Don’t know why, but when I see M. Carpenter I think of a young John Mabry. And I’m not trying to say they’re even similar ballplayers. It just always comes to mind. Maybe it’s the whole not-using-batting-gloves thing.

Craig needs a lot of at-bats over the long haul this season, if we’re to get the most of his abilities. And when I look at Craig’s swing I think of a young Kenny Boyer (if only that could come to pass–even part way.)

The story on Kelly out of amateur ball was, of course, he had a live arm and lots of velocity, but maybe not the type of physical build to stand up as a long-term starter. He seems to have met or exceeded expectations in that regard–so far. Maybe his MLB niche, though, will eventually be in the pen–and that’s not a bad thing either.

Like a lot of folks, I’ve been anticipating the start of E. Sanchez’s MLB career for a couple of years now. When you look at who they traded away for K. Green and M. DeRosa, the Cardinals have produced a lot of really nice right-handed relievers. Middle infielders have been as uncommon as rare orchids. But relievers–hell, they’ve been coming up like dandelions in our system.