The Aughts Part 9: 2008

Written by: Bill Ivie on 6th January 2010

The Aughts Part 9: 2008 | read this item

The year was 2008. America would elect Barack Obama to the office of President of the United States, marking the first time in history that a person of African American decent would hold that office. Microsoft would make a bid in excess of $44 billion to purchase Yahoo. The economy would continue to crumble with mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac being saved by the government. Through times of adversity and economic downturn, there was still baseball…

As each of the last three seasons had begun, this one found Yadier Molina crouching behind the plate. Molina’s trademark pick off throws at first base, his ability to manage the pitching staff, his defensive prowess and his sudden offensive surge would lead to a successful 2008. Yadi would hit over .300 (.304) for the first time in his career while also hitting 7 home runs and recording 56 RBI. In addition to his offensive ability came his first reward for his defensive prowess as he would bring home the 2008 Gold Glove for National League catchers. Albert Pujols had forced many writers and broadcasters to search for a nickname fitting of him. While Stan Musial would always be “The Man” in St. Louis, it was 2008 when, as a tribute to his heritage and his amazing play, “El Hombre” was truly becoming a common utterance. Pujols would produce again in 2008, hitting .357 with 37 home runs and 116 RBI and bringing home his second National League Most Valuable Player award. Adam Kennedy would be given another opportunity at second base. David Eckstein would depart, with Cesar Izturis taking the reigns. MV3 would be dismantled during the offseason, as Scott Rolen, amidst a very public and disgruntled series of events with manager Tony LaRussa, would be traded to Toronto for Troy Glaus, who promptly hit .270 with 27 home runs and 99 RBI.

Skip Schumaker, a Cardinal farm system product who had seen time in the majors each of the last two seasons on a limited basis, would assume the leadoff role and left field responsibilities. Ryan Ludwick would reclaim his once lofty expectation by hitting .299 with 37 home runs and 113 RBI. During both of these great outfield beginnings, the big story existed in Center Field. Rick Ankiel, the lefty who had impressed everyone in the majors from the mound at the beginning of the decade, now returned to the St. Louis Cardinals major league roster as a power hitting outfielder with an impressive arm and above average defensive prowess. Helping many people forget the departure of Jim Edmonds, Rick hit .264 with 25 home runs and 71 RBI.

The pitching staff would go through yet another season with barely a glimpse of the oft-injured ace Chris Carpenter. Kyle Lohse, a spring training signee, would win 15 games to lead the staff. Braden Looper would continue his transformation to starter by winning 12 games, while also losing 14. Wellemeyer and Pinero would prove effective at times and confusing at others, winning 13 and 7, respectively. Adam Wainwright would fight injuries of his own to win only 11 games. Ryan Franklin would inherit the closer role for much of a season that watched the Cardinals struggle to find a clear-cut ninth inning guy. Franklin would save 17 games and give the team some direction.

All in all, 2008 was a confusing time for the Cardinals. While it appeared from the beginning of the season that the Cardinals would be in a bit of a “rebuilding” mode, the team began to overachieve and the fan base would grow impatient with a front office that seemed completely unwilling to part with young players in the farm system to help the team win this season. The front office stayed the course and the team would finish with 86 wins and 76 losses. While statistically the record was a fairly impressive one, it was only good enough for fourth place in the National League Central that season, and the Cardinals would miss the playoffs for the third time this decade.

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Topics: Adam Kennedy, Albert Pujols, Barack Obama, Bringing Home, Cesar Izturis, David Eckstein, Defensive Prowess, Economic Downturn, Fannie Mae, Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac, Freddie Mac, Gold Glove, Kyle Lohse, Offensive Ability, President Of The United States, Scott Rolen, Stan Musial, The Aughts, Tony LaRussa, Troy Glaus, Yadi, Yadier Molina