NCAA^® March Madness^® on Demand

BleacherReport.com's Joel Koch reporting-

"Oh, bye-bye, baby
The party's over,
I have gone away.
The party's over,
I have gone away.
The party's over,
I have gone away.
The party's over,
I have gone away.
Oo, the party's over,
I have gone away."

Journey's never said it better when it comes to the St. Louis Cardinals. The fight has been there, but the spark was blown out on Sunday afternoon. The Cardinals were swept by the Houston Astros, thereby ending their unpredicted run to the National League Central Division and Wild Card titles.

The Cardinals tried to keep pace, but July 31 was the turning point. Some might say it was that four game set between the Milwaukee Brewers and the aforementioned Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

The Brewers swept that series, pushing the Cardinals from one game up to three games back.

The Cardinals had every opportunity to win this shindig, but parity got the best of them.

It was the July 4th weekend when the Chicago Cubs rolled into town. The Cardinals were a mere two and a half games back of the Cubs in the Central standings. A Cardinals sweep would put the Cardinals in first place, a half game up on the Cubs.

It didn't go the way the Cardinals hoped. Thanks to a Rick Ankiel walk-off hit, the Cardinals managed just one win, pushing them to three and a half back.

The ship started sinking.

The Brewers roll into town, sweep a four game set and the Cardinals were suddenly in third place, trying to make that uphill climb.

The ship was close to being sunk.

The Non-Waiver July 31 Trade Deadline passed, and the Cardinals didn't make a single move to improve the ball club.

Tony La Russa and company were waiting for a plane to fly overhead, find them in their dingy, and save them.

The plane flew right overhead and didn't even bother to look down.

That dingy washed ashore in Houston, and the Cardinals were hoping that they could burn the Astros and use the smoke to signal a plane.

Yeah, that didn't go so well.

Ok, now if you've kept up with me, I applaud you. I kind of lost myself in that, but it was fun to write. Anyway, the Cardinals are looking forward to 2009 now. They are six and a half games back in the Wild Card of the Brewers (and a full game behind the Philadelphia Phillies), not to mention 11 games behind the Cubs. With a combined 15 Cardinal losses and Cub wins, the Cardinals will officially be out of the Central chase.

Yikes.

Let's see the real crime.

The Cardinals started the season with a 18-11 record, tying them with the Cubs for first place. Since the end of April, the Cardinals are 56-52. That's right, four games over .500. That's mediocre, and that's the problem.

As Bernie Miklasz pointed out in his recent article, the Cardinals are 52-51 since May 6, and, brace yourselves, 34-36 since June 12.

Yikes.

Maybe 2009 will be better? The Cardinals will be shedding $26 million after the season is over, so they'll have the money to go out and make a move. Excuses will be washed away. Let's see how the Cardinals handle this postseason.

Here's a news alert. I haven't seen this article that was pointed out yet, but according to "kyace" on the STLtoday Cards Talk (fan forums), the Yankees are wanting a left handed hitting outfielder and are willing to trade Robinson Cano and/or Phil Hughes to land the outfielder. The Cardinals could be dealing Rick Ankiel. Source

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Lohse was dominant through 6.2 innings of work Friday night against the Houston Astros' explosive lineup. That was when relative unknown David Newhan stepped into the batter's box. With his Astros' squad down 2-0 in the seventh inning and a man on base, Newhan took a Lohse offering over the fence to tie up the ballgame.

After that, the Astros' bullpen went to work. Not only was it their pitching, but the offense fed off of Newhan's bomb, with a walk-off home run from Lance Berkman to send the Cardinals into disarray.

I knew the Cardinals had extremely slim chances of winning the NL Wild Card over the Milwaukee Brewers, but after Friday, I'm finally ready to count the Cards out of the 2008 playoff race.

It was a pretty amazing season, especially considering that most experts predicted us to finish fifth within the NL Central division.

But now, with just less than 30 games remaining, the Cardinals are 4.5 games out of the Wild Card slot, virtually burying them under a bunch of Brew Crew rubble.

The Redbirds never could muster any offense against lefty Randy Wolf, who almost exclusively throws breaking balls that sweep more than most erratic brooms.

As FSN's Rick Horton said, "The Cardinals now need pitching to come in each and every night and throw seven to eight innings giving up just two runs or less."

That obviously won't happen every game, but it needs to for the Cardinals to have a chance to overtake the Brewers.

That being said, it's over for the Birds and Bats this year, bring on 2009!

The St. Louis Cardinals have had ten different players make their Major League debuts this season. That was the plan way back in March: see what the future holds. The only logical way to do that is to have the rookies play a big role in the team.

These rookies are known to Cardinals fans by their names: Jaime Garcia, Kyle McClellan, Mark Worrell, Chris Perez, Mike Parisi, Mitchell Boggs, Nick Stavinoha, Joe Mather, Brian Barton, and Rico Washington.

Of course, they’re also known by another name: the Memphis Mafia.

What this mafia has proven is that the Cardinals farm system is definitely improved and will soon be providing dividends for years to come.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the young players that will be making a name for themselves in the coming years. The way this will work, is I’ll name some players. Next to the players, I’ll put a year by their name, which is the year I guess they will make their debuts. There will also be a short description of the player.

Any player that has made their Major League debut in 2008 will not be included. And, there will be a special surprise at the end of the article.

Colby Rasmus OF 2008 (2009)

There can’t be an article on Cardinals prospects without this young man being included. Rasmus is the top prospect of the organization, and could make his debut with a September call-up. More than likely, he’ll open 2009 as a starting outfielder for the Cardinals.

Rasmus hits from the left side and is a superb defender. He hits for average and power (25 home run threat), plus he’ll steal about 15 bases a year.

Brett Wallace 3B 2010

Wallace was drafted this past June and is already at Double A Springfield. He certainly is on the fast track to the Majors. With his emergence in the system and his ability to play third base well, he has officially made Allen Craig and David Freese expandable.

Wallace hits for a very good average, for a lot of power (30 home run threat), and is an Albert Pujols type player when it comes to patience. He’ll get a ton of walks, while striking out little. The 2010 season looks like a reasonable time for him to arrive at The Show, given Troy Glaus’ pending free agency at the end of 2009.

Darryl Jones OF 2011

Jones is drawing rave reviews from everyone you talk to. Drafted out of high school in 2005, Jones never really found his stride. He was trying to get acclimated to professional life in 2005, and in 2006 he had a hamstring issue and was limited to 46 games.

In 2008, he has emerged as a top flight prospect. One, who I might add, have people wondering if in fact Rasmus is the Cardinals top prospect.

Jones has been compared to a left handed Rickey Henderson, with his above average power (10-15 home run threat) and blazing speed. Just how fast is he? He is rated as the fastest prospect the Cardinals have and is 23 out of 29 in steal attempts this season.

He currently is the left fielder for the Springfield Cardinals, but that could soon change. He’s looking at a 2011 debut due to several things. He’ll need to spend another half season at Springfield before moving up to Memphis. He could certainly see time in 2010, but 2011 is more likely due to seasoning he’ll need.

Jess Todd RHP 2010

Todd is one amazing talent. He was drafted in the second round of last year’s draft, and was thought to be a relief pitcher in the making. Well, we all know about those experts who predict anything with the Cardinals…

Todd was named an All-Star for the Palm Beach Cardinals, and then again with the Springfield Cardinals. That’s right, two All-Star selections at two levels in the same year. That’s almost unheard of. He also earned himself a Futures Game selection.

Spread apart three levels this season (High Class A, Class AA, and Class AAA), Todd has posted some amazing numbers. He is 8-5 with a 2.66 earned run average (ERA) in 27 games (23 starts). He has thrown 149 innings, while walking 38 versus 132 strikeouts. Now, those are numbers.

Did I mention he’s at Memphis right now at the age of 22? With his 2.41 ERA in three Class AAA starts, he’s looking more and more like a future ace in the making.

Clayton Mortenson RHP 2010

Mortenson has the best sinker you will see in your life. He is definitely going to be one of Dave Duncan’s favorite pitchers. Mortenson throws the sinker for strikes and gets the groundball outs.

The problem? He’s gone through the system a little too quickly. At 23, you would think he’s right about where he should be in a system, but he, like Todd, was drafted last year.

Mortenson will be an intriguing prospect. If he can turn it around in Spring Training this year, he’ll be one of the young guns you want to watch.

Nick Addition LHP 2011

Drafted out of high school in 2006, Addition is a Tom Glavine in the making…though no one expects him to be as good. Addition doesn’t throw hard at all. In fact, his fastball tops out at about 88 or 89 miles per hour (MPH).

How is he a top prospect? He has some of the nastiest off-speed stuff you will ever see. He changes speeds extremely well and keeps the batters off balanced with his curveball and changeup. He’ll be one of the prospects you have to watch and could be a break out candidate in 2009.

Jason Motte RHP 2008 (2009)

Motte is a converted catcher. He couldn’t hit a lick, but he was very good defensively. Now? He’s a can’t-miss relief prospect with a 97 MPH fastball. He also has a slider, though it is a work in process. He’s on the 40 man roster and could be added as a September call-up.

Mix Motte with Tyler Johnson and Perez in the back end of the bullpen, and the Cardinals won’t have to worry about the end of the game anymore. Johnson has one of the sickest sliders known to man, which will come in very handy. Throw Motte out there and his 97 MPH gas, he’ll keep the batters off balance. Switching from a slider to gas, and you can’t get your timing.

In comes Perez, and he’ll throw 97 MPH at you as well. Plus, he’ll throw his sick slider on you too. Talk about lights out. That has some true possibilities.

Jon Jay OF 2009

Jay is a real talent. Not only is he super quick on the base paths, he hits for above average power (10-15 home runs). He’ll hit over .300 and be a more than adequate leadoff man. Don’t be surprised if Jay has a breakout spring in 2009 and breaks camp with the big league team.

David Freese 3B 2009

Freese came over from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Jim Edmonds (bet the Padres really hate that trade now). He has hit 25 home runs already for the Memphis Redbirds and proves to be a viable power hitter in the Majors.

He’s good on the defense side of life and should be an above-average third baseman. Like I said earlier, Wallace has made Freese expandable. He’s too big to play second, so it should be interesting to see what the Cardinals do in the offseason with Freese.

Shaun Graceau RHP 2011

Graceau has a funky last name, but don’t let that fool you, he’s a good talent. He started year at Class A Quad Cities, and is going to finish the year at High Class A Palm Beach. He’s a right handed starter and looks to be a back end starter in his future. Don’t let this guy sleep on you, as he could be a prime candidate for a breakout season.

Pete Kozma SS 2011

Kozma started the year at Quad Cities and was bumped up to Palm Beach at the start of August. He hit .284 at Quad Cities and had good defense. He’s gotten off to a rocky start at Palm Beach, but if he finishes strong and has a good showing in Spring Training, he could start 2009 at Springfield.

Though Kozma was the first round pick of the Cardinals in 2007, he looks to be moving to second base in the future. It’s not that he can’t play short, don’t get the wrong idea. He’ll move because the Cardinals have some young shortstops in the Rookie League that look good and have high ceilings. Plus, his numbers look more second base like.

Lance Lynn RHP 2010

Lynn was a first round pick in 2008 (compensation round) and has proven to be a good pickup. So far, he is 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA in eight games (six starts). He has thrown 26 2/3 innings and has walked six, compared to, get this, 29 strikeouts. Yeah, he’s really that good.

Though he’s being stretched out as a starter, his best bet will probably be in the bullpen, as the Cardinals have a lot of good looking starters coming through the system. Another reason why he should go to the ‘pen is because he has very good stuff. He could be a very reliable setup man in the near future, or a #3 starter a year later.

Ok, now it’s time for that special treat I said I’d give you. The 2012 St. Louis Cardinals roster:

LF - Darryl Jones
SS - Tyler Greene
1B - Albert Pujols
3B – Brett Wallace
CF – Colby Rasmus
C – Yadier Molina
2B – Pete Kozma
RF – Jon Jay

Bench: C Bryan Anderson, OF Joe Mather, OF Shane Robinson, IF Brendan Ryan, INF Donovan Solano

SP – Adam Wainwright
SP – Kyle McClellan
SP – Jaime Garcia
SP – Jess Todd
SP – Clay Mortenson

LHP – Nick Addition
LHP – Tyler Johnson
RHP – Lance Lynn
RHP – Mark Worrell
RHP – Luis Perdomo
SU – Jason Motte
CL – Chris Perez

That looks pretty good, in my opinion. The 2008 season has been a good start on the long and winding road of rebuilding the farm system, but there’s still a long way to go. The 2009 season should be a better season than 2008 by a mile, and 2010 will be even better.

It’s been a long and difficult journey, but it’s paying off big time now. As you can see in my 2012 roster, it’ll be well worth it in a matter of a few years.

In the seventh inning, St. Louis Cardinals' TV announcer Al Hrabosky stated that the Redbirds had a season-high 20 hits. That was six hits too early as the Cardinals ripped Atlanta Braves' pitching for 18 runs for a monstrous victory. The 26 hits are the most hits in a game since 1930.

The underlying story of this game, however, was Cardinals' ace Adam Wainwright's return to the mound after a two-month DL stint. Wainwright looked spectacular through six innings, his lone blemish, a home run to Greg Horton.

Not to mention, Wainwright came to Busch Stadium with a strong bat, pounding out 3 hits in the process.

The most obscure part of the game was that 18 runs and 26 hits were compiled, none coming via the longball. The Redbirds thrashed the Braves with 21 singles, and catcher Yadier Molina claimed four of those.

First baseman Albert Pujols was one of the many Cardinals with several hits, going 3-for-3, improving his batting average to .353 and his RBI total to 82 on the season.

Every starter in the Cardinals lineup had at least two hits, and reliever Joel Pineiro even got into the act with a ground-rule double.

Postgame comments by Tony La Russa surrounded the topic of Wainwright's return, but he couldn't deny talking about the offensive production.

With the Milwaukee Brewers winning tonight, it was nice to get a victory to keep pace with the Brew Crew in the NL Wild Card race.

BleacherReport.com's Peter Laclede reporting-

Well here they sit. The real dog days of summer are here. The Cardinals are winning, yet they appear to still be slipping in the NL Central Standings.

It becomes a simple question of realism. Do the Cardinals have what it takes?

Yes. They do. But unfortunately for them, the question is no longer can they do it, but can the rest of the NL slide?

Right now it doesn't look promising.

The Brewers reverted to old form, fighting in the clubhouse and collapsing. Yet, they somehow have overcome those things and kept on winning. Their new ace in C.C. Sabathia has been more lights out then even the Brewers could have hoped for. Undefeated since the trade for him? That is out of sight.

The Cubs have done nothing but win recently. With one of the most potent offenses in Major League Baseball and a pitching staff not expected to last more than 6 innings a night, the Cubs have been everything their fans have been raving about for the last 100 years.

So, what do the Cardinals have going right for them right now? Ryan Ludwick, Braden Looper, and a few other constants. However, the problems seem to be, again, mounting in opposition to the Cards getting back on track.

Chris Carpenter, in trouble again.

Izzy, most likely out for the season.

Lohse, sliding, now being suspended by Major League Baseball for a pretty iffy call.

Are the odds stacked up too high against them? No. Anyone who has ever watched a club managed by Tony LaRussa knows that he never says die. However, he needs another team to say die. The Cubs, honestly, have a very little chance of slipping.

They are simply too potent. Their only chance is the Brew Crew collapsing. With the recent performances of that pitching staff, and the surprising ability to keep on, they seem to be poised to take the wild card.

Fortunately for the Cards, there is a lot of baseball left. Again, for a team expected to be a solid fourth in the division, it's been a good one. But with the potential of this team turned out for seemingly nothing, every fan will be disappointed with anything less than the playoffs.

The Cubs will not fade, but with any luck the Cards will again find their place, and make up the three game difference quickly. They can do it, the question is, will the others fail to help them out?

October would be a lot more fun if they do.

On June 7, 2008, Adam Wainwright experienced what looked to be a very minor injury to his right middle finger.

Now, on August 21, 2008, Wainwright is preparing to start his first ball game since hitting the DL more than two months ago.

As the St. Louis Cardinals ace, Wainwright compiled a 6-3 record with a 3.14 ERA, which was best in the corps of starters at the time of his injury.

What should we expect from the big righty? According to manager Tony La Russa, quite frankly, not too much.

The Redbirds have slotted Joel Pineiro to take the back part of the game from Wainwright, who is only expected to toss a few innings.

It would be awfully nice to see Wainwright put together some solid innings, especially against the team he used to play for, the Atlanta Braves.

His 6-3 record doesn't exactly speak the whole truth about his year. He has gone 8+ innings in four starts this year, not to mention five more starts of at least seven innings.

Cardinals fan should definitely be excited, especially if the Birds can start winning games and get some help from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Right now, it's pretty reasonable to say that the Cardinals are out of reach in the NL Central race, as they are currently 7.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs.

That being said, the Redbirds are only 2.5 games out of the NL Wild Card race, and definitely have a legitimate chance at beating out the Brewers if they can put some wins together down the stretch.

While Wainwright isn't a certain win every time out, it's as close as the Cardinals have right now.