Well, that might be a bit of a stretch in terms of changing the world, but at the least Lou Brock is responsible for a kid growing up in Northeast Ohio becoming a Cardinals fan even when he had no affiliation with the St. Louis area.

Lou made his MLB debut on September 10, 1961 for the Chicago Cubs.

Lou was traded on June 15, 1964 in what many people call “The Worst Trade Ever”  The Chicago Cubs traded Lou Brock, Jack Spring, and Paul Toth to the St. Louis Cardinals for Ernie Broglio, Doug Clemens and Bobby Shantz.  As we know Lou Brock went on to have a Hall of Fame Baseball career over the next fifteen years and Ernie Broglio went on to win 7 games over the next 2.5 years.

His final game was was September 30, 1979.  In his final season at the age of 40 he was still able to steal 23 bags and hit .304 in 120 games.

Lou was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOU!

Don’t forget that Sunday May 17th is Lou Brock statue day at Busch Stadium against the dreadful Milwaukee Brewers.  According to the MLB website the first 25,000 fans will receive a Lou Brock replica statue.

Hey, why don’t you send me a picture of your statue.  Send it to 938@brockabrella.com

Should be fun!

Alberto IS the machine!!!!

Cardinals are third best in Strikeouts (24) in the NL.  Only the SF Giants (20) and the Phillies (18) have struck out less.

Cardinals are leading the NL in Walks (24)

Cardinals are tied for third in the NL in Total Bases (70) and RBI’s (24).

Mea Culpa to Ryan Ludwick.  Ludwick has been solid on the offense.  His OPS is just over 1300 and he’s hotting .400 so far.  Yes, it’s early, but he did have that poor spring so this is a nice change.

Chris Carpenter – Baby…. you look sooooooo good! 

Jason Motte – uhhhhhhh  You’ll get a few more chances, but TLR won’t be as patient with you as he would be with Izzy.

Cards win tonight, so their in first place.

Oh, and here’s why Albert is the MVP!!!  http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4082705

“I loved the opportunity to play for the Cardinals and the fans,” said Springer, who turned 40 earlier this offseason. “I did everything I can to come back. I told them I’d take a pay cut, play for incentives. And it just never went anywhere.”

Even though Big Russ is 40, he’s been very productive in his latest turn as a Redbird.  His 2008 WHIP was 1.113, Struckout 45 and only walked 18.  I (and probably the Cards) are hoping that Josh Kinney can step back in and get the job done.

Via MLB

Russ Springer @ Baseball-Reference.com

Via ESPN

Teixera is an awesome hitter, above average fielder.

He’s on the the team that puts their money where their mouth is!

Now all the chips should fall into place for all the other free agents.

Brian Fuentes will NOT sign with the Cardinals.

Adam Dunn will be a Cub.

The Cardinals will sign NOTHING of value and the fans will turn on Mo.

Teixeira story Via CBS Sportsline

Khalil Greene for Mark Worrell and a player to be named later – Probably OK.  Outside a poor 2008 he’s a real nice offensive addition (except the strikeouts) and a servicable defender.

What do you think?

938@brockabrella.com

Bernie Miklasz does an excellent job (as always) on recaping the numbers of the trade.

There are elements thaht I sipport in their analysis, but they fall painfully short in others.  He’s the criteria they used.  What’s your opinion?

1. Postseason success: Teams were awarded 12 points for winning a World Series, eight for losing a World Series, six for losing a League Championship Series and four for losing a Division Series.

2. Regular-season success: Teams were ranked by their five-year winning percentages. No. 1 was given 30 points; No. 2, 29 points; No. 3, 28 points; etc.

3. This season’s regular-season success: Teams were ranked by their 2008 winning percentage and awarded points in the following allotments:

•1-3 in winning%.: 10 points

•4-6: 9 points

•7-9: 8 points

•10-12: 7 points

•13-15: 6 points

•16-18: 5 points

•19-21: 4 points

•22-24: 3 points

•25-27: 2 points

•28-30: 1 point

4. Drafting/signing success: Teams were awarded a point for each player they drafted or signed as a non-drafted free agent since 2002 who has reached the majors, regardless of with which team. (We went back to 2002 in this category to give players, many of whom are signed as teenagers, a chance to make the majors.) An additional point was awarded for each player who won a rookie of the year award and one point was given if he became an All-Star.

5. Front-office continuity: Teams started with 10 points and lost one point with every change of manager or general manager in the last five seasons.

BTW…The Red Sox wer number 1 and I absolutely agree!

Full rankings HERE

Via Pitch3r