Those two runs batted in are Beltran’s 25^th and 26^th of the month. That is most impressive, especially considering the right-fielder has been slowed by knee and foot ailments, which have limited him to 16 May starts and 21 games total.

With the help of researcher Tom Orf, we can put Beltran’s 26 RBI into Cardinals full-month May context.

The list that follows indicates 11 prior occurrences of more than 26 May RBI, led by none other than Stan Musial, who plated 40 in May 1954. Beltran’s current hitting coach, Mark McGwire, appears on the list the most times, three. The man’s whose offense Beltran was signed to help replace, Albert Pujols, was the most recent to exceed 26 in May, with 33 in 2006.

May RBI, St. Louis Cardinals, 1950-present

Reaching the top of this list isn’t entirely out of question for Beltran, as he still has seven games remaining to collect 14 additional RBI. That is an average of two per game, a pace not much greater than he is currently tracking.

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It is bad enough to lose a game in walk-off fashion, but for it to occur as the result of a base-on-balls has to be the worst of the worst.

I asked researcher Tom Orf how often this has occurred, both for and against St. Louis. It is a fairly rare occurrence. Specifically, a game-ending free pass was issued by Cardinals pitching 21 times in the last 60 years. Almost half – 10 of the 21 – occurred in extra innings. At least three were rain-shortened games, which could be eliminated from consideration.

Among the 19 Cardinals pitchers to share this unfortunate event are current team television commentators Al Hrabosky and Ricky Horton. Larry Jackson walked in the game-winner twice in the span of just three weeks in 1958, though one was relatively harmless. Nelson Briles also did it two times, both in painful fashion, especially a wild pitch walk with a runner on third that ended a 1967 contest. It even happened to the greats. Bob Gibson did it once, early in his Hall of Fame career.

St. Louis Cardinals pitching, final play walk issued, 1952-current

On the other, positive, side of the ledger, during the last 60 years, the Cardinals have been the recipient of a free pass on the final play of the game just slightly more often – 22 times. One of those contests should probably be thrown out as it was the final play of a 7-0 rain-shortened win in 1985.

This play seems to be an increasingly-rare occurrence, happening just three times in favor of the Cards during the 16-year reign of Tony La Russa. The most recent such case was not all that recent. In fact, it was back when the current manager, Mike Matheny, was still an active player.

The catcher ended an April 2004 Cubs contest by drawing a bases-loaded walk against LaTroy Hawkins, which scored Albert Pujols. Hawkins, still active today, is now Pujols’ teammate with the Angels.

Since then, the Cardinals have suffered three walk-off walk losses, including Friday night. Matheny earned an assist, ordering an intentional base on balls prior to Salas’ unintentional walk to A.J. Ellis that ended it.

St. Louis Cardinals hitters, final play walk received, 1952-current

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The future Hall of Famer had been left out of manager Fred Hutchinson’s lineup so he could achieve the milestone at home in the next series. However, with the Cubs up 3-1 in the sixth inning and a runner in scoring position, Hutch sent Musial up to pinch hit. “The Man” launched an RBI double off Moe Drabowsky to help power the Cards to a comeback 5-3 win.

The umpires stopped the game and presented the ball to Musial. After a pre-game ceremony the next day at Busch Stadium, Musial homered in the first inning. He ended that season with a .337 average.

The bat used by the left-handed hitter for his 3,000^th hit is part of the collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian.

The pictured card is part of the Topps 1959 set.

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The real story of the game for me was the back-to-back home runs hit by Allen Craig and David Freese in the top of the seventh inning. That gave the Cardinals important breathing room after the Snakes had hung a six-spot on the board in the bottom of the sixth which pulled the home team to within one run.

They were the second back-to-back long balls for the Cardinals on the wild evening. In the third inning, it was Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday doing the honors.

According to researcher Tom Orf, Monday marked the first time since July 15, 2007 that the Cardinals hit back-to-back homers twice in a game. That time, it was Albert Pujols/Chris Duncan and Juan Encarnacion/Adam Kennedy doing the honors.

Leading off Monday’s game, Rafael Furcal also homered. It was the team’s first five-home run showing since that same July 15, 2007 outing, which was held in Philadelphia. The Cards hit six taters that night. Pujols launched two with Ryan Ludwick adding the other.

Monday’s five home runs are the most by a National League team in a game this season to date, but how does that compare over time? I asked Orf, and he answered!

Monday marked the 31^st time the Cardinals hit at least five home runs in a single contest. The team record is seven, coincidentally accomplished on the same May 7 date, back in 1940. It was tied by Tony La Russa’s first Cardinals club, on July 12, 1996. Four times, Cardinals hitters launched six homers in a game.

Here is a summary of the first 30 such games, sorted by number of home runs then date, with most recent on top.

Most home runs, game, St. Louis Cardinals team history

What makes Monday’s game stand out from the ones that preceded it was the fact that the five home runs originated from the bats of each of the first five hitters in Mike Matheny’s batting order – Furcal, Beltran, Holliday, Craig and Freese.

Again, Orf delivered in the clutch with the answer to my question. It was only the second game in team history in which the top five hitters went deep.

The first was on April 14, 1955. It was just the second game of the season, a year which quickly became forgettable. Manager Eddie Stanky would be fired after just 36 games, to be replaced by Triple-A skipper Harry “The Hat” Walker.

In a painful twist and an indication of what was ahead, the Cubs launched six homers against Cardinals pitching in the very next contest. The 1955 Cards went on to lose more games than in any year since 1924. That cost Walker his job after the season, as well.

All was still hopeful during that April 14 contest, an 8-7 Cardinals win over the Braves in the home opener at the first Busch Stadium. The top five in the order, all of whom homered, were right fielder Wally Moon, centerfielder Bill Virdon, first baseman Stan Musial, left fielder Rip Repulski and second sacker Red Schoendienst.

In just his second game as a major leaguer, the number six hitter that day, Ken Boyer, just missed joining the others as he tripled in the game. Virdon’s long ball was the walkoff winner in the 11^th inning.

Perhaps there should be an asterisk next to the home run totals of the 1955 Cardinals. That season, the 21-foot high screen in front of the right field pavilion, a fixture at Sportsman’s Park since 1929, was removed. This was done to take advantage of the left-handed power hitters in the lineup.

While the Cards may have won the battle, they clearly lost the war. The club increased its home run total at Busch from 57 in 1954 to 84 in 1955, but as noted, the bottom line was not pretty. The 1955 Cardinals went 68-86 and finished 30 ½ games out of first place. As mentioned above, two managers lost their jobs and Frank “Trader” Lane was brought in as general manager following the season.

And that right field pavilion screen? It was returned to its place in 1956. In fact, the new one was four feet higher, at 25 feet.

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Two batters later, however, both Pittsburgh pitcher Erik Bedard and catcher Mike McKenry had to be stunned with Cardinals hurler Jake Westbrook took second base for a stolen base of his own.

It was the 34-year-old Westbrook’s first career steal. It wasn’t all that unusual as the pitcher has spent most of his 12 MLB seasons in the American League. Westbrook had only 117 career plate appearances prior to Thursday.

Westbrook logged the Cardinals first stolen base by a pitcher in over three seasons – since Joel Pineiro did it back on April 15, 2009.

With the help of researcher Tom Orf, we learn that since at least 1930, the Cardinals have a total of just 64 stolen bases by pitchers, with never more than one in a game.

Not surprisingly, arguably the best athlete to play the position for St. Louis is both the club’s single-season and career stolen base leader – Bob Gibson.

Gibby also has two of the top three seasons and three of the best eight. 1968 may have been known as the “Year of the Pitcher,” but the next season was Gibson’s “Year of the Stolen Base.” He logged five of his career 13 that year.

Stolen bases by a pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals, single season since 1930

Stolen bases by a pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals, career since 1930

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Such was the case this past weekend when Martin, who is a reporter at WCJW in Rochester, NY and will be The Cardinal Nation’s Batavia correspondent this summer, took exception to sexist comments from Chicago Sun-Times columnist Joe Cowley shared on Twitter.

In a follow-on series of tweets, Cowley then directed additional inappropriate remarks at Martin before his account was deleted. She maintained her dignity throughout the episode and afterward while the Chicagoan clearly did not.

As if the job isn’t difficult enough already for women, we have reporter Julie Tristan from KSDK Channel 5 in St. Louis. Tristan offers Exhibit A of what the Cowleys of the world dream about.

Assigned to do a David Freese feature, Tristan completely abandoned any shred of professionalism, flirting with the St. Louis Cardinals star and directing a series of embarrassing comments toward him while on camera. She ended her segment by telling the player, “I love you.” (See a summary of Tristan’s remarks and full video here.)

Can you imagine the ramifications had a male reporter attempted such a stunt with a female athlete? How can these kinds of double-standards be allowed to exist in this day and age?

It is a shame that there are still Tristans out there masquerading as professionals, while providing fuel for sexists like Cowley. They make life more difficult for the Martins of the world who are trying to make a living as credible journalists.

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Those outside of the Cardinals-designated markets, however, must continue to rely on pay packages such as MLB Extra Innings or MLB.TV to catch their club on live video. Another vehicle to remember – one that is available on many cable and satellite systems – is MLB Network.

Despite it being owned by the sport about which it reports, MLB Network offers the best major league baseball coverage of any national broadcast entity, in my opinion. That includes selected live game telecasts. Though still blacked out in home markets, they provide another opportunity for displaced fans to view their favorite club in action.

MLB Network has announced its  live game schedule for May. The Cardinals will be presented in a primary or alternate telecast five times during the upcoming month, including one contest with MLBN broadcasters instead of team feeds. Two are road games with the other three originating from Busch Stadium.

May 11: vs. Atlanta
May 12: vs. Atlanta
May 19: at Dodgers
May 24: vs. Philadelphia (Bob Costas and Tom Verducci on the call)
May 28: at Atlanta

As always, check your local TV listings for games to be shown on your specific system.

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Previously, eight other Cardinals teams got out of the gates at 9-3. Three of the clubs went on to win over 100 games and most impressively, five of them captured the World Championship, most recently in 1982.

Another 9-3 club, in 1981, went on to tie for the second-best overall record in the National League East, but was shut out of the post-season. A strike led to unprecedented first half and second half standings used for playoff qualification, but the Cards finished in second both times.

Another key factor across these 9-3 clubs noted by researcher Tom Orf is run differential. While the 2012 club is only third among the nine with 70 runs scored (RS) and right in the middle of the pack with 36 runs allowed (RA), when you put the two together, a different story is told.

The positive run differential (RD) of 34 runs by the current team is the greatest of the nine 9-3 clubs and is double that of three of the earlier fast-start Cardinals squads. That is a strong indicator, reflecting good balance between offense and pitching, and considerable dominance in the early going.

St. Louis Cardinals, most wins, first 12 games, since 1900 (oldest to newest)

For completeness, the best Cardinals start ever through 12 games, including pre-1900, was 10-2. This occurred three times – in 1884, 1889 and 1899. No Cardinals team has ever started a season 12-0 or even 11-1.

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This is the final of our series of St. Louis Cardinals-related trivia questions here at The Cardinal Nation Blog. Before responding, please familiarize yourself with the complete contest rules (follow the link) to ensure your entry will qualify.

The reader who posts the first complete and correct answer below will win a free copy of The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set, courtesy of A+E Networks Home Entertainment/MLB Productions.

The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set includes all seven complete World Series games plus a bonus DVD. This box set includes alternate St. Louis Cardinals radio network play-by-play and features over 20 hours of game action.

The eighth disc includes extras like all the regular season walk-off winners, individual milestone plays by Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday, the highlights, last out and celebration at each winning level of the playoffs, the trophy presentations from the NLCS and World Series and a ride with David Freese at the Victory Parade. This eight-disc set retails for $56.99.

Here is your trivia question. Note that it has multiple parts, all of which must be answered correctly. Only one answer per person is allowed.

After leaping over A-Advanced this season, 2011 first-round draft pick Kolten Wong has been impressive in early Texas League action with both the bat and the glove. Springfield’s second baseman may be considered the most exciting middle infield prospect the Cardinals have developed in some years.

To that end, how long has it been?

Specifically, name the most recent Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year (as selected by the organization) who called the middle infield his primary home AND identify the year he won.

Good luck to everyone and please remember to read the rules before answering. Thanks for playing!

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This is the newest installment in our series of St. Louis Cardinals-related trivia questions here at The Cardinal Nation Blog. Before responding, please familiarize yourself with the complete contest rules (follow the link) to ensure your entry will qualify.

The reader who posts the first complete and correct answer below will win a free copy of Baseball’s Greatest Games: 2011 World Series Game 6 - or as the sticker attached to the wrapper calls it, “The historic Freese game”.

In this two-disc set, one of the most exciting post-season games ever is being made available for the first time in high-definition Blu-ray with 5.1 surround sound. This package has the game in standard DVD format as well, along with the audio calls of the iconic contest. It retails for $24.99 and is being provided courtesy of A+E Networks Home Entertainment/MLB Productions.

Here is your trivia question. Note that it has multiple parts, all of which must be answered correctly. Only one answer per person is allowed.

Cardinals Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak is considered the architect of the 2011 World Championship club. Here, we will go back to his beginnings in the chair.

After becoming the 12^th general manager in the franchise’s history, what was Mo’s first official player transaction AND what was the semi-related transaction that followed 18 days later?

Good luck to everyone and please remember to read the rules before answering. And if you don’t win this time, check back for new trivia questions to be posted at random times this week.

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This is the fourth in our series of St. Louis Cardinals-related trivia questions here at The Cardinal Nation Blog. Before responding, please familiarize yourself with the complete contest rules (follow the link) to ensure your entry will qualify.

The reader who posts the first complete and correct answer below will win a free copy of The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set, courtesy of A+E Networks Home Entertainment/MLB Productions.

The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set includes all seven complete World Series games plus a bonus DVD. This box set includes alternate St. Louis Cardinals radio network play-by-play and features over 20 hours of game action.

The eighth disc includes extras like all the regular season walk-off winners, individual milestone plays by Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday, the highlights, last out and celebration at each winning level of the playoffs, the trophy presentations from the NLCS and World Series and a ride with David Freese at the Victory Parade. This eight-disc set retails for $56.99.

Here is your trivia question. Note that it has multiple parts, all of which must be answered correctly. Only one answer per person is allowed.

30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season is considered the gold standard for a balance of power and speed for a major leaguer.

38 MLB players have been 30-30 players at least once in their MLB career, yet the St. Louis Cardinals have never been represented in that elite club.

Which Cardinal came the closest to having a 30-30 season and in what year?

(Thanks to Tom Orf for researching this question.)

Good luck to everyone and please remember to read the rules before answering. And if you don’t win this time, check back for new trivia questions to be posted at random times this week.

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This is the newest installment in our series of St. Louis Cardinals-related trivia questions here at The Cardinal Nation Blog. Before responding, please familiarize yourself with the complete contest rules (follow the link) to ensure your entry will qualify.

The reader who posts the first complete and correct answer below will win a free copy of Baseball’s Greatest Games: 2011 World Series, Game 6 - or as the sticker attached to the wrapper calls it, “The historic Freese game”.

In this two-disc set, one of the most exciting post-season games ever is being made available for the first time in high-definition Blu-ray with 5.1 surround sound. This package has the game in standard DVD format as well, along with the audio calls of the iconic contest. It retails for $24.99 and is being provided courtesy of A+E Networks Home Entertainment/MLB Productions.

Here is your trivia question. Note that it has multiple parts, all of which must be answered correctly. Only one answer per person is allowed.

In 2011, David Freese set the new MLB all-time RBI record for a single post-season with 21. That being his first post-season as a major leaguer, 21 is also Freese’s career playoff RBI total.

Where does that rank Freese on the Cardinals team all-time career post-season RBI list AND who are the players ahead of him?

Good luck to everyone and please remember to read the rules before answering. And if you don’t win this time, check back for new trivia questions to be posted at random times this week.

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The reader who posts the first complete and correct answer below will win a free copy of The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set, courtesy of A+E Networks Home Entertainment/MLB Productions.

The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set includes all seven complete World Series games plus a bonus DVD. This box set includes alternate St. Louis Cardinals radio network play-by-play and features over 20 hours of game action.

The eighth disc includes extras like all the regular season walk-off winners, individual milestone plays by Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday, the highlights, last out and celebration at each winning level of the playoffs, the trophy presentations from the NLCS and World Series and a ride with David Freese at the Victory Parade. This eight-disc set retails for $56.99.

Here is your trivia question. Note that it has multiple parts, all of which must be answered correctly. Only one answer per person is allowed.

Freese and Carlos Beltran are off to fast starts with the long ball in 2012. They are the Cardinals co-leaders in the early going with three home runs each through six games, but they aren’t the best in team history.

Which Cardinals player had the best-ever start to a season in the home run category? In other words, who had most home runs in team history through the first six games of the season, how many did he hit AND in what year?

(Thanks to researcher Tom Orf for offering up this question.)

Good luck to everyone and please remember to read the rules before answering. And if you don’t win this time, check back for new trivia questions to be posted at random times this week.

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The reader who posts the first complete and correct answer below will win a free copy of Baseball’s Greatest Games: 2011 World Series, Game 6 - or as the sticker attached to the wrapper calls it, “The historic Freese game”.

In this two-disc set, one of the most exciting post-season games ever is being made available for the first time in high-definition Blu-ray with 5.1 surround sound. This package has the game in standard DVD format as well, along with the audio calls of the iconic contest. It retails for $24.99 and is being provided courtesy of A+E Networks Home Entertainment/MLB Productions.

Here is your trivia question. Note that it has two parts, both of which must be answered correctly. Only one answer per person is allowed.

In Game 6, David Freese hit the first walkoff home run in St. Louis Cardinals World Series history but it was only the club’s second walk off WS hit. Who hit the first AND in what year?

Good luck to everyone and please remember to read the rules before answering. And if you don’t win this time, check back for new trivia questions to be posted at random times this week.

Update: Highlights from the 1944 Series between the Cardinals and Browns, Game 2: Ken O’Dea of the Cardinals grips the bat as he comes to the plate in the 11th inning. O’Dea singles to score Ray Sanders and win the game for the Cards, 3-2. (note the clip has no audio track)

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To celebrate the release of Baseball’s Greatest Games: 2011 World Series, Game 6, A+E Networks Home Entertainment/MLB Productions have provided me three copies – which means they will be available for you to win!

In this two-disc set, one of the most exciting post-season games ever is being made available for the first time in high-definition Blu-ray. This package has the game in standard DVD format as well, along with the audio calls of the iconic contest, won via David Freese’s walk-off home run in the 11^th inning.

If you’re interested in purchasing Baseball’s Greatest Games: 2011 World Series, Game 6, it is available for $24.99 at the MLB.com store.

Later in the week, we will follow with three more free copies of the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals World Series Collector’s Edition DVD Set. Each game is presented in its entirety, with the complete, unedited footage of every World Series game plus other key postseason games, along with exclusive locker room celebrations and interviews. This eight-disc set retails for $56.99.

The rules and how to win

At random times starting this week, I will make a new blog post with a trivia question that relates to the St. Louis Cardinals. The first reader to respond in the public comment area of my related post with the complete, correct answer (as solely determined by me) will be named the winner of the announced DVD set associated with that question.

Think through your response carefully, as you are initially allowed just one guess per question. I will do my best to acknowledge the first winning answer as quickly as possible, but will not comment on each incorrect or incomplete reply. If I deem necessary, I may decide to offer a clue and open it up for one second-chance guess per reader, but that is not assured.

There is another catch. If you have never previously commented here at The Cardinal Nation Blog, you would be wise to register and comment at least once well BEFORE you attempt to answer a trivia question. Otherwise, you may not win, even if you have the correct answer.

This blog is set up such that all comments from first-time posters go into holding status and remain there until approved. Unapproved comments will NOT be considered valid contest entries until approved and publicly posted for all to see. That time gap could be the difference between being first with the right answer and missing out.

Consider yourself warned, but if this snags you the first time, you still should have ample time to register and comment before the next trivia question is posted. Feel free to post your first comment on this thread if you would like!

Previous winners of The Official 2011 World Series Film and The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set are not eligible in this contest. Any trivia winners in this contest are ineligible to win subsequent DVD sets. Only one winner per household. Any attempt to circumvent the rules will lead to disqualification from all awards.

Winners will receive an email from me, addressed to the location from which you registered to this blog. If you do not reply with your full street address within 48 hours, you may forfeit your prize to another contestant.

Password reset problem? Several readers have been frustrated by the WordPress password reset procedure that has inhibited their ability to comment. If that includes you, email me at brian at thecardinalnationblog dot com and I will help.

If you don’t win, you can purchase both Baseball’s Greatest Games: 2011 World Series, Game 6 and The 2011 World Series Champions Collectors Edition DVD Set from a number of retailers, including MLB.com.

Welcome to all the new readers and best of luck in the contests!

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The left-hander with the long name relieved Fernando Salas with two out in the eighth after first base umpire Angel Hernandez missed an clear double play call at first base that should have ended the inning. “Scrabble” fanned right-handed pinch-hitter Austin Kearns for the third out, earning a hold in the process.

Inspired by Rzepczynski and those who preceded him, this article is the final installment of what evolved into a four-part series celebrating the top Scrabble-scoring Cardinals surnames by decade. The current and 12 previous ten-year periods are represented by a dozen players. Pitcher Pete Vuckovich is the only repeater as the leader in two decades – the 1970’s and 80’s.

All-Time Scrabble leaders by decade, St. Louis Cardinals

We see many names here from the Cardinals all-time All-Scrabble team, but a handful of new names as well, especially in the first three decades of the previous century.

Right-hander Irv Higginbotham pitched in 29 games in 1906, 1908 and 1909. First baseman Fritz Mollwitz, born in Germany, concluded his seven-year major league career with 25 games with the 1919 Cards.  Right-hander Walt Huntzinger was winless over 34 innings pitched for the 1926 Cardinals.

The other new name in the all-decade team is Jose Jimenez. The right-handed pitcher is most known for one very eventful game during which the then-25-year-old accomplished a feat that Kyle Lohse chased into the seventh inning on Wednesday in Miami.

On Friday, June 25, 1999 in Phoenix’ Bank One Ballpark, the rookie Jimenez threw a no-hitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the process, he bested soon-to-be 1999 Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson. The Big Unit also spun a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits.

Though Jimenez would win just 24 games in parts of seven Major League seasons, he will always top the career 303 game-winner and future Hall of Famer Johnson in one very important stat – 25 Scrabble points to just 17.

Earlier posts in this series:
Scoring the Cardinals Scrabble (current major and minor league players)
Before Rzepczynski came Mierkowicz (all-time Cardinals)
Cardinals all-time All-Scrabble team (by position)

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Springfield and Palm Beach claimed wins on the day. The Cardinals’ spring record against external minor league competition remains 15-13-4.

Wednesday’s Player of the Day: Cuban native Amaury Cazana had another standout performance with three extra-base hits in three at-bats for Memphis.

Wednesday’s Pitcher of the Day: Left-hander Logan Billbrough, 22, fanned four in two scoreless innings for Palm Beach. The 2011 free agent signee had a 1.72 ERA in the regular season and a 2.25 playoff ERA for Johnson City last year.

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

On Thursday, the Cardinals’ five minor league clubs will face their Miami Marlins counterparts for the final time of the spring. The games will be held on the Marlins side of the Roger Dean Stadium complex.

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Springfield 6, Memphis 4

Palm Beach 5, Quad Cities 1

Subscribers to the main site, TheCardinalNation.com, should continue to check out my extensive spring training content over the upcoming days.

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The home cooking was good as Memphis and both the Quad Cities clubs were victorious. Springfield took a defeat while Palm Beach held its Jupiter regular-season neighbor and opponent to a draw. The Cardinals’ spring record against external minor league competition is now 15-13-4.

Tuesday’s Player of the Day: Forget about his popular weekly blog at The Cardinal Nation. First baseman Xavier Scruggs can hit! After 21 home runs last season for Palm Beach, the 24-year-old launched three over the fence for Springfield on Tuesday, plating four runs.

Tuesday’s Pitcher of the Day: Few know or remember that right-hander Sam Gaviglio was the highest-drafted pitcher by the Cardinals last June (fifth round). On this day, the Oregon State product allowed just one walk over four innings of work for Quad Cities Red.

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

On Wednesday, the Cardinals have yet another Camp Day during which their clubs will face each other on the back quad on the Roger Dean Stadium complex.

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Memphis 4, New Orleans 3

Jacksonville 10, Springfield 7

Palm Beach 3, Jupiter 3

Quad Cities (Red) 5, Greensboro 0

Quad Cities (White) 9, Jamestown 3

Subscribers to the main site, TheCardinalNation.com, should continue to check out my extensive spring training content over the upcoming days.

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Memphis, Springfield and Palm Beach were victorious but Quad Cities fell. The Cardinals spring record against external minor league competition is now evened up again at 12-12-3.

Monday’s Pitcher of the Day: In a day with a number of very solid pitching performances – there were eight different scoreless outings of two innings or more – this decision was my toughest all spring. The winner is Palm Beach’s Jonathan Cornelius, who spun three perfect innings while fanning two.

Monday’s Player of the Day: Memphis’ Amaury Cazana, who since being drafted in 2006 has played in the Mexican League every season from 2007-11, reminded us that he can still hit. The 33/37-year-old walked, singled and homered in five plate appearances, driving in two.

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

Don’t read too much into which rosters on which players are appearing as spring assignments are especially fluid.

On Tuesday, the Cardinals’ five clubs entertain the Miami Marlins on the Cardinals side of the Roger Dean Stadium complex.

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Memphis 7, Buffalo 5

Springfield 3, Binghamton 0

Palm Beach 2, St. Lucie 1

Savannah 5, Quad Cities 2

Subscribers to the main site, TheCardinalNation.com, should continue to check out my extensive spring training content over the upcoming days.

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Springfield defeated Memphis while Palm Beach and Quad Cities Red tied. The Cardinals spring record against external minor league competition remains 9-11-3.

Sunday’s Player of the Day: Quad Cities Red’s Roberto Reyes made the most of his two at-bats, with a triple and a home run. The outfielder drove in a pair and scored both times.

Sunday’s Pitcher of the Day: Springfield’s Tyler Lyons spun five shutout innings against Memphis on just two hits and a walk. The lefty from Oklahoma State University fanned five on the day.

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

Don’t read too much into which rosters on which players are appearing as spring assignments are especially fluid.

On Monday, the Cardinals’ two lower-level clubs, Palm Beach and Quad Cities, will bus over to the Mets home at Port St. Lucie while Memphis and Springfield remain home at the Roger Dean Stadium complex to face the Mets’ Triple-A and Double-A clubs.

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Springfield 3, Memphis 0

Palm Beach 4, Quad Cities Red 4

Quad Cities White intersquad 3-1

Subscribers to the main site, TheCardinalNation.com, should continue to check out my extensive spring training content over the upcoming days.

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The top two clubs won while the lower level clubs absorbed losses. The Cardinals spring record against external minor league competition is now 9-11-3.

Saturday’s Player of the Day: Springfield’s Alan Ahmady went 2-for-4, both doubles, and drove in three runs.

Saturday’s Pitcher of the Day: After impressing in major league camp, Springfield right-hander Trevor Rosenthal is continuing strongly. He had a perfect trip through the Mets lineup, retiring all nine batters he faced, six via the strikeout.

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

Don’t read too much into which rosters on which players are appearing as spring assignments are especially fluid.

On Sunday, the Cardinals once again have a camp day, during which their teams play each other. This is due to the odd number of total teams in the vicinity (three).

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Memphis 7, Buffalo 5

Springfield 13, Binghamton 6

St. Lucie 4, Palm Beach 3

Savannah 3, Quad Cities 2

Subscribers to the main site, TheCardinalNation.com, should continue to check out my extensive spring training content over the upcoming days.

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Follow The Cardinal Nation Blog on Facebook.

Quad Cities White won, Springfield tied and the other three clubs absorbed a loss. The Cardinals spring record against external minor league competition is now 7-9-3. I posted camp information from Friday and thoughts on the main site for subscribers.

Friday’s Player of the Day: Quad Cities Red’s David Bergin was on base four times in five plate appearances with a walk, single and a pair of home runs. The outfielder plated three. (The photo is of a Bergin starting his home run swing, but it was off Drew Benes on Thursday, giving him three long balls in two days.)

Friday’s Pitcher of the Day: Memphis’ Jess Todd fanned six in 3 2/3 innings of shutout baseball. The right-hander has had some ups and downs in his career and perhaps 2012 will be another peak.

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

Don’t read too much into which rosters on which players are appearing as spring assignments are especially fluid.

On Saturday, Memphis and Springfield travel to Port St. Lucie while the Mets’ two Class-A clubs will bus to Jupiter.

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

New Orleans 3, Memphis 1

Springfield 2, Jacksonville 2

Jupiter 8, Palm Beach 7

Quad Cities (Red) 7, Greensboro 5

Jamestown 5, Quad Cities (White) 0

Subscribers to the main site, TheCardinalNation.com, should continue to check out my extensive spring training content over the upcoming days.

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Memphis and two of the three Quad Cities teams went home winners on the day. I was at the games and posted more information and thoughts on the main site for subscribers.

Thursday’s Player of the Day: Centerfielder Tommy Pham had a great day with the bat, with a single, double and home run, but the excitement was tempered somewhat when he was shaken up making a catch in the field in the final inning.

Thursday’s Pitcher of the Day: Memphis’ Scott Gorgen, coming off 2011 Tommy John surgery, was dominant over his three shutout innings. Once a staple in our top prospect list, Gorgen looked sharp in what I think is his second official spring outing.

St. Louis outfielder Allen Craig receives an honorable mention. The rehabber hit a home run, singled and walked twice in five at-bats for Memphis. He did not fare nearly as well with Springfield, however. For them, he fanned three times as he led off in the home and away parts of the first five frames. Gorgen retired him three times. (I posted a photo of Craig’s home run swing on TheCardinalNation.com that all can see.)

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

Don’t read too much into which rosters on which players are appearing as early spring assignments are especially fluid.

On Friday, the Cardinals’ five clubs, including both Quad Cities teams, will walk over to the Marlins’ side of Roger Dean Stadium complex for 1:00 P.M. games.

The Cardinals spring record against external minor league competition remains knotted at 6-6-2.

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Memphis 8, Springfield 5

Quad Cities (Red) 4, Palm Beach 3

Quad Cities (White – split squad) 8, Quad Cities (White – split squad) 7

I’ve been busy logging interviews and taking dozens of player photos in Florida. I will be rolling them out for subscribers to the main site, TheCardinalNation.com, over the upcoming days.

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Tuesday’s Player of the Day: Springfield outfielder Chris Edmondson singled, tripled and homered in three at-bats. Too bad he didn’t have a chance for the very rare spring cycle!

Tuesday’s Pitcher of the Day: Seth Maness, who spent some time with Palm Beach last season (as well as Batavia and Quad Cities), threw three perfect frames for the PB club. The right-hander fanned three.

As he has been doing the last few seasons, Cardinals farm director John Vuch is sharing game stats with this site and several others with interest in Cardinals prospects. As always, the raw numbers are his, but the comments mine.

Don’t read too much into which rosters on which players are appearing as early spring assignments are especially fluid.

On Wednesday, the Cardinals two lower-level clubs, Palm Beach and Quad Cities, will bus over to the Mets’ facility at Port St. Lucie while Memphis and Springfield remain home at the Roger Dean Stadium complex to face New York’s Triple-A and Double-A clubs.

The Cardinals spring record against external minor league competition remains knotted at 6-6-2.

The Cardinal Nation subscribers can check out the full minor league schedule and spring training working rosters. The entire system view by level and position is available via the Roster Matrix, right here at The Cardinal Nation Blog.

Springfield 12, Memphis 11

Apparently the arrival of Allen Craig inspired all the hitters – along with the wind blowing out. Though his numbers weren’t part of the Vuch report, the outfielder went 0-for-4 with two at-bats each for Memphis and Springfield. He fanned looking both times against Brian Broderick and flied out to center and grounded out to second base vs. Nick Additon (hat tip to Tom Ackerman of KMOX).

Palm Beach 3, Quad Cities (White) 2