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Game 10 Open Thread: April 10, 2008

Birdos_avatar_tiny by lboros on

St. Louis @ San Francisco


Wainwright Correia
1-0, 2.25 0-1, 6.00

as i noted the other day, only 1 cardinal team of the last 40 years has opened the season 8-2 --- the 1981 cards. the 2008 club can match 'em tonight. they have a fair amount in common with the '81 club, which also had lost a lot of big names --- simmons, vukovich, reitz, leon durham, terry kennedy --- and replaced them with nobodies (tom herr, sixto lezcano, john martin, david green, tito landrum). it was whitey's first full season as GM.

tonight is wainwright's first career start against the giants.

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still haven't found it

I'm betting on the all-left hitting outfield tonight.

by random on Apr 10, 2008 9:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

81 season sucked

Split Season and the Cards got left out of the playoffs, despite having the better record overall. Guess I still have issues.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 10, 2008 7:16 PM EDT   0 recs

I'm still mad about that

Another reason I couldn't stand Bowie Kuhn.

by random on Apr 10, 2008 7:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Reds got shafted too, I recall

But I didn't have much sympathy for them after having to watch them win all through the '70s.

by random on Apr 10, 2008 7:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Regardless

I still like the comparisons to the '81 team. I'll take it.

"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon

by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 7:47 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm with you

'81 had the feeling of a team on the rise.

by random on Apr 10, 2008 7:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Reds

Actually had the best overall record in the National League, but, like us, finished in second place that season. If you recall (if you're old enough), the original plan was to have the first half winner face the second half winner in the first round of the playoffs, to determine a division champion. In the event that the same team won both halves, they were originally going to take the next team with the best record over the entire season to face them.

They then realized that a team could potentially be in the position of throwing games in an effort to make the playoffs. How?

Say that the Mets were one game over the Cardinals at the end of the first half, and the Cardinals were 6 games ahead of the Phillies. If, in the second half, at the end of the season, if the Phillies were a game ahead of the Mets, and 3 in front of the Cardinals, and the Cardinals were facing the Mets, it would behoove them to throw all three games in an effort to make the Mets champions of both halves, and then the Cardinals would be the second best overall team. For the record, when asked if he would instruct his players to throw the game in such a situation, Herzog said he would in a New York Minute.

They then redid the outcome so it would be the team with the second best record in the second half. Neither scenario materialized.

by tinstl on Apr 10, 2008 9:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Your logic is interfering w/ my outrage!

But what you say is true & I remember it better than l really want to. Once a certain number of games had been lost to the strike there was no solution that would guarantee a fair outcome.

I've always held Kuhn, as head of baseball, responsible for the strike, but there was plenty of blame to go around. Happy ending: they were playing baseball again and there was a World Series that year.

by random on Apr 10, 2008 10:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Best record in MLB at the moment

The Cardinals and D-Backs have the best record in MLB right now. (The Orioles lost the first game of their doubleheader today). If the Cardinals win tonight, the Cards will have the best record in all of MLB (even if the Orioles win game 2 of their doubleheader - the D-Backs are idle).

Amazing that this is even possible after 10 games, considering how awful the sportswriters said the Cards would be.

by CardsWin on Apr 10, 2008 7:55 PM EDT   0 recs

Being in first at 10 games...

That's just like scoring the most points in the first game of an NFL season. It's makes you feel good. But it doesnt mean much in the big pitching.

by Evilfrog on Apr 10, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Every win counts at the end of the season, whether they come in the first week or the last.

A 7-2 start doesn't just FEEL good. It IS good. Especially with four staring pitchers and three key relievers on the DL. And Rasmus, Perez, Motte, and others waiting for promotion. When this team is fully stocked and reasonably healthy (after the return of Mulder, Carpenter, Kinney, Johnson, Springer, etc.), they'll be competitive, at least, maybe one of the teams to beat....

by CardsWin on Apr 10, 2008 8:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

a good start is important, come middle of August when you are 4 games back and treading water you remember those April losses.

by ridgesee on Apr 10, 2008 9:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Tickets for Beer

I have two tickets for tonight's game. They are view box and are normally $33 a piece. I will trade them for a beer and a hot dog. I am about to leave for the game, so give me a call if you want them. 415-690-5712

by davethebutcher on Apr 10, 2008 8:01 PM EDT   0 recs

tell me you didn't just put

your real phone number up? can Lb or someone please delete that for him so he doesn't have to change his number?

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!

by gdm426 on Apr 10, 2008 10:21 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

that sounds a bit paranoid... then again, who knows what other teams' fans are reading this stuff?

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 10, 2008 10:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

So much for seeing a 27K performance

40th anniversary of Gibson's 1.12 ERA, Think he could pitch in the bullpen now?

by Podlol on Apr 10, 2008 10:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Lets go Matty Mo

shut those Cubs down

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 8:06 PM EDT   0 recs

After last nights 15 inning game...

Cubs have already gone to the bullpen in the 4th inning

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 8:09 PM EDT   0 recs

Correia

What does this guy throw?
Did well in his starts late last year.
2:1 SO/BB, about 6~7 Ks per 9

by random on Apr 10, 2008 8:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Answering my own question

Must be ready for the game to start. RedLegs Baseball on Blogspot has a nice report on Correia

Summary:
low 90s fastball, good circle change, average slider. Very good movement

by random on Apr 10, 2008 8:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

1981

Ah yes, that goes up there with 1968 and 1985 as 'stolen' championships.

If this team can finish the year with the best record in the NL, I'll take it.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 8:25 PM EDT   0 recs

dammit matty mo

just gave up the lead on a 2-run homer by soto.

e'rebuilding mang

by nycbirdo on Apr 10, 2008 8:35 PM EDT   0 recs

Big ballpark

bad lineup. I like the Wagonmaker's chances!

by houstoncardinal on Apr 10, 2008 8:43 PM EDT   0 recs

Man, the Pirates suck...

just thought that needed to be said again

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 8:54 PM EDT   0 recs

I know not everyone here is Bernie fan but

he wrote a great piece on the cardinals today with allusions to the gashouse gang. My cut and paste is not working....

mattnj

by mattnj on Apr 10, 2008 9:18 PM EDT   0 recs

Deja Vu all over again....

I have this recollection from last year that our pitching was ok through mid April, with most games being a quality start (once we got past that opening series with the mets). Although our ERA was awful as most of our losses were blowouts, wiith a lot of the runs coming against the bullpen (turning what were close games into lost causes). At the same time our hitters were horribly pathetic. I recall that we were last in the league in runs (51 in the first 21 games excluding 10 run Sundays) scored, doubles, triples and homeruns through mid May or June. I don't have the time to research the exacts figures but I remember with joy when we past the White Sox by and were not the worst in all of MLB in runs scored. ....

I bring this up now because , as Yogi would say "It's deja vu all over again." with the starting pitchers looking much better than expected, a lot of the runs and both of the losses coming from the bullpen. The difference this year is that we are averaging closer to 4.2 runs/game instead of 2.5 Of course we all recall that the pitching could not keep it up and by the time the batters remembered to take their bats with them to the plate we were always playing catch up.

So, are we headed for regression to the mean? or with Wells and Reyes out of the rotation and the hitters doing better (38 runs in 9 games) do we have reason to hope?

40th anniversary of Gibson's 1.12 ERA, Think he could pitch in the bullpen now?

by Podlol on Apr 10, 2008 9:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Despite all of that...

Take out the two major incidences of last season (Hancock and HGH) and we probably win the division anyway....This years team isn't coming off the WS championship hangover either....so I see no comparison.

mattnj

by mattnj on Apr 10, 2008 9:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wainwright

Is going to hit a triple tonight. Mark it in your calenders.

by El Hombre on Apr 10, 2008 9:25 PM EDT   0 recs

He hit his first HR

in this park, so anything is possible.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 9:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Lineups

Per gameday:

St. Louis:
Schumaker RF
Duncan LF
Pujols 1B
Ankiel CF
Glaus 3B
Molina C
Kennedy 2B
Wainwright P
Izturis SS

San Francisco:
Lewis LF
Rowand CF
Winn RF
Molina C
Durham 2B
Castillo 3B
Aurilia 1B
Bocock SS
Correia P

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Apr 10, 2008 9:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Where have you gone Brian Barton?

S. Schumaker rf
C. Duncan lf
A. Pujols 1b
R. Ankiel cf
T. Glaus 3b
Y. Molina c
A. Kennedy 2b
A. Wainwright p
C. Izturis ss

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 9:27 PM EDT   0 recs

waiting...

Until we go against a left hander?

by Evilfrog on Apr 10, 2008 9:47 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No!

They are waiting to put Barton in as a late inning defensive replacement.

by ridgesee on Apr 10, 2008 10:01 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll sprout wings and fly

before we see that. We'll see Uncle Rico as an OF defensive replacement before that happens.

I love the irony in that Barton was redhot hitting and gets yanked from the lineup, Skippy is streaking and he stays in. Tony and your favorites. You're so cute.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 10:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Grrr......

They should have Barton in the lineup everyday! Tony is an idiot not to......
And what was with Miles are SS last night? put Rico in there!

"Get your hands off me you damn dirty ape!" -RIP Charlton Heston

by Calhoun on Apr 10, 2008 10:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Everyone Wins?

I am hoping that TLR spreads playtime around for all the outfielders. It's not a bad thing if both Barton and Schu do well...

born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red

by totalloser on Apr 10, 2008 10:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd like to see Barton in there, but... we've been winning so... maybe TLR is waiting to use him as cavalry?

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 10, 2008 10:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Tonight's table-setters

are batting .292 ...combined.

"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon

by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 10:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Gameday's picture of the SF starter

shows that K-Fed is pitching for the Giants tonight. Who knew?

by tom s. on Apr 10, 2008 9:35 PM EDT   0 recs

Sorry man

Not seeing it.

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on Apr 10, 2008 9:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ah...

Yeah I don't see it either.

In the unlikely story that is Rick Ankiel, there has never been anything false about hope.

by drewsilv on Apr 10, 2008 9:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

though

I applaud any shot at K-Fed and any shot at Giants' pitching. It's all good.

In the unlikely story that is Rick Ankiel, there has never been anything false about hope.

by drewsilv on Apr 10, 2008 9:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ya know yer gettin' old...

when you look at the picture of the pitcher and think....

"Who in hell is 'K-Fed'????"

K-Rod I've heard of (he's hurt, anyway,) but I have no earthly idea what Kevin Federline (sp?) is famous for...

"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra

by The Ol Goaler on Apr 10, 2008 9:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I believe

He was married to Brittney Spears.

I don't think he was particularly famous for anything else. He was a makeup artist or backup dancer or something?

by stl tyler on Apr 10, 2008 9:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

a former backup dancer

and had a horrible solo album.

by hannah_in_va on Apr 10, 2008 9:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Come on...

Popozao was a great song. Gets me all wild when I hear it.

In the unlikely story that is Rick Ankiel, there has never been anything false about hope.

by drewsilv on Apr 10, 2008 10:01 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

You

Really didn't like that call?
"ohhhh yeaaaaa!"

It was awesome

In the unlikely story that is Rick Ankiel, there has never been anything false about hope.

by drewsilv on Apr 10, 2008 10:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wainwright

Should bat behind Glaus.

by stl tyler on Apr 10, 2008 9:35 PM EDT   0 recs

I agree

He is one of our best hitters in the lineup....

"Get your hands off me you damn dirty ape!" -RIP Charlton Heston

by Calhoun on Apr 10, 2008 10:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I could see that happening...

...in all honesty, I wouldn't be surprised if teams would consider intentionally walking the bat boy ahead of izturis if that were an actual possibility.

...basically.

by Epic on Apr 10, 2008 9:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I feel ya...

I have to get up at 5 in the morning...and while staying up until 1 watching the game sounds tempting, I don't think I'll be able to make it. I'm officially boycotting west coast trips, yo.

...basically.

by Epic on Apr 10, 2008 10:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah

this sucks, although its still my spring break, im going deep sea fishing tomorrow, so i have to wake up sometime in the 5 am time

ba;lkdhba;dlkgad;lkgh

i take your signatures and use them as away messages

by ihavebadknees on Apr 10, 2008 10:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

word.

well at least you have some cool reason to get up early. I just have to go to work and stare at blinking lights for 8 hours. FUN!

...basically.

by Epic on Apr 10, 2008 10:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

They replayed Dan's Ankiel HR call

like it was something to be proud of.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 10:02 PM EDT   0 recs

You...

Really didn't like that call?
"ohhhh yeaaaaa!"

It was awesome, in my opinion.

In the unlikely story that is Rick Ankiel, there has never been anything false about hope.

by drewsilv on Apr 10, 2008 10:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

any

spur of the moment, pure emotional call always works for me. I can't deal with the obviously pre-planned calls. That's why I love Gus Johnson.

In the unlikely story that is Rick Ankiel, there has never been anything false about hope.

by drewsilv on Apr 10, 2008 10:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I like Shannons calls!

Get up baby! get up! get up! home run!

"Get your hands off me you damn dirty ape!" -RIP Charlton Heston

by Calhoun on Apr 10, 2008 10:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Excitement is one thing

Orgasm is another.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 10:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I like orgasms.....

.....lol

"Get your hands off me you damn dirty ape!" -RIP Charlton Heston

by Calhoun on Apr 10, 2008 11:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Get the game going already!!!

I hate these LATE games but I cant miss it lol the way we are playing I need to relish every minute! lets it keep it going all the way to october!

"Get your hands off me you damn dirty ape!" -RIP Charlton Heston

by Calhoun on Apr 10, 2008 10:04 PM EDT   0 recs

horrible

criminal, i'd say

In the unlikely story that is Rick Ankiel, there has never been anything false about hope.

by drewsilv on Apr 10, 2008 10:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

im just mad bc i cant grow a full

and luscious beard

and im 25, terrible

i take your signatures and use them as away messages

by ihavebadknees on Apr 10, 2008 10:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

you and me both brother

i'm 25 and i cant grow a beard to save my life

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 10:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

one of my life's goals was to grow a mean goatee

i failed

i take your signatures and use them as away messages

by ihavebadknees on Apr 10, 2008 10:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I have a mean goatee

Got a Civil War goatee going it rocks!

"Get your hands off me you damn dirty ape!" -RIP Charlton Heston

by Calhoun on Apr 10, 2008 11:10 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

brightside...

you probably don't have to shave all that often...

"We don't have a chance without Anthony..." TLR on ARey's outing 04/08/08

by urgeernieball on Apr 10, 2008 10:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

you are correct sir

and shaving sucks

i take your signatures and use them as away messages

by ihavebadknees on Apr 10, 2008 10:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm 32 and I still have the same goatee from when I was 17

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 10, 2008 10:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I would look like an

Amish guy in October if I started my beard now lol

"Get your hands off me you damn dirty ape!" -RIP Charlton Heston

by Calhoun on Apr 10, 2008 10:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i love not seeing every pitch

its fun

i take your signatures and use them as away messages

by ihavebadknees on Apr 10, 2008 10:16 PM EDT   0 recs

nice D at short

damn

i take your signatures and use them as away messages

by ihavebadknees on Apr 10, 2008 10:17 PM EDT   0 recs

Man, I wish we had a fast

LF.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 10:17 PM EDT   0 recs

They already activated Pineiro?

Why?

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 10:17 PM EDT   0 recs