TEAM NEWS: 58-44 (1st place NL Central, 5 game lead)
The Cards have been red hot, winning eleven out of seventeen since the All-Star Break. The starting staff has been clicking, the bats are coming around a bit, and the bullpen continues to be fantastic. As the deadline approaches, they may be looking to add another arm for the rotation and another right-handed power hitter for the playoff push and beyond.
Rotation
Maybe Tony Larussa's going to start to learn? Matt Morris, who had been dominant his last three times out was rocked on Sunday by the offensively challenged Cubs. Morris walked four and allowed five hits in his four innings, throwing 85 pitches. Clearly, it's not an absolute answer, but Morris' stress had been limited for six starts, as he threw more than 96 pitches just once. However, in his previous start, Larussa opted to let Morris loose, leaving him in there for 122 pitches.
Next start: 8/2 @ ATL
Keep an eye on that pitch count. Morris has struggled in three game stints after Larussa leaves him in there until his arm's about to fall off. Benching him in Atlanta might actually be an option.
Newly acquired Chuck Finley has looked solid since joining the Cards, allowing six earned runs in his two starts and coming through with wins in each of them. Finley could certainly thrive in St. Louis until National League hitters have seen him once or twice. Pitching coach Dave Duncan has revived a career or two (see Darryl Kile, Woody Williams), so keep an eye on Finley. He could be a stud in the final two months of the season.
Next start: 8/1 @ FLA
Finley has been unspectacular, but should be good for 6-8 wins in his short stint with the Cardinals. He's getting better defense behind him than he was in Cleveland, as well as more support. Combine that with the fact that he has one last shot at that elusive World Series ring and this deal should rejuvenate him.
Jason Simontacchi seems to have found a team he dislikes. The Cubs beat up on him for the second time in as many tries, this time lighting him up for seven runs (six earned) in four innings. Regardless, Simontacchi has shut down opposing hitters all season, and should get the call for a Fantasy Team against anyone, including the hapless Cubbies.
Next start: 7/31 @ FLA
Simontacchi remains a solid start. Rough outings happen, particularly with rookie pitchers, even if they are almost 30. If the problem persists, then it may be time to pursue other options.
Travis Smith continues to surprise, and has apparently won himself a spot in the rotation even after injured hurler Woody Williams returns. His stuff is far from overpowering, but he's a bit cagey and has a knack for pitching just deep enough to get a one or two run lead to the bullpen, which has been spectacular at holding the starters' leads.
Next start: 7/30 @ FLA
Avoid Smith, as his strikeout numbers are almost non-existent, his WHIP is a robust 1.58, and his ERA will never be that great. His wins are as much a credit to the bullpen as anything else, but he's done a fine job filling in.
Andy Benes will likely be skipped in the rotation with the off day on Monday. The overpaid veteran has actually come back and pitched admirably in his two starts, but hasn't lasted past the fifth inning in either of them. He used to be a solid starter, but he's expected to retire at season's end, as he just doesn't have the stuff anymore.
Next start: Up in the air.
Benes isn't worth a look unless the league counts a bonus for stats accumulated in the middle to late 1990s.
Bullpen
Closer Jason Isringhausen has been awesome since the break, sealing the deal on his last five save opportunities. His early season form seems to have returned, as he's struck out eight batters and walked none in his six innings of work. He's also been virtually unhittable, as opponents have mustered just three hits against him in that stretch.
Primary setup man and team workhorse Steve Kline hasn't looked so hot his last few times out. He's allowed four runs in his last four outings, lasting just 2.2 innings. Kline is a key to the bullpen's success, as about sixty percent of the games go through him at some point, but has been hampered a few times by injuries this season.
Dave Veres has looked pretty shaky lately himself, allowing at least one run in five consecutive outings, a span that ended with him giving up seven runs in two games. His ERA, which had been as low as 2.74 before the streak started on July 12, has risen to 4.01 over this stretch, and one starts to wonder if he'll fade down the stretch or has just hit a rough patch.
Mike Timlin has been the rock all year in the bullpen. He continues to look dominant on the hill, surrendering runs only when he allows a home run. His WHIP of 0.90 leads the team, as does his 2.51 ERA, so most of those dingers (9) that he's given up seem to be solo shots.
Infield
Edgar Renteria is scorching right now. Renteria has hit .409 in July with 2 homers, 7 doubles, 16 runs, and 13 RBI. His speed and power numbers still aren't where they should be, but his unfavorable spot in the order (usually 7th) isn't exactly helping him to capitalize on them. Ideally, Renteria will become the club's #2 hitter if one of the rumored deals ends up taking place.
Placido Polanco has cooled back down a bit after being one of the best average hitters in the league from mid-June through mid-July. He remains a demon with the glove, but his lack of power and speed have to be countered by him hitting for a fantastic average at the plate. Polanco raised his average to .285 while he was hot, and should maintain that the rest of the way, if not raise it a bit down the stretch.
Tino Martinez continues to inch his way closer and closer to respectability. Martinez raised his average above .250 for the first time since April 4 this weekend, and is hitting the ball a bit better for power as the weather heats up and the ball starts to carry. His glovework in the field remains fantastic, and his leadership in the clubhouse is as good as ever.
Scrappy leadoff man Fernando Vina seems to be fine after recovering from tendinitis in his elbow. The timing of the injury was awful, as he'd been riding a six-game hitting streak that seemed to be turning around an awful start to July. Expect him to start getting on base a bit more often if he's 100%, and that can only help his value, as it's primarily invested in Batting Average, Runs, and Stolen Bases.
Outfield
CF Jim Edmonds has been crushing the ball lately, blasting 3 homers in his last 7 games to go along with 10 RBI and 8 Runs. He's reached safely in nine of his last ten games, and has hit .400 (12-30) over that span. He's a good bet to keep this, or something close to it, up the rest of the way, as he's carried this team on his back in the past.
LF Albert Pujols is mired in a 2-18 slump in his last five games. It's doubtful that he'll come close to matching his .329 average from last year, but his power numbers are actually looking like they may rise. He's a steady option, particularly since he carries 3b eligibility for this year and next year, at the very least.
RF J.D. Drew remains limited, and will be the rest of the year as he seems to lean farther and farther towards offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. He's enjoyed sporadic success this season, but doesn't seem like he'll approach his expected numbers in any category. His .264 batting average is more of a concern than anything else, as Drew is a prototypical .300+ hitter.
Utility man Eli Marrero continues to see most of the playing time when Drew is out of the lineup. He's made the most of his opportunities for most of the season, but is slumping right now, with just two hits in his last six games.
Local Perspective/Rumorama
Chuck Finley wasn't the pitcher that everyone wanted around here, but the fans around St. Louis were very excited to get him anyway. Right now, it seems that the Cardinals fans would go ballistic if Donovan Osborne returned, as any arm that can chew up some solid innings in the rotation is a welcome addition. A lot of fans are gambling that Dave Duncan, who has worked miracles with some of the veteran re-treads that the Cardinals have brought in over the years, can awaken Finley from the slumber that he's been in for the past couple of seasons.
Local TV came to a halt Sunday afternoon as Ozzie Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Wizard still remains the Cardinals most identifiable player in recent history, ranking ahead of even slugger Mark McGwire, and is still well loved in the city of St. Louis, partially for the flair that he showed on the ball field, and partially for the respect that he earned as a member of the community. Congrats Ozzie!
The Cardinals are said to be major players in a deal that would bring Phillies 3b Scott Rolen to St. Louis. The word around town is that, if they were convinced that Rolen would re-sign with the club, they may send pitching prospects Bud Smith and Jimmy Journell, as well as current 3b Placido Polanco to the Phillies in exchange for Rolen. Some are excited about this deal, as Rolen would give them the righty power hitter that they so covet.
Others are skeptical, as there's no guarantee that Rolen would re-sign here, and Smith and Journell are the top two prospects in the entire organization. They'll be needed in the next couple of years, as three of their starters will be over the age of 35 next season.
Fantasy owners should worry about this one as well. While Rolen would move to a better team, his spot in the order would likely drop to sixth (Renteria moving up to second), leaving him with less RBI opportunities and less protection in the lineup. It would also be sure to eliminate current Cardinal slugger Albert Pujols recurring eligibility at 3b, as he won't be moving all over the diamond next season.
The Book On:
Sorry... There will be no "The Book On" segment this week, as time is not allowing it and I will be out of town until the weekend.
The Walking Wounded
J.D. Drew - Drew will be day to day the rest of the way with tendinitis in his knee.
Good luck guessing when he'll be in the lineup. His bat is potent enough so that he has to start on most fantasy squads.
Fernando Vina - Vina missed two straight games with tendinitis in his elbow, but returned to the lineup and went 2-5 on Sunday.
He seems fine, but keep an eye on this.
Woody Williams - Williams is eligible to return any day now, but no time table has been set.
The Cards need Williams back badly, as he's been their most consistent pitcher all year. Hopefully, they don't rush him back before he's ready, as they're not getting much of a push from the Reds or Astros right now.
Garrett Stephenson Stephenson has begun a rehab injury as he recovers from hamstring surgery.
Stephenson should pitch out of the bullpen if/when he returns to the majors. However, he'll more likely be re-inserted into the rotation. He may help the Cardinals to eat innings, but don't expect him to help many fantasy squads.
Quick View:
Add/Acquire
Edgar Renteria - He's not this good of an average hitter, but he's a clutch hitter who has yet to show his power so far this season. As he continues to get more confident at the plate, that should come along. Also, look for his steals to increase should he move up in the lineup if Rolen is dealt to the Cardinals.
Chuck Finley - Just a hunch. Duncan has been a master with veterans. Don't be fooled! He's not too great at helping young pitchers grow (see Rick Ankiel/Bud Smith), but he's fantastic for a 39-year-old re-tread like Finley.
Drop/Deal
Bud Smith - Bud's best chance to help a fantasy squad in 2002 would be if he's moved to Philadelphia, but he's even unlikely to crack their rotation this season at this point.
Placido Polanco - Some fantasy owners like that versatile average hitter... He'll likely still see plenty of time in Philadelphia if he's dealt there, but just how much could be a question mark.
TEAM NEWS: 51-39 (1st place NL Central, 3.5 game lead)
The Cards have been red hot, winning 4 of 5 since the All-Star Break. They continue to do it with smoke and mirrors, with only one proven starter in the rotation that's healthy.
Rotation
Ace Matt Morris looked fantastic in his first start after the break, allowing just a run on 4 hits and 2 walks in a 2-1 win at San Diego. While he settled for a no-decision, Morris looked and felt fantastic on the hill, indicating that the extra break he took with the All-Star Break may indeed have helped. Morris has been roughed up a number of times this year, including his last two starts before the break.
Next start: 7/18 vs. SF
Another key was his pitch count, which was held below 100 for the fourth time in five games. Let's hope Larussa makes a habit of this.
Jason Simontacchi continues to amaze, despite taking a no-decision in his last start. Larussa left him in there for one too many batters, as he allowed a three-run triple to Bubba Trammell with 1 out in the 7th in a game the Cards eventually lost 4-3. His next start should be interesting to watch, as Barry Bonds and the Giants get their first look at him.
Next start: 7/17 vs. SF
Bizarre fact - Through 11 starts, Simontacchi has just 28 Ks compared to only 19 BBs. In other words, he's not a savior in strikeout leagues. It'll be interesting to see how close to the plate he is when Bonds, currently on pace to break his own BB record, is batting.
Bud Smith finally did it! Upon his return to the site of his no-no last season, Smith threw a gem for 7 innings, holding the Padres scoreless on just 3 hits and a walk in picking up his first win of the year. The most positive things about his outing was that he finally had something resembling his command from last year, and he looked confident for about the first time all season. He also went deeper into a game than he has all season.
Next start: 7/19 @ PIT
Smith's name surfaced in trade rumors that he may go to San Diego the next day. Don't really look for the Cards to give up on the kid. Watch him in his next start against Pittsburgh. If he's got his confidence back, Smith could be a huge sleeper for the second half.
Stunningly, 30-year-old rookie Travis Smith produced his third straight above average start, netting his second consecutive win against the NL West leading Dodgers. Smith has allowed just 5 runs (4 earned) in his last 3 starts, a span of 18 innings. Much like Simontacchi, he won't produce any bigtime K numbers.
Next start: 7/20 @ PIT
Honestly, he's not a good fit for a fantasy team. While he doesn't walk too many batters, he's far from unhittable. His stuff is a level below Simontacchi, and that's really saying something. Travis Smith is just a short term solution until the Cards can either acquire a starter through trade or get healthy.
An old nightmarish friend returned to the rotation on Tuesday, as Andy Benes got the call, showing just how desperate the Cardinals are to acquire another starter through trade. Benes actually pitched 4 quality innings, allowing 2 runs and fanning 6.
Next start: 7/21 @ PIT
It appears that Benes earned himself another start. Though he didn't get the win, he chewed up some valuable innings and actually kept the team in the game. Honestly, he doesn't belong in AA ball, so if you're desperate enough to grab him for your fantasy team, this column can't help you.
Bullpen
Why are the Cardinals in first place? Their starting pitching, thought to be among the best in the majors in the preseason, has been surrounded by question marks all year. The offense hasn't produced like it should all season. The bullpen has been amazing all year, posting a 3.04 ERA in just under 300 innings, and deserves much of the credit for the Cardinals success.
Jason Isringhausen seems to have used the All-Star Break to rest his arm and turn things around. Heading into the break, Izzy was reeling, blowing 3 of his last 6 saves, and hadn't looked good at all since missing two weeks with an elbow injury. After resting up a bit over the break, Izzy came back and had saves on three consecutive nights, facing just 1 batter over the minimum and fanning 3. The starting staff is hurting right now, and the offense hasn't really gone too crazy with support lately, so expect the majority of the Cardinals wins to be close games. Izzy should see a lot of opportunities in the second half.
Steve Kline has looked a lot more like himself lately. For over a month after returning from the DL, Kline didn't seem to have the confidence that he usually does in his pitches or his arm. Recently, though, he's gone on a tear, posting holds in 8 of his last 14 appearances as well as appearing in 4 of the Cardinals last 5 games. Kline does still see the odd save opportunity fall into his lap, but is really best used in leagues with holds. His secondary numbers (ERA/WHIP) got off to a horrible start this season, but have finally started to drop.
Mike Timlin has been on fire all season, and the trend looks to continue after the break. His 0.88 WHIP is often overshadowed by his penchant for the long-ball, but his 2.65 ERA is far from disappointing. Timlin's K numbers are never astronomical for a reliever, but he'll continue to see a bunch of opportunities for holds. Timlin has recorded a hold in his last 3 outings.
Dave Veres has been the lone contributing member of the 'pen that has struggled lately, as he's allowed a run in each of his last 2 appearances, lasting just 2/3 of an inning. Veres is very hot and cold, particularly with his sinker. Still, the former closer sees plenty of hold situations go his way himself, and is worth a look in holds leagues.
Mike Crudale could be a name to keep an eye on for the future, but won't see much late inning work for the Cards this year. AAA Memphis' closer in the pre-season, Crudale has looked fantastic at the big league level (1.94 ERA, 0.94 WHIP), but is being groomed more as a middle reliever in the bigs. Eventually, he may grow into a setup role, but don't really expect it to be this year.
Mike Matthews and Luther Hackman fill out the pen. Both have pitched admirably well so far, but neither will ever have much of a fantasy role.
Infield
1b Tino Martinez has struggled since the break, collecting just 3 hits and 0 RBI. The acquisition of Martinez has looked like a bust all year, as the only thing he's really added to the team is a dimension of "been there, done that" leadership. This is normally when he heats up, so if he's going to, expect it soon. In the meantime, Eduardo Perez hit homers in 2 consecutive starts where he spelled Martinez, but isn't really much of a threat unless he turns around his putrid .167 batting average.
2b Fernando Vina has been mired in a slump since mid-June, watching his batting average drop from .298 to .272. On the positive side, he's started a modest 4 game hitting streak and is still capable of scoring a ton of runs if he can just get on base.
3b Placido Polanco has turned an awful start around, posting 12 hits in his last 6 games, including a massive 5/5 performance against the Dodgers in their last game before the break. He's hit for a .371 average in the past month and has already matched his career high of 5 homers, a figure that doesn't look to rise much. His versatility and ability to hit for average make him worth a look in some leagues.
SS Edgar Renteria has also caught fire, with 11 hits in his his last 6 games. The speedy Renteria just saw his average rise to .293 with a 4/4 performance in LA on Tuesday. Unfortunately, he's not running as much as he's capable of, nor has he flashed his power much. His spot in the order (6) doesn't allow for many RBI opportunities either.
Outfield
CF Jim Edmonds saw his modest five game hitting streak go by the wasteside on Tuesday, wearing the collar with an 0 for 5 performance, striking out 4 times. Since his return from injury in June, Edmonds' batting average has dropped from .341 to .311, but his power still makes him a quality threat in any lineup.
LF Albert Pujols continues to try and shrug off his All-Star snub, and has gone just 3/16 since the break with only 1 RBI. A return to the friendly confines of Busch Stadium could get him going, as he's a .325 career hitter at home as compared to just .304 on the road.
RF J.D. Drew has supposedly returned from the DL, though he's started just 1 of 4 games since his return. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Drew will likely be listed as day to day for the rest of the year, as he's expected to opt for arthroscopic knee surgery at the end of the season.
Super sub Eli Marrero continues to play in Drew's stead until/if Drew ever decides he's fit to play. Marrero has done a fantastic job this year, playing 5 different positions (including all 3 OF positions) while posting solid .267-8-33 numbers. The key to Marrero is his speed, as he's mustered 11 steals. The only real position that he's valuable at from a fantasy perspective is Catcher, where he's assured a return to eligibility for next season already.
Local Perspective/Rumorama
After the New York Yankees unnecessarily snatched Jeff Weaver, widely regarded as the gem of the trade market, from the A's (via the Tigers) at presumably little cost, the Cardinals are now forced to pursue other options. Yankee owner George Steinbrenner prompted many members of the baseball community to go off on him for this maneuver, including Cards manager Tony Larussa who seemed curious as to why teams keep feeding them.
The elimination of Weaver from the market leaves the Cards with several lesser options. Cleveland Indians starter Chuck Finley, Orioles starters Scott Erickson and Sidney Ponson, and Rangers' starter Kenny Rogers have been the most oft-mentioned names.
GM Walt Jocketty put to rest a lot of rumors that the Cards were thinking of dealing starter Bud Smith and RF J.D. Drew to the Padres for OF Bubba Trammell and starters Brian Lawrence and Dennis Tankersley on Monday. "We have no interest in trading those players to San Diego," Jocketty told a reporter from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The Book On:
Jason Isringhausen
Jason Isringhausen, 29, broke out in his rookie year with the New York Mets as a starter. In 14 starts, Izzy went 9-2 with a 2.81 ERA and finishing 4th in the NL Rookie of the Year ballotting, primarily because he only played half the season in the majors. A power pitching prospect, he looked like he may be at the top of the Mets rotation for years to come, but sufferred a few setbacks in his second season with the club. After struggling through an awful 6-14 second season, Izzy shut it down in mid-September, requiring surgery on a tear in his right shoulder and to remove bone chips from his elbow.
He never would be the same pitcher with the Mets, receiving a call-up towards the end of 1997 after he had recuperated from his surgeries as well as Tuberculosis, and pitching pretty poorly in a starting role. Izzy was sent back down to the minors for the entire 1998 season. He began the 1999 season in the Mets rotation, but was sent back down to Norfolk in June before being called back up to showcase himself for a trade in a bullpen role in July. Hours before the deadline, on July 31, 1999, the Mets traded Izzy and reliever Greg McMichael to the A's in return for A's closer Billy Taylor.
After about a month with the A's, Oakland knew that they had found their replacement for Taylor in end-game situations. Izzy was fantastic down the stretch, going 8 for 8 in save opportunities and posting a 2.13 ERA after the deal. This trend would continue in 2000, as Izzy would make his first All-Star appearance, notching 33 of his 40 save opportunities and keeping a solid 3.78 ERA. Izzy continued to build on it by putting up an even better 2001 that saw him close 34 games successfully with a 2.65 ERA, lowering his WHIP to 1.08 in the process.
When his contract expired in the offseason, it was known to many clubs that Izzy would be available, and his hometown Cardinals were the ones who came calling. Izzy, who grew up just across the Mississippi in Brighton, Illinois, has performed incredibly well for much of the season, and is on pace to shatter his career high of 34 saves, having posted 22 already. As he was in Oakland, he's prone to his slumps (4 of his 7 blown saves in 2000 came in 9 chances... 6 of his 9 blown saves in 2001 came in a month-long stretch), but Isringhausen is lights out when he's on. The Cards have found a keeper.
The Walking Wounded
J.D. Drew - Drew is back from the DL, but is still sufferring from tendinitis in his knee.
Spin - Drew and Larussa said that Drew would have to take the occasional day off the rest of the season, as he'll likely opt for arthroscopic surgery. So far, this occasional day off has meant that he's started in just one of four games since his return. If you have him, it's a good idea to find some sucker who actually believes that Drew will ever stay healthy enough to produce.
Woody Williams - Williams left his start a week ago complaining of back pain after batting in the 5th inning. It has since been found to be a strained rib.
Spin - Williams has been, arguably, the Cards best pitcher when he's healthy. The initial diagnosis was that he'd miss two starts, and he's eligible to return from the DL on July 22.
Garrett Stephenson - Stephenson remains on the 60 day DL after hamstring surgery.
Spin - Don't look for him to help this year.
Quick Picks
New feature to the quick picks.... Consecutive appearances in parentheses.
Add/Acquire
Woody Williams (8) - Woody is out for a bit, and some owners may be convinced he'll be out longer than originally planned. He seems to be recovering nicely, and has been the Cards best pitcher. Somehow, he still slips under the radar of many a fantasy manager.
Bud Smith (4) - Go get him. His stuff looked filthy in San Diego this past week, and all the youngster needs is a little confidence to build on. He could be one of the best second half sleepers in the league.
Jason Isringhausen (3) - Some fantasy managers will still be concerned that he'll revert to his poor showing in June. He's really just too good to do that, and his recent string of three saves in three games could be an indication of what to look forward to the rest of the way.
Eli Marrero (2) - Drew's constant whining and nagging injuries make Marrero a lock to start 70% of the games the rest of the way somewhere on the field. His eligibility at catcher makes him a quality grab in most leagues.
Placido Polanco (1) - He's a solid average hitter who qualifies at a ton of positions. Just don't count on a lot of power or RBI. He should score some runs, though.
Drop/Deal
Garrett Stephenson (8) - If you hadn't listened to me by now, you're in last place already ;).
Fernando Vina (1) - If he's not even getting on base, he won't help you at all.
Updates
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TEAM NEWS 43-36 (T-1st NL Central)
The Cardinals have had a rather disappointing start to their 13 game homestand, winning just 3 of the first 7. The pitchers seem to be getting the job done for the most part, but the bats have slumbered. On the positive side, the offense may be starting to click, as they've put up 15 runs in the last 2 games, equalling their output in the previous 6.
Rotation
Ace Matt Morris struggled in his last outing, allowing 5 runs in 5 innings against the Reds on Sunday. The problem? He was staked to a 6-0 lead in the first inning! All season long, Morris has had a ton of pressure on him, mainly due to a lot of the injuries that have plagued the staff. That pressure had subsided a bit, but now that they've lost another key member in the rotation, it seems to be back.
Next start: 7/5 vs. LA
Bizarre fact - Manager Tony Larussa's pitch counts for Morris seem to fluctuate in three game spans. From May 3 through May 13, he averaged 117+ pitches a start. May 18-May 28? 92. This was immediately followed by an average of 114 pitches in his next 3, and now he's back down to 95 over his last 3 starts. If this trend holds, Morris will be throwing some huge pitch counts over his next 3 starts, which could be an area of concern. Because of his injury history, Larussa may be wise to limit Morris to 105 pitches/start at the most.
While Morris has struggled in the leadership role, Woody Williams continues to show that GM Walt Jocketty was a genius when he acquired him last August. Williams allowed 3 runs through 8 innings in his most recent start against the Padres, notching his sixth victory of the season. What's the strangest thing about this? The 3 runs match the most he has given up in a game all season long. Williams has been brilliant over his last 5 starts, allowing just 9 runs in 38.2 innings. Even allowing for a slight dropoff, he's a solid #2 starter in just about any fantasy league right now.
Next start: 7/6 vs. LA
Woody has clearly established himself as the leader of this rotation, even though he'll never be labeled the ace. After Padres hurler Kevin Pickford hit two Cardinals in the bottom of the 7th inning, Williams made sure to send a message in the top of the 8th, throwing a fastball way high and tight to Bubba Trammell before making him his 7th strikeout victim 2 pitches later. Williams struck out 7, including the last 2 batters that he faced.
28-year-old rookie Jason Simontacchi rebounded nicely from a poor start his last time out. Simontacchi eclipsed the 100 pitch mark for the first time in his big league career, holding the Reds to just 2 runs in 7 innings. He continues to be a solid four category contributor, but won't carry anyone in strikeouts.
Next start: 7/3 vs. SD
Simontacchi continues to silence the critics. With all due respect to the Cubbies, no pitcher should ever have to pitch in a situation like he had to last Sunday night, and he certainly looked more like himself this weekend.
Bud Smith is technically coming off of his two best starts of the year. The 22-year-old lefty has experienced some expected growing pains this season. While the fact that he's given up just 2 runs in his last 9.2 innings (over 2 starts) is a start, he's still allowing almost 2 base-runners an inning. This is bound to catch up with him eventually. Smith, who was known as a control pitcher at every level in the minors, can't seem to find the plate so far this season. He walked 4 in his last start. If he can start to spot his pitches on the corners a little easier, look for him to have a nice second half.
Next start: 7/2 vs. SD
This could be interesting. The Padres are the team that Smith no-hit last season... If his season is going to turn around, look for it to start right here.
Rookie Travis Smith made an interesting splash upon returning to the big league club. Smith was demoted after getting rocked by Cincinnati on May 28, allowing 8 runs in just 1 inning, but came back to face those same Reds on Saturday afternoon. Showing them what he learned back in AAA Memphis, Smith limited the Reds to just 2 runs (1 earned) over 6.1 solid innings, but watched the bullpen blow it for him in a 4-2 loss.
Next start: 7/4 vs. LA
Travis Smith is a short-term option. The Cards are actively looking for a fifth starter through trade.
Bullpen
It finally happenned! Closer Jason Isringhausen has been known as a streaky pitcher for much of his career. This week, we saw the down side of that, as he blew 2 of 3 save opportunities, allowing 5 runs in just two-thirds of an inning to Cincinnati in his last outing on Sunday. This was bound to happen sooner or later, and closers' numbers often look ugly if they've blown a save, primarily because of how short their outings normally are. Let's hope this doesn't develop into a trend through July. Expect Izzy to return to form.
Regardless of the two blown saves this past week, nobody in the 'pen stands a chance of supplanting Izzy as the closer. Steve Kline would be the likely answer there if it gets totally out of control. For now, consider Kline as a top option in holds leagues. He finally seems to have recovered from a bout with Gout, and is starting to lower his ERA back to the stratosphere. Kline remains the primary setup man, both against righties and lefties.
Yes, you have heard your Cardinals Correspondent go off on Mike Timlin (1-3, 2.93, 7 holds) once or twice this season. Still, he's put together a fine campaign overall, and he actually hasn't allowed a homer in over two weeks. Look for his ERA and his incredible 0.93 WHIP to rise a little bit the rest of the way, but he should continue to see some more holds come his way, and is a quality option; this is, of course, assuming that he can keep the ball in the yard (8 HR in 46 IP).
Dave Veres seems to have that sinker working again, and has allowed just 1 run on 5 hits and a walk in his last 8.1 innings. His hold in Sunday's 12-8 loss to Cincinnati (BS for Izzy) was his 9th this season, teaming him with Kline (8) and Timlin (7) as three decent middle relievers that the Cardinals have to help out in leagues with holds.
Infield
Tino Martinez was given a routine day off Monday, as the Cards were facing rookie lefty Oliver Perez of the Padres. Martinez has once again shown signs that he'll pull out of the funk he's been in all year. After a woeful 1-19 stretch, Tino has gone 5 out of 8 in his last 2 games, blasting his 9th homer of the year on Sunday. He always starts heating up come July, so keep an eye on him.
Leadoff man Fernando Vina also took the day off on Monday for just the third time this season. The scrappy 2b has seen his numbers drop bigtime in recent weeks, and Tony Larussa said before the game that Vina just seemed "gassed." Let's hope that a little rest will help him start getting on base a little more often, and he should continue to score a lot of runs the rest of the way. Don't count on a repeat of his first half RBI production though.
SS Edgar Renteria is starting to turn it up a bit. While he still has yet to flash his power this season, Edgar is starting to run. Through the first two months of the season, Renteria had stolen just 5 bases, a figure which he matched in June. He started to go a little nuts around this time last year, picking himself up from a disgusting .236 before the break by following it with a .283 average after the break. While he's continued to hit in the .280s this year, he's capable of raising the bar another 15-20 points to challenge .300 with another hot second half.
3b Placido Polanco has been muy caliente lately. After seeing his 13-game hit streak end last week against Milwaukee, Polanco has responded by hitting in his last 5 games, hitting a blistering .363 (8-22) in that span, and even hitting his third homer in two weeks. Polanco has recovered from his woeful start, raising his average from .249 (June 7) to .270. Look for his average to continue to rise, but don't count on his recent power surge to become a trend.
Outfield
Albert Pujols is starting to zero in at the plate. After going 2-4 with a homer against the Padres earlier tonight, Pujols is 7 for his last 18 (.389) over his own 5-game hitting streak with a homer and 6 RBI. He hasn't yet shown the form that made him a .330 hitter last year, but his power numbers are right about where they were last season, and he should continue to hit the ball well the rest of the way.
Jim Edmonds is on fire. It took him a couple of weeks to get his timing back, but Edmonds has gone 8 for his last 17, blasting 2 homers with 3 RBI. He's not the .340 hitter that he was before his injury, but expect Edmonds to stabilize his average around .310. His power numbers should continue at their current pace, possibly even rising a bit (15 HR/40 RBI).
While he's struggled lately, manager Tony Larussa should thank his lucky stars for Eli Marrero's presence on the Cardinals roster everyday. Marrero filled in admirably while CF Jim Edmonds spent time on the DL earlier this season, and is expected to do so while RF J.D. Drew takes the first of his usual two or three annual stints on the DL right now. Marrero does have fantasy value, as he's eligible at Catcher. He has solid power and great speed, and can be a real sparkplug to the team at times. However, he's batting a woeful .150 (3-20) since Drew headed to the DL last week.
Local Perspective/Rumorama
The fans continue to turn out in drones, cheering on their first place Cards. Much of the buzz is about making a deal for a fifth starter, which seems to be primarily focused on the Tigers Jeff Weaver. Most fans around here aren't sure that Travis Smith can get the job done in the long run, though he did leave the field to a standing ovation for his performance against the Reds on Saturday night. The fear is that the Cards may have to deal top prospect Jimmy Journell to get Weaver, as one GM was quoted that the Tigers weren't just asking for the moon, but "the sun, too."
There are also factions around St. Louis that think that it's about time that Rick Ankiel should get his head out of his rectum and return to the big league level, as well as those who think that Journell may be ready to come up. However, Ankiel doesn't seem to be nearly done rehabbing, and Journell was just recently called up to AAA for the first time. Neither is expected to contribute this season.
The Book On:
Jim Edmonds
Jim Edmonds, 32, broke out as a bigtime player in his second full season with the Angels in 1995, finishing second on the Angels in homers (34) and leading the club in RBI (107) while batting .290. Always touted as a fair prospect, Edmonds was more known for his flashy defense, as he could cover as much ground as Devon White, constantly made highlight-reel diving catches, and had a cannon of an arm in CF. He played all-out on every play, which certainly keeps fans in the game, but can unfortunately have a down side.
The down side? Injuries. While Edmonds turned in a remarkable follow up season, it was limited to 114 games the next year. He hit the DL twice in 1996, once with a strained groin and abdomen, and another with a sprained MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) in his wrist. Still, his 114 production (.304-27-66) showed the league that he could become a star who would be reckoned with for years to come. Unfortunately, injury marred seasons in 1997 and 1999 surrounding a mediocre 1998 campaign kept him from stepping to the next level. Edmonds played just 55 games in 1999, which would be his last season with the Angels.
Heading into the 2000 season, nobody knew where Edmonds place was with the Angels. RF Tim Salmon and LF Garrett Anderson were firmly entrenched as the corner outfielders, and former 1b Darin Erstad had moved to CF while Edmonds was out. Somebody had to go, and Edmonds was the one. He was dealt to the Cardinals in the offseason for 2b Adam Kennedy and SP Kent Bottenfield.
In 2000, his first season with the Cardinals, Edmonds established himself as a leader and a fan favorite, continuing to make his flashy plays in the outfield, and blasting a career high 42 homers. He led the team in HR, Runs (129), RBI (108), and BB's (103). Along with Mark McGwire, who missed almost half the season, Edmonds led the Cardinals to their first division title since 1996. He would follow this up with another fine .304-30-110 year in 2001, when he would win his fourth Gold Glove in the outfield. Edmonds batted a scorching .373-14-46 with 15 doubles in his last 46 games, setting the tone for 2002.
Edmonds started off the 2002 season on a tear, batting .341 with 12 homers and 36 RBI in the first two months, but hit the DL at the beginning of June with a sprained wrist. He struggled upon his return, but should start to lock in over the second half. The Cards would be lost without Edmonds patrolling CF, and he should continue to be a great leader in their clubhouse for at least five more years.
The Walking Wounded
J.D. Drew - Yes, he is, in fact, made of glass. Drew had avoided the DL for almost three months this season, but his gimpy knee has finally landed him there.
Spin - He's expected to be gone for 2-3 weeks, and the rest now could be better for later. Larussa said that Drew doesn't blame his constant nagging injuries for his poor performance at the plate this year, but we'll have to see if/when he ever returns to the lineup.
Andy Benes - Benes and his arthritic knee are progressing nicely in his rehab starts at AAA Memphis, and he seems to be ready to join the big league club if they need him.
Spin - (cough) Benes is just not a major league starter anymore. For a while, it seemed that he would do the classy thing and step away, but he rescinded his statement that he planned on retiring, and is now relegated to being a $6,000,000 AAA pitcher until his contract expires. And people think that we shouldn't hate the players union as much as we hate the owners??????
Garrett Stephenson - The most optomistic date set for Stephenson's return from hamstring surgery is August.
Spin - He has no value, healthy or not.
Quick View
Add/Acquire
Eli Marrero - The early season hype has faded. He's not an everyday starter when the lineup is healthy. However, he is the starter until Drew comes back, and puts up solid #4/#5 outfielder numbers as a Catcher. If you're hurting behind the plate, he's worth a gamble.
Bud Smith - His recent stretch might mean that he's turning the corner a bit. While he's still getting into trouble, he's finding ways out of jams now as well. This can only help the youngster's confidence, and he does have the stuff to win 8 to 10 the rest of the way.
J.D. Drew - Many a fantasy owner (including myself) are just ready to give him up for nothing. He's had an awful start; he's constantly complaining of some wussy nagging injury; he's on the DL as we speak. Now's the time to see if you can get him cheap. Drew is still a guy who's capable of being a .300-35-110 guy with 30 steals, and that has to count for something.
Jason Isringhausen - He just showed us a little of what he did last April with the A's. I had him last year in a league and gave up on him, and boy, did I kick myself the rest of the way. Izzy is a frontline closer, but he missed 2 weeks and has actually blown as many saves as he has converted since his return (2/2). Some jittery managers may be scared off by this, but it's not a trend that will likely continue.
Woody Williams - OK.... If you've read the first 7 Cardinals reports (dating back to early March), you'll be well aware that Woody has been on this list every week. Until he proves me wrong, no matter how many leagues he's gone in (which better be every fantasy league known to man), he will continue to appear on this list.
Drop/Deal
Placido Polanco - He should be dropped only if you have some strange belief that you can count on his recent power surge. His versatility and average skills still make him a decent filler at 3 pretty thin positions in fantasy baseball (2b, SS, 3b), but he brings little to the table outside of his batting average.
Updates
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