Colby Rasmus named National League Player of the Week

The Cardinals have picked up their play over the past week heading into their showdown with another surging team, the Dodgers. Colby Rasmus has been the key to the team’s newfound energy. The hot young center fielder hit .500 during the week to go with three home runs and nine RBIs. He also scored six runs and had a game-winning hit during his streak. Rasmus’ batting average skyrocketed from .262 to .293.

The big week earned him honors as the National League Player of the Week.

Albert Pujols has also found his stroke following a frustrating month and a heated exchange with manager Tony La Russa. As they say, misery loves company. Rasmus also went at it with La Russa after a poor defensive play last Monday. The exhcange sparked Rasmus and the Cards as some signs of life are returning to the St. Louis clubhouse.

Along with the extra motivation, Rasmus got some good old-fashioned advice from his father, Tony. He worked out with his father at a local high school and it seems dad still knows a thing or two. His father pushed him to see an eye doctor and got new contact lenses. The new contacts have certainly made a difference. The older Rasmus was a minor league ballplayer and coaches at Russell County High School in Alabama.

Even pros need to take a step back from the game for a new perspective — or a refreshed one. A few days with dad and a new hungry attitude is always good to stay grounded.

With Rasmus firmly planted, he’s ready to soar to new heights on the diamond.