Cards going after Boomer

The Cardinals are going after David "Boomer" Wells, who is being shopped around by the Boston Red Sox.

No idea who we would give up in return. Maybe cash and a player to be named later?

UPDATE:
According to Bernie at his pressbox, Theo Epstein reportedly wanted Chris Duncan, Adam Wainwright, or Colby Rasmus for Wells. Walt immediately decided against pursuing the veteran lefty pitcher.

While I would love to have Wells, I would not be about to give up any of those three.

I'd love to get Barry Zito in a Cardinal uniform if we go after a lefty. He's an AL pitcher so he'd dominate the NL! Brandon Webb would be another guy I'd love to have on the Cards but he'd likely go to the Reds since Ashland is close to Cincy. But signing Zito, IMO, depends on what happens with Mulder since they are friends.

Cards vs. Marlins

The Cardinals take on the Florida Marlins for the next three games at Busch Stadium. This is the second and final series between the two teams in the 2006 season. Against teams in the east, the Cards are 13-12 overall, and 6-7 at home.

Just in case you are wondering, Gary Bennett is one of three players to win two consecutive games with a walk-off hit. The other two are Nomar Garciaparra and David Ortiz.

For the Cards to pass the century mark for the third year in a row, they'll have to go 31-2 the rest of the season. Last week's Mets series was the first since September 27, 2003, that the Cards faced someone with more wins then them.

Mark Mulder (6-6, 6.77 ERA) takes the start against Scott Olsen (10-7, 4.42 ERA).

Cardinals lineup
Preston Wilson RF
Scott Spiezio LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Scott Rolen 3B
Juan Encarnacion CF
Ronnie Belliard 2B
Aaron Miles SS
Gary Bennett C
Mark Mulder P

Today's game was rather depressing to where it makes you wonder whether Mulder should go back on the DL or just retire from baseball all together. It's sad when you have a pitcher who is of All-Star caliber go out like this. Mulder just hasn't been the same all year. The Cardinals need to win the next two games or it will be neck and neck with the Reds for the rest of the season. I saw the highlights during BBTN and you can tell that Mark Mulder is hurting. He's lost 4-6 miles per hour in his fast ball.

Florida 9, St. Louis 1
Losing pitcher - Mark Mulder (6-7)
HR: Preston Wilson (12)

Jim Edmonds is likely not to start on Wednesday.

Mark Mulder is likely to have season-ending surgery.

Wednesday
Cardinals Lineup
Aaron Miles SS
Chris Duncan LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Scott Rolen 3B
Juan Encarnacion CF
Preston Wilson RF
Ronnie Belliard 2B
Gary Bennett C
Jason Marquis P

Winning pitcher - Jason Marquis (14-12)
HR: Albert Pujols (39)

How they scored:
3RD - Aaron Miles out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Josh Willingham. Ronnie Belliard scores. Jason Marquis to 2nd. FLA 2-1
4TH - Preston Wilson doubles (24) on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham. Scott Rolen scores. Juan Encarnacion scores. FLA 5-3
Jason Marquis singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Willingham. Preston Wilson scores. Yadier Molina to 2nd. FLA 5-4
Aaron Miles reaches on fielding error by shortstop Hanley Ramirez. Yadier Molina scores. Jason Marquis to 3rd. TIE 5-5
5TH - Albert Pujols homers (39) on a line drive to left center field. STL 6-5
Preston Wilson singles on a ground ball to right fielder Jeremy Hermida. Scott Rolen scores. Juan Encarnacion to 2nd. STL 7-5
6TH - Juan Encarnacion out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Alfredo Amezaga. Aaron Miles scores. Chris Duncan to 3rd. STL 8-5
7TH - Chris Duncan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Alfredo Amezaga. Adam Wainwright scores. Aaron Miles to 3rd. STL 9-5
With Albert Pujols batting, wild pitch by Randy Messenger, Aaron Miles scores. Chris Duncan to 2nd. FLA 5-10
Albert Pujols doubles (27) on a fly ball to right fielder Jeremy Hermida. Chris Duncan scores. FLA 5-11
Scott Rolen doubles (42) on a fly ball to right fielder Jeremy Hermida. Albert Pujols scores. FLA 5-12
Juan Encarnacion singles on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham. Scott Rolen scores. FLA 5-13

So Taguchi had a double in the bottom of the 8th inning to give the Cardinals 20 hits.

Thursday
Cardinals Lineup
Preston Wilson RF
So Taguchi LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Scott Rolen 3B
Juan Encarnacion CF
Ronnie Belliard 2B
Aaron Miles SS
Yadier Molina C
Jeff Suppan P

Mike Rose was called up today. He's a catcher and with Bennett injured right now, the Cardinals needed a backup.

The Cardinals won in a 4 run 8th inning following a superb performance by Jeff Suppan. Suppan went deep into the 7th inning, striking out 5, while allowing one run. Rookie Chris Duncan homered to lead off the 8th for his 15th home run of the season. Braden Looper picks up his 8th win--which shows there is no justice in baseball because Soup deserved a win with his outing. Jason Isringhausen picks up the save.

St. Louis 5, Florida 2
Winning pitcher - Braden Looper (8-1)
SV - Jason Isringhausen (32)
HR: Chris Duncan (15)

Milestone watch:
Albert Pujols needs 15 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Albert Pujols needs 3 runs to have his sixth consecutive season with 100 runs, 100 RBI, 30 home runs, and at least a .300 batting average.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 2 saves for 250 career saves.

Farm watch:
Anthony Reyes was named the PCL Player of the week for going 2-0 while striking out 17 in 13 innings.
Skip Schumaker is hitting .538 (7-13) for Team USA in the 2006 Olympic Qualifying Trials. He's scored 8 times.
Short stop Brendan Ryan has been promoted to the Memphis Redbirds and should be up with the Cards after Labor Day.
Mark McCormick debuted in high class A last night. He pitched two solid innings of a double header.
Cardinals Top 20 as ranked by DJ87.

Pujols 5

Ozzie, Mike, and the Bucks, you've got company!

Albert Pujols took the next logical step in the life of a St. Louis sports legend today, announcing the opening of his first restaurant at Patrick’s in Westport Plaza.

Patrick’s will be transformed beginning next week, scheduled to reopen as "Pujols 5" in early August. When finished, the 500-seat restaurant will feature 30 plasma screens with the capability of showing up to 12 sporting events simultaneously. Each table will be outfitted with a wireless speaker so patrons can choose which event they hear.

Parts of the menu have been redesigned by a former Neiman Marcus executive chef, with final approval given by Pujols and his wife, Deidre.

Gary Bennett

Here's an excited Cardinal

Cards vs. Cubs

Just in case this post gets swept away from blogger's system.

It's another round of the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs. This time, action is in St. Louis. Cardinal fans have been down recently with a three game skid against the best team in the National League.

Take a look at the letters to Jeff Gordon

For most of the season, I’ve leaned toward advocating a rotation slot for Wainwright next season. But the more Jason Isringhausen fails in critical games, the more I wonder if Adam should take a shot at closing. The Cards could give him his trial this season and give Jocketty something to think about as he ponders changes for ’07.

I would play Duncan full-time unless he proved incapable of taking that workload. Again, Walt needs to know what the kid can do next year.

Plugging Reyes back into the rotation in September is a no-brainer. As for giving Edmonds his option and re-signing Mulder, well, those are pretty big risks when you consider their current state. If you commit more than $20 million to those two for ’07, that will make it difficult to upgrade the roster.

I'm all for keeping Jim Edmonds for some more seasons. CF wouldn't be the same without him. As to Mark Mulder, I honestly don't know. I liked his pitching a few years ago but I don't know what happened to him this season. If he just injured his shoulder and needs surgery, then I expect that he might be better next season. Chris Duncan is the real deal if you ask me. I want Wainwright in the rotation. And Izzy is Izzy.

The best news that I have heard all week is that Jim Edmonds is going to start tonight in center. The sad news is that Yadier Molina has some problems in his throwing elbow. The Cardinals are looking at an extra infielder when rosters can expand.

La Russa held a meeting with his coaches Thursday to compile a list of possible September call-ups when rosters can expand. Obvious selections are pitcher Anthony Reyes and outfielder John Rodriguez. A third catcher will be added. The Cardinals also plan to call up an infielder and, La Russa said, Bo Hart is in the discussion.

And how is it that Cardinals management didn't even notice St. Louis native Ryan Howard?

The Cardinals need to sweep the Cubs with hope that San Francisco can manage to avoid being swept by the Reds.

Milestone Watch:
Albert Pujols needs 16 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Albert Pujols needs 7 runs to have his sixth consecutive season with 100 runs, 100 RBI, 30 home runs, and at least a .300 batting average.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 4 saves for 250 career saves.

Postgame
Jason Isringhausen needs 3 saves for 250 career saves.
August 25
St. Louis 2, Chi. Cubs 0
Winning pitcher - Jeff Suppan (10-7)
SV - Jason Isringhausen (31)

Saturday on FOX.
Chris Carpenter (12-6, 3.05) vs. Rich Hill (3-6, 6.44)
The last time that we faced Rich Hill, he lasted 3.1 innings and Tyler Johnson blew the save. Edmonds went 2-3 with a run that game yet Tony is sitting him today.

Cardinals Lineup
Aaron Miles SS
Chris Duncan LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Scott Rolen 3B
Juan Encarnacion CF
Preston Wilson RF
Ronnie Belliard 2B
Gary Bennett C
Chris Carpenter P

The FOX Chevrolet player of the game is Gary Bennett who delivered in the clutch in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. Bennett, playing in the catcher's position due to Molina's injury, has been outstanding in the past few days. He hit is 3rd home run in a week!

Chris Carpenter helped himself going 2-2 with singles. Carp goes eight innings, striking out five, and left with cramps in the calf. He left with a no-decision, lowering his ERA to 2.97. His ERA got as low as 2.93 in the game before giving up a home run to Phil Nevin to tie it up. Carp is now in second in the ERA standings. The Cards are now up a game and a half in the standings.

August 26
Winning pitcher - Randy Flores (1-1)
HR: Gary Bennett (3)

Sunday (ESPN Sunday Night Baseball)
Cardinal lineups:
Preston Wilson RF
Chris Duncan LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Scott Rolen 3B
Juan Encarnacion CF
Ronnie Belliard 2B
Miles SS
Gary Bennett C
Jeff Weaver P

Here's an update on the pitching situation for next season. I honestly like the idea of bringing back Jeff Suppan next season, just like I did for Matt Morris last off-season.

I DON'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW. I DON'T FRICKIN' BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW!

How about Gary Bennett?!? Walk off home run for Gary Bennett! We have swept the Cubs despite some bad plays in the infield and outfield and some bad pitching too. Weaver had a solid start if you take out the bad play by Juan but, wow, Gary Sno Cones Bennett!!! It was Bennett's fourth home run in a week and the third against the Cubs this season.

Winning pitcher - Braden Looper (7-1)
HR: Gary Bennett (4)

Updated Milestone Watch:
Albert Pujols needs 16 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Albert Pujols needs 6 runs to have his sixth consecutive season with 100 runs, 100 RBI, 30 home runs, and at least a .300 batting average.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 3 saves for 250 career saves.

Bill DeWitt, Jr. calls out team

DeWitt says that they are underperforming.

Cards vs. Mets

Let's actually take one from them today! I'm hopeful that Gold Glove center fielder Jimmy Edmonds starts today. We could really use his bat.

Jason Marquis (13-11, 5.70) takes the mound against former Red Dave Williams (2-3, 6.90)

Here's some trivia, only three opening day starters started yesterday (Molina, Rolen, Pujols).

The bullpen is 16-16 with a 4.03 ERA with 33 saves in 48 opportunities.

For those of you that are not in the FSN Midwest viewing area, you can watch the game on ESPN2.

Lineups
STL:
Ronnie Belliard, 2B
So Taguchi, LF
Albert Pujols, 1B
Scott Rolen, 3B
Juan Encarnacion, CF
Preston Wilson, RF
Aaron Miles, SS
Gary Bennett, C
Jason Marquis, P

NYM:
Jose Reyes, SS
Paul LoDuca, C
Carlos Beltran, CF
Carlos Delgado, 1B
David Wright, 3B
Shawn Green, RF
Jose Valentin, 2B
Endy Chavez, LF
Dave Williams, P

Milestone Watch:
Albert Pujols needs 16 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Albert Pujols needs 7 runs to have his sixth consecutive season with 100 runs, 100 RBI, 30 home runs, and at least a .300 batting average.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 4 saves for 250 career saves.

They were just talking about the MVP race on BBTN
Jeff Brantley - Pujols
Tino - Howard
Tim - Howard

St. Louis 2, N.Y. Mets 6
Losing pitcher - Jason Marquis (13-12)
HR: Gary Bennett (2)

Why Walt?!?

Personally, I hope that this Bill Madden character is lying. I don't see anyway how this team could afford to take a payroll cut unless players are signing with a hometeam discount just because it's St. Louis.

The Cardinals are a team that is suddenly leaking everywhere while the upstart, underwhelming Cincinnati Reds hang tough on their heels in the National League Central. The Cardinals' need for another outfield bat is best evidenced by the fact that their three big run producers, Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds have been together in the starting lineup only 61 of their 125 games. Edmonds, suffering from post concussion syndrome, has been limited to only pinch-hitting and pinch-running cameos in recent days, and his status the rest of the year is questionable.

But the $20 million the Yankees were willing to absorb on Abreu was entirely out of the question for the Cardinals as was even the $6 million Green would have cost them. Jocketty will only say he has "budget constraints," but the fact is, Cardinal ownership is on the hook for $340 million in out-of-pocket construction costs on the new Busch Stadium, which is nevertheless sold out just about every game. At a shade under $90 million, Jocketty isn't being allowed to add to his payroll and, chances are, he will have to even reduce it over the winter. You can be certain that even though the Mets and Yankees are doling out twice as much as the Cardinals for their new stadiums, there will no similar constraints on their GMs.

As a result, while Brian Cashman and Omar Minaya have been able to do their shopping for the postseason at the high-end counter, Jocketty has had to resort to the retread market. In pitchers Jeff Weaver and Jorge Sosa, outfielder Preston Wilson and his latest pickup, old friend Jose Vizcaino, who arrived last night, Jocketty has signed four players who were released. And, trust us, there was sufficient reason for their being released.

How will he reduce it? Bring up minor leaguers who would make the league minimum?

Believe me, I want players that will put 110% in like Jim Edmonds, Pujols, Rolen, and Carpenter. I want a GM that will sign players that won't be DFA'd halfway through the season.

Pregame Report

The St. Louis Cardinals have added Jose Vizcaino to the roster. He'll be taking jersey #35. Mulder is expected to come off the DL, and with Eckstein going to the DL, my guess is that Timo Perez is the one who gets sent down to Memphis.

Former President Bill Clinton attended last night's game and I imagine he was pulling for the Cardinals. With his wife being a Cubs fan, it is interesting to note that that marriage has actually worked out...

"We grew up with the Cardinals," Clinton said as he stopped outside of the visitors' clubhouse. "I go way back. I'm so old, I remember Harry Caray calling the Cardinal games. There weren't any baseball teams in Texas back then. So we had KMOX and (a Chicago station). I remember I did all my homework listening to the Cardinals."

Clinton and his brother, Roger, attended Tuesday's game between the Cardinals and the New York Mets, and the former president implied the Cardinals' presence was at least a part of the inspiration to attend a ballgame. About an hour before first pitch, Clinton entered the Cardinals clubhouse.

He circled the room, shook hands and signed baseballs.

"It was an honor to meet him," pitcher Chris Carpenter said.

Clinton, whose wife Hillary Rodham Clinton is a Senator from New York and a well-publicized Chicago Cubs fan, said that when he watches television all he watches are "sports and movies." Before entering the clubhouse, Clinton posed for a picture with Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen. He then spoke for a while with Lt. General Franklin "Buster" Hagenbeck, the superintendent of West Point.

Sporting a polo shirt with a Cardinals' logo on it, Lt. General Hagenbeck had spent batting practice chatting with Cardinals' officials, including La Russa and general manager Walt Jocketty.

Hagenbeck told Clinton how he became a Cardinals fan, and the president said he and his brother grew up listening to Cardinals games.[...]

"Stan Musial came to the White House once," Clinton told a group that included Hagenbeck. "Musial taught me how to crouch to hit."

Mark Mulder takes the start this evening. His record stands at 6-5 with a depressing 6.09 ERA. He'll start against the Mets' Steve Trachsel (12-5, 4.79), best known for giving up home run 62 to Mark McGwire in September 1998.

Mazel tov to the family of Jason and Debbie Marquis on the birth of Andrew Michael Marquis on Jason's 28th birthday this past Monday.

Milestone Watch:
Albert Pujols needs 16 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Albert Pujols needs 7 runs to have his sixth consecutive season with 100 runs, 100 RBI, 30 home runs, and at least a .300 batting average.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 4 saves for 250 career saves.

Post game recap:
Again, with the game on the line, why does TLR decide pinch hit So Taguchi for Chris Duncan? For starters, Mark Mulder was about as bad as pitchers get today. I honestly think that he needs shoulder surgery or somthing because he couldn't even last five innings and was pounded.

Jose Vizcaino went yard for the second time this season. Preston Wilson hit his 11th and made the #1 web gem on Baseball Tonight. Scott Rolen hit his 19th.

Farm Watch:
Reyes went six innings, striking out nine. Where was that Reyes in the majors?!?

St. Louis 8, N.Y. Mets 10
Losing pitcher - Mark Mulder (6-6)
HR: Scott Rolen (19), Jose Vizcaino (2), Preston Wilson (11)

Cards in Queens

The Cardinals are visiting Shea Stadium in Queens, New York for a three game series against the NL East division leader.

Cardinal fans should keep an eye on Vernon Wells during the off-season should Jim Edmonds' option not get picked up. I'm hoping Jocketty buys out the option and negotiates a new contract.

When it comes to drafting new players, the Cards are one of the best out there.

Albert Pujols is in the same league as Babe Ruth.

Jeff Weaver takes on John Maine today.

The Cardinals starting lineup hasn't changed much since Eckstein and Edmonds are not starting.
Aaron Miles SS
Chris Duncan LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Scott Rolen 3B
Juan Encarnacion CF
Preston Wilson RF
Ronnie Belliard 2B
Yadier Molina C
Jeff Weaver P

Milestone watch:
Albert Pujols needs 18 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Albert Pujols needs 2 RBI and 9 runs to have his sixth consecutive season with 100 runs, 100 RBI, 30 home runs, and at least a .300 batting average.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 4 saves for 250 career saves.

Postgame report:
Pujols accounted for the RBI's tonight as he belted a three-run home run and a grand slam in back to back innings. Unfortunately, Jason Isringhausen gave up a home run to blow the save in the bottom of the ninth inning. Jeff Weaver was pitching strong until the 5th inning when he gave up a grand slam to Carlos Delgado.

In the standings, we are only up by ONE game since the Reds have been winning lately.

Pujols, with his 37 and 38th home runs, is 16 homers away from tying Ken Boyer for second place with the club. He now has 105 RBI and is seven runs shy of the stat above.

St. Louis 7, N.Y. Mets 8
Losing pitcher - Jason Isringhausen (4-7)
HR: Albert Pujols (37, 38)

Chris Duncan: Slam Dunc!

Derrick Goold answers some questions on PostCards and one of those is what a lot of fans are wondering: Can Chris Duncan win the ROY award?

DG: If he had the opportunity to play and entire season and had kept this same pace, then he’d be one of the favorites for the award, certainly. But this crop of rookies – youth, Generation OPS, has been the story of this season — has a headstart on Duncan and even Ryan Howard-like finish to the final month would only put him on the fringe of the conversation. Florida’s Dan Uggla has 19 home runs, 70 RBIs and a .289 average. His numbers not only rank at or near the top for rookies, but he’s arguably the most productive second baseman in the game. Washington third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has been/will be lauded as the next Scott Rolen, and he’s answered that expectation with Gold Glove play at the corner and 83 RBIs. Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder hasn’t disappointed with 22 home runs. These are just a few of the NL rookies ahead of Duncan on the ROY depth chart.

It does beg the question on what might have Duncan done with a full season at the current (and unrealistic) pace. “Slam Dunc”, as Bernie Miklasz so deftly nicknamed him, is averaging a home run every 8.3 at-bats. With the 453 at-bats Uggla has had, that would be 38 home runs. Coupled with that .345 average, you’re not talking ROY anymore but another acronym — MVP.

So that’s not the way to calcuate late it. Let’s look at his entire season for help. Combining his major- and minor-league numbers from this season, he’s hit .307 with 21 home runs and 60 RBIs over 349 at-bats. If he kept that pace over a full season you’re looking at him having, right now, 25 to 28 home runs and more than 75 RBIs. That’s a ROY favorite.

Cards take two in Wrigley

For the first time this season, the St. Louis Cardinals won two games of a series in Chicago. Winless until Friday, the Cardinals took two over the weekend with impressive starts by pitchers Jason Marquis and staff ace Chris Carpenter.

August 18
St. Louis 11, Chi. Cubs 3
Winning pitcher - Jason Marquis (13-11)
HR: Ronnie Belliard (9), Gary Bennett (1), Chris Duncan (12), Albert Pujols (36), Scott Rolen (18), Preston Wilson (10)
The home run by Gary Bennett was the first one this season.

August 19
St. Louis 4, Chi. Cubs 5
Losing pitcher - Jason Isringhausen (4-6)
HR: Chris Duncan (13), Yadier Molina (5)
Despite the quality start by Jeff Suppan, the Cardinals were unable to win the game due to a catch by Juan Pierre at the top of the ivy when Pujols was up with the bases loaded.

August 20
St. Louis 5, Chi. Cubs 3
Winning pitcher - Chris Carpenter (12-6)
SV - Jason Isringhausen (30)
HR: Chris Duncan (14), Juan Encarnacion (17)
Chris Carpenter pitched eight quality innings with seven strikeouts to earn his 12th win of the season. Carp moved his ERA from 3.09 to 3.05 and now ranks fifth in all of MLB. Jason Isringhausen gave up a home run but managed to pick up his 30th save of the season. Izzy is currently ranked 3rd among NL closers in saves.

The big news of the weekend was that Preston Wilson was signed by the Cardinals. He has been starting in RF with Juan in center due to Jim Edmonds' suffering post-concussion syndrome. Mark Mulder is expected to rejoin the rotation for the first time since June.

Albert Pujols is about to become the first player in MLB history to score 100 runs, drive in 100 runs, bat over .300, and hit 30 home runs in his first six seasons. He is nine runs and 2 RBI shy of the mark this season.

Milestone watch:
Albert Pujols needs 18 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 4 saves for 250 career saves.
Tony La Russa needs to manage 2 games to tie Bucky Harris for for 3rd all-time at 4408 games.

Chris Duncan remains my sleeper pick to win the NL ROY award in 2006. Sure, most people are predicting that it will go to Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals or Louisville native Dan Uggla of the Marlins. However, look at the impressive stats put up this season by the Cardinal rookie outfielder.

May - In four games, Duncan bats .200 with a home run in his first game back to the major leagues.

June - Bats .286 in games from June 4 - June 21. Hits two home runs.

July - Called back up on July 3. Hits .324 for the month of July with 3 home runs.

August - The month isn't over yet but Chris Duncan is hitting .417 with 8 home runs and nine multi-hit games. He has a seven game hitting streak going on. Duncan started the month with a batting average of .306 and right now, it's at .345. He does not yet have the at bats to qualify for a silver slugger but if the numbers this month say anything, it's that he is a legitimate player.

Next up for the Cardinals is a series in NYC against the New York Mets before returning home to take on the hated Chicago Cubs.

Breaking News: David Eckstein Injured!

David Eckstein left the game in the bottom of the third after suffering an injury in the top half when he scored.

Cards in Chicago

The St. Louis Cardinals make a return to Chicago this weekend to extend their 2.5 NL Central lead.

Preston Wilson takes the start in right field as the Cardinals just signed him today.

Outfielder Preston Wilson, released by the Houston Astros earlier this week, signed with the Cardinals today.

To make room for Wilson on the 25-man roster, the Cards optioned starting pitcher Anthony Reyes to Triple-A Memphis.

Wilson batted .269 with nine home runs and 55 RBIs with the Astros, but disappointed them with a lack of power. The Cardinals hope to improve their lineup against lefthanded pitching.

"This was a pretty nice opportunity for us," assistant general manager John Mozeliak said. "He gives us some stability, too, because he can play all three outfield positions."

St. Louis was 17-28 against lefthanders entering Friday's game at Chicago. Wilson, who joined the team in time for the game, was batting .312 against lefthanders.

The team also has concerns about center fielder Jim Edmonds, who missed the last two games because of post-concussion syndrome. Edmonds had been optimistic about playing Friday, but there was no word about the day's lineup.[...]

The Cardinals have been weak in the outfield most of the year before the emergence of rookie Chris Duncan in the last month. The team plans on Wilson platooning in left field with the lefthanded hitting Duncan, who's batting .338 overall but .222 against lefties in 27 at-bats.

Wilson was batting .301 with runners in scoring position and got his 1,000th career hit earlier this season against the Cardinals in Houston. An NL All-Star in 2003, he led the league with 141 RBIs that season for the Rockies.

I'm not a fan of platooning Chris Duncan with anyone unless it's for a day that he gets off to relax. Duncan is my sleeper pick for the National League Rookie of the Year. In fact, he just hit another home run today. As to Anthony Reyes, I'm hoping he can get his control back with Memphis and join the rotation again. Speaking of Memphis, Mark Mulder's recent rehab start was less than impressive.

Also, keep praying for Jim Edmonds.

Right now, the Cards and Cubs are tied 1-1 in the first inning. Jason Marquis started against Carlos Marmol.

Cards recap

August 11
St. Louis 1, Pittsburgh 7
Losing pitcher - Jeff Suppan (9-7)

August 12
St. Louis 2, Pittsburgh 3
Losing pitcher - Jeff Weaver (5-13)
HR: Albert Pujols (35)

August 13
St. Louis 0, Pittsburgh 7
Losing pitcher - Jason Marquis (12-11)

August 15
Cincinnati 0, St. Louis 5
Winning pitcher - Chris Carpenter (11-6)
HR: Chris Duncan (11)
After getting swept in Pittsburgh, Carp pitches a complete game shutout in one of the most important series as we head down the stretch. Chris Duncan continues to show that he is, indeed, the real deal. Ronnie Belliard picked up his 1,00th career hit. Jim Edmonds had to leave the game early due to dizziness.

August 16
Cincinnati 7, St. Louis 2
Losing pitcher - Anthony Reyes (4-6)

August 17
St. Louis 2, Cincinnati 1
Winning pitcher - Jason Isringhausen (4-5)
HR: Scott Rolen (17)
As of now the game is tied in the top of the 8th inning with a score of 1-1 as both Ken Griffey, Jr. and Scott Rolen both went yard. Weaver and Lohse are both pitching a pitcher's duel. Lohse and Weaver have both left the game in the top of the 8th inning when Javier Valentin pinch-hit for Kyle Lohse. Adam Wainwright (2-1, 3.13, 54) replaced Jeff Weaver (5-13) at the same time. Following the break, Ryan Franklin came in. Wainwright is pinch-hit for by Timo Perez in the 8th when the pitcher's spot is due up. Jason Isringhausen is now in. Izzy pitched a solid inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Duncan singles and Pujols walks. Scott Rolen just hit a single to bring home Chris Duncan and that's a winner!

Milestone watch:
Albert Pujols needs 19 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Jim Edmonds needs 1 home run to pass Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as a Cardinal.
Jason Isringhausen needs 5 saves for 250 career saves.
Tony La Russa needs to manage 5 games to tie Bucky Harris for for 3rd all-time at 4408 games.

I don't understand how the Cardinals get swept by Pittsburgh. I am praying for Jim Edmonds because he his a class act ballplayer and his bat is sorely missed when he's not in the lineup.

Mark Mulder is making another rehab start today in hopes of rejoining the Cards rotation. Sunday's game has been moved to the evening so that it may be on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball broadcast.

With regards to his contract, Jimmy Edmonds has stated that he is not displeased.

In transactions, Timo Perez was called up and Brad Thompson was sent back down.

Here's an update on the farm club in Quad Cities.

Also, I'd like to say that Ken Griffey, Jr.'s family are in my thoughts and prayers. I may not be the biggest Reds fan but I do root for him and Dunn to do well, especially when they aren't playing the Cards.

Week Recap so far

August 6
Milwaukee 1, St. Louis 7
Winning pitcher - Jeff Suppan (9-6)
SV - Jorge Sosa (4)
HR: Juan Encarnacion (16), Scott Rolen (15)

August 7
St. Louis 13, Cincinnati 1
Winning pitcher - Jeff Weaver (5-12)
HR: Chris Duncan (8), Scott Spiezio (6), Yadier Molina (4) Scott Rolen (16)

The Cardinals offense was on target and was much needed momentum.

August 8
St. Louis 3, Cincinnati 10
Losing pitcher - Jason Marquis (12-10)

August 9
St. Louis 7, Cincinnati 8
Losing pitcher - Jason Isringhausen (3-5)
HR: Jim Edmonds (17), Scott Spiezio (7)

The home run by Jim Edmonds was his sixth career grand slam. Third baseman Scott Rolen left the game early with back spasms. Had Izzy not blown the save, Carp would have won.

August 10
St. Louis 6, Cincinnati 1
Winning pitcher - Anthony Reyes (4-5)
HR: Chris Duncan 2 (9, 10), Jim Edmonds (18), Scott Spiezio (8)

Jim Edmonds is definitely finding his bat and is hitting .321 in the month of August this season. His 18th home run today tied him with Ray Lankford for 4th all-time as it was his 228th as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals Anthony Reyes pitched a solid start and is starting to become the pitcher we know that he can be.

Milestone watch:
Albert Pujols needs 20 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Jason Isringhausen needs 5 saves for 250 career saves.
Tony La Russa needs to manage 10 games to tie Bucky Harris for for 3rd all-time at 4408 games.
Ronnie Belliard needs 3 hits for his 1000th career hit.

John Rodriguez was sent down to Memphis as Brad Thompson was called up.

I like Whitey Herzog but I don't like the idea of him going to manage to Chicago Cubs at all.

Talk about a complete break down, Travis Hanson is slumping badly.

Walt Jockettyy did check in on Quad Cities.

Note to Cardinals Management

Jim Edmonds

Pick up Jimmy's option for another season and sign him for one year contract if need be. Like several Cards fans, many of us think that the centerfield situation should be addressed in a few years.

On Tuesday, Edmonds insisted he is committed to playing at least one and possibly two more seasons.

"I've always had that decision. But I've always wanted to play next year. I wanted to play my contract out" with the Cardinals, Edmonds said.

Edmonds said he long interpreted his connection to the club as more than a business relationship between a company and its employee. As part of that connection, Edmonds donated $1 million -- $200,000 each season from 2001-05 to the team's charitable arm, Cardinals Care. Cardinals Care unveiled Jim Edmonds Field in June 2001 in Forest Park Southeast. Edmonds also agreed to defer money from each season of his current deal.

"I did a lot of things to sign here. I gave a lot of things back," said Edmonds, who agreed to a six-year contract extension plus the club option on May 12, 2000. "I must have been naïve about it. I did those things to prove that I wanted to play here and care for this organization.

"I just thought I would play that contract out. Now being in limbo, I don't really know what's going to happen."

At least one member of the team's ownership group assured Edmonds in spring training that the club would pick up the option. Edmonds says he has heard nothing since. Asked if he took the March assurance at face value, Edmonds said, "I used to."

"I'm not really going to say anything more," Edmonds added. "I was real concerned about it, obviously, trying to figure out what the team was going to do. I have a lot of things in St. Louis I would have to take care of when I leave. We'll have to deal with it when it comes."

Edmonds 36, also became a father for the third time earlier this year, which has added to his perspective.

"Right now, I'm just concerned with taking care of my family," he said. "I have another child now. It's one more concern that I have in trying to keep my family together. That will have something to do in my thinking about what I do next."

Edmonds confirmed Tuesday that he would undergo right shoulder surgery shortly after the season ends to repair a partially torn rotator cuff, to remove bone spurs and to address an irregular joint. The eight-time Gold Glove Award winner underwent a similar procedure on his left shoulder after the 2003 season and says he has experienced no ill effects since.

Good Times

It's days like yesterday, aside from that three-run inning from the Brewers that show that the Cardinals are starting to play like winners. It came at a time when many in Cardinals Nation were starting to get depressed. Pujols hit his 34th home run and that brought in two runs.

The Cardinals have lost out on the chance to win 100 games this season, and no team has had two 8 game losing streaks to finish first in the division. I'm trying to remain optimistic but anyone will tell you that if the Angels gave up on Jeff Weaver, you don't go out and trade a sleeper prospect for Jeff Weaver.

Bo Hart, at one time was a top prospect, is batting .219 for Memphis.

If Mark Mulder gets back to his old form, we'll start winning. He has a start tonight for Quad Cities.

August 4
Milwaukee 4, St. Louis 3
Losing pitcher - Chris Carpenter (10-6)

August 5
Milwaukee 3, St. Louis 4
St. Louis Record: (59-50)
Winning pitcher - Anthony Reyes (3-5)
SV - Jason Isringhausen (29)
HR: Albert Pujols (34)

Milestone watch (Through 7/26):
Albert Pujols needs 20 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Jim Edmonds needs 2 home runs to tie Ray Lankford for 4th on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 228.
Jason Isringhausen needs 5 saves for 250 career saves.
Tony La Russa needs to manage 15 games to tie Bucky Harris for for 3rd all-time at 4408 games.
Ronnie Belliard needs 8 hits for his 1000th career hit.

Cardinals Report

If this article is any indication, I expect that the Cardinals of the future will have some quality pitching--which hopefully is better than this season has been. In fact, much of our talent is in Double-A and Single-A. That was one of the reasons why we had to give up Hector Luna to get Belliard. When we got Mark Mulder from the Athletics (Don't get me wrong, I still like him), we had to give up some of the best that we had in the minor leagues at that time (pitcher Danny Haren and hitter Daric Barton).

Ultimately, the Cards will need to develop a similar nucleus of players. Jocketty is trying to get by with patchwork solutions at left field and second base – hoping that Duncan and Hector Luna pan out – and he will need to find a new center fielder, too.

For years we heard that Gall would someday fill a void, but his time came and went. You can only hope his passing marked the end of an unproductive era of player development.

So much for finding a spot for Luna. Duncan is filling in greatly at left and don't even remind me that we'll have to find someone in center soon. Can we sign Jimmy to a lifetime contract?!?

Back to farm team news, Will Groff has finally signed with the club after the June amateur draft.

Groff, the 2003 Queensbury graduate, was a 29th-round pick by the Cardinals in June's amateur draft, but both Groff and the organization wanted to see how his injured left hand healed before they came to terms.

"You only sign once and this was jus the opportunity of a lifetime," Groff said.

Groff signed a 2007 contract, which made more sense, he said, because he wouldn't feel the need to rush back to competition. Groff injured his left hand in a Cortland State playoff game in late May and had surgury to insert a two-inch metal plate and five screws on May 31.

There's talk of moving rookie Adam Wainwright into the Cardinals rotation but as much as I would love to see that, I don't see it happening...this season. Wainwright is doing great in the bullpen right now but I say that we move him into the rotation next season.

Yadier Molina has put a depressing first half of the season behind him.

July 25
Cards 1, Rockies 0
Winning pitcher - Chris Carpenter (10-4)
SV - Jason Isringhausen (28)
HR: Albert Pujols (33)

July 26
Cards 6, Rockies 1
Winning pitcher - Jeff Suppan (8-5)
HR: Jim Edmonds (16), Aaron Miles (1)

July 27
Cards 4, Cubs 5
Losing pitcher - Tyler Johnson (0-2)
HR: Juan Encarnacion (15)

July 28
Cards 5, Cubs 6
Losing pitcher - Jason Marquis (12-8)

July 29
Cards 2, Cubs 4
Losing pitcher - Anthony Reyes (2-5)

July 30
Cards 3, Cubs 6
Losing pitcher - Chris Carpenter (10-5)

August 1
Cards 3, Phillies 5
Losing pitcher - Jeff Suppan (8-6)

August 2
Cards 8, Phillies 16
Losing pitcher - Jeff Weaver (4-12)
HR: Chris Duncan (7), Aaron Miles (2)

August 3
Cards 1, Phillies 8
Losing pitcher - Jason Marquis (12-9)
Ronnie Belliard recieved his first hit as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Milestone watch (Through 7/26):
Albert Pujols needs 21 home runs to tie Ken Boyer for 2nd on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 255.
Jim Edmonds needs 2 home runs to tie Ray Lankford for 4th on the Cardinals all-time home runs list with 228.
Jason Isringhausen needs 6 saves for 250 career saves.
Tony La Russa needs to manage 17 games to tie Bucky Harris for for 3rd all-time at 4408 games.
Ronnie Belliard needs 9 hits for his 1000th career hit and 2 games for his 1,000th game.

Thoughts on the Hall - Hitter's Edition

The other day, I looked at several starting pitchers and today I am going to focus on several hitters currently playing and two others that may or may not be active since they aren't on a team or are on the inactive list (Bagwell, Sosa, Palmeiro). I went over to Baseball-Reference.com and looked at the active leaders in batting average, hits, and home runs. Since that website has not been updated in terms of this years stats so far, I had to edit the stats on Excel. Let's get down to business.

Ichiro Suzuki - In just 5 and a half seasons, Suzuki has a career .333 average. In his short MLB career, he has over 1,000 hits. He's only 33 so age will probably factor in to when he retires. If he retires with over 3,000 hits, he'll likely be elected and become the first Japanese player to enter the HOF.

Todd Helton - Helton is a likely candidate for the HOF. He has a .333 average in his career. Going into today, he has over 1600 hits. His age does help a little since he's 33. He has power as well when he hits and has accumulated well over 200 career home runs. Playing at Coors helps that with the thin air. I think Todd Helton is in. In six more seasons, he'll be 40 years old and we've seen that some guys still have it at 40. He'll get 3,000 hits in his career. He's been to five all-star games and won three gold gloves.

Albert Pujols - Pujols is one of the best young players out there. He's the first to hit 30 home runs in his first six seasons as a major league ballplayer. Pujols reached his 1,000th hit at a pace equal to Todd Helton. His career average is .331 and he's likely to finish up with probably 800 or so home runs to become the new home run king. Pujols has 234 home runs, including 33 this season. He's been to six all-star games and took home a ROY and MVP award. El Homebre is signed with the Cards for at least another five or six seasons. At only 26 years old, he is listed along all the Cardinal greats, and well on his way to the Hall of Fame assuming injury does not plague his career.

Vladimir Guerrero - Vlady or Spider-Man. In less than 11 full seasons, Vlady has hit 326 home runs. At this pace, he will enter the Hall of Fame as a member of the 500 home run club. Vlady has seen 6 all-star games so far and has taken home the 2004 AL MVP award. He should have well over 2,000, if not 2,500 hits by the time he enters the HOF. I just don't think he'll get to 3,000 hits. He's batting .323 in his career.

Nomar Garciaparra - Nomar has been plagued by injuries in his career but he's batting .320 nonetheless. He needs three more hits to be officially halfway to 3,000 as he's sitting on 1,497 right now. Nomar was the 1997 ROY in the AL and has seen six all-star games. If he keeps it up and doesn't get injured for the next ten or so seasons, Nomar will join baseball immortality. Like Helton, he's also 33.

Derek Jeter - It's no coincidence that his jersey is a single digit. Most of the Yankee greats have a jersey number lower than ten. Jeter is just over 32 years old so I figure he has at least another eight seasons left in him. At that rate of 200 hits or so a season, I see Jeter getting to 3,000 in the next five seasons, if not six. He's not a power hitter but he career batting average is .316. The four World Series rings help a little as well as the six all-star selections. He'll get elected on his first ballot.

Manny Ramirez - Ramirez is practically a lock right now for the HOF. He's got 464 home runs and 2,034 hits (.314 career AVG). His attitude when it comes to all-star selections may not work in his favor but Manny is in the HOF every way that I look at it despite not playing in a bulk of the nine all-star selections if any. When he came up, he was only 21, and is now in his 14th season. Even if he doesn't get 3,000 hits before retirement, the 500 home runs that he will hit will get him enshrined.

Mike Piazza - Piazza has become one of the greatest catchers ever to play the game. At one point, there was talk to move him to another position to extend his career. But with over 2,000 hits and 400 home runs, Piazza will be elected on his first ballot.

Magglio Ordonez - Another young player who has batted a career .305 average so far. He's 33 with almost 1,400 hits. I don't see him getting elected to the HOF if ever. He's not a power hitter even though he's been to a few all-star games.

Alex Rodriguez - A-Rod is also one of the greats to ever play the game. He'll join the 700 home run and 3,000 hit club eventually. He just reached his 2,000th hit two weeks ago. Age helps him as he's only 31 years old. This is his 13th season and despite all those errors, he's still producing. A 2-time MVP and 6-time all-star selection, A-Rod will get in on his first ballot.

Frank Thomas - The Big Hurt has over 2,000 hits. That may not help but he's inching closer to 500 home runs which will. The 2-time MVP will get in on his first ballot.

Chipper Jones - I like Chipper a lot but I don't like his chances of getting elected to the HOF. He has almost 2,000 hits but his career has been injury plagued. He's still young and remember, he went straight out of high school. I'd say if he keeps hitting like he used to over the next five seasons, he may get elected. His power numbers are up there but not as high as they need to be to ensure a lock.

Ivan Rodriguez - His power numbers aren't as high at Piazza's but his hitting numbers are (.304 avg). He's played 16 seasons so far. If Piazza gets in, so does Pudge.

Lance Berkman - He's 30 years old so time is on his side. He's not that great of a power hitter averaging 32 home runs a season. That average needs to be higher and close to 40. Hitting-wise, he's batting .303 in less than eight full seasons. If he starts raising the power numbers or can get to 3,000 hits, he'll get in but I don't see it happening on the first ballot.

Bobby Abreu - His power numbers have been down since the 2005 all-star home run derby but I love his chances despite now playing for the Yankees. He has over 1,500 career hits in just less than 11 seasons. He may not reach 500 home runs but he will reach 3,000 career hits and elected on his first ballot.

Mark Loretta - He's 35 years old and has a career .301 batting average through almost 12 seasons. I don't think he'll get elected. If he does, it won't be his first ballot and it might not been until the Veteran's Committee does their voting. Yes, he's almost at 1,500 hits but it will take 9 more seasons to get 3,000 at his pace.

Moises Alou - Early on in his career, I would have said yes to voting him in but his numbers are on the decline and he's in his 15th season right now. He has yet to reach 2,000 hits and has barely hit over 300 home runs.

Jason Kendall - For a catcher, he's hitting great with .300 through less than 11 seasons. He's got over 1600 hits. Catchers need at minimum 2,000 career hits to be considered for the HOF due to the wear and tear that they suffer behind the plate. It's on the bubble for Jason Kendall.

Julio Franco - He's one of the oldest players in the game right now and doesn't play daily like he used to. He's hit over 2500 hits, and is 450 short of 3,000. He's likely to get elected by the Veteran's Cmte.

Kenny Lofton - Lofton is one of the speediest guys out there and has over 2,000 hits. However, he is in his 16th season right now and he's not getting any younger. He's what I consider on the bubble.

Barry Bonds - Bonds is teh most controversial of all active players in the steroids era. He hasn't admitted what people have: He used steroids. I'll say it right now, if you elect Bonds, you have to elect McGwire--and I am a McGwire fan. The media has this entire love fest with Barry Bonds that I don't understand. ESPN have him his own show which was pulled due to low ratings. Bonds will never hit 750 home runs in his career--and if he does, pigs will fly. He's on the decline and is close to 2,800 career hits. I wouldn't vote for him if I were a member of the BBWAA. How many of his home runs were while he was on steroids? He may have seven MVPS and eight gold gloves but he's not getting elected until McGwire gets in. I'm not saying this because I hate Barry Bonds but it's the fact. ESPN may not accept it but Barry Bonds is a cheater. If Bonds gets elected and McGwire does not, there is some major in-justice by the Hall of Fame voters.

Bernie Williams - In his 16th season, he's batting a career .297 with just over 2,303 hits. He's on the bubble but will likely retire before reaching 3,000 hits.

Brian Giles - He's 35 but given that he's played 12 seasons so far, I just don't think he'll get elected even though he's almost halfway to 3,000 hits.

Garrett Anderson - He's 34, batting .297 for his career, and just passed the 2,000 hit plateau this season. I say that he's on the bubble unless he can touch 3,000 hits.

Rafael Palmeiro - It's questionable because, so far, he's the biggest name that's actually been punished for steroid use. He's got over 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Even though those are locks for election to the hall, he was suspended for steroid use which led to his retirement/free agency at the end of the 2005 season. It's gonna be up to the writers as to whether he gets in but knowing what I know, I wouldn't vote for him today.

Craig Biggio - He's the only active player close to 3,000 hits. To me, he's definitely going to be elected on the first ballot. He's been to several all-star games and won a few gold glove awards. I love his chances of getting elected to the HOF.

Steve Finley - He's hit over 2,500 in his career but he's over 40 years old. In terms of the game, time may not be on his side. Five gold gloves might help in his defense but it's unlikely he gets in on the first ballot, if at all.

Omar Vizquel - The same case with Finley except he just passed the 2,400 mark this season. However, he has 10 gold glove awards which help tremendously. I say if he gets 2,500 hits in his career, he's definitely in. Regardless, he should be elected on the first ballot.

Gary Sheffield - He's missed a lot of games this season but he's got over 450 home runs in his career. All it takes for Shef is to hit 47 more home runs to enter the 500 home run club. He's almost 40 so age won't exactly help him and this is his 19th season right now. He'll be elected on his first ballot.

Ken Griffey, Jr. - I think it's safe to say with his batting over 550 home runs, he'll definitely be enshrined on the first ballot. However, he'd have more home runs and hits if his career wasn't plagued by so many injuries.

Luis Gonzalez - He's 38 years old which isn't exactly helpful. However, he has over 2300 hits and has 326 home runs. To me, he's on the bubble.

Jeff Bagwell - Bags has been one of my all-time favorites that I would elect to the Hall of Fame. He's not yet 40 but he has only played in 15 seasons. For some reason or another, the Astros have not played him at all this year. I would vote him in even if he doesn't touch 500 home runs (He's 51 home runs away). I would like to see him get 500 career home runs because this is not the way that he should go out. If he's not in on the first ballot, he'll get in on the second one.

Sammy Sosa - He's a lock with over 500 home runs. I would vote him in on that alone on the first ballot.

Juan Gonzalez - He falls well short of 500 home runs or 3,000 hits. he only saw action once last season and has yet to play in the MLB this season.

Benito Santiago - For a catcher with 1,830 hits, he's on the bubble. He has three gold gloves and went to 5 all-star games in a career spanning 20 seasons.

Jim Thome - I like the chances for Thome. He has 463 career home runs in just 16 seasons. He'll get elected on his first ballot.

Carlos Delgado - He's 33 years old and was converted from a catcher to a first-baseman/DH. In his 14 seasons, he's hit almost 400 home runs. I have reason to believe that he'll hit his 500th in the next three seasons and guarantee a lock for his election on the first ballot when he retires.

Jim Edmonds - Edmonds is one of my favorites and that was before he joined my beloved Cardinals. I think he will enter the Hall of Fame on before his fifth ballot on the basis of his defensive skills alone even though he's inching closer to 400 home runs. Yes, he's been on the decline and he's in his 14th season but I feel that he deserves election to the HOF. He has eight gold gloves and if that's not enough, I don't know what is.

Jason Giambi - It's questionable since he's admitted to using steroids so I don't know if he'll ever get elected. His power numbers could get him in but it's up to the writers. Defensively, he has several gold gloves, too.

Andrew Jones - He's under 30 which means time is on his side. With 326 home runs so far, I think he'll get elected to the HOF as a member of the 500 home run club. His defense is great with eight gold gloves to his belt. Both of those play a big factor in his eventual election on what should be the first ballot. His batting average could hurt but I don't think it will too much.

Shawn Green - Green is a power hitter who hits for average. He's 33 so he may have at least seven more quality seasons. What he has going for him is his home run production. It's been in decline since the 99-02 seasons but if he puts out 30-40 a season, he'll get elected to the HOF with 500 home runs.

Reggie Sanders - Reggie is on the bubble mainly because he's in teh 300/300 club for home runs/stolen bases. He's in his 16th season and will be 39 at the start of 2007's season.

David Ortiz - Just look and what he's doing now! Ortiz only has 214 career home runs in ten seasons but I have reason to believe that he'll reach 500 in his career. He'll get elected on the first ballot.

Scott Rolen - Rolen is almost halfway to 3,000 hits. His defense, with six gold gloves, helps but the past two seasons have been injury plagued. He's only 31 so age will play a big factor. He's played 11 seasons so far and I think he may get in as a member of both the 3,000 hit and 500 home run club. It's definitely possible. He's been to 5 consecutive all-star games and was the 1997 NL ROY.

David Eckstein - It's a possibility given that in less than six full seasons that he has just less than 1,000 career hits.

Joe Mauer - Mauer is a possibility as well if he gets converted to another position and keeps hitting the way he is.

Alfonso Soriano - In 6 full seasons (8 if you include the end of the season call-ups), Soriano has over 1,000 hits and close to 200 career home runs. He turned 30 this year so he needs to keep up his power numbers.

Miguel Tejada - Currently, Tejada is on pace to break Cal Ripken, Jr.'s record sometime in 2016. Time is on his side as he just turned 30 this year. He's in his tenth season right now and if he keeps his numbers up, he'll get inducted on the first ballot with over 3,000 hits and close to 500 home runs. Right now, he's over halfway to 3,000. Additionally, Tejada was the 2002 AL MVP and has been to a few all-star games.