Monday was all about Chris Carpenter, as the eyes of St. Louis baseball were joining me in Springfield. It was an electric evening, and one I know my wife and Dad will not forget. While the results were secondary, it does appear that the Cardinals will need at least two or three more starts to know what the former Cy Young winner can bring the last two months of the season. Both Memphis and Peoria are at home if the plan falls right, and I encourage everyone within driving distance to make the trek.
Springfield literally dominated the schedule last night, as it appeared most of baseball took the night off for the other game in NYC. Zach Petrick put on his own All-Star performance, as the former reliever certainly seems right at home in the rotation. The non-drafted free agent’s story will only grow with the step up in competition, and the following message from Bob proves another road trip is in my future.
@aprfool79 You are going to like what you see. He’s Seth Maness with velocity 🙂
— Bob Netherton (@CardinalTales) July 17, 2013
Monday, July 15th
White smoke — Cory Jones, Peoria, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 9 SO (4th straight victory)
Gray smoke — Cesar Velera, State College, 0-5, 2 SO, 5 LOB, GIDP, 7th Error
Black smoke — Chris Swauger, Springfield, 1-5, SO, 5 LOB in return to AA
OT smoke — Oscar Taveras, GCL Cards, 1-1, 2B, BB (First rehab game)
Tuesday, July 16th in Springfield
White smoke — Petrick, 6 IP, 4 H, R, WP, BB, 8 SO, W (86 SO, 13 BB across 3 levels)
Gray smoke — Justin Wright, 0.1 IP, R, 2 BB
Black smoke — Xavier Scruggs, 0-4, 2 SO (7 SO’s and 0-11 first three games of series)
Brock Peterson and Michael Wacha take center stage tonight for the AAA All-Star game as well as a full slate of games. The unofficial second half has begun, and the Cardinals are about to make some moves. It is my favorite baseball time of the year as the push towards the trade deadline constantly brings excitement and continues all the way to Christmas. Some changes are needed to keep the competition fresh, and my July presents are always better with the surprise.
