I don't want it to sound like I'm downplaying what they've done because they've played the Reds.  I don't care who you play, winning 7 straight is an accomplishment.  There are positives to take from those series.  In recent years, the Cardinals seemed to lack a killer instinct--they'd win the first 2 games of a series, but not complete the sweep.  Even against a bad team, I like the fact they twice completed the sweep.  Also, a sweep at home is worth noting because this team hasn't played well at home for at least 2 seasons.

Wins are wins.  Cincinnati may be terrible, but if Chicago or Milwaukee only go 5-2 in their first 7 games, the Cardinals have picked up 2 games.  That's a good thing.

I don't disagree with Artie that Molina needs more time off, but he's been the best player on this team for the first 3 weeks. Postponements and off days have allowed him some time off, but clearly he's going to have to sit some at some point.

We can debate the lineup all day, but it isn't worth wasting the breath.  Fowler clearly isn't one of the best 3 outfielders, but he's going to play.  Carpenter isn't coming out of the lineup for Gyorko, and it's pretty apparent he's going to bat leadoff for the rest of the season.  It's reached a point where it isn't even worth it for me to bitch about any more.  Martinez clearly deserves continued playing time, meaning there will be some sort of platoon between Gyorko and Wong.

It appears that Matheny has officially destroyed Lyons' arm.  His velocity is down about 5-6 mph, and I expect any day to hear it announced that he needs TJ surgery. According to Bernie, Hicks warmed up 3 times Friday night before being asked to pitch 2+ innings on Saturday.  For me, that's all the more reason why they can't put Reyes in the bullpen with Matheny as the manager.

Overall, the starting pitching has been pretty good.  The bullpen, if used properly, could be a strength.  The lineup and defense could also be decent.  Unfortunately, the team isn't using its best 5 starting pitchers, it isn't using its best outfield, it isn't using its optimum lineup and the bullpen is used in a less than ideal manner.

I'm more and more convinced that after a few years of having TLR tell him what needed to be done, Moz wants a manager who he controls.  So what if it costs the team a half dozen wins and 3-4 extra surgeries each season.

artie_fufkin wrote:

"Im still excited about oneill but it looks as if a bench role is not his game.  Must be one of the few self proclaimed things he isnt good at."

That must have been quite an interview you saw. His body language backs up your take. I'll bet there's more than one mirror in his apartment.

Idk i guess im just into old school cliches.  Mlb network is talking about how strong he is now.  Showing him squatting 570lb three times.  Then they showed him play piano, which i find cool.  He a big mother fucker, no doubt.  I just like the put your head donw and work attitude.  Then once you have proved yourself put a chip on your shoulder.

"Evaluators from the Cubs and Cardinals were recently on hand to watch the Rays last week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.  The Rays’ limited payroll capability could make them sellers regardless of their record, though the team is also off to a slow 8-13 start overall (though Tampa has won five of its last six games).  It isn’t known what players were being watched, though the Cubs have been heavily linked to Chris Archer in the past while the Cardinals had strong interest in Alex Colome this offseason."

"Showing him squatting 570lb"

I can do that. But in 100-pound increments.

APIAD wrote:

"Evaluators from the Cubs and Cardinals were recently on hand to watch the Rays last week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.  The Rays’ limited payroll capability could make them sellers regardless of their record, though the team is also off to a slow 8-13 start overall (though Tampa has won five of its last six games).  It isn’t known what players were being watched, though the Cubs have been heavily linked to Chris Archer in the past while the Cardinals had strong interest in Alex Colome this offseason."

I would think that while Colome would make for an interesting acquisition, paying $14 million to Holland would rule that out. And he's still cheap, even by Tampa's standards. He makes $5.3 million this year and isn't eligible for free agency until 2021.

APIAD wrote:

artie_fufkin wrote:

"Showing him squatting 570lb"

I can do that. But in 100-pound increments.

I cant do shit. My knee hurts any time a exercise and my foot is swelled up 2x the size of the other. Ive been grounded to my chair since friday evening.

I find if I don't exercise, my knee ends up feeling worse. But it's relative. My knee hurts 24/7/365. I'm just waiting to accrue enough sick time to have it replaced.

Gomber struck out 16 in 8 inning, wow.

APIAD wrote:

Gomber struck out 16 in 8 inning, wow.

He also had no walks in 8 scoreless innings.  Mayer pitched the 9th and got the save in a 3-0 game.