Game 146 Open Thread: September 15, 2006

by lboros on Sep 15, 2006 6:02 PM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

suppan schmidt
11-7, 4.25 11-8, 3.45

short followup to this morning's post: si.com has a preview of the sd-la series up today, written by john heyman of the Dodger Thoughts blog. more info there about the cards' two most probable nlds opponents.

the giants are a reasonable proxy for either team --- pitching-oriented club (5th in the league in era) with a couple of hitters you have to be careful with, and a bunch of other nondescript hitters. tonight's starter, jason schmidt, hasn't faced st louis in over a year; he has a history of pitching well against them (3.06 era in 18 career starts) but only an 8-8 lifetime record to show for it.

i'll be interested to see what he signs for. we all know he's a god, but he's won 15+ games only twice in an 11-year career -- and the market overvalues wins and undervalues some of the other metrics. he'll be 34 years old next year, which isn't that old for a pitcher of his type --- think smoltz, schilling, big unit, mussina, all going strong into / beyond their late 30s -- and he's better now than he was even 5 years ago. check out his year-to-year stats; took him a long time to get established. he came up young (22), pitched for bad teams, then struggled with injuries; didn't find himself until the 2d half of 2001, his 7th year in the league. i'm with azruavatar, i'd love to see the cardinals pursue him; hah, we dreamers. he's said to prefer the pacific northwest, but the mariners already have four $10m+ contracts on their payroll through 2007 and three beyond 2008; they may not open the coffers, one never knows. of course the cardinals will never coffer up either, but what's the harm in day-dreaming. . . . .

schmidt is nailing his PECOTA projection this year; the system sees him as a 4- to 5-win player through the next two or three seasons. his comps include jack morris (#1), roger clemens (3), early wynn (5), bob gibson (6), steve carlton (9), and tom seaver (10).

those guys were good.

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I'm headed to the

Dodger / Padres game tonight in LA.... I think I'd rather face the Dodgers in the playoffs for two reasons...I think the Padres have better pitching, and if they face the Dodgers I'll get to go to any games in LA....selfish point no doubt, but a point none the less! .. Maddux vs Wells tonight....talk about your "Senior Circuit" game ..wow!

by Timbo02 on Sep 15, 2006 6:07 PM EDT reply actions

Here

I'm headed to the park tonight - I'm half hoping I don't get to see Schmidt because of his ailing back; I'd rather not leave thinking with the opinion that I don't want to sign him and then be forced to endure an entire offseason of arguing about why it's not a good idea to sign him for $55M for 5 years like I did last offseason with Burnett.

On the other hand, I am excited to see Suppan pitch. I'm glad he's come around lately, and I hope he is the one free agent pitcher we resign - I wonder if we can get him to agree to a 2 year deal worth between $10 and $12 million.

I'm more excited by the growing consensus that he is our #2 postseason pitcher. Remember who outpitched Clemens in 2004 AND laid down a squeeze bunt in the same game...

by STLEdge on Sep 15, 2006 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

and had a horrendous

basrunning gaffe in the WS

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I have forgiven

Suppan for that play - he's been really solid, and heck, he's just a pitcher. Not much to be expected offensively anyway.

Also, I got Sup's autograph after his 8-0 beating vs. the Padres earlier this season. He was sick, had been "driving the porcelain schoolbus" has he put it, all day, but took the mound anyway. The homer he surrendered to Piazza was the longest homer I've seen in person since big Mac retired.

The Cardinal Curmudgeon

by lawman3842 on Sep 15, 2006 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Over it

Can't be mad at Supp for his mistake in the '04 WS. The fact of the matter is that we had a pitcher than was a veteran making less than $2M/yr (at the time) starting a game for us in the WS. Supp's done a great job for us and imho is our second best pitcher (from a consistency perspective) over the last three years. Not bad for $3M per.

by Lawless on Sep 15, 2006 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

don't get me wrong. I think bringing Supp back for the next three years @ 4-5 mill a year would be one of the best moves the cardinals could make this offseason. But is hasn't all been hugs and kisses w/ Supp and he had a particularly bad first half this season.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Izzy news...

This is sad stuff. I always liked Izzy, even though he wasn't effective lately, he was a class act. This should free up some payroll should he retire after this season (which it appears is a distinct possibility)

From Bernie:

Goold reports on 1380 from Busch: Izzy did not feel right during his session in the bullpen. He doesn't want to push it in a game; doesn't want to hurt the team... He will try it again in a couple of days, hoping it feels better next time.... but obviously, reality is setting in. Not good.

That's beer, that's Budweiser.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Sep 15, 2006 6:15 PM EDT reply actions

That is rough

I feel for the guy. He's been an easy target at times but he's a helluva competitor. He never backed away from a challenge and when he stunk, he always faced the music honestly w/ the media (unlike marquis and mulder). He's a cards fan through and through and I hope this isn't the end, just b/c I think he deserves better than this.

by chuckb on Sep 15, 2006 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

bummer

my wife has an arthritic hip --- it hurts. is'hausen has been a big brave boy to play baseball on it all these years.

by lboros on Sep 15, 2006 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

PECOTA?

a "4- to 5-win pitcher"? Is PECOTA predicting major arm troubles or a drop off the cliff for Schmidt, or am I missing something? I agree with the rest of the sentiment, that he's a powerhouse guy who would be ideal at the front of our rotation. Might also be able to teach Reyes a thing or two.

by taiko on Sep 15, 2006 6:19 PM EDT reply actions

that means

4- to 5-wins above replacement level. it's very very good.

for comparison's sake: carpenter is projected as a 5-win pitcher in 07 and 08, a 4-win pitcher in 09, and a 3.5 in 2010. that number corresponds to the "value add" a player brings --- the value above and beyond what, say, jeff weaver provides.

by lboros on Sep 15, 2006 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

schmidt is a scratch

hennessey going in his place. per matt leach's blog...

on izzy, sad story. i think he's done, which imo put AW's future in the pen for good. i'd prefer him as a starter as most here would, but i think he could be a very good closer. i bet it's how it plays out. the closer market is thin, guys bit by injury bugs who appear about done themselves .... gagne, dotel, foulke...and guys who got saves despite their peripherals and aren't safe bets...wickman, baez, etc.

aka "the Rev"

by erik on Sep 15, 2006 6:24 PM EDT reply actions

add looper

to that unsafe bets list

aka "the Rev"

by erik on Sep 15, 2006 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Damn

are they skipping his start for a full rotation or will we see him later in the series. I REALLY want to watch him pitch. Gotta take notes so I can continue my campaign for signing him. I exceptionally dogged in my pursuit of somethings.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

haha

Don't worry, we'll light him up.

Acquire Barry Zito!

by aet15 on Sep 15, 2006 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Gonzo a juicer?

Don't take it from me... Here's what the owner of the Diamondbacks has to say:

http://www.temeculavalleynews.com/story.asp?story_ID=15907

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

old news

and really classless (not by you, by him). I just detest unfounded allegations about stuff like this. We all have suspicions about steroids but it shows absolutely no class to slander a player who's done nothing but great things for your organization, especially when you don't have the slightest f-ing idea what you're talking about.

by chuckb on Sep 15, 2006 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Why would you assume...

he doesn't know what he's talking about? He owns the freakin team. Granted I own my house and I don't really know what goes on it, but the D-Backs locker room is known to have been thoroughly infested with performance enhancing drugs, Gonzo has been there forever, he miraculously discovered his inner Babe Ruth after slugging .450 for 10 years... It's enough for a reasonable person to be suspicious.

True the owner is a slime. He wanted to take a popular player down a peg so he could dump him w/ minimal backlash, but that doesn't mean there's no reason to suspect Gonzo.

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Lineups

Winn CF
Vizquel SS
Hillenbrand 1b
Bonds lf
Durham 2b
Alou rf
Feliz 3b
E Alfonso c
Hennessey p

Miles ss
Dunc rf
Pujols 1b
Speez lf
rolen 3b
enc cf
belliard 2b
yadi c
suppan p

interesting to see rolen drop down a spot, and for spiezio at that.

aka "the Rev"

by erik on Sep 15, 2006 6:45 PM EDT reply actions

well...

I'm hoping that a few things will convince the cardinals to open the purse strings for Schmidt:

They almost did it last year. They were at that 10 million a year level by most reports. I don't think they'd have to go too much beyond that $$ wise to get Schmidt if they move early.
What has been the real downfall of the cardinals this year? Pitching. It's the bedrock that we've seen crumble. They thought - for whatever reason, good or bad - that Mulder was their #2 guy. He's not and he won't be. They need to acquire another top of the rotation arm now moreso than even last year.
They are seeing the beginning of some PR problems. Nothing solves that better than a big name signing. This can also lead to very bad free agent signings (re: Mariners & Washburn/Beltre), but the Cardinals have to recognize that the only way to get that number 2 man in the rotation is to overpay.

So do I think it's likely we get Schmidt...not really, given his West Coast preference. Do I think it's possible? Absolutely. They showed the desire last year but things fell through. There is even more incentive to sign that number 2 guy next year with Mulder not coming back or being diminished in capacity. I'm really hoping the cardinals...

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 6:54 PM EDT reply actions

I'm convinced...

the Cards should focus squarely on Zito, Schmidt and El Caballo... No more messing around with Encarnacion types, aside from signing Suppan for the five hole.

I don't know why folks are down on the Cards willingness/ability to grab a top of the rotation starter. They thought they did it two off seasons ago, they made a bona fide effort last season, and this year they need one more than ever. Seems to me we should trust that they will do what they can to get one of these guys...

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions

El Caballo

worries me and I want no part of signing him. I don't think he is going to be able to field anything in LF for much longer and will need to move to 1b.

Pecota sees him as $7, $5.6, $5.175, $4.075, $2.775 million over the next 5 years. I think that we would be better off putting Rodriguez or Duncan in LF and seeing what happens (I'd prefer Rodriguez b/c I have more faith that his numbers are an accurate representation of what he can do - I like his OBP in the 2 slot) and spending the money elsewhere.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

but what do you do with center field? indications are jimmy won't be back. i doubt it'll happen, but i'd like to see this OF next year Duncan/Eric Byrnes-Encarnacion-Jose Guillen. Call me crazy, but it would be a relatively cheap OF and would give the Cards mo' money to play with the starting pitching.

Byrnes could platoon with Dunc, and play some center. Enc hits like more like a cf'er. and Guillen could be had on the cheap due to his injuries. the question is if he can get along with tlr....

aka "the Rev"

by erik on Sep 15, 2006 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions

When the D-Backs canned Gonzo...

they said their OF for '07 would be Byrnes-Young-Quentin, left to right...

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn't realize...

the projection was so low... I don't love The Horse, and I think the 5/$75 estimates are off the charts, but I think the Cards need to come to grips with the reality that sometimes you have to overpay to fill a need.

They did that with Looper/Rincon, so I guess they do know that...

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually ,

the reluctance is more true than you think. It was documented in the Post during this past off season that the Cardinals fell way short of the 55 mil that Burnett recieved from the Blue Jays. If I remember correctly it was somewhere around the 39.5 Mil range or even a little lower than that.

Now having 26 million to spend this next off season makes you wonder how much they will actually spend and how much of that will go to a bonafide top teir pitcher (ie Schmidt or Zito)

Im not a betting man but I would bet that they only spend 20 million of that 26 million if not lower. Reason being, this whole issue with the financing for Ballpark Village has me worried that they will cut back payroll even more in the next few years until they finally get the first couple of phases of that project paid for. Its not looking good in the near future payroll wise.

by Poooo Daddy on Sep 15, 2006 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I suppose...

it's possible...

As for Burnett, 4/$40 was a respectable offer... It became less respectable after the Blue Jays blew the market apart, but that's a result of the Jays overspending, not the Cards lowballing...

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Discounting 04 and Slide in 05

I think we can all agree that at minimum Schmidt will get 3YR/$33M (again at least). He is not particularly interested in the Cards so it would probably take $12M/yr to sign with us.

That said his 05 season was down and the second half of 06 he has has a 4 era. I wouldn't be for paying $12M/yr for a 34-36 year old with a 4 era (as his upside). He has steadily lost velocity and is a pitcher who works off his fastball.

For that reason I think the comparisons to Schilling and Johnson are inappropriate. These guys didn't lose velo until his age 40 season.

I've seen Schmidt play at Pac Bell three or four times over the years --- Watch the game tonight.. Schmidt's velo will be in the low 90s vs mid 90s of a few years ago. Think Matt Morris in his decline years after the 02 season. Matt's velo went from mid 90s to low 90s and those few miles/hr have made him go from a 3.2 ERA type pitcher to a league average 4.25 or so.

There are better options but they require creativity. I would still strongly prefer taking a flier on Eaton and developing Reyes next year then wasting money that could be better spent elsewhere on Schmidt... I would love to be wrong, but with pitchers like Schmidt all margin for error comes off the old No.1.

by Lawless on Sep 15, 2006 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Schmidt wont be pitching tonight

he injured himself swinging a bat last week. To be honest I doubt he comes here next year either. I think Reyes will be dealt along with some mid teir prospect for a proven pitcher or a starting outfielder.

How about Reyes and prospect for Andrew Jones?

by Poooo Daddy on Sep 15, 2006 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Smoltz

Higher risk short term deal would be to land Smoltz (i.e. imo we would have better luck getting an OFer via free agency than an impact SP).

A better deal would be to get Dontrelle - I would give up either:

(A) Reyes and Duncan or
(B) Wainright, Rasmus and Pick a Double A prospect

Another option might be Freddy Garcia. We could probably get him cheaper, but in Garcia we would get a solid #3 no more no less.

Another dark horse deal might be Rich Harden. It would probably take a ton to pry him away, but if it could be done that would be an extremely high risk/high reward target.

Finally - If the Angels were willing to trade Ervin Santana and prospects for Tejada, I'd be interested in whether they would give up Santana and pick a prospect for Rolen...

by Lawless on Sep 15, 2006 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Yuck

I'm not sure there is a single suggestion in there I like.

Smoltz has a 8mill option for next year. Schuerholz will pick that up - no brainer.

I wouldn't mind getting Dontrelle for the first option because I don't think Duncan is this good (although he did just hit a bomb tonight). And Dontrelle isn't that much older than Reyes. But I DO NOT want to trade Rasmus. He's the only real impact player in our system and I think that if you give CF to Enc for 2 years Rasmus takes over after that.

Harden is good but gets hurt an awful lot and I just don't see Billy Beane trading him till he's closer to free agency.

I think the Angels were the ones that balked at the price of Santana for Tejada not the Orioles. And if you trade Rolen, you have to acquire a new 3rd baseman and a new impact bat.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

All risky - but what do you have?

Aquiring Smoltz would be after his option is exercised. Agreed - no doubt it is picked up, but there is doubt in terms of whether smoltz is in the Braves LT plans (i.e. given the age of there team they might cash smoltz out)
I don't want to give up Rasmus either, but we need a hurler
Harden is high risk no doubt but I would still expect him to be one of the top five pitchers in the league over the next 10 years.
Orioles owner balked on the trade of Tejada for Santana and prospects(per Buster Olney). I love Rolen, but if he could land us Santana and prospects we could pick up a third baseman with the money saved (or at least remain afloat with a Pedro Feliz type)

But past all that - I'd like to hear what you suggest? Everyone wants something for nothing, I am only trying to bring up possible matches (i.e. the Braves need to get younger, the As have a history of trading their pitchers, the Angels are looking for a third sacker, etc. etc.)

by Lawless on Sep 15, 2006 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Dunc

Never mind - lets keep him!!!

by Lawless on Sep 15, 2006 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Mike Matheny

I haven't seen this discussed, but does anyone else think that Mike Matheny would be a great baseball coach? If he really does hang it up after this year (with his concussion problems), I would love to see the Cardinals sign him up as a coach, either as a bullpen or bench coach in the majors, or as a minor league skipper or pitching coach. Catchers often make great managers and pitching coaches, and I think Matheny has the characteristics of a great one. I hate to say it, but his playing history was a lot like Dave Duncan's. I loved Mike and I hope this is a possibility.

by Nicodemus on Sep 15, 2006 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I'd be up for that. But you never know with player coaches. . . it's always a gamble, but I'd be willing to gamble on Matheny.

Acquire Barry Zito!

by aet15 on Sep 15, 2006 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

How about Pujols...

for player-manager? The pitching coach could handle the pitchers, Oquendo could point the fielders where to go, some number cruncher could compile the book, a graybeard could be bench coach to give words of wisdom...

Pujols is the boss anyway, why not make it official...

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I think thats a bad idea.

Let the guy focus on what does does best... hit the little white ball. Why encumber him with managerial hassles?

by Zubin on Sep 16, 2006 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions

I think thats a bad idea.

Let the guy focus on what does does best... hit the little white ball. Why encumber him with managerial hassles?

by Zubin on Sep 16, 2006 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions

pirates

jumpin all over pedro 4-0

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 8:08 PM EDT reply actions

another garner move

pays off...walks howard clemesn walks the next guy bases juiced and grandslam

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 8:19 PM EDT reply actions

Dunc!

by stlmapman on Sep 15, 2006 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

yes bonus coverage of the twins

while AP is batting

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 8:30 PM EDT reply actions

who else in NL

should get rookie votes other than Dunc? that 2b from FLA? at any rate dunc has earned full time duty next yr, or full time platoon...what month did he start playing more often this yr..junish?

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

NL Rookie of the year

Is some rookie from the Marlins in my book: Ramirez, Uggla, Willingham. Take your pick. Outside of them, maybe Zimmerman from the Nats or Markakis from the Orioles - both who are future perennial All-stars.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Marlins pitchers...

Josh Johnson and maybe even the Sanchez kid if he finishes strong.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

MLBTV says 2 outs.

How??

by fuegophil on Sep 15, 2006 8:34 PM EDT reply actions

nevermind, they changed it

by fuegophil on Sep 15, 2006 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

um dunno

gamecast says rolen hr'd enc up 4-1

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

Rolen bashers repent!

by guayzimi on Sep 15, 2006 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

Cheap coffee!!!!

Alright Dave's boy!

Cormier? Really? Who new?

by tudor rooter on Sep 15, 2006 8:53 PM EDT reply actions

Shannon is excited about that cheap coffee!

by gdowdy3 on Sep 15, 2006 8:53 PM EDT reply actions

Duncussion! Part II

by punditmoi on Sep 15, 2006 8:53 PM EDT reply actions

How great is it

To get into their bullpen in the first game.....WTG C-Dunc.....

by fuegophil on Sep 15, 2006 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

Curtain Call

For Duncan??? Could someone who is watching the game tell me

by stltrav09 on Sep 15, 2006 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

Yep Curtain Call for Dunc

Pujols didn't stall long enough to make it a good one, but a curtain call always feels good!

by Lawless on Sep 15, 2006 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Belliard

Has he hit a breaking ball this season?

by fuegophil on Sep 15, 2006 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

Can someone answer...

Why is Jamey Wright pitching in the major leagues?

This guy is horrible. I guess teams are and always will be desparate for pitching.

IMO, Jamey Wright pitching in the major leagues is proof that someone will sign Mulder to a 1 or 2 yr contract for some decent money. Maybe 1 yr for $3-4 million with incentives and an option yr.

Of course, as I write this, Wright is making the Cards look silly.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 9:13 PM EDT reply actions

how much worse is he

than marquis? kudos for SF to move him to the bullpen, something for whatever reason the cards haven't had the heart to do with jason.

aka "the Rev"

by erik on Sep 15, 2006 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

It is easier...

when you have young pitching to replace him with.

by FunkeeC on Sep 15, 2006 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

too bad we don't have the young pitching

to replace Marquis with...

I hope that wasn't what you were trying to imply of the cardinals cause, imo, it's patently untrue.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions

FYI

3 innings pitched. 0 hits, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts.

by Big Red on Sep 15, 2006 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions

hey

say that again, will ya? I liked the effect.

by DCGreg on Sep 15, 2006 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

True but...

you could make the case that Marquis has just had an off year.

Wright has had an off CAREER. 67-98 with a 5.12 ERA in the NL is not a good record. The Giants don't have anyone else in the minors? Give a kid a chance.

Of course, he is pitching lights out as I write this. Go figure.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

Bats are awake tonight

Dunc and Scotty coming through big time. Nice to see that as they had both been slumping slightly as of late.

Rolen has another 20 HR season and lil Dunc is one away from his first.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 9:46 PM EDT reply actions

Yikes

that was almost another concussion for the team...scary!

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

Rolen's 2nd HR was beautiful piece of hitting...

...the way he pulled his hands in before contact was a thing of beauty.

by Hardcore Legend on Sep 15, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Where's Kline?

We want Kline! We want Kline! We want Kline!

Love to hear the crowd reaction if Kline comes in. What do you think? Cheers or Boos? Maybe mixed.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 9:54 PM EDT reply actions

NICE AB by Dunc

That was close pitch inside for ball 4. He is progressing but I still wonder how lefit these HRs are compared to his minor league numbers.

O yeah and that guy batting after Dunc finally got in on the scoring...he's ok as far as first basemen go.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 9:58 PM EDT reply actions

wow Dunc is playing

well over his 90 percentile PECOTA projection...

that's either a great breakout season or we should watch for decline.

BTW I love beating teams 10-2. Feels so 2004-ish. Ahh nostaglia

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Dunc,Luna,J-rod

OK heres my thing I was never a big J-rod Luna guy, but I like dunc..maybe not as a full time guy next yr..hes gonna have to hit a lefty first.

Im not sure how dunc is in the field but what I have seen in games when he bats hes either locked in or not..no middle ground yet

Could someone tell me though when he became platoon more often?

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 9:58 PM EDT reply actions

How nice a night is it

you're cheering for Duncan to hit his third, he walks, and THEN Albert comes up, and his two RBIs are just gravy?

Life is good.

The cat is fine, thank you.

by Intheway on Sep 15, 2006 9:59 PM EDT reply actions

Mets

are they the cards of 04? They been cruising all yr until the ace gets hurt(Pedro/Carp)now the mets have alot better O than the 04 cards but right now their pitching is a huge ? mark heading into the postseason

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 10:05 PM EDT reply actions

Cards 2004 version...

...actually compares very favorably to the 2006 Mets:

Avg/OBP/SLG/OPS
2004 Cards .278/.344/460/.804
2006 Mets .265/.334/.451/..785

In looking at HR power & productivity:

HR/HR per game/Runs/Runs per game
2004 Cards 214/1.32/855/5.28
2006 Mets 186/1.28/768/5.30

And the Cards won 105 games - the Mets are at 90 with 16 to play. I would argue that the NL in 2004 was also a little weaker than 2006. 2-7 in our lineup that year was fun to watch.....

by wildman on Sep 15, 2006 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Huh?

The NL was weaker in 2004 than in 2006?

The third-place team in the NL Central (Chicago) won 89 games. San Francisco won 91, Houston won 93, Los Angeles won 93 and Atlanta won 96. Five teams won 90+ games in 2004. Only one team in the National League this season will win over 90 games.

The Cardinals dominated a very tough league.

by ryanisforever on Sep 15, 2006 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree 100%

by Zubin on Sep 16, 2006 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions

What slump?

by Hardcore Legend on Sep 15, 2006 10:05 PM EDT reply actions

Wow

This Rolen guy is good!

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

we haven't seen a drubbing like this since

the first game in Philly.

Well there was those drubbings that we took by some White Sox team. But this is the first we've delivered in a while.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I take that back

apparently we beat the shit out of the Reds on August 7th.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Back from work

Pushes SCI FI shows to 11 ET so I can watch the rest of this game.

The last game I missed in full due to work was the Carp gem

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

quiet comment night fo such a fun game to watch

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, that is strange...

I thought there would be more posts. Figured to be a tough game against the Giants who are battling for the playoffs.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Friday night...

...only reason I'm on is I'm at work right now.

by Hardcore Legend on Sep 15, 2006 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

HS football

could be one reason. I worked this evening or I'd be commenting more than I have so far.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep...

Friday Night Lights! Forgot about HS football.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions

that said

I won't be posting at all next weekend (holiday reasons)

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions

blackout tomorrow?

Is the game blacked out on MLB TV or not?

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:22 PM EDT reply actions

Good question...

...since I just paid $20 for the end of the season package for the non-Extra Innings weekend game.

by Hardcore Legend on Sep 15, 2006 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

The schedule says WB-11...

which means that it probably WILL be on MLB.TV

I think only the FOX national games are blacked out.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for the split

that means, after the game, I'll turn on some FB

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions

wtf?

split? i must be tired.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Once more, with feeling...

Any games that start before 7:00 EDT are blacked out. Any that start at or after 7:00 EDT are not.

by cardsrul on Sep 16, 2006 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Great outing Jeff

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:23 PM EDT reply actions

Soup-a-Loop!

He's been outstanding down the stretch.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions

ST lineup indeed

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

Why bring Flores in this situation

seems like the IDEAL time to see what Narvie can do for two innings. low leverage situation, face some big league hitters.

This is the time we should be testing out some rooks.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

If there's an upside

the way he's going, we won't see Flores again this series.

The cat is fine, thank you.

by Intheway on Sep 15, 2006 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions

boo flores

ick!

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Sep 15, 2006 10:30 PM EDT reply actions

4 runs

for SF.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:31 PM EDT reply actions

ok flores lets

not give up all the runs bak

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

ive asked this 3 times tonight

when did dunc come up full time? and be him and whoever as platoon..the platoon involved Luna earlier this year and J-rod too?

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 10:37 PM EDT reply actions

Dunc

He's been the everyday player for a few months now, given the every so often breather.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

duncan was recalled

on / about july 4th and has been in the lineup ever since

by lboros on Sep 15, 2006 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

right

i was trying to think what month and that they sit him against lefties. I was thinking either bring back Pdub next yr for cheap or maybe Delucci..someone to platoon with DUnc...just a thought..someone who is not a big drop off like J-rod...sorry but he is..they need a proven guy IMO for a good platoon

by punchinjudy on Sep 15, 2006 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Delucci bats left-handed...

Not a good platoon for Dunc.

Preston might not ok but he strikes out too much for my taste.

No worries, we've got all off-season to find a RH LF to platoon with Dunc.

by jdubya on Sep 15, 2006 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone notice...

... our hit totals are exactly the same. Weird game, but a good one. Nice to see the cards have 4 hr especially the 2 from scott who had been slumping.

by RB @ Viva El Birdos on Sep 15, 2006 10:39 PM EDT reply actions

New pitcher

Brad Thompson

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:39 PM EDT reply actions

so got a hit

and a double at that!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

so

got a run tonight

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat

by cardsfan84 on Sep 15, 2006 10:51 PM EDT reply actions

wow

i'm glad no schmidt tonight. who are these gigantes? fred louis? tomas de la rosa?

aka "the Rev"

by erik on Sep 15, 2006 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

Woot

Nice win tonight boys. I love to see the giants lose (especially since I live in No Cal and have to deal with the onslaught of Giants lovers out here!)

I'm going to my happy place now.

by RosevilleRedbird on Sep 15, 2006 11:03 PM EDT reply actions