St. Louis Cardinals 2022

#927      
Love the production from the bottom of the lineup tonight (all 4 rbis from 6-8 hitters).

Maybe it's just me or maybe it's the fact that it's happened twice now recently, but I hate ending the game on a challenge. I believe in football and basketball, after a certain point in the game coaches can't challenge anymore. I'm sure my attitude would be different if a ninth inning challenge helped the cards, but it's just a clunky way to end a game.
 
#928      
Maybe it's just me or maybe it's the fact that it's happened twice now recently, but I hate ending the game on a challenge. I believe in football and basketball, after a certain point in the game coaches can't challenge anymore. I'm sure my attitude would be different if a ninth inning challenge helped the cards, but it's just a clunky way to end a game.

Boone's challenge tonight at least made sense given the situation and the score. I don't get why Ross did his last night considering there was a slim chance the Cubs would come back in that one. Though it was rather funny hearing Danny Mac and Brad Thompson oversell their end of game call.
 
#929      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Rick Hummel
The Cardinals’ Paul DeJong, who had fanned in two of his first three plate appearances Friday night, was allowed to stay in to face hard-throwing New York Yankees reliever Clay Holmes with two on and two out in the eighth inning of a game the Cardinals trailed by one run.
Holmes had held right-handed batters to a .159 average this season and left-handed-batting Brendan Donovan was available. But manager Oliver Marmol stayed with DeLong, who lined a double into the right-field corner to score Arenado and Tyler O’Neill to provide the margin in a 4-3 victory in which the Cardinals had just five hits.
Arenado had beaten out an infield hit and O’Neill had walked ahead of DeJong’s game-deciding hit.

The Yankees hardly resembled the team which, at 185 homers, had 23 more than the second-place team, before Friday. They had two doubles among their 10 hits, which included two bloop singles by home-run-leader Aaron Judge and another dribbler by Isiah Kiner-Falefa that traveled about 100 feet. But what the Yankees also did was steal second unmolested in the form of Judge, and got a productive groundout by Matt Carpenter, who had also had two singles to key scoring innings.
Neither team, in fact, had a home run with the Yankees’ streak being stopped at 19 games and the Cardinals’ at 13. Those two streaks represented the longest active streaks in the majors.
Of note for the Cardinals were three pitching performances. Dakota Hudson, though he allowed some soft hits, lasted only four innings and 78 pitches, being charged with three runs. His relief, Andre Pallante, threw four scoreless innings to gain the win, preserved y Ryan Helsley.
 
#930      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol showed confidence in shortstop Paul DeJong Friday night, letting him hit against New York Yankees relief ace Clay Holmes in the eighth inning of a game the Cardinals trailed 3-2. There were two on and two out when DeJong, who had fanned twice and walked in three plate appearances, doubled to score the tying and go-ahead runs in a 4-3 victory over the Yankees, who should have rued the many chances they had to put the game away earlier.
The Yankees basically kept the Cardinals around until the local nine seized control. “They could have been ahead, like 7-1,” said one Cardinal.
Marmol would like to show the same confidence in starter Dakota Hudson, who again lapsed into a slow pace even though he didn’t pitch terribly. There were several soft hits off Hudson, who lasted just four innings officially. There were only three runs, but the leadoff man reached base in four of the five innings Hudson started.

“It feels worse because of the tempo,” said Marmol. “You sit there and you watch him, and to be completely honest, it’s just slow. It makes it look a lot worse than it is.

"He has the ability to play with fire and figure out a way out of it often. But is it sustainable? That’s the question. We are asking ourselves as well.
 
#931      
Boone's challenge tonight at least made sense given the situation and the score. I don't get why Ross did his last night considering there was a slim chance the Cubs would come back in that one. Though it was rather funny hearing Danny Mac and Brad Thompson oversell their end of game call.
With Helsley on the mound, there was a slim chance the Yankees would come back too 😉
 
#934      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
Great 1-0 win by the Cardinals
Good debut by Montgomery
Great job by the bullpen
Arenado with a top ten defensive gem
Largest crowd in Busch 3 history
Go Cardinals !!!!
 
#936      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Derrick Goold
If the Cardinals saw this weekend series against the New York Yankees — a surefire blockbuster at the gate — as a stage to see how they measure against one of the best teams in baseball, they got a perfect indicator Saturday.
In front of the largest audience, it saw a flawless performance to win.
The Cardinals’ Most Valuable Duo, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, combined to generate one run in the first inning, and that was it. The Cardinals vacuum-sealed it from there. With a mix of stellar defense, a variety of relief pitching, the Cardinals built on Jordan Montgomery’s debut for a 1-0 victory Saturday night at Busch Stadium. The win, which clinched the interleague series for the Cardinals against the 70-win Yankees, vaulted the Cardinals into first place and came in front of the largest crowd ever at Busch III.

At 48,581, the packed house, many of whom got Joe Torre bobbleheads, surpassed the 2019 Mother’s Day crowd that had set the previous high.

After Goldschmidt’s two out double against Yankees pitcher Domingo German, Arenado followed with a 10-pitch at-bat and an RBI single. He punctuated it with a fist pump. That brought an end to the evening’s scoring and turned the game over to the Cardinals’ pitching and defense. The latter has been the golden backbone of the team for more than a year. The former just got an upgrade. Montgomery provided five scoreless innings in his first start since being traded to the Cardinals from the Yankees. The bullpen followed with four more scoreless innings, ultimately bringing the game to former closer Giovanny Gallegos.

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Awesome game by the Cardinals.........................Hope all Montgomery has is leg cramps and get's proper hydration...................He was a little shaky in the 1st inning but settled down and pitched to his strength's from the 2nd through the 5th inning...................

Arenado with a defensive gem and Lars Nootbar with a sliding catch in right field showed the Cardinals prowess defensively.........

Looks like , after the 2 new lefties first starts with the Redbirds that we really did improve the team without depleting the current ML roster and saving our best prospects.........That's a winner for this game and also for the trade deadline moves................

JMHO
 
#937      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Derrick Goold
The Cardinals believe there is enough time remaining on the schedule to have Jack Flaherty return as a starter because of what he could provide in that role if their season goes as long as they hope.
A day removed from an intensive bullpen to simulate two innings out near his home in Los Angeles, Flaherty returned to St. Louis on Saturday and will meet officials Sunday to determine how soon he can begin a rehab assignment. The right-hander, sidelined twice this season by shoulder trouble, will throw a bullpen session at Busch Stadium in front of coaches so they can make a call on his readiness to face hitters.
That’s when the countdown to a return will start.

The role is waiting.
“If he can give us the last month as a starter and then October, the playoffs, that’s what we would like,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “We will see how he comes out of this rehab process. But we’re encouraged. We’re definitely encouraged.”
After missing spring training with bursitis, Flaherty worked to regain the mechanics that did not put a strain on his shoulder. He returned from his rehab assignment one start earlier than initially planned — and that return lasted three starts before soreness returned. In three games, Flaherty had a 5.63 ERA and more walks (nine) than strikeouts (six) in eight innings. Placed on the injured list after a June 26 start, Flaherty was later moved to the 60-day IL. The earliest he can return is Aug. 26.
 
#938      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Daniel Guerrero
Much of 19-year-old pitching prospect Tink Hence’s 2021 season was spent learning and waiting. Hence, a former second-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2020 draft, was limited to eight games and eight innings of rookie ball when he made his professional debut a year ago.
Now, two years after the Cardinals took him with the 63rd overall pick in 2020, Hence is getting a sample of the workload pitching prospects see at the lower minor-league levels.
"I wasn't really used to (the workload),” said Hence who has made 10 starts and pitched 35 innings with Class Low-A Palm Beach this season. “My body was still kind of getting used to it, but as the season has been progressing, even with just my recovery, I've been feeling stronger, recovering quicker than I usually have so it's just great.”

Hence made his Palm Beach debut on May 19 when he threw three innings and allowed one run in his start against Bradenton. Since then, the righty sports a 1.03 ERA, notched 59 strikeouts and is limiting hitters to a .147 average.
Hence’s threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings and flashed a 98-mph sinker in his most recent outing as he limited Jupiter to three hits, no walks and struck out six in a 7-4 win on Wednesday.

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Heard his name mentioned in some trade deadline scenarios about Soto and thought this was a good article to share with everyone ........Everything in the article lends hope that the Cardinals have an ace in waiting thats only 19 years old......I like it .................I really really do..................
 
#939      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Derrick Goold
There are many in the overflow crowd at Busch Stadium and some in the clubhouses below those packed stands that would say the pitch that shaped the game’s outcome was a slider in the ninth inning that hugged the inside edge.
But not one of them called that pitch.
Yadier Molina, the Cardinals’ catcher who spun a wobbly 3-0 count into a decisive out, felt the next pitch, an elevated fastball, gave Giovanny Gallegos control of the moment and the Cardinals a 1-0 victory against the Yankees on Saturday night. With one out and a one-run lead in the ninth, Gallegos spiked two fastballs and let a slider drift to fall behind 3-0 to former MVP Josh Donaldson. He slipped a slider by Donaldson for the at-bat’s strike, and then came the pitch that “for me, set everything up,” Molina said.

Gallegos stuffed a 95-mph fastball into the upper reaches of the zone. Donaldson gave chase for strike 2 and gave away where he was looking. Molina sensed Donaldson hunted a slider in that same location – and he did not want Gallegos to try the slider for a strike. Molina got the right-hander’s attention, pointed to his eyes, and then called for the full-count pitch.
He dared to go with a fastball, low, but in the strike zone.
He dared to trust Gallegos, who missed on two previous low fastballs, to make this one.
He dared to get beat on his best bet.
Donaldson froze, took it for a strike 3.

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Many on the STLtoday forums and even here have bemoaned Yadi's lack of production at the plate and it is concerning , but as this article describes the events last night , Yadi brings so much confidence and savvy to the team......We will miss his leadership when he retires and I am going to really enjoy the remainder of this season and applaud Yadi for everything he has done wearing the Birds on the Bat for 19 seasons.........I really really am................
 
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#940      

Derrick Goold
There are many in the overflow crowd at Busch Stadium and some in the clubhouses below those packed stands that would say the pitch that shaped the game’s outcome was a slider in the ninth inning that hugged the inside edge.
But not one of them called that pitch.
Yadier Molina, the Cardinals’ catcher who spun a wobbly 3-0 count into a decisive out, felt the next pitch, an elevated fastball, gave Giovanny Gallegos control of the moment and the Cardinals a 1-0 victory against the Yankees on Saturday night. With one out and a one-run lead in the ninth, Gallegos spiked two fastballs and let a slider drift to fall behind 3-0 to former MVP Josh Donaldson. He slipped a slider by Donaldson for the at-bat’s strike, and then came the pitch that “for me, set everything up,” Molina said.

Gallegos stuffed a 95-mph fastball into the upper reaches of the zone. Donaldson gave chase for strike 2 and gave away where he was looking. Molina sensed Donaldson hunted a slider in that same location – and he did not want Gallegos to try the slider for a strike. Molina got the right-hander’s attention, pointed to his eyes, and then called for the full-count pitch.
He dared to go with a fastball, low, but in the strike zone.
He dared to trust Gallegos, who missed on two previous low fastballs, to make this one.
He dared to get beat on his best bet.
Donaldson froze, took it for a strike 3.

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Many on the STLtoday forums and even here have bemoaned Yadi's lack of production at the plate and it is concerning , but as this article describes the events last night , Yadi brings so much confidence and savvy to the team......We will miss his leadership when he retires and I am going to really enjoy the remainder of this season and applaud Yadi for everything he has done wearing the Birds on the Bat for 19 seasons.........I really really am................
It's been said for 19 years that Yadi doesn't need to hit in order to bring value to the team. It was proven last night. Pitchers pitch better with Yadi behind the plate and it's not because he is so good at dragging the ball back into the strike zone although that helps. It's his cerebral approach. Getting inside the batter's head and out thinking him.
 
#941      

Derrick Goold
The Cardinals believe there is enough time remaining on the schedule to have Jack Flaherty return as a starter because of what he could provide in that role if their season goes as long as they hope.
A day removed from an intensive bullpen to simulate two innings out near his home in Los Angeles, Flaherty returned to St. Louis on Saturday and will meet officials Sunday to determine how soon he can begin a rehab assignment. The right-hander, sidelined twice this season by shoulder trouble, will throw a bullpen session at Busch Stadium in front of coaches so they can make a call on his readiness to face hitters.
That’s when the countdown to a return will start.

The role is waiting.
“If he can give us the last month as a starter and then October, the playoffs, that’s what we would like,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “We will see how he comes out of this rehab process. But we’re encouraged. We’re definitely encouraged.”
After missing spring training with bursitis, Flaherty worked to regain the mechanics that did not put a strain on his shoulder. He returned from his rehab assignment one start earlier than initially planned — and that return lasted three starts before soreness returned. In three games, Flaherty had a 5.63 ERA and more walks (nine) than strikeouts (six) in eight innings. Placed on the injured list after a June 26 start, Flaherty was later moved to the 60-day IL. The earliest he can return is Aug. 26.
If Jack returns next month as a starter I am not sure how stretched out he will be. I would think it takes more than 30 days to get up to 5-6 innings. While Hudson has struggled as a starter he would seem to be the better option. Who knows.
 
#944      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
How do some of these home plate umpires miss obvious strike calls? Cost the Cardinals 2 runs.
IMO , this is the worst year of missed calls ever....................It's hard to judge the umps before the strike zone rectangle showing up on the screen , but I 100 % agree that some of these missed calls are unbelievable.....................................
 
#947      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
Been a great week for the Cardinals , sweeping the cubbies and Yankees and the Redbirds are on a 6 game winning streak at the right time in the season......

I think the brewers also lost so if true that means the Cardinals are in first place with a 2 game lead..............Off tomorrow and travels to denver to face the Rockies in a 3 game series............

Lots of highlights today with Arenado and Paul DeJong each with 3 run home runs............

Go Cardinals.................
 
#948      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Rick Hummel
Avery good home stand turned into a great one Sunday as the Cardinals rallied from three deficits in the first five innings and outlasted the New York Yankees 12-9 at Busch Stadium to complete not only their first three-game sweep of the Yankees but they also swept the six-game home stand, which began against the Chicago Cubs.
The Cardinals raised their season-high winning streak to seven games as the Yankees lost their fifth successive game and dropped a three-game series for the first time this year.
The only other time in their histories that the Cardinals had won three games in succession from the Yankees in the same year came in the 1942 World Series when the Cardinals won the final four games after losing the first game.

Adam Wainwright needed 111 pitches to navigate four innings but the bullpen, covering the final 15 outs, enabled the Cardinals to rise 12 games above the break-even mark at 60-48, which constitutes two-thirds of a season. Jordan Hicks got four of those outs and, with a perfect seventh, was the only pitcher to set down the side in order in the game at that point. Ryan Helsley got the final four outs to record his 11th save and second in this series.
 
#949      
Been a great week for the Cardinals , sweeping the cubbies and Yankees and the Redbirds are on a 6 game winning streak at the right time in the season......

I think the brewers also lost so if true that means the Cardinals are in first place with a 2 game lead..............Off tomorrow and travels to denver to face the Rockies in a 3 game series............

Lots of highlights today with Arenado and Paul DeJong each with 3 run home runs............

Go Cardinals.................
7 game win streak
 
#950      
Been a great week for the Cardinals , sweeping the cubbies and Yankees and the Redbirds are on a 6 game winning streak at the right time in the season......

I think the brewers also lost so if true that means the Cardinals are in first place with a 2 game lead..............Off tomorrow and travels to denver to face the Rockies in a 3 game series............

Lots of highlights today with Arenado and Paul DeJong each with 3 run home runs............

Go Cardinals.................
Sweeping the Yankees. I never would have expected it.