St. Louis Cardinals infielder Mark DeRosa, who returned to the lineup Saturday night after missing more than two weeks with a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist, said he felt fine, albeit “awkward,” as he went nothing for four, extending his hitless streak as a Cardinal to nothing for 13.
“There’s stuff rolling and moving in (his wrist),” said DeRosa, who is in the lineup again today at third base.
“It’s a matter of getting used to playing with it. Obviously, sitting for three weeks doesn’t help the timing. That being said, I didn’t feel terrible.
“I walk away from it obviously disappointed that I didn’t play well or help us win, but, at the same time, encouraged that it really never hurt me during the game, which is good. So I can kind of take my mind off that.”
Manager Tony La Russa liked what he saw although he understood the results.
“He had some swings,” said La Russa. ‘(Dan) Haren worked everybody over.”
DeRosa’s first four starts as a Cardinal since coming in trade from Cleveland on June 27 were against Minnesota’s Francisco Liriano; Tim Lincecum and Randy Johnson of San Francisco and Arizona’s Haren, who has the best earned run average for a starter in the majors. ‘
“It’s all downhill from there,” quipped La Russa.
Today, DeRosa will hit seventh, rather than second, as he did on Saturday. “It makes it easier to get him into the flow of it without putting any pressure on him,” said La Russa.
DeRosa said, “The biggest thing for me is not trying to be a hero but just trying to go out there and put my piece in. I haven’t been able to do that, which is frustrating. Hopefully, today, I can get off the schneid and kind of relax and have some fun.”
Outfielder Rick Ankiel, who still has right shoulder weakness after a crackup into the wall more than two months ago, sat again Sunday.
“He’s got some issues,” said La Russa. “But he’s still active.”
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Yeah, but in any other stadium Ludwick’s 430 foot shot to centerfield goes out and we win the game 4-3. Just trying to look at it glass half full…
I think at least one of our 4 minor league third basemen (Glaus, Craig, Freese, Wallace) have the ability to be the power bat you say we need. I would much rather see any of them in our lineup than Thuston, Stavinoha, an injured Duncan, or an injured Ankiel.
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We HAVE TO GET ANOTHER POWER BAT to make the playoff!!!! ANOTHER game another 2 runs!!!!!! 3 of the 4 starting pitchers since the all-star game that has pitched against us have ERAs of over 4.45!!! Garland 6 runs era-4.45,Haren 2 runs 1.96 era,Petit 2 runs 7.15 era, Moehler 2 runs 4.92 era!!! Haren is the ONLY one that is a real pitcher!!!!!!!!!!!
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It is really sad that you are complaining right now. It’s not the Cardinals’ fault they don’t have a crystal ball that will tell them how all their moves turn out. They didn’t know that one of their best power bats (Ankiel) would get hurt, and not be himself after returning from his shoulder injury. They couldn’t tell that Khalil Greene would play like crap and develop an anxiety disorder, it actually seemed like a great move at the time because he had great power for a SS while playing in an extreme pitchers’ park.
Even with Kyle Lohse, Ryan Ludwick, Chris Carpenter, Khalil Greene, Troy Glaus, Joe Mather, David Freese, and Mark Derosa’s injuries we are still in 1st place and 2 games up. What more do you want out of the front office?
And by claiming that the front office does not care about winning, and only worries about reaching 3 million in attendance you sound like a crabby toddler that’s not getting his way.
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The Cardinals main office is depressing for true fans. Think about it?
They traded SOME talent for DeRosa when if that was their guy, they could have signed him in the off season. Ankeil and Duncan are flat out bums and you can see it. Look at the swings they take and how they take them. We are not blind. Besides we play in the National League and Duncan cannot play a defensive position. Simply put he is a liability. His brother is better than he is and he is in the minors. I don’t care if they go through waviers period. The organization has been flat out cheap and no matter how dark the blind fold is I can see. Stop backing Mozeliak. Look at the deals he’s made. Duncan and Ankeil are not worth the money. Should we mention Khalil Greene. How about DeRosa? Is someone going to tell me his wrist was’nt injured until he came to St Louis. Hello. Stop calling yourselves true fans, because true fans want to see the Cardinals win and more importantly see the GREAT ALBERT PUJOLS win not just compete. From a true fan. We are being hosed and the organization does not care because they are still pulling in their three million plus ticket sales a year.
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Why do people just assume you can send any player down to minors without consequence? Both Duncan and Ankiel would have to pass through waivers to be sent down and since they have already proven they have the talent to hit major league pitching, a lot of teams would likely put a claim on them. The only option the Cardinals have is to place them on the DL.
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Micheal Minjack, TLR is not making fools of Dauncan and Ankiel if they both are injuried. The 2 are just trying too hard to contribute to the team, but is not succeding. Are you too blind to see that? Just get off TLR back. He has the team in 1st place, with the team with 2 that is on the DL and 2 that need to be on the DL. The Cardinals have to play in a park where Pujols has a bunch of success, in Houston. Lets just win these games and hope that the Cubs lose.
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Dunc & Ank have to be embarassed—TLR is just making a fool of them—like he always says they need to play in this case to hit—-send them to the minors for a while
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Allen Craig is also a 3rd baseman & like you say one of out top minor league hitters. Why not call up Allen Craig to play 3rd or left & put DeRosa at the other place? If Craig hits well problem solved if not there is 12 days till July 31 trade dead line.
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We can’t send Duncan to Memphis because he doesn’t have any options. He would have to pass through waivers and I bet a few AL teams would put a claim on him. I would love it if we could put Ankiel and Duncan on the disabled list because it obviously isn’t working right now. I know Allen Craig played some outfield the last two years, and he just hit 2 home runs today in Memphis. He has been one of our most consistent minor league hitters the last couple of years so I want to see him get a shot at left field.
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MATT K is right!!!!! Why dont we stop bashing the Cardinals players who are playing hurt or are in slumps??? What good does it do?? Who is next Mark DeRosa?? He needs surgery but is playing hurt trying to help the team. Are we going to start getting on him? I HOPE NOT!!! I do think Mo should send Duncan & Ankiel to Memphis to play everyday till they start hitting again. And they WILL start hitting again!! I think Mo should call up Hanksworth,Walters,Lynn,Mortensen or Boggs to be the 5th starter, after all they are the best we have in our great farm system & Pineiro is gone after this year. I think Mo should trade for a big power bat for leftfield or 3rd base. We have only scored 4 runs in 2 games. Not going to get in the playoffs that way. Maybe a ace pitcher as long as he dont trade Molina,Pujols,Ludwick,Rasmus,Wainwright,Carpenter,Pineiro,or Franklin. ONLY trade Wallace in a trade for a ace or power bat that the Cardinals would have for 2 or more full years!!! Everyone else is tradable.
Mo does NOT need to count on Glaus or K.Greene to help this team. Remember last year??? Mulder & Carpenter will be back to help for the playoff run in July,Aug,Sept,season over they are not back & Cardinals not in playoffs. We do NOT need a replay of last year. But Mo is the GM & i am just a life long Cardinals fan with no say so.
PLEASE lets stop getting on the players who are trying.
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Remember how we boo’ed Izzy last year and then felt terrible because he was playing hurt? I had to boo Duncan a time or two today–come ON. He is NOT seeing the ball. Is he hurt? Maybe. If he is, I will quit booing him and hope he gets better. If he just sucks this year, I will keep booing. When Ankiel replaced him in today’s game, a guy behind me said, “Good! Hopefully Duncan’s on his way to Memphis.” ;^)
We fans all know how closed mouth this organization is about injuries, but at least TELL US if someone is hurt (we don’t need to know details due to HIPAA) so we aren’t booing them out of the place. And Duncan will continue to get booed if he keeps this up. Running Duncan out there every day is getting old. Whiff, whiff, look.
At least we KNOW Ankiel is hurt, so he gets a little forgiveness. I’m not quite ready to give up on him yet.
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I never said you were horrible people, just horrible fans. And Rick Ankiel was injured in August and September of last year (after having an outstanding July). He also hit .264 in April this year, which is very mediocre but for an off month I would take .264 anytime.
Yes, he has holes in his swing and most of his outs will either be strikeouts or ground outs to to the right side of the infield. But if he can hit .260-.270 with good power is that so bad? I think when healthy he can be a very streaky but very productive outfielder (with good defense and a great arm).
You say pitchers have him solved, but I don’t believe that case. And I won’t until I see him play this terribly when healthy (emphasis on the when healthy).
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actually, Matt, Rick Ankiel has been statistically HORRIBLE since mid-season last year, not since his injury. Any seasoned baseball fan can see it for what it is: a player who wasn’t allowed enough time as a position player (due to being a PITCHER for over 5 years) in the minors, who has WAY too many holes in his swing, and who BIG LEAGUE pitchers have now solved, rather easily. He appears to not really be a true big-league hitter, sad as that might be to accept.
but, hey, if there’s anything the StlToday.com comments prove (as you’ve pointed out yourself), a good opinion is better than a good fact any day.
now, back to bashing us horrible horrible people on here.
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Thank you Matt K. Injury can stop a talent–but the talent is still there.
Also, don’t be too tough on Cardinal fans. It’s a great group. However, there will be whinning where ever you go in life. You just cannot worry about such.
The thing to worry about would be whether a neck repair, such as Duncan’s, can hold up to the strain of playing ball. And Rick has already had a tough career to be only 30 years old. He looks to me like a “grizzled” old ballplayer to me. How much is left? Who knows for either Duncan or Ankiel.
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Yeah, you are probably right. I am just sick of all the criticism the front office is getting. I think they are doing a great job, part of that is luck because the once terrible Piniero contract now seems like a steal. But still…I think Mozeliak is awesome. And after re-reading my post I realize I was a bit too harsh on Joe Thurston. I don’t mean actually criticize him I just mean he would deserve it more than Duncan.
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cardinals fans are the best fans in baseball, just not the habitual posters on this website.
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Before anyone makes fun of me, yes I realize I mixed up “here” with “hear” and “their” with “there”. My point is still the same, though.
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I am sick of just about all Cardinals fans right now. Everyone at the ASG kept saying that St. Louis has the best fans in baseball. BS. Just about everyone hear keeps whining, and there lack of knowledge is really embarrassing.
Saying Chris Duncan is the worst Cardinal to ever wear a uniform is just dumb. Do you not remember how amazing he was in 2006, and how hot he was at the beginning of the 2007 season. Well I will give you a little reminder…5/21/06 – 7/31/08 (MLB): .290 (162-565), 42 HR, 107 R, 102 RBI. That’s 42 home runs in 565 at bats! He even had a .904 OPS in April. People need to stop criticizing Duncan (who has loads of potential) and start criticizing Thurston. He is an average fielder with a terrible bat (no upside in it either) horrible baserunner that needs to be realeased.
Duncan is obviously still hurt from all the hernia and neck troubles and I hope they put him on the DL and let him fully heal. Because I think he could have a great September (and if not a great 2010).
—-”Oh, so now JD Drew, uh, I mean Rick Ankiel has a new excuse. His shoulder is STILL hurting and THAT’S why he can’t hit. It can’t possibly be lack of talent. Tell this clown to pitch or get out of town. He doesn’t have a clue at the plate and his very short term success was only because they didn’t know how to pitch to him. They do now! Quit pampering and enabling this guy, .219, are you kidding me?”"”"
This has to be the dumbest comment of them all. Did you already forget his vicious collision against the outfield wall? His shoulder is obviously still weak and is causing this sub-.200 average since returning from the DL.
And no it wasn’t short term success…
2007-2008 (MLB): .270, 36 HR, 110 RBI, 96 R, 29 2B in 585 AB’s
Those are amazing stats and in an entire season of AB’s. You are not a true Cardinals fan, and you are an embarrassment to us all (well it seems like nobody is a true Cardinals fan anymore so I guess you are just an embarrassment to me).
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Oh, so now JD Drew, uh, I mean Rick Ankiel has a new excuse. His shoulder is STILL hurting and THAT’S why he can’t hit. It can’t possibly be lack of talent. Tell this clown to pitch or get out of town. He doesn’t have a clue at the plate and his very short term success was only because they didn’t know how to pitch to him. They do now! Quit pampering and enabling this guy, .219, are you kidding me?
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They are going to play DeRosa for a while and then decide he can’t play injured. I see this as season ending for him, someone needs to step up. Maybe Glaus will come back and provide something.
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Why don’t they just send Duncan down to AAA until he starts hitting home runs again. He obviously isn’t even seeing the ball “hence the non-stop striking out looking”. I can’t stand to see a younger ball player brought up and then sent back down that has better fielding skills and better batting ability than he does. It’s killing us. The last 2 seasons he has almost been an automatic out. The person I feel sorry for the most is Dave Duncan because he has to sit there and watch his son look like that every day. I don’t understand why he doesn’t send him down himself.
But he took some good hacks today while striking out 4 times so we think he is almost there….. BS! Bench him!
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Baby Dunc you are the worst player to suit up in a cardinal uniform in my life time. I’m about 100% sure that Jimmy Mkinney would do better than you, All you have done fore us is bat 200 and strike out every at bat. If I was in the pitching rotation I would tell Larussa that Im not pitching if the circus is in left field……..breeeeeeeeeeath
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TIME TO GET RID OF DADDY’S LITTLE BOY ! DUNCAN HAS TO GO!!!!!!!! HE IS KILLING US.
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GET RID OF DUNCAN NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!! hOW MUCH MORE OF THIS DO WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH ? It’s time for Daddy’s little boy to go
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Why am I hitting 5th today? What have I done to deserve it?
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Great manager or not, LaRussa should have known that DeRosa was in no condition to bad second. He should have left Rasmus batting second, where he has helped the team more. The string of batters from Ryan (batting 9th), Schumaker, Rasmus, Pujols, and Ludwick has been scoring runs and winning ball games. Why mess with something that works?
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Didn’t he face Liriano instead of Slowey?
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