Game 126 Open Thread: August 24, 2006

by lboros on Aug 24, 2006 4:44 PM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

marquis williams
13-11, 5.70 2-3, 6.90

did you know dave williams is from anchorage AK? i was not aware of that.

as if the cards don't have enough problems, they now stand a mere 2.5 games ahead of the phillies in the wild-card competition -- in which the cardinals may shortly be mired. so it is with relief that i report the phils are behind 11-2 at wrigley field as of this writing; i think it's the top of the 9th. they lost their closer, tom gordon, to injury but shored up the rotation by adding jamie moyer for two mediocre prospects. cards could've used moyer; 'nother lost opportunity.

wonder if the phils now regret dumping cory lidle.

Dimitroff Vodka informs me that espn's baseball tonight crew will be showing the cardinals' top 3 all-time web gems on sunday night. i'm curious to hear from you: what 3 plays should espn select? obviously edmonds' catch in game 7 of the '04 nlcs is in the mix; or possibly his over-the-wall grab vs the reds from last year. there will have to be a play by ozzie smith, and it might be the one from the late 1980s where he ran out into short left field with his back to the plate and made a diving, game-saving catch --- i think the last out of the game ---- while leap-frogging the left fielder (prob'y coleman). because espn fetishizes superstars, they will be tempted to find pujols' best defensive play and put it on the list; the only great play i can think of off the top of my head came from game 4 of the '04 world series, an outstanding off-balance throw to force a baserunner at the plate. great play, but not particularly important --- the cards' fate was already pretty much sealed.

certainly rolen gives them a well-stocked highlight reel to choose from. any other candidates, either fielders or individual plays? post `em below.

while we're talking about glovework, did anybody see chris dial's series of articles about the most impactful national-league defenders of the last 20 years? without going into too much detail re dial's methodology, cardinal players won top honors at 3 of the 4 infield positions --- rolen at 3d base (pendleton finished 3d in that category), ozzie at short, and jose oquendo as the surprise victor at the keystone. the complete list is at the bottom of this post at baseball think factory. surpisingly, edmonds doesn't even factor into the discussion; the top centerfielders were andruw, steve finley, and brett butler. also worming his way onto the short list was . . . . . corey patterson?

well, leave that aside --- it's still a good read.

Tweet Comment 210 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I wonder if

Dave Williams ever pitched in one of those annual midnight-no-light games where they play in full sunlight in the middle of the night just for kicks. I've heard it's an annual tradition in some Alaksan towns to have baseball games under these conditions.

The Cardinal Curmudgeon

by lawman3842 on Aug 24, 2006 4:48 PM EDT reply actions

sad state of affairs

that only the opposing pitcher's place of birth gets a mention among things that could be mentioned about tonight's game.

i'm thinking tonight we see the good marquis. in fact, i'll bet we see the "if he could do this two times out of three, he'd be the first cy young candidate with a 6.50 ERA" marquis.

i mean, he did just get himself a new son. i know i felt like superman when that happened to me earlier this year.

Rabid Redbird

by gthedamned on Aug 24, 2006 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

you never know what you're gonna get

I think this start could go either way. I see strong possibilities of 1) Marquis goes out and blows all the Mets away for his new son, 2) Marquis goes out and blows because he's put too much pressure on himself to go out and win one for the kid, or 3) Marquis blows simply because that's the Marquis that shows up. I do, however, lean to the possibility of a WSH-style game.

by Elle on Aug 24, 2006 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually

I'm not sure, as it was the 4th or 5th inning and I was a little inebriated by that point, but I think they showed the ozzie clip you mentioned last night while he was in the booth. The Mats announcer said "look out willie!" and ozzie corrected him, saying "that was curt ford playing then".

by SleepyCA on Aug 24, 2006 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

my three web gems (in no particular order)

edmonds in the nlcs/crazy over the wall catch in cincy
ozzie making that diving play up the middle with his barehand
ozzies over the back catch, then hopping over the left fielder.

by stlcardinalsfang on Aug 24, 2006 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

The barehand catch

Depending on which one you're talking about, but his greatest barehand catch was the one where it hit off a rock or something and skipped behind him, while he was in a full dive. He reached back, barehanded it, got up and threw the guy out at first. But that doesn't count; that was for the Padres.

by Solanus on Aug 24, 2006 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

If This Was...

...the Old West, you would have just shot the pistol outta my hand!!

(Gotta be quick 'round these parts, the Land of 1000 editors!)

by glennrwordman on Aug 24, 2006 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

wasn't...

Ozzie w/ SD when he made that play? Not sure, but I think he may have been...

by glennrwordman on Aug 24, 2006 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

yes yes,

my bad, i guess i should look it up before i post it.

by stlcardinalsfang on Aug 24, 2006 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I actually

I actually watched that not to long ago on the Padres All Time Web Gems. It was completly sick.

Ozzie is sprinting fast to the left and is diving then the ball takes a crazy hop up. Ozzie reachs up with his bare hand grab its then throws a bullet to first.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 24, 2006 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions

The List

Ozzie Smith's game winnig catch where he was running out to left with his back to the play and dove.
Jim Edmonds catch in the 2004 NLCS
Jim Edmonds game ending catch against the Reds last season. The one where he jumped the wall and pulled the ball back. This one is my favorite.

by cards19 on Aug 24, 2006 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Should be Extremly hard

This should be by far the hardest one to just pick out just 3 since the Cardinals are the greatest Fielding team of all time. They are the all time leader in Gold gloves.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 24, 2006 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

hasn't

Marquis pitched well in Shea before? I remember thinking that he was from NY, and that maybe with friends and family in the stands he put forth some extra effort..

Okay, so I looked it up too - his line at Shea:

In 10 games (5 starts) spanning 33 innings at Shea Stadium, Marquis has an ERA of 3.81, and a WHIP of 1.39. Mets hitters are putting up a line of .268/.338/.423 (an OPS of .761). Marquis surrenders a long ball each 8.25 innings at Shea.

Not as stellar as I remembered, but I think I was thinking of only his start there last year wherein he surrendered only two runs on three hits.

The Cardinal Curmudgeon

by lawman3842 on Aug 24, 2006 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

by the way...

Marquis' start against the Mets last year can be found here

The Cardinal Curmudgeon

by lawman3842 on Aug 24, 2006 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

hopefully

he'll hold 'em to just 2 homers tonight!

by chuckb on Aug 24, 2006 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

all bets are off on Marquis

we lost yesterday, so Bad Marquis seems guaranteed to show up.

On the other hand, the hometown/new father thing has to count for something in the karma column that the Baseball Gods seem to consult when deciding the results....I'm not making any bets. One thing we can predict about the 06 Cards is that they are eminently unpredictable.

That said, somebody did an over/under for Mulder in ER and IP yesterday, which seems appropriate....

over/under on ER: 6
over/under on IP: 5 2/3

seems fair. Hope I didn't just jinx him.

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I guessed

I guessed for Mulder 2.1 IP, 7 ER. Too bad he wasn't that good.

Marquis I predict 7 ip, 2 ER both Solo shots.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 24, 2006 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

If they have to include

a Pujols play, they might put in his bare-handed catch in the all-star game that made every Cardinals fan, player, and coach grimace.

The Cardinal Curmudgeon

by lawman3842 on Aug 24, 2006 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

ozzie

the play where ozzie ran into LF, dove, and caught the ball over his head narrowly avoiding the left fielder -- the left fielder was Curt Ford -- magnificent play. It's gotta be on the list along w/ Edmonds catch over the wall at Cincy and the play in the 2004 nlcs. I still say that play, b/c of the circumstances and what was at stake, was one of the 10 best defensive plays of all time.

by chuckb on Aug 24, 2006 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

tlr

is losing it. Even more than usual.

According to stltoday when jed reported to our hof manager that he's ready to play, tlr expressed that he's: "Not sure his first game back (should be against a lefty)," La Russa said. "But it's possible he'll start."

The article states that jed is 4/10 against williams.

HUH? An of featuring wilson, encarnacion and duncan is better than what you could come up with w/ jed in the lineup?

by sdesserman on Aug 24, 2006 5:21 PM EDT reply actions

have to go with TLR on this one

Jed was not ready to come back when he did, and he says he's OK now. Not buying it.

Remember that he's said he almost dropped a few flies because his vision was blurred, and he told nobody because he wanted to battle through it. Jim's drama queen/glass-jaw reputation is totally undeserved IMHO.

I was at the game when Jed was taken out....he had walked out to CF at the top of the 4th. I'm not sure what immediately preceded it, but I looked up and saw TLR and the trainer all the way out in CF, which I'm not certain I've ever seen a manager in CF mid-game when a player wasn't flat on his back with a severe injury. There was a long discussion, Jed seemed to want to stay in, but he'd looked terrible in a K (I think in the 2nd, not the 3rd)....what it seemed like at the time was that Jed had gone out there and then called for the trainer from CF, and various crowd members were likening Jed to an Italian soccer player (which at the time I thought was unfair, but it was hard to argue with what I thought I was seeing in front of me).

In retrospect I think what happened is between innings TLR became concerned and called time and went out there himself....ever since Jed has played pretty well in his limited duties but if TLR is not confident that Jed can start I'm inclined to trust TLR's judgment in this instance....even if I'm beginning to second-guess TLR on other matters, which I do not like doing since the man's record speaks for itself.

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Brett Butler? Steve Finley?

How are these guys on the list and Edmonds isn't? I know they were very good but I've watched a lot of baseball and Edmonds is a cut above those two...

by Pokey Joe on Aug 24, 2006 5:21 PM EDT reply actions

THE METS ARE POND SCUM

sorry....just had to get that out of my system ;)

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Marquis

is gonna show his stirrups tonight! (wotdaheck, may as well try something!)

"A man should live forever, or die trying." -- Mike Callahan

by The Ol Goaler on Aug 24, 2006 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Dial's rankings

As I stated in a previous thread...I had no idea where Oquendo ranked. I knew he was good. But, it blew me away he was THAT good.

The first installment of the article is all about Ozzie.

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/dialed_in/discussion/defense_over_the_last_twenty_years/

Big kudos, considering Dial is NOT a Cardinal fan.

Article two mentions the Weapon, Rolen and Terry Pendleton.

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/dialed_in/discussion/defense_over_the_last_twenty_years_pa rt_two/

Extremely cool.

by RedbirdRay on Aug 24, 2006 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

Anyone remember

Brian Jordan's play in the (I think it was) clincher of the 96 NLDS in San Diego? That was my first playoffs as a Cards freak, and it made my year.

That said, I think it'll be Willie McGee in the '82 series (over the wall in MIlwaukee), Ozzie's back-to-the-plate dive, and J-Ed's 2004 Game 7 catch. I guess it could be some gem from Rolen, but they're almost so ubiquitous that I can't name a single one.

by itsalemmon1019 on Aug 24, 2006 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

lineups for tonight...

STL:
Belliard, 2B
Taguchi, LF
Pujols, 1B
Rolen, 3B
Encarnacion, CF
Wilson, RF
Miles, SS
Bennett, C
Marquis, P

NYM:
Reyes, SS
LoDuca, C
Beltran, CF
Delgado, 1B
Wright, 3B
Green, RF
Valentin, 2B
Chavez, LF
Williams, P

The Cardinal Curmudgeon

by lawman3842 on Aug 24, 2006 6:09 PM EDT reply actions

No Chris Duncan...

....I better see Mr.Taguchi get a couple of hits tonight and be on base for Albert and Scott...I'll tell you that much.

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

This was an obvious choice here...

...Taguchi is 1 for 2 this season against Williams. How can you go against a split like that?

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions

2005 against Williams....

....Taguchi went 3 for 10.

Edmonds, you ask? 4 for 7, 2 HRs and a double.

Pujols? 5 for 12, 2 HRs and a double.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions

In that case

This better not be rained out - cause it seems like we want to face this guy

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Touche

by itsalemmon1019 on Aug 24, 2006 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

dang it

why did i pick Edmonds back up thinking he would start.

I guess Duncan is getting a breather but So better get on base.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

If Taguchi does not get a hit

If Taguchi does not get a hit or at least a walk he HAS to be released. I am sorry but I beg of you TLR this guy is beyond worthless.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 24, 2006 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions

what does it say about taguchi

that trl decided to play enc in center? i think what it says is that larussa has finally noticed how poorly taguchi has played in the outfield this year.

The St. Louis Cardinals: No Curses, No Excuses, Just Wins

by amettrick on Aug 24, 2006 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

As far as a Pujols defensive play...

...Game 1 of the NLDS, laserbeam throw from left field to gun out Junior Spivey.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 6:14 PM EDT reply actions

Same game....

Rolen leaps to the apex of his jump, snags the ball and as he is falling back to earth off balance, guns out...I think Junior Spivey again at 1st base. The throw was late, but it doesn't make it any less than one of the most amazing plays I've ever seen him make.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

williams

didn't he get DFA'd by the Reds? Or was that Weathers I am thinking of?

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 6:33 PM EDT reply actions

actually, traded

box score here from May 2

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Man.

TRL is really upsetting me..

WHAT KIND OF A LINEUP is that?

I long for Bernard Gilkey, Lankford and Gant

by birdsonthehat on Aug 24, 2006 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

At least ....

Miles isn't leading off...I'm hoping that Belly has a good game in that spot.. how about a lead off homer?...whens the last time the Cards did that?

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions

rain delay?!?

you have got to be kidding me.
jon sciambi and steve phillips calling for ESPN2.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

have they said how long?

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 24, 2006 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

no

ESPN hasn't said how long and i haven't checked the NYC radar yet

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Excuse me for hoping Taguchi goes 0 for 4

and makes 3 erros tonight. I hope he retires after this year because I can not stand watching him and Miles in the same lineup.

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 24, 2006 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

so

I want So gone after this season, too.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Edmonds

Does anyone know what the deal is with Edmonds? I mean is he still out with post-concussion syndrome or has he lost his job?

by redbirdrulz on Aug 24, 2006 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

he says he can play

at least that's what the paper is reporting

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions

and THIS is my point...

is he capable of playing...and Tony is sitting him...or is he still in a concussion daze and Tony is doing him a favor by sitting him....There doesn't seem to be any one real story on all this.

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Im just throwing this out there

but I think Larussa might be upset with Jimmy. It probably stems from the contract squabble from last week. Or it could simply be motivation for Jimmy to play harder with Wilson playing now.

Just trying give some ideas. I personally dont understand how you can have post concussion syndrome two months after you initially get a concussion with out any symptoms of post concussion syndrome. At least he never complained about it publically until just two weeks ago. I dont buy the excuse that he is giving us.

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 24, 2006 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I smell that too....

I thought it so strange that Edmonds would go to the press and say he was ready to go but Tony was just not playing him....and then Tony has been so non-commital on his standing as far as playing or not....Something is amiss with these guys ...I'd bet money on it.

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Did he not pull this same kind of

public whining before he got dealt to us from Angles?

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 24, 2006 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

All I remember...

is the L.A.Press talking about how unpopular he was in the clubhouse and that he was a selfish player..yadda yadda....

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Irony . . .

is that FSN is showing Edmonds highlights during the rain delay. That catch on the hill in Houston was awesome. Whatever Tony's problem is, he needs to get his big ego out of the way and put Edmonds in there.

by redbirdrulz on Aug 24, 2006 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Amen to that man...

If Jimmy can play?...PLAY HIM....

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm just having trouble

reconciling TLR's reasoning with regard to Mulder vs. Edmonds.

With Edmonds, they seem to be taking a cautious approach, despite the player's protestations.

With Mulder, they didn't seem to exercise the same caution after the rehab starts.

What am I missing?

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

FP

first pitch is due at 7:40

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

eastern or central time?

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 24, 2006 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions

ET

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Should have no more problems

The Game is in Flushing, NY

Here is the radar for it

http://www.weather.com/weather/map/USNY0504?from=36hour_map_large

Looks pretty good. They must just be cleaning up the field.

by DimitroffVodka on Aug 24, 2006 7:21 PM EDT reply actions

First pitch time.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

one good thing

about the rain delay: marquis hasn't given up any homers yet. if he has a rough start, we'll listen to the announcers' obligatory "the rain delay made it tough for him to get warm tonight!" discussion.

this has the makings of another shootout, but with the way the season has gone, it might be a 2-1 type game.

by jdub176 on Aug 24, 2006 7:41 PM EDT reply actions

SO

good job

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

steve phillips

just said "the mets have paid their dues the last few seasons..." I wonder why?! So just hit a double, causing me to spit my pepsi all over the place.

by jdub176 on Aug 24, 2006 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

Williams

Williams looks awful. His fastball is flat, he pitches it high. His curveball seems to hang for awhile. Even if not now, we should get to this guy REALLY soon. Even So was DRIVING the ball.

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 7:47 PM EDT reply actions

More on that

Notice all the fly balls (including fouls). This guy can't get the ball down at all. If we don't start sailing some out of the park, I'll be VERY disappointed.

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

fastball...

... is too high, but the boys are still swinging at it. Pujols skied one to the track, but the pitch was up around his shoulders. Rolen popped too, on a pitch well above the zone. Gooch swung at a few, until he got one he could handle.

by kindred on Aug 24, 2006 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

still would like to see....

better swings overall for Rolen....he just seems to be missing the sweet spot on a lot of pitches.....hey?..does he wear contacts?

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions

But

You have to admit, he has a horrible curve.

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

marquis

let's hope for a solid performance out of Jason

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:48 PM EDT reply actions

He is rocking the high socks...

...no way he can fail.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Yup

And with the stellar defensive ability of JEnc in center he is sure to have a good game. I mean . . .

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

lets hope so...

is this the first high socks appearence for marquis? i think it is, but i'm not too sure. maybe he's just trying to change his luck/karma or whatever. i think he should consider changing the spelling of his name to something really bizzare, preferably with some extra q's and a z or two. that can only bring good luck.

The St. Louis Cardinals: No Curses, No Excuses, Just Wins

by amettrick on Aug 24, 2006 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Why on earth was Juan playing that deep?

No triples defense?

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

Marquis' socks?

Is he trying to fool people into thinking he is Anthony Reyes? Knee high pants and all stripes showing. That's different for him, isn't it?

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 7:53 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely BB...

That is a new look for him for Sure...looking for some old school mojo!!

by Timbo02 on Aug 24, 2006 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

man...

I still hate watching this guy pitch. What a punch in the gut.

by armitagecard on Aug 24, 2006 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

But

The guy knows how to cover first. . .

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

one away

now take care of delgado

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:56 PM EDT reply actions

DP

ALRIGHT!!!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 7:59 PM EDT reply actions

Nice play Pujols!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Give him the gold glove. Although he has booted one in NY this weekend in front of all that media

by redbirdrulz on Aug 24, 2006 7:59 PM EDT reply actions

That was a hell of a DP

with the shift on and Marquis covering. Of course, Delgado is no speed merchant.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:00 PM EDT reply actions

did you guys catch

phillips...reyes most exciting offensive player in the bigs..hmmm

by punchinjudy on Aug 24, 2006 8:02 PM EDT reply actions

biased...

Phillips was their GM so of course he is going to be biased

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know

I never put stock in much that Phillips says but in this case he was talking about all around play... He's learned to bunt, take a walk, hit for power and average, and steal a lot of bases. That's pretty exciting. Especially stealing bases. Wouldn't we all LOVE to see a Cardinal again who could actually steal a base?.... Sorry, just reminiscing about Vince Coleman in his heyday in StL.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Speed and power:

I'd vote Soriano and then Jimmy Rollins

But most exciting for my money are Pujols and then Ryan Howard

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions

When Edmonds comes back

tomorrow night according to FSN, what will our outfield look like? I have a feeling a soon to be future topic on VEB is why Larussa is only playing Duncan against right handed pitching.

by redbirdrulz on Aug 24, 2006 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

probably

but wilson hits lefties pretty damn well, and we all know how much tony loves his splits, so it's going to happen.

The St. Louis Cardinals: No Curses, No Excuses, Just Wins

by amettrick on Aug 24, 2006 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Larussa might

have a legit reason on this one. Dunc's splits against lefties: 8 for 37, or a .216 average. It still hate to see a hot bat out of the lineup regardless of who is on the mound.

by redbirdrulz on Aug 24, 2006 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I have to believe

we are going to get to this pitcher tonight. He has been making mistakes. Maybe next time through.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

if marquis

thinks by wearing high socks we'll confuse him w/reyes...well he's got another thing coming.

aka "the Rev"

by erik on Aug 24, 2006 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

eh

I'm sure he just realizes he needs a change.

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions

two IP

This start is pretty solid and the lineup coming up in the top of the 3rd is 8-9-1.

I guess the stirrups are helping.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

I don't know

I'm getting that same "dodging bullets" feeling I've felt before. There are just so many DPs we can pull off.

by Intheway on Aug 24, 2006 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

GB

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:15 PM EDT reply actions

Hey, Sno Cone for everyone

Satan serving with the Bennett single.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

mmmm

sno cones. i'll have a cherry one please.

The St. Louis Cardinals: No Curses, No Excuses, Just Wins

by amettrick on Aug 24, 2006 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions

delivery

I'll take a cherry one in Reds country. j/k but i am seriously in the center of Reds country and it's not fun...

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions

ugh...

so, get on base.

he won't be back next season.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:18 PM EDT reply actions

are we looking at Good Marquis?

I hate to even ask....if I jinx him everybody throw something at me, it's my fault, I promise....how's he look on TV? I see the defense has shown up tonight....

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 8:23 PM EDT reply actions

looks solid

He's looking pretty solid though reyes just got a base hit

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

and...

reyes stole 2nd

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions

jinxed him, eh

Mets lead 1-0

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

i knew it

shoulda kept my mouth shut....

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I keep waiting

for the bottom to fall out.

And I think it's starting

by Intheway on Aug 24, 2006 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Remember wehn we played defense

and didn't give up outs like that? Or let catchers hit triples?

by sdrone on Aug 24, 2006 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

Wow, that was a bad play

by Wilson. Should have been 2 out man on 3rd. They called it a triple and they are NUTS!!! E-9!

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

triple

how was that a triple? usually a ball falling out of glove constitutes an error

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

i guess

wilson is as bad as advertised on defense.

by stlcardinalsfang on Aug 24, 2006 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Phillips

Phillips loves the Mets wayyy too much. Wasn't he fired by them?

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 8:29 PM EDT reply actions

We aren't good enough this year

to overcome these kind of mistakes. It really stabs me in the heart to feel this way.

by Intheway on Aug 24, 2006 8:30 PM EDT reply actions

bases loaded

and only one out

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

oh man...

Who is excited to watch this guy pitch for someone else next year.

by armitagecard on Aug 24, 2006 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

again

luckily reyes is in AAA. He couldn't do better than this.

by armitagecard on Aug 24, 2006 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

But Tony says he's

one of our five best!

by Intheway on Aug 24, 2006 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I was excited to watch him pitch for the Mets when we were going to get Aaron Heilman. Too bad that didn;t work out.

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

close one

at least that was only one run...and not four!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

It's still only 1-0

But I'm already wondering which movie I should put on to avoid watching this.

by Arambar on Aug 24, 2006 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

meh

Bye bye mets, hello shawshank redemption

by Arambar on Aug 24, 2006 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Check back in a hour

just to be safe

by Intheway on Aug 24, 2006 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm only watching gameday

and the movie will be on the computer too, so I'll be checking back often, it's just gotten to the point where it's too painful to wait for the updates knowing that we'll be farther behind whenever the update finally comes.

I leave Africa to come back to the states tomorrow. My first game back in the states will be Sunday Night Baseball against the Scrubs. Hopefully the Cards give me a nice welcome home present.

by Arambar on Aug 24, 2006 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Have a safe flight

and if your flight attendant looks like Timo Perez, consider rebooking

by Intheway on Aug 24, 2006 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Remember Aram

Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things...and no good thing ever dies.

"Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego."

by iron duke75 on Aug 24, 2006 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions

oy

As much as I like Shawn Green, So didn't hustle to get that one at all!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

okay...

So I just got home from work. Two things: What is up with Marquis' socks, and why isn't Yadi playing when he hits over .400 against their starter?

by heart cards on Aug 24, 2006 8:34 PM EDT reply actions

marquis

never pitches to yadi...and they love Gary Bennet's arm against Jose Reyes...

by armitagecard on Aug 24, 2006 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Hahahaha

I just threw up a little in my mouth.

by heart cards on Aug 24, 2006 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

molina

It says on the Cards' site that Yadi isn't in tonight because of an injured elbow.

Story here.

by sirensofsilence on Aug 24, 2006 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks

and BOOOOOOOOOO

by heart cards on Aug 24, 2006 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

why does

Marquis suck so bad all of a sudden? He started strong, but this is pathetic. It's almost as if he's given up out there.

The 11-pitch at-bat by the pitcher was the first sign.

The Cardinal Curmudgeon

by lawman3842 on Aug 24, 2006 8:35 PM EDT reply actions

PW

Preston's lack of a catch did not help at all.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think he really started all

that well. He got two DPs, remarkable ones at that, to avoid problems in the first two innings. It was really only a matter of time before the house of Cards came down.

by Intheway on Aug 24, 2006 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

because thus far

this is the lowest ground ball to fly ball ratio of his career.

Remember when he was a sever groundball pitcher...what happened?

That first year with us was crazy different.

by armitagecard on Aug 24, 2006 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Marquis reminds me

of a song...

As soon as I remember which song, I'll let you know...

"Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego."

by iron duke75 on Aug 24, 2006 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions

How about

the Adam Sandler song "Somebody Kill Me Please" from the SNL days

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah, I remember the verse

"No change, I can't change, I can't change, I can't change,
but I'm here in my mold , I am here with my mold
And I'm a million different people from one day to the next
I can't change my mold, no, no, no, no, no"

"Have you ever been down?"

"Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego."

by iron duke75 on Aug 24, 2006 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I still say this fits just as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty4EwXgxDJQ&search=Final%20Fantasy%20VIII%20Squall%20Rinoa%20Seif er%20Selphie%20Irvine%20Zell%20Quistis

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Pujols

Way to avoid grounding out to Reyes!!!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

So long and good night.

Cannot watch anymore. I'm starting to move over to the fire LaRussa side of the fence. This lineup had no chance to win even if Carp was pitching. This has been the least enjoyable season I've experienced in my life as a Card's fan.

by deanj on Aug 24, 2006 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

I know you say good night

you can't watch anymore but you know you are going to turn it off and go crazy and then turn it back on, probably only to suffer more, or maybe to come back and see something good happened. I did the same thing last night but as Cards fans we always have to at least check back in over and over. It's like trying to pass a car wreck without slowing down to look. Maybe there should be a name for our psychotic behavior, espescially this year.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions

You're right.

I'm still here. It is strange how hope hangs on even when it is incredibly painful to watch.

by deanj on Aug 24, 2006 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions

for Cubs fans

it's Cubbernecking

by Elle on Aug 24, 2006 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

good inning

this inning was pretty solid

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:51 PM EDT reply actions

Miles!

Alright!!

Can they stop bringing up Spivey, please?!?

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:53 PM EDT reply actions

I get such a warm feeling

when I see Miles in the lineup.

Actually, it's from laughing so hard I wet myself...

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

Bennett!!

HR #2 of the season!!!

3-2, baby!!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

Gary Bennett?

Is this Bizarro World?

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

BENNETT

how bout that?

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

More sno cones, huh?

Grape for me, if you please.

by Arambar on Aug 24, 2006 8:55 PM EDT reply actions

SNO CONES!!!!!!!

EVERYBODY!!!!! Miles and Bennett bring us back? Hell has now officially been renamed Siberia.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:56 PM EDT reply actions

Chavez

He almost dropped that ball on the fly but kept it in the glove.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:56 PM EDT reply actions

let's get it started

don't screw up, so

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

And the ESPN play by play guy

called it a.... get ready.... Sno Cone!!! Coincidence? I think not!

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

At least the Cards are making good contact

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 8:58 PM EDT reply actions

knock him out AP

don't let him get out of the inning

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

Hammer this into orbit, Albert!

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

here comes a homer

n/t

by lboros on Aug 24, 2006 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

feh

he got under it

by lboros on Aug 24, 2006 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

darn

not deep enough but hey, we're still in it!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

Well, that WAS a moonshot...

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

Somebody at least

needs to say the Chavez kid is a pretty damn good defensive left fielder. Sorry, but I think we're up if one of or guys had been playing for them.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 9:04 PM EDT reply actions

I decided to cheer myself up today

All hope seems lost as a Cardinal fan for me.

And I thought to the next to last time I felt that. And so I went on to youtube and watched the clip of Albert hitting the shot against Lidge, set to the song "Hey Man, Nice Shot".

And now I feel better. My greatest baseball memory. Just ahead of Ozzie's HR and Jack Clark's HR in the '85 NLCS.

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

and hey

MLB had the video removed apparently...I was going to link to it...

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

darn

that should have been an out

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

Nice play, mini Manny

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:07 PM EDT reply actions

ugh...

okay, we need our offense and defense producing NOW

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

If you will excuse me...

I have to go stab my eyes out with a fork

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

F!#$#!$

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

You can not throw Delgado

down and in. I absolutely called that when I saw Bennett go inside. It makes absolutely NO SENSE!!!! All 3 HRs of his were down and in!

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

CIN @ SF tonight

go Giants.

(....this must be what Cubs fans feel like.)

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

haha

by aet15 on Aug 24, 2006 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

sp's??

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions

asdf

CIN: Milton 8-7 5.28
SF: Hennessey 5-3 3.38

game time 9:15 CDT

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I had prepared a post

that read "Jason will probably give the runs right back in the bottom half."

I decided not to post it for fear of jinxing him...

I just can't win...sorta like the Cards right now...

"Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego."

by iron duke75 on Aug 24, 2006 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

marquis

in matt morris form...they get em 2 he gives em right back...

steve phillips is a genious"the cardinals have rotation problems" really thanks dyanamite drop in monty that broadcasting school really paid off(major league 2)

by punchinjudy on Aug 24, 2006 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL

"Captain Solo, it is possible that this asteroid is not entirely stable."

"Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego."

by iron duke75 on Aug 24, 2006 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Chewy...

..take the profesor in the back and plug him into the hyperdrive.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Bennett gets him two runs in the top of the 5th

and he goes and gives em right back.

And now a walk to Green.....if Valentin knocks Green I'm reaching for the tequila.

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

anybody watch prison break or the benchwarmers?

the hispanic guy from Prison break is in benchwarmers...it is one of the funnier parts in the movie which wasnt hard since the movie sucked like a mulder fastball

2. now marquis is cy yong?

by punchinjudy on Aug 24, 2006 9:22 PM EDT reply actions

Well, I imagine it's too much to ask

Miles, Bennett and a pinch hitter to do anything here so if anything can possibly happen it will be in the 8th. I think I'll go get myself some Jagermeister while we bat. Maybe that will change the tide.

Broglio for Brock!!!

by allenbrent on Aug 24, 2006 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

miles

Base hit again

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I absolutely love when we get production out of

guys we normally don't, and then give those runs right back.

It's so frustrating, 1 step forward...2 steps back. We go together cause I'm dressed like a cat.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

Thank you, Paula

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions

LMFAO

I remember that video....

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

it's all about pitching

I'm really beginning to think that all the Cards' other problems are being magnified by the rotation. If they could just stabilize the starters and find guys that don't get them in holes early and give them at least a half-ass chance to rally for two runs in the eighth we'd have clinched this bullshit division already. The awful starters (#2-#5) make the offense press and make the relievers labor.

Carp has been Carp, but everyone else has either been average at best or batting practice at worst (including Reyes). If Carp has an off game (which who doesn't?) then that's when the Cards lose 8 in a row.

It astounds me that the Cardinals can even talk about first place. They have not earned it, they have been given it.

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

spiezio!

let's get a rally started now!!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

williams done

pitching change

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Aug 24, 2006 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

Cardinal Web Gems

Probably revealing my youth here, but didn't McGee make a homerun-robbing catch in the '82 series? I vaguely remember looking up from my tyco blocks long enough to see that...but the outfield fence may have been pretty short too...maybe it wasn't that good of a catch, but it was in the series. That much I remember.

I think.

by farley503 on Aug 24, 2006 9:31 PM EDT reply actions

It was game 3 in Milwaukee

Gorman Thomas (I think) hit a deep fly to center with one man on which would have gone out. Willie timed his jump perfectly and came down with it. If it had gone out, it would have cut the Cards lead from 6-2 to 6-4.

Willie hit 2 HR's in that game as well...

"Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego."

by iron duke75 on Aug 24, 2006 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought it was against Atlanta

in the '82 NLCS...

by BozCardsFanSF on Aug 24, 2006 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

2nd & 3rd, 1 out

I'd walk Belliard to get to Taguchi, who will hit into a DP on the first pitch. God I really do feel like a Cubs fan now, this is terrible, we get something going and I can't get excited....

by nota bene on Aug 24, 2006 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

That's alright Oquendo...

you're right. That run to cut it to a 2 run deficiet isn't important, especially with Belliard and Taguchi coming up.

Yeah, I saw it too Jose. Tyler Johnson warming up in the pen. Yes, I agree, it doesn't matter how many we score here, he's going to give up 3 anyways. Yes, fine..you were right.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 24, 2006 9:32 PM EDT reply actions