Opening Day 2009: The Epitome of Déjà Vu

Well the pre-game festivities were once again brilliant for the St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day tradition. Adam Wainwright pitched beautifully until about the fifth inning. But, unfortunately, that's where the positives end. Oh, my. . .where to begin? Contrary to the belief around St. Louis and the ever-optimistic Al Hrabosky I think our lineup is pretty weak. I mean seriously guys, it's the Pirates. We can muster more than 4 runs. But that is far from the Cards' biggest problem. Relief pitching is back to haunt us. Meanwhile, with the help of K-rod, the Mets are able to win against the Reds with only one run! Brian Fuentes will no doubt be put in against the A's tonight if it's close in the ninth! Trevor Hoffman's Brewers play tomorrow night. Don't ya think he'll be in if the game's tight? It's interesting, all three of these guys were more than available to the Cardinals (They have the money, believe it or not). But instead, we stick with our less-than-stellar farm system. Poor Tony LaRussa, he pleaded for some help in the off-season and what did he get? Excuses. If I were him I'd be retired by now. I'm sure having no help with your job adds some age to your life.

So, once again for the Cardinals, it's the same stuff. Get a lead, blow the lead, get it back, blow it for good. C'mon Cardinal Nation! Let's help Tony give a shout out to Mr. Mozeliak! GO GET US A CLOSER! I feel bad for Jason Motte. He's just another product of this current Cardinals front office. Yes, he had a wonderful Spring. But that doesn't show you a lot. If I'm the Cards I stick with him. Yanking him now will do nothing for his confidence. Especially when all the solid closers have been off the market for a month now.

One more question. Where's Chris Perez? He's the only Cardinal closer that has come REMOTELY close to proving himself. *SIGH* Oh, well. Looks like were in for another long season. When I saw that game-winning double go over Schumaker's head I simply muttered, "Unbelievable." But then I realized, it's really not. What did I, or for that matter all Cardinals fans, expect?

Were lucky this is only one game, but in my mind, the weather, and the how the Cards performed today reminded me of one thing. It's still hockey season.

Let's go Blues..



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