Blog: August 17-August 23, 2009

August 17, 2009. Nothing of note during the game... If you're looking for a great Bob Gibson bat, check out this auction.

August 18, 2009. Holliday used a black Marucci for a couple of ABs tonight. Marucci bats are maple, but I didn't see a "test window" on his bat.

August 19, 2009. Ok, I took some time off and fell behind on the blog updates. But, I've now watched all the games and taken notes. The entries from 8/12 through 8/19 were all posted today. They are very short because, frankly, not much happened... John Smoltz will wear uniform #30 when he joins the team in San Diego. Rumor has it that Carpenter offered to give up his #29 for a nominal fee. #30 became available with Jess Todd's trade to Cleveland.

August 20, 2009. Click on "Notes and Articles" to read a piece I posted today about Pujols and Max Bat. Or, if you prefer the executive summary, here it is: If a Pujols Max Bat is a Model C4, it's a fake. Period... The Cardinals Authentics shop is selling folding chairs used at Busch during the All Star Game. You can buy them in pairs online, or you can buy them individually at the stadium on game days... Five of the starting nine tonight used Gwynn-finished Marucci bats, including Rasmus (for the first time that I've noticed). Pujols' and Molina's bats had gold bands and logos; Ryan's, Rasmus' and Piñeiro's bats had white bands and logos.

August 21, 2009. Holliday was swinging a natural Sam Bat tonight. That's five different brands in the short time he's been with the Redbirds... Thurston joined the Marucci club by using a Gwynn-finished one as a pinch hitter. I wonder how many of these guys would be using Marucci if Pujols was still swinging Sam Bat or Louisville Slugger. Reminds me of all the guys who used Rawlings when McGwire was with the team.

August 22, 2009. Nothing of note today... If you had any interest in my 1953 Stan Musial bat, you're too late. It is sold, pending payment.

August 23, 2009. John Smoltz made his Cardinals debut today wearing #30. He swung a natural, unfinished ash Louisville Slugger.