Birds on the Bat | MLB 23

[James]

National League Standings, Updated 8/5/24
National League East
1. Atlanta Braves, 67-47, - GB
2. Philadelphia Phillies, 63-50, 3.5 GB
3. New York Mets, 60-54, 7.0 GB
4. Miami Marlins, 53-60, 13.5 GB
5. Washington Nationals, 33-79, 33.0 GB

National League Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals, 61-53, - GB
2. Cincinnati Reds, 57-57, 4.0 GB
3. Milwaukee Brewers, 53-59, 7.0 GB
4. Chicago Cubs, 54-62, 8.0 GB
5. Pittsburgh Pirates, 52-61, 8.5 GB

National League West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers, 69-44, - GB
2. San Diego Padres, 63-50, 6.0 GB
3. San Francisco Giants, 60-53, 9.0 GB
4. Arizona Diamondbacks, 47-65, 21.5 GB
5. Colorado Rockies, 42-69, 26.0 GB

National League Wildcard
1. Philadelphia Phillies, 63-50, - GB
2. San Diego Padres, 63-50, - GB
3. San Francisco Giants, 60-53, - GB
4. New York Mets, 60-54, 0.5 GB
5. Cincinnati Reds, 57-57, 3.5 GB

National League Leaders, Updated 8/5/24
Average
1. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies - .320
2. Nick Gordon, New York Mets - .318
3. Juan Soto, San Diego Padres - .318
4. Jeff McNeil, New York Mets - .316
5. Jazz Chisholm Jr, Miami Marlins - .312

Home Runs
1. Willy Adames, Los Angeles Dodgers - 30
2. Pete Alonso, New York Mets - 29
3. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets - 26
4. Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves - 25
5. Juan Soto, San Diego Padres - 24

RBI
1. Fransicso Lindor, New York Mets - 81
2. Pete Alonso, New York Mets - 80
3. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres - 80
4. Teoscar Hernandez, Milwaukee Brewers - 75
5. Rowdy Tellez, Milwaukee Brewers - 72

Wins
1. Yu Darvish, San Diego Padres - 12
2. Dustin May, Los Angeles Dodgers - 12
3. Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers - 12
4. Clayton Kershaw, St. Louis Cardinals - 12
5. Blake Snell, Atlanta Braves - 11

Saves
1. A.J. Minter, Atlanta Braves - 37
2. Edwin Diaz, New York Mets - 36
3. Evan Phillips, Los Angeles Dodgers - 34
4. Camilo Doval, San Francisco Giants - 34
5. Robert Suarez, San Diego Padres - 33

ERA
1. Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals - 2.78
2. Julio Urias, Los Angeles Dodgers - 2.80
3. Lucas Giolito, Los Angeles Dodgers - 2.82
4. Nick Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies - 2.89
5. Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers - 2.91

Strikeouts
1. Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves - 157
2. Jack Flaherty, St. Louis Cardinals - 150
3. Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds - 150
4. Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers - 142
5. Corbin Burnes, Milwaukee Brewers - 137

[James]

American League Standings, Updated 8/5/24
American League East
1. New York Yankees, 73-41, - GB
2. Tampa Bay Rays, 68-46, 5.0 GB
3. Toronto Blue Jays, 67-45, 5.0 GB
4. Baltimore Orioles, 59-53, 13.0 GB
5. Boston Red Sox, 59-54, 13.5 GB

American League Central
1. Cleveland Guardians, 67-45, - GB
2. Minnesota Twins, 61-53, 7.0 GB
3. Chicago White Sox, 52-61, 15.5 GB
4. Detroit Tigers, 47-67, 21.0 GB
5. Kansas City Royals, 40-74, 28.0 GB

American League West
1. Texas Rangers, 71-42, - GB
2. Houston Astros, 62-52, 9.5 GB
3. Los Angeles Angels, 52-61, 19.0 GB
4. Seattle Mariners, 50-63, 21.0 GB
5. Oakland Athletics, 35-77, 35.5 GB

American League Wildcard
1. Tampa Bay Rays, 68-46, - GB
2. Toronto Blue Jays, 67-45, - GB
3. Houston Astros, 62-52, - GB
4. Minnesota Twins, 61-53, 1.0 GB
5. Baltimore Orioles, 59-53, 2.0 GB

American League Leaders, Updated 8/5/24
Average
1. Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians - .340
2. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros - .337
3. Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays - .326
4. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers - .326
5. Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays - .324

Home Runs
1. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox - 33
2. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros - 33
3. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees - 32
4. Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays - 29
5. Jose Altuve, Houston Astros - 27

RBI
1. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros - 91
2. Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays - 88
3. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers - 82
4. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians - 81
5. Jose Altuve, Houston Astros - 79

Wins
1. Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays - 14
2. Luis Garcia, Houston Astros - 14
3. Nestor Cortes Jr, New York Yankees - 14
4. D.L. Hall, Baltimore Orioles - 14
5. Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays - 14

Saves
1. Michael King, New York Yankees - 41
2. Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians - 38
3. Reynaldo Lopez, Texas Rangers - 33
4. John Schreiber, Boston Red Sox - 33
5. Alex Lange, Detroit Tigers - 30

ERA
1. Alek Manoah, Toronto Blue Jays - 2.39
2. Drew Rasmussen, Tampa Bay Rays - 2.41
3. Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays - 2.47
4. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers - 2.50
5. Domingo German, New York Yankees - 2.57

Strikeouts
1. Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers - 165
2. Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays - 154
3. Carlos Rodon, New York Yankees - 152
4. Triston McKenzie, Cleveland Guardians - 145
5. Tyler Glasnow, Tampa Bay Rays - 142

[James]

The Bird Bag: Cardinals say good-bye to Paul Goldschmidt
Rob Stock – Viva El Birdos Reporter

After speculation that he might be time to move on, Paul Goldschmidt has been dealt at the trade deadline with one year remaining on his contract.

In his final game against the Chicago Cubs He was able to get a hit and bring his average up to .221 on the season. In the 7th inning Jordan Walker pinch hit for Goldschmidt after Goldschmidt approached the plate and got a standing ovation.

Paul Goldschmidt was traded to the Atlanta Braves for pitching prospects Owen Murphy and Jose Arnez.

Goldschmidt was playing in his 6th season with the Cardinals before he was traded. Goldschmidt’s time with the Cardinals included winning a MVP award and the World Series last year. He played 610 games for the Cardinals and had 154 home runs with the team.

Steven Matz also departed the team at the trade deadline moving on to the San Diego Padres in a trade that sees the Cardinals receive 3B Miguel Hiraldo.

Matz pitched 61 games for the Cardinals and accrued a 22-18 record over his time with the Cardinals. Despite having a good 2023 where he went 13-9 with a 3.83 ERA, Matz has struggled in the 2024 season so far going 4-5 with a 5.95 ERA. The poor performance ultimately led the Cardinals to trade him as they have others who can fill the starting rotation.

‣ Gallegos Back, Burleson and Nootbaar likely out for the season

The Cardinals have struggled with injuries so far in the 2024 season. In good news, Giovanny Gallegos is back after suffering from a fractured hand earlier in the season. Gallegos can help bolster a bullpen that has struggled with the only stand out being Jordan Hicks.

In bad news, the Cardinals see two outfielders hit the injured list and both of them are likely out for the season. Lars Nootbaar has suffered a fractured forearm and is still out for 1-2 months. There is a chance he could make a playoff run which would be a big boost for the Cardinals to have the reigning NL Postseason and World Series MVP back in the lineup. Nootbaar is having a down season this year. Only hitting .220 with 7 home runs and 28 RBIs compared to .263 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs in 3 more games played last season.

Alec Burleson is also out with a fracture, this one is to his ankle and sees him with a 2-3 month time being out. It’s more likely Burleson is done for the season including any playoff appearances. Burleson’s numbers are consistent with his numbers from last year despite playing in 20 more games this season. However, Burleson had a period where the Cardinals lineup was struggling where he was hitting near .300 and was a major driver in the lineup when no one else was. While his average has dipped back down to .264 on the season the Cardinals will miss his presence in the lineup.

‣ Packy Naughton impressing in AAA, and other prospect notes

As Naughton earned his 9th win of the season to put his record and 9-6 and his ERA at 2.65 it’s a valid question to ask if his time in the MLB is about to come soon. Naughton already has 1 year of MLB experience pitching 26 games in 2022, mostly out the of the bullpen. At 27 years old and with a Cardinals staff that is aging we could soon see him take a more direct role in 2025. He will need to take this momentum from AAA and continue it into the majors because the last time he was with the big club he struggled, accruing a 0-2 record with a 4.78 ERA.

Taylor Motter is also another Cardinal is likely to see a spot in the big club soon after injuries to other players. Motter is a great utility player like Tommy Edman. Despite being a sub .200 in 159 career MLB games he leads AAA Memphis with 13 home runs and a .247 average. The 34 year old is likely not to have a huge MLB career due to his age but he could be the missing piece the Cardinals could use in a playoff push with so many other injuries.

[Google[Bot]]

it was good while it lasted

[Agent]

Those injuries are brutal on this team

[James]

it was good while it lasted

Goldy or the injuries?

Those injuries are brutal on this team

Nootbaar has gotten a bad break both seasons. He's only played 80 or so games.

[James]

Cardinals dominate Marlins in game 2 of series
Highlight Game: 8/6/24 - Loan Depot Park, Miami, FL

@

STL | 8 | 13 | 0
MIA | 2 | 5 | 1
W: Adam Wainwright: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO
L: Hayden Wesneski: 2.1 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 2 SO



St. Louis Cardinals:
Willson Contreras: 3-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI
Tommy Edman: 2-5, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Nolan Gorman: 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Nolan Arenado: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R

Miami Marlins:
Luis Arraez: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Paul McIntosh: 2-3, 2B, R
Jazz Chisholm Jr: 1-4, 2B
Zach Neto: 0-4

--

@

STL | 9 | 12 | 0
MIA | 4 | 12 | 0
W: Jack Flaherty: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
L: Sixto Sanchez: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO

STL HR: Nolan Gorman 3, Juan Yepez
MIA HR: None

--

@

STL | 3 | 14 | 1
TB | 4 | 8 | 0
W: Jalen Beeks: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 SO
L: Ryan Helsley: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB

STL HR: None
TB HR: None

--

@

STL | 4 | 9 | 0
TB | 5 | 11 | 1
W: Garrett Cleavinger: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO
L: Dakota Hudson: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO
S: Jason Adam: 1.0 IP, 1 SO

STL HR: Nolan Arenado
TB HR: Harold Ramirez, Cal Mitchell

--

@

STL | 1 | 4 | 0
TB | 3 | 7 | 0
W: Shane McClanahan: 8.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 SO
L: Zack Thompson: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO
S: Jason Adam: 0.1 IP, 1 BB

STL HR: Nolan Arenado
TB HR: Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe, Isaac Paredes

--

@

MIN | 10 | 13 | 1
STL | 4 | 9 | 0
W: Chris Paddack: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 8 SO
L: Adam Wainwright: 5.0 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 1 BB
S: Jordan Holloway: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 SO

MIN HR: Jorge Polanco
STL HR: Tommy Edman, Nolan Gorman 2

--

Cardinals Current Record
63-57

Injury Report
Alec Burleson - Broken Ankle (1-2 months)
Jake Woodford - Dislocated Shoulder (1-2 weeks)
Lars Nootbaar - Fractured Forearm (1-2 months)

Upcoming Schedule
vs Twins (65-55)
vs Tigers (51-70)
vs Tigers (51-70)
vs Tigers (51-70)
at Guardians (70-49)
at Guardians (70-49)

[Google[Bot]]

love seeing waino keep doing his thing

[James]

love seeing waino keep doing his thing

I expected him to retire after last year but he keeps going.

I'm expecting him and Kershaw to retire after this year but who knows.

[James]

Twins sweep Cardinals after 10 innings
Highlight Game: 8/14/24 - Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

@

MIN | 5 | 6 | 0
STL | 4 | 10 | 1
W: Caleb Thielbar: 1.0 IP, 1 H
L: Ryan Helsley: 1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 SO



Minnesota Twins:
Carlos Correra: 1-5, HR, RBI, R
Max Kepler: 1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Wil Myers: 2-4, 2B, R
Alex Kirilloff: 2-4, 2 RBI, R

St. Louis Cardinals:
Tyler O'Neill: 3-5, HR, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Nolan Gorman: 2-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Willson Contreras: 2-4, RBI, R
Dylan Carlson: 1-3, 2B

--

@

DET | 4 | 10 | 1
STL | 5 | 7 | 2
W: Miles Mikolas: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
L: Eduardo Rodriguez: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 4 SO
S: Ryan Helsley: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO

DET HR: Kerry Carpenter
STL HR: Brendan Donovan, Jordan Walker

--

@

DET | 4 | 5 | 0
STL | 7 | 8 | 0
W: Clayton Kershaw: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO
L: Jackson Jobe: 3.1 IP, 6 H, 7 ER, 6 BB, 2 SO
S: Ryan Helsley: 1.0 IP 1 H, 1 BB

DET HR: Eric Haase
STL HR: Juan Yepez

--

@

DET | 10 | 18 | 1
STL | 6 | 11 | 0
W: Casey Mize: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 2 SO
L: Dakota Hudson: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER
S: Will Vest: 2.0 IP, 1 BB, 2 SO

DET HR: Adalberto Mondesi, Kerry Carpenter, Joey Wiemer
STL HR: Willson Contreras, Jordan Walker 2

--

@

STL | 8 | 12 | 1
CLE | 3 | 5 | 0
W: Adam Wainwright: 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
L: Damien Stephenson: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO

STL HR: Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera 2
CLE HR: Ryan Bliss

--

@

STL | 7 | 15 | 0
CLE | 0 | 7 | 1
W: Jack Flaherty: 8.0 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 12 SO
L: Shane Bieber: 4.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO

STL HR: Moises Gomez, Errol Robinson
CLE HR: None

--

Cardinals Current Record
67-59

Injury Report
Alec Burleson: Broken Ankle (1-2 months)
Jake Woodford: Dislocated Shoulder (1-6 days)
Lars Nootbaar: Fractured Forearm (1-2 months)

Upcoming Schedule
at Guardians (75-52)
at Brewers (59-67)
at Brewers (59-67)
at Brewers (59-67)
at Brewers (59-67)
vs Reds (66-60)