Game On
We've known this was coming since mid-August. And, after 45 days worth of essentially meaningless games, it's here: October baseball.
As documented in this space in 2006, I had some really odd feeling about the Cardinals' 
upcoming run. I don't have a good explanation for it. I just felt it.
When it comes to the 2009 postseason, I don't have a good feeling. I just have to be honest. I don't want to write this, but it's how I feel. And, much like 2006, I don't have a good explanation for it. I just feel it.
I can tell you that I hope like hell I'm wrong...and I can say that my feeling of doom has calmed a bit with the days off in between the disaster that was the end of the regular season and gameday...but I have to say what I feel.
Despite my fears that the Cardinals are going to come up short of the goal of at least getting to the World Series, I do believe they'll win the NLDS against the Dodgers. Los Angeles has to beat Carpenter-Wainwright-Carpenter at least one time...and I think there's a chance they'd have to beat them twice if the Cardinals are down 2 games to 1 going into Sunday's Game 4. Carpenter would be starting that game on short rest, but with everything on the line, I have a tough time believing Tony La Russa sends John Smoltz or Kyle Lohse to the mound with Carpenter sitting there in the dugout. Furthermore, the day off Monday would allow the Cardinals to send Wainwright out there on full rest for Game 5. I fear the lack of offensive production big time...but when your opposition is running Randy Wolf out in Game 1 and Vincente Padilla in Game 3...if you can't score, you don't belong. I fear Ryan Franklin's 50 day trend of ineffectiveness, but I will just hope that Franklin will limit his problems to allowing baserunners and not runs.
So, with that said, I feel good about the Cardinals advancing to the NLCS. But, when it comes to baseball's expert analysts, a couple familiar names don't think the Cardinals will even get that far. Take a look:
Ken Rosenthal: Fox Sports-Dodgers In 5
"I might be over-thinking this, but I'm picking against Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright.
Yes, dominant starting pitching generally rules in the postseason. Yes, the Cardinals' duo is the best in the game.
Call me contrary. Call me counter-intuitive. Call me crazy.
But remember, the Dodgers had the best regular-season record in the National League and the best run differential in the majors.
I know the postseason is different, but despite recent appearances, the Dodgers do not exactly stink.
My theory is this: The Dodgers will steal one of the first two games at Dodger Stadium, probably the Game 2 matchup between Wainwright and Kershaw.
Both teams then will experience a significant dropoff to their Games 3 and 4 starters, even if Wolf or Carpenter return for Game 4 on short rest.
At that point, the Dodgers' bullpen advantage will become even more significant, particularly if their starters can last at least six innings.
I might be dreaming. Carpenter and Wainwright combined for a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings against the Dodgers this season. A sweep by the Cardinals at Dodger Stadium probably would be too much for L.A. to overcome. But I'm banking on a split of the first two games, then a battle of bullpens."
Joe Sheehan: Sports Illustrated-Dodgers In 5
The Cardinals pack as much wallop into just a few roster spots as any team in baseball. They have the game’s premier player in Albert Pujols, two of the NL’s three best starters this year in Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter, and three major contributors in Matt Holliday, Yadier Molina and Joel Piñiero. Because postseason series tend to be about the top end of your roster, the Cardinals are dangerous.
The rest of the team, though, is unimpressive.
Despite the difficulty the Dodgers had clinching the West—they lost seven of their last 11 games and were only four games over .500 after the All‑Star break—they were the best team in the NL in the regular season and have the best statistical profile. Their edges on offense and in the bullpen will be the difference in the most evenly matched of the four Division Series."
However, it should be pointed out that 7 of ESPN's 8 surveyed analysts have the Cardinals winning. Karl Ravech even has the Cardinals sweeping. My pick? Cardinals in 5. The one extreme scenario I can see happening is a Cardinal sweep. The other...which I will officially now jinx...that I can't see happening is a Dodger sweep. 
But, if Los Angeles beats Carpenter and Wainwright and then comes to St. Louis and takes Game 3, then you just have to tip your cap. As rough as September was, and as many concerns as the Cardinals have, I think the Cardinals superior starting pitching sets them up for prime success in a Best-of-Five.
As far as success past this series goes, I'll point to the 2001 Diamondbacks with Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson as proof that a struggling offense with a two-deep rotation and a shaky closer can get it done.
Strap in. The ride begins tonight. Get this one...and just like that, the homefield advantage the Cardinals were chasing the last month is right back in their hands. And, there's not a pitcher in baseball I'd rather have on the mound than the one going for the Redbirds tonight.
Rush...Rams...Rejection...Really?
So, Rush Limbaugh is part of a group with Blues' owner Dave Checketts that is attempting to buy the Rams. And, one of their goals is to keep the team in St. Louis.
My reaction...as a liberal?
I think it's an absolutely great thing.
First off, I can't think of an owner who has displayed and delivered more in doing things the right way on and off the ice/field/court than Checketts. I'd love to see that same style of management at Rams Park. The way the Blues operate versus the way the Rams operate couldn't be more opposite. Even when the Blues were terrible in Checketts' first couple of years, the organization won fans over---and kept their 
loyalty and patience---by making sure that the team was accessible, the staff was accountable, and the goal of a Stanley Cup was audible.
And, as far as Rush Limbaugh's politics or the manner in which he's earned his living is of no concern to me. While I personally disagree with his politics, I respect his right to express them. If I had to wager, I'd gather that my politics differ from those of Bill DeWitt and Dave Checketts...but that doesn't impact my love for the Cardinals or Blues.
Quite honestly, I'm rather surprised by the passion with which some fans have demonized the potential ownership bid of Checketts and Limbaugh. There have been some greatly amusing online wars over this. And, as you'd expect, the root of the issue isn't what's in the best interest of the Rams and the city...but rather politcs. Let's take a gander at some "good" examples:
nyerimo STLToday.com:
Limbaugh and anything or anyone, sounds like a disaster! The guy is a blow hard, hate monger who lies, is racist and a total pig!! My right hand up to the man above, I will burn my Rams jerseys if Limbaugh is associated with the Rams in any fashion!!!
John Fremont STLToday.com:
Please Rush buy this team. What a dream it would be for me to discard the liberal goofs from the fan base. I'm a die hard fan but it's gotten to the point where I can't stand to be in the same room with the far left flakes.
mizzou91688 STLToday.com
how do you people say politics aside??? When that is your job to talk about politics as it is rush's it is not politics aside. He is a horrible person who just tries to bring racial tensions into any situation he can. And the clips oberman does show on his show are pretty obvious to anyone who has a brain that he is not only racist but that he would be a horrible person to put on the face of a franchise. I really want the Rams to stay but would rather see them go than let him become their owner. And to the person who said obama is a racist well you just need to accept the fact he is our president and try and get rid of your own racism which would help us all.
And, then there was this poster...who I'll give the game ball to for rationale:
THE Number 13 STLToday.com
I could care less about the personal politics of my owner so long as he or she has the acumen and care to make the team successful (and if they keep the team here). Funny how so many people today are refering to Mr. Limbaugh as a hate monger while 
spewing their own personal venom on his attempt to buy a team to keep them in town and help them succeed. Sounds hypocritical and counter productive to me. Talk about your lack of care for the civic well being.
Here's the bottom line for me:
I would support the Ghost of Jerry Falwell taking over the Rams and hiring Sarah Palin as GM and Al Sharpton as coach if it meant the team stayed in St. Louis. That's the goal for me, and I would think that's the goal for the majority of fans...but I can only speak for myself. I personally believe that the combination of the dreadful play on the field over the last few years, the apathy in the community it's created, the Nursing Dome, and the tenous ownership situation makes a Rams' move a real possibility. So, as long as whoever takes over wants to keep the Rams in town, I'm on board.
Log-in and post your comments, or you can email me at tmckernan@insidestl.com.