70 catches up with a five-game summary.
LIVEblog session today
We're calling it the Cardinals Community LIVEblog Session -- All Access, but any baseball fan can post remarks, comments questions, short blog entries, you-name-it.
The live blog window for today is on this page, probably below this post, but as we add more posts to the daily entries, we may migrate the live blog window to the top of the page occasionally.
(Since there is live posting, it is advisable that only adults participate. When 4thebirds agents post, it is assumed we are communicating with adults.)
Read more...
The Muckdogs Win! | Future Redbirds
The Muckdogs Win! Future Redbirds: "Batavia defeated the Jamestown Grapes (that’s what their stupid mascot looks like at least — I refuse to find out what it actually is) 9-3. They brought their good bats to the game breaking out for 13 hits including 4 doubles."
4thebirds...
... Here's a story regarding the Batavia Muckdogs championship win yesterday, found at Future Redbirds, a UCB blogsite that covers everything about the Cards' minor league system.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Here's a story regarding the Batavia Muckdogs championship win yesterday, found at Future Redbirds, a UCB blogsite that covers everything about the Cards' minor league system.
Carpenter shut down for the season | MLB.com: News
Carpenter shut down for the season MLB.com: News: "The Cardinals announced on Friday that they are shutting down Chris Carpenter for the season, ending a disappointing and frustrating campaign for the former Cy Young Award winner.
Carpenter, who is dealing with a muscle strain in the back of his right shoulder, ends the season with four appearances, three starts, covering 15 1/3 innings. He has pitched in five Major League games since the end of the 2006 World Series."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach stays on top of the status regarding former Cardinals' ace Chris Carpenter, detailing the hurlers' "shutdown" for the 2008 season.
Read more...
Carpenter, who is dealing with a muscle strain in the back of his right shoulder, ends the season with four appearances, three starts, covering 15 1/3 innings. He has pitched in five Major League games since the end of the 2006 World Series."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach stays on top of the status regarding former Cardinals' ace Chris Carpenter, detailing the hurlers' "shutdown" for the 2008 season.
Muckdogs capture New York-Penn title | MLB.com: News
Muckdogs capture New York-Penn title MLB.com: News: "A 45-year championship drought ended on Sunday in Batavia.
Hector Cardenas pitched six strong innings and Shane Peterson drove in a pair of runs as the Muckdogs beat the Jamestown Jammers, 9-3, to capture the New York-Penn League title."
4thebirds...
... Writer Danny Wild describes the scene during the St. Louis Cardinals' Low-A affiliate Batavia Muckdogs' championship victory yesterday. 4thebirds had posted lots of stats on the team and other minor league affiliates during this season, and it's a great thing that they've received some much "bigger-time" attention for their accomplishments.
Read more...
Hector Cardenas pitched six strong innings and Shane Peterson drove in a pair of runs as the Muckdogs beat the Jamestown Jammers, 9-3, to capture the New York-Penn League title."
4thebirds...
... Writer Danny Wild describes the scene during the St. Louis Cardinals' Low-A affiliate Batavia Muckdogs' championship victory yesterday. 4thebirds had posted lots of stats on the team and other minor league affiliates during this season, and it's a great thing that they've received some much "bigger-time" attention for their accomplishments.
Tails will wag at Thursday's game | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com
Tails will wag at Thursday's game Cincinnati Enquirer Cincinnati.Com: "More than 500 people are expected to bring their 'best friends' to the Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals game on Thursday."
4thebirds...
... It's Pooches Day at the ball park, but no at Busch Stadium, like I first thought. No, this one will take place at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.
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4thebirds...
... It's Pooches Day at the ball park, but no at Busch Stadium, like I first thought. No, this one will take place at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.
STLtoday - Notebook: Molina leaves game
STLtoday - Notebook: Molina leaves game: "Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina said his bruised left thigh felt good enough going into Sunday's game to return to the lineup. But by his second at-bat he didn't feel good enough to continue, and he's not sure what the injury means for his availability from here."
4thebirds...
... Goold updates Molina's injury and offers more Cards' tidbits.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Goold updates Molina's injury and offers more Cards' tidbits.
STLtoday - Frustrated Redbirds suffer series sweep
STLtoday - Frustrated Redbirds suffer series sweep: "For several weeks, the Cardinals have had the appearance of a contender, loitering in the wild-card chase mostly because the other clubs haven't played well enough to shoo them away.
It took the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates to impose reality."
4thebirds...
... Frustration for the Cardinals seemed to be the order of yesterday's game, and the team is recognizing it, dealing with it, and hopefully, will get beyond it. There are a couple weeks remaining and they are yet in the NL Wild Card race, regardless of how tough the odds are against them.
Read more...
It took the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates to impose reality."
4thebirds...
... Frustration for the Cardinals seemed to be the order of yesterday's game, and the team is recognizing it, dealing with it, and hopefully, will get beyond it. There are a couple weeks remaining and they are yet in the NL Wild Card race, regardless of how tough the odds are against them.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
ABC News: Zambrano Throws No-Hitter as Cubs Beat Astros 5-0
ABC News: Zambrano Throws No-Hitter as Cubs Beat Astros 5-0: "Carlos Zambrano pitched the first no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs in 36 years, returning from a recent bout of rotator cuff soreness to shut down the Houston Astros 5-0 Sunday night in a game relocated because of Hurricane Ike."
4thebirds...
... Zambrano throws no-no, Astros get "Iked."
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Zambrano throws no-no, Astros get "Iked."
Cardinals not throwing in the towel yet | stlcardinals.com: News
Cardinals not throwing in the towel yet stlcardinals.com: News: "It's no secret to anyone, including those in the clubhouse, that the Cardinals are slumping. They've lost five straight, equaling their longest slide of the year, and their playoff chances are fading. But they know that's no reason to pack it in.
The Redbirds haven't been eliminated yet, and besides that, pride is a powerful motivation. A team that has played well all year doesn't want to go out on a sour note."
4thebirds...
... There's plenty to play for, and I'm glad the Cardinals are taking that attitude. Maybe this is what they mean by Play like a Cardinal.
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The Redbirds haven't been eliminated yet, and besides that, pride is a powerful motivation. A team that has played well all year doesn't want to go out on a sour note."
4thebirds...
... There's plenty to play for, and I'm glad the Cardinals are taking that attitude. Maybe this is what they mean by Play like a Cardinal.
Villone ejected after on-field argument | stlcardinals.com: News
Villone ejected after on-field argument stlcardinals.com: News: "It's probably good that the Cardinals and Pirates won't see each other again this year.
A dispute between the two teams over a play on the basepaths nearly turned into a full-on fight on Sunday afternoon. Both benches and bullpens emptied and Cardinals reliever Ron Villone was ejected, but no punches were exchanged."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach gets the straight talk from Aaron Miles on what was said at second base that started the scuffle that found both benches and bullpens emptying.
Read more...
A dispute between the two teams over a play on the basepaths nearly turned into a full-on fight on Sunday afternoon. Both benches and bullpens emptied and Cardinals reliever Ron Villone was ejected, but no punches were exchanged."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach gets the straight talk from Aaron Miles on what was said at second base that started the scuffle that found both benches and bullpens emptying.
Small-ball helps Phillies win big | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/14/2008
Small-ball helps Phillies win big Philadelphia Inquirer 09/14/2008: "It surprised a few people, but not Charlie Manuel.
The manager had talked with Chase Utley today about the potential for a sacrifice bunt before his at-bat in the eighth inning of a 7-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of a doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park."
4thebirds...
... Game summary; not long ago, I stated of the teams in the hunt for the NL Wild Card, Philly was the team with the best shot.
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The manager had talked with Chase Utley today about the potential for a sacrifice bunt before his at-bat in the eighth inning of a 7-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of a doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park."
4thebirds...
... Game summary; not long ago, I stated of the teams in the hunt for the NL Wild Card, Philly was the team with the best shot.
Sports Update - MLB: Philadelphia 7, Milwaukee 3 (Game 1) - ArcaMax Publishing
Sports Update - MLB: Philadelphia 7, Milwaukee 3 (Game 1) - ArcaMax Publishing: "Pat Burrell's RBI single Sunday lifted the Philadelphia Phillies past the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3 in the first game of a day/night doubleheader."
4thebirds...
... Game summary of Phillies/Brewers game, having an impact on the NL Wild Card race.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game summary of Phillies/Brewers game, having an impact on the NL Wild Card race.
ESPN - Astros' Cooper unhappy to play Cubs in Milwaukee - MLB
ESPN - Astros' Cooper unhappy to play Cubs in Milwaukee - MLB: "But with his club chasing the NL wild-card spot, Astros manager Cecil Cooper sure wasn't thrilled with the idea of playing in front of a predominantly pro-Cubs crowd at a supposedly neutral site. And he planned to make his feelings known to commissioner Bud Selig, a close friend.
'It's like a Cub home game,' Cooper said. 'Only they're not the 'home' team, we are. I'm not happy about that. I need to tell the commissioner that. I will tell him that.'"
4thebirds...
... The forums are alive with talk of the seemingly unfair decision to have this game played just outside the Cubs' back yard.
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'It's like a Cub home game,' Cooper said. 'Only they're not the 'home' team, we are. I'm not happy about that. I need to tell the commissioner that. I will tell him that.'"
4thebirds...
... The forums are alive with talk of the seemingly unfair decision to have this game played just outside the Cubs' back yard.
McLouth homers as Pirates sweep Cards - FOX30Online.com Jacksonville News Leader
McLouth homers as Pirates sweep Cards - FOX30Online.com Jacksonville News Leader: "Nate McLouth went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and finished with two runs driven in and three scored, as the Pittsburgh Pirates completed their first three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals since August 11-13 of 2006 with a 7-2 victory."
4thebirds...
... Game summary.
Molina sits after aggravating injury | stlcardinals.com: News
Molina sits after aggravating injury stlcardinals.com: News: "Molina, who had missed three games due to a left thigh injury, was removed from Sunday afternoon's game against the Pirates when the injury flared up on him. Officially, Molina was pulled due to 'left quadriceps tightness.'"
4thebirds...
... And the Injury Parade rolls on for the Cards, this time a relapse of Yadier Molina's bruised leg after a collision at home plate with Ted Lilly of the Cubs.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... And the Injury Parade rolls on for the Cards, this time a relapse of Yadier Molina's bruised leg after a collision at home plate with Ted Lilly of the Cubs.
Cardinals suffer fifth straight defeat | stlcardinals.com: News
Cardinals suffer fifth straight defeat stlcardinals.com: News: "St. Louis has lost five in a row, equaling its longest skid of the season, and 11 out of 15. The Cardinals' elimination number is nine -- that is, any combination of nine Brewers wins and Cardinals losses will eliminate St. Louis from playoff contention."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach provides a game summary.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach provides a game summary.
Early gamer: Pirates sweep St. Louis - PBC Blog - post-gazette.com
Early gamer: Pirates sweep St. Louis - PBC Blog - post-gazette.com: "Nate McLouth hit his 26th home run and Adam LaRoche drove in three runs as the Pirates pounded St. Louis, 7-2, this afternoon before 18,994 at PNC Park to cap a three-game sweep of the Cardinals.
It is the Pirates' first three-game winning streak since taking four in a row July 21-24, their first sweep since taking three in Houston in that same span."
4thebirds...
... Pittsburgh area game summary.
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It is the Pirates' first three-game winning streak since taking four in a row July 21-24, their first sweep since taking three in Houston in that same span."
4thebirds...
... Pittsburgh area game summary.
The Cardinal Virtue: When it rains, it pours.
The Cardinal Virtue: When it rains, it pours.: "It may be close to the end, and here are some signs of that:
1. Four losses in a row, including two to the lowly Pirates.
2. Carpenter has been shut down for the rest of the year. Apparently..."
4thebirds...
... Trey at Cardinal Virtue weighs in on the current status of the Cardinals, like most, feeling like maybe it's time to make a call on the season ... or is it?
Read more...
1. Four losses in a row, including two to the lowly Pirates.
2. Carpenter has been shut down for the rest of the year. Apparently..."
4thebirds...
... Trey at Cardinal Virtue weighs in on the current status of the Cardinals, like most, feeling like maybe it's time to make a call on the season ... or is it?
STLtoday - Cardinals Insider: Mozeliak pledges to be aggressive
STLtoday - Cardinals Insider: Mozeliak pledges to be aggressive: "Empty (but paid) seats were obvious at Busch Stadium during last week's three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
Eleven days have lapsed since manager Tony La Russa spoke for himself and a significant portion of the team's fan base by saying, 'I think the issues are out there and it's up to the organization to prove if they want to have a fighting chance to finish first. The only way you do that is by your actions, not by the benefit of what you've done."
4thebirds...
... (comment left at Joe Strauss's article on STL-PD at the linked page)
Read more...
Eleven days have lapsed since manager Tony La Russa spoke for himself and a significant portion of the team's fan base by saying, 'I think the issues are out there and it's up to the organization to prove if they want to have a fighting chance to finish first. The only way you do that is by your actions, not by the benefit of what you've done."
4thebirds...
... (comment left at Joe Strauss's article on STL-PD at the linked page)
STLtoday - Deadlock vs. Bucs
STLtoday - Deadlock vs. Bucs: "Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright's surge toward the finish hit a pothole at PNC Park, one deep enough that even given 12 innings the Cardinals couldn't pull themselves out of it."
4thebirds...
... Game summary by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game summary by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
STLtoday - Isringhausen plans to pitch in '09
STLtoday - Isringhausen plans to pitch in '09: "On the brink of free agency and with a freshly repaired right elbow, Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen is so tantalizingly close to his 300th save that he is plotting a return for next season.
'I'm sure I'm going to play,' Isringhausen said Saturday from his St. Louis-area home. 'I'm going to go through the rehab so that I can make that decision, but right now I plan on playing. We'll see how it goes from here.'"
4thebirds...
... (comment left on STL-PD linked page)
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'I'm sure I'm going to play,' Isringhausen said Saturday from his St. Louis-area home. 'I'm going to go through the rehab so that I can make that decision, but right now I plan on playing. We'll see how it goes from here.'"
4thebirds...
... (comment left on STL-PD linked page)
Do-it-all Thompson gets call for Cards | stlcardinals.com: News
Do-it-all Thompson gets call for Cards stlcardinals.com: News: "Brad Thompson is the Swiss Army Knife of the Cardinals' pitching staff. He can be used in just about any role, at just about any time.
Just this year alone, he's taken a wide range of assignments. He's started. He's pitched long relief and mopup in the early innings. He piggybacked Mark Mulder in Mulder's return from the disabled list, entering as a reliever in the first inning. He's pitched in the ninth inning with a save chance. He's pitched as a middle/setup man, and as a long man in extra innings."
4thebirds...
... Earlier in the year, I was a little miffed about how Thompson was dispatched back to Triple-A after coming to the rescue of a starting rotation that wasn't able to, well, rotate. And it truly was the "how" that was irritating. Thompson had learned that he was heading back to Memphis in the locker room, informed by the media, before the Cardinals staff did. It seems no one on the staff bothered to tell him they had finished using him. Maybe there was a bus ticket in his locker that he hadn't noticed yet.
In any case, Thompson handled it professionally, and without throwing a fit, which he had been prone to do on the mound and probably his biggest hindrance to pitching his best. So here he is again. He sure has earned it.
Read more...
Just this year alone, he's taken a wide range of assignments. He's started. He's pitched long relief and mopup in the early innings. He piggybacked Mark Mulder in Mulder's return from the disabled list, entering as a reliever in the first inning. He's pitched in the ninth inning with a save chance. He's pitched as a middle/setup man, and as a long man in extra innings."
4thebirds...
... Earlier in the year, I was a little miffed about how Thompson was dispatched back to Triple-A after coming to the rescue of a starting rotation that wasn't able to, well, rotate. And it truly was the "how" that was irritating. Thompson had learned that he was heading back to Memphis in the locker room, informed by the media, before the Cardinals staff did. It seems no one on the staff bothered to tell him they had finished using him. Maybe there was a bus ticket in his locker that he hadn't noticed yet.
In any case, Thompson handled it professionally, and without throwing a fit, which he had been prone to do on the mound and probably his biggest hindrance to pitching his best. So here he is again. He sure has earned it.
Scott Wuerz blog: Ankiel will be going under the knife
Scott Wuerz blog: Ankiel will be going under the knife: "It's disturbing to learn after the Cardinals ran Rick Ankiel out to hit and play left field for the last month and a half that the pitcher-turned-outfielder's abdominal muscle strain is actually something worse.
He has an injury similar to Chris Duncan's 2007 sports hernia that will require surgery, the Redbirds now say."
4thebirds...
... Ankiel's injury apparently was much worse than he let on, and that's the key. I believe Ankiel had led the Cardinals to believe that he was okay to swing, but that the running bothered him.
Still, medical and coaching staff might have questioned that, knowing Ankiel is a ball player who wants to win and will try to forgo any injury.
And further still, Ankiel, who has been injured before, knows this is not something you should take lightly or put off.
Wuerz is usually pretty hard on the Cardinals, but this may be a time when it is very appropriate, or, like Wuerz wrote, something should have been done weeks earlier.
Read more...
He has an injury similar to Chris Duncan's 2007 sports hernia that will require surgery, the Redbirds now say."
4thebirds...
... Ankiel's injury apparently was much worse than he let on, and that's the key. I believe Ankiel had led the Cardinals to believe that he was okay to swing, but that the running bothered him.
Still, medical and coaching staff might have questioned that, knowing Ankiel is a ball player who wants to win and will try to forgo any injury.
And further still, Ankiel, who has been injured before, knows this is not something you should take lightly or put off.
Wuerz is usually pretty hard on the Cardinals, but this may be a time when it is very appropriate, or, like Wuerz wrote, something should have been done weeks earlier.
STLtoday - Lead, game slip away
STLtoday - Lead, game slip away: "Several hours after Pittsburgh pounced on a winded and sluggish Wainwright for a four-run inning that erased the Cardinals' early lead, outfielder Brandon Moss finished off the comeback with a game-winning double in the 12th. Moss' two-out, full-count drive to the right-center gap scored Adam LaRoche for a 7-6 victory Saturday.
That there was a score to be untied, let alone a 12th inning to do it, traced back to the fifth inning, when Wainwright couldn't catch his breath and didn't get an out."
4thebirds...
... By now, everyone has figured out that Wainwright was gassed in the fifth. So why didn't anyone do anything about it?
Read more...
That there was a score to be untied, let alone a 12th inning to do it, traced back to the fifth inning, when Wainwright couldn't catch his breath and didn't get an out."
4thebirds...
... By now, everyone has figured out that Wainwright was gassed in the fifth. So why didn't anyone do anything about it?
Rattler Radio: More good news from Quad Cities
Rattler Radio: More good news from Quad Cities: "The River Bandits had a great season. If there was one blemish...aside from the radio booth windows that do not open, but that's for a different day...it would have been the playing surface of Modern Woodmen Park. However, according to this Quad Cities Times story, help is on the way."
4thebirds...
... Apparently, the Quad-Cities River Bandits organization aren't the only ones glad that Modern Woodmen Park is going to get the twice-over.
But right now, I'm wondering what is happening with the home of the River Bandits with all this rainfall and the remnants of Hurricane Ike.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Apparently, the Quad-Cities River Bandits organization aren't the only ones glad that Modern Woodmen Park is going to get the twice-over.
But right now, I'm wondering what is happening with the home of the River Bandits with all this rainfall and the remnants of Hurricane Ike.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Raise the Jolly Roger!
Raise the Jolly Roger!: "It didn't look good early when Ian Snell gave up a run in the first thanks to some shoddy defense, but the offense, amazingly, came through against a very good pitcher, Adam Wainwright. Snell would give up many more, but the Bucs came back off Wainwright, tying things 6-6 in the 5th inning."
4thebirds...
... Game summary post on the popular Pirates' blog, Raise the Jolly Roger!
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game summary post on the popular Pirates' blog, Raise the Jolly Roger!
Bucs beat Cards in 12 innings - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Bucs beat Cards in 12 innings - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Right fielder Brandon Moss's two-out double to center off Cardinals reliever Chris Perez scored Adam LaRoche from first base as the Pirates beat the Cardinals, 7-6, in 12 innings."
4thebirds...
... Game summary.
Molina, Glaus close to returning | stlcardinals.com: News
Molina, Glaus close to returning stlcardinals.com: News: "Yadier Molina could start the Cardinals' Sunday game at the Pirates, and Troy Glaus hasn't given up hope of playing in that game, either.
Molina, who sustained a thigh bruise in a collision at home plate on Wednesday, practiced crouching on Saturday and was able to do so. He's not entirely pain-free, but he's close enough that manager Tony La Russa hopes to write his name in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach explores the status of the injuries to both Yadier Molina and Troy Glaus.
Read more...
Molina, who sustained a thigh bruise in a collision at home plate on Wednesday, practiced crouching on Saturday and was able to do so. He's not entirely pain-free, but he's close enough that manager Tony La Russa hopes to write his name in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach explores the status of the injuries to both Yadier Molina and Troy Glaus.
Pineiro, La Russa on same page | stlcardinals.com: News
Pineiro, La Russa on same page stlcardinals.com: News: "Following the Cardinals' ugly loss to the Pirates at PNC Park on Friday night, manager Tony La Russa had some brutal honesty for starting pitcher Joel Pineiro. But that was OK with Pineiro, since he saw all the same things La Russa did -- inconsistency from inning to inning, and generally disappointing results.
So when the two men got together for a chat on Saturday, it's not surprising that they saw things eye to eye."
4thebirds...
... Uh-oh, a meeting in the boss's office can't be good. Or was it?
Read more...
So when the two men got together for a chat on Saturday, it's not surprising that they saw things eye to eye."
4thebirds...
... Uh-oh, a meeting in the boss's office can't be good. Or was it?
Carlos Delgado has cause enough to be National League MVP over Albert Pujols
Carlos Delgado has cause enough to be National League MVP over Albert Pujols: "The sudden MVP clamor in Metville for Carlos Delgado is striking a sour note in the heartland, where Albert Pujols remains the man, even if his St. Louis Cardinals are a team going in the wrong direction these waning days of September."
4thebirds...
... The Mets fans believe Carlos Delgado is more deserving of the MVP than Albert Pujols.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... The Mets fans believe Carlos Delgado is more deserving of the MVP than Albert Pujols.
Pirates rally in fifth, win it in 12th | pirates.com: News
Pirates rally in fifth, win it in 12th pirates.com: News: "Nyjer Morgan and Ryan Doumit collected multihit games for the Pirates, who managed to pull out a 7-6 win over the Cardinals at PNC Park on Saturday night. However, it was Brandon Moss' RBI double in the 12th inning that gave the Pirates their 32nd come-from-behind win of the year and helped erase a tough outing by starter Ian Snell, who was shelled for six runs in four innings."
4thebirds...
... MLB game summary by Todd Krise.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... MLB game summary by Todd Krise.
STLtoday - Molina could start Sunday
STLtoday - Molina could start Sunday: "Molina was available to pinch hit if needed Saturday, and the catcher felt good enough getting into and out of a crouch that he’ll be cleared to handle his position before the weekend’s final game at PNC Park."
4thebirds...
... Derrick Goold informs us about:
- status of Yadier Molina (injury)
- status of Troy Glaus (injury)
- Joel Pineiro meeting with TLR
- info on Josh Kinney
- the blue caps
Walk-off Moss gathers no loss for Bucs
Brandon Moss lashed a Chris Perez fast ball off the wall in right-center field in the twelfth inning, a walk-off double that scored Adam LaRoche from first base, the Cardinals losing 7-6 in extra innings.
The loss adds to the frustrations of the team and Cardinal Nation alike, an opportunity to gain some ground on the NL Wild Card leading Milwaukee Brewers wasted. The Brewers had lost 7-3 to the Philadelphia Phillies earlier.
Adam Wainwright gave the team initial hope, considering how well he has pitched since coming off his last rehab. But tonight he struggled in the first inning, uncharacteristically giving up two runs, losing a 1-0 lead right off the bat, the first inning ending with the Pirates up 2-1.
The Cards fought back against Ian Snell, a last minute replacement for Jeff Karstens, who had to take a seat due to an infected tooth. The second inning found the Cardinals rallying, scoring three runs with RBI hits by Jason LaRue, Skip Schumaker, and Albert Pujols. The Cards retook the lead at 4-2.
Felipe Lopez added to the lead with a two-run homer to right field in the fourth inning, the Cards bumping up their score to 6-2 and chasing Ian Snell.
Wainwright settled down for three innings, but was taken apart by the Pirates in the fifth inning, the Pirates scoring three runs. Nyjer Morgan led off with a drag bunt single, followed by Freddy Sanchez single on a hit-and-run play, the second time in the game that those two paired up to put on the play.
Nate McLouth then doubled, scoring Morgan. Ryan Doumit followed by doubling off the center field wall, scoring Sanchez and McLouth to bring the Bucs within one run at 6-5.
It was after the Doumit double that must have made fans wonder if Cards' skipper Tony La Russa would hook Wainwright. La Russa, however, left Wainwright in the game, the next batter, Adam LaRoche singling home Doumit to tie the game at 6-all.
Still with no outs, La Russa brought in Russ Springer, who got the Cards out of the jam. From there, the game remained knotted at 6-each through the ninth inning, carrying to twelve innings. La Russa would call upon Ryan Franklin, Ron Villone, Jason Motte, Kyle McClellan, and Chris Perez in relief. The Pirates used seven relievers.
The bottom of the twelfth seemed under control, Perez's second inning of work, recording five fly outs in a row before walking Adam LaRoche. The fateful Moss walk-off double broke the tie for the 7-6 loss.
The Cardinals get a shot at avoiding a sweep by the NL Central's last place team tomorrow at 12:15 p.m. CT.
4thebirds will carry a LIVEcast live blogging session during the game, providing limited play-by-play and leaving the blog open to anyone who wishes to post remarks about the Cardinals and/or the game.
photo by David Watson
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Mostly Memphis for the St. Louis Redbirds
Who else noticed that at one point in last night's ball game, over half the squad on the field had coupons for Autozone Park sticking out of their back pockets?
Translation: At one point during this season, the five out of nine fielded players of which I speak had played for the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
And it could've been seven if manager Tony La Russa had made the wholesale battery change of catcher Mark Johnson and pitcher Kelvin Jimenez a bit earlier.
In any event, at one point in the game (if memory serves, the sixth inning), La Russa fielded Brendan Ryan at shortstop, Brian Barden at second base, Nick Stavinoha in left field, Brian Barton in center field, and Josh Phelps in right field.
Does that make the team the St. Louis Redbirds?
Earlier in the game, Josh Phelps had played first base, meaning that Class AAA Memphis had a hand--or should I say, glove, at every position but third base.
photos by Barbara Moore
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Cards looking to ride ace to victory | stlcardinals.com: News
Cards looking to ride ace to victory stlcardinals.com: News: "PITTSBURGH -- The Astros have hitched their wagon to Roy Oswalt. The Brewers are riding CC Sabathia as far as they can. If the Cardinals are going to get back in the National League Wild Card race, one thing they'll need to do is get as much as they can out of burgeoning ace Adam Wainwright."
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach examines the usage of Adam Wainwright.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Matthew Leach examines the usage of Adam Wainwright.
Raise the Jolly Roger!
Raise the Jolly Roger!: "Ian Snell is starting in place of Jeff Karstens, who was pushed back a day due to a 'dental procedure.' He can be added to the long list of injured Pirates: Tom Gorzelanny was pronounced out for the year yesterday, capping off a miserable year for him. Jimmy Barthmaier will come up, keeping the 6-man rotation intact."
4thebirds...
... Preview from a Bucs blogger at Raise the Jolly Roger!.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Preview from a Bucs blogger at Raise the Jolly Roger!.
Cards' Carpenter Done for Season
Cards' Carpenter Done for Season: "St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Chris Carpenter will miss the rest of the 2008 season because of continued weakness from a muscle strain in his pitching shoulder."
4thebirds...
... more about Carp's shutdown.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... more about Carp's shutdown.
InGameNow » Who’s Coming Back First - Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire?
InGameNow » Who’s Coming Back First - Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire?: "Everyone knows Barry Bonds’ absence from the baseball diamond is not completely voluntary on his part. In fact, he went even so far as to say he’s “not retired” when he took part in celebrations at AT&T Park in San Francisco earlier this summer. The truth is, his rumored steroid use and legal troubles make him a pariah within the game. He brings so much baggage that not even the spiraling Yankees offered him a desparation contract."
4thebirds...
... In some of the forums, the word it has been said that the passing of the 10-year McGwire historic event, #62, has gone quietly, and for the better, one poster calling the event a "juiced up milestone."
Unfortunately, about the only hitting McGwire might be able to do is to call Barry; the two of them can stand about 715 feet apart and hit the ball back and forth.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... In some of the forums, the word it has been said that the passing of the 10-year McGwire historic event, #62, has gone quietly, and for the better, one poster calling the event a "juiced up milestone."
Unfortunately, about the only hitting McGwire might be able to do is to call Barry; the two of them can stand about 715 feet apart and hit the ball back and forth.
UCB Autumn Roundtable reminder...Cubs/Cards LIVEcast
UCB members can use this tool to give themselves a reminder for the UCB project, but should email me separatly using the Email the author below this post, or if you have my regular e-mail. This is not required, but I'll only have so much room for "throughs" without moderation, so if you can send me a short note telling me you'll be attending, I can e-mail back a panelist's link (to the first ten, anyway.) NOTE: Although it would be cool to embed the live blog on your blog, it is not necessary to participate, as you can use the live blog that will be up here or on any participating UCB blog.
I would advise testing the live blog out prior to the event if you haven't done so in the past, in order to iron out any issues you may have with your site. The live blog window seems to embed without a hitch on Blogger and MLBlogs, with an extra step needed for Wordpress. There is also a way to paste it into a browser window, if nothing else.
To those receiving e-mail invites, they will be branded with Cover-it-Live, and often end up in the junk mail.
Anyone wanting to get on as a panelist to one the LIVEcasts I'll be doing this weekend and during the week can email me or hop on the live blog. I now have most of the email addresses, so I can flick out an email invite so you can test it, even if you're only on there for a few minutes.
Cardinals continue set in Steel City
Cardinals continue set in Steel City: "Adam Wainwright gets the nod for the St. Louis Cardinals this evening, when they resume a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park."
4thebirds...
... Game preview.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game preview.
New York-Penn League: News: Article
New York-Penn League: News: Article: "Jermaine Curtis' first homer in six weeks pulled the Batavia Muckdogs within a victory of the first championship in their 51-year history."
4thebirds...
... Game summary by John Torenli regarding the St. Louis Cardinals' Low-A affiliate Batavia Muckdogs as they get off to a good start in the New York-Penn League Championship.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game summary by John Torenli regarding the St. Louis Cardinals' Low-A affiliate Batavia Muckdogs as they get off to a good start in the New York-Penn League Championship.
Daily Farm Report 9/12/08 | Future Redbirds
Daily Farm Report 9/12/08 Future Redbirds
4thebirds...
... The DFR from Future Redbirds.
STLtoday - Season over for Carpenter
STLtoday - Season over for Carpenter: "The Cardinals announced Friday night that Carpenter will be sidelined for the rest of the season because of the muscle strain that put him on the disabled list in August and a nerve irritation recently discovered. The two ailments have contributed to Carpenter's inability to regain strength and recover effectively after his one and only relief appearance."
4thebirds...
... Derrick Goold continues to swarm all over the Cardinals' news that means something. This Carp stuff may (or may not) be bad news, depending on how you loo at it, but it is important to his career, the St. Louis Cardinals' organization, and to the fans.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Derrick Goold continues to swarm all over the Cardinals' news that means something. This Carp stuff may (or may not) be bad news, depending on how you loo at it, but it is important to his career, the St. Louis Cardinals' organization, and to the fans.
STLtoday - Surgery for Ankiel?
STLtoday - Surgery for Ankiel?: "Ankiel received a shot Friday to address the irritation, and he was diagnosed with an abdominal strain/sports hernia."
4thebirds...
... Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch gives us the line on a lot of Cardinal-concerns, including:
- Rick Ankiel's abdominal injury
- status of Yadier Molina (injury)
- status of Troy Glaus (injury)
- coin toss to determine home/away in the case of playoff with Philadelphia
- coin toss to determine home/away in the case of playoff with Milwaukee
- rotation of affiliate coaches with major league team
- info on Brian Barden
STLtoday - Birds take a beating from Bucs
STLtoday - Birds take a beating from Bucs: "'It all exploded,' Piñeiro said. 'Quick.'
It was that kind of day for the Cardinals."
4thebirds...
... Game summary form Derrick Goold.
This and That and More of the Same: Albert Pujols joins elite club
This and That and More of the Same: Albert Pujols joins elite club: "On Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols (above) drove in his 100th run, becoming only the third player in history to reach that milestone in each of his first eight seasons. Ted Williams did it in his first eight seasons and the champion Al Simmons (below) did it in his first eleven seasons."
4thebirds...
... Fresh piece re: Pujols.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Fresh piece re: Pujols.
McLouth's career night carries Pirates | pirates.com: News
McLouth's career night carries Pirates pirates.com: News: "PITTSBURGH -- Friday night's 10-2 pounding of the Cardinals in front of a rain-soaked crowd of 14,903 at PNC Park was long overdue for the Pirates.
Two months overdue, in fact."
4thebirds...
... Game summary by Todd Krise.
Read more...
Two months overdue, in fact."
4thebirds...
... Game summary by Todd Krise.
Karstens questionable with dental issue | pirates.com: News
Karstens questionable with dental issue pirates.com: News: "PITTSBURGH -- Pick any body part, and it's likely at least one Pirates player has sustained an injury in that spot this season.
And as of Friday, you can add teeth to that list."
4thebirds...
... This Todd Krise article gives you the low-down on Jeff Karstens' dental dilemma. And we all know, an aching tooth can bring down a giant, let alone a human baseball pitcher. Odd but true. Only his dentist knows for sure.
Read more...
And as of Friday, you can add teeth to that list."
4thebirds...
... This Todd Krise article gives you the low-down on Jeff Karstens' dental dilemma. And we all know, an aching tooth can bring down a giant, let alone a human baseball pitcher. Odd but true. Only his dentist knows for sure.
staugustine.com: the oldest city's home on the Net
staugustine.com: the oldest city's home on the Net: "PITTSBURGH -- Nate McLouth homered and had a career-high five RBIs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 10-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night."
4thebirds...
... Game summary; Florida publication.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... Game summary; Florida publication.
Cheap seats blog: Someone make the suffering stop
Cheap seats blog: Someone make the suffering stop: "I am often asked if I think the season is over these days or if I hold out hope that the Cardinals could turn things around and make the playoffs.
My response has always been that, while the odds have grown increasingly unlikely that the Birds could dig themselves out of the hole they put themselves in, it's not over until the numbers say it's mathematically impossible to catch up."
4thebirds...
... This Belleville blog by Scott Wuerz rages with frustration over not only the shellacking the Cardinals took in Pittsburgh last night, but when seems to be a lack of enthusiasm, Wuerz going so far as to accusing the non-star Cardinals of not trying as hard as the star-power.
There's not much positive here except the mathematical fact that the Cardinals are still in the hunt of a playoff spot.
If you like Wuerz, who covers the Cardinals inside and out throughout the season, read it; if you're indifferent, you can hear this tone in any Cardinals forum.
Read more...
My response has always been that, while the odds have grown increasingly unlikely that the Birds could dig themselves out of the hole they put themselves in, it's not over until the numbers say it's mathematically impossible to catch up."
4thebirds...
... This Belleville blog by Scott Wuerz rages with frustration over not only the shellacking the Cardinals took in Pittsburgh last night, but when seems to be a lack of enthusiasm, Wuerz going so far as to accusing the non-star Cardinals of not trying as hard as the star-power.
There's not much positive here except the mathematical fact that the Cardinals are still in the hunt of a playoff spot.
If you like Wuerz, who covers the Cardinals inside and out throughout the season, read it; if you're indifferent, you can hear this tone in any Cardinals forum.
The Fat Lady Has Sung | Mike On The Cards
The Fat Lady Has Sung Mike On The Cards: "For those that missed it, the Cardinals got pummeled by the Pirates 10-2."
4thebirds...
... He calls em likes he sees em.
Read more...
4thebirds...
... He calls em likes he sees em.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Bucs pound Cards in road trip opener
Joel Pineiro probably wished St. Louis Cardinals' manager Tony La Russa had switched the starters one more time tonight as he got rocked by the Pittsburgh Pirates, seven of the 10 Pirates run scored on him, all earned.
The 10-2 pounding is not what the Cardinals imagined going into Pittsburgh for the first game of a nine-game road trip.
Tonight's game started late due to rain, while several other MLB games were postponed. There was speculation as to how much the delay might've affected Pineiro, but the Pirates' pitcher, Paul Maholm, pitched under the same circumstances, and Maholm went 8.0 innings, allowing only two runs, those in the ninth when he was out of gas but left in so he could attempt a complete game.
In a post-game interview, La Russa admitted he didn't know what was wrong with Pineiro but that something had to be done, because there had been just too many occasions where Pineiro wasn't getting it done.
Pineiro got stung right away when Nyjer Morgan tagged up and scored from third on a Brandon Moss sac-fly.
The Pirates added two more in the third when Nate McLouth lined a two-run homer out in right field.
McLouth struck again in the fifth, cracking a bases loaded (and clearing) double, sending home Maholm, Morgan, and Luis Cruz to increase the Pirates' lead to 6-0. The double chased Pineiro, La Russa bringing on Randy Flores.
Flores got hit right away, Moss trading places with McLouth at second base, adding another run to make it 7-0. That seventh run was charged to Pineiro, all seven earned.
Maholm then helped himself, singling with the bases loaded off of Flores, Moss and Raul Chavez scoring, extending the Bucs' lead to 9-0.
The Pirates added one more in the next inning, McLouth tagging up at third and scoring on a sac-fly by Adam LaRoche.
Flores ended up allowing two of the later Pirates' runs, Ron Villone letting the tenth run cross the plate. These two were followed by Josh Kinney and Kelvin Jimenez, who gave up no more Bucs' runs.
The Cardinals didn't score until there last at bats, when Maholm was pretty much gassed but left in to see if he could get a complete game. That didn't happen, Josh Phelps hitting a leadoff single, followed by an Aaron Miles double into the right field corner.
Mark Johnson, a Fall call-up and now third-string catcher, chopped an infield single down the third base line, Phelps scoring the first Cardinals' run and breaking up Maholm's bid for a shutout. Felipe Lopez took a batting practice speed pitch back up the middle, advancing Miles to third and Johnson to second.
The Pirates' brought in Romulo Sanchez, who got Nick Stavinoha to ground into a 6-4-3 double play, Miles scoring, but the Cardinals running out of outs fast. Kennedy flew out to end the game, the Cardinals dropping a tough one, 10-2, on a night when the Wild Card race teams they were chasing all were postponed from action.
The loss finds the Cards slipping back another game in the NL Wild Card, now 5.0 games behind the NL WC leading Milwaukee Brewers. As well, the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies are both 2.0 games ahead of the Cardinals.
Adam Wainwright is slated for tomorrow night's start, hoping to help his teammates get this all-important road trip back on track. Jeff Karstens will get the nod for Pittsburgh.
Game time at PNC Park tomorrow night is 6:05 p.m. CT.
The 4thebirds...LIVEcast is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
photo by David Watson
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