A Cardinals Dynasty - 2011 and Beyond!

[5cards]

After seeing an entire week of my game wiped because of a freak crash, I decided to bring in a fresh thread where I could consolidate some stuff and repost it. The game is just about back to where I lost the data and some of the results have changed... for the better and for the worse in places.

Additionally, I am in the process of uploading all the Almanac files to my web host. When It is done, it will be available at BNN Home Page .

Now, for introductions. My name is Martin and I am a consummate Cardinals fan, having been born in St. Louis and raised and weaned on the Cardinals despite living in Michigan (and eventually Indiana). This was thanks to a maternal Grandmother who was a diehard Cardinals fan as she had been born and raised in St. Louis and, in her later years, came to treat the Cards as grandchildren. She knew them all, knew how they played, and always had a story to tell about them. Her love of them wiped off on me and I've remained a loyal fan ever since.

I also have a love of games and of computers, so eventually I was bound to run into OOTP 12. Simulation games like this have always interested me (probably why I love turn-based games so much), so the opportunity to take control of my favorite franchise and manage it into the future is one that was too good to pass up (and, of course, in all other baseball games I've played I've been the Cards).

I'll edit this section when I get home and check my settings for the game. Scouting is turned on, and I know that I've modified a few of the settings pertaining to recalibration of ratings each year and so on.

So, let's get this season on. The information here is not that much different from http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...ls-onward.html save the week ending the 18th, which got fried. But it will be a bit more concise and I'll be using standard templates for my work. And I'll be able to soon link to my Almanac so fans of other teams can see how their teams are doing!

[5cards]

Preseason 2011

League News

Cardinals Announce Front Office Shakeup

St. Louis - The St. Louis Cardinals organization today announced that John Mozeliak has been removed as General Manager of the Cardinals organization effective immediately. While no reason has been officially given by the team, inside sources report that Mr. Mozeliak had a significant falling-out with owner Bill DeWitt Jr. over the matter of not signing Albert Pujols to an extension over the course of the 2010-2011 offseason. This came in addition to reports of turmoil over handling of the disastrous 2010 campaign that left the Cardinals in second place, five games behind the surprising Cincinnati Reds.

Just as surprising as the sudden departure of Mozeliak was the naming of Will Clark as the new General Manager by owner Bill Dewitt Jr. In a brief press conference, DeWitt had this to say:

"Although Will only spent part of a season with the Cardinals, he performed admirably and superbly in the 2000 playoffs. He is a true professional who has spent the past several years in San Francisco and Arizona learning the finer points of managing a team. It is my belief that, though new to this quest, he will make every effort to put forth a winning product on the field each and every year."

It is believed and expected that more changes and shakeups may be coming to the Cardinals organization in the coming days as Clark settles in to his new role. He is expected to make a statement to the press upon his arrival in St. Louis sometime later today or tomorrow.

Lunhow Gone As Head Scout

St. Louis - Will Clark wasted no time in moving in and placing his mark on the Cardinal organization. In a short press release, the newly-appointed General Manager announced the firing of Head Scout Jeff Lunhow. Lunhow, regarded as the architect behind the current Cardinals minor league system, had been under increasing pressure to produce up-and-coming talent to fuel the Cardinals team. Between several large trades which served to deplete the organization of it's talent base and the fall-through of prospects that had been considered to once be potential successes for the organization, many in the Cardinals front office felt that Lunhow was operating on borrowed time.

Clark's press release reads as follows:

"After careful consideration I have terminated the contract with Jeff Lunhow, former Director of Scouting, effective immediately. Mr. Lunhow worked hard for the Cardinals organization and we wish him nothing but the best of luck in the future. Ultimately it was my decision to move this organization in a different direction and make an effort and attempt to bring stability and a long-term vision to the minor league affiliates and the parent organization."

[5cards]

March 31 - April 2, 2011

League News

Dale Pryor Hired as Head Scout

St. Louis - 03/31/11 - It did not take long for newly-minted General Manager Will Clark to set the wheels in motion. Within a matter of days of releasing Director of Scouting Jeff Lunhow, Clark announced that the team had signed Dale Pryor to a 5-year contract. Pryor, 56 and originally from Salt Lake City, is regarded as an unknown quantity in the MLB but anonymous sources from other ballclubs suggested that his mindset is the direct opposite of his predecessor. It is widely believed that, with his appointment as the Director of Scouting, the Cardinals will be looking less towards grooming potential superstars and more towards the development of an overall talented player base.

DeWitt Sets Expectations for Club

St. Louis - 03/31/11 - At a morning brunch this morning, owner Bill DeWitt Jr. made clear that he expects good things from new GM Will Clark and the Cardinals this coming year. The brunch, a charity event helping one of the many non-profit organizations the Cardinals support, was held at a well-known downtown eatery where fans could pay to eat with the owner and other members of the Cardinals organization.

Said DeWitt: "I'm hopeful that Will and Tony (LaRussa) will put a team on the field that can break our rut of missing the postseason the last two years. Last year was a heartbreak that no-one wants to repeat."

Cardinals Open Season Today

St. Louis - 03/31/11 - As part of today's Opening Day festivities, the Cardinals will be playing host to the San Diego Padres. The Padres enter this year after a heartbreaking season last year that saw them end only two games back of the World Series champion Giants. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will be testing a rotation that is without Cy Young finalist Adam Wainwright, who has been shelved by Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until next season. Chris Carpenter is expected to take the mound for the Cardinals and will be supported by the third 2B-SS combo in three years in Ryan Theriot and Daniel Descalso.

Question-marks also swirl around Lance Berkman, who played very well in Spring Training. Berkman had the worst year of his career last season, finishing with a .248 batting average. While reports and rumors suggest that Berkman has come back stronger and healthier than in the past, one cannot help but wonder how effective he will truly be.

Game time is set for 4:15 PM CDT at Busch Stadium.

Rumors of Offer to Pujols

St. Louis - 03/31/11 - Unconfirmed reports from sources within the Cardinals suggest that new GM Will Clark has placed an offer with Albert Pujols' agent. The offer, purported to be for 7 years, would give Pujols an average value in the $20 million to $25 million range.

Neither team officials or Pujols' agent were available for comment.

League Suspends Atlanta 3B Jones

Washington - 03/31/11 - The Atlanta Braves were not very happy with the home plate umpire in today's loss to Washington at Nationals Park. One in particular -- Chipper Jones. Upon being called out on strikes, the Braves third baseman gave the ump quite an earful. For that, the man in blue gave him the thumb and sent him to an early shower.

But the disgruntled Jones lingered on the field for another five minutes, berating the umpire. Finally his manager got him off the field and into the clubhouse.

But it got worse after the game, when Jones told reporters, "He was blind today. They played 'Three Blind Mice' for him. If he doesn't know the words to the song, I'm sure we can get it in Braille, so he can follow along."

For his escapades and after-the-game oration, the league office suspended Jones for 4 games.

League Gives Beltran 3-Game Suspension

Florida - 04/01/11 - Carlos Beltran's disrobing act in yesterday's loss to the Florida Marlins at Dolphin Stadium cost him a 3-game suspension. The league office informed the New York Mets today that their right fielder would be suspended for "his poor conduct and unacceptable behavior that made a farce out of the game."

After being called out on strikes, Beltran was ejected by the home plate umpire after a heated and animated discussion. In protest for the ejection, he proceeded to throw his bat down, take off his batting gloves, cap, shirt, socks and shoes and left them at home plate, refusing to pick them up.

Asked about the suspension, Beltran sheepishly told reporters, "I did a stupid and embarrassing thing. Let's just leave it at that."

Carlos Lee DFAed

Houston - 04/01/11 - The Houston Astros announced today, before their opening-day game against Philadelphia, that they had designated 1B/LF Carlos Lee for assignment. Lee, considered to be very popular with the fanbase, was reportedly very unhappy by the transaction. Lee's numbers had dropped in 2010, as he hit only .246 with 24 HR and 89 RBI. It was presumed that this would be a rebound year for the 34-year old, who is entering the fourth year of a 6-year $100 million deal with the Astros. Lee's roster spot was replaced by J.D. Martinez, a 23-year old LF from the team's AAA affiliate in Oklahoma City. Martinez debuted as a pinch hitter for the Astros, going 1-1.

Chicago Befuddled by McDonald

Chicago - 04/02/11 - Today at Wrigley Field James McDonald of the Pittsburgh Pirates baffled Chicago batters on 3 hits en route to a 6-0 shutout.

"He was able to keep hitters off balance and got the ball down," said the Pirates skipper about his starter's performance.

McDonald had 7 strikeouts and 3 walks in the game.

Athletics' Anderson Stops Mariners

Oakland - 04/02/11 - According to Brett Anderson of the Oakland Athletics, "There are three important elements in pitching success: location, location, and location." He told his pitching philosophy to sportswriters in the postgame interview after his 6-0 victory over Seattle.

He blanked them on a 3-hitter, allowed no walks and had 7 strikeouts. "I really felt comfortable the whole game," Anderson said.

His manager echoed his comments, saying, "He hit his spots time and time again."

[5cards]

March 31 - April 2, 2011

Weekly Team Wrapup

Thu, Mar 31 - Five-Run Ninth Dooms Cards

SD 8, STL 3

It was a game that the Cards should have won easily. Heading into the top of the 9th inning, the Cardinals were facing the bottom of the Padres order. All that was necessary was for reliever Brian Augenstein to take care of business. Until this point he had been solid; the right-hander had cruised through the 8th inning, striking out former Cardinal Ryan Ludwick, getting Chris Denorfia to fly out, and negating a Will Venable double by inducing a ground out from Orlando Hudson.

Alas, it seemed that Augenstein was doomed from the start. Pinch hitter John Jay had come to bat for starting pitcher Chris Carpenter in the bottom of the 7th inning with Allen Craig 90 feet away from untying a tie game that had persisted since the sixth inning. But Jay, on a 2-2 count, instead grounded into a fielder's choice that killed the Cards' hopes for a rally.

With no chance of moving Ryan Theriot in the 9th inning, despite him winding up on third with 2 men out and Matt Holiday at the plate, Augenstein was summoned back to the mound to continue his work. He struck out Brad Hawpe for the first out of the inning. Pinch hitter Luis Durango got on board but was removed by a Jason Bartlett fielder's choice for the second out. All that was left was to finish the frame.

Then Kyle Phillips entered the box and Augenstein found himself down in the count 2-0. His next pitch was a wild pitch that let Bartlett get to second base. Rallying back to a full count, Phillips laced a line drive to right field that fell in for a single and scored Bartlett. Chase Headley followed with a single that put runners on the corners. Up came former Cardinal Ryan Ludwick, the strikeout victim from the previous inning.

With a 1-1 count, Ludwick fouled off three of the next four pitches before finding his pitch and lacing it over the left-field bleachers. The damage was done. Adding insult to injury, Chris Denorfia, the next batter, proceeded to hit a towering fly ball that carried out of the park - also in left field. A five-run inning had given the Padres the cushion they needed.

All this overshadowed a performance from Chris Carpenter that had moments of frustration written in it. With some of his pitches seeming less lively than normal, Carp gave up 9 hits in 7 innings while striking out 5 and walking 2. Yet he only gave up 3 runs - 2 of them earned. The single unearned run came on an error by Daniel Descalso, who booted a Chris Denorfia ground ball to allow him to get on base. Denorfia would later score on a sacrifice fly by Hawpe. The defense assisted Carp with two double plays.

The game saw all the Cards' runs come in the first inning, with Theriot scoring on a Matt Holiday double, and Holiday scoring on a Berkman home run. The Cards would only muster one hit in the next six innings until threatening in the fateful seventh inning.

Sat, Apr. 2 - Cards Shell Padres to Even Series

SD 4, STL 9

After frustration from last night's tough-luck loss to the Padres, the Cardinals came out hard and maintained their focus throughout the entire game. Everyone in the lineup, save the pitcher's spot, reached base at least once during the game, which saw 14 hits laced around the park by the home team. Leading the hit parade was catcher Yadier Molina, who went 3-4 with a walk, and RF Colby Rasmus who was 4-5. But it was the play of leadoff hitter Ryan Theriot that set the tone for the game. Theriot was 2-4 with 2 walks and a stolen base and seemed to put constant pressure on the Padres' defense.

LF Matt Holliday took home top honors for the game going 2-4 at the plate with a 2-run HR in the third inning that turned the score into a 3-0 affair for the home team. Albert Pujols also got his first hit of the year but showed a keen eye in walking twice. Pujols, 1-3 at the plate, brought his batting average up to .143. Rumors continue to swirl about a contract extension with the high-powered first baseman.

Pitcher Jaime Garcia (1-0) was sharp in his debut, allowing 3 runs - all earned - over 8 innings of work. He gave up 6 hits and one walk but struck out 8. Clayton Richard (0-1) was the loser, allowing 7 earned runs on 9 hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. Richard struck out two and allowed 4 walks while also hitting two batters.

[5cards]

April 3 - 9, 2011

League News

Superstar Pujols to Stay in St. Louis

St. Louis - 04/03/11 - Media analysts hailed St. Louis' signing of Albert Pujols, one of MLB's brightest stars, as a pivotal move. While the deal is certain to raise a few eyebrows, Pujols is expected to earn every bit of the $140 million promised him over the next seven years.

General Manager Will Clark made the announcement this morning before a packed media crowd at Busch Stadium. Said Clark: "We felt that it best to put to rest any lingering doubts or distractions regarding Albert's contract. To me, this issue had the potential to overshadow any progress we may make this year in our quest to make the playoffs. I applaud Albert and his agent for working swiftly with us to ensure that Albert was paid what he so rightly deserves and, more importantly, to ensure that Albert will end his career as he started it: as a Cardinal."

Nolasco Spins Shutout Against Mets

Florida - 04/03/11 - Ricky Nolasco really wowed everybody at the ballpark with his 2-0 shutout victory over New York today. The Florida pitcher mystified the Mets in a strong performance. He gave up 4 hits and one walk while striking out 13. His manger said, "Ricky had them chasing a lot of pitches and talking to themselves. It was something special to watch."

Los Angeles Loses Haren, Out 4 Months

Los Angeles - 04/04/11 - The injury that has kept Dan Haren out of action since April 1 will keep him out awhile longer. Angels officials announced this afternoon that Haren will miss at least 4 months with radial nerve compression. Robert Fish was called up from the team's AA affiliate in Arkansas to replace Haren on the 40-man roster. Fish, a 6th round draft choice in the 2006 draft, had a 8.93 ERA last year with 2 saves in 39 appearances for Arkansas.

Holland Shelved for Season

Texas - 04/05/11 - Starting Pitcher Derek Holland has been placed on the 60-day DL by Texas today after it was revealed that he would require Tommy John surgery. Holland reportedly felt something give in his elbow while pitching in a 3-0 game against Seattle on April 4. The move is a blow to Texas, who is expected to compete in a tough AL West division this year. The Rangers have called up Tanner Scheppers from their AAA affiliate in Round Rock. Scheppers, rated the #40 prospect by Baseball America at the start of the season, was 1-3 with a 5.48 ERA last season with the team's AA affiliate in Oklahoma City.

Carlos Quentin Tees off 3 HR in Game

Kansas City - 04/05/11 - Chiacgo's Carlos Quentin was on fire with 3 home runs in a 6-3 win over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium today. "The first two I got all of them and there was no doubt they were gone. The last one I got lucky. It seemed like the wind helped a little. Old Mother Nature helped me get into the record books."

Quentin had 5 RBIs for the game, and was 3-4 overall. His first two home runs were solo shots off of Everett Teaford, in the 2nd and 4th innings, but the damage was greatest with a 3-run homerun off of Teaford in the 5th. Quentin was a strikeout victim in the 7th. For the season he is hitting .375 with 5 HR and 8 RBI.

Teaford had no comment at the time this article was printed.

Minnesota and White Sox Trade

Chicago - 04/06/11 - A swap has been concluded today between the Twins and the White Sox that will send Minnesota LF Jason Kubel to the Sox for RF Andre Rios, minor-league pitcher Andre Rienzo, and $3 million in cash considerations.

Kubel, a lifetime .271 hitter, figures to help a struggling Chicago outfield. Meanwhile, Rios, a lifetime .281 hitter who had only seen one game in Chicago this season, figures to see more playing time with the Twins.

Cain Blanks Cardinals

San Francisco - 04/08/11 - Matt Cain shut out the Cards today, giving up only 3 hits and striking out 8 while walking 2. The Giants won the game 1-0 with a walkoff RBI single in the bottom of the 9th.

Michael Cuddyer Signs Extension With Twins

Minnesota - 04/09/11 - Michael Cuddyer and the Twins came to terms today on a two-year extension that is estimated to be worth $16.5 million. The move resolves potential questions about second base after this season, but it is clear that Cuddyer, a lifetime .269 hitter, will be expected to work hard to earn the money. This season he is currently batting .185 with 1 RBI.

Beachy Whitewashes Philadelphia

Atlanta - 04/09/11 - Starting Pitcher Brandon Beachey held the Phillies to five hits in his first shutout of the season. He struck out 5 and walked 1 as the Braves won 7-0.

Luebke 3-Hits Dodgers

San Diego - 04/09/11 - Cory Luebke blanked the Dodgers today in a 3-0 Padres win. The starting pitcher had 6 strikeouts and 1 walk through 9 innings. For the season he is now 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA.

[5cards]

April 3 - 9, 2011

Weekly Team Wrapup

Sun, Apr 3 - Cards Unable to Keep Pace with Padres

SD 6, STL 3
The Padres who took the field today did not show any indication that they had been beaten in a 9-run affair the day before. Almost immdiately, from the first batter, Jason Bartlett, the Padres came out swinging and drew first blood when Bartlett took first on a single, advanced on a ground ball out and a single from Chase Headley, then scored on a Ryan Ludwick single. From there, things only continued in the same vein. Every inning afterwards, save the 3rd, the Padres had at least one man on base until Kyle Lohse was replaced by Bryan Augenstein. But even Augenstein, who entered with a 3-1 defecit, could not stem the tide.

Entering with the bases loaded and Aaron Cunningham batting, Augenstein was unable to finish Cunningham off with a 2-2 pitch. Instead, he laced the ball deep into center field for a base-clearing triple, giving the Padres a 6-1 lead. The Cardinals would close to within 6-3 in the bottom of the 7th, with Ramon Vazquez hitting a solo HR and Matt Holliday driving in Ryan Theriot on a well-executed single. But Colby Rasmus, pinch hitting with Holliday and Berkman aboard with two out, struck out to end the inning. The Cards would again threaten with runners on first and second with two out in the bottom of the 8th, but Yadier Molina flew out on the first pitch he saw to leave both Jon Jay and Ryan Theriot stranded. Closer Heath Bell would enter the bottom of the 9th to put away Pujols on a groundout, then get Berkman to ground into a game-ending double play.

The Padres took the rubber game of the three-game series and lead the season series 2-1. The Cards now prepare to face Pittsburgh starting tomorrow.


Mon, Apr 4 - 5-Error Game Dooms Pirates

PIT 4, STL 10
It was a night of defensive miscues as the Pirates committed five costly errors in a 10-4 loss to the Cardinals and sent Jeff Karstens to his first loss of the season. First baseman John Bowker had two errors, Ronnie Cedeno had two more at shortstop, and the pitcher himself contributed with an error of his own.

The Pirates had been leading 4-3 going into the bottom of the fifth inning, thanks in large part to a 3-run homerun that Andrew McCutchen had hit in the 3rd inning. The speedy McCutchen had also hit a first-inning two-out triple that had not contributed for anything. The homer had effectively cancelled out some good baserunning and timely hitting that had seen the Cards draw first blood with two runs in the first and one in the second. But the Pirates refused to go away against Jake Westbrook so easily. Even though Westbrook had 11 groundball outs to 4 fly ball outs, it was elevation on his pitches that cost him dearly as Alex Presley added a solo shot in the 4h inning.

Albert Pujols, celebrating the signing of his 7-year, $140 million contract, laced the first pitch he saw into right-center field to tie the game up. Lance Berkman then got aboard after a Matt Holliday strikeout and proceeded to steal second for his second SB of the night (and the year) - an amazing feat considering that Berkman is not the fleetest of foot. At this point Allen Craig was intentionally walked in an effort to induce the double-play. But defensive miscues began here, as Tyler Greene reached on an error by Cedeno, loading the bases for Ramon Vazquez, who laced a line drive past Cedeno to bring home Berkman. Westbrook then added with a hit that Cedeno threw away, allowing Craig to score. At this point Sean Gallagher entered to stem the bleeding, only to fall behind Molina 3-1 and then give up an infield single which brought Greene and Vazquez home.

Yadier Molina caught his third would-be basestealer of the season when he picked off Nate Walker trying to take second. Trever Miller and Kyle McClellan both had two walks and one hit in one inning of work for the Cards but did not give up any runs.


Tue, Apr 5 - Pujols Hits Second HR, Cards Win 11-6

PIT 6, STL 11
Albert Pujols had a productive night at the plate, hitting his second home run of the season and his second double of the season to drive in five runs and help the Cardinals to a 11-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pujols, who also struck out twice, raised his batting average to .286 for the year so far and has eased some fan worries that he might be off to a slower-than-normal start this season.

Chris Carpenter pitched effectively, giving up 4 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits in 6 innings. He was not as effective as normal, issuing 6 walks in the game including four in the first inning (3 consecutive to drive in a run), but was able to minimize the damage done. Kyle McClellan came on in relief, giving up two runs on two hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Brian Augenstein pitched an uneventful 9th inning, giving up one walk and striking out one.

Offense and baserunning were the orders of the day for the Cards against lefty Aaron Thompson. Thompson, in his first appearance of the season, gave up home runs to both Pujols and Ramon Vazquez which keyed a 3-run Cardinals second and set them ahead for good, 5-3. The Cards scored one run or more in each of the first five innings of play, and all positions in the lineup save Lance Berkman had at least one hit. Berkman was 0-4 at the plate with a walk.


Wed, Apr 6 - Cards Bat Around in 9-Run Seventh

PIT 4, STL 10
Going into the bottom of the seventh inning it appeared that the Cardinals would have a difficult time making heads or tails of Ross Ohlendorf. Ohlendorf had, to that point, only given up three singles and two walks while striking out three in the process. The only damage the Cards had done had come the previous inning when Colby Rasmus, who reached on an error, was able to score on a Lance Berkman single to right-center field. But the inning started off promisingly, as Daniel Descalso led off with a single followed by Ramon Vazquez and Jon Jay, who was pinch hitting for Chris Perez. Descalso scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, then Yadier Molina singled to bring in another run. At this point Ohlendorf was shown the door and Jose Veras came on to try and stem the tide. Following a Colby Rasmus sac bunt, an intentional walk to Pujols, and a single by Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman took a 1-2 offering by Veras and deposited it neatly in the right-center seats. Evan Meek came on, giving up a walk to Skip Schumaker on four straight pitches. At this point, the team had batted around. Jon Jay, still pinch hitting, added a run-scoring single and Molina contributed another run-scoring single. By the time the smoke cleared, 9 runs had been given up on 8 hits.

The run support was more than ample for Jaime Garcia, who gave up 2 runs (both earned) on 10 hits in 7 innnings while walking two and striking out seven. Though he constantly seemed to have runners on, and gave up a home run to Pirates leadoff hitter Jose Tabata in the fifth inning, he benefitted from a large number of ground ball outs. Fernando Salas pitched two innings of relief, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3.

Lance Berkman's home run capped a 2-3 night for the right fielder and raised his average to .273. Pujols was 0-3 wth a walk, and is now at .250 for the year. He appeared impatient at the plate at times and was pinch hit for in the 8th inning. There did not appear to be any injury to him, so it is likely that he was taken out to be allowed a breather.

With this win the Cards completed a three-game sweep of the Pirates and have the day off before beginning a road trip.


Fri, Apr 8 - Cardinals Unable to Figure Cain Out

STL 0, SF 1
The Cardinals lost today 1-0 on a walkoff base hit by pinch hitter Mike Fontenot. With a runner on second, Fontenot laced a ground ball that found it's way between first and second. Pinch Runner Darren Ford scored easily as there was no throw on the play. Cain struck out 8 and walked 2, giving up three hits for a complete game shutout. Kyle Lohse pitched well also, giving up 6 hits in 7 innings and striking out four. Fernando Salas took the loss, allowing 1 run on three hits in 1 2/3 innings and striking out only one.

The heart of the order for the Cards went 0-10 with three strikeouts and two walks. Albert Pujols was 0-4 with a K, bringing his average down to .214. The only hits for the Cards came from newly-signed 2B Christian Guzman, 3B Daniel Descalso, and Ramon Vazquez, the shortstop for the Cards.


Sat, Apr 9 - Double Plays and Home Runs Propel Cards to Win

STL 5, SF 2
Tyler Greene hit his first home run of the season and was followed by Albert Pujols back-to-back as the Cardinals beat the Giants 5-2. Colby Rasmus contributed with a three-run homer in the fifth inning, giving the Cards all their runs on the long ball. The defense was stellar and turned four double plays helping starting pitcher Jake Westbrook cruise to his first complete game of the year. Impressively enough, three of the four double plays involved some combination of SS Tyler Greene, 2B Christian Guzman, and 1B Albert Pujols.

Westbrook had a no-hitter through six innings before it was broken up and the Giants got on the board with back-to-back singles from Aaron Rowand and Pat Burrell. Andres Torres grounded into a double-play that allowed Rowand to score on the play. The only other run came on a Nate Schierholtz groundout that scored Buster Posey with one out in the 7th inning. Beyond that, Westbrook was effective and yielded up a total of four hits and four walks while striking out one. 19 of his 22 total outs were on the ground ball.

The Cards improve to 5-3 with this win with the rubber game coming tomorrow before they head out to meet the Diamondbacks in a three-game set at Arizona.

[5cards]

April 3 - 9, 2011

Standings

American League
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Baltimore Orioles	6	2	.750	-
New York Yankees	6	3	.667	.5
Toronto Blue Jays	5	3	.625	1.0
Tampa Bay Rays	5	3	.625	1.0
Boston Red Sox	4	4	.500	2.0
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Detroit Tigers	5	3	.625	-
Kansas City Royals	3	5	.375	2.0
Cleveland Indians	3	5	.375	2.0
Minnesota Twins	3	6	.333	2.5
Chicago White Sox	2	6	.250	3.0
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Oakland Athletics	5	3	.625	-
Texas Rangers	4	4	.500	1.0
Seattle Mariners	4	4	.500	1.0
Los Angeles Angels	2	6	.250	3.

National League
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Atlanta Braves	6	3	.667	-
Washington Nationals	4	4	.500	1.5
Philadelphia Phillies	4	4	.500	1.5
New York Mets	4	4	.500	1.5
Florida Marlins	2	6	.250	3.5
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
St. Louis Cardinals	5	3	.625	-
Houston Astros	5	3	.625	-
Cincinnati Reds	4	4	.500	1.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	4	5	.444	1.5
Milwaukee Brewers	4	5	.444	1.5
Chicago Cubs	2	6	.250	3.0
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Colorado Rockies	6	2	.750	-
San Francisco Giants	5	3	.625	1.0
Los Angeles Dodgers	4	4	.500	2.0
San Diego Padres	3	4	.429	2.5
Arizona Diamondbacks	3	5	.375	3.0

[5cards]

April 3 - 9, 2011

Cardinals Roster

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Chris Carpenter 2 2 1 0 0 2.08 1.69 Rested Starter L Jaime Garcia 2 2 2 0 0 3.00 1.27 Rested Starter R Kyle Lohse 2 2 0 1 0 3.95 1.54 Tired Starter R Jake Westbrook 2 2 2 0 0 3.38 1.00 Totally Exhausted Starter L Brian Tallet 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Middle Reliever R Kyle McClellan 2 0 0 0 0 6.00 2.33 Rested Middle Reliever R Ryan Franklin 1 0 0 0 0 0.00 1.50 Rested Middle Reliever R Bryan Augenstein 3 0 0 1 0 13.50 2.70 Rested Setup Reliever R Fernando Salas 2 0 0 1 0 7.36 2.18 Rested Setup Reliever L Trever Miller 1 0 0 0 0 0.00 3.00 Rested Closer R Jason Motte 1 0 0 0 0 9.00 1.00 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 4 R Yadier Molina C 8 34 10 1 9 3 2 6 .294 .333 .441 8 R Gerald Laird C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 2 R Ryan Theriot 2B 5 12 4 0 0 4 5 1 .333 .529 .417 5 R Albert Pujols 1B 8 31 8 3 9 10 5 4 .258 .351 .613 33 L Daniel Descalso 3B 4 12 4 0 0 4 3 0 .333 .467 .333 27 R Tyler Greene SS 4 18 5 1 3 3 1 3 .278 .316 .556 23 R David Freese 3B 6 11 4 0 2 1 4 3 .364 .533 .545 16 S Cristian Guzman 2B 2 7 2 0 0 0 1 1 .286 .375 .429 19 L Ramon Vazquez SS 6 15 6 2 3 6 4 2 .400 .526 .800

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 21 R Allen Craig LF 4 11 2 0 0 2 2 4 .182 .308 .182 7 R Matt Holliday LF 8 31 9 1 6 4 6 8 .290 .421 .452 28 L Colby Rasmus CF 8 27 10 1 5 6 6 3 .370 .485 .481 17 S Lance Berkman RF 8 28 7 2 6 5 6 1 .250 .400 .464 15 L Jon Jay CF 7 11 3 0 1 1 0 4 .273 .273 .273

From The Diary of the GM

Week of April 3 - 9, 2011

Perhaps the biggest move that we needed to accomplish this week was getting Pujols an extension to his contract. I did not want to spend the season with the sceptre of his pending free agency over my head. So I made an effort to reach out to Pujols' agent and told him that we wanted to get a deal worked out as soon as possible in an effort to put this behind us and focus instead on taking the team to the playoffs.

The response came back quickly - Albert was willing to work with $20 million a year for seven years. While I am obviously concerned about his age, the specifications of the contract seemed fair - starting at $16.7 mil next year and going to $23.3 mil for the last year. Incremental increases of $1 mil a year did not seem to be of major budgetary concern, and to be honest $20 million a year was far better than the projections that my predecessor had placed that called for upwards of $25 million a year. We were able to include a player option on the seventh year with a buyout attached. Additionally, if Albert wins a hitter award, he will earn $1.1 million.

With that move taken care of - a move that sent the fanbase roaring with delight - the next focus was on the minor leagues. When I arrived they were a mess with a lot of players in the Rookie and Short-A leagues whose potentials were dim to non-existant. After reviewing the players, we decided to clean out those teams and keep them empty. Any players of value would be moved to our A or AA affiliates. This was done in part to trim excess fat off of the budget and, in part, because the Rookie and Short-A leagues don't start their seasons until June. Comparatively speaking, the A - AAA leagues begin next week. This will let us get a good read on what talent we have in the organization.

Lastly we have added a few free agent minor leaguers to the club. One of the brightest stars is Wladimir Balentien, who has not been in the majors since 2009. Balentein is not expected to play this season due to an injury he suffered in the offseason. However, it is our belief that he will make a good candidate for the parent club next season so long as he stays healthy. We also added MR Edwar Ramirez to the minor league roster. He was 1-0 with a 4.91 ERA in 7 games for Oakland last year before being released to free agency. Our scouts think there is potential so we signed him to a minor league contract and will let him go to work for Memphis. We've added SS Andy Cannizaro to the Memphis team as well. Though he has not played in the majors since 2008, we want to see if there's anything left. If so he could prove to be a good backup SS or even take over at that spot should worst come to worst.

There were some minor items we also took care of for the major-league team. 2B Christian Guzman, former All-Star in 2001 and 2008, was signed to a 1-year contract with the parent club. Guzman possesses above-average range and excellent double-play abilities and was a career .271 hitter. This move was made to shore up a shaky hot corner that did not have any clear regular player attached to it. Skip Schumaker, though a good bench player, was of concern to my staff. We had him DFAed and will send him to AAA Memphis once he clears waivers.

The AAA - A affiliates began their schedules at the end of this week so we will begin focusing on talent at those levels. Our minor league system started the year at 14th out of 30, but we have since moved to 8th. We are spending $9 million this year - $1 million above the league average - on player development. It is my personal goal to see us go from 4 prospects in the Top 100 this year, to having at least 6 or 8 in the Top 100 by the start of next season.

Minor League reports will begin with this next week and will be updated weekly with the major league team.

Finally, the first full week is in the books and the team is 5-3 and tied for first with the Astros. It's far too early to see how things will pan out since only 3 games separate top from bottom. The pundits all say that the NL Central is the worst division in the game. It's my hope that, so long as our team plays better than .500 ball, we'll have a shot at clinching the Central. I've got some worries about the bullpen, especially as Augenstein gave up a lot of runs in his first couple appearances and Motte gave up a run in his only appearance. Hopefully TLR and Dave Duncan can straighten things out. Garcia and Carp show great promise, but Jake Westbrook's performance last week was a surprise to everyone - myself included. If he can keep the ball down, he's got the makings of winning 15 games this year - especially if our defense behind him is sharp.

I'm worried about Pujols' slow start, but he's had 3 HR in 5 days which is a good sign of power. If he will just be patient and let the pitcher make a mistake, he can do damage. Rasmus is batting .370 so far this season and does well out of the #2 spot in the lineup. Holliday and Berkman are not doing poorly themselves either. The offense has shown, with 3 10-run games already this year, that when they are clicking they do fantastic stuff. Now we just have to keep them healthy and keep them focused.

[5cards]

And we are now current. The game is on April 16, so tonight I should be done with the week of April 10 - 17 and will post that when it's set. You can see where the league currently sits from the Almanac link above.

[Big T]

Originally Posted by 5cards

And we are now current. The game is on April 16, so tonight I should be done with the week of April 10 - 17 and will post that when it's set. You can see where the league currently sits from the Almanac link above.

Looking forward to the update, but really like your Diary idea. I think the concept of getting some of the dynasty makers thinking and thought processing is as important and fun as the dynasty itself, keep up the good work.

[5cards]

I intend to keep writing the weekly diary as I complete weeks in the game. Thank you for the compliment - I also enjoy reading up on your dynasties. I also agree - it's good to look at the thought processes as we build these dynasties. What are the focuses for the dynasty-maker? What lenses do they look at things through?

[5cards]

April 10 - 17, 2011

Weekly Team Wrapup

Sunday, April 10, 2011: Sandoval HR KOs Cardinals

STL 7, SF 9

Even though he was given the day off initially, Pablo Sandoval was pivotal in helping the Giants defeat the Cardinals, 9-7, and take the rubber match of the best-of-three series. Jonathan Sanchez was not particularly sharp over seven innings but merited the win all the same while Brian Tallet, making his first start of the year, made enough mistakes to waste an impressive performance from Albert Pujols.

Opening the bottom of the 7th, Tallet gave up a single to Miguel Tejada on an 0-1 pitch, bringing up the pitcher's spot. Manager Bruce Bochy, turning to his bench, sent Sandoval in to pinch hit for his pitcher. It was a move that turned out to be pivotal as Sandoval took an 0-2 pitch and crushed it to right field. The two-run homer, Sandoval's fifth of the year, opened the floodgates for a 6-run inning in which the Giants batted around. Andres Torres, batting after Sandoval's monster drive, managed to work an 0-2 call into a 3-2 call before taking first on a walk that took nine pitches to generate. Bryan Augenstein, summoned to relieve Tallet, then proceeded to give up two doubles and two singles in the process of recording two outs. This brought in Ryan Franklin who got Sandoval, up for the second time in the inning, to fly out and end the damage.

The Cardinals struck first and quickly, as leadoff hitter Cristian Guzman got on with a single and Albert Pujols, up after a Tyler Greene flyout, hit the first pitch he saw deep into left field. The Cards added more to the score when Lance Berkman walked to lead off the fourth, advanced on a Colby Rasmus double, then scored on a groundout by Molina. The Giants answered each Cardinal score with one of their own - Buster Posey hit a long drive to left in the first that kept the score at 2-1, and Posey then scored in the 4th after getting a leadoff walk followed by a sacrifice fly by Ryan Rohlinger - Posey advanced on singles by Pat Burrell and Brandon Belt.

Though the game disintegrated, the Cardinals did not show signs of panic. Colby Rasmus drew a leadoff walk against reliever Sergio Romo in the 8th, then came home when David Freese took Romo deep on a deep deep drive to center field (estimated at over 410 ft). In the 9th, Lance Berkman hit a home run, also off of Romo, bringing in Pujols. However, with two out in the 9th when the home run came, it ultimately wound up being too little too late to help the Cards.


Monday, April 11, 2011: Cardinals Survive 6-run Diamondback Charge

STL 7, ARI 6

It was definitely not Chris Carpenter's finest day. The Cardinals' de facto ace, taking over the spot for injured Adam Wainwright, gave up six runs in the third inning as the Cardinals rallied late to win 7-6.

Carpenter was handed an early 5-0 lead on a Lance Berkman first-inning 3-run home run and a production from Cristian Guzman and Colby Rasmus in the second. But the bottom of the second would prove to be Carp's undoing. With one out and runners on first and second he lost Cole Gillespie after a 9-pitch sequence that included four foul balls. Brandon Allen's single scored one run and Collin Cowgill scored a second but kept the bases loaded. After getting Ryan Roberts to fly out, Carpenter gave up a 0-1 bases-clearing triple to Stephen Drew and a double to Russel Branyan to erase the lead. The Diamondbacks would send ten men to the plate in the inning before Carp could escape.

Fernando Salas took over in the fourth, pitching three strong innings for the win. Salas gave up one walk while striking four during those frames. He was supported by good appearances from Bryan Augenstein, Trever Miller, Kyle McClellan, and Jason Motte - who picked up his first save of the season. Combined, the bullpen went six innings while giving up one hit - in the ninth - and three walks. They chipped in for six strikeouts.

Arizona starter Daniel Hudson fared just as poorly as Carpenter. Hudson lasted two innings giving up 5 runs on 5 hits and walking one while striking out none. But it was reliever Sam Demel who would take the loss as he allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings while walking 3 and striking out two.


Tuesday, April 12, 2011: Big Inning Propels Cards to Victory

STL 9, ARI 6

For the second night in a row a Cardinals starter got roughed up early in the ballgame. This time the victim was Jaime Garcia, who gave up five runs (four earned) in six innings. Garcia allowed six hits and walked two while striking out six for the victory.

The Diamondbacks came out with guns blazing in the bottom of the first and were aided by Cristian Guzman's second error of the season which allowed leadoff batter Cole Gillespie on base. After that, things only seemed to get worse as four singles followed a walk before the first out of the inning was even recorded. When the dust had settled, the Diamondbacks had scored three runs in the first inning.

Unlike last night's game, it was the Cardinals' turn to have a monster inning. Starting pitcher Armando Galarraga had shut down the Carinals through the third inning, setting them down in order each frame. But on the second pass through the lineup, the Cardinals seemed to figure him out. Leadoff batter Cristian Guzman opened the fourth with a single and Matt Holliday added one to move Guzman to second. With one out and Guzman on third, Lance Berkman doubled home Guzman before Colby Rasmus walked to load the bases. The Cards would keep the bases loaded through the next four batters, who each either singled or - in the case of Ramon Vazquez - walked - to drive in a run. By the time the inning was over, Guzman had batted twice in the frame and the Redbirds led 6-4. They'd add a run on Albert Pujols' fifth homer of the season, and then added another run in the sixth following a leadoff double by Ramon Vazquez who was then driven in by a Guzman single.

Though they were down 9-5 in the bottom of the 8th, the Diamondbacks showed life against Ryan Franklin, leading off with a single and a double. Fernando Salas was called in and was unable to retire Henry Blanco, who singled to give the D-Backs a run. Trever Miller then entered the ballgame to get the next three batters in a row.

Jason Motte closed out his second save of the year, allowing a walk on four straight pitches to Stephen Drew but striking out two and inducing a groundout to put the game on ice.


Wednesday, April 13, 2011: Holliday Helps Cards Sweep D-Backs

STL 5, ARI 4

To say that it has been a difficult spring for Matt Holliday would be an understatement. Holliday, entering today's action batting .250, was only 4 for his last 31 - a measly .129. His last multi-hit game had come on the 3rd of April against San Diego, when he went 3 for 5. But today Holliday seemed to break out of his slump and helped the Cardinals score their first series sweep of the year, overcoming the Diamondbacks with a 4-run 7th inning to win by a final of 5-4. Holliday was 2 for 5 in the game with a home run and two RBIs.

Kyle Lohse benefitted from the offense. Lohse went 8 innings, giving up 4 runs (all earned) on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts. Lohse was particularly hurt by the long ball, as Stephen Drew hit his first shot of the year off of Lohse in the sixth and Justin Upton added to the damage two batters later with a solo shot of his own.

Ian Kennedy had cruised through much of the game until the sixth inning, when Holliday's solo shot broke up Kennedy's shutout. The following inning it would be Holliday being timely as with runners on first and second, he roped a single through the left side. Cristian Guzman slid under the tag to add a run. Following this was an Albert Pujols single and a Lance Berkman 2-RBI double. Kennedy on the whole gave up 9 hits - four for extra bases - and three walks while striking out four.

Brian Augenstein pitched an inning of relief, collecting his first save in place of Jason Motte who was given the evening off. Augenstein lowered his ERA to 12.00 for the year though allowed two hits in his frame.


Thursday, April 14, 2011: Cards Unable to Stop Potent LA Attack

STL 2, LAD 10

Rafael Furcal was 2-for-4 with a double and 4 RBIs as the Los Angeles Dodgers stymied the St. Louis Cardinals by a score of 10-2. Jake Westbrook pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up 6 runs - 5 earned - on nine hits while walking four and striking out 3. Jonathan Broxton, called on in the second to replace the injured Jon Garland, was the winning pitcher, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks in 1 2/3 innings while striking out 2.

Westbrook did not have good command of his pitches and fell into trouble early. Despite a 1-0 cushion by Matt Holliday's solo home run, Westbrook fell behind Xavier Paul 3-2 before getting him to ground out to start the bottom of the first. From there, the next five batters picked up two singles, a double, a walk, and a groundout to give LA a 3-1 lead after one. Briefly settling down, the Dodgers started the third with a walk to Andre Ethier, who advanced smartly on two groundouts before being driven in by Furcal. LA would add a run in the fifth when Ethier walked on four straight pitches to lead off the inning, moved to third on a Matt Kemp double, then got driven home by Juan Uribe. Finally Westbrook was chased after Matt Guerrier - reaching on an error by third baseman Daniel Descalso, scored on an Andre Ethier fielders choice.

It fell to Ryan Franklin to give the Cards an opportunity to regroup. In the top of the seventh, the Cards added a run on an Albert Pujols double play that scored Cristian Guzman. But the Dodgers would add a run in the seventh on a Casey Blake double that plated Rod Barajas, and would break it open in the 8th on a Trayvon Robinson 3-run home run.

The Cardinals were also stymied by the double-play ball, as four Cardinals doubled into the twin killing - Descalso, Vazquez, and Pujols twice. The Cards ended the 8th and 9th innings with double play balls - the worst being the 9th when Albert Pujols grounded out with runners on first and second against Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo's twin killing in the 8th, when he induced Ramon Vazquez to ground it to first, also came with runners on first and second. In all the Cards left 12 men on base, and had runners left in scoring position with two outs three times.


Friday, April 15, 2011: Cards 8th Inning Rally Falls Short

STL 6, LAD 9

The Cardinals were unable to capitalize on a five-run 8th inning as they fell to the Dodgers 9-6. Entering the bottom of the 8th, the Cards had knotted the game at 6-6, but Trever Miller, with the bases loaded, gave up two consecutive walks and Fernando Salas gave up a fielders choice to allow the Dodgers to break the tie. The Cardinals ended the game with runners on first and second as Colby Rasmus struck out swinging against Hong-Chih Kuo.

Brian Tallet went six innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. The long ball badly hurt Tallet as he allowed all six runs via four home runs in the game including two to Matt Kemp and one to opposing pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda went seven innings, giving up 6 runs on eleven hits while walking two and striking out six. Reliveer Matt Guerrier got the save, pitching an inning of scoreless relief.


Saturday, April 16, 2011: Carpenter Shuts Down Dodgers

STL 5, LAD 0

Chris Carpenter pitched his first complete game shutout of the year, holding the Dodgers to six hits as the Cardinals defeated the Dodgers by a score of 5-0. Carpenter only required 117 pitches to secure his second victory of the year walking 3 and striking out two along the way.

It appeared to be a pitcher's duel at times today, as Ted Lilly matched Carpenter move for move through the first four innings of play. But the Cardinals displayed great patience with Lilly, who was pulled in the top of the sixth after throwing 119 pitches. Lilly was the hard luck loser of the game, giving up two runs in 5 2/3 innings while walking four and striking out seven. It was one of these walks, to David Freese, that set up the initial scoring of the game. Sacrificed to second by Chris Carpenter, Freese came to score after Cristian Guzman roped a two-out 2-2 pitch into the left field corner. Leading off the sixth, Albert Pujols hit his sixth home run of the year.

Guzman would later hit his first homer of the year, a short fly to right that just cleared the fence, giving the Cardinals a 3-0 lead. But this was more than was needed as Carpenter, who had escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fifth by retiring Rafael Furcal on a groundout, worked around a Casey Blake single in the sixth, retired the side in the seventh, got a double play in the eighth, and retired the side in the ninth to win the game. It only required 34 total pitches by Carp to finish the last four frames as the Dodgers showed unusual impatience at the plate.


Sunday, April 17, 2011: Kershaw Stymies Cards

STL 0, LAD 3

Clayton Kershaw pitched a five-hit shutout as the Dodgers beat the Cardinals 3-0 to take the series, 3 games to 1. He was particularly effective giving up just five hits and 3 walks while striking out nine. Jaime Garcia was the tough luck loser, giving up 3 runs on six hits while walking two and striking out eight. Garcia pitched seven innings before being replaced by Chad Qualls, who pitched an inning of relief with a strikeout and no hits.

Today's matchup was clearly going to be a duel of pitchers, as Garcia was 3-0 to start the season and was averaging a strikeout an inning while allowing only five walks on the year so far. Kershaw, meanwhile, had started the season 1-2 having given up losses to the Giants. Thus it was that, when the Dodgers scored in the first inning on a Matt Kemp double (scoring the speedy Tony Gwynn Jr who had bunted for a hit and advanced on a sacrifice fly), everyone knew the Cardinals would be hard-pressed to even things up. Kershaw retired nine straight after the first inning before walking Matt Holliday to start the fifth inning. In the bottom of hte fifth Juan Uribe led off with a solo home run and Jamey Carroll doubled and scored when Kemp singled.

The Cardinals would strand runners on first and second in the seventh when Daniel Descalso grounded out to end the attempted rally. In the 8th inning Kershaw pitched around a pair of singles as well, getting Colby Rasmus to ground out again with runners on first and second. Even late in the game Kershaw showed no signs of tiring. With Matt Holliday aboard and one down, Kershaw got Lance Berkman and Daniel Descalso to strike out swinging to end the game.


The team completes it's roadtrip going 5-5. They are 4-2 in the first full week of the season and 4-3 the second full week of the season.

[MizzouRah]

Enjoying this!

[5cards]

April 10 - 17, 2011

Standings

American League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Tampa Bay Rays	11	5	.688	-
New York Yankees	10	6	.625	1.0
Toronto Blue Jays	9	6	.600	1.5
Baltimore Orioles	7	8	.467	3.5
Boston Red Sox	6	9	.400	4.5
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Cleveland Indians	9	6	.600	-
Chicago White Sox	8	7	.533	1.0
Kansas City Royals	7	8	.467	2.0
Detroit Tigers	7	9	.438	2.5
Minnesota Twins	6	10	.375	3.5
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Texas Rangers	10	5	.667	-
Oakland Athletics	9	7	.563	1.5
Seattle Mariners	6	10	.375	4.5
Los Angeles Angels	3	12	.200	7.0

National League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Atlanta Braves	11	5	.688	-
Philadelphia Phillies	9	6	.600	1.5
Washington Nationals	7	8	.467	3.5
New York Mets	6	10	.375	5.0
Florida Marlins	5	10	.333	5.5
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Cincinnati Reds	10	5	.667	-
St. Louis Cardinals	9	7	.563	1.5
Milwaukee Brewers	8	8	.500	2.5
Chicago Cubs	7	8	.467	3.0
Houston Astros	6	10	.375	4.5
Pittsburgh Pirates	5	11	.313	5.5
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Colorado Rockies	11	5	.688	-
Los Angeles Dodgers	10	6	.625	1.0
San Francisco Giants	9	6	.600	1.5
San Diego Padres	7	8	.467	3.5
Arizona Diamondbacks	4	11	.267	6.5

It is still very early in the season to see how things in the league will shake out. The Cardinals drop out of first place and are now 1.5 games behind Cincinnati. Cincy went 5-1 last week, taking two of three from the Diamondbacks and Padres, then swept the Pirates to start the week. Milwaukee went 3-3 last week, completing series wins over Pittsburgh and the Cubs, but then lost 2 of 3 to the Nationals - their sole win came to start the new week off. The Cubs had a 4-2 week with a sweep of Houston and took two of three from the Rockies to start the new week. Both the Astros and Pirates only won once last week.

Injuries may play a key to the NL Central. The Reds are without Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey for at least three weeks. Cueto has a strained bicep tendon and Bailey has a tender shoulder. The Brewers, meanwhile, lost Ryan Braun this week to a strained oblique that will sideline him for six weeks. LaTroy Hawkins returns in two days, Corey Hart in a week, Nyjer Morgan and Greinke in 2-3 weeks, and Manny Parra in 2-3 months. The Cubs have key injuries to Fukudome and Marlon Byrd - 1-2 weeks for each of them.

[5cards]

April 10 - 17, 2011

League News and Notes

(Almost forgot this!)

Chipper Jones Reaches 2,500 Milestone

Atlanta - April 10, 2011 - Chipper Jones went 3-for-4 today to pass the 2,500 hit mark as the Braves beat the Phillies 6-4.

Quentin Named AL Player of Week

Chicago - April 11, 2011 - Carlos Quentin was named the AL Player of the Week after going 11-for-24 with 5 HR and 8 RBI. Quentin is hitting .458 during that time.

Fielder Gets NL Honors

Milwaukee - April 11, 2011 - Prince Fielder received the NL Player of the Week award today. Fielder went 11-for-19 with 4 HR and 7 RBI.

Braun Out With Strain

Milwaukee - April 12, 2011 - Ryan Braun was sent to the DL today with an oblique strain. Doctors estimate it will be at least 6 weeks before he can return. Braun is hitting .256 with 2 HR this year so far.

Werth Suffers Hamstring Tweak

Washington - April 12, 2011 - Jayson Werth will be laid up with a hamstring strain for the next five weeks. Werth injured himself during a throw against the Phillies. It may be a good thing, though, as Werth has a .167 batting average this year so far with only 5 RBIs.

The Freak Shuts Out Dodgers

San Francisco - April 12, 2011 - Tim Lincecum is now 3-0 today after blanking LA by a score of 6-0. "The Freak" made it look like child's play as he gave up four hits and struck out ten.

Cardinals Claim Qualls on Waivers

St. Louis - April 14, 2011 - The Cardinals, in a move that seemed to this reporter to be deja vu, claimed Padres reliever Chad Qualls off of waivers. To make room for him, Tyler Greene was sent to AAA Memphis.

Glaus and Angels Sign Accord

Los Angeles - April 16, 2011 - Troy Glaus and the Angels have signed a contract extension today that keeps the 3B in LA for two more years. League sources estimate the contract to be worth $13 million. Glaus is hitting .240 this year with 3 HR and 6 RBI. Lifetime he is a .254 hitter.

[5cards]

April 10 - 17, 2011

Cardinals Roster

Who's Hot? 1B Albert Pujols .417, 4 HR Last 9 games LF Matt Holliday .522, 2 HR Last 6 games Who's Not?

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Chris Carpenter 4 4 2 0 0 3.24 1.56 Tired Starter L Jaime Garcia 4 4 3 1 0 3.86 1.25 Totally Exhausted Starter R Kyle Lohse 3 3 1 1 0 4.15 1.34 Rested Starter R Jake Westbrook 3 3 2 1 0 4.57 1.34 Rested Starter L Brian Tallet 2 2 0 1 0 7.50 1.75 Slightly Tired Spot Starter R Kyle McClellan 4 0 0 0 0 6.23 1.85 Rested Mopup R Ryan Franklin 4 0 0 0 0 9.00 2.40 Rested Middle Reliever R Kyle McClellan 4 0 0 0 0 6.23 1.85 Rested Middle Reliever R Bryan Augenstein 6 0 0 1 1 12.00 2.83 Rested Middle Reliever R Chad Qualls 2 0 0 0 0 0.00 1.00 Rested Setup Reliever R Fernando Salas 6 0 1 1 0 3.38 1.38 Rested Setup Reliever L Trever Miller 4 0 0 1 0 9.00 2.67 Rested Closer R Jason Motte 3 0 0 0 2 3.00 1.33 Rested

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 4 R Yadier Molina C 15 60 16 1 14 5 2 8 .267 .281 .350 8 R Gerald Laird C 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 .250 .250 .250

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 2 R Ryan Theriot 2B 6 12 4 0 0 4 5 1 .333 .529 .417 5 R Albert Pujols 1B 16 64 21 6 16 19 11 7 .328 .421 .719 33 L Daniel Descalso 3B 11 34 9 1 6 6 10 3 .265 .432 .441 23 R David Freese 3B 10 20 7 1 4 3 7 6 .350 .519 .600 16 S Cristian Guzman 2B 10 39 16 1 4 8 6 3 .410 .500 .564 19 L Ramon Vazquez SS 11 32 9 2 4 8 8 7 .281 .425 .500

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 21 R Allen Craig LF 10 17 2 0 0 2 2 5 .118 .211 .118 7 R Matt Holliday LF 16 63 22 3 9 10 13 16 .349 .468 .524 28 L Colby Rasmus CF 16 60 18 1 6 11 10 13 .300 .400 .417 17 S Lance Berkman RF 16 60 16 4 15 10 12 9 .267 .397 .500 15 L Jon Jay CF 8 12 3 0 1 1 0 4 .250 .250 .250

Lineup vs RHP # B Name Pos AVG HR RBI SB 1 S Cristian Guzman 2B .410 1 4 1 2 L Colby Rasmus CF .300 1 6 2 3 R Albert Pujols 1B .328 6 16 1 4 R Matt Holliday LF .349 3 9 1 5 S Lance Berkman RF .267 4 15 3 6 L Daniel Descalso 3B .265 1 6 1 7 R Yadier Molina C .267 1 14 0 8 L Ramon Vazquez SS .281 2 4 0 9 - Lineup vs LHP # B Name Pos AVG HR RBI SB 1 S Cristian Guzman 2B .410 1 4 1 2 L Colby Rasmus CF .300 1 6 2 3 R Albert Pujols 1B .328 6 16 1 4 R Matt Holliday LF .349 3 9 1 5 S Lance Berkman RF .267 4 15 3 6 L Daniel Descalso SS .265 1 6 1 7 R Yadier Molina C .267 1 14 0 8 R David Freese 3B .350 1 4 0 9 -

Injuries Player Injury Out for... Disabled List Status SS Nick Punto abdominal soreness 3 days On DL, eligible for return P Adam Wainwright torn UCL (Tommy John surgery) 8 months 41 day(s) left (60-day DL)

From The Diary of the GM

Week of April 10 - 17, 2011

Well, we're back to where we started before my game crash smoked everything and I had to redo most of the previous week. The good news is that the time machine worked and the team did better on the road trip. We still got cratered by Los Angeles, but their pitching staff is tough no matter how you look at them.

So, let's dive in. Offensively the team looks good. Top 3 in most categories, 9th in strikeouts and 5th in stolen bases. The big categories are 2nd in BAA (.280), 1st in OBP (.382), and first in runs scored (92) as well as walks (89). The batters are being patient and then smoking balls all over the place. We put up five runs or more in five of seven games the past week - but we lost two of those games.

The reason for the losses is what concerns me right now - the bullpen and starting rotation. I was sad that Garcia did not go a perfect 4-for-4 in his last start, but Kershaw was just too much for the hitters to deal with. Then add to that ineffective starts by Brian Tallet (5 runs in 6 innings against SF and 6 runs in 6 innings against the Dodgers) and Jake Westbrook (6 runs in 5 2/3 innings against the Dodgers) does not give me a lot of confidence right now in the back end of my rotation.

My relief corps also got smacked around pretty good this past week. Franklin gave up 5 runs in two starts to send his ERA to a monstrous 9.00. After two good outings against Arizona, Trever Miller came on, pitched 1/3 of an inning, and surrendered 3 runs... and four walks.. and one hit. His ERA is now 9.00 as well. The bright spots are Chad Qualls, who did very nice in his two outings against the Dodger organization, giving up just 1 hit and 1 walk in 2 innings with a strikeout. He's familiar to the NL West and I think that was awesome timing that the Padres placed him on waivers when they did. Augenstein settled down a bit after his 3-run debacle at San Francisco, giving up 2 hits, 1 walk, and 1 K in two starts against Arizona - his home club. He needs to show that he can be consistent and until he does he's on the edge of things with me. Too many bad outings and he'll see time at AAA to get a chance to regroup.

Some feelers have gone out to the Red Sox, who have put a particular pitcher with the last name of "Matsuzaka" on waivers once already. I could not grab him because of his contract, but I made a package offer and want to see what the Sox think. Beyond that I've got a few other contract offers to minor league free agents to bolster the lower levels.

It was tough to demote Greene to Memphis, but he'd hit only .208 in 24 at bats and I wanted to give him time at Memphis to put things together. We also have too many fielders right now and I felt that it would be better to send down a position player and, at the same time, strengthen the bullpen. He's still got good potential and, when he gets things in order, he'll probably come up to the big club again because I want a solid backup for Vazquez. However, Punto comes off the DL later this week and his fielding skills are phenomenal. I'll probably send him on a rehab assignment before bringing him on board.

The Minors have started their seasons. So far there's not a lot going on there. Right now I'm trying to cultivate players at the AAA level so I have backups once the injury bugs bite - they will inevitably. The staff suggests that Mitch Boggs and Eduardo Sanchez may be ready for the majors - Boggs is 1-0 with a 9.00 ERA in 6 innings pitched - I'm a bit shaky on him so soon. Sanchez, though, has a 0.00 ERA with 3 saves in 3 games. He's struck out five and allowed one hit. There is promise there. His stuff looks good and he has two good pitches in a fastball and slider.

On the prospect watch, Shelby Miller is 0-1 with a 7.41 ERA in 3 games at Class-A Palm Beach. Don't let that fool you - opponents are hitting .261 off of him and he has 22 K and 9 BB in 17 IP. Carlos Martinez is 0-3 with a 6.88 ERA for Class-A Quad Cities. His control is an issue as he's walked 15 and struck out 14 in 17 IP. Tyrell Jenkins, meanwhile, is 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA for Class-A Palm Beach. He's given up 12 hits in 15.1 IP while striking out 15 and walking only three. Looking at his lines so far, he's got some good stuff and bears worth watching. Finally, Aack Cox is hitting .250 for Palm Beach with 1 RBI. That rounds out the ranked prospects from Baseball America.

Now time to get the next week underway! We have the 18th off then start a 7-game home stand against Washington and Cincinnati - 3 games against the Nationals and 4 against the Reds.

[5cards]

April 18 - 24, 2011

League News

Konerko Named AL Player of Week

Chicago - April 18, 2011 - His critics are starting to suggest that Chicago's Paul Konerko doesn't have much left, but the 35-year-old Konerko prefers not to think that way. He cooked up a remarkable week in the last seven days, topping it off with the Player of the Week Award in the American League.

The veteran first baseman for the White Sox rolled to a .500 average (11-22) with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs.

For the season Konerko has produced 19 hits in 55 at-bats for a .345 average with 5 home runs and gotten on base at a .422 clip.

Kemp Week's Top Player

Los Angeles - April 18, 2011 - There's nothing like being in the prime of your baseball career -- and playing like it. Just ask Matt Kemp, the Los Angeles center fielder, who swung a sweet bat all week to not only aid his team, but also pick up the National League Player of the Week honors.

Kemp piled up 11 hits in 25 at-bats, 5 home runs and 9 RBIs while hitting .440.

Looking at his present stats, Kemp has compiled a .393 batting average in 16 games with a .446 on-base percentage, while hitting 6 home runs and driving in 15 runs.

Bedard Shuts Down Tigers

Seattle - April 18, 2011 - Erik Bedard of the Seattle Mariners was on top of his game today. He tantalized the Detroit Tigers with crisp curves and changeups, mixed in with just enough fastballs to keep the batters honest and came away with a 3-0 shutout.

In the postgame comments, the Detroit skipper said, "He had the changeup working. You knew it was coming and you still grounded out -- and then he threw it even slower."

The Seattle hurler had 8 strikeouts, gave up 2 walks and surrendered 5 hits in his complete-game effort.

Bedard told reporters after the game, "To be successful in this league, you have to keep the ball down. If you don't, they'll make you pay."

Cincinnati - Arizona Fight Results in Suspensions

Cincinnati - April 20, 2011 - Sometimes on the baseball diamond disparaging words are uttered in anger and lead to more than what the players bargained for. That's what happened at yesterday's Cincinnati Reds-Arizona Diamondbacks game at Great American Ball Park. What started off as a war of words ended up a tag team match as both clubs rushed on the field to defend their honor. When the umpires sorted it all out, they ejected Cincinnati's Scott Rolen and Arizona's Ron Mahay from the game for their roles in starting the melee.

Today the players were notified by the league office that they had been suspended 7 games for violating league rules.

Rolen is currently hitting at a .203 pace with 4 home runs and 13 RBIs.

So far this year Mahay has made 5 relief appearances with no saves, thrown 3.1 innings and struck out 2 with a 0-0 record.

Beckett Records Shutout Against Oakland

Oakland - April 20, 2011 - The Oakland Athletics were almost helpless today in their 3-0 loss to Boston hurler Josh Beckett. He kept them confused the entire ballgame and spun a 5-hit shutout.

The Oakland manager said in the postgame interview, "Tip your hat to Beckett. He kept us off balance all night."

Beckett said, "It just happened to be one of those games where even when I made mistakes, they either fouled them off or someone would make a fine defensive play. It was just one of those games that things went my way."

He had 2 walks and 6 strikeouts in a strong performance.

Pujols Hurt, Out 1-2 Weeks

St. Louis - April 23, 2011 - Watching Albert Pujols getting helped off the field today at Busch Stadium, fans of the St. Louis Cardinals feared the worst. The news wasn't quite as bad as initially feared, but the first baseman will miss 1-2 weeks with a stiff back. "We feel we've dodged a bullet. When you see a guy break down like that, you worry right away," a team spokesman said. Pujols suffered the injury running the bases in the game against the Reds.

So far this season Pujols is batting .325 with 6 home runs, 18 RBIs and 22 runs scored. He has 25 hits in 77 at-bats, 16 walks and a .436 OBP. Pujols has played in 21 games.

Cardinals officials announced that Randy Ruiz would be called up from Class-AAA Memphis to replace Pujols. Ruiz, who signed a minor-league contract earlier in the year with the Cardinals, is batting .310 with 4 doubles, 5 HR, and 13 RBI in 42 plate appearances this year for the Redbirds. It is expected that Lance Berkman will fill in at first base and Ruiz will come off the bench to spell him. Matt Holliday will likely move to the number three spot in the order and Berkman to the fourth spot.

Zito Blanks Atlanta

San Francisco - April 23, 2011 - Barry Zito had the Atlanta Braves dancing to his tune today with a sparkling 6-0 shutout performance for the San Francisco Giants. He gave up 5 hits, issued 1 walk and had 4 strikeouts.

Atlanta hitters were bewildered throughout the game by his delivery.

The opposing manager said, "When you face a guy who hides the ball like he does, it takes a couple of at-bats to try to find his release point. We just never figured him out."

Slowey Sparkles in Shutout

Minnesota - April 24, 2011 - The Cleveland Indians were almost helpless today in their 8-0 loss to Minnesota hurler Kevin Slowey. He kept them confused the entire ballgame and spun a 3-hit shutout.

The Cleveland manager said in the postgame interview, "Tip your hat to Slowey. He kept us off balance all night."

Slowey said, "It just happened to be one of those games where even when I made mistakes, they either fouled them off or someone would make a fine defensive play. It was just one of those games that things went my way."

He had no walks and 4 strikeouts in a strong performance.

In 5 starts this year Slowey has posted 3 wins while suffering 2 losses. He has pitched 36.2 innings, allowed 30 hits, struck out 21 and has a 3.93 ERA.

[5cards]

April 18 - 24, 2011

Weekly Team Wrapup

Tuesday, April 19: Berkman Productive as Cards Win

WAS 3, STL 4

Lance Berkman showed that there is still some fuel in the gas tank today, going 3-for-3 with a double and a home run as the Cardinals beat the Nationals 4-3. Berkman, 35, was considered to be a questionable addition in the offseason but has shown that he still has pop in his bat. This season he's put up a .302 average with 3 doubles, 5 home runs, and 16 RBIs. He's even shown good speed, stealing three bases so far.

Berkman's double leading off the bottom of the second started the scoring for the Cardinals. A wild pitch from losing pitcher Jordan Zimmermann brought him to second and he scored easily on Daniel Descalso's single to center. In the bottom of the fourth, leading off the inning again, he lofted a single deep in the hole and hustled to beat out the play. Daniel Descalso followed with a double and then he scored on a Yadier Molina single. In the bottom of the seventh, Berkman turned on the first pitch he hit and sent it flying out of Busch Stadium, an estimated 342 ft. All in all, Berkman contributed for three of the Cardinals' four runs.

Kyle Lohse was the beneficiary of the run support, going 7 innings and giving up one run on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Lohse also balked and had a hit batsman, but managed to make it through relatively unscathed. Fernando Salas and Chad Qualls pitched a third of an inning each and Trever Miller earned his first save, though not without drama. Miller entered the ninth and gave up back to back hits - including a Buck Coats RBI triple - and then gave up a wild pitch that allowed Coats to score. He rteired the last two batters without incident, but this marks another game where the Cardinals' bullpen has struggled late in games.

Jordan Zimmermann pitched the entire game for the Nationals, giving up 9 hits and 4 walks while striking out two.



Wednesday, April 20: Late Rally Propels Cards

WAS 6, STL 7

It was the Cardinals' second close win in as many days as the team rallied to come from a 6-1 defecit and win 7-6. Yadier Molina drove in two to take the team's RBI lead and Daniel Delscalso hit a key triple.

Until the top of the fifth inning it appeared to be another close game. Livan Hernandez, a member of the old-timers' club, had only given up one hit and one walk to that point, executing masterfully and getting the Cardinals to ground out to keep the game score 1-0 in favor of the Nats. Then his offense - or, rather he himself - came to life. With two out in the top of the fifth, Hernandez took a 1-0 pitch and doubled it into the gap in left-center field. He was followed by a Roger Bernadina single and a Jesus Flores double that plated two.

The Cards would start to eat away in the bottom of the inning as Descalso's triple came with one out. He would score on Molina's groundout, but the Cards would not get anything further.

Then in the next half-frame, the Nationals exploded all over Westbrook. Mike Morse reached with on an error to lead the inning off. Laynce Nix singled and Danny Espinosa grounded into a fielder's choice to move him over. Then Buck Coats took the first pitch he saw for a triple, allowing Morse and Espinosa to both score. He scored on an Ian Desmond single that chased Westbrook.

With Westbrook gone the pitching fellto Bryan Augenstein. Augenstein took care of the last two batters of the inning, batted for himself - a sure mark of desperation - then kept the Nationals quiet in the seventh. This gave the Cards the opportunity to make some noise. Matt Holliday doubled off of Hernandez and moved up on Lance Berkman's single. He would score on a Descalso ground out. Then Molina singled between first and second and Berkman beat the throw to score. This gave the Cards an opportunity and Augenstein pitched a scoreless 8th to keep things close. A leadoff pinch-hit double by Allen Craig began the frame. Then Cristian Guzman, in one of the best at-bats this year, fouled off seven total balls to work the count to 3-2 before Hernandez hit him with the thirteenth pitch of the at bat. A single by Colby Rasmus loaded the bases for Albert Pujols.

Patiently Pujols let the first three pitches go by for balls. On the 3-0 count he held up and took a strke. The next pitch... a ball! The bases remained loaded for Matt Holliday. Taking the first two pitches he saw, Holliday then put the ball in play to single home GUzman. Berkman followed with a single of his own and Pujols then scored on a sacrifice fly from David Freese to give the Cards the lead.

Jason Motte pitched a scoreless ninth for his third save.



Thursday, April 21: Freese Goes 3-for-3 as Cards Sweep Nats

WAS 5, STL 10

David Freese had a spectacular day, going three-for-three with a pair of doubles and driving in two. Freese, who walked as well, raised his batting average to .417 as the Cards swept the Nationals 10-5.

Brian Tallet picked up his first win of the season, going 5 innings and giving up two runs on seven hits with three walks and 4 Ks. The story of the day was the offense and Freese's contribiutions to it. The offense got to Tom Gorzelanny early and often, scoring five runs in the first four innings and then adding five more runs against the Washington relief corps.

The troubles with the Cardinal bullpen continue, however, as Ryan Franklin gave up 3 runs in the 9th inning on 3 hits. The runs were scored with Adam LaRoche took Franklin deep for his third home run of the year with two on and two out.



Friday, April 22: Guzman Inside the Park HR Helps Cards Tie Division

CIN 2, STL 6

The inside-the-park home run is a rarity in baseball. Only a few happen each year. Of these few, fewer still happen with the leadoff hitter for a team. Today Cristian Guzman became one of the few to hit an inside the park homerun and do so from the leadoff spot. On a 1-1 pitch from Mike Leake, Guzman stroked a fly ball into right-center field. Ignoring the stop sign from the third base coach, Guzman raced home to give the Cardinals a first-inning lead. Buoyed by his efforts, the next four batters singled. By the time the Reds batted in the top of the first, it was 3-0 Cardinals.

The Reds would never see the lead. Chris Carpenter held the Reds to two runs, one earned, on six hits and 3 walks in a complete game. He struck out seven, including the last batter in three different innings. The only damage came via a fourth-inning home run by Chris Hensley and a ninth-inning error that allowed Jay Bruce, on board with a leadoff double, to score.

Behind Guzman's home run came doubles from Daniel Descalso and Lance Berkman, both of whom were 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs.

Leake pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up 6 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits and 3 walks while striking out two.



Saturday, April 23: Errors Blow Cards Lead in Ninth

CIN 4, STL 3

A pair of errors spoiled a good performance by Jaime Garcia as the Cincinnati Reds rallied to beat the Cardinals 4-3. Worst yet was seeing Albert Pujols leave in the bottom of the first inning. Pujols' diagnosis is pending.

The errors came in the 9th inning on consecutive plays. First second baseman Cristian Guzman misplayed a ground ball, allowing leadoff batter Joey Votto aboard. Jason Motte was then called in to close the door for Garcia, who had only thrown 97 pitches to this point. Batter Jay Bruce's ground ball was misplayed by shortstop Ryan Theroit to put runners on first and second with no outs. After Scott Rolen struck out swinging, Chris Heisey grounded to first to put the tying and go-ahead runners on second and third. Despite having batter David Sappelt 2-2, Motte gave up a line drive double to right field that allowed the Reds to reclaim a lead they had not had since the fourth inning. The Cardinals were unable to do anything in the bottom of the ninth, as they were retired in order by starter - and winning pitcher - Bronson Arroyo.

Garcia had pitched well despite giving up two first-inning runs. In eight innings he allowed three hits while walking one and striking out four. He gave up three runs, but only two were earned. The first-inning runs came on a Scott Rolen double that scored Ryan Hanigan and Jay Bruce.

It was the injury to Pujols following a two-out double that worried Cards fans. Allen Craig stepped in to pinch hit and went 0-for-3 at the plate. The Cards were aided by a Ryan Theriot triple in the third and a two-run Lance Berkman home run in the fourth. The home run ties Berkman for the team lead with Pujols at six.

Arroyo pitched nine innings, giving up 3 runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts.



Sunday, April 24: Cards Hang On To Win

CIN 8, STL 9

It was another roller-coaster ride for St. Louis pitchers as the Cardinals staved off a 9th inning rally by the Reds to win 9-8. The Reds scored seven runs between the 7th and 9th innings to eat away at a Cardinals lead that was at 3-1 after the third inning and 8-1 after the fifth.

Yadier Molina, batting leadoff for the first time this season, was 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles. Matt Holliday, batting in Albert Pujols' number three spot, went four-for-five with a 2-run home run in the third inning. The Cardinals benefitted from patience and a seeming lack of control at times by Edison Volquez, who managed just 4 1/3 innings giving up 8 runs - 6 earned - on seven hits and three walks. Volquez did strike out five, but had thrown nearly 90 pitches before being yanked with one out in the fifth and a runner on third.

Kyle Lohse picked up his third win of the year, giving up seven runs on twelve hits in 8 2/3 innings. Lohse had no walks and struck out five, but was victimized by the home run as he gave up seventh inning homers to Chris Heisey and Juan Francisco.

Jason Motte entered in the ninth inning after Lohse faltered. With a 9-6 lead, two outs, and a runner on first, Motte gave up a first-pitch 2-run home run to Joey Votto before walking Jay Bruce. Chris Heisey singled to right to send Bruce to second, but pinch hitter Brian Barton struck out looking to end the game.


The team finishes a six-game homestand with a 5-1 record. In the process, they are now tied with the Reds for the division lead in the NL Central. St. Louis has won four series and lost four series. Three of their four series wins have been sweeps - Pittsburgh (9-14), Arizona (6-15), Washington (8-13). They also have a two-out-of-three with Cincinnati (14-8). Series losses have come from the Dodgers (13-10), Giants (12-9), and the Padres (10-12)

[5cards]

April 18 - 24, 2011

Standings

American League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Toronto Blue Jays	13	8	.619	-
New York Yankees	13	8	.619	-
Tampa Bay Rays	13	10	.565	1.0
Boston Red Sox	10	12	.455	3.5
Baltimore Orioles	10	12	.455	3.5
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago White Sox	14	8	.636	-
Cleveland Indians	13	9	.591	1.0
Minnesota Twins	10	13	.435	4.5
Kansas City Royals	9	13	.409	5.0
Detroit Tigers	7	15	.318	7.0
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Texas Rangers	13	8	.619	-
Oakland Athletics	13	9	.591	.5
Seattle Mariners	10	13	.435	4.0
Los Angeles Angels	6	16	.273	7.5

National League Standings
Eastern Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Atlanta Braves	15	8	.652	-
Philadelphia Phillies	14	8	.636	.5
Washington Nationals	8	13	.381	6.0
Florida Marlins	8	13	.381	6.0
New York Mets	8	14	.364	6.5
Central Division	W	L	PCT	GB
St. Louis Cardinals	14	8	.636	-
Cincinnati Reds	14	8	.636	-
Milwaukee Brewers	11	11	.500	3.0
Chicago Cubs	10	11	.476	3.5
Houston Astros	10	12	.455	4.0
Pittsburgh Pirates	9	14	.391	5.5
Western Division	W	L	PCT	GB
Colorado Rockies	13	9	.591	-
San Francisco Giants	12	9	.571	.5
Los Angeles Dodgers	13	10	.565	.5
San Diego Padres	10	12	.455	3.0
Arizona Diamondbacks	6	15	.286	6.5

The divisions are shaping up a bit. Toronto has had an early surge as they took 3 of 4 from Boston and split with the Yankees before taking two of three from the Rays. Boston has had a slow start as Kevin Youkilis is only batting .188 and Carl Crawford .215. Their pitching staff has also not done particularly well - Clay Buchholz is 1-4 with a 5.89 ERA and John Lackey is 2-2 with a 5.53 ERA.

The AL Central looks like the White Sox - who you will see next week had a second AL Player of the Week - and the Indians so far. The White Sox won four straight series, sweeping Oakland and the Angels, winning 3 of 4 against the Rays, and sweeping Detroit - the Detroit series was particularly impressive as they gave up a total of four runs in those three games. Both the Sox and the Indians are running on heavy offenses - though the Sox have a four-game series starting Monday against the Yankees, who are sending out Colon, Garcia, Burnett, and Sabathia.

In the West, Los Angeles got shelled by their opponents, so Texas and Oakland have the top spots right now. Josh Hamilton is batting .372 with 8 HR and 18 RBI right now - all good for team lead and enough to put him in the top 5 in the AL right now. Texas faces Oakland at the end of this week after dealing with the hot Blue Jays. Oakland, meanwhile, plays 3 against the Angels in the hopes of sending them on a bigger spiral.

The NL East is no surprise as Atlanta and the Phillies battle it out. Atlanta had a seven-game road trip against the NL West (Dodgers and Giants) and took four of those seven. They finish up with three at the Padres then return home at the end of the week to face down the Cards. Philly, meanwhile, has lost only eight games in April so far - compared to 14 won. They're on the NL West circuit right now having taken 3 of 4 from the Padres and getting ready to go three games against Arizona. Then they return home at the end of the week to work on the Mets.

A lot of people expect the NL Central to be the weakest division and it is if your definition of "weak" is that there is the biggest gap between the lead and the second/third place teams. Cincinnati and St. Louis are tied for first, but three games back is Milwaukee. The Cards finished a good homestand and start a road trip that leads to Houston, Atlanta, Florida, and Milwaukee. After a day off, the bus tour continues with stops at Chicago and Cincinnati. The Reds, meanwhile, conclude their road trip in Brewer territory then come home to face Florida and Houston. Cincy was looking good as they had won five straight series coming to Busch - with a total of four losses in those five series - but St. Louis set them straight.

Finally, the NL West looks to be painful as the Rockies, Giants, and Dodgers duke it out. Tim Lincecum has the league lead in ERA with 1.48 and not far behind him is Jorge de la Rosa at 1.71. All three teams are facing the Cubs, Marlins and Pittsburgh at some point in the next week.

[5cards]

April 18 - 24, 2011

Cardinals Roster

Who's Hot? LF Matt Holliday .488, 3 HR Last 11 games Who's Not? LF Allen Craig .048, 0 HR Last 12 games

Pitching Staff Role T Pitcher G GS W L SV ERA WHIP Status Starter R Chris Carpenter 5 5 3 0 0 2.65 1.41 Slightly Tired Starter L Jaime Garcia 5 5 3 1 0 3.50 1.08 Tired Starter R Kyle Lohse 5 5 3 1 0 4.34 1.31 Totally Exhausted Starter R Jake Westbrook 4 4 2 1 0 5.33 1.41 Rested Starter L Brian Tallet 3 3 1 1 0 6.35 1.82 Rested Middle Reliever R Mitchell Boggs 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 Rested Middle Reliever R Bryan Augenstein 7 0 1 1 1 8.31 2.19 Rested Setup Reliever R Fernando Salas 8 0 1 1 0 3.00 1.44 Rested Setup Reliever R Chad Qualls 3 0 0 0 0 0.00 1.29 Rested Closer R Jason Motte 6 0 0 1 4 3.38 1.50 Tired

Catchers # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 4 R Yadier Molina C 21 84 23 1 18 9 3 9 .274 .292 .369 8 R Gerald Laird C 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 .250 .250 .250

Infielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 2 R Ryan Theriot 2B 11 18 7 0 0 6 9 1 .389 .593 .556 22 R Randy Ruiz 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 33 L Daniel Descalso 3B 17 53 14 1 11 9 12 5 .264 .400 .453 17 S Lance Berkman 1B 22 83 25 6 22 17 15 10 .301 .414 .566 23 R David Freese 3B 13 24 10 1 7 6 8 6 .417 .545 .708 16 S Cristian Guzman 2B 16 61 20 2 8 13 9 6 .328 .419 .475 19 L Ramon Vazquez SS 14 41 9 2 5 8 10 7 .220 .373 .390

Outfielders # B Player Pos G AB H HR RBI R BB K .AVG OBP SLG 21 R Allen Craig LF 13 25 3 0 1 4 3 8 .120 .214 .160 7 R Matt Holliday LF 22 87 32 4 14 16 14 18 .368 .466 .540 28 L Colby Rasmus CF 22 79 23 1 7 13 10 16 .291 .367 .380 15 L Jon Jay CF 12 20 6 0 4 2 0 7 .300 .300 .350

Lineup vs RHP # B Name Pos AVG HR RBI SB 1 L Colby Rasmus CF .291 1 7 4 2 S Cristian Guzman SS .328 2 8 1 3 R Matt Holliday LF .368 4 14 1 4 S Lance Berkman 1B .301 6 22 3 5 R Allen Craig RF .120 0 1 0 6 R David Freese 3B .417 1 7 0 7 R Yadier Molina C .274 1 18 0 8 L Daniel Descalso 2B .264 1 11 1 9 - Lineup vs LHP # B Name Pos AVG HR RBI SB 1 R Ryan Theriot 2B .389 0 0 2 2 S Cristian Guzman SS .328 2 8 1 3 R Matt Holliday LF .368 4 14 1 4 S Lance Berkman 1B .301 6 22 3 5 R Allen Craig 3B .120 0 1 0 6 L Colby Rasmus CF .291 1 7 4 7 L Jon Jay RF .300 0 4 1 8 R Yadier Molina C .274 1 18 0 9 -

Injuries Player Injury Out for... Disabled List Status 1B Albert Pujols back stiffness one week 13 day(s) left P Adam Wainwright torn UCL (Tommy John surgery) 7-8 months 34 day(s) left (60-day DL) P Kyle McClellan back tightness one week 11 day(s) left

From The Diary of the GM

Week of April 18 - 24, 2011

The big news of the week - Pujols is out for 7-14 days with a "stiff neck". I've never heard of such a thing requiring DL time but hey - who am I to say? Still, this has left me with a rather nasty void to fill since his production numbers have been great so far. Fortunately, I planned ahead just in case Pujols were to go down with any injuries. The "planning ahead" was to sign Randy Ruiz to a minor league contract. He's going to be off the bench as needed to spell Berkman, whose production is too good for me not to do anything with and who plays a better first base than Ruiz does... and that's not saying much.

Some players are missing from the roster. That will be addressed next week. Not going to tip my hand. Let's just say that I'm taking care of two problem spots with one stone.

We're still doing well hitting-wise. No change to BAA though our OBP is .377 now (still good for first) and we have first in runs scored (131) and walks (113). Unfortunately we went on a swinging tear that saw us move to second in the league in strikeouts with 132. Still, the offense seems to be clicking along well as we continue to put up good run support most every game.

Pitching... well, that remains another matter entirely. Carpenter and Garcia continue to do well and Lohse - until the late innings of his last start - is holding his own. But Westbrook and Tallet are still on shaky ground. Let's put some numbers from my rotation into comparison:

ERA
Carpenter - 2.65
Garcia - 3.50
Lohse - 4.34
Tallet - 6.35
Westbrook - 5.33

OAVG
Carpenter - .246
Garcia - .223
Lohse - .291
Tallet - .290
Westbrook - .272

BABIP - Batting Avg. on Balls In Play
Carpenter - .286
Garcia - .265
Lohse - .322
Tallet - .264
Westbrook - .287

VORP - Value Over Replacement Player
Carpenter - 9.1
Garcia - 6.1
Lohse - 2.8
Tallet - -2.6
Westbrook - -1.1

Quality Starts Over Starts
Carpenter - 4/5
Garcia - 4/5
Lohse - 2/5
Tallet - 0/3
Westbrook - 1/4

A lot of numbers here, but when I break it down, here's my conclusions. Carp and Garcia are solid. ERA and OAVG looks fine. Lohse flirts with disaster. Opponents are putting balls into play with a .322 average. He's also only got two quality starts, which jives with ERA and opponents average. Tallet and Westbrook... well, Westbrook looks alright, as his BABIP is lower than Lohse and his OAVG is lower. But Tallet... well, ouch.

Now let's look at relivers - or those listed. Qualls is down to a 1.69 ERA, which is good. We've brought up Boggs, but he was pitching in the starting lineup for Memphis so he has needed to get rest taken care of. Augenstein is down to a 8.31 ERA. Motte has four saves now and a 3.38 ERA with a .227 OAVG. I think Motte will be fine as closer, but he needs to keep the ball down and in the park. In terms of VORP, the worst offender is Augenstein with a -3.3. He's given up a lot of hits and walks but I think he'll settle in. The good news is that my relivers are keeping the ball down. Motte, Qualls, and Augenstein all have a groundball ratio of 70% or better.

Prospect report... Shelby Miller is 1-1 with a 6.26 ERA. Carlos Martinez is 0-4 with a 5.18 ERA. Tyrell Jenkins is 2-1 with a 2.35 ERA. I'll have more details on the state of the minor-league system with next week's updates as there are some changes taking shape.