Ryan Ludwick

th just one out with two runs in, but Tony La Russa opted to pinch hit with Brendan Ryan instead of Ryan Ludwick. Ryan went on to fan at three pitches, only one of which was in the strike zone. Ankiel batted next and looked just as bad striking out. Ludwick never batted and St. Louis went on to lose 7-6 in 10 innings. La Russa's micro-managing has driven me crazy for years, but it's starting to be too much. If it was the sixth inning, I could see saving Ludwick for a critical situation later in the game. But this was the ninth. If Ludwick bats and even just manages a sac fly, the Cards would've taken the lead and been just three outs away from victory. If you have a huge weapon on the bench, you use it at the critical time, right? Well, La Russa doesn't seem to think that's the way to play it. He's always trying to save guys for situations that don't happen because he doesn't get there. He did the same thing in the 2007 All-Star game with the bases juiced and Albert Pujols on the bench. He chose to go with a first timer instead, who went on to make the final out of the game.

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Ryan Ludwick RF – St. Louis Cardinals

Last season Rick Ankiel was the shock of the gateway, this year it’s 29 year old Ryan Ludwick, the former nine-year minor league veteran. Until last year, Ludwick struggled to grasp the game of the big leagues, piecing together minimal time with Texas and Cleveland over four seasons from 2002-2005. Somehow it clicked in with St. Louis, as Ludwick slugged 14 jacks, earning his spot on this year’s roster, and through the first half of the season, Ludwick hasn’t stubbed his toe with a sophomore slump. His numbers so far—16 HR, 56 RBI—have out done his numbers from the minors and then some, symbolizing the unpredictable start of the Cardinals. If Ludwick’s production can stay steady through the stretch, watch out for St. Louis.

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rt of their lineup, the guy who drives in runs and makes the hitters ahead of him that much better. Ryan Ludwick, one of their surprises this year, often hits in front of Pujols, and will lose that protection. He sometimes hits behind Albert, as does Rick Ankiel, and both have benefited from having another guy aboard to drive in. 

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