The Cards Have an Offensive Outburst

On Sunday, the Cards continued their strong offensive performance. The Redbirds outscored the Marlins 14-10. The 14 runs were driven in on 19 hits. Through five games their runs per game and hits per game have been very promising. Most would say this is not very telling considering the opposing teams are sending several pitchers that will be in the minors out to pitch. Many people will also argue that it takes more time for a pitcher to regain his pitching form after the winter than it takes for a batter to find his swing. But with this team, I'm going to be picking out every single positive I can find.

Nearly half of today's runs were driven in courtesy of the powerful Brian Barton. (That was sarcasm-just making sure you know.) Barton finished the day three for five with six runs driven in. Those six runs were driven in by a double and two...count em...two home runs. Barton is officially leading the club this spring in home runs. That number also matches his total from all of 2008.

"(Power) is something that I know I have, especially to the right side," Barton said, after both of his homers on Sunday went out to right. "It's one of the things I'm not going to really worry about. Because whether I hit a ball out or I hit the ball in the gap, it's going to be helpful for the team. So I'm not going to really stress it. I'm just going to go out there and swing the bat and the numbers will show."

Tony La Russa was not completely surprised by this power outburst either. "He showed flashes last year when he caught the ball with good timing. The ball had good carry and he's got a live bat. The balls today, even though the wind was blowing out, it was blowing out for everybody and you had to hit it solid to get it out."

Other offensive notables today were:

• Ludwick: 2-5, 1 RBI
• Barden: 2-3, 2 Doubles, 1 R
• Molina 2-4, Double, 2 R
• Greene: 3-4, Double, 1 RBI, 1 R
• Rasmus: 2-6, 1 R
• Mather: 1-3, Double, 2 R, 3 RBI

The great offense was accompanied by...well, not so great pitching. Starter Joel Pineiro was one bright spot going two innings allowing one unearned run on two hits. (The unearned run was scored off of a Schumaker fielding error at second.) He also struck out two and walked one.

La Russa seemed to be pleased after Pineiro's spring start. "In the throws, he's shown he's in good shape. The ball's got good life. If he goes out there and competes, which I'm sure he will, things will work out." It would be nice to see Pineiro step up and have a solid 2009 to round out the rotation. La Russa said, "If you have gaps in your rotation, not only does it hurt today, but it also eats up your bullpen. Every time you play a three-game series, you want three chances. If all five of these guys pitch to their potential, there wouldn't be a match up that we would feel a disadvantage." Thank you Tony for concurring with me.

Kyle McClellan was not as successful following Pineiro, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk in only 2 1/3 innings. He needs to clear out the cobwebs before the regular season because the Cardinals are going to need a career year from almost every relief pitcher in order to be competitive.

The 3-1-1 Cards take on the defending American League Champion Tampa Bay Heavenly Rays on Monday at lunch time with Wainwright taking the hill.