Now that’s embarrassing.  After a little more thought I came up with Rick Ankiel.  I remember the hitting, but also walking the bases loaded, then striking out the side, now that was good fun.  I started thinking even deeper and came up with the names Alan Benes, Bud Smith (I know) and Jose Jimenez.  Not exactly an overwhelming list.

I’m going to give the subject an in-depth review one weekend, but until I do, who did I miss?  Please comment and let me know.

And because I can’t resist – fun from last nights game courtesy of Twitter.com/JohnMarecek:

Time to think twice about running onto the field…but then again, it was Philly…

With Holliday back in the fold, the cards are going to give Freese first shot at third.  I could care less about the off season mistakes (to a point), I just want to see what the kid can do on the field.  I think there’s sneaky good defense and 15-20 homers if things go well.  If they don’t, then the man stick Allen Craig might be an option, but questions about his defense abound.

Enter Tyler Greene, who recently noted the third base job was open and he wanted in.  He doesn’t have Freese-like numbers in AAA, but they aren’t as bad as you think.  2009 saw a .291 avg., 15 homers and 30, yes 30 stolen bases in 336 at bats.  That should put the former first round pick on your radar.  Here’s what I like even more, if you look at his stats, they get better as he faces better competition.

Greene will be 26 this year, so he’s getting a little old to be a prospect, but it wouldn’t be there first time the light went on after a few years.

I keep hearing he’s going to end up a utility player, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s more there?  Time will tell, but he’s one player I’m going to keep an eye on this spring.

Clark

No word on any additional Holliday shopping, pardon the pun, at the moment.

Clark

The rumored contract to land Holliday is apparently 7 years, 17-20 million.  YIKES.

I for one am always impressed with the Scott Boras machine and it’s publicity team.  The world series isn’t over and he’s already driving up the price.  Now this could be a ploy to drive up the price and make the Cardinals do something silly before big M hits free agency, but  I doubt it, Boras will want everyone in on the fun when it’s time.

So good luck Matt, and should you leave, I’d make one more request of Citi Field, make sure they also adjust the lights…

Clark

With Carp, Waino and Lohse ready to go next year, there are going to be two spots to fill and chances are Duncan magic will be needed.  Personally, I’m hoping the rotation rounds out with Smoltz and Jamie Garcia, but Hawksworth announced his presence with authority (it’s a good day when I can make a Nook LaLoosh reference) and there’s always McClellan.

St. Louis Cardinals’ Dave Duncan says he’ll return if Tony La Russa does

Clark

This isn’t the 2006 season that was a dog fight just to make the playoffs, no need for late inning herorics from players with red facial hair that shall not be named.  No, this year, as long as the club plays hard and works, we should see a well rested, but sharp group hit the playoffs.

Just how good is LaRussa?  He’s knows when to push, when to chill, he just knows managing.  While there will always be a special place in all our hearts for the great white rat, will there be enough room for LaRussa?  There is in this Cardinal fans – I’m just hoping he gets his just due at the end of his career in STL.  And while I’d like to see what the secret weapon can do as the skipper, I’m in no hurry.

My only complaint would be not seeing a few prospects get a little more salt at the major league level.  Jamie Garcia intrigues me, a lot.  Craig and Freese are smoking the ball in AAA and one wonders where they fit in the plans.  I’d like to see DeRosa back, but will a Holliday signing prohibit that?  I understand why these players aren’t here, one can dream right?  I mean after the second half of this season, what can’t this organization, it’s manager/coaches and it’s players do?

For the first time in a few years, I get to wonder about the pending playoff run while kicking the tires as to what might happen next year with the birds.  You know what, it’s a great feeling!

Best,

Clark

This weekend in Philly was just a little blip and one could hope for another relief pitcher and or starter, but in the end, the proper moves were made to shore up the Cardinal lineup in the up for grabs NL Central.  I know the Cubs are hot, but look at who they played over this span.  Factor in another Milton Bradley melt down and the loss of deep pockets in ownership and you simply have to wonder how long it lasts.  Houston is doing their annual running of the ’stros, but one has to wonder how long that’s going to last.  I just don’t see the depth in the rotation.  The Brewers have their share of problems and it will be interesting to see what kind of impact move, if any, they’re able to make at the deadline, which could change the face of the race for any of the teams in the Central, save the Pirates (who I hope are getting good return for the players their dealing).

And speaking of the MLB trade deadline, I must personally thank Mo and Mr. DeWitt for not putting me through the agony of this week, wondering what, if any help will come.  I’m curious to see where Glaus ends up and if another arm or two can come our way, but in the end, I’m one happy camper who’s not going to be glued to Twitter seeing what may or may not happen.  This is the way to do it folks!

So what’s next?  The players, fan base and media are all excited about the recent moves and rightly so.  Now it’s in Tony and the players hands to deliver.  I’ll be content with the rest of the season as long as the boys play hard.  Don’t get me wrong, I want a return to post season play, but what will be, will be.  I’m just excited about the prospect of good pitching, hitting and a return to post season.

Clark

PS – I simply must wish Chris Duncan the best as he gets a much needed fresh start in a great AL organization.  There’s no denying that he struggled this year, but Chris was a character guy that I truly hope is able to regain that fun power stroke that made him so much fun to watch.  No one should forget the first two months of 2006, because he did help carry this team and was a key part of that World Series win.  It’s one thing to criticize a player for under performing, it’s another to bring the hate he faced because his dad was the hitting coach.  In the end, this move is the best for Chris and I hope he’s able to relax and get back to crushing the ball and prove that his shoulder is no longer an issue.

I’m am very pleased Yadi is getting his due by starting the game – he should be a fixture in the spot for years to come – but youngsters Soto and Posey may push him with gaudy offensive numbers down the line.  I’m just hoping we get to see Yadi nail some unsuspecting player off first base during the game, would that be cool or what?

The addition of Franklin and his microscopic ERA was also nice to see.  He’s been lights out this year and deserved the spot with the game being played in front of the home town crowd.  One could argue Carpenter belongs, but he was hurt and it is what it is.

I’m also very much interested in the futures game this year, should be good fun and will highlight some home grown talent I can’t wait to see.  The home run derby should also be fun, wonder if anyone is going to hit it out of the park!  The game itself should be a fun exhibition – make no mistake folks, that’s all it is.  I’m not going to rant about it deciding the home team of the world series because enough folks already are, but I’d be remiss not to mention it.

We still have a week and some very important games in Milwaukee, but all in all, I’m just looking forward to the week and hope the rest does DeRosa and the others good.

Clark

To be honest, I’d like to see if Holliday can recapture his magic here, but the Coors Field label is looming large and I know Moneyballs stated he wants a better package than what he gave Colorado.  Enjoy the draft picks my friend.

Mo gave the following comments on the deal in today’s Joe Strauss article.  “There are times when you have to react to situations that are now,” Mozeliak said before the Cardinals took the field for a 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins. “There are other times when you can have vision and look to long-term planning. One of the things that I get beat up a lot for, and the organization does, is that we fail to make shorter-term decisions. From where I stand, it’s a great message to our fans and to our major league players that we do care about today and we are focused on winning.”

Hey Mo, it’s better than great, it’s one hell of a message that was received loud and clear.  This also speaks to ownership’s dedication to the team.  This move wasn’t made to quell the tide is dissent in redbird land.  They’re proven they have a plan and will stick to it regardless of what anyone else thinks.  No, this move was made to help a team with a chance to win.  Making a move this early may have cost more, but it was needed.  Read the Strauss article to see the player and manager responses, they’re sad to see Perez go, but are happy to see an impact move.  As Pujols put it, “I guess we’re trying to win.”

How do I feel about Perez going?  I guess indifferent.  This team has a lot of depth in that area and while he will probably have a great career, I was troubled by his slider, or lack there of.  You also have to consider the job Ryan Franklin is doing.  Since Izzy’s shadow is no longer cast over him, he’s been incredible and should be able to handle the job for the next couple years while Tony and Dunc groom Motte.  You also have to consider the Cardinals recent second and third round draft choices, power arms with high risk/reward potential.  Just one hits and you already have the next Perez in your organization.

What does the future hold for this team?  I don’t know, but the outfielders are going to have to pick up their game to put this team over the top.  Mo can’t trade and replace the entire outfield.  Mo did hint more moves may come closer to the deadline, depending on the team’s performance.  K. Greene apparently had a relapse, so it seems if the outfielders can get going with DeRosa taking some of the burden off their shoulder then he can slide into third.  The dark house here is Glaus.  Apparently he’s hitting, but doesn’t have arm strength, so it will be interesting to watch, but not likely.  Lohse will be returning, so that will help the rotation who’s only question mark at the moment will be Wellemeyer.

Things are starting to come together for a typical LaRussa second half sprint.  Regardless of what happens, my hat is off to Mo and ownership for stepping up and reinforcing their commitment to this team and its fans.  While they don’t always do what’s popular, they do what’s needed.  Last year the team over performed while Mo and ownership were trying to build assets.  This year, they’re trying to meet the demands of a baseball crazy market while maintaining a long term approach to winning in a sport that clearly needs a salary cap.  Again, job well done.

“Including rookie center fielder Colby Rasmus, the outfielders’ two-for-40 performance during the recent four-game series against the New York Mets underscored the need for what a club source described as “a jolt.”

Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., who opposed the November deal for Holliday, is apparently on board with assuming the remainder of Holliday’s $13.5 million salary.”

Let’s see what happens…