Pujols.... Shooooooooot

If it weren't for Albert Pujols, Tomo Ohka might have spun an absolute gem that would have made me say.

I love you Tomo Ohka!

Even though I just said it. I definitely didn't mean it.

Not that he didn't throw an absolute gem today.

Seven innings, just two runs, more and better than anyone thought he was going to do.

And giving up home runs to Albert Pujols is nothing to be ashamed of, but the way Ohka was throwing, he should have just avoided Pujols at all costs and attack the other hitters he way he was.

He gave up seven hits, but no walks, which is fantastic, I love that.

But if you got Albert Pujols up there.. I'd much rather give up 5 hits, 2 walks, and no runs.

I'm not faulting Ohka for throwing to Pujols. I can respect that. I'm just thinking out loud.

Anyway.. That isn't why we lost.

WHAT AND WHO IS BRAD THOMPSON AND WHY DID HE DO WHAT HE DID?!

Tooooooo many RISP options thrown away.. Too many chances thrown away.

Victor Martinez making the mistake on the pitch that got away from Yadier Molina was one of two baserunning mistakes. The other was by Josh Barfield. Even though that shouldn't have been a hit anyway, Josh still goofed.

But the RISP chances were bad. Hafner had Barfield at second with nobody out and couldn't even get him over. Which then led to Garko and Valbuena both not doing squat.

Later in the game, we've got Crowe on second with one out with the heart of the freakin' order coming up. Victor strikes out and Choo grounds out. Nada again.

That's a few runs there left out on the table.

Okay....

Rant time...

Why is Luis Valbuena still playing more than Ryan Garko and Josh Barfield?

Oh that's right....

I read something about Wedge, and I forgot to link this earlier, but he said Valbuena "grinds", remember that is his favorite word, out all his at-bats.

Oh dear lord jesus.

Who cares.. I love people who don't give up at-bats.. But when you are hitting .192, you aren't giving up many at-bats, but you aren't getting many hits either.

End rant.. It was short.. But I think the point is clear. He needs sent down, not-started, something.. It just isn't working right now. When Cabrera gets back soon, it better be Valbuena getting called down, not Barfield.

If not.. I'll rage against the machine.

[BOXSCORE]