Amazing — the St. Louis Cardinals have exploded into the season this year
With a record of 22-12, my St. Louis Cardinals have exploded into the baseball season far ahead of what I or most people imagined possible. They are leading the Chicago Cubs by two and a half games in the NL Central Division.
In light of the players the Cards traded away, the sort of “no name” lineup they were left with (except for Albert Pujols — a true “Big Name” player in anyone’s league), it’s amazing. Their pitching has no one who is “star” material and they have no one expected to lead anybody’s league offensively or defensively.
Last night, against the Colorado Rockies, I saw TWO, not just one but TWO, amazing defensive plays by the Cards’ centerfielder, Rick Ankiel. He threw two players out at third base with perfect cannon shots from deep centerfield. (What wonderful baseball trophies those two balls will be for him to cherish throughout his career!)
When I was a kid, I lived five years in Denver. They had a team then, the Denver Bears, which generally led their minor league division. That was in the old Denver Mile High Stadium. I once saw an exhibition game there between the San Francisco Giants (must’ve been a year or two after they moved to San Francisco from New York — yes, I’m that old) and the Cleveland Indians. I’ve never forgotten a play in that game when the famous Indians outfielder, Rocky Colavito, threw an absolute “strike” from deep right-center to the plate to throw out a runner. It was the most amazing thing I can recall ever seeing in baseball at any level. The ball arced through the air like it had been shot out of a howitzer and seems in my memory to have been perfect.
Last night’s two — TWO! — throws by Rick Ankiel were the only thing I’ve seen comparable.
Perhaps my amazing Cardinals will keep up the good work, surprise me and everyone else, and go all the way. (I know. It’s early in the season, and I really don’t want to jinx ‘em!)
Technorati Tags: St. Louis Cardinals, Cardinals baseball, Rocky Colavito, just a guy who reads the papers
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