For the entire season, the Cardinals have been without a true third baseman. Joe Thurston, who came up as a second bagger, and Brian Barden, who is mostly a shortstop, have received the most reps at the spot. This last week or so, another new guy, Tyler Greene, has taken reps at the hot corner. Last year, the always frenetic Brendan Ryan had some time there. That makes four guys on the roster (actually three now because Barden was demoted to make room for a 34th pitcher) on the far left side of the infield, those commies. Remember who is supposed to be there? I barely do. It's Troy Glaus, he of the Rolen-Glaus Swap of 2008.Troy decided to get shoulder surgery late in the off-season and the recovery time has bled far into the season and it isn't likely he will come back. What's an organization to do?
Well, if you are the Brewers, you actively pursue trades that will improve your team's deficiencies. Unfortunately, not all front offices are created equal. The Cardinals are a "what's in the bargain bin?" type of team. Mark DeRosa's name has been batted around, but it isn't likely because apparently the Indians actually want good prospects in return, those ingrates. In all likelihood, the Cardinals organization will give fans a jalopy and tell them it's got a good value bat. So it goes.
Game 53 vs. Fla., L 3-4: The team needed to get one last bit of epic suckitude out of their system. Chris Carpenter took the mound with a Rosenthal-sized 0.71 ERA. He only allowed three runs on six hits but it wasn't enough. His counterpart Josh Johnson also allowed only three, which put the game in the relievers' hands. McClellan pitched a clean two frames. Hot Jason Motte (I don't think that moniker will/should stick) was throwing his usual ion collider speed pitches, when Jeremy Hermida guessed one into the empty football stands. The two old men puppets in the upper deck thought it was hilarious.
Game 54 vs. Fla., W. 13-4: As LaRussa looked down the Garden Hose of Offense (it's in the Bible), a kink was cleared and out flowed a rainbow of home runs and high averages. Nearly every Marlins pitcher this game took their drubbing including Chris Volstad's six runs, Cristhian Martinez's four runs, and Rocksteady Badenhop's three runs (only two earned!). The four-through-seven hitters went 10-19 and produced most of the offense. It was a nice way to break out of a five-game losing streak. With authority!
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