More Links

SHaynes23 · 07-31-2009, 04:17 PM

April 4, 2009
Welcome to Baseball Heaven

The St. Louis Cardinals come into the 2009 season looking to avenge a fourth place finish from a year ago. They will turn to Albert Pujols and company to try and right the ship and return the Cardinals to a place they are used to being, postseason baseball.

Last year nobody expected the Cardinals to make much noise in the Central Division, but they did just that, surprising everybody on their way to an 86-76 record. This was only good enough for fourth place, but they gave the top teams from the division a run for their money. They return to the field a more experienced team than last season. Pujols is a sure thing in the middle of their lineup, but their big addition is the return of former Cy Young Winner, Chris Carpenter.

There are some questions in the Cardinals lineup, the fans are waiting to see how that plays out through the year. They want to know if Ryan Ludwick's big season was a flash in the pan, and if Rick Ankiel can become a better all-around hitter. The rotation looks better with the emergence of the back end of the rotation with Todd Wellemeyer, Kyle Lohse and Joel Pineiro showing that they can have value. Carpenter looks to return to form when he was the best pitcher in the National League before he was injured for the better part of two seasons. Another question mark is the closer spot. It is a three-man race between Jason Motte, Chris Perez and Kyle McClellan. Look for all three men to get chances, but Motte seems to be the early favorite to get the role.

Many baseball writers think it is a foregone conclusion that the Chicago Cubs will run away with the Central once again, but the Cardinals are looking to give their rivals a shock and will try to capture another division crown this season. One thing is for sure, it's going to be an exciting year in Baseball Heaven.

ROSTER

Catchers

4 Yadier Molina - 26 years old - 5 yrs/$21.75 million - 3* overall - 3 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

21 Jason LaRue - 35 years old - 1 yr/$950,000 - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown

First Basemen

5 Albert Pujols - 29 years old - 8 yrs/$111 million - 5* overall - 5* potential - Popularity: Extremely Popular

Second Basemen

55 Skip Schumaker - 29 years old - 1 year/$430,000 - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

Third Basemen

12 David Freese - 25 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 1 1/2* overall - 2 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown

23 Joe Thurston - 29 years old - 1 year/$475,000 - 1/2* overall - 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown

Shortstops

3 Khalil Greene - 29 years old - 2 years/$11 million - 2 1/2* overall - 2 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

13 Brendan Ryan - 27 years old - 1 year/$405,000 - 1/2* overall - 1* potential - Popularity: Unknown

Left Fielders

47 Ryan Ludwick - 30 years old - 1 year/$3.7 million - 4* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Well Known

16 Chris Duncan - 27 years old - 1 year/$825,000 - 3* overall - 3* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

Center Fielders

28 Colby Rasmus - 22 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 4* overall - 5* potential - Popularity: Unknown

Right Fielders

24 Rick Ankiel - 29 years old - 1 year/$2.8 million - 4* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Well Known

54 Brian Barton - 26 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 1* overall - 1* potential - Popularity: Unknown

Starting Pitchers

29 Chris Carpenter - 33 years old - 6 years/$77.5 million - 3* overall - 3* potential - Popularity: Very Popular

50 Adam Wainwright - 27 years old - 6 years/$36 million - 3* overall - 3 1/2* potential - Popularity: Popular

37 Todd Wellemeyer - 30 years old - 1 year/$4 million - 2 1/2* overall - 2 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

26 Kyle Lohse - 30 years old - 4 years/$41 million - 2*overall - 2* potential - Popularity: Unknown

35 Joel Pineiro - 30 years old - 2 years/$13 million - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown

Middle Relievers

53 Chris Perez - 23 years old - 1 year/$402,000 - 2 1/2* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Very Popular

52 Josh Kinney - 30 years old - 1 year/$405,000 - 2* overall - 2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

36 Dennys Reyes - 31 years old - 2 years/$3 million - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Fair

31 Ryan Franklin - 36 years old - 3 years/$7.5 million - 1* overall - 1* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

Set Up Relievers

46 Kyle McClellan - 24 years old - 1 year/$410,000 - 3 1/2* overall - 4 1/2* potential - Popularity: Fair

43 Trever Miller - 35 years old - 1 year/$500,000 - 3 1/2* overall - 3 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant

Closer

60 Jason Motte - 26 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 4 1/2* overall - 4 1/2* potential - Popularity: Fair

Disabled List

25 Troy Glaus - 32 years old - 4 years/$63 million - 4* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Popular

Mr. Franchise · 07-31-2009, 04:45 PM

FOLLOWING!

SHaynes23 · 07-31-2009, 05:13 PM

April 4, 2009 - Baseball America has released it rankings of prospects for the 2009 Major League Baseball season.The trusted source of player scouting releases their top 100 list every season, along with a top ten list of prospects for every team as well.

Nobody was surprised when they named Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters the number one prospect in the game, and he is expected to start on the big league roster for the Orioles. The top pitching prospect in the game was announced as David Price, the starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price made a name for himself out of the bullpen for the Rays in their World Series run last season.

As for the Cardinals organization, they named the top prospect as starting center fielder Colby Rasmus, who is a favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. The top pitcher in the system is AAA starting pitcher Jess Todd.

Baseball America has also released their top ten hitters and top ten pitchers currently in Major League Baseball, and all of their lists are included here:

Top Ten Overall Prospects
1. Matt Wieters - MLB - Baltimore Orioles
2. Evan Longoria - MLB - Tampa Bay Rays
3. David Price - MLB - Tampa Bay Rays
4. Neftali Feliz - AAA - Texas Rangers
5. Madison Bumgarner - AA - San Francisco Giants
6. Michael Ynoa - R - Oakland Athletics
7. Carlos Santana - AA - Cleveland Indians
8. Rick Porcello - MLB - Detroit Tigers
9. Max Scherzer - MLB - Arizona Diamondbacks
10. Tommy Hanson - AA - Atlanta Braves

Top Ten Cardinals Prospects
1. Colby Rasmus - MLB
2. Jess Todd - AAA
3. Brett Wallace - AAA
4. Clayton Mortensen - AAA
5. David Freese - MLB
6. P.J. Walters - AAA
7. Mitchell Boggs - AA
8. Lance Lynn - A
9. Jaime Garcia - AAA
10. Tyler Herron - A

Top Ten MLB Hitters
1. Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals
2. Chipper Jones - Atlanta Braves
3. David Wright - New York Mets
4. Hanley Ramirez - Florida Marlins
5. Alex Rodriguez - New York Yankees
6. Matt Holliday - Oakland Athletics
7. Manny Ramirez - Los Angeles Dodgers
8. Carlos Beltran - New York Mets
9. Lance Berkman - Houston Astros
10. Ryan Braun - Milwaukee Brewers

Top Ten MLB Pitchers
1. Johan Santana - New York Mets
2. C.C. Sabathia - New York Yankees
3. Rich Harden - Chicago Cubs
4. Tim Lincecum - San Francisco Giants
5. Jake Peavy - San Diego Padres
6. Roy Halladay - Toronto Blue Jays
7. John Smoltz - Boston Red Sox
8. Joba Chamberlain - New York Yankees
9. Zack Greinke - Kansas City Royals
10. Brandon Webb - Arizona Diamondbacks

SHaynes23 · 07-31-2009, 07:26 PM

April 5, 2009 - On the eve of opening day for most Major League teams, there were a flurry of moves seeing teams snatch up remaining free agents to fill their rosters for the first game of the year.

Pedro Martinez, who was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball in past years has signed with the Kansas City Royals. Many people have questioned whether Martinez could contribute for a full season, but with a strong showing for the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic the Royals decided to take a risk on him and put him in their young rotation. He will surely improve the young arms in the Royals rotation, and he will draw in some fans to Kaufman Stadium, something they need to bring in revenue to finish their rebuilding stage.

Another veteran signed with the New York Yankees, as they inked second baseman Ray Durham to a contract. He is expected to come off the bench for the Yankees, and possibly play some third base until Alex Rodriguez is ready to come off the disabled list and start his season.

The Atlanta Braves made two signings, first signing starting pitcher Odalis Perez. Perez is expected to battle for a spot in the back of Atlanta's rotation and give them an experienced left handed arm. They also signed Daryle Ward to give them a power bat off the bench.

Another team signed a duo of players, this time the Arizona Diamondbacks signed two aged outfielders, Jim Edmonds and Geoff Jenkins. They will add veteran leadership and left handed bats off the bench for the Diamondbacks, but this deal would be much better if it was made in 2004.

Finally, the Seattle Mariners added to their infield depth as they signed second baseman Mark Grudzielanek. Grudzielanek is also advancing in age, but he gives the team a very solid bat off the bench, and he is a solid backup to Seattle's already good second baseman, Jose Lopez.

SHaynes23 · 07-31-2009, 08:40 PM

Series Preview
Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0) @ St. Louis Cardinals (0-0)

April 6, 2009 - Opening Day has rolled around here in Major League Baseball, and the St. Louis Cardinals will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a four game series at Busch Stadium to start the season.

We have struck a deal with Cardinals scouting director Andy Watts to provide us with five opposing players from the other team to look for in the series, as well as providing us with the probable pitching matchups. The first preview of the season is as follows:

Five Pirates to Watch
CF Nate McLouth - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 4 1/2* Rating
1B Adam LaRoche - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3 1/2* Rating
3B Andy LaRoche - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3 1/2* Rating
LF Eric Hinske - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3 1/2* Rating
C Ryan Doumit - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3* Rating

Probable Pitching Matchups
Paul Maholm (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Chris Carpenter (0-0 - 0.00 ERA)
Ian Snell (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-0 - 0.00 ERA)
Jeff Karstens (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (0-0 - 0.00 ERA)
Zach Duke (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Kyle Lohse (0-0 - 0.00 ERA)

SHaynes23 · 07-31-2009, 10:12 PM

April 6, 2009

Code:

                              R     H     E
Pittsburgh Pirates (0-1)      4     6     0
St. Louis Cardinals (1-0)     7     9     1

W: Carpenter (1-0)  L: Maholm (0-1)  S: Motte (1)

Pittsburgh Pirates Stats

Nate McLouth: 1-4, RBI, 3B, R (.250, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
Paul Maholm: 4.2 IP, 8 ER, 2 BB, L (0-1, 13.50 ERA)

2B: Maholm (1), Wilson (1), Morgan (1)
3B: McLouth (1)
RBI: Sanchez (1), McLouth (1), Morgan (1)
SB: An. LaRoche (1)

St. Louis Cardinals Stats

Albert Pujols: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB (.333, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
Chris Carpenter: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, W (1-0, 2.57 ERA)

2B: Rasmus (1)
HR: Pujols (1), Ryan (1)
RBI: Ryan 2 (2), Pujols 2 (2), Ludwick (1), Greene 2 (2)
E: Ryan (1)

Player of the Game

Albert Pujols (1)

SHaynes23 · 08-01-2009, 12:34 AM

April 7, 2009
Indians and Red Sox Swap Players

Indians Get:

1B Kevin Youkilis

Red Sox Get:

C Kelly Shoppach

A big trade has happened just one day into the Major League Season. The Boston Red Sox have traded first baseman Kevin Youkilis to the Cleveland Indians for catcher Kelly Shoppach.

This trade came out of nowhere to everybody as these are two very high caliber players. The acquisition of Youkilis shows that the Indians mean business in the AL Central this year. Shoppach wasn't going to play everyday as he was backing up the Indians star catcher Victor Martinez, who prefers catching over first base. Youkilis will be Cleveland's everyday first baseman while he bats somewhere in the middle of the lineup.

On the other hand, the Red Sox getting Shoppach is more for the future, as Jason Varitek is not getting any younger. Shoppach will start against lefties, which will give Varitek more rest than he's had in past years. It is still yet to be seen what the Red Sox will do to fill the hole at first base, it's possible that David Ortiz will fill in there until they can gain a better defensive first baseman.

----

Code:

                              R     H     E
Pittsburgh Pirates (0-2)      3     9     1
St. Louis Cardinals (2-0)     7     10     0

W: Wainwright (1-0)  L: Snell (0-1)  S: Perez (1)

Pittsburgh Pirates Stats

Jack Wilson: 3-4, 2B, RBI (.667, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
Ian Snell: 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 5 K, L (0-1, 2.57 ERA)

2B: Ad. LaRoche (1), Hinske (1), Wilson (2)
3B: Doumit (1)
RBI: Doumit (1), Wilson (1)
E: Wilson (1)

St. Louis Cardinals Stats

Khalil Greene: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB (.429, 1 HR, 4RBI)
Adam Wainwright: 8.1 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K, W (1-0, 2.16 ERA)

2B: Freese 2 (2), Ankiel (1)
HR: Greene (1), Rasmus (1)
RBI: Rasmus (1), Ankiel (1), Greene 2 (4), Molina (1), Wainwright (1)

Player of the Game

Adam Wainwright (1)

SHaynes23 · 08-01-2009, 05:06 AM

Code:

                              R     H     E
Pittsburgh Pirates (0-3)      4     9     1
St. Louis Cardinals (3-0)     6     7     1

W: Ryan Franklin (1-0)  L: Tyler Yates (0-1)  S: Jason Motte (2)

Pittsburgh Pirates Stats

Brandon Moss: 2-3, HR, 2B, RBI, 2 R, BB (.182, 1 HR, 1 RBI)
Jeff Karstens: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K, ND (0-0, 1.29 ERA)

2B: Doumit 2 (2), Moss (1)
3B: McLouth (2)
HR: Moss (1)
RBI: Morgan (2), McLouth (2), Moss (1), Wilson (1)
E: An. LaRoche (1)

St. Louis Cardinals

Ryan Ludwick: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI (.273, 0 HR, 3 RBI)
Todd Wellemeyer: 5 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, ND (0-0, 7.20)

2B: Greene (1), Ludwick (1)
HR: Schumaker (1)
RBI: Schumaker (1), Ludwick 2 (3), Ankiel 2 (3), Freese (1)
E: Thurston (1)

Player of the Game

Ryan Ludwick (1)

07-31-2009, 04:17 PM	#1
SHaynes23 Rookie OVR: 17 Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Blog Entries: 54	St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) April 4, 2009 Welcome to Baseball Heaven The St. Louis Cardinals come into the 2009 season looking to avenge a fourth place finish from a year ago. They will turn to Albert Pujols and company to try and right the ship and return the Cardinals to a place they are used to being, postseason baseball. Last year nobody expected the Cardinals to make much noise in the Central Division, but they did just that, surprising everybody on their way to an 86-76 record. This was only good enough for fourth place, but they gave the top teams from the division a run for their money. They return to the field a more experienced team than last season. Pujols is a sure thing in the middle of their lineup, but their big addition is the return of former Cy Young Winner, Chris Carpenter. There are some questions in the Cardinals lineup, the fans are waiting to see how that plays out through the year. They want to know if Ryan Ludwick's big season was a flash in the pan, and if Rick Ankiel can become a better all-around hitter. The rotation looks better with the emergence of the back end of the rotation with Todd Wellemeyer, Kyle Lohse and Joel Pineiro showing that they can have value. Carpenter looks to return to form when he was the best pitcher in the National League before he was injured for the better part of two seasons. Another question mark is the closer spot. It is a three-man race between Jason Motte, Chris Perez and Kyle McClellan. Look for all three men to get chances, but Motte seems to be the early favorite to get the role. Many baseball writers think it is a foregone conclusion that the Chicago Cubs will run away with the Central once again, but the Cardinals are looking to give their rivals a shock and will try to capture another division crown this season. One thing is for sure, it's going to be an exciting year in Baseball Heaven. ROSTER Catchers 4 Yadier Molina - 26 years old - 5 yrs/$21.75 million - 3* overall - 3 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant 21 Jason LaRue - 35 years old - 1 yr/$950,000 - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown First Basemen 5 Albert Pujols - 29 years old - 8 yrs/$111 million - 5* overall - 5* potential - Popularity: Extremely Popular Second Basemen 55 Skip Schumaker - 29 years old - 1 year/$430,000 - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant Third Basemen 12 David Freese - 25 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 1 1/2* overall - 2 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown 23 Joe Thurston - 29 years old - 1 year/$475,000 - 1/2* overall - 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown Shortstops 3 Khalil Greene - 29 years old - 2 years/$11 million - 2 1/2* overall - 2 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant 13 Brendan Ryan - 27 years old - 1 year/$405,000 - 1/2* overall - 1* potential - Popularity: Unknown Left Fielders 47 Ryan Ludwick - 30 years old - 1 year/$3.7 million - 4* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Well Known 16 Chris Duncan - 27 years old - 1 year/$825,000 - 3* overall - 3* potential - Popularity: Insignificant Center Fielders 28 Colby Rasmus - 22 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 4* overall - 5* potential - Popularity: Unknown Right Fielders 24 Rick Ankiel - 29 years old - 1 year/$2.8 million - 4* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Well Known 54 Brian Barton - 26 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 1* overall - 1* potential - Popularity: Unknown Starting Pitchers 29 Chris Carpenter - 33 years old - 6 years/$77.5 million - 3* overall - 3* potential - Popularity: Very Popular 50 Adam Wainwright - 27 years old - 6 years/$36 million - 3* overall - 3 1/2* potential - Popularity: Popular 37 Todd Wellemeyer - 30 years old - 1 year/$4 million - 2 1/2* overall - 2 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant 26 Kyle Lohse - 30 years old - 4 years/$41 million - 2overall - 2 potential - Popularity: Unknown 35 Joel Pineiro - 30 years old - 2 years/$13 million - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Unknown Middle Relievers 53 Chris Perez - 23 years old - 1 year/$402,000 - 2 1/2* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Very Popular 52 Josh Kinney - 30 years old - 1 year/$405,000 - 2* overall - 2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant 36 Dennys Reyes - 31 years old - 2 years/$3 million - 1 1/2* overall - 1 1/2* potential - Popularity: Fair 31 Ryan Franklin - 36 years old - 3 years/$7.5 million - 1* overall - 1* potential - Popularity: Insignificant Set Up Relievers 46 Kyle McClellan - 24 years old - 1 year/$410,000 - 3 1/2* overall - 4 1/2* potential - Popularity: Fair 43 Trever Miller - 35 years old - 1 year/$500,000 - 3 1/2* overall - 3 1/2* potential - Popularity: Insignificant Closer 60 Jason Motte - 26 years old - 1 year/$400,000 - 4 1/2* overall - 4 1/2* potential - Popularity: Fair Disabled List 25 Troy Glaus - 32 years old - 4 years/$63 million - 4* overall - 4* potential - Popularity: Popular

07-31-2009, 04:45 PM	#2
Mr. Franchise WAT OVR: 33 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Hoboken, NJ Posts: 2,318 Blog Entries: 5	Re: St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) FOLLOWING! __________________ Note to self: BUY MADDEN 12* there are considerable franchise upgrades One More Time - A New York Yankees Dynasty*

07-31-2009, 05:13 PM	#3
SHaynes23 Rookie OVR: 17 Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Blog Entries: 54	Re: St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) April 4, 2009 - Baseball America has released it rankings of prospects for the 2009 Major League Baseball season.The trusted source of player scouting releases their top 100 list every season, along with a top ten list of prospects for every team as well. Nobody was surprised when they named Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters the number one prospect in the game, and he is expected to start on the big league roster for the Orioles. The top pitching prospect in the game was announced as David Price, the starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price made a name for himself out of the bullpen for the Rays in their World Series run last season. As for the Cardinals organization, they named the top prospect as starting center fielder Colby Rasmus, who is a favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. The top pitcher in the system is AAA starting pitcher Jess Todd. Baseball America has also released their top ten hitters and top ten pitchers currently in Major League Baseball, and all of their lists are included here: Top Ten Overall Prospects 1. Matt Wieters - MLB - Baltimore Orioles 2. Evan Longoria - MLB - Tampa Bay Rays 3. David Price - MLB - Tampa Bay Rays 4. Neftali Feliz - AAA - Texas Rangers 5. Madison Bumgarner - AA - San Francisco Giants 6. Michael Ynoa - R - Oakland Athletics 7. Carlos Santana - AA - Cleveland Indians 8. Rick Porcello - MLB - Detroit Tigers 9. Max Scherzer - MLB - Arizona Diamondbacks 10. Tommy Hanson - AA - Atlanta Braves Top Ten Cardinals Prospects 1. Colby Rasmus - MLB 2. Jess Todd - AAA 3. Brett Wallace - AAA 4. Clayton Mortensen - AAA 5. David Freese - MLB 6. P.J. Walters - AAA 7. Mitchell Boggs - AA 8. Lance Lynn - A 9. Jaime Garcia - AAA 10. Tyler Herron - A Top Ten MLB Hitters 1. Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals 2. Chipper Jones - Atlanta Braves 3. David Wright - New York Mets 4. Hanley Ramirez - Florida Marlins 5. Alex Rodriguez - New York Yankees 6. Matt Holliday - Oakland Athletics 7. Manny Ramirez - Los Angeles Dodgers 8. Carlos Beltran - New York Mets 9. Lance Berkman - Houston Astros 10. Ryan Braun - Milwaukee Brewers Top Ten MLB Pitchers 1. Johan Santana - New York Mets 2. C.C. Sabathia - New York Yankees 3. Rich Harden - Chicago Cubs 4. Tim Lincecum - San Francisco Giants 5. Jake Peavy - San Diego Padres 6. Roy Halladay - Toronto Blue Jays 7. John Smoltz - Boston Red Sox 8. Joba Chamberlain - New York Yankees 9. Zack Greinke - Kansas City Royals 10. Brandon Webb - Arizona Diamondbacks

07-31-2009, 07:26 PM	#4
SHaynes23 Rookie OVR: 17 Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Blog Entries: 54	Re: St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) April 5, 2009 - On the eve of opening day for most Major League teams, there were a flurry of moves seeing teams snatch up remaining free agents to fill their rosters for the first game of the year. Pedro Martinez, who was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball in past years has signed with the Kansas City Royals. Many people have questioned whether Martinez could contribute for a full season, but with a strong showing for the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic the Royals decided to take a risk on him and put him in their young rotation. He will surely improve the young arms in the Royals rotation, and he will draw in some fans to Kaufman Stadium, something they need to bring in revenue to finish their rebuilding stage. Another veteran signed with the New York Yankees, as they inked second baseman Ray Durham to a contract. He is expected to come off the bench for the Yankees, and possibly play some third base until Alex Rodriguez is ready to come off the disabled list and start his season. The Atlanta Braves made two signings, first signing starting pitcher Odalis Perez. Perez is expected to battle for a spot in the back of Atlanta's rotation and give them an experienced left handed arm. They also signed Daryle Ward to give them a power bat off the bench. Another team signed a duo of players, this time the Arizona Diamondbacks signed two aged outfielders, Jim Edmonds and Geoff Jenkins. They will add veteran leadership and left handed bats off the bench for the Diamondbacks, but this deal would be much better if it was made in 2004. Finally, the Seattle Mariners added to their infield depth as they signed second baseman Mark Grudzielanek. Grudzielanek is also advancing in age, but he gives the team a very solid bat off the bench, and he is a solid backup to Seattle's already good second baseman, Jose Lopez.

07-31-2009, 08:40 PM	#5
SHaynes23 Rookie OVR: 17 Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Blog Entries: 54	Re: St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) Series Preview Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0) @ St. Louis Cardinals (0-0) April 6, 2009 - Opening Day has rolled around here in Major League Baseball, and the St. Louis Cardinals will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a four game series at Busch Stadium to start the season. We have struck a deal with Cardinals scouting director Andy Watts to provide us with five opposing players from the other team to look for in the series, as well as providing us with the probable pitching matchups. The first preview of the season is as follows: Five Pirates to Watch CF Nate McLouth - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 4 1/2* Rating 1B Adam LaRoche - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3 1/2* Rating 3B Andy LaRoche - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3 1/2* Rating LF Eric Hinske - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3 1/2* Rating C Ryan Doumit - .000 - 0 HR - 0 RBI - 3* Rating Probable Pitching Matchups Paul Maholm (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Chris Carpenter (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) Ian Snell (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) Jeff Karstens (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) Zach Duke (0-0 - 0.00 ERA) vs. Kyle Lohse (0-0 - 0.00 ERA)

	MLB The Show 24 Review: Another Solid Hit for the Series
	New Star GP Review: Old-School Arcade Fun
	Where Are Our College Basketball Video Game Rumors?

07-31-2009, 10:12 PM	#6
SHaynes23 Rookie OVR: 17 Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Blog Entries: 54	Re: St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) April 6, 2009 Code: R H E Pittsburgh Pirates (0-1) 4 6 0 St. Louis Cardinals (1-0) 7 9 1 W: Carpenter (1-0) L: Maholm (0-1) S: Motte (1) Pittsburgh Pirates Stats Nate McLouth: 1-4, RBI, 3B, R (.250, 0 HR, 1 RBI) Paul Maholm: 4.2 IP, 8 ER, 2 BB, L (0-1, 13.50 ERA) 2B: Maholm (1), Wilson (1), Morgan (1) 3B: McLouth (1) RBI: Sanchez (1), McLouth (1), Morgan (1) SB: An. LaRoche (1) St. Louis Cardinals Stats Albert Pujols: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB (.333, 1 HR, 2 RBI) Chris Carpenter: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, W (1-0, 2.57 ERA) 2B: Rasmus (1) HR: Pujols (1), Ryan (1) RBI: Ryan 2 (2), Pujols 2 (2), Ludwick (1), Greene 2 (2) E: Ryan (1) Player of the Game Albert Pujols (1) Last edited by SHaynes23; 07-31-2009 at 10:18 PM.

08-01-2009, 12:34 AM	#7
SHaynes23 Rookie OVR: 17 Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Blog Entries: 54	Re: St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) April 7, 2009 Indians and Red Sox Swap Players Indians Get: 1B Kevin Youkilis Red Sox Get: C Kelly Shoppach A big trade has happened just one day into the Major League Season. The Boston Red Sox have traded first baseman Kevin Youkilis to the Cleveland Indians for catcher Kelly Shoppach. This trade came out of nowhere to everybody as these are two very high caliber players. The acquisition of Youkilis shows that the Indians mean business in the AL Central this year. Shoppach wasn't going to play everyday as he was backing up the Indians star catcher Victor Martinez, who prefers catching over first base. Youkilis will be Cleveland's everyday first baseman while he bats somewhere in the middle of the lineup. On the other hand, the Red Sox getting Shoppach is more for the future, as Jason Varitek is not getting any younger. Shoppach will start against lefties, which will give Varitek more rest than he's had in past years. It is still yet to be seen what the Red Sox will do to fill the hole at first base, it's possible that David Ortiz will fill in there until they can gain a better defensive first baseman. ---- Code: R H E Pittsburgh Pirates (0-2) 3 9 1 St. Louis Cardinals (2-0) 7 10 0 W: Wainwright (1-0) L: Snell (0-1) S: Perez (1) Pittsburgh Pirates Stats Jack Wilson: 3-4, 2B, RBI (.667, 0 HR, 1 RBI) Ian Snell: 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 5 K, L (0-1, 2.57 ERA) 2B: Ad. LaRoche (1), Hinske (1), Wilson (2) 3B: Doumit (1) RBI: Doumit (1), Wilson (1) E: Wilson (1) St. Louis Cardinals Stats Khalil Greene: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB (.429, 1 HR, 4RBI) Adam Wainwright: 8.1 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, BB, 3 K, W (1-0, 2.16 ERA) 2B: Freese 2 (2), Ankiel (1) HR: Greene (1), Rasmus (1) RBI: Rasmus (1), Ankiel (1), Greene 2 (4), Molina (1), Wainwright (1) Player of the Game Adam Wainwright (1)

08-01-2009, 05:06 AM	#8
SHaynes23 Rookie OVR: 17 Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Blog Entries: 54	Re: St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10) Code: R H E Pittsburgh Pirates (0-3) 4 9 1 St. Louis Cardinals (3-0) 6 7 1 W: Ryan Franklin (1-0) L: Tyler Yates (0-1) S: Jason Motte (2) Pittsburgh Pirates Stats Brandon Moss: 2-3, HR, 2B, RBI, 2 R, BB (.182, 1 HR, 1 RBI) Jeff Karstens: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K, ND (0-0, 1.29 ERA) 2B: Doumit 2 (2), Moss (1) 3B: McLouth (2) HR: Moss (1) RBI: Morgan (2), McLouth (2), Moss (1), Wilson (1) E: An. LaRoche (1) St. Louis Cardinals Ryan Ludwick: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI (.273, 0 HR, 3 RBI) Todd Wellemeyer: 5 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, ND (0-0, 7.20) 2B: Greene (1), Ludwick (1) HR: Schumaker (1) RBI: Schumaker (1), Ludwick 2 (3), Ankiel 2 (3), Freese (1) E: Thurston (1) Player of the Game Ryan Ludwick (1)

More Links

St. Louis Cardinals: Welcome to Baseball Heaven (OOTP10)