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[themeparkguy]

As for playing teams with lowly records- it has help to also build your lead- while you were playing your last three series- we were playing colorado and philly.

St. Louis (66-52) was percentage points behind the first-place Chicago Cubs on Aug. 6, but has rapidly built a 4 1/2-game lead by winning seven of eight over Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and San Diego (49-69) -- owners of three of the NL's four worst records. The Cardinals defeated the Padres 7-4 on Saturday to move a season-high 14 games over .500.

[themeparkguy]

Yes, the dodgers should prove to be a good measuring stick for post season chances.

[sdcforever]

As for playing teams with lowly records- it has help to also build your lead- while you were playing your last three series- we were playing colorado and philly.

St. Louis (66-52) was percentage points behind the first-place Chicago Cubs on Aug. 6, but has rapidly built a 4 1/2-game lead by winning seven of eight over Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and San Diego (49-69) -- owners of three of the NL's four worst records. The Cardinals defeated the Padres 7-4 on Saturday to move a season-high 14 games over .500.

As with all sports, you can only beat who you're scheduled to play.  That's why I dislike RPI in basketball and strength of schedule.  You can't help it if you play in a lowly conference.  You can only beat the teams that are on your schedule, no matter who it is.

The Cards aren't spectacular against teams with winning records (21-21), but it is worrisome when you are 19-33 against teams with winning records.  That means you're really only beating who you're supposed to beat.  But when you play teams you might meet in the playoffs you aren't competitive at all.

[themeparkguy]

I agree that unless we get healthy we are doomed.

[sdcforever]

I agree that unless we get healthy we are doomed.

And looking at your injuries, I don't think you will this season.  Aramis Ramirez's shoulder injury is lingering, and Lilly and Z look to have lingering issues as well.  Not to mention it seems like Harden is always on the verge of a DL stint for some reason.

[sdcforever]

Boy, what a game!  The Cards had been playing lackadaisically the whole game, which wasn't helped by two long rain delays.  Losing by 1 run going into the bottom of the ninth and facing Heath Bell (4-1, 1.75 ERA, 29 SV, 30 SVO), one of the best closers in the game.  His only blown save was May 30 at Colorado.  Ludwick leads off with a single, DeRosa moves Luddy up to scoring position with a ground out, then Molina drives Luddy in with a single to tie the game.  Rasmus comes in and hits his second walk-off homer of the season and the Cards win 7-5!!!  It may have been a win against the Padres, but we did it against a very, very tough closer.  These are the type of wins of a championship-caliber team!   We have good momentum heading to LA too!

[themeparkguy]

I agree that a win is a win. Good work.

[Swoosh]

CUBS fell into a burnin' ring of fire -- they went down down down and the flames went higher.  And it burns burns burns the ring of fire -- the ring of fire.

CARDINALS WIN!!!  LEAD IS NOW 6 GAMES.
Starting to really pull away now.  I sure hope this makes it tough on the other teams to try to make a late season run *cough*BrewCrew*cough*'stros*cough*

[Zephon]

We're playin some awesome baseball right now.  Good road trip should just about nail it down for us.

[sdcforever]

^Yeah, we're playing really well.  I'm glad we won last night because I'm not as confident about Boggs vs. Billingsley or Wainwright vs. Kershaw.  I would be really happy if we took 2 of 3 from the Dodgers (and ecstatic if we swept them).

[KBCraig]

I sure hope this makes it tough on the other teams to try to make a late season run *cough*BrewCrew*cough*'stros*cough*

The 'stros have already given up: they gave up Pudge to the Rangers, which is the same as saying "Season's over, we'll try again next year."

[Swoosh]

^Works for me.   

[sdcforever]

Well, a loss-loss night for the Cards and Cubs, so the lead remains 6 games.  I feel better about tonight's match up of Wainwright vs. Kershaw.  It'll be tough, though.  Meanwhile, the Cards should add Smoltz today at noon.  I like that move.  He has friends in the Cards' organization (DeRosa and Wainwright) and is eager to play for us.  It looks like he'll be a temporary fill-in as a fifth starter until we can find a more permanent fix; long-term he'll be a much needed RH 8th inning set-up man for Franklin.  Smoltz is a class act and will be a great veteran presence along with Carp on the pitching staff.

My only major concerns right now are the fifth starter and the right handed 8th inning set up man (Miller is a good LH reliever).  Smoltz is a step in the right direction to fill those needs.  I think Lohse will settle down, so I'm not too concerned about him.

Final thought:  With their recent play, the Cubs' 4 game series at LA starting tomorrow might be very, very ugly.

[saladdays]

The Cards only need a 5th starter a few more times I think, due to off days. If Smoltz does start out as the 5th starter, then I suppose they could move him to the bullpen when he isn't needed.

[KBCraig]

Smoltz is a bargain. The Red Sox are on the hook for his contract, and the Cards only have to pay the league minimum, pro-rated for the rest of the season (about $100k).