ohka dohka

by lboros on Dec 12, 2006 8:32 AM EST in St. Louis Cardinals News

posted by bernie at 11 last night at the Pressbox:

Tomo Ohka

They're talking. Duncan wants him.

i've been wondering when they'd get around to this guy. he fits the mold: throws strikes, pitches to contact, gets groundballs. his durability is somewhat of a question mark --- he's thrown fewer than 100 innings in two of the last three seasons --- but that issue might be overblown: the missed time in 2004 resulted from a freak injury, a line drive that smashed his pitching arm to smithereens. he came back from that injury sound --- threw 180 innings the following year (ie 2005), with an 11-9 record and a 4.04 era --- although his peripherals took a marked dip: his k/bb dropped from 2.5 before the injury to 1.7 in 2005. the k/bb dipped again to 1.4 last season, when a shoulder problem limited him to only 97 innings; he went to the dl in early may, stayed there for more than two months, and got murdered after he came back: 5.71 era in 12 starts, with a k/9 one full point lower than his career average. ohka's normally impeccable command also faltered; he walked 3.2 men per 9 last year, after carrying a career average of 2.4 bb/9 into the season. only 3 of those final 12 appearances met the "quality start" criteria.

the reports of the shoulder injury have a mulder-y whiff about them: vague descriptions of stiffness, with the rotator cuff suspected to be the cause of the discomfort. that, combined with the drop in ohka's k rate, would have me concerned. on the other hand, he is the type of pitcher duncan and la russa always seem to get the most out of --- a league-avg mid-career veteran with good command and intelligence. he wasn't offered arbitration and therefore won't cost the signing team a draft pick; if it were possible to get ohka on a short deal (say, a 1-year guarantee with an option), i'd be all in favor. one report from the winter meetings claimed there are seven teams chasing ohka, but the pitcher's agent is the source of that estimate, so discount accordingly. on the other hand, if adam eaton can get a 3 yr / $24m deal, there's no reason tomo ohka shouldn't demand about the same. knowing nothing about ohka's shoulder other than what i've read on the Net in the last 10 minutes, i don't know if i'd want to stake three years' worth of payroll on the guy.

for what it's worth, ZIPS projects ohka to a 4.53 era. MLB Trade Rumors recently had a good capsule summary of ohka's career.

if the cards are going to take a run at a pitcher with injury risk, they might get a better deal out of john thomson, who was reportedly close to signing a one-year pact with seattle earlier this month. the mariners' acquisition of miguel batista likely curtails their interest in thomson, who missed half the 2005 season with a bad tendon and half of 2006 with shoulder inflammation. combine the two half-seasons thomson did pitch and you get 32 starts, 179 innings, a 6-13 record, and a 4.63 era (1.475 whip, 3.0 bb/9, 5.4 k/9). he was a very good pitcher as recently as 2004 (14-8, 3.72 era) and got off to a terrific start last season (1.87 era through may 15) before his shoulder acted up; but he pitched only 1 inning after july 18 last year, which likely explains why he's available on a short deal. given the cards' signing of kip wells and their apparent interest in carl pavano, i see no reason why they'd rule out thomson. he has thrown more innings, and pitched far more effectively, than wells over the last three seasons; he's got a strong groundball tendency and good career rates in k/bb and hr/9. if they can get him for a year with an option, why not?

john thomson's ZIPS projection: .500 record, 4.47 era.

the free-agent pool might deepen ever so slightly today, as it's the deadline for clubs to offer contracts to their arbitration-eligible players; anyone who is denied an offer (or non-tendered) becomes a free agent. derrick goold posted a short list of possible non-tenders recently at Bird Land; it includes one pitcher in whom the cardinals have shown prior interest, rodrigo lopez. this guy has jason marquis written all over him --- has good stuff but is a terrible pitcher. his era for the last 4 seasons combined (a 716-inning parcel) is 5.04. he does have better peripherals than marquis, and he gets groundballs and is durable . . . . .

gag. ZIPS projects lopez to go 11-15 with a 4.92 era.

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Comments

Ohka 05

I don't know much about him but this stat stood out to me of his 05' season.

ERA: 4.15
Park Adjusted ERA: 5.71

That was in RFK, a flyball pitchers park. Not sure how he would adjust to Busch 3.

He has around 50% GB rate.

by DimitroffVodka on Dec 12, 2006 8:54 AM EST reply actions

scrap heap

all the realistic names we hear are fairly similar, we just need to sign one of them to a one year deal with a club option for the second. don't give up talent in a trade and maybe sign mulder as a back-up plan. develop reyes and wainwright and actually go get the pitcher we want after next year.

by CARPSDAMAN on Dec 12, 2006 8:56 AM EST reply actions

Anyone else alittle worried...

about us having such an injury prone rotation? I hope we have alot of backups available. Carpenter, Reyes, Wells, all have a history of injury problems, then the pitchers we are linked to/have interest in Ohka, Thomson, Pavano, all have history of injury problems. I can just picture mid june, and we have 4 starters on the DL :P

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Dec 12, 2006 8:57 AM EST reply actions

YES

That is why I am so high on signing Suppan or Weaver or Both. We need a couple guys that you know are going to go out there every day even if they only give you average starts.

by OCCardsFan on Dec 12, 2006 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

Suppan/Weaver

Ohka? Maybe. Thomson? Pass. Pavano??? NOOOOO!!!! The Cards will have to overpay to get Suppan, but you know exactly what you're getting (reliability, tough, occasional bad outing). Weaver was showing signs of being a legit #2 or 3 under Duncan. He's also durable. If he can build on the Oct success, he'd be worth the money. Considering what's left out there, they need one of these guys.

Ohka would be ok if signed to a Wells-type deal. Thomson and Pavano (ugh) would be a waste of money.

I've said this before, but I'll mention it again: Jocketty should revisit Duncan for Mike Gonzalez. There's our closer (or Izzy insurance) and we can put Wainwright in the rotation.

Cards fan in Denver

by Futility Infielder on Dec 12, 2006 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

don't think so

There's no way the Pirates are gonna give us Gonzalez for Duncan when the Yanks are reportedly dangling Melky Cabrera and Scott Proctor for him.

by eglasier on Dec 12, 2006 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

Gonzalez

Hadn't heard the Yanks were offering that much. Yep, Cards can't match that offer. The Pirates should jump all over that.

Cards fan in Denver

by Futility Infielder on Dec 12, 2006 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

I think

I think we have to sign at least one of these trash heap guys to a minor league contract. We might be forced to rush up one of our guys.

Thats why I also like our bullpen depth. They might have long season ahead of them.

by DimitroffVodka on Dec 12, 2006 9:03 AM EST reply actions

Noted Quiet Man

John Thomson has long been a favorite of mine. I, for one, would welcome him.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Dec 12, 2006 9:08 AM EST reply actions

ditto

I made a brief post early in the Hot Stove threads that we should put Thomson on our list. I live in Atlanta and was able to catch him when he was healthy a few times. If he is truly healthy he both has the stuff and knows how to pitch, and we can probably get him with a short, relatively cheap contract. We do have to be careful about having too many "projects" though. If we pursue guys like Ohka, Thomson, etc. we'll need to have more that 5 starters on hand.

by wildman on Dec 12, 2006 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Tomo Ohka

He's got a cool name... is he Japanese? If so now Taguchi will have somebody to talk to. Next move, Matsuzaka...?

Here Comes the King! Here Comes the Big #1! Budweiser Beer the King is Second to None!

by OKCardsfan on Dec 12, 2006 9:16 AM EST reply actions

Best/Worst Deals according to PECOTA

Here are the 3 best/worst deals so far of the off-season according to BP's PECOTA. Full PECOTA numbers aren't out yet, I think Nate has just been running projections on the free agents/traded players:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=79&PHPSESSID=f667efa62dce34899f96244055cff406

------------
Best Deals

Adam Kennedy, Cardinals: $17.9 million savings.
Dave Roberts, Giants: $9.4 million savings.
Craig Counsell, Brewers: $7.3 million savings.

Worst Deals

Carlos Lee, Astros: $27.2 million overspend.
Gil Meche, Royals: $19.4 million overspend.
Adam Eaton, Phillies: $12.8 million overspend.

------------

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Dec 12, 2006 9:45 AM EST reply actions

pecota must be bullish

on dave roberts

by lboros on Dec 12, 2006 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

or maybe...

Its basing the savings off of the current market that includes $50MM Garry ".263" Matthews Jr. or Juan "$45MM" Piere. I'd say Roberts' contract represents some savings over either one of those, even with a fairly pesemistic PECOTA

o8o88o888o

by ilillillli on Dec 12, 2006 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

Other non-tenders

I'd be interested in them taking a flyer on Hendrickson (at least m more than Lopez).

"I don't believe what I just saw!" ~ Jack Buck

by itsalemmon1019 on Dec 12, 2006 10:44 AM EST reply actions

I think Herdrickson's name will come up...

but one of the advantages of being the Dodgers is that you don't have the same concern for sallaries, why not offer Hendrickson a contract and then try to get something in trade from either him or another one of your starters, or just rock it with a surplus of starters like the W-Sox did this year.

I think its inevitable that Josh Fogg's name comes up this week.

o8o88o888o

by ilillillli on Dec 12, 2006 10:46 AM EST reply actions

What about Redman?

He's a lefty, which would be nice to mix in the rotation; and doesn't appear to have the injury problems that Thomson and Ohka have had. If you're looking at another project he might fit.

go crazy folks..........

by wwbd on Dec 12, 2006 12:19 PM EST reply actions

what about...

tony armas jr? he seems to be about the same as Ohka, but on less tenuous medical ground.

Cardinals Diaspora

by Ryan Van Bibber on Dec 12, 2006 12:20 PM EST reply actions

LB

Can you pull Carpenter's stats before he came to St. Louis? Is there anybody still available that kinda matches up with him? i.e. tendencies, age, etc...(at that time) I'm just thinking out loud for a second but there is roster room to add 3-4 new SP's and it wouldn't hurt to have a "Operation Carpenter 2" on our hands would it? What made Carp click into an ace? Was he always touted as a #1? Did he always have that potential? You see where I'm going with this?

Here Comes the King! Here Comes the Big #1! Budweiser Beer the King is Second to None!

by OKCardsfan on Dec 12, 2006 12:41 PM EST reply actions

Comp: Carp & Pavano

http://gatewayredbirds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11177&start=10

If health reports on Pavano are good, maybe get the Yanks to pay half the freight (10.5MM of the 21MM left, over 2 years) and see what they want in return.

meat

href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2006.shtml> youneverknow"

by meat on Dec 12, 2006 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Like Ohka.

Seen him pitch a couple times with Milwaukee. When he is healthy, he would be a good fit for us.
However, Brewers not even offering him arbitration worries me a bit. I thought they were happy with his performance. I'll head over to Brew Crew Ball and see what they have to say about that. I'll let you know what I find out.

"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." - Ted Williams

by WiscCard on Dec 12, 2006 12:48 PM EST reply actions

Brew Crew Ball

Brew Crew Ball is confused too:
Besides Cirillo, not offered arbitration were Tomo Ohka, Dan Kolb, Rick Helling and David Bell. Unlike Cirillo, the team probably isn't looking to bring any of those guys back. As has been pointed out elsewhere, it seems a bit strange that Ohka wasn't offered, considering that, as a Type B free agent, the signing team wouldn't have to surrender anything in his case. It's only a supplemental pick, but then again, David Wright was a supplemental pick.

"Baseball is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of ten and be considered a good performer." - Ted Williams

by WiscCard on Dec 12, 2006 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

I'd like to see

Chris Gissell brought back and given a legitimate shot.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 1:19 PM EST reply actions

What about

Chan Ho Park? He wasn't awful for San Diego last year and has some talent.

I'd still prefer Redman or Weaver, depending on the cost.

by Toddius396 on Dec 12, 2006 1:59 PM EST reply actions

Barmes rumor

quip from the Denver Post:

Clint Barmes' plummeting average and Jason Jennings' soaring price tag have made them attractive trade targets. The Cardinals, Rangers and Brewers have explored deals for Barmes, with Milwaukee offering center fielder Brady Clark.

Ummm, why? Wonder who we are offering?

http://test.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_4822447

by RedbirdRay on Dec 12, 2006 3:39 PM EST reply actions

makes no sense

where would he play?

by tdawg on Dec 12, 2006 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

he would play...

in Encarnacion's spot....and that's who would be going someplace else....

by Timbo02 on Dec 12, 2006 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

makes even less sense

I don't like Enc all that much.

But he got on base more than Barmes last year (.317 OBP vs. .264 OBP), as he has over their respective careers 9.316 vs. .295)

And he hit for more power than Barmes last year (.760 OPS vs. .599 OPS), as he has over their respective careers (.757 vs. .677)

Not to mention the fact that with Barmes, you'd have a middle infielder playing RF

by tdawg on Dec 12, 2006 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

Aaron Miles

Aaron Miles is expected to sign a contract today. Barmes would be an upgrade as a backup SS and platoon partner with Kennedy, though. I don't see much chance of this happening.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

I think

He would be a potential SS when Eck becomes a free agent. He's young and cheap.

by Toddius396 on Dec 12, 2006 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

Brendan Ryan

Ryan should be starting at AAA next season. He'll be 26 entering the 2008 season—younger and much cheaper than Barmes.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 4:41 PM EST up reply actions

Yadier Molina, as per Baseball Prospectus

Bottom 5 NL Catchers, by VORP
Player     Team     EqA     VORP
Yadier Molina     SLN     .210     -19.7
Brad Ausmus     HOU     .216     -17.5
Humberto Cota     PIT     .148     -10.4
Danny Ardoin     COL     .173     -8.8
Chad Moeller     MIL     .166     -8.4

Whoa. He didn't stack up well at all.

by airhad on Dec 12, 2006 4:25 PM EST reply actions

VORP

is offense-only.

by RedbirdRay on Dec 12, 2006 4:37 PM EST up reply actions

Roughly

It seems Dial and Gassko have Molina saving 7 or 8 runs.

BP has him as 40 fielding runs above replacement.

VORP measures how many runs above replacement a player is offensively.

So, depending on your choice of defensive assessment...Yadi either breaks even or comes out ahead in the big picture. Either way, a value at nearly the league min.

None of the systems can acct for how many guys DON'T run simply based on fear of Yadi.

by RedbirdRay on Dec 13, 2006 12:34 AM EST up reply actions

Yadi!

I remember hearing during the playoffs that during the season he spent so much time on his defense that he didn't have time for his offense.
Then at the end of the season or beginning of the playoffs Oquendo started working with him on his offense and that is what helped him in the playoffs. If that is true I hope that it continues into next season.

by stl4all on Dec 13, 2006 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

Molina

Yeah, but N.B. Ausmus won the Gold Glove and Yadi was second.

I'm not sure that VORP calculation really takes defense into account. Yadi was the second-best defender in major leagues, barely behind Pudge.

by Red in Chicago on Dec 12, 2006 4:31 PM EST reply actions

Also in Molina's Favor

Only one of those guys have hit a series winning HR in the NLCS

by Fitz on Dec 12, 2006 4:33 PM EST reply actions

Yadi was our

playoff MVP last year, leading ALL ML players in playoff hits. We don't have a ring w/o him.

I hate his regular-season offensive performance (if you can call it that), but I think the lad has earned a pass on criticism for the time being.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Dec 12, 2006 11:47 PM EST up reply actions

Potential Colorado Trade

Rockies get: Randy Flores, Juan E, Aaron Miles, Braden Looper, Cash (3mil)

Cardinals Get: Jason Jennings, Clint Barmus

Cardinals sign Shannon Stewart to play Left Field move Duncan to RF. Barmus backs up at SS/2B making the STL bench much stronger.

2006 Cardinals- An underdog story

by Born in 82 on Dec 12, 2006 4:42 PM EST reply actions

I honestly

don't think Duncan can play RF. He doesn't have the tools. You are supposed to put your best OF arm in RF because there are a lot of long throws you have to make (ie - RF to third). The throws are considerably shorter in left. Teams usually hide their worst OFs in LF (which is part of the reason it's so ridiculous Bonds has that many gold gloves - he shouldn't have any). Best athlete in center, best arm in right, hide whoever can really hit in LF.

by Toddius396 on Dec 12, 2006 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, sounds great but Duncan

in right? Ouch.

by sdrone on Dec 12, 2006 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

Jennings

going to the Astros per Fox

by busch bird on Dec 12, 2006 4:43 PM EST reply actions

Wow

Astros give up Taveras, Hirsh, and Buchholz for one year of Jennings. Don't know anything about the other player going to the Stros, but that seems like a lot for Jennings unless they are confident they can resign him.

Who is going to play CF for the Stros, Burke?

Please Walt sign Weaver, Suppan, or Redman (and 2 of 3 wouldn't be bad).

by OCCardsFan on Dec 12, 2006 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

Great trade by the Rockies. What outfield position does Hunter Pence play?

by Toddius396 on Dec 12, 2006 5:08 PM EST up reply actions

Holy Smokes

That's a really bad move for Houston, barring some already-agreed-to favorable contract extension and he's already turned down a 3yr/$24.5m offer from Colorado. I'd bet dollars-to-donuts that Hirsh has a better 2007 than Jennings. The Rox couldn't have come up with much better a center fielder than Willy Taveras. Competing with the likes of Juan Pierre, Dave Roberts, and Eric Byrnes, he could be the second best offensive CF in the division after Cameron.

Colorado fans must be awfully happy today.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

really bad trade by the 'stros

I figured they'd trade for a pitcher and am really glad they included Jason Hirsch. The zips projections have Hirsh and Jennings at basically the same production next year. But 1 will cost $5 M and be a free agent at the end of the year while 1 will cost the minimum and will be under the team's control for 6 years. Which one would you rather have?

by chuckb on Dec 12, 2006 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

Jennings

I really like Jennings. This was probably too steep a deal in years and dollars for Hirsch and buchholz, but I've always felt you take him out of colorado and teach him to throw a change and he could be devastating.

All my friends became Cardinal fans and grew up happy and liberal. I became a Cub fan and grew up imbittered and conservative." -- George Will

by wannabeGedman on Dec 12, 2006 9:35 PM EST up reply actions

Miguel Asencio

The Astros also get 2002 Rule 5 draftee Miguel Asencio. He could still put together a decent career.

Still a head-scratcher.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

I just heard that too

on XM on my way home from work. I just laughed.

"Go Crazy, Folks! Go Crazy!"

by erik on Dec 12, 2006 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

I think he plays Left

which is why everyone was confused that the Astros signed Lee to such a long contract which basically blocks their best prospect.

by Big Red on Dec 12, 2006 6:30 PM EST up reply actions

link????

do you have a link on the astros/jennings deal? I cant find anything confirming that.

2006 Cardinals- An underdog story

by Born in 82 on Dec 12, 2006 4:46 PM EST reply actions

link

here it is

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6265388

worst timing for a Jennings to STL proposed trade post ever.

2006 Cardinals- An underdog story

by Born in 82 on Dec 12, 2006 4:47 PM EST reply actions

lol

by busch bird on Dec 12, 2006 4:51 PM EST up reply actions

Man. Giving up a great prospect

n/t

by sdrone on Dec 12, 2006 4:52 PM EST up reply actions

Is anyone else

as tickled with the Astro's off-season as I am?

Lock into years of mediocrity with Carlos Lee wrapping up a big portion of your budget, lose 2/3 of your best starting pitchers, get fleeced on a trade..

WJ's secret game plan: sit back and watch as other NL Central teams self-destruct.

by RedbirdRay on Dec 12, 2006 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

purpura = idiot

by tdawg on Dec 12, 2006 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

LOL

Don't get this trade at all. It's the equivalent of Narveson, Enc. and Kid Reyes for Aaron Harang.

"I don't believe what I just saw!" ~ Jack Buck

by itsalemmon1019 on Dec 12, 2006 5:16 PM EST up reply actions

Or, to be fair...

Heren, Calero and Barton for Mulder

"I don't believe what I just saw!" ~ Jack Buck

by itsalemmon1019 on Dec 12, 2006 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

Harang...

is much better than Jennings. More Ks, less BBs, fewer baserunners, and he's clearly getting better.

Buchholz is a far more promising prospect than Narveson, and though Enc is more valuable than Tavaras, he also costs a bunch more.

Acquire Jason Simontacchi!

by guayzimi on Dec 12, 2006 5:45 PM EST up reply actions

Clemens

Let's not forget that the Astros are still trying to convince Roger to come back. They probably felt they needed to answer the Yankees more for Pettitte. But damn...

All my friends became Cardinal fans and grew up happy and liberal. I became a Cub fan and grew up imbittered and conservative." -- George Will

by wannabeGedman on Dec 12, 2006 9:20 PM EST up reply actions

I am absolutely...

dumbfounded that Purpura would give up 12 years of Hirsh-Buchholz for 1 year of Jennings.

Those guys had pretty rough stats in '06, but there were definite signs of good things to come. Hirsh had a nice run of quality starts in September, and Buchholz, when he wasn't giving up 10 ers in the first, was tough to hit.

There must be more to this than we know...

Acquire Jason Simontacchi!

by guayzimi on Dec 12, 2006 5:40 PM EST up reply actions

Make that...

10 years. Still...

Acquire Jason Simontacchi!

by guayzimi on Dec 12, 2006 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

absolutely right

Buchholz may never amount to anything but trading Hirsh for 1 year of Jennings is a horrible idea.

Even if they sign Jennings, it'll cost them, what 5 years, $50 M or close to it? Considering they could have kept Hirsh for the next 5 years and it cost them a TOTAL of about $15-16 M it's a terrible trade.

The Astros have made 1 bad deal after another this offseason.

by chuckb on Dec 12, 2006 6:10 PM EST up reply actions

Injury prone pitchers

I tend to believe pitchers are less prone to injury when pitching under Duncan. So it's not so silly to look for someone who might pull a Carpenter for us. I don't know who that might be, but I suspect Duncan has a good idea.

I really think Weaver wants to sign with us, and I hope we don't ignore him too long. His problems are by no means over, but he has a lot of potential under Duncan.

by Fred McTaggart on Dec 12, 2006 4:53 PM EST reply actions

Tommy Herr get hired...

... to manage the Nats Class A squad.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2695410

by kindred on Dec 12, 2006 5:11 PM EST reply actions

How hard

does Rodrigo Lopez throw? Last year before the season started papers were reporting that Ponson threw 96, but when he was on our team, he always seemed to top out at 89 or 90. So I'm curious about how hard Lopez throws. Does anyone know?

by Toddius396 on Dec 12, 2006 5:12 PM EST reply actions

The signing of mediocrity

is amazing. Jock and Co have this right. Look at all the signings of pitchers. They are all in the 2nd tier? Personally I'd call it the "not-an-ace" tier. So you have all these pitchers that throw the spectrum of 4-6 ERA. There are still plenty left in that tier. While the Astros sign Jennings with a 3.78 ERA and give up a good deal of players. Good God! What weird to me is they gave up Hirsh. THis offseason is awesome!

Here Comes the King! Here Comes the Big #1! Budweiser Beer the King is Second to None!

by OKCardsfan on Dec 12, 2006 5:14 PM EST reply actions

Reggie's Available - Let's get him back

I wasn't that upset when Reggie was let go, but I think he would be a decent pick up if the Royals are willing to part with him for some low level prospects. ESPN.com reports that he is available (and Haren too btw)

I think given our current starting three (Jed, Enc, and Dunc) it makes a ton of sense to have a 4th OF who can play around 100 games. I am hoping Walt adds someone who can provide a bit more of an offensive boost than So as this 4th OF. Reggie would seem to be a great fit. At one year and $5 million, he seems to be a little overpriced as a 4OF, but given the savings of Dunc in left, I think the Cards could afford it and the lineup needs a strong RH bat to take some of the ABs versus tough lefties.

by OCCardsFan on Dec 12, 2006 5:21 PM EST reply actions

Haren

Sure Haren's available. I bet we could get him for Reyes and Duncan.

All I've seen wrt Haren is that other teams have asked about him. The A's are shopping Blanton and some other teams have asked about Harden and Haren. I wouldn't call that available.

by punditmoi on Dec 12, 2006 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

Reggie Sanders

sucks - look at his OBP from last year. He was maybe the worst RF in the league.

by Toddius396 on Dec 12, 2006 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

Haren?

Really? I would love to have him back.

Reggie you can keep. The guy's ready for retirement, IMHO.

by Red in Chicago on Dec 12, 2006 5:25 PM EST reply actions

Astros get Jennings

Astros trade i think hirsh,Taveras and another player for Jason Jennings

by Calhoun on Dec 12, 2006 5:26 PM EST reply actions

scroll up

by RedbirdRay on Dec 12, 2006 5:37 PM EST up reply actions

Gabe Kapler

Weird. This is from Rotoworld (Kapler is only 31):

Red Sox announced the retirement of outfielder Gabe Kapler.

Kapler will take over as the manager at Single-A Greenville, Boston's affiliate in the South Atlantic League. We're not convinced Kapler is done, but if this is it, he batted .270/.331/.418 with 64 homers and 302 RBI in 2,425 at-bats over nine seasons. More was expected after he hit .322 with 28 homers and 146 at Double-A Jacksonville in 1998, but he wasn't a bad regular in his first couple of years in Texas and he likely would have done more if not for injuries.

by punditmoi on Dec 12, 2006 5:32 PM EST reply actions

As obvious a 'roider ever to live

http://www.ciepley.com/images/blog/icon_kapler_lg.jpg

Pujols > God

by joker24 on Dec 12, 2006 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

eww!

you should warn people before they click on that.

"Go Crazy, Folks! Go Crazy!"

by erik on Dec 12, 2006 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah...thanks for the warning...NOT

I'll consider myself lucky if that thing didn't somehow set off my worksite's porn filter! And if it did, I'm gonna have some serious 'splainin' to do!

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Dec 12, 2006 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

Haha

Yeah I forgot about that one.

Pujols > God

by joker24 on Dec 12, 2006 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

Kapler v Ruth

One time a Maxim article compared Babe Ruth to Gabe Kapler under the context of "Fit .vs. Fat". So now that Kapler has apparently retired, let's look at the final numbers:

Ruth: .342/.474/.690, 714 RBI, 2217 RBI
Kapler: .270/.331/.418, 64 HR, 302 RBI

by Fitz on Dec 12, 2006 6:50 PM EST up reply actions

More obvious than

Brady Anderson?

by Baseball addict on Dec 12, 2006 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

Um

how does this show obvious steroid abuse?

by Zubin on Dec 12, 2006 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

duh.....

Because if you have muscles, you obviously used steroids.

by Fitz on Dec 13, 2006 8:19 AM EST up reply actions

Or you just work out on a regular basis??

Its hard to say from a photo, but the guy doesn't appear to be more muscular than what could be acomplished from regular weight lifting.

I imagine none of you were ever avid weightlifters?

by Zubin on Dec 13, 2006 10:54 AM EST up reply actions

Zubin

I think your sarcasm detector might be broke today.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Dec 13, 2006 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

Its working

but the signal to noise ratio was too low ;)

by Zubin on Dec 13, 2006 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

i don't know if this has

already been mentioned, but Brandon Claussen of the Reds got DFA'd. Wouldn't mind the Cards taking a flyer on him, I think that park in Cincy has really hurt him. Not saying he should be in the rotation, but perhaps as a LOOGY or something.

"Go Crazy, Folks! Go Crazy!"

by erik on Dec 12, 2006 6:36 PM EST reply actions

don't we have enough LOOGYs?

by kindred on Dec 12, 2006 8:13 PM EST up reply actions

yeah, we do

but depth is good. Flores and TyJo weren't that hot during the regular season..

"Go Crazy, Folks! Go Crazy!"

by erik on Dec 12, 2006 9:41 PM EST up reply actions

neither was Claussen

by kindred on Dec 12, 2006 9:52 PM EST up reply actions

Pickles

He had rotator cuff surgery last August, so wouldn't be able to contribute right away. His minor league numbers are rather beautiful.

Take it with a substantial serving of salt, but flip through these graphs comparing Carp to Claussen through age 27. Scary.

Putting in a claim is a no-brainer, but I'm sure someone else will land him. Such is the fate of world series champions... NL Central GM's are doing some stupid stuff today.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 8:30 PM EST up reply actions

Lets do it

All the way. Look how a player like Narveson took off after some injury filled years. I say the risk is more than worth it.

by JMedwick on Dec 12, 2006 9:07 PM EST up reply actions

Waiver Claims

Speaking of the Reds and waiver-claims. Those cats in Cincy are doing some strange things this offseason.

They paid the Cubs to pick Josh Hamilton from the D-Rays in the Rule 5 draft, now they paid the D-Rays to claim Bobby Livingston off waivers from the Mariners. That's an interesting way to spend your profit-sharing cash, I guess.

I can't figure out how Livingston was out of options with the Mariners, either.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 9:08 PM EST up reply actions

Astros

Wow - that is a doozy. The Astros have given up any advantage gained in the Carlos Lee signing in terms of scoring runs by giving up Hirsh and losing out on Pettite. They may score more runs but that rotation doesn't look very good to me.

I'm not convinced Jennings is really a number 2/3 pitcher but even for the sake of argument, Hirsh projects to be the same thing and he was under their control for six more years. That is an awful move. Even if Jennings performs at the same level as last year, there is a good chance Hirsh could perform just as well. This is a bad 'go-get-a-veteran" signing if I've ever seen one.

Moving Taveras is actually a plus in my opinion. He's not a very good offensive player and certainly not a good leadoff hitter which is where Garner felt the need to slot him in the lineup. Burke should provide defense that is only a slight step below Taveras and have better (although not monstrously better) offensive contributions. (Per VORP Burke was 3 times as valuable as Taveras with 150 fewer plate appearaces).

Buchholz and Asencio both seem like replacement level pitchers. could be wrong here but neither strikes me as anything special.

Clear win for Colorado. I'm not sure I'd move Hirsh for Jennings straight up...but with Taveras...not sure what Timmy Pupura was thinking...

by azruavatar on Dec 12, 2006 6:45 PM EST reply actions

Taveras

Kaz Matsui will be leading off for the Rockies, so he'll be better used in the lineup. He'll probably bat in between Tulowitzki and the pitcher, where he could do just fine. He's a good basestealer (33/42) and should see his walk rate go up batting 8th.

Kind of funny... On the Astros' website, they're spinning it as Jennings for Taveras, with a few minor pieces thrown in. Give the writer credit, that's a difficult trade to explain to the fans.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 7:04 PM EST up reply actions

you're right

though I've heard that Garner may try Jason Lane some in CF (that's assuming he's tendered an offer tonight).

Terrible deal for the 'stros. At least Taveras's defense would have helped w/ their weakened pitching staff. Woody is, after all, a fly ball pitcher and they'll have Carlos Lee in LF. Burke's a 2B by trade. Their defensive outfield will probably cost them a couple of wins by itself.

But Hirsh for Jennings -- absolutely awful. Could you imagine if we traded Reyes for Jennings? Yuck!

by chuckb on Dec 12, 2006 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

Did you watch...

Buchholz much last year? He sandwiched a complete game shutout in between three horrible starts. His numbers look good except for the home runs...
An Astros blogger mentioned he's got a big curve ball that's going to flatten like a pancake at altitude (dunno if that's actually true anymore). It'd be fun to get the guy and see what he could under Dunc...

Acquire Jason Simontacchi!

by guayzimi on Dec 12, 2006 10:36 PM EST up reply actions

Saw him pitch a couple times

Good fastball, 92-93 can touch 95. He does have a big curve with sharp break, if the altitude hurts it he has a hard slider in the 85-86 range that he could use more.

He's part of the reason I like this deal so much for the Rockies. He didn't put up great numbers last year, but showed flashes of brilliance. Everyone knows the potential Hirsh has, but if Buchholz can find some consistency he could turn into a steal for the Rocks.

by Baseball addict on Dec 12, 2006 10:56 PM EST up reply actions

Mulder...

Wow - that is a doozy.

I'm convinced Mulder is really a number 2/3 pitcher but Haren projects to be the same thing and he was under their control for five more years. That is an awful move. Even if Mulder performs at the same level as last year, there is a good chance Haren could perform just as well. This is a bad 'go-get-a-veteran" signing if I've ever seen one.

Just saw the irony...though Mulder had a better pedigree than Jennings.

by cardzfanbub on Dec 13, 2006 8:17 AM EST up reply actions

Non tendered guys

What about Brendan Donnelly(SP)? Is he starting or in their pen I get him and lackey confused. Either way he wouldnt be too bad of an addition in my mind.

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Dec 12, 2006 7:29 PM EST reply actions

Lackey's the starter,

Donnelly's the reliever. I haven't heard much about Donnelly's recent history, but I seem to recall him being a fairly solid reliever, for whatever that's worth.

by Nate811 on Dec 12, 2006 7:53 PM EST up reply actions

I remember

The game when he went to the mound with an extra baseball in his pocket. I hope he wasn't planning to do something clever with it. A few weeks later he was suspended 10 games for having pine tar in his glove.

Watching him pitch is pretty fun, though. He's getting up there in age, and his walk rate spiked last year; his HR rate over the last three.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 8:06 PM EST up reply actions

hahaha

EPNS headline on the Jennings deal: No Bragain here

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2695473

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Dec 12, 2006 7:31 PM EST reply actions

Bargain sorry

and it's on the espn main page...www.espn.com

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Dec 12, 2006 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

the trade

i agree with everyone, great deal for the Rocks. Taveras will have some value despite his low OBP's, as his speed and good arm should play well in the spacious Coors outfield. Hirsh is a legit power arm, and Buchholz has good stuff as well. Plus they are all young and will be under Colorado's control for years to come. Taveras will be arb-eligible after this year, thats it.

If the Stros want to salvage this deal at all, they should get working on an extension for Jennings right now. I like him, but he's a 3-4 starter on a good team. Still, next offseason he will command at least Adam Eaton money, and possibly Gil Meche money depending on his season. If they lock him up now they can get more than one year of his service, and won't have to pay what he could make next offseason.

by Baseball addict on Dec 12, 2006 7:35 PM EST reply actions

list of non-tenders so far

anybody have a list of them, the only ones i know are marcus giles and chris reitsma from the braves...i sure wish we could have waited to get marcus giles, because he has some good pop for a 2b, i'd rather have him than kennedy

by cards4ever on Dec 12, 2006 9:03 PM EST reply actions

From Rotoworld

Just aggregating them off their transaction list:
Jon Knott
Victor Zambrano
Joel Pineiro
Jason Bulger
Chin-Hui Tsao
Aaron Guiel
Marcus Giles
Chris Reitsma
Alexis Gomez

I think that's all of them so far. Cardinals are supposed to announce a deal with (at least) Miles sometime tonight...

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 9:16 PM EST up reply actions

Reitsma might be interesting

a groundballer who might help free up Looper to be traded for an SP (or included in a trade)

by chuckb on Dec 12, 2006 9:24 PM EST up reply actions

jon knott

i'd like to bring him in on a minor league deal, and maybe platoon with duncan, since knott is a righty...he hit somethin like 32 homers and 113 rbis i think in the PCL last year

by cards4ever on Dec 12, 2006 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

Knott

He hit .331/.405/.646 with 10 dingers in 127 AB vs. LHP in the PCL. Thirty-two home runs overall last year and played on the PCL All-Star team. Committed 9 errors in 136 games. Rates pretty bad defensively in Jeff Sackmann's nascent system.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 10:11 PM EST up reply actions

More non-tenders

Toby Hall - C (I used to like him for his platoon split vs. lefties)

Jayson Werth - OF (A converted catcher recovering from two wrist surgeries. Slugged .624 vs. lefties in 2004, his last healthy season and hit 2 HR against the Cards in the LDS that year. Knott or even Marrero look better.)

That link posted above isn't any good, either.
This one goes to the updated list.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 11:14 PM EST up reply actions

Giles

Wants to play in San Diego with Brian and they will probably offer a bigger contract (and the Cards would have to blow it away) than the Birdos were looking at for 2nd Base, but it would be nice to have had him.

How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!

by Elvis on Dec 13, 2006 12:13 AM EST up reply actions

Congrats to the Astros

on getting rid of their only non-Caucasian position player. That has to be the whitest team in 40 years.

by MichiganBird on Dec 12, 2006 10:16 PM EST reply actions

Ummm...

Carlos Lee?

by StrosDux on Dec 12, 2006 11:02 PM EST up reply actions

why?

What is the point of making racist comments in this forum? Crawl back under your rock.

by _pistol_ on Dec 13, 2006 12:19 PM EST up reply actions

It wasn't really a racist comment . . .

but, the point stands, the 'Stros do have a number of players with dark complexions. There's some debate on whether to classify certain ethnicities of latino players as black. I need not tread into that morass to point out that the Astros are not lilly white.

On the other hand, there was a P-Dispatch article last year on how few American blacks (as opposed to Latino) still play in the MLB. On this score, the Cardinals are just as impoverished as the 'Stros, especially if we aren't keeping Wilson (which it appears we ain't). My point is that these trends are fair game for commenting. It'd be better, however, if the comments were better substantiated, rather than off-the-cuff . . .

So says, The Dude

by Titus Pullo on Dec 13, 2006 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

Aaron Miles

Signed to a one-year deal: $1,000,000 base salary with up to $250,000 in incentives.

Good for him. Here's hoping he thrives in the utility infielder role.

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 10:27 PM EST reply actions

Link

Forgot to include it: here

by liam on Dec 12, 2006 10:27 PM EST up reply actions

Per Derrick Goold

Taguchi and Flores tendered contracts. Ankiel and Sosa non-tendered. He thinks Ankiel will be offered a minor league deal. But apparently Sosa is drawing interest from the Rockies and might end up with a better deal then the Cardinals have offered.

by outraged on Dec 12, 2006 11:07 PM EST reply actions

couldn't care less

about Sosa. He was at $2.2 M last year -- way above what he's worth. Bye, Bye Jorge. Here's hoping good things happen for Ankiel.

by chuckb on Dec 12, 2006 11:35 PM EST up reply actions

Just For Fun....

Would you trade Juan Encarnacion for Milton Bradley straight up?

Absolutely no basis, just for fun

by Fitz on Dec 13, 2006 11:24 AM EST reply actions

No.

But I would trade Parker Brothers for Milton Bradley.

by Red in Chicago on Dec 13, 2006 11:37 AM EST reply actions

Little slow

Since things are a little slow this morning, I thought I would throw this out there.

I was talking to a friend and fellow Cards fan about the next manager and of course we both like Jose "the secret weapon" for the job. But then he mentioned something interesting.

He said that with Mike Matheny retiring, how cool would it be if we brought him into the organization to help in the bullpen so that when LaDuncan leaves, we have Oquendo as the manager and Matheny as the pitching coach.

Personally I think that would be freakin' awesome. I like Jose's style of play and we all know that Matheny knows how to handle a pitching staff.

What ya think?

Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Dec 13, 2006 12:14 PM EST reply actions

great idea

if you've met Matheny, you know how focused and resolute he is. I would warmly welcome him back... as a bench coach or minor league manager.

by _pistol_ on Dec 13, 2006 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

Fun Game

Drinking brews and shooting the breeze during a game last season, we tried to put together the entire Post-Tony-Era dream team coaching staff. Oquendo was manager and Matheny was pitching coach. I think Will the Thrill was hitting instructor, Craig Paquette was bench coach, the Wizard at third...

Getting ready for a final, but will check back after and see if you guys keep playing this one.

by liam on Dec 13, 2006 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

mcgwire as strength coach?

anyone?

by busch league on Dec 13, 2006 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not here to talk about

the future.

href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2006.shtml> youneverknow"

by meat on Dec 13, 2006 2:02 PM EST up reply actions

smirk

Heh. Good one.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Dec 13, 2006 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

Dan Szymborksi on Marquis

I've been waiting for the Marquis zips on the transaction oracle since it came out...I wasn't disappointed!

Cubs - Signed Marquis Chicago Cubs - Signed P Jason Marquis to a 3-year contract worth $20 million. Is there an emoticon for projectile vomiting? Maybe something like :-d~o~o~o~?

Marquis was a serviceable, though overrated pitcher for two years. As with Mark Mulder, the sudden drop in strikeouts should have been a warning sign - ZiPS say it as a warning sign but only bumped Marquis' projection last year to a 4.68, miles away from the 6.02 he actually managed to put up in a pitchers' park with a good defense. Marquis should immediately report to Dr. Andrews for Tommy John Surgery. After all, though we have no indication that he actually needs the surgery, it's clear that his factory-installed ulnar collateral ligament isn't getting the job done. It's time to give tendons in his foot or hamstring a chance. I'm sure one of them would allow less than 35 home runs or walk less than 75 batters or at least strike out 100.

I can understand someone giving Marquis this contract after his 2005 season. I would've complained about it because of the strikeout issue, but it would've been defensible on some level. But giving this contract to Marquis after 2006? Cubs fans better hope Marquis is actually damaged goods because if 2006 (and honestly, 2005) represent a healthy Marquis, then there's no hope of this working out well. The Marquis de Bad can't even blame BABIP as he had a .283 this year.

The one thing Marquis had going for him is that he generally didn't leave you in suspense and if he was having a bad day, it was bad enough that you know you could go home early. Despite an average Game Score of 43, only 1 of Marquis' starts had a Game Score between 40 and 50.

Do I really need to say which way my thumb's pointing? I'd rather watch a movie entitled "A Homoerotic Evening with Don Zimmer" than be paying Marquis $7 million a year.

hahahahaha

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/oracle/discussion/cubs_signed_marquis/

by RedbirdRay on Dec 13, 2006 12:45 PM EST reply actions

ROFLMAO

HAhahaha

Thanks for brightening my morning with that. That was awesome.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Dec 13, 2006 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

No doubt...

That is a riot. My Cubfan friends are really trying hard to see an upside to this deal (especially after the Lilly deal--now they have a #2 and a #3 or 4 who both have home run problems), but can't hardly do it. They're depending on the premise that he has "something to prove" and might thus pitch well. I always remind them that aslong as he was a Cardinal and had "something to prove" to hopefully get a start in the post-season, he pitched even worse!! Poor Cubfans. And they were so hopeful when Hendry opened the off-season with Soriano. God, I love how the Cubbies do business :-)

by rockin redbird on Dec 13, 2006 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

any takers on

Jayson Worth? He palyed HS ball about an hr and a half away fron STL (chatham IL) id give him a minor league deal...why not

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Dec 13, 2006 12:48 PM EST reply actions

How much?

How much would a contract for Jason Worth be werth? I would assume some other team would take a flyer on him at the major league level.

I think a gamble on a $50k minor league contract would be more than werth the risk on Worth, but I would bet most other teams would be all over the risk on that one also.

We already have a stockpile of outfielder options in Tags, Dunc, JRod, JEnc, Jimmy and Speizer...So, is Worth really werth it?

I feel Worth is werthy of a chance at least. In a very small sample size in 2004, he hit lefties pretty well...that can't be totally werthless.

by RedbirdRay on Dec 13, 2006 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

Werth is worthy...

I think Jayson would be an excellant pick up for the Cards. His baseball roots are from Central Illinois, his grandfather Dick Schofield played for the Cards, his uncle played for the Angels, and his step-father (Dennis Werth) palyed in the bigs. Having watched him play H.S. ball, he definetely knows how to play the game. Remember in 2004 playoofs against us, he had a couple of dingers. Good guy, and can hit the lefties, and play a good outfield. He did have a second surgery in the fall on his wrist, after the original surgery was misdiagnosed. By all accounts he is healthy and ready to swing the bat for spring training.

go crazy folks..........

by wwbd on Dec 13, 2006 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

Just like Marrero...

Jayson started his career as a catcher, though Eli lasted longer at that position. I'd invite Mr. Werth to spring and let Marti, and the two NRI's slug it out for the right to platoon with Baby Dunc.

Not sure about the Memphis OF this year. Gorecki, Schu, Stav or Haerther, Marti maybe...who else? Is there room for Werth?

href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/2006.shtml> youneverknow"

by meat on Dec 13, 2006 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

psst ... Valatan

we're bored. How's that post coming along?

by DCGreg on Dec 13, 2006 1:07 PM EST reply actions

I gather that he sleeps in pretty late . . .

So says, The Dude

by Titus Pullo on Dec 13, 2006 2:09 PM EST up reply actions

It is

Finals week...

Here Comes the King! Here Comes the Big #1! Budweiser Beer the King is Second to None!

by OKCardsfan on Dec 13, 2006 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

My day just isn't the same....

without a VEB post to read.

BTW: Daisuke and the Red Sox have reached a preliminary agreement.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Dec 13, 2006 1:17 PM EST reply actions

SIGN JEFF WEAVER

Enough all ready of this bottom-scraping. Also, memo to fans: Jeff Suppan sucks. I'll remember his October performance for a long time, but I'll be damned if I'm going to pay anywhere in the neighborhood of $10 million per to a guy on the wrong side of 30 with a career WHIP of 1.42 and a career BAA of .278. The truth will set you free: dude sucks.

Weaver, on the other hand, is good. His career WHIP is 1.34, he's younger than Suppan, and he's got stuff that Suppan could only dream of having. He's got stuff that a bunch of chumps who have already gotten signed and/or traded for--e.g. Jason Marquis, Miguel Batista, Jason Jennings--don't have, and never will have. His control is also good. How anyone could suggest focusing energies and finances on Suppan as opposed to Weaver is completely beyond me. IMO Weaver will be nearly as good over the life of a 3-5 year contract as Zito, and he'll come roughly $10 million a year cheaper.

DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY, YOU FOOLS! 3 years, between $8-$9 million per. Bite the bullet and get it done. Add an extra year if you need to. Jeff Weaver could be a #2 starter.

Don't try to sell me on Tomo Okha being anything better than a #3, even on his best possible day...

"Enamored" takes the preposition "of," not "with."

by MKDCardinal on Dec 13, 2006 1:24 PM EST reply actions

Enamored of Weaver?

The Weaver checklist:
Good stuff? Yes.
Upside potential? Yes.
Came through bigtime in post-season? Emphatic yes.
Worth a serous bid in an overheated market? Yes.

Worth 8-9 mill for 3-4 years? Not so sure.

Remember toward the end of the regular season when, in the immortal words of another poster on this site, he "looked so depressed that you expected him to take the field in a bathrobe"?

His emotional stability was then, and should be now, a concern to be addressed before offering a longterm deal.

by madridbend on Dec 13, 2006 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

there's also the fact

that he cannot, and never has been able to, get left-handed hitters out.

by lboros on Dec 13, 2006 3:17 PM EST up reply actions

and

he went 8-15 last year and wants a four year deal. If the Cards wouldn't go 5 years for AJ Burnett, who some players say has the best stuff in all of baseball, I don't know why Weaver would merit four years.

by Toddius396 on Dec 13, 2006 3:24 PM EST up reply actions

Weaver!

He is the one that I want to see the birds sign to take the final spot in the rotation. I was amazed at the movement he had on his pitches in the playoffs. I think that under Duncan he can continue to be good pitcher. Possibly the #2 that we are needing. It could just be that I like the 6'5" plus pitchers.

by stl4all on Dec 13, 2006 4:11 PM EST up reply actions

Jeff Suppan "sucks"?

Hrm.

I can certainly understand being underwhelmed by Suppan's "stuff" or aghast at how the money being thrown at him seems unreasonably high for a league average pitcher (many of us are), but "dude sucks"? Incorrect.

More like "dude is average". Also, you trot out his career numbers in justification of your assertion, whereas it is far more helpful to look at his last three years, all of which were with the Cardinals:

2004 2005 2006 04-06 IP: 188 194 190 191 W: 16 16 12 15 L: 9 10 7 9 H: 192 206 207 202 SO/BB: 1.7 1.8 1.5 1.7 ERA: 4.17 3.57 4.12 3.95 WHIP: 1.37 1.39 1.45 1.40
The guy is a model of consistency, reliability, and predictability. He will regularly get you 200 "solid" innings every year, with a majority of "quality starts", a decent ERA, and a remarkable lack of glaring weaknesses (take a look at all of his splits and marvel at their consistency).

He also has shown an amazing facility for coming up HUGE in clutch games (did you even WATCH the NLCS?), and consistently does better in the 2nd half of the year, which is certainly a good trait for a pitcher to have seeing as how (the last time I checked), October was always in the second half of the season...

Granted, his projections for the next 3 or so years are likely to show a slight decline since he is currently 31, and whether that's worth as much as $10M per year is certainly debatable, but the dude does NOT suck.

Personally, I'd be pleased to have Suppan back, although $10M/yr seems like a tad too much. But you ALWAYS know what you're going to get with Soup, and with Schmidt and Zito no longer an option for 2007, it seems to me that an incredibly reliable innings-eater that nearly always gives your team a good chance to win day in and day out is exactly what we NEED right now...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Dec 13, 2006 5:32 PM EST up reply actions

Rumor City

SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox have signed Matsuzaka to a 6-year, $52M deal. Here's the link.

http://cnnsi.com/2006/baseball/mlb/12/13/matsuzaka.signs/index.html

I'm not surprised that this deal got done, as both sides would have looked pretty bad if they screwed this up.

by Baseball addict on Dec 13, 2006 2:21 PM EST reply actions

Just curious?

Why is no one talking about Tony Armas Jr? Sure he has had a history of injuries, but he made something like 30 starts last year and pitched pretty well at times. He is only 28 and could come on the cheap. I don't get why the Cards should waste money on Batista or some other crappy overpriced pitcher when they can steal Armas.

by lopey986 on Dec 13, 2006 3:14 PM EST reply actions

Except during the playoffs

when he did fairly well IIRC, against the Mets LH-heavy lineup.

by Red in Chicago on Dec 13, 2006 3:23 PM EST reply actions

TLR is back

I'm listening to Bernie's radio show this afternoon and he quotes TLR as saying that Reyes will have to "compete" for a rotation spot. He also says that TLR doesn't consider Narveson a rotation canidate. Bernie reports this from TLR's press conference this afternoon. Tony is on the air with Bernie now. Looks like the veteran-loving Tony is back from his vacation. I think Tony is just trying to keep Reyes focused, but he has to keep giving rookies like Narvie a chance to maximize this team's potential.

by lefty fan on Dec 13, 2006 5:26 PM EST reply actions

Network Bar

Viva El Birdos -

ohka dohka

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