It Was Bound To Happen

Chris Perez has been outstanding since taking over the closer role.  A record with no blown saves, though, is never going to last forever.  Too bad, though, it had to happen in this situation, with Milwaukee already losing and a chance to strengthen that hair-thin rope they are hanging on to.  Reading the PD game story, one line jumps out at me.

At some point, the season loses patience with a team that loses 13 times when leading after seven innings and 20 times in its opponents' final at-bat. (emphasis mine)

20 times the ninth (or later) has been a killer for the Cardinals.  Granted, some of those were tie games, but a lot of them weren't.  Win half of those 13 games with a lead after seven and right now they are clinging to the wild-card lead.  When it's all said and done, that's what's going to be remembered about this team.  Not necessarily the amazing season Ryan Ludwick has put up, not Pujols's continued greatness, possibly not even the injuries to the starters.  The bullpen is the story for 2008 and it's not a good one.

However, if the bullpen has caused a lot of angst this year, it's also provided some good moments as well.  While Kyle Lohse had a great game yesterday (and even drove in a run), it was the major league debut of Jason Motte that gets the nod for the Hero of the Game.  Motte came in to a tough situation, with two on and two out in a one-run game, and blew heat past Mark Reynolds to end the threat.  He also provided another solid inning of relief before turning it over to Perez.  If everyone's clicking (right now Kyle McClellan isn't, but possibly next year?), a seven-eight-nine of McClellan, Motte and Perez would have a lot of people excited and turn this year's weakness into a strength for next year.

I joined in 4thebirdz's live chat yesterday.  You can catch me near the end over here, if you are interested.  We talk about the bullpen there as well.

Good news: Apparently Chris Carpenter felt no ill effects after his relief outing on Tuesday. The entire pitching situation for 2009 is really interesting, when you think about having (hopefully) a healthy Carpenter and Wainwright in the rotation and the new guns in the 'pen.

Off day for the Cardinals before the open a home stand against Florida and Chicago.  I'm guessing that was a long ride home yesterday and hopefully they'll be ready to take it out on the Marlins this weekend.

And a programming note, a special UCB project will be coming your way Monday, so keep an eye out for that!


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