Dan D., Cardinals
2009 Breakdown
Dan followed up his Rookie of the year campaign with a fullfilled promise. He narrowly missed
the playoffs in 2008 and vowed to make it in 2009. He did just that. Dan improved on his 3-6 2008 to go 7-4
and finish as the #4 seed. Dan also improved most of his offensive numbers as well. He hit 10 more HR's ( 17 ),
17 more Rbi's ( 38 ) his average was a full 31 pts higher (.276 ). Dan also was voted
to his 1st AS game. He started the year 2-0 before a 4 game slide mid-season. He rebounded to win his last 5 starts
to get his 1st playoff bid. All in all it was a much improved and pretty solid sophmore campaign.
2009 High Point
Made his 1st AS game and made the playoff's. Won a personal best 7 games
and hit his 20th HR in his career.
2009 Low Point
Had 4 game losing streak mid-season all against good players.
Lost in the first round of the playoffs to Dave V.
Playoff Chase
Dan made the playoffs in 2009. After a 2-0 start he lost 4 straight and put his playoff chances
at a slim margin but, a late season charge where he won 5 straight helped him get in and land the #4 seed. Unfortunately
for Dan he ran into Dave V. the 2008 champ and lost a hard fought game 5-0. Dan had a winning record against the top
8 at 5-4.
2010 Outlook
Look for Dan to be around more in 2010. Dan played 30 games
last season up from 22 in 2008. I think If we can see him play 45+ games you will see his real potential. Look
for Dan to get back to the playoffs this year. He has another year under his belt and the loss in the playoffs probally didnt
sit to well. expect him to come back ready to prove he nto only will get into the playoffs but will be able
to make some noise when he is there. As long as he can be just as consistant this year
as he was last year, He should be able to get over the 10 win mark with a few more starts. Offensively, he was much improved
from 2008 to 2009. I cant see why that trend wont continue again in 2010. If Dan can continue to hit the good pitches
and not make bad swings he should be again a pretty solid guy at the plate.
Hot Stove Interview with Dan D.
HS: At the end of 2008 you vowed you would make the playoffs
in 2009, you accomplished your goal. What do you think was the main reason for your success? Also, What do
you need to do to get back to the playoffs this year?
Dan D: Better pitching got me into the playoffs this year. I need a few more
pitches for next year.
HS: What can the league expect to see from you this season?
Dan D: About the same as last year. Hope to play more games.
HS: What are your goals for 2010?
Dan D: Over .300 average and 20+ homeruns
HS: Are there any changes you think the league should make
for this season?
Dan D: I would like to see more players.
HS: If you could desrcibe what type of player you are 1
sentence, What would you say?
Dan D: Average
HS: in your opinion, who do you think is the Hardest pitcher
to face and why? Also, who is the hardest batter to pitch to and why?
Dan D: I have a hard time with lefties. So
it would be Elliot or Seeeach. The hardest batter would have to be "THE STEVE" he is all over my change up.
HS: Is there any opening day challenges you want to throw out?
Dan D: I wouldn't mind throwing against Dan L. Maybe he will
get rusty over the winter. HAHA
