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.
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I was going to write a similiar blog but you beat me to it. It is sorta sad how much yesterday looked like 2008. However, this kid Motte needs to be given more of a chance. We gave Izzy so many years of crappy blown saves, we need to give him at least this year to improve. The offense is going to be there, but not going after any pitching this offseason could come back to make it 2008 all over again.
DW: Pujols For MVP
High Rige, MO
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Man I hope it was just a hiccup. VEB had a good point, in that Motte's awful 9th, as far as pitching, looked a lot like his successful 9th as well. A lot of fastballs, good slider etc. I think he was way too pumped up, and got a little behind in counts, making them obvious fastball counts. let's hope it improves.
BBK - Now it's all…
Orlando, FL
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I just hope Tony doesn't give up on him too quickly.
TenRingsSTL
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Don't give up on Motte too quickly on the season, but giving up on him for one day with two out, one run in, and the bases loaded might have been a good idea. is there some rule that LaRussa can only use 1 pitcher in the 9th?
BigLar
Denver , CO
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is there some rule that LaRussa can only use 1 pitcher in the 9th?
I was hoping that rule went away when Jason Isringhausen left town........
TenRingsSTL
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Tough loss, but its only 1 game fellas...there are 161 more to go...
Lets give the guy a few more games and then pass judgement...
JeffHart24
Pompano Beach , FL
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Ten and to all the Cardinal faithful, as I said before and I'll say it again. I think the Cardinals have the best fan base of any of the MLB teams. It is a tough loss, but I am remaining hopeful for a great season.
redbird1
Hopewell, VA
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Amen to that. Having had friends that root for any number of teams, I have found that the Cardinal faithful seem to be the most consistent, intelligent, and realistic fanbase. In a recent conversation with a friend that is a huge Cub fan I tried to properly explain this difference to him. I pointed out to him that in the 8 years we have been friends, he has picked the Cubs to win the division every year. As a Cardinal fan, I have not chosen them to win it every year, even they they do more than they don't. That to me points to the "realistic" aspect of the Cardinal faithful. We are very aware of what the team's strengths and weaknesses are. While we may see the best case scenario, we also realize that baseball is unpredictable, and that things happen. I think all of us look at this team, and know that it is capable of doing very well, but we're not so delusional as to expect everything to go our way. I guess realism comes with winning...
BBK - Now it's all…
Orlando, FL
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Well said. Realistic expectations are just one of the ways Card fans are the best in baseball.
TenRingsSTL
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