MIKE-FROM-IL's Blog

well,you never know whats gonna happen,i try not to listen to the experts,look at the ny giants,they never gave them a chance,and how about the blues,how many had them picked to win the stanley cup,guess thats why they play the games,go cards

Pitch strikes...play defense....make few errors....get on base...score runs... It's pretty simple for the boys of summer. Or is it?

Yeah, I wouldn't bet the bank on Carp again. He'll come back but will he be 100% - can he win 12 to 15 for us? I think our starters look great just as long as they can remain 75% healthy. I'd like to see a great backup for Molina and maybe LaRue is the answer.

Adam Kennedy definitely needs to get it going and the heck with HR's how about 75 RBIs.

As you've seen me comment before, we need changes elsewhere like the person calling the shots and coaching the team. Until that changes you'll see another "par" year.

As I said last year, LaRussa's dead weight. We need our sluggers to get the job done around the bases while our pitchers need to remain healthy.

Mike: Guess who I want to come on board as manager? LOL - yep.

And what's this with Pujols already hurt with an elbow injury? If he goes on DL then Duncan might shine at first. What would Chris Duncan's stats look like if he played in almost every game this year at first? Is he capable of hitting near .300 40 HR and 100 RBI's?

speedy, Albert hurt his elbow years ago, making throws from leftfield. LaRussa has shown a committment toward the younger players (AT LAST!) after seeing how the team played with them in the lienup last year.

MIKE, I am SO looking forward to a full year of Rick Ankiel at the plate. He also has one of the strongest throwing arms in any major league outfield. Duncan always plays hard, and I think Molina's new fitness level can only help his game.

Did I hear recently Pujols does not intend to play in pain like has for the past few years? If he opts for surgery, would't he be out about the whole season? And would like to see more of Ankiel's arm prowess. Colby Rasmus could be interesting, but maybe a little too soon for him.

Most of this teams success is going to be in how they bond in spring training. IF THEY BOND PROPERLY, they could go a long way. The distractions are gone. If they can get focused and stay healthy they can get there from here. If not. They could be in some real trouble. Pujols is one player, it takes 9 to make a team.

Well guys, I'm heading down their next week. My nephews play ball for SLU and they will be playing an exhibition game with the Cardinals on Feb. 27th. I'll let you know how that goes.

Yeah, I'm pretty excited. This is the first time I've been able to go.

I think you guys are on to something about the team bonding properly. Just the atmosphere in the clubhouse can be very telling.