The Cardinal Nation blog

Links to several videos of features about St. Louis Cardinals prospects.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is off the best start with the bat in his seven MLB seasons.

In a rare occurrence, a St. Louis Cardinal reached base twice in his first Major League game when light-hitting Pete Kozma did it Wednesday night.

The former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman looks back at the difference between baseball’s integration and desegregation.

Fernando Salas is the only St. Louis Cardinals reliever not to blow a save or take a loss in 2011.

Over the last season plus six weeks, St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia has been pitching in some select company.

Speculation that Albert Pujols may end up as a Chicago Cub starting in 2012 is growing and the two sides are contributing.

The St. Louis Cardinals had a trio of unusually well-pitched games this past weekend – their best in almost four decades.

Examining inhibitors that might keep Albert Pujols from being granted an ownership stake in the St. Louis Cardinals.

Is Albert Pujols’ impending free agency affecting his results on the field? The first of our reader contest submissions digs into the question.

Albert Pujols and his St. Louis Cardinals are leading MLB in an unenviable stat, grounding into double plays.

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Kyle Lohse has returned to 2008 form this season. Ian Walton helps us understand how.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Mitchell Boggs is 3-for-3 in saves, but so were 45 other Cardinals since 1950.

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa maneuvered through the rules and the weather to secure a pitching advantage against Dusty Baker and Cincinnati in Friday’s game one.

On Thursday, Kyle Lohse pitched one of the best April games in St. Louis Cardinals history.

Jake Westbrook, struggling in 2011, may be asked to pitch on three days rest on Sunday night. He has had mixed results doing this in the past in a very limited sample.

An almost-forgotten name from the 1970’s had an unbelievable start closing games.

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin joins select company in having blown four save opportunities in his team’s first 16 games.

The St. Louis Cardinals pounded the ball once again Friday night, led by Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman.

Eduardo Sanchez became the first St. Louis Cardinal ever to fan five in a relief debut of less than three innings.

In an unexpected event, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan excelled Monday night at the plate as well as on the mound.

St. Louis Cardinals left-hander Jaime Garcia made his second consecutive nine-strikeout start on Saturday night. Here is how they stack up against others.

The St. Louis Cardinals superstar first baseman and his team are struggling in the early going.

The St. Louis Cardinals full system view reflects full-season club rosters for the 2011 regular season and Extended Spring Training invitees.

Looking at historical comparisons to St. Louis Cardinals’ left-hander Jamie Garcia’s complete-game four hit shutout with nine strikeouts on Sunday.

A series of questions to determine what you would do if you were the St. Louis Cardinals, having to decide how to deal with Matt Holliday’s unexpected time out of the lineup.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ new right fielder is hitting just .200 on the spring with no extra base hits since March 1.

MLB Network analysts John Hart and Harold Reynolds answer St. Louis Cardinals questions in support of their 30 Clubs in 30 Days Cardinals segment.

Comparing pros and cons of Matt Carpenter, Ramon Vazquez and Daniel Descalso, competitors for one job with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ex-St. Louis Cardinals hitting coach passed away in his sleep, reports former student Eduardo Perez.

I hear all the early St. Louis Cardinals camp excitement about third baseman Matt Carpenter, but my thoughts are elsewhere, back in 2005.

A national writer is quoted as saying the t. Louis Cardinals have concerns about the accuracy of their superstar’s age.

Results from a series of reader polls on the subject of St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols’ contract.

While the St. Louis Cardinals have twice experienced the loss of a 20-game winner for the entire next season, neither case turned out well.

The St. Louis Cardinals full system roster view reflects rosters for 2011 spring training.

Many in the Cardinal Nation are upset over Adam Wainwright’s injury. Should they be angry at the Reds’ Jonny Gomes, too?

With news of Adam Wainwright’s elbow injury, how does the St. Louis Cardinals rotation look for 2012?

Bad feelings remain in New York even after a new deal with Derek Jeter was done. Could the same thing happen in St. Louis with Albert Pujols?

Readers can select the components of their best contract offer to soon-to-be free agent Albert Pujols.

Looking back at three big Albert Pujols stories from seven years ago.

On February 18, 2004, I broke the story of an event that was unprecedented in Major League Baseball.

Differing reports on the specifics of the Albert Pujols contract negotiations leave no clear answers.

What did St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols say about his contract in spring training camps during the most recent two springs?

Once Albert Pujols saw his shadow, his contract saga was assured of continuing for months.

Putting Albert Pujols’ opportunity to remain a life-long St. Louis Cardinal into games-played context.

Selected photos from the St. Louis Cardinals’ Stand for Stan Day, last October 2.

How might the story unfold if the St. Louis Cardinals and Albert Pujols are unable to come to contract terms by the reported deadline of February 16?

Stan Musial’s Medal of Freedom presentation can be seen by all over the internet.

The St. Louis Cardinals risked a small missed opportunity cost in releasing infielder Felipe Lopez in September. It looks like it didn’t matter.

St. Louis Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III outlines team finances and specifically those surrounding new Busch Stadium.

The national media and a segment of St. Louis Cardinals fans reacted strongly to a rumor that Albert Pujols would veto any trades. Why were they surprised?

St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols’ endorsement earnings have grown to about half his baseball salary, but the first baseman still dropped in the 2011 Power 100.

Video highlights of the Baseball Writers’ dinner roast are also posted at FOXSportsMidwest.com.

Former St. Louis Cardinals infielder/outfielder Joe Mather discusses his move to the Atlanta Braves.

A look ahead to the top projected stories across the Cardinal Nation in 2011.

With the best of intentions, I tried to clear up lineup questions with the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals by asking the manager himself.

Thoughts about why the Albert Pujols contract negotiations with the St. Louis Cardinals appear to be moving so slowly.

Quotes from the Tony La Russa roast in St. Louis on Monday night as Billy Bob Thornton, Steve Kline and Bobby Knight levied shots at the long-time St. Louis Cardinals manager.

Former St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire is losing ground in his Hall of Fame candidacy.

Though agent Scott Boras took Matt Holliday into free agency one year ago, the outfielder returned to the St. Louis Cardinals via the biggest contract team history.

The Ryan Ludwick for Jake Westbrook trade was one of the biggest and arguably the most surprising story of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2010 season.

Completing his first decade as the on-field leader of the St. Louis Cardinals, first baseman Albert Pujols racked up a series of milestones during 2010.

The long-time manager-pitching coach duo will be back leading the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011 despite a difficult 2010.

On consecutive days in late May, starters Brad Penny and Kyle Lohse went down with injuries that would wreck their personal seasons and arguably that of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Performance on the field in 2010 seemed to confirm the passing of the torch of ‘the ace of the St. Louis Cardinals’ from Chris Carpenter to Adam Wainwright.

2010 was a big year for the greatest St. Louis Cardinal ever, Stan Musial.

The St. Louis Cardinals experienced both highs and lows during a series sweep in Cincinnati on August 9-11.

The St. Louis Cardinals added veteran Lance Berkman to be their 2011 right fielder.

Rookie left-hander Jaime Garcia surged onto the scene for the St. Louis Cardinals, winning 13 games and finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year vote.

Whitey Herzog entered Baseball’s Hall of Fame and his number was retired by the St. Louis Cardinals in July.

Middle infield play was a major concern for the 2010 St. Louis Cardinals. Not everyone is comfortable with the changes made for 2011.

Third base was a major problem for the St. Louis Cardinals for the second consecutive season.

Starting in June, the St. Louis Cardinals called on five minor league castoffs with below-average results.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ first pick in the 2010 draft received near-record money and a major league contract.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ second-year outfielder went through some bumps and bruises on and off the field.

The St. Louis Cardinals’ former slugger became their hitting coach, apologized for the past, and moved ahead.

The Cardinals promoted a new farm director and filled key open positions following a minor league season of improvement on the field.

The St. Louis Cardinals fired their bullpen coach and promoted his replacement from within.

Considering the candidacies of four former St. Louis Cardinals on the 2011 Hall of Fame ballot.

Looking at ERA+ marks by the St. Louis Cardinals’ top three pitchers over the Albert Pujols years.

Looking at OPS+ marks by the St. Louis Cardinals’ top three hitters over the Albert Pujols years.

How does the current middle of the St. Louis Cardinals lineup compare to their 2004 predecessors?

The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly remaking Colby Rasmus into a 175-pound opposite-field slash-and-run hitter.

A series of quick updates on St. Louis Cardinals subjects currently in the news.

The St. Louis Cardinals have made a pair of changes to their starting lineup for 2011, in the outfield and at shortstop. What might the impact be?

Which St. Louis Cardinals players may benefit or suffer from the club’s recent roster moves?

The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be shopping shortstop Brendan Ryan, but will he generate trade interest?

How MLB managerial openings were filled and how St. Louis Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo stacked up.

Why would a former commissioner want Major League Baseball players to push for team ownership shares?

An imaginary conversation about the St. Louis Cardinals’ new left-handed reliever, Brian Tallet – using real facts.

A series of quick updates on St. Louis Cardinals subjects currently in the news.

One columnist suggests the St. Louis Cardinals should sign Derek Jeter to replace Albert Pujols.

Looking at WAR and player salaries to determine which players helped and hurt the 2010 St. Louis Cardinals.

Intended only in fun, this award honors the highest level of hitting futility by a St. Louis Cardinals pitcher in a season.

The Boston Red Sox shrewdly saw a compensation draft pick in a player the St. Louis Cardinals simply wanted to be rid of.

Adam Wainwright again takes our annual recognition for the top hitting performance by a St. Louis Cardinals pitcher.

The St. Louis Cardinals full system roster view reflects changes made during the entire 2010-11 off-season.

According to a media report, the Florida Marlins expected Colby Rasmus from the St. Louis Cardinals in return for Dan Uggla.

A series of quick updates on St. Louis Cardinals subjects currently in the news.

Even considering a trade for Florida’s Dan Uggla would require a major change in strategy for the St. Louis Cardinals, but it has been done before.