The bunt for Red October
First, sorry ‘bout that header . . . Like many modern baseball fans and analysts, I am convinced that bunting is usually a waste of an out and done way too much. As for Albert Pujols, there are very few scenarios out of the hundreds of situational permutations that would justify him bunting. Obviously, he never should attempt to sacrifice, but even bunting for a hit – no matter how much the opponent is giving him – should only be done under very rare circumstances. But Sir Phat is a very wise player. His bunt on Wednesday actually made sense. Down 5-3 on the road with one out in the eighth, no one on and Scott Rolen and Jimmy Edmonds to follow, Pujols laid down a successful bunt single. Two batters later the game was tied after Edmonds hit a two-run blaster. Not only was that bunt a smart move within that scenario, there is even a greater intangible benefit to that play. Clichéd praise about leadership and selflessness ring true after that type of play and really fires up a team preparing for October baseball.
Cedeno pulls a Vladimir: Down 1-0 and leading off the ninth, Roger Cedeno swatted weakly at Aaron Harang’s first pitch on Thursday night. Inexcusable. Harang was reaching 100 pitches, the top of the order was on-deck and Cedeno simply did not bring the proper approach to his AB. He seems to not think sometimes and might be a solid choice to leave off the playoff roster. Lankford is hiting with power at AAA and it sure would be nice to have him instead if he's healthy.
Might Ricky get a start?: Once Ricky Ankiel’s return seemed inevitable (beginning last week) I have kind of assumed that his first appearance with the Cardinals would be in a situation with a lopsided score where he would be expected to toss one inning at most. You know, ease him into things. Now, there is serious discussion that he could be used as a spot starter! That would be a lot of pressure, but it would be so cool to see. In five starts at Class A and AA, Ankiel allowed two earned runs, two walks and had 18 K’s in 17 2/3 innings. By the way, one of Ankiel’s biggest fans is Peter Gammons.
From MLB.com: However, a spot start (from Ankiel) has not been entirely ruled out, should the Cards want to give someone an extra day of rest. “When he gets here, we'll talk to him,” said Tony La Russa. “I think it's more about what the team needs. It's how Rick fits in with the team. I'm sure he wouldn't want it (to start) any other way.”
Season’s shortest game: I went to a Cards game earlier this season and saw a game that lasted 2:10. I felt a little cheated. On Wednesday, the Pirates-Diamondbacks played a game lasting just 1:47, 2004’s shortest game. It was a 2-1 game with Josh Fogg outdueling Randy Johnson. There were 12 hits, so it could have been even shorter.