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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 6, 2006
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Everyone:
As a HUGE Cards fan, I am thrilled by this start. I suspect it will not last, but, obviously, I hope it does. The Cards are on pace for a record of 135-27.
I honestly think the world will crash into the sun before the Cardinals (or ANY team) attains such a record. So how will the Cards finish in the win-column?
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 11, 2007
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I'm calling 22-5 in April, and 88-92 wins total.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 18, 2008
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I'll go along with that mutigers1fan, this team is very capable of that once the arms come back...
MT
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 18, 2008
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I'll go along with that mutigers1fan, this team is very capable of that once the arms come back...
MT
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 28, 2007
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Plus with the way the NL Central is, it will take around 85 to 90 wins to win the division, I see around a 88-74 to a 92-70 season for the Cards with Pujols having an MVP like campaign once he gets going.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 22, 2006
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It is so difficult to prognosticate here. Anythign can happen. Here are some of the more promising indicators for why we may just be able to keep this up.
1. Thompson and Lohse: Although its early and difficult to tell just how successful they will be, from watching them they both seem to have pretty good 'stuff'. I am a little concerned about Wellemeyer and Looper's stats/performances not exactly matching what they were really demonstrating on the mound. However, I do think Brad and Kyle looked very good.
2. The Cardinal OF was a weakness last year. No quesiton about it. This year, I honestly think it is a strenght. Ankiel may very well be the real deal. Ludwick can provide the occasional pop you love to have in an NL 5th or 6th hitter. Duncan is still a question mark, but when you factor in Schumaker's performance in Spring along with Barton's continued ability to impress, you have to smile as a Cards fan. Also, don't forget that Rasmus may well make his MLB grand entrance this year.
3. The bullpen was a strength last year and I don't see why that should change significantly this year.
4. Pujol's elbow will be fine. He will have a better year than last.
5. Although Glaus has struggled a bit early, this guy is a dedicated athlete whom I have heard nothign but positive reports about his influence in the clubhouse. If he stays healthy, he will genuinely be a great asset.
6. This is not the Adam Kennedy from 07. He seems to be an entirely different player thus far. Sure, he's not an all-star by any stretch of the imagination, but if he continues to contribute like he is capable, we should have few complaints.
7. I had always made fun of Molina on the offensive end. I thought he was horrible at the plate and when he did get a hit, he reminded me of a fat kid chasing an ice cream truck when he ran the bases. I think he still runs like that dairy craving chubby kid, but he sure is having better appearances at the plate.
So even without mentioning names such as Carp, Mulder, Pineiro, or Clement, we still have a lot to be optimistic about. I definately think we'll be in the running.
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Reputation:64
Level:Pro
Since:Apr 3, 2008
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The Cardinals could get up 92 wins barring any major injures. if carp, mulder, pineiro, or clement have any setbacks i think cardinals will finish around 75 wins because i dont know if their starters they have right now will be able to go a whole season without over using the bullpen. But if all goes right for the Cardinals they will make the will have surplus in starters.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 11, 2007
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We could even go with a 6-man rotation for a little while when Piniero, Clement, and Mulder come back.
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Reputation:90
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 10, 2006
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I'd love to say we can keep pitching and hitting this way...I'm a firm believer we can. Let's just hope the injury bug doesn't get anyone - we DEF cannot afford to lose anymore guys.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Dec 12, 2006
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I see the Redbirds winning 86 games we are the best team in the central if we stay injury free tht Cardinals are the team to beat
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 18, 2008
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TIGERSFREAK2K6 I agree the Cards are the class of the central... This team is capable of 100 wins this year if the 4 arms come back strong mid season or sooner...
Imagine how good this bullpen will be if 2 of the 4 arms come back strong, now if we can get 3 of the 4 to come back servicable we'll be deep in pitching for the post-season... Outstanding place to be...
I am so jazzed about this season so far, after all the doom and gloom forcasts, that it isn't even funny...
Great job so far Cards, keep it up...
MT
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 3, 2007
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Royals will win more games with less then half the payroll, can't wait for the I-70 series this year. Go Royals!!!! Royals win 89 and Cards win 83.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 20, 2007
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Chiefsarein, I have nothing personal against you and I love debating with you but dude, c'mon! Are you serious?!
Lets look at the Cards vs. the Royals head to head
Division: Advantage goes to the Cards. The AL Central is by far the toughest division in baseball while the NL Central is the weakest.
Starting Pitching: Advantage Cardinals. Brian Bannister and Zach Greinke are pitching great and the sky is the limit as far as potential but the jury is still out on Meche and Tomko is a waste of money. Plus, who the heck is John Bale? I will take Wainwright, Lohse, Looper, Piniero, and Wellemeyer/Thompson/Reyes anyday (except the day that Mulder and Carp Return)
Bullpen: Advantage Cards
1st Base: Cards (EL HOMBRE!)
2nd: Royals
SS: Both Pena and Izturis are sub par but I'll give you Pena since he is a stud defensively
3B: Royals. Gordon is a stud and the cornerstone of a franchise. They would be wise to keep him in KC for the duration of his career.
C: Cards. Yadi just keeps getting better at the plate and to top it all off he is the best defensive catcher in the sport. I like John Buck alot and he is definatly more advanced at Yadi at the plate but he often struggles defensively.
OF- Cards. Ankiel and Ludwick are hot out of the gates and Skippy has the potential to be a gold glover in right. I'm not a fan of Duncan but he can hit for power. Barton brings lots of speed. Maybe not Joey Gathright speed but he is fast.
Coaching: Cards. TLR and Duncan are the best in the game
While the Royals are headed in the right direction, they cannot play against the toughest competition and win 89 games. 70-75 yes but not 89.
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Reputation:74
Level:Pro
Since:Mar 27, 2008
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Im callin that they will be 90-100
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Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 11, 2006
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I predict the cards to win 91 games. Ankiel really seems to be the difference, and Molina is actually a threat to get a hit. It is hard to think our current starting pitching can hold up till the big guys get back, but being a die hard cards fan, I say they do.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 3, 2007
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Good points yadier, but i think SP is a wash and Meche was top 5 in all major categories last year ERA, starts, innings, quality starts, so i think he'll be just fine especially competing against the youngsters. The bullpen for the Royals have also been the best in baseball so far and the team ERA was the best by a half run or so going into yesterday(gave up 11 yesterday to Seattle), so i'd say pitching has favored the Royals so far. Both our teams are solid in the OF i love the Royals having Guillen, Teahen, Dejesus, and Gathright as the 4th man in the OF. Just saying i think we'll be within 10 wins of each other this year and the I-70 series should be good baseball to watch and very competitive depending on pitching mathcups. Good Luck and see you at the K.
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