November 15th: Fond Farewell

Good times, good times.

What a year 2005 proved to be. I look back across this site and see that my first posting was February 28th of this year and that brings a smile to my face. Of course I'm talking about Spring Training! It's just around the corner after the holidays and so much to look forward in 2006.

Before the new season, we would be remiss to not take a moment and give a final look and farewell to 2005.

Goodbyes
- To now what is called the Old Busch Stadium. Of course like many of you, that's where I saw my first Cardinal game and have a ton of great memories there. Perhaps as that stadium slowly gets knocked down, all the bad juju from the Astros and Red Sox wins in the last couple of years will dissipate away and we can start anew next year.
- Wayne Hagin. Perplexing that he is already gone after doing a splendid job coming in behind Jack, but kudos to him for making the best of a difficult situation. So we say hello to our new broadcast dynamic duo in Mike Shannon and John Rooney.
- KMOX. Over five decades of broadcasting on the airwaves to Cardinal Nation we now usher in KTRS next year. I am still doubtful of signal strength but we'll see.
- Ray King. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.
- Larry Walker. What a career and I just wish his most impressive numbers were hit for us in a Cardinal uniform.

Highlight Reel
- LaRussa's Hard Nine Mantra. Best showcased in Houston when NASA started the Pujols countdown for one of the most monsterous, towering and coolest home runs I've ever seen hit in a game. Any Cardinal Fan that said they hadn't waivered and didn't think the season was over at that point lies like a rug.
- Back to back 100+ win seasons
- Nunez. Holy cow what a year he put together filling in for Rolen. Will he be a Redbird in 06?
- ERA. Cards boasted the best in the National League.
- 2005 Cy Young Award Winner Chris Carpenter
- 2005 NL MVP Award Winner Albert Pujols
- 2005 Gold Glove Winner Jimmy Edmonds {His 8th mind you}
- 2005 NL Central Champions

The Players
- Scott Rolen. Let's all hope and pray that rehab goes well and he slides into Spring Training ready to go. Hey Scotty, next time just let He Sop Zilla tag you out - you can't win that battle running into a 9 ft wall of a person.
- Jeff Suppan. Has more than proven his worth and welcome back to another year.
- Matt Morris. In my opinion, needs to move elsewhere. LaRussa is overly sentimental with Matt and I deem that a distraction to Tony, happy trails Matt.
- Jimmy Edmonds. Dude. Find some offense and consistency at the plate in the off season or put that first on your Christmas List brother.
- Julian Tavarez. Personally not a fan.
- Reggie Sanders. Deserves to retire a Cardinal after being all around the league. He's a proven entity when healthy - bring him back and see how he does.
- John Mabry. Needs to be a Cardinal next year.
- Mark Grudzielanek. As much as I want to see him in Cardinal red and white, I think he'll sign elsewhere based on money alone. Careful Mark, money will not buy you happiness. Call Edgar if you don't believe me.
- Roger Cedeno. Was he a Cardinal this year?! Enough said.

Needs
- A kick ass everyday outfielder. I originally was thinking Giles, but have come to realize that Encarnacion would be a better fit for less dollars. Not saying that Brian Giles as a Cardinal wouldn't be the coolest thing since sliced bread mind you.
- Better bullpen. We need set up guys that are reliable. Period.
- Closer. Izzy is wavering for me, needs a strong 2006 to convince me otherwise we shouldn't start shopping soon.

Numbers
Record: 100-62
AVG: Pujols, .330
Doubles: Pujols, 38
Triples: Eckstein, 7
Home Runs: Pujols, 41
Runs: Pujols, 129
RBI's: Pujols, 117
Stolen Bases: Pujols, 16
Wins: Carpenter, 21
Losses: Marquis, 14
ERA (Starter): Carpenter, 2.83
ERA (Reliever): Izzy, 2.14
Saves: Izzy, 39
First Pitch: In Philly, April 3rd, 2:05pm
New Busch Stadium First Pitch: April 10th, 3:10pm

Happy Holidays and so long for just awhile...