NOTE: As we all remember very well, 2011 was ultimately a special season for the Cardinals. And, since AMF began five years ago, we have the opportunity to take a look back at our coverage from that time. Today, a look back at some roster moves that happened on June 3, 2011 — with one now an obviously familiar name, while the other might make you say “who?”
Cardinals Make More Roster Moves
The Cardinals’ roster is looking a little different again today.
Matt Carpenter and Mark Hamilton were called up from Triple A Memphis, to take the spots of Maikel Cleto and Pete Kozma. Cleto was sent back to Double A Springfield, while Kozma returned to Memphis.
Here’s a look at Carpenter from Matthew Leach at Cardinals.com:
Carpenter was a Spring Training sensation and very nearly made the Major League roster out of camp. He got off to a slow start in the regular season, but is currently hitting .283 with a .421 OBP and a .387 SLG at Memphis. Carpenter was the Cardinals’ Minor League player of the year in 2010.
Hamilton was with the Cards for a while last month, as Leach writes:
He went 3-for-15 earlier in 2011. Over parts of three seasons at Triple-A, however, Hamilton has shown himself to be an offensive force. In 25 games at Memphis this year, he’s batting .391 with a .509 on-base percentage and a .552 slugging percentage. His career Triple-A line is .318/.409/.564 with 26 home runs in 143 games.
Kozma appeared in 10 games, mostly off the bench, while Cleto made his debut last night.
Both Carpenter and Hamilton will be available for tonight’s game.
Aaron Miles' Fastball 
Not “who?” to somebody who saw Matt Carpenter mash a home run for Memphis when he played against the Storm Chasers in Omaha. Dude had serious power even back then.
The “who” was in reference to Mark Hamilton. Of course I remember Mike Shannon talking about Chris Carpenter’s son Matt during spring training!
And carpenter would, in fact, make his major league debut in that game, and get his first major league hit – a double off Kerry Wood in the ninth inning. It would be his only hit in 15 big league at bats in 2011.
I hope you do more of this. I think it’s good for fans to remember the agony that went along with the ecstasy that was the 2011 season.