My (WS) Hero

It was just odd to see Jeff Weaver be the hero last night when for so long he's tried so hard and not gotten the best results. I always apologize when I say he's my favorite pitcher saying he's really not that good. I need to start holding my tongue.

One of the reasons I love watching him is his obvious passion for performing well. It also seems to be his downfall when he can't keep it under control and allows it to negatively affect his game. It didn't seem to be a problem last night. I wonder if he'll recognize the improvements he's made with the Cardinals coaching staff and stick around if they want him.

It bothered me that the announcers kept talking about how he hadn't gone longer than six innings for a long time. One of his strengths in his career has been long innings and high pitch counts. In the National League starters often get taken out due more to game situation (need another bat for offense) than to number of pitches or fatigue. Which is one reason I prefer the American League and the DH: in low-scoring pitchers' duels, the manager isn't forced to replace the starting pitcher just to get some runs. I'm not sure I'd want Weaver to go back to the AL though; I do love to see him bat. He's just so gawky and awkward.

I was working late last night and decided to listen to the game on the radio instead of trying to wait to watch it at home. I was just finishing up my project when the game was getting over. It was a nice coincidence. When I got home I discovered that my DVR recording only went 180 minutes so I would've missed the end of the 8th inning and the 9th. I'm glad I listened at work. That would've sucked!