For Those Who Think Houston Will Beat Cards Will Be A Lot Lighter In The Pocketbook?

[Kojak]

Guys,

On The Eve Before The Series Starts, I Will Once Again Allow Everyone To Rag On Me For Telling You The Cardinals Are For Real And To Jump On The Bandwagon. Before The Season Started, I Posted On Here They Would Win Division. At All Star Break , I Once Again Reminded Everyone But Still Lots Of Doubters. Before The Playoffs, Told Everyone Cards Will Win National League. Still I Am Amazed That Everyone Loves Houston Here. I Could Give Reasons All Night Why You Are Will Be Wrong But I Am Not Going To Waste My Time. All I Can Say Is That Jump On The Bandwagon As Oddsmakers Didn't Make Cards -230 Favorite For Nothing. They Are Begging For Astros Money And Many Of You Will Gladly Be Donating It. After They Win This Series, I Don't Know What Will Happen In Series But Trust Me When I Say They Will Be Their When The Series Starts. Lol.

 

[Kojak]

As I can see by the 26 people that viewed this thread that people don't believe yet. What is it going to take? 7 more wins. There still is time to jump on the winning bandwagon and get your wallets fatter!!!!!!!!

 

[Journeyman]

lol..problem is finding value at this point...only value left is Cards for WS...

 

[Kojak]

journeyman,

I agree but the value games will be in Houston when Clemens and Oswalt pitch. I think at least one of them will get beat. The game 3 matchup of Clemens/Suppan is about the 6th time they have started a game this year. Suppan and his 11-1 road record will be of great value here. Cards are due to hand the Rocket his first loss vs St. Louis. Originally I said Cards in 6 but after I saw what the Astros bullpen had to offer tonight, Cards will win tomorrow and there is a better than 50% chance this series never gets back to St. Louis. Best of luck.

 

[Kojak]

Well 2 down and 2 hard ones in Houston to hopefully come but getting closer to making believers out of the doubters. I agree starters have not been even above average and actually bullpen has not been as good as regular season but still getting job done. But this may be the 4 greatest hitting teams to ever be in both championship series ever. No pitcher or pitching staff will be unscathed this postseason so premium is on 2 out hitting and defense and that is why Cards and Yanks are where they are both only 2 wins away. Now more value games to bet on both teams as I don't think either series goes back to either NY or STL. So make your money betting road teams all weekend and cash in. Magic number now at 6!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cubsmac]

Kojak...

I remember in early March getting in a discussion with you about the Cubs and Cards chances at making the playoffs. I didnt think the Cards had much of chance, you thought otherwise. In the middle of it, you told me,

"cubsmac, just remember I told you so at the end of the season on the Cards. Their rotation is not as bad as you think."

I am here to let you know that you told me so. I was skeptical at the beginning of the season, as most were. But you were absolutely right on. I just wanted to let you know that you were dead on from the beginning of spring training to now, and i took notice. I congratulate you on your teams success and hope it continues. As for the Cubs, i'll just have to wait for next year(as always). Good luck.

 

[Kojak]

cubsmac,

I appreciate the acknowledgement. In regards to your Cubs. No fear as next year is the year. Back in 1985 when Cards went to series it was supposed to be the Mets year but Cards silenced them on a big hit on a Friday night in NY from Terry Pendelton. The next season, Mets came out and buried the division en route to winning WS. Cubs have some character guy on their team and are very close. As long as they keep their mouth shut and do their talking on the field, they come back and win it next year. I am one that is not a Sosa fan and agree he must go but got a feeling Sammy will come back with his best year next year so Cubs may think about mending relationship with Dusty and Sammy. The key to shoring up team will be in the offseason. I think they basically need 4 things and should have the money to accomplish these things. First, sign Carlos Beltran. Stick him in center and move Patterson to left field. Second, thing is go after a true leadoff hitter and the person who fits the bill and would provide a replacement for Nomar is Omar Vizquel. Third, sign a second baseman who can play defense and hit maybe Womack?. Fourth and most importantly get a true closer and another setup man. the man I would target would be Troy Percival who has been there and done it and maybe Guardado as the setup man. What these moves accomplish is A. Now very solid up the middle. B. More contact hitters who can run C. Proven guys who can shut the door in 8th and 9th. If they need to free money up let Sammy walk and sigh Jose Guillen to play right which would be an improvement defensively and can fill in the numbers offensively for Sosa and will not get market value due to people available and spout with Scoscia at the end of the season though imo not a bad guy. But as a Cards fan I will be the first to say Cubs win in 05 though hate to admit it! BOL

 

[Kojak]

Since March I Have Posted And Told Everyone Here That The Cardinals Were Going To The Ws!!!!!!!!!

Well Tonight We Finally Gained Our National Respect!

How Sweet It Is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time To Go Downtown St. Louis And Celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Journeyman]

Edmonds came up big back to back days...

Game saving catch and a walk off bomb :aktion033

 

[PanchoSanza]

And if they lost, this thread would have never been bumped.:heh:

 

[charleslanger]

Cardinal pitchers performed admirably tonight, but i still thing they're the Achilles heel. I was so sure Houston had tonight's game-- l lost no money though. Made some in fact, by taking a reverse line during the game.

 

[Bismarck]

And if they lost, this thread would have never been bumped.:heh:

'

Sharp post.

 

[Kojak]

pancho,

you are right but also wanted to bump up as I have been touting Cards since spring training when a thread was started on who would go to ws. As I told everyone then and will again now. jump on the bandwagon and enjoy Cardinals bringing the championship home to st. louie!

 

[Journeyman]

I would be worried about IZZY...He is no front line closer...He has no out pitch really.

 

[Kojak]

Journeyman,

I Agree That Izzy Is No Rivera, Lidge, Or Gagne But He Will Get The Job Done. He Is From The St. Louis Area On The Illinois Side And Is A Fan Favorite. He May Blow A Save Here Or There But Still 47 Out Of 54 In Regular Season And 5 Saves In Playoffs In Nothing To Sneeze At! Foulke Is No Great Closer Either. Very Overrated As I Have Watched Him Living In Chicago For The Past Few Years And Cardinal Hitters Will Eat Him Up Alive!

 

[fatherryan]

WOW KOJAK, YOU REALLY ARE A GENIUS TO HAVE PREDICTED BACK IN MARCH THAT THE TEAM WITH THE BEST RECORD IN BASEBALL WOULD GO TO THE WORLD SERIES.


YOU MUST BE A GENIUS.. WHAT'S YOUR SECRET?

 

[Journeyman]

Foulke is no picnic either, agree...

 

[Kojak]

father ryan,

I don't know if your post was in a serious or smart ass connation, but simply in this forum back in March I predicted the Cardinals who had a 0-0 record in March to win NL Central and go to the WS. The reason I felt this way is that first Tony Larussa and Walt Jocketty were in the final year of their contracts and had done a lot for Cardinal baseball but were under fire by the owners and the fans to get this team to the WS. Second, the Cardinals would have won the division ly if Izzy was not out until late June. They lost roughly 16-18 ball games in the 8th and 9th innings. Cards were eliminated on the last Friday of the season so if Izzy could have saved 4 of those 16-18 games Cards would have won the division. Third, Cards starting staff was improved though they got no hype or even credit for being improved before season. All the credit was going Chicago and Houston's direction. Last, the Cards were written off by media and all preseason forecasts predicted third or worst in the Central. Considering all the veterans on this team, I knew a nerve would be struck and they would have a huge chip on their shoulder which they have. Hopefully it continues but win or lose in WS, it has been a satisfying year. Just hope we get the cherry to top it off!