The cardinals are the best two out hitters in baseball. That is the only reason they are currently in first place because it seems like they always have two out.
The cardinals offense has been rolling this year at a rate that not too many had anticipated. As I have mentioned in previous articles, the bats are hot and continue to be hot. It isn't even certain players, it is everyone on the team! Even when Laird (who is on the DL) is in the lineup, he contributes with at least a hit or two. This is the first year in several years where I examine the nightly lineup and don't immediately think "Boy I hope Albert does something tonight." It is nice to look up and down the lineup like Tony did during the bash brother days and think "I'm sure someone will come through for us tonight."
There is no explanation for what Daniel Descalso is doing right now. It is like he stole the go ahead in the 9th inning gene from the Reds this year and is keeping it all to himself. I can't imagine a situation where St. Louis will have to send him back down to Memphis, his glove is just as good as Freese's and his bat is made of clutch.
However the purpose of this blog was to discuss the plethora of double play ball the cardinals have hit into this year. As of the 24th of May the Cardinals have hit in 61 double plays!! At this rate, the Cardinals are on pace to not just set new records for double plays, but to shatter the old marks. The all-time National League record for team GIDP is 166 times, a mark set by the 1958 St. Louis Cardinals. (Interesting side note: the Cardinals also hold the record for fewest in a season, with just 75 in 1945.)
Something is going to have to change if the cards are going to be known for going deep in the playoffs this year instead of being drowned in futility from getting on top of too many balls with a guy on first. That is one record that St. Louis wants NO part of.
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