This is the story of James Mueller

[dusthimself]

Since the failing of Team MVP, this is inspiring me to do another dynasty (yes! another!) but instead I will be focusing on one sole player. This should keep my interest sparked more than the others, plus... i dunno, lol. Anyways. Stay tuned for more...

[dusthimself]

April 6th, 2008.

James Mueller picks up his first start of the year for St. Louis' single A affiliate in Palm Beach. He managed to pick up his first strike outs in the 3rd inning, striking out two consecutive batters. And it wasn't until the 4th that he gave up his first hit.

However, after the hit, he gave up another hit and put himself into a jam. He managed to recover, jamming a batter into a fielder's choice, and then getting a 3rd out on a shallow fly out to right field.

A bit of a scare in the sixth after the lead-off batter hit a line drive off of Mueller's right shin. Mueller would remain, and the next batter would hit into a would-be-double-play, but a throwing error would prevent it. He would then get into another two runner jam after some shady defense, but then prevailed once again.

Palm Beach finally added some run support in the 6th inning, putting the Cards up 1-0. The Cardinals tacked on two more runs in the 7th inning after an error by the left fielder.

After an error by the right fielder, James Mueller would surrender his only run of the game in the top of the eighth inning to the Jupiter Hammerheads. The runner scored on a screaming linedrive headed for Mueller's head before Mueller dove to the ground, nearly catching the ball in the effort. It would be Mueller's final inning as the closer relieved him in the ninth.

James Mueller picks up his first victory of the year for the Palm Beach Cardinals, going eight innings strong, striking out 4, and only giving away 7 hits.

Pictures to come.

[DeuceBlades]

Good luck Muelles, make the move up, not down ;)

[dusthimself]

James Mueller makes another start a whole week after his stellar outing against Jupitar.

In the first inning, Mueller gave up a lead-off double to start the game. After taking an out, he would give up a two run homerun to deep right field.

In the third inning, Mueller struck out the same player who hit the homerun.

In the fourth, he would give up an RBI triple on two outs, putting the away team up 3-0.

A sac-fly and a linedrive just behind Mueller's back would add two more runs. A double play would end the inning, and Mueller's night as the starter. He went six innings, gave up 5 earned runs while only striking out 2.

The Cardinals lost 0-5.

[spicybanana]

Ouch, tough.

[dusthimself]

Tonight! James Mueller takes on the St. Lucie Mets in an away match up. This game will get underway shortly.

Mueller was seen before the game stretching and praying before his start tonight. His first two games contradict each other about his talent, as his first start, the first game of the season, he pitched 8 innings of shut-out baseball. But in his last start, he gave up five runs in six innings. We'll see if he recovers from that tonight, in St. Lucie.

[dusthimself]

The game started off terrible, and by terrible I mean it was dark clouds and rain coming down onto the field. The game was delayed 45 minutes, but they decided to start even with some minor rain coming down, deciding it wasn't going to get any better anytime soon.

In the top of the first, Mueller was given a run for support after two consecutive errors by the Mets second baseman.

Mueller would open up the game with a strike out on the lead-off hitter. After getting two outs, he gave a solo homerun.

Palm Beach would tack on another run in the second inning.

Mueller would find himself in a jam in the foruth inning. With only a one run lead, runners on the corners, and only one out. Mueller struck out the next two batters to keep himself ahead of the game.

In the fifth, the left fielder missplayed a ball, advancing the runner to third. Mueller managed to get the next batter to ground out for three to keep Palm Beach ahead 2-1.

With a runner on third in the seventh, Mueller got the ninth hitter to ground out to end the inning. Palm Beach still ahead by one.

James Mueller managed to go seven strong innings. He struck out seven while only giving up one earned run on six hits. He picks up his second win of the season.

[DeuceBlades]

You didnt get any tough love on your new dynasty?? I guess I am the only one who gets the finger pointed his way

Hey you got torched against Jupiter........not good ;)

[dusthimself]

For those of you who are keeping track...

Mueller, in three starts, has pitched 21 innings (averaging 7 a start)

-has a W-L record of 2-1

-An ERA of 2.57

-13 Strikeouts, that's a K/9 ratio of 5.57

-Is current leading Palm Beach in strikeouts and innings pitched. Is the only player on the roster to have two wins, however he does not have the lowest ERA amongst starters.

[dusthimself]

You didnt get any tough love on your new dynasty?? I guess I am the only one who gets the finger pointed his way

Hey you got torched against Jupiter........not good

You didn't get a finger pointed at you, it was a gun.

[dusthimself]

James Mueller gets his fourth start tonight against Daytona.

He'll be entering looking for his third win of the season so far, still in April. The Cardinals are taking on the Daytona Cubs.

Mueller opened up the game with a strike out.

His first hit allowed was in the third inning.

Other than that, it was a pretty solid outing for James Mueller. He pitched another seven strong innings, this time only allowing 2 hits and no runs. He struck out 3, but it was his highest pitch count so far this season. He would get a no decision in his outstanding effort.

[dusthimself]

James Mueller next start is another game against the Daytona Cubs, gearing up for a rivalry when he eventually makes it to the majors...

...maybe.

With rain pouring down, in the third inning, Mueller gave up his first hit of the game. Alongside the first run of the game. This ties the game at 1.

With one out and runs on second and third, Mueller gave up an infield single when opting to throw home to get the runner trying to score, and failed. He then managed to strike out the next batter to get to two outs. Then strikes out the third out to end the inning. However, the Cards would be left down 2-1.

Mueller would get the next twelve outs easily in the following three innings, and retired after nine innings of work. Mueller gave up only 5 hits, 1 earned run, while striking out four. The offense struggled however, losing 2-1. Mueller picks up his second loss.

[dusthimself]

James Mueller will take on the Brevard County Manatees, and depending on his performance, he may be bumped up to Double A Springfield....

[dusthimself]

In the first inning in his outing against the Manatees, Mueller gave up two consecutive hits. However, he managed to catch a liner back at him, and double off the runner heading to second.

Mueller's been lacking the run support lately, but tonight was a different story. The Cardinals opened up on the Manatees starter in the third inning, giving Mueller a five run lead to work with.

Scary moment during the ralley. Tripp Pensota of Brevard County was drilled in the head with a line drive. He would drop out of the game with a mild concussion. However, the ball was caught by the first baseman to end the inning.

In the following inning, the first batter was beaned in the back by the relief pitcher in the opening pitch.

Mueller almost retaliated, throwing some chin music at the first batter, backing him away from the plate, just to scare him.

Mueller took a line-drive off his hip in the bottom of the seventh, but opted to stay in the game. He is slowly building the reputation of being one of the toughest pitchers in the game today.

James Mueller pitched a complete game shut-out in what may be his final game in Palm Beach. However, he only struck out one batter. Cardinals won, 7-0.

[dusthimself]

James Mueller will be called up today from Single-A Palm Beach, FL to join the Springfield, MO team in Double-A.

Mueller was 3-2 in six starts in Palm Beach, with a 1.37 ERA. In 46 IP, he struck out 21, averaging 4.11 Ks every 9 innings.

[dusthimself]

QUICK FACTS about James Mueller.

-19 Years Old

-6'4", 225 Lbs

-Bats and Throws right

-His pitching repertoire includes... A Four Seam Fastball, Change-up, Power Curve, Sinker, and a Cut Fastball.

[dusthimself]

First first start in Double A will be against Arkansas, on May 8th, 2008.

A lot of criticism was directed at Mueller and the management that decided he'd be moved up to Double A, saying he didn't put up enough strikeouts to be a real dependable pitcher, and that he was overrated. It's believed that he relies too heavily on his defense to get the job done for him. Mueller tells the critics to "go f--k themselves."

Mueller didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning, breaking up his so-far perfect game.

He would pitch a complete game shut-out in his first start in Double-A, giving up only 3 hits. He also managed to pick up 3 Ks, including ringing up the 27th out. I say his first start in Double A was a success, no?

[dusthimself]

Tonight, James Mueller will get a start against Arkansas in his second Double A appearence. Mueller killed Arkansas in his first game, pitching a complete game shut out. Mueller looks to do even better tonight...

To lead off the his start, Mueller gave up a lead-off double. He's working with a four-run lead early in the game. He then gave up a two run homerun on a mistake pitch. He then got the next batter to pop-out, and then rung out the second out. James began to attack the corners, changing speeds and locations.

In the second inning, Mueller found himself in a jam. Two runners on with no-outs, he got the first batter to fly out, then forced the next to ground into a double play.

Mueller pitched to the end of the eighth to finish his start. The only runs allowed coming off the first two ABs.

Mueller pitched 8 innings, allowed only two runs, and struck out 5 batters. He also gave up 8 hits.

[dusthimself]

ESPN the Magazine...

James Mueller of the Double A Springfield Cardinals, St. Louis' affiliate team located in Springfield, MO, is making a name for himself in the minor-league circuit. In nine game starts in both Single A and Double A combined, Mueller has composited a 5-3 record, but his ERA is a more-than-pleasing 1.54 ERA. Although he has struck out only 36 in 70 innings pitched, James Mueller has yet to walk a single batter. Although he has fallen behind in pitch counts to even 3-0, Mueller has refused to give up any bases to any batter with a "free pass."

The question remains, when will we see James in the Majors?

The St. Louis Cardinals starting rotation this year is looking great, backed by a healthy Carpenter who has an ERA of 1.69. Adam Wainwright has also been superb with an ERA of 2.15. Not to mention if one of the starters were to go down soon, Matt Clement and Brad Thompson, in Triple A Memphis, both have ERAs under 3 so far into the 2008 season.

However, the NL Central race is a tight one. The Cardinals (21-22) are tied for 3rd place with the Astros and Pirates, but are only 2.5 games behind the first place Cubs (23-19), and sitting in last place is Milwaukee, but are only 5 games behind the Cubs.

With the race as tight as ever, will the Cardinals look at the possibility of throwing up James Mueller to the major league level any time soon? Only time will tell.

[dusthimself]

Tonight, James Mueller will get the start against the San Antonio Missions.

Fun Fact: The San Antonio Missions are the first baseball team I've ever seen live, when I was like, 4 years old. I still remember the ******* burrito mascot.

Mueller was given an early lead to work with after a 3 run homerun in the top of the first. A sac fly and a single would put the Cardinals up 5-0.

This brought James Mueller up to the plate for the first time in his career. With two outs and a runner on first, James Mueller hit a double into right center. The runner would hold up on third, but this knocked out the starting pitcher for the Missions in just 2 outs of work. Mueller would then score from second on a double by the lead-off hitter in his second at bat of the inning.

The Springfield Cardinals scored 8 runs in the first inning, giving Mueller some room to work with.

Some room? A whole f'n hotel.

Compared to the 8 runs, 9 hits given up by the Missions in the first inning, Mueller just gave up 1 hit in the first.

In his second at bat of the game, in the third inning, Mueller would single straight up the middle, just over the opposing pitcher's head.

Despite getting the batter to ground out to a double play, Mueller gave up his first run of the game in the 4th inning. Showcasing Mueller's nasty change-up, he rung up the third out in the 4th on nothing but change-ups.

In his third at-bat, Mueller would ground into a double play to end the sixth.

In the bottom of the sixth, Mueller would leave the game with a groin pull.

James just pitched 5 innings, with 4 hits and 3 strike outs, allowing only 1 run. Mueller would still get the win, improving his minor league record to 6-3.

He also finished the game batting 2/3 with a double and a single, while scoring a run.

The Cardinals would win 9-3.

[dusthimself]

James Mueller makes his return appearance on June 2nd against Corpus Christi.

Mueller allowed his first hit in the 3rd inning.

He also had his first at-bat, in which he grounded out to the 3rd basemen.

One out and runners on third and second, Mueller found himself in a predicament. With no force out at second, Greene opted the throw to home to get the runner, but was too late, tying the game at 1 a piece. Mueller than got the next batter to hit into a double play.

In his second at-bat, Mueller lined out to the third basemen.

In his third, 7th inning, James flew out to deep right field.

James Mueller, in the eigth, struck out the side, putting his strikeout total to 8.

He struck out two more in the ninth, using the fastball-change-up combo effectively, despite his fastball only peaking at 89 mph.

In the complete game, Mueller only gave up 1 run on 5 hits, striking out 10 batters. This was by far his best game so far.

[dusthimself]

In a dramatic turn of events at the Major League level, the Cardinals are in second place, 2.5 games behind the first place PITTSBURGH PIRATES. However, the NL Central race is still close, and it's only June. The last place Brewers are only 7.5 games back.

[DeuceBlades]

First first start in Double A will be against Arkansas, on May 8th, 2008.

A lot of criticism was directed at Mueller and the management that decided he'd be moved up to Double A, saying he didn't put up enough strikeouts to be a real dependable pitcher, and that he was overrated. It's believed that he relies too heavily on his defense to get the job done for him. Mueller tells the critics to "go f--k themselves."

Mueller didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning, breaking up his so-far perfect game.

He would pitch a complete game shut-out in his first start in Double-A, giving up only 3 hits. He also managed to pick up 3 Ks, including ringing up the 27th out. I say his first start in Double A was a success, no?

I couldnt have said it any better myself. Dont listen to the critics, and go out and do your thing!!!

[dusthimself]

James Mueller will take on the Tulsa Drillers at home in Springfield, continuing his impressive minor league season.

In his second at-bat in the fifth inning, Mueller would double down the third base line on a ground ball that reached the wall. After this, a throwing error, and a single, the bases were loaded with James on third base. A weak groundball was enough to avoid a double play and James would score to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. Another single would drive in another run to give the Cards a 2-0 lead.

In Mueller's third at-bat, he hit a shallow centerfield single. James then showed off his speed and stole second base!

A solo homerun in the top of the 8th would end Mueller's perfect game. Mueller had pitched seven innings without giving up a single hit or walking a single batter.

The Cardinals tacked on another run in the bottom of the eighth to give Mueller a 2 run lead to work with in the ninth inning.

James Mueller struck out the last batter he faced.

He pitched a complete game, 1-hitter; 1-run game. He struck out nine in nine innings pitched.

[dusthimself]

Mueller gets ready for tonights game against the North Wester Arkansas Naturals....

James gave up his first run of the night in the first inning off a couple of hits and some poor defense.

In the second, he allowed another run to score.

Top of the 4th, the Cards knocked in two runs on a homerun to tie it at 2-2. A couple more runs would come around on a two-run double to put the Cards ahead 4-2. The Cards ended up taking on 2 more to cap off a six-run 4th inning.

A three-run homerun highlighted a 5 run fifth for the Cardinals, extending their lead to 11-2.

In the bottom of the fifth, Mueller was hit in the forearm with a line-drive, but recovered, looked back the runner at third, and threw out the batter at first. Despite having a runner on third with 0 outs, Mueller managed to hold him on.

James Mueller was pulled after seven innings of work. He gave up 7 hits while striking out 10 batters, and giving up 2 earned runs. He picks up his ninth minor league win after the Cardinals win, 13-2.