Skip Schumaker is barely shown in his 2012 Topps Series 1 baseball card set, in fact only his pant leg is visible while the rest of the card is taken up by the now famous rally squirrel.

The rally squirrel became an internet sensation last year after it crossed Schumaker’s path during a Roy Oswalt pitch in the fifth inning of Game 4 of the NLDS last October. Following that play the St. Louis Cardinals surged ahead and eventually ended up winning the World Series title.

Apparently the rally squirrel is a bigger name then Schumaker as it became the main focus on the players baseball card. According to Topps this is the first time that a players face has not been featured on the baseball card that hosts their name and stats.

Topps didn’t even bother to give Schumaker a sneak peek at his card, although they will also offer an alternate card with a more full shot of Schumaker. Because the rally squirrel will only appear on the “short-print” variation of the card it will likely become a quick collectors edition find.

Would you like to own your very own rally squirrel Topps baseball card or is this a silly attempt at making some extra cash from collectors?

Chip Schumaker’s Topps Baseball Card Features Rally Squirrel, Almost None Of Chip’s Body is a post from: The Inquisitr

Albert Pujols is ending his career with the St. Louis Carndinals. The heavyweight hitter has just signed a $250 million 10-year contract to play with the Los Angeles Angels.

The deal hasn’t officially been announced yet but several sources are reporting that the contract was signed this morning. According to USA Today, the contract will be finalized as soon as Pujols passes his physical.

Pujols’ $250 million contract is the third largest in baseball history. Alex Rodriguez was given the two largest contracts in the history of the MLB. Rodriguez signed with the Texas Rangers in 2000 for $252 million. He then signed with the New York Yankees in 2007 for $275 million.

Team managers from around the league are already sounding off on the new deal.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said:

“Congratulations to Anaheim. It just makes it that much more difficult for everyone in our division. When you hear the dollars and the years, you have to listen. It’s a tremendous deal for him. … Anaheim fans should be happy today.”

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos said:

“Obviously, he’s a very talented player. Anaheim has always been a very good club and they’re going to continue to have one of the better teams in the AL.”

Angels outfielder Vernon Wells tweeted:

“I love this game. We have the Machine!!”

According to USA Today, the Angels ranked 10th in the American League for runs last season. Pujols should add a nice punch to their offensive lineup. During Pujols first 11 seasons he had 445 home runs with a .328 batting average and a .420 on-base percentage. Pujols won the National league’s Rookie of the Year award in 2001, its MVP in 2005, 2008, and 2009, and helped the Cardinals win the World Series in 2006 and 2011.

With Pujols on the roster, the Cardinals made the playoffs 7 times in 11 years. Will Albert Pujols be able to give the Angels the same results?

Albert Pujols Becomes an Angel With 3rd Biggest Contract in MLB History is a post from: The Inquisitr

The offer comes nine months after Pujols rejected his former ball club’s (St. Louis Cardinals) nine-year proposal for about $195 million.

A free agent for the first time in his career, Pujols has received heavy interest from the Marlins over the last few days, but as multiple sports media outlets have pointed out, St. Louis – Pujol’s home since his MLB debut in 2001 – is offering full no-trade protection, whereas the Marlins have not.

“I know the ownership group is putting their best foot forward and trying to do everything that they can to make this possible,” new Cardinals manager Mike Matheny told the Christian Science Monitor, “but I also know it’s a complicated decision on both sides. There’s a lot going on, a lot that I’m not even involved in, but I think it’s clear to say that the St. Louis Cardinals would love to have Albert, and we’ll see how it all plays out.”

Update:The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the Cardinals’ offer could reach $220 million over 10 seasons — one-upping Miami’s offer for the same timespan.

Both teams are said to be pressuring Pujols and agent Dan Lozano to agree to terms as soon as possible, but the magnitude of the decision has the 31-year-old first baseman considering his options.

Those close to the situation expect Pujols will make his decision in less than 24 hours.

Do you think Albert Pujols would fit in well with the recently upgraded Miami Marlins lineup? Is the lure to take his talents to South Beach too enticing to pass up on?

Albert Pujols Headed to the Miami Marlins? is a post from: The Inquisitr

Major League Baseball (MLB) is about to lose one of their most iconic figures in recent memory. St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa has announced just days after he took his team to a World Series victory that he’s calling it quits.

La Russa held a Busch Stadium news conference on Monday to which he revealed:

“I think this just feels like it’s time to end it … Other than some of the personal attachments, I feel good,” he said. “I feel good that this is the right decision.”

La Russa has had a successful career as a manager winning the World Series with Oakland in 1989 followed by a second championship ring with St. Louis in 2006 and now a third in 2011.

According to the Cardinals manager he began thinking about retirement half way through the current season and had informed the front office in August after the Cardinals had begun slipping out of wild card contention.

When asked what he plans to do with all of his spare time the soon-to-be former manager said he wasn’t sure but “maybe open a book store.”

We’ll likely see Tony La Russa inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame soon, he’ll be eligible for the honor starting in 2014.

Are you sad to see La Russa retire?

Tony La Russa Helps Cardinals Win World Series, Announces Retirement is a post from: The Inquisitr

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa on Wednesday took full responsibility for a bullpen mistake that likely caused the St. Louis Cardinals to fall behind 3-2 in World Series Play.

According to La Russa he called to the teams bullpen for closer Jason Motte on two occasions and apparently wires were mixed somewhere along the lines.

Apparently La Russa believes that bullpen coach Derek Lilliquist may have hung up the phone after which time La Russa asked for Motte to be ready, he then says that after calling back to the bullpen and asking for Motte his bullpen coach instead heard the name “Lance Lynn.”

In response to the mixup the second time around La Russa said:

“Hey, it’s my fault … Maybe I slurred it, whatever it is. It comes down to who has the responsibility when there’s those kinds of miscommunications.”

According to La Russa they don’t double-check names when calling to the bullpen, something they will likely do moving forward. La Russa says he told Lilliquist “10 times” that the mixup wasn’t his fault.

After the game La Russa said:

“The phones are preventable. It’s my fault for not handling it better and making sure. All I had to do was look in the bullpen — repeat — to make sure.”

While in most ballparks La Russa would have simply looked at his bullpen to realize the right guy wasn’t warming up he couldn’t do that in Rangers ballpark because you can’t see the visiting bull-pen from the third-base dugout.

Speaking about his teams bullpen disadvantage  Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland (A friend of La Russa’s) noted:

“They need to put TV monitors in all the ballparks you can’t see,” while adding, ”I guarantee you they’ll be a proposal made at the general managers’ meetings. That’s all that’s going to come from this. You live and learn.”

In the meantime perhaps a text message or carrier pigeon could be used to ensure visual confirmation from the bullpen.

Tony La Russa Takes Responsibility For Bullpen Mistake is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Rangers begin the best-of-seven series as narrow favorites, with odds around the -135 mark (so bet $1.35 on them to win an additional $1.00). The Cardinals’ round one dismissal of the Phillies should not be overlooked, however – on its day, this is a team that can take anyone down. Let us know who you’re backing in the comments!

Game 1: Wednesday, October 19 – @ St. Louis Cardinals
Game 2: Thursday, October 20 – @ St. Louis Cardinals
Game 3: Saturday, October 22 – @ Texas Rangers
Game 4: Sunday, October 23 – @ Texas Rangers
Game 5: Monday, October 24 – @ Texas Rangers
Game 6: Wednesday, October 26 – @ St. Louis Cardinals
Game 7: Thursday, October 27 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

The 2011 World Series is set. The American League champion Texas Rangers will take on the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals in the best of seven fall classic.

Last night the Cardinals punched their ticket to the 2011 World Series by thumping the Milwaukee Brewers 12-6  in Game 6 of the NLCS.

So who will win this 2011 fall classic? The Texas Rangers come into this series as a slight favorite at -135 to beat the St. Louis Cardinals (meaning you have to bet $1.35 on Texas to win $1.00) but don’t be so quick to run and bet the farm on Texas. A team like St. Louis is tough to read. Give these guys credit. In round one, they knocked off everyone’s favorite to win the World Series for the next 10 seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies. That was amazing in itself.

Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols is one of this generations best hitters and will surely relish the underdog roll.

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The Rangers are stacked from top to bottom, as they come into the Series with one of the best line-ups in the majors. Led by Josh Hamilton and ALCS MVP Nelson Cruz, these guys can mash with the best of them. This will be a great series.

Here is a look at the 2011 World Series Schedule

Game 1: Wednesday, October 19 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 2: Thursday, October 20 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 3: Saturday, October 22-  @ Texas Rangers

Game 4: Sunday, October 23 – @ Texas Rangers

IF NECESSARY

Game 5: Monday, October 24 – @ Texas Rangers

Game 6: Wednesday, October 26 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 7: Thursday, October 27 – @ St. Louis Cardinals

2011 World Series Schedule: Rangers Start as Narrow Favorites is a post from: The Inquisitr

Lance Berkman of the St. Louis Cardinals and Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox were announced on Thursday for the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year Awards.

The award for Berkman, 35, was well deserved hitting .301 with 31 home runs and 94 RBIs alongside a .412 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .547. When you consider Berkman played with the Houston Astros and New York Yankees last season and only managed a .248 average with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs it’s easily to see why he’s a “comeback player.”

According to MLB.com

He ranked among the NL leaders in homers (tied for ninth overall, first with 22 road homers), RBIs (tied for 11th), walks (92, fourth), slugging (fifth) and OBP (third).

On the American League side Ellsbury will likely be a candidate for the leagues Most Valuable Player (MVP Award) during balloting although with the collapse of the Red Sox he’s likely a long shot. Ellsbury is in his fifth season of play and recorded 32 home runs and 39 stolen bases this season. The center fielder also racked up a .321 batting average with 105 RBIs, 46 doubles, five triples and 119 runs. Ellsbury also led the Bigs with 364 total bases and 83 extra-base hits.

Speaking about his top notch season Ellsbury said:

“I know what I’m capable of doing. I know everybody has been surprised by the power numbers, but it’s always been there,” Ellsbury said. “It just hasn’t translated to the game, but every year I’ve consistently gotten better. This is kind of what I was looking for last year.”

The Comeback Player of the Year Awards are chosen by 30 MLB.com beat reporters.

Do you think Jacoby Ellsbury and Lance Berkman were the right choices for the 2011 Comeback Play of the Year Awards?

2011 Comeback Player Of The Year Awards: Lance Berkman and Jacoby Ellsbury is a post from: The Inquisitr

This is where we make the best case for MLB realignment. The National League Central has six teams, and that is bad for all for reasons we can discuss later. With a 48-50 record, the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves in third place in the only sixth team division in MLB. They have gone 19-16 against their five divisional opponents, and had an 8-7 record in interleague play. They have spent nearly 60 days in first place, but a seven game slide in June has really cost them in their divisional race.

The Cardinals offense has scored 456 runs on 885 hits. Those numbers are both in the top two of the 16 NL clubs. The only real knock on this team is they are second to last in the senior circuit in stolen bases. However, with 94 home runs and just 599 strikeouts (lowest in the NL), they have plenty of power so base stealing is not the big of a deal. Cardinals hitters have also drawn 338 walks. That number is in the top three in their league.

Their pitching staff has given up 429 runs on 881 hits. Both of those numbers are in the bottom third of the senior circuit. The staff ERA is 3.93 and that is in the bottom half of the NL. Cardinals pitchers have struck out a NL second least batters with 630, and they have issued the second highest number of free passes. That walk total is not a good number and we can start to see the reason they had a mid June slide. Three of their starting five are close to double digit wins, but the bullpen (mostly middle innings guys) have struggled a bit.

This is still a pretty good baseball team that could use a few good arms to make a strong push in the second half of the 2011 season.

Related Links:

•St. Louis Cardinals news and notes
•Joshua Lobdell.com

2011 St. Louis Cardinals mid season review is a post from: The Inquisitr

This is very, very bad for both the St. Louis Cardinals and Starting Pitcher Adam Wainwright. It looks like Wainwright needs Tommy John surgery, and as we all know that means he will be on the disabled list for quite some time should the surgery be absolutely necessary. Wainwirght is currently seeking a second opinion on his injured elbow. However should he need the surgery he will be out for at least a full year if not a full year and a half.

That is worse news for Wainwirght who could lose up to 21 million dollars. By finishing among the top five vote getters for the National League Cy Young Award Adam’s contract kicked in options for 2012 and 2013. The one caveat being if Adam ended the 20111 season on the DL the team could veto those options. Not a great day for Adam you need surgery, and you may be out 21 million bucks.

Things are equally as bad for his team. Watching ESPN today I saw several graphs of how losing Adam decreases the Cardinals win total by 5 to 7 games, and decreasing the likelihood they would make the playoffs almost by half. Not a great way to start out spring training. This team still has time to pick up another starting pitcher, but not one nearly has good as Wainwright.

The good news for Adam is should the Cardinals release him at the end of the year, he would be a free agent and once he recovers could likely sign an incentive laden deal such as Brandon Webb, or the Cards could put it all to bed and sign Wainwirght to a new multi year deal hoping he fully recovers.

Related Links:

• St. Louis Cardinals news and notes
• The Business of Major League Baseball
• Joshua Lobdell.com

Adam Wainwright may miss all of the 2011 season is a post from: The Inquisitr

With an 86-76 record the St. Louis Cardinals finished in second place in the National League Central. Really though this is a team that failed to beat up on the competition in its own division. They had just a 39-39 record against its five divisional opponents and a 9-6 record in inter league play. Had they gone better than 6-9 against the Chicago Cubs, or 7-10 against the Milwaukee Brewers, or a 5-10 versus the Houston Astros their 12-6 record against the Cincinnati Reds, and their 9-6 record against the Pirates could have carried them to a divisional title.

Don’t get me wrong this is a pretty good baseball team. They did score 736 runs, which was the sixth highest total amongst the 16 NL teams. They hit 150 home runs on 1,456 hits. That hit total was the third most in the senior circuit and it gave them the second highest team batting average with a .263. Cardinal batters struck out just 1,027 times, the second lowest amount, and drew 541 walks.

Their pitching staff also faired well in the 2010 season. Their staff ERA was 3.57 the fourth lowest staff ERA in the NL, but they managed to strike out just 1,094 batters. They only issued 477 walks which was the second fewest in the NL, but they gave up the fourth amount of hits with 1,326.  Adam Wainwright won 20 games, no small feat in this era. Two more of their starting pitchers racked up double digit victories, but the back end of the rotation is an issue. They could also use a little help in the bullpen.

The Cardinals have gone out and added Lance Berkman to help their offense but they still need to upgrade left side of their infield and the right side of their bullpen. If they can find a few players there they can be a very good team once again.

Related Links:

• St. Louis Cardinals news and notes
• The Business of Major League Baseball
• Joshua Lobdell.com

2010 St. Louis Cardinals season in review is a post from: The Inquisitr

Much like their peers in the American League Central the six General Mangers of the teams in the National League Central did a pretty poor job at teh trade deadline. The Houston Astros sold off Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman, and we expected them to be sellers. The Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Milwaukee Brewers either did nothing or made minor moves. The St. Louis Cardinals got in on a complicated deal but paid a very high price to do it. However the newly savvy Pittsburgh Pirates actually turned a really good move for cash and prospects.

Here is a quick look at the NL acquisitions:

•The Cardinals added SP Jake Westbrook, but it cost them Ryan Ludwick, and he ended up  on a tam they will have to go through in the playoffs
•The Pirates took advantage of the Arizona Diamondbacks partial fire sale and flipped some cash and ended up with some nice prospects in Chris Snyder, Pedro Ciriaco, James McDonald, and Andrew Lambo
•The Astros did add Brett Wallace, but that hardly will matter for the balance of 2010

Overall I am pretty under whelmed by the deals done by the six teams in this division, but I am still very high on the Reds, who are getting better and better. Since they are a team building for the future I didn’t expect them to make any major moves, and they didn’t. I think this division is the Cardinals to lose, as the Reds are building towards something greater in the future.
 
Related Links:

•St. Louis Cardinals news and notes
•Pittsburgh Pirates news and notes
•Houston Astros news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball

National League Central trade deadline moves is a post from: The Inquisitr

The St. Louis Cardinals got off to a hot start and by the end of May had already won 30 games. Since then they have slipped a bit, going just .500 in June, and 4-6 in July up to the All Star Break. They have an overall record of 47-41 and find themselves a full game behind the Cincinnati Reds for the lead in the National League Central division. If I were a Cardinals fan, I would not be fretting though, this is a very solidly put together club, and I fully expect them to win this division when all is said and done.

As an offensive unit they have scored 391 runs, and the team batting average is .260. That number is good enough to be sixth among the 16 National League clubs. They have collected 778 hits, which is 7th best among the NL teams. There 778 hits can be broken down like this; 165 doubles, 12 triples, and 90 home runs. Their on base percentage is .331, and they have just one regular starter batting below .200 (SS Brendan Ryan .194).

Their pitching staffs has given up 332 runs, and have a staff ERA of 3.39 which is the second best ERA of the NL franchises. They have given up 74 home runs and have struck out 603 batters, and issued 259 walks. Their closer, Ryan Franklin, has converted 16 saves and has an ERA of 3.63 and an overall record of 3-1.

If this team has a particular need heading towards the trading deadline, I would have to say that it is back of the rotation starter both Brad Penny and Kyle Lohse have high ERA’s and losing records. I would also like to see them get some more offensive production out of the Short Stop spot. A good team can hind one bad hitter, but it would be easier if they didn’t have too.

Related Links:

•St. Louis Cardinals news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTR Baseball.com

St. Louis Cardinals mid season review is a post from: The Inquisitr

After winning their division by 7.5 games, expectation are high for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2010. They dolled out 120 million dollars to Matt Holliday to keep their lineup intact, added hitting coach Mark McGwire, and now must live up to the hype of being the favorite to represent the National League in the World Series. This is a very solid roster, and one must look beneath the surface to find any weakness.

Let’s face it they have the best player in baseball in Albert Pujols, the best catcher in the NL in Yadier Molina, and arguably the best 1-2 starters in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. They are led by a future Hall of Fame manger in Tony Larussa, who is one of two managers in history to win a title in both leagues, and they have Holliday and all star closer Ryan Franklin. On paper the are second only to the Philadelphia Phillies.

With all that being said they do have a few problems. For starters who will play third? This is the only spot on the Cardinals roster where they do not return the regular from 2009. The only candidates seem to be rookie David Freese or youngsters Tyler Greene and Joe Mather. Even though Larussa does not like to start youngsters, it seems he has no choice here.

All though the addition of McGwire to the coaching staff could help the Cardinals batters, we have to ask if he will be a huge distraction. So far his answers on the steroids questions have not been adequate. I think McGwire has all the potential and knowledge to be a great hitting instructor, but at some point the media will come asking steroids questions, and he is going to have to give them a satisfactory answer. It seems, he would be best served to give a real admission, and a sincere apology, and then focus on the job at hand.

Related Links:

•St. Louis Cardinals news and notes
•The Business of Major League Baseball
•MTRbaseball.com

2010 MLB preview: St. Louis Cardinals is a post from: The Inquisitr

I am so sick of whining self serving confessions from spoiled rich athletes, that I can barely write this article without wanting to wretch. Mark “Big Baby” McGwire has confessed to what we all already knew, he took steroids. Wow big freaking deal, hey Mark why don’t you go, sit down over there, next to Pete Rose as guys who confessed way to late, asked for forgiveness far to late, and who will never be elected into the Hall of Fame.

If the St. Louis Cardinals want to employ a guy with such a weak character that is their business, but we sports fans do not have to accept what this man has to say, listen to his whining explanation of why he did it, nor listen to an apology that is about five years too late. McGwire will forever be defined by a pitiful, cowardly appearance before the United States Congress. That is really that can we please move on.

The only reason McGwire chose to do this now was to try to pit this to bed, before the start of Spring Training. I sincerely hope that the St. Louis Cardinals beat writer do not let him off the hook so easily. Let us not forget that McGwire is the father of the steroids era of baseball. All this came to light by some questionable materials found in his locker.

This should piss off everyone, from those of us with enough common sense to understand the why behind this so called confession, to those of us who once thought of McGwire as a hero. He whines and cries about not getting immunity to talk about this before the Congress, but why should he? He broke the law, and had nothing to give Congress in return for immunity. In fact maybe someone should go back, and charge him know for possession of illegal substances, and he can truly be gone from the game forever. Get it Mark, that is what most us baseball fans want.

More St. Louis Cardinals news and notes

Mark McGwire is a coward is a post from: The Inquisitr

After covering the 22 teams that did not make the playoffs, it is nice to start to take a look at the eight teams that did make the MLB playoffs and can consider themselves somewhat successful. For the St. Louis Cardinals their regular season was certainly a success and they kin of snuck up on everyone by winning the National League Central when most baseball pundits were more focused on the Chicago Cubs. At the trade deadline they added OF Matt Holliday, and while they eventually lost in the opening round of the playoffs, at least they made a run at another title.

Their final record was 91-71 and they won their division by 7.5 games over the Cubs. In all this team spent 148 days in first place, and after struggling through the early part of May where they were at worst three games out of first, they struggled through June, but after acquiring Holliday at the trade deadline this team never looked back. IN early September they had built an 11.5 game lead and that was big enough to overcome this club’s late season slump.

Without a doubt this is a team led by Albert Pujols and their offense. As a team they batted .263, scored 730 runs, hit 160 home runs, and only struck out 1,041 times. They were able to draw 528 walks. While this team certainly has big offensive weapons their pitching staff is pretty good as well. Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Joel Pineiro all won at least 15 games, and their staff ERA was 3.66. They gave up only 640 runs, 1,407 hits, and 123 home runs.

In all 3,343,252 fans came to Busch Stadium III to see Cardinals home games. That was good enough for fourth among the 30 MLB teams, and for their 81 home games they averaged 31,814 fans. For the entire season, they were able to sell 88.1% of their ticket inventory.

2009 MLB season in review: St. Louis Cardinals is a post from: The Inquisitr

After taking sometime to think about his future, it seems that St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa will return to the team in 2010 for his 15th year as Manager. Now ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that La Russa is close to hiring former star slugger Mark McQwire to be his hitting coach. We can go ahead and file this one under one of the worst ideas ever, as McQwire will forever be linked to the MLB “Steroids Era” and that many fans have yet to forgive McQwire’s shameful performance in front of Congress in 2005.

If Major League Baseball ever wants to get beyond the shame of the steroids scandal than they are going to have to ban a few of the players that so defined that period of Major League Baseball. So far the tem owners have managed to keep Barry Bonds out of the game, and many of the others involved in the steroids mess have been marginalized by recent events, but the Cardinals could be making a huge mistake here.

For the most part slugger Albert Pujols has been able to put up big numbers, while staying away from any claims of steroids use. Hiring McQwire to be his hitting coach could erode the public’s willingness to give Pujols the benefit of the doubt. While McQwire was once a fan favorite, and assured of selection into the baseball hall of fame, is refusal to answer questions about his own steroid use killed his shots at immortality in Cooperstown, New York.

Had he been honest about his steroids use, he may have been able to save his status with the fans of this sport, and been able to take a job like this. However, since he chose to be evasive and has never come clean about it, hiring this man is little more than insuring a new round of steroids questions each time the press gets a chance to.

McQwire to be Cardinals hitting coach? is a post from: The Inquisitr

Talk about adding insult to injury.

Not only did Matt Holiday take a careening baseball to the nads, but the 9th inning error lead to a 3-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Video of Matt Holiday’s error, below:

[Source]

Video: Cardinals’ Matt Holiday catches line drive with his crotch is a post from: The Inquisitr

No team has been more active heading towards a playoff run then the St. Louis Cardinals. While they have significantly improved their roster by adding stars like Matt Holliday, the Cardinals still have a need for a back of the rotation starter and a right handed set up reliever. By signing John Smoltz today they may have gotten both in swoop.

Smoltz who went to the Boston Red Soxafter more than two decades with the Atlanta Braves to try and win one more title before retirement. That move did not work out so well, and the Red Sox are on the verge of failing to make the playoffs. Smoltzwent 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA for the Red Sox in eight starts. So the Sox designated him for assignment and after clearingwaivers he was free to sign with any MLB club.

As it stands right now August 19th, 2009 the Cardinals have a six game lead on the Chicago Cubs for a division title. If Smoltz can help this club keep that lead then then this is a move that makes a lot of sense. It seems likely that Smoltzwill start as the fifth pitcher in the Cardinals rotation through the end of the regular season. It would not surprise anyone if Smoltz was then moved to the bullpen as a long reliever or as the 8th inning set up guy.

Either way it seems likely that Smoltz can help this team make a strong post season run.

St. Louis Cardinals sign John Smoltz is a post from: The Inquisitr

The St. Louis Cardinals got some protection for Super Star Albert Pujols by trading for Of Matt Holliday. This was a vital pice for the Cards as they are locked in a divisional  race with both the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros. Currently The Cardinals lead these two teams by 1.5 games in the National League Central division.

Now let us take a look at the details of this trade:

The Cardinals get Matt Holliday and 1.5 million dollars towards the six million is is owed over the balance of the 2009 season.

The Oakland A’s get third base prospect Brett Wallace, considered to be among the best infield prospects in baseball. Wallace is a pure hitter who can bat for power and for average. Really he is the perfect guy for A’s GM Billy Beane’s “Money Ball” approach to building a team.

The A’s also picked up Minor League pitching prospect Clayton Mortensen, and minor league OF Shane Peterson. While this move may look like a salary dump by Oakland, it really is a move to add a nice piece for the future. While they A’s were busy in the offseason signing guys like Holliday for 13.5 million dollars, players like Wallace more fit in with the culture of that club.

Since Oakland is a “Small Market” team looking to get a new stadium built one would think they would want to keep a few name players to help draw fans, but that is just not how Beane views the game of baseball. He wants guys who hit for average and have a high on base percentage, Wallace is both of those things.

For the Cardinals they get a batter who can hit behind Pujols and hopefully et him a few more quality pitches in each trip to the plate. While this is a good move fro them, it may not be the move the turns them into 2009 divisional Champions, of course that remains to be seen.

The St. Louis Cardinals trade for Holliday is a post from: The Inquisitr