I have said it for 5 straight IGTs so I might as well make it 6. Pitch Pujols high and tight. If you hit him, that happens. Both Braun and Fielder have both been hit this series because the Cards insistence to own the plate.
One thing that I hopes happened is that Marcum gave Kranitz an honest assessment of how he was feeling and how he thought his control was while warming up. The Brewers could use that information to plan accordingly. I do understand warming in the pen is vastly different than actually pitching but I think a pitcher knows if his stuff is working prior to taking the mound even if the results don't always agree.
Brewers are on of 3 teams left that could win the World Series this year. Not the Yankees, nor, the Red Sox, not even the defending champs. All but two teams would kill to be in the Brewers position.
To be fair, there is no need for the scrub patrol at all this game. Heck, if you want to go Marcum for 5 and pull him in most cases I am cool with that.
Here is my lineup today... 1) Taylor Green-Catcher 2) Gomez-1B 3) Kotsay-SS 4) Kottaras-2B 5) Counsell-RF 6) McGahee-CF 7) Yuni-LF 8) Lucroy-3rd 9) Nyjer Morgan-Pitcher Think about all the bunting opportunities with that lineup RR!
I am still miffed that they have not gone up and in on Pujols this series. LaRussa won way back when when he complained about Saito going up and in. Since then they have changed their approach and let him get his hands out and he has punished the Brewers. I understand not wanting to leave it over the plate but then error on the side of caution and go in more on Pujols, if you hit him, that happens.
Forgot about the Kotsay smash. Dang, that was our shot. I just can't believe hoe good this Cards pen has been. Good isn't even the word for it, it's so much more than that. Hopefully they make Motte work in the 9th and Braun gets a chance for redemption.
Tough day for Braun and Fielder with men on today. Let's hope that turns around. Also, Rickie, lets put one in the seats... Have the Brewers hit a HR in STL this series?