MVP 2004: St. Louis Cardinals (Year 1)

[mtaystl03]

I've been waiting for baseball for a long time and it is now here! I bought MVP Baseball 2004 for the XBox, then got an Action Replay to get the rosters and now I am all set!

I introduce you to the St. Louis Cardinals Dynasty!

I will do 10 games per update. There will be a little write up about each game and then a recap of the entire period. I will follow both AAA and AA teams as well.

This will be as in depth as possible. I will play a few games and manage all the others. I will put whether I played or managed next to each game.

Just wanted to introduce it now. We will meet the team next! Go Cardinals!

[mtaystl03]

http://www.dpmonline.com/cc/images/mlb/nl/stl/banner.gif

This should be fun as I look to lead the Cardinals back to the prowess they experienced in the early to mid 80's...

General Idea: First of all, out MVP and all-everything Albert Pujols is being moved to first base for this season. Looking at the strengths of the roster he is best suided here. Other than that, I will work with what we have in St. Louis and keep a close eye on the happiness of the players and the progress of the minor leaguers.

Aaron Boone signing: As my first real move as GM and manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, I decided to get in touch with Aaron Boone, who was currently without a team. I offered a 2 year/2,509 contract and he accepted! He will play second base for the redbirds this season.

Position-by-Position

Left Field
The former stomping grounds of Albert Pujols will now be patroled by both Greg Vaughn and Kerry Robinson.

Greg Vaughn - R/R - 38 years old - Happiness: :)
Greg is getting up there in age but we have him signed for one season and that is all we will be keeping him. He will start in left against lefties and be our main pinch hitter off the bench this season.
Contract: 2,806/year (1 year left).

Kerry Robinson - L/L - 30 years old - Happiness: :)
Kerry will be our primary left fielder as he will get the starts against righties (therefore, the majority of them) and his speed will be utilized in the lineup. He will most likely bat 8th in the lineup when in there. He will occasionally leadoff.
Contract: 166/year (1 year left).

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Center Field

Jim Edmonds - L/L - 33 years old - Happiness: :)
Jimmy will again be our center fielder and hit 3rd. He is an essential part of our team and will be for the next three years. I expect a lot out of him and we need him to stay healthy.
Contract: 3,136/year (3 years left).

So Taguchi - R/R - 34 years old - Happiness: :)
So will be the primary backup to Edmonds but could see some time filling in at either right or left depending on where people need a break or injuries strike. He is a nice speed guy to bring off the bench or defensively at the end of a game (for a guy like Vaughn or Reggie Sanders).
Contract: 331/year (2 years left).

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Right Field

Reggie Sanders - R/R - 36 years old - Happiness: :)
Reggie is our only true right fielder at the moment but could be spelled every once in a while by either So Taguchi or Kerry Robinson. He isn't exactly young but he does provide a nice bat in the lineup for us.
Contract: 991/year (2 years left).

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Third Base

Scott Rolen - R/R - 29 years old - Happiness: :(
Scotty Rolen just signed a 7-year deal for us and things are looking solid at the hot corner for a long time for us. He is unhappy and feels he should be paid a little better but we will worry about that later. I expect around .300-30-100 from Scott this season.
Contract: 3,730/year (7 years left).

Bo Hart - R/R - 27 years old - Happiness: :)
Bo was one of the best stories in the majors last season as he made an impact filling in for the injured Fernando Vina. He will make the move to 3rd with the acquisition of Boone and could see some time in AAA to hone his skills some.
Contract: 100/year (1 year left).

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Shortstop

Edgar Rentaria - R/R - 28 years old - Happiness: :(
One major priority is to get Edgar a new long term contract. He is unhappy with the current deal and we want to keep him here for a while. On the field he is nothing short of amazing. One of the best defensive and offensive players at the position. He will take on a new role this season as we are going to try him out as our lead-off man.
Contract: 1,651/year (1 year left).

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Second Base

Aaron Boone - R/R - 31 years old - Happiness: :rolleyes:
We just signed Aaron to take over the void at second base. We expect him to do that very well this season. We will most likely plug him into the 2nd spot in the line up and see how he fares there and adjust accordingly.
Contract: 2,806/year (1 year left).

Marlon Anderson - RL/L - 30 years old - Happiness: :(
Anderson was signed away from Tampa Bay to attempt to start at second for the Cards. Again, the signing of Aaron Boone spoiled those plans but he will be the backup and see some time off the bench as a role player. He is unhappy with his contract and wants to be locked up for a long time. I don't see that happening.
Contract: 199/year (1 year left).

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First Base

Albert Pujols - R/R - 31 years old - Happiness: :rolleyes:
Again, we need to lock him up for a long time. He is unhappy until that happens but he is the best player in the majors and we will take care of that right away. The move to first won't have much effect on his ungodly statistical output.
Contract: 199/year (1 year left).

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Catcher

Mike Matheny - R/R - 33 years old - Happiness: :)
We will sacrifice offense for defense in Matheny's case. He is one of the better backstops and can handle the bat for the most part. He will start just about every game until he needs a rest.
Contract: 958/year (1 years left).

Chris Widger - R/R - 32 years old - Happiness: :)
Chris will be Matheny's backup and play only when Mike needs a rest.
Contract: 166/year (1 year left).

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STARTING ROTATION

Matt Morris - R - 29 years old - Happiness: :(
Matt is our ace. He has just one year left on his contract and wants a new one. I think we will get after that as well. He will have to be huge for us this season as our #1.
Contract: 2,971/year (1 year left).

Woody Williams - R - 37 years old - Happiness: :(
Woody could be our ace but he will be our #2. He finds ways to win games and we will need them all this season. I doubt we will be able to pay him after this season if he keeps asking for what he is.
Contract: 2,476/year (1 year left).

Dan Haren - L/L - 23 years old - Happiness: :(
Haren, along with Bo Hart, suprised the Cardinals last season and he is going to be in the starting rotation this season. He is another unhappy guy that is looking for more money and longer term deal. We will have to see how he performs before we invest in him long-term.
Contract: 100/year (1 year left).

Jeff Suppan - R - 29 years old - Happiness: :(
I don't know why these guys we just signed are so unhappy but Suppan is another one. We have him for two years and I could see him being our #3 starter this season. We need him to show up in a big way this season.
Contract: 991/year (2 years left).

Jason Marquis - L - 25 years old - Happiness: :)
Acquired in the JD Drew deal, Marquis is our only lefty and only happy starting pitcher this season. He is young and has a lively arm. It would be great to benefit from a breakout season from Jason!
Contract: 166/year (1 year left).

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RELIEF PITCHING

Long Relief

Chris Carpenter - R - 28 years old - Happiness: :rolleyes:
Coming off of arm surgery, Carpenter could be a huge part of our team. If he progresses, he could be a starter or our long-relief man. Only time will tell how he bounces back from the surgery.
Contract: 166/year (1 year left).

Jason Simontacci - R - 30 years old - Happiness: :(
Another long reliever who could start for us this season. He is also unhappy with his current contract (the minimum). We might re-structure this season to make him happier (and get our team chemistry up).
Contract: 100/year (1 year left).

Middle Relief

Ray King - L - 30 years old - Happiness: :(
Another guy we picked up in the JD Drew trade. He is a good lefty out of the bullpen, something we needed drastically. He is another unhappy pitcher. I doubt we will re-structure this season. His performance will need to prove to us he is worth it.
Contract: 133/year (1 year left).

Alan Benes - R - 29 years old - Happiness: :(
He is back in a Cardinal uni after a short stint with the Cubs (what was he thinking?). He is going to have to be big for us out of the pen this season. We might give him a little more money to satisfy him.
Contract: 100/year (1 year left).

Set-up

Julian Tavarez - L - 30 years old - Happiness: :(
Another needed lefty out of the pen he should do a nice job for us. Yet another pitcher whining about his deal.
Contract: 694/year (2 years left).

Steve Kline - L - 31 years old - Happiness: :(
The heart and soul of this bullpen needs to do a good job getting left-handed hitters out and give "Izzy" a chance to close games out for us this season.
Contract: 562/year (1 year left).

Closer

Jason Isringhausen - R - 31 years old - Happiness: :)
The other happy pitcher is going to be our closer for the second strait season. If he can stay healty he will have a chance to save close to 40 games for us this season!
Contract: 2,245/year (2 years left).


That is a look at our team. More to come on our current salary situation...

[mtaystl03]

We have some unhappy players (esp. pitchers) and that is going to happen but we want to keep them as happy as possible to up the team chemistry.

Our current money situation isn't the best. I petitioned the board for some extra room but they declined. Anywho, this is our situation:

Current Budget: $34,684
Current Payroll: $34,063
Current Bank: $621

This means some of the unhappy players are just going to have to stay that way unless I can free up some room. I really want to re-sign Pujols and Rentaria to long-term deals before the season starts if possible.

Here is a list of unhappy players:


Name Pos. Salary Years left
Albert Pujols 1B $199 1
Scott Rolen 3B $3,730 7
Edgar Rentaria SS $1,651 1
Marlon Anderson 2B $199 1
Matt Morris SP $2,971 1
Woody Williams SP $2,476 1
Dan Haren SP $100 1
Jeff Suppan SP $991 2
Jason Simontacci RP $100 1
Ray King RP $133 1
Alan Benes RP $100 1
Julian Tavarez RP $694 2
Steve Kline RP $562 1


Again, Pujols and Rentaria are our focus right away. I am off to contact their agents now...

[mtaystl03]

Well I don't have near the cash to lock up Pujols and Rentaria. I would get rid of Greg Vaughn but I think we could use him this year. There is no way we will keep him next year. Hopefully they won't want too much at the end of the season.

I did take care of three pitchers.

In the biggest news I managed to re-sign Matt Morris to a three-year deal worth $3,268/year. This knocked the bank down to 324.

I then gave Dan Haren a little more money to bump him up to $166 from $100 for this year.

Alan Benes now has a nice little deal, 2 years for $166.

That is all I can really do right now in the current situation. If Greg Vaughn struggles at all I will dump him and his salary and put that towards Edgar or Albert. As for right now at least the mood in the locker room should be a little better.

[Fonzie]

Albert Pujols - R/R - 31 years old

Is this a typo, or does the game really have him at 31 years of age?

I'll be following along - go Cards!

[MizzouRah]

I would love to see Aaron Boone in a Cardinal uniform. I think he's injured for quite some time in real life (at least he is in my ootp dynasty with updated rosters).

Also, the Cardinals just signed Tony Womack to play 2nd base. Heard it today on KFNS radio here in St. Louis!

Anyhow, I'm glad your memory card worked and you got the rosters working!! I'll be following along. It'll be neat to see how you do in a joystick game with the Cardinals vs me in ootp. :) Good luck!


Todd

[mtaystl03]

Fonzie - I will double check that, I think I messed up his age. Glad to have you following.

MizzouRah - Couldn't of done it without you. I would also LOVE to see Aaron Boone in a redbirds uni this season but yeah he is kinda hurt. As for Tony Womack, do you think he is the answer? I know we have a true leadoff man now though!!! I will be following your Cards dynasty too!

[mtaystl03]

Lineups and Rotation

Majors

vs. Left-handed pitchers (w/o DH)

1. Edgar Rentaria, SS
2. Aaron Boone, 2B
3. Jim Edmonds, CF
4. Albert Pujols, 1B
5. Scott Rolen, 3B
6. Reggie Sanders, RF
7. Greg Vaughn, LF
8. Mike Matheny, C
9. Pitcher Slot, P

vs. Right-handed pitchers (w/o DH)

1. Edgar Rentaria, SS
2. Aaron Boone, 2B
3. Jim Edmonds, CF
4. Albert Pujols, 1B
5. Scott Rolen, 3B
6. Reggie Sanders, RF
7. Mike Matheny, C
8. Kerry Robinson, LF
9. Pitcher Slot, P

vs. Left-handed pitcher (with DH)

1. Edgar Rentaria, SS
2. Aaron Boone, 2B
3. Jim Edmonds, CF
4. Albert Pujols, 1B
5. Scott Rolen, 3B
6. Reggie Sanders, RF
7. Greg Vaughn, DH
8. Mike Matheny, C
9. Kerry Robinson, LF

vs. Right-handed pitcher (with DH)

1. Edgar Rentaria, SS
2. Aaron Boone, 2B
3. Jim Edmonds, CF
4. Albert Pujols, 1B
5. Scott Rolen, 3B
6. Reggie Sanders, RF
7. Greg Vaughn, DH
8. Mike Matheny, C
9. Kerry Robinson, LF

Starting Rotation

1. Matt Morris
2. Woody Williams
3. Jason Marquis
4. Jeff Suppan
5. Danny Haren

[Celeval]

Tony Womack ... a true leadoff man
Yikes.

Here's a guy who's career OBP is .315, with a career best year (1999) of .332. The OBP of Major League Baseball in general last season was .328. Last season he hit .226 with a .251 OBP. Only thing Womack has is speed - and at 34, I'm not sure how long that will be around.

[mtaystl03]

Yikes.

Here's a guy who's career OBP is .315, with a career best year (1999) of .332. The OBP of Major League Baseball in general last season was .328. Last season he hit .226 with a .251 OBP. Only thing Womack has is speed - and at 34, I'm not sure how long that will be around.

Well said. I guess I wasn't familiar with how Tony Womack plays. I was more referring to better lead off man than we have on the squad right now.

I have Edgar Rentaria leading off and while he can do a good job in "real life" it isn't a good thing because it takes away a lot of RBI opportunities away from a guy that can produce a lot of them.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah, with your team, Renteria is your only choice. I have Kerry Robinson, in fact I think he'll be our leadoff hitter to start the year.

I hope Womack can come back and contribute, with Hart and Anderson battling for a spot, he has a chance as well. Not to mention he is a fast son of a gun.


Todd

[mtaystl03]

Key:
(P) = game was played
(M) = game was managed
(S) = game was simmed
*any combination of the three means I used all of those options to complete the game. ie: (PM) means I played and managed a portion of it.

Here we go!

-----Monday, April 5th, 2004 - Opening Day!-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/MIL.gif (0-0) - Matt Morris vs. Ben Sheets (P)

Matt Morris was cruising in the first game of the season at a sold out Busch Stadium only to see pinch hitter Kieth Ginter blast a 3-run home run to bring the Brewers within one run at 5-4. A triple by leadoff man Scott Podsednik tied the game at 5-5. A pinch-hit infield single (in the hole at short) and scored Edgar Rentaria to put the Cardinals up 6-4 in the bottom of the 8th. Relief pitcher Alan Benes pitched to one batter in the 9th and then Jason Isringhausen closed it out!

W - 6-5 - WP: Ray King (1-0) LP: Brian Bowels (0-1) S: Jason Isringhausen (1)

Season Record: 1-0

Memphis Redbirds: W 1-0 (1-0)
Tennessee Smokies: W 3-1 (1-0)



-----Tuesday, April 6th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/MIL.gif (0-1) - Woody Williams vs. (M)

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead on the heels of a Reggie Sanders RBI triple, the Brewers came back to tie it when Wes Helms had a 2-RBI double off of Woody. Both relievers Chris Carpenter and Jason Simontacchi threw 2 scoreless innings and then we won it in the bottom of the 12th when Albert Pujols singled followed by a double by Scott Rolen and then a ground out by Reggie Sanders won the game! 2-0 baby.

W - 3-2 - WP: Alan Benes (1-0) LP: Brooks Kieschnick (0-1)

Season Record: 2-0

Memphis Redbirds: W 4-0 (2-0)
Tennessee Smokies: L 7-4 (1-1)



-----Wednesday, April 7th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/MIL.gif (0-2) - Jason Marquis vs. Doug Davis (M)

Wes Helms had an RBI single in the first and then Jim Edmonds singled in Aaron Boone after his double. 1-1. Starting pitcher Jason Marquis hit a game-breaking 2-run home run in the 6th! 3-2 Cards. Edgar Rentaria stole his first base of the season and Edmonds (3-for-3) and Scott Rolen each had RBI singles on the day.

W - 6-3 - WP: Jason Marquis (1-0) LP: Doug Davis (0-1)

Season Record: 3-0

Memphis Redbirds: W 3-2 (3-0)
Tennessee Smokies: L 9-1 (1-2)



-----Thursday, April 8th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/MIL.gif (0-3) - Jeff Suppan vs. Matt Kinney (M)

We are looking for a four-game sweep of the Brewers and we find ourselves down 3-0 after two innings. We had an amazing 10-run 4th inning, highlighted by a Scott Rolen grand slam. It was smooth sailing after that. Kerry Robinson, uncharacteristcally, hit a 2-run homer in the 8th to add to the lead. Albert Pujols had a couple RBI in the game. Great start, 4-0!

W - 12-3 - WP: Jeff Suppan (1-0) LP: Matt Kinney (0-1)

Season Record: 4-0

Memphis Redbirds: W 1-0 (4-0)
Tennessee Smokies: L 3-0 (1-3)

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E-MAIL: I received an e-mail from my coaches informing me that, in our upcoming series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, we would be facing Shane Reynolds in game one and Steve Sparks in game two.

It is nice to know we won't have to face Randy Johnson until game three.
--------------------------

We now travel to Arizona to take on the also undefeated Diamondbacks who are coming off of a 3-game sweep over division rival Colorado. Should be a tough series. We will be throwing Danny Haren, Matt Morris and Woody Williams.



-----Friday, April 9th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/ARI.gif (3-0) - Danny Haren vs. Shane Reynolds (PM)

It started like a normal game with both teams doing well offensively against the weaker starters. D-back catcher Robby Hammock hit a solo bomb and our Scott Rolen answered with one of his own. Albert Pujols hit his first homer of the season, a 2-run shot that traveled over 480 feet!! We just kept piling it on and won 14-2. Pujols was 3-4 with 3 RBI and Reggie Sanders was also 3-4 with 3 RBI of his own. Starting pitcher Danny Haren picked up with complete game giving up just two runs over the nine innings with 4 K's and no walks. Nice start for Danny.

W - 14-2 - WP: Danny Haren (1-0) LP: Shane Reynolds (0-1)

Season Record: 5-0

Memphis Redbirds: W 3-2 (5-0) *Memphis off to a strong start like the big club.
Tennessee Smokies: L 2-1 (1-4)



-----Saturday, April 10th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/ARI.gif (3-1) - Matt Morris (0-0, 5.14) vs. Steve Sparks (NR) (M)

Another good start for the Cardinals as Edgar Rentaria had an RBI double in the 3rd to put us on top 1-0. He later got on again and stole his 3rd base of the season. An RBI triple by Jim Edmonds and a sacrifice fly by Scott Rolen put the birds on top 3-0 with Matty Mo mowin them down. Rolen added a 3-run homer later in the game and Matt Morris completed the game, giving up just one run on four hits with 7 K's and just one walk. What a start for the Cardinals.

W - 6-1 - WP: Matt Morris (1-0) LP: Steve Sparks (0-1)

Season Record: 6-0

Memphis Redbirds: L 2-1 (5-1)
Tennessee Smokies: W 6-5 (2-4)



-----Sunday, April 11th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/ARI.gif (3-2) – Woody Williams (0-0, 3.24) vs. Randy Johnson (0-0, 9.00) (M)

Somebody break up the Cardinals! A supposedly struggling Edgar Rentaria leads off the game with a home run and the rest of the boys follow suit with 4 in the 1st off of Randy Johnson. Alex Cintron lead off their half of the first with a homer and it was 4-2 after one. Reggie Sanders continues his hot start with a home run in the 5th and the Cardinals hold on to win their seventh strait game to start the season winning again 8-4. Two sweeps to start the season and now we get ready for the Astros. Scott Rolen had 4 RBI in the game giving him 14 on the season already! What a start.

W - 8-4 - WP: Woody Williams (1-0) LP: Randy Johnson (0-1)

Season Record: 7-0

Memphis Redbirds: W 6-3 (6-1)
Tennessee Smokies: W 5-4 (3-4)

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We now travel back home to St. Louis to start the first real important series of the season against the Houston Astros. We will see what Jason Marquis, Jeff Suppan and Dan Haren are really made of after this series.
--------------------------



-----Sunday, April 11th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/HOU.gif (4-2) – Jason Marquis (1-0, 3.24) vs. Roy Oswalt (0-1, 9.00) (P)

In another offensive game we trailed the hates Astros 3-0 after the 1st inning. It appeared Jason Marquis didn’t have his best stuff. We chipped away getting runs in the 3rd, 5th and then again in the bottom of the ninth after Marquis had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. He did a nice job keeping it within reach. Reliever Chris Carpenter came into the game and gave up a run in the top of the 11th but the Cards found a way to tie it in the bottom frame. It wasn’t until an Albert Pujols RBI double in the bottom of the 13th the Cards win another close game! Pujols was 4-6 with 2 RBI and Jim Edmonds was 5-6 on the day! Jason Isringhausen pitched the top of the 13th earning him a win.

W - 5-4 - WP: Jason Isringhausen (1-0) LP: Octavio Dotel (0-1)

Season Record: 8-0

Memphis Redbirds: W 1-0 (6-1)
Tennessee Smokies: Did not play and stand at 2-4 on the season.

--------------------------
BAD NEWSIt appears I kept Jason Marquis in there too long. He tore his rotator cuff muscle and will be out for the remainder of the season! Bad news. That means Jason Simontacci and/or Chris Carpenter is going to have to step up and start some games for us. Just as things are going so well we get news like that. 
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-----Monday, April 12th, 2004 1st well deserved off day.-----


-----Tuesday, April 13th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/HOU.gif (4-3) – Jeff Suppan (1-0, 5.87) vs. Andy Pettite (1-0, 1.13) (M)

Richard Hidalgo got things started out right for the Astros as he singled home the first run of the day and then Craig Biggio hit a solo homer to put Houston up 2-0. Adam Everett added to that with an RBI double in the 7th and that closed the book on Jeff Suppan. The ‘Stros managed two more runs in the inning and led 5-0 with Andy Pettite cruising. Albert Pujols hit his 2nd home run of the season in the 8th to cut the lead to 5-1. With two outs in the 9th we put together a little rally and Aaron Boone singled home Matheny. Edmonds then walked with the bases loaded to make it 5-3 and that brought up Pujols with the bases loaded. He flied out to center and we dropped our first game of 2004.

L - 5-3 - WP: Andy Pettite (2-0) LP: Jeff Suppan (1-1)

Season Record: 8-1

Memphis Redbirds: W 9-4 (7-1)
Tennessee Smokies: W 2-1 (3-4)



-----Wednesday, April 14th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/HOU.gif (5-3) – Danny Haren (1-0, 2.00) vs. Wade Miller (1-0, 2.45) (M)

So here we go with the rubber match in our first series with the Astros this season. Morgan Ensberg homered in the first inning to put them up early. After stranding a lead off triple by Edgar in the first, the same thing happened with 2 dead in the 3rd. This time Aaron Boone drove him in with a single. 1-1. After some scoring Adam Everett broke the tie with a solo shot to put them up 4-3. Jim Edmonds answered with a 3-run jack of his own to put us up 6-4 in the bottom of the 7th. We score some more and win the game 9-3 to take the series!

W 9-3 - WP: Danny Haren (2-0) LP: Wade Miller (1-1)

Season Record: 9-1

Memphis Redbirds: L 3-1 (7-2)
Tennessee Smokies: L 2-1 (3-5)

------------SIM REVIEW-----------------

Record: 9-1
Chemistry: 5/10
Manager grade: B-
Rankings:
pitching: 17th
hitting: 2nd
fielding: 16th
running: 2nd

NL Central Standings:

W L % GB
St. Louis 9 1 .900 0.0
Chicago 5 3 .625 3.0
Houston 5 4 .556 3.5
Cincinnati 4 4 .500 4.0
Pittsburgh 3 5 .374 5.0
Milwaukee 2 8 .200 7.0


Thoughts: Obviously it is awesome to get off to a hot start. 9-1 is way more than I could’ve expected before starting this portion of the schedule. We are hitting the crap out of the ball and doing enough pitching to win right now. I hate to see that Jason Marquis is done for the season but that just means we will need some other guys to step up in a big way (hint hint Chris Carpenter). Hopefully we can continue this hot streak into the next ten games and hold that 3.0 game lead on the Cubbies! Go Cardinals!

Other MLB News:

We have the top three hitters in the league right now. Here is a look at the top 10:

1. Albert Pujols, STL, (.514)
2. Jim Edmonds, STL , (.500)
3. Reggie Sanders, STL, (.486)
4. Jose Cruz Jr., TB, (.481)
5. Vladimir Guerrero, ANA, (.464)
6. Rafael Furcal, ATL, (.455)
7. Luis Castillo, FLA, (.440)
8. Cliff Floyd, NYM, (.433)
9. Jason Kendall, PIT, (.429)
10. Mike Lowell, FLA, (.429)
Note: Scott Rolen is also at .429

> Morgan Ensberg, Mike Lowell and Jim Thome lead the majors with 5 HR.
> Scott Rolen leads the majors with 15 RBI. Ensberg and Aramis Ramirez are right behind him with 14 each.
> The most impressive starts with pitching is Roy Halladay in Toronto who is 2-0 with an ERA of 1.59 and Kaz Ishii (LA) who is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA. Greg Maddux is off to a 2-0 start with the Cubs (ERA of 4.30). Andy Pettite is faring well in his new home going 2-0 with a 1.65. Not bad.
> Houston’s Octavio Dotel leads the league with 4 saves already.
> How about the most K’s: Jamie Moyer (SEA) has 22. Halladay has 17.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

[mtaystl03]

These next ten games will really show us where we are at this season. We
have 3 games with the struggling Colorado Rockies at Busch. Then we go down
south where the Astros will be looking to get some revenge on us at Minute
Maid Park. We then go to Milwaukee for another three game set with the Brew
Crew. This portion will be nine games because we play three, 3-game sets.
Just to keep some structure to it. Here we go…

-----Thursday, April 15th, 2004-----

The big club was off today as we prepare for a big three game set with the
Rockies!

Season Record: 9-1

Memphis Redbirds: L 3-1 (7-3)
Tennessee Smokies: L 9-0 (3-6)

-----Friday, April 16th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/COL.gif (2-7)
Matt Morris (1-0, 2.81) vs. Chin-Hui Tsao (NR) (M)

What a game this was. We get one in the first on an Albert Pujols RBI
double, then we break out for 5 more in the 2nd! 6-0. Morris is cruising
through the Rockies and gives up 3 hits in the top of the 9th to load the
bases. I take him out and put Jason Isringhausen in. “Izzy” proceeds to
ring up the next three hitters to preserve the shut out. Wow. Pujols was
2-4 in the game while Reggie Sanders continues his torrid start going
2-for-2. Kerry Robinson keeps getting RBI from the 8th spot, he now has
14!!!

W - 6-0 - WP: Matt Morris (2-0) LP: Chin-Hui Tsao
(1-1)

Season Record: 10-1

Memphis Redbirds: L 2-1 (7-3)
Tennessee Smokies: L 6-3 (3-6)

-----Saturday, April 17th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/COL.gif (2- –
Woody Williams (1-0, 3.60) vs. Jason Jennings (0-2, 6.08) (M)

Todd Helton hit a homer in the first to get the Rocks off to a good start
but Aaron Boone answered that with a 2-run homer of his own after an Edgar
single and it was 2-1. We just always seem to have an answer. Pujols hit
his 3rd later in the inning to move it to 3-1. Both pitchers settled down
until Kerry Robinson doubled home Scott Rolen from third with 2 outs in the
4th. That is 15 RBI for Kerry in 12 games! What is going on!? The Rockies
got 2 in the 5th and 1 in the 6th to tie the game. We took the lead when
pinch hitter Marlon Anderson got an infield base hit with Reggie Sanders on
third. The insurance came when Reggie blasted off again. 6-4 final. Izzy
got his 2nd save. We are just winning games right now. Albert was 2-for-2,
upping his average to .535 with his 3rd HR. Reggie Sanders was 3-for-3 and
is now batting an miraculous .550 and added his 2nd long ball. Also, Jason
Simontacci did a nice job out of the pen, throwing 2 and 1/3 giving up just
one hit and two walks.

W - 6-4 - WP: Woody Williams (2-0) LP: Chris Vance
(1-2) S: Jason Isringhausen (2).

Season Record: 11-1

Memphis Redbirds: W 4-3 (8-3)
Tennessee Smokies: W 4-3 (4-6)

-----Sunday, April 18th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/COL.gif (2-9) –
Jeff Suppan (1-1, 4.60) vs. Shawn Estes (NR) (P)

The Rockies again jumped out to a 2-0 lead, getting one in the 2nd and
another in the 4th. We tied it in the 5th with a Greg Vaughn RBI base-hit
and then an RBI groundout by the pitcher Suppan. We took the lead in the
6th when Albert Pujols had yet another RBI double. Colorado then rallied,
getting homers by Vinny Castilla and Charles Johnson and got the 6-3
victory. Note: Edgar Rentaria was 2-for-4 in the game upping his lead-off
average to .321 and he stole his 4th base.

L - 6-3 - WP: Brian Fuentes (1-0) LP: Alan Benes
(1-1) S: Steve Reed (1).

Season Record: 11-2

Memphis Redbirds: W 2-0 (10-4)
Tennessee Smokies: L 1-0 (5-

We now travel south to Houston to take on the Astros. Coming into this
big series at Minute Maid park we are 11-2 and sitting pretty. It would be
great not to rest on our laurels and go right after the ‘Stros on their
turf. I would love to take 2-out-of-3 there. First we will enjoy our
Monday off to travel. It looks as though the first two starters I will face
is Jeroime Robertson and Wade Miller in that series.

----Monday, April 19th, 2004-----

We are off. Our minor leagues were in full action today:

Memphis Redbirds: W 6-4 (11-4)
Tennessee Smokies: L 6-4 (5-9)

I got word that one of our minor league players, Glen Watkins a RF for
Tennessee was suspended for 6 games for an “altercation”. He is batting
just .204 with 5 RBI so he may just be very frusterated. This will not be
forgotten. I may just release his ass.

-----Tuesday, April 20th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/HOU.gif (8-5) –
Chris Carpenter (0-0, 2.25) vs. Wade Miller (1-1, 5.40) (M)

Huge series with the Astros. Both pitchers were throwing well until the bottom of the 6th inning when the Astros scored 4 runs off of Carpenter. I shouldn't of pushed him that far in his first start. Pujols hit a homer to make it look better. We lost this one 4-1. We managed just four hits off of Miller, Munroe, Stone and Dotel. Octavio picked up his league-leading 7th save.

L - 4-1 - WP: Wade Miller (2-0) LP: Chris Carpenter
(0-1) S: Octavio Dotel (7).

Season Record: 11-3

Memphis Redbirds: L 8-5 (10-5)
Tennessee Smokies: W 3-1 (6-9)


-----Wednesday, April 21st, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/HOU.gif (9-5) –
Dan Haren (2-0, 3.18) vs. Jeroime Robertson (1-0, 4.76) (P)

We need to get a position to take the series tomorrow so Danny needs to give us all he has in this one. We can't rest on our laurels, we have to keep winning games. Houston's Berkman started the scoring with an RBI double which as countered by our Greg Vaughn who doubled in a run of his own. Then we took a 3-1 lead with RBI hits from Matheny and Haren. They tied it at 3-3 with a bomb from Bagwell and a sac fly. Then Edgar Rentaria stepped up and hit a shot to center field which bounced around that hill out there and Biggio had trouble with it enough for Edgar to circle the bases for an inside the parker! We went up 5-3 on Reggie Sanders 3rd homer of the season. Then Steve Kline came into the game and made a mistake pitch to the pinch hitter Lane who hit a 3-run jack to center to make it 6-5 Houston. Ensberg added to thier lead with a solo HR before Mr. Clutch Reggie Sanders hit a 2-rbi single to tie it up at 7! Bo Hart, pinch hitting, sqeezed in the go-ahead run in the 9th and Julian Tavarez (Issy pitched earlier) went 1-2-3 in the bottom frame and we find a way to win it!!! What a game.

W - 8-7 - WP: Ray King (2-0) LP: R. Stone
(0-1) S: Julian Tavarez (1).

Season Record: 12-3

Memphis Redbirds: L 3-0 (10-6) *The Redbirds on a mini-slide here.
Tennessee Smokies: W 7-2 (7-9) *Smokies playing much better ball.



-----Wednesday, April 21st, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/HOU.gif (9-6) –
Matt Morris (2-0, 1.88) vs. Roger Clemens (0-0, 6.60) (M)

We get our first look at the Rocket this season who is still searching for that first win. Biggio led off the game with a homer off of Morris. In the top of the 3rd Pujols hit a 2-run jack to put us on top. Then Scotty Rolen took over. He hit 3-run homers in both the 5th and 9th innings (with a Reggie Sanders solo HR in between) to put us up for good 9-1. Matty Mo continues to pitch well as we take the series over the Astros in Houston!

W - 9-1 - WP: Matt Morris (3-0) LP: Roger Clemens (0-1)

Season Record: 13-3

Memphis Redbirds: L 3-0 (10-7)
Tennessee Smokies: W 4-1 (8-9)

------------
It is a nice pleasant plane trip to Milwaukee as the team chemistry is really building and being 13-3 going into the series with a team we have already taken four from this season is always a morale booster. Not that we need one! This might turn into something special. We can't get over confident however. We will be facing Doug Davis and Matt Kinney in the first two games of the series.
------------



-----Wednesday, April 21st, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/MIL.gif (3-14) –
Woody Williams (2-0, 4.29) vs. Doug Davis (0-2, 5.06) (M)

Junior Spivey and Geoff Jenkins go back-to-back in the first to put them on top 2-0. We aren't scared as we know we can score runs at any time. Woody just needs to settle in and we will be fine. In the top of the 4th Mike Matheny (who is really starting to come into his own at the plate) hit his first homer of the season to cut the lead in half. In the top of the 6th, still tied at 2, Greg Vaughn doubled and then Mike Matheny traded spots with him to put us up 3-2. Junior Spivey tried raining on our parade with his 2nd homer of the game (this time a 2-run job) to put them no top 4-3. With 2-outs in the top of the 9th and Edmonds on first, Scott Rolen hit a home run!!!! Izzy came on and got them 1-2-3 in the bottom and we win again! It is just amazing how we find ways to win games. That just took the wind right out of their sails as they fall to 3-15 on the season. We are now 5-0 against them.

Scott Rolen deserves so much credit for his start to this season. He was 3-for-5 in this game, hitting his 7th home run and driving in his 21st and 22nd run of the year.

W - 4-3 - WP: Julian Tavarez (1-0) LP: D. Kolb (0-1) S: Jason Isringhausen (3)

Season Record: 14-3

Memphis Redbirds: W 3-0 (10-7)
Tennessee Smokies: W 4-1 (8-9)



-----Thursday, April 22nd, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/MIL.gif (3-15) –
Jeff Suppan (1-1, 4.79) vs. Matt Kinney (0-2, 3.97) (M)

Things started out great in this one as we put up a 4 spot in the first. Jeff Suppan didn't do well and surrendered 5 in the 2nd. I pulled him and in the 3rd Kerry Robinson hit a 3-run homer to put us back on top 7-5 (he has 18 RBI already!!). They tied it up and then in the bottom of the 11th Geoff Jenkins hit a 2-run blast to propel Milwaukee to the victory 9-7.

Disappointing outing for Suppan who moves to 1-2 on the year. Also, our 1 and 2 hitters Edgar Rentaria and Aaron Boone are struggling bit now. Edgar is 0-for-9 in this series and Aaron is now hitting .239 on the young season.

L - 9-7 - WP: Dan Reichart (1-0) LP: Jason Simontacci (0-1)

Season Record: 14-4

Memphis Redbirds: W 3-0 (11-7)
Tennessee Smokies: L 5-1 (8-10)

-------------
I decided to change some things up. Kerry Robinson deserves a shot at the leadoff spot the way he has been playing. I am moving Edgar to #2 and Aaron Boone to the 7th spot. I just want to see how this works out. Big game with Carp on the hill. We need to take this final game of this sim period and go into a tough stretch feeling good.

Also, a quick NL Central update. The Astros won their first two games of their series with the Rockies and now are 11-7 (3.0 games back). The Pittsburgh Pirates are HOT winning 5 in a row and are now 10-7 and in 3rd. The Cubs have dropped 5 in a row and now stand at 8-10 and already 6 games behind us.
-------------


-----Friday, April 23rd, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/MIL.gif (4-15) –
Chris Carpenter (0-1, 4.35) vs. W. Obermueller (0-2, 9.20) (M)

Well, the lineup change looked brilliant to start. Kerry tripled and Edgar drove him in with a base-hit to put us up early. Rentaria added an RBI 2B in the 3rd. The Brewers managed to tie it in the bottom of the third. A re-energized Milwaukee team scored 3 more in the 4th to put them up 5-2.

I am worried at this point because Carp isnt looking good and our bullpen is shot. I need him to go six.

Of course Jim Edmonds ties the game with a 3-run homer in the 5th. An RBI 1B by Reggie Sanders made it 6-5 and the Brewers just crumbled. Pujols added a 2-run homer and a grand slam later in the game and we pile it on 17-5 final! What a start.

W - 17-5 - WP: Chris Carpenter (1-1) LP: Dan Reichert (1-1)

Season Record: 15-4

Memphis Redbirds: OFF
Tennessee Smokies: L 2-1 (9-11)

----------------

------------SIM REVIEW-----------------

Record: 15-4
Chemistry: 7/10
Manager grade: B-
Rankings:
pitching: 16th
hitting: 3rd
fielding: 17th
running: 1st

NL Central Standings:

W L % GB
St. Louis 15 4 .789 0.0
Houston 12 7 .632 3.0
Pittsburgh 11 7 .611 3.5
Cincinnati 9 10 .474 6.0
Chicago 8 11 .421 7.0
Milwaukee 4 16 .200 11.5



Thoughts: Wow. That is all I can really say. We just find ways to win games. Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, Albert Pujols, Reggie Sanders and Kerry Robinson have been nothing short of remarkable to start the season. The pitching could improve but we have plenty of time for that. Edgar Rentaria started to struggle there and the next game he busts out for 2 hits and 2 RBI in the 2 hole.

We need some guys to really pick it up if we want to continue this run. Aaron Boone is one guy that with the move down the order should take some pressure off of him and he can get his stroke back (he is hitting just .247). We also need Jeff Suppan to bounce back from that rough outing and come on strong. Chris Carpenter is another guy that needs to pitch well for us to have a chance.

For as well as we have been playing we are only 3 games ahead of Houston who is playing good ball at his moment. We also have a tough 10-game stretch with Philly and Chicago (7 on the road and 3 at home). This will show us what we are really made of.


Other MLB News:

League Leaders:

Average

1. Reggie Sanders, STL, (.451)
2. Albert Pujols, STL, (.432)
3. Russ Johnson, TOR, (.425)
4. Manny Ramirez, BOS, (.406)
5. Scott Rolen, STL, (.397)
6. Luis Castillo, FLA, (.394)
7. Vladimir Guererro, ANA, (.394)
8. Morgan Ensberg, HOU, (.384)
9. Jimmy Rollins, PHI, (.383)
10. Jose Cruz Jr., TB, (.379)

Home Runs

1. Jim Thome, PHI - 9
2. Aaron Guiel, KC - 8
3. Mike Lowell, FLA - 8
4. Sammy Sosa, CHI - 8
5. Trot Nixon (BOS), Albert Pujols (STL) and Scott Rolen (STL) - 7

Pitching (Noteables)

Kaz Ishii (LA): 4-0, 0.84 ERA!
Darryl May (KC): 3-0, 1.00 ERA
Andy Pettite (HOU): 4-0, 1.80 ERA
Chan Ho Park (TEX): 3-0, 1.15 ERA
Matt Morris (STL): 3-0, 1.69 ERA

Strikeouts

Jaime Moyer (SEA) - 34
Pedro Martinez (BOS) - 30
Kaz Ishii (LA) - 30
Freddy Garcia (SEA) - 28
Odalis Perez (LA) - 28

STANDINGS (Overview)

AL
East
Devil Rays lead the division with a 10-8 record. The Yankees are 11-9, Red Sox are 10-10 and Toronto is 9-9.
Central
The Kansas City Royals are off to another good start behind nice suprises Aaron Guiel and Darrell May and lead the division at 13-5! The Tigers are in 2nd at 10-9!!
West
The Angels and Mariners are off to 11-8 starts which is good enough to lead that division.

NL
East
Philadelphia (our next opponent) leads at 12-6 with Atlanta (10-8) and Montreal (10-9) right behind.
West
San Francisco off to a 11-8 start leads the West.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEXT UP: 3 vs. Philadelphia (12-6), 4 vs. Chicago (8-11), 3 @ Philadelphia (10 games)

[mtaystl03]

We come home to face a very tough stretch of ten games. We have the Phillies coming to town for three and then the Cubs for four! We then head back on the road to Philadelphia's new ballpark and try to take three from them there. This is a huge stretch and we need to extend on that 3.0 game lead on the Astros. They are playing very good ball right now.


-----Monday, April 26th, 2004-----

We have a well deserved day off as the Phillies are coming to town.

Memphis Redbirds: W 4-2 (13-7)
Tennessee Smokies: W 6-3 (10-11)



-----Tuesday, April 27th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/PHI.gif (12-6) - Danny Haren (2-0, 3.63) vs. Brett Myers (1-1, 11.88) (M)

Philly got one in the first and Danny Haren got an RBI groundout in the bottom half 1-1 after 1. In the bottom of the 5th Kerry Robinson doubled and Edgar Rentaria singled him home (we would like to see that happen more often!). The Phillies managed to tie it up and Steve Kline was brought in to face Jim Thome with the bases loaded. He got him to fly out to center. Matheny got a 2-rbi single and Izzy came in and got them 1-2-3 to preserve the series opening win!

Kerry Robinson was 4-for-5 and ups his average to .316 on the year. Aaron Boone goes 2-for-2 and is now hitting .266.

The Pittsburgh Pirates won their 7th game in a row and move into 2nd place!

W - 4-2 - WP: Steve Kline (1-0) LP: Roberto Hernandez (2-1) S: Jason Isringhausen (4)

Season Record: 16-4

Memphis Redbirds: W 3-1 (14-7)
Tennessee Smokies: W 2-1 (11-11)



-----Wednesday, April 28th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/PHI.gif (12-7) - Matt Morris (3-0, 1.69) vs. Eric Milton (2-0, 3.52) (P)

Greg Vaughn was the story in this one as he had an RBI triple and a solo home run to put the Cards on top 2-0 while Morris was hurling yet another gem. Morris went 8.0 innings, surrendering just 4 hits, 0 ER and 0 BB. Issy picked up his 5th save and 2nd in as many days. Morris' ERA drops to 1.35 after this game!

W - 2-0 - WP: Matt Morris (4-0) LP: Eric Milton (2-1) S: Jason Isringhausen (5)

Season Record: 17-4

Memphis Redbirds: L 2-1 (15-8)
Tennessee Smokies: W 3-2 (12-11)



-----Thursday, April 29th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/PHI.gif (12-8) - Woody Williams (2-0, 4.18) vs. Randy Wolf (2-1, 2.86) (M)

The Phillies got 2 in the top of the 4th to take the lead. Thome added to his league leading HR total with his 9th of the season to put them up 5-0. Greg Vaughn added an RBI single to make it 5-1 and that is how it ended.

The Astros continue to win and move to 14-8, just three games back still.

L - 5-1 - WP: Randy Wolf (3-1) LP: Woody Williams (2-1) S: Rheal Cormier (1)

Season Record: 17-5

Memphis Redbirds: L 6-2 (15-9)
Tennessee Smokies: L 6-4 (12-12)

-------------------------
Minor League Players of the Month:
My coaching staff has named our most outstanding players in the minors to start the season:
In AA:
Pitcher: Ricardo Julio with a 2.05 ERA and 33 K's.
Hitter: Alejandro Torres with a minor league leading 4 home runs (did only bat .226).
In AAA:
Pitcher: Josh Pearce with a 1.13 ERA and 34 K's (he was injured in his last start for 11 days).
Hitter: John Mabry also a league leading 4 jacks but only hit .219.

JASON MARQUIS UPDATE: Jason underwent successful rotator cuff surgery and is done for the remainder of the season. I have placed him on the 60-day DL.

Roster Moves:
- Kiko Calero (AAA: 2-0, 2.29 ERA, 26 K's in 31 IP) is called up to the majors to help fill the void left with the loss of Marquis.
- Ricardo Julio is rewarded for his good start and is promoted to AAA Memphis.
-------------------------------------

[i]We now get our first look at the 2004 Cubbies. They are struggling right now but everybody knows the talent level on this team and they always come to play us. Should be a great four-game series.



-----Friday, April 30th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/CHC.gif (9-13) - Jeff Suppan (1-1, 6.45) vs. Mark Prior (3-1, 2.12) (M)

After the Cubs jumped out to a 1-0 lead, Kerry Robinson doubled home two runs to make it 2-1. Edmonds added a 2-run shot and Robinson had another RBI double to make it 6-1. We will take the win over Mark Prior in game one! 6-2 final.

Suppan did a nice job coming off a rough outing going 7 2/3 and allowing just 2 ER.

The Astros are keeping pace with us though as they beat Cincy 4-2.

W - 6-2 - WP: Jeff Suppan (2-1) LP: Mark Prior (3-2)

Season Record: 18-5

Memphis Redbirds: L 3-2 (15-10)
Tennessee Smokies: L 5-4 (13-12)




-----Saturday, May 1st, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/CHC.gif (9-14) - Kiko Calero (NR) vs. Matt Clement (2-1, 1.26) (M)

Kiko Calero makes his first start of the season for us. He got out of a bases loaded jam in the 1st, which is good to see. With 2 outs in the 3rd inning Calero picked up a bloop base hit, Robinson walked and Edgar launched his 3rd homer of the season to put us up 3-0. We added to that with 3 more, 6-0. Calero was cruisin but running out of gas. He let up a run and had the bases loaded. We brought in Chris Carpenter and he gave up a grand slam to Alex Gonzalez, 6-5 us. Corey Patterson hit a solo job in the 7th to tie it but Boone and Rentaria had RBI ground outs to give us the 8-6 advantage. Izzy came in and saved it for his 8th. A big win.

On a side note, Edgar Rentaria is liking that 2-hole already. He went 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored, his 3rd HR, 4 RBI (9,10,11 and 12) and stole his 6th base.

W - 8-6 - WP: Chris Carpenter (2-1) LP: Kent Merker (0-2) S: Jason Isringhausen (6)

Season Record: 19-5

Memphis Redbirds: W 7-1 (16-10)
Tennessee Smokies: W 2-1 (14-12)




-----Sunday, May 2nd, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/CHC.gif (9-15) - Danny Haren (2-0, 4.46) vs. Carlos Zambrano (2-1, 2.56) (M)

The Cubbies went up 3-0 but we fought back to tie it in the 8th at 3. Their catcher Michael Barrett had an RBI groundout and Borowski closed it in the 9th to take it 4-3.

L - 4-3 - WP: LaTroy Hawkins (1-0) LP: Jason Simontacci (0-2) S: Joe Borowski

Season Record: 19-6

Memphis Redbirds: W 2-1 (17-10)
Tennessee Smokies: OFF (14-12)




-----Monday, May 3rd, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/CHC.gif (10-15) - Matt Morris (4-0, 1.35) vs. Kerry Wood (0-5, 8.24) (M)

What is wrong with Kerry Wood? He has lost all 5 of his starts and his ERA is really high. It wasn't Wood that got his tits lit in the early going though, Morris got ripped for 6 runs in the first three innings. We fought back with 3 in the 3rd, 1 in the 4th and 2 in the 6th. Cubbies got one in the top of the 8th but Jimmy Edmonds tied it with a solo job in the 9th. Julian Tavarez (former Cub) gave up a 2-run single to Moises Alou and the Cubs split with us. :(

Kerry Robinson: 4-for-6, now hitting .342! Mike Matheny was 4-for-5 (.319).
Pujols, Rolen and Sanders were just 1-for-15 in this game. They all drop under .400 (finally!)
Morris gave up 5 ER in 5 innings and his ERA is still only 2.20 and he is 4-0.

L - 9-7 - WP: Joe Borowski (1-0) LP: Jason Simontacci (0-3)

Season Record: 19-7

Memphis Redbirds: L 2-0 (17-11)
Tennessee Smokies: W 7-1 (15-12)



We now travel to the Phillies new ballpark and we aren't too happy with the way we closed out the series with the Cubbies. We could've swept them and really should've taken 3-of-4. Oh well, sometimes things just don't go your way I guess. We would like to get this first game in Philly to avoid a slide of any kind.

I also received word that Edgar Rentaria isn't happy with his performance this season and is trying not to take it out in the clubhouse but he is having trouble. This has a little to do with his slow start, moving around the lineup and not having that contract extention he so badly wants. We will weather the storm for now.




-----Tuesday, May 4th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/PHI.gif (15-9) - Woody Williams (2-1, 4.67) vs. Eric Milton (2-1, 3.22) (P)

Scott Rolen picked up an RBI single and Aaron Boone had a 2-rbi double to put us on top. The Phillies battled back but Jason Isringhausen got his 7th save and we win 4-3 in a close but huge win.

Houston beat Pittsburgh 3-2.

W - 4-3 - WP: Woody Williams (3-1) LP: Eric Milton (2-2) S: Jason Isringhausen (7)

Season Record: 20-7

Memphis Redbirds: W 3-0 (18-11)
Tennessee Smokies: W 5-0 (16-12)


Greg Vaughn is unhappy with his current playing time and I understand why. We just can't take Kerry out of the lineup. He is effecting our clubhouse and we might need to deal him. I put him on the trade block (something he wanted) and we will see if we can work something out. I would love to keep him here but we can't afford any more distractions at this point.

Thome Hurt! Jim Thome was hurt in the last game and will miss around 88 days with an ACL tear!




-----Wednesday, May 5th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/PHI.gif (15-10) - Jeff Suppan (2-1, 5.46) vs. Randy Wolf (3-1, 2.51) (M)

Jim Edmonds got us started right with a 2-run job in the 1st. Former Cardinal Placido Polanco cut the lead in half with an RBI single. Rentaria hit a homer to give us a little insurance at 3-1. They came back to tie it at 3 and then they put a 4 spot in the 6th. That was too much for us to overcome and we lost 8-3.

Albert Pujols has been struggling lately and is now hitting .365

L - 8-3 - WP: Randy Wolf (4-1) LP: Jeff Suppan (2-2)

Season Record: 20-8

Memphis Redbirds: L 6-1 (18-12)
Tennessee Smokies: W 4-3 (17-12)




-----Thursday, May 6th, 2004-----

http://images.sportsline.com/images/mlb/logos/PHI.gif (16-10) - Kiko Calero (0-0, 6.75) vs. Kevin Millwood (1-3, 5.68) (M)

Calero making his 2nd start of the season against a struggling but very talented Kevin Millwood. Rentaria continues to break out with an RBI double and Pujols found a way to get an RBI single. Lieberthal managed an RBI single and that made it 2-1. Pujols hit his 8th homer of the season off Millwood to put us on top 3-1. Tavarez gives up one but Izzy comes in and gets his 8th save of the season! Another series won.

W - 3-2 - WP: Kiko Calero (1-0) LP: Kevin Millwood (1-4) S: Jason Isringhausen (8)

Season Record: 21-8

Memphis Redbirds: L 6-3 (18-13)
Tennessee Smokies: L 1-0 (17-13)



------------SIM REVIEW-----------------

Record: 21-8
Chemistry: 6.5/10
Manager grade: B-
Rankings:
pitching: 6th
hitting: 2nd
fielding: 17th
running: 2nd

NL Central Standings:

W L % GB
St. Louis 21 8 .724 0.0
Houston 19 10 .655 2.0
Cincinnati 14 14 .474 6.5
Pittsburgh 13 14 .481 7.0
Chicago 13 16 .448 8.0
Milwaukee 8 20 .286 12.5



Thoughts: One thing I noticed over these ten games was our pitching improving. We went from 17th in the league to 6th! We need to keep that going. I was happy with how Kiko Calero joined the group and did what he could. He may win that starting spot in the rotation if this continues.

The bats are starting to slow down but Edgar Rentaria is starting to break out. We are still 2nd in the league in hitting and should continue to do well there.

We are only 2 games ahead of those pesky Astros who just won't go away. They will be there all season and we will dog fight with them until the end. We are prepared for that.

Great start nonetheless!!!

Other MLB News:

League Leaders:

HITTING

Average

1. Sean Burroughs, SD, (.395)
2. Russ Johnson, TOR, (.388)
3. Reggie Sanders, STL, (.385)
4. Vladimir Guererro, ANA, (.383)
5. Scott Rolen, STL, (.373)

Home Runs

1. Jim Thome, PHI - 11
2. Jay Gibbons, BAL - 10
3. Mike Lowell, FLA - 10
4. Jeff Bagwell, HOU - 9
5. Aaron Guiel (KC) and Trot Nixon (BOS) also have 9 homers.

RBI

1. Mike Lowell, FLA - 32
2. Jose Guillen, ANA - 29
3. Morgan Ensberg, HOU - 26
4. Jim Thome, PHI - 25
5. Bret Boone (SEA) and Kerry Robinson (STL) both have 24.

Stolen Bases

1. Luis Castillo, FLA - 9
2. Rafael Furcal, ATL - 8
3. Johnny Damon (BOS), Ichiro (SEA), Kenny Lofton (NYY), Edgar Rentaria (STL) and Sanchez (DET) all have 7.

PITCHING

1. Elmer Dessens, ARZ - (4-0, 1.24 ERA)
2. Oliver Perez, PIT - (4-1, 1.69 ERA)
3. Jason Johnson, BAL - (3-1, 1.89)
4. Andy Pettite, HOU - (5-0, 2.06)
5. John Lackey, ANA - (5-0, 2.13)

Saves

1. Octavio Dotel, HOU - 12
2. Robb Nen, SF - 9
3. Francisco Cordero, TEX - 8
4. Trevor Hoffman, SD - 8
5. Jason Isringhausen, STL - 8

Strikeouts

1. Pedro Martinez, BOS - 44
2. Jaime Moyer, SEA - 44
3. Sidney Ponson, BAL - 42
4. Freddy Garcia, SEA - 41
5. Kaz Ishii, LA - 37

STANDINGS
NL
West
Arizona - 14-13
Los Angeles - 14-13
San Francisco - 15-14
San Diego - 15-14
Colorado - 8-19

East
Atlanta - 16-11
Philadelphia - 16-11
Montreal - 16-13
New York Mets - 11-17
Florida - 11-17

AL
West
Anaheim - 18-11
Seattle - 15-14
Texas - 13-15
Oakland - 7-21

Central
Kansas City - 18-9
Detroit - 15-13
Cleveland - 12-17
Minnesota - 11-16
Chicago - 11-16

East
New York Yankees - 18-11
Tampa Bay - 17-11
Toronto - 14-14
Boston - 15-15
Baltimore - 14-15

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NEXT UP: 9 Games - 3 @ Montreal (16-13), 3 vs. Atlanta (16-11), 3 vs. Florida (11-17)