Game 20 Open Thread: April 25, 2006

by lboros on Apr 25, 2006 5:45 PM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

suppan santos
0-2, 9.00 1-3, 5.85

juan encarnacion isn't the only bad outfielder who's hearing boos from the hometown folks. jacque jones is also getting an earful -- and he doesn't have pujols to stick up for him. so he stuck up for himself, via the chicago tribune, after hitting a game-winning 3-run homer last night:

"I'm angry right now [about the booing], you know what I mean? It's almost funny. It's almost funny. . . . But it's not going to make me play any better. It's not going to make me play any worse. I'm just going to go play the game the way I know how. . . . .

"I'm just getting used to it. Where I came from, they were passionate about baseball. We probably didn't draw as many [in Minnesota], but they were there through thick and thin. [The booing] is something I've got to get used to. I'm blocking it out as much as I can. . . .

"My teammates are going to stick with me through thick and thin. As long as I know I'm going out and doing the best I can do, playing as hard as I can play, I can look myself in the mirror."

jones' batting average is only 6 points higher than juancion's, but after homering in the last two games jones is now slugging in the .440s, about 200 points higher than juan e. . . .

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JuanE & JacqueJ...

could be a sitcom or a talk show, where the two rightfielders discuss their bloated contracts and lack of production.

We know that the Cubs faithful will be on Jones for the whole season, because his production level is never going to be high enough to warrant a stoppage from the Wrigley Bud Light Bleacher boo birds.

We Cardinals fans can rest assured that JuanE will get better. The law of averages demands it. Will his offensive improvement--when coupled with his defense, baserunning, and hustle--be worth $15M over 3 years? Probably not, but we knew that from the day the deal was done. (That is, unless he improved three consecutive years on his career year.)

No need for red (boo) birds at Busch III, because JuanE's production is markedly better at home than away--.250 BA/.270 OBP compared to .152 BA/.200 OBP on the road. Add to that the fact that JuanE's lone RBI occurred in the home whites and it does seem that he saves his best for the Cardinal faithful.

That said, perhaps the boos rain down because of his proficiency at striking out at Busch III. His K-to-BB ratio at home is 10:0 while it is only 4:1 in the road grays. Could the staggering number of swings-and-misses be drawing the ire of Cardinal Nation?

by bgh on Apr 25, 2006 6:13 PM EDT reply actions

OK, Let's See...

First off, after considering any further participation here, I would like to mention that I apologize to any whom I might have offended previously (all other slights aside), but after the Cards-Cubs series, I had the appropriate rabies shots, and all seems to be going well..

That said, why is it that we are all so ready to evaluate a 3-year contact decision made regarding Encarnacion on spring training plus 3 weeks? Juancarnacion is very similar in temperament to Willie McGee. He's extremely shy and introverted. He lopes more than he lunges, and he's extremely earnest. Please, give him a chance. Don't saddle him with this negative aura that so many seem to be ready to lay on him.

6-8 weeks: Does that seem like some crazy amount of time to make a judgement? Be realistic, people. He will prove to be a gem, if you give him a chance.

by glamberson on Apr 25, 2006 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Not that I disagree

with your assessment of InstBrek, but man, are you gonna get an earful for invoking the name of Willie McGee in comparison.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I just call 'em like I see 'em,

and I truly believe it.

I watched Willie McGee struggle at various times, including at his introduction as a Cardinal, and I ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO REVIEW HIS INTRODUCTION.

Moreover, I am confident that he would personally agree with me.

Willie was my hero during his star-crossed tenure, and I hope people will give Juancarnacion a chance.

Believe me, as I uttered the words "Willie McGee," I knew what I was saying. Please, people, consider the perspective of a 3-week performance on a new team before you judge our new rightfielder.

Don't even start me on Bigbe, who hans't even seen an at bat yet.

Patience!

by glamberson on Apr 25, 2006 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Rolen out

Sidelined by bronchitis -- Spiezio starting tonight in his place. Time for Juan E's first 2 home runs tonight (or off to my fantasy team's bench)!

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9396139

by roebirds on Apr 25, 2006 6:49 PM EDT reply actions

Sucks to be you

to have to start Instant Breakfast. :-D

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

apologies....

because i missed it the first time around, but help me out with the "instant breakfast" thing. can't make that one out. (i'm a little slow).

by busch league on Apr 25, 2006 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

The powdered crap

that one puts in milk is called "Instant Breakfast," made by a company called Carnation, which sorta sounds like "Encarnacion."

Their jingle: "Carnation Instant Breakfaaaaaaaaaaaast... you're gonna love it in an instant!"

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

greatness...

damn....that made me laugh out loud.

it's good to laugh. it masks, at least on the surface, my unbridled horror and disgust at the play of "instant breakfast" so far.

by busch league on Apr 25, 2006 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I just wish

I had thought of it first.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

word....

i've said the same thing about jimmy ballgame on my squad. i'm giving jed one more series to get his stuff "right." otherwise, i'm benching him until i see a sustained hot streak. it's coming, but he's costing me tons as i wait patiently.

to be clear....i'm not comparing jed with juan'cion. just your feelings on your cards on your fantasy squad.

by busch league on Apr 25, 2006 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I am in the same predicament

Love Jimmy but he is killing me. Between he and Manny my outfield is pitiful. But there is hope.

OC Cards Fan

by OCCardsFan on Apr 25, 2006 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I've got him, too

along with Chuck Beltran.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, there's one

congratulations!

by SleepyCA on Apr 25, 2006 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions

It would be awesome if he hit another one

He also made another great catch. Maybe that instant breakfast stuff is working for him?

by rob is back on Apr 25, 2006 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Woohoo!

There's one! 3 RBI so far! I love this guy! ;)

by roebirds on Apr 25, 2006 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it me,

or does Victor Santos (in his MLB mugshot) look like he's on the verge of tears?

Here comes "that man" again...

by iron duke75 on Apr 25, 2006 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

Luna Batting Second

Did the ideal second hitter thing there: got a base hit in the air. I like this lineup tonight, taguchi di a great job batting eighth last night.

Holy smokes! Luna steals second, takes third on an E4! IBB to Pujols.

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

All right Juan!!!

Nice two-bagger. A pretty good at-bat; he laid off some outside breaking stuff a couple of times. Nice.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Yaay Juancarnacion!

Nice GR double!

by glamberson on Apr 25, 2006 8:29 PM EDT reply actions

"Just keep on walking pujols...

I'm in a contract year and need the rbi's."

-j. edmonds

by SleepyCA on Apr 25, 2006 8:34 PM EDT reply actions

Ouch!

Burnitz took one off the coconut there.

The Joker grounds into a doubleplay to end the inning.

Too bad he left the Padres. Between him and Jeff Spicoli, they had the funniest-lookin' left-infield in the game.

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 8:44 PM EDT reply actions

Awesome, Liam.

"Aloha, Mr. Hand."

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Memhis Rained Out Tonight

Bigbie sat the last two games and had been penciled in as a (spit) DH tonight. Wonder if his foot is giving him some trouble.

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

Test, Test

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 8:56 PM EDT reply actions

Santos' Body Check

Yeah, that didn't work. Just trying to amuse myself as Gary Bennett gets called for catcher interference. That Santos fella sure is crafty.

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

same umpire that screwed eck last night.

kellogg.

by SleepyCA on Apr 25, 2006 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

What happened on that play?

Gameday just says that Bennett was charged with an error...

Here comes "that man" again...

by iron duke75 on Apr 25, 2006 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

bush league nonsense

The batter bunted, took a step towards third, then ran over bennet when he went out to pick up the ball. The inept umpire gave defensive interference on the play.

by SleepyCA on Apr 25, 2006 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Santos Bunted

Then he took a step back. Bennett made for the ball and Santos plowed into him. Soup fielded the ball and sent it Pujols-ward. Kellog gave Santos first base.

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Gawd...

What is up with the umpires these days?

Thanks for the update fellas.

Here comes "that man" again...

by iron duke75 on Apr 25, 2006 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

0100110101001010101

0010101010010101110010101010010101011100

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

That would have been funnier

had it been the first reply to your test.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Geek Joke

There's 10 kinds of people in the world...

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Nerds!!

looks like Luna's gonna bat .400 this year.

by eeyorethedog on Apr 25, 2006 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

those that understand binary

and those that don't

Electrical Engineering major who (tragically) understands the joke

by azruavatar on Apr 25, 2006 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I got it...

...no I didn't... :(

Here comes "that man" again...

by iron duke75 on Apr 25, 2006 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Is the joke

that it should read "There are 10 kinds of people in the world?" Because if not, uh... I don't get it.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 26, 2006 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh wait...

now I do... heh. Ich bin ein Dumbass.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 26, 2006 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

it should be are but that's not the

crux of the joke

by azruavatar on Apr 26, 2006 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Luna would have been safe

had that throw been on target.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 9:13 PM EDT reply actions

GIVE JUAN A CURTAIN CALL!!!

WOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Wow!

Juan doubled and went yard.

Hallelujah!

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Apr 25, 2006 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

Somewhere

Roebird is jumping up and down on his couch... Way to go Instant Breakfast. Coming out for the curtain call... Oh yeah.

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

Close

Watching it on the laptop at my kitchen table, yards from my couch. He hits another, though, and my leap may take me that far.

by roebirds on Apr 25, 2006 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions

He has arrived!

by Los Cardinales on Apr 25, 2006 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

I called it

I said a couple of days ago that JuanE would break out at home this series. Isn't everyone so proud of my completely lucky guess?

by effin fisk on Apr 25, 2006 9:21 PM EDT reply actions

I called it

I said a couple of days ago that JuanE would break out at home this series. Isn't everyone so proud of my completely lucky guess?

by effin fisk on Apr 25, 2006 9:22 PM EDT reply actions

Dude, his Instantness

is having himself a game. Nice catch, brother.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

Is this the same juan?

wow nice catch

by Los Cardinales on Apr 25, 2006 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

Instant Breakout

by liam on Apr 25, 2006 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

that last catch

was great

by CougarCard on Apr 25, 2006 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

Juan

looks like a completely different hitter

by CougarCard on Apr 25, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Instant Cycle?

by eeyorethedog on Apr 25, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

My goodness...

InstBrek is making up for lost time, I guess.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Apr 25, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

If Instant Breakfast cycles here

He gets a "Get out of Snark Free" card until at least June.

by craig3410 on Apr 25, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Cycle here he comes

i am smiling.

by effin fisk on Apr 25, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

shit.

now he's a single away from the cycle. Go Juan, go!

by Valatan on Apr 25, 2006 9:57 PM EDT reply actions

Juan

How about his performance today?!? 3-3 with a 2B, 3B, HR, and 4 RBIs

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Apr 25, 2006 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

no cycle for juan

by Los Cardinales on Apr 25, 2006 10:23 PM EDT reply actions

Anyone else

notice Looper hitting 97 there on the radar? i didn't think he could throw that hard.

by eeyorethedog on Apr 25, 2006 10:34 PM EDT reply actions

things to be glad about

Soup's first win, JuanE's 4 RBIs, Luna's lookin' good in the 2 spot, Jimmy got 2 hits, Save for Izzy, Albert didn't spontaneously combust...

by effin fisk on Apr 25, 2006 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

Lidge watch

"Lights Out" walks the bases loaded in the 9th vs. Los Angeles and gives up sac fly to Kent to tie the game.

Blown save, but it's a step up from last night...

Here comes "that man" again...

by iron duke75 on Apr 25, 2006 11:00 PM EDT reply actions

McLaughlin

Geez, could McLaughlin have jinxed Juan's cycle any more eagerly? I picture him in the booth with a huge, Carson-style genie hat on and a ouija board on the table, holding out his hands and slowly whispering, "cycle...cycle...cycle"

Next time Carpenter even gets close to a no-no I'm stabbing my TV speakers with a butter knife. Or utilizing the mute feature, whichever's handiest.

by farley503 on Apr 25, 2006 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

Question About New Busch

Does anyone know about being able to put a text message up on the score board for $1.50, or something along those lines? I think it's notoriety is based around profanity, but if anyone knows, can you give me the details?

by Fitz on Apr 25, 2006 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

Yes

you can do that--but it's not on the main scoreboard, it's on a smaller one above the first level in right field. There are supposedly profanity filters (human or mechanical??), but they apparently didn't work the first couple games and some bad language appeared. I don't know what the status is right now.

by rockin redbird on Apr 26, 2006 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions