Royalties & Cardinalate

Century mark arrives in fine form

Just read on MLB.com that the Cardinals’ 64-36 record after 100 games is their third-best record at this point since 1944. Geez . . . Was that the same ol’ Danny Haren who pitched on Tuesday night? First, he did not have his cap pulled down over his forehead like usual. Second, he mowed through the Reds in the ninth on 10 pitches (8 strikes) and was throwing 95 mph while making each hitter look silly (especially Adam Dunn). . . Jason Marquis - who is now batting .289 with 7 RBIs - has not lost since May 26. He’s 8-0 with a 2.90 ERA in that span. Jason Marquis is an unstoppable pitching machine.

Dude, please don’t bunt: Though it served its purpose in leading to a run, I thought having Edgar Renteria bunt in the first inning was nonsense. It certainly did make me irate or anything, but they were facing severely slumping Corey Lidle and Womack was already on second after his steal with no outs.

Jimmy Edmonds: In 20 games this month, Edmonds is 23-for-69 with 10 HRs, 19 RBI and 20 runs with an OPS of .1286. As Redbird Nation discussed, STL has the best damn ‘row’ at 3-4-5 in MLB.

100 wins within reach

How about that reaction from Yadier Molina after Mellow Matt Morris’ shutout was sealed? Very nice to see his enthusiasm, kind of reminiscent of Magic Johnson as a rookie hugging Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after the Lakers won their season opener. Well, not really, but that is the thought that crossed my mind at the time. So despite being the least effective starter in the rotation, mellow Morris leads the team with 11 wins.

If the Redbirds go 38-26 in their final 64 games, they would finish with 100 wins. Anyone notice that Roger Cedeno is up to .300? Or that Tony Womack just snapped a 1-for-30 skid?

Pujols catching Rolen: Two weeks from now, Albert Pujols will pass Scott Rolen as the Cards’ leading MVP candidate. Even now, the only significant offensive category that Rolen leads Pujols in is RBIs. If you look at on-base, slugging, total bases, doubles, homers etc., Pujols leads. Plus, Phat’s defense (7 errors) has been solid enough to not be held against him. But, as Brad would say, the debate is over . . . Bonds. Even a Post-Dispatch columnist (Bernie Miklasz) referenced Bill James’ runs created formula as an argument for MLB’s latest 40 year old as the default MVP. Good argument.

Harmless scattering STL’s past two shutouts have featured plenty of scattered hits. Jason Marquis, Julian Tavarez and Matt Morris pitched in those two shutouts, allowing 17 hits and 4 walks in 18 innings. To allow 21 baserunners in two games and 0 runs is very hard to do.

Why Marquis is improved: Dan over at Getupbaby.net has a nice article on the significance of ground balls ratio for Jason Marquis and the Cards’ starters. Check it out.