Cards - Reds race for the NL Central

Can't take credit for these numbers... I lifted them from a great sports blog (heavy on Cincinnati sports) written by Cincinnati sports talk radio host Lance McAlister.

*Doing the math

Reds 79-58....6 game lead with 25 games remaining
Cards 72-63.....27 games remaining

If Reds go 15-10 (94-68)
Cards must go 22-5 (.815) to tie

If Reds go 13-12 (92-70)
Cards must go 20-7 (.741) to tie

If Reds go 12-13 (91-71)
Cards mut go 19-8 (.704) to tie

If Reds go 12-13 (91-71)
Cards must go 19-8 (.704) to tie

If Reds go 11-14 (90-72)
Cards must be 18-9 (.667) to tie

*http://www.1530homer.com/pages/lancesBlog.html

Izzy on his way back to the bigs?

This is a bit surprising! I am watching the Reds and Washington Nationals game and heard a broadcaster say the Reds offered former Cards closer Jason Isringhausen a contract.

Apparently Izzy threw a bullpen session for Reds GM Walt Jocketty and field manager Dusty Baker.

According to Reds broadcaster Jim Day Izzy was impressive. If he signs the contract he could be with the big league club in as soon as a couple weeks.

Look ahead on the schedule and it could be interesting if Izzy signs.... Cards and Reds hook up in Cincinnati August 9 - 11.

Sent from my iPhone

Jaime Garcia Ends Lefty Losing Streak

Here is a stat which will make you say wow!

Saturday's starter for the Cardinals, Jaime Garcia, turned a rare feat for the redbirds in his win last Saturday at Milwaukee. The win by Garcia snapped a Cardinals streak of 586 games without a win by a left handed starting pitcher.

The last cardinals lefty starter to post a victory prior to the Garcia's win was Mark Mulder on June 15 2006.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau the 586 games was the longest streak in the majors.

Didn't last nights game against the Mets go 586 innings? I lost count!

Cubs To Remain In Arizona For Spring Training

Something to think about with a winter storm bearing down on the Heartland. There are only 68 days (as of Wednesday Jan. 27) until the Cardinals open the 2010 season in Cincinnati. Ahh....can't wait!

The Cardinals top rival, the Chicago Cubs, announce Wednesday day they will remain in Mesa, Arizona for spring training instead of making a move to Naples, Florida.

The cubs have agreed to negotiate exclusively with Mesa on the construction of a new spring-training facility. Plans call for Mesa to build an $84 million stadium and training facility for the Cubs. The team would stay in Arizona for at least another 25 years but the deal requires approval from the Arizona Legislature and voters.

MLB Postseason is set...Almost

The Major League Baseball postseason is set to begin Wednesday night with three games on the schedule. Colorado opens play at Philladelphia (1:37 pm first pitch).

If the Yankess choose the eight-day ALDS they play Wednesday 5:07 pm against the winner of Tuesdays play-in game between Detroit and Minnesota. If the Yankees choice the seven-day ALDS they play Thursday at 5:07 pm.

New Yorks choice does not affect St. Louis. The Cardinals play the Wednesday night at the Dodgers (8:37 pm).

For the sanity of Cardinals Nation I hope Mr. Tony gets the team focused on the task at hand. Forget about the last two weeks (winning two of last ten) and put every ounce of energy into bringing another World Series title to St. Louis.

Click on the picture for a look at the playoff schedule.

Picture: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/schedule/ps.jsp?y=09&c_id=stl

Great Time Waster

Like most young boys I collected baseball cards but didn't take it to another level like many of my friends.  I didn't have store my prized cards in special cases or keep them locked down in hyperberic chambers. Ok...I don't know anyone who went that far but I wouldn't be surprised if some collectors do (did).

I never cataloged mine by year, team, card number or packed-up my collection to attend card shows. Nor did I eagerly await the latest issue of  Beckett to see if my 1984 Dane Iorg Fleer card was worth a few more cents. Nope...I wasn't that intense.

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***WARNING***  Hardcore collectors should not read the next line...It might be a literary punch to the gut.  You were warned!.

Most of my cards ended up attached to the spokes of a Huffy. I caught a lot of grief from my parents for "wasting" 50 cents on a pack of cards where the goal was to save any Cincinnati Reds player I might get then send the rest to a brutal demise. Do kids still do that today?

The point of this....I stumbled upon a cool site for baseball card junkies or the average fan looking for a trip down memory lane. This is a great time waster.

http://baseballcarddatabase.com/

Report: Cards Set To Finalize Deal For Matt Holliday

I Just heard Tim Kurkjian report on ESPN Radio...The Cardinals are ready to finalize a trade with Oakland for outfielder Matt Holliday. Cardinals will send touted prospect Brett Wallace (3B), outfielder Shane Peterson and pitcher Clayton Mortensen.

This sounds like a one sided deal...better for Oakland. I hope Cardinals GM John Mozeliak is doing what is better for the now and in the long run.

I know the Cardinals want to upgrade the offense but is dealing Wallace right move?