Second half swoon or start of a rise?

I was able to travel to Baltimore to watch the battle of the birds. Unfortunately the Orioles were stronger than than the Cardinals this time and it seemed like everyone in the Orioles lineup hit a home run including the bat boy. It was a fun trip nonetheless to be able to see a new city and a new ballpark.

The first two games of the series and after all the home runs, the Cards fan were all thinking the same thing: These are the guys we traded for? Or maybe a positive: Wow this is a tough lineup. Or maybe after the win on Sunday it was: The Orioles just knew Justin Masterson and John Lackey from the American League. It is true that they do have a heavy power hitting lineup but as you saw on Sunday the big swings can be silenced on occasion too. The telltale of the two teams is that the Cards are not a power hitting team, and rank among the league lowest in home runs hit and the bench is very weak.

With only two weeks left in the minor league schedule we have to hold out for hope that some power will be joining the team in September. I'm sure we will certainly see our hitters in the outfield of Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty. I really hope we see and he could be the most important call up, first baseman Xavier Scruggs. With the trade of Allen Craig there is no set backup for our big man Matt Adams and it shows if he isn't rested once in awhile his bat gets slow. Adams was really looking tired in Baltimore and then in Miami but after a day off the field and only a pinch hit appearance on Aug. 12 he has had multi-hit games in four of the last five games. So who backs up Adams until September call ups get here? My guess it will be old man Mark Ellis, if he is off the DL before the call ups. Ellis gave Adams a day off last week but with his average under .200 he isn't the shoo in by any means. If Mike Matheny wants to get creative and use the bench once in awhile he could put Daniel Descalso at third base and move the versatile Matt Carpenter to first base. Carpenter is a natural third baseman but has played first base a couple of different times in the minor leagues. Whoever goes there whether it is new call up Greg Garcia or Jon Jay, Adams has to have a day off to keep him sharp at the plate.

As the final push for the playoffs is underway I would like to think that the hard fought wins this week and with the come back win last night the Cards are starting to gain a little momentum. Still a long way to go and lets hope that Yadier Molina and Michael Wacha will be able to join the team soon to add much needed help.