Top 9 (10:44): Well, there goes the shutout. Should have been over with a Soto strikeout, but the First Base Umpire is evidently an idiot. Anyways, a Reed Johnson strikeout brings this one to a close.
Meanwhile, in Houston, the Brewers are losing by 5. Good night. Goodnight.
Bottom 8 (10:28): Nothing happened. Whatever. C'mon Franklin!
Top 8 (10:22): Jason Motte sucks, then doesn't. Dennys Reyes made Fukudome look like an idiot.
3 MORE OUTS!!
Bottom 7 (10:11): Rick Sutcliffe is absolutely gushing over the new Busch Stadium. For a former Cub, I sort of like this guy.
Another hit from Duncan starts the inning off right. Sacrifice works from Barden (although it probably should not have). Walk to get to Khalil Greene who flies out weakly. Heads up running play from Duncan on a ball that shouldn't have scored the run.
Dempster out. 2-run lead. I feel better, but I wonder who is coming in
Top 7 (9:54): "Another good inning from McClellan."
Bottom 6 (9:49): Another inning ending double play. Chances of victory: 55%
Top 6 (9:40): McClellan pitched nicely. I hate hitting batters, but if you have to hit someone I suppose I prefer Fukudome, who is most likely to get on anyway. Nice K to end the inning.
GET SOME RUNS!!
Bottom 5 (9:30): Carpenter is done. Damn.
Waino pinch-hitting, that is how shallow the Cardinal bench is. Feeble strike out.
Kyle McClellan is warming up. I am confident that the Cardinals are going to lose if they don't score again.
Another easy inning for Dempster.
Top 5 (9:24): I ran to the restroom (TMI?) and suddenly the top half of the inning was over. I guess that's a good thing. I hope Carp isn't at 75. :(
Bottom 4 (9:18): Pujols turned a single into a double. My heavens this man is good! Molina moves him over to 3rd for Duncan. I am supremely concerned about a K here, or weak grounder back to the pitcher. What shall it be ... base knock! Run! Credit Albert Pujols for creating that opportunity.
Stavinoha adds a double-play to his strike out in his first at bat. I am not impressed.
Top 4 (9:11): Lead-off walk = shit. Fly out leads to double play! Another fly out ends the inning. I am pleased.
That said, the broadcasters seem to think Carp is on a 75 pitch pitch count. Dang. I fear we are looking at at least four innings from the bullpen.
Bottom 3 (9:00): Carp swung! Weak grounder though. Ugh. Schumaker reaches but Rasmus lines into a double play in front of Pujols. Crap.
Top 3 (8:52): The Cubs hitters that have reached have all done so by going with the pitches and taking them to the opposite field. Anyways, Carp gave up a double (it was a single and Stavinoha took his sweet time getting to it) but got out of it. Carp is up next, let's see if he swings.
Bottom 2 (8:44): DO SOMETHING!!!
Top 2 (8:37): Yep, a pitcher's duel. Settle in.
Bottom 1 (8:30): Ugh. Is this going to be a pitcher's duel? *Sigh*
Top 1 (8:22): Soriano K - grrrreat! So excited! Then the crap from Carp. Walk to Fukudome. Derrick Lee single. Then a double-play! It worked out. Whew!
Thank you, ESPN, for this evening. That said, your love of the Cubs is bound to annoy ths shit out of me tonight, but you can't be any worse than WGN ... I hope.
Before we start, let's have a look at Alphonso Soriano looking ridiculous during a WWE event in Chicago. PLAY BALL!
Showing posts with label St. Louis Cardinals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Louis Cardinals. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
LIVE BLOGGING!!
RECAP: Joel Pineiro was awesome. Molina was clutch in the first, and Rasmus homered (again).
Top 9th (10:19): Quick first out. Un-quick second out. Soriano K. Awesome game!
Bottom 8th (10:12): Two fly outs to right. Pujols double (how the hell did he get to 2nd on that?). Molina ground out. The Cards clearly feel they have scored enough runs. I hope they're right.
It's Ryan Franklin intimidating beard time!! EDIT: J.P. going for the shutout! What was I thinking?
Top 8th (10:02): Duncan and Stavinoha out. Improved defense. One pitch, one out. Another out and then a Geovany Soto K. Cubs look like shit, let's be honest.
Bottom 7th (9:57): Another easy inning for Lilly. The Brewers have a 2-run lead in Houston right now.
Top 7th (9:52): J.P. keeps rolling. Two fly outs in the game (this does not include Lee's line out to center).
Cubs broadcasters are so desperate they are hoping for Cardinal errors. "All Cardinals, all Pineiro so far."
Bottom 6th (9:45): Molina hustle out. Duncan hustle out. Stavinoha to the warning track. Lilly would be winning this game most days.
When Derrick Lee does pretty much anything the broadcasters make comments about his health. "Hope he is alright." Really? So fragile that his health is a concern everytime he fields a ball? Sad.
Top 6th (9:40): One pitch, one out. Lilly out. Soriano out. J.P. is working faster than I can type! (Not really.)
Bottom 5th (9:34): I thirst for runs. The Cardinals, however, are shit. Two hits. That's it. Two. Pathetic.
J.P. strikes out looking. Thurston lines out to 1B. The Cardinals have officially let the struggling opposing pitcher find a groove. this pathetic inning is about to end ...
Wait ...
Ryan reaches for the third time with a single to center. Rasmus no-doubt dinger. 3-run lead. Russ smiles, sips beer, sits back.
Lilly's curveball is nasty, btw. It look's unnaturally ... um ... curvy(?).
Top 5th (9:22): The Cubs keep swinging on the first pitch. Two quick outs. Unfortunately, Fontenot's swing gave him a double. Fortunately, Soto still sucks. Cubs stranded their first runner of the night. Good stuff.
Bottom 4th (9:15): Chris Duncan K's looking. Pathetic. Has he done anything recently? Stavinoha single followed up moments later by Barden double-play. I guess the Cardinals are satisfied with one run.
Rasmus' sacrifice is starting to look sensible.
Top 4th (9:10): One pitch, one out, for Soriano. 35 pitches to get the first 10 outs = nice. Two pitches, second out. One pitch, third out. 38 pitches through 4 IP = RUSS LIKES!
Now, SCORE!
Bottom 3rd (9:06): Thurston draws a walk and sprints to first base. I love that. Brendan Ryan, who also walked to lead off an inning, walks again. Two men on and no outs, Rasmus fails to move the runners over. Terrible. Got to get that runner to 3rd so the next hitter can get a sac fly.
Pujols through two at bats: 3 LOB, 2 in scoring position. Ugh.
Will Molina deliver? No. Wasted opportunity.
Bob Brenly stupid comment counter: 3 ("... when Cubs fans are in attendance all you see is blue." Really? Cubs fans don't wear white or gray?).
Top 3rd (8:50): Remember when Giovany Soto was good? Me either. Aaron Miles hits like a girl. Ted Lilly got embarrassed by a ball in the dirt.
J.P. looks pretty good. Now that I have said that I expect total failure.
Bottom 2nd (8:46): Stavinoha = CRAP. Barden = CRAP. J.P. = SHIT. Cards' half of the 2nd = *pfffttt* (that's supposed to be a fart noise -- I am trying to suggest it was a bad half inning).
Top 2nd (8:40): Before the first pitch of the inning WGN showed an overweight Cardinals fan with his chest painted and suggested a dress code for "this park." Whatever.
D. Lee gets a single up the middle. Milton Bradley hits into DP. Mike Fontenot swings like a girl.
Easy inning.
Bottom of the First (8:32): Lead-off walk, sacrifice (WHY!?), then Pujols. Teeming with anticipation ... for a foul out. Ugh. Thankfully, mercifully, Molina drives the run home -- improving his .429 average with runners in scoring position.
LaRussa looked PISSED after Rasmus' bunt. He isn't the only pissed off observer. Are the Cardinals so pathetic that they need to sacrifice runners into scoring position in the first? Terrible decision by Rasmus, who is batting .080 against lefties.
Broadcaster note: The Cardinals have only scored 13 runs with Ludwick out. I feel sick.
Top of the First (8:18): Bob Brenly just called Chris Duncan a "truck driver" and said to "be careful." I have no idea what he is talking about or who he is talking to. J.P. took one batter to piss me off. The broadcasters are already getting a lot of mileage out of how great the Cardinal staff was last month and how crappy it has been in May.
Molina pick-off! Cubs broadcasters think it was a bad call. Objectivity FAIL!
First Impressions (8:13): WGN looks like shit and their broadcasters are shit. Bob Brenly is a nice guy, but I don't like him as a broadcaster. I may have to mute this slop. They think Derrick Lee is going to have a good game because he had a good game yesterday. Great analysis, thanks.
Since I am watching this evening's game on WGN. And since I haven't watched or blogged the last three games (thankfully?). And since Art and Beth have left and hopefully un-cursed the Cards. Here goes the live blogging.
Top 9th (10:19): Quick first out. Un-quick second out. Soriano K. Awesome game!
Bottom 8th (10:12): Two fly outs to right. Pujols double (how the hell did he get to 2nd on that?). Molina ground out. The Cards clearly feel they have scored enough runs. I hope they're right.
It's Ryan Franklin intimidating beard time!! EDIT: J.P. going for the shutout! What was I thinking?
Top 8th (10:02): Duncan and Stavinoha out. Improved defense. One pitch, one out. Another out and then a Geovany Soto K. Cubs look like shit, let's be honest.
Bottom 7th (9:57): Another easy inning for Lilly. The Brewers have a 2-run lead in Houston right now.
Top 7th (9:52): J.P. keeps rolling. Two fly outs in the game (this does not include Lee's line out to center).
Cubs broadcasters are so desperate they are hoping for Cardinal errors. "All Cardinals, all Pineiro so far."
Bottom 6th (9:45): Molina hustle out. Duncan hustle out. Stavinoha to the warning track. Lilly would be winning this game most days.
When Derrick Lee does pretty much anything the broadcasters make comments about his health. "Hope he is alright." Really? So fragile that his health is a concern everytime he fields a ball? Sad.
Top 6th (9:40): One pitch, one out. Lilly out. Soriano out. J.P. is working faster than I can type! (Not really.)
Bottom 5th (9:34): I thirst for runs. The Cardinals, however, are shit. Two hits. That's it. Two. Pathetic.
J.P. strikes out looking. Thurston lines out to 1B. The Cardinals have officially let the struggling opposing pitcher find a groove. this pathetic inning is about to end ...
Wait ...
Ryan reaches for the third time with a single to center. Rasmus no-doubt dinger. 3-run lead. Russ smiles, sips beer, sits back.
Lilly's curveball is nasty, btw. It look's unnaturally ... um ... curvy(?).
Top 5th (9:22): The Cubs keep swinging on the first pitch. Two quick outs. Unfortunately, Fontenot's swing gave him a double. Fortunately, Soto still sucks. Cubs stranded their first runner of the night. Good stuff.
Bottom 4th (9:15): Chris Duncan K's looking. Pathetic. Has he done anything recently? Stavinoha single followed up moments later by Barden double-play. I guess the Cardinals are satisfied with one run.
Rasmus' sacrifice is starting to look sensible.
Top 4th (9:10): One pitch, one out, for Soriano. 35 pitches to get the first 10 outs = nice. Two pitches, second out. One pitch, third out. 38 pitches through 4 IP = RUSS LIKES!
Now, SCORE!
Bottom 3rd (9:06): Thurston draws a walk and sprints to first base. I love that. Brendan Ryan, who also walked to lead off an inning, walks again. Two men on and no outs, Rasmus fails to move the runners over. Terrible. Got to get that runner to 3rd so the next hitter can get a sac fly.
Pujols through two at bats: 3 LOB, 2 in scoring position. Ugh.
Will Molina deliver? No. Wasted opportunity.
Bob Brenly stupid comment counter: 3 ("... when Cubs fans are in attendance all you see is blue." Really? Cubs fans don't wear white or gray?).
Top 3rd (8:50): Remember when Giovany Soto was good? Me either. Aaron Miles hits like a girl. Ted Lilly got embarrassed by a ball in the dirt.
J.P. looks pretty good. Now that I have said that I expect total failure.
Bottom 2nd (8:46): Stavinoha = CRAP. Barden = CRAP. J.P. = SHIT. Cards' half of the 2nd = *pfffttt* (that's supposed to be a fart noise -- I am trying to suggest it was a bad half inning).
Top 2nd (8:40): Before the first pitch of the inning WGN showed an overweight Cardinals fan with his chest painted and suggested a dress code for "this park." Whatever.
D. Lee gets a single up the middle. Milton Bradley hits into DP. Mike Fontenot swings like a girl.
Easy inning.
Bottom of the First (8:32): Lead-off walk, sacrifice (WHY!?), then Pujols. Teeming with anticipation ... for a foul out. Ugh. Thankfully, mercifully, Molina drives the run home -- improving his .429 average with runners in scoring position.
LaRussa looked PISSED after Rasmus' bunt. He isn't the only pissed off observer. Are the Cardinals so pathetic that they need to sacrifice runners into scoring position in the first? Terrible decision by Rasmus, who is batting .080 against lefties.
Broadcaster note: The Cardinals have only scored 13 runs with Ludwick out. I feel sick.
Top of the First (8:18): Bob Brenly just called Chris Duncan a "truck driver" and said to "be careful." I have no idea what he is talking about or who he is talking to. J.P. took one batter to piss me off. The broadcasters are already getting a lot of mileage out of how great the Cardinal staff was last month and how crappy it has been in May.
Molina pick-off! Cubs broadcasters think it was a bad call. Objectivity FAIL!
First Impressions (8:13): WGN looks like shit and their broadcasters are shit. Bob Brenly is a nice guy, but I don't like him as a broadcaster. I may have to mute this slop. They think Derrick Lee is going to have a good game because he had a good game yesterday. Great analysis, thanks.
Since I am watching this evening's game on WGN. And since I haven't watched or blogged the last three games (thankfully?). And since Art and Beth have left and hopefully un-cursed the Cards. Here goes the live blogging.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Break It Down! - May 1st Edition
Todd Wellemeyer is pitching for the Cardinals Friday night. How little confidence do I have in Wellemeyer? He makes me feel bad about the chances of the best team in baseball beating the worst team in baseball.
Jordan Zimmerman is pitching against the Cardinals Friday. Supposedly Zimmerman is the biggest thing in D.C. since ... Ryan Zimmerman. How good is he? He has 40% of his team's wins. Granted, his team only has 5 wins, but still.
I will be in attendance Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Pictures and absurdly emotional thoughts/analysis on the way! GO CARDS!!!!
Jordan Zimmerman is pitching against the Cardinals Friday. Supposedly Zimmerman is the biggest thing in D.C. since ... Ryan Zimmerman. How good is he? He has 40% of his team's wins. Granted, his team only has 5 wins, but still.
I will be in attendance Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Pictures and absurdly emotional thoughts/analysis on the way! GO CARDS!!!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Break It Down! - April 30th Edition
As I have stated dozens of times (one time), the Cardinals are the best team in baseball and the "Natinals" (see above) are the worst team in baseball and I am looking forward to seeing this series. Tomorrow, however, the Cardinals send a rookie to the hill (Mitchell Boggs). Fortunately, the Natinals pitcher Thursday night is Daniel Cabrera, a crappy pitcher who is occassionally capable of genius. Cabrera impressed me several times last year as an Oriole, but ultimately he was so bad that the lowly Orioles let him go.
Karl Rove just said "Pre-9-11" three times during an interview on "Hannity." I will try not to make a habit of political talk on this blog, but everytime I switch it over to Fox News I am totally dumbstruck. Fox News, the current Republican leadership and their popular pundits, it's just totally ridiculous. Sad.
Anyways, here are the probable pitchers for the series. I will be in attendance Fri, Sat, and Sun. I am looking forward, but I am anxious too. Ugh.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Washington, D.C. ... oh wait, I am! GO CARDS!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Break It Down! - April 29th Edition
Busy, busy, busy. Site inspections make for a good tan, crappy analysis.
For today's "Break It Down!" post we have a special guest contributor, my dear friend Dave, who will be attending this evening's game. Go ahead, Dave.
UPDATE: See Dave's analysis in the comments! Thanks, Dave.
For today's "Break It Down!" post we have a special guest contributor, my dear friend Dave, who will be attending this evening's game. Go ahead, Dave.
* * *Alright, I haven't actually had a chance to talk to Dave. However, since Dave attended Tuesday's game, I can fairly assume his post would go something like this:
I expect nothing less than unmitigated failure from everyone ... except maybe Pujols and Molina. We're completely miserable. Still, I am hopeful we will win.Dave is smarter and better at writing/speaking/thinking than I am, so a degree of insight and eloquence should be factored in. Also, for those of you who aren't Dave, it is important to note that Dave is right more often than the rest of us. Place your trust in Dave. If only he had a blog ...
UPDATE: See Dave's analysis in the comments! Thanks, Dave.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Break It Down! - April 28th Edition
Too busy. Must hurry. Quick sentences (or, not sentences at all). Go!
Kyle Lohse, ace so far, expect excellence. Injured? Evidently not.
Pujols' bat will awaken after Monday slumber. Ferocious blows will deposit balls in distant stands.
Jo-Jo Reyes, first name starts with "J" and he shares it with a female American pop singer, doomed to fail. Dude has also sucked against Cardinals in past (0-2 in 3 starts, fewer than 6 IP per), and sucked so far this season (surrendered 5 runs @Pit in 5 IP). Taste failure, Jo-Jo. Taste it.
(This is the finest blog post that I have ever written.)
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Atlanta. GO CARDS!!
Kyle Lohse, ace so far, expect excellence. Injured? Evidently not.
Pujols' bat will awaken after Monday slumber. Ferocious blows will deposit balls in distant stands.
Jo-Jo Reyes, first name starts with "J" and he shares it with a female American pop singer, doomed to fail. Dude has also sucked against Cardinals in past (0-2 in 3 starts, fewer than 6 IP per), and sucked so far this season (surrendered 5 runs @Pit in 5 IP). Taste failure, Jo-Jo. Taste it.
(This is the finest blog post that I have ever written.)
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Atlanta. GO CARDS!!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Break It Down! - April 27th Edition
The Cardinals are in Atlanta this week. Atlanta is where my dear friends David and Emilee Terry work and live. I have not talked to him about it yet, but I am sure that Dave will guarantee Cardinals victories in each of the next 3 games, just as I will guarantee Cardinals victories against the Nationals later in the week. Thanks, Dave.
All three Atlanta starters this week have first names starting with the letter "J" (Jair, Jo-Jo, and Javier). The Cardinals are 2 - 0 so far this season against starters whose first names start with the letter "J" (Jon Garland and John Maine). We may therefore inductively reason that the Cardinals will sweep the Braves.
Why haven't I taken the time to actually analyze Monday's game? SWAMPED with work!
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Atlanta. GO CARDS!!
All three Atlanta starters this week have first names starting with the letter "J" (Jair, Jo-Jo, and Javier). The Cardinals are 2 - 0 so far this season against starters whose first names start with the letter "J" (Jon Garland and John Maine). We may therefore inductively reason that the Cardinals will sweep the Braves.
Why haven't I taken the time to actually analyze Monday's game? SWAMPED with work!
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Atlanta. GO CARDS!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Break It Down! - April 26th Edition
We all know it has been a mixed bag so far this year from Wellemeyer. Bad start, good start, bad start. That means he is due, right? Probably not, but Wellemeyer is pitching for a team that has won 5 straight and 9 in a row at home. The Cardinals have also scored the most runs in the National League, so he has that going for him.
Rich Harden is a fragile little girl. I expect him to strain something sneezing between innings - 3 months on the DL.
Sooooo, every so often I check ESPN's "Accuscore Projection" to find out who is going to win the day's ball game. The computer says the Cubs win Sunday, 58% likelihood. I guess there is no point in watching. Still, the game is on WGN so I will probably watch it anyway.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
Rich Harden is a fragile little girl. I expect him to strain something sneezing between innings - 3 months on the DL.
Sooooo, every so often I check ESPN's "Accuscore Projection" to find out who is going to win the day's ball game. The computer says the Cubs win Sunday, 58% likelihood. I guess there is no point in watching. Still, the game is on WGN so I will probably watch it anyway.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
Break It Down! - April 25th Edition
Last week Sean Marshall pitched 5 innings against the Cardinals and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks. Marshall didn't factor in the decision, but the Cardinals won 7 - 4. In that game Duncan had 3 hits, including a home run against Marshall.
During last week's series Mitchell Boggs allowed 1 run to the Cubs in 2 innings of relief. Two hits and a walk, three strikeouts. Not bad. Still, he's a rookie starting against one of the finest offenses in baseball (at least I am told they're one of the finest offenses in baseball). That having been said, the Cardinals score 1.4 more runs per game than the Cubs.
Notes:
- The Cardinals 8 game streak of scoring 5 or more runs per game ended last night (I expect them to start a new streak tonight);
- The Cardinals have won 8 straight home games entering today's game;
- St. Louis leads the Major Leagues with a .303 batting average. They lead the National League with 64 extra-base hits;
- Ryan Franklin is 5-for-5 in save opportunities;
- Earlier in the week LaRussa said that Albert Pujols is a "perfect player." Buster Olney of ESPN considered the question, and determined that Albert is in fact the second most perfect player, behind only Willie Mays.
- Somebody at ESPN actually took notice of a rivalry other than the Yanks-Sawx. In the article, which I think trivializes the rivalry, the author calles Aaron Miles "a cheaper version of Mark DeRosa." What a joke. I like Aaron Miles, but his slugging percentage was .398 last year. DeRosa's slugging percentage was .481, to go along with 87 RBI.
I was just looking at the Major League standings and I noticed that Boston has won 8 consecutive games. Ugh. Peter Gammons must be so happy.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
During last week's series Mitchell Boggs allowed 1 run to the Cubs in 2 innings of relief. Two hits and a walk, three strikeouts. Not bad. Still, he's a rookie starting against one of the finest offenses in baseball (at least I am told they're one of the finest offenses in baseball). That having been said, the Cardinals score 1.4 more runs per game than the Cubs.
Notes:
- The Cardinals 8 game streak of scoring 5 or more runs per game ended last night (I expect them to start a new streak tonight);
- The Cardinals have won 8 straight home games entering today's game;
- St. Louis leads the Major Leagues with a .303 batting average. They lead the National League with 64 extra-base hits;
- Ryan Franklin is 5-for-5 in save opportunities;
- Earlier in the week LaRussa said that Albert Pujols is a "perfect player." Buster Olney of ESPN considered the question, and determined that Albert is in fact the second most perfect player, behind only Willie Mays.
- Somebody at ESPN actually took notice of a rivalry other than the Yanks-Sawx. In the article, which I think trivializes the rivalry, the author calles Aaron Miles "a cheaper version of Mark DeRosa." What a joke. I like Aaron Miles, but his slugging percentage was .398 last year. DeRosa's slugging percentage was .481, to go along with 87 RBI.
I was just looking at the Major League standings and I noticed that Boston has won 8 consecutive games. Ugh. Peter Gammons must be so happy.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Break It Down! April 24th Edition
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: Adam Wainwright is pitching on 7 days rest tonight. He was flip-flopped with Lohse because Tony preferred Lohse against the Mets and Waino against the Cubs over the alternative. That worked out well against the Mets. Wainwright's last start was a win against the Cubs last Friday. The main reason the Cardinals won that game, however, was Zambrano's meltdown, not Wainwright's success. I am hopeful that Wainwright can get deeper into this game, but I am not confident of it.
- Cubs: Ryan Dempster hasn't pitched since last Saturday, when he gave up 4 runs over 6 innings (as I predicted). Dempster didn't factor in the decision (7-5 extra innings loss). I expect more of the same tonight, with a possibility of even more runs from the red hot Cardinal bats.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Ludwick, Schumaker, LaRue, Molina, Duncan, and Pujols (surprise!) have all enjoyed some degree of success against Dempster, but I wouldn't say anyone has owned him. Last Saturday Ludwick and Greene did the damage and Albert and Ankiel went a combined 0-for-10. After their success in the Mets series I expect much more from those two gentlemen.
- Cubs: These losers only scored one run over the past two days. Although Waino wasn't great last week, only Fukudome really did damage, and I expect the Cubs to be similarly productive tonight.
NOTE: This game is on WGN so I should get to watch it! If I am really lucky maybe I will get to see Jeff Smardzija, who got recalled the other day. *Groan*
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
- Cardinals: Adam Wainwright is pitching on 7 days rest tonight. He was flip-flopped with Lohse because Tony preferred Lohse against the Mets and Waino against the Cubs over the alternative. That worked out well against the Mets. Wainwright's last start was a win against the Cubs last Friday. The main reason the Cardinals won that game, however, was Zambrano's meltdown, not Wainwright's success. I am hopeful that Wainwright can get deeper into this game, but I am not confident of it.
- Cubs: Ryan Dempster hasn't pitched since last Saturday, when he gave up 4 runs over 6 innings (as I predicted). Dempster didn't factor in the decision (7-5 extra innings loss). I expect more of the same tonight, with a possibility of even more runs from the red hot Cardinal bats.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Ludwick, Schumaker, LaRue, Molina, Duncan, and Pujols (surprise!) have all enjoyed some degree of success against Dempster, but I wouldn't say anyone has owned him. Last Saturday Ludwick and Greene did the damage and Albert and Ankiel went a combined 0-for-10. After their success in the Mets series I expect much more from those two gentlemen.
- Cubs: These losers only scored one run over the past two days. Although Waino wasn't great last week, only Fukudome really did damage, and I expect the Cubs to be similarly productive tonight.
NOTE: This game is on WGN so I should get to watch it! If I am really lucky maybe I will get to see Jeff Smardzija, who got recalled the other day. *Groan*
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Break It Down! April 23rd Edition
Going for the sweep!
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: Kyle Lohse has had mixed results against the Mets in the past, but I think he's probably good for a win Thursday afternoon. What makes me say that? (1) Lohse hasn't lost yet this season and he has a pretty low ERA and WHIP. (2) I only had one thing. I shouldn't have numbered that list. Check my in depth Mets lineup analysis below to understand my concerns.
- Mets: In 16 career starts against the Cardinals, Livan Hernandez is 5-5 with a 4.33 ERA. This guy has been the very definition of mediocre for the better part of a decade. Long gone are the days he was an ace for the Marlins. Anyways, nothing about this guy concerns me.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert Pujols (surprise!) is always a safe bet. Also, Ludwick's bat will be back in the lineup. Tony promised 4 straight days of Ludwick, in fact.
- Mets: A bunch of Mets have sort of owned Lohse. I don't care. The Cards will not lose to a team who starts this loser. If his appearance and general demeanor weren't reason enough to root against Jose Reyes, consider this. I am not saying the Cardinals players are saints, I think a lot of traveling athletes cheat on their spouses, but Reyes apparently did so very shortly after marrying his wife. Classy.
Prediction: First to 4 runs wins. Read: The Cardinals.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: Kyle Lohse has had mixed results against the Mets in the past, but I think he's probably good for a win Thursday afternoon. What makes me say that? (1) Lohse hasn't lost yet this season and he has a pretty low ERA and WHIP. (2) I only had one thing. I shouldn't have numbered that list. Check my in depth Mets lineup analysis below to understand my concerns.
- Mets: In 16 career starts against the Cardinals, Livan Hernandez is 5-5 with a 4.33 ERA. This guy has been the very definition of mediocre for the better part of a decade. Long gone are the days he was an ace for the Marlins. Anyways, nothing about this guy concerns me.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert Pujols (surprise!) is always a safe bet. Also, Ludwick's bat will be back in the lineup. Tony promised 4 straight days of Ludwick, in fact.
- Mets: A bunch of Mets have sort of owned Lohse. I don't care. The Cards will not lose to a team who starts this loser. If his appearance and general demeanor weren't reason enough to root against Jose Reyes, consider this. I am not saying the Cardinals players are saints, I think a lot of traveling athletes cheat on their spouses, but Reyes apparently did so very shortly after marrying his wife. Classy.
Prediction: First to 4 runs wins. Read: The Cardinals.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Break It Down! April 22nd Edition
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: J.P. (that's what I call Pineiro) faces the New York Metropolitans on Wednesday. J.P. is 2-0 to date, but he hasn't exactly shutdown his opponents (5.40 ERA). That comes with a 1.80 WHIP and a whole heap of concern. On the bright side, J.P. didn't lose either of his starts against the Metropolitans last season (nevermind the fact he gave up 9 runs in 9 IP). So what should we expect? Not much.
- Mets: John Maine is starting for the Metropolitans Wednesday. He seems underqualified. (Note: Maine was crap in his only start against the Cardinals last year: 4 IP, 7 H, 3 BB, 5 R, and 3 ER.)
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert "The Machine" Pujols (surprise!) has 2 dingers (homeruns, round-trippers, 4-baggers, etc.) and 2 other hits in a mere 9 ABs against the Maine man. Others have been alright, but not exceptional. I feel alright about this.
- Mets: Jose Reyes and David Wright (WRONG! (get it?)) have enjoyed some success against J.P. That said, I think they're both crap. Forgive my inability to be objective, I just don't like these guys.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
- Cardinals: J.P. (that's what I call Pineiro) faces the New York Metropolitans on Wednesday. J.P. is 2-0 to date, but he hasn't exactly shutdown his opponents (5.40 ERA). That comes with a 1.80 WHIP and a whole heap of concern. On the bright side, J.P. didn't lose either of his starts against the Metropolitans last season (nevermind the fact he gave up 9 runs in 9 IP). So what should we expect? Not much.
- Mets: John Maine is starting for the Metropolitans Wednesday. He seems underqualified. (Note: Maine was crap in his only start against the Cardinals last year: 4 IP, 7 H, 3 BB, 5 R, and 3 ER.)
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert "The Machine" Pujols (surprise!) has 2 dingers (homeruns, round-trippers, 4-baggers, etc.) and 2 other hits in a mere 9 ABs against the Maine man. Others have been alright, but not exceptional. I feel alright about this.
- Mets: Jose Reyes and David Wright (WRONG! (get it?)) have enjoyed some success against J.P. That said, I think they're both crap. Forgive my inability to be objective, I just don't like these guys.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in St. Louis. GO CARDS!!
Break It Down! April 21st Edition
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Break It Down! April 19th Edition
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: Todd Wellemeyer was crap in his first start and he wasn't in his second. The result is a 1-1 record, a 4.50 ERA, and no idea what to expect from him. Last year Wellemeyer won his only start at Wrigley, but none of his 4 starts against the Cubs was particularly notable (2-2, 3.32 ERA). Hard to say what we can expect from Wellemeyer, but one would like to think he'll be better than his first start this season (5 IP, 5 ER on 12 hits and 2 walks) and at least nearly as good as his second (7 IP, 1 ER on 7 hits).
- Cubs: I hate Ted Lilly for some reason. Not sure why (other than his uniform). Anyways, Lilly was 3-0 in 5 starts against the Cardinals last season with a 3.06 ERA. Lilly is also 2-0 so far this seasosn. These are not things that make me feel confident. Crap.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Ted Lilly throws the baseball with his left hand, so it may be safe to assume that he will perform nicely against the Cardinals. In fact, no one on the Cardinals current roster has been terribly good against Lilly. Only Pujols (surprise!), with 2 HRs and 7 other hits in 28 ABs, has had any noteworthy success.
- Cubs: None of the Cubs have been very good against Wellemeyer - in 77 ABs the current Cubs roster has 0 HRs and 0 triples against Wellemeyer, and only 5 doubles. Still, the Cubs lineup is good, I am sure they will breakthrough for a few runs.
NOTE: This game is on national television, ESPN2 to be exact. I am looking forward to watching.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
- Cardinals: Todd Wellemeyer was crap in his first start and he wasn't in his second. The result is a 1-1 record, a 4.50 ERA, and no idea what to expect from him. Last year Wellemeyer won his only start at Wrigley, but none of his 4 starts against the Cubs was particularly notable (2-2, 3.32 ERA). Hard to say what we can expect from Wellemeyer, but one would like to think he'll be better than his first start this season (5 IP, 5 ER on 12 hits and 2 walks) and at least nearly as good as his second (7 IP, 1 ER on 7 hits).
- Cubs: I hate Ted Lilly for some reason. Not sure why (other than his uniform). Anyways, Lilly was 3-0 in 5 starts against the Cardinals last season with a 3.06 ERA. Lilly is also 2-0 so far this seasosn. These are not things that make me feel confident. Crap.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Ted Lilly throws the baseball with his left hand, so it may be safe to assume that he will perform nicely against the Cardinals. In fact, no one on the Cardinals current roster has been terribly good against Lilly. Only Pujols (surprise!), with 2 HRs and 7 other hits in 28 ABs, has had any noteworthy success.
- Cubs: None of the Cubs have been very good against Wellemeyer - in 77 ABs the current Cubs roster has 0 HRs and 0 triples against Wellemeyer, and only 5 doubles. Still, the Cubs lineup is good, I am sure they will breakthrough for a few runs.
NOTE: This game is on national television, ESPN2 to be exact. I am looking forward to watching.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Break It Down! April 18th Edition
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: Kyle Lohse has been awesome so far this season. Just so you don't think I am being a total homer, the stats back me up. Lohse is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings of work. This includes his shutout last week against Houston. All that having been said, I must note that Lohse was pretty mediocre against Chicago last year in three starts. To be precise, 18.1 IP and 13 runs for a 6.38 ERA. Conclusion: cautiously optimistic.
- Cubs: Something about Ryan Dempster just pisses me off. I don't know what it is. Anyways, he is 1-0 so far this season in 2 starts. 4.50 ERA. If Reed Johnson hadn't robbed Prince Fielder though, Dempster's ERA would be much higher. In three starts against the Cardinals last year, however, Dempster was 2-0 with a 2.90 ERA. That's pretty close to his 2.86 home ERA last season too. Ultimately I don't know what to expect from Dempster, but I assume will be 6-8 innings, 2-4 runs. Middle of the road.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Ludwick, Schumaker, LaRue, Molina, Duncan, and Pujols (surprise!) have all enjoyed some degree of success against Dempster, but I wouldn't say anyone has owned him. Then again, the Cardinals have scored more runs per game than any other team in the NL so far this season (6 per game). I feel alright about the Cardinals' ability to score runs against right-handed pitchers.
- Cubs: Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Theriot, Derrek Lee, and Aramis Ramirex have all enjoyed some success against Lohse in the past. I guess all these guys will start. Geovany Soto has sucked so far this season, but he has 3-for-8 against Lohse, so I assume he won't sit Saturday.
NOTE: This game is on national television, FOX, in theory. I am sure I will get stuck watching some friggin' AL East game. Whatever. Enjoy it if you get to see it.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
- Cardinals: Kyle Lohse has been awesome so far this season. Just so you don't think I am being a total homer, the stats back me up. Lohse is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings of work. This includes his shutout last week against Houston. All that having been said, I must note that Lohse was pretty mediocre against Chicago last year in three starts. To be precise, 18.1 IP and 13 runs for a 6.38 ERA. Conclusion: cautiously optimistic.
- Cubs: Something about Ryan Dempster just pisses me off. I don't know what it is. Anyways, he is 1-0 so far this season in 2 starts. 4.50 ERA. If Reed Johnson hadn't robbed Prince Fielder though, Dempster's ERA would be much higher. In three starts against the Cardinals last year, however, Dempster was 2-0 with a 2.90 ERA. That's pretty close to his 2.86 home ERA last season too. Ultimately I don't know what to expect from Dempster, but I assume will be 6-8 innings, 2-4 runs. Middle of the road.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Ludwick, Schumaker, LaRue, Molina, Duncan, and Pujols (surprise!) have all enjoyed some degree of success against Dempster, but I wouldn't say anyone has owned him. Then again, the Cardinals have scored more runs per game than any other team in the NL so far this season (6 per game). I feel alright about the Cardinals' ability to score runs against right-handed pitchers.
- Cubs: Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Theriot, Derrek Lee, and Aramis Ramirex have all enjoyed some success against Lohse in the past. I guess all these guys will start. Geovany Soto has sucked so far this season, but he has 3-for-8 against Lohse, so I assume he won't sit Saturday.
NOTE: This game is on national television, FOX, in theory. I am sure I will get stuck watching some friggin' AL East game. Whatever. Enjoy it if you get to see it.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
Break It Down! April 17th Edition
This is the face of the enemy:
P.J. Walters and the Cardinals face off against Carlos Zambrano today. Zambrano is probably my most hated baseball player and if memory serves he performs really well against the Cardinals. Turns out, not so much. Last season Zambrano was 1-2 against the Cardinals with a 12.75 ERA. We won't talk about the preceding seasons (suffice it to say my memory hasn't actually faltered).
Albert Pujols (surprise!) has 5 dingers off of Big Z. I would LOVE it if he made it 6 today. Also look for Schumaker to get things going, he has a career OBP of .400 against Zambrano.
All this having been said, the Cardinals are starting a rookie today against one of the finest lineups in the National League (or so we are told). I expect a Cardinal loss, but as long as they are competitive today I still like our chances to take 3 of 4 in this series.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
P.J. Walters and the Cardinals face off against Carlos Zambrano today. Zambrano is probably my most hated baseball player and if memory serves he performs really well against the Cardinals. Turns out, not so much. Last season Zambrano was 1-2 against the Cardinals with a 12.75 ERA. We won't talk about the preceding seasons (suffice it to say my memory hasn't actually faltered).Albert Pujols (surprise!) has 5 dingers off of Big Z. I would LOVE it if he made it 6 today. Also look for Schumaker to get things going, he has a career OBP of .400 against Zambrano.
All this having been said, the Cardinals are starting a rookie today against one of the finest lineups in the National League (or so we are told). I expect a Cardinal loss, but as long as they are competitive today I still like our chances to take 3 of 4 in this series.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Break It Down! April 16th Edition
I am totally swamped at work today so let me just say this:
Wainwright has got to be sharp today against a very patient Cubs ball team. If he pitches like he did in his first 2 outings then he may be lucky to go 5 innings. For the Cubs, Sean Marshall is making his first start of the season. He has been pretty good against the Cards in the past (2-1 with a 3.38 ERA lifetime against the Cardinals). No hitter on either team has particularly notable success against either opposing pitcher. I predict the first team to 5 wins.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
Wainwright has got to be sharp today against a very patient Cubs ball team. If he pitches like he did in his first 2 outings then he may be lucky to go 5 innings. For the Cubs, Sean Marshall is making his first start of the season. He has been pretty good against the Cards in the past (2-1 with a 3.38 ERA lifetime against the Cardinals). No hitter on either team has particularly notable success against either opposing pitcher. I predict the first team to 5 wins.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Chicago. GO CARDS!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Break It Down! Tax Day Edition
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: J.P. takes the mound again today. I am struggling to get excited about anything after last night's events. I feel like writing a bunch of gutteral noises and cuss words. That being the case, I will just lead you through the steps that I go to in order to draft a post. First, for some general stuff, go here. Then here. Now go here and look at road, day game, and Arizona splits over the past few seasons. Finally, and this also feeds the lineups section below, go here. That's about all there is to it. Venture a prediction if you care to.
- Diamondbacks: Same procedure, just do the last two steps for Jon Garland (Step 1, Step 2).
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: This info is primarily taken from the batter vs. pitcher pages of the pitchers, but I also try to consider who is playing well or poorly, and who TLR might sit for lefty-righty matchups.
- Diamondbacks: Same crap.
Now you know. Kind of like watching sausage be made, right? Whatever. Ugh. Now I need to here for some of this.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Phoenix. GO CARDS!!
- Cardinals: J.P. takes the mound again today. I am struggling to get excited about anything after last night's events. I feel like writing a bunch of gutteral noises and cuss words. That being the case, I will just lead you through the steps that I go to in order to draft a post. First, for some general stuff, go here. Then here. Now go here and look at road, day game, and Arizona splits over the past few seasons. Finally, and this also feeds the lineups section below, go here. That's about all there is to it. Venture a prediction if you care to.
- Diamondbacks: Same procedure, just do the last two steps for Jon Garland (Step 1, Step 2).
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: This info is primarily taken from the batter vs. pitcher pages of the pitchers, but I also try to consider who is playing well or poorly, and who TLR might sit for lefty-righty matchups.
- Diamondbacks: Same crap.
Now you know. Kind of like watching sausage be made, right? Whatever. Ugh. Now I need to here for some of this.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Phoenix. GO CARDS!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Break It Down! April 14th Edition
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: Chris Carpenter and all the Cardinals faithful must feel better today than they felt five days ago. I know I do. Five days ago I was cautiously optimistic about Carp's performance. Today I am thoroughly optimistic. That having been said, in just 7 innings against the Diamondbacks the past 3 seasons Carpenter has allowed 0 earned runs. That isn't saying much though, since many of the players on the D-backs weren't even in the majors 3 years ago. In fact, D-back regulars only have 23 ABs against Carpenter. I expect big things, frankly, but I will take a quality start. Baby steps. Oh, btw, Cardinals starters are 6-1.
- Diamondbacks: Max Scherzer, a D-back "phenom" starter, is making his first start of the season on Tuesday. This guy gets a lot of press, but he was 0-4 last season in the seven games he started. One of those losses was to the Cardinals, Scherzer's home town team, when Scherzer allowed 4 runs (2 earned) in 7 innings. That game was at Busch though, so there is a road-home off-set, maybe. Whatever the case, it is hard to guess what we should expect from this 24 year-old righty. According to ESPN, the Cardinals only have 6 ABs against Scherzer. That seems impossible, right? Then I looked up the one start Scherzer had against the Cards. So, yeah, not much to glean from that.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert Pujols (surprise!) is always a safe bet. Also, Skip Schumaker has 2 hits in 3 ABs against Scherzer. Expect to see Skip and Rasmus back in the lineup after a day off.
- Diamondbacks: A few of the losers have had a little bit of success against Carp, but it seems like so long ago. Tony Clark has had some meaningful success (11 hits in 31 ABs), so you should maybe expect to see him to start.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Phoenix. GO CARDS!!
- Cardinals: Chris Carpenter and all the Cardinals faithful must feel better today than they felt five days ago. I know I do. Five days ago I was cautiously optimistic about Carp's performance. Today I am thoroughly optimistic. That having been said, in just 7 innings against the Diamondbacks the past 3 seasons Carpenter has allowed 0 earned runs. That isn't saying much though, since many of the players on the D-backs weren't even in the majors 3 years ago. In fact, D-back regulars only have 23 ABs against Carpenter. I expect big things, frankly, but I will take a quality start. Baby steps. Oh, btw, Cardinals starters are 6-1.
- Diamondbacks: Max Scherzer, a D-back "phenom" starter, is making his first start of the season on Tuesday. This guy gets a lot of press, but he was 0-4 last season in the seven games he started. One of those losses was to the Cardinals, Scherzer's home town team, when Scherzer allowed 4 runs (2 earned) in 7 innings. That game was at Busch though, so there is a road-home off-set, maybe. Whatever the case, it is hard to guess what we should expect from this 24 year-old righty. According to ESPN, the Cardinals only have 6 ABs against Scherzer. That seems impossible, right? Then I looked up the one start Scherzer had against the Cards. So, yeah, not much to glean from that.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert Pujols (surprise!) is always a safe bet. Also, Skip Schumaker has 2 hits in 3 ABs against Scherzer. Expect to see Skip and Rasmus back in the lineup after a day off.
- Diamondbacks: A few of the losers have had a little bit of success against Carp, but it seems like so long ago. Tony Clark has had some meaningful success (11 hits in 31 ABs), so you should maybe expect to see him to start.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Phoenix. GO CARDS!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Break It Down! April 13th Edition
The Pitchers:
- Cardinals: Todd Wellemeyer was crap in his first start of the year. Thankfully, I didn't have to see it. Wellemeyer was also crap all Spring. I didn't see that either. What I have seen is a very competitive baseball team in every game not started by Todd Wellemeyer, so the dude is on a my s***-list if he is crap again Monday. Giving us some reason to be hopeful, the Cardinals' website (hardly an impartial source) says "[Wellemeyer has] identified a mechanical key that he believes will solve the issue, so the hope is that he'll be sorted out in time for Monday's game." If that makes you hopeful then I have some swampland I'll sell you. In one start against the Diamondbacks last year, Wellemeyer took a loss, with 3 ERs in 6 IP. I would take that.
- Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks are 4-2 thus far this season and one of those losses was credited to Monday's starter, Doug Davis (4 ER in 5 IP). The Cardinals have a fair amount of history with Davis, who used to pitch for the Brewers, and the Cards should be happy to see his familiar face Monday night. Doug Davis has not beaten the Cardinals since 2006. Since then, he has allowed 16 runs in 4 starts. I expect the Cardinals to get to Davis, but nothing crazy. 4 or 5 ERs in 5 or 6 IP seems entirely possible.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert "The Machine" Pujols (surprise!) has enjoyed quite a bit of success against Davis (1.227 OPS). No one else has been particularly spectacular. Molina has been particularly bad (.077 BA), and LaRua has been pretty good against Davis (.304 BA), so Molina may sit, but who knows.
- Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks only managed 3 hits yesterday against Randy Wolf and the Dodger bullpen. Not impressive. They have only scored 5 runs combined in their 4 losses. Not impressive. They have, however, scored 9 runs in each of their two wins. Not bad at all. These characters don't have much experience against Todd Wellemeyer. A few Diamondbacks have some success against Wellemeyer, but all in small sample sizes.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Phoenix. GO CARDS!!
- Cardinals: Todd Wellemeyer was crap in his first start of the year. Thankfully, I didn't have to see it. Wellemeyer was also crap all Spring. I didn't see that either. What I have seen is a very competitive baseball team in every game not started by Todd Wellemeyer, so the dude is on a my s***-list if he is crap again Monday. Giving us some reason to be hopeful, the Cardinals' website (hardly an impartial source) says "[Wellemeyer has] identified a mechanical key that he believes will solve the issue, so the hope is that he'll be sorted out in time for Monday's game." If that makes you hopeful then I have some swampland I'll sell you. In one start against the Diamondbacks last year, Wellemeyer took a loss, with 3 ERs in 6 IP. I would take that.
- Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks are 4-2 thus far this season and one of those losses was credited to Monday's starter, Doug Davis (4 ER in 5 IP). The Cardinals have a fair amount of history with Davis, who used to pitch for the Brewers, and the Cards should be happy to see his familiar face Monday night. Doug Davis has not beaten the Cardinals since 2006. Since then, he has allowed 16 runs in 4 starts. I expect the Cardinals to get to Davis, but nothing crazy. 4 or 5 ERs in 5 or 6 IP seems entirely possible.
The Lineups:
- Cardinals: Albert "The Machine" Pujols (surprise!) has enjoyed quite a bit of success against Davis (1.227 OPS). No one else has been particularly spectacular. Molina has been particularly bad (.077 BA), and LaRua has been pretty good against Davis (.304 BA), so Molina may sit, but who knows.
- Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks only managed 3 hits yesterday against Randy Wolf and the Dodger bullpen. Not impressive. They have only scored 5 runs combined in their 4 losses. Not impressive. They have, however, scored 9 runs in each of their two wins. Not bad at all. These characters don't have much experience against Todd Wellemeyer. A few Diamondbacks have some success against Wellemeyer, but all in small sample sizes.
Well that's it in the way of analysis(?). Wish I were in Phoenix. GO CARDS!!
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