Sat 4/4/09 - Cards 7 Redbirds 3 - The St. Louis Cardinals won their final 2009 pre-season game in Memphis, TN on Saturday. Joel Pineiro threw seven innings giving up only three hits. Rick Ankiel and Khalil Greene both homered. The Cardinals finished their 2009 pre-season schedule with a record of 22-12-2 (record includes split squad and exhibition games).
2009 Spring Training
April 05, 2009
April 04, 2009
Cards bomb baby Birds in Memphis
Fri 4/3/09 - Cards 13 Redbirds 1 - Before making their way to St. Louis for Opening Day on Monday, the Cardinals stopped in Memphis for a two game exhibition series against their AAA farm club. The big club shellacked their minor league affiliate, pounding out 12 hits (five for extra bases). As usual, Albert Pujols appears to be ready for the season to start. He put on a show, going 3-5 with two doubles, a home run, and six RBI.
Saturday's Game
St. Louis @ Memphis (Memphis, TN), 1:05 pm
On the mound: Joel Pineiro
The Memphis Redbirds are the AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. They play in Autozone Park a downtown baseball stadium built in 2000. Here are a few photos of the ballpark:
April 03, 2009
April 02, 2009
Cardinals power up - split two in Florida
Tue 3/31/09 - Cards 7 Orioles 3 - The Redbirds blasted three home runs (Duncan, LaRue, Mather) on the afternoon. Adam Wainwright picked up his second Grapefruit League victory working five innings and striking out four.
Wed 4/1/09 - Mets 5 Cards 2 - The Cardinals powered up early with home runs by Chris Duncan and Rick Ankiel but they failed to score again in the 5-2 loss. Kyle Lohse was successful against everyone but Mets C Omir Santos who touched him for two home runs in six innings.
Cardinals OF Chris Duncan (shown here in a July, 2008 game vs. New York) hit his third and fourth home runs of the spring this week. He raised his spring average to .306 and has collected a team high 19 RBI in Florida.
Thursday's Game
St. Louis @ Florida (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Todd Wellemeyer
Redbird Notes and Links:
- Cardinal sources indicated yesterday that 3B Troy Glaus may not be ready until June. He will continue his rehab in Arizona until he is ready for baseball activities.
- RHP Chris Carpenter has been scratched from Friday's start. Before you choke on your morning coffee, the reason is described as a "mild calf strain" and Carpenter will be ready for his fist start of the season next Thursday vs. Pittsburgh.
March 31, 2009
Pineiro goes six innings; Perez to Memphis
Mon 3/30/09 - Cards 2 Marlins 1 - Joel Pineiro capped an excellent spring by throwing six shutout innings and striking out five Marlins while allowing just three singles. The Redbirds won ugly as Colby Rasmus scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on a Marlin's throwing error.
Early this spring, Joel Pineiro was stung by Jose Oquendo's decision not to use him as a starter for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Championship tournament. Pineiro responded by posting stellar Grapefruit League numbers: 3-0, 6 GS, 25 IP, 23 H, 4 BB, 20 K, 1.44 ERA.
Tuesday's Game
St. Louis @ Baltimore (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Adam Wainwright
On Monday, the Cardinals sent RHP Chris Perez to AAA Memphis where he will start the season as the closer. They also sent C Matt Pagnozzi to their minor league camp. There are now 26 players left in camp competing for 25 spots. Read the report from KTRS John Marecek about yesterday's move.
| Rotation | Bullpen | Infield | Outfield | Bench |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter |
Franklin |
Pujols |
Ankiel |
LaRue |
| Lohse |
McClellan |
Schumaker | Ludwick |
Thurston |
| Wainwright |
Miller | Mather | Duncan | Ryan |
| Pineiro |
Reyes | K. Greene |
Rasmus | Barden |
| Wellemeyer |
Thompson | Molina |
Pagnozzi | |
| Kinney |
Freese |
|||
| Motte |
Glaus (DL) |
|||
| Perez |
March 30, 2009
Cardinal losing streak reaches five
Sat 3/28/09 - Orioles 10 Cards 6 - Todd Wellemeyer was abused during his next to last Grapefruit League start as the Orioles collected seven hits (four for extra bases) in five innings. Youngsters David Freese and Joe Mather were bright spots on offense combining for five hits and four RBI on the afternoon.
Sun 3/29/09 - Twins 5 Cards 3 - A pessimistic fan could find many things not to like about Sunday's loss: it started two hours late due to rain; the Cardinal Grapefruit losing streak reached five games; Albert Pujols struck out twice. However, an optimist would point out Chris Carpenter's health heading toward opening day; Rick Ankiel's 3 HR, 13 RBI, .346 Avg.; Chris Perez' third successful appearance since missing time due to soreness in his arm.
Tony LaRussa is getting ready to head north with a relatively healthy lineup, a solid starting rotation, and a team he believes can be "pretty good" if they avoid injuries. Entering his 14th season as the Cardinal skipper, LaRussa has led the Redbirds to a team record 1141 wins, seven division titles, two NL Pennants, and the 2006 World Championship.
Monday's Game
Florida @ St. Louis (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Joel Pineiro
March 27, 2009
Red Sox top Cardinals in 10 innings
Fri 3/27/09 - Red Sox 11 Cards 8 - Kyle Lohse endured his most difficult start of the spring, giving up six runs on 11 hits in five innings of work. Sparked by speedy minor league outfielder Shane Robinson, the Redbirds battled back to take the lead in the top of the ninth. The game was then turned over to traveling minor league hurlers Kyle Mura and Marco Gonzales who lost the lead and then the game.
Small but speedy minor league OF Shane Robinson helped start a ninth inning rally on Friday. He ran for Yadier Molina, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a David Freese hit.
Saturday's Game
Baltimore @ St. Louis (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Todd Wellemeyer
March 26, 2009
March 25, 2009
Astros beat Cards in ninth
Wed 3/25/09 - Astros 4 Cards 3 - Chris Perez made his return to the mound after missing several days with shoulder discomfort and the Astros greeted him harshly, scoring the game winning run off two hits and a walk. Joel Pineiro was effective again, lasting five innings and striking out five while holding Houston to two earned runs.
Here's a photo from last season of the newest Cardinal, (LHP) Dennys Reyes. He made his Redbird debut on Wednesday pitching a scoreless eighth inning against the Astros.
Thursday's Game
New York Mets @ St. Louis (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Adam Wainwright
Redbird Notes:
- With just two more wins, the Cardinals will leave Florida with their best spring record in a decade.
- Rick Ankiel leads the NL with 23 hits this spring.
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
- Cardinal Hall Of Famer Lou Brock will deliver the commencement address at Lindenwood College on May 15.
March 24, 2009
Cards win two heading into off day
Sun 3/22/09 - Cards 5 Orioles 4 - Two minor league outfielders saved the day on Sunday with a late inning comeback victory. (OF) John Jay scored the tying run in the eighth inning and then drove in (OF) Shane Robinson with a game winning single in the bottom of the ninth.
Mon 3/23/09 - Cards 6 Nationals 3 - Chris Carpenter continued his successful spring with another sharp five inning outing. He allowed just three hits and struck out six. Two runs scored during his time on the mound, but both were unearned. An interesting note - the Cardinals stole two more bases yesterday giving them 17 thefts in 18 attempts this spring.
Albert Pujols connects during Friday's game vs. Philadelphia. This kid has a nice swing - I think he may have a chance to play a lot this summer! ;)
Wednesday's Game
Houston @ St. Louis (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Joel Pineiro
Redbird Links:
- Troy Glaus' rehab hits a plateau and he isn't expected back until May.
- Here is the minor league report from the back fields at Jupiter.
March 22, 2009
Birds squander lead but hold on for win
Sat 3/21/09 - Cards 12 Nationals 11 - On a crazy, windy day the Cardinals jumped out to a 12-1 lead only to see it evaporate when the Nationals scored ten runs starting in the bottom of the sixth inning. Colby Rasmus (5-6, 3R, 3RBI) and Ryan Ludwick (2-4, HR, 5RBI) were the hitting stars for the Cards. Kyle Lohse contributed another fine performance, going 5 1/3 innings and giving up just two runs on five hits.
Colby Rasmus had his best day this spring on Saturday, collecting five hits vs. Washington.
Sunday's Game
Baltimore @ St. Louis (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Todd Wellemeyer
Redbird Notes:
- Sunday's game will be televised in St. Louis on KSDK Channel 5.
- It appears David Freese is back in the mix at third base. He was called up from the minor league camp this morning. After going 2-4 yesterday against the Nationals, Freese will be back in the lineup at 3B hitting in the eight spot today against the Orioles.
- Tony likes to have a "regular season" look to his lineup on Sundays late in spring training and today is no exception. Here's the lineup we'll see this afternoon...
2B Skip Schumaker
LF Colby Rasmus
1B Albert Pujols
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Ryan Ludwick
SS Khalil Greene
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
P Todd Wellemeyer
March 21, 2009
Ankiel homers again, Cards tie Phillies
Fri 3/20/09 - Cards 2 Phillies 2 - Rick Ankiel hit his second home run in as many days and Adam Wainwright threw five innings, giving up two runs on a Ryan Howard homer in Friday's 2-2 tie.
Adam Wainwright warms up Friday before his self described "Very, very average" spring outing vs. Philadelphia on Friday at Roger Dean Stadium.
Saturday's Game
St. Louis @ Washington (Viera, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Kyle Lohse
Redbird Notes:
News from around the league - former Cardinals in spring training:
Scott Rolen - Toronto (2-13, 1HR, 1RBI) - Tweaked his back on Wednesday, but appears to be fine. Yankees rumored to be interested in a trade, Blue Jays rumored to be open to dumping his salary.
David Eckstein - San Diego (10-28, .406 OBP, .357 Avg) - Looks to be the starting second baseman for the Padres.
Aaron Miles - Chicago Cubs (13-39, .395 OBP, .333 Avg) - Recovering from a bruised right shoulder but appears to be an imporant part of the Cubs infield plans.
Jason Marquis - Colorado (0-2, 10.2 IP, 16 H, 9.28 ERA) - Projected as the Rockies #3 starter.
Anthony Reyes - Cleveland (0-0, 7 IP, 5 H, 1.29 ERA) - Slowly building his pitch count this spring due to concerns about elbow soreness late last season. Fighting to make the Indian's rotation, he will start today vs. Dodgers.
Braden Looper - Milwaukee (has not pitched) - Sidelined so far this spring due to strain in ribcage muscle. Began bullpen sessions this week.
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
- There are still many questions to be answered about who will start at third base on Opening Day.
March 20, 2009
Ankiel, Ludwick homer as Cards top Rays
Thur 3/19/09 - Cards 9 Rays 7 - The Cardinals traveled across the state to take on the AL Champion Rays and returned with a victory. The bus ride must have agreed with the Redbirds bats - they pounded out 16 hits on the day. (OF) Ryan Ludwick started things off with a three run shot in the first and his outfield partner (OF) Rick Ankiel followed with a solo home run in the second. (RHP) Jason Motte picked up his third save of the spring.
Rick Ankiel awaits a pitch in Thursday's game vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, FL. Ankiel went 3-3 on the day with a three run home run.
Friday's Game
Philadelphia @ St. Louis (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound: Adam Wainwright
Redbird Notes:
- Yesterday's victory left Joel Pineiro with a 3-0 Grapefruit League record.
- Minor leaguer (1B) Allen Craig had two more hits to raise his spring average to .462.
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
- Here's the latest news about the Ballpark Village development just to the north of Busch Stadium.
March 19, 2009
March 18, 2009
March 16, 2009
Cards beat Braves, fall to Phillies
Sat 3/14/09 - Cards 2 Braves 1 - (RHP) Adam Wainwright had his best outing so far this spring, giving up just one run and striking out four in five innings. (1B) Albert Pujols put the Cardinals on top for good with a line drive RBI single in the fifth inning. (RHP) Josh Kinney pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first spring save.
Sun 3/15/09 - Philllies 2 Cards 1 - Once again Cardinal pitching was superb, giving up just two runs on nine hits. Unfortunately, Philadelphia hurlers were even better as they shut down Redbird bats and allowed just six hits all afternoon. (RHP) Kyle Lohse recorded another strong performance, striking out five over five innings. (SS) Khalil Greene went 2-3 with a 2B.
Monday's Game
St. Louis @ Detroit (Lakeland), 12:05 pm
On the mound today: Todd Wellemeyer
Redbird Notes:
- The Cardinal starting pitchers are having an outstanding spring. They have compiled a 2.46 ERA and have given up just 48 hits in 49 2/3 innings.
- On Saturday, the Cardinals indoor batting cages at the Roger Dean Stadium complex were dedicated to the late Dave Ricketts, a Cardinal player and coach for 35 seasons who passed away last year.
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
- CLICK HERE for an in depth profile of new Cardinal shortstop Khalil Greene.
March 14, 2009
"Longest Day" brings two wins
Fri 3/13/09 (Game 1) - Cards 6 Orioles 5 - (SS) Khalil Greene put the Cardinals on top with his first spring home run, a two run shot in the fourth. (2B) Skip Schumaker had a good day in the field participating in two double plays.
Fri 3/13/09 (Game 2) - Cards 3 Orioles 1 - (RHP) Joel Pineiro and (RHP) PJ Walters were the headliners in the story of the nightcap at Roger Dean Stadium. They combined to throw seven scoreless innings, giving up seven hits and striking out nine.
John Marecek from 550 KTRS filed this report from Florida about yesterday's games:
GAME REPORT HERESaturday's Game
Atlanta @ St. Louis (Jupiter, FL), 12:05 pm
On the mound Adam Wainwright
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
Here's my favorite 2009 "Play Like A Cardinal" ad....
March 12, 2009
Red hot Mather hits walk off HR to beat Sox
Thur 3/12/09 - Cards 4 Red Sox 2 - (OF/3B) Joe Mather continued his torrid production by hitting a walk-off two run home run in the bottom of the ninth to lead the Birds to victory over Boston. (RHP) Chris Carpenter continued his march toward opening day by recording four more scoreless innings to keep his ERA at 0.00 this spring.
Joey "Bombs" Mather crosses the plate after his walk off home run beats Boston in Grapefruit League action this afternoon at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL.
Friday's Game
Split Squad Game 1 - St. Louis @ Baltimore (Ft. Lauderdale), 12:05 pm
On the mound (Game 1): Kyle McClellan
Split Squad Game 2 - Baltimore @ St. Louis (Jupiter), 6:05 pm
On the mound (Game 2): Joel Pineiro
Redbird Notes:
- Joe Mather currently leads the NL with 13 RBI.
- Saturday's game vs. Atlanta will be telecast on KSDK St. Louis beginning at Noon.
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
- Don't miss some awesome photographs of Thursday's game by St. Louis photographer Scott Rovak. CLICK HERE to see his photos.
Mather leads Cards in comeback win
Wed 3/11/09 - Cards 8 Marlins 4 - Redbird hurler (RHP) Todd Wellemeyer pitched five strong innings, but left the game down 3-2 partially due to an error by second baseman in training (2B) Skip Schumaker. Fortunately, the Cardinal offense led by (3B) Joe Mather picked up the slack, plating five runs in the final two inning to secure the victory.
Redbirds Clubhouse Commentary:
Writers and bloggers are already dismissing Skip Schumaker's switch to second base as a "failure" after only 4 weeks. Give me a break! This guy can play and he's going to be just fine. Don't dismiss the impact of having Red Schoendienst and Jose Oquendo around to assist. Let's be patient and give him some time.
Thursday's Game
Boston @ St. Louis (Jupiter), 12:05 pm
On the mound today: Chris Carpenter, Charlie Manning, Trever Miller, Josh Kinney
Redbird Notes:
- Cardinal minor leaguers are wearing a small "GK" patch on their sleeve to honor long time instructor George Kissell who passed away last October from injuries suffered in an auto accident.
- Colby Rasmus (hamstring) should be ready by Friday.
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
- For a good read, check out "Red: A Baseball Life" by Rob Rains and Red Schoendienst. CLICK HERE to find a copy.
March 11, 2009
March 10, 2009
March 07, 2009
March 06, 2009
March 05, 2009
March 04, 2009
March 03, 2009
Rays, Kennedy top Cardinals
Mon 3/2/09 - Rays 8 Cards 5 - The Rays kept their base coaches busy on Monday sending 18 batters safely to the sacks (13 hits, 3 walks, 2 errors). Not too many bright spots to report from the Cardinals side other than (LHP) Trever Miller striking out the side in the seventh. (OF) Rick Ankiel and (OF) Nick Stavinoha each had a pair of hits on the afternoon.
Tuesday's Game
St. Louis @ NY Mets (Port St. Lucie), 12:10 pm
On the mound today: Kyle Lohse
Redbird Notes:
- Today's game can be heard on the Cardinals flagship radio station 550 KTRS.
Redbirds Clubhouse Links:
- CLICK HERE to read about former Cardinals Troy Perceval and Jason Isringhausen who are together again in Tampa Bay.
March 02, 2009
March 01, 2009
February 28, 2009
Birds survive rocky 9th inning, win 9-8
Fri 2/27/09 - Cards 9 Mets 8 - The Mets roughed up lefty reliever Royce Ring for four runs in the ninth, but the Cardinals survived and notched a 9-8 victory over the Mets Friday afternoon in Port St. Lucie. (2B) Jarrett Hoffpauir, (1B) Allen Craig and (OF) John Jay each had two hits for the Birds.
Saturday's Game
Washington @ St. Louis (Jupiter), 12:05 pm
On the mound today: Chris Carpenter, Ryan Franklin, Ian Ostlund, Charlie Manning, Fernando Salas
Redbird Notes:
- Redbird Nation will hold its collective breath today when Chris Carpenter returns to the mound against the Nationals. Today's lineup could resemble what we see on Opening Day: Schumaker 2B
- RHP Clayton Mortenson is experiencing elbow soreness and was scheduled for an MRI Friday.
Molina C
Pujols 1B
Ankiel CF
Ludwick RF
Duncan LF
K. Greene SS
Mather 3B
Jay DH
(Carpenter P)
Redbird Links:
Here's an early season prediction about the Cardinals Opening Day roster from Matthew Leach over at the OYNAG blog.
February 27, 2009
"Wasn't much of a game" says Tony
Thur 2/26/09 - Orioles 11 Cards 3 - The Orioles pounded Cardinal hurlers Kyle Lohse and Ian Ostlund for seven runs in the first three innings and never looked back, beating the Redbirds Thursday in Ft. Lauderdale.
Friday's Game
St. Louis @ NY Mets (Port St. Lucie), 1:10 pm
On the mound today: Todd Wellemeyer, PJ Walters, Adam Ottavino, Jason Motte, Josh Kinney, Trever Miller
Redbird Notes:
- Back at Roger Dean Stadium yesterday, Troy Glaus continued his rehab from shoulder surgery with a fielding session (no throwing).
- After Friday's outing vs. NY Mets, pitcher Adam Ottavino will be joining the Italian team for the World Baseball Classic.
Redbird Links:
CLICK HERE to read a nice column in this morning's St. Louis Post Dispatch by columnist Bryan Burwell about Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.
February 26, 2009
February 25, 2009
February 18, 2009
Cardinal information
Cardinal minor league teams
- Memphis Redbirds
Pacific Coast League (AAA) - Springfield Cardinals
Texas League (AA) - Palm Beach Cardinals
Florida State League (A) - Quad Cities River Bandits
Midwest League (A) - Batavia Muckdogs
NY-Penn League (A) - Johnson City Cardinals
Appalachian League (Rookie)
Winter Warm Up 2009
- The St Louis Cardinals Winter Warm Up took place Jan 17-19, 2009 at the Millennium Hotel in downtown St Louis.
