A Few of My Favourite Things

by the red baron on Dec 26, 2007 9:23 AM EST in News Comment 66 comments

Good morning, Ladies and Gentleman. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday; if you didn't, I hope you can find solace in the fact that it's over. Either way.

This time of year, I always love all of the year end lists that come up, on the radio, in periodicals, on television, everywhere. I'm a big supporter of feeling nostalgic for things that happened too recently to inspire nostalgia; I'm not sure if it's a generational thing or just my own personality. All the baseball teams are taking a break at the moment, nothing's happening, and I haven't started really putting together any thing substantial on the roster constructions yet. So, I thought I would just throw out a few of my favourites from the year that's ending, and we could all look back and feel a little nostalgic for another year of our lives that's quickly receding into the black.

My favourite Cardinal moments of the year:

Rick Ankiel's home run in his first game back with the big club. At that moment, I believed that there was no way the Cardinals were going to do anything but repeat as World Champions. The power of Roy Hobbs' return would propel us all into the promised land once again! I immediately began looking everywhere to find the theme from the Natural as a ringtone for my cell phone; sadly, it didn't work out as well as my "Dream Weaver" ringtone from a year earlier. Still, the best story and moment of the year, HGH be damned.

Albert getting his 30th home run, and his 100th RBI. The legend lives on. Even in this train wreck of a year, the Mang continued to show us how lucky we are to witness his career.

Joel Pineiro ruining the Metropolitan's season. Yes, I realise that wasn't the only game they lost; but I really do believe that game was the one that broke their spirits. That's right, two years in a row, the St. Louis Cardinals and the last player you expected have ruined your year. I know it's kind of shoddy to take this kind of joy in another's misery, but it's the Mets. I can't help it.

Brad Thompson giving his now infamous Puppy Kicker speech. There's just something about seeing a twelve year old absolutely imploding with rage that's so deliciously incongruous. Sort of like the Child's Play movies. I have to admit, I'll be a little sad if Brad ends up getting moved. If nothing else, he's pretty damned entertaining.

The return of Izzy. I admit, I was one of the loudest in the choir of people calling for his head when he was blowing saves left and right last year. To see him come back this year, healthy and effective, was really fantastic to witness. It's just a shame he didn't get the chance to pitch in the postseason.

That's all I can think of at the moment; I'm sure there were others, but it was kind of a thin year for great Cardinal moments. I think we sort of used them all up in 06. Eh, I'll take it.

My favourite records of the year:

The Arcade Fire- Neon Bible
Sunset Rubdown- Random Spirit Lover
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings- One Hundred Days
Betty LaVette- Scene of the Crime
Interpol- Our Love to Admire
LCD Soundsystem- The Sound of Silver
The Good Life- Help Wanted Nights
U.N.K.L.E.- War Stories

Favourite new Television show:

A tie between Chuck, on NBC, and Pushing Daisies, on ABC. I expected absolutely nothing from either show, and was taken completely by surprise by both. If the writer's strike kills either of these off, I will destroy Hollywood with my fearsome wrath. I've done it before; don't doubt me.

Thank the Good Lord that it looks like tweed is going to be in style for a bit longer. I love tweed.

Favourite waffle topping: Chocolate Syrup. Try making your own; cocoa, butter, and sugar. It's ridiculously delicious.

Favourite non Cardinal pitcher to watch on the Tube: Johan Santana. I try not to miss any of his games; always worth the price of admission.

Favourite sports caster: It sounds cliched, but I've got to go with Joe Buck. Seriously, has the industry ever been this much of a wasteland before, outside of one or two bright spots?

Favourite radio station: 88.1, KDHX. One of our cultural treasures.

Special mention to Mr. Rob Levy, host of Juxtaposition, every Wednesday evening from 8-10 pm on the aforementioned station. Kudos, Rob.

Favourite local beer: O'Fallon brewery's seasonal Pumpkin Ale. Ambrosia tastes like crap next to this stuff.

Honourable beer mention: St. Louis peach. It's actually made by a brewery in Belgium; I have no idea what connection, if any, it has to either the city or the person St. Louis. You can get it at Cicero's in the Loop; highly recommended.

Favourite restaurant: A three way tie, between the Juniper Grill and the Sydney Street Cafe, both in Soulard, and Riddles Penultimate Cafe and wine bar, in the University City Loop. I've run out of superlatives already, so I'll just say they're all really, really good.

Honourable mentions here I think need to go to both the Square One Brewery in Lafayette, and the Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. Both are prime examples of both micro brewing at it's finest and New American style, local ingredient focused cuisine. Fantastic.

And last, but not least, my favourite website of 2007:

Oh come on, you know what I'm going to say here. I'm not above pandering to a crowd. Cheers to everyone who has had a hand in making this site such a joy to visit and be a part of.

All right, that's enough of my River Front Times impression. Again, I hope everyone's enjoying their Holiday season. Stay safe, and we'll all go back to worrying about our baseball team in another week or two. See you all in the new year.

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Ryan Ludwick's

walkoff home run against Kansas City to lead off the bottom of the 14th at Busch, June 20th. Made a winner out of The Kipper in relief. This was a game Gil Meche started against Wellemeyer where the Cardinals fell behind, came back to tie, fell behind again, came back to tie in the bottom of the 9th on a Pujols double, and finally won it on the Ludwick homer. It was something close to 1:30 a.m. Eastern time, I was half asleep on the couch, but Ludwick woke me up big time.

by LTSmash on Dec 26, 2007 9:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

14 innings

I remember that game because while the Cards-Royals game was happening Jeff Weaver pitched a shutout in 2 hours in Seattle. The game finished before the sun set. I arrive home and get the bonus of a Cardinals game playing into the wee hours and the radio conclusion.

Go Cards!

Rooting on the Cardinals one off-season transaction at a time!

by ColinMacLeod on Dec 26, 2007 10:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That was

a good (but long) night.

by cardsgirl95 on Dec 26, 2007 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ankiel

When Ankiel hit his homer it sent chills down my spine. No doubt it was awesome.

Along with Ankiel's comeback, I followed Josh Hamilton's as well, even if he did play for the Reds. His story, in my opinion, is every bit as interesting as Ankiel's.

"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones." - Phillips Brooks

by bparker on Dec 26, 2007 9:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Favorite website?

Absolutely.

I have zero idea what I read all day before I found VEB.

by sdrone on Dec 26, 2007 10:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

favorites

i lived a half-block from juniper grill for a year. it was very hazardous to the wallet - the crawfish bisque, my goodness.

when ankiel came up to bat that game, i said to my wife, "well, he might as well give us something to remember about the 2007 season ..." gone. i had goosebumps on my goosebumps.

by brentonjay on Dec 26, 2007 10:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

1 Point of Disagreement

I have to say that Riddles was easily the most disappointing restaurant I've ever visited in STL. Yeah, they have a great beer and wine selection, but I found the dishes very over-priced for very underwhelming food. The opposite restaurant? (underpriced dishes but extraordinary food) Zias. Can't miss restaurant? Eleven Eleven. Honorable mention to Atlas.

by Ray Lankford on Dec 26, 2007 10:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

favorites...

My favorite album this year:Portable Sounds.
Favorite sportscaster:Gotta agree Joe Buck is hilarious(its wierd though hes not funny when he is with Tim Mccarver).
Favorite new TV show: Man vs. Wild.

Favorite Cardinal moment this year:Easy Ankiels first homer it was amazing......

Hope everyone has a great Christmas and a happy New Year!!!

by Calhoun on Dec 26, 2007 10:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Ankiel HR

Good call on Bettye LaVette.

For her, the Grammy nomination (the first after a 45 year career) was the musical equivalent of the Ankiel HR; a flat-out statement that "I belong here." I've had the pleasure of working for Bettye for a number of years and was a fan long before that.

As you have Bettye and Sharon Jones on your list, you might want to check out Betty Harris' "Intuition." Her first new recordings in 38 years. And, yeah, I work for her, too.

As my ex-wife has just announced she is moving to St. Louis, I may never get to check out your restaurant recommendations now that civilization officially ends east of the Mississippi.

The cat is fine, thank you.

by Intheway on Dec 26, 2007 11:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

nice music selections

I feel compelled to share these photos now...

Arcade Fire / LCD Soundsystem - Red Rocks 9/17/2007
http://timday.net/20070917af/

Ankiel-mania was fun while it lasted...

Redbirds vs Zephyrs 6/24/07
http://www.cardinal-nation.com/?p=57

Cardinals vs Padres 8/9/07
http://www.cardinal-nation.com/?p=61

Cardinals vs Dodgers 8/11/07
http://www.cardinal-nation.com/?p=62

Cardinals vs Reds 9/2/07
http://www.cardinal-nation.com/?p=65

Cardinals vs Pirates 9/4/07
http://www.cardinal-nation.com/?p=66

Cardinals vs Pirates 9/6/07
http://www.cardinal-nation.com/?p=67

by musial6 on Dec 26, 2007 11:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

musial6

those were great pictures

by ridgesee on Dec 26, 2007 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed

by cardsgirl95 on Dec 26, 2007 5:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

I'm always glad to see others enjoying the fruits of my hobby.

by musial6 on Dec 26, 2007 5:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I too

were at that Cards/Reds game.

http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc0275ud2.jpg

"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"

by rocKStark5 on Dec 26, 2007 9:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

music

My favorite records of the year:
A Wilhelm Scream - Career Suicide
Chuck Ragan - Feast or Famine
Saves the Day - Under the Boards
Every Time I Die - The Big Dirty
Streetlight Manifesto - Somewhere in the Between

Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together...it's Arrested Development.

by Bowen on Dec 26, 2007 11:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

fav. music

The National - Boxer
Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
Band of Horses - Cease to Begin
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Radiohead - In Rainbows
Okkervil River - The Stage Names
Besnard Lakes -...Are the Dark Horse

Additionally, the best Christmas Gift I received was Ken Burns baseball documentary. It reminds me of why I fell in love with baseball.

by Crentist on Dec 26, 2007 12:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Dr Crentist, I presume?

I've probably listened to Boxer more than any other album this year. I will never get tired of it.

The National - 9/22/2007 @ the Vic
http://www.timday.net/20070922thenational/

by musial6 on Dec 26, 2007 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Boxer

was a great record; it very nearly made my list, along with that Okkervil River one.

I have to say, though, that I was a little, not disappointed, but underwhelmed by Band of Horses' second album. It was still a pretty good record, but it lacked the grandeur and majesty of the first, I thought. A couple of really great songs, ("No One's Gonna Love You" is tremendous) but nothing with that sort of staring into the sun, too gorgeous to look away power of "Funeral" or "Monsters", for me.

Also, I'm a little lukewarm on Josh Ritters. Everyone tells me how great he is, and I guess I'm just missing something.

Punch. Drink. Cry.

by the red baron on Dec 26, 2007 2:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm lukewarm on Josh Ritter too.

I do like the other Josh, Josh Rouse.
My favorite record of the year was The Panic Bell by Dolly Varden and an older release I just got my hands on Garage by Cross Canadian Ragweed. As I read everyone's list I felt old because I don't know most of these groups. And then I got to Streetlight Manifesto--my son is a big fan of theirs and it's on all the time while he's home from college. And Five Iron Frenzy. He makes them the soundtrack on his video games. I don't hate it, so maybe there's some hope for me.

by jillsinmo on Dec 26, 2007 8:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Josh Ritter

I really dug josh ritter's new album, but it was the first I had ever heard of him. then I got The Animal Years and completely fell in love with it. By and far better than HCOJR.

by Crentist on Dec 27, 2007 1:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree on Arcade Fire...

They blew everyone else off the stage at Sasquatch this year. That everyone else included Bjork, The Beastie Boys, Manu Chao, Neko Case and tons of well-known indie bands. I cannot imagine where they go next...

by matt reeder on Dec 26, 2007 12:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Best of '07

Music:
Neon Bible by Arcade Fire (interesting how many of us have this on our list)

The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi by The Receiving End of Sirens (TREOS is amazing, as usual)

All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone by Explosions in the Sky (songs of epic length, if not epic in craftsmanship)

Cities by Anberlin (the most "main-stream" artist I listen to)

Church Mouth by Portugal. The Man (no, that's not a typo)

Marry Me by St. Vincent (best new artist, hands down)

Baseball Memory:
Ankiel, not just his first game, but those first several weeks. Seemed like every time I tuned in, he hit another bomb. Red Baron said it best, "HGH be damned."

Favorite Movie:
Either Ocean's 13 or The Bourne Ultimatum. I love how the Ocean's movies are so cerebral (which inevitably means I miss half the plot).

Favorite Site:
This one. Love it.

Favorite State:
This odd weather reminds me of how much I miss California. Ah, well. I'm here for now, but I'll always be a Cards fan.

If you get three strikes, even the best lawyer in the world can't get you off.

by duke on Dec 26, 2007 12:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Getting Old

I must be ancient. I haven't heard of any of the music that has been mentioned in this thread. Artists or songs.

How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!

by Elvis on Dec 26, 2007 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm wid you Elvis

by ridgesee on Dec 26, 2007 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

some of the best wins of the year

Sun., Apr. 22 at CHC: Won 12-9 in 10 innings

Sun., Jun. 3 at HOU: Won 8-6 in 10 innings

Wed., Jun. 20 vs. KC: Won 7-6 in 14 innings

Sun., Jul. 22 at ATL: Won 7-2 in 10 innings

by Petkovsek on Dec 26, 2007 1:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Loved that game in Atlanta

Yadier threw out Willie Harris for the third time in the four-game series....this time from his knees! Absolutely amazing. Sat right behind home plate with my Dad and that five run 10th (HR's from Schumaker and Rolen) was awesome. Very gritty performance from Thompson.

Also thought Wainwright's first start against Houston on April 6 was great on a number of fronts: it was a preview to the kind of starter Adam would become; he showed good toughness in getting our fist win of the year on the road after getting swept by the Mets at home; and he started a rare 1-2-3 double play on a squeeze attempt (the play at home NOT being a force play). Yadier really displayed a quick and powerful arm on that one.

Here's to some great Cardinal moments in 2008 - Happy New Year to all!

by wildman on Dec 26, 2007 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and I almost forgot

game 1 of that double header against the Brewers where they came back against Cordero

by Petkovsek on Dec 26, 2007 1:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Best of 2007

Some of my favorite moments were more humorous than glorious.

My favorite was sitting five rows away and watching Spiezio's face as he pitched a mop up inning against Oakland. He was all smiles. (And I had a heat on, which contributed to my enjoyment.)

And watching the game on Father's Day with my 3 sons all decked in Cardinals gear.

Favorite restaurant: I haven't lived in the Metro area for 26 years, and the place is now closed, but I will always love Rossino's in the Central West End. Along with Weathervane in my hometown of Granite City.

Sportscaster: Vin Scully - he was worth the price of the mlb.tv package to be able to hear him on Friday night home games (and when the Cards played in Dodger Stadium). He is peerless to me at present.

Favorite movie: No Country for Old Men. I love the Coen Brothers and their odd movies.

Favorite TV show: He says with bowed head, ashamed: Scott Baio is 45 and Single. Guilty pleasure.

Music: sad to say I did not buy a CD or download a song, but I loved Tim Armstrong's album (I am a hopeless Rancid fan)

by BozCardsFanSF on Dec 26, 2007 1:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i was at both those games

and i have to say that i totally dug watching speez pitch- but seeing the cards win it on fathers day was also great...
good times...

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

by RosevilleRedbird on Dec 26, 2007 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ah puppy kicker

i really, really hope he sticks around.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Dec 26, 2007 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Ankiel Homer was awesome

I had went to memphis like a week or so before that and saw him hit one.

as for music this is probibly the only year I can remember when I dont think Ive liked a single album thats been out.

I might try that Arcade Fire one, they seem to be on everyone list so it might be worth the gamble.

by jealousblues on Dec 26, 2007 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

oh, and my veb wish for the new year

is there anyway you can make the links open in a new window automatically when clicked?

I know it isnt a big deal and its probibly not your call, but I always mess up and close the window instead of hitting back.

by jealousblues on Dec 26, 2007 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you mean

the links we include in an article, or the main links on the site?

If you mean a hyperlink someone puts in an article or comment, then yes, you can just make it a target link instead. If you mean the main ones on the site, then no, those are built into the code of the site and I don't know if there's a way to modify those behaviours.

Punch. Drink. Cry.

by the red baron on Dec 26, 2007 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just the ones in the blogs you guys make

and I think in comments.

Not that its a big deal or anything.
But Ive noticed when I click a link in a story/blog or comments it opens in the same window/tab. Where as other sites open in different tabs.

I end up reading the article/page and forgetting to hit back, and instead closing the page.

by jealousblues on Dec 26, 2007 7:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

right-click

then "open in new window" works for all links.

Christmas lights are an extremely efficient method for converting Christmas Spirit into heat. -anon

by SleepyCA on Dec 26, 2007 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

almost forgot, fave game of the season

was when YADDA had the walk off, game winning hit on his bobblehead night. dont know why, but i was jumping up & down & screaming like a mad man in front of our tv when he got that hit.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Dec 26, 2007 2:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I love the list

Baseball: Opening day with my 2yr old. 2 yrs old, two opening days in person...at least 16 more in a row if I can help it. Favorite restaurant: Again, with the little slugger - we get a kick out of Crown Candy Kitchen. With a two year old, we don't go to grown up restaurants that much... Sportscaster: Vin Scully. None better. http://www.baseball-almanac.com/quotes/vin_scully_quotes.shtml Favorite movie: Very few this year that I thought were stellar. Did like the Darjeeling Limited though. Favorite TV show: Good Eats with Alton Brown. Did you know that he was the director of photography on early REM videos? Music: The Search/Son Volt, Easy Tiger/Ryan Adams...I like what I like, and this year I spent a lot time on The Clash, Morrissey, David Bowie, and the Talking Heads. I think when you get out of your twenties, you lose touch with the cool bands and become retro...either that or I suck. Which is entirely possible.

"Dude, we're running out of stadium" - said on the way to our seats in Section 428.

by bukowski on Dec 26, 2007 2:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I guess this is the place to put this......

Padres signed Mark Prior to a one year deal worth a base salary of $1 million with incentives which could bring it as high as $3 million. Seems like a reasonable gamble to me.

by jillsinmo on Dec 26, 2007 2:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

"Prior commitment"

Yeah, it's not unreasonable, I guess. Definitely a longshot, though.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Dec 26, 2007 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

...help yourselves Padres..

So long as Prior is not gambling on the St Lou riverfront, I'm good.

Trade for Sean Rodriguez! (But please dont call him S-Rod!)

by cardschinmusic on Dec 27, 2007 4:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hummmm......

Favorite moment: Opening day! There is no better day than opening day no matter the outcome. It is just a great feeling, as the days are getting longer, spring is about to explode, warmer days, no snow and baseball is ready to begin.

Of course I was happy to see Albert get those landmark numbers as to keep his unbelieveable streak alive. It was nice to see Wainwright step up and pitch well his first full season starting. It was nice to see Yaddi start well, get hurt and finish strong.

I would say one of my favorie radio guys is Pat Hughes of the Chicago Cubs. That man just has voice that screams baseball. I am from Iowa and I can get some Cardinal games on the radio but the signal can be weak. I will listen to Cubs games from time to time. Santo is tough to handle but there is no one better than Pat Hughes in the business. TV, I don't know Joe Buck does not do it for me.

by ICbirdfan on Dec 26, 2007 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

My props are extended for

Best Cards moments:
The Milwaukee double-header sweep; Ryan Ludwick's game 1 walk-off, and Iron Bill Reyes breaks his 12 game losing streak in game 2.

There was this guy named Rick Ankiel, and everyone pronounced his name wrong (it's Ank-ee-ul, not Ank-eel) but he hit home runs and that's all there was to that story...

Tony La Russa's face when Ankiel hit that home run in his first game back.

The top notch pitching performances of Aaron Miles and Scott Spieizo.

Adam Wainwright's entire season. Also, that knee-buckling curve ball that struck out Beltran in the 2006 NLCS. Yeah, it was last year, but Beltran couldn't hit it today so it still counts.

Top 15 Records, in no particular order, because damn it I couldn't narrow it down to 10, this was a great year for music:
Love of Diagrams - "Mosaic"
The Besnard Lakes - "The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse"
Sunset Rubdown - "Random Spirit Lover"
Saturday Looks Good to Me - "Fill Up the Room"
Dirty Projectors - "Rise Above"
Panda Bear - "Person Pitch"
Okkervil River - "The Stage Names"
Liars - "Liars"
Deerhunter - "Cryptograms"
No Age - "Weirdo Rippers"
Electrelane - "No Shouts, No Calls"
Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew - "Spirit If..."
Beach House - "Devotion"
Sonic Youth - "Rather Ripped"
A Sunny Day in Glasgow - "Scribble Mural Comic Journal"

Best live sets:
Sonic Youth performing Daydream Nation in Union Park, Chicago
Slint performing Spiderland in Union Park, Chicago
Slint secret show at Abbey Pub, Chicago
Deerhunter at St. Louis University
Built to Spill at Mississippi Nights
The Besnard Lakes at St. Louis University
Saturday Looks Good to Me at the Bluebird
The New Pornographers in Union Park, Chicago
The Good Life at The Hi-Tone, Memphis
Electrelane at The Creepy Crawl

Best St. Louis booze:
Schlalfly Coffee Stout, hands down

Best St. Louis eateries:
The Royale (Arsenal @ Kingshighway)
Lemongrass (S. Grand @ Juniata)
Banh Mi So #1 (S. Grand @ Gasconade)
Thai Pizza Kitchen (Loop)
Everest (Washington @ 19th)

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

by stl tyler on Dec 26, 2007 3:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

favorites

And you have my favourite spelling of the year, oh honourable one. Do you vote for Labour?

by hawaiifan on Dec 26, 2007 3:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like what I see in the Roto sidebar...

...about giving Colby a shot at CF during spring training. It seems like a rational, balanced approach.

I especially liked the part about NOT yo-yoing him up and down during the season. Was this, perhaps, a dig at the previous regime's treatment of Reyes? Hmm...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Dec 26, 2007 3:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

An article in today's PD

did point out that Troy Tulowitski and Alex Gordon's early hitting adjustments took some time. If they are not going to stick Rasmus in the line up and leave him there, I'm just going to be mad. Even if he's not doing well. They have to be willing to commit to him as their center fielder, especially if he doesn't hit right away. If they are not going to do that, I'd rather see them leave him at AAA and call him up in September.

by jillsinmo on Dec 26, 2007 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and Mr. Clean...

2/3 of the previous regime is still here.....Perhaps Mr. Mozeliak would like to be on the record on how HE would like Mr. Rasmus to be handled.

by jillsinmo on Dec 26, 2007 8:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

In point of fact

>Perhaps Mr. Mozeliak would like to be on the record on how HE would like Mr. Rasmus to be handled.

I believe he is, now. :-)

And since (unless I'm mistaken) it's the GM who ultimately calls up/sends down the troops and not the field manager, here's hoping Mo has the cajones to actually get his way.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Dec 27, 2007 2:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Automatic Outs

The Cards have 4 of them in their lineup right now. (Pitcher, Izturis, Kennedy, and Molina) They also have 3 hit or miss guys. (Ludwick, Duncan, and Ankiel)Only Pujols and Rolen are stable guys...and Rolen is questionable both for health and will he be on the team opening day reasons. Also, this team only has 3 starters right now. (Wainwright, Looper, and Piniero) and about 10 relievers. It's getting late, any activity on any starters?

This has been the slowest developing offseason that I can remember. Most of the free agents are still free agents. The group of Prior, Colon, Garcia, Jennings, Clement, and Benson have all been just sitting there.

Now that Prior is signed, that may start the tumbling of Dominoes.

How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!

by Elvis on Dec 26, 2007 4:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'd say Rolen

is definitely a hit and miss guy too. He hits (2004) and misses (ever since). Actually, just put him in the auto-out section and bump Molina up to the hit and miss section.

by Ray Lankford on Dec 26, 2007 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh please...

2006? Rolen had an OPS of .887? How the heck is that not hitting?

This bashing of players based on what the media and Tony says is just getting ridiculous. It's especially ironic coming from an (apparent) Ray Lankford fan, who similarly suffered at those hands, despite putting up decent numbers his final year.

by DiscoJer on Dec 26, 2007 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

...Ray had a few good years...

I have an indelible image of Lankford screwing himself into the turf swinging at and missing curveballs, most of which would have been BBs had he laid off. He always seemed most prone to this when we needed a baserunner, perplexing for a player who could draw a walk when we had the lead.

He hit better in 97'. but 98' overall was an amazing season at the plate and he was a big part tho thoroughly overshadowed by "70".

Trade for Sean Rodriguez! (But please dont call him S-Rod!)

by cardschinmusic on Dec 27, 2007 4:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know its crazy talk...

But I have a feeling Kennedy will be much improved this year.
He cant really be that bad now can he?

And Molina wasnt that horrible aside from the speed. Which IS pretty horrible

by jealousblues on Dec 26, 2007 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Had to get in on the music list...

... so here are my albums of the year in no particular order.

"In Rainbows" by Radiohead
"Sky Blue Sky" by Wilco
"Mute Math" by Mute Math
"Graduation" by Kanye West (and I don't even like hip-hop generally speaking)
"Raising Sand" by Robert Plant & Allison Krauss
"Planet of Ice" by Minus The Bear
"Cease to Begin" by Band of Horses
"Because of the Times" by Kings of Leon
"Draw the Curtains" by Will Hoge

I know I'm forgetting one or two but that should do for now.

Fav Cards moments of the Year:

-My first opening day in attendance
-Rick's first game
-Speez and Miles pitching

Fav TV Shows of the Year:

Heroes
The Universe (on The History Channel)

Favorite Restaurants of the Year:

The Billy Goat Restaurant & Bar (Boyle & Vandeventer)
Trattoria Marcella (Watson & Pernod)
Modesto (Shaw on The Hill)

Favorite Movies of this year:

The Bourne Ultimatum
Knocked Up
Once

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by birds 4 life on Dec 26, 2007 5:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Unless It Kicks

Sports broadcaster: Tom Hamilton of the Cleveland Indians. I've never heard a man get so excited when an opposing team has an amazing play. Just an all-around classy radioman with a love for baseball.
Locally: John Rooney. I just love how the man calls the game.

Joe Buck? I'm sorry but does anyone else feel like he and McCarver favor the opposition when calling Cards games? I think they're afraid of having a bias due to their respective backgrounds with the team and St. Louis.

I love that Okkervill River is getting some recognition! Also, I'm a big Rilo Kiley fan these days.

My favorite Cards memory of the year:
I loved that Brewers doubleheader when we came back against Cordero...I was drinking Coronas on our Cardinals red and white boat while listening to Rooney call the win.
Also...The Dodgers game when Ankiel hit two homers. I missed the first one and was really bummed out but he made it up to me later in the game!

Take care everyone and Happy Holidays!

"If you ever become a Cubs fan you will be disowned."-My father

by gashousegirl on Dec 26, 2007 6:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Rilo Kiley

I'm a big fan of theirs too, but I didn't think Under the Blacklight was their best effort. Both of the previous records, More Adventurous and-especially- Execution of All Things, were a fair bit better, I thought.

For what it's worth, I kind of feel like they may have just had their attention divided a bit too much this year and last, and the product suffered a bit because of it. Jenny Lewis put out a really good solo record, their guitarist put out a shitty one, and then they have a RK album out in something like six or eight months, I believe? Maybe it was longer. My memory isn't what it used to be. But it did feel as if maybe Blacklight was a little rushed, due to the various band members having their energies a bit too scattered. Then again, what the hell do I know?

Punch. Drink. Cry.

by the red baron on Dec 27, 2007 6:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Favorite baseball moment wasn't a Cards moment

or even on the field at all, but rather at a game that I saw at Planet Coors, when we were taking my wife's brother's family to their first major-league game. They live in Denver so of course that was where the game was. I think it was the Rookies versus San Diego, but I'm not sure. We all got a big block of very good seats, and our grade-school-age nieces were very excited about it. The guy sitting next to them just looked puzzled ...

... because they were speaking Russian. My BIL's wife is Russian by birth, and they were living in Moscow (he was working on a space-station project) when the kids were born. They grew up fluently bilingual. So baseball really IS the international sport!

Favorite Cards moment was the Ankiel HR, though. No opinion on the others.

by StanTheManFan on Dec 26, 2007 6:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

2007 was not

what you'd call my favorite year of all time(for reasons I won't delineate), but the Cards were always there for me, no matter how shitty they looked at times. When you have the best player on the planet, it's always entertaining, and Ankiel was a great story, despite the HGH crap.

My favorite non-Cards sports story of the year was the resurgence of the University of Virginia football team. They were picked to finish near the bottom of the ACC, yet they finished at 9-3(with a Gator Bowl bid and in the Coastal Division title hunt until the last weekend). The turn-around even earned Al Groh ACC Coach of the Year honors. Go Hoos!

Musically, I'd put the new releases from my three favorite bands, Rush, Tool, and Queensryche at the top of my list. Operation: Mindcrime II was an overall disappointment, but it's still Queensryche, so I'm cool with it. 10,000 Days is vintage Tool(which is a good thing), and Rush's long awaited Snakes and Arrows was well worth the wait, if you ask me.

I'm with Red Baron on "Chuck" and "Pushing Daisies". They're a couple of hidden gems in an otherwise crappy year for new shows. I do like "Life"(NBC), however; a bit quirky, but highly addictive. And one more show I'll throw into that pile is "Saving Grace" on TNT. Holly Hunter is absolutely great in the role of a police detective with so many demons, that God has sent down an angel(played brilliantly by Leon Rippy) to try and straighten her out. If you haven't seen it, it'll be back next summer, but TNT will be re-running the first season on and off until then. I highly recommend it.

"It's always about the money. Anyone who says it's not is lying."- Gene Simmons

by cardsrul on Dec 27, 2007 12:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mostly music

Just because they are pretty much my favorite band (OK, tied with Arcade Fire), I gotta put in a plug for New Pornographers' cd Challengers. Although it's not as good as Twin Cinema.

Arcade Fire are more of a real band than New Pornographers. In the end, more significant. Neon Bible is terrific.

Surprised not to see Spoon's cd Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga mentioned here. It kicks.

I'm curious about a lot of these recommendations. For various reasons it's harder for an old guy like me to find new music these days and even if it's "off-topic," I love reading your lists. I'm enjoying Cease to Begin but a comment above makes me want to check out their first cd.

Favorite Cardinal moment? Chris Carpenter taking the mound on opening day. Everything from that moment on seemed like a struggle.

by Youneverknow on Dec 27, 2007 1:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

GaGaGaGaGaGaGaGaGaGa

I actually had that one on the screen, then took it off in favour of the Good Life album. Of course, now that I look at it, I have no idea why, seeing as how I didn't specify a numerical value for the list. It hurts to be this scatterbrained sometimes.

As for the New Pornographers, I have an odd relationship with them. They consistently put out some of the most well constructed, solidly written music you're going to find. They're really talented and they make great records.

And I don't like them.

I have no idea why. It's really strange; I respect the hell out of what they do, and I can hear exactly what it is that's so great about them whenever I hear their music. I just don't like listening to it, pretty much at all. There were a couple of pretty good tracks on Twin Cinema, but overall, I have absolutely no interest in listening to anything by the New Pornographers. I think it's sort of the way a lot of people feel about Citizen Kane. It's a really great movie, you can't dispute that, but very few people actually enjoy watching it.

Punch. Drink. Cry.

by the red baron on Dec 27, 2007 6:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and also,

you absolutely have to check out BoH's "Everything All the Time" album. Cataclysmically large songs about feeling cataclysmically small. It is indescribably amazing. If you like that sort of thing.

Punch. Drink. Cry.

by the red baron on Dec 27, 2007 6:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody cares what I think!!!

Best Resturants:
Seamus McDaniels in Dogtown -- I eat there at least once a week, so how can it not be on the list?
Pueblo Solis -- Best Mexican (and best Margaritas) in town.
Gyro House in the Loop-- Duh.
Blues City Deli in Benton Park -- Sure, I worked there in college, but that is besides the point. Incredible sandis.

Best Bars:
33 Wine Bar, Lafayette Square -- Best wine selection in St Louis and reasonably priced to boot. Great beers, too.
The Famous Bar, South city -- An institution.
Milo's Tavern, The Hill -- ditto.
Broadway Oyster Bar, Downtown -- Best place to go before every Cardinals game. Don't tell anyone, though.
Norton's Cafe, Soulard -- Best beer garden of '07.

Best albums:
Radiohead -- In Rainbows
Wilco -- Sky Blue Sky
Iron & Wine -- The Shepherds Dog
Kings of Leon -- Because Of The Times
Band of Horses -- Cease to Begin
Ryan Adams -- Easy Tiger
soundtrack -- I'm Not There

Best movie (comedy): Superbad
Best movie: No Country for Old Men

Best game: U of I beating tOSU in the Columbus, the Ohio.

Best Cardinals game:
Final home game of the year, Cards rally from being two down in the ninth and Ankiel hits a walk off Triple (!!!) to give Lidge his final blown save against the Cards as an Astro.

My boys need nothing.

by Alxfritz on Dec 27, 2007 5:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I Care, Fritz. I Care.

I totally forgot about that last game of the year. That was really, really amazing.

Love the Gyro House, love the deli, have never actually gotten around to eating at Pueblo Solis. I keep meaning to, and it just doesn't happen.

Norton's is really great, but I prefer the 1860s Hardshell across the street. I like their crab cakes better, although Norton's has the edge in several other categories. 33 is also really great, but every time I've ever been in Milo's, (although, I admit, it only amounts to about three times) it's always been so crowded and noisy that it wasn't really all that enjoyable. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the crowds and the energy and all that, but it was just too much each time I've been there. Like I said, though, a small sample size alert should apply there.

For the love of god, Fritz, will you please stop trumpeting the glory of the Broadway Oyster Bar everywhere? I walk in there one of these days, and I can't sit down and get some alligator, I'm blaming you. And don't think you won't pay. Just be quiet about it!

The I'm Not There Soundtrack is really good also; I honestly kind of forgot about it, otherwise it might have figured in to my final list. Not a big Iron and Wine fan, though.

One other thing. On the Kings of Leon record, I'm pretty sure that it's really good, but they kind of screwed themselves. The first track is so good, and so huge, that the rest of the album really kind of struggles to live up to it. If they had put "Knocked Up" somewhere else on the record, I think it would have been much better. Just in case you care, a canadian band called Islands did the same thing either last year or the year before with their album, "Return to the Sea". The first track, "Swans" is so good, and absolutely epic, at over seven minutes long, that the rest of the record- a really great effort- seems very anticlimactic. It's very strange.

Punch. Drink. Cry.

by the red baron on Dec 27, 2007 6:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Iron and Wine

kind of changed their (his) style on the latest album, which is a good thing as another album of Sam Beard whispering gently into a microphone and quietly plucking his guitar would have been redundant at best.

Try Milos on a weeknight in the summer, playing bocce and listening to the game is a fantastic way to waste a night. And I will take your advice and shut up about the bar which shall not be named.

My boys need nothing.

by Alxfritz on Dec 27, 2007 7:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

all right then.

It's nice to hear that about I&W. Hopefully, Mr. Beard will expand his repertoire a bit. He's obviously a very talented songsmith, but his music isn't doing justice to his talent, I feel. I remember the first time I heard, "Teeth in the Grass". I thought, "wow! This is a really great song! Kind of low key, really mellow. Very cool." A few days later, I went out and purchased "Our Endless Numbered Days" and discovered, to my horror, that "Teeth" was the most energetic thing in the catalogue.

Thanks for the tip on Milo's; I'll give it a shot some night. Each time I've gone before, it has been on a weekend, so I'm sure that has had something to do with it.

And see that you do keep quiet. It'll just be our little secret...yeah... just like pals, you and me. A secret...

In honesty, though, I am really conflicted about BOB. I find myself constantly telling everyone I know about how wonderful it is, how spectacular the food, the ambience, the overall 'talent' level, (to use the parlance of the day) and it's perfect location to walk to before or after a game, etc. Then I always say, "and it's never so overly crowded that you can't get in, be comfortable, and enjoy yourself." At which point, of course, I realise that if everyone I tell to go there actually does, I won't be able to get in. It's all very confusing.

Punch. Drink. Cry.

by the red baron on Dec 27, 2007 7:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Favorite Restaurant

I don't like Riddles because they don't seem to know that "penultimate" means second to last and doesn't mean anything like ultimate.

by gnick55 on Dec 28, 2007 12:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

best site

despite all the jobs and chores calling at me, even the good ones, I have to check out this site SOMEtime during the day or ai feel like I'm missing something...easily the best site of the year...I've been a novice sabremetrics fan for years but this site has taught me more in one than all the other sites in books total...

As for other bests:

songs: "When the Deal Goes down" and "Thunder on the Mountain" by Dylan on Modern Times

movies: The Lives of Others (I saw it in 2007) and Gone Baby Gone

tv show: Friday Night Lights (nothing else comes close, really)

sports "moments": Florida takes two NCAA championships (football and hoops)

bonus:

poetry books: House on Boulevard Street by David Kirby and Time and Materials by Robert Hass (try 'em, you might like 'em)

by SLOKev on Dec 29, 2007 12:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs