Cardinals Start a Downward Spiral

It's too early for Cardinals fans to panic, right?

That said, there's a lot of concern in Cardinal Nation.  An Apr. that gave so much promise led to an ugly May.  A team with the largest lead in baseball now sits three games out of first.

It was a terrible night, but especially from the pitching staff.  11 walks—seriously?  I can understand being careful to the batters, but that's beyond the pale.  It's not like it was in Sunday's game, either, when the starter gave up six or so. 

Kyle Lohse didn't look good and Tony LaRussa admitted he probably shouldn't have pitched him, but he walked only three in four innings.  It's not a good rate, but, when you compare it to Chris Perez (three in one inning), Jason Motte (three in one inning) and Dennys Reyes (two in 0.2 innings), it's positively Madduxian.

I'm not really sure who the scapegoat is.  Chris Duncan, for striking out with two on and two out in the seventh, is a strong contender.  Last week, I looked at some batting lines when the hitter has a full count.  At that time, Duncan was one of the best at it, with a .333 average and 8 walks against only three strikeouts.  Unfortunately, he just couldn't come through last night.

I think, though, it has to go to Motte, because you can make the argument that Lohse's start was at least in part to coming back out of rhythm.  Pitching on Friday and then on Monday has to at least mess with your preparation.

Heroically, let's go with the rookie Colby Rasmus.  The hit was a two-run homer and he also walked.  He's one of the few bright spots (along with Skip Schumaker) in the offense lately.

So, is it time to panic?  There are things about which to be optimistic, starting with Chris Carpenter's return on Wednesday.  With Carp and Adam Wainwright scheduled for this coming series with the Cubs, the offense shouldn't have to score too many runs for the Cardinals to win the series.  Rick Ankiel should, in theory, at least, be back in time for the Royals.  Ryan Ludwick could return before the team heads to San Francisco.

I think we have to withhold some judgement until those guys get back.  This team obviously has the talent to do well if the pitching and hitting can get together.  It is a little troubling, though, that May was thought of as an easier month for the Cardinals and has been so traumatic.  June is going to have to start off strong, with home games against Cincinnati and Colorado before a trip to Florida, or John Mozeliak may have to find that panic button.

In other news, Khalil Greene is mentally not doing so well.  You hate to read stories like this, especially because, once he gets into that state, it's going to be very hard to get him out of it.  LaRussa's idea of taking him out of the starting role and helping him just relax may be what is needed.  It definitely can't hurt either him or Tyler Greene, who probably appreciates the extra ABs.  It may also help the Cardinals determine what they need to do at shortstop next year.  If Tyler looks like he can handle the role, it'd be a boost for 2010.

The Cubs come into Busch tonight for a three game set.  It's the third time already the Cardinals have seen the little bears, which may or may not bode well for them.  Ted Lilly gets the first assignment and he's been historically tough on the Birds.  Albert Pujols has done OK against him, but that's about it.  We'll have to see if Pujols can break out of this little slump he's been in recently and provide some offense.

Joel Pineiro goes for the Cards.  I'm not sure exactly what went into the decision to send Lohse out there last night instead of Pineiro, but it must have been something very potent. When you look at Pineiro's numbers against these Cub hitters, you wouldn't necessarily choose to have him face them.  Alfonso Soriano especially has done a number on Pineiro with three home runs. 

It may be another long night for the Redbirds.