I tip my cap to “Machine Gun” Joe Kelly. The stupidity of the “quality start”, and some big plans for a MIZ lineman.

His intensity has resonated with the fan base. He’s almost Stubby Clapp, Bo Hart, and the 2002 version of Jason Simontacchi combined. Kelly was erratic for most of the game, but regained his focus to pitch into the 6th inning. He pitched around trouble, giving up a career high 10-hits, but only surrendered three runs.

Batting with two on and two out in the 4th inning, Mike Matheny left Kelly in the game to hit. Sure enough, the kid singles for a go-ahead 2 RBI base knock.

Kelly is learning on the job. He relies on his fastball, which, if it moves is just fine. He has yet to allow more than three runs in a game and I’d be shocked if/when Jaime Garcia comes back, Kelly loses his rotation spot.

With the win, the Cardinals are 9-1 in their last 10 home games, a record which has boosted them to 30-21 at Busch Stadium.

David Freese is absolutely crushing Milwaukee pitching. Hitting .385 against them in 2012, he has a career .316 average with 3 HR and 16 RBI. Those fans are still waiting for his moonshots to land from the 2011 NLCS.

Mike Matheny told Mike Shannon on the pregame chat that he went with Fernando Salas on Thursday because the game was tied. If St. Louis was ahead, he would have gone to Edward Mujica, who pitched another scoreless 7th on Friday night. That logic makes no sense to me, but if Mujica can get the ball from here on out in the 7th inning, that’s great.

The Brewers look like a minor league ball club. Four errors in back-to-back games. Ryan Braun must be scratching his head knowing his contract runs through 2020 with the Brew Crew.

Rant: The Quality Start Debate

A quality start is a pathetic statistic invented by agents to enhance their clients resumes. 6 innings pitched is a pathetic standard. Allowing 3 runs in 6 IP is a 4.50 ERA. Good, ay?

Baseball has changed since the days of Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax. If you told Gibby to be satisfied with a “QS” he might jack you in the face.

M-I-Z

Gary Pinkel talks about Shedlon Richardson’s potential.

PUMA Hurt

A third trip the disabled list could signal the end of Lance Berkman. His knee may be balky, but it never seems to eat at his wit.