When the Cardinals started this homestand, they surely didn't envision going 1-5. The Cardinals have fallen on hard times, getting swept by Atlanta and losing 2 of 3 to the Marlins. Now the Cardinals face a crucial series with the Cubs, not so much because they are in danger of losing the National League Central, but because they simply need to right the ship before going on a tough nine game road trip.
Goal #1 will be to improve offensively. In this homestand the Cardinals have scored 2 runs or fewer in four of their six games. The Birds did put up 11 in their win against Florida, but the Cardinals need to be much more consistent with the bats. The Cardinals will face tough pitchers throughout the playoffs, so the bats need to be hot going in.
The Cardinals do not get a break as they will face Cardinal-killer Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano. The Cardinals will throw John Smoltz, Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright against those Cubs pitchers.
If the Cardinals can right the ship with their bats, the pitching should come through.
The Cardinals magic number is 8, the smallest of any division leader. Who would have thunk it?
Showing posts with label NL Central. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NL Central. Show all posts
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Cardinals Bats Pick Up Wainwright's Poor 5th, Cards Reach 80 Wins
Well, maybe Adam Wainwright won't win the Cy Young. Do you think he cares? Things were going splendidly through 4 and 1/2 innings for the Cardinals - the Birds had a 5-0 lead and Adam Wainwright was once again pitching very well. Then something happened that hadn't happened since June 21st - Wainwright gave up more than 2 runs in a game. An amazing run of 13 starts without giving up more than 2 runs was ended when Wainwright gave up a whopping 6 runs in the bottom of the 5th to the Pirates. The Pirates then led 6-5.
How would the team react? Would they pick up their 16 game winning pitcher? Of course they would. Albert Pujols delivered a three-run home run off Denny Bautista, his 43rd of the season and the Cardinals would never relinquish the lead, on their way to a 14-7 drubbing of Pittsburgh.
Adam Wainwright, even with the poor performance improves his record to 17-7 and continues to lead the majors in wins.
The star of the evening, however was Ryan Ludwick, who was a triple away from the cycle and had 2 home runs, 2 doubles and a single (13 total bases - wow), along with 5 RBI's.
The Cards improve their record to 80-56 and are now 11.5 games above the 2nd place Chicago Cubs. The Cubs don't even deserve to be in second place, having only a 67-66 record. Shameful. With the division race all but over, the Cardinals have their sights set on the National League's beast record. If the Dodgers lose this evening, the Cardinals would be tied for the best record in the NL.
The Cardinals are on an amazing run. Since July 26th, the Cardinals are 27-8, which is better than a .750 clip. In series versus other teams, the Cardinals are 10-0-1 in that span (they split a two-game series with the Mets). That after going a mediocre 53-48 to begin the season.
The additions of Holliday, DeRosa and Lugo have proved to be very positive for this team, and has given them a shot in the arm that will hopefully carry them to the World Series. But let's not count our chickens just yet.
How would the team react? Would they pick up their 16 game winning pitcher? Of course they would. Albert Pujols delivered a three-run home run off Denny Bautista, his 43rd of the season and the Cardinals would never relinquish the lead, on their way to a 14-7 drubbing of Pittsburgh.
Adam Wainwright, even with the poor performance improves his record to 17-7 and continues to lead the majors in wins.
The star of the evening, however was Ryan Ludwick, who was a triple away from the cycle and had 2 home runs, 2 doubles and a single (13 total bases - wow), along with 5 RBI's.
The Cards improve their record to 80-56 and are now 11.5 games above the 2nd place Chicago Cubs. The Cubs don't even deserve to be in second place, having only a 67-66 record. Shameful. With the division race all but over, the Cardinals have their sights set on the National League's beast record. If the Dodgers lose this evening, the Cardinals would be tied for the best record in the NL.
The Cardinals are on an amazing run. Since July 26th, the Cardinals are 27-8, which is better than a .750 clip. In series versus other teams, the Cardinals are 10-0-1 in that span (they split a two-game series with the Mets). That after going a mediocre 53-48 to begin the season.
The additions of Holliday, DeRosa and Lugo have proved to be very positive for this team, and has given them a shot in the arm that will hopefully carry them to the World Series. But let's not count our chickens just yet.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
No One is Coming to the NL Central Party
Have you ever had a party where you invited a bunch of friends and no one showed up? That situation describes the St. Louis Cardinals and the National League Central Division race.
Only a month ago, many thought that the NL Central race would go down to the very last day. After July 22nd, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and Houston were all within 2 games of each other and Pittsburgh, the last place team in the division was only 7.5 games out.
Since then, the only team to show up to the party has been the St. Louis Cardinals. Since July 22nd, the NL Central teams have the following records:
Cardinals 19-8
Chi. Cubs 13-15 (6.5 games lost)
Milwaukee 11-15 (7.5 games lost)
Houston 11-16 (8 games lost)
Cincinnati 7-20 (12 games lost)
Pittsburgh 8-18 (10.5 games lost)
The Caridnals, who own a record of 70-54, are now 7.5 games ahead of the second place Chicago Cubs ((61-60). Although the Cardinals of course have had a great run, nobody else in the division has even come close to keeping up with the Cardinals. The Cardinals don't seem to be winning it so much as the rest of the division is losing it. With one good month, the Cardinals have put themselves in a very good spot to win the division with ease.
It's a shame noone came to our party.
Only a month ago, many thought that the NL Central race would go down to the very last day. After July 22nd, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and Houston were all within 2 games of each other and Pittsburgh, the last place team in the division was only 7.5 games out.
Since then, the only team to show up to the party has been the St. Louis Cardinals. Since July 22nd, the NL Central teams have the following records:
Cardinals 19-8
Chi. Cubs 13-15 (6.5 games lost)
Milwaukee 11-15 (7.5 games lost)
Houston 11-16 (8 games lost)
Cincinnati 7-20 (12 games lost)
Pittsburgh 8-18 (10.5 games lost)
The Caridnals, who own a record of 70-54, are now 7.5 games ahead of the second place Chicago Cubs ((61-60). Although the Cardinals of course have had a great run, nobody else in the division has even come close to keeping up with the Cardinals. The Cardinals don't seem to be winning it so much as the rest of the division is losing it. With one good month, the Cardinals have put themselves in a very good spot to win the division with ease.
It's a shame noone came to our party.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Getting Hot at Just the Right Time
Let's take an honest look at the Cardinals season so far.
The Cardinals started off hot as they usually do. The Cardinals were 17-7 to start the season and were 4 games up on the second place Cincinnati Reds after the games on May 1st.
From May 2nd until July 26th, the Cardinals were a mediocre 36-41, and finished the day 53-48, a half game back of the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs.
But from July 27th until today, August 16th, the Cardinals have been on a tear, winning all six of their series and going 14-4 during that span, including sweeps of the Pirates and Padres and winning 3 out of 4 at home against the Dodgers.
The Cardinals are now 67-52, 5 full games over the Chicago Cubs (whose game against the Pirates was rained out today). The only upside for the Cubs is that they hold a record of 60-55 and are only 3 games out in the loss collumn, which just so happens to be the same number of games that they have left against the Cardinals. The Cubs are definitely not out of this race, and the Cardinals need to continue this pace to assure itself of a NL Central crown.
Since the Cardinals have been on this tear, the other teams in the race, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Houston Astros, are now distant memories. After July 26th, only 3 games separated the top four teams in the NL Central race. After today, the Cubs are 5 games behind the Cardinals, the Brewers are 8 games back and the Astros 9.5 games back.
Not only have the Cardinals put distance between themselves and their NL Central foes, the Cardinals are on the brink of catching the National league's best teams. The Cardinals are now only 3.5 games behind the league leading LA Dodgers (70-48) and depending on what the Phillies do tonight, the Cardinals could be tied in games behind with the Phillies, but the Phillies would still have a better winning percentage.
The Cardinals have an opportunity to catch up with the Dodgers even more this week as they travel to Los Angeles for a three game series at Dodger Stadium. The Cardinals then travel to San Diego for a four game series against the Padres.
The Cardinals have put themselves in a good position to make the playoffs, and if they keep up their winning ways, maybe even home field advantage. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Go Cardinals!
The Cardinals started off hot as they usually do. The Cardinals were 17-7 to start the season and were 4 games up on the second place Cincinnati Reds after the games on May 1st.
From May 2nd until July 26th, the Cardinals were a mediocre 36-41, and finished the day 53-48, a half game back of the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs.
But from July 27th until today, August 16th, the Cardinals have been on a tear, winning all six of their series and going 14-4 during that span, including sweeps of the Pirates and Padres and winning 3 out of 4 at home against the Dodgers.
The Cardinals are now 67-52, 5 full games over the Chicago Cubs (whose game against the Pirates was rained out today). The only upside for the Cubs is that they hold a record of 60-55 and are only 3 games out in the loss collumn, which just so happens to be the same number of games that they have left against the Cardinals. The Cubs are definitely not out of this race, and the Cardinals need to continue this pace to assure itself of a NL Central crown.
Since the Cardinals have been on this tear, the other teams in the race, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Houston Astros, are now distant memories. After July 26th, only 3 games separated the top four teams in the NL Central race. After today, the Cubs are 5 games behind the Cardinals, the Brewers are 8 games back and the Astros 9.5 games back.
Not only have the Cardinals put distance between themselves and their NL Central foes, the Cardinals are on the brink of catching the National league's best teams. The Cardinals are now only 3.5 games behind the league leading LA Dodgers (70-48) and depending on what the Phillies do tonight, the Cardinals could be tied in games behind with the Phillies, but the Phillies would still have a better winning percentage.
The Cardinals have an opportunity to catch up with the Dodgers even more this week as they travel to Los Angeles for a three game series at Dodger Stadium. The Cardinals then travel to San Diego for a four game series against the Padres.
The Cardinals have put themselves in a good position to make the playoffs, and if they keep up their winning ways, maybe even home field advantage. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Go Cardinals!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cardinals vs. Padres Series Preview
The NL Central Division leading St. Louis Cardinals (64-52) host the NL West's last place team, the San Diego Padres (49-68) this weekend for a three-game set. Don't let the records fool you, however. This could be a land mine for the Cardinals. The Padres, although they have a bad record, are 15-14 against the NL Central, and are 11-5 since July 27th.
The Cardinals will need to be on top of their game to make sure they can get the series win. The Cardinals will throw out Adam Wainwright, Joel Pineiro and Kyle Lohse, all coming off wins in their last starts. They will be facing three young pitchers in Mat Latos, Tim Stauffer, and Clayton Richard, two of whom (Latos and Richard) won games against the Mets and Brewers in their last starts, and Stauffer was a hard luck loser against Johan Santana and the Mets in his last start. Stauffer is a former first round draft pick for the Padres, so all three starters will attempt to get wins for the Padres and this will not be a series in which the Padres will lie down.
The Chicago Cubs will face the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend, so the Cubs will be looking to gain ground on the Cardinals in the NL Central race. This weekend will be yet another interesting weekend in the race, and should shed further light on where the NL Central is going the rest of the way.
The Cardinals will need to be on top of their game to make sure they can get the series win. The Cardinals will throw out Adam Wainwright, Joel Pineiro and Kyle Lohse, all coming off wins in their last starts. They will be facing three young pitchers in Mat Latos, Tim Stauffer, and Clayton Richard, two of whom (Latos and Richard) won games against the Mets and Brewers in their last starts, and Stauffer was a hard luck loser against Johan Santana and the Mets in his last start. Stauffer is a former first round draft pick for the Padres, so all three starters will attempt to get wins for the Padres and this will not be a series in which the Padres will lie down.
The Chicago Cubs will face the Pittsburgh Pirates this weekend, so the Cubs will be looking to gain ground on the Cardinals in the NL Central race. This weekend will be yet another interesting weekend in the race, and should shed further light on where the NL Central is going the rest of the way.
NL Central Crown Is Within Reach for the Redbirds
The Chicago Cubs, a team that many pundits had winning the NL Central with ease during the first half of the season, are now looking like a team that will struggle to catch up with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs, who lost a 6-1 decision to Cliff Lee and the Philadelphia Phillies today at Wrigley, fall to a 58-55 record, and are now 4.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals who have an off day today. On paper, the Cubs look like a team that could run away with the NL Central. With a pitching rotation of Ted Lilly, Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden, Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells, the Cubs are a tough team to face. And with proven hitters such as Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome, Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot and Giovanny Soto, the team, especially at Wrigley Field can put up some offensive numbers. But neither pitching success nor hitting success has come with any regularity for the Cubs. The Cubs have been hobbled by injuries all throughout the team - Zambrano, Lilly, Aramis Ramirez, and others have hit the DL and others have slumped badly, such as former All-Star Giovanny Soto, whose batting average is a unremarkable .220. When you add in troubles in the bullpen with Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg, the situation looks just plain bad.
What will help the Cubs the rest of the way is an easy schedule. The Cubs play 37 games against teams with a losing record and only 12 games against teams with a winning record. This is compared with 31 and 15 for the Cardinals. So the Cubs have a more favorable schedule than the Cardinals at least by a little bit.
The National League Central Division race may come down to the three game Cubs-Cards series on September 18th, 19th and 20th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. If the Cubs can keep the race close they will have a chance to make 3 games up in this series. Of course the Cardinals will try to pull away much earlier and make this series meaningless.
If the Cardinals, who currently hold a 64-52 record, can go 26-20 in their last 46 games (very doable given the schedule), they will end the season at a 90-72 mark. The Cubs, currently 58-55, would then have to go 32-17 over their last 49 games to tie the Cardinals, a pace which seems much more unlikely for a team that is having so many injury problems.
With this 4.5 game lead, if the Cardinals play anything close to what they are capable of playing for the rest of the season, the Cardinals should win this division by 5 or 6 games.
Then comes the playoffs.
What will help the Cubs the rest of the way is an easy schedule. The Cubs play 37 games against teams with a losing record and only 12 games against teams with a winning record. This is compared with 31 and 15 for the Cardinals. So the Cubs have a more favorable schedule than the Cardinals at least by a little bit.
The National League Central Division race may come down to the three game Cubs-Cards series on September 18th, 19th and 20th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. If the Cubs can keep the race close they will have a chance to make 3 games up in this series. Of course the Cardinals will try to pull away much earlier and make this series meaningless.
If the Cardinals, who currently hold a 64-52 record, can go 26-20 in their last 46 games (very doable given the schedule), they will end the season at a 90-72 mark. The Cubs, currently 58-55, would then have to go 32-17 over their last 49 games to tie the Cardinals, a pace which seems much more unlikely for a team that is having so many injury problems.
With this 4.5 game lead, if the Cardinals play anything close to what they are capable of playing for the rest of the season, the Cardinals should win this division by 5 or 6 games.
Then comes the playoffs.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Cardinals Go 4 Up on Cubs with Strong Performance from Carpenter
So what else is new? Chris Carpenter takes the mound and the Cardinals win. Tonight, Carpenter, who improved his record to 12-3, pitched seven innings, gave up 2 runs on 8 hits and 0 walks, and struck out 10 Reds batters. The three runs that the Cardinals got off Homer Bailey in the first inning were all they needed, as the Cardinals beat the Reds 5-2 and won the rubber match of their three game series. Albert Pujols hit his 38th homer, Matt Holliday went 3 for 4, and Ryan Franklin picked up his 28th save.
The Cubs, who entered the evening three games back of the Cardinals, got killed 12-5 by the Philadelphia Phillies. Jeff Samardzija (1-2) only was able to go 3 1/3 innings, and gave up 7 runs on 8 hits in his first start of his career. He was clearly no match for the vaunted Phillies lineup which hit him early and often. Pedro Martinez, who made his first comeback start for the Phillies, gave up 3 runs on 7 hits but struck out 5 and only walked one batter to get the win.
The Cardinals improved their record to 64-52, which ties their season high of 12 games over .500. They now hold a 4 game lead over the Chicago Cubs who with the loss fell to 58-54. The Cubs do not get a break as they go up against red-hot Cliff Lee tomorrow against the Phillies in a day game at Wrigley, while the Cardinals have Thursday off and will rest for their weekend series against the Padres at Busch Stadium.
The Cubs, who entered the evening three games back of the Cardinals, got killed 12-5 by the Philadelphia Phillies. Jeff Samardzija (1-2) only was able to go 3 1/3 innings, and gave up 7 runs on 8 hits in his first start of his career. He was clearly no match for the vaunted Phillies lineup which hit him early and often. Pedro Martinez, who made his first comeback start for the Phillies, gave up 3 runs on 7 hits but struck out 5 and only walked one batter to get the win.
The Cardinals improved their record to 64-52, which ties their season high of 12 games over .500. They now hold a 4 game lead over the Chicago Cubs who with the loss fell to 58-54. The Cubs do not get a break as they go up against red-hot Cliff Lee tomorrow against the Phillies in a day game at Wrigley, while the Cardinals have Thursday off and will rest for their weekend series against the Padres at Busch Stadium.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Cards, Cubs both lose one-run games, Cards Stay 3 Up on Cubs
Mitchell Boggs (1-1) gave up 4 runs on nine hits over 6 innings and the Cardinals were never able to come back as they lost to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday 5-4. Down 5-3, the Cardinals were able to score one in the ninth and had Albert Pujols on second when Matt Holliday struck out looking to end the game.
The Cubs meanwhile, in a bizarre game where the Phillies had more runs (4) than hits (3), had an amazing outing from Rich Harden who was perfect through five innings. but then gave up a walk to Carlos Ruiz and a homer to Jimmy Rollins and the game was then tied at 2. The Phillies were able to score one in the eighth, but Brad Lidge blew a save to allow the Cubs to tie the game at 3-3 after nine innings. In the twelfth, Ben Francisco of the Phillies opeed the frame with a home run off Kevin Gregg and the Phillies hung on to win in 12 innings 4-3.
the Cardinals (63-52) still lead the Chicago Cubs (58-53) by 3 full games in the NL Central.
The Cubs meanwhile, in a bizarre game where the Phillies had more runs (4) than hits (3), had an amazing outing from Rich Harden who was perfect through five innings. but then gave up a walk to Carlos Ruiz and a homer to Jimmy Rollins and the game was then tied at 2. The Phillies were able to score one in the eighth, but Brad Lidge blew a save to allow the Cubs to tie the game at 3-3 after nine innings. In the twelfth, Ben Francisco of the Phillies opeed the frame with a home run off Kevin Gregg and the Phillies hung on to win in 12 innings 4-3.
the Cardinals (63-52) still lead the Chicago Cubs (58-53) by 3 full games in the NL Central.
Cards 3 Up and Hungry for More
With a win last night against the woeful Cincinnati Reds, the Cardinals improved their record to 63-51 and are now 3 full games over the slumping Chicago Cubs (58-52). Now ahead of the Cubs in the loss column, the Cardinals have a chance to gain further ground. The Cardinals have 2 more games against the ailing Reds today and Wednesday, and another 3 game series against the lowly Padres, while the Cubs are at home for three games against the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies. If the Phillies are able to win a couple from the Cubs, and the Cardinals do what they are supposed to do against the Reds and Padres, the 3 game lead could become even more. With only 50 or so games remaining in the season, it would be nice if the Cardinals could get a little breathing room in the NL Central race.
What was very encouraging in the win against the Reds last night was the outstanding pitching performance of Kyle Lohse, who pitched 6 innings, gave up one run on only 4 hits and had 3 K's. If Kyle Lohse can get hot (and this win against the Reds, who look like a Triple-A team right now doesn't count, but it is a start), that would be a big step for this Cardinal team who are looking for a solid 4th starter.
Mitchell Boggs will pitch against the Reds for Todd Wellemeyer who has gone on the DL. I'm guessing they just don't want him to start. Things look on the up and up for the Redbirds.
Go Cardinals!
What was very encouraging in the win against the Reds last night was the outstanding pitching performance of Kyle Lohse, who pitched 6 innings, gave up one run on only 4 hits and had 3 K's. If Kyle Lohse can get hot (and this win against the Reds, who look like a Triple-A team right now doesn't count, but it is a start), that would be a big step for this Cardinal team who are looking for a solid 4th starter.
Mitchell Boggs will pitch against the Reds for Todd Wellemeyer who has gone on the DL. I'm guessing they just don't want him to start. Things look on the up and up for the Redbirds.
Go Cardinals!
Monday, August 10, 2009
August Schedule Sets Up Nicely for Big Month
August could be a big month for the Cardinals, as they face many teams who are out of the playoff race in their respective divisions.
This week the Cardinals face the Cincinnati Reds (48-62) and the San Diego Padres (47-66) at home for two three-game series. Then the Cards go to LA to face the Dodgers (67-45) for 3 and then visit San Diego for a four game set. Then the Cardinals return home to face Houston (55-56) and (oddly enough) the red-hot Washington Nationals (40-72), both for a three-game series.
They will only face one team with a winning record, the LA Dodgers, however, the Dodgers have stumbled as of late, having only gone 3-6 in August. The Dodgers currently are on a 3-game losing streak, having lost 3 straight to the Atlanta Braves.
Hopefully the Cardinals can take advantage of this easier stretch of games and pull away in the National League Central Division race.
This week the Cardinals face the Cincinnati Reds (48-62) and the San Diego Padres (47-66) at home for two three-game series. Then the Cards go to LA to face the Dodgers (67-45) for 3 and then visit San Diego for a four game set. Then the Cardinals return home to face Houston (55-56) and (oddly enough) the red-hot Washington Nationals (40-72), both for a three-game series.
They will only face one team with a winning record, the LA Dodgers, however, the Dodgers have stumbled as of late, having only gone 3-6 in August. The Dodgers currently are on a 3-game losing streak, having lost 3 straight to the Atlanta Braves.
Hopefully the Cardinals can take advantage of this easier stretch of games and pull away in the National League Central Division race.
Cards Sweep Pirates, Go 2 Up Over Cubs
What a big weekend for the Cardinals (62-51) who are now 2 full games ahead of the Chicago Cubs (58-51) and 6 full games ahead pf both the Milwaukee Brewers (55-56) and the Houston Astros (55-56). While the Cardinals swept the Pirates in Pittsburgh, the Cubs lost 2 out of 3 to a hot Colorado Rockies team in Colorado.
The only negative for the Cardinals is that the Chicago Cubs have the same amount of losses (51). The Cubs simply have played 4 fewer games than the Cardinals and they could theoretically win all 4 games which would put them in a dead heat. The Brwers and Astros being 6 six games back just seem a little too far back to be real contenders in the race for the NL Central crown and now it definitely seems to be a two-team race between the Cardinals and the Cubs.
The big problem for the Cardinals if they want to win this division is the back end of their rotation. Kyle Lohse has not done well since he has returned to the rotation after many injuries, and Todd WEllemeyer has gotten lit up time after time. Amazingly, Wellemeyer after being sent to the bullpen will get another start on Tuesday at home vs. the Cincinnati Reds. If the Cardinals want to win the division, they need to find at least one good starter to get them through to the end of the regular season and give them a solid fourth starter for the playoffs.
My prediction is that the Cardinals will need to go 30-20 in their last 50 games to win the division, which would put them at 91-71. With Carpenter, Wainwright and Pineiro pitching well this is a real possibility, but you can't hope that all three pitchers win all their games from here on out, so either Lohse or Wellemeyer or someone else (Boggs?) is going to have to step it up.
The only negative for the Cardinals is that the Chicago Cubs have the same amount of losses (51). The Cubs simply have played 4 fewer games than the Cardinals and they could theoretically win all 4 games which would put them in a dead heat. The Brwers and Astros being 6 six games back just seem a little too far back to be real contenders in the race for the NL Central crown and now it definitely seems to be a two-team race between the Cardinals and the Cubs.
The big problem for the Cardinals if they want to win this division is the back end of their rotation. Kyle Lohse has not done well since he has returned to the rotation after many injuries, and Todd WEllemeyer has gotten lit up time after time. Amazingly, Wellemeyer after being sent to the bullpen will get another start on Tuesday at home vs. the Cincinnati Reds. If the Cardinals want to win the division, they need to find at least one good starter to get them through to the end of the regular season and give them a solid fourth starter for the playoffs.
My prediction is that the Cardinals will need to go 30-20 in their last 50 games to win the division, which would put them at 91-71. With Carpenter, Wainwright and Pineiro pitching well this is a real possibility, but you can't hope that all three pitchers win all their games from here on out, so either Lohse or Wellemeyer or someone else (Boggs?) is going to have to step it up.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Can the Cardinals win the NL Central?
With two months to go, the Cardinals are leading the second place and red-hot Chicago Cubs by a half game, but are two back in the loss column. Do the Cardinals have what it takes to win the NL Central? The rotation is very top heavy, with Carpenter, Wainwright and Pineiro doing great work, but Kyle Lohse is just back off the DL and Wellemeyer has been relegated to the bullpen. Can the Cardinals win with just 3 solid starters? The Cubs rotation is much stronger all around, but their bullpen has given up games, as they did to the Marlins Sunday (a big thank you to Kevin Gregg for blowing the save!).
My prediction is that Tony LaRussa will get the Cardinals into the playoffs - whether they win the division or not I'm not sure, but both the Cubs and the Cardinals will be very good in August and September and both might make the playoffs. The Giants, Rockies and Marlins are all getting hot too, so I am not sure the Cardinals can count on the wild card.
One thing is for sure, Albert Pujols needs to get hot again. Matt Holliday can't keep this pace up for much longer! Go Cards!
My prediction is that Tony LaRussa will get the Cardinals into the playoffs - whether they win the division or not I'm not sure, but both the Cubs and the Cardinals will be very good in August and September and both might make the playoffs. The Giants, Rockies and Marlins are all getting hot too, so I am not sure the Cardinals can count on the wild card.
One thing is for sure, Albert Pujols needs to get hot again. Matt Holliday can't keep this pace up for much longer! Go Cards!
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