To make my list, I had to see the player actually play. When I did this I left out some very good Cardinal players. The likes of Dizzy Dean, Rogers Hornsby, Enos Slaughter, Hal Breechen, Red Schoendiest and Pepper Martin will not be on my list. My list starts when I attended the first Cardinals game. Yes, this makes me old but the year was 1957.
Catcher – Ted Simmons: Simmons demonstrated star potential from the very beginning. Drafted tenth overall in 1967 at the age of 17, he made his first appearance in the majors the next year. Simmons was a regular before the age of 21.

As a Cardinal, he batted above .300 and topped 90 RBIs six times and reached 20 home runs five different seasons, switch-hitting all the while. In fact, Simmons set the National League career home run record for a switch-hitter with 182 and slammed 483 career doubles.

My worst feelings about the otherwise-exciting 1982 World Series were in seeing the man who may have deserved to enjoy it the most, Ted Simmons, hitting home runs for the opposing Milwaukee Brewers instead of the Cardinals. Though he had departed from St. Louis via trade at the age of 31 following the 1980 season, Simmons had already cemented his legacy as the greatest catcher in franchise history.

In a 21-season career, Simmons compiled a .288 batting average with 248 home runs and 1389 RBI in 2456 games.

• 8-time All-Star (1972-74, 1977-79, 1981, 1983)
• Silver Slugger Award (1980)
• 7-time hit .300 or more (1971-73, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1983)
• Twice led the NL in intentional walks(1976-77). He ranks 15th in the All-Time list with 188.

First Base – Albert Pujols: Mr All-Universe. He doesn’t have the rings yet (1) but time might be kind to him. He is the total sports package. Enjoyable to watch and a fierce competitor.

The main question is whether it will also be a stretch of consistent greatness for his ballclub. The amount of Pujols’ personal success that drives team success may ultimately define the extent of his enduring legacy among the game’s immortals.

Second Base – Julian Javier: Javier was strictly a good-contact singles hitter, one who jumps on high fastballs and hits them up the middle. He was also a good hit-and-run man, and one of the best bunters in the league. A smart baserunner, he was quick enough out of the box to avoid hitting into double play, sand never hesitated to take the extra base. As a second baseman, Javier was a master at handling slow rollers, with good range to both sides, going back for pop-ups, and turning the double play fearlessly.

On July 9, 1963, Javier and teammates White, Groat and Boyer combined for an all-Cardinal starting NL All Star infield. He played again in the 1968 All-Star game. The same year, he was considered in the MVP selection (9th).

A .333 hitter in 19 World Series games, Javier belted a three-run home run in Game Seven of the 1967 World Series, to help pitcher Bob Gibson win his third Series game against the Red Sox and bring the World Championship to the Cardinals.

In 13-season career, Javier hit .257 with 78 home runs, 506 RBI, 722 runs, 216 doubles, 55 triples, and 135 stolen bases in 1,622 games  Shortstop – Ozzie Smith: “Go crazy folks”. He is that guy. The one Jack Buck glorified for his bat and yet it was his leather that endured him to the fans of Cardinal Nation. Acrobatic and well positioned on every play. Ozzie was ready.

I didn’t like the trade Templeton for Smith at the beginning but it was a Whitey Herzog steal. That day, the Cardinals added a future Hall of Famer and one of their most popular players ever.

In 1991, his eight errors all season set an all-time major league low by a shortstop. He owns MLB career records for assists, chances accepted and double plays at the position. Smith had collected more All-Star Game votes than any other player in league history upon his retirement.

Third Base – Ken Boyer: Boyer was a hard nosed player. He went all out all the time. He played 11 years with the Cardinals. Boyer owned a .348 average as a seven-time All-Star. He was no slouch defensively with  five Gold Gloves.

Winner of the 1964 National League MVP Award, he became the second player at his position to hit 250 career home runs, and retired with the third highest slugging percentage by a third baseman (.462). His 255 homers as a Cardinal rank second for right-handed hitters to Albert Pujols, and rank third in club history to teammate Stan Musial’s 475. A five-time Gold Glove Award winner, he also led the NL in double plays five times and retired among the all-time leaders in games (6th, 1785), assists (6th, 3652) and double plays (3rd, 355) at third base. Outfield – Stan Musial: The Best. Stan was always cordial to teammates and was a fan friendly player even in his playing days.

Musial joined the Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection in 1969 after being named on 93% of the ballots.  This shows the type of player everyone across America knew he was.

Musial started his career as a pitcher but after a shoulder injury moved to the outfield in 1940. Musial played 1,890 games in the outfield and 1,016 games at first base, but was primarily known for his consistent hitting. The left-hander led the National League in batting average seven times and in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and hits six times each. He won the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1943, 1946, and 1948, and in 1957, received Sports Illistrated magazine’s “Sportsman of the Year” award. He is one of only two players to hit five home runs in one day – Musial did it in a doubleheader against the New York Giants in 1954 (Nate Colbert of the San Diego Padres accomplished the same feat in 1972). Musial went on to win three MVP awards (currently only nine players have won 3 or more) as well as finish 2nd in MVP voting 4 times, including 3 years in a row, from 1949-51, and finished in the Top-10 of NL MVP voting 14 times between 1943 and 1962. Also noteworthy is that in his whole career, he only struck out more than 40 times in a season three times – two of them his final two years active.

His 3,630 career hits made him the NL’s all-time leader on that list at the time he retired, and second in the major leagues to ty Cobb. He still ranks fourth all-time, behind Pete Rose, Cobb and Hank Aaron. (Musial’s 3,630th and final hit was a single beyond the reach of Rose, then a rookie second baseman.)

Musial’s career was perhaps most notable for its consistency. His .331 career batting average ranks 30th; he batted .336 at home and .326 on the road. He batted .340 in day games and .320 at night. Remarkably, Musial had exactly 1,815 career hits at home, and 1,815 hits on the road. In his September 1941 debut, Musial had two hits; after he got two hits in his final game, 22 years later, a sportswriter jokingly wrote, “He hasn’t improved at all.”

An avid accordion player, Stan would woo the crowds after his retirement with his rendition of “Take me Out to the ballgame”. Loved by all, Stan the Man.
Outfield – Lou Brock: The base burglar.  There is no debate that in the biggest games, Brock excelled.  He is the only man to steal three bases in a single World Series game two different times. His seven stolen bases in both 1967 and 1968 are the seven-game Series record and his career total of 14 tied for the most ever.

After Brock was traded to the Cardinals, his career turned around significantly. He moved to left field and batted .348 and stealing 38 bases for the Cardinals in the remainder of the 1964 season. The Cardinals would win the 1964 world series helped in part by Brock’s bat. Meanwhile, Ernie Broglio won only seven games for the Chicago Cubs and retired from baseball after the 1966 season To this day, the Brock for Broglio trade is considered by Cubs’ fans to be the worst in franchise history.In 1967, Brock became the first player in baseball history to amass 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. The following year, 1968,  he was the first man to lead the National League in doubles, triples and stolen bases in 60 years.

I remember the Brock-a-brella people wore.
Outfield – Curt Flood: A defensive standout, he led the NL in putouts four times and in fielding percentage twice, winning Gold Glove awards in his last seven full seasons from 1963-1969. He also batted over .300 six times, and led the NL in hits (211) in 1964. He retired with the third most games in center field (1683) in NL history.

His major claim to fame is becoming one of the pivotal figures in the sport’s labor history when he refused to accept a trade following the 1969 season, ultimately appealing his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Although his legal challenge was unsuccessful, it brought about additional solidarity among players as they fought against baseball’s reserve clause and sought free agency.

Left-handed Starting Pitcher – Steve Carlton: A quiet, hard throwing lefthander that dominated batters most of the time. The Carlton for Wise deal was one of the worst that I can remember that hurt and haunted the Cardinals. Steve didn’t wish to talk to the media but he let his pitching do the talking. 

Carlton has the second-most lifetime strikeoutsof any left-handed pitcher (4th overall), and the second-most lifetime wins of any left-handed pitcher (11th overall). He was the first pitcher to win four Cy Young awards in a career. He held the lifetime strikeout record several times between 1982 and 1984 before his contemporary Nolan Ryan passed him. One of his most remarkable records was accounting for nearly half (46%) of his team’s wins, when he won 27 games for the last-place (59-97) 1972 Phillies. He is still the last National League pitcher to win 25 or more games in one season^, as well as the last pitcher from any team to throw more than 300 innings in a season  Right-handed Starting Pitcher – Bob Gibson: Gibson had it all – a blazing fastball, pinpoint control and an intense, no-nonsense demeanor. DOMINATION. Gibby took every game, every pitch seriously. He never took a batter as as a slouch.

In the eight seasons from 1963 to 1970, he won 156 games and lost 81, for a .658 winning percentage. He won nine gold glove Awards, was awarded the World Series MVP in 1964and 1967, and won Cy Young awards in 1968 and 1970.

His 1967 World Series performance was notable. Gibson allowed only three earned runs and 14 hits over three complete game victories (Games 1, 4, and 7), the latter two marks tying Christy Mathewson’s 1905 record, also hitting a vital home run in Game 7. Moreover, he had come back late in that season from having his leg broken earlier in the season (July 15) from a line drive by Roberto Clemente. The next time he faced Clemente he threw a pitch over Clemente’s head which forced Clemente to take a dive into the dirt of the batter’s box.

His ERA in 1968 was 1.12, which is a live-ball era record. He threw 13 shutouts, and allowed only two earned runs in 92 straight innings of pitching. Gibson also pitched 47 consecutive scoreless innings, at the time the second longest scoreless streak in Major League history behind only don Drysdaless 58 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, which had been set earlier that very season. He also won the National League MVP. Yet, because 1968 was known as “The Year of the Pitcher”, he somehow managed to lose 9 games despite such eye-opening statistics, finishing with a record of 22-9.Gibson was just the second player to ever reach 3,000 strikeouts, but was more than just a fireballer – he was truly a balanced player. The righty could hit, as evidenced by his 24 career home runs and could man his position with the very best, collecting nine Gold Glove Awards for fielding excellence.

Along with that 7-2 World Series record was a 1.89 ERA, including two shutouts and he went nine innings every time out! Gibson fanned 92 enemy hitters in those 81 frames while walking just 17.

Gibson was always dominant, but was especially so when it mattered most and is truly deserving of having been named our greatest Cardinals pitcher ever.

Relief Pitcher – Bruce Sutter: Sutter was arguably the first pitcher to make effective use of the split-finger fastball, which he called “The Jewel”. One of the sport’s dominant relievers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he became the only pitcher to lead the National League in saves five times (1979-1982, 1984), and retired with 300 saves – at the time, the third highest total in history. Sutter had set the NL record in 1982 with his 194th save, surpassing the mark held by Roy Face. In 1979, Sutter won the NL’s Cy Young Award as the league’s top pitcher. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Bruce Sutter picked up 127 saves for St. Louis, including an amazing 45 saves in 1984. A member of the 1982 World Champion Cardinals he is credited with two saves.

A two-time All-Star (1981-84) in a Cardinals uniform, Sutter won three NL Rolaids Relief awards (1981, 82, 84) while playing for St. Louis.

Cardinals All-Time Team Honorable Mentions

Catcher: I would like to add some here like Mc Carver or Porter but none of them really were great Cardinals.

First Base: Mark McGwire, Keith Hernandez, Joe Torre

Second Base: None come to mind

Shortstop: Dick Groat

Third Base: Scott Rolen, Ken Reitz (probably not great but a favorite of mine)

Outfield:Willie McGee, Jim Edmonds

Left-handed Starting Pitcher: John Tudor

Right-handed Starting Pitcher:  Bob Forsch

Relief Pitcher : Lindy McDaniel

This is a collaboratively project to be completed by the United Cardinals Bloggers. Be sure to check them all out for some good reading.

• Cardinal Nation Globe
• C70 at the Bat
• Future Redbirds
• Readin’ Redbird
• Redbird Ramblings
• Redbirds Fun
• Rockin’ the Red
• Stan Musial’s Stance

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Ok, maybe I am believing my own writings but a serious concern has developed. How long can Albert Pujols play at his current level with his physical concerns? Some believe and I might buy into it that he is 3 years or less away from retirement or physically induced retirement.

When a guy can’t straightened his elbow and has pain that becomes unbearable it no longer is something someone wants to do much longer. That concerns me.

Let’s look at what was written this week.

• Pujols said he decided against offseason surgery on his right elbow, a trouble spot for several years, because he would have had to miss a significant portion if not all the 2008 season. Pujols still is unable to straighten his arm, but team doctors concluded that because he plays first base, an operation can be postponed.He said his elbow bothered him the second half of last season, and said if that happens again he wouldn’t try to soldier through it.

  “If the same problem is happening this year, I don’t think I’m to play the whole year the same way,” Pujols said. “I sacrificed my body.”

We may not see him play 120 games this year. He’s a gamer. He will try, but if we are as bad as some forums are making us out to be, then he may “see the light” and get the surgery. I am not his financial advisor but he probably has all the money he needs and could walk away if the pain becomes too severe.

Let’s hope for 10 more productive years in Cardinals uniform for Albert Pujols!

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I write this with some resignation because it stems from what some are referring to at the Winter Warmup in STL this past weekend.

It seems that some are ripping Sir Albert for his lack of enthusiasm while signing autographs to kids. It was reported that some 8 yr old and 11 yr old kids were all excited. They said Wainwright was awesome and had fun with them and smiled and Miles asked to to sit with him at breakfast. Molina was a clown and loved the kids and was having a fun old time. but not Albert.

After that report others chimed in with some sober AP stories. Yes, he is human but a 10 million dollar man needs to show some love for his fans.

Albert had 400 autographs to sign. He never looked up and therefore never smiled or conversed with the majority in line. He just signed. The kids were devasted that he never acknowledge them. The adults were upset and felt they at least deserved a “hi” or something for the $175 they donated to charity for the autograph.

I am sure players get tired of people wanting a piece of their time ALL the time. But they get paid well for this and should they be a bit more kind to kids? Afterall at the Warmup it was intended for this purpose. It is not like you stopped him along the street and took up his personal time. This was intended for autograph time. Does that mean that he should be a tad more personable? I say YES. It is two hours for crying out loud. Show some spirit. These are baseball fans that want to be part of your season and only wish the best for you, Albert. Try to do better.

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Miles wasn’t signed to be a backup with all the other guys we have on the team. Backup yes. But not with Izturis, Kennedy, Spiezio and Ryan around. Something is up.

Is it another trade?  One involving Ryan, Spiezio and/or Kennedy? Could be an outfielder going in  a trade, hence, the media blurb of Juan Gonzalez possibly invited to ST.

Is it Kennedy is still hurt? He’s not going to ready?  We can’t or won’t keep keep all of them on the Major League roster.

Somethin’s up.

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They are trying, along with my help, to revive this once proud sports blog.

Check it out. Comment often.

SportsShare.com

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Physicals have all been reported as passed. Waiting the the commish to finalize.

Rolen for Glaus AND they throw in money. WOW. Mozeliak did a good job of driving up the value of Rolen and getting something for him. I am all for this deal.

One year shorter for the contract.

Less money overall.

Better hitter the last 3 years.

Not a bad fielder( think about the foresight it took to sign an above average SS in Izturis).

It won’t matter to me if Rolen is totally awesome for the Jays. He didn’t want to be in STL and got his wish. If you can’t work with the boss then hit the highway. TLR is the boss and I am not discussing if that is correct thing to do. It is done so the movement of Scott Rolen became imperative.

I look at Glaus as the #5 hitter most of the time behind Duncan or Ludwick (whomever is playing that day).

Mo made a deal and we are better off for it. good job.

NOW, another 1 yr pitcher will be coming soon.

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I won’t pay $40 for  a Chris Duncan autograph or $80 for Adam Wainwright. Before you jump me, yes I know it goes to Cardinal Care. But man oh man those are inflated figures. I have never figured the lovefest of getting someones name written on a ball or poster. These are people that play baseball. Just men. Everyday men with special skills.

$175 for Albert Pujols. I love his baseball skills but no thanks.

So………… am I lesser of a fan for this?

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The Cardinals and Pirates are reportedly discussing some sort of deal. It is said to include Jason Bay, Matt Morris and Jack Wilson and then Chris Duncan, Anthony Reyes, Brad Thompson and a semi top prospect.

I wouldn’t do it. Let’s look at it.

Bay/Duncan… really much difference. Bay is 3 years older and quite a bit more expensive. He had a down year in 2007. Better defensive player. Don’t make the trade.

We probably need to eat all of Matt Morris contract and his is mucho dollars over Reyes and Thompson. Don’t make the trade.

Then the Jack Wilson part. He would need to play everyday. That makes the bench for the Cardinals a very expensive thing. (Izturis,Ryan,Miles, Kennedy).

Let’s wait and spend the money saved at a more opportune time.

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CLEMENT: 1 year/$1.5M (2008), plus 2009 club option

• signed as a free agent 1/4/08
• 08:$1.25M, 09:$8.75M club option ($0.25M buyout)
• $5.25M in performance bonuses (full amount with 200 IP)
• 2009 option increases to:
  • $9M ($0.5M buyout) with 160 IP in 2008
    
  • $9.5M ($1M buyout) with 180 IP in 2008
  • $10M ($1.5M buyout) with 200 IP in 2008
  • $11M ($2M buyout) with top 5 in 2008 Cy Young vote
• That is a decent value if he pans out. think about it. If he reaches those plateaus he has had a really, really good year and the Cards will be pleased. If not, $1.25 mil is not a club breaking amount.
• Mozeliak, good signing.

MILES: The Cardinals elected not to tender Miles a contract by the deadline in December because the infielder, who earned $1 million in 2006, was eligible for arbitration and likely due a sizeable raise. WELL, he got a raise. to the tune of $1.4 mil. So know we have a plethora of fielders playing the middle infield spots.

I have never been down on Miles, as I have felt he has done what was asked of him. fill in. When we needed a SS, a 3B, 2B he was there. He played hard and never heard a peep from him. Now it is Miles,Ryan, Izturis,Kennedy,Spezio and maybe Hoff all vying for those coveted spots.

All in all, not a bad backup insurance policy.

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I called it! I said on December 30th this was a good possibility.

Signing Matt Clement to a one year, incentive laden contract is not a bad deal. Matt is one game over .500 and has spent the majority of his career in the National League.

Now we sign one more pitcher and the staff is ready.

Towers or Weaver? Which will it be?

I say WeavDog returns to the staff.

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