let the dog days commence

by lboros on Aug 2, 2006 9:32 AM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

let's begin with some good news: trey hearne added another good performance to his resume last night, holding the lansing lugnuts (love that name) to 1 unearned run in 7 innings. he departed trailing 1-0, though, and stood to take a very tough loss; then, with two out in the top of the 9th, mark hamilton singled home the tying run to get hearne off the hook; bryan anderson followed with another rbi single to put QC ahead, and tyler greene reached on an error that plated two more runs. the win went to chris perez; hearne lowered his era to 2.32, 5th in the midwest league.

as for the parent club . . . . lot of frustrated cardinal fans out there. during the game thread last night there were even people lashing out at pujols, which -- insofar as he is the only thing separating this team from a .450 winning percentage -- i can't understand; even babe ruth had his .250 weeks. since the all-star break, albert has a .339 / .431 / .645 line and leads st louis in rbi (he's 2d in runs); the cardinals as a whole, though, are dead last in the league in post-all-star batting (.243), next-to-last in slugging (the astros are worse), and 13th in the league in scoring. taking the season as a whole, they now rank 7th in league in runs scored, 10th in slg, and 10th in HR. . . . if you just absolutely have to have someone to blame these things on, blame rolen and eckstein. scotty hasn't homered since july 9, has only 3 extra-base hits since the break, and is hitting .233 in that span; eck is hitting .221 with 0 extra base hits, 0 rbi, and 2 walks.

there are your scapegoats; have at 'em, folks.

eckstein clearly hasn't been the same since his concussion back in mid-june, but the funny thing is that he had an almost identical slump last season without benefit of a head injury. see for yourself:

	g	ab	r	h	xbh	rbi	avg	obp	slg
2006 6/20 thru 8/1	35	154	16	38	3	2	.247	.293	.266
2005 6/20 thru 8/1	34	142	14	30	8	11	.211	.280	.296

last year eckstein followed this 34-game slump with a 34-game tear in which he batted .338 / .389 / .517, scored 23 runs and knocked in 21. i wouldn't bet on him getting quite that hot again this season, for a couple of reasons. the main one is strikeouts: he's whiffed 19 times during the above-named slump, nearly twice his career whiff rate. a disproportionate slice of eckstein's value derives from simply putting the ball in play, hitting em where they ain't; if he don't hit 'em, he can't ain't em. the other big concern is david's utter lack of extra-base pop; he's obviously not making very hard contact. these things ebb and flow, and i do think the hits will start falling in for eckstein eventually; but there's definite cause for concern.

as for rolen, they obviously need more out of him, but i can't fault the guy; he's out there grinding, just like all of the other cardinals. indeed, i have a difficult time faulting any of these players; most of the regulars are at or above their career norms offensively, and they have weathered some serious adversity to remain in 1st place all summer. my frustration lies primarily with the ownership -- that, and not on the field, is where i perceive the lack of effort.

for whatever reason, i'm not particularly bent out of shape over this little skid. we've already seen much worse, and we already know the team lacks the top-to-bottom excellence required to play consistently good baseball and run away with the division again; guess i adjusted my expectations two months ago. the cards are still on track for 92 to 93 wins, which is about where most of the know-it-alls projected them during spring training; i didn't see any pundit predicting another 100-win season. so they are about where they "should" be -- grinding it out in august, still playing meaningful games.

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Eck

as i mentioned yesterday, he's not walking at the rate he usually does either, http://www.cardinalsdiaspora.com/?p=839, never a good thing for a lead off man

Cardinals Diaspora

by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 2, 2006 9:48 AM EDT reply actions

amen

Heck, even the oft maligned Juan E. has walked more than Eck since June 1. What does that tell ya?

See, here is where the Luna trade hurts. Not because it brought Belliard--I actually liked that. Its that I saw Luna as the SS of the future after Eck left. Now maybe Hector would never be able to handle it defensively. Who knows?

But this is why I really struggle to watch Eckstein. Unless hes hitting around .310 and walking more, hes a very bad offensive player. No other way to put it folks. He can hustle and dive till the cows come home but he aint squeezing any base hits or runs out of those utters.

Since he doesnt run and doesnt hit for any extra base power he basically gets to first base a few times. I know it wont happen but put Belliard in that spot and Eck 8th. At least Ronnie can hit the ball to the outfield occasionally.

BTW, let me also go on record that Jorge Sosa will do well in STL. I know, I know--it makes no sense and many feel hes awful. But I just like the arm and feel this place is good for him.

Waddle on.

SUBURBS: Where Americans cut down trees and then name streets after them.

by beanocook on Aug 2, 2006 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

agree fully

I think Luna is actually a pretty good defensive shortstop. He just didn't know the finer points of bein' a secondbaseman (cut-offs, double play coverages).

I also think Sosa will be a good middle-long reliever, but not a starter.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Has anyone noticed

Recently Eckstein hasn't seemed to grind out many at bats. It seems like usually he'll foul off quite a few pitches, but the past few games he's been popping and grounding out after only seeing one or two pitches. Do you think this might explain his poor hitting as of late?

by El Schweenador on Aug 2, 2006 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Eck will be

just fine. The kid is from Florida. If you can play day after day in that muggy heat you can play anywhere. I used to watch the guy when he played for the Gators when I was in high school. He just goes so hard all the time, at some point he has to get tired. He is just going through a dry spell. He will snap out of it. He is a grinder. I love the guy and hope we hold on to him for years to come. I would just like to see us get a legit SS so we can move Eck to 2nd. It his most natural position. Heck, he was an All-American two bagger at Florida.

Lonedawg I see the ball, I hit the ball.

by Lonedawg on Aug 2, 2006 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Well that's interesting.

He played 2nd in college? Arm motion didn't cause any issues?

by sdrone on Aug 2, 2006 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

How weird

is it that we refer to a 31-year old as a "kid". Just because he looks 12 doesn't mean he is.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

It's not weird if

you're quite a bit older than 31. heheh.

by sdrone on Aug 2, 2006 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

nope

as a matter of fact he was one of the best I have seen turn the double play at 2nd in awhile. He had great range at 2nd. Its not a long throw. Even in the its a shorter throw so you dont HAVE to have your body moving toward the bag.

Lonedawg I see the ball, I hit the ball.

by Lonedawg on Aug 2, 2006 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

erm

which begs the question, why not try luna at SS and eck at 2nd... The world may never know.

by Birds on the Matt on Aug 2, 2006 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Very interesting that he played

2B in college. This makes me even more mystified about where that Eckstein-can't-switch-to-2B meme is coming from.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Aug 2, 2006 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

But it's sure out there

I posted a comment a few days back suggesting a change (particulars of which I can't recall now) which involved Eck playing 2B. I was promptly brought to task for my ignorance that he can't play 2B. I knew that he, at one time, had been at second, I guess I just forgot that it was in college. My impression was always that he had learned that odd throwing motion in order to make up for his less-than-a-normal-SS arm strength.

by ArkansasTravs on Aug 2, 2006 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow, that comparision

to last year is pretty interesting. Dog days? Heat? Wonder what it is?

by sdrone on Aug 2, 2006 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions

supposedly

little guys fare much worse in the heat than do the horses like rolen and el hombre... is eck getting cooked out there?

Rabid Redbird

by gthedamned on Aug 2, 2006 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Huh?

I always thought the big guys had more trouble in the heat, both as a matter of personal experience and based on the cube/square relationship that allows more heat dispersion over the proportionately higher skin surface of smaller people. http://www.auburn.edu/academic/classes/zy/0301/Topic4/Topic4.html#square

Unfortunately, it looks to me more like Eck is suffering the consequences of a head injury, and even mild concussions have potentially serious lingering effects.

So, our backup at short is Miles? Ugh.

by madridbend on Aug 2, 2006 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

just a reference

to something i remember was asserted last year in an official site article about eck. he claimed that his near-total lack of a social life gave him plenty of time to rest when he was not playing. the article seemed to say that little guys usually fared worse, and treated that as accepted conventional wisdom.

Rabid Redbird

by gthedamned on Aug 2, 2006 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

he's not resting now

got married this off-season to some hottie . . . .

by lboros on Aug 2, 2006 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

ashley drane

of "blue collar tv" fame. lucky for eck, i think she's about 5'2", so he can feel tall at home.

Rabid Redbird

by gthedamned on Aug 2, 2006 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

In the year 2000...(Conan reference)

Thier son will play point gaurd for SLU.

by BigJawnMize on Aug 2, 2006 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

If I remember the same article,

he was saying that people expect him to be very active off the field because of the way he plays, but he's not. I don't think he was saying that he's inactive off the field so he can save his energy.

by Arambar on Aug 2, 2006 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

didn't see that article, but

I saw an interview with his wife a while back (I think on the pregame show) where she said the same thing, that people expect him to be really energetic at home, but he's quite the opposite actually, just sort of hangs out and watches TV.

by john vb on Aug 2, 2006 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Eck's wife

I think I'd stay at home too... ;-)

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Aug 2, 2006 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Eck's beaning

has affected him more than anyone else is letting on. The parallel I draw is when Sammy Sosa was drilled in the head; he became a shell of the man he was before the beaning. almost afraid to get into the batter's box.

by cardsrul on Aug 2, 2006 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

Alright Weaver...

I just bought a ticket for tonight. You better be good.

(Viva el Prime Seat Club -- $17.35 for a ticket, morning of game, in section 445!?!)

Oh yeah...Betty and Carp, you too.

by whopperman on Aug 2, 2006 10:10 AM EDT reply actions

Lansing Lugnuts

The Lansing Lugnuts were always Steve Stone's favorite minor league team. He always referred to them on the air as "my beloved Lugnuts." Not surprisingly, the Trib decided to dump both the team and Stoney.

by lerwin1 on Aug 2, 2006 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

stoney

love that guy; too bad he was so good at baseball. he could've had a nice career as a comedian or journalist or screenwriter or something

by lboros on Aug 2, 2006 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Talent and the Dog Days of Summer

I generally think that Eck has below average major league talent and make up for it with hard work and hustle. The thing about talent is when you tire out, it takes over. As the summer moves on and players tire, the most talented rise to the top. I always expect Eck to dip a little during the summer, because working harder than everyone else makes you more tired than everyone else.

That said--I love the guy.

by BigJawnMize on Aug 2, 2006 10:22 AM EDT reply actions

This is what scares me to death

It's becoming more and more obvious that Eck needs some days of rest down the stretch. Too bad all we've got is Miles...

by El Schweenador on Aug 2, 2006 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, we've still got a couple of

bench issues to solve, eh? Surely that won't be too expensive to solve.

by sdrone on Aug 2, 2006 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

But

HOW do we solve 'em? Not like we can go trade freely or sign a free agent.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Honestly

I was referring to the offseason. I dunno HOW we solve 'em right now.

by sdrone on Aug 2, 2006 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Who's manning SS

for our AAA team, and can the guy be any worse than Miles at that position?

by MdRedbirdFreak on Aug 2, 2006 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Scroll down

this page a bit, someone mentioned him earlier. Hittin' .225 with 18 homers.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

John Nelson

and yes.

Swings for the fences every time -- gets it about once every five or six games. Doesn't walk much, strikes out a ton. Not terrible with the glove, but not good either. Not a MLB player.

by whopperman on Aug 3, 2006 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Juan Encarnacion

I would like to say that I still don't like the Juan Encarnacion signing from last offseason. That said, his production so far this year has been solid and is fair for what he is making in the first year of his contract.

'06 Line

377 AB/.286 BA/.318 OBP/.475 SLG/.793 OPS

15 HR/57 RBI

Juan's batting average is 17 points above his career average, 1 point behind his average for last season, and three behind his career best mark. His OBP is one point better than his career mark, although it is 29 points behind last year's career best. What he is lacking in walks, he has made up for with power. His .475 slugging percentage will easily be a career high and has directly led to a his only being three points off of last year's career-best .796 OPS. Encarnacion already had 15 HR and, barring injury, should easily surpass his previous career best of 19 HR.

by bgh on Aug 2, 2006 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

Wait, what?

You think Juan Enc' is performin' well, yet you still don't like the signin'? I don't believe you can have it both ways. I think once everyone sees how much the price of free agents is in the next few years, Enc' will appear to be a bargain.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

This season vs. full length of the contract

He is performing well compared to his career numbers in that he is on par with or in excess of what Juan Encarnacion should be expected to do. The Cardinals are still 21st in MLB in RF OPS with this production. If he could somehow show his 2005 OBP form and 2006 SLG form, he would be a very good acquisition.

His VORP is 9.5. To put this in perspective, Jacque Jones has a VORP of 11.4; David Delluci, 11.9; Jay Gibbons, 10.2. That said, Brian Giles is at 8.2 and was the only other alternative that was perceived to be demonstrably better and available on the free agent market during the Hot Stove.

I find the signing troubling for the cost to the club over the full length of a contract that is too long. He will see a significant increase in salary next season that, barring a major offensive production increase, will make his numbers lacking when compared with what the Cards are paying him.

The signing is not the complete bust that seemed possible at the beginning of the year. This season, we are getting what we paid for but there are two years left during which he will be a paid employee of the St. Louis Cardinals and I worry that his offensive output will not justify his salary next year or the next. On one thing, I believe we can all agree, Juan should not be classified as a "core" player a la Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds, and Carp.

by bgh on Aug 2, 2006 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I am not

I am not the biggest fan of Enc cause he just takes some horrible at bats. But he gets the job done and good enough for league average. Something I would love to have at LF and 2b.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 2, 2006 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Fanning the heat

I'm not too big a fan because I would imagine just watching him that good pitchers absolutely chew him up. He literally can't hit an inside pitch aside from maybe a broken bat and then just flails at sliders away. If you miss middle-in then he can hit a laser but there's just no way he can hit a good pitch.

I know there aren't too many guys without holes in there swing, but not 2 of them so big like him.

A diamond is just a lump of coal that performed well under pressure

by joker24 on Aug 2, 2006 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Another thing...

I assume you've all seend the stat of Pujols' average with runners in scoring position (over 400) vs average with no runners on base (less than 300).

My point here is, the guys in front of him need to get on base! Granted, he had some chances in the Cubs series, but it seems like he's coming up lately with NO ONE on base. A few months ago, it seemed like it was almost a guarantee for Eck to lead off the game with a hit!

(I appologize for not having correct figures)

by stltrav09 on Aug 2, 2006 10:41 AM EDT reply actions

Love the minor league info

I'd just like to have you be able to begin the post w/ something about the big league team. I don't like the good news always being about A ball.

That said, I'm actually a little relieved to see the correlation between Eckstein last year and Eckstein this year. I'm not surprised he's not walking -- why would anyone walk someone who has almost 0 chance of getting an extra base hit. That lack of pop really hurts b/c not only does it mean he'll draw fewer walks, but he'll also get fewer hits b/c the OF plays so shallow against him.

It seems to me that last year, much more than this year (or maybe the slump is too fresh in my memory), he was able to turn on a pitch inside and drive it down the LF line. He had 8 (I think) HR's last year and was slugging at a much higher rate than this year. When was the last time anyone saw him turn on an inside pitch and hit it in the LF corner? Maybe it's the concussion, maybe it's just a slump, but I wonder as he gets a little older, his bat slows down just a little bit and, what used to be double in the corner is now off the fists for an easy out. Hope I'm wrong.

Keep up the good work and let's have tomorrow's "leadoff" post be something good about Weaver, Pujols, Eckstein, Rolen, etc.

by chuckb on Aug 2, 2006 10:46 AM EDT reply actions

I don't fault

any one particular player. From what I can tell, everyone does seem to be putting up effort but there seems to be a lack of fire or even urgency to win.

I agree with lboros in that my frustration is directed more toward management and ownership. All of the pieces to take a step forward from last year are not present despite the ability to do so. We balked in the offseason to pick up anyone of value so we could go for someone with some impact during the trading deadline and then when the time comes, we get no noticeable improvement. Also, even with the guys already on the payroll that could make meaningful contributions (Wainwright, Reyes), TLR holds them back until they buy into his genius-ness. It's just frustrating. I will say I'm less frustrated now than the 8 game losing streak. Maybe by middle of September I'll have complete apathy.

by Brownale on Aug 2, 2006 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

Just a disclaimer re: Pujols

I do not want him playing hurt. If his current slump is injury-induced, I really, really want the guy to sit down and take a week off.

by Valatan on Aug 2, 2006 11:08 AM EDT reply actions

i'd second that

god knows i'd rather have a healthy albert for the stretch than a hurt and rehurt albert right away.

Rabid Redbird

by gthedamned on Aug 2, 2006 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Jose Cruz Jr.

DFA. Pick 'im up at league minimum if no one else does?

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

well

Ive always kinda liked him--for no real apparant reason. He can play all three OF spots. Walks like crazy.

He has a .353 OPB this year and had an .837 OPS last year. Not saying hes a world beater but I would prefer him over J-Rod.

SUBURBS: Where Americans cut down trees and then name streets after them.

by beanocook on Aug 2, 2006 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought about this too

but I think I'll pass. He would improve our team hitting wise. The only thing I like is his speed/ability to steal bases. Maybe a nice addition to the bench. But who would you suggest they get rid of? So? He's probably faster. Can't get rid of Speiz, JRod, Miles, etc.

I don't think this would work out. I'd rather wait on a better player.

by stltrav09 on Aug 2, 2006 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

why

Cant you get rid of JRod?

SUBURBS: Where Americans cut down trees and then name streets after them.

by beanocook on Aug 2, 2006 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

J-Rod

is hurt. How long is he gon' be out? I would think if he has to go on the DL you pick up Cruz for the veteran minimum. He is a righty so he could make a nice platoon with Duncan.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I'll take him

Someone needs to platoon with Duncan. Plus with Luna gone, it would be nice to have another quick guy off the bench who can steal some bases. He would definetly help shore up our bench.

by El Schweenador on Aug 2, 2006 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

cruz

still doesn't solve our lack of a backup ss...

Rabid Redbird

by gthedamned on Aug 2, 2006 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Bring back

The Wizard. He still has to be a better defensive shortstop than Aaron Miles. Too bad LaRussa shafted him.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

huh

How did LaRussa shaft Ozzie?

SUBURBS: Where Americans cut down trees and then name streets after them.

by beanocook on Aug 2, 2006 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I suppose

he didn't actually do anything wrong, I was just upset when he chose to play Royce Clayton over Ozzie, even though Ozzie was nearing 40.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Ozzie was upset too

he's said he wants absolutely nothing to do with TLR, and will be involved with the Cardinals as little as possible until he's gone.

by Arambar on Aug 2, 2006 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

good for Ozzie

I could careless honestly. Ozzie played a lot that year and had a very nice season because Tony played him in favorable situations. Royce was a better player than Ozzie at that point in their careers.

SUBURBS: Where Americans cut down trees and then name streets after them.

by beanocook on Aug 2, 2006 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

not only that

He wasn't just 40, he was coming off a sub-Mendoza injury-filled season. Me thinks the Wizard doth protest too much.

by roebirds on Aug 2, 2006 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Who?

"I don't think this would work out. I'd rather wait on a better player."

What BETTER player are we goin' to find at this stage of the season? Shawn Green? Considerin' he has a hefty contract that last through next year and includes an option for 2008, I'll pass.

Honestly, Jose Cruz Jr. and his .350 OBP sure would be nice to have out in left to platoon with Duncan. (I am not convinced Duncan can sustain this success, but I sure hope he can.)

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Not a big Cruz fan

but I will grant you that I'd rather have Cruz than Shawn Green. At least Cruz hits lefties well and doesn't come w/ a $9.5 mill. contract for next year + an option and a no trade clause. Yuck!

Cruz's #'s, though awful overall, are pretty good vs. LHP. His OPS is .942 vs. LHP. The only problem is who do we drop from the roster if we add Cruz? He's definitely better than JRod vs. lefties but I like having JRod on the bench to pinch hit. Cruz is basically useless vs. RHP and, late in the game, that's who he'd face. I guess we'd still have Duncan and Speizio on the bench and we could always use Taguchi vs. either lefties or righties but I'm really cautious about bringing a guy in who you just can't use against RHP.

BTW, Taguchi will never be dropped. He's our backup CF and one of our best defensive OF's. Certainly better than Duncan, JRod, or Speizio and probably Cruz as well. If we add Cruz, either Duncan or JRod gets sent down.

by chuckb on Aug 2, 2006 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Well

Like I said, J-Rod got hurt the other night, how long are we lookin' at bein' without him?

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions

J-Rod

Has a mild ankle sprain, but he intially feared he broke it or tore somethin due to the pain so I won't be surprised if they come out in a week and say that he needs a trip to the DL.

I think it would be a smart pick-up to add Cruz. I don't feel comfortable havin' Duncan and J-Rod in left in the playoffs...Duncan and Cruz would be a much better option, imo.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

They said

They Said J-Rod could of pinch hit last night. So I don't think it is that bad.

But Varitek is out for awhile now cause of his knee. Here comes Javy Lopez to the Sox.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 2, 2006 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Yankees....

Will put a waiver claim on him and eat the contract before Boston can get him.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Aug 2, 2006 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Not if the Yankees

have a better record than Boston....

by sdrone on Aug 2, 2006 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Lopez

may have cleared waivers before the trade deadline. They Yanks wouldn't have thought (or wanted) to put in a claim on him b/c Balt. probably would've let the Yanks have him. I bet Lopez goes to the Sox.

by chuckb on Aug 2, 2006 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Sox may

Also have interest in Longball Lieberthal.

I have Javy Lopez in a league that can net me 150 bucks if I win my division and then the playoffs so I'd like to see him go somewhere where he can friggin' play full-time.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

The Cards...

should be more aggressive than that in picking him up.

by guayzimi on Aug 2, 2006 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm tired....

of picking up other teams DFAed garbage. Since when are we dumpster divers?

That's beer, that's Budweiser.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Aug 2, 2006 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

If you've

seen our bench, you'd know why we are forced to take this route this season.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Backup SS

We have a guy named John Nelson at AAA Memphis that has been one of their better hitters (not saying too much), but if Eck can make it through August then when rosters expand perhads Nelson could spell him in September. Here are Nelson's #'s at AAA:
.225 avg (eww), .307 obp, .427 slg (better), .734 OPS(decent for a SS), LEADS Memphis with 18 HR.

He can't be worse than Miles. Doesn't hit for average, but as a lot of power for a SS. I don't know about his defense.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Aug 2, 2006 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

Bring up Greene

from A-Ball, the kid is gonna be good someday, give him an early start :P

That's beer, that's Budweiser.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Aug 2, 2006 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Green

He appears to have a little pop, but he struggled mightily in DoubleA ball so I'm sure they aren't in any hurry to give him playin' time in the bigs.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

wasn't even AA...

Greene struggled at High-A. He is now hitting well at Low-A, but at 22 he's on the older end for that league.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Aug 2, 2006 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

da bullpen

has been the second best in the national league, according to baseball prospectus

by sjoshi on Aug 2, 2006 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

Good news

...but, where does the rotation rank?

by bgh on Aug 2, 2006 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I Believe

"rank" is the key word....

by Cardinal70 on Aug 2, 2006 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

The Bullpen can be awesome

I have complete faith in the bullpen when they are not getting taxed by bad starting pitching.

Weaver better start pumping that Slider tonight or he needs to be gone. He is absoutely horrible and I predict he goes 3ip w/ 6ER.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 2, 2006 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

this gem

comes from the espn ombudsman, i never heard about it, but i'm gonna be watching quite frankly a lot more.

The staff of Stephen A. Smith's "Quite Frankly" should have known better than to e-mail potential members of the studio audience, telling them it would be acceptable to boo Cubs manager Dusty Baker, a scheduled guest on the show. Baker withdrew from the show when he heard about the e-mail. Also, Smith complaining to the media that the show isn't getting sufficient support from ESPN sounds a little whiny to me.

by sjoshi on Aug 2, 2006 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

If Smith

and his crew really did that, that's bush league! I can't stand Dusty Baker any more than anyone else can but that emailing audience members and telling them to boo him is sorry!

by chuckb on Aug 2, 2006 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

QUITE FRANKLY

IN HONOR OF STEPHEN A SMITH, I'M TYPING IN ALL CAPS TO SHOW THAT I AM ACTUALLY SCREAMING!

He claims he had nothin' to do with it, some interns tried to pull it off. I mean, the show is pretty sad, they just go around to blogs online and try to give away tickets to the blogwriters because no one will come to the show. I'm beginnin' to think they may actually put Berman and Stu Scott and other ESPN personalities in the crowd in disguise to make it look like people are actually there watchin' the show.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Sosa last night....

Anyone know if TLR gave any reasons for why he brought Sosa in last night in that situation? It seemed like he was setting him up to fail. Bringing in a guy who has been notorious for giving up HR's to face Burrell, who is a legitimate hr hitter.

That's beer, that's Budweiser.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Aug 2, 2006 1:29 PM EDT reply actions

Looked to me

Like he set him up to succeed ;) His 4 quick outs were just about the only bright spot of the night... I have to admit, I was shaking my head when he did it, but it worked out.

BTW Burrell was 0-10 (0-11 now) with 1 walk in the last 2 years against sosa, so it may have been more than just a confidence booster.

by SleepyCA on Aug 2, 2006 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks...

That would make sense then. I was impressed with him getting the 4 outs, did much better than I thought he would've. Let's hope he can keep it up and make the Braves regret getting rid of him :)

That's beer, that's Budweiser.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Aug 2, 2006 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Sink or swim

That was a tough situation for Sosa. Bases loaded vs. Burrell. Seems to me LaRussa wanted to find out what he had in Sosa quickly. Obviously, getting out of that jam should give Sosa some confidence and LaRussa some confidence in him. But it very easily could've gotten ugly w/ a bases loaded double or grand slam. That way they would've known to look for someone else.

by chuckb on Aug 2, 2006 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Cruz for Taguchi

<<<<BTW, Taguchi will never be dropped. He's our backup CF and one of our best defensive OF's. Certainly better than Duncan, JRod, or Speizio and probably Cruz as well. If we add Cruz, either Duncan or JRod gets sent down.>>>>>>>>

Respectfully, STRONGLY disagree. Taguchi has been nowhere near as competent this year with the glove as years past. He has thrown to the wrong base several times that I've witnessed, and his arm strength is below average. He is merely adequate at the plate.

Ask yourself this: if a guy (Luna) who is under the team's control for three more years can be replaced with a rental deemed an upgrade (Belliard), then why not Taguchi, who is gone after this year anyway? Cruz would be better than Taguchi from the right side, and his defense is better, IMO. It would be pretty silly if Cruz is there for the cheap and they don't get him because Tony has a man-crush on Taguchi.

As for a backup CF, Cruz can serve as your backup until September when Schumaker is called up. And in the playoffs you should hardly need anybody to spell JimEd.

Unless somebody needs him more than we do and pays an exorbitant ransom, go get Jose Cruz, Jr.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 2, 2006 2:15 PM EDT reply actions

So Taguchi

When I think of So and defense, I remember the 5th inning of <url="this:">http://sportsline.com/mlb/gamecenter/playbyplay/MLB_20060622_STL@CHW</url>

by SirVLCIV on Aug 2, 2006 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn't Juan

Play some CF while Jimmy was out? I agree, in the past I have liked So, despite his relatively meager showings at the plate. But now if he is not a suitable defensive replacement, I could see us letting him go.

OC Cards Fan

by OCCardsFan on Aug 2, 2006 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Taguchi

I'll grant you that he's made some mistakes in the OF this year but he's still better than Duncan, Rodriguez and Speizio who are all adequate, at best. He's also the guy, right or wrong, that LaRussa turns to for a defensive replacement late in the game.

You're right that Cruz could serve as a backup to Edmonds but LaRussa trusts Taguchi and LaRussa tends to stick with the guys he trusts.

I'm not saying necessarily that the Cards should stick w/ Taguchi over Rodriguez, but I think they would. Also, there's not a lot of difference between Duncan and Rodriguez. Taguchi is a different sort of player -- RH, can play CF, can bunt and handle the bat, a little speed. There's no doubt in my mind that if we add an OF, the Cards will stick w/ Taguchi.

by chuckb on Aug 2, 2006 2:23 PM EDT reply actions

Well, then...

Tony/Walt need to be slapped.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 2, 2006 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

I personally like J-Rod

I like J-Rod cause he always shows such good plate discipline. Why I cringe when I see Juan E just swinging at everything regardless where it is at.

If we send J-Rod to the minors than I say we just trade him so at least he can get playing time for another team.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 2, 2006 2:29 PM EDT reply actions

I would think...

if you got Cruz, you'd only send jrod down until rosters expand. Then you bring him back and let him, Duncan and Cruz compete for 2 spots on the playoff roster. Taguchi seems like a fixture on the roster, I'd be shocked if he got moved.

by guayzimi on Aug 2, 2006 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Belliard

Uh, Belliard more than likely will not be a rental. Jock already contacted his agent about workin' out an extension.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

Now why...

would they be all over Belliard after one sub-par game as a Cardinal when they let Grudz walk away.

Granted Belliard is 5 years younger, but all we're talking about is a 2-3 year contract with either of these guys...

by guayzimi on Aug 2, 2006 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

To Be FA 2nd Baseman

If you've seen the list, that is why. I think they know they made a mistake by not getting a second baseman and they don't want to make the mistake again. The upcomin' free agent second baseman list isn't too hot either, so they really have no choice. Unless of course they bring Miles back and go find someone else who will make 300,000 to platoon with him.

by lopey986 on Aug 2, 2006 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Who knows?

It could be any number of reasons. Age is probably a big one. Also, this year's experience with 2B may have provided Jocketty with the motivation to shore it up for the next two or three seasons.

I was pounding the "Re-sign Grudz" drum this offseason pretty loudly, and am with you in sentiment.

by bgh on Aug 2, 2006 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Whoops

Lopey beat me to the punch.

by bgh on Aug 2, 2006 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

about resigning belliard

KFNS(i think) today reported that the Cleveland GM said they have intentions of bringing back belliard too and considering his friends and past in C-town, i woulnd't be surprised to see him return...with that being said, walt needs to drop his "no negotiating during the season" bit and sign belliard before other teams can

by Dave0585 on Aug 2, 2006 3:54 PM EDT reply actions

Ehh

I'd rather take Cleveland's draft picks than re-sign a guy who has a .289 .334 .416 line. There are a lot of Hector Luna's out there...Tony just needs to play them.

A diamond is just a lump of coal that performed well under pressure

by joker24 on Aug 2, 2006 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

amen

i'm with you joker

by lboros on Aug 2, 2006 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought...

I heard that Walt had already expressed interest in re-signing Belliard. Maybe i'm wrong though. I just want to fill the damn hole at 2b and stop playing this musical chairs bs at the position.

That's beer, that's Budweiser.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Aug 2, 2006 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

A seat is a seat

I'd much, much rather have had Hector Luna for 300k than Grudzielanek for 4 mil. Role-players do not win championships. I'm just not quite sure if the 3.7 mil was put to use this year though I can't say there's anyone else out there I'd rather have had (no one try to say Burnett, please). Next year, I hope.

A diamond is just a lump of coal that performed well under pressure

by joker24 on Aug 2, 2006 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Invest

I say we start dropping big bucks for the scouts from the Dodgers, Angels, or Twins. Lets trade Bipolar Betty for them. Even though its a longshot trade, we should pull the trigger.

by TNFan32 on Aug 2, 2006 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

Belliard

I have also heard the comments from Cleveland re: Belliard and check this out from Belliard himself in todays' Joe Strauss offering:

"I'm a baseball player. I [b]was[/b] happy here and I think I [b]can[/b] be happy there," Belliard told Cleveland reporters [b]after[/b] being informed of the deal Sunday.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/56F07D5545FEBA17862571BE001A90FE ?OpenDocument

That sounds like a guy who has thoughts of returning to Cleveland. Now, that was right after the trade and he might find that he can be happy in StL, too. The good news is that he is sure to be a Type A free agent. If we offer him arby and he accepts we'll probably pay him 4.5M. Not bad, not great. If he declines, we'd get a couple draft picks from his short stay here. If he has a good stretch run, he could really find himself in demand. BTW, I don't think the FA class of 2B is that bad. The real good news is that it's a huge group, which should help us find a cheap short term solution for cheap:

Alfonso Soriano
Mark DeRosa
Luis Castillo
Ronnie Belliard
Craig Counsell
Ray Durham
Adam Kennedy
Mark Loretta
Todd Walker
Craig Biggio
Jerry Hairston
...couple others

http://www.mlb4u.com/freeagency.php?order=position

I think we should be get what we need from [i]one[/i] of those guys for <=3 million.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 2, 2006 4:20 PM EDT reply actions

can you say counsell?

i hate him and his stupid little batting stance. i always hope the pitcher will hit him in his prostrate ribs with his hardest fastball. but he's the kind of player who comes to st. louis and has a decent season. when you're scraping the bottom of the barrel, isn't that all you can really hope for?

by sjoshi on Aug 2, 2006 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions