I watched the Cardinal opener yesterday, and came away a little bit depressed following a 6-4 loss that featured a 4-run ninth by the Pirates.   Then it hit me......this wasn't actually the 2009 Opener, it was instead a replay from the 2008 season.   After I realized that, I felt much better.   

I mean, it had to be 2008, right?   The game was a microcosm of 2008 and featured everything that defined last year:   solid starting pitching that carried us into the 6th inning with a lead;  enough offense to win, led by Albert Pujols' three hits and Ryan Ludwick's HR;  the Cards carrying a two run lead into the ninth inning;  the bullpen coming in and blowing the lead in the 9th.   Yep,  had to be a 2008 replay.....right??     Well, I look forward to seeing the actual opener today.......

Seriously though, what a depressing way to start 2009.   After watching the blown save parade last year, there couldn't have been a worse way to start 2009.  The interesting thing to see now is how LaRussa reacts.   Will he immediately lose confindence in Motte and turn to the veteran Ryan Franklin?    Or will he continue on path of going with the young guns, Motte and/or Perez (eventually)?   The fate of the 2009 season may rest in that answer.   An early dose of more blown saves could wreck the confidence of this team early, sending them into a "here we go again" tailspin.   Let's hope yesterday was just a blip on the radar.