5/29: Brad Ausmus. Brad. Fucking. Ausmus. Why?

Also, Rick Ankiel’s incredibly accurate throws to the bases remind me of why he switched to the OF in the first place. I just hope the Cardinal mascot stays far away from the field when the Cards are on D.

Quick Preview 5/30: The good guys have Brandon Backe on the mound tonight against the Milwaukee Rampaging Alcoholics. Backe has been awesome in May, going 3-2 with a 3.73 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Most importantly, and the key to his success, has been much improved control along with an increase in his K rate. Backe has 26 Ks in 31.1 May innings, and only 10 BBs in that time. In his last three starts, he’s given up only 2 BB in his last 19.2 IP (with 14 K). If there’s one big concern, it’s Backe’s long-ball tendencies as he has given up 11 HR in 11 starts, and the Alcoholics are 10th in the majors in dongs. And I got to type “dong.”

Manny Parra, who threw a perfect game against Round Rock last year, takes the mound for the Alcoholics. He’s got nasty stuff, but the big lefty has struggled against righties this year to the tune of a 1.86 WHIP and .310 BAA. Considering the Stros are right-handed heavy, it’s a good matchup.

And if Coop hides Ausmus’ uniform so that he can’t take the field, then all the better.