The Cardinals weren’t sure how the outfield was going to shake out when this season started but they have to be amazed at how well Ryan Ludwick is swinging the bat. He’s making pitchers’ pay for pitching around Albert Pujols. Ludwick has played in 45 games for the Cardinals this season and he is 47 for 141 (.333 avg, 1.134 OPS) with 31 runs scored, 13 homers and 38 RBIs. Previously to this season, Ludwick had played in 224 major league games in which he was 160 for 637 (.251 avg, .765 OPS) with 80 runs scored, 28 homers and 96 RBIs.