Cardinals vs. Rays, May 17

The got out of a game with a win. But I'm none too pleased that the Cardinals one again blew a huge lead and had to pull one out in dramatic fashion.

The Cardinals pitching situation is a real catch 22 right now. The starters are getting overworked because the bullpen is so lousy. But now the worn out starters are starting to give way and they're not getting the job done, either.

The bullpen troubles forced manager Tony La Russa to leave starter Adam Wainwright in with men on second and third with one out in the bottom of the fifth. He couldn't drive in either of the runners, then he couldn't make it through the top of the sixth without allowing a run and requiring relief.

Maybe if La Russa would have pinch hit, the Cardinals could have added a run or two before the 'pen men got involved. That would have saved the team from extra innings. But I can see why the skipper would want to keep his starter in the game instead of turning it over to a bullpen that is giving up runs in bushels.

Wanted: Decent major league shortstop. Must be able to catch throws on stolen base attempts when ball beats runner by five feet.

Once again, defensive gaffes have cost the Cardinals on the scoreboard. What should have been the third out of the inning turned into a run when Brendan Ryan couldn't make the easiest of plays.

Cesar Izturis does the same thing all the time...

View From the Cheap Seats Cardinals Star of the Game: Ryan Ludwick, who hit a pair of homers -- including the game winner in the 10th -- and drove in three runs with the help of a bases loaded walk.

How shocking is it that part-time outfielder Ryan Ludwick has more homers than Albert Pujols in late May?

Honorable mention goes to Troy Glaus who had a huge two-out hit to drive in a pair of runs and who is generally hitting the ball a lot more consistently of late.

The lowlight of the game is that Adam Wainwright, who didn't have his best game but still left the game in a situation to win, was deprived of a victory again.

Comments

[Jesse]

This should maybe be the year to convince Pujols to shut down for a year, cut the streak bull crap and focus on getting to 100% healthy. With him not being pitched to his is possibly not gonna get to the numbers anyways. Personally I think I can go back on this season and say that he costs us nearly as many games as he helps. He is a different hitter when the bases are empty, ala today with his solo home run. Who knows what would happen with a Pujoless Cardinals, maybe someone else would account for his production. As of now my predictions for homeruns this year are.

Ludwick 30-40(yes, but only if he gets 400+AB)
Pujols 25
Ankiel 25
Duncan 22
Glaus 15-20

Pujoless Cardinals might be more dynamic because of the changes that would have to be made. You move Duncan to his more natural position where his defense is quite up to par. Rasmus could come up in place of Duncan in the outfield which completly changes your lineup.

1 Rasmus/Shumaker LF
2 Kennedy/Miles 2B
3/4 Ludwick RF
4/6 Duncan 1B
5/7 Molina C
3/6 Ankiel CF
5/7 Glaus 3B
8/9 Pitcher
8/9 Izturez/Ryan SS

Moves Molina closer to middle and basically voids the "bottom of the order mentality" if ur #7 can hit the long ball. Potent and balanced with lefty, righty combination. Only a dream unless Pujols blows his elbow out completly, which could set him out longer than one season. Share your thoughts.

[Cardinal John]

Were you tempted to give PotG to Molina? I sure was.

[Joe]

I think if pujols thought it was a big deal regarding his elbow, then he'd get it taken care of. no one was thinking he should shut it down when he was jacking 46 and 49 dingers just a couple years ago. he's been playing with it since, what, 03? he's getting pitched around more than he ever has.

i don't like duncan at first. dude can't even handle grounders in the OF, don't want to think about him handling much sharper groundballs playing first, or trying to dig out a throw in the dirt for a putout.

today's game had me yelling at the TV a lot. thought for sure we were going to lose today, especially after the botched hit and run in the bot 9th. still can't believe the ball pena hit ended up leaving the park.

let's see if we can get a series win again against a very good team tomorrow.

[k Wimpe]

The Cards got away with murder today with the Rays giving away outs with their aggressive base-running early and often. As much as they were on base the score should have been in their favor by a lot.

[View From the Cheap Seats]

John,

You make a good point. Molina definitely deserves a tip of the cap.

If not for his pick-off in the first and the crazy play at third where he got the ball to a crossed up Troy Glause -- who tagged the runner between his legs.

There is no doubt in my mind that Molina is at least the second most valuable player on this team.

What a player and what a leader -- especially for such a young guy.