The Cardinal Nation blog

Nick Stavinoha is only one short of tying for the most pinch-hit home runs in a season by a Cardinal since Tony La Russa became manager in 1996.

Trying to return from disc replacement surgery in his neck proved to be too much for Chris Duncan, who was traded to Boston in late July for middle infielder Julio Lugo in a move that unearthed a number of issues.

The agent of former Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan is making some interesting claims.

This isn’t the first time that off-field issues may be driving away an important member of the St. Louis Cardinals

Offering a personal angle on the major stories last week across the Cardinal Nation and digging up some old ones, too

Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan seemed to have been involved in every key play in Thursday’s series opening victory over the Cubs – both good and bad.

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently deploying four regular outfielders. Why is that surprising to some?

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan is hitting the ball like in the old days. Several of his doctors should probably be credited, including one without a medical degree – Mark McGwire.

With the Monday signing of outfielder Ryan Ludwick, all five St. Louis Cardinals arbitration-eligible players have come to terms on 2009 contracts.

A series of quick hits on and links to recent St. Louis Cardinals baseball news.

Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder John Rodriguez returns to his original organization while Chris Duncan’s brother takes a career hit.

The St. Louis Cardinals will soon need to offer 2009 contract amounts to five players from just under three up through six years of experience and the five have to counter with their view of their value. If the two cannot agree, arbitration to set the player’s 2009 salary will follow in February.

A look back at the biggest stories across the St. Louis Cardinal Nation during 2008 begins with numbers 16 through 20.

The St. Louis Cardinals did not offer contracts to lefty relievers Randy Flores and Tyler Johnson, making them free agents, saving money and opening roster spots. Infielder Aaron Miles was also cut loose. Could the Twins and Nick Punto (pictured) partially be to blame? How might the Cards fill the openings?

Brian Walton is wondering if St. Louis Cardinals reliever Randy Flores will be given his walking papers on Friday.

Lists of some of the top current St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers and past major leaguers. (Remember to click on the title to see the entire post.)