Redbird Rants | A St. Louis Cardinals Blog » Ludwick

Ryan Ludwick deal not to blame for losing ways

Ryne Gery — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:42:33 +0000

It is often said that we don’t realize how much something or someone matters until that thing is taken away — until it’s gone.

Since the Cards traded Ryan Ludwick to land Jake Westbrook at the trade deadline, Cards fans have admitted they miss Luddy. The outfielder gave St. Louis some great years and some much-needed pop in a weak lineup. It doesn’t help that since the team traded him, they have lost more than they’ve won and fallen far behind the Cincinnati Reds. Offense is a big part of the problem and Ludwick would certainly make a difference. He is in San Diego where the sun is always shining and the Padres are always winning. He’s come up with some clutch hits for the Friars and Cards fans can only cringe with every loss.

Brian Feldman says the Ludwick deal can’t be an excuse for the Cards troubles though.

Cardinals land Westbrook in three-team deal, send Ludwick to San Diego

Ryne Gery — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:58:14 +0000

The St. Louis Cardinals finally got their man. After fighting through nearly two months without Brad Penny and Kyle Lohse, the Cards landed Jake Westbrook to fix the back of the rotation in a three-team trade involving Cleveland and San Diego. St. Louis also gets minor league lefty Nick Greenwood from the Padres and cash considerations from Cleveland.

The other side of the deal ends Ryan Ludwick’s run in St. Louis. Ludwick had a fine career as a productive outfielder for the Cards and it’s tough to see him go, but this move was needed for the playoff push and for salary relief with an eye on the offseason that includes keeping Albert Pujols in St. Louis.

Greenwood was 4-4 with a 4.15 ERA at Single-A for San Diego. The 22-year-old will join the Cardinals low-A affiliate in Quad Cities.

More reaction on this deal later.

Hawksworth’s dream debut turns into nightmare

Ryne Gery — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:23:19 +0000

The dream-like picture of Dodger Stadium quickly changed to a nightmare of a debut for Blake Hawksworth. It was supposed to be a feel-good movie for the Cards pitcher. Instead, it turned out to be more of a horror film with Hawksworth getting ripped in a 12-4 loss in front of 44,876.

Not exactly how the script was written.

After years in the minors battling injuries and some quality time in the St. Louis bullpen, Hawksworth finally got his chance to shine as a starter. Unfortunately, he never found a comfort zone and his first start was a forgettable one.

Hawksworth went four innings, gave up seven hits, six runs, and walked three. It was ugly from the start. Matt Kemp drove in a run on a single and Manny Ramirez plated another after grounding into a double play. He was already in a hole.

He couldn’t find the strike zone and that spells doom for any pitcher. Hawksworth threw 36 strikes in 67 pitches. Without his command, he couldn’t get the job done.

Neither could P.J. Walters who was the other option to start. He came in after Hawksworth and the score only ballooned. Walters surrendered four runs in the fifth including a three-run shot off the foul pole by Blake DeWitt. He finished the game for the Cards and had an eerily similar night as Hawksworth.

Walters pitched four innings, gave up seven hits, six runs, and walked three.

The lone bright spot for St. Louis was Ryan Ludwick. Ludwick hit two solo home runs.

Otherwise, Carlos Monasterios kept the Cards bats under control. The rookie went six innings and allowed three runs for the win. He did a good job mixing speeds to keep St. Louis off balance. Monasterios has done well for L.A. in four starts.