As promised, here’s a second post for today.  After this morning’s rant about a certain jersey number, I felt obligated to provide you with some more newsworthy stuff about the ball club.
First, the Cardinals are making progress with their arbitration eligible players.  Rick Ankiel agreed to a new one year contract that will pay him $900,000 in 2008.  Incentives could make it an even $1 million.  Figures for both Todd Wellemeyer and Yadier Molina have been exchanged, and negotiations continue as the players hope to avoid arbitration hearings.  The Post Dispatch has the full story here.

Most Cardinal fans know that [...]

I’ve got a bit more to say about jersey numbers today.  Bear with me.  Last week, Troy Glaus chose to wear 8, rather than Mark McGwire’s 25.

“I’ve been 25 a long time.  I’ve known Mark for a long time,” Glaus said.  ”He’s an icon in this city and I’m not going to do that.”

Last season, 8 belonged to Cardinals hitting coach, Hal McRae.  I just found out that this season, McRae will wear 15, the number worn by departed fan favorite, Jim Edmonds, since 2000.  The news didn’t sit well with me.  I don’t expect 15 to be [...]

With under a month now until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, it’s time to take a look at the Cardinals starting rotation.  I’ve already discussed the bullpen, both the infield and the outfield, and the team’s payroll, so check them out if you missed them.

Anyone who watched the ‘07 team knows that the biggest weakness was the starting pitching.  The group will have to be much better this year in order for the club to stay competitive.  So far, word is that staff ace, Chris Carpenter, will be out until mid-season, as he completes his recovery from [...]

This never gets old.  If it doesn’t get you excited for baseball season, you’re not a Cardinal fan.  Enjoy!
Works every time.

First, I should point out that yesterday was also the birthday of Cardinal Hall of Famer, Dizzy Dean.  I thought about working it into yesterday’s post, but didn’t want to cloud the message I was trying to convey about Albert Pujols.  Check out Dean’s Cooperstown credentials here.
Speaking of Pujols (again), the folks at Cardinals Diaspora pointed out a Tigers blog that gave a nice defensive analysis of all first basemen, and I wanted to pass it along.  Of course Albert ranks at the top.  The entry, by Lee Panas, can be found here.  Thanks CD.

Mathew Leach’s weekly segment, “Around the [...]

Today is Albert Pujols’ 28th birthday, and I wanted to say a few words about him.  I think it’s important to recognize all that he’s accomplished so far in his illustrious career.  As Cardinal fans, watching Albert play day in and day out over the years, we’ve become accustomed to his production, and it’s easy to take his tremendous contributions for granted.  
Since Pujols first made it to the big leagues as a twenty-one year old with the Cards in 2001, he’s done nothing but hit.  No other player has ever hit over 30 home runs, drove in over 100 [...]

Tomorrow the Cardinals will formally announce the trade for new third baseman, Troy Glaus.  With it, perhaps, we’ll find out what number he’ll wear on his jersey.  For the past several years, Glaus has had the number 25 on his back.  No Cardinal has worn that number since Mark McGwire in 2001. Will Glaus be the next?  Will there be a next?

Currently, there are ten numbers retired by the Cardinals:

1  Ozzie Smith
2  Red Shoendienst
6  Stan Musial
9  Enos Slaughter
14 Ken Boyer
17 Dizzy Dean
20 Lou Brock
42 Bruce Sutter/Jackie Robinson
45 Bob Gibson
85 August Busch, Jr.

A few others, although never retired, have yet [...]

It’s official.  Both players passed their physical today, so the swap of third basemen is now approved.  As promised, I compared some numbers to see what the Cardinals could be gaining or losing with a new man at the hot corner.  Salary and age are both negligible.
I decided to limit the past stats to the last four years.  Due to injuries, Rolen missed most of the ‘05 season, while Glaus missed most of ‘04.  Both players missed significant time last season.  So, by looking only at 2004-07, both games played and at-bats are nearly the same for both players.

First, let’s [...]

Well, I’ve got an entire post, ready to publish, completely devoted to crunching the numbers of both Troy Glaus and Scott Rolen.  A little compare and contrast, if you will.  However, I’ve decided that it would be a bit premature to post it today, and now plan on waiting until the trade is finalized, after both players pass their physicals.
So instead, let’s bide our time with some minor, late news surrounding the ball club.  I’ll refer you to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, where you’ll find an interesting article discussing our old pal, Walt Jocketty, and his new position with [...]

The Cardinals and Bluejays have agreed on a trade that would swap their third basemen.  Pending physicals, Toronto will get seven time gold-glover, Scott Rolen, along with cash.  St. Louis gets Troy Glaus, a 31 year old, right-handed hitting third baseman.  Foxsports first broke this story.

The ongoing feud between Rolen and Tony La Russa has already been beaten to death.  This trade would clear the disgruntled Rolen, as well as bring in a legitimate right-handed power bat, something Mozeliak has been clamoring for.

Glaus, when healthy, has put up impressive power numbers, hitting 30 or more home runs five [...]