en:2009 St. Louis Cardinals season

The Cardinals retained the services of backup catcher Jason LaRue, signing him to another one-year contract.{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081031&content_id=3657607&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards sign LaRue |access-date=November 1, 2008 |archive-date=November 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081106034406/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081031&content_id=3657607&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }}

On December 4, 2008, the Cardinals agreed to a trade with the San Diego Padres sending reliever Mark Worrell and a player-to-be-named-later (the Padres eventually chose minor-league pitcher Luke Gregerson{{cite web|title=Cards send Gregerson to Padres |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090323&content_id=4053120&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326034543/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090323&content_id=4053120&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=March 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}) in exchange for shortstop Khalil Greene, who will make $6.5 mil, and will be eligible for free agency after 2009.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081204&content_id=3701844&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals finalize deal for Greene: Day after signing Miller, St. Louis acquires shortstop from Friars |publisher=MLB.com |date=December 4, 2008 |access-date=December 4, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081206002900/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081204&content_id=3701844&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl| archive-date= December 6, 2008 | url-status= dead}} Greene replaced César Izturis, who departed via free agency.

Utility infielder Aaron Miles, a member of the 2006 World Series champion Cardinals, signed a two-year deal on December 31 to play with the Cubs.[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081231&content_id=3730649&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp Miles signs with Cubs] Felipe López, who became the starting second baseman after a 2008 deadline trade and hit .385 for the Cardinals in two months, became a free agent and signed with the Diamondbacks.{{cite web|title=Lopez signs with Dbacks |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081212&content_id=3715399&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102121437/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081212&content_id=3715399&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} The third and last second baseman on the 2008 Cardinals, Adam Kennedy, was given his unconditional release on February 9.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090209&content_id=3811230&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals give Kennedy his release: Club required to pay rest of contract; second base up in air |publisher=MLB.com |date=February 9, 2009 |access-date=October 3, 2009 |archive-date=March 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301025617/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090209&content_id=3811230&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} With no second baseman with significant big-league experience on the roster, outfielder Skip Schumaker was tabbed to make the unusual transition.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090219&content_id=3848404&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Schumaker committed to second base: Former outfielder attempting transition to Cards' infield |publisher=MLB.com |date=2009-02-19 |access-date=March 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223030506/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090219&content_id=3848404&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=February 23, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Late in training camp Schumaker was designated the official starting second baseman.[http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/CCF331AE1854A4F8862574190044E51A?OpenDocument Schumaker nails down 2B job] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005041448/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/CCF331AE1854A4F8862574190044E51A?OpenDocument |date=October 5, 2008 }}

Third baseman Troy Glaus underwent right shoulder surgery on January 21, 2009, and was originally expected to miss Opening Day (April 6) and probably most of April.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090122&content_id=3763764&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Glaus sidelined after shoulder surgery: Third baseman expected to be out for 12 weeks |publisher=MLB.com |date=January 22, 2009 |access-date=January 22, 2009 |archive-date=February 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203100320/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090122&content_id=3763764&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} Glaus' progress in rehabbing his repaired right shoulder stalled, and he did not return until September (see below).

Kyle Lohse, who went 15–6 with a 3.78 ERA after signing a one-year contract with the 2008 Cardinals, was re-signed to a hefty four-year, $41 mil. contract on September 29, 2008, the day after the season ended.{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3572845&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Lohse, Cards agree to four-year deal |access-date=September 30, 2008 |archive-date=October 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002234607/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3572845&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} Mark Mulder's injury-plagued time in St. Louis ended when the Cardinals declined to pick up his $11 mil. option, but instead bought out the remaining year of his contract in 2009 for $1.5 mil.{{cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/CED87E3AEAE6A8D4862574E8006E5F22?OpenDocument |title=Cards are done with Mulder |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 20, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In December, the Cardinals declined to offer arbitration to relief pitchers Russ Springer and Jason Isringhausen, starter Braden Looper,{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081201&content_id=3697378&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=No arbitration for Cardinals |access-date=December 2, 2008 |archive-date=December 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204073232/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081201&content_id=3697378&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} and relievers Tyler Johnson and Randy Flores.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716332&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards decline to offer contracts to trio: Miles, Flores, Johnson, aren't tendered deals for '09 season |publisher=MLB.com |date=December 13, 2008 |access-date=December 13, 2008 |archive-date=December 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214120349/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081213&content_id=3716332&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} St. Louis made no attempt to retain lefty reliever Ron Villone, who eventually signed with the Mets.{{cite web|title=Villone signs with Mets |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090227&content_id=3894402&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305023809/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090227&content_id=3894402&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym |archive-date=March 5, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} On Dec 3, to fill the lack of left-handed relievers caused by the departure of Flores, Johnson, and Villone, they signed lefty relief specialist Trever Miller to a one-year deal potentially worth $2 million if he reaches all the incentives in the contract.[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081203&content_id=3700689&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp Miller signs]

On January 5, the Cardinals signed lefty reliever Royce Ring who was with the 2008 Atlanta Braves, to a one-year contract.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090105&content_id=3733073&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards Ring in New Year by inking lefty: Reliever to become third southpaw in a bolstered bullpen |publisher=MLB.com |date=January 5, 2009 |access-date=January 6, 2009 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615090340/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090105&content_id=3733073&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} However, two months later the Cardinals signed Dennys Reyes, a 31-yr.-old left-handed relief specialist, to a two-year deal worth approximately $3 mil.{{cite web

|url=http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/commishs-hot-stove/commishs-hot-stove/cardinal-beat-updates/2009/03/st-louis-cardinals-sign-lh-reliever-dennys-reyes-righthanders-shine

|title=St. Louis Cardinals sign LH reliever Dennys Reyes; righthanders shine

|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch

|date=March 5, 2009

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090609150221/http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/commishs-hot-stove/commishs-hot-stove/cardinal-beat-updates/2009/03/st-louis-cardinals-sign-lh-reliever-dennys-reyes-righthanders-shine/

|archive-date=June 9, 2009

|url-status=dead

|access-date=August 11, 2009

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}} A few weeks after the acquisition of Reyes, Ring was placed on waivers,{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090325&content_id=4066576&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Ring's stint with Cardinals finished: Left-hander reportedly placed on outright waivers Wednesday |publisher=MLB.com |date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=March 25, 2009 |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327024633/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090325&content_id=4066576&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} eventually accepting an assignment to the minor leagues.{{cite web|title=Ring accepts assignment |url=http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/commishs-hot-stove/commishs-hot-stove/cardinal-beat-updates/2009/03/troy-glaus-returns-from-doc-visit-royce-ring-accepts-assigment/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530181029/http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/commishs-hot-stove/commishs-hot-stove/cardinal-beat-updates/2009/03/troy-glaus-returns-from-doc-visit-royce-ring-accepts-assigment/ |archive-date=May 30, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 |df=mdy }}

St. Louis went 19-12-2 in Grapefruit League play,[http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/31E5BB5547497AAF8625758E000C3A6D?OpenDocument Cardinals have solid Grapefruit League run] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407100346/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/31E5BB5547497AAF8625758E000C3A6D?OpenDocument |date=April 7, 2009 }} their most victories since they had 21 wins in 1997. Attendance at RDS was 106,266 in 18 home games (9-7-2) for an average home attendance of 5,901. In 15 road games (10-5-0), attendance 84,499; road average 5,633.{{cite web |url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1939.pdf |format=PDF |title=St. Louis Cardinals GAME NOTES |date=April 4, 2009 |page=1 |author=Myount |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5j2LfAmzc?url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1939.pdf |archive-date=August 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}

On March 30, relief pitcher Chris Perez was optioned to AAA, finalizing the pitching situation for Opening Day. Cardinals will carry 12 pitchers, including seven relievers which include long-reliever Brad Thompson.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090330&content_id=4089716&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals option Perez to Triple-A: Thompson to make club; desire for long reliever deciding factor |publisher=MLB.com |date=March 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403083640/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090330&content_id=4089716&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} Rookie Jason Motte appeared to win the closer job, although the Cardinals made no official announcement.{{cite web|title=LaRussa not naming closer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090331&content_id=4094376&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102130250/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090331&content_id=4094376&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

Joe Mather was the final cut in spring training. Among the players making the Cardinals out of camp were utility infielders Joe Thurston and Brian Barden and two players making their big-league debuts: David Freese, who took the injured Troy Glaus' spot at third base, and former first-round draft pick (and highly anticipated prospect)[https://www.espn.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=3840355 Keith Law prospect rankings]{{cite web|title=Scout.com prospect rankings |url=http://diamondbacks.scout.com/a.z?s=247&p=9&c=12&nid=287&lnid=287&pid=88&yr=2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716021322/http://diamondbacks.scout.com/a.z?s=247&p=9&c=12&nid=287&lnid=287&pid=88&yr=2009 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} Colby Rasmus.{{cite web|title=Mather the last cut |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090402&content_id=4112094&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405095012/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090402&content_id=4112094&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} Mather's demotion left Ryan Ludwick as the only outfielder on the roster who hits right-handed.

Opening Day 2009 looked a lot like 2008: a blown save and a bullpen loss. Rookie closer Jason Motte gave up four runs with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Pirates beat the Cardinals 6–4.{{cite web|title=Pirates 6, Cardinals 4 |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090406&content_id=4140898&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410081045/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090406&content_id=4140898&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home |archive-date=April 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

On April 7, the Cardinals beat the Pirates 9-3 as Albert Pujols hit his first home run of the season and reached base five times. As such, Pujols became only the third Cardinals player in the last 55 years to reach base four or more times in each of the first two games of the season.{{cite web |title=St. Louis Cardinals Game Notes |author=Myount |url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1941.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5j2MD0Oro?url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1941.pdf |archive-date=August 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 |df=mdy-all }} On April 8, the Cardinals lost to the Pirates by a score of 7–4, but Albert Pujols set the franchise record for most assists by a first baseman in a 9-inning game with seven. It was the most assists by a Major League first baseman since the National League record of eight was set in 1971. Pujols also collected his 700th career walk in the game.{{cite web |title=St. Louis Cardinals Game Notes |author=Myount |url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1942.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5j2MKR1E4?url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1942.pdf |archive-date=August 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}

On April 9, Chris Carpenter and relievers Franklin and Reyes combined on a one-hitter as the Cardinals beat Pittsburgh 2–1. It was Carpenter's first victory since Game 3 of the 2006 World Series, October 24.{{cite web|title=Cards 2, Pirates 1 |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090409&content_id=4188784&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412144642/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090409&content_id=4188784&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} St. Louis followed up the Pittsburgh series with a three-game sweep over Houston. In the second game of the Astro series (Apr. 11), Pujols tied a career best with seven RBI as the Cardinals won 11–2;{{cite web|title=Cards 11, Astros 2 |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090411&content_id=4223500&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417063318/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090411&content_id=4223500&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 17, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} while in the final game Kyle Lohse retired 24 consecutive batters en route to a 3-0 complete game victory.{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090412&content_id=4235304&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards 3, Astros 0 |access-date=April 12, 2009 |archive-date=April 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415143228/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090412&content_id=4235304&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }}

On April 14, staff ace Chris Carpenter injured his left rib cage while batting. Early estimates were that he would miss at least a month, and it might be as long as two months.{{cite web|title=Cardinals place Carpenter on DL: Rib-cage strain sidelines hard-luck ace four to eight weeks, (Apr. 15) |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090415&content_id=4280376&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418230340/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090415&content_id=4280376&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} An MRI exam on April 16 revealed an oblique tear on his left side.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090416&content_id=4303552&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=MRI confirms oblique tear for Carpenter: Time-table remains four to eight weeks; rehab next week |publisher=MLB.com |date=April 16, 2009 |access-date=April 17, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090420123853/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090416&content_id=4303552&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl| archive-date= April 20, 2009 | url-status= dead}} On April 17, rookie pitcher P. J. Walters was called up from AAA-Memphis to take Carpenter's spot in the rotation.{{cite web |url=http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/633F70B3F08BFC208625759B00591CAC?OpenDocument |title=Cards Preview: Spotlight on rookie P.J. Walters |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 17, 2009 |access-date=April 17, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On April 20 the Cardinals attempted to buttress a sagging bullpen by trading former Rule 5 draft pick Brian Barton for Atlanta Braves' relief pitcher Blaine Boyer. Boyer was tabbed to join the big-league club, leaving St. Louis with 13 pitchers on the 25-man roster, with David Freese optioned to Memphis.{{cite web|title=Boyer-Barton trade |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090420&content_id=4352346&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423112943/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090420&content_id=4352346&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=April 23, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}[http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/B54E627FB6EC58DA8625759F000C2B97?OpenDocument St. Louis Cardinals trade for reliever Blaine Boyer] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424031852/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/B54E627FB6EC58DA8625759F000C2B97?OpenDocument |date=April 24, 2009 }}

On Saturday, April 25, in a nationally televised game on Fox, with the Cardinals leading 3–1 in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs, Albert Pujols hit his 8th career grand slam, helping the team win its 5th consecutive game (8-2) and solidifying their lead in the NL Central division. The slam also gave him 1,002 RBIs, making him the 260th player to reach the 1,000-level.{{cite web|title=Pujols' slam backs Boggs vs. Cubs: Slugger passes 1,000 RBIs; rookie allows unearned run |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=4424694&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430081924/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=4424694&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}{{cite web|title=Pujols passes milestone with slam: Slugger 23rd active player to reach 1,000 RBIs |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=4424694&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430081924/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090425&content_id=4424694&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

Brendan Ryan went to the 15-day DL with a hamstring strain on April 30, and former first-round draft pick Tyler Greene was called up to be Ryan's replacement.{{cite web|title=Ryan to DL |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090430&content_id=4502052&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503015345/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090430&content_id=4502052&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=May 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} The Cardinals finished the month of April with a 16–7 record, best in baseball.[https://www.baseball-reference.com/games/standings.cgi?date=2009-04-30 Standings after April 30] Albert Pujols was named Player of the Month for April and Brian Barden Rookie of the Month.{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090505&content_id=4576472&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols, Barden honored |access-date=May 7, 2009 |archive-date=March 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310153124/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090505&content_id=4576472&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }}

Center fielder Rick Ankiel ran face-first into the outfield wall while making a catch on May 4. Three days later, he was placed on the DL (retroactive to May 5), and minor-league outfielder Shane Robinson was called up to take his place on the roster.{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090507&content_id=4604708&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Ankiel to DL |access-date=May 7, 2009 |archive-date=May 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510142149/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090507&content_id=4604708&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} On May 12, right fielder Ryan Ludwick joined Ankiel on the DL after straining his right hamstring against the Pirates. The team recalled Nick Stavinoha from its AAA-Memphis team to take Ludwick's spot on the roster.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090516064849/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090513&content_id=4708440&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl Cardinals place Ludwick on DL: Hamstring strain sidelines outfielder; Stavinoha recalled], (May 13). Accessed August 11, 2009. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090516064849/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090513&content_id=4708440&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl Archived] 2009-08-14.

The injuries to Ankiel and Ludwick, combined with the continuing absence of Carpenter, contributed to a 4-10 stretch that dropped the Cardinals out of first place in the NL Central. In a showdown series between the Cardinals and Brewers May 16–18, Milwaukee swept St. Louis in St. Louis, winning three games by a combined score of 17–6. In the opener, Wainwright held the Brewers to two hits in eight innings but still lost, 1–0, on a Corey Hart home run. In the second game, Cardinal pitchers walked eight batters and hit four; in the third game, they walked eleven and hit one. Milwaukee took over first place in the Central.

On May 20, Chris Carpenter returned after missing a month with a strained oblique. Carpenter pitched five shutout innings, and the Cards won a pitching duel with the Cubs, 2–1.{{cite web|title=Cards 2, Cubs 1 |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090520&content_id=4839472&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615095052/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090520&content_id=4839472&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} In his next start Carpenter was perfect for six innings, but St. Louis lost in 10 innings to Milwaukee, 1–0.[https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIL/MIL200905250.shtml Brewers 1, Cards 0] Carpenter's ERA remained at 0.00 after his first four appearances. The two Carpenter starts were part of a nine-game streak for Cardinal pitching in which they held the opposition to three runs or less in every game and did not allow a home run.

On the 29th Ludwick was activated from the DL. To make room, the Cardinals put Khalil Greene on the DL with "social anxiety disorder".[https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4215651 Ludwick activated] Greene, signed with the intention of being the everyday shortstop in 2009, played poorly in the field, was hitting .200 at the time he hit the DL, and had been playing less and less frequently in May.[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?n1=greenkh01&t=b&year=2009 Greene game log] St. Louis went 13–14 in May and finished the month at 29–21, one game behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. The Cardinals spent the month of May in a horrific team batting slump that saw them post a .299 OBP for the month, dead last in baseball;[https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/team?sort=onBasePct&split=41&group=9&season=2009&seasonType=2&statType=batting&type=reg May batting splits] exceptionally strong pitching in May (3.56 team ERA) helped St. Louis stay close to the top of the NL Central standings.[https://www.espn.com/mlb/stats/team?statType=pitching&seasonType=2&group=9&typereg&split=41&season=2009 May pitching splits]

On June 4, the Cardinals released newly acquired pitcher Blaine Boyer and called up Jess Todd to take his place.{{cite web|title=Boyer gone, Todd up |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090604&content_id=5150502&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608060937/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090604&content_id=5150502&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} One day later, Kyle Lohse, still suffering from the aftereffects of a hit-by-pitch on his throwing forearm, May 23, went to the DL for the first time in his career, and infielder Tyler Greene recalled.{{cite web|title=Lohse to DL |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090605&content_id=5163856&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090610060718/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090605&content_id=5163856&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} The day after that (June 6), pitcher Blake Hawksworth became the 13th rookie to play for the Cardinals in 2009 (a major-league high for any team) and the seventh to make his major-league debut, when he was called up and Jess Todd was sent down.{{cite web |url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1996.pdf |format=PDF |title=St. Louis Cardinals GAME NOTES |page=1 |date=June 6, 2009 |access-date=June 7, 2009 |author=Myount |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5j2M3oraH?url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_1996.pdf |archive-date=August 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

The continuing team-wide offensive blackout reached its nadir in the second week of June, when the Colorado Rockies, second-worst team in the NL with a 21–32 record prior to the series, came to St. Louis and swept the Cardinals in four games, outscoring the Cardinals 33–9.

Khalil Greene, after three weeks on the disabled list due to anxiety disorder, was activated on June 18.{{cite web|title=Greene activated |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090618&content_id=5399824&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622043911/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090618&content_id=5399824&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} In his first start since being activated, on June 19, Greene started at third base and hit a home run.{{cite web|title=Cards 10, Royals 5 |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090619&content_id=5417464&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623092721/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090619&content_id=5417464&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 23, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} He went on to hit a home run in each of his first three games back, helping the Cardinals to sweep Kansas City in Kansas City and reclaim sole possession of first place in the NL Central. However, Greene went 0 for his next 16, suffered a relapse of his social anxiety disorder, and went back on the disabled list.{{cite web|title=Greene to DL |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090629&content_id=5601566&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615101441/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090629&content_id=5601566&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

On June 27, in an effort to revive a sputtering offense, the Cardinals acquired Mark DeRosa from Cleveland for Chris Perez and a player to be named later. DeRosa, who in his career has played every position but pitcher, catcher, and center field, was expected to play third base for St. Louis.[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090627&content_id=5574664&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Cards acquire DeRosa] One month later Cleveland selected Jess Todd to complete the deal.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090726&content_id=6076198&vkey=pr_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=RHP Jess Todd sent to Cleveland to complete DeRosa Deal: Memphis (AAA) Reliever Becomes Part of Package in June 27 Trade for Mark DeRosa |publisher=MLB.com |date=July 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731131114/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090726&content_id=6076198&vkey=pr_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 31, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

A continuing inability to hit (.310 OBP for June) weighed down the Cardinals for another month: they went 12-17 for June to drop their record for 2009 to 41–38.

On July 5, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina were named as winners of the fan balloting and starters for the National League in the 80th All-Star Game.{{Cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090705&content_id=5706348&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=All-Star Game starters |access-date=July 5, 2009 |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103165347/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090705&content_id=5706348&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead }} Ryan Franklin, 20 for 21 in save opportunities with a 0.84 ERA, was selected to be one of the relief pitchers.[http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2009/roster_league.jsp All-Star Game rosters] On July 14, St. Louis hosted the All-Star Game for the first time in 43 years. The AL beat the NL 4–3. Albert Pujols was 0-for-3 with an error that led to an AL run, Yadier Molina had an RBI single, and Ryan Franklin pitched a scoreless inning.

After appearing in only three games for St. Louis, new addition Mark DeRosa went onto the disabled list (retroactive to July 1) on July 7, suffering from a strained wrist.{{cite web|title=DeRosa to DL |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090707&content_id=5740814&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710122141/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090707&content_id=5740814&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} However, the rest of the Cardinals, buoyed by Pujols, a hot Colby Rasmus, and a resurgent Ryan Ludwick, went 6–4 on their ten-game road trip before the break, and entered the All-Star break with a 49–42 record and a 2.5 game lead in the NL Central.

The middle of July saw major changes to the Cardinals lineup. On July 18, Mark DeRosa, suffering from a torn tendon sheath in his wrist that eventually required offseason surgery, was reactivated from the DL and returned to the starting lineup.{{cite web|title=DeRosa back from DL |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090718&content_id=5926028&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722111638/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090718&content_id=5926028&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} Four days later, Chris Duncan, one of the few remaining players from the 2006 world champion Cardinals, was traded to the Boston Red Sox for shortstop Julio Lugo, along with a player-to-be-named-later or cash; and the team recalled Brian Barden.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6003566&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals acquire Lugo from Red Sox: Veteran shortstop arrives in deal for outfielder Duncan |publisher=MLB.com |date=July 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726213125/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6003566&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=5996472&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals option Duncan to Triple-A: Slumping utilityman sent down; infielder Barden recalled |publisher=MLB.com |date=July 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725215839/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=5996472&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 25, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }} Two days after that, on July 24, the Cardinals traded three prospects, including their #1 prospect, third baseman Brett Wallace, pitcher Clayton Mortensen, and outfielder Shane Peterson, for Oakland Athletics outfielder Matt Holliday.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090724&content_id=6030782&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals acquire Holliday from A's: Prospects Wallace, Mortensen, Peterson shipped to Oakland |publisher=MLB.com |date=July 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727105905/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090724&content_id=6030782&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=July 27, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

On July 28, Todd Wellemeyer was demoted to the bullpen. Mitchell Boggs was called up from AAA-Memphis to take his July 31 start. At the time of the move, Wellemeyer's 5.79 ERA was second-worst in the National League among players with enough innings to qualify for the ERA title.{{cite web|title=Wellemeyer to bullpen |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090728&content_id=6110452&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801130920/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090728&content_id=6110452&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=August 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

Buoyed by the arrival of Holliday and Lugo plus the return of DeRosa to the lineup and a hot Rick Ankiel, the Cardinals won six of their last nine games in July, and went 16-11 for the month. They ended July 1/2 game ahead of the Cubs in the NL Central. Ryan Ludwick earned honors as the National League Player of the Month for July, after batting

.340 with 6 HR's and a league-high 28 RBI. The Cardinals have had the NL's top player three of the first four months with Albert Pujols winning the award in both April and June.{{cite web |url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_2046.pdf |format=PDF |title=St. Louis Cardinals GAME NOTES ('Ludwick Captures July Honors') |page=1 |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 4, 2009 |access-date=August 10, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}

Albert Pujols tied the all-time NL season record set by Ernie Banks in 1955 by hitting his fifth grand slam of the year, (and his second HR of the game) on August 4 at New York. Pujols' slam was the exclamation point in a 12–7, 10-inning victory, in which Pujols went 4-for-5 with five RBIs and three runs scored. The Cardinals previously forced extra innings by rallying for two runs in the ninth off Mets' ace closer Francisco Rodríguez.{{cite web|url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_2047.pdf |format=PDF |title=St. Louis Cardinals GAME NOTES ('Double Trouble') |page=1 |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 5, 2009 |access-date=August 10, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090804&content_id=6236846&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Grand finale: Pujols caps Cardinals' rally: Fifth grand slam ties NL record in 10th-inning win over Mets |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 5, 2009 |access-date=August 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808132351/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090804&content_id=6236846&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=August 8, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

After briefly returning to the starting rotation, Todd Wellemeyer went on the DL with elbow inflammation. Mitchell Boggs was again tabbed to take his place in the rotation.[http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/08/tuesday_tidbits_wellemeyer_gla.html Wellemeyer to DL], (August 11). Accessed August 16, 2009. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090816102757/http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/08/tuesday_tidbits_wellemeyer_gla.html Archived] 2009-08-22. Later in the month, starting pitcher Kyle Lohse joined him on the DL with a strained groin.[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090822&content_id=6558862&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Lohse to DL]

The team came to terms and signed their #1 draft pick, pitcher Shelby Miller, on August 17, just hours before the deadline.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090817&content_id=6470698&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cardinals beat the clock with first-rounder: Redbirds sign Miller to $2.875 million deal on deadline day |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 17, 2009 |access-date=August 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821101813/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090817&content_id=6470698&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/3A85EA81D7F4329D862576160011F227?OpenDocument |title=St. Louis Cardinals beat deadline, get Shelby Miller signed |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090921003454/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/3A85EA81D7F4329D862576160011F227?OpenDocument |archive-date=September 21, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}

John Smoltz signed with the team on August 19 as a probable fifth starter and also possible reliever after the Red Sox released him.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090819&content_id=6502178&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Smoltz joins Cards; could start or relieve – Postseason wins leader expected to help in stretch drive |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822131048/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090819&content_id=6502178&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=August 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 6, 2009 }} In his first start, against San Diego, Smoltz threw five scoreless innings, striking out nine, and got the win.

The Cardinals played some of their best baseball of the season in the middle of August. Consecutive series victories against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, San Diego, and Los Angeles, plus a win in the first game of another series with San Diego, pushed St. Louis to 17 games over .500 at 70–53, the furthest over .500 the franchise had reached since the 2005 team went 100–62. St. Louis opened up a six-game lead over the second-place Cubs during this stretch.

A 7–0 victory from Chris Carpenter, giving him an NL-tying 14th win, over San Diego at Petco Park on August 22, was the unofficial 10,000th win in franchise history. The official total (9,219) is lower because the Cardinals franchise does not count its ten years in the American Association in its all-time statistics.{{cite web|title=Carp stymies Padres |url=http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/17FD018F2320AD458625761B001CBD73?OpenDocument |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826102711/http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/17FD018F2320AD458625761B001CBD73?OpenDocument |archive-date=August 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 6, 2009 |df=mdy }}

On August 28, Albert Pujols hit his eighth career walk-off home run in John Smoltz's first home game at Busch Stadium in a 3–2 win over Washington.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090828&content_id=6665260&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' heroics give Cards walk-off win: Greene's game-tying home run sets up slugger's big blow |publisher=MLB.com |date=August 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902160243/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090828&content_id=6665260&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 2, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 6, 2009 }}

A sweep of the Nationals ended one of the best Augusts in franchise history. The Cardinals went 20-6 for the month, pushing their overall record to 22 games over .500 at 77–55, and opening up a ten-game lead over the Cubs. They did not lose a series all month. Albert Pujols had a 1.092 OPS for the month while Matt Holliday, whose acquisition at the end of July coincided with the sudden takeoff of the Cardinals, posted a .963 OPS for August.[https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/stats/_/name/stl August hitting splits] Aces Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter had ERAs of 1.30 and 2.20 for August. Closer Ryan Franklin did not allow a run all month.[https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/stats/_/name/stl August pitching splits] Wainwright's 2–1 win over the Nationals on August 30 made him MLB's first 16-game winner.{{cite web|title=Wainwright wins 16th |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090830&content_id=6698016&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903120557/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090830&content_id=6698016&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=September 6, 2009 }} Carpenter was named the NL's Pitcher of the Month for August.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090906034451/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090903&content_id=6777716&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl Carp Pitcher of Month]

Third baseman Troy Glaus, out all year with a shoulder injury, became the first September call-up after maximum roster size expanded to 40.{{cite web|title=Glaus activated |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090901&content_id=6729672&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905070414/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090901&content_id=6729672&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 6, 2009 }} Adam Wainwright was touched for six runs in five innings by the Pirates but still earned his league-leading 17th victory on September 4.{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090904&content_id=6795294&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=away |title=Cardinals 14, Pirates 7 |access-date=September 5, 2009 |archive-date=September 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908052912/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20090904&content_id=6795294&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=away |url-status=dead }} Albert Pujols hit only his second career pinch-hit home run in the 10th for a dramatic 2–1 game-winner over the Pirates, at PNC Park, September 5.{{cite web|url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090905&content_id=6810570&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Pujols' pinch-hit homer in 10th lifts Cards: Rookie Boggs allows just one run over seven innings |publisher=MLB.com |date=September 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908185639/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090905&content_id=6810570&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=September 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 6, 2009 }}

Chris Carpenter threw a one-hitter on September 7 against the Brewers at Miller Park, striking out 10, earning his first shutout since September 11, 2006,{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090906&content_id=6822288&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Carpenter tosses one-hit shutout: Starter magnificent; gets offensive support from Pujols |publisher=MLB.com |date=September 7, 2009 |access-date=September 7, 2009 |archive-date=September 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090910042404/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090906&content_id=6822288&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }} and reaching 1,300 career strikeouts.

A three-game sweep by the Braves September 11–13 marked the first time St. Louis had lost a series since July 24–26 against Philadelphia, and the first time the Cardinals lost the opening game of a series since July 20 against Houston.

After the Memphis Redbirds' season ended with a loss in the AAA National Championship Game, the Cardinals announced four more September call-ups: David Freese, Tyler Greene, Josh Kinney, and Matt Pagnozzi.{{cite web |title=September callups |url=http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/cards_announce_callups.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926033735/http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/cards_announce_callups.html |archive-date=September 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 23, 2009 |df=mdy-all }} Pagnozzi, nephew to former Cardinals All-Star catcher Tom Pagnozzi, first appeared in a game on September 29, becoming the tenth player to make his big-league debut with the 2009 Cardinals. The other nine rookies were Freese, Greene, P. J. Walters, Shane Robinson, Jarrett Hoffpauir, Colby Rasmus, Blake Hawksworth, Clayton Mortensen, and Jess Todd.

The Cardinals finally clinched the NL Central championship at Colorado (September 26), with their 90th win, 6–3, on a tie-breaking home run by replacement catcher Jason LaRue in the 7th inning.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2009-09-26-cardinals-rockies-game_N.htm|title=Cardinals win NL Central: Wainwright masterful vs. Rox |date=September 27, 2009|work=USA Today|access-date=October 1, 2009 | first=Bob | last=Nightengale}}

Ryan Ludwick later added a pinch-hit 2-run home run in the 9th inning. Adam Wainwright got his NL-leading 19th win, going 8 innings with 130 pitches, giving up 10 hits, walking one, and striking out 11. It was the Cardinals' seventh NL division championship in the last ten seasons, and eighth for manager Tony La Russa in 14 seasons as Cardinal manager, although one championship was a shared one with Houston in 2001.

On October 1, Chris Carpenter threw five shutout innings in a 13–0 victory over Cincinnati. Carpenter finished his season with a 17–4 record. He lowered his ERA to 2.24, securing his first ERA title and the first ERA title for any Cardinal since Joe Magrane was National League ERA champion in 1988. Carpenter also hit the first home run of his big league career, a grand slam, and drove in six runs to double his career RBI total.{{cite web|title=Cardinals 13, Reds 0 |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091001&content_id=7265678&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103121114/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091001&content_id=7265678&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=October 2, 2009 }}

In that same game Carpenter pitched (Oct 1, 2009), Tony La Russa passed John McGraw for second-most games managed in baseball with his 4,770th game managed (2,552-2,214-4). La Russa gets three more games (October 4) to extend his managed games to 4,773 (2,552-2,217-4) by the end of the 2009 season.

The next night, a bullpen collapse robbed Adam Wainwright of his chance to be the only 20-game winner in baseball, but Wainwright still finished as the National League leader in wins, with a 19–8 record and a 2.63 ERA.{{Cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091002&content_id=7290976&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Brewers 12, Cards 6 |access-date=October 3, 2009 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020094952/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091002&content_id=7290976&vkey=recap&c_id=stl&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead }}

The Cardinals finished the 2009 season losing 8 of their last 10 and 14 of their last 21 to go 91-71 for the year. Albert Pujols won his first home run title with 47, despite not homering after September 9. He also broke the all-time single-season record for assists by a first baseman with his record 185th in the last game.{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091004&content_id=7325272&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |title=Cards force extras, but fall in series finale: Regular season ends with sweep at hands of Brewers |publisher=MLB.com |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=October 5, 2009 |archive-date=October 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006042950/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091004&content_id=7325272&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead }}

On October 5, Chris Carpenter was named NL Comeback Player of the Year (second time) for his superb season, after leading the NL with a 2.24 ERA and an .810 winning percentage (17-4).{{cite web |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091005&content_id=7334122&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008052316/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091005&content_id=7334122&vkey=news_stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 8, 2009 |title=Carpenter earns NL Comeback nod: MLB.com reporters honor hurler's dominant campaign |publisher=MLB.com |date=October 5, 2009}}

{{main|2009 National League Division Series}}

In the 2009 National League Division Series, St. Louis faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, NL West champions. The Cardinals went 5–2 against the Dodgers in the regular season, and were the favorites in the National League,[https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4540329 Vegas odds] but the Dodgers swept the Cardinals in three games to bring St. Louis' 2009 season to a quick end. It was only the second time in eight trips to the postseason that a LaRussa-led Cardinals team lost in the first round.

Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina won Gold Gloves, the first for Wainwright and second for Molina.[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091111&content_id=7652750&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Gold Gloves] Albert Pujols won the Silver Slugger Award as the best hitting first baseman in the NL,[https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4650030 Silver Slugger] and the Hank Aaron Award as the best hitter in the National League.[http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091101&content_id=7595224&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Hank Aaron Awards] In a close race, Wainwright finished third in voting (90 pts.) for the Cy Young Award despite getting the most first place votes (12). Chris Carpenter finished second (94 pts.), six points behind winner Tim Lincecum.{{Cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115&content_id=7669426&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Lincecum wins Cy Young |access-date=November 19, 2009 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411005124/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115 |url-status=dead }} Albert Pujols won his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award, winning all 32 first place votes.{{Cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115&content_id=7669452&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |title=Pujols wins MVP |access-date=November 25, 2009 |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017141742/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091115&content_id=7669452&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead }}

{{2009 NL Central standings|highlight=St. Louis Cardinals}}

[http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=stl&m=8&y=2009 Regular Season Schedule (calendar style)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215173233/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=stl&m=8&y=2009 |date=February 15, 2009 }}

[http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/sortable.jsp?c_id=stl Regular Season Schedule (sortable text)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310023335/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/sortable.jsp?c_id=stl |date=March 10, 2009 }}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20080328165909/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/downloadable.jsp?c_id=stl Downloadable Schedule] for Microsoft Outlook, Palm (PDA)

[http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/broadcasts/national.jsp?c_id=stl National Broadcast Schedule] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210042950/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/downloadable.jsp?c_id=stl |date=February 10, 2009 }}

All game times are in Central Time Zone.{{cite web|title=2009 Cardinals Schedule |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=stl&m=8&y=2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215173233/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=stl&m=8&y=2009 |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}

{{Game log start|style=background:#6E8B3D|title= 2009 Game Log}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#9EBD69;|title=APRIL (16–7)| #| Date| Opponent| Score| Win| Loss| Save| Attendance| Record}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 1 || April 6 || Pirates || 6–4 || Grabow (1–0) || Motte (0–1) || Capps (1) || 45,832 || 0–1

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 2 || April 7 || Pirates || 9–3 || Lohse (1–0) || Snell (0–1) || || 35,206 || 1–1

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 3 || April 8 || Pirates || 7–4 || Duke (1–0) || Wellemeyer (0–1) || Capps (2) || 35,535 || 1–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 4 || April 9 || Pirates || 2–1 || Carpenter (1–0) || Ohlendorf (0–1) || Reyes (1) || 35,293 || 2–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 5 || April 10 || Astros || 5–3 || Piñeiro (1–0) || Hampton (0–1) || McClellan (1) || 37,224 || 3–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 6 || April 11 || Astros || 11–2 || Wainwright (1–0) || Oswalt (0–2) || || 43,454 || 4–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 7 || April 12 || Astros || 3–0 || Lohse (2–0) || Rodríguez (0–1) || || 36,310 || 5–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 8 || April 13 || @ Diamondbacks || 2–1 || Wellemeyer (1–1) || Davis (0–2) || Franklin (1) || 25,014 || 6–2

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 9 || April 14 || @ Diamondbacks || 7–6 (10) || Peña (2–0) || Thompson (0–1) || || 25,678 || 6–3

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 10 || April 15 || @ Diamondbacks || 12–7 || Piñeiro (2–0) || Garland (1–1) || || 21,298 || 7–3

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 11 || April 16 || @ Cubs || 7–4 || Wainwright (2–0) || Patton (0–1) || Franklin (2) || 38,909 || 8–3

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 12 || April 17 || @ Cubs || 8–7 || Heilman (2–0) || Pérez (0–1) || Mármol (2) || 40,250 || 8–4

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 13 || April 18 || @ Cubs || 7–5 (11) || Guzmán (1–0) || Reyes (0–1) || || 40,878 || 8–5

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbbbbb"

| || April 19 || @ Cubs || colspan=6 |Postponed

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 14 || April 21 || Mets || 6–4 || Motte (1–1) || Putz (1–1) || Franklin (3) || 35,506 || 9–5

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 15 || April 22 || Mets || 5–2 || Piñeiro (3–0) || Maine (0–2) || Franklin (4) || 35,622 || 10–5

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 16 || April 23 || Mets || 12–8 || Lohse (3–0) || Hernández (1–1) || || 38,522 || 11–5

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 17 || April 24 || Cubs || 4–3 || McClellan (1–0) || Mármol (0–1) || Franklin (5) || 45,812 || 12–5

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 18 || April 25 || Cubs || 8–2 || Boggs (1–0) || Marshall (0–1) || || 46,707 || 13–5

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 19 || April 26 || Cubs || 10–3 || Harden (2–1) || Wellemeyer (1–2) || || 44,742 || 13–6

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 20 || April 27 || @ Braves || 3–2 || Piñeiro (4–0) || Jurrjens (2–2) || Franklin (6) || 16,739 || 14–6

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 21 || April 28 || @ Braves || 2–1 || Moylan (1–1) || McClellan (1–1) || González (3) || 18,121 || 14–7

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 22 || April 29 || @ Braves || 5–3 || Wainwright (3–0) || Vázquez (2–2) || Franklin (7) || 19,127 || 15–7

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 23 || April 30 || @ Nationals || 9–4 || Pérez (1–1) || Tavárez (0–2) || || 18,007 || 16–7

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#9EBD69;|title=MAY (13–14)| #| Date| Opponent| Score| Win| Loss| Save| Attendance| Record}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 24 || May 1 || @ Nationals || 6–2 || Wellemeyer (2–2) || Zimmermann (2–1) || || 20,697 || 17–7

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 25 || May 2 || @ Nationals || 6–1 || Martis (3–0) || Piñeiro (4–1) || || 19,950 || 17–8

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbbbbb"

| || May 3 || @ Nationals || colspan=6 |Postponed

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 26 || May 4 || Phillies || 6–1 || Blanton (1–2) || Lohse (3–1) || || 35,990 || 17–9

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 27 || May 5 || Phillies || 10–7 || Myers (2–2) || Wainwright (3–1) || || 36,754 || 17–10

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 28 || May 6 || Pirates || 4–2 || McClellan (2–1) || Duke (3–3) || Franklin (8) || 36,188 || 18–10

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 29 || May 7 || Pirates || 5–2 || Wellemeyer (3–2) || Ohlendorf (3–3) || Franklin (9) || 41,928 || 19–10

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 30 || May 8 || @ Reds || 6–4 || Cueto (3–1) || Piñeiro (4–2) || Cordero (9) || 18,016 || 19–11

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 31 || May 9 || @ Reds || 8–3 || Harang (3–3) || Lohse (3–2) || || 40,651 || 19–12

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 32 || May 10 || @ Reds || 8–7 (10) || Franklin (1–0) || Cordero (0–2) || Pérez (1) || 27,664 || 20–12

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 33 || May 12 || @ Pirates || 7–1 || Duke (4–3) || Wellemeyer (3–3) || || 11,718 || 20–13

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 34 || May 13 || @ Pirates || 5–2 || Ohlendorf (4–3) || Piñeiro (4–3) || Capps (6) || 10,494 || 20–14

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 35 || May 14 || @ Pirates || 5–1 || Miller (1–0) || Karstens (1–2) || || 12,347 || 21–14

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbbbbb"

| || May 15 || Brewers || colspan=6 |Postponed

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 36 || May 16 || Brewers || 1–0 || Suppan (3–3) || Wainwright (3–2) || Hoffman (9) || 43,382 || 21–15

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 37 || May 17 || Brewers || 8–2 || Parra (3–4) || Wellemeyer (3–4) || || 43,042 || 21–16

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 38 || May 18 || Brewers || 8–4 || Looper (4–2) || Lohse (3–3) || || 39,136 || 21–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 39 || May 19 || Cubs || 3–0 || Piñeiro (5–3) || Lilly (5–3) || || 41,374 || 22–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 40 || May 20 || Cubs || 2–1 || Carpenter (2–0) || Dempster (3–3) || Franklin (10) || 41,703 || 23–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 41 || May 21 || Cubs || 3–1 || Wainwright (4–2) || Marshall (2–3) || Franklin (11) || 44,235 || 24–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 42 || May 22 || Royals || 5–0 || Wellemeyer (4–4) || Davies (2–3) || || 43,429 || 25–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 43 || May 23 || Royals || 5–0 || Lohse (4–3) || Hochevar (0–2) || || 43,829 || 26–17

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 44 || May 24 || Royals || 3–2 || Bannister (4–1) || Piñeiro (5–4) || Cruz (2) || 44,213 || 26–18

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 45 || May 25 || @ Brewers || 1–0 (10) || Villanueva (2–3) || McClellan (2–2) || || 43,032 || 26–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 46 || May 26 || @ Brewers || 8–1 || Wainwright (5–2) || Suppan (3–4) || || 37,404 || 27–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 47 || May 27 || @ Brewers || 3–2 || Wellemeyer (5–4) || Parra (3–6) || Franklin (12) || 40,226 || 28–19

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 48 || May 29 || @ Giants || 4–2 || Cain (6–1) || Piñeiro (5–5) || Wilson (11) || 35,266 || 28–20

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 49 || May 30 || @ Giants || 6–2 || Carpenter (3–0) || Zito (1–6) || || 35,592 || 29–20

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 50 || May 31 || @ Giants || 5–3 || Valdéz (2–0) || Wainwright (5–3) || Wilson (12) || 41,440 || 29–21

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#9EBD69;|title=JUNE (12–17)| #| Date| Opponent / Time| Score| Win| Loss| Save| Attendance| Record}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 51 || June 1 || Reds || 5–3 || Lincoln (1–0) || Wellemeyer (5–5) || Cordero (14) || 35,815 || 29–22

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 52 || June 2 || Reds || 5–2 || Motte (2–1) || Arroyo (7–4) || Franklin (13) || 35,507 || 30–22

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 53 || June 3 || Reds || 9–3 || Cueto (5–3) || Lohse (4–4) || || 35,811 || 30–23

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 54 || June 4 || Reds || 3–1 || Carpenter (4–0) || Harang (5–6) || || 39,249 || 31–23

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 55 || June 5 || Rockies || 11–4 || de la Rosa (1–6) || Wainwright (5–4) || || 41,115 || 31–24

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 56 || June 6 || Rockies || 10–1 || Cook (4–3) || Wellemeyer (5–6) || || 44,002 || 31–25

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 57 || June 7 || Rockies || 7–2 || Jiménez (4–6) || Piñeiro (5–6) || || 42,288 || 31–26

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 58 || June 8 || Rockies || 5–2 || Marquis (8–4) || Thompson (0–2) || Street (9) || 36,748 || 31–27

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 59 || June 9 || @ Marlins || 4–3 || Lindstrom (2–1) || Motte (2–2) || || 13,103 || 31–28

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 60 || June 10 || @ Marlins || 13–4 || Wainwright (6–4) || Volstad (4–6) || || 14,624 || 32–28

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 61 || June 11 || @ Marlins || 6–5 || Miller (2–0) || Núñez (2–3) || Franklin (14) || 19,112 || 33–28

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 62 || June 12 || @ Indians || 7–3 || Huff (2–2) || Piñeiro (5–7) || || 28,159 || 33–29

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 63 || June 13 || @ Indians || 3–1 || Thompson (1–2) || Ohka (0–1) || Franklin (15) || 31,754 || 34–29

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 64 || June 14 || @ Indians || 3–0 || Lee (4–6) || Carpenter (4–1) || || 23,644 || 34–30

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 65 || June 16 || Tigers || 11–2 || Wainwright (7–4) || Verlander (7–3) || || 44,021 || 35–30

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 66 || June 17 || Tigers || 4–3 || Wellemeyer (6–6) || Jackson (6–4) || Franklin (16) || 39,699 || 36–30

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 67 || June 18 || Tigers || 6–3 || Porcello (8-4) || Piñeiro (5-8) || Rodney (13) || 41,323 || 36-31

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 68 || June 19 || @ Royals || 10–5 || Thompson (2-2) || Davies (3-7) || || 37,660 || 37-31

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 69 || June 20 || @ Royals (Fox) || 7–1 || Carpenter (5-1) || Bannister (5-4) || Franklin (17)|| 38,769 || 38-31

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 70 || June 21 || @ Royals || 12–5 || Wainwright (8-4) || Meche (4-6) || || 33,805 || 39-31

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 71 || June 22 || @ Mets || 6–4 || Redding (1-2) || Wellemeyer (6-7) || Rodríguez (19) || 38,488 || 39-32

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 72 || June 23 || @ Mets || 3–0 || Piñeiro (6-8) || Hernández (5-2) || || 38,903 || 40-32

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 73 || June 24 || @ Mets || 11–0 || Nieve (3-0) || Thompson (2-3) || || 39,689 || 40-33

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 74 || June 25 || @ Mets || 3–2 || Santana (9-5) || Carpenter (5-2) || Rodríguez (20) || 41,221 || 40-34

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 75 || June 26 || Twins || 3–1 || Perkins (3-4) || Wainwright (8-5) || Nathan (18) || 44,159 || 40-35

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 76 || June 27 || Twins || 5–3 || Kinney (1-0) || Slowey (10-3) || Franklin (18) || 42,986 || 41-35

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 77 || June 28 || Twins || 6–2 || Liriano (4-8) || Piñeiro (6-9) || Nathan (19) || 42,705 || 41-36

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 78 || June 29 || Giants || 10–0 || Lincecum (8-2) || Thompson (2-4) || || 37,737 || 41-37

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 79 || June 30 || Giants || 6–3 || Johnson (8-5) || Carpenter (5-3) || Wilson (21) || 37,174 || 41-38

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#9EBD69;|title=JULY (16-11)| #| Date| Opponent / Time| Score| Win| Loss| Save| Attendance| Record}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 80 || July 1 || Giants || 2–1 (10) || Franklin (2-0) || Howry (0-4) || || 36,928 || 42-38

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 81 || July 2 || Giants || 5–2 || Wellemeyer (7-7) || Zito (4-8) || Franklin (19) || 41,875 || 43-38

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 82 || July 3 || @ Reds || 7–4 || Motte (3-2) || Herrera (1-4) || Franklin (20) || 41,349 || 44-38

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 83 || July 4 || @ Reds || 5–2 || Owings (6-8) || Thompson (2-5) || Cordero (20) || 37,371 || 44-39

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 84 || July 5 || @ Reds || 10–1 || Carpenter (6-3) || Arroyo (8-8) || || 24,017 || 45-39

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 85 || July 7 || @ Brewers || 5–0 || Wainwright (9-5) || Gallardo (8-6) || || 36,557 || 46-39

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 86 || July 8 || @ Brewers || 5–4 || Coffey (4-1) || Motte (3-3) || Hoffman (19) || 33,655 || 46-40

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 87 || July 9 || @ Brewers || 5–1 || Piñeiro (7-9) || Villanueva (2-5) || || 40,357 || 47-40

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 88 || July 10 || @ Cubs || 8–3 || Carpenter (7-3) || Harden (5-6) || || 40,687 || 48-40

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 89 || July 11 || @ Cubs (Fox) || 5–2 || Lilly (9-6) || Thompson (2-6) || || 41,210 || 48-41

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 90 || July 12 || @ Cubs || 7–3 || Zambrano (5-4) || Lohse (4-5) || || 40,701 || 48-42

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 91 || July 12 || @ Cubs (ESPN Sunday Night Baseball) || 4–2 || Wainwright (10-5) || Wells (4-4) || Franklin (21) || 41,244 || 49-42

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbbbbb"

| -- || July 14 || All-Star Game 7:00pm (Fox) ||colspan=6|American League 4,   National League 3   (St. Louis, Missouri   Busch Stadium)

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 92 || July 17 || Diamondbacks || 6–1 || Carpenter (8-3) || Garland (5-9) || || 44,781 || 50-42

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 93 || July 18 || Diamondbacks || 4–2 || Haren (10-5) || Wainwright (10-6) || Qualls (17) || 45,267 || 50-43

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 94 || July 19 || Diamondbacks || 2–1 || Piñeiro (8-9) || Petit (0-4) || Franklin (22) || 41,759 || 51-43

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 95 || July 20 || @ Astros || 3–2 || Moehler (7-5) || Lohse (4-6) || Valverde (10) || 36,437 || 51-44

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 96 || July 21 || @ Astros || 11–6 || Rodríguez (10-6) || Wellemeyer (7-8) || || 33,140 || 51-45

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 97 || July 22 || @ Astros || 4–3 || Valverde (1-2) || Franklin (2-1) || || 37,619 || 51-46

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 98 || July 23 || @ Nationals || 4–1 (6) || Wainwright (11-6) || Balester (0-1) || || 25,359 || 52-46

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 99 || July 24 || @ Phillies || 8–1 || Piñeiro (9-9) || Happ (7-1) || || 45,166 || 53-46

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 100 || July 25 || @ Phillies (Fox) || 14–6 || Lopez (3-0) || Motte (3-4) || || 45,182 || 53-47

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 101 || July 26 || @ Phillies (TBS) || 9–2 || Blanton (7-4) || Wellemeyer (7-9) || || 45,271 || 53-48

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 102 || July 27 || Dodgers (ESPN) || 6–1 || Carpenter (9-3) || Wolf (5-5) || Franklin (23) || 43,756 || 54-48

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 103 || July 28 || Dodgers || 10–0 || Wainwright (12-6) || Billingsley (10-6) || || 40,105 || 55-48

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 104 || July 29 || Dodgers || 3–2 (15) || Hawksworth (1-0) || Weaver (5-4) || || 40,011 || 56-48

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 105 || July 30 || Dodgers || 5–3 (10) || McDonald (3-2) || Reyes (0-2) || Broxton (24) || 43,263 || 56-49

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 106 || July 31 || Astros || 4–3 || Miller (3-0) || Arias (2-1) || Franklin (24) || 43,760 || 57-49

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#9EBD69;|title=AUGUST (20-6)| #| Date| Opponent / Time| Score| Win| Loss| Save| Attendance| Record }}

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 107 || August 1 || Astros || 3–1 || Carpenter (10-3) || Fulchino (4-4) || || 45,074 || 58-49

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 108 || August 2 || Astros || 2–0 || Norris (1-0) || Wainwright (12-7) || Valverde (12) || 45,227 || 58-50

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 109 || August 4 || @ Mets || 12–7 (10) || McClellan (3-2) || Feliciano (4-4) || || 40,354 || 59-50

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 110 || August 5 || @ Mets || 9–0 || Figueroa (1-2) || Lohse (4-7) || Parnell (1) || 39,781 || 59-51

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 111 || August 7 || @ Pirates || 6–4 || Carpenter (11-3) || Ascanio (0-2) || Franklin (25) || 24,854 || 60-51

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 112 || August 8 || @ Pirates || 5–3 || Wainwright (13-7) || Morton (2-5) || Franklin (26) || 38,593 || 61-51

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 113 || August 9 || @ Pirates || 7–3 || Piñeiro (10-9) || Capps (2-7) || McClellan (2) || 24,369 || 62-51

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 114 || August 10 || Reds || 4–1 || Lohse (5-7) || Wells (0-3) || Franklin (27) || 40,212 || 63-51

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 115 || August 11 || Reds || 5–4 || Lehr (2-0) || Boggs (1-1) || Cordero (25) || 40,145 || 63-52

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 116 || August 12 || Reds || 5–2 || Carpenter (12-3) || Bailey (2-4) || Franklin (28) || 40,328 || 64-52

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 117 || August 14 || Padres || 9–2 || Wainwright (14-7) || Latos (4-2) || || 42,208 || 65-52

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 118 || August 15 || Padres || 7–4 || Piñeiro (11-9) || Stauffer (1-5) || Franklin (29) || 44,292 || 66-52

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 119 || August 16 || Padres || 7–5 || Miller (4-0) || Bell (4-2) || || 40,812 || 67-52

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 120 || August 17 || @ Dodgers || 3–2 || Carpenter (13-3) || Haeger (0-1) || Franklin (30) || 49,415 || 68-52

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 121 || August 18 || @ Dodgers || 7–3 || Billingsley (12-6) || Boggs (1-2) || Broxton (26) || 49,052 || 68-53

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 122 || August 19 || @ Dodgers || 3–2 || McClellan (4-2) || Broxton (7-1) || Franklin (31) || 54,847 || 69-53

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 123 || August 20 || @ Padres || 5–1 || Piñeiro (12-9) || Stauffer (1-6) || || 19,867 || 70-53

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 124 || August 21 || @ Padres || 4–0 || Richard (7-3) || Lohse (5-8) || || 27,282 || 70-54

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 125 || August 22 || @ Padres || 7–0 || Carpenter (14-3) || Correia (8-10) || || 38,156 || 71-54

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 126 || August 23 || @ Padres || 5–2 || Smoltz (3-5)   [1st GS, 1-0] || Carrillo (1-2) || Franklin (32) || 27,435 || 72-54

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 127 || August 25 || Astros || 1–0 || Wainwright (15-7) || Rodríguez (12-8) || Franklin (33) || 40,512 || 73-54

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 128 || August 26 || Astros || 3–2 || Piñeiro (13-9) || Oswalt (7-5) || Franklin (34) || 40,311 || 74-54

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 129 || August 27 || Astros || 4–3 || Valverde (2-2) || McClellan (4-3) || || 40,348 || 74-55

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 130 || August 28 || Nationals || 3–2 || Motte (4-4) || Bergmann (2-4) || || 40,033 || 75-55

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 131 || August 29 || Nationals || 9–4 || Boggs (2-2) || Stammen (4-7) || || 44,028 || 76-55

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 132 || August 30 || Nationals || 2–1 || Wainwright (16-7) || Mock (3-6) || Franklin (35) || 41,083 || 77-55

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#9EBD69;|title=SEPTEMBER (13-13)| #| Date| Opponent / Time| Score| Win| Loss| Save| Attendance| Record}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 133 || September 1 || Brewers || 7–6 || Piñeiro (14-9) || Weathers (3-5) || Franklin (36) || 40,119 || 78-55

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 134 || September 2 || Brewers || 10–3 || Carpenter (15-3) || Bush (3-6) || || 40,214 || 79-55

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 135 || September 3 || Brewers || 4–3 || Parra (10-10) || Smoltz (3-6) || Hoffman (30) || 37,791 || 79-56

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 136 || September 4 || @ Pirates || 14–7 || Wainwright (17-7) || Hart (4-5) || || 15,258 || 80-56

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 137 || September 5 || @ Pirates || 2–1 (10) || Hawksworth (2-0) || Capps (3-8) || Franklin (37) || 27,071 || 81-56

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 138 || September 6 || @ Pirates || 6–5 || Chavez (1-4) || Franklin (2-2) || || 19,274 || 81-57

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 139 || September 7 || @ Brewers || 3–0 || Carpenter (16-3) || Bush (3-7) || || 35,360 || 82-57

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 140 || September 8 || @ Brewers || 4–3 || Hawksworth (3-0) || Hoffman (1-2) || McClellan (3) || 36,172 || 83-57

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 141 || September 9 || @ Brewers || 5–1 || Wainwright (18-7) || Suppan (6-9) || || 26,559 || 84-57

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 142 || September 11 || Braves || 1–0 || Jurrjens (11-10) || Piñeiro (14-10) || Soriano (23) || 43,984 || 84-58

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 143 || September 12 || Braves (Fox) || 7–6 || Gonzalez (4-4) || Franklin (2-3) || Soriano (24) || 43,869 || 84-59

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 144 || September 13 || Braves || 9–2 || Vázquez (13-9) || Carpenter (16-4) || || 41,179 || 84-60

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 145 || September 14 || Marlins || 11–6 || Hawksworth (4-0) || Nolasco (11-9) || || 43,582 || 85-60

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 146 || September 15 || Marlins || 2–1 || West (7-5) || Wainwright (18-8) || Núñez (21) || 42,895 || 85-61

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 147 || September 16 || Marlins || 5–2 || Johnson (15-4) || Piñeiro (14-11) || Núñez (22) || 43,020 || 85-62

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 148 || September 18 || Cubs || 3–2 || Franklin (3-3) || Heilman (3-4) || || 45,959 || 86-62

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 149 || September 19 || Cubs (Fox) || 2–1 || Franklin (4-3) || Mármol (2-4) || || 46,506 || 87-62

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 150 || September 20 || Cubs (ESPN) || 6–3 (11) || Caridad (1-0) || Boggs (2-3) || Mármol (14) || 44,937 || 87-63

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 151 || September 21 || @ Astros || 7–3 || Lohse (6-8) || Rodríguez (13-11) || || 34,705 || 88-63

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 152 || September 22 || @ Astros || 11–2 || Piñeiro (15-11) || Bazardo (0-2) || || 32,644 || 89-63

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 153 || September 23 || @ Astros || 3–0 || Norris (6-3) || Smoltz (3-7) || Valverde (24) || 38,732 || 89-64

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 154 || September 25 || @ Rockies || 2–1 || Street (4-1) || Miller (4-1) || || 48,847 || 89-65

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 155 || September 26 || @ Rockies || 6–3 || Wainwright (19-8) || Jiménez (14-12) || Franklin (38) || 47,741 || 90-65

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 156 || September 27 || @ Rockies || 4–3 || de la Rosa (16-9) || Lohse (6-9) || Street (34) || 42,032 || 90-66

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 157 || September 29 || @ Reds || 7–2 || Bailey (7-5) || Piñeiro (15-12) || || 12,026 || 90-67

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 158 || September 30 || @ Reds || 6–1 || Arroyo (15-13) || Smoltz (3-8) || || 11,930 || 90-68

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log section start|hide=y|style=background:#9EBD69;|title=OCTOBER (1-3)| #| Date| Opponent / Time| Score| Win| Loss| Save| Attendance| Record}}

|- align="center" bgcolor="bbffbb"

| 159 || October 1 || @ Reds || 13–0 || Carpenter (17-4) || Wells (2-5) || || 11,861 || 91-68

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 160 || October 2 || Brewers || 12–6 || Looper (14-7) || McClellan (4-4) || || 44,331 || 91-69

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 161 || October 3 || Brewers || 5–4 || Villanueva (4-10)|| Lohse (6-10) || Hoffman (37) || 43,977 || 91-70

|- align="center" bgcolor="ffbbbb"

| 162 || October 4 || Brewers || 9–7 (10) || Hoffman (3-2) || Wellemeyer (7-10) || Axford (1) || 43,464 || 91-71

|-

{{Game log section end}}

{{Game log end}}

{{2009 NL Record vs. opponents|team=STL}}

{{see also|St. Louis Cardinals all-time roster}}

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B= Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; BB = Walks; Avg. = Batting average; OBP = On-base percentage; SLG = Slugging percentage

(through October 4)

[https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2009-batting.shtml 2009 St. Louis Cardinals batting stats at Baseball Reference]

[https://baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/hitting.php?y=2009&t=SLN 2009 St. Louis Cardinals hitting stats at Baseball Almanac]

Note: Pitchers batting stats included (at least one at-bat).

^ Traded to or away from Cardinals dates

BOLD = Leading NL

Note: G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; H = Hits allowed; HR = Home runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed, SO = Strikeouts; WHIP = (Walks + Hits) per innings pitched; HBP = Hit by pitch; BF = Batters faced

(FINAL through October 4)

[https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2009-pitching.shtml 2009 St. Louis Cardinals pitching stats at Baseball Reference]

[https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/pitching.php?y=2009&t=SLN 2009 St.Louis Cardinals pitching stats at Baseball Almanac]

Bold = leading NL

(FINAL through October 4)

22–17, 3.61 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 432.0 IP, 379 H, 193 R, 173 ER, 42 HR, 191 BB, 335 SO{{cite web |url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_2093.pdf |format=PDF |title=St. Louis Cardinals GAME NOTES ('Bullpen Briefs') |page=2 |publisher=MLB.com |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=November 4, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}

(FINAL through October 4)

Saves / Opp: 43/58 (74%)   1st Batter / Retired: 338/474 (71%)

Holds: 86         Inherited Runners / Scored: 56/242 (23%)

22-17, 3.61 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 432.0 IP, 379 H, 193 R, 173 ER, 42 HR, 191 BB, 335 SO

Saves / Opp: 43/58 (74%) 1st Batter / Retired: 338/474 (71%)

Holds: 86 Inherited Runners / Scored: 56/242 (23%)
-->

Blown Saves by bullpen: 17   Franklin (5), McClellan (4), Perez (1), Kinney (1), Miller (2), Motte (4)

Games lost by bullpen:   16

(FINAL through October 4)

(FINAL through October 4)

Home   46-35

Away   45-36

Scoring first       71-25

Opp. scores first 20-46

Scoring more than 3 runs   66-19

      Scoring 3 runs             17-17

Scoring fewer than 3 runs     8-35

Leading after 7 innings       72-5

      Tied after 7 innings       9-7

Trailing after 7 innings         9-59

Leading after 8 innings     79-3

      Tied after 8 innings     7-9

Trailing after 8 innings      4-59

Blown Saves by bullpen: 17 (Franklin (5), McClellan (4), (Perez [1], Kinney [1], (Miller [2], Motte [4])

Games lost by bullpen:   16

In errorless games   56-33

Extra innings             5-6

Shutouts                   11-10

One-run games       24-21

Out-hit opponents           62-12

Same hits as opponents 13-5

Out-hit by opponents     16-54

Runs via HR         249

Opp. Runs via HR 213

By Day

Mon. 8-9

Tue. 14-11

Wed. 15-10

Thu. 14-5

Fri.   15-10

Sat. 15-11

Sun. 10-15

By Opponent

DIVISION

                HOME ROAD TOTAL

NL Central   24-16   22-18   46-34

NL East        7-7     10-9    17-16

NL West     10-8       9-7   19-15

AL Central     5-4      4-2      9-6

TOTALS     46-35   45-36   91-71

(Interleague 9-6)

(FINAL through October 4)

2009   (100 = Neutral Park, > 100 Ballpark favors, < 100 Ballpark inhibits

  81 HOME G; Cardinals: 2,654 AB;   Opponents: 2,790 AB)

  81 AWAY G: Cardinals: 2,811 AB;   Opponents: 2,670 AB)

R 92  

H 98  

HR 74  

(Cardinals batting: HOME .263   ROAD .263   OVERALL .263)

(Opponents batting: at StL .254   on ROAD .261   OVERALL .258)

2007–2009 Index (3-yr. composite)

HOME 243 G; Cardinals: 8,089 AB;   Opponents: 8,503 AB)

BA 100  

R 93  

H 99  

2B 93  

3B 90  

HR 80  

BB 99  

SO 95  

E 107  

E-inf. 108  

LHB-BA 101  

LHB-HR 82  

RHB-BA 99  

RHB-HR 78{{cite book |title=The Bill James Handbook 2010 |author=Baseball Info Solutions and Bill James |year=2009 |publisher=ACTA Sports |page=388}}

St. Louis' picks at the 2009 Major League Baseball draft at MLB Network Studios, New York City on June 9 – 11, 2009.{{cite web|title=Draft: 2009 DraftTracker – St. Louis Cardinals |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/drafttracker.jsp?p=0&s=30&sc=pick_number&so=ascending&st=number&ft=TM&fv=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619012017/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/drafttracker.jsp?p=0&s=30&sc=pick_number&so=ascending&st=number&ft=TM&fv=stl |archive-date=June 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 11, 2009 }}{{cite web |url=http://presspass.mlb.com/dbdocs/77/129/3700_2032.pdf |format=PDF |title=St. Louis Cardinals GAME NOTES ("2009 First-Year Player Draft") |page=5 |publisher=MLB.com |date=July 20, 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

For the entire draft, the Cardinals selection breakdown was as follows: 29 pitchers

(21-RHP, 8-LHP), 11 infielders, six catchers and four outfielders. The Cardinals

second-round pick, Robert Stock out of USC, will begin his pro career as a catcher

and that is reflected in these numbers. St. Louis selected 43 college players and

seven high school prospects.

bold = agreed to terms

{{See also|Minor League Baseball}}

{{MLB Farm System|level14=AAA|team14=Memphis Redbirds|league14=Pacific Coast League|manager14=Chris Maloney

|level15=AA |team15=Springfield Cardinals|league15=Texas League|manager15=Ron Warner

|level16=A |team16=Palm Beach Cardinals|league16=Florida State League|manager16=Tom Spencer

|level17=A |team17= Quad Cities River Bandits|league17=Midwest League|manager17=Steve Dillard

|level18=A-Short Season|team18=Batavia Muckdogs|league18=New York–Penn League|manager18=Mark DeJohn

|level19=Rookie|team19=Johnson City Cardinals|league19=Appalachian League|manager19=Mike Shildt

|level20=Rookie|team20=GCL Cardinals|league20=Gulf Coast League|manager20=Steve Turco

}}

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Memphis

[http://mlb.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=stl&year=2009 St. Louis Cardinals 2009 Draft Selections]

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

• [https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2009.shtml St. Louis Cardinals 2009 season at Baseball Reference]
• [http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/roster.php?y=2009&t=SLN St. Louis Cardinals Roster at Baseball Almanac]
• [http://www.baseballprospectus.com/team_audit.php?team=sln St. Louis Cardinals TEAM AUDIT at Baseball Prospectus]
• [http://www.thestlcardinals.com St. Louis Cardinals Team Page at Scout.com]

{{National League Central champions}}

{{2009 MLB season by team}}

{{St. Louis Cardinals}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2009 St. Louis Cardinals Season}}

Category:St. Louis Cardinals seasons

St. Louis Cardinals

Category:National League Central champion seasons

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