Ryan Ludwick

Scott is a far superior player to Pie.

4-St. Louis Cardinals: RF-Ryan Ludwick, CF-Rick Ankiel, LF-Skip Schumaker

Undoubtedly, I'd have to categorize this as a "sleeper" group. People seem to be skeptical about Ludwick after his surprising breakout season in '08, but I like his strength and approach to hitting. After bouncing around the league a bit, I think Ludwick's finally found a home, and comfort zone, in St. Louis.

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), 3rd place in NL Central, 3rd place in NL Wild Card:  OUT  Aside from Albert Pujols and Ryan Ludwick (who?), the Cardinals have been winning games with smoke and mirrors this season.  But with Chris Carpenter back on the DL and the far superior Cubs and Brewers in front, St. Louis doesn't have a realistic shot at surging to the playoffs.  Tony LaRussa could win Manager of the Year, but the team isn't quite playoff-caliber.

Continue reading "Seven Runs: Too Little, Too Early"

ne of the most consistent, and best big-game pitchers in the majors over the last two months.  Ryan Ludwick, who is currently playing on a one-year contract, has more home runs this year (31) than he had totaled prior to 2008 (28).  His 94 RBI are no slouch either, considering he only had 96 over five seasons through 2007, and his .305 batting average is far better than his previous career high of .267.  C.C. Sabathia has seen success in the past, but his off-season paycheck is increasing by the day with his 8-0 record and five complete games in nine starts for the Brewers.  Manny Ramirez stopped playing hard when contract issues arose with Boston, but he's been tearing it up for the Dodgers, hitting over .400 with more RBI than games in Los Angeles.

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Ryan Ludwick RF – St. Louis Cardinals

Last season Rick Ankiel was the shock of the gateway, this year it’s 29 year old Ryan Ludwick, the former nine-year minor league veteran. Until last year, Ludwick struggled to grasp the game of the big leagues, piecing together minimal time with Texas and Cleveland over four seasons from 2002-2005. Somehow it clicked in with St. Louis, as Ludwick slugged 14 jacks, earning his spot on this year’s roster, and through the first half of the season, Ludwick hasn’t stubbed his toe with a sophomore slump. His numbers so far—16 HR, 56 RBI—have out done his numbers from the minors and then some, symbolizing the unpredictable start of the Cardinals. If Ludwick’s production can stay steady through the stretch, watch out for St. Louis.

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rt of their lineup, the guy who drives in runs and makes the hitters ahead of him that much better. Ryan Ludwick, one of their surprises this year, often hits in front of Pujols, and will lose that protection. He sometimes hits behind Albert, as does Rick Ankiel, and both have benefited from having another guy aboard to drive in. 

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