In a way, I'm glad I wasn't at this game, because seeing this in person would have been indescribably frustrating (not to mention that the conditions were pretty miserable...there were even snow flurries prior to the first pitch. Ah, spring in the Midwest).
Game wrap can be found here.
After enduring an inconsistent bullpen through much of the 2008 season, the Cardinals squad (and especially the relievers) had to have been looking forward to a clean slate in 2009. And it should be noted that Josh Kinney, Trever Miller and Kyle McClellan all performed admirably in a combined 2 2/3 innings of shutout relief against the Pirates. But before Jason Motte left the mound in the top of the ninth, all of those old feelings of doubt, uncertainty, and disappointment from 2008 had come rushing back.
Sure, Motte is a rookie, and I do think that he is a talented pitcher that has a future with the organization. The kid can throw hard. But what he has to learn (and hopefully not the hard way, like today) is that major league hitters can handle velocity if it doesn't do anything. But Motte isn't what I'm most concerned about.
No, what most concerns me is the heartbreaking nature of today's loss. Especially given the struggles and blown leads of 2008, today's game has to have planted the seed of doubt in the players' minds. Opening Day is usually a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, renewed optimism. To revert so quickly back to the problems of the previous year cannot have instilled confidence in a relatively young Cardinals team. These things have a way of becoming embedded in a team's attitude and having effects which are very difficult to reverse.
I am probably making mountains out of molehills here, offering up such a bleak outlook after only one game. There were plenty of bright spots, including Albert Pujols doing what he does best (3-4 with a walk), and Ryan Ludwick coming up with a clutch homer after a mediocre spring. Here's hoping that the Cards can shake it off and finish this series strong before the Astros come to town.
Other Opening Day thoughts:
I'm glad to see that Crown Royal is now sponsoring Baseball Tonight. The only thing better than enjoying America's pastime is enjoying America's pastime with a glass of Canadian whisky. I'm only half-joking.
When I flipped over to the Braves/Phillies last night, the camera was focused only on Jon Miller and Steve Phillips. Upon seeing this, my heart leaped at the possibility that Joe Morgan was no longer a part of ESPN's lead broadcast team. Then the camera panned wide. Damn.
Apparently, MLB Extra Innings is offering a free preview through Sunday. Just a heads up.
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