forsberg_us wrote:

I'm not home to watch, I assume Holliday must've re-injured something?

After his first at bat. Same finger that was bothering him before.

Check, please!

Notes from the game -- The good, the bad, and the ugly.

1. The Good
- Great job by TLR putting Westbrook on a short leash and not trying to milk 5 out of that bum.
- It is so nice thinking that I don't have to deal with Westbrook on the mound again unless we're in a 7 game playoff series, and even then I think you have to start Jackson over Westbrook.
- Good work figuring out how to get through that entire game (6.2 innings of bullpen work) without using Motte.

2. The Bad
- Don't understand some of the pitching moves. Don't let Sanchez hit if you're going to pull him after a single batter.

3.  The Ugly
- The only way I want to see Westbrook near the field again is if he's helping the ground's crew roll out the tarp.
- Pujols swinging on a pitch 7 feet inside and taking one in the elbow for his moronics.
- Matt Holiday's ability to get through a series of baseball when it matters.

Yeah, they will most certainly leave him off the roster.

forsberg_us wrote:

I can't imagine Westbrook pitches another inning absent an injury.

If the Cardinals are lucky enough to make it to the post-season, they'll only need 4 starters.  Right now, I can't imagine Westbrook isn't #5 behind Carpenter, Jackson, Garcia and Lohse.

I like LaRussa going with an non bullpen pitcher to finish off the game.  Iassme it doesnt effect Jackson's ability to pitch in the one game playoff if needed.  I really dont want to see Loshe and Garcia has been hit and miss of late.

Loshe hasnt been to bad of late either.  It will be an interesting night.  I will be a huge Joe Blanton fan for the evening.

Blanton, Worley, Hamels and Kendricks are all scheduled to pitch for the Phillies. If the Wild Card is won tonight, I definitely agree that La Russa will go with Lohse/Garcia in Games 1-2.

Maybe I'm crazy, but save for Carpenter, is there anyone other than Lohse who you all trust right now? He scuffled bad in Pittsburgh, but the way he pitched against Philly and that performance against the Cubs with the season on the line Saturday was something I didn't think they could count on from him.

artie_fufkin wrote:

"I will be a huge Joe Blanton fan for the evening."

And how many times in your life can you say that?
This is going to be a great night of baseball. Four games that matter.
Blanton has only given up one run in 5 IP over four appearances since coming off the DL on Sept. 12. I read the Phils also want to get Hamels some work tonight.

I have been very busy since the weather has cooled and not been able to follow the last month of baseball as close as I would have liked.  I never would have guessed that the Cards could work their way back in it.  Having to win tonight and the idea of a playoff game is gut wrenching.  This is a hell of a build up after 161 games.  I think the advantage is in the Cardinals favor.  They are hot and the Braves are not.  A Phillies team that is playing for nothing is still better then the Stros.  Still the Cardinals have thrown away alot of key games.  The playoff game would be held in St. Louis.

If the Cardinals win it would be

Phillies vs Cardinals
D-Backs vs Brewers

If the Braves win it would be

Phillies vs D-Backs
Brewers vs Braves

Correct?

If I were the Brewers of Phillies I would rather see the Braves in the playoffs.