Carp to miss start if Cards clinch

I don't blame Tony for this one. We'll need him in the playoffs. In other news, he's the first pitcher since 1987 to have at least two seasons of three complete game shut outs at home.

Chris Carpenter's shutout Monday night was his third of the season, and all have been at Busch Stadium. It is his second consecutive season with three home shutouts. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Carpenter is the first pitcher with three home shutouts in successive seasons since Roger Clemens did it with the Red Sox in 1987 (four) and 1988 (three).

Also, in Bruce Sutter news:

The Cardinals will officially retire Bruce Sutter's No. 42 jersey with pregame ceremonies Sunday. Sutter, the Cardinals' 1982 World Series closer, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in July. Sutter, Whitey Herzog and Bob Forsch are expected to be in attendance.

Colby Rasmus led all Cardinal minor league players with 85 RBIs. The PD takes a look at all the teams, breakout players, disappointments, best player, and best pitchers.

Carp has some impressive home starts this season. In 15 home starts, he's 7-3 with 4 complete games, 3 of those shutouts. In 110 innings pitched at home, he's given up 80 hits, walked 18, and struck out 76. He's given up 18 ER (7 home runs) and has a very nice ERA of 1.47 with a 0.89 whip. The batting average against him is .201. In his next start, he should pick up career win #100.