http://michaeljansen.net an NL Central blog Sun, 30 Jul 2006 21:52:29 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Apparently, the Cardinals traded for Ronnie Belliard today.  They gave up Hector Luna, who they got from the Indians for nothing in the Rule V draft 3 years ago.  So long term the Cards got Ronnie Belliard for nothing.  Luna is only 26 and can already hit well for a ... http://michaeljansen.net/?p=399 Clearly, the Cardinals are not as good as the Cardinals of 2004 or 2005, teams which failed to win it all.  So how are they going to win it this year?  Here are my keys: Make the playoffs.  Duh.  The truth is that any team that makes the palyoffs has a descent ... http://michaeljansen.net/?p=398 Some more thoughts as the Cards take on the Dodgers. Anthony Reyes is a gem.  He struck out the side in the first in convincing fashion.  He got ahead of all four batters with first pitch fastballs low in the strike zone.  He put each hitter away with either his nasty ... http://michaeljansen.net/?p=397 Kip Wells gives up five over six, brings ERA down three points to twelve point fourish in loss to Mets. http://michaeljansen.net/?p=395 Cubs...win? Houston says, "We don't stink just for Roger: we do it for Oswalt, too!" as complete game wasted. http://michaeljansen.net/?p=394 Jeff Weaver, recently DFA'ed, is a Cardinal: while not great, there's a good chance he's better than Suppan or Ponson. http://michaeljansen.net/?p=396 Cardinals cuffed again, this time in Atlanta. Their four point five nine team ERA shows that their pitching quite mediocre. http://michaeljansen.net/?p=393 Twenty words each on the NL Central All-Stars: Albert Pujols, 1B (STL) - "Starting at first base, having received three point eight bajillion votes, the most of all players, the Cardinals' Al-berrrrrrt Puuuuu-jollllls!" Scott Rolen, 3B (STL) - Thanks to David Wright, a reserve player this year despite returning to 2004 form ... http://michaeljansen.net/?p=391 You know Bud Selig and MLB have image problems when Jose "Surreal Life" Canseco's comments on steroid policy have credibility. http://michaeljansen.net/?p=392 Some random notes while I watch my Cardinals take on the Braves: This is not quite the NL powerhouse struggle ESPN had in mind when they scheduled this game. I am pleasantly surprised that Rick Sutcliffe is calling the game instead of Joe Morgan. But Sutcliffe just said that La Russa ... http://michaeljansen.net/?p=390