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.