I as everyone already knows is a big Cards fan so this will likely be considered a homer thread and it very well may be. But I for one really like the Cards at +150 to win their series with Padres. Padres are probably the team with the best pitching in the NL but I believe Cards getting them now could be a blessing with being able to start Carpenter twice and Suppan and Weaver have both been throwing the ball well. Bullpen is biggest issue as during 7 game losing streak, Cards led or were tied in all 7 games in the 8th and 9th innings. Wainwright seems ready to step into to Izzy's role as Looper more comfortable as setup man. I think all the pressure is off the Cards as they are not the team to beat and under the radar with their struggles this year. They are getting healthy with Edmonds and Eckstein back and feel we have found some guys like Preston Wilson and Chris Duncan who have stepped up. Padres won season series vs Cards winning 4 of 6 but all 6 games were competitive. Peavy is pitching real well but Carpenter who was overused in 2 outings down the stretch will have full week's worth of rest with Larussa skipping him yesterday. The key will be for Cards to win 1 of the first 2 games in San Diego. I feel they will do no worse than split. We then will comeback to St. Louis and if Weaver continues to pitch well and they can win Game 3, I expect Larussa to move up Carpenter to try to clinch it at home with Suppan in Game 5. Marquis and Reyes will not pitch in this series. Trust me on this. Padres have played Cards twice in post season and not only have they not beaten Cards but have not won a game in post season vs Cards. Though I do expect that to change, I think Cards are actually mentally more prepared this year than in the past being pressured all year and especially down the stretch by Astros. The last 2 years in playoffs, Cards had no important games after the all star break. Another thing to look at is the teams that have won WS last couple of years. White Sox had big losing streak down stretch before winning it in last 3 days ly. Red Sox lost division to Yanks, and were down 3-0 before coming on to win. Marlins were not even considered threats for title or playoff stretch until late season run in late August and Sept beating up on Phils and then coming back from 3-1 to beat Cubs. Not saying any of this is going to happen as this is the worst Cards team in probably last 6 years but the best team doesn't always win. Cards have more post season experience of any of the NL teams in playoffs this season and think they step it up with new life. Don't be surprised if they make it back to the show.
Kojak, I am as biased as you the other way so take this with a grain of salt. These teams are night and day from the teams that met last yr. The Pads come in with confidence this year and expectations. They are not "happy to be here". We have the better starting pitching and bullpen. Other than Carpenter over Peavy, we will have the edge in starting pitching every game. Peavy is capable (but needs to show it) of matching Carpenter. Having Pujols hit a bomb last week to beat us was the best thing that could've happened. Bochy will learn from that. The city is pumped. We've never had home field EVER in the 1st rd of the playoffs (div. series). I don't like that everyone is picking us. The cards come in with no pressure and can let it hang out. HOWEVER, the Padres are the better and hotter team
Kojak,
Have to disagree with you here. Cardinals and Pads are two teams that are headed in opposite directions. Cardinals have looked dreadful over the final few weeks of the season, especially during the extended losing streak. They have suspect pitching after Carpenter and have bad relief pitching. No real closer. Pads on the other hand, have been clicking lately. They have been getting great starting pitching, especially with Peavy and Young, and have the best bullpen in the NL. I think Pads take this one in 4, possibly 5.
Have to disagree with you here. Cardinals and Pads are two teams that are headed in opposite directions. Cardinals have looked dreadful over the final few weeks of the season, especially during the extended losing streak. They have suspect pitching after Carpenter and have bad relief pitching. No real closer. Pads on the other hand, have been clicking lately. They have been getting great starting pitching, especially with Peavy and Young, and have the best bullpen in the NL. I think Pads take this one in 4, possibly 5.
whormoan,
I actually like the Padres. You are right on everything you say. I just have a gut feeling on this one. Suppan and Weaver have pitched well. They have had problems with bullpen and Marquis/Reyes. Padres will win a game in this series no doubt but the key game is #1. If Cards win it, it will take the Padres 5 to win it or they don't at all. People are blinded at record and what has happened last 2 weeks. They have been inconsistent all year but all of the streaks have conincided with injuries. Padres should be favored and if they win this series, I will bet them to win NL Pennant. But like I said, all the pressure is on Pads not Cards which is a definite good thing for Cards and their stars.
I actually like the Padres. You are right on everything you say. I just have a gut feeling on this one. Suppan and Weaver have pitched well. They have had problems with bullpen and Marquis/Reyes. Padres will win a game in this series no doubt but the key game is #1. If Cards win it, it will take the Padres 5 to win it or they don't at all. People are blinded at record and what has happened last 2 weeks. They have been inconsistent all year but all of the streaks have conincided with injuries. Padres should be favored and if they win this series, I will bet them to win NL Pennant. But like I said, all the pressure is on Pads not Cards which is a definite good thing for Cards and their stars.
Kojak:
It was good meeting you in person at the Bash. FWIW...LaRussa will manage circles around Bochy, Carpenter wins twice, and the Cards need just one "W" in the other 3 games. Peavy was better in Sept., but was erratic from previous campaigns. Cards got 9 hits and 6 ers in only outing vs ST.L. I look for the Cards to step up here. Tremendous value @ +145 with an experienced playoff squad IMO.
BOL
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It was good meeting you in person at the Bash. FWIW...LaRussa will manage circles around Bochy, Carpenter wins twice, and the Cards need just one "W" in the other 3 games. Peavy was better in Sept., but was erratic from previous campaigns. Cards got 9 hits and 6 ers in only outing vs ST.L. I look for the Cards to step up here. Tremendous value @ +145 with an experienced playoff squad IMO.
BOL
CF
TTinco....I hope I am not . LOL Great thing with baseball though is that you can get off series game by game so much easier to buffer. Game 1 is the key and Carp on 7 days rest which was his problem down stretch as Larussa threw him back to back games over 120 pitches is very important. I think Edmonds and Eck look like they are ready to contribute and don't underestimate Duncan. Cards have struggled vs lefty's not righty's. Love Pads pitching but in a short series, not as big a factor with 2 starts by Carp. Whether Pads win in 5 or they don't win it.
Chic's Fridge....Good meeting you as well. I hope we are right.
RandyRohm...Don't disagree 100% but Cards have not been as brutal offensively of late either.
Spreadbeater....Odds look to be against Cards but like the value and no my team. May not win series but value is there and like experience. BO
Chic's Fridge....Good meeting you as well. I hope we are right.
RandyRohm...Don't disagree 100% but Cards have not been as brutal offensively of late either.
Spreadbeater....Odds look to be against Cards but like the value and no my team. May not win series but value is there and like experience. BO
This Cards team sucks, plain and simple...they played a meanigful second half for the first time , and down the stretch they los almost every game...just don't see it happening..they are a very one dimensional team now...the offene isn't that good, Carpenter and Pujols can only take you so far...if they're still playing this time nevt week I will be surprised...in a short series though ya never know, if they lose game one it will be oververy quickly.
The NL is so weak though anything could happen so I see why there is some optimism.
When you're talking about Weaver in your big 3 you know you got trouble.
The NL is so weak though anything could happen so I see why there is some optimism.
When you're talking about Weaver in your big 3 you know you got trouble.
Went to the game vs A's when Liriano was scheduled to make his return. He pitched flawlessly for 2+ innings and experienced more elbow pain. Tough to see this youngster continually have arm problems. That was one of the reasons the Giants parted ways with him, in the deal that sent Pierzynski to the Giants. Hopefully, they can figure out what is wrong, maybe it is as simple as changing his throwing motion? I am a little skeptical about the Twins chances in this series with the A's.....the A's are good veteran baseball team (not as young as they once were) and with Haren on the hill Wed vs. Bonser I like their chances. If they happen to get 1 in the Mertodome I think they will finish off the Twins in 4. Send me a email and I will give you a ring sometime.
Weaver has never pitched up to potential but he has pitched pretty darn well last few starts. Duncan has this guy pitching pretty darn good. Too many people think about him in past. Has anyone actually been watching him pitch. He has been good for about 6 innings of 3 runs or less. That is good enough imo. He is like 5-4 or 6-4 since coming to STL and most of his poor starts were early on. Can we do better , the answer is yes but he has not been our problem. Neither has Suppan. It is Marquis and Reyes. It would not surprise me if Marquis never pitches another pitch for Cards. They would trust Reyes or even Brad Thompson before him.
