On the heels of the Cardinals’ loss to the Red Sox in the 2004 World Series, their offseason began with the departure of several prominent players. They took their first step toward replenishing the cupboard when they traded for ace pitcher Mark Mulder. Shortstop Edgar Renteria signed with Boston. Catcher Mike Matheny went to the […]
How Mark Mulder was traded to the Cardinals Read More »
When the Cardinals drafted J.D. Drew in 1998, they thought they were getting a franchise cornerstone. More than five years later, they obtained a new foundational piece when they traded Drew to the Braves in a five-player deal that sent Drew and catcher/outfielder Eli Marrero to Atlanta for starting pitcher Jason Marquis, left-handed reliever Ray
Cardinals trade J.D. Drew, get Adam Wainwright in five-player deal: December 13, 2003 Read More »
At spring training, Tony La Russa found that he had no choice – he had to put Albert Pujols in the lineup. By the end of the season, voters saw the same – and unanimously named him the 2001 National League Rookie of the Year. Pujols received all 32 votes (two voters from each National
November 12, 2001: Albert Pujols is unanimous Rookie of the Year selection Read More »
After two and a half incredible months with the St. Louis Cardinals, Will Clark announced his retirement on November 2, 2000. The 36-year-old Clark had come to St. Louis at the trade deadline just three months earlier in exchange for minor-league third baseman Jose Leon. As part of the trade, the Orioles also assumed about
Will Clark retires as a Cardinal: November 2, 2000 Read More »
With a seven-game lead in the National League Central and six weeks remaining in the 2009 season, the Cardinals couldn’t pass the opportunity to add a future Hall of Famer to their rotation. “It was too inviting not to take a chance on,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said.[1] On August 19, 2009, the Cardinals
August 19, 2009: Cardinals sign John Smoltz in their push for postseason glory Read More »
One week after the 2004 trade deadline, the Cardinals added future Hall of Famer Larry Walker to a lineup that already included Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, and Jim Edmonds. The Cardinals received Walker and cash considerations in exchange for minor league pitcher Jason Burch and two players to be named later. In August, the Cardinals
Cardinals trade for Larry Walker: August 6, 2004 Read More »
As a veteran who had been with the club since making his debut in August 1990, Ray Lankford wasn’t ready to become the Cardinals’ fourth outfielder. Instead, following a reduction of playing time and a war of words between Lankford’s agent and manager Tony La Russa, the Cardinals sent the 34-year-old Lankford and $2.8 million
Why the Cardinals traded Ray Lankford for Woody Williams Read More »
When defending Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter was scratched from his May 24 start against the Giants with inflammation of a bursa sac located between his right shoulder and rib cage, the 2006 Cardinals pitching staff was dealt a blow. In Carpenter’s place, the St. Louis pitching staff started dealing some blows of its own,
May 24, 2006: Adam Wainwright homers in his first MLB at-bat Read More »
On the day that Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter celebrated his 30th birthday, it was Mark Grudzielanek who stole the show. In the Cardinals’ 6-3 victory over the Brewers on April 27, 2005, Grudzielanek joined Lou Brock and Ray Lankford as the only Cardinals to hit for the cycle at Busch Stadium. The veteran of 11
Mark Grudzielanek hits for the cycle: April 27, 2005 Read More »
Albert Pujols chose an ideal moment for his first career home run. The 2001 Cardinals had just lost their first three games, allowing 32 runs during a winless season-opening series against the Rockies. The series hadn’t gone any better for Pujols, who went just 1-for-9 in Colorado, including 0-for-5 in the second game of the
Albert Pujols hits first career home run in breakout game Read More »