BallHype User Blog - c-russ

The Infield Turnaround

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:28:31 +0000

	Since the inauguration of the Tony LaRussa era in St. Louis, the Cardinals have been an organization known for getting the most out of their players. Especially previously underachieving or washed out infielders. A combination of adept infield training – by third base coach Jose Oquendo... — full article at insidestl.com

Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:08:09 +0000

	Chris Carpenter, Darryl Kile, Woody Williams, Jeff Suppan, Jason Marquis and now, Kyle Lohse. Dave Duncan has been a wizard behind the scenes and crucially instrumental in transforming all of these underachieving Major League hurlers into success stories. A master of the makeover... — full article at insidestl.com

Killer Crabs and Bill Parcells

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:12:55 +0000

	Celebrities not asked to join the camp included former Arizona Cardinals coach Denny Green, Captain Harris of the Police Academy movies, the new Asian lead singer of Journey, President Barack Obama (for Chicago reasons, not to fuel Ozzie Smith’s claim that Tony is racist) and Lassie’s bones. — full article at bugsandcranks.com

The Yankees Are Insane, Cintron Strikes Again and Other Recent Developments

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 21:39:53 +0000

Cardinal fans are about as excited to have Adam Kennedy for a starting second baseman as they would be to find a soiled adult diaper in their pillowcase. The current list of reserves, stretching nearly as long as Lisa Kudrow’s neck, seems equally unsatisfying. Perhaps sensing an air of pessimism... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Predicted Lineup: Imposing or Impotent?

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:16:34 +0000

Since the only relevant topic germane to the the Hot Stove season involving the Cardinals is their inability to participate, I thought focusing on the pieces that are currently in place was a more sensible topic of conversation. Save the “addition” of Khalil Greene the Cardinals are more or less... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Aaron Miles: Traitor or Cardinal Spy?

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 23:17:19 +0000

On the last day of 2008 infielder and fan favorite, Aaron Miles, became the worst thing imaginable to any supporter of Cardinal Nation… a Chicago Cub. Which brings up the very interesting question: Are Miles & John Mozeliak in cahoots and he has been planted in the Chicago organization as a spy? — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Hells Bells! Make An Offer To Trevor Hoffman Already

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 00:45:37 +0000

The St. Louis Cardinals’ main “problem area” last season was no well kept secret. The bullpen was in shambles two weeks into April and not a move was made that could right the ship. The team already has two live young arms in Chris Perez and Jason Motte, but... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

NL MVP: Pujols Pads His Resume

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:49:14 +0000

Albert Pujols has done it again. For the second time in 4 years the best hitter in baseball brought home the National League ’s Most Valuable Player award. And like every year, it was accepted amidst a swirling sea of controversy. Albert easily cruised past Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Pujols Wins NL Player Of The Year

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:40:28 +0000

The players have spoken. For the second time in his career Albert Pujols was named the most outstanding player in the National League, based on a survey of his peers. Now if the Baseball Writer's Association would only take note... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Canseco Attempts To Regain His Manhood... In Mexico

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:45:12 +0000

	No, the former juiced-up slugger wasn’t south of the border looking for a spicy piece of tail. He was apparently dipping back into the wonderful world of illegal drugs, that he knows so well. Apparently steriod abuse had left Canseco feeling empty below the belt... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Redbird Report Cards: The Starting Lineup

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:29:44 +0000

	A report card for the Cardinals 2008 starting lineup. Some will want to run home and slap this on the refrigerator. Others will be frantically checking the mailbox before mom and dad get home from work. — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Cards-Cubs: Cheers & Jeers

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:15:46 +0000

	There is nothing quite like a rubber match against your most distinguished and detestable rival. Being there in person makes it all the more consuming. On a wet and muggy St Louis evening I witnessed one of the most nerve-wracking, nail-biting and ultimately heart-breaking contests in my 30 years... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

It's Been 10 Years, What is Mark McGwire Doing?

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:33:55 +0000

	It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since the magical season that restored the country’s faith in baseball. It’s even harder to believe that former slugger and national hero, Mark McGwire, pulled a Roman Polanski and has been virtually nonexistent since he left the game in 2001. — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Welcome To The Offseason

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 03:35:21 +0000

After a miserable weekend rife with flat, unenthusiastic baseball, the Cardinals have essentially squashed any chance of playing into October. So while the Cubs and Brewers are living the postseason dream, the Redbirds will be searching for things to do to occupy their time. Have a look... — full article at insidestl.com

If Not Baseball, Then What?

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:24:13 +0000

	Ever wonder what baseball players would be if they weren't baseball players? Here's your answer for some of baseball's most recognizable personalities. — full article at bugsandcranks.com

10 Possible Shannonisms For Manny’s STL Season Debut

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 00:38:31 +0000

Tonight the new and improved Los Angeles Dodgers roll into St. Louis with the League’s best ERA, a dearth of young talent and Major League Baseball’s most egomaniacal, dread-locked baby. Manny Ramirez makes his return to the Lou for the first time since 2005 and you can bet that there will be boos, wise cracks and a clever sign or too (not all Cardinal fans are as sweet and innocent as they seem). — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Bird Bits

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:34:12 +0000

The July 31st trade deadline has come and gone, and it appears the St. Louis Cardinals are standing pat. Rumors of Roy Halladay, Miguel Tejaga, Matt Holliday, Brian Fuentes and Jason Bay have fallen by the wayside. There is still a chance for a deal in August, but master of the waiver wire, Walt Jocketty, was sent packing to Cincinnati this past off season and... — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Milwaukee Brewers or Bad Early 90’s Rap Group?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:07:42 +0000

The Milwaukee Brewers seem to be walking around with a chips on their shoulders. It’s reminiscent of a bravado that harkens back to the days of bad early ’90s rap. A sense of false confidence that seems poignant and legitimate at the time but has no staying power. Winners of their last 8 and the new NL Wild Card leaders, the Brew Crew have plenty to smile about right now. — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Your True NL All Stars

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:40:10 +0000

	Eliminating the fan vote, here is who DESERVES to start for the National League on July 15 in the final midsummer classic at Yankee Stadium. Agree, disagree, hate or enjoy. It's up to you. — full article at bugsandcranks.com

Keeping An Eye On Kenny

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:39:48 +0000

	The St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers face off tonight in the opener of a 3-game series, and all eyes will be on the man on the mound for the Tigers. The Cards face lefty Kenny Rogers for the first time since Game 2 of the 2006 World Series. No Cardinal fan need be reminded what FOX’s TV camera’s picked up during the 1st inning of that contest. — full article at bugsandcranks.com