cartoon carnival

by lboros on Nov 17, 2007 8:30 AM EST in St. Louis Cardinals News

news, views, and fluff to start off the weekend:

the cardinals lost cody haerther on waivers to the toronto blue jays. that's a damn shame. after his stellar 2005 season, haerther looked like a good bet to crack the cardinal roster by 2007 as a 4th outfielder, if not an everyday player. PECOTA has always liked him; his top comps include andre ethier, adam laroche, john rodriguez, and ross gload, all of whom can hit. scouts projected him (best case) as the next rusty greer. but he hasn't made any progress the last couple of seasons --- had an off-year in 2006 and missed most of last year with injuries. he turned 24 years old last july and is running out of time, but the guy has hit at every level. i hope he manages to stay healthy and have himself a career.

the tampa tribune says the d-rays are interested in troy percival. add'l info in a related item in the paper's blog:"Percival's agent Paul Cohen said at least three and possibly four teams have said they are interested in using the veteran as a closer next season." any guesses as to who those teams are? the cubs might be one, if they follow through on their plan to move ryan dempster to the rotation; brewers might be another, given the likely departure of francisco cordero; and the astros are now in the market for a closer, having dealt away brad lidge. of course the agent might just be blowing smoke, but given the high cost of closers and the dearth of them on the market, it stands to reason that teams would consider percival an option --- and he might well end up with a division rival. the tribune adds that the rays are interested in percival not as a closer but rather as a setup man for incumbent saves artist al reyes (another ex-cardinal).

kenny rogers became the second player this off-season (joining a-rod) to defy scott boras in a bid to stay with his old team. i wonder if either of'm learned from jeff weaver's experience last year. weaver wanted to return to st louis, but boras steered him away for a few extra benjamins; disastrous career move. rogers' case isn't exactly comparable to weaver's, as kenny is 873 years old and probably entering his last season, whereas weaver was at mid-career. all the same, weaver's case drew a lot of attention last winter because of his postseason exploits. maybe these players are finally starting to wise up.

if you haven't read matt leach's Q+A w/ john mozeliak, i recommend it. i liked this statement from mo:

We're not just going to throw money at somebody [just] because that's what other people are doing. We need to make sure that we're assessing and identifying players that can help us. And if they don't fit the financial structure that we believe their value is, why would we just overpay to say we've done something? Because in the end, if you do a bad contract, somewhere along the way, you're going to regret it. It's easier not to make the mistake than to make the mistake and try to fix it.

the 1986 cardinals went 3-3 during the past week and are tied for 3d place, a game and a half back. they dropped 2 of 3 to the detested mets, with both losses coming in the new yorkers' last at-bat --- one of them on a walkoff 3-run bomb by mookie wilson. feh.

the guys at SB Nation brother site AZ Snakepit launched an awesome new meme: your favorite ballplayers in South Park guise. here are my sketches of tony la russa and albert pujols:

to create these little characters you go here --- hours and hours of time to be wasted. enjoy!

Tweet Comment 52 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I thought those were...

some kind of twisted new advertising...

The quote from Mo is fine, but how does one square that philosophy with the horrible Pineiro contract?

Who needs Antonetti? Give Luhniak a chance!

by guayzimi on Nov 17, 2007 9:48 AM EST reply actions

That's if you believe it is a horrible

signing. Some don't (like me).

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Nov 17, 2007 11:47 AM EST up reply actions

+1

When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?

by RosevilleRedbird on Nov 17, 2007 1:00 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah

I think I was much more on the "What the hell?" front for the Springer signing (because of the money we gave him).

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Nov 17, 2007 2:48 PM EST up reply actions

Closer situation...

Larry, Brewers and Cubs are very good guesses. I did a cursory glance down the list at teams with closer question marks and popped the Giants and the Rangers. Though the latter depends on the health of Otsuka. Personally, I have always viewed him as a set up man and Benoit performed servicably in the role during his short stint.

Giants have a couple of prospects they view as the next closer, so a one year deal to a guy like Percevial or Gagne makes sense as the bridge to the future.

Like the trading deadline last year, there are more closers, or closer type talent available then there is need.

by Brock20 on Nov 17, 2007 10:18 AM EST reply actions

I'd guess closer on the Cubs

is a pretty low priority. Piniella likes Howry, and they've got closer-in-waiting Marmol. AT this point, their 7-8-9 setup is Marmol-Eyre-Howry.

by sdrone on Nov 17, 2007 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

Haerther.....

Could someone explain to me why the organization would just put him out there for FREE? If the Cards felt they had no use for him, couldn't they have put him out there for a trade of minor leaguers, say to Toronto? This just feels like a mistake to me....

by jillsinmo on Nov 17, 2007 10:33 AM EST reply actions

They pretty much had to decide

between mather, hoff, haerther, etc. They can only protect 40 players from the rule 5 draft and rosters have to be submitted on Tuesday. It is a surprise that they made the move this soon, though; you'd think they would wait until the last minute, when 500 other guys are being waived at the same time.

Good discussion here:
http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/702580.html

As of now there are 5 spots open on the 40-man roster, assuming they don't DFA encarnacion and taguchi or sign a pitcher or SS, and the following are eligible to be rule 5'd afaict: Hawksworth, Mather, Motte, Haerther, Hoffpauir, Barden, Dove, Cavazos, Pomeranz, Parisi, McClellen, Haberer, Worrell, Sillman

It's easier not to make the mistake than to make the mistake and try to fix it. -Mo

by SleepyCA on Nov 17, 2007 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

edit: looks like they added mather, hawksworth

so it's really 5 spots for 12 players instead of 14. I would think they could also easily get cavazos, falkenbourg and jimenez through waivers. Maybe even JRod.

It's easier not to make the mistake than to make the mistake and try to fix it. -Mo

by SleepyCA on Nov 17, 2007 1:32 PM EST up reply actions

a number of those guys are already

on the 40-man. hawksworth, barden, cavazos, falkenborg, and jimenez already are on there. also, so taguchi is taking up a spot. if you subtract taguchi, that leaves the roster at 34 --- 6 spots open --- so they could have added motte, hoffpauir, parisi, haerther, mclellan and worrell without going over the limit. the odd men out:

dove --- was already taken off the 40-man, apparently not in their plans
pomeranz --- not worth a spot; expendable
haberer --- ditto
sillman --- ditto

as you mentioned, if they needed to clear space for later acquisitions (such as a backup catcher), they could always bump falkenborg, j-rod, cavazos, and/or jimenez.

seems like a bad decision to dump haerther in order to preserve a slot for the likes of jimenez or cavazos; they're middle relievers at best, and perez and motte are coming up right behind them with more ability and higher upside. i bet they miscalculated --- thought they could sneak haerther through waivers and were wrong.

by lboros on Nov 17, 2007 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think there should be any fear of losing

Jiminez. Would should hope to lose him.

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Nov 17, 2007 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

That's funny!

In regards to which player to pick, though, it's not necessarily whom you are most afraid to lose. You should pick the guy you don't think would stick on a Major League Roster for an entire year. If he doesn't stick on the 25-man for the entire year, we get him back.

Seems like there should be more gamemanship here than teams put forth. It wouldn't take too much effort to see which teams can afford a Rule 5 addition to the 40-man. What teams might be looking for a Rule 5 addition could really influence which player is smartest to pick.

Really, several of those guys are good gambles on not being able to stick on a ML team for a year.

by RedbirdRay on Nov 17, 2007 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

I do understand why they would

remove him. I just wonder why they didn't deal him to someone else-someone they didn't have to put on the 40 man roster. You know, a minor leaguer that is someone else's spare part-is it something that is that hard to do? Toronto picked him up-I guess now we only get cash. Is it enough to buy a pitcher?

by jillsinmo on Nov 17, 2007 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

So, do you think Jeff Weaver will fire

Scott Boras and try to resign with St. Louis?

(AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!)

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Nov 17, 2007 12:16 PM EST reply actions

Don't believe

for one second that the actions of A-Rod and Rogers are going to start an avalanche of Boras' clients leaving him. It's a nice thought, but it ain't happening.

by cardsrul on Nov 17, 2007 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

Oh but

We can dream. Dream Weaver!

by VORP is too nerdy on Nov 17, 2007 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

How does one post a picture on here?

Cheeseburger in paradise.

by joker24 on Nov 17, 2007 12:34 PM EST reply actions

Posting a picture... two ways

First off, before you post a picture I'd suggest you read the rules of conduct. If you don't own the copyright to the picture, it could be illegal to post it here. That being said, here are a couple of ways to post a picture:

(1)
Find a hosting site like www.tinypic.com.
Upload a picture and follow the instructions.

(2)
Right click on a picture on the internet.
Choose properties.
Copy the address (URL).
Type the following in when commenting in this blog, replaceing [] with <>: [img src="INSERT TARGET ADDRESS HERE"]
If you'd like, resize it using height and width tags.
For example: [img src="http://images.vivaelbirdos.com/images/admin/birdos.gif" height=100 width=100], gets you:

The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!

by Zubin on Nov 17, 2007 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you

Belliard.

Cheeseburger in paradise.

by joker24 on Nov 17, 2007 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

Ridiculous sterotypes start here...

I call him So Park...

The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!

by Zubin on Nov 17, 2007 1:53 PM EST reply actions

Eckstein, Per Roto

So according to the rotoworld feed, Eckstein is seeking a Julio Lugo deal...That's somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 years, 36 million. In that case, see ya later Davey, thanks for the WS MVP that Rolen should have won and all the incredible scrappiness...But please don't let the door hit you on the way out. After all, if it does it will probably injure you.

by redbirdnation8206 on Nov 17, 2007 2:06 PM EST reply actions

You forgot

Thanks for the draft picks...

The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!

by Zubin on Nov 17, 2007 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

That's nuts.

by sdrone on Nov 17, 2007 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Eckstein

it could be worse, we could be on fire

by hardhittinmarkwhitten on Nov 17, 2007 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

arz and others

I thought the actual signings with other teams and contracts didnt start until Dec yet mlbtraderumors reports offers being made to peeps from teams other than the last one they played for...

I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punchinjudy hitter-major league 2

by punchinjudy on Nov 17, 2007 3:13 PM EST reply actions

Is anyone else concerned

that we really don't have much talent/impact players going into next season at SS, 2nd, and if Rolen is traded at 3rd also. That's the whole infield except for Albert and 3 spots of an already hit or miss battting order that struggled most of last season to score runs.

Not that it's much of a suprise we are in this situation, but I woke up this morning and it hit me, what the hell are the Cardinals going to do about these positions? Is there a plan or is Mo going to sign Cesar Izturis and platoon Miles & Kennedy at 2nd just to win the worst hitting SS/2nd combo in baseball award? I don't want Eckstein back but if the alternative is Cesar freaking Izturis then we are going to be in for a long summer.

I know the winter meetings are still a couple of weeks away and there surly will be some moves coming up but the way the offense is currently set up with these glaring holes and rumors of Isturis coming in and Kennedy getting another shot to prove his contract I am having serious doubts of the way the team is coming together to be "competitive" for next season as the front office has somwewhat "promised" it to be.

Oh I get it...I think "competitive" is another word for "re-building" for the boys at 700 Clark Street.

by KYCards on Nov 17, 2007 3:39 PM EST reply actions

Rasmus is my hero

Rasmus powers Team USA into finals vs Cuba with a 2 for 3 day, including a HR.

Can Rasmus please be given a shot to make the team in ST? Where is Bobby Bonilla when we need him?

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Nov 17, 2007 3:42 PM EST reply actions

Maybe Emonds will be the 2008 version of Bonilla

and that will open a spot for Colby.

But with Tony leading the ship I wouldn't count on Rasmus getting much of a chance at least until after All-Star break and that only if injuries start to pile up like last season. I fully expect we will sign an old veteran outfielder (a 2008 version of Preston Wilson) that will take the spot of what could have been for Colby.

by KYCards on Nov 17, 2007 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

In fairness to Preston

he WAS on the World Series team the year before and he only cost $1 M. The guy played the first month of the season with a terrible microfracture in his leg.

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Nov 17, 2007 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Oh no doubt

I was actually in favor of re-signing Preston and was thinking he could have a "comback" season for us last year. But in looking back now his injury along with Juan's spat with Tony did open the door for Ankiel (who provided us with probably the best moments of the 2007 season).

I too hope we see Colby with the club in 2008.

Heck look at Ken Griffey Jr. he didn't spend much time in the minors (if any at all) before he came to the dance, neither did Albert. And I think Colby can be one of those special kind of players if the team will let him.

Screw the "paying your dues", I think Colby is ready NOW!

by KYCards on Nov 17, 2007 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

Aiming a little high

Griffey hit .318 .425 .572 as an 17/18 year old in the minors. He had the plate discipline, the average, the everything. He is one of if not the most talented player in the history of the game. (He did still not do too well in his first season by the way)

Pujols is the best offensive player of his generation. That's completely unfair

What makes you think Rasmus can be these guys? This is not a knock on Rasmus. From everything I can gather, he should be a star, but putting him in the Pujols/Griffey class is a little ridiculous in reality. Just wondering, have you seen him play?

Cheeseburger in paradise.

by joker24 on Nov 17, 2007 5:43 PM EST up reply actions

Mark Mulder (per Buster Olney)

Cardinals say that he is progressing very well and will be ready to start Spring Training on time.

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Nov 17, 2007 3:50 PM EST reply actions

Looking at his baseballreference comps

I feel a bit better about him--Andy Pettite is #1, Pat Hentgen #2 and Kevin Millwood #3. All of those guys had major, declines in performance, and then came back to be useful players again. Of course, marky mark needs to show some evidence that he's not washed up first.

by Valatan on Nov 17, 2007 5:10 PM EST up reply actions

Guess who?

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Nov 17, 2007 4:12 PM EST reply actions

Chris Duncan

circa October 2006.

by KYCards on Nov 17, 2007 4:17 PM EST up reply actions

Gary Bennett?

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Nov 17, 2007 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

spiezio?

it could be worse, we could be on fire

by hardhittinmarkwhitten on Nov 17, 2007 8:32 PM EST up reply actions

I just have to say this is my favorite one..

That's Duncan to a tee. He reminds me of Butters. Maybe we can refer to Dunc as Butters from now on?

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Nov 17, 2007 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

If only

The South Park character generator had a World Series trophy. So he could hump it.

"A great catch is like watching girls go by; the last one you see is always the prettiest." - Bob Gibson

by stl tyler on Nov 17, 2007 10:49 PM EST up reply actions

Hollywood

Jimmy steps in to lead off the bottom half of the inning... with nobody on base... It could happen... just not tonight.

by Hollywood15 on Nov 17, 2007 5:04 PM EST reply actions

Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 17, 2007 5:18 PM EST reply actions

I thought

that he stopped boozing it up.

by VORP is too nerdy on Nov 17, 2007 5:46 PM EST up reply actions

Barry

[IMG]http://i17.tinypic.com/7wsufmf.jpg[/IMG]

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Nov 17, 2007 5:39 PM EST reply actions

Can't figure this out...

[http://i17.tinypic.com/7wsufmf.jpg]

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Nov 17, 2007 5:41 PM EST reply actions

Rolen

by cardsrul on Nov 17, 2007 5:42 PM EST reply actions

Last try. If it doesn't work someone please help.

http://i17.tinypic.com/7wsufmf.jpg

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Nov 17, 2007 5:43 PM EST reply actions

Ha ha!

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Nov 17, 2007 5:46 PM EST reply actions

I enjoyed this one on AZ snakepit

by Just Rope Ball on Nov 17, 2007 8:48 PM EST up reply actions

Last one

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Nov 17, 2007 5:59 PM EST reply actions

That quote from Mo is neither

cause for worry nor cause for optimism. Pretty much GM boilerplate, isn't it? The pessimists will interpret it to mean Mo doesn't have the guts to make a bold move. The optimists will think it means he's careful about evaluating talent. Everyone walks away with their existing impression of Mo reinforced.

I guess (as one of those optimists) I'll interpret it to mean that he's smart enough not to publicly commit to anything prematurely.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Nov 17, 2007 7:51 PM EST reply actions