I like that “Four things” article, with a couple of exceptions. On Carpenter, I would not hit him fourth, but move him down to 6 or 7 in the order. And I would start Gyorko against lefties for awhile.
Hudson looked pretty good last night. He was able to weather a stormy situation, not only the actual “weather”, but the middle innings when he gave up a couple of runs, without the usual meltdown. He was able to control the damage and get through it. With his minor league credentials, I think you need to stick with him and see what he can do.
I 100% agree on Hicks. If you are going to have him on the roster, then use him when the time is best. And now with CMart available, there is even more flexibility to use Hicks in a wider role than just the ninth inning. Plus you have Gant and Brebbia who will likely be able to close out games. Miller could too, but his command has been poor, which seems to be a common affliction with Cardinal pitchers.