Smoltz is a Cardinal

I absolutely love this move.  The Cardinals added veteran pitcher, John Smoltz, to the roster for the league minimum $400,000.  Smoltz was released by the Boston Redsox just days earlier.  The Cardinals are known for taking veteran pitchers and making them “good” again somehow.  Smoltz will most likely finish the year as a 5th starter but will provide the solid 7th and 8th inning relief the Cardinals need as they move into October and the playoff.  The best thing about John Smoltz is he is a GAMER!  He has pitched in big games and knows what it takes to win.  If nothing else, he will be a great influence for some of these youngsters.  Good work Cardinals GM!

Pujols and Shaq square off

Anyone going to watch the Pujols vs. Shaq homerun derby on Thursday?  This ought to be interesting.  Shaq has his new reality show called “Shaq VS” where he goes up against other athletes at their own sport.  He has challenged Albert Pujols to a homerun derby and El Hombre accepted.  Shaq???? Don’t you know this is MVPujols you are talking about?!?!  The MACHINE?!?!  Good luck with that.  I’ll be tuning in to see how things go.  I know many are making the trip to watch the derby so get your “tickets” now.

Very nice win last night for the Redbirds as they defeated the Reds 4-1. This was Kyle Lohse first win since May 23rd so that was refreshing. The Cardinals move to 12 games over .500! Yep, 12 games. A nice little finish here and we will have playoff baseball in St. Louis once again in 2009.  Those “not so” pesky Cubs move to 3 games behind the Cardinals as they fell once again to the Rockies.  It’s been a very good week to be a Cardinals fan.  Only dissappointment in the game was Albert Pujols was again up with the bases loaded – and popped out.  What is wrong with him? (tongue in cheek)… He’s now only batting .721 with the bases juiced.

Wellemeyer to DL

Thank God!  Todd Wellemeyer was scheduled to get the start today but the Cardinals are going to place him on the DL.  He has some inflamation around the right elbow and will take some time on the shelf.  This gives the youngster Boggs another shot at starting tonight against the Reds.  Sometimes I really wonder if these guys that we all know are sucking, are really hurt… Or if they go on the DL as a crutch because the manager doesn’t want to say – “your demoted”.  I know, that sounds like a crazy thought and I’m sure it is.  It’s just a funny coincidence that he goes on the DL after people are screaming for his head and want him gone.  Either way it is good stuff!

They face Justin Lehr tonight who has only one start on the season.  You all remember that game right?  Back on the 5th Justin dominated the Cubs in a complete game, 4-0 shutout.  This kid must have some nice stuff.  I don’t know much about him but we will get a taste of him tonight.  Let’s hope he had the first game luck earlier this month and is ready to implode tonight.