One game past the half-way point, and here's where we stand:

On pace for a 64-98 season.

To get to .500, we'd have to go 49-31 (.613) the rest of the way. I'm going to be an optimist and say there's an outside chance that could happen. But I'm going to be a realist and say that even if it does,there's pretty much no way we take the division with less than 85 wins. So that would mean 53-27 (.663). And that ain't gonna happen. And unlike last year, the wild card seems pretty much impossible. So the only playoff scenario left is this:

D'backs continue to tank
Dodgers never put it together
Padres continue to stink as bad as the Rockies
Rockies go on a 2007-type tear (not as extreme; something like 21 of 25 would do)
Giants grab what's rightfully theirs: last place

Not yet as long a shot as we were on Labor Day last year, but it's getting real close.

And what's gone wrong?

1. Power outage. 13th in HRs in the NL this year. A team that plays half its games at Coors is also 12th in runs scored. Injuries explain part of it: Tulo, Hawpe, Holliday. And no, it's not about the humidor. The Coors HR park factor is still 1.27 -- still 6th in all of baseball. Last year was actually lower (1.22)

2. Horrible off-season decision making. Kip Wells, Luis Vizcaino, Yorvit, Redman, Herges. Even the guys who've been o.k. (Herges) just amounted to more money that could've been spent on a real upgrade being spent on spinning our wheels.

3. Poor managing. Crappy players getting way too many PAs. Taveras and Torrealba have been awful. Today is a fine example: an AL game with a DH, and Taveras is in the lineup. No, he wasn't the DH, but he might as well have been, since Spilborghs easily could've played CF. Iannetta caught last night, but he certainly at a minimum could've DH'd today.

4. Crappy pitching. Francis: no, I don't think anything's wrong with him physically; he wasn't as good as his numbers last year, and he's not as bad as his numbers this year. Unfortunately, nobody other than Buchholz (who's been good and extremely lucky) seems to be having a career year this season.

If the D'backs were playing even decent baseball, it would already be break up the Rockies and play for '09 time.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10877567

Only one Panther, made the list. How did your team do? Man football can't get here soon enough for me.


1. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: Can he do any more than he did last season? The scary thing for the rest of the league is, yes he can.

2. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts: Even Manning's down seasons are sensational. If Marvin Harrison is back this year, watch out.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers: His failure to play in the AFC Championship Game hurts his rep some, but he's still the best runner in the game.

4. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots: Talk about resurrecting a reputation. He wasn't on many top 50 lists a year ago. Now he's a top 10 player.


5. Champ Bailey, CB, Denver Broncos: It's chic to pick his game apart. That's foolish. Bailey is still the best cover corner in the game.

6. Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans: Williams is making the Texans proud for passing on Reggie Bush and Vince Young to take this pass rusher. He might have been the league's best defensive player in the final eight weeks of 2007.

7. Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts: The only thing holding him back is the injury issues. When he's on the field, the Colts have a different defense.

8. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: After Brady and Manning he's the third-best quarterback. The Bengals need to run it a little better to take the heat off him.

9. DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys: He was given more freedom in Wade Phillips' version of the 3-4 and played better in 2007. Ware is a speed rusher who has his best football still in front of him.

10. Kevin Williams, DT, Minnesota Vikings: He is a powerful inside player who teams with Pat Williams to form the best tackle tandem in the league. He is good against the run, yet quick enough to get pass-rush penetration.

11. Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers: Merriman is a pass-rush force off the edge. His quickness and power are the perfect combination for the Chargers' 3-4 system. You have to account for him on every pass play.

12. Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings: He led the league in sacks last season with the Chiefs. The Vikings added him to give them the best defensive line in the league. Allen plays hard all the time.

13. Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Forget all the theatrics. He's a star player. He bounced back from his off 2006 season to be one of the best last season. I'd take him on my team any day.

14. Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee Titans: Before he got hurt midway through last season, he was on his way to a potential Defensive Player of the Year award. When motivated, he is as good as anybody inside.

15. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Peterson was special as a rookie and should be even better this time around. He is a big, strong and fast and can rip off the big runs with an Eric Dickerson-like ease.

16. Walter Jones, T, Seattle Seahawks: Jones is a rock on the left side of the Seattle line. He is a great pass protector who has improved as a run blocker.

17. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: At 26, he's entering his prime. Roethlisberger has developed into a quality passer. Playing behind a bad line last year, he hung in tough and led the Steelers to a division title.

18. Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay Packers: Ask Packers insiders who was better last season, Woodson or Pro Bowl player Al Harris. The answer is Woodson. After Bailey, I'd take him over all other corners.

19. Steve Hutchinson, G, Minnesota Vikings: He wasn't his usual self in his first season with the Vikings in 2006, but bounced back to his dominating form last year.

20. Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: It's scary to think what the Eagles offense would be like without him. He's a better runner inside the tackles than many expected and he's good in the passing game. He's a versatile weapon.

21. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers: He was hurt last season when Jake Delhomme went down. It doesn't help that Smith has little help on the other side. Defenses all double him.

22. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: When Marvin Harrison was out last season, Wayne emerged as the team's go-to receiver. The guess here is that is that it stays that way. He's a true star now.

23. Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens: He is the prototype modern safety: rangy and can still tackle. He is what safeties like Roy Williams wish they could be.


24. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers: When the Chargers need a first down through the air, Gates is that guy. And he does it facing constant double-coverage.

25. Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts: He's coming off a serious foot injury, which is a concern. It's why his ranking is down. When he's truly healthy, he's a top 15 player.

26. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans: Injuries limited him last season, but Johnson is one of the best when he's on the field. The Texans were a different team without him last season.

27. Jason Peters, T, Buffalo Bills: I love young, rising players like Peters. He plays with a mean streak. Watching him play is like watching a defensive player go at it.

28. Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: He isn't nearly as good as he thinks he is. But he's still pretty damn good. He does have a tendency to disappear in big games.

29. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders: DeAngelo Hall might get more attention on the other side this season, but Asomugha is a better player. He's been overlooked for the past two seasons.

30. Richard Seymour, DE, New England Patriots: He played hurt last season and wasn't the same player as in years past. But he's still one of the best when he's healthy.

31. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals gave him a new contract in March because he's their go-to guy. He teams with Anquan Boldin to form one of the top receiving duos.

32. Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago Bears: A few years back he was overrated. He's not anymore. Urlacher excels in the middle of the Chicago defense.

33. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams: The offensive line woes of the Rams really hurt Jackson last season. That line will be better this season and his numbers will go up.

34. Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland Browns: Edwards was second to Moss with 16 receiving touchdowns in his third season in the league. He averaged 16.1 per catch and will only get better as he hits his prime.

35. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: For the second consecutive season, Brees put up huge numbers in the Saints offense. He might not be the biggest or have the strongest arm, but Brees knows how to throw the football.

36. Tommie Harris, DT, Chicago Bears: Harris is strong and quick. He had eight sacks last season, showing off his quickness. He can still hold the point against the run.

37. Asante Samuel, CB, Philadelphia Eagles: He had a big season at the right time, cashing in on a huge deal with the Eagles. He's great at playing the ball in the air, but some scouts think he freelances too much.

38. Shawn Andrews, G, Philadelphia Eagles: He's a huge guard at 6-4, 345 pounds and he shows off that power when blocking for the run. He improved in pass protection in 2007, although the Eagles line regressed as a whole.

39. Ernie Sims, LB, Detroit Lions: It's too bad more people don't get to watch him play. He's a fast linebacker who always seems to find his way to the football. He's a younger Derrick Brooks.

40. Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seattle Seahawks: He's a fierce tackler in the middle of that Seattle defense. He's not big at 6-feet tall, but he plays big. You can tell he loves the game.

41. Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots: He was the best front-seven player on the Pats defense last season. He's a load in the middle. Moving him off the ball is tough for any center.


42. Osi Umenyiora, DE, New York Giants: His speed off the right side is a huge plus for the New York defense. Without Mike Strahan playing on the other side this season, it will be interesting to see how Umenyiora does now.

43. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers: It didn't take him long to establish himself as a top middle linebacker. He is fast, active and packs a punch. In a year or so, he might be the best insider linebacker in the game.

44. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland Browns: He has emerged as one of the rising stars for a rising team. His ability to stretch the defense is vital to the Cleveland offense.

45. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay Packers: He plays all out all the time. Despite being light at 265 pounds, he holds up against the run at left end quite well. He has speed and strength as a pass rusher.

46. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Kansas City Chiefs: He's one of those guys who doesn't seem to ever slow down. He had 99 catches last year in a bad offense.

47. Marcus Trufant, CB, Seattle Seahawks: He led all NFC corners with seven interceptions. He also got credit for 22 passes defensed. He has emerged as a top-tier corner.

48. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots: Yes, he belongs on this list. He had an amazing season as a slot receiver in 2007. Even when teams knew he was getting the football, he made plays.

49. Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Taylor finally got his due last season with his first Pro Bowl appearance. At 32, he remains one of the biggest home-run threats in the league. His 5.4 per-carry average was second best among the league's best rushers to Peterson (5.6).

50. Devin Hester, KR, Chicago Bears: I don't normally put return men on these lists, but this guy has earned it. It will be interesting to see how long he can maintain it.

Just missed: Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers; Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs; Patrick Kerney, DE, Seattle Seahawks; Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers; Adrian Wilson, S, Arizona Cardinals; Antonio Cromartie, CB, San Diego Chargers' Terence Newman, CB, Dallas Cowboys; DeMeco Ryans, LB, Houston Texans; Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys.

Lloyd looking to land kickoff job this season for the Panthers - CarolinaGrowl.com

From Carolina growl:
CHARLOTTE – Rhys Lloyd stands out at Carolina Panthers football practice like a guy in a three-piece suit at a NASCAR race.

Maybe it’s the English accent. Or his long dark hair that falls well over the ears. Or, maybe it’s just his long kickoffs that actually sail into the end zone and not out of bounds, something folks simply aren’t used to seeing around here lately.

You see Lloyd and you think futbal player, not football player.

And rightfully so.

Lloyd, by nature, is just that -- a former soccer player from Dover, England who is hoping his big leg lands him a full-time job in the NFL as kickoff specialist.

Original Panther John Kasay, who turns 39 later this year, has been one of the more consistent field goal kickers in the NFL over the years – he was 24 of 28 last year -- but within the past few years his distance on kickoffs has noticeably decreased.

Many of Kasay’s kicks that once sailed close to the goal line and beyond weren’t even reaching the 10-yard line last season. Five of his kickoffs bounced out of bounds, by rule giving the opponent starting field position at their own 40-yard line. Punter Jason Baker, who has shared some of the kickoff duties in the past, has struggled as well.

Lloyd is a possible solution.

The Panthers added him to their roster late last season and activated him for the season finale against Tampa Bay. It took him only 60 minutes to match Carolina’s entire season total in touchbacks, knocking two balls into the end zone that weren’t returned. Lloyd's two touchbacks kept the Panthers from finishing last in the league in that category.

By comparison, Oakland’s Sabastian Janikowski led the NFL in touchbacks in 2007 with 22.

Impressed, the Panthers quickly signed Lloyd to a two-year contract that runs through 2009.

Given how important field position is in the NFL, Panthers coach John Fox is now faced with the possibility of having to keep Lloyd on the 53-man roster as a kickoff specialist, something NFL coaches prefer not to do because it robs them of a roster spot that could be used for a positional player like a wide receiver, linebacker or defensive back.

“This isn’t a novel thought. There are a lot of people in the league that carry two kickers,” Fox said. “It’s an option, just like anybody else on the roster. If that’s going to make us better, that’s who we’ll keep.”

So Lloyd will basically be fighting his own personal battle this summer when the Panthers reconvene at Wofford College for the start of training camp on July 25.

If he proves he can put the ball in the end zone on a consistent basis then Lloyd probably gets a roster spot.

And if not? Well, you know what happens then.

“Obviously John is here and John will continue to do the job he’s been doing,” Lloyd said. “I’ll just kind of fit in as they need me. It’s a good opportunity and hopefully I can succeed at it.”

Lloyd wasn’t one of those kids who grew up dreaming of playing in the NFL.

His father Bryn was a professional soccer player in Europe, which meant Lloyd pretty much kicked around a soccer ball since the day he learned to walk. In 1997, Bryn Lloyd moved his family to Minnesota to take a job coaching youth soccer.

Rhys never thought much about American football until the spring of his sophomore year.

On a trip to Florida he entered the NFL’s Extreme Challenge competition. There, his high school football coach saw him kick a football and urged him to try out. So Lloyd did, playing soccer all week in high school while kicking for the football team on Friday night.

After two years at a junior college, he earned a scholarship to Minnesota where he kicked the winning field goal in the Golden Gophers’ Sun Bowl win against Oregon in 2003. He parlayed that into more experience on the football field in the now defunct NFL Europa and spent last season on Baltimore Ravens practice squad kicking behind another aging kicker in Matt Stover.

While he remains a huge soccer fan, Lloyd knows his best bet to make money is to land a spot in the NFL as a kickoff specialist and then work his way up to kicking field goals and extra points.

“I understand that I’m young and I need to be working in the system a little bit more,” Lloyd said. “I’ve been fortunate to be behind the likes of John and Matt Stover in that I can learn. But eventually, if the opportunity arises, I’d like to be both. But I know kickoffs is a way of getting into the league, and if that’s what it takes, I’m here.”

Top 10 Worst Franchise Names | Bleacher Report


Here is a fun top 10 list of the worst sports franchises names compiled by Ben Schwartz .


June 26, 2008




Here is the top 10 list of the worst names for franchises in the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. I rank these based on the fact they have no real relationship to the city or state the team plays in. I also provide some fun and serious name alternatives. Give me a comment or even your own suggestions. (Also check out Sportsencyclopedia.com) I got my info from there about how some of the teams got their names.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)

Jaguars are a part of the "big cat" family. They are found in Central and South America. Last time I checked, Jacksonville was nowhere near the feline’s native habitat.

Possible Name Alternatives: Jacksonville Car Imports (only kidding) or Jacksonville Generals (In reference to former President and US General Andrew Jackson, who the city is named after)

09. Carolina Panthers (NFL)

Another big feline enters my list, the Panthers. Again, you have southern city with no traces of the black panthers living anywhere in site, except maybe the Charlotte Zoo.

Possible Name Alternatives: Carolina Royals (Charlotte was nicknamed "Queen City") or Carolina Swarm (in reference to the city also being nicknamed "The Hornets Nest"

08. Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)

Originally located in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Grizzlies made perfect sense. The dense forests of northwest Canada had plenty of big grizzlie bears. But earth to Memphis! No grizzlies are roaming around the town that Elvis built. Heck, there’s a better chance of seeing an Elvis sighting than a grizzly bear.

Possible Name Alternatives: Memphis Blues (City known for blues music) or Memphis Cargos (another just kidding, but this is in reference to the city having the busiest cargo airports in the nation)

07. New York Rangers (NHL)

A team located in the middle of Manhattan with no western style saloons in site. No cowboys roaming the streets of NYC (except the Naked Cowboy in Times Square). The team got the name from the Tex Rickard, who ran MSG, after people considered the new hockey team, "Tex's Rangers"

Possible Name Alternatives: New York Traffic (just kidding) or New York Liberty (make it a law that the WNBA Liberty needs to change their names to Lady Liberties) or even New York Rush (in reference to rush-hour traffic)

06. New Orleans Hornets (NBA)

When the team was located in Charlotte, North Carolina it made sense to be the Hornets. Charlotte's nickname was "The Hornet's Nest", but times have changed and they have moved to The Big Easy. While I'm sure hornets do fly around stinging people in Louisiana, the name of the team should resemble its city.

Possible Name Alternatives: NEW ORLEANS JAZZ (take it from Utah)

05. New Jersey Nets (NBA)

Even if they are my favorite basketball team, the name is just stupid. Named after a basketball NET? What's next...the NFL's Pig Skinners? The MLB's Bats or the NHL's Pucks? The team should resemble something that is not an object in the game but rather from where the team is from. Given that the team started on Long Island and then moved to New Jersey and will possibly be moving to Brooklyn in the near future...here are a few choices.

Possible Name Alternatives: New Jersey Meadowlanders (represents them playing at the Meadowlands) or Brooklyn Dodgers (to help cherish the borough's former pastime) or New Jersey Pollution (to represent that long strip of the Turnpike that smells vile.

04. Calgary Flames (NHL)

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, the Atlanta Flames were named after a famous fire that took over the city in 1917. The team then moved on to Calgary, Alberta. During the wintertime in Calgary, it's usually not flaming hot but decently cold. Therefore the name makes no sense.

Possible Name Alternatives: Calgary Ice (just the opposite of flames) or Calgary Mountaineers (located in Canadian Rockies)

03. Kansas City Royals (MLB)

They were named after the American Royal Livestock Show, which has taken place in Kansas City since 1899. That's enough for me to say about them...to be named after a livestock show?

Possible Name Alternatives: Kansas City And We're Not Even In Kansas (just kidding) or Kansas City Scouts (bringing back the NHL team name) or the Kansas City Fountains? (city is nicknamed "city of fountains")

02. Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)

The land of a thousand lakes...Minnesota....not Hollywood. What was the city of Angels thinking when Minnesota's Lakers were coming to town? The most famous lake in LA was probably built by Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion.

Possible Name Alternatives: Los Angeles Smog (just kidding) or Los Angeles Action (in reference to the movie phrase)

01. Utah Jazz (NBA)

Salt Lake City is not overwhelmed with jazz clubs left and right like New Orleans is, where the Jazz were originally from. Heck, outside Salt Lake, you'd be lucky to find anything civilized. It is one giant combo of desert, mountains, snow and one big city.

Possible Name Alternatives: Utah Salt Lakers (makes more sense than LA) or Utah Miners (big industry in Utah) or Utah Elks (state animal).


I guess there could be reason to include almost every team on this list.
Wash Redskins ?
NY Giants ?

Probables: Braden Looper vs Brian Bannister @ 1PM.
Keep us on the right track, Braden!

Boggs
The Official Site of The St. Louis Cardinals: News: St. Louis Cardinals News

STLtoday - cards

Navigating Through Adversity.
STLtoday - Cardinals keep navigating through adversity

Ludwick
The Official Site of The St. Louis Cardinals: News: Ludwick showing signs of rebound

MSN schedule
FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Schedules

Yahoo schedule
MLB - Scores & Schedule Sunday June 29, 2008 - Yahoo! Sports

Standings.
The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Standings: Regular Season Standings
Won 46 Lost 36

mattcrossman
SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from MLB Baseball columnists
Cardinals don't have the talent to sustain hot start
There are few on it you would want for your team other than Albert Pujols.
Heck, there might be no one on it you could name other than Albert Pujols.

Additions and corrections are appreciated.

The New Orleans Zephyrs are at Memphis Redbirds @ 1:30PM.
Probable: Brad Thompson.
Memphis Redbirds: Home
Redbirds : Memphis Commercial Appeal
AM 560 Sports 56 WHBQ - The Voice of the Fan!

The Midland RockHounds are at Springfield Cardinals @ 6PM.
Probables: Jess Todd vs Vincent Mazzaro.
Springfield Cardinals
JOCK 98.7 FM

The Tampa Yankees are at Palm Beach Cardinals @ 5PM.
Palm Beach Cardinals: Home

The Quad City River Bandits are at Clinton LumberKings @ 2PM.
Quad Cities River Bandits: Home

The Danville Braves are at Johnson City Cardinals @ 5PM.
Johnson City Cardinals: Home

The VSL Cards have a scheduled off day.
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: VSL Cardinals
New time zone
Current local time in Caracas - Venezuela

The GCL Marlins are at GCL Cards @ 11AM.
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: GCL Cardinals

The DSL Cardinals have a scheduled off day.
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: DSL Cardinals

The Batavia Muckdogs are at Jamestown Jammers @ 5PM.
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: Batavia Muckdogs

MiLB Standings
USATODAY.com
MiLB team schedules
Minor League Baseball: Schedule: Schedule
Minor League Baseball: Multimedia: Gameday Audio

Off topic:
The Big Guys are at Kansas City.
Probables: Braden Looper vs Brian Bannister @ 1PM.

Cards Website - Home link
The Official Site of The St. Louis Cardinals: Homepage

FSN schedule
FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Schedules

Additions and corrections are appreciated.

We have reached the half-way point in the season. Time flies when you're having fun. Our record is 45-36. If we were told that our record would be 9 over .500 and that we would be in line for a 90 win season from the getgo, I think that we would have been thrilled. The game plan was to be able to survive until the walking wounded returned. So far, it has gone way beyond expectations.Sure, there a number of games that we should have won but the same can be said of most other teams. Right now, we are headed to the post season with either the pennant or WC.
WJ used to have a theory that getting back injured players was better than making a trade and he treated those returning as acquisitions. What would you give in trade for Adam Wainwright or Chris Carpenter?
The Cards have had to crawl their way through a maze of injuries. I would expect Izturis to be back next week. The Cards will be at full strength offensively. It is obvious that we need one impact bat. His name is not Duncan. Internally, the options seem to be Mather or Rasmus. Either would be an upgrade. I wouldn't worry about Ludwick or Ankiel. They are running true to form. Sometimes hot, sometimes cold.
Maybe the better option will come from outside the organization. There will be a number of names available at the deadline. I'm pretty sure that Jason Bay will be one of them. I'd love to see him batting behind Albert and in front of Glaus. My lineup would be Schu, Kennedy, Albert, Bay, Glaus, Ankiel/Ludwick, Yadi, pitcher and Izturis. I don't see any holes. Kennedy hits much better in the 2 slot and his bat is coming around.
The biiger question is pitching. It seems that if the Cards even plan on plugging in a starter, he's headed to the DL. I like what the Cards seem to be doing with Mulder and Clement. It looks like Clement's results at Memphis are going unnoticed. He pitched another scoreless inning in relief last night. We may see him sooner than later. Both Mulder and Clement need innings in major league competition before being ready for a starting role. Fate may have dictated that they get them. Randy Flores should join his brother in Memphis before ever taking a major league mound again. Franklin is a good 8th inning stopper. He is not a closer. How about giving Perez the shot if Izzy goes back on the DL? Everyone needs a role. Don't be surprised by the BP results. They have been overused and no one, except Franklin, has been given a definate role. If you look at the years the Cards were at their best, everyone knew what their place was. The Cards need to retro to that thinking. We have a good BP from the right side. Perez, Franklin, McClellan, Springer and Izzy, when healthy. Hopefully, Mulder can be a stopgap measure from the left side. Villone can be effective if not overused but we need help and unless Garcia is brought up, it will have to come via trade.
That leads to the best option IMHO. A deal with Pitts for Bay and Marte. What would it take. Probably Reyes, Anderson and maybe, Mather. There are only a few players who I'd label untouchable for those 2. No Rasmus, Garcia or Todd. Other than that, do what's necessary. I believe, if the deal is made, the Cards will go all the way. Infernal optimist I may be but I don't see another team that would be able to match us especially when we get Wainwright back.
Now you see what happens when I wake up way too early with nothing better to do.
Hope you don't mind my ramblings.
See ya later.

Probables: Mitchell Boggs vs Kyle Davies @ 6PM.
Go Mitchell! We need a shutout for at least 9 innings.
Our batters don't get runs.

Drop
The Official Site of The St. Louis Cardinals: News: St. Louis Cardinals News

Royal Pain
STLtoday - Royal pain as Cards fall to KC again

MSN schedule
FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Schedules

Yahoo schedule
MLB - Scores & Schedule Saturday June 28, 2008 - Yahoo! Sports

Standings.
The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Standings: Regular Season Standings
Won 45 Lost 36 & Dropping like a rock.

mattcrossman
SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball stats, scores, standings, blogs and fantasy news from MLB Baseball columnists
Cardinals don't have the talent to sustain hot start
There are few on it you would want for your team other than Albert Pujols.
Heck, there might be no one on it you could name other than Albert Pujols.

Additions and corrections are appreciated

The New Orleans Zephyrs are at Memphis Redbirds @ 7PM.
Probables: Clayton Mortensen vs Nelson Figueroa.
They had listed Mortensen last night by mistake.
Memphis Redbirds: Home
Good articles. P.J. Walters hit by line drive. Hopefully OK.
Look at that hitting. We needed it in Kansas City.
Redbirds : Memphis Commercial Appeal
AM 560 Sports 56 WHBQ - The Voice of the Fan!

The Frisco Rough Riders are at Springfield Cardinals @ 7PM.
Probables: Tyler Herron vs Trey Hodges.
Frisco is 8-0.
Springfield Cardinals
JOCK 98.7 FM

The Tampa Yankees are at Palm Beach Cardinals @ 5PM.
Palm Beach Cardinals: Home

The Quad City River Bandits are at Clinton LumberKings @ 7PM.
Quad Cities River Bandits: Home

The Johnson City Cardinals are at Elizabethton Twins @ 6PM.
Johnson City Cardinals: Home

The VSL Cards are at VSL Mets @ 11:30AM.
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: VSL Cardinals
New time zone
Current local time in Caracas - Venezuela

The GCL Cards are at GCL Dodgers @ 9AM.
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: GCL Cardinals

The DSL Phillies are at DSL Cardinals @ 9:30AM .
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: DSL Cardinals

The Batavia Muckdogs are at Mahoning Valley Scrappers @ 6PM.
Minor League Baseball: Clubs: Batavia Muckdogs

MiLB Standings
USATODAY.com
MiLB team schedules
Minor League Baseball: Schedule: Schedule
Minor League Baseball: Multimedia: Gameday Audio

Off topic:
The Big Guys are at Kansas City.
Probables: Mitchell Boggs vs Kyle Davies @ 6PM.

Cards Website - Home link
The Official Site of The St. Louis Cardinals: Homepage

FSN schedule
FOX Sports on MSN - MLB - Schedules

Additions and corrections are appreciated.

Panthers.com

Hilee Taylor would have gone anywhere to pursue a career in the sport that long ago became his life's passion.

But truth be told, he didn't want to leave North Carolina, the state in which he was born and raised and the place where his parents, Hilee and Grace, nurtured his dreams from his elementary-school years, when he fell in love with the sport that would consume him and, by his own admission, keep him "on the straight path."