Not A Good Start

Well the Cardinals laid a big egg today in their first game against the Mets.  Carlos Martinez was anything but the ace Cardinals fans want him to be.  He did not make it out of the 5th inning, giving up 6 walks and 5 runs.  The bullpen followed his lead with another 3 walks and 4 runs.  Mets pitchers on the other hand only walked 1 and stuck out 15 batters.  The only bright spots were Yadier Molina and Jose Martinez who each hit a home run and drove in 2.

It was nice to come home after work and find a trade package to brighten my spirits.  This one came from TCDB member brianscards.

I was surprised Topps did not bring back the First Pitch insert in 2018.  It was a nice change of pace from some of the inserts.  Maybe next year they can bring it back with autographed versions.

I do like the 2017 base cards without borders, but it does make it more difficult to spot the Gold parallels.  Voit will start the year in Triple A Memphis waiting for Matt Carpenter or Jose Martinez to pull something.  Wong started today and struck out twice in his 3 at bats.  Some people believe he will break out and have an All Star season.  I am not so sure he is that level.  I would be happy with an everyday guy who hits .280-.290 with 25 stolen bases that also plays good defense.

 The back of the Martinez 1983 insert mentions his first start from last year where he struck out 10 with no walks.  What a difference a year makes.  Weaver will get his first start on Sunday.  I have hopes he can have a 15 win season if he stays healthy.