Does anybody want to tell me when this whole thing just went to hell?
Remember when the Cardinals were a first-class organization, one that made smart moves, fielded competitive teams, and had everyone pulling in the same direction?
Well, guess what, folks, the party, as they say, is over. Last one out turn out the lights.
Here's a quick rundown (Like the subtle plug there? Of course, since you're already reading this, it's probably pointless for me to advertise to you.), of just some of what we've seen from the Cardinals the past few days:
- Tony La Russa, longtime manager and elder statesman of the game, became so upset by the fans and media members singling out Chris Duncan after he grounded into a game-ending double play that he not only blasted the fans, saying they make him want to vomit, but also throws his starting shortstop - who has been very, very good, by the way - right under the bus. This is the same Chris Duncan, by the way, who is sporting an OPS below .700 for the season and hasn't hit a home run - supposedly the thing he does best - since the 16th of July.
- Shortly thereafter, it appears the Cardinals agree to trade Chris Duncan to the Boston Red Sox for Julio Lugo. The next morning, the Cardinals release a statement that Duncan is instead being optioned to Memphis. Word on the street is La Russa and Dave Duncan were so upset by the news of Chris' departure that one or both of them may have threatened to walk.
- Later that same day, Chris Duncan is, in fact, traded to the Boston Red Sox for Julio Lugo. Did the GM call the bluff of his coaches? I don't know, but I sure hope we find out.
- The General Manager, supposedly an intelligent, collected man who isn't easily swayed, is now apparently willing to part with the Cardinals' best prospect in return for a two month rental of Matt Holliday, whose name, I swear, I hear in my deepest, darkest nightmares.
- Duncan the Elder, also supposedly an intelligent, collected man who weighs his words carefully, goes on the record regarding his son's departure from St. Louis with some rather, shall we say, inelegant comments.
And that's just the off-field stuff. On the field, just in the past few days, we've had:
