Fall Ball

NLDS StL @ LA Gm.1:

I can't point to too many specific things that contributed to this loss except that Chris Carpenter through an absolute stinker. He was just not himself and did not give us that exceptional playoff performance we've become accustomed to as Cardinals fans. However, they win as a team and lose as a team so the lack of run support provided by the other 8 guys has become a real sticking point in this lineup. Leaving 9 stranded in the first 4 innings including the bases loaded in two of those innings is inexcusable. This really wasn't the difference though as LA left an equivalent number of runs on the field, contributing to a postseason record setting, combined 30 LOB for a game. Ouch. The one bright spot was Ludwick's RBI single with the bases loaded in the 1st, but it was quickly erased int he bottom of the frame with a 2-run dinger by Kemp. This game was over before the bullpen came in - but they didn't do Carp or the offense any favors. Hawksworth hits a batter with the bases loaded walking in a run to put the Birds that much further away from having a chance to be in this game.

Result: Cards lose 3-5

NLDS StL@LA Gm.2:

I watched this game closer and it is fresher in my memory, so I am going to hand out some grades here.

Adam Wainwright: A+. WOW! What a performance. He had a 1-hitter going (a homerun to Andre Ethier) going into the 8th. He got a little shaky there, loading the bases, but got out of the jam proving that he is a winner, a solid pitcher, and - I'll say it again - worthy of the Cy Young. I know awards don't get handed out for singular performances, but Waino has been doing this all year.

Troy Glaus: F. We haven't asked anything of you all year until the 9th inning of this game, and you still got paid. Don't fly out! Wainwright could have done that and stayed in the game. Thanks for nothing, you fail.

Trevor Miller: A. You came in and got your man, lefty Andre Ethier who up until this point accounted for the Dodgers lone run. Good job, now take a seat (wtf?)...

Colby Rasmus: C-. Yes, you got drove in the go ahead run with a double, but then you tried to reach third. Bad move. Never get your first or last out in an inning at third base. We already took the lead, don't push it - just stay in scoring position. The only reason you don't get an F is because of that aforementioned RBI.

Tony LaRussa: F. You didn't have to make too many decisions in this game, but the 4 that you did cost us a win on the road in a critical game 2 that we could have won. First, you pulled Wainwright in the top of the 9th to bat Glaus - this counts as 2 bad moves. Wainwright was fine, he got into a little jam against the Dodgers' murderer's row (including Manny) and got out of it with NO damage. That's not a guy you replace to bat with two outs in the 9th. You let that guy finish what he started. Waino also bats righty and could have done better than Glaus who has seen all of 10 pitches this season. Poor choice... I wish I could give you an F-. In the next half inning, you pull Trevor Miller and put in Franklin - also 2 bad moves. I'm not as upset at you pulling the lefty as I am you putting in Franklin. Everyone in the free speaking world (except you?) knew this guy was rocky down the stretch and to put him in such a tight situation is unforgivable. I know he was an All-Star, but the guy flat out didn't have it in the second half... enough said (until I grade Franklin).

Ryan Franklin: F-. You blew it man... you and you alone. After Miller got an out and an unfortunate error that put a runner in scoring position, you walked Casey Blake after having him right where you wanted him. The you allowed the runners to advance on a wild pitch (maybe a passed ball, but still, put the fucker in the strike zone), and then let up two hits up the middle to put the Dodgers on top and up 2-0 in the series. You failed miserably and reminded us all of your September... awful.

Matt Holiday: C+. Yes, he made a bad error and yes it was a catchable ball for a big league outfielder. Blame it on the lights, blame it on the towels, it hurt - and it would have ended the game. BUT with only one out to go, Franklin had every chance to redeem himself and pick up his player and he couldn't deliver. I know you can't give teams 4 outs, but this was only 2 (or 3 with the error) that Franklin had to get - as closer, that is his JOB... Holliday gets a C+ because although he looked like an asshole in the field, he did smack that homer in the 2nd inning that put the Cardinals ahead for so long. In my eyes, this evens him out and like I said, the error did not lose the game and the pitcher on the mound can overcome diversity and pitch out of it, regardless of first playoff appearance.

The resy of the team gets a C for average play. Ludwick and Lugo made great defensive plays, but did little at the plate. DeRosa scored a run but it wasn't enough. Pujols played okay, and got IBB twice again, so its hard to grade him individually.

Result: Cards lose 2-3

I just hope Piniero can right the ship at home tomorrow... he's gonna have to. I guess in theory these two away games are the ones you're supposed to lose, but I disregard that theory because you have two of the best pitchers in the NL going up there AND you always have an advantage coming home after taking on of 2 om the road. Get it together Cardinals, you're on the clock.

As if this series hasn't pissed me off enough, should we discuss the Mizzou v. Nebraska game? I'm sure my sister has heard a plethora of obscenities from her husband about this one. Keeping them shut out for 3 quarters and them blowing it in the 4th is as inexcusable as anything the Cardinals did - 27 points in one quarter??!! Where was that defense in the last quarter? We knew the offense was going to be sluggish due to the weather, but for god's sake take some snaps under center and run the goddamn football down their throats! MU snuck into the top 25 rankings by beating a bunch of no-name teams (Illinois included, with their 1-3 record, 0-2 conference). Now after losing to another weak top 25 team - that they should have BEATEN - they will surely slip out of the rankings and I don't see anywhere on their schedule where they can get back in... the Big 12 is tough this year, with the exceptions of Mizzou, Nebraska, and a perennially bad Colorado (who MU plays in Colorado).

Okay, I'm done. Share your thoughts. I'm not grammar checking this because I'm too pissed off!