Smoke and Mirrors

I'm not sure what it says about a team when their lesser talent is carrying them through the first month-plus of the season while other, more talented players struggle with consistency. Edward Mujica did not seem likely to be one of the Major Marlin Mistakes when the Cardinals traded a prospect for him, but he is now 7 for 7 in save opportunities since taking over as closer a couple of weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Jake Westbrook improved his league leading ERA to 1.07 tonight and got the win, though the Cards had to hang on through some shaking relief pitching before getting to Mujica, who himself gave up one run.

These cards came to me courtesy of The Angels, In Order, by the way. The Angels know a bit about struggling this season. The Cardinals are at least fortunate enough to be in first place, though their hold on the top of the division is tenuous at best.

The Angels fan saw a chance to unload a bunch of unwanted Chone Figgins cards, which Erin still holds a place for in her binder. I have to say that I really like this photo, which is probably why I scanned this card. Imagine that!

This jersey card looks like something out of 2002 or so, but it's actually from Upper Deck's last (unlicensed) MLB release. I wonder if Figgy is truly done with baseball. It's strange to see a healthy player decline so quickly and sharply.