Monday, May 08, 2006

Recapping the past few games

Sorry, I finally finished unpacking yesterday and now have the chance to catch up with the Cardinals!

On Wednesday, Jason Marquis picked up the loss for the Cardinals. However, Hector Luna, Scott Spiezio, and Albert Pujols all went yard. It was not enough for St. Louis as they lossed 5-3.

Gordo shows that the Cardinals have depth. When Rolen was ill, Scott Spiezio showed why we picked him up in the offseason. Junior Spivey failed and we are now platooning Hector Luna and Aaron Miles at second. Rincon is injured and we are currently using Brian Falkenborg. What happened to Larry Bigbie? He's injured. In left, we are platooning So Taguchi, John Rodriguez, and John Gall. Chris Duncan could get another chance. Skip Schumaker didn't do enough hitting and was sent down. If a starter goes down, Wainwright could move out of the pen or we could call up A-Rey (Anthony Reyes).

JRod feels right at home.

Larry Bigbie might return to the lineup as early as this week. Did our platoon in left field just get bigger? Someone will get sent down when he comes back.

Perhaps, our greatest investment in years! The Cardinals traded Eli Marrero and J.D. Drew for Jason Marquis, Adam Wainwright, and Ray King.

Joe Strauss calls for a reworking of Chris Carpenter's contract.
"Baseball's best fans" apparently have figured out how to cope with increased fees for stadium parking and concessions at new Busch. It's time for ownership and general manager Walt Jocketty to determine how best to maintain a major portion of a marquee team's core.

Mark Mulder, Jeff Suppan, Jason Marquis and Sidney Ponson are all pending free agents. The foursome is guaranteed a combined base salary of $17.9 million this season, less than what the New York Yankees owe Mike Mussina. There are some among the agent world who believe, if healthy, the Cardinal Four could command $30 million-$33 million in next winter's marketplace.

During Jocketty's term as general manager, the club has re-signed only one of its own pitchers -- Woody Williams -- to a guaranteed multi-year contract after the pitcher filed for free agency. Matt Morris returned for an incentive-laden one-year deal after having shoulder surgery after the '04 season. If the Cardinals are to realize a "home team discount," it's best that business be done before the marketplace opens.[...]

Status of Cards starters:
Chris Carpenter:
Chris Carpenter was a pending free agent last April when he signed a two-year, $12 million guaranteed contract with an $8 million vesting option for 2008.

Mark Mulder, Marquis and Suppan:
To retain Mark Mulder, Jeff Suppan or Jason Marquis, it is believed the Cardinals will have to offer a minimum three-year deal. Mulder's agent is expected to use the $11 million annual average value of A.J. Burnett's contract as a starting point for his talks.

Sidney Ponson:
Sidney Ponson, signed to a one-year deal, is among the foursome that is guaranteed a combined base salary of $17.9 million this season. That's less than what the New York Yankees owe Mike Mussina.
Thursday notes:
Chris Carpenter picked up the start against Pettite and got the loss. The bullpen allowed 3 runs in 36.1 innings dating back to the 12-4 loss to Pittsburgh.

Friday notes:
Until this year, St. Louis lost 13 straight games on May 5th. Jeff Suppan picked up his 3rd straight win and Pujols went yard. The Cards won 7-2.

Saturday notes:
Mark Mulder picked up his 100th career win despite the Cards blowing a 7-0 lead! Jason Isringhausen picked up his 8th save of the season.

Sunday notes:
Sidney Ponson left the game after 3 innings or so with right elbow discomfort. Josh Hancock picked up the win as the Cardinals swept the Marlins over the weekend. The final score was 9-1.

What's up next for St. Louis
Rockies
May 8: Jason Marquis vs. Jeff Francis, 8:10 pm
May 9: Chris Carpenter vs. Josh Fogg, 8:10 pm
May 10: Jeff Suppan vs. Byung-Hyun Kim, 1:10 pm
May 11: Open

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