Well, the team played well in Chicago, only to get their hats handed to them by the Mets. I won’t go into the particulars except to say that I think Mulder is (effectively) done for the year, Marquis will never be the starter the team needs, and his stuff suggests; Weaver is a flake, but I still like his stuff, and Suppan can be my number 4 or 5 starter any day.
So for next season, I’d re-sign Suppan and Weaver, and jettison Mulder and Marquis. Someone will over-pay for those two, and it better not be the Cardinals. If there’s some kind of magical resurrection potion M&M drink that makes them world-beaters the next month, fine…I’m all in. I just don’t see it happening. Bring Reyes and Wainwright into the rotation…or sign a top-notch starter, and leave AW in the pen. Something like that. I’d like to think WJ can make a run at Barry Zito, but the ownership is already balking at upping the payroll next year. Of course, they’re claiming they’re at about $95M this season, when most projections show $86M, probably without incentives. Where does the truth lie? Ask Mulder. No, the other one.

Suppan was nails last night, despite the mis-adventures of young Mr. Duncan in left field. If he’s anywhere close to that kind of performance 2 out of every 3 starts, he’s worth keeping around. That being said, the team was lucky to win last night. 15 LOB. Are you kidding me?? Jimmy left 7 on himself, while striking out 4 times. I will say that the Cubbies didn’t give him a good pitch to hit, so he had to take some chances…and one of those SO’s should’ve been a walk…so I’m not down on Jimmy. I still think he’ll come around. Not to the extent that I projected, but post-concussion syndrome will impact anyone’s numbers…and I was probably being a tad unrealistic in my analysis.

Anyway, back to the current…I’m predicting an 8-1 homestand by the good guys, and a 4-game lead in the standings by the end of the homestand. Certainly, anything less than 7-2 would be a dissapointment of the highest order. The Cardinals are now back in 1st place after last night, thanks to their win and the help of an ex-Cardinal.

I prefer to look at this picture, than think of the managing train wreck that just occurred. Sheesh.

Walking Cedeno and loading the bases to get to Nevin for a DP to end the inning…I understand.

Pinch-hitting Juan-Enc for your hottest hitter, I don’t. And not only that, but Juan doesn’t stay in the game. Timo P. ends up playing right field.

I agree with a lot of folks over at Viva El Birdos. This one is squarely on TLR. He blew this game, not the team. Hopefully he’ll own up to it…for what it’s worth, and that’s actually very little.

On the good side, the Cardinals are one Carpenter start away from a series win. Of course, they could’ve beaten the Cubs best pitcher today and had a chance at a sweep. So much for the broom.

As Bluto said to Flounder, “My advice to you is to start drinking heavily.”

As Otter said to Flounder (cleaned up for MLBlogs), “Face it, you screwed up! You trusted us!” That’s what TLR should be saying to the team right about now. And to the fans.

On the whole, I’d rather be in Philadelphia. Scratch that, make it San Diego.

and 1 win out of those 2. Well, to break an 8-game losing streak, I’ll take it. Pretty well pitched by both teams, and the Cardinals offense did just enough to get the win.
Anthony started out well, and then left one out over the plate which Gee-off Jenkins managed not to hit fowl by about 3 inches. That, and the Misadventures of the Cardinals Outfielders, made it a 3-run inning for the Brewers.

But, good pitching and timely defense by the Cardinals kept it a 4-3 game from the 5th inning on. Young Anthony gets his 3rd win this season. Jimmy Ballgame has a nice defensive gem. Looper and Izzy pitched great.

Not a game to turn the offense around, but a nice outing by the pitching staff. Hopefully Capuano is in for a thrashing tomorrow.

Regarding David Bell’s play at 3rd against Eckstein…well, even the Brewers announcers thought it was a tad unclean, after a 2nd look. If Bell hadn’t come up with runners on 1st and 2nd the next inning, he might’ve been plunked. I’m not sure what baseball ‘ettiquette’ calls for, but if the umps won’t police the game, then teams should. If I were the manager, and Bell had come up with 2 outs, I would’ve had Looper hit him. Might happen tomorrow. Of course, Cirillo will probably get the start tomorrow, if Yost wants to avoid any potential trouble.