Friday, July 3
Michael Wacha probably will get the Cardinals back on track today against the clueless Padres. But right now St. Louis is riding a three game losing streak batting .207, scoring five runs and stranding 28 of 29 runners in scoring position during this span.
The Cardinals still easily maintain the best record in baseball at 51-27 with an insane 29-10 home record.
But if I had to pick a team due for a second-half regression it would be St. Louis.
The Cardinals have outfield injuries with Matt Holliday and Jon Jay on the DL. Remember Matt Adams is likely done for the season. St. Louis doesn't have enough offense to overcome those injuries.
Pitching is carrying the Cardinals. The starters and bullpen have been excellent. But I have my doubts the Cardinals pitchers can sustain it.
Wacha hasn't proven he can carry a big inning load. Lance Lynn is good, but I don't see him as a sub 3.00 ERA pitcher. John Lackey is 36. Carlos Martinez is talented, but pitching above his head. Jamie Garcia is one of the most fragile pitchers in baseball and is hurt again nursing a groin injury.
The hacking scandal could prove a distraction, too, for the Cardinals as employees start to get fired and the investigation deepens.
The Cardinals also play in the toughest division. The Pirates are playing much better. The Cubs are an emerging power. The Reds are dangerous and the Brewers are healthy and have their confidence up after a road sweep of the Phillies.
I greatly respect the Cardinals. I'm not standing in line to fade them. But I can't see them keeping up this pace and will look to spot play against them with the right underdog.
I went 2-1 on my baseball plays Thursday to push my July baseball mark to 4-1. I cashed my Week 1 CFL totals play last week. Today I have another CFL totals play and a Double Star baseball play. They can be found here along with my discounted MLB All-Star package: /pregamepros/pro-bettor/bettor.aspx?id=7746#capper.
BOL to everyone and have a great Fourth of July weekend! I'll take my cheeseburger medium rare with mustard and onions.