Swarming ‘Birds go Hitchcock on Brewers
I had a sneaking suspicion that one was ours to win after Yadi stole a base. Even though the Team LOB was 12, I can’t be too angry as we did score 12 runs tonight. I am just thrilled that we took advantage of the opportunities given us by the Brewers’ pitching and defense. Those three walks from Turnbow were especially nicely turned into three free runs, with an additional three coming across that inning. Basically, everybody can get their cheapo coffee tomorrow morning thanks to Turnbow.
Speaking of closers, Izzy’s going to have surgery on Thursday in Nashville. The release just states “arthroscopic” surgery, but doesn’t specify if it’s the smoothing that would let him pitch again or the resurfacing that would end his career. I think both of them are arthroscopic, but once again for all the episodes of Grey’s Anatomy I watch and all the letters that follow my name, MD are not among them. We still haven’t seen a save opportunity post-Izzy, as tonight falls into the positive blowout category, but Wainwright did a super nice job getting one out from each category to quietly take care of the Brewers. I award him an overdue silver star with hope that he gets more star opportunities soon.
Weaver had a pretty spiffy outing today: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, and 1 HR. I consider the one HR as a solo shot to be an insane improvement. Between the no walks, few strikeouts, and very few runs surrendered, I’ll give him a silver star. Excellent improvement from Weaver and wouldn’tyouknowit, he looks like a respectable pitcher. Why, why can’t the DD/Cardinal magic work on Jason Marquis?
Special shout-out to the middle infield tonight, yo! Miles went 4-6 with 1 run & 3 RBI while Belliard went 3-4 with 4 runs & 1 RBI. No errors either, and I believe Bellly made another great defensive play. So far he’s earning his keep even if his only improvement over Luna is consistent and superior defense. Belly hit his second homer as a Cardinal and Dunc got another two hits (one triple, one single) with the disclaimer that we hope he keeps it up next year. Gold stars around there for the starting shortstop & second baseman. I’m quite serious when I say we should keep Miles around for the purpose of fighting-for-a-starting-job bat in the lineup. I’m not saying he’s a slacker when his job is safe, but he sure turns it up when he’s fighting for a starting job. Who’s ready to see Eckstein back at short?
heck of a game
i keep waiting for the wheels to fall off everytime weaver pitches but its not happening. i think that is a good thing. right now, weavs would be my third starter in the playoffs after carp and supp.
Every time Weaver takes the mound, I count on a bloody blowout that way my expectations aren’t too lofty. Every time a blowout is averted, I’m just jubilant! If he keeps going like this, I really wouldn’t object to a #3 start for him either.
I love that picture. Look like Miles could use a box or something.
If I caught the references in prior postings correctly then L’shanah tovah. May the new year be filled with health and happiness.
And the same to you, but you’re close- I’m actually a Gentile who enjoys learning about Judaism because it’s fascinating, a means to understanding my Christianity, and wonderful to know about when working with various cultures. Thank you for the kind consideration : )