The St. Louis Cardinals drive for Number 11 (1 Viewer)

[Ghost Rider]

Now that the Cardinals have finally broken into double digits as far as World Series titles go, what better time than to do something they have never done...repeat.

But can they do it? Five big question marks for the Cardinals heading into the season are:

1. Can the starting rotation get the job done?

-The starting rotation has seen quite an overhaul, but they have been tremendous throughout spring training, which has to make most Cardinals fans pretty optimistic. Adam Wainwright is showing every sign of being a keeper in the rotation. If he can be as good as many think he can be, that will be huge, as will if Mulder returns mid-season and pitches as well as he can. And aside from Santana, there is no other pitcher I would want as my ace than Chris Carpenter.

2. Can this team stay healthy?

-Edmonds and Eckstein still have lingering injuries from last season. Encarnacion will not play opening day. I cannot remember the last time Rolen made it through an entire season without getting hurt. Even Pujols was hit by the injury bug last year. The NL Central should be improved this season, so 83 wins ain't gonna cut it.

3. Can Izzy recover physically AND mentally?

-All signs are that his hip should be okay and that he should be able to regain his pre-injury form, but can he mentally recover from being booed by Cardinals fans? Based on comments he made in interviews in the offseason, he was clearly bothered by the boos, but anyone who knows Cardinals fans knows that if he pitches well, the cheers will come back in full force, so all he has to do is focus, pitch well, and Cards fans will be back on his side before he knows it.

4. Can the Cardinals hold off the other NL Central teams, many of which have improved?

-The Reds, Brewers, Astros, and even the Cubs have all arguably improved their ballclubs in the offseason. The Cardinals, according to most, have not. Three losing streaks of seven games or more will not get them a division title in 2007.

5. Will the team be as hungry?

-I have seen in many times in various sports. A team is on the verge for years, and when they finally make it to the top, they tumble fast the following year. Sometimes, they lose players. Sometimes, other teams are just better. And sometimes, teams just aren't as hungry, and that makes a world of difference.

No matter how you look at it, this should be another exciting season of baseball in the city of St. Louis. Bring the season on!

 

[Jayrod]

Now that the Cardinals have finally broken into double digits as far as World Series titles go, what better time than to do something they have never done...repeat.

But can they do it? Five big question marks for the Cardinals heading into the season are:

1. Can the starting rotation get the job done?

-The starting rotation has seen quite an overhaul, but they have been tremendous throughout spring training, which has to make most Cardinals fans pretty optimistic. Adam Wainwright is showing every sign of being a keeper in the rotation. If he can be as good as many think he can be, that will be huge, as will if Mulder returns mid-season and pitches as well as he can. And aside from Santana, there is no other pitcher I would want as my ace than Chris Carpenter.

2. Can this team stay healthy?

-Edmonds and Eckstein still have lingering injuries from last season. Encarnacion will not play opening day. I cannot remember the last time Rolen made it through an entire season without getting hurt. Even Pujols was hit by the injury bug last year. The NL Central should be improved this season, so 83 wins ain't gonna cut it.

3. Can Izzy recover physically AND mentally?

-All signs are that his hip should be okay and that he should be able to regain his pre-injury form, but can he mentally recover from being booed by Cardinals fans? Based on comments he made in interviews in the offseason, he was clearly bothered by the boos, but anyone who knows Cardinals fans knows that if he pitches well, the cheers will come back in full force, so all he has to do is focus, pitch well, and Cards fans will be back on his side before he knows it.

4. Can the Cardinals hold off the other NL Central teams, many of which have improved?

-The Reds, Brewers, Astros, and even the Cubs have all arguably improved their ballclubs in the offseason. The Cardinals, according to most, have not. Three losing streaks of seven games or more will not get them a division title in 2007.

5. Will the team be as hungry?

-I have seen in many times in various sports. A team is on the verge for years, and when they finally make it to the top, they tumble fast the following year. Sometimes, they lose players. Sometimes, other teams are just better. And sometimes, teams just aren't as hungry, and that makes a world of difference.

No matter how you look at it, this should be another exciting season of baseball in the city of St. Louis. Bring the season on!

I don't see #11 happening this year. Jimmy is too old to be worth much and the rest of the outfield is a platoon of Encarnacion, Duncan, Taguchi & Wilson. Nothing worth much out of that crew (unless Duncan just takes off, but I doubt it). I don't know much about the new second baseman, but him not running a ball out last night won't sit will in St. Louis or with LaRussa. His triple was pretty nice, though.

The pitching staff is too young as well. Carp will be good (probably close to last year) and Wainwright does look to be a good #2 if he listens to Duncan. I like the pen (hinging on Izzy, but I think he'll be good for 35+ saves).

Really my biggest concerns are Rolen and Eckstein. If they play well this year around Pujols, the Cards will be in the hunt. If either gets injured for very long or struggles at the plate, the Cards probably won't make the playoffs. Molina can help a little, but they could also really use a good hitter in the two-spot. I hate when Wilson hits there because he seems to be a magnet for two-out-strikeouts & double plays. I don't know why Tony keeps plugging him in there in front of Pujols. Nothing better than your star slugger up with no one on and two outs or leading off an inning.

All in all, I am excited about their chances in a wide open division and will be watching every game I can.

GO REDBIRDS!!!!!!

 

[Ghost Rider]

Bad start so far. 0-2, and now Carpenter is hurt, and due to miss at least one start. The offense looks pretty anemic so far, and the outfielders, aside from Edmonds, have looked bad.

 

[Tough As Nails]

Bad start so far. 0-2, and now Carpenter is hurt, and due to miss at least one start. The offense looks pretty anemic so far, and the outfielders, aside from Edmonds, have looked bad.

If the Cards hadn't won it all last year with a makeshift pitching staff...I'd have them down for about 75 wins this year. Ugh. They look terrible (on paper and in the field). Work your magic, Tony...we're going to need it.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Ugh.

 

[Capella]

Awful. Can't believe they're the defending champs.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

4/4 Braden Looper (StL - P) Add Free Agents Cosmalaise - Cake

Easy, fellas.

 

[Capella]

4/4 Braden Looper (StL - P) Add Free Agents Cosmalaise - CakeEasy, fellas.

thread up at cake board

 

[RBM]

 

[Tough As Nails]

Cardinals 2

Opponents 20

This should be a fun stat to follow.

 

[kentric]

Cardinals 2Opponents 20This should be a fun stat to follow.

At least the Cardinals won't be facing the Mets every game.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Cardinals have rebounded nicely from that bad start, winning 3 of their last 4. The starting pitching has been excellent, the offense is slowly coming around, and the bullpen is doing well. However, the injury to Carpenter is potentially a disaster. Hopefully, he will be back in a few weeks. Worst case scenario is the injury lingering and eventually ruining his whole season, like what happened to Mulder last year. This team needs Carpenter if they hope to contend.

 

[whoknew]

The Cardinals have rebounded nicely from that bad start, winning 3 of their last 4. The starting pitching has been excellent, the offense is slowly coming around, and the bullpen is doing well. However, the injury to Carpenter is potentially a disaster. Hopefully, he will be back in a few weeks. Worst case scenario is the injury lingering and eventually ruining his whole season, like what happened to Mulder last year. This team needs Carpenter if they hope to contend.

There's a worse scenario than that. Lets hope his next stop isn't to that famous doctor in Alabama whose name shall not be spoken.

 

[Jayrod]

The Cardinals have rebounded nicely from that bad start, winning 3 of their last 4. The starting pitching has been excellent, the offense is slowly coming around, and the bullpen is doing well. However, the injury to Carpenter is potentially a disaster. Hopefully, he will be back in a few weeks. Worst case scenario is the injury lingering and eventually ruining his whole season, like what happened to Mulder last year. This team needs Carpenter if they hope to contend.

There's a worse scenario than that. Lets hope his next stop isn't to that famous doctor in Alabama whose name shall not be spoken.

Still, Wells & Wainwright look promising so far. If Carp can come back soon full strength, the pitching rotation will not be a problem.

But what's up with Pujols!?!

6 hits, 1 HR, 2 RBI's for a .176 BA in 9 games!?! This has to be one of the worst stretches in his career. C'mon Albert get it together. Rolen, Eckstein, Duncan and Edmonds cannot carry this team.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Yeah, Albert is in a serious slump, the likes of which I have never seen out of him before. Teams better enjoy it now because it is only a matter of time before he busts out in a big way.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Even without Carpenter, the Cardinals pitching has been excellent. Sadly, it is being wasted since the offense has been terrible. 28 runs in 10 games (10 of which came in one game last Sunday). What the hell?

 

[Jayrod]

Some of my early season observations on the Cards:

1) Dave Duncan is one of the greatest pitching coaches of all time. He is working his magic once again with a staff of youngsters and average talent vets. Somehow every starter goes out there for 6 innings and holds the opposting team to 3 runs or less (except for the Mets). Then the bullpen can keep them down to 1 or less for the last 3 innings. It is an excellent formula that is appearing to work and Carpenter has only pitched one game so far. Kip Wells has had an ERA around 5.50 for the last few years, but looks like a 15 win pitcher right now and his ERA is at 2.25 after 3 games.

2) Chris Duncan can hit. We saw some glimpses of it at the end of last season, but he is on a tear so far this year and is not showing any signs of weakness. He is more disciplined this year with a K/BB ratio of 1.6 so far compared to last years 2.3. His power is there, but so is his average which sits at .385 through 11 games. He is fast becoming the solid #2 hitter the Cardinals needed in their lineup in front of Pujols.

3) Pujols is pressing. He will be better off if can just start to wait for his pitch. In the few games I've watched I've seen him look real bad chasing bad pitches. It appears he feels like he has to hit a double or home run with every at bat just to give them a chance. LaRussa is apparently working with him on his mental approach and I'm sure he'll come around. (2 HR's on Sunday was a nice start)

4) Edmonds and Rolen are getting old. I love Rolen and like Edmonds, but they aren't near the same players they were 2-3 years ago. Their defense is still stellar, but they are both slower at the plate and it is catching up to them since neither one have textbook swings. Edmonds uppercut style swing relies on his ability to react quickly and Rolen looks like he is swinging a telephone pole which needs a lot of speed to catch up as well. Both of these guys can still contribute, but I'm not expecting .300/30/100 type numbers from either (more like .280/20/80).

5) The Central is still their division to lose. Houston is on a downward slide, the Cubs can't get it together and Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Cinncinati are...well....Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Cinncinati. No one else has the full team package and the day in/day out mentality to beat the Cardinals out of the division. The talent is close in Milwaukee, but they don't have a good defense and that could cost them as many as 10-12 games this year. Pittsburgh and Cinncinati are getting better, but don't have the quality management and coaching that the Cards have. I think the race will be close, but the Cards will edge it out in the end this year. They are at .500 right now and a)Carpenter has only pitched one game b)Pujols is struggling and c)half of their losses were to the Mets who are argueably the best team in the NL. I like their chances

 

[Ghost Rider]

Good observations, Jayrod.

I agree with just about everything you said. You do have to wonder if Pujols is pressing because he has no faith in the guys behind him to get hits after him. I actually would like to see Duncan hit 4th, and put Kennedy 2nd. I have never liked having a power hitter ahead of Pujols. A lineup like this...

Eckstein

Kennedy

Pujols

Duncan

Rolen

Encarnacion (when he comes back)

Edmonds (hit him 6th if a different OF is playing for JE)

Molina

pitcher

...would be more productive, I think. Having a young power hitter batting cleanup rather than an aging player makes more sense, I think.

 

[Jayrod]

Good observations, Jayrod.

I agree with just about everything you said. You do have to wonder if Pujols is pressing because he has no faith in the guys behind him to get hits after him. I actually would like to see Duncan hit 4th, and put Kennedy 2nd. I have never liked having a power hitter ahead of Pujols. A lineup like this...

Eckstein

Kennedy

Pujols

Duncan

Rolen

Encarnacion (when he comes back)

Edmonds (hit him 6th if a different OF is playing for JE)

Molina

pitcher

...would be more productive, I think. Having a young power hitter batting cleanup rather than an aging player makes more sense, I think.

That's not a bad idea and certainly a more "traditional" lineup.I don't know why, but I've heard that LaRussa likes a guy with a lot of power in the two spot. (maybe I read it in Three Nights in August) I think it can lead to more of a feast or famine type production where if the leadoff guy gets on, you have more of a chance to drive in two or more runs, but then again, your 3 hitter will be looking at empty bases more often as well.

 

[MrPhoenix]

I don't know why, but I've heard that LaRussa likes a guy with a lot of power in the two spot.

If we had the Preston Wilson that played two to three years ago, he'd be a good fit there.

 

[shuke]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Things are not looking so good right now. 10-13 and they lost two home games to the Cubs. That is never a good sign.

The offense has been hitting the ball a lot better as a whole, but the starters are starting to get hit a lot more. Wainwright has gotten knocked around his last few starts, and Reyes has been terrible. Where oh where is Chris Carpenter?

Honestly, the Cardinals best chance this year appears to be hanging around long enough for Carpenter to come back, the offense to get consistent, and for some of the other starting pitchers to establish some consistency. If they can do that, a good second half run could net them another division title.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

He's in AA right now and not doing well. Hopefully, he stays there.

 

[Tough As Nails]

Things are not looking so good right now. 10-13 and they lost two home games to the Cubs. That is never a good sign. The offense has been hitting the ball a lot better as a whole, but the starters are starting to get hit a lot more. Wainwright has gotten knocked around his last few starts, and Reyes has been terrible. Where oh where is Chris Carpenter? Honestly, the Cardinals best chance this year appears to be hanging around long enough for Carpenter to come back, the offense to get consistent, and for some of the other starting pitchers to establish some consistency. If they can do that, a good second half run could net them another division title.

Well...it is the NL Central. Not exactly chasing down the Yankees or Mets in the 2nd half. Milwaukee, Houston, Cincy and Chicago are all mediocre. The Brewers are the only team that really looks capable of winning 90 at this point. And that's based on them keeping Sheets healthy, which is not happening. If the Cards can be within 2 games of .500 at the All-Star break...they'll be right in it.

 

[shuke]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

He's in AA right now and not doing well. Hopefully, he stays there.

You hope he doesn't get better and stays there? Please elaborate.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

He's in AA right now and not doing well. Hopefully, he stays there.

You hope he doesn't get better and stays there? Please elaborate.

At this point, I have NO hope that he gets better. He's overblown BIG time as a power hitter, he doesn't get on base, and he's a loaf most of the time in the field. Way overpaid and way too little passion for the game.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

He's in AA right now and not doing well. Hopefully, he stays there.

You hope he doesn't get better and stays there? Please elaborate.

At this point, I have NO hope that he gets better. He's overblown BIG time as a power hitter, he doesn't get on base, and he's a loaf most of the time in the field. Way overpaid and way too little passion for the game.

That is all true, but frankly, at this point, the offense could use the pop in his bat, assuming he is fully healthy and productive. Heck, I'd take him over Preston Wilson right about now.

 

[shuke]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

He's in AA right now and not doing well. Hopefully, he stays there.

You hope he doesn't get better and stays there? Please elaborate.

At this point, I have NO hope that he gets better. He's overblown BIG time as a power hitter, he doesn't get on base, and he's a loaf most of the time in the field. Way overpaid and way too little passion for the game.

Is he worth holding onto in a 14 team league? He's been occupying one of my DL spots all season. What happens when he comes back? Do he and Wilson share RF duties?

 

[shuke]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

He's in AA right now and not doing well. Hopefully, he stays there.

You hope he doesn't get better and stays there? Please elaborate.

At this point, I have NO hope that he gets better. He's overblown BIG time as a power hitter, he doesn't get on base, and he's a loaf most of the time in the field. Way overpaid and way too little passion for the game.

Is he worth holding onto in a 14 team league? He's been occupying one of my DL spots all season. What happens when he comes back? Do he and Wilson share RF duties?

Bump

 

[Jayrod]

Any recent news on Encarnacion?

He's in AA right now and not doing well. Hopefully, he stays there.

You hope he doesn't get better and stays there? Please elaborate.

At this point, I have NO hope that he gets better. He's overblown BIG time as a power hitter, he doesn't get on base, and he's a loaf most of the time in the field. Way overpaid and way too little passion for the game.

Is he worth holding onto in a 14 team league? He's been occupying one of my DL spots all season. What happens when he comes back? Do he and Wilson share RF duties?

Bump

I'd bet they will rotate a bunch. LaRussa is a big fan of keeping his entire squad active and gets his non-starters a bunch of at-bats as well as the occassional start. If Encarnacion doesn't just light it up his first week back, expect a rotation that may also include Taguchi or Spezio on occasion. I honestly don't think he is worth the DL spot, even in a 14-team league.

 

[Tough As Nails]

Well...this season is sure turning ugly.

 

[Jayrod]

:X :X :X :X

This season is turning into a big pile of suck. What the heck happened?!? I didn't think they'd repeat, but this is ridiculous. Losing Carp has really hurt the rotation and it looks like Wainright & Wells have just lost the ability to pitch that they seemed to have earlier in the season. Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds & Eckstein just aren't doing anything. The only bright spots this season are Chris Duncan and the bullpen. Other than that, this team is in a serious World Series hangover.

My wife has requested that I quit watching games because every time someone pops up or strikes out with men in scoring position I start yelling and throwing things. I just hope they can suck it up a bit, have some pride and finish at least somewhere around .500 and the middle of the NL Central. Pujols needs to see a shrink and if they keep playing like this, so will I.

 

[Jayrod]

Well, a decent little run of late has the Cards showing some signs of life while the rest of the division has been in a slide....including the darling Brewers. St. Louis is the only team in the division with a winning record over the last 10 games and is now in a 3-way tie for second place, 6.5 games behind Milwaukee.

Probably the best news is that the bats have woken up, starting with Pujols

Bad news is that Carp still isn't coming back real soon and Molina has fractured his left hand.

The rotation is shaky right now, but they are coming up with the occasional good start and the bullpen has been the best part of the team so far this season. Also the defense has been great (No errors for Rolen so far), but losing Molina for a while will hurt that.

C'mon Redbirds, lets put together a run and take control of this sorry excuse for a division!!!

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

The problem is that Pujols, Yadi and Duncan are the only "young" guys in the lineup. Except for Ludwick and Esposito who are reserves, no one else is under the age of 30.

I hope they call up Ankiel soon.

Pitching obviously is the biggest issue and I can't believe how badly it has fallen apart. Who would have thought that we would miss Marquis? I knew losing Suppan would hurt...but Marquis????

Essentially, we need a centerfielder and a right fielder. Infield is passable, though it wouldn't hurt to groom someone behind Rolen at third.

Pitching is a mess. Starters are bad enough and I don't think Carp and Mulder solve the issue when healthy. We need an innings eater and a solid #2 and #3.

Jocketty is going to have to open the wallet in the offseason.

 

[curta269]

I wouldn't mind seeing them move Rolen and/or Edmonds at the trade deadline for some young talent (if that would be possible). Then, they could sign Tori Hunter to play CF and pick up another SP in the offseason. The bad thing is, they have virtually no speed, and they aren't hitting HRs. That is a tough way to try to score runs, playing station to station baseball.

I would also like to see them bring Ankiel up and let him play RF the rest of the season and see what he can do.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Needs:

1. Move Edmonds and get a stopgap for 2007 and pave the way for the Colby Rasmus era in CF in 2008.

2. Cut Adam Kennedy. This guy is a joke.

3. Trade/waive/assasinate Juan Encarnacion. See above

4. Trade Rolen if you can get quality pitching in return.

5. Trade Anthony Reyes while if he still has value. Guy has bust potential like that of Bud Smith.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The front office has to take all of the heat for this debacle of a season. Dave Duncan cannot turn every scrub pitcher into gold, and he has been given too many of them this year to try and turn around. The Cardinals pitching staff is a freaking joke right now. The offense is finally cranking a bit, but their pitching staff isn't consistent enough for them to make a serious run, I don't think. Then again, in the sad NL Central, where they are somehow only 6 1/2 games back, you never know.

 

[curta269]

If they remain 6-8 games out, and then Carpenter & Mulder return, they may have a shot. Only because the division is so weak. I don't see it happening though.

 

[Jayrod]

So the Cards have won 6 of the last 7 games and have moved to only 5 games behind the Brewers.

They have a pretty good shot at getting above .500 before the all-star break (4 games under right now).

Next two weeks could be tough with a series against the Angels and one with the A's (they do get KC in the middle of that). If they can make it through this stretch without losing any more ground, I think they can have a shot at taking the division lead before August.

From what I can tell, here are the reasons they are winning again:

1) The division just sucks. Hate to say it, but the Cards are 19-13 against the division and 7-14 against the rest. They are feasting on the mediocrity of the Central, and I'm not too proud to say that I'll take it right now.

2) Pujols is back! I think he has officially found his stroke again and it makes the whole team play better.

3) Encarnacion has hit well. I had essentially written him off this year and was never really high on him, but he has come on strong with some big hits and home runs since coming back from his injury. He's been a nice surprise in a season of early disappointment.

4) The bullpen is still solid. This has been the only consistant things for the Cards this season.

5) Edmonds, Rolen & Eckstein are contributing. As Pujols has woken up, so have these three. I don't know if it was them taking the pressure off of him or if it was his bat that got them going (sort of a chicken or the egg discussion), but I'm excited about the way they are all swinging it right now.

6) The young starters have settled down a bit. I don't know if they can be counted on for the entire season, but the young guys (Wainwright & Thompson) have started to pitch well again and get some quality starts in and some wins. If only they could get Kip Wells to pitch somewhat decent, they'd have an OK staff. How long until Carpenter comes back?

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

If they remain 6-8 games out, and then Carpenter & Mulder return, they may have a shot. Only because the division is so weak. I don't see it happening though.

Well, Carp threw in the outfiled yesterday - but he still is at least 2 and a half months away (late August?). Mulder threw a session and while Duncan thought he did okay, Mulder was more pessimistic. So at best I wouldn't expect either back until late August and I am not "counting" on them to be the rotation saviors this year.Kip Wells has to straighten himself out, bottom line. Wainwright will be okay. Thompson is a good stop gap - I just worry that Looper is better suited for long relief. Any chance that Reyes figures things out? He looked so lost before he was sent down.

 

[curta269]

Joel Pineiro was their only acquisition at the trade deadline. They need starting pitching and he is not the answer. I would have rather see the team become sellers at this point. Their starting pitching is very weak and its keeping them from getting any kind of a win streak going. They have no chance to overtake Milwaukee and Chicago this season.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Joel Pineiro was their only acquisition at the trade deadline. They need starting pitching and he is not the answer. I would have rather see the team become sellers at this point. Their starting pitching is very weak and its keeping them from getting any kind of a win streak going. They have no chance to overtake Milwaukee and Chicago this season.

No chance? Okay, I do not think the Cardinals will make the playoffs. In fact, given the state of the team, I think they will be fortunate to finish over .500, but to say they have no chance? That is rubbish. It is not like the Brewers and Cubs are unstoppable juggernauts that must be overcome.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Piniero could be the next Woody Williams. Or he could be the next Sidney Ponson. At this point, I'm not expecting anything from him and if he performs well, I'll be happy. If he sucks, I won't give a crap.

 

[curta269]

Joel Pineiro was their only acquisition at the trade deadline. They need starting pitching and he is not the answer. I would have rather see the team become sellers at this point. Their starting pitching is very weak and its keeping them from getting any kind of a win streak going. They have no chance to overtake Milwaukee and Chicago this season.

No chance? Okay, I do not think the Cardinals will make the playoffs. In fact, given the state of the team, I think they will be fortunate to finish over .500, but to say they have no chance? That is rubbish. It is not like the Brewers and Cubs are unstoppable juggernauts that must be overcome.

I just think the team beats themselves more than any team beats the Cardinals. Their starting pitching is very weak. Its almost an automatic loss every time Reyes, Maroth, and Wells take the mound. Their defense hasn't been as good as in past years either. I believe they do not have the starting pitching to sustain any kind of win streak to get back into contention. They do have a 4 game win streak going right now, which matches their longest of the season. Maybe I am wrong, and Reyes will pitch better, and Piniero will give them quality starts. I hope I am wrong.

 

[curta269]

The starting pitching is coming around. Ankiel is giving the offense a boost. Can this team climb into contention? Next week, they play the Brewers and Cubs on the road. Once again, next week will make or break them.

 

[TheFanatic]

The starting pitching is coming around. Ankiel is giving the offense a boost. Can this team climb into contention? Next week, they play the Brewers and Cubs on the road. Once again, next week will make or break them.

Both of those squads have come back to earth, but if the Cards don't win both series they don't go anywhere....I still can't see how they can go anywhere with that starting rotation but with the mediocre play at the top of the Central they are still in contention....

 

[Tough As Nails]

Great day today. Cards win...Brewers and Cubs lose. Creeeeeeping. Reyes and Wells have been rock solid in their past 5-6 starts. If they can keep up those kind of innings, the Cards could pull this off. Ludwick and Ankiel are giving the team a boost of energy. Lots of games left. Cubs and Brewers...it's nice to be chasing those two teams instead of floundering out West or getting pounded in the East.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Things are going well for the Cards. They're getting great starting pitching (all of the sudden) and Ankiel seems to have provided a little spark to the lineup. Instead of paying Juan Encarnacisuck 5 mil per to not give a flying crap, why not have an Ankiel/Ludwick platoon in RF? It'll save them money to spend on pitching while giving Tony LaMatchup an advantage in being flexible with his lineups.

Sorry, being too rational here.

 

[curta269]

Things are going well for the Cards. They're getting great starting pitching (all of the sudden) and Ankiel seems to have provided a little spark to the lineup. Instead of paying Juan Encarnacisuck 5 mil per to not give a flying crap, why not have an Ankiel/Ludwick platoon in RF? It'll save them money to spend on pitching while giving Tony LaMatchup an advantage in being flexible with his lineups.Sorry, being too rational here.

Good point. I also think they will let Eckstien go at the end of the season and put Ryan in as the SS next year. It may depend on how Ryan plays the rest of the year, but he has done well so far.

 

[MrPhoenix]

Things are going well for the Cards. They're getting great starting pitching (all of the sudden) and Ankiel seems to have provided a little spark to the lineup. Instead of paying Juan Encarnacisuck 5 mil per to not give a flying crap, why not have an Ankiel/Ludwick platoon in RF? It'll save them money to spend on pitching while giving Tony LaMatchup an advantage in being flexible with his lineups.Sorry, being too rational here.

Good point. I also think they will let Eckstien go at the end of the season and put Ryan in as the SS next year. It may depend on how Ryan plays the rest of the year, but he has done well so far.

Yeah, despite the crush the fans have on Eckstein, I have a feeling he's gone as well. After 2008, Edmonds will probably leave/retire as well as Rasmus should be ready by then.Trade Encarnacisuck for a prospect/pitcher on the outs, start Ryan at SS next year, start Ankiel/Ludwick at RF as a platoon (maybe include a platoon for Duncan in LF), and GET SOME PITCHING!