The Online Source for St. Louis Sports
ISSUE #80
Copyright © 1996 St. Louis Sports Online
Reproduction Prohibited Without Permission of Publisher [StLSports@aol.com]
St. Louis Sports Online is an online sports weekly that aims to provide
St. Louisans (and transplanted St. Louisans) with an additional source of
news, information, and humor about St. Louis-area sports events and St.
Louis-area sports teams.
Contributors to #80 include KMOX radio's Randy Karraker, Fowl Ball's Jim
Hunstein, contributing writer Mike Rainey, Riverfront Times hockey correspondent
Randy Hu, StLSO Vipers correspondent Gary Griffaw, and StLSO subscribers
Bob Freymark and Paul Guyot.
St. Louis Sports Online can be reached at StLSports@aol.com and via FAX
(618-457-5691). Subscription information can be obtained sending a polite
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The publisher of St. Louis Sports Online requests that no part of StLSO
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St. Louis Sports Online JULY.96.2 CONTENTS
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News by MIKE RAINEY
2.2 Blues News
2.3 Rams News by JIM HUNSTEIN
2.4 Vipers News by GARY GRIFFAW
2.5 StLSO Quotes of the Week
2.6 StLSO Headlines of the Week
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Two Perspectives On Fame, Fortune, and Athletes
3.1.1 Some Thoughts on Lawrence Phillips by PAUL GUYOT
3.1.2 Just One Mistake by BOB FREYMARK
3.2 Cardinals Quotes
3.3 Pro Volleyball at Union Station by JIM HUNSTEIN
4.0 StLSO Recaps
4.1 Cardinals Series-by-Series Summaries by JIM HUNSTEIN
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through 7.11.96)
5.2 MLB Standings (as of 7.11.96)
6.0 StLSO Media Notes
7.0 StLSO Interactivity
8.0 StLSO Editorial
1.0 StLSO News and Notes by RANDY KARRAKER
The Cardinals start post All-Star Break action in first place for the first
time since 1987...a year in which they won the National League pennant.
More history Cardinal fans like to look at...in Whitey Herzog's first 162
game season after becoming GM, the Cards won it all. In Dal Maxvill's first
season as GM, the Cards won the pennant. This is Walt Jocketty's first 162
game season in his post, so perhaps that trend will continue. With the return
of Mike Gallego, either David Bell or Luis Alicea could find himself out
the door. Bell has options remaining, but he can play multiple positions.
With all the talk about how limited Royce Clayton and Ozzie Smith are because
they only play shortstop, the same could be said of Alicea. Although he
has played the outfield and shortstop in the majors, Alicea is primarily
a second baseman. Since Gallego and Bell can both play second, third, and
short, their versatility would seem necessary. Another interesting move
will come up in about a month, when Danny Jackson returns. He'll start a
rehab assignment next week and be ready in a minimum of thirty days. If
the Cardinals are pitching then as they are now, that will be a difficult
decision. Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan have impressed upon Jackson that
he should start his return in the bullpen, and he agrees. One more historical
note for you. Jackson has donned the uniform of the Royals, Reds, Pirates
and Phillies (he was Marlin property for about an hour on the day of the
expansion draft). For those of you with good baseball memories, you'll recall
Jackson pitching for each of those teams in the post-season. Mr. October?
By the time you read this, the Rams will probably have each of their draft
picks except Lawrence Phillips signed. Good work by negotiator Jay Zygmunt,
who had the difficult task of signing two number ones and two number twos
this year. The Rams still aren't talking to Mark Rypien as training camp
approaches, and it appears clear that Rich Brooks and Steve Ortmayer are
more than happy with Jamie Martin as their backup. Both say Martin outthrew
Rypien and Steve Walsh in mini-camps, and appreciate that he was in every
day during the off season. There's no guarantee, even if Rypien does show
up, that he'll make the team. Brooks said before camp that the quarterback
situation is his biggest concern because of the lack of experience...but
in his next breath rattled off several quarterbacks he had at the University
of Oregon with no experience. Practices commence Monday, with the full complement
of veterans expected Thursday.
With the signings of Trent Yawney and Marc Bergevin, the Blues in effect
traded Charlie Huddy and Jay Wells for those two. Not a bad deal for Mike
Keenan to stock up on "commodities" with eight defensemen under
contract. It would be surprising to see Christer Ollson or Jamie Rivers
get much time next season. The center position is still the nagging trouble
spot for the Blues. There is interest in Bernie Nicholls...who appeared
all season long to be on his way to Anaheim. What a combo...Nicholls and
Keenan, eh? If Iron Mike didn't like Dale Hawerchuk...wait'll he gets a
load of Bernie. Wayne Gretzky is still in the mix. Right now, the Blues
appear to be on about even footing with the other suitors...San Jose, Dallas,
the Rangers, Vancouver and perhaps Toronto. Gretzky's late season experience
with the Blues might be their negative. With Keenan and Jack Quinn on vacation,
don't expect a center to be acquired for a couple of weeks.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Randy Karraker is the principal sports reporter for KMOX-AM
1120, and also hosts the KMOX Sunday night trivia show.
2.0 StLSO Sports Shorts
2.1 Cardinals News by MIKE RAINEY
*After starting the second half on the road, the Cards play 35 of their
next 48 games at home...from July 18 through September 8.
*A couple of first half surprises: Willie McGee is hitting .375 as a pinch
hitter, and over .400 with men in scoring position. And a seemingly healthy
Tom Pagnozzi has been a surprise with the bat and has gunned out 34% of
would-be base-stealers.
*Through the games of 7.11.96, the Cards have been outhomered...101-71...and
outscored 413-411.
*With their win on July 4 in Pittsburgh, the Cards snapped a 10-game losing
streak in road day games.
*Dmitri Young, who is hitting .348 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI's at Louisville,
was 1-2 in the Triple-A All-Star game Wednesday night. Young has had weight
problems in the past, but has kept his weight under control this year. One
possible 1997 scenario? Hot-hitting John Mabry moving across the diamond
to third.
*Mabry didn't make the All-Star team but had a good time Tuesday night anyway.
He was spotted at the Hootie and the Blowfish concert at Riverport.
*Prior to Friday's game vs. the Cubs, the Cardinals activiated infielder
Mike Gallego from the 60-day disabled list (torn right hamstring) and optioned
infielder David Bell to Louisville.
*The Cards' team record for home runs in a game (seven, in 1940 vs. Brooklyn)
was matched on 7.12.96, as the Redbirds took advantage of the prevailing
winds at Wrigley Field. Ron Gant and Gary Gaetti each had a pair of homers,
with Brian Jordan, Ray Lankford, and John Mabry each contributing one.
2.2 Blues News
*As this is written, the strength of the Blues' team is on the defensive
side of the red line. Defensive pairings could include three sets of veterans:
Al MacInnis and Murray Baron, Igor Kravchuk and Chris Pronger, and Trent
Yawney and Marc Bergevin. As pointed out by Randy Karraker, barring a trade,
the Blues duo of young and offensive-minded blueliners (Jamie Rivers and
Christer Olsson) seems ticketed for only spot duty in St. Louis.
*In goal for the Blues? It would surprise no one if Grant Fuhr recovered
from extensive knee surgery to play a majority of the games in the 1997
portion of the 1996-1997. With Jon Casey re-signed (a two-year deal), C&GM
Mike Keenan seems set for goalies...especially with last week's signing
of former Islander goalie Jamie McLennan.
*At center for the Blues? At this time, Peter Zezel, Craig MacTavish, Adam
Creighton, and Mike Hudson are signed, sealed and delivered for next season.
*An uncomfirmed list of Blues' wingers for next season includes Brett Hull,
Shayne Corson, Geoff Courtnall, Joe Murphy, Brian Noonan, Stephane Matteau,
Tony Twist, Rob Pearson, Steve Leach, and Basil McRae.
2.3 Ram Notes by JIM HUNSTEIN
*Dipping into the free agent pool to protect themselves over the Lawrence
Phillips tumult, the Rams have signed ex-Bengal RB Harold Green to a one-year
deal worth $500,000, including a $100,000 signing bonus. Last season, Green
(6-2, 222 pounds) rushed for 661 yards at a rate of 3.9 yards per carry.
His best season was 1992 when he ran for 1,170 yards and went to the Pro
Bowl. Green 28, was a second round draft choice by Cincinnati in 1990 out
of South Carolina.
*The signing of Green not only provides a certain measure of protection
against whatever happens with Phillips, it also means the departure of RB
Johnny Bailey. He had skipped the team's June mini-camp and his last offer
was for the veteran's minimum of $275,000. The 6-year pro was very versatile
for the Rams last year, returning punts and kickoffs as well as being the
team's third leading receiver with 38 catches.
*Bailey was also a victim of the salary cap and there will be more casualties
to come. The Bighorns are up against the cap of $40.7 million and they have
several players yet to sign, including Phillips, WR Eddie Kennison, QB Tony
Banks, and OT Fred Miller, all rookies. They have agreed to terms, though
undisclosed, with three other draftees: LB Percell Gaskins, FB Derrick Harris,
and TE Hayward Clay. The team has until the Saturday before the opening
game to get under the cap.
*The Rams are also reportedly close to signing two players from the World
League of American Football; LB Rico Mack (6-4) who led the league in tackles
(73) with Amsterdam and DT Troy Ridgley (300 pounds) who played for Amsterdam
and Scotland.
2.4 Vipers News by GARY GRIFFAW
The Vipers record fell to 6-9 with two losses in Minnesota to the Arctic
Blast. The Vipers were defeated 11-6 on July 5th and 9-6 on July 6th. Kevin
Plager had 2 goals and an assist in the July 5th game.
Kevin Plager represented the Vipers in the RHI All-Star game which was played
at the Anaheim Pond on July 8th. The West defeated the East 14-12 in an
exciting game. Kevin Plager had 2 goals and an assist. Tony Szabo from the
Long Island Jawz had 6 goals for the East. The East tied the game at 12
with 47 seconds left in the game. The West retook the lead with 37 seconds
left and added an empty net goal.
The Vipers next home games are July 12th against Minnesota and July 13th
against Montreal.
2.5 StLSO Quotes of the Week
*Regarding the recent Brian Jordan trade talk: "It's all BS,"
said Cards GM Walt Jocketty, on 7.12.96.
*"I haven't had any discussions regarding [trading Brett Hull] at this
time," said Blues C&GM Mike Keenan on KMOX's airwaves.
*Tony La Russa, on John Mabry's attitude at the plate: "He has a high-average
mentality."
2.6 StLSO Headlines of the Week
*From the 7.9.96 Post-Dispatch: "Ozzie Soaking Up Accolades"
*From the 7.7.96 Post-Dispatch: "Increase In Ticket Prices 'The Cost
Of Doing Hockey'"
3.0 StLSO Features
3.1 Two Perspectives On Fame, Fortune, and Athletes
3.1.1 Some Thoughts on Lawrence Phillips by PAUL
GUYOT
You know, the longer I sit here after reading StLSO #79, the more angry
I get. Not at StLSO, but at humans in general, Americans specifically. When
the Rams drafted Phillips, I sent an e-mail joking that Phillips might spend
more time running from cops than linebackers. Not so funny now, huh?
I am angry at how we tolerate actions in athletes that we would not stand
for in any co-workers. Lawrence Phillips, Albert Belle, Warren Moon, the
list is endless. It seems as though if a person can "win" or has
the potential to "win", we will look the other way if they do
anything that most people would be jailed for. We convince ourselves that
they are victims...Belle is a victim of an anger-control problem. Warren
Moon the same thing. Steve Howe, a "victim" of addiction, was
given SEVEN chances before he finally proved to everyone he didn't deserve
the last six.
And now we have a child, yes a 21 year old child, who we know beats women,
who we know drinks and drives, who we know is doing things that are just
plain wrong. Yet, this kid will for sure play football for a living, make
millions of dollars, and if he scores touchdowns and rushes for 100 yards
a game, will be a hero. He's used part of his riches to hire a lawyer we
know will be able to get him out of what would be sending anyone "regular"
person to prison. He doesn't deserve to play ball, let alone be paid millions
for it. Neither does Belle or any of the others.
You said that the fans of St.Louis will most likely be ready to give this
guy "another chance." Why? Because he might help the Rams win?
I love sports. More than most people. But I have never understood the thought
process involved with thinking that an athlete is above the law. If Phillips
plays and wins the ROY, rushes for 1800 yards and scores 15 touchdowns,
the city will embrace him. That thought sickens me. How many chances does
someone deserve? If you think about it, how many has he already had? Doesn't
anyone see that you're not giving him another chance, you're giving yourselves
another chance to put winning above human decency. When Moon held his press
conference and said how sorry he was, that he was going to get help, I saw
members of the media talking about what a stand up guy Moon was...how courageous
he was.
Huh???
Let's all just think for a second how we'd feel if one of these women who've
been beaten was a friend of ours. And the guy wasn't a star athlete, but
worked at the local hardware store...
How much tolerence would we show? What if it was your daughter?
3.1.2 Just One Mistake by BOB FREYMARK
-----
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bob Freymark's short commentary concerns Mike Rainey's Cardinals
News column in ISSUE #78.
Rainey wrote: "The Cincinnati Reds come to town next week (July 1-3)
for a three game series. Thankfully the Reds have released Vince Coleman
so there will be no early 4th of July fireworks display downtown."
-----
I normally enjoy Mike Rainey's contributions. His comments about Vince Coleman
in Issue 78 bothered me.
VC made a mistake. He's worked hard at overcoming it, unlike a noted Ram-to-be
running back. Isn't it time to give him a break. He's paid the price of
his immaturity and irresponsibility. Judge him by how he is today. After
all, half his problem was getting mixed up with the Mets. It was his choice
and a poor one, but the NY meat-grinder got him as it's gotten many others.
I would like to see all athletes as ideal role models for kids. It won't
happen in this day and age and we're all responsible for letting sports
get out of hand. We're willing to pay the high ticket prices. We've tolerated
huge salaries. We've earned the Belles. I still love baseball. I came to
St. Louis to see 2 games against the Pirates. I have a couple other games
planned. I just want us to understand that it's not right for us to stand
in the background and continually criticize players for past mistakes, especially
when they're working to change. I'm sure Mr. Rainey's remark was meant to
be humorous, but there's enough opportunity for humor without it being at
the expense of someone's past mistakes.
EDITOR'S NOTE: O.J. Simpson defense attorney Robert Shapiro defended Vince
Coleman in the trial that resulted from the fireworks incident. Rookie running
back Lawrence Phillips has also engaged the services of Mr. Shapiro.
3.2 Cardinals Quotes
3.2.1 Manager Tony La Russa after Donovan Osborne's Recent 4-hitter vs.
the Reds at Busch Stadium:
*"I just admired Donovan."
*La Russa on hot-hot-hot Brian Jordan: "Think of all the ways he can
excite you. He's playing well. [He's among] the upper echelon of the top
players in the league."
*La Russa on Atlanta manager Bobby Cox's additions to the NL All Star team:
"I'd pick the team that he picked. I hope I'm in a position to pick
it next year."
*La Russa on not taking the four-game Pirate series for granted: "Winning
this [Reds] series was the most important only because it's the one we were
just playing. This has to be a sprint to the end [of the first half]. We
don't stop playing until Sunday evening."
*La Russa on the Cardinals' play of late: "I'm enjoying the fact that
the club is competing. I'm enjoyig the hell out of it. The most fun in professional
baseball is when a team has a chance to win. The way we've been playing,
we have a chance. I'm having a hell of a lot of fun."
*Brian Jordan on the come-for-behind win in G2: "Willie McGee won the
game for us. It's a tribute to Willie McGee coming off the bench for us.
It's the sign of a winning club."
*Jordan on his and the team's slow start: "I always heat up. I never
start fast. Same with the team. It takes time to get used to each other.
And a new manager. We have to get used to him."
*David Bell, after G3 in which he was a last-mintue starter for the ill
Luis Alicea and in which he had a key 2-RBI single. "I wasn't in the
line-up [at first], but I come ready to play."
*Bell, on Osborne: "He throws strikes. He works fast. You couldn't
ask for anything better."
3.2.2 Around the Horn After the July 12 13-3
Thrashing of the Cubs in Wrigley
*TONY LA RUSSA'S OBSERVATIONS:
"[The players] followed the #1 strategy: get so far ahead I can't mess
it up."
"This is a cozy ballpark."
On Andy Benes' three-run eight inning performance with the wind blowing
out: "Andy made a bunch of good pitches."
On Benes' make-up: "Maybe he's a little too unselfish for a starting
pitcher. All he cares about is whether the team wins the game."
After the Cards had spanked Cubs' pitchers for seven round-trippers: "One
of the worst things an offense can do is try to generate home runs. The
thing to do is to try to hit the ball on the barrel of the bat. We think
we have a well-balanced offense."
On John Mabry, who committed one error but made two sparkling plays (on
low throws from Gary Gaetti and Royce Clayton) that saved at least a couple
of runs, in addition to getting four hits (including a homer): "Sure,[Mabry]
probably overcharged the ball. But he saved a couple of runs with the plays
he made in the field, too...you know, [Mabry's] a hungry hitter. He comes
to hit every day...and every at-bat. He has a high-average mentality."
*JOHN MABRY'S COMMENTS
Mabry, on being informed that he's making a habit of four- and five-hit
games: "Oh, no...don't tell me that."
Mabry, on his defensive plays: "Hey, I closed my eyes. Actually, it's
just aggressive play. You have to go after the ball. For me, it's a reflex
thing.
Mabry, on Wrigley Field and its power-alley dimensions: "This is a
great ballpark for gap hitters like myself."
*JEFF PARRETT'S VIEW
Jeff Parrett, on the possibility that things are coming together for the
Redbirds: "It's still early."
*LA RUSSA ON RAY LANKFORD\
"He's such a complete player. He's a five-tool guy, and before too
long people from around the country are going to recognize that. It would
be no surprise if he were to win [the Gold Glove]. Sure, there are a couple
of better-known guys in front of him, but he is definitely a candidate."
*LANKFORD ON OUTFIELD DEFENSE
"I work at it. Many of the errors in the outfield are mental errors.
I try to stay away from them. A key to winning is defense...and [throwing
out Luis Gonzalez at third base] was a big turnaround in today's game."
*LA RUSSA ON LANKFORD'S THIRD INNING ASSIST
"It was a big play at the time."
3.3 Pro Volleyball at Union Station by JIM HUNSTEIN
It was a tough weekend for Paul Mitchell, the hair care products manufacturer,
last weekend at Union Station during the Bud Light Pro Beach Volleyball
League. Not only did their men's and women's sponsored teams lose in their
respective finals, Norelco got to shave a guy's head.
That summed up this mid-season tour stop of the 6-year old league featuring
former Olympians and former collegiate All Americans. Some good volleyball
and some fun diversions but nothing earth-shaking. The tour, whose major
sponsor is the local brewery, is the only one that will likely ever visit
the area seeing as how the 2-on-2 tour is sponsored by that Milwaukee-based
brewer of the misspelled low-calorie beer.
Union Station is not a likely site for beach volleyball, but it's not like
we have sand along the Mississippi. "Yar, dude, watch out for that
gnarly undertow, bra." Cobblestone wharf volleyball never really caught
on. So the nice folks at A-B make sure that enough sand is put down inside
some railroad ties in the parking lot under the train shed, and, voila!,
instant beach setting.
In fact, it's even better. We supply the shade. The court is laid out so
that it is perfectly in the shadow of one of the overhead sections of the
roof. But that doesn't mean it's nice and cool. Broadcaster Chris Marlow
(gold medalist in 1984 and former voice of the AVP for NBC and Prime) says
this even is as hot as any he can remember. The only hotter venue might
be in Clearwater, Florida.
Eric Sato, gold medalist in 1988 and current member of Team Outdoor products,
says the roof also creates some problems with the shadows from the rafters
as balls move in and out of the sunlight. But he likes the facilities because
everything is so close; the facilities are all on-site and their hotel (the
Drury Inn) is right across the tracks from the court.
Both men agree that the rent-a-beach sand also leaves something to be desired.
It tends to be mushy and too deep, making jumping difficult. Marlow says
there's not enough clay. He also says it's reminiscent of the sand at Laguna
Beach.
Besides coming to St. Louis, one big advantage of this tour is that the
matches are free. Seating for the finals at Union Station is tight, but
there is ample room for the Friday and Saturday matches. The AVP, which
run the 2-man tournaments featuring the top names in beach volleyball (Karch
Kiraly, Kent Steffes, Mike Dodd, Randy Stoklos, et al.) are now charging
for their matches, even as sponsors line up to get their name associated
with the sport.
The Bud Light tour is not in such good shape. Finances are scarce and non-headlining
sponsors are only barely there. Some payrolls are not always met. Team sponsorships
are slow in coming. The original program features men's team called Team
Sonly Autosound, Team Paul Mitchell, Team Bud Light I, and Team Bud Light
II. Clearly, the big guns decided that they would sponsor the teams rather
than not have them, which is admirable on the part of A-B.
OP took the men's title on Sunday over Paul Mitchell 15-10. OP is led by
team captain Dusty Dvorak, a 1984 gold medalist. Paul Mitchell features
his former Olypmic teammate Craig Buck, a 6-9 middle blocker. Buck, who
also earned gold in 1988, is arguably the most recognizable man on the tour.
But the media guide and the tour itself had Sony and Paul Mitchell, but
OP (as in Ocean Pacific) and Outdoor Products (as in NOT OP) for the other
two teams. There are 5 women's teams; Nike, Sony, Paul Mitchell, Norelco,
and Discus Athletic. Norelco, led by the aptly named team captain Samantha
Shaver (everyone swears it was a coincidence), defeated Paul Mitchell 15-10
in the women's finals.
If Buck is the most popular man on the tour, easily to most popular women,
and player in general, is Gabrielle Reece. She captains Team Nike and, at
6-3, patrols the middle. She is a former model and MTV host who has decided
to concentrate on volleyball full time. She is the one everyone comes to
see.
She is, therefore, the most inaccessible. The other players spend some time
around their sponsor's booths hobnobbing with the fans and signing autographs.
That's why this is such a popular event. The atmosphere is a party with
a theme that entertains. And the quality of play is very high. The 2-man
game tends to be dominated by the somewhat tedious progression of sideouts.
The 4-on-4 variety featured longer rallies and just as good a talent level.
And if you really get bored, have one of the Norelco people shave your head
for you.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Hunstein's head is, by now, slowly recovering.
4.0 StLSO Recaps
4.1 Cardinals Series-by-Series Summaries by JIM HUNSTEIN
4.1.1 Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh (July 4 - July 7)
IN THE ARCHIVES: The Cardinals finished the first half with a 3-of-4 power-washing
of the Pirates in which they outscored the Bucs 25-18 in the series and
47-27 in 7 games in the last 2 weeks. The Redbirds finish up 5 games over
.500 and in first place. This includes the unusual statistic of 5-0 on Sunday
home games and 0-8 on Sunday road games, the last being G4. They are 13-2
in their last 15 games.
ON THE SCOREBOARD: G1: 7-1 Cards; G2: 7-4 Cards; G3: 9-5 Cards; G4: 8-2
Pirates
GOING IN: Cards were 43-40, in second place one game behind Houston and
3 1/2 games ahead of Cincinnati.
COMING OUT: Cards are 46-41, tied for first in the NLC with the Astros at
47-42, but with the edge in winning percentage (.529 over .528), 4 1/2 games
ahead of the Reds.
AT THE PLATE: John Mabry continues his assault on NL pitchers. He was 9-for-17
(.529) in the series and that includes going hitless in G4. He was 5-for-5
(you do the math) in G3, the first 5-hit game for a Card since Luis Alicea
did it in 1994. Mabry was also 3-for-4 in G1. He is now hitting .331, seventh
in the NL. The lead-off platoon of shortstops was a combined 6-for-19; Ozzie
Smith was 2-for-5 in G3 (his RBI in the 8th was his first batting right-handed)
and Royce Clayton was 4-for-14 in the other three games. Brian Jordan started
hot but fizzled; he was 4-for-8 with 5 runs, 6 RBI, and a homer in the first
two games but 0-for-5 in the last two. Ray Lankford seemed to be scoring
at will, crossing the plate 8 times in the series, nearly a third of all
the runs scored in the 4 games. Gary Gaetti had been in a bad slump coming
in but broke out with a 6-for-14 series. He's the only Cardinal to get a
hit in all 4 games.
ON THE BASEPATHS: Even more remarkable was Gaetti stealing his second base
of the season in G3 when he took a huge lead before the pitcher even threw
home. Lankford was scoring so much because he was stealing so much; he swiped
three in the series, including two in G1 pushing his total to 16 to challenge
Clayton for the team lead. But Clayton resonded by stealing his 18th in
G2. Ron Gant (#6) and Jordan (#12) also stole a base in G2.
OFF THE BENCH: The bench patrol was 1-for-6 in the series. The only hit
was a 2-RBI single in G3 by Mark Sweeney, who came in only 3-for-19 as a
pinch hitter with 2 RBI. He drilled an 0-2 pitch to the left and took second
when the throw went home. Miguel Mejia remains hitless after striking out
in G4.
ON THE MOUND: The starters started strong but then tailed off. Andy Benes
started G1 and went 7 innings giving up only 1 run on 6 hits. His ERA dropped
to 4.34 and his reconrd improved to 6-8. Todd Stottlemyre followed up with
an almost-as-good outing in G2. He gave up 3 runs in 6 2/3 innings to earn
his 8th win (to go with 6 losses). Alan Benes matched Stottlemyre with his
8th win in G3 even though he lasted only 5 innings and gave up 3 runs (although
only 1 was earned) on 5 hits. The rotation spun out in G4 when Mike Morgan
was hammered for 8 runs (all earned) on 12 hits in only 4 1/3 innings. This
is the first time in 37 games that a starter hasn't gone 5 innings.
FROM THE BULLPEN: A so-so series for the relief corps. They were great in
G1 and G4 (no runs and only 4 hits in 5 2/3 innings), but Rick Honeycutt
and Mark Petkovsek ech gave up a homer in G2 and G3, respectively.
IN THE FIELD: Not quite up to the quality of recent series, although it
started and ended well with no Es in G1 or G4. Clayton committed his 10th
error in G2, which seemed to open the floodgates in G3. Alicea committed
his team leading 18th error as he tried to get a force at second but he
hit the runner. Smith had #3 and Pagnozzi had #4.
OVERALL: The Central DIvision can no longer be considered the doormat of
the NL. The Cards' 46-41 record would be good for second place (only one
game out) in the West but only third place in the West.
CATCH-ALL: The homer gave up by Honeycutt in G4 was the 100th surrendered
by the Redbirds; they've only hit 71. The Cards are 16-7 since Gant came
back from the DL.
IN THE HOUSE: G1: 23,321; G2: 18,759; G3: 19,144; G4: 16,255
ON THE CLOCK: G1: 2:46; G2: 2:42; G3: 3:03; G4: 2:06
UP NEXT: After the All Star game, 4 games in Chicago followed by 3 in Cincinnati
5.0 StLSO Numbers
5.1 Cardinals Statistics (through July 11)
5.1.1 Batting
AVG G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS SLG% OBP% Mabry .327 82 303 39 99 140 18 1 7 42 19 49 1 1 .462 .370 McGee .312 66 189 34 59 80 10 1 3 29 11 34 3 1 .423 .350 Pags .296 57 196 26 58 89 13 0 6 30 7 40 3 1 .454 .317 Jordan .295 72 268 47 79 124 18 0 9 50 13 53 12 3 .463 .328 Clayton .281 74 281 36 79 107 13 3 3 19 21 58 20 9 .381 .328 Lankford.275 83 305 56 84 153 19 4 14 49 39 72 16 3 .502 .355 Sheaffer.270 49 122 8 33 46 6 2 1 15 6 14 2 3 .377 .315 O Smith .267 34 101 11 27 32 3 1 0 8 8 2 2 3 .317 .321 Sweeney .267 61 120 21 32 48 7 0 3 17 23 21 1 0 .400 .385 Gaetti .248 68 258 35 64 99 11 0 8 35 17 45 1 2 .384 .302 Gant .242 56 178 31 43 91 8 2 12 41 38 35 6 2 .511 .377 Alicea .238 81 261 32 62 90 16 0 4 29 33 52 5 2 .345 .324 D Bell .213 59 136 10 29 39 7 0 1 8 9 21 1 1 .287 .265
W L S ERA G GS CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO HB TJ Mathews 1 2 3 2.27 35 0 0 0 47.2 30 16 12 4 19 43 1 Honeycutt 2 0 2 3.00 33 0 0 0 27.0 21 9 9 2 6 22 0 Osborne 8 5 0 3.17 16 16 2 1 110.2 100 47 39 12 20 68 0 Fossas 0 4 2 3.33 37 0 0 0 27.0 27 13 10 6 11 19 0 Eckersley 0 5 12 3.68 28 0 0 0 29.1 32 15 12 3 3 26 1 Stottlemyre 8 6 0 4.04 18 18 3 2 120.1 108 56 54 18 53 108 3 Parrett 2 2 0 4.24 31 0 0 0 40.1 39 19 19 2 20 40 1 Andy Benes 6 8 1 4.34 19 18 2 1 118.1 117 62 57 15 32 83 4 Petkovsek 5 0 0 4.53 18 4 0 0 43.2 48 23 22 8 16 17 2 Morgan 2 3 0 4.87 10 10 0 0 61.0 64 33 33 9 27 30 0 Alan Benes 8 5 0 5.09 18 18 2 1 106.0 106 73 60 14 45 76 2
5.2.1 National League East TEAM WON LOST PCT GB HOME ROAD EAST CENT WEST STREAK ATLANTA 54 34 .614 - 33-18 21-16 12-10 22-11 20-13 LOST 1 MONTREAL 49 39 .557 5 28-19 21-20 09-13 28-11 12-15 LOST 1 NEW YORK 42 46 .477 12 23-18 19-28 11-11 18-20 13-15 WON 1 FLORIDA 41 47 .466 13 26-17 15-30 12-13 15-17 14-17 WON 2 PHILADELPHIA 38 49 .437 15 1/2 20-21 18-28 13-10 10-23 15-16 WON 1 5.2.2 National League Central TEAM WON LOST PCT GB HOME ROAD EAST CENT WEST STREAK ST LOUIS 46 42 .523 - 23-16 23-26 21-21 16-07 09-14 LOST 2 HOUSTON 47 43 .522 - 23-18 24-25 17-11 14-15 16-17 LOST 3 CHICAGO 42 46 .477 4 26-21 16-25 13-16 11-12 18-18 WON 3 CINCINNATI 39 44 .470 4 1/2 19-21 20-23 14-22 11-15 14-07 LOST 3 PITTSBURGH 40 48 .455 6 18-27 22-21 17-23 10-13 13-12 WON 2 5.2.3 National League West TEAM WON LOST PCT GB HOME ROAD EAST CENT WEST STREAK SAN DIEGO 48 42 .533 - 25-25 23-17 20-14 16-23 12-05 LOST 1 LOS ANGELES 48 42 .533 - 26-18 22-24 21-14 18-21 09-07 WON 1 COLORADO 43 44 .494 3 1/2 28-15 15-29 18-25 17-10 08-09 WON 2 SAN FRANCISCO 38 49 .437 8 1/2 20-23 18-26 17-21 17-16 04-12 LOST 6 5.2.4 American League East TEAM WON LOST PCT GB HOME ROAD EAST CENT WEST STREAK NEW YORK 53 33 .616 - 30-15 23-18 15-07 26-15 12-11 WON 1 BALTIMORE 46 40 .535 7 26-20 20-20 13-10 20-14 13-16 LOST 2 TORONTO 39 49 .443 15 19-22 20-27 08-13 15-17 16-19 WON 1 BOSTON 37 49 .430 16 22-19 15-30 12-10 09-24 16-15 WON 2 DETROIT 27 62 .303 27 1/2 16-28 11-34 09-17 08-24 10-21 LOST 1 5.2.5 American League West TEAM WON LOST PCT GB HOME ROAD EAST CENT WEST STREAK CLEVELAND 53 35 .602 - 27-17 26-18 26-14 14-09 13-12 WON 2 CHICAGO 50 38 .568 3 27-15 23-23 21-10 12-11 17-17 LOST 2 MILWAUKEE 43 44 .494 9 1/2 21-20 22-24 12-15 18-14 13-15 LOST 1 MINNESOTA 41 46 .471 11 1/2 22-25 19-21 20-21 10-12 11-13 LOST 3 KANSAS CITY 39 50 .438 14 1/2 18-26 21-24 15-18 11-19 13-13 WON 3 5.2.6 American League West TEAM WON LOST PCT GB HOME ROAD EAST CENT WEST STREAK TEXAS 51 37 .580 - 32-15 19-22 30-14 14-14 07-09 LOST 1 SEATTLE 47 39 .547 3 24-21 23-18 17-17 20-17 10-05 WON 1 OAKLAND 44 45 .494 7 1/2 20-22 24-23 16-22 18-15 10-08 WON 1 CALIFORNIA 43 46 .483 8 1/2 27-17 16-29 19-14 18-21 06-11 LOST 1