Post by Matt on Oct 27, 2020 10:42:42 GMT -5
Well, that game didn't go as the Cardinals had hoped. Valenzuela only lasted 5 innings, giving up 8 hits, 5 ER and 3 BB. "We're going to go back and watch the film to see what exactly happened," Valenzuela said through his translator. "Hopefully we can get that straightened out and this will only be a blip on the radar and we can chalk it up to not pitching an an MLB game for 10 months."
The Cardinals ended the last week with a 3-4 record, which included a 3 game sweep at the hands of the surging Cubs. "We knew they were for real again this year, we just have to figure out how to win those games," quipped GM Carpenter. "Kile definitely caused his own problems during his start. He gave up 5 runs, all unearned on his own throwing error. Those things can't happen, rookie or not. But to then stick around, having a chance to win the game and usually solid Doug Jones gives up 4 hits and 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th? Just not a good day."
With the Cardinals rotation and bullpen struggling, it's going to have to hope the offense can keep coming through. Shortstop Terry Pendleton is still hitting the ball very well with a 360 average and 12 HR early in the season. When asked about moving him up in the lineup, the skipper and GM were both noncommital to any such move. "We like where he's at right now. If needed, we might consider moving him up later, but as long as he's hot, he's good where he is in the lineup." Looking back at career stats, it's hard to argue with them. TP's best average in his career has been 250, including an ugly 230 last season.
Other Cardinal offensive players to mention would be 2B Rex Hudler and CF Mitch Webster. Hudler came out blazing hot hitting 366 in the first two months, but May hasn't been as kind with a drop into the low 200s. "He was seeing the ball well, but he's slumping. We might give Samuel a few starts out there to give Rex a few days off. Even the Wonderdog can't play 162 games,"said Carpenter. "Samuel has been seeing the ball better in limited AB, so don't be surprised to see him out there."
Webster has picked it up offensively in May to help make up for Hudler's struggles "those first games on a new team you try to push too much and impress the team and the fans. That's what I was doing, now that I'm settled in I'm feeling more confident at the plate," said Webster. "Hopefully we can keep going!"
