Friday's First Raes

No game to review but with the Chicago Cubs coming to town today there is still plenty to consider.
Edmonds Again

There has been no official news from the Cardinals as to whether or not Jim Edmonds will be placed on the disabled list. However, from what I can gather it still appears he will go on the list. I have given up saying anything with confidence on this topic, though, after all the confusion. We'll know for sure soon enough I suppose.

I really hope he loses but...

The pitching match-up for the first of three games between the Cardinals and Cubs is exciting on two levels. On one level Cards' pitcher Sidney Ponson (4-0) will be trying to maintain his perfect record and perhaps even lower is 2.92 ERA. On a whole other level the UBER good looking Sean Marshall (3-3) will be on the bump for the Cubbies. I genuinely hope his record is below .500 after tomorrow game, but I wouldn't mind seeing him last until the late innings. Does anyone know if the Chicago bullpen needs rest? (Wink. Fun fact...Marshall has a twin brother who is also a baseball player. One more thing...if you are evaluating his, um, assets for the first time do not trust his head shot on MLB.com. It really isn't flattering.)

I have probably just destroyed any shred of credibility I had as a knowledgeable baseball person. I think it's worth it though. People everywhere need and deserve to know about this guy AND his brother.

Juan Encarnacion--From Normal to Decent and Back

After his recent "hot" streak that was actually more like a "decent right fielder" streak, Juan Encarnacion seems to be returning to normal. After his batting average reached a season high .250 on May 27th he has it back down to a reasonable .242. (His May batting average of .260 was actually much better than his .222 April total.) I'm being a little harsh for reasons that really have little to do with him. I am really growing frustrated with people who say, "Don't worry...by the end of the year he'll be right where he usually is at the end of a season. He's been very consistent throughout this career." (Obviously not a direct quote from anyone, but Tony LaRussa I'm looking at you for now.)

Where he usually is at the end of the season is sitting with a .266 batting average and an on-base percentage of .314. (Those numbers are actually is career averages.) An expected RBI number for him is really quite hard to pin down. Often I hear 75-80 RBI can be expected, but he really hasn't consistently reached that level. I'll go ahead and give him the benefit of the doubt, however, and say most expected him to end the season at .275 (AVG) and .325 (OBP) with 75 RBI. Is this really a good season for a guy getting to bat in the St. Louis Cardinal lineup behind (or in front of) the likes of Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen. I do not think so, but apparently I'm outnumbered.

I feel better with that out of my system.

Promises, Promises

I promised "First Raes" every single morning, and so far I have delivered. That being said, a feature/in-depth/not "First Raes" post is coming soon. I'm working on it...I promise!

Link of the Day! Albert's opening a restaurant...and all of the profit is going to the Pujols Family Foundation. Once again proving that not just baseball and the Cardinals but literally the world is lucky to have him. (Dramatic sentence of the day award winner right there.)