Post by Matt on Dec 4, 2020 10:52:44 GMT -5
In the latest edition:
Redbirds make their run!
With all the frustration, whining and complaining that you've heard all season from St Louis, it comes down to the last day of the season and the fate of the 'Birds is in their own hands. "It doesn't seem real," said SS Terry Pendelton, "to fight and scrap all season long and not know why would couldn't put the W's on the board to having a couple of nice winning streaks and everything clicking right to end the year."
Once throwing a vibe out as possibly trying to challenge the Pirates for the "Worst team in Baseball" they are now a win from the postseason. A win over the Reds (or a loss by the Chubbies) and they open the door to the crazy world of playoff baseball. "Crazy." That's all we could get out of the Cardinals GM for a while, "to think that ownership was fully in support of breaking up the band and selling when we were 12 games back is just crazy. I think that's what sparked the guys. Between that spark, DK figuring out his stuff, Ravie gaining some confidence and control, Fernando and 'Zo coming back from over a month on the DL, it was just a crazy circumstance that they embraced and took off with."
In the month of August Ace SP Morris Madden found his groove and was nearly lights out. He ended the month going 4-0 with a 1.06 ERA and 34 strikeouts (with only 3 BB) in 42 IP. "In all honesty, I don't remember much. I know I was on the mound and pitching, but I don't believe the numbers you just told me. It was fun to be on the mound, even though I don't remember much of it," said Madden. "I just hope I can keep that going on down the road. It had been a pretty frustrating year up to that point."
First baseman Lorenzo Gray followed up Madden's comments "We knew he was in a groove. We knew not to approach him at that point in time because of the way things were rolling for him." Speaking of Gray, his OPS of 839 was a season high for him, with 18 runs scored and 21 RBI. "We all took the words of the front office to heart. We were as frustrated as them, but the issue was in front of us, we had to be the ones to step up and play, and most of us did our part and look where we're sitting now" said Gray. "Hopefully we get this W against the Reds and we can see what happens in the postseason!"
Speaking on the task at hand, the GM had a few words to say "We're still debating who's starting for us, but I highly doubt we try to get fancy and worry about tomorrow. We've got to get through today first."
This reporter doesn't see any changes happening in the lineup, but can see the debate in the rotation. While you want to save your ace for the playoffs, if you don't get there it's a wasted thought. I could see either Madden or Walters getting the call to start the game. The wise man would probably bet on Madden simply because it's his turn and you don't want to mess up the good thing that's been happening on that mound with him out there.
Hopefully we'll be back for another Redbird Report...but the playoff edition!
