All posts by Brian Walton

Brian Walton runs The Cardinal Nation, covering the St. Louis Cardinals and minor league system.

St. Louis ranked #26 on Best Sports City list

Sporting News magazine has taken on the task of ranking cities based on sporting success.

St. Louis Cardinals fans (AP/Amy Sancetta)Sporting News magazine has unveiled their “Best Sports City: 2010” – Chicago. In the process, they also ranked 401 other locales based on an undisclosed formula that looks “…at the 12 months from summer 2009 to summer 2010, based on point values assigned to various categories, including but not limited to won-lost records, postseason appearances, applicable power ratings, number of teams and attendance.”

Following are the rankings of St. Louis and the Cardinals minor league affiliate towns. Johnson City made an especially strong showing at #157. Even in the case of financially-challenged Batavia, at least four other New York-Penn League towns follow them on the list.

26. St. Louis

47. Memphis

142. Springfield, MO

157. Johnson City, TN

261. Jupiter, FL

264. Quad Cities

380. Batavia, NY

Click on this link to see the entire list.

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The need for expanded instant replay made obvious

A rash of managerial ejections highlights poor umpiring decisions helping to decide MLB playoff games.

Phil Cuzzi and Tony La Russa - 10/16/05 (AP photo)Until this week, the 16th and last time a manager was ejected during the playoffs was back on October 16, 2005 when Tony La Russa was run by umpire Phil Cuzzi.

From my game report that evening:

In the seventh inning of the NLCS Game 4 at Houston, La Russa barked from the dugout about a walk issued by Jason Marquis. Crew chief Tim McClelland had to step between the manager and Cuzzi multiple times during the several-minute dispute. During the next inning, centerfielder Jim Edmonds was also run by Cuzzi after complaining over a strike call. The Cardinals lost that pivotal contest by a 2-1 score.

At the time, the umpires were criticized for being short-fused and more importantly, the post-season umpiring selection process came under attack. The cronyism system that keeps the best umpires down and allows the bad ones to remain in their jobs year after year remains a problem to this day.

The 2010 Division Series has already seen three managerial ejections, all on close plays in which replays indicated the skippers had good cases to argue.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon was run from Game 2 of the AL Division Series on Thursday for arguing a checked swing by Texas’ Michael Young. Maddon was tossed by home plate umpire Jim Wolf after Young hit a three-run home run to give the Rangers a 5-0 lead in a game they would win 6-0.

Later that same day, Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire was ejected by ump Hunter Wendelstedt in Game 2 of his ALDS for arguing balls and strikes. The two have had multiple skirmishes in the past.

Twins starter Carl Pavano appeared to have struck out the Yankees’ Lance Berkman, but Wendelstedt called the pitch a ball. Berkman doubled on the next pitch to put New York ahead 3-2 in a game they would go on to win by a 5-2 score. Like the Rays, the Twins were put into an 0-2 hole in their series.

On Friday night, Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox was sent to an early shower in the second inning of Friday night’s Game 2 of the NLDS, eventually won on a Rick Ankiel home run in extra innings. Cox argued that Giants shortstop Juan Uribe‘s throw on Alex Gonzalez‘ grounder pulled Aubrey Huff’s foot off the first base bag on a play that had been called safe. Replays again suggested another missed call.

The same umpire, Paul Emmel, had been involved in what appeared to be a blown call at second base the night before that helped set up the only run of the game in the Giants’ 1-0 Game 1 win. The soon-to-be retiring Cox has a history of ejections, but he had a point here.

Something must be done because again the umpires are making themselves factors in the playoffs instead of remaining a seamless part of it.

Is do-nothing commissioner Bud Selig watching these games? If so, will this finally help push him into engaging the unions in discussions about expanded use of instant replay?

Probably not.

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Rasmus and the Cardinals: Managing the Market?

Wondering from where and why the recent trade rumors about St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus originated.

Tony La Russa and Colby Rasmus (AP/David Kohl)After the late-season news about second-year St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Colby Rasmus’ repeated trade requests became embarrassingly public, multiple attempts were made to smooth over the rough surfaces exposed. The player himself, the team’s superstar, the manager and the general manager were among the many engaged in damage control, among with others behind the scenes.

GM John Mozeliak was among the group that said all the right things, including emphasizing that his young star would not be going anywhere. That would seem to shut off trade speculation while also brushing off fears that Rasmus and manager Tony La Russa, who has been asked back for next year, cannot coexist.

Yet the reality of the Cardinals’ situation for 2011 is that they need more repair than their budget will likely allow via the free agent market. Their available trade chips are few.

As such, on Wednesday, the Post-Dispatch’s Joe Strauss disclosed that there are at least three teams interested in acquiring Rasmus – Atlanta, Toronto and Arizona. Said Strauss:

“The Atlanta Braves have strong interest in Rasmus along with closer-in-waiting Craig Kimbrel. The Toronto Blue Jays are also intrigued. In other words, the Cardinals will have ample opportunity to turn down trade offers on Rasmus in upcoming weeks and months. Given the team’s inability to deal Pujols, Lohse, Holliday and Carpenter due to contractual language and their refusal to deal young arms such as Wainwright and Garcia, Rasmus represents the leading option for an “impact” trade.

“The Arizona Diamondbacks ranked 6th, 9th and 14th in production at the three OF positions and also have interest in ‘Raz’. In a rebuilding mode, the Diamondbacks feature the middle infield of Stephen Drew and Kelly Johnson. Drew is second-time arbitration-eligible and a Boras client. Johnson is a free agent after next season and would likely be part of an expanded deal for Rasmus.

“Rasmus’ low salary also makes him a trading chip for a small-market club that could fill another pressing need.

“For a variety of reasons, Rasmus will almost certainly be in play,” Strauss concluded.

The specificity and strength of wording chosen in reporting the rumors was initially surprising to me. I wouldn’t ask Strauss to identify his source(s), nor would I expect him to disclose it if queried. That doesn’t mean I am not curious.

Perhaps he simply dialed up media counterparts or team contacts with the three prospective clubs and they volunteered their interest in Rasmus, news that had not been reported elsewhere.

Alternatively, perhaps the player’s representatives or even the Cardinals themselves quietly shared the information, knowing it would be amplified across the entire sports world.

Such a disclosure would make it clear to the other 26 teams that Rasmus is in play without the principals ever having to get their hands dirty by saying anything publicly. It also preserves the impression that all is well between Rasmus and the Cardinals, maximizing the outfielder’s external value.

If this is what is happening, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time in history the media played an enabling role in prospective trade activity.

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Another waiver claim for Hoffpauir

Former Memphis and St. Louis second baseman Jarrett Hoffpauir has moved from Toronto to San Diego.

Jarrett Hoffpauir (Brian Walton photo)San Diego and Toronto seem to be collection points for former St. Louis Cardinals. That pattern continued this week.

Though the Scott Rolen–Troy Glaus trade received the most attention, the Blue Jays seem most involved with waiver claims made. Many times, the players don’t stick north of the border too long, as was the case with Cody Haerther and Kelvin Jimenez. Now, Jarrett Hoffpauir can be added to the list.

The former Memphis (and briefly St. Louis) second baseman was awarded to the San Diego Padres this week after the Jays had placed him on waivers earlier. Hoffpauir had moved to the Jays when he was claimed from the Cardinals last November 4. He was viewed as expendable in part due to the rise in prominence of Daniel Descalso.

Hoffpauir had been added to the Cardinals’ 40-man roster two years earlier as protection from the Rule 5 draft. The now-27-year-old made his MLB debut with St. Louis on July 3, 2009 but only appeared in eight games with the Cardinals. Originally, Hoffpauir had been selected by the Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.

The right-handed hitter appeared in 13 games for the Blue Jays this season when starter Edwin Encarnacion temporarily lost his job. Hoffpauir appeared in 11 games at third base and two at second base. After hitting just .206 (7-for-34), he was returned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

With Las Vegas, Hoffpauir hit .295 with 16 home runs and 73 RBI in 107 Pacific Coast League games. He also drew 58 walks against just 34 strikeouts and forged a .376 on-base percentage. He was originally named a PCL All-Star, but missed the game when called up.

With Padres second baseman David Eckstein eligible for free agency, San Diego looks to be stocking up on potential replacement candidates. Former Redbirds second sacker Edgar Gonzalez also played for the Padres with his brother Adrian in 2008-09 before heading to Japan this past summer, where he batted .263 in 100 games with the Yomiuri Giants.

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Why wasn’t Descalso better prepared?

In a surprise, second baseman Daniel Descalso became the late-season third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Daniel Descalso (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has taken heat from many, including me, for often playing infielders out of position. The most recent example occurred following the Memphis Redbirds’ defeat in the Pacific Coast League finals when Daniel Descalso was called upon to make his MLB debut with St. Louis.

As a part of his transition to the majors, the 23-year-old was immediately thrown into the fire at third base, not his regular second base spot. Apparently La Russa was more comfortable with Aaron Miles and Skip Schumaker at second than seeing more of all-glove, no-bat Pedro Feliz at third.

Heads all over the Cardinal Nation were repeatedly scratched as the season neared its close with Descalso continuing to see time at the hot corner exclusively.

After he had made a couple of early token pinch hitting appearances, Descalso was given the start at third base in nine of the Cardinals final 11 regular season games. He was moved to shortstop late in one contest, but curiously never took the field even once at second base, the position at which he had been named the 2010 PCL post-season all-star.

To his credit, Descalso performed adequately at third, but no one knew ahead of time what to expect.

There were some whispers from the St. Louis media about organizational concerns over Descalso’s range, yet if that was the case, why had he been kept almost exclusively at second for the last three years?

This reminded me of an item from last winter’s hot stove. Back in January, I had a dialogue with Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch after the writer made the following comment about the lack of depth at third base at the time during a web chat.

“Descalso and David Freese are the only LISTED third baseman so far due in camp.” (caps are Strauss’ emphasis)

Though I blogged about it at the time, “Descalso to get shot at third base?”, it turned out to be much ado over nothing. Descalso, a non-roster invitee to major league spring camp, was among the very first cuts, announced on March 7.

Though he was called back from minor league camp repeatedly and ended up participating in 14 spring games for the Cardinals, during all nine games in which he took the field in Florida, Descalso was always the second baseman.

Descalso does have some prior experience at third, but it was some time ago, during his 2007 professional debut. That year, he spent about 2/3 of his time at third base (47 games) with the rest (23 games) at second for Batavia and Quad Cities. That was the last time until now that Descalso had meaningful innings at the hot corner.

La Russa’s expectation of young infielders when they come up from the minor leagues is defensive versatility. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, as we have seen the same pattern time and time again.

When natural shortstop Brendan Ryan made his MLB debut in 2007, La Russa played him more games at third base (24) and second base (17) combined than at short (28 games) that first year.

The downside? Ryan had never before played second base and had logged just one game at third in four previous years as a professional prior to arriving in St. Louis.

Two years later, another shortstop, former first-round draft pick Tyler Greene, reached the major leagues. He topped Ryan by appearing at five different positions defensively in his rookie year, with a total of 20 games at third, second, first and centerfield plus 30 at short.

Greene’s preparation? A four-year minor league career spent entirely at short other than four games at third in 2008.

Why hadn’t the organization learned from this by the time Descalso’s number was called to join the bigs?

This season, wrapped around a month missed due to injury, Descalso’s name was written on the Memphis lineup card 110 times at second base with his only diversion being six games at first base. Not once was he given time at short or third base.

Obviously, the Memphis coaching staff felt Descalso is a solid second baseman as the only time former MLB second sacker Ruben Gotay started there was during Descalso’s time on the DL. Instead, Gotay received the call 106 times to play out of position at third base for the Redbirds despite the obvious fact that he would not be a part of the St. Louis picture.

Bottom line, I find it very difficult to blame La Russa for Descalso not having played third for Memphis. My question is why the minor league staff and player development organization didn’t fully prepare Descalso for what would await him in the majors?

Former first-round pick, shortstop Pete Kozma may be next in line. With 421 games of minor league experience up through Double-A, Kozma has a grand total of one game in the outfield in 2007 and two games at third in 2008. All the rest were at short, where his defense has been erratic.

If and when Kozma reaches the majors, and if La Russa is still the manager, any guesses as to how the youngster will be deployed? More importantly, will everything possible have been done to ready him?

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2011 Cardinals schedule check

Links to four St. Louis Cardinals major and minor league schedules already released for 2011.

Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL (Brian Walton photo)The St. Louis Cardinals’ 2011 regular season schedule was announced in mid-September, earlier than I can recall in any past year.

Continuing in the spirit of early releases, I posted the tentative Cardinals 2011 spring training schedule yesterday.

In terms of the minor leagues, the top two Cardinals affiliates have disclosed their regular season dates for next season.

The Triple-A Memphis Redbirds have unveiled their 2011 Pacific Coast League schedule.

The 2010 Texas League schedule for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals has also been released.

When others become available, I will point them out.

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Pujols’ 2010 quick hits and misses

Some statistical highlights and just-misses in another stellar season for St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.

Albert Pujols (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)Despite sitting out the final game of the Pittsburgh series and taking only three official at-bats in the St. Louis Cardinals’ final two games, first baseman Albert Pujols earned his first National League RBI title with 118 as well as his second consecutive NL home run title with 42.

Albert also led the league with 115 runs scored, 82 extra-base hits and 38 intentional walks. It was his second consecutive season with the most runs scored and fifth overall. Pujols has been the NL leader in intentional walks for three years running and four times in total.

In his tenth season, Pujols also had several disappointments. He finished with a career-low .312 batting average and was edged on the final day by Cincinnati’s Joey Votto for the league lead in slugging percentage, .600 to .596. Also, for the first time in three seasons, Pujols fell short of 40 doubles with 39.

This last number is notable in that with one more double, Pujols would have broken his tie with the immortal Lou Gehrig for the most 40 double-40 home run seasons in MLB history.

40 double, 40 home run seasons, MLB history

Rank Player Years 1st Last Age
1 Albert Pujols 3 2003 2009 23-29
2 Lou Gehrig 3 1927 1934 24-31
T3 David Ortiz 2 2004 2005 28-29
T3 Todd Helton 2 2000 2001 26-27
T3 Albert Belle 2 1995 1998 28-31
T3 Hank Greenberg 2 1937 1940 26-29
T3 Chuck Klein 2 1929 1930 24-25
T3 Babe Ruth 2 1921 1923 26-28

Albert Pujols, doubles and home runs by season

2B HR
2001 47 37
2002 40 34
2003 51L 43
2004 51 46
2005 38 41
2006 33 49
2007 38 32
2008 44 37
2009 45 47L
2010 39 42L
L=led league

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for the first table.

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Another in a line of Holliday game-winners

On Saturday, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday hit his team-best sixth last at-bat game-winning hit since joining the club.

Matt Holliday (AP photo/Tom Mihalek)Heading into the bottom of the 11th inning Saturday for the St. Louis Cardinals against Colorado Rockies reliever Franklin Morales, pinch-hitter Pedro Feliz amazingly drew a walk, just his fourth in 125 plate appearances since joining the club. Colby Rasmus also took a free pass to put two on with no out.

Matt Holliday‘s single to right field coupled with an error by outfielder Ryan Spilborghs enabled Feliz to reverse field on the basepaths and barely score ahead of the tag. That enabled the Cardinals to edge the Rockies, 1-0, in the second-to-last contest of the season and extend their too-little, too-late winning streak to four games.

Holliday took a lot of heat early in the season for a low average with runners in scoring position, causing some to label him “non-clutch.” With a larger number of at-bats, that balanced out as the season progressed, now at .273.

In fact, Holliday leads the entire National League with 50 two-out RBI. Further, Holliday is just one behind NL leader Jayson Werth of Philadelphia with 45 doubles this season.

To put his Saturday feat into perspective, since becoming a Cardinal last July 24th, Holliday has 50 percent more last at-bat game-winning hits for the Cardinals than his nearest competitor, Albert Pujols, six to four. Holliday has 23 percent of the club’s most recent 26 such hits.

Last at-bat game-winning hits, St. Louis Cardinals, 07/24/09 to present

6 Holliday
4 Pujols
3 Rasmus
2 Ludwick Ryan Schumaker Lopez Molina
1 Stavinoha Ankiel DeRosa

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for the above data.

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Pags’ squeeze a rare play

Friday night’s suicide squeeze by Matt Pagnozzi was the St. Louis Cardinals’ first in three years.

Matt Pagnozzi (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)St. Louis Cardinals rookie catcher Matt Pagnozzi executed a squeeze play in the sixth inning on Friday night, driving home the last of the Cardinals’ three runs in their win over the Colorado Rockies.

It was the first successful suicide squeeze for an RBI by a member of the Cardinals in almost three years. The last was been in April 2008 by pitcher Brad Thompson.

In the last 51 years, since 1960, the Cardinals have executed 146 sacrifice bunts that delivered an RBI. That averages slightly fewer than three per season. As recently as 2005, the Cardinals had 11 such plays, executed by 11 different players.

Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith led the way with 20 sac bunts for RBIs since 1960.

St. Louis Cardinals team leaders, sacrifice bunt RBI, 1960-2010

O.Smith 20
Forsch 7
Herr 7
Oquendo 6
Taguchi 5
LaValliere 4
Matheny 4
Pendleton 4

By a considerable margin, the 1980’s era Whiteyball was the most prevalent decade for this play.

St. Louis Cardinals, sacrifice bunt RBI by decade, 1960-2010

2000’s 31
1990’s 18
1980’s 68
1970’s 9
1960’s 17

The list of the previous 145 sacrifice bunts that delivered RBIs follows, all courtesy of researcher Tom Orf.

St. Louis Cardinals, sacrifice bunt RBI, 1960-2010

Date Batter Opp Pitcher Score BOP Pos Inn RoB Out RBI
4/8/2008 Brad Thompson @HOU Shawn Chacon tied 0-0 8 1 Out t2 123 1 1
8/15/2007 Brendan Ryan @MIL Yovani Gallardo ahead 1-5 9 4 Out t6 -23 1 1
9/10/2006 Jeff Suppan @ARI Tony Pena ahead 4-6 9 1 Out t6 -23 1 1
8/1/2006 Ronnie Belliard PHI Scott Mathieson down 3-1 7 4 Out b4 1-3 1 1
5/19/2006 So Taguchi @KCR Joel Peralta ahead 5-8 7 7 Out t5 3 1 1
4/24/2006 David Eckstein PIT Oliver Perez ahead 0-3 1 6 Out b2 1-3 1 1
9/17/2005 Mark Mulder @CHC Greg Maddux ahead 0-1 9 1 Out t2 1-3 1 1
9/2/2005 John Rodriguez @HOU Brad Lidge tied 3-3 5 7 Out t10 3 1 1
8/20/2005 Yadier Molina SFG Kevin Correia ahead 2-3 8 2 FC b6 -23 1 1
8/17/2005 Abraham Nunez ARI Brandon Webb ahead 0-4 2 5 Out b7 1-3 1 1
8/10/2005 So Taguchi @MIL Ben Sheets tied 0-0 3 9 Out t1 3 1 1
7/31/2005 Hector Luna @LAD Steve Schmoll ahead 2-4 7 5 Out t8 3 1 1
7/26/2005 Einar Diaz @SDP Woody Williams ahead 0-3 8 2 Out t6 1-3 1 1
7/6/2005 David Eckstein @ARI Javier Vazquez tied 1-1 1 6 Out t9 3 1 1
6/25/2005 Chris Carpenter PIT Mark Redman ahead 0-4 9 1 Out b4 1-3 1 1
6/6/2005 Matt Morris BOS Tim Wakefield ahead 1-2 9 1 Out b2 1-3 1 1
5/17/2005 Jeff Suppan @PHI Cory Lidle down 2-0 9 1 Out t2 1-3 1 1
9/18/2004 So Taguchi ARI Chad Durbin ahead 0-4 2 8 Out b7 123 1 1
5/11/2004 Mike Matheny ATL Jaret Wright ahead 1-2 8 2 RoE b6 1-3 1 1
4/29/2004 So Taguchi PHI Kevin Millwood tied 0-0 8 7 Out b5 3 1 1
4/22/2004 Hector Luna @HOU Dan Miceli tied 1-1 9 11 Out t12 3 1 1
9/16/2003 Bo Hart MIL Luis Martinez ahead 0-3 1 4 Out b2 3 1 1
8/24/2003 So Taguchi PHI Mike Williams ahead 0-2 9 9 Out b8 123 1 1
7/3/2003 Bo Hart SFG Kirk Rueter ahead 0-3 1 4 Out b2 1-3 1 1
4/27/2003 Orlando Palmeiro @FLA Tim Spooneybarger ahead 1-5 9 11 Out t9 3 1 1
9/10/2002 Miguel Cairo @MIL Jose Cabrera ahead 3-6 1 4 Out t8 -23 1 1
8/11/2002 Chuck Finley NYM Pedro Astacio tied 0-0 9 1 RoE b2 123 1 1
7/14/2002 Bud Smith @SDP Bobby Jones ahead 0-2 9 1 Out t6 1-3 1 1
6/1/2002 Mike Matheny PIT Bronson Arroyo ahead 0-5 8 2 Out b1 3 1 1
9/2/2001 Mike Matheny @LAD Kevin Brown tied 0-0 8 2 Out t2 123 1 1
7/27/2001 Mike Matheny @CHC Jason Bere ahead 1-2 8 2 Out t2 3 1 1
6/6/1999 Joe McEwing @DET Bryce Florie tied 1-1 1 4 RoE t5 1-3 1 1
9/22/1998 Luis Ordaz HOU Scott Elarton ahead 0-3 7 6 Out b6 123 1 1
9/16/1998 Joe McEwing PIT Jason Christiansen ahead 0-2 1 4 Out b7 -23 1 1
8/7/1998 Kent Bottenfield CHC Steve Trachsel tied 3-3 8 1 RoE b1 123 1 1
8/5/1998 Kent Mercker @MIL Jeff Juden ahead 1-3 8 1 FC t4 1-3 1 1
7/12/1998 Placido Polanco HOU Sean Bergman ahead 1-3 7 4 Out b3 123 1 1
4/25/1998 David Howard @PHI Yorkis Perez ahead 5-6 8 4 Out t8 3 1 1
5/24/1997 Andy Benes @SFG Joe Roa ahead 2-3 9 1 Out t4 123 1 1
4/15/1997 Brady Raggio @FLA Alex Fernandez ahead 0-3 9 1 Out t4 3 1 1
9/13/1996 Danny Sheaffer @LAD Mark Guthrie tied 0-0 7 2 Out t9 12- 0 1
9/12/1993 Rheal Cormier @SFG John Burkett ahead 1-2 9 1 Out t4 3 1 1
4/22/1993 Jose Oquendo COL Jeff Parrett ahead 2-4 8 6 Out b8 1-3 1 1
7/23/1992 Rheal Cormier CIN Jose Rijo tied 1-1 9 1 Out b2 1-3 0 1
8/25/1991 Tom Pagnozzi LAD Tim Belcher ahead 1-3 7 2 Out b6 -23 1 1
6/13/1991 Jose Oquendo @SDP Atlee Hammaker ahead 1-4 8 4 Out t5 1-3 1 1
9/9/1990 Bryn Smith @CHC Mike Bielecki ahead 0-2 9 1 Out t2 3 1 1
7/5/1990 Ozzie Smith @SDP Greg Harris ahead 1-2 2 6 Out t9 3 1 1
6/1/1990 Jose Oquendo CHC Greg Maddux ahead 1-2 8 4 Out b6 3 1 1
08/14/1989-2 Tim Jones ATL Paul Assenmacher ahead 2-4 7 6 Out b6 123 1 1
4/22/1989 Terry Pendleton MON Gene Harris ahead 2-3 3 5 FC b7 3 1 1
9/11/1988 Ozzie Smith CHC Mike Harkey tied 2-2 2 6 Out b7 3 1 1
9/5/1988 Ozzie Smith MON Jeff Parrett ahead 2-4 2 6 Out b7 3 1 1
8/24/1988 Jose Oquendo ATL Bruce Sutter ahead 3-4 7 4 Out b8 123 1 1
6/28/1988 Luis Alicea MON John Dopson tied 2-2 8 4 Out b6 1-3 1 1
6/23/1988 Ozzie Smith PHI Shane Rawley ahead 0-1 2 6 Out b7 3 1 1
6/4/1988 Jose Oquendo @PHI Kent Tekulve ahead 1-5 7 5 FC t8 123 1 1
4/30/1988 Luis Alicea @LAD Fernando Valenzuela ahead 0-1 8 4 FC t2 3 1 1
4/21/1988 Tom Herr @PIT Vicente Palacios ahead 3-7 4 4 Out t7 3 1 1
9/15/1987 Bob Forsch @PHI Kevin Gross ahead 0-2 9 1 Out t2 1-3 1 1
8/30/1987 Jose Oquendo ATL Gene Garber tied 3-3 7 4 FC b9 123 1 1
8/14/1987 Greg Mathews PHI Bruce Ruffin down 3-2 9 1 Out b2 1-3 1 1
6/28/1987 Ozzie Smith @MON Jeff Parrett tied 6-6 2 6 Out t11 3 1 1
6/14/1987 Tom Herr CHC Ed Lynch ahead 0-2 3 4 Out b7 3 1 1
6/13/1987 Ozzie Smith CHC Dickie Noles ahead 2-4 2 6 Out b7 1-3 1 1
5/19/1987 Rod Booker @ATL Rick Mahler tied 3-3 8 11 Out t7 1-3 1 1
5/12/1987 Joe Magrane @SFG Mike LaCoss ahead 1-5 9 1 Out t9 3 1 1
4/26/1987 Bob Forsch @NYM Randy Myers ahead 0-6 9 1 Out t5 3 1 1
9/21/1986 Mike LaValliere @MON Curt Brown ahead 2-6 7 2 Out t8 1-3 1 1
8/31/1986 Tom Herr CIN Carl Willis ahead 3-7 3 4 FC b6 3 1 1
8/13/1986 Danny Cox @MON Bryn Smith tied 1-1 9 1 Out t2 123 1 1
8/7/1986 John Tudor PHI Kevin Gross tied 2-2 9 1 RoE b6 1-3 1 1
8/4/1986 Terry Pendleton PHI Dan Schatzeder tied 2-2 5 5 FC b9 123 1 1
7/30/1986 Bob Forsch @PHI Charles Hudson ahead 0-1 9 1 Out t2 123 1 1
7/21/1986 Tom Herr SFG Steve Carlton tied 3-3 5 4 Out b6 3 1 1
6/29/1986 Mike LaValliere PHI Don Carman ahead 4-5 6 2 Out b8 -23 1 1
6/27/1986 Ozzie Smith PHI Shane Rawley down 1-0 2 6 RoE b5 3 1 1
6/24/1986 Terry Pendleton PIT Jim Winn ahead 1-2 7 5 Out b4 3 1 1
6/11/1986 Mike LaValliere MON Jeff Reardon down 3-2 6 11 Out b9 3 1 1
6/3/1986 Greg Mathews @HOU Jim Deshaies ahead 0-2 9 1 Out t5 3 1 1
5/11/1986 Mike LaValliere SFG Mike Krukow ahead 0-1 8 2 Out b2 3 1 1
5/8/1986 Ozzie Smith SDP Craig Lefferts tied 3-3 2 6 Out b6 1-3 1 1
9/20/1985 Ozzie Smith MON Randy St. Claire ahead 3-4 7 6 Out b8 3 1 1
8/26/1985 Ozzie Smith @CIN Jay Tibbs ahead 0-2 8 6 Out t2 3 1 1
6/23/1985 Randy Hunt CHC Lary Sorensen ahead 0-4 8 2 Out b6 1-3 1 1
6/18/1985 Tom Nieto PHI Larry Andersen ahead 0-4 8 2 Out b5 123 1 1
6/16/1985 Ozzie Smith @CHC Dennis Eckersley ahead 0-2 7 6 Out t4 123 1 1
6/14/1985 Tom Nieto @CHC Lary Sorensen ahead 4-5 8 2 RoE t6 3 1 1
5/28/1985 Tom Nieto @ATL Zane Smith ahead 0-2 8 2 RoE t4 3 1 1
5/26/1985 Terry Pendleton @CIN John Franco ahead 2-4 6 5 Out t8 1-3 1 1
5/20/1985 Ozzie Smith ATL Craig McMurtry ahead 0-5 2 6 Out b4 3 1 1
09/12/1984-2 Ozzie Smith @PHI Kevin Gross down 3-2 8 6 RoE t4 1-3 1 1
6/17/1984 Ozzie Smith NYM Bruce Berenyi ahead 1-3 8 6 Out b4 1-3 1 1
5/27/1984 Tom Herr @ATL Terry Forster ahead 8-11 2 4 Out t8 1-3 1 1
5/18/1984 Ozzie Smith CIN Tom Hume ahead 3-4 7 6 Out b8 1-3 1 1
4/27/1984 Ozzie Smith @MON Bob James ahead 2-5 8 6 RoE t8 1-3 1 1
9/22/1983 Jeff Doyle NYM Ron Darling ahead 0-1 2 4 Out b5 1-3 1 1
9/7/1983 Ken Oberkfell PIT Rod Scurry ahead 1-4 6 5 Out b7 3 1 1
9/4/1983 Glenn Brummer CIN Joe Price ahead 0-1 8 2 Out b2 1-3 1 1
8/19/1983 Andy Van Slyke HOU Mike Madden ahead 0-1 3 5 Out b8 123 1 1
6/21/1983 Neil Allen @NYM Tom Gorman ahead 0-3 9 1 Out t2 3 1 1
6/17/1983 Ozzie Smith CHC Chuck Rainey ahead 2-3 8 6 RoE b4 3 1 1
6/11/1983 Ozzie Smith @CHC Craig Lefferts tied 0-0 8 6 Out t2 3 1 1
4/15/1983 John Stuper NYM Scott Holman ahead 0-4 9 1 RoE b6 3 1 1
8/23/1982 Ozzie Smith LAD Terry Forster ahead 1-4 1 6 Out b6 123 1 1
8/14/1982 Mike Ramsey @PIT Kent Tekulve ahead 1-3 7 5 Out t8 3 1 1
8/13/1982 Bob Forsch @PIT Don Robinson down 2-1 9 1 Out t2 -23 1 1
8/3/1982 Ozzie Smith PIT Don Robinson ahead 1-3 8 6 Out b5 123 1 1
7/31/1982 Steve Mura @MON Dan Schatzeder ahead 0-6 9 1 Out t6 3 1 1
7/30/1982 Dave LaPoint @MON Scott Sanderson tied 3-3 9 1 FC t6 1-3 1 1
6/8/1982 Ken Oberkfell @MON Woodie Fryman ahead 3-4 2 5 Out t12 3 1 1
6/8/1982 Mike Ramsey @MON Steve Rogers down 2-1 9 11 Out t7 3 1 1
6/4/1982 Bob Forsch LAD Terry Forster ahead 2-4 9 1 Out b7 3 1 1
5/28/1982 Mike Ramsey SDP Juan Eichelberger ahead 1-3 8 4 Out b7 1-3 1 1
5/12/1981 Tom Herr @HOU Joe Sambito tied 2-2 8 4 RoE t10 3 1 1
8/3/1980 Tom Herr @LAD Rick Sutcliffe ahead 1-3 1 4 Out t9 1-3 1 1
7/16/1980 Pete Vuckovich SDP Bob Shirley ahead 0-2 9 1 Out b7 3 1 1
7/23/1976 Eric Rasmussen CHC Ray Burris tied 0-0 9 1 Out b3 3 1 1
6/21/1976 Lynn McGlothen NYM Bob Apodaca ahead 1-5 9 1 Out b5 1-3 1 1
6/3/1976 Bob Forsch PHI Larry Christenson ahead 0-2 9 1 Out b2 3 1 1
5/4/1976 John Denny @ATL Phil Niekro ahead 0-2 9 1 FC t2 1-3 1 1
8/24/1975 Al Hrabosky ATL Max Leon ahead 2-5 9 1 FC b8 -23 1 1
8/2/1975 Bob Forsch @CHC Milt Wilcox ahead 0-3 9 1 Out t9 1-3 1 1
8/25/1974 Lou Brock @LAD Andy Messersmith down 5-1 1 7 Out t3 3 1 1
9/14/1972 Mick Kelleher @MON Bill Stoneman ahead 0-1 8 6 Out t2 3 1 1
08/13/1972-1 Dal Maxvill @PIT Dock Ellis ahead 0-1 8 6 Out t7 1-3 1 1
7/12/1969 Jim Ellis PIT Steve Blass ahead 0-2 9 1 FC b2 1-3 1 1
9/1/1967 Dal Maxvill HOU Bruce Von Hoff ahead 0-2 8 6 Out b4 1-3 1 1
7/15/1966 Julian Javier @CIN Sammy Ellis ahead 1-2 8 4 Out t4 1-3 1 1
7/9/1966 Ray Washburn HOU Larry Dierker ahead 0-1 9 1 RoE b2 -23 1 1
7/5/1966 Phil Gagliano @SFG Ron Herbel ahead 1-2 2 5 Out t8 -23 1 1
09/05/1965-2 Ray Washburn NYM Rob Gardner tied 0-0 9 1 Out b5 1-3 1 1
7/4/1965 Bob Purkey @NYM Galen Cisco ahead 0-1 9 1 Out t2 123 0 1
06/13/1965-2 Bob Purkey MLN Hank Fischer ahead 0-1 9 1 FC b4 1-3 1 1
9/20/1964 Bill White @CIN Joe Nuxhall ahead 0-4 5 3 Out t3 3 1 1
05/10/1964-2 Ray Washburn @NYM Tom Sturdivant ahead 1-6 9 1 Out t6 3 1 1
5/3/1964 Dick Groat PIT Don Schwall ahead 3-5 2 6 Out b2 3 1 1
4/19/1964 Julian Javier @HOU Don Nottebart tied 1-1 8 4 Out t2 1-3 1 1
8/3/1963 Julian Javier PHI Cal McLish tied 0-0 7 4 Out b2 3 1 1
4/14/1962 Don Landrum @CHC Cal Koonce ahead 1-4 1 8 Out t6 1-3 1 1
9/1/1961 Jimmie Schaffer PIT Al McBean ahead 2-7 8 2 Out b7 1-3 1 1
06/20/1961-2 Bob Lillis @CIN Joey Jay ahead 0-4 8 4 Out t6 3 1 1
5/3/1961 Hal Smith PIT Vinegar Bend Mizell ahead 0-2 8 2 Out b5 3 1 1

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Carpenter’s complete game an increasingly-rare event

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter collected his 17th complete game for the club, the most over the last decade, but few compared to past greats.

Chris Carpenter (AP/Jeff Roberson)St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Chris Carpenter made his MLB-leading 35th start of the season on Thursday night at home against the Colorado Rockies. Expectations were uncertain as the 35-year-old had lost his previous four starts, allowing one big inning of at least four runs each time while posting an ERA over seven in the process.

Carpenter shrugged off any concerns, throwing his first complete game of the 2010 season. Rockies batters managed just four hits and one run against the veteran, who threw only 100 pitches.

At age 35, ignoring his past history of elbow and shoulder problems, Carpenter has completed his seventh season with the Cardinals, with two shortened by injury. This season, Carp led the Cards with 235 innings pitched, just seven short of his career high set in 2005.

With the help of researcher Tom Orf, we can see that only Matt Morris approached Carpenter’s team-leading 17 complete games over the last decade. As a team, the Cardinals had 65 complete games since the start of the 2001 season.

St. Louis Cardinals, complete games, 2001-2010

Pitcher CGs Record
Chris Carpenter 17 (15-2)
Matt Morris 13 (11-2)
Adam Wainwright 8 (6-2)
Woody Williams 4 (4-0)
Joel Pineiro 3 (3-0)
Mark Mulder 3 (2-1)
Jason Marquis 3 (2-1)
Brett Tomko 2 (2-0)
Anthony Reyes 2 (0-2)
Darryl Kile 2 (2-0)
Garrett Stephenson 1 (1-0)
Bud Smith 1 (1-0)
Jason Simontacchi 1 (1-0)
Braden Looper 1 (1-0)
Kyle Lohse 1 (1-0)
Jaime Garcia 1 (1-0)
Chuck Finley 1 (1-0)
Andy Benes 1 (1-0)
Total 65

Narrowing that group down to complete games that matched or bettered Carp’s Thursday performance yields this list of 35, of which he has just under one-third.

St. Louis Cardinals, complete games with four or fewer hits and none or one run allowed, 2001-2010

Pitcher # Record
Chris Carpenter 11 (10-1)
Matt Morris 7 (7-0)
Woody Williams 3 (3-0)
Joel Pineiro 3 (3-0)
Adam Wainwright 2 (2-0)
Garrett Stephenson 1 (1-0)
Bud Smith 1 (1-0)
Anthony Reyes 1 (0-1)
Jason Marquis 1 (1-0)
Braden Looper 1 (1-0)
Kyle Lohse 1 (1-0)
Darryl Kile 1 (1-0)
Jaime Garcia 1 (1-0)
Chuck Finley 1 (1-0)
Total 35

Since Carpenter first took the mound for St. Louis in 2004, he ranks in a tie for fifth for most complete games across Major League Baseball. His former Blue Jays teammate Roy Halladay, now with the Phillies, is the leader by a huge amount.

MLB, complete games, 2004-2010

Pitcher CGs
Roy Halladay 44
CC Sabathia 26
Cliff Lee 20
Livan Hernandez 18
Roy Oswalt 17
Chris Carpenter 17

Obviously, today’s game of pitching specialization is very different from the past. Here is one vivid reminder of how different. Carpenter’s 17 complete games ties him with Eric Rasmussen for 63rd on the Cardinals all-time complete games list since 1920. Bob Gibson is first with 255, one mark that will most likely never be broken.

St. Louis Cardinals, complete games, 1920-2010

Rank Pitcher CGs
1 Bob Gibson 255
2 Jesse Haines 209
3 Dizzy Dean 141
4 Bill Sherdel 129
5 Harry Brecheen 122
6 Mort Cooper 105
7 Howie Pollet 96
8 Max Lanier 85
9 Bill Hallahan 82
10 Flint Rhem 73
T11 Lon Warneke 70
T11 Larry Jackson 70
13 Bob Forsch 67
14 Steve Carlton 66
15 Pete Alexander 59
T16 Red Munger 53
T16 Murry Dickson 53
T18 Gerry Staley 51
T18 Vinegar Bend Mizell 51
20 Bill Doak 48
T21 Curt Simmons 47
T21 Ernie Broglio 47
T21 Al Brazle 47
24 Harvey Haddix 45
25 Syl Johnson 43
T26 Ray Sadecki 42
T26 Paul Dean 42
28 Tex Carleton 40
29 Bob Weiland 38
30 Joaquin Andujar 37
31 Jeff Pfeffer 35
32 Rick Wise 34
33 Art Reinhart 31
T34 Paul Derringer 30
T34 John Denny 30
36 Tom Poholsky 29
T37 Bill Walker 28
T37 Bill McGee 28
T37 Nelson Briles 28
T40 Lynn McGlothen 27
T40 Burleigh Grimes 27
T40 Reggie Cleveland 27
T43 Ray Washburn 25
T43 Allan Sothoron 25
T43 Clarence Mitchell 25
T46 Ernie White 24
T46 Sam Jones 24
T48 Harry Gumbert 23
T48 Red Barrett 23
T50 Pete Vuckovich 22
T50 John Tudor 22
T51 Ted Wilks 21
T51 Johnny Stuart 21
T51 Curt Davis 21
T51 Danny Cox 21
56 Joe Magrane 20
57 Johnny Beazley 19
T58 Bob Tewksbury 18
T58 Ferdie Schupp 18
T58 Bill Pertica 18
T58 Matt Morris 18
T58 Ken Burkhart 18
T63 Eric Rasmussen 17
T63 Chris Carpenter 17

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Gaston not impressed by La Russa

Toronto’s outgoing manager Cito Gaston doesn’t have much good to say about Tony La Russa.

Cito Gaston and Tony La RussaToronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston is finishing his final week in his second stint managing the only remaining MLB club north of the border and has done a fine job just to survive in baseball’s toughest division. Regularly dealing with New York, Boston and Tampa Bay, the 2010 Jays still have posted an identical 82-76 record with St. Louis this season.

Just don’t compare the two clubs’ managers.

In an article in the Toronto Globe and Mail focused on his legacy, Gaston showed little respect for his former American League rival the first time around in the 1980’s, Tony La Russa. The latter is generally considered a Hall of Fame lock while Gaston is not. That seems to eat away at Cito.

“How many World Series has LaRussa won?” he asks with his calm, deep-voiced self-confidence. “He won two. How many have I won? I won two.”

Gaston is unimpressed by La Russa’s absorbed managerial style.

“I think those guys are just a little busy,” Gaston said. “You can only play this game so many kinds of ways. [LaRussa] stands at the top of the dugout, he walks and walks. But a lot of things I see from coaches and managers are just busy.”

Further, Gaston was either unaware that La Russa was also a former major league player or simply chose to forget that fact.

“And you know, I don’t think he played in the big leagues. [LaRussa, in fact, played for parts of six seasons, hitting .199 in 176 at-bats]. I’m not getting on him, but I think people who played at this level are a little calmer when they’re coaching and managing than people who haven’t played at this level.”

Gaston then went into how much his players respected him while conveniently not addressing the reality that La Russa has accumulated nearly three times as many career wins as he (2,634 to 891).

I can understand why Gaston is proud for being the first black manager to win the World Series, but his credentials for the Hall won’t improve by trying to take down La Russa.

Apparently, La Russa has been a source of irritation for Gaston for years. Another Toronto article this week, this one from the Toronto Star, oddly dredged up this 1994 quote from Cito.

“. . . The fact that I am being honoured with a doctorate in law even gives me a leg up on Tony La Russa, manager of the A’s, who only has a regular degree in law. Tony’s a great guy and while he’s been named manager of the year and I haven’t, I’m the one with a University of Toronto degree — a favourable trade off as far as I’m concerned.”

Stay classy in retirement, Cito!

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Cardinals live chat on FOX Sports Midwest Wednesday afternoon

The 16th and last of FOX Sports Midwest’s live chats of the 2010 season will be held throughout Wednesday afternoon’s Pirates-Cardinals series finale. Join in the interactive discussion with me and the FSM personalities.

You can participate via the frame below or through FOX Sports Midwest’s website.

In his first start since returning from Memphis, P.J. Walters (1-0, 7.83) faces former  Dodgers top prospect James McDonald (4-5, 4.09) as the 81-76 Cards try to salvage a winning 2010 record the day after having been formally eliminated from the post-season.

Wednesday’s first pitch is scheduled at 12:40 P.M. Central with pre-game starting at noon.

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The Rangers television contract through Cardinals lenses

How might the record deal for Texas Rangers television rights affect the St. Louis Cardinals?

On Monday, some astonishing news apparently leaked out.

After suffering through former owner Tom Hicks’ bankruptcy, the Texas Rangers have reportedly come to terms on a 20-year extension with FOX Sports Southwest for their local television rights. The amount is said to be a jaw-dropping $3 billion, or an average of $150 million per season.

In comparison, USA Today, who reported the initial news, also cited the $45 million per year that the Los Angeles Dodgers make in their contract with FOX Prime Ticket. The Biz of Baseball mentioned the 2007 deal between the Seattle Mariners and FOX Sports Northwest, a 12-year contract “well in excess of $400 million,” on average over $33 million per year.

Update: The Houston Chronicle states the new 20-year Rangers deal is for $1.6 billion, or an average of $80 million per season starting in 2015. The article also notes the Astros current contract with FOX Sports Houston is in the vicinity of $45 million per year.

Closer to home, I am unaware of the terms of the St. Louis Cardinals current agreement with FOX Sports Midwest. Contacted on Monday, an FSM spokesman would not comment, stating that information is not made public.

What we do know is that the current multi-year contract was extended prior to the 2007 season. That revised deal allowed FS Midwest to increase its number of Cardinals games from 110 to 130. After four years, they exercised a contract provision to take the final 20 games previously telecast via free television locally by KSDK NewsChannel 5. As a result, starting in 2011, FS Midwest will carry all 150 Cardinals games not broadcast nationally.

In terms of viewership during the first half of the 2010 season, FS Midwest was number one among the 29 US-based regional sports networks with an average rating of 9.70. That represented a 41.6 percent increase over 2009. Nielsen data was reported by SportsBusiness Journal, a subset of which follows.

MLB RSN Ratings
Rk Team RSN Avg. rating (chg) Avg. no. of HHs (chg) HH rank
1 St. Louis Cardinals FS Midwest 9.70 (+41.6%) 121,197 (+41.6%) 6
10 Seattle Mariners FS Northwest 4.83 (-15.6%) 88,582 (-14.9%) 11
23 Texas Rangers FS Southwest 2.66 (+1.9%) 67,681 (+4.1%) 16
24 Houston Astros FS Houston 2.46 (-19.6%) 52,237 (-18.9%) 20
26 Los Angeles Dodgers FS Prime Ticket 1.63 (-17.3%) 92,244 (-17.2%) 10

In terms of raw numbers of households (HH) tuning in, not surprisingly the New York teams are first and second, respectively. The Cardinals are sixth, ahead of all four clubs whose yearly financial terms are apparently known.

What that means for the future of Cardinals broadcast rights is unclear, but it would seem that if the team can remain competitive, it will be in a strong position whenever new talks are appropriate.

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Pujols ties Aaron in 40-115 seasons at six

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols continues to put his name among MLB’s greats, this time for combined seasons of 40 home runs and 115 RBI.

Albert Pujols (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)Last time we put Albert Pujols’ 2010 accomplishments into a historical perspective, we reviewed the list of MLB’s most proficient 40-home run hitters. Now, we will expand that to also include those with at least 115 RBI.

That particular milestone was selected after the St. Louis Cardinals first baseman drove in three at Wrigley Field on Sunday, as he regained the National League RBI lead at 116. Pujols’ 42nd home run of the season was a three-run missile that landed on Waveland Avenue. In the process, he extended his home run lead in the NL as well.

In MLB history, only eight men have posted five or more seasons of at least 40 long balls and 115 or more RBI. With six such years, Pujols has tied Hank Aaron for third on the all-time list, behind Babe Ruth and Alex Rodriguez. While five of the other seven continued beyond age 30, both Jimmie Foxx and Ken Griffey Jr. stopped at the age where Pujols sits today.

As a footnote, those who qualified at five years of at least 40 home runs but fell off this list due to not having enough 115 RBI seasons are Mark McGwire (four), plus Harmon Killebrew and Willie Mays (three each).

40 home run, 115 RBI seasons, MLB history

Rank Player Years 1st Last Age
1 Babe Ruth 11 1920 1932 25-37
2 Alex Rodriguez 7 1998 2007 22-31
T3 Albert Pujols 6 2003 2010 23-30
T3 Hank Aaron 6 1957 1971 23-37
T5 Manny Ramirez 5 1998 2005 26-33
T5 Ken Griffey Jr. 5 1996 2000 26-30
T5 Jimmie Foxx 5 1932 1938 24-30
T5 Lou Gehrig 5 1927 1936 24-33

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for providing the above table.

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Six questions not asked to Bud Selig

There is a much better chance that the commissioner of Major League Baseball might actually share some valuable information if asked a few tough questions.

Bud Selig (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig was at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on Friday. The 76-year-old appeared on several radio and television broadcasts, fielding the normal softball questions about his legacy. That allowed Selig to brag about his accomplishments such as the wild card, as well as future wishes including international play.

What no one posed were the questions that would have actually told us something. Here are six examples of what I would have liked to ask:

1) You take credit for instituting the wild card and now say you would like to expand the playoffs. Do you plan to do anything to give a greater advantage to division winners in the future? If so, what and when?

2) We’ve seen instant replay used for disputed home run calls. Isn’t it time to consider expansion of the capability to a greater level of use as in many other sports?

3) With the recent leaking of financial statements of the Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates, were you aware they have not been deploying their revenue sharing funds to improve their on-field product as was supposedly required? What are you going to do about it? What is your message to those teams’ fans?

4) It has been rumored that Bob DuPuy, MLB president, is being forced out of his job. Does it have anything to do with the above? Does eliminating your most obvious successor mean you may be planning to stay longer than the two more years you have remaining on your term, which will have run 20 years?

5) Will you ever standardize the use of the designated hitter or abolish it entirely? Don’t you see that it causes a built-in inequity in interleague play, the All-Star Game and the World Series?

6) You said the wild card was instituted for the fans, increasing their interest in more teams deeper into the season. If you want more fans to follow games, why can’t you get the archaic and confusing television blackout rules fixed as you said you would at least four years ago?

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MLB’s most 40 home run seasons

Albert Pujols is competing with some of baseball’s greatest ever as he compiled his sixth 40 home run season in 2010.

Albert Pujols' 400th home run, 08/26/10 (Getty Images/Greg Fiume)As many know by now, St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols collected his 40th home run of the season on Thursday. It was a two-run shot in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He added another home run in the sixth, his National League-leading 41st of the season.

It was Pujols’ 39th career multi-home run game, two ahead of Hall of Famer Stan Musial for the most in team history. It was Albert’s sixth multi-homer game this season alone.

Pujols reached the 40 home run plateau for the second consecutive season and the sixth time in his 10-year career. That ties him for eighth all-time across MLB in seasons with 40 or more dingers. His immediate company includes the immortal Willie Mays, still-active Jim Thome and his own hitting coach, Mark McGwire.

To answer the question as to the names of the other past greats on that list, researcher Tom Orf pulled the following table with the top 20 players in MLB history in terms of 40 home run seasons.

Pujols would require five more of these seasons just to tie The Babe. Note how similar Albert’s trajectory is to the name just above him on the list, recently-retired Ken Griffey Jr.

Most 40 home run seasons, MLB history

Rank Player Years 1st Last Age
1 Babe Ruth 11 1920 1932 25-37
T2 Alex Rodriguez 8 1998 2007 22-31
T2 Barry Bonds 8 1993 2004 28-39
T2 Harmon Killebrew 8 1959 1970 23-34
T2 Hank Aaron 8 1957 1973 23-39
T6 Sammy Sosa 7 1996 2003 27-34
T6 Ken Griffey 7 1993 2000 23-30
T8 Albert Pujols 6 2003 2010 23-30
T8 Jim Thome 6 1997 2006 26-35
T8 Mark McGwire 6 1987 1999 23-35
T8 Willie Mays 6 1954 1965 23-34
T12 Adam Dunn 5 2004 2008 24-28
T12 Manny Ramirez 5 1998 2005 26-33
T12 Frank Thomas 5 1993 2003 25-35
T12 Juan Gonzalez 5 1992 1998 22-28
T12 Ernie Banks 5 1955 1960 24-29
T12 Duke Snider 5 1953 1957 26-30
T12 Ralph Kiner 5 1947 1951 24-28
T12 Jimmie Foxx 5 1932 1938 24-30
T12 Lou Gehrig 5 1927 1936 24-33

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Cardinals live chat on FOX Sports Midwest Friday afternoon

FSM-site-logo-2001The 15th of FOX Sports Midwest’s live chats of the 2010 season will be held throughout Friday afternoon’s Cardinals-Cubs series opener. Join in the interactive discussion with me and the FSM personalities.

You can participate via the frame below or through FOX Sports Midwest’s website.

Adam Wainwright (19-11, 2.45) goes for his first-ever 20th win against Tom Gorzelanny (7-8, 3.90) as the Cards try to stave off post-season elimination.

Friday’s first pitch is scheduled at 1:20 P.M. Central with pre-game starting at 12:30.

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Cardinals catching injury trickledown theory

How much might Jason LaRue’s injury have affected Cardinals minor league results?

Jason LaRue (Scott Boehm/Getty Images)Injuries happen in baseball and excuses are not appreciated in many corners for a good reason.

Still, I can’t help but think about the lingering and scattering impact of the concussion sustained by St. Louis Cardinals catcher Jason LaRue suffered at the cleats of Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto on August 10.

We all know that Cueto was suspended for seven games and LaRue is done for his career, but what about the downstream affects?

At the major league level, having the veteran LaRue available, might manager Tony La Russa have been more inclined to give more regular rest to starting catcher Yadier Molina? Struggling with a sore knee, Molina has still hit .315 in the second half after an abysmal .223 start, but is back in St. Louis getting his knee examined again.

Prior to Molina’s latest setback, new St. Louis reserve catchers Bryan Anderson and Matt Pagnozzi had been given a total of four major league starts in the six weeks since Anderson first arrived from Triple-A Memphis to replace LaRue.

Further, by taking both members of the Redbirds’ catching tandem, how much was the Memphis club weakened? Since having joined the Redbirds, Steven Hill batted just .176 and reportedly was not always sharp behind the plate while Tony Cruz hit .214 in the regular season. Starter Cruz posted a meager .143 average over the two rounds of the Pacific Coast League playoffs.

The trickle-down effect may have been most felt at Springfield, where Nick Derba and Charles Cutler took over the catching duties. Derba batted .240 at Double-A this year while Cutler batted .218 in the regular season. Derba is considered one of the better defensive catchers in the system, yet the Springfield pitching staff allowed an average of six runs per game in the playoffs while the catcher batted .313.

Taking it one more step, could the loss of Derba and Cutler been a factor in Palm Beach’s late-season swoon, both offensively and with handling their pitchers? Despite finishing ten games over .500, the Florida State League Cardinals suffered through a 4-14 stretch during the final weeks that ruined their playoff chances. Palm Beach’s replacement catchers contributed very little with their bats.

Obviously, the impact on their teams is all speculation, but what is clear is that in almost every case, the batting results of the promoted catchers dropped off considerably as they were moved up. As such, the level of offense the higher level minor league club received declined, in some cases, substantially.

Cardinals catchers, batting average by level, 2010 regular season

Average St. Louis Memphis Springfield Palm Beach
Pagnozzi 0.250 0.242
Anderson 0.280 0.270
Cruz 0.214 0.289
Hill 0.176 0.280
Derba 0.240 0.202
Cutler 0.218 0.292
Espinoza 0.158
De La Cruz 0.194

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2010 Cardinals possible losers vs. NL Central

With nine games to go vs. NL Central this season, the St. Louis Cardinals are on track to post a rare losing divisional record.

Brendan Ryan (AP/David J. Phillip)1998 brought a realignment in baseball as the Milwaukee Brewers moved from the American League Central to the National League Central. At that time, the current six-team NLC configuration was born.

It was Tony La Russa’s third season as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. Over the 13 years since, the Cards are currently in the midst of what may be their fourth losing season against the other five teams in the division, along with 2008, 2006 and 1999.

What makes 2010 unique is that it is the only year since the Brewers entered the division that the Cardinals lost their season series against what had generally been their three strongest contenders in the past – Milwaukee, Chicago and Houston.

That won’t change the rest of the way as the Cardinals have just three games remaining against the Cubs. Even if St. Louis wins all three, Chicago is assured of taking the season series.

The Cards’ other six NL Central games remaining are against the Pirates, three away and three at home. As long as St. Louis takes at least two of the six contests, they will maintain a winning 2010 mark over Pittsburgh.

If the Cardinals can take at least five on the nine ahead vs. Chicago and Pittsburgh, they can avoid that fourth losing season in 13 against the rest of the division.

The likely NL Central champions from Cincinnati, who will be making their first playoff appearance since 1995, will finish with a 12-6 deficit to the Cardinals.

St. Louis Cardinals, record against NL Central teams, 1998-current

NLC ChC Mil Hou Pit Cin
W L Yr W L W L W L W L W L
34 35 2010 4 8 +3 7 8 5 10 6 3 +6 12 6
46 34 2009 10 6 9 9 9 6 10 5 8 8
36 41 2008 6 9 5 10 8 7 7 10 10 5
43 37 2007 5 11 8 7 9 7 12 6 9 6
39 42 2006 8 11 9 7 7 9 9 6 6 9
51 29 2005 6 10 11 5 11 5 12 4 11 5
54 36 2004 11 8 9 8 8 10 12 5 14 5
46 38 2003 9 8 13 3 7 11 10 7 7 9
57 33 2002 12 6 10 7 13 6 11 6 11 8
49 35 2001 8 9 10 7 7 9 14 3 10 7
37 25 2000 10 3 7 5 6 6 8 4 6 7
27 34 1999 5 7 6 7 7 5 5 7 4 8
30 26 1998 7 4 8 3 7 5 5 6 3 8

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for providing the table above.

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Pujols’ historic 36-36

Albert Pujols already has more 36 doubles-36 home run seasons than anyone in MLB history.

Albert Pujols' 400th home run, 08/26/10 (Getty Images/Greg Fiume)What sore elbow?

Despite an anti-inflammatory shot intended to diminish pain in his left elbow that caused him to miss one game earlier this week, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols continues to put on a power demonstration – whether the balls leave the park or not.

The most obvious measure is home runs, but doubles are important, too.

With two-base hits in Games 1 and 2 of the San Diego series on Thursday and Friday nights, Pujols collected his 35th and 36th doubles of the season. He is currently tied for eighth in the NL in that department, with teammate Matt Holliday third with 42.

Though he hasn’t hit any home runs since launching two last Sunday, September 12 against Atlanta, Pujols’ 39 still leads the National League by four over his nearest competitor, Washington’s Adam Dunn. Albert also was first in the NL in long balls in 2009 with 47.

Put the two together, and 2010 has become Pujols’ seventh 36-36 season in his ten-year career, including each of the last three years. No one else in the history of the game has more than five. In fact, no other player has even six such seasons.

36 doubles and 36 home runs, season, MLB, 1920-current

Yrs From To Age
Albert Pujols 7 2001 2010 21-30
Albert Belle 5 1993 1999 26-32
Lou Gehrig 5 1927 1937 24-34
Alfonso Soriano 4 2002 2006 26-30
Vladimir Guerrero 4 1998 2004 23-29
Carlos Delgado 4 1998 2003 26-31
Babe Ruth 4 1920 1924 25-29
Manny Ramirez 3 2003 2008 31-36
Jeff Bagwell 3 1997 2001 29-33
Rafael Palmeiro 3 1993 1998 28-33
Hank Greenberg 3 1935 1940 24-29
Chuck Klein 3 1929 1932 24-27
Rogers Hornsby 3 1922 1929 26-33

The table that follows illustrates Pujols’ consistency over the years. He has led the league in doubles once previously. Seasons in bold indicate his 36-36 years.

Albert Pujols, doubles and home runs by season

2B HR
2001 47 37
2002 40 34
2003 51L 43
2004 51 46
2005 38 41
2006 33 49
2007 38 32
2008 44 37
2009 45 47L
2010 YTD 36 39L
L=led league

The bottom line is that every time Pujols takes the field, he enhances his Hall of Fame credentials.

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for providing the first table above.

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Yadier Molina’s five-RBI feat

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina did something that has only been accomplished 25 times in 90 years.

With five runs batted in during the St. Louis Cardinals’ Friday night victory over the San Diego Padres, Yadier Molina accomplished a feat that is quite rare – just the 25th time it was accomplished by a Cardinals catcher in the last 90 years.

Molina’s log from Friday night:

  • First inning: RBI double
  • Second inning: Two-RBI single
  • Fourth inning: RBI double
  • Sixth inning: RBI single

With six of the 25, Ted Simmons is the leader with the most five or more RBI games. In 1942, Ken O’Dea set the team single-game record with seven RBI.

As pointed out below, the Cardinals are are perfect 25-0 in games when the catcher plated at least five.

St. Louis Cardinals, catchers, game, five or more RBI, 1920-current

Player Date Opp Rslt PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB
Yadier Molina 9/17/2010 SDP W 14-4 4 4 0 4 2 0 0 5 0
Eli Marrero 4/20/2000 SDP W 14-1 5 5 2 2 0 0 2 5 0
Hector Villanueva 6/3/1993 CIN W 9-2 5 5 1 3 1 0 1 5 0
Tom Pagnozzi 5/26/1991 NYM W 14-4 6 6 0 4 1 1 0 6 0
Tony Pena 8/22/1989 ATL W 10-5 5 4 0 3 1 0 0 5 0
Darrell Porter 5/10/1983 SFG W 8-4 4 4 2 2 0 0 2 5 0
Darrell Porter 9/17/1981 MON W 7-4 4 4 1 2 1 0 1 5 0
Ted Simmons 9/25/1980 PIT W 10-2 5 4 3 3 0 0 2 6 1
Ted Simmons 5/9/1980 LAD W 15-7 5 4 2 2 0 0 1 5 1
Ted Simmons 6/11/1979 LAD W 9-7 5 5 2 3 0 0 2 6 0
Joe Ferguson 1976-09-15 (1) NYM W 7-0 4 4 1 2 0 0 1 5 0
Ted Simmons 5/17/1975 SFG W 17-2 6 5 2 3 0 1 1 5 1
Ted Simmons 7/2/1973 PHI W 7-4 4 4 1 2 0 0 1 5 0
Ted Simmons 6/27/1973 PIT W 15-4 6 4 2 3 2 0 1 5 1
Hal Smith 5/9/1959 CHC W 11-1 4 4 2 2 0 0 2 5 0
Hal Smith 5/8/1957 NYG W 13-4 5 5 1 3 0 0 1 6 0
Del Rice 1950-07-19 (1) NYG W 18-4 5 3 2 2 1 0 1 5 1
Del Wilber 8/2/1948 NYG W 21-5 6 6 2 3 1 0 0 5 0
Walker Cooper 1943-08-22 (1) BSN W 6-1 5 5 1 3 2 0 1 5 0
Ken O’Dea 1942-05-03 (1) BRO W 14-10 5 5 1 2 1 0 1 7 0
Mickey Owen 7/24/1937 BRO W 20-2 4 4 0 2 0 0 0 5 0
Spud Davis 9/11/1935 PHI W 10-2 3 3 1 3 0 1 1 5 0
Spud Davis 7/7/1934 CIN W 10-4 5 5 1 4 2 0 1 5 0
Frank Snyder 9/19/1927 PHI W 12-5 4 4 0 3 0 0 0 5 0
Verne Clemons 8/23/1921 NYG W 10-7 4 4 0 3 1 0 0 5 0

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for providing the table above.

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2010, 1924 and the Rajah

In many ways, 1924 was a year like 2010 would later turn out to be for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Rogers Hornsby (Getty Images)That season featured an amazing individual performance by a Cardinals hitter, a future Hall of Famer. Rather than Albert Pujols, I am referring to Rogers Hornsby.

To this day, “Rajah’s” .424 batting average remains the National League single-season record. He also paced the NL in walks with 89 which led to a .507 on-base percentage that was the highest in the league during the 20th Century. His domination included a slugging percentage of .696 that was also first in the league, as were his 227 hits, 43 doubles, 121 runs and 373 total bases.

Amazingly, Hornsby finished second in the NL Most Valuable Player voting to Brooklyn pitcher Dazzy Vance, who won 28 games along with a 2.16 ERA.

Sadly, also like 2010, the 1924 Cardinals lacked a consistent group of offensive players backing up Hornsby, other than first baseman Jim Bottomley. The club had particular weaknesses at third base and the outfield.

Bottom line, those Cardinals, managed by another future Hall of Famer, Branch Rickey, finished with a losing record and in sixth place in the National League.

One way they got there was by not performing well in low-scoring games. In fact, the 1924 Cardinals had a 7-56 record when scoring three or fewer runs. That .111 winning percentage is the team’s worst since at least 1920.

The 2010 Cardinals, at 7-52, .119, have the second-lowest winning percentage in that 90-year period. In other words, just four more losses when scoring three or fewer runs would tie them with Hornsby’s and Rickey’s 1924 club.

Two recent Tony La Russa-managed clubs also finished in the worst six. 2008 is third at .121 and 2007 is sixth at .154. Not surprisingly, both those teams missed the playoffs.

On the other hand, 2009 was 13th-best since 1920 with a 25-52, .325 mark.

St. Louis Cardinals, winning percentage when scoring three or fewer runs, 1920, present

Year G W L Pct.
1924 63 7 56 0.111
2010 YTD
 59 7 52 0.119
2008 66 8 58 0.121
1925 47 6 41 0.128
1999 55 8 47 0.146
2007 78 12 66 0.154
1938 64 10 51 0.156
1976 78 13 65 0.167
1948 58 10 47 0.172
1995 68 12 56 0.177
1978 90 16 74 0.178
1953 60 11 47 0.183
2000 49 9 40 0.184
1990 87 16 71 0.184
1998 65 13 52 0.200
1975 73 15 57 0.206
1961 76 16 59 0.211
1984 84 18 66 0.214
1957 56 12 44 0.214
1951 65 14 51 0.215
1955 64 14 50 0.219
1980 77 17 60 0.221
1960 67 15 52 0.224
1972 83 19 64 0.229
1959 74 17 57 0.230
1929 52 12 40 0.231
1983 73 17 56 0.233
1954 51 12 39 0.235
1997 80 19 61 0.238
1971 63 15 47 0.238
1920 71 17 53 0.239
1965 79 19 60 0.241
1993 66 16 50 0.242
1958 82 20 62 0.244
1950 73 18 55 0.247
1991 81 20 61 0.247
2006 60 15 45 0.250
1970 72 18 54 0.250
1962 72 18 54 0.250
1956 76 19 55 0.250
1932 68 17 49 0.250
1923 60 15 44 0.250
1996 67 17 50 0.254
2003 59 15 44 0.254
1988 90 23 67 0.256
1977 70 18 52 0.257
2001 62 16 46 0.258
1947 58 15 41 0.259
1974 73 19 54 0.260
1986 92 24 68 0.261
1922 46 12 34 0.261
1926 65 17 46 0.262
1994 49 13 36 0.265
1985 60 16 44 0.267
1935 52 14 38 0.269
1937 59 16 43 0.271
1969 92 25 67 0.272
1963 73 20 53 0.274
1939 51 14 36 0.275
2002 64 18 46 0.281
1979 71 20 50 0.282
2004 46 13 33 0.283
1928 53 15 38 0.283
1952 74 21 53 0.284
1981 49 14 34 0.286
1992 82 24 58 0.293
1936 51 15 36 0.294
1982 78 23 55 0.295
1933 71 21 50 0.296
1921 54 16 38 0.296
1987 57 17 40 0.298
1973 83 25 58 0.301
1989 89 27 60 0.303
1964 65 20 45 0.308
1940 64 20 43 0.313
1966 92 29 63 0.315
1949 60 19 40 0.317
1931 53 17 36 0.321
2009 77 25 52 0.325
2005 49 16 33 0.327
1934 55 18 36 0.327
1927 58 19 39 0.328
1945 63 21 42 0.333
1930 29 10 19 0.345
1943 72 27 43 0.375
1941 63 24 38 0.381
1946 70 27 43 0.386
1942 62 24 38 0.387
1944 61 24 36 0.393
1968 94 41 53 0.436
1967 63 28 35 0.444

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for providing the table above.

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Cardinals 2011 spring training schedule update #1

Wait ‘til next year!

Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL (Brian Walton photo)Such is the annual cry of Chicago Cubs fans, but with their own post-season hopes slipping away, St. Louis Cardinals followers may soon be joining them.

For as long as I have been tracking spring training schedule information, I am quite sure this is the earliest I have seen anything available for the next spring. A partial 2011 schedule of games has been released by the Atlanta Braves, reports springtrainingonline.com.

The tentative Braves schedule includes three games with the Cardinals. St. Louis will visit Champion Stadium at the Disney complex in Orlando on Wednesday-Thursday, March 9-10 and the Braves will come to Jupiter’s Roger Dean Stadium on Friday, March 18.

For those planning Disney World trips, a six-month notice isn’t really all that far into the future.

As every year, I will continue to fill in the table below all winter long. Game schedules will become available first, with broadcast information typically trickling in later.

St. Louis Cardinals, spring training schedule, 2011

Day Date Home Visitor Time (ET) Radio GD Audio XM TV MLB Netwk
Thursday 3-Mar
Friday 4-Mar
Saturday 5-Mar
Sunday 6-Mar
Monday 7-Mar
Tuesday 8-Mar
Wednesday 9-Mar ATL STL TBD
Thursday 10-Mar ATL STL TBD
Friday 11-Mar
Saturday 12-Mar
Sunday 13-Mar
Monday 14-Mar
Tuesday 15-Mar
Wednesday 16-Mar
Thursday 17-Mar
Friday 18-Mar STL ATL TBD
Saturday 19-Mar
Sunday 20-Mar
Monday 21-Mar
Tuesday 22-Mar
Wednesday 23-Mar
Thursday 24-Mar
Friday 25-Mar
Saturday 26-Mar
Sunday 27-Mar
Monday 28-Mar
Tuesday 29-Mar
Wednesday 30-Mar

In addition, on Tuesday night, MLB.com announced their 2011 regular-season schedules. First games are on March 31.

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Unearned runs link Garcia with Magrane and Forsch

A historical view of St. Louis Cardinals unearned runs by pitcher.

Jaime Garcia (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)When the St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Chicago Cubs by a 5-1 score on Monday night, rookie left-hander Jaime Garcia took the loss, his eighth of the season against 13 wins. Four Cubs crossed the plate during Garcia’s seven innings, though only two runs were earned due to a Skip Schumaker error.

It continued a pattern of unearned runs during Garcia’s starts that has been in place for much of the season. The two unearned runs on Monday were the 14th and 15th during Jaime’s mound time in 2010.

Garcia’s 15 unearned runs is 23.44 percent of his total runs yielded of 64. That percentage is the highest for any Cardinals pitcher during the Tony La Russa era, which began in 1996. In fact, the last time a higher percentage of unearned runs scored was against Joe Magrane in 1988 at 29.82 percent.

In terms of raw numbers of unearned runs coming against a Cardinals pitcher, Bob Forsch holds the dubious honor of the most in a season for at least the last 50 years with 27 in 1976.

Most Unearned Runs-Season 1990-2010 Highest % of Unearned Runs 1990-2010
Player Year Age ER R UER % Player Year Age ER R UER %
Bob Tewksbury 1991 30 69 86 17 19.77%
Jaime Garcia 2010 23 49 64 15 23.44%
Jeff Suppan 2005 30 77 93 16 17.20% Bob Tewksbury 1991 30 69 86 17 19.77%
Alan Benes 1996 24 104 120 16 13.33% Mike Maroth 2007 29 45 56 11 19.64%
Danny Jackson 1995 33 66 82 16 19.51% Danny Jackson 1995 33 66 82 16 19.51%
Donovan Osborne 1992 23 75 91 16 17.58% Kent Mercker 1999 31 59 73 14 19.18%
Jason Marquis 2005 26 95 110 15 13.64% Donovan Osborne 1992 23 75 91 16 17.58%
Jaime Garcia 2010 23 49 64 15 23.44% Bryn Smith 1990 34 67 81 14 17.28%
Kent Mercker 1999 31 59 73 14 19.18% Donovan Osborne 1995 26 48 58 10 17.24%
Bryn Smith 1990 34 67 81 14 17.28% Jeff Suppan 2005 30 77 93 16 17.20%
Kip Wells 2007 30 103 116 13 11.21% Allen Watson 1993 22 44 53 9 16.98%
Jeff Suppan 2006 31 87 100 13 13.00% Bob Tewksbury 1990 29 56 67 11 16.42%
Matt Morris 2005 30 88 101 13 12.87% Rick Ankiel 2000 20 68 80 12 15.00%
Chris Carpenter 2010 35 72 84 12 14.29% Todd Stottlemyre 1998 33 63 74 11 14.86%
Rick Ankiel 2000 20 68 80 12 15.00% Chris Carpenter 2010 35 72 84 12 14.29%
Joel Pineiro 2009 30 83 94 11 11.70% Mark Petkovsek 1995 29 61 71 10 14.08%
Mike Maroth 2007 29 45 56 11 19.64% Jose DeLeon 1991 30 49 57 8 14.04%
Jeff Suppan 2004 29 87 98 11 11.22% Jason Marquis 2005 26 95 110 15 13.64%
Dustin Hermanson 2001 28 95 106 11 10.38% Alan Benes 1996 24 104 120 16 13.33%
Todd Stottlemyre 1998 33 63 74 11 14.86% Alan Benes 1997 25 52 60 8 13.33%
Matt Morris 1997 22 77 88 11 12.50% Jeff Suppan 2006 31 87 100 13 13.00%
Most Unearned Runs-Season 1960-1989
Highest % of Unearned Runs 1960-1989
Player Year Age ER R UER % Player Year Age ER R UER %
Bob Forsch 1976 26 85 112 27 24.11% Joe Magrane 1988 23 40 57 17 29.82%
Curt Simmons 1961 32 68 91 23 25.27% Curt Simmons 1961 32 68 91 23 25.27%
Reggie Cleveland 1972 24 101 120 19 15.83% Bob Forsch 1976 26 85 112 27 24.11%
Steve Carlton 1970 25 105 123 18 14.63% Ray Washburn 1969 31 45 59 14 23.73%
Curt Simmons 1963 34 64 82 18 21.95% Curt Simmons 1962 33 60 78 18 23.08%
Curt Simmons 1962 33 60 78 18 23.08% Al Jackson 1967 31 47 61 14 22.95%
Joe Magrane 1988 23 40 57 17 29.82% Curt Simmons 1963 34 64 82 18 21.95%
Silvio Martinez 1979 23 75 92 17 18.48% John Urrea 1978 23 59 75 16 21.33%
Al Jackson 1966 30 65 82 17 20.73% Roger Craig 1964 34 60 76 16 21.05%
Ernie Broglio 1961 25 80 97 17 17.53% Al Jackson 1966 30 65 82 17 20.73%
John Urrea 1978 23 59 75 16 21.33% Ron Reed 1975 32 63 79 16 20.25%
Bob Forsch 1975 25 73 89 16 17.98% John Curtis 1975 27 56 70 14 20.00%
Ron Reed 1975 32 63 79 16 20.25% Ray Washburn 1968 30 54 67 13 19.40%
Rick Wise 1973 27 97 113 16 14.16% Silvio Martinez 1979 23 75 92 17 18.48%
Roger Craig 1964 34 60 76 16 21.05% John Denny 1976 23 58 71 13 18.31%
Larry Jackson 1962 31 105 121 16 13.22% Lew Burdette 1963 36 41 50 9 18.00%
Bob Forsch 1983 33 89 104 15 14.42% Bob Forsch 1975 25 73 89 16 17.98%
Pete Vuckovich 1979 26 93 108 15 13.89% John Denny 1975 22 60 73 13 17.81%
Nelson Briles 1969 25 89 104 15 14.42% Ernie Broglio 1961 25 80 97 17 17.53%
Bob Gibson 1961 25 76 91 15 16.48% Bob Gibson 1961 25 76 91 15 16.48%

Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for the above tables.

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Cardinals top 20 career multi-home run game leaders

Who is trailing Albert Pujols and Stan Musial with the most multiple-home run games in St. Louis Cardinals history?

Pujols' home run (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)When St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols hit his 38th and 39th home runs of the 2010 season on Sunday night against Atlanta’s Tim Hudson, it was the 30-year-old’s 38th career multi-home run game. In the process, Pujols became the all-time St. Louis Cardinals franchise leader as he broke a tie with Hall of Famer Stan Musial.

After nine seasons, Pujols had 33 such games. This year, he is tied with Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman, both of the Washington Nationals, in leading the National League with five multi-home run games. Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays is first in all of MLB with seven multi-home run games in 2010.

We all know that Pujols broke his tie with Musial, but who are the other franchise leaders in multiple-home run games? Researcher Tom Orf was kind enough to answer my question by providing the list below. Especially note the identity of the man tied for number 11 on the team’s all-time list.

St. Louis Cardinals, multiple-home run games, career

Rank Player Games Home runs
1 Albert Pujols 38 80
2 Stan Musial 37 76
3 Mark McGwire 28 59
4 Rogers Hornsby 18 36
T5 Ray Lankford 17 34
T5 Jim Edmonds 17 34
T5 Ken Boyer 17 34
8 Jim Bottomley 16 32
9 Johnny Mize 15 34
10 Joe Medwick 10 20
T11 Ryan Ludwick 9 18
T11 George Hendrick 9 18
T13 Enos Slaughter 8 16
T13 Scott Rolen 8 16
T15 Whitey Kurowski 7 14
T15 Ripper Collins 7 14
T17 Bill White 6 13
T17 Fernando Tatis 6 12
T17 Ted Simmons 6 12
T17 J.D. Drew 6 12
T17 Jack Clark 6 12

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The Lohse-Suppan tandem

Why not pair up a couple of St. Louis Cardinals’ five-inning starters every fifth day?

Ever since Kyle Lohse joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008, I have thought of him and now-teammate Jeff Suppan in a similar way along the following basic formula.

  1. Starting pitcher who was below average elsewhere.
  2. Pitched very well for St. Louis.
  3. Received four-year contract in excess of $40 million.
  4. Returned to previous form.

Of course, the major difference is that Suppan received his mega-deal from Milwaukee while Lohse remained a Cardinal. In terms of contract time-frames, Suppan is two years ahead of Lohse.

In the table below, note the similarity of their pre-Cardinals histories. They then each lowered their ERAs by a full run under Dave Duncan before reaching new lows following their big contracts.

Pre-StL Initial StL Post-$
Record Pct. ERA Record Pct. ERA Record Pct. ERA
Lohse 63-74 0.460 4.82 15-6 0.714 3.78 8-17 0.320 5.60
Suppan 62-75 0.453 4.90 44-26 0.629 3.95 30-41 0.423 5.04

This season as Cardinals starters, the two have combined to go 3-12 while averaging just five innings per start. In their 22 starts, the team is just 8-14.

Lohse has been named the defacto fifth starter for the remainder of the season and gets the ball Sunday night against Atlanta.

Pitcher Starts QS W-L Tm W-L Avg IP K/9 IP
Lohse 13 4 2-7 5-8 5.0 5.3
Suppan 9 1 1-5 3-6 5.0 3.7
Team 139 84 57-48 73-66 6.0 6.9

Though it would likely be no better than applying salve on a gaping wound, I’ve wondered why the Cardinals don’t just pair the two up as they do with minor leaguers in a piggyback or tandem arrangement.

I suggest this only half-jokingly, considering they are five-inning pitchers at best and like many pitchers, fare poorer the more looks opposing hitters get at them. Here are the opposing hitters’ OPS by times through the batting order this season.

OPS vs. 1st PA 2nd PA 3rd PA 4th+ PA
Lohse .774 .969 .919 1.167
Suppan .816 .955 1.092 1.200

Consider matchups to determine which of the two should start, likely Lohse in most cases. Then plan to get Suppan up in the fourth or fifth inning and have him take over in relief so later than the sixth.

Of course, it would be unrealistic to reverse that 3-12 record, but still, a nine-game swing would have cured much of what ails the Cardinals’ bottom line.

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Cardinals minor league attendance trending downward

Despite solid play on the field, the St. Louis Cardinals’ top four minor league clubs had down attendance in 2010.

(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)After noting that the Batavia Muckdogs drew just 601 fans on Thursday night for what became their final game of the 2010 post-season and perhaps their last game ever, it reminded me that I wanted to look at minor league attendance for the season across the St. Louis Cardinals system.

Turns out that I didn’t have to do the data collection work, as the folks at Baseball Digest already have. They collected attendance figures for 176 teams across minor league baseball.

Below, I extracted the information for the Cardinals top six farm clubs and added some year-to-year and in-league comparisons. Here are my major observations:

  • Despite all six clubs playing very good baseball, including five playoff entrants, only the lowest two rungs experienced an increase in attendance over 2009.  Batavia and Johnson City’s increases are relatively small.
  • They’re not alone, as 104 of the 176 minor league clubs averaged fewer fans per game in 2010 compared to last year.
  • Palm Beach, Johnson City and Batavia remain within the bottom ten percent of the 176 teams tracked in average attendance.
  • Of the Cardinals affiliates, only Memphis and Springfield are not deeply lodged among the poorest-attended teams in their respective leagues.
2010 # 2009 # Team Lg Total Att G 2010 avg 2009 +/- 2010 Lg rank
23 17 Memphis Redbirds PCL 462,041 71 6,507 6,981 -0.07 7 of 16
43 36 Springfield Cardinals TL 357,336 67 5,333 5,835 -0.09 4 of 8
86 85 Quad Cities River Bandits ML 224,128 64 3,502 3,693 -0.05 10 of 16
163 161 Palm Beach Cardinals FSL 64,767 67 966 1,008 -0.04 10 of 12
159t 162 Batavia Muckdogs NYP 36,601 36 1,016 962 0.06 14 of 14
173 172 Johnson City Cardinals AppL 24,049 32 751 738 0.02 8 of 10

Update 9/15: Minor League Baseball announced overall attendance was down 1/2 of one percent this year, or -0.005 as represented on the above scale. In other words, the four Cardinals clubs’ declines of from four to nine percent were substantially greater than average.

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