Game 37 Open Thread: May 15, 2005

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:36 AM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

morris heilman
2-0, 3.10 3-2, 4.08

cummings' goings: this naughty cardinal farmhand reportedly busted for a dirty steroid test. he's 27 years old, has been in the organization six years, and has pitched to just one major league batter -- in a spring training game this year. do i blame him for `roiding? not really; seems like a rational decision given his circ'stances. but buddy, it's over; get on w your life and may you prosper.

butt for the grace of god: posters in yestdy's game thread at SportsBlog metsite amazin' avenue composed a real-time online ode to ray king's arse. went about like this:

peeder: Didn't we have a discussion preseason about who had the biggest ass in the majors?!?
erik from the bx: I hope not . . . and if yall did i wasn"t involved. why yall lookin at his ass?
StuckInGA: It takes up most of the screen when he pitches.
erik from the bx: Ok ill give yall that. . . . his ass is hard to miss

just wondering if "erik from the bx" could possibly be john rocker's online pseudo.

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Comments

Well,

Matt "the beard" definitely wins the "my look is scarier" contest. I swear, that beard is like Samson's hair, Matt, cut it at your own peril.

by Valatan on May 15, 2005 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

the biblical look must be in

that thing makes him look like my hebrew school teacher

by lboros on May 15, 2005 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

the beard

good call Valatan--leave the beard alone!! Besides, it has kind of a 70's retro feel to it that I like. The ONE thing I dug about the BoSox last year was all that crazy hair. Here's to a "Good Matty Mo" outing today!!

by rockin redbird on May 15, 2005 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

no hitter

thru 3 inn for the boy . . . oh nice there's a dinger by reggie

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

Never...

...mention the no-hitter...which is now part of our shared past!!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

jinxed!

sorry matt

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Matty

The difference between MM this year and last has been phenomenal. I don't know if he's back to 22-9 form, but boy, he never looks out of control now. Even when they hit him, as Beltran just did!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

he can pitch in the strike zone

. . . this year and fool the hitters. doesn't have to paint the corners or get batters to chase; just throw strikes and trust his stuff.

smart play there mabry

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes.

And it looks like he's able to throw all of his pitches where he wants (that last "helicopter" the exception; helicopter? Did Keith Hernandez make that up whilst coked?)

I'm trying to think if he's thrown many change-ups at all this year. If memory serves, it seems to be fastball, curve, location, location, location.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll take...

...the out.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

is piazza going . . .

. . . into the hall of fame?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Probably

Based on what he did up until '02. He's 36 (37 in September), and has played longer than most C's in the HoF--I think Bench was done at 32. Piazza's numbers are tremendous--but he's jsut not what he was, which is to be expected.

His defense, on the other hand--that's the second time this week where he bounced a throw to second...on a pithc-out. Yikes!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Yikes.

Just. And Pitch. Damn; fat-fingered it.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

that was a brutal throw

i agree with letting him swing away here by the way

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I played...

...catcher for a couple of years in fast-pitch softball (with stealing) and baseball. And to me (nice play Wright! Holy Sh*t!) it always seems that Piazza's body gets in his way; like he's throwing "over" himself.

And he's bounced...so many bloody throws over the last couple of years. I think it's technique.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

he seems hollow to me

great numbers, you're right --- and for his position i guess you can't keep him out. but he has always seemed like a "stat" player; you want him on your fantasy team but not on the team you root for.

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I think...

...that it's easy to forget just how unbelievable dominant he was as a Dodger; look at 93-99 with L.A. here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?statsId=4928&context=batting

For a catcher--just...top-notch. He has degraded as a defensive player (from below-average to hide teh children and avert your eyes), but he CARRIED that L.A. team. They were not very good offensively, if I recollect correctly.

He's always been a little distant...but so was Cal Ripken!! NOt very demonstrative, but...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I realize...

...that the exclamation points look like yelling. I'm actually sitting very calmly.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

memory has dimmed

you're right, those are pretty transcendent numbers. and in a pitcher's park. i guess what's really at work here is i'm still hacked off about his rookie season; i bet someone in my roto league that he'd hit fewer than 15 dingers, and owed (i think) $5 per overage . . . . sore loser

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Pay to Play, Baby...

Pay to play!!

I live in New York, and I didn't get to see Piazza much with L.A.--past my bed time. So, of course, the players I'm most familiar with--seeing them over whole games, which makes SUCH a difference--are east coasters. I lived in Oregon for three years, and got to see the West Coast clubs more often...a big difference.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Dropped In

I think that ball fooled Beltran. He looked like he got a very late break. This is big trouble for Heilman here...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

we need to hurt him

let's put this thing away now. 2-1 reggie, let er rip

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

not like that . . . .

mmmph

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

atta boy johnny

albert pujols = wally pipp? : ]

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:37 PM EDT reply actions

Albert...

...guffaws heartily at your puny impudence! (and Mabry says "thanks, but...surely you jest!) :)

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

jest yeah

but i do admire mabry. he was at memphis (or just newly recalled) this time last year; didn't accept that he was through and has really played beautifully. my hat's off to 'im

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

yes, Jestful...

...He's a useful player. There's a reason why he's stuck around. As long as he doesn't have to play every day, he contributes.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's See

Who gets the error on this throw. HAS to be Piazza...HOLY SHIT! They charged Beltran with the error. That's just...wrong. Catcher has got to--got to--block that ball.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:37 PM EDT reply actions

Huge at bat

...single here closes the deal...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

no no no

yadier . . . . c'mon bubba

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:41 PM EDT reply actions

i mean grud'k

that swing on 1-1 was so awful i thought it WAS yadi . . . . at multitasks and lost track of the hitter. make the lobs hurt that much more

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

OK, then

I was a little thrown by that entry!!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Where...

are you watching from?

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

at home

in denver, on mlb.tv. you?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:44 PM EDT reply actions

at home

not five miles from Shea, in Forest Hills, NY.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

On

WPIX, Channel 11.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

who calls . . . .

the mets games? i can't still be mccarver?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I know

Seaver is the color guy; David something is the play by play guy...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

really? tom terrific?

i had no idea. is he any good?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Dave O'Brien

is his name. Inoffensive. McCarver was too critical of the team, according to management.

Of course, they deserved it!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Cairo Says...

no way. But it was yes way.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:44 PM EDT reply actions

Matty

...can't wait to throw the ball. Working fast throwing strikes. Although those last two pitches were really, really close.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

it is a pleasure to watch

he showed phenomenal guts last yr and never made excuses. one of the things he learned from dkile. i'm really happy to see him pitch this way.

but unfortunately it means he'll be pitching for the mets or yankees next year at $12m per . . .

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't Be So Sure

I would not be surprised to see him Radke the Cardinals.

Now let him get Floyd out!!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

c'mon matty

big ab. trust your stuff

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

Yikes. Again.

Thank Buddha that was foul!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

2-1 curve

break 'im off mamo

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

HA-CHA!

Huge. F**king huge.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Never Understood...

the fake to third, look to first thing. Of course they got Reyes that way!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:53 PM EDT reply actions

i think it's a stall tactic

seems they do it more often when facing a big hitter who they don't want to throw to.

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

theeere's the curve

a beauty

by lboros on May 15, 2005 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

Sigh of relief.

Get past the heart of the NY order, and start rolling down hill.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions

LIke I Said...

(Matt's pissed off)

Those two pitches to Cammeron were reeeeeally close.

They're talking about Kile's effect on Morris. Very highly complimentary, of course.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:57 PM EDT reply actions

he pitched here

in denver --- kile i mean of course --- for two horrid years and never once ducked a question about his crappy stat line, his high salary, etc. the rockies in that day and age were still competitive, and he was supposed to help get them over the hump. instead his signing started them down the road to patsyville. but i never saw the guy bristle, or deny that he stunk; he just stood up to it. very rarely seen from our paid thoroughbreds anymore

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

And that

corresponds nicely with your comment about Matt taking the ball every five days last year despite a ragged shoulder. You learn. Or you don't.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh!

That kind of fight off must really rile a pitcher!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 2:59 PM EDT reply actions

you mean from

eckstein?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah.

In particular the one he jumped at, and just nicked.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

he's a pest

but so many of his swings are defensive ones --- of necessity, because he almost never swings at the first strike he sees. guess nobody can complain with the results so far . . . .

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes.

He doesn't SCARE anyone. If he stays exactly where he is for the rest of the year, no complaints.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Wright

In New York, there's a lot of comparison to Rolen with Wright. He's going to be very, very good...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

i've seen him make

a couple of great plays this series. don't know much about him, other than that he's 22. high draft pick? what type hitter?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Wright II

Good power, very good eye, hits to all fields with pop, very strong arm, way more mature than his years. The hit this inning was indicative, thus far--stays within himself, doesn't try to do too much on good pitches, but kills mistakes.

Like I said, barring injury, he's going to be very good...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

that pitch

is one morris just couldn't throw last year. the most encouraging thing about his performance in 05 is the strikeouts; he's throwing pitches past people again.

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Boom, boom, boom...

Just made Valent look very...Valentish.

Two pitches, putting them exactly where he wants 'em. Great outing, if he's done. Any idea on pitch count through 7?

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

gameday has him

at 93 pitches. i don't believe he has cracked triple digits yet this year; in fact this is his first 7-inn outing of the season. i'd let him fact a hitter or two here.

too bad they haven't extended this lead and erased all doubt.

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Matsui

...would've dropped that. And the Shea fans would've ordered him killed.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

Great f**king Turn!

YES!!!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

sweet

johnny nice day's work

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

Matty...

...smells it now.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

Oy.

But now it smells...different. OK. Get this last out, and give it to Izzy.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

how big

is that dp now

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

How?

Grand Canyon big. Great Wall of China big. Tara Reid coke-binge big.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Cameron

was not doing that last year--or perhaps ever. If he learns to go the other way, he's gonna have a helluva second part of his career.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

randy flores?

c'mon tony . . . .

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

who is he saving

ray king for?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:21 PM EDT reply actions

Ray King

...will pitch to Strawberry.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

darrr-uhll

. . . . darrr-uhll.. . .

i guess they could also pinch-hit kranepool

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Nah...

...Le Grande Orange, Rusty Staub.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Boy...

...does Flores aim the ball, or what? "I hope it goes there, I hope it goes there!"

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

his effectiveness depends

on getting guys to chase outside the zone. 2d time through the league he isn't gonna be able to get anybody out; they'll have figured that shit out

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Like I Tell...

...the guys on my softball team--no let up. Let's get a couple extra.

And Koo looks like he's aiming the ball, too.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

i imagine the softball

in nyc can get pretty competitive

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah.

But, in my league, the talent level is pretty even, and there are enough guys who keep it "light" so that it doesn't ever get too aggro. We mock those that take themselves too seriously; I mean, come on--you get to play softbal in Central Park on a gorgeous May day!! Get over yourself!

It's competitive, but not ridiculous. There are leagues above mine which are world-class. Mine is mostly a lot of guys who were decent players, but now wear a knee brace. Good games, but occasionally, you're reminded that these are weekend warriors.

Although, I did homer and go 2 for 3 today in our latest heartbreaking loss!!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

sounds ilke

a blast. i haven't been in a league for five yrs or so . . . . but there's always time. a friend's dad has two state champ'ships for 60-and-up softball; he plays on a fake hip and a fake knee. may we both still be playing the game at that age

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Amen.

I plan on it. I'm in better shape at 39 than I was at 29. No reason that 49 can't be even better...well, there is, it's called "aging," but I am proud of going from being a C/1B to a SS. That's NOT how it usually goes...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

there's a start

leadoff walk; 2-2 pitch looked like a strike to me

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Here Comes...

...that man Pujols! (Cue "Jaws" theme music).

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

put it away

albt

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow.

He usually kills that pitch. Good velocity, but right down the pipe...Hmmm...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:35 PM EDT reply actions

missed it

didn't see the pitch. but he's not producing in the late innings this spring . . . . pressing a little?

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:36 PM EDT reply actions

93 MPH

fastball right down the middle. Swung right through it.

I ain't worried about Albert, at all...

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

i imagine he'll

. . . leave flores out there to pitch to floyd. then izzy.

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

Nope.

Here's Izzy!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

he got away

with that pitch.

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes.

He did.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Yow!

So, he won't have kids, but..two outs!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:41 PM EDT reply actions

OWWWW

nice reflexes dude

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:41 PM EDT reply actions

Need...

...to end it here. Don't want to pitch to Wright.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:42 PM EDT reply actions

yesss!!!

it was a ball but so what

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Close the Book,

And enjoy the rest of your day. My sister the Yankee fan is on her way over to watch the A's/Yankees game. Some NY pizza, and early to work tomorrow AM.

Good watching the game with you.

Glenn

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

And that...

...is that! Good win.

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

excellent

win. i enjoyed chatting w you wordman; come on back to VEB when you can

by lboros on May 15, 2005 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely.

Will do!

by glennrwordman on May 15, 2005 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

the beard rocks!

Yessir--a damn fine performance by The Beard (gonna call him that till he shaves), another 9th inning domination from Izzy, and more cranks from Mabry and Sanders. I'm so freakin happy that The Beard's on track this season--I always liked him and hated seeing him struggle so much the last couple years. I guess this will probably change when Mabry and Nunez cool off, but so far I haven't even missed Rolen. I love the guy, but maybe the time off now WILL do him good for the long stretch after All-Star break. I thought folks saying that right after his injury were nuts, but it does seem to be working out fine for the moment. Glad we're so far ahead of the pack. Nice win, boys!!

by rockin redbird on May 15, 2005 5:07 PM EDT reply actions

Lookin' better...

"Grizzly Adams" had a very nice game today. He had that nasty curve going early, which allowed him to establish his fastball. I've always been a huge fan of Matt's and I'm ecstatic to see him pitching like this. Kudos to Mabry for having a hell of a game both at bat and in the field. How valuable is this guy? He can play both corner OF positions, 3rd, and 1st. Sure is nice to have him on our side.

by cardsrul on May 15, 2005 6:31 PM EDT reply actions

mabry

no doubt. It kinda pissed me off that TLR benched him for The Prince in that last AB. I mean, Albert is Albert, but shoot!! Let Albert have his day off and let the man who has been hot finish his glory day. I know the "W" is the most important thing, and TLR did get it, but I'da been a bit peeved if I were Mabry. That kinda "no confidence" decision (especially when a team is ahead) has a way of stomping out a hitting streak. Luckily Mabry will probably be a bigger man about it than I would be.

by rockin redbird on May 15, 2005 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

i'm inclined to agree

about the 9th-inn pinch-hit. albert hasn't been producing in the clutch anyway; and you never know how the game's going to go, the mets might tie it in the 9th and you may want albert on the bench as a free-floating weapon rather than tethered to a slot in the batting order. if there was a man in scoring pos, or two outs, i'dve better understood the move; but with none out and one on, let mabry swing the bat.

by lboros on May 15, 2005 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions