The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

Office of the Commissioner
New York, New York
June 3rd, 2014
2:10 PM

As he sat outside of the commissioner's office, Willie Singleton couldn't help but think about how this situation compared to being called into the principal's office. The only difference was that the stakes and consequences here were far greater.

Mr. La Russa will see you now Mr. Singleton

Willie got up from his chair and was ushered into La Russa's office by the secretary. As soon as he crossed the doorway, Willie immediately noticed La Russa standing behind his desk. What really caught his eye though was who was sitting in a pair of chairs in front of the Commissioner's desk.

It was none other than former Cardinals' front office executives Jeff Luhnow (GM of the Astros) and Walt Jocketty (GM of the Reds).

Please Willie, have a seat... We need to talk.

La Russa beckoned towards a third chair in between Luhnow and Jocketty. Slowly, Willie approached the seat and sat down.

Is this about what happened this past weekend in L.A.?

Partially... Although we have a bigger matter at hand.

What's going on?

Willie, your little stunt in LA has given Major League baseball a black eye. Everyone... the fans... the media... even myself... everyone is wondering why we could let such an... "event" happen.

What you've done is bigger than the game of baseball.

I'm not sure I follow where this is going...

Let's just say you've angered quite a few people in high places.

Are we talking ownership?

The three men looked at Willie for a second before bursting out laughing.

No... I'm afraid it's much bigger than that.

We're not talking about a petty ownership group, Willie. We're talking higher-ups, top brass, men of influence! You've gone out and ****ed a lot of people off... A lot of people with power.

Willie, these "Powers That Be." aren't pleased with the wrap you're giving the Cardinals.

So what?

If you upset them, bad things have and will happen. They've got connections Willie. You could be swimming with the fishees by morning.

Willie shifted in his seat at the though. It was uncomfortable to think that such an evil was aloof as they spoke.

They're the reason we each left the Cardinals. Walt left after the 2007 season when the franchise finished under .50. Jeff left because he knew it was a matter of time before they began blaming him for the draft. And, I was ultimately forced to leave as a result of the Colby Rasmus debacle.

You think Mozeliak left because he wanted to? Do you think DeWitt wants to sell the team for kicks? Read between the lines.

They're going to make someone pay.

But who exactly is "they?"

There was a long pause before Tony La Russa spoke up.

...The less you know, the better.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

After a rather eventful first half, we're almost to the All-Star Break. The only thing that stands in our way is one last series against the Brewers. It might not sound like a big deal but we're basically neck and neck with the Brewers for the first place spot.



The games we play against the Brewers tend to be a little more ferocious than your average game. They don't go out and hit batters on purpose usually but they slide hard on double plays and try to take Yadi Molina out on plays at the plate.

Today was just another one of those games.



We sent Adam Wainwright to the bump to shut down the Brewers and for the most part he was on his game tonight. The curve was really working as his strikeout pitch and the Brewers were just whiffing over his sinker the whole night.

The thing I'm still puzzled about is the amount of hits that are being allowed each game. Tonight, Wainwright allowed 8 hits over 8 innings of work. The hits allowed aren't transferring to runs though from the other teams...

Looks like a change of sliders is in order.

That's not the only change though that needs to happen...



Every time we put Matt Adams into the lineup, he always tees off. He might go 3-4 with 3 base knocks or he might go 2-4 with a homer and a double. Whenever we're winning games, he always seems to be in the thick of things. I wish we could get him in there all the time but right now we have absolutely zero room. Allen Craig is holding down first base and all of our outfielders are playing at a ridiculous level.

If an injury occurs, Matt Adams is going to be our first option as a replacement.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

The first half of the 2014 season is finally over. The Cardinals are finally back on track after starting out slow but in the meantime, the Front Office is also undergoing some tribulations as Bill DeWitt is trying to skip town. We'll get to all that in the second half but for now, we've got a premium opportunity on our hands to enjoy the All-Star festivities up in Minnesota.

Before we get to see the big leaguers in action though, we've got to stop by the Future's Game and take a look at the Cardinals prospects who are participating.



First though, what in the hell is Johan Santana doing here in the Future's Game? Johan Santana isn't an up and coming star! He's a washed up veteran who can't stay on the mound to save his life! This game is all about the future of baseball; not about showcasing guys who won the Cy Young twice about a decade ago.

They've got men's softball leagues for that.

Enough about Johan Santana sneaking into the Future's Game... Let's look at the Cardinals top prospects.

Double A Stats: .401 BA, 4 HR, 27 RBIs

At just 19, Romo hasn't been in AA for more than a month but he's already torn up the Texas League. When Romo was selected last season at 19th overall, we saw Mike Trout potential. Unfortunately, that might have been too much of a burden to place on the kid. Romo is a pure hitter with a ton of speed and the ability to come through in the clutch. He won't however hit for power which is a big part of Mike Trout's game. Instead, with Romo standing at 5'11, he's basically a Jacoby Ellsbury clone but with perhaps more upside if he stays healthy.

Romo has the ability to fly through the system but he probably won't. Our outfield is pretty much set for the foreseeable future but don't ever doubt that Romo will eventually play Center for the Cardinals.

Double A Stats: .325, 17 HR, 69 RBIs

James Ramsey was our first rounder from 2012 but he wasn't really ever seen as a high upside guy. Last season, he was OK in Double A but this year he's started to turn some heads. He's finally shown he can translate his raw power and hit for a decent average. At the big league level, it's not very clear where Ramsey fits in. He has the athleticism to hold down an outfield spot (preferably left field) but we just don't really have the room for him between our current mix and Stephen Piscotty and Randall Grichuk at AAA.

Theoretically, we could move Ramsey to second base because he played there in high school and is comfortable with the position. Right now, we just need to fully develop the bat and once it's big league ready we can worry about where to play him at the big league level.

Triple A Stats: .325 BA, 23 HR, 79 RBIs

Stephen Piscotty is easily the most advanced outfield prospect we have in our system. His stat line should call for his promotion to the major leagues but right now, we just don't have a spot for him. He was an advanced college product coming out of Stanford and his bat was what ultimately got him drafted by the Cards in the first round in 2012.

Piscotty played third quite a bit in college but Matt Carpenter currently has that position on lock and we all know that he isn't going anywhere. Look for Piscotty to join the Cardinals by 2016.

It wouldn't be the Future's Game if a Cardinals' pitching prospect wasn't toeing the rubber. Gonzales was one of our first rounders from the 2013 draft and since joining the organization, he's been absolutely phenomenal. We figured that Gonzales was probably going to be a solid back end of the rotation starter but the way his control has developed, he's at least going to be a number 3.

Our rotation is currently set but Gonzales is probably going to throw in either September or come into Spring Training and compete for a spot.

The fact he's allowed only 4 walks and had 31 strikeouts in just 24 innings at AAA is insane.

With all these Cardinals prospects, it would only be fitting that one of them was a hero tonight right?




James Ramsey would ultimately be that guy because he hit an absolute bomb to give the USA boys a walk off in the 11th inning.

The future of the Cardinals, ladies and gentlemen, is certainly bright!

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

I was a bid fan of Ackley when the M's drafted him, and unlike some M's fans I believe he still has the potential to be a MLB player. I think he needs a trade and needs to move back to 2B.

However after watching Brock Holt play in real life he would be a nice fit as well. Positive thing about both is they can play multiple positions so when you do bring Wong back they could still help you out as a decent reserve.

[IXI DECAY IXI]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

I've had some some success with La Stella from the Braves. Perazza is suppose to be a star as well and is a perfect lead off guy.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

I was a bid fan of Ackley when the M's drafted him, and unlike some M's fans I believe he still has the potential to be a MLB player. I think he needs a trade and needs to move back to 2B.

However after watching Brock Holt play in real life he would be a nice fit as well. Positive thing about both is they can play multiple positions so when you do bring Wong back they could still help you out as a decent reserve.

I really like Ackley and you're right, he'd probably fit in well with my ball club even after Wong is ready to take over. The only problem is that the Mariners don't really need a starter like Garcia because they have a lot of guys fighting for spots in their rotation.

I could trade others to get Ackley easy. The only problem is I don't want to trade others. I want to get rid of Garcia and the Mariner's don't exactly have a clear cut need for him right now.

I've had some some success with La Stella from the Braves. Perazza is suppose to be a star as well and is a perfect lead off guy.

I'm a big Peraza fan and I like La Stella as well. The Braves are stacked with starting pitching since I elected not to injure Brandon Beachy and Kris Medlen. On top of that, I'm looking for more of a short term option that won't really threaten Wong and create another problem.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension



With the Future's Game over, it was now time to move on to the Home Run Derby. I usually never have guys in the derby but this year was different as we had not one... but 2 guys going for a little Derby Hardware.

Before we get to the action, I've just gotta throw this out there: Target Field is by far the worst ball park to have a home run derby in. You either have to have unbelievable strength, be a great shot or be a dead pull hitter. The 20-30 foot walls lining center field make shots out there basically impossible unless you can hit it way up in the air and out. If you can't do that, then you have to pull the ball every time and that in itself is a challenge.

Yeesh.

On to the derby action; we all knew that Matt Holliday could swing the sticks well and that he's no slouch when it comes to hitting dingers. Oscar Taveras though? Sure, he leads the majors with 26 dingers but he isn't really that imposing.



That's why when he hit this 485 bomb to deep center in round 2, I just shook my head and laughed. A little kid like Taveras can't be hitting Bo Jackson-esque bombs just out of no where. This was by far the longest shot in the derby. Keep in mind we had guys like Joey Bats, Miggy and Puig in this thing too.





In the first round, you can see that Holliday was doing his thing; spraying the ball all over the field and hitting in far. I was fully expecting him to last longer than Taveras just because the way his spray chart was spread out.

On the other hand though, Oscar Taveras' Spray Chart is pretty comical. He pulled just about everything and the ones he didn't pull were dingers to the deepest part of the field. I get it; this is the home run derby and you need to hit the ball far and impress everyone... But you don't need to go out there and do this. You don't have to slap majestic shots every once in a while to show who's the boss.



While Holliday fought valiantly, there was no way he was going to get to the finals after Yasiel Puig slapped 20 dingers in the first round and given how well Taveras was hitting.

A Taveras vs. Puig matchup actually turned out to be pretty good. They each hit 7 in the first go around and then they each hit 2 dingers to tie yet again.



Luck was on Oscar's side though as he hit 5 dingers in 5 swings to beat Puig in the third elimination round. Hopefully this won't be the last piece of hardware Taveras earns. He's in the running for the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Hank Aaron Award and the Silver Slugger... He's got the Home Run Derby trophy already. Let's just hope this continues to be an exciting year for arguably the most exciting player in all of baseball.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

To conclude our All-Star festivities, we got a little All-Star Game action on tap provided by ESPN... Cookies and lemonade sold separately.



This should've been a time where we look at all the stars and just enjoy a nice game of baseball. But no, right off the bat, we've already got trouble. You see, Michael Wacha; leader in the Cy Young race and the second overall vote getter for a pitcher was spurned from the All-Star team in favor of Matt F'n Garza... A Brewer folks! The Brewers were already being repped by Ryan Braun... It doesn't make any sense to spurn Wacha from the squad in favor of the mediocre Matt Garza. He should've taken his "mediocre" 2.88 ERA home for the break.


Sure, we already had 6 guys on the All-Star squad but is it a crime to ask for more?

I guess we can't have everything we want this year. Maybe next year.



Not gonna lie, I did a little fist pump when I saw we were starting an all Red-Bird Outfield. I figured Matt Holliday and Oscar Taveras had enough mustard to get into the starting lineup but Jacoby Ellsbury was a little bit of a shocker. He's only hitting .286 but was somehow the leading vote getter over McCutchen who's clearly having the better season. Can't argue with the Show on that right?

Sparing you the particulars of the All-Star Game, I figured we might as well review our players who made the squad and how they've played this season.

Jacoby Ellsbury- .286 AVG, 14 HR, 34 RBI

Ellsbury is having a decent season. He was around .290-.300 for most of the season until he hit a slump and his average took a dip. He's been everything we've asked for out of the leadoff role. His power numbers have been impressive because he's already hit more home runs than he hit all last season. It looks like Ellsbury is more than going to live up to his 2 year contract with us. Who knows, he might stick around even after this current deal is up.

Matt Holliday- .297 AVG, 22 HR, 64 RBI

After winning the Postseason MVP and the World Series MVP last postseason, I pretty much figured that Holliday was going to be out of gas. That wasn't the case because he destroyed the National League for most of the season and was in the MVP running until recently when his average dipped below .300. Holliday's contract has been a great value for us but with him on the wrong side of 30, it's going to be interesting to see how he plays beyond this season.

Matt Carpenter- .292 AVG, 18 HR, 49 RBI

We all knew that Matt Carpenter was good last season after he lead the league in WAR for second basemen. If you would've said he could've played that well again, I would've said you're nuts. Carpenter isn't just hitting for a good average, he's also hitting for power and he might actually be a 30 home run type of guy this season. He's suddenly gone from 27 year old break out to 28 year old underrated star. This All-Star appearance was definitely earned.

Allen Craig- .344 AVG, 21 HR, 64 RBI

Allen Craig has always had big shoes to fill since Albert Pujols skipped town. It's now safe to say that he's pretty much replaced the production Pujols brought to our team. He's holding down first base well and he's hitting for an unbelievable average while also showcasing a little bit of pop. It's awesome to have this dude on a long term contract.

Oscar Taveras- .332 AVG. 26 HR, 68 RBI

Next up is the phenom himself, Oscar Taveras. I'm not quite sure I'm ready to call him a star. There have been plenty of guys to come in and rake the major leagues like this. Taveras will have to earn that title as "Best Outfielder in the National League" by winning the MVP and racking up the numbers and accolades. A Home Run Derby Victory and an All Star appearance in his rookie year puts him on the correct path.

I've gripped and complained about the damn bullpen all season long. In my haste, I've forgotten to give Trevor Rosenthal the credit that he's due. After stepping in during the playoffs last season as a compliment to Edward Mujica, Rosenthal won the closer role for this season. This year, he's been absolutely terrific. His ERA is a 0.84 and he's already struck out 47 in just 32.1 innings of work. Rosenthal has entered elite territory. It might be a stretch but he is right up there with Craig Kimbrell in my book.

It wouldn't be the Cardinals 6 All Star's leading the charge unfortunately. Instead, it would be Buster "Broken Leg" Posey. Outside of Yadi Molina, Posey is probably the best catcher in the National League and it really isn't even close. Posey can really do it all and he showcased that tonight throwing out Mike Trout twice and then hitting a Grand Slam over the right field pavilion.

It was nice to play the All-Star game and all that but now it's time to get back to business. We got a division to win and it ain't gonna be easy.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

Cardinals Monthly Situation Meeting
Busch Stadium
St. Louis, MO
July 18th, 2014

Next on the agenda... Have we made any progress on finding a second baseman? Seems like that's the only real need this ball club has.

Yeah, we've explored a variety of different options. Our options on the market are obviously going to be limited since it's a premium position. Our dream option is Ben Zobrist and we've worked hard to line a deal up with them. Today the talks progressed enough that Tampa is willing to pull the trigger. All we need is your stamp of approval.

What would we be giving up?

Tampa wants a package of Alex Reyes, Kolten Wong and Jaime Garcia... Are we a go?

Absolutely not. If I remember correctly, I instructed you to shop Jaime Garcia, not our best pitching prospect and a good 2nd base prospect.

We can't keep running out a new second baseman a week. We have to get stability at the position. We've got a great opportunity to acquire a premium player. With our current farm system, we can afford to make this type of move.

Mr. Singleton, this is not a debate. I'm telling you to make another trade happen. Our payroll is pretty much maxed after the Ellsbury signing. I simply don't have the money to give Zobrist a max contract to keep him beyond his current contract.

Mr. DeWitt, if you want another ring, you're going to have to commit more to our efforts. The money is flowing like the beer in Milwaukee, Pittsburgh is throwing change around, Cincinnati has always been a spender and we all know Chicago is going to join them soon. We've carved out our niche by staying one step ahead and now by giving us the cold shoulder you've set a course for disaster.

I don't have to take this. I've given you guys everything you've needed to succeed. Look at last season, we didn't go out and get Jacoby Ellsbury we brought in J.J. Hardy and won the World Series.

You know... Maybe... Just maybe the guys I've hired just aren't fit for the job.

Not a word was said from any of the front office people sitting there in that room. They all just looked at each other and contemplated their job security before Bill DeWitt broke the silence.

Willie, I need to speak with you in my office... now

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

Later in Bill DeWitt's Office...

You know Willie, I've been the owner of this ball club since 1996. 18 years might sound like a long time but it really isn't when you consider the big picture. I wanted to give my son this franchise but now it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

What are you talking about Bill?

I'm no longer going to be the owner. I'm not "selling" the team but rather transferring control of it to a new ownership group.

That can't be right though, there has to be a bidding process and Major League Base has to look over the candidates. What's going on here Bill?

They will always get what they want... They have the ability to cut all the red tape Major League Baseball has laid out.

But who is "they?" I've asked everyone around baseball who "they" are. Everyone keeps talking about them like they're some otherworldly gods. What's the deal with them?

It's best that you not know... I will throw you this bone though: You screw with them and they'll destroy you. If you do their bidding and don't screw up, they'll take care of you... I really wish I would've known who I was messing with when I bought this team.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

Undisclosed Location
St. Louis, MO
June 3rd, 2014
10:43 PM

FLASHBACK....

It was your typical big wigs meeting. Rolls Royces and Bently's lined the curb outside an old warehouse downtown. Men in trench coats wandered the perimeter of the building ensuring the meeting wouldn't be disturbed.

Needless to say, the scene probably belonged in the Godfather.

Inside, Bill DeWitt sat across the table form his enemies; the very people who had been out to destroy him for the past decade or so.

I'm just going to lay it all out there. You're going to give us the Cardinals at the end of the year.

Absolutely not. We had a prior agreement that I would sell you the ball club at the end of the year. Remeber that meeting we had in January with Bud Selig?

Haha, Selig ain't in charge no more. We took care of him. It's just you and us Mr. DeWitt.

Well, I'm the one who controls the team so we're back at square one... And if you won't buy the team, you'll have to pry them from my cold-dead hands.

We're prepared to do that, Bill...

Haha, easy there... That's a fair point. I'll see your leverage and raise you these.

The man threw a file folder full of papers on the table. Bill DeWitt quickly snatched it up and read through the papers.

You wouldn't want those drifiting around the Savannah now would you?

Money laundering? That's a load of crap! I'm not guilt of any of it!

That may be but the courts won't see it like that. They're in our back pocket.

So listen here and listen good, you give us the Cardinals free of charge or we'll make sure you spend the rest of your years in the hooscow and we'll still take the Cardinals. Are we clear?

You'll never get away with this, Tony La Russa will never let you just steal the Cardinals away from me.

Oh, but he will, he's eating out of our palm. The only reason he's the commish is because we installed him!

Bill you have no where to run. Just give us the team.

...

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

Our first game back from the All-Star Break would be against the rival Dodgers. Unlike the previous match ups however, there would be no finger pointing or trips to the hospital. We actually had to focus on the task at hand because Jaime Garcia was pitching.



I'm to the point where I want Jaime Garcia out of St. Louis more than I want a million bucks or a good steak. He's the only pitcher I've ever known to drop 400 ft bombs at will while still maintaining the ability to blow games at will.

Tonight's USER start could be the last of his Cardinals career. More importantly however, it's one of the last chances Garcia has to boost his trade value. A good start here would increase the package we could get for him.



To say he had an off day against the Dodgers would be an understatement, he was absolutely rocked. He allowed 9 earned runs on 15 hits and his stock took an absolute shot. Should've realized by now that when you count on Jaime Garcia to do something good, he most certainly won't.

He was leaving the sinker up, hanging the curve, missing the zone with his change piece... He was throwing strikes this time but was completely missing his spots. He's probably a change of scenery candidate but at this point, I don't give a crap if he turns into Sandy Koufax. He's given me way too many headaches and cost me too much sleep.



If this start was any indication, Jaime Garcia isn't going to be a Cardinal past this year's deadline. It doesn't matter if we need to trade him for a bucket of balls; we have to get rid of him. There are better options for the starting rotation than this goof ball.

After this start, it's fair to say his support in the front office is non-existent. If this truly is his last USER start, good riddance.

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

If The Show can teach you anything about a running a Major League Baseball team, it'll be that major league baseball teams are incredibly cutthroat. They'll do whatever it takes to make their team the best team in the league even if it means screwing over everyone else in the league.

Now maybe I'm just making this all up or maybe the big boys around the league were trying to take advantage of rookie GM Willie Singleton... I don't know.




When you look at these trades though, it looks like they were trying to pry two of our most valuable pieces away. We're in the midst of a playoff race! We aren't going to give away an All Star center fielder or an ace starter to build for the future. We've got the now to worry about... and plus they aren't even at positions we need.

It's times like this we should be thankful for 30 team control. Lord knows Willie Singleton is probably falling out of his chair laughing right about now.

******

So while the rest of the league throws around crazy, unrealistic trades, Willie Singleton was trying to find a way to dump Jaime Garcia and still get a serviceable second base option in return.

We already tried to trade for Ben Zobrist before the kabash was put on it. The next guy on our list, Dustin Ackley, went down with some sort of arm injury so now we've got to dig a little deeper.




Next on the list is Chase Utley, the sweet swinging second baseman of the Philadelphia Phillies. He brings us a veteran presence up the middle and he seems like a good bet to keep producing for another 2-3 years. That in turn should be more than enough time to develop Wong or find another option.

This seems like a great fit on paper... The only problem is that Utley is certainly going to cost more than Garcia straight up... I guess that's what negotiations are for.

Let's listen in to Willie Singleton's phone call to Ruben Amaro:

Ruben, this is Willie Singleton of the St. Louis Cardinals... I'm calling you about Chase Utley. We're prepared to offer you Jaime Garcia+ to get a deal done.

Haha... We don't want your trash at that cost. And besides, I just traded Utley this morning.

To who!?

To the Milwaukee Brewers... don't you ever check MLBTR dude?

****.

Are you kidding me? Just when we thought John Mozeliak was out of the picture for good, he comes in and steals a second baseman from the Cardinals. The only reason they even traded for Utley was because Rickie Weeks and Scooter Gennett had freak injuries.

I guess we're right back to the drawing board.

[IXI DECAY IXI]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

Dang... How are the are the Dbacks doing? Have you thought about Prado?

[royals19]

Re: The Cardinal Way Part 2: Ascension

Dang... How are the are the Dbacks doing? Have you thought about Prado?

I don't want to spoil anything but yes, I have thought about Prado. He'd be a great fit for me because he's extremely versatile and he hits both lefties and righties well.

******

I hate playing Chicago. For most teams, it should be an easy 3 or 4 wins... For us though, it's like stepping onto the stage with your pants around your ankles. Every time we play the Cubs it's embarrassing. Random guys from the depths of the Cubs system dominate us game in and game out. We were swept earlier in the year by Chicago and I about threw in the towel then. Another sweep and the Cubs will suddenly become public enemy #1.

For those of you new to the story, take a look at this excerpt from earlier in the season:

How someone didn't die on this play is beyond me. Matt Holliday dove into the freaking ivy head first and Ells had to be shoveled off the ground like it was a damn Looney Toons cartoon.

The fielding is still giving me a ton of trouble. Routine flyballs are turning into 500 ft. blasts, Matt Holliday is flying head first into the fence left and and right, Jacoby Ellsbury is doing the "Air Jordan" jump and looking awkward as hell and Taveras? Well he's just standing out in right field shaking his damn head.



Losing to the Cubs is one thing... Being 2 hit by what might be the worst pitching staff in the league is another. We're making bums like Jason Hammel and Anthony Rizzo look like the best players in the league game in and game out. As the defending World Champs, you can't tolerate these sorts of shenanigans. We're better than this. I know it, you know and we all know it. The losing streak isn't the issue here folks... it's how we're losing.

I'll be damned if we get two hit by the Cubs again. We're the defending champs playing a bunch of bottom feeding bums!

Surely that can't be life.



... And just like that, I'm back to shaking my damn head. Tyler Lyons allows back-back-back home runs to start off the game. A dinger by Emilio Bonifacio and then Justin Ruggiano was already bad enough. But wait, there's more!

Lyons allowed an inside the park dinger to Javier Baez. It should've been a single but playing the wall in Chicago is near impossible... Especially with how the fielding is set up this year.



Are you kidding me.... Are you freaking kidding me!? 2 hit by Justin Grimm!? Are you freaking kidding me!? It's things like this that just leave me speechless.

Oscar Taveras hit a base knock up the middle in the 5th inning for the first hit. Then someone woke Matt Adams up off the bench and he hit a first pitch dong in the 9th for the second hit. Needless to say, we made Justin Grimm (who?) look like a freaking Cy Young winner today.

I'm getting awful tired of losing to Chicago's AAA lineup that they've got out there. Here we are, rolling out one of the best rosters in baseball with 6 All-Stars and we can't even beat the Cubs?

At this point, there's only one thing that we can really say to the Red Birds: Be better... please.