
2012 is here and I'm ready for Cardinal Baseball as I'm sure you are as well. I would like to start off by saying, the Cardinals made a fantastic addition to their lineup by signing switch-hitter Carlos Beltran for two years. This gives the Cardinals a strong opening day outfielder and a very potent threat in the batting order. Hats off to the Cardinals' organization for signing Beltran. I hope he has the kind of year we know he is capable of. If you look at Beltran, he can be one of the top ten performers in the major leagues when you break down his batting numbers, especially if he stays healthy. The next biggest question is where Mike Matheny will put Beltran in the lineup? I think he has the flexibility to hit anywhere, especially since he is a switch hitter. The Cardinals can have a very threatening line up this year as they did last year with the two-three-four slot. Beltran, Holliday, and Berkman - now that's a tough lineup to face, especially since pitchers have to battle with the two switch hitters. I will ask Mike Matheny on January 12th at the restaurant what slot he plans to have Beltran hit as we are going to host a private party to welcome him as the Cardinals' Manager. This will be a great night at Shannon's and the place to be seen on January 12th in St. Louis. It's amazing how much excitement there is about Adam Wainwright returning to the starting rotation! The game of baseball is always a work in progress during the off season, spring training, and regular season. The Cardinals have accomplished a lot so far this off season and will be fine tuning their lineup in advance of opening day and maybe into the season. We will wait and see if there will be new additions before the Cardinals report to Jupiter; until then there will be some gaps as there always are to fill in the 25-man roster. Those gaps ideally will be closed the last week of spring training. Once the season begins the Cardinals will be looking for trades and free agents just like they did last year. If you remember this is exactly what the Cardinals did and they won the World Series! Let's hope they can make a repeat run through the season and the post-season, all the way to the World Series again! I look forward to seeing you at the Winter Warm-Up January 14th-16th located at the Hyatt Regency right down the street from Shannon's. Last year the Warm-Up raised over $700,000 for Cardinals Care. Let's hope 2012 surpasses the 2011 number! I hope all your friends and family have a great 2012. See you soon!		January 12 Blues Vs. Vancouver Canucks Scottrade Center January 14 Stars to the Rescue Peabody Opera House January 14-16 Winter Warm Up Downtown Hyatt January 17 Blues Vs. Avalanche Scottrade Center January 26 Saint Louis Auto Show Americans Center and Edward Jones Dome

How many Gold Gloves has Mike Matheny won?	This month we are featuring the Huckleberry Sin created by Mike Shannon's very own Jennifer Pratte. This cocktail has Drambuie which tastes outstanding with fresh muddled Huckleberry, and a dash of sprite. The Huckleberry Sin is a must try and is exactly what you need to warm up this winter. Come on in and try Jennifer's Huckleberry Sin or any of the drinks on our winter cocktail menu.	This month I am pleased to feature the Venison Strip Loin. This is an organic dry aged loin seasoned with Cocao Nib. This dish is served with Eggplant Risotto which is cooked in chicken stock with yellow onion accompanied by a roasted red pepper coulis shallots, red pepper puree, tomato puree, and black peppercorn. I recommend getting this prepared medium rare. This is a must try next time you come into Shannon's.	On Facebook or Twitter? Connect with Mike.