As much as I wish my days always revolved around watching and covering the best team in baseball (I just love being able to say that legitimately!), some times it doesn’t.

Last night was one of those nights. I couldn’t rearrange my schedule for Wacha night 3.0, and it turns out, I missed a good one. So, if you’re like me and didn’t have a chance to catch the Cardinals beating up on the Mets live, here are the things you’ll want to know.

1. Wacha With The Win

Finally! (We all said collectively.)

It was only a matter of time before the hot new thing got his first Big League “W,” but it’s been more of a struggle than most thought it would be. Twice before, the Cardinals came close to winning on Wacha night in St. Louis. Instead, though, it was a road game that earned Mr. Wacha a win.

Yes, he struggled in the first inning, giving up two runs, three walks,  and throwing a third of his total pitch count before finally inducing a inning-ending ground out from Kirk Nieuwenhuis. But, the kid recovered and stymied the Mets offense after that.

The first inning, though, was so strange that it had his teammates reeling — and dissecting video in-game.

The Mets weren’t offering at his changeup. Matheny has called Wacha’s offspeed pitch the best in the organization and one of the most deceiving in the rotation. The Mets all but yawned as it passed, indifferent to its nature.

That had some in the dugout wondering if Wacha was tipping pitches. The righty has done that before with his offspeed stuff, and Wainwright went to the video to find out.

…

Said Matheny: “They were watching all sorts of different things. But he figured it out himself. He just needed to control counts better. He needed to get to the bottom of the strike zone. Once he started commanding the (strike) zone, all of sudden you see the weird swings.”

The “weird swings” returned, and the panic subsided.

I know it’s the struggling Mets, but the win counts all the same. Congrats, Michael! » Continue reading “In Case You Missed It: Wacha, Whacker, Winner”

Bullpen problem, you say? Adam Wainwright’s here to save the day!

No, but seriously. What more can you say? What other superlatives can be added to his already-sparkling resume? Right now, Wainwright may just be minding his own business, focused on his spring promise to be worthy of the new contract extension, but just maybe he’s not interested in letting a key win slip away by handing the game over to the, shall we say “developing” bullpen until he absolutely must.

Classic Waino. Never gets old.

“We just had a good thing going,” Wainwright said in the post game. That, my dear, is an understatement.

Last night, he was two batters away from his second complete game shutout of the year. He’s in full-on Carp-mode; he’s a man on a mission, and it’s a beautiful sight to see.

Know what else is beautiful? Waino’s new toy.

If you missed it, here’s a little taste.

High heat? From Wainwright? Well, then.

That new pitch is by design — overall, but especially against the Nationals who were a problem area for Waino last season. According to Jenifer Langosch, Yadier Molina spent a little extra time watching film from Adam’s starts in D.C. last year, just to be sure they didn’t make the same mistakes this time around. And, the film breakdown led to a decision: it was time to break out a different weapon. » Continue reading “So, Adam Wainwright. That Is All.”

Dear Mike,

It’s a Monday and we’re writing a letter, which is not uncommon here at Aaron Miles’ Fastball. This one, however, is not a love letter.

Not today.

Not after last night’s St. Louis Cardinals loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Because we have some questions.

And they’re pretty obvious.

Like, what is the deal with your choice of relievers? Specifically, where is Joe Kelly?

Also, can you just give Mitchell Boggs a nice, long break?

And can you get past this bunting fascination — please? Or do you really think it’s successful?

Another: where is Joe Kelly?

And, oh yeah, WHERE IS JOE KELLY?

Obviously Joe Kelly is the hot topic — which makes sense when you have a guy who two months ago was in the mix for the fifth starter role. He’s a valuable piece of the bullpen now that Shelby Miller is in the rotation where he should be. But, and maybe this just makes sense to us, Joe kind of needs to pitch to demonstrate that value.

Right?

Sure, it’s great that Derek Lilliquist told you Joe is “a Ferrari sitting in the garage.” And, though I’m no car expert, it doesn’t seem like a Ferrari provides much benefit when it’s not being used. Yeah, maybe it’s impressive to the neighbors when they can see it, sitting there all nice and shiny — but isn’t a Ferrari more impressive when it’s out on the highway getting some action?

» Continue reading “Dear Mike Matheny: We Have Some Questions”

Cards win 5-1 over Reds behind Lynn, Adams & yes, the bullpen.

This was just the kind of bounce-back winner the Cardinals — and all of us fans — needed.

After Monday’s home opener collapse, there was an overwhelming sense of “Maybe we have more problems than we thought we did!” that was fighting against the ever-present logic shouting “It was ONE GAME!”

The reality is, Monday night was a really awful way to lose. But, more telling than one heartbreaking loss would be how this team rebounded the very next day against the very same team … with the very same guys who struggled the night before.

Before Trevor Rosenthal and Mitchell Boggs had their chances to remind us that all is not lost, Lance Lynn was up for a comeback of his own. After pitching only four innings in his first start of the season, we all needed a boost of confidence where last year’s All-Star was concerned.

Ten strikeouts over six innings will do that.

The kid looked good. He looked really good. And manager Mike Matheny commented after the game on just how much fun Lynn is to watch when he’s throwing the ball as easily as he did last night. Mike, I have to agree. » Continue reading “Lesson Learned: These Cards Bounce Back”

Pete Kozma

It wasn’t exactly the best way to start the season. Going 1-2 against the Arizona Diamondbacks? Yeah, bit disappointing for St. Louis Cardinals fans.

But, there were a few good things from the series with the Diamondbacks.

* Pete Kozma is legit. In three games he has a .308 average and a .357 OBP, with a homer and two RBI. Combine that with his shortstop skills and range … I don’t get the big deal during the offseason. Sure the last few weeks of the season and the post season were quite amazing for Pete. Sure it could have been a fluke. But, many of you arm chair general manager types weren’t even willing to give him a shot. … Probably still aren’t! Pay attention, because whether you like it or not, Pete’s going to continue to get this shot.

* How About Jaime? Considering I was pretty down on Jaime Garcia as I thought his shoulder issue … and other issues … might have been a bigger deal than the Cardinals organization was letting on, I’m pleased he had such a great start Tuesday. He pitched 5.2 innings, he struck out four and has a 1.59 ERA.

* Receiving Line Is Back? I noticed that after one of the Cardinals hits a home run, the team still lines up in the dugout ready to give high fives and other such congratulatories to the home run hitter and any men on base. I do love that this carried over to this season. It shows this team has really good chemistry and … They like each other. It’s kind of important!  » Continue reading “Cards Fall Short In Arizona, Move On To SF”

Well, Yadi’s back.

Yesterday’s game against the Mets feature a few big bombs (um, HELLO Pete Kozma! I see that grand slam power. Bravo, buddy!). But the one that meant the most came from our favorite Molina. And, not just because it was his first homer since returning to the lineup after the World Baseball Classic.

See, Mets fans thought they’d be cute and try to get under Yadi’s skin. Their taunt of choice was a simple, yet to-the-point chant of “Over-rated! Over-rated!” as Molina stepped to the plate.

Hold there, for a moment.

Just in case we’re not clear, here are a few basic definitions of this choice word:

o·ver·rate

[oh-ver-reyt] Show IPA

verb (used with object), o·ver·rat·ed, o·ver·rat·ing.

to rate or appraise too highly; overestimate: I think you overrate their political influence.Origin:
1580–90; over- + rate¹

overpraise, overesteem, magnify.

And, if you prefer the more “hip” definition, here’s a pair from the Urban Dictionary website:

Overrated
– A term used to describe something that gets more hype and credit than it’s actually worth.
or,
–An overly used word by people who don’t like something.

I know, I know. Defining things? Really? Yeah. I just sort of like to make sure these words are being used properly.

» Continue reading “Cardinals Memo: Don’t Make The Molina Mad”

There were few major question marks coming into spring training this year. Primarily, the concerns were the middle infield and the fifth spot in the rotation. With just two weeks to go before “real baseball,” we’re beginning to get some answers.

Of course, the middle infield situation began to take shape with the news of Rafael Furcal’s season-ending Tommy John’s surgery. But, after the Cardinals quickly handed the starting role to Pete Kozma, the value of off-season signing Ronny Cedeno seemed doomed to decrease.

Yesterday, the Cardinals confirmed that suspicion by releasing the veteran infielder, thereby solidifying Kozma as the every day short stop and, likely, Daniel Descalso as the backup. From the sounds of things via Jenifer Langosch, Cedeno (somehow) didn’t see the news coming.

“It surprised me a little bit, but it’s part of baseball,” said Cedeno. “I don’t have control of that. I only have control of myself and can work hard. I think they were going in a different direction.”

Cedeno signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the Cardinals on Jan. 29. Because that salary was not fully guaranteed, the Cardinals are only obligated to pay just under one-quarter of it by releasing Cedeno before the start of the season. That puts the club on the hook for about $284,050.

The organization also felt it fair to send Cedeno out now so that he has an opportunity to seek employment elsewhere. The Cardinals did not offer Cedeno the option of accepting a Minor League assignment.

“I think as we were trying to put it all together, it wasn’t fair to drag him on,” manager Mike Matheny said. “This gives him an opportunity to still catch on with somebody else when it became apparent which direction we were going. We are just trying to do, one, what’s best for our club, and two, what’s right for the other guy.”

Cedeno hit just 9-for-31 in 16 games this spring. His release also clears a bench spot … dare we hope the new vacancy will be filled by Matt “Smash” Adams? (In case you’re wondering, I do. Yes. I do.) » Continue reading “Cardinals’ Opening Day Picture Getting Clearer”

Does this year’s St. Louis Cardinals spring training seem never-ending to anyone else? I know the games started earlier to accommodate the World Baseball Classic, but it just seems endless and we are still 13 days from Opening Day.

Speaking of the World Baseball Classic, at least that has provided entertaining baseball and tonight is the championship game. Yadier Molina, Carlos Beltran and the rest of the Puerto Rican team will take on the Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. Central Time on MLB Network. This is the third time these two teams have met in this WBC, and the Dominican has won both games. (In fact, they’re a perfect 7-0 and could be the first team to go undefeated in the WBC.) Perhaps Puerto Rico was just waiting for the time it really counts to win?

Hopefully that’s the case. And Yadi continues to garner praise for his play and his leadership. Danny Knobler of CBS Sports wrote about him, as did Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. That piece, titled A Triumphant Show by the Artist Yadier Molina, includes this from Tony La Russa, who was at AT&T Park for Sunday’s game:

“He just doesn’t allow his team to lose,” La Russa said. “It’s entertainment at the highest level. He is so good, it’s amazing. You watch him the whole game, and he’s worth the price of admission.”

La Russa continued: “It’s not just instinct. It’s sense, based on how a hitter’s standing, how he responds to the pitch or two before, and he’s very creative in how he makes his adjustment based on what he sees with the hitter and knowing what his pitcher can do. That’s art.”

That’s Yadi.

» Continue reading “Cardinals Wrap-Up: Yadi, Kozma, Carpenter And More”

Shelby Miller (center) and Edward Mujica smile and listen on as Joe Kelly tells jokes. (Courtesy of Post-Dispatch)

Cardinals fans have witnessed many a best friendship form between players on their favorite baseball team.

Whether it was Red and Stan,  or That Guy Who Used To Play First and Yadi, or the foursome of David Freese, Daniel Descalso, Jon Jay and Allen Craig, we’ve seen some great ones.

Never have any of them duked it out on the field though. And that’s what we may be seeing from one group of best buds! Soon.

Joe Kelly and Shelby Miller. Best Friends. Fighting it out for the coveted fifth position on the Cardinals starting rotation. The loser either heads to the bullpen or back to Triple-A Memphis.

Per the Post-Dispatch:

Joe Kelly and Shelby Miller are roommates and best friends, and come November they will serve as best man at each other’s wedding just seven days a part.

…

Kelly allowed three hits and one run in four solid innings and Miller allowed three runs in 2 2-3 innings Thursday in St. Louis’ 5-4 win over the Atlanta Braves. » Continue reading “BFFs Duel It Out For Fifth Spot”

The start of daylight saving time — yet another step closer to real baseball. That makes the loss of an hour’s sleep worth it, right? Only 22 days!

Although there has been plenty of baseball going on, with not just spring training games but the World Baseball Classic as well.

The Cardinals participating in the WBC have all gotten into the action. Both Mitchell Boggs and Fernando Salas pitched an inning each in Mexico’s win over Team USA Friday night, with Boggs allowing only a hit and Salas two hits and a run. Carlos Beltran and Yadier Molina have contributed to Puerto Rico’s two wins. Beltran is hitting .429 with an RBI and Yadi’s hitting .286 and has thrown out a baserunner. Those two and all of Team Puerto Rico are moving on to the second round — will Boggs and Team USA join them? That will be determined at 3 p.m. Central Time today when USA takes on Canada — winner moves on.

» Continue reading “Catching Up With The Cardinals: Spring Forward Edition”