Cards Deck Gets Shuffled...Get Win #1

The manager of the Cardinals went to an unorthodox line-up last night and seemed to keep every one on their toes.  Some players were mumbling to themselves after looking at the line up card prior to the evening game versus Colorado.  One player, was quoted as saying " I think he [bulls7210] has finally fell off his rocker". 

The biggest adjustment came with second baseman, Carlos Trajano.  He was replaced at the top of the line up with Dallas Parrish.  Trajano was then inserted in the four hole.  "Never really considered Carlos to be a clean-up hitter". Said Trajano, referring to himself after going 2 for 3, with a double and a homerun in the 2-1 victory.  "It feels good".

Todd Maxwell, went eight innings scattering three hits and a walk and striking out four to earn the victory.

Opening Day at the Ballpark

The Cardinals opened up the season on a sour note on Sunday.  Considering their lackluster performance, the team might have thought it was a spring training game.  Yannick Woodson was not his usual self, giving up seven runs on 2 2/3 innings.

The opening frame started out with a lazy fly ball, but things got interesting after that.

After a walk to the two hole batter and a Phil Murphy fly out to center field, Andrew

Richard put a charge into one that left the field over the right field fence. Woodson fell

behind even further in the 2nd inning when the first two batters got on with a double and single.

That allowed Louis Leary, to push across another run by hitting into a fielders choice.

The Final score was 19-3, Anaheim. This was the worst open game loss for the Cardinals in their storied history.

One can only wonder what the rest of the season is going to be like if they can't correct this kind of performance.

Cardinals Get Their Man

Cardinals front office this week went shopping for an International Free Agent (IFA).  Who they found was a young fire-baller from the Dominican Republic.  Julian Ortiz has the ability to develop into a good long relief pitcher or at least a situational guy out of the bullpen.  If Ortiz can fully develop, and there is some question about his dedication, he should have three ML pitches and an equal ability to get batters out from either side. He does have a lack of focus at times, which leads to his giving up the long ball, but with his stuff, he is just wild enough to be effective.  Can't wait for this kid to make his debut.