4/15/07 Game 11 Open Thread

by erik on Apr 15, 2007 2:23 AM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

Last night's game was more of the same ol' same ol'. The hitters yet again could not come through when it mattered. It's become a reoccurring theme, WPA tells the grim story of these first 10 games.

Here is the Cardinal WPA as a team-

(Sorry if the fonts are a bit small, had trouble with some formatting. If you have Firefox, just hit control++)

Despite the hiccups of Thompson and Springer, the bullpen has done their job. The starters so far have done their job. The hitting has been turdriffic. Here's the culprits:

That's pretty damning. Chris Duncan has been the offense so far. Aside from Dunc, only Aaron Miles, Gary Bennett and So Taguchi who have positive WPA values. (Adam Wainwright has a positive .08, I suppose I could've mentioned him.) Everyone else is in the red, with the main drags being Preston Wilson, Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen and Adam Kennedy. It's time to get it going boys. Another way to slice it a stat called Batting Runs Above Average (BRAA). BRAA is similar to WPA but it takes the situational stuff out of the way, aside from base runners. It calculates all of the hitter's deeds, regardless of what they did for the team's chances to win in that game, and throws them together to give you a total number of runs that the hitter has created. Looking at that should be telling. Here's the positive contributors-

Pujols is in the positive there...barely. And here's the stragglers-

The BRAA data is not including last night's game. Cumulative BRAA going into the game was negative 18.44. Yikes. Kennedy has gotten off on the wrong foot for sure, and Jim Edmonds and Preston Wilson are following close behind in the suck fest. Sorry for getting down and nerdy there, I just thought some of my fellow geeks here would enjoy the visual aids. Bottom line: Slumps happen. The offense just is garbage now, some of which is bad luck, most of it is just plain suckiness. It's time for the bats to wake up, and that isn't an easy task to do against Ben Sheets. I'm sure the Brewers will load their lineup with lefties to face Looper, love to see him shut'em down to get Sackmann of our backs. :-)

looper sheets
1-1, 2.08 1-1, 3.60

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Tony doesn't see a problem

Per Card's website:
The early problems at the plate don't have manager Tony La Russa worried. He said he doesn't think his team is struggling that much at the plate.

"You look at it that way, I look at it as a team that just won four in a row," La Russa said. "I don't think we need to shake anything up, I just think we have to keep playing."

This rotation is going to have combat fatigue from trying to hold the opponent to 1.5 runs per game for the rest of the season with this 'non-struggling' offense.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 2:33 AM EDT reply actions

Pujols went 0 for 4 last night

but it really looked like he was showing signs of life. That pop fly that he hit to the outfield in the 1st really did look like a homerun off of the bat, and he did line sharply out to infielders a couple of times in this recent stretch.

Edmonds has been a lot scarier-looking to me.

by Valatan on Apr 15, 2007 3:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Yep.

Don't forget that ball he hit to the left field warning track in Pittsburgh in the 9th inning of the eventual 3-2 come from behind victory. That ball probably goes out if the temperature is above 70.

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 15, 2007 7:15 AM EDT up reply actions

But he's still not really driving the ball

He hit a pretty good liner to 2b yesterday but he should be lining the ball all over the field, especially up the middle. He's not. He's hitting weak pop flies and grounders to third b/c he's out on his front foot every time. The 2 flies to left you two spoke of were pop flies that, in warmer weather, would probably have carried out of the park. But they weren't hit particularly well. He's just strong! Still, he'll come around.

As for Jimmy, I don't know. He didn't hardly have a spring so he's 3 weeks behind everyone and 37 -- maybe that's it. But last night I felt like Spiezio had a better chance of hitting one in the gaps or out of the park than Edmonds and, if that feeling persists, that's scary!

by chuckb on Apr 15, 2007 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Gotta hand it to Tony

He certainly does have an unshakable world view, even if the sky is a very different color than the one the rest of us see.

The guy's stubbornness is the stuff of legend.

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

by Mr Clean on Apr 15, 2007 3:35 AM EDT up reply actions

It's April. Why panic?

n/t

by sdrone on Apr 15, 2007 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

i love

that picture of looper. just looks like a guy who'll go out there and git'r'dun ;)

IMO last night's game came down to preston wilson's ego swinging at ball 4, and popping it up to the left fielder in the 8th inning. If he had taken that pitch it would have loaded the bases and the tying run would have scored on aaron miles' bloop single. J-rod, where art thou...

Skip's 9th inning 3-pitch-at-bat was something, wasn't it?

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 15, 2007 3:13 AM EDT reply actions

Schumaker

That was quite possibly the worst Major League At Bat I've ever seen. I mean, wow.

He pretty much used up every last bit of credit and/or consideration he earned in Spring Training.

I was keen on giving him a shot in April since he did so well in March, but that's pretty much gone now. I'd much rather see JRod in those scenarios.

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

by Mr Clean on Apr 15, 2007 3:32 AM EDT up reply actions

I said the exact same thing

at the time. Horrible. I didn't really mean it -- I've seen some bad AB's. But it was really f-ing bad!

by chuckb on Apr 15, 2007 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Well...

Actually, Trever Miller on the Astros looks like every stereotypical hayseed in the south. He looks like he drives an 18-wheeler in between series. He probably has a Confederate flag jockstrap.

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 15, 2007 7:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Is that kind of like

The cover for The Black Crowes' album Amorica? Except oh so much more disgusting, for multiple reasons.

Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.

by Solanus on Apr 15, 2007 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Today we'll see an offensive eruption....

... the temperature will be significantly higher than yesterday!!

GO CARDS!!!!

by SuperSeve on Apr 15, 2007 4:03 AM EDT reply actions

Good sign...

... the summer is coming!!

GO CARDS!!!

by SuperSeve on Apr 16, 2007 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions

not to sound stupid but...

Whats WPA?

ANd how do the graphs show it?

by jealousblues on Apr 15, 2007 4:36 AM EDT reply actions

WPA

Stands for Win Probability Added. Basically, it's what your at-bats (or pitching performance) do to increase or decrease your team's chances of winning the game. To take an extreme example, if Pujuls hits a grand slam of Lidge in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs, Albert would probably get 0.75 so added to his WPA, and Lidge would get a -0.75. That's because Pujols took his teams chances of winning from around 25% (just a WAG) to 100%. Do this for all a player's AB's or batters faced over the season and you get his cumulative WPA.

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Apr 15, 2007 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Is WPA

a Hardball Times stat? And where did you get those awesome graphs, Erik? I know many aren't nerds like me and think stats are overrated, but those seem to tell the whole story.

by chuckb on Apr 15, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, gotta say

those graphs are GREAT. Pie graphs on VEB! Who'd a thunk it?

by sdrone on Apr 15, 2007 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

WPA

has been around for a while actually, it's just been more popularized lately. here's a THT article on WPA

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-one-about-win-probability/

Future Redbirds

by erik on Apr 15, 2007 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Duncan.

Duncan has been the team MVP so far. Just goes to show that the stat geeks who didn't think Duncan could produce consistently on a game to game basis were wrong...so far. Yeah yeah yeah, small sample size - whatever.

Bottom line: Slumps happen. The offense just is garbage now, some of which is bad luck, most of it is just plain suckiness.It's time for the bats to wake up, and that isn't an easy task to do against Ben Sheets.

I don't need wacky formulas to tell me that ;) I watch the games =p

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 15, 2007 7:12 AM EDT reply actions

FWIW

the "stat geeks" you wrote about, projected a pretty good year from Duncan. Maybe you should take a look at those projections before you disparage those who have seen them.

by chuckb on Apr 15, 2007 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Hardly.

Hardly. You should reread the posts around here lately before you run your mouth, son.

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 15, 2007 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

No need to call him 'son'

or tell him not to 'run his mouth'.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

No Need

No need to tell me to look at the projections as if I'm wrong, either. Esp. since I'm the one in the right.

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 15, 2007 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Offensive

Why would you come to a site primarily of stat oriented posts and start talking crap about it? And, find some posts where some "stat geeks" projected Duncan poorly. I can find tons of threads where the didn't....son.

by RedbirdRay on Apr 15, 2007 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Check...

Check the logs around January...

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 15, 2007 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I challenged you.

I have re-read some logs, some community projections, and some professional projections. All good. You are the one talking crap, and you don't have anything to back it up.

Makes me very skeptical of your "I don't need stats, I watch the games" comment. Seems your memory lacks credibility.

by RedbirdRay on Apr 15, 2007 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Bill James: The ultimate Stat geek

Had this to say about Duncan:

33 homers
90 RBIs
.273 BA
.351 OBP
.511 SLG.

So, your statement wasn't accurate. Stat geeks did peg Duncan to have a good 2007 season.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Wrong.

I was referring to the people here. Just concede the point and move on...

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Apr 15, 2007 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

just go back

to the post-dispatch boards, stlcardinals fan. you don't really fit in here.

by lboros on Apr 15, 2007 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

take your own advice.

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

STLCardinalsfan

since you're kind of new around here, it'd probably be a good idea for you to read the Community Guidelines in the menu bar. if you're going to be argumentative, that's fine --- we like a good argument. but

a) don't salt your argument with personal insults or taunts, and

b) have some facts to back up what you say.

otherwise, you're pretty much wasting everybody's time.

go back and read this post --- you might have missed it, since it predates your joining VEB. our community of readers projected duncan to hit 26 homers and slug over .500; i don't know what "stat geeks" you're holding yourself superior to, but you can't be referring to the readers hereabouts.

by lboros on Apr 15, 2007 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll settle this

He is talking about me!

I am the one and maybe only who thought we should trade Lil' Dunc. I said 'He was playing over his head last year and we should trade him while his value is high...' I continued, 'That he proved he could hit grooved fast balls, and he will not see them anymore no matter who he hits infront of.' I also said that he would not improve in the outfield. My most harsh comment was that 'He will be sent to Memphis by June cause of his struggles, and be replaced by Jrod.' I always prefenced my remarks by saying, 'I hope I am wrong for his sake and the teams.'

I do take offense to being refered to as a stat geek. 'Cause I probablely refer to stats less than any other blogger here.

I am very pleased that so far Dunc has made me out to be an idiot. Though when he went 0-12 I was starting to think I was right.

Dave, can I take it back or is it too late.

by nybirdfan on Apr 15, 2007 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

once again

just one timely hit away from a win... frustrating... but if we keep getting those situations we will be ok more times than not... these guys just cant give bats away like schumaker did last night

by bennythejet on Apr 15, 2007 7:59 AM EDT reply actions

Schu knew he was an out going in to the box

When my wife looked up, and asked "who is that?" She said his body language going into the batter's box showed that he knew was going to make an out. And his first swing proved the point.

Strange to note that Dunc is presently our leading hitter, and a year ago many posters here thought he had no business on this team, and was only up by some reward as a coach's son.

But schu appears to have as much chance of making it in the bigs as Gall or Luna. We do have other prospects, that do have better odds of sticking. Bring'em on.

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Apr 15, 2007 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Anybody catch Schmidt's start last night?

I heard Buster Olney discussing that last night he was only throwing 80-82. Yikes. Despite Carp's problems it still may be a blessing in disguise that he chose LA. Here is the LA Times Story.

by OCCardsFan on Apr 15, 2007 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

re:Schmidt

I was at the game last night, and Schmidt looked simply awful. The Padres were swinging and making contact on almost every strike he threw. I think he threw a few that made it up to 85-87, but it didn't matter. He wasn't fooling anybody. I was definitely thinking about how glad I was STL didn't sign him.

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on Apr 15, 2007 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

i watched pieces of his last two starts

and he's looked off. . .

but I still think that the Cardinals were in the right to try and sign him. He'll turn it around. I have faith in Schmidt.

John Rodriguez for Right Field

by azruavatar on Apr 15, 2007 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll be curious

to see what happens as soon as the weather gets warm. We haven't played a game in good, warm weather yet. Maybe the Cards only like playing in the cold in October...

Jimscobert Purolmonds - MV3

by OKCardsfan on Apr 15, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions

Well, maybe, but I think it's more

that you might need that warm weather to creat/continue a groove. And that once you've got things figured out, you can carry it into cooler weather.

A columnist int he Trib talked about playing in cold weather. Frankly, highly paid or not, it would annoy the crap out of me. I'd hate it. Heck, they put wet sand in our indoor volleyball court; it's cold and I find THAT annoying.

by sdrone on Apr 15, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

One good thing

I am glad that (knock on wood) pitching doesn't seem to be the problem. Most in the offseason who said Walt hadn't done enough felt that our rotation would be lacking and, to this point, it's been a strength. It's easier for great players to break out of slumps and it's easier to find decent hitters at the trade deadline than decent pitchers so there's hope.

by chuckb on Apr 15, 2007 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Is there any way...

we could pry Lastings Milledge away from the Mets? He just got sent down again. A young guy with some speed and power is exactly what this team could use. Put him in right and just leave him there for at least 200 plate appearances no matter what.

How about Reyes for Milledge straight up? Two weeks ago I would've said no way, but now I'm convinced LaDuncan can pull a starter out of their hat any time they want.

Acquire any Established Major League Starter!

by guayzimi on Apr 15, 2007 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

That'd probably do it

They pretty much hate Lastings for some reason. He's got big time tools for sure...but not all the way the production. Though being in AAA at 21 and the bigs at 22 is impressive. However, the way starting pitching is being valued on the market, there's no way. You can't trade a free pitcher who is healthy at this point for a currently underachieving outfielder.

Pujols < .200

by joker24 on Apr 15, 2007 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah...

that's the conventional wisdom, but this team is old and slow and desperately needs a spark.

Acquire any Established Major League Outfielder!

by guayzimi on Apr 15, 2007 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

With Carpenter down...

...we're already pulling a starter out of our ass for a few months, and trading away a guy who's a part of our rotation isn't exactly my idea of a good thing. I'm not opposed to acquiring Milledge (in theory, I haven't really looked at numbers) but I'd rather not give up pitching at this point, since we're down one starter already.

by Phyrkrakr on Apr 15, 2007 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Well

A deal that big probably wouldn't be made until the deadline, anyway. But it's something interesting to consider.

Personally, I'd hate to see Reyes in a Mets uniform.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Apr 15, 2007 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Not to mention that that would end up

with endless "Which Reyes?" jokes...

by Valatan on Apr 15, 2007 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions

If everyone were right, everyone would be rich...

So, just becaus the "market" values starting pitchers over AAA outfielders means you can't make this trade?

A good GM doens't care about what's popular "now". Good GMs take risks. And this would be somewhat a risk that could be one of the greatest trades ever for the Cardinals. But, if the majority think a 25 year old starter with a 90 mph fastball is more imporant than a 22 year old 5 tool outfielder when we're playing Preston Wilson, So Taguchi, Skip Schumacher and SCOTT SPIEZIO!!!!! in the corners, then I guess I'm the one who doesn't get it.

by Big Red on Apr 15, 2007 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

As a Schmidt owner last season...

I was a big opponent of the Cards aquiring him. His overall numbers masked a horrible second half...where his K's declined, his BB & ERA inflated, his .SLUG against also saw a big blip and, of course, he didn't win near as much. Schmidt was sending Mulder-like red flags last season. I was relieved when he signed with LA. D.GOOOCH

by GOOCH24 on Apr 15, 2007 12:39 PM EDT reply actions

lineups

brew crew

weeks 2b
hardy ss
fielder 1b
hall cf
estrada c
jenkins lf
hart rf
graffanino 3b
sheets p

cards

eck ss
dunc lf
AP 1b
rolen 3b
jed cf
p-dub rf
kennedy 2b
molina c
looper p

courtesy Yahoo

john rodriguez for right field!

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 1:47 PM EDT reply actions

With Looper pitching

and Hart and Hall struggling, I thought Yost wouldl start another LHB in Gross. Then again, Yost does some pretty dumb stuff (see last night's 7th inning bullpen choices).

by RedbirdRay on Apr 15, 2007 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

lineups

MILWAUKEE Starting Lineup --
R WEEKS
J HARDY
P FIELDER
B HALL
J ESTRADA
G JENKINS
C HART
T GRAFFANINO
B SHEETS

ST. LOUIS Starting Lineup --
D ECKSTEIN
C DUNCAN
A PUJOLS
S ROLEN
J EDMONDS
P WILSON
A KENNEDY
Y MOLINA
B LOOPER

by DCGreg on Apr 15, 2007 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

anyone in town watching the KSDK pregame show?

it's pretty bad.

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

I have a slight hangover

and this is the game everyone wears #42... oh, this isn't gonna be good.

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

Okay, this is completely off topic

Please make sure to read today's "Get Fuzzy", if you have access to it. Priceless and I hope the Post-Dispatch carries this comic- if they do, I expect Card fans all over StL will be putting this up in their cubes tomorrow. And if Card fans in Chicago see this, all the better.

I will attempt to add a link to it for all of you that don't get the comic in your local paper

Oh, and GO CARDS!

http://www.comics.com/comics/getfuzzy/

I'm going to my happy place now.

by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 15, 2007 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

that is GREAT!

have you seen the cub demotivational posters?

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions

hill

arious

by Zubin on Apr 15, 2007 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Get Fuzzy

Is probably my favorite current comic strip, with Pearls Before Swine and Dilbert up there as well. All-time? A tie between The Far Side and Calvin & Hobbes.

Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.

by Solanus on Apr 15, 2007 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I think of Get Fuzzy

as the new C & H. It's pretty damn awesome. Pearls is up there for me as well, and I really like Frazz.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 15, 2007 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

It's getting out of hand.

the doormats are getting uppity.

We've gotta put these people back in their place pronto.

Acquire any Established Major League Outfielder!

by guayzimi on Apr 15, 2007 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

Loop's getting his pitches up...

not a good sign.

by Zubin on Apr 15, 2007 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

Come on A'Pu

time to break out!

by Zubin on Apr 15, 2007 2:37 PM EDT reply actions

WOOT

That's what we need!

by OCCardsFan on Apr 15, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

oh baby

albert's back ;)

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 15, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

that

might've been one of the fastest HRs I've ever seen.

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

Should Albert change his # to 42?

2006 World Champs! Inconceivable! You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

by BozCardsFanSF on Apr 15, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

Not sure

if Albert is back but it is step in the right direction.

by Brownale on Apr 15, 2007 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

confidence

surely his confidence has been shaken by this slump. the way that he's been reacting - not seeming to trust his hand speed, etc. - seems to bare that out, at least IMHO. one big clutch hr has got to help him get his confidence back, find his groove again. at least one hopes.

by ChiTown CardFan on Apr 15, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow, I am getting good at this.

Second one I kinda called this year.

by Zubin on Apr 15, 2007 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

guess he won't be wearing his sunglasses at night

anymore

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

Cory Hart

two nice catches this inning. Wow.

by Zubin on Apr 15, 2007 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

rolen and edmonds

on gameday their flyouts appeared to be relatively deep, were they hit hard?

by thewizard3 on Apr 15, 2007 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

yes

and yes

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Rolen was at the warning track

and Edmonds was a gapper. The play Hart made on Edmonds' shot was really nice.

2006 World Champs! Inconceivable! You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

by BozCardsFanSF on Apr 15, 2007 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

Rolen's was an opposite field warning track shot.

Not too shabby.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Tax time fellas...

Hopefully I'll be back in a few.

by Zubin on Apr 15, 2007 2:44 PM EDT reply actions

This must be what it was like

to have Rob Deer on your team.

Another K by Wilson.

by saladdin69 on Apr 15, 2007 2:45 PM EDT reply actions

Pujols was ahead of that pitch

but (finally) kept his hands back and was able to wait until the ball got in on him.

I'd have to go back and look, but it still looked like he pulled a pitch that was away.

Step in the right direction, though.

Just don't want to see him only hit dingers on Sundays.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

yeah

and he still took a really big step forward, instead of the "lift the leg and set it back down in the same place" swing he used last year.

Tough to be too critical though...

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 15, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

actually

on the replays from different angles, it looks like he didn't step so far after all.

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 15, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

gameday

seems like looper is getting squeezed on gameday, any word from live viewers?

by longhornscardinals on Apr 15, 2007 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

Seeems that in the 1st inning

he wasn't getting the bottom half of the zone.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

and sheets wasn't getting it last half-inning - especially the 1st ball to Eck - that was close

2006 World Champs! Inconceivable! You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

by BozCardsFanSF on Apr 15, 2007 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

everyone was getting squeezed. The announcers were having a field day talking about the ump.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Apr 15, 2007 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Hart 2, Duncan 1

2006 World Champs! Inconceivable! You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

by BozCardsFanSF on Apr 15, 2007 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

nice play

by dunc

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on Apr 15, 2007 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

Looper

way to bounce back with the quick inning.

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 3:01 PM EDT reply actions

Don't fool yourself

Albert just isn't right.

by saladdin69 on Apr 15, 2007 3:06 PM EDT reply actions

Jimmy

He just can't catch a break, can he?

by bsutherland on Apr 15, 2007 3:11 PM EDT reply actions

Man no breaks

Edmonds has hit two non the button and has a flyout and double play to show for it. It would be nice to get a break once in a while.

by stl3bagger on Apr 15, 2007 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

preston got one

but wasn't paying attention, so we had to waste an out to get him to second.

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 15, 2007 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Holy cow....

Nice job Blooper! Groundout scores a run.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

what did he do?

Gameday went from Molina to Eckstein

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

loop tops the ball to third...

p-dub scores.

by gentry13 on Apr 15, 2007 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Pujols

Everytime I plan to bench him, he goes yard.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

Nice work Yadi

He's so good at that

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 Apr 15, 2007 3:41 PM EDT reply actions

Atta boy Yadi

Nice to pick up a scuffling B.Loop.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 3:42 PM EDT reply actions

Best part of havings runners on 1st

is watching Yadi take'm out!!!

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Apr 15, 2007 3:42 PM EDT reply actions

I don't care who you are

YOU DON'T STEAL OFF OF YADIER MOLINA!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:42 PM EDT reply actions

forget stealing

even taking a lead is a bad, bad idea ;)

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 15, 2007 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions

yadi's arm

Molina has to get the gold glove this year...no catcher bails out his pitcher at the end of an inning like that

by lastplacecubs on Apr 15, 2007 3:42 PM EDT reply actions

duncan

his the real deal

by samael88 on Apr 15, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

BABY DUNC!

No one can stop this kid right now.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

Yadi

I'm curious who calls those plays? Albert? Yadi? TLR?

by OCCardsFan on Apr 15, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

DUNCAN DONUTS

On me!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

Ba-Dunc-a-Dunc

This kid may just be the real deal. He's proving to everyone that last year was not a fluke.

by bsutherland on Apr 15, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

workouts

he worked out with Big Mac over the offseason

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

And Larry Walker

on his defense

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Gameday

So it's skips again from Pujols to Edmonds. They need to get it together

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

483 feet

Wow. Chris Duncan is a golden god.

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Apr 15, 2007 3:51 PM EDT reply actions

Ball hit the bullpen scoreboard

and bounced almost back into the infield.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Loop-de-Loop through six

His PC is 96. I'd say good job and turn it over to the bullpen at this point.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 3:54 PM EDT reply actions

Another Quality Start

Carp and Reyes are the only two to have pitched non-quality starts.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

BB

for PW.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

Am I Hallucenating

or did P-Dub just walk?

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 Apr 15, 2007 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

No, ur not hallucinating

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Extend the lead!

Come on Cards!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

It is nice having Spiez off the bench

by OCCardsFan on Apr 15, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

HBP

Way to take one for the team

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it time yet

to concede that Looper as a starter is the real deal. My thought personally, yes. The Brewers have a good lineup, its a hitters day at Busch, and since the first inning Looper has shut them down. I guess La Russa and Duncan did know what they were talking about. Although I can honestly say I didnt doubt them.

by stl3bagger on Apr 15, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

yes

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Perfect...

J-Rod moment here...

Acquire any Established Major League Outfielder!

by guayzimi on Apr 15, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

well

I was going to say I don't know about pinch hitting for Loop, and I was going to ask how many pitches he had thrown, but I guess it worked out....

by nota bene on Apr 15, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

C'mon boys

Blow it open. You did it last Sunday.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

thats

an rbi the hard way

by jojo5492 on Apr 15, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

Why would...

you leave Sheets in to face Speez...

This Yost makes me appreciate LaRussa big time.

Acquire any Established Major League Outfielder!

by guayzimi on Apr 15, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

loaded for AP

still only one out....

by nota bene on Apr 15, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

everyday should be sunday

10-1 and now this!

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

Good jeebus

Lil' Dunc 4-for-4. He really IS a golden god. Big situation for Pu here...

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

go

pujols

by samael88 on Apr 15, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

albert still seems to be pressing...

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

come on Pujols

I'm benching you if you dont start heating up

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

1 for 4

1 HR 4 RBI

Not great but in fantasy land, 4 RBIs is gravy.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

i know...

he does something good everytime i say this

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

it may have been an out

but it was a fielder's choice that scored a run

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:07 PM EDT reply actions

Rolen popout

But it was a good inning... 3 runs for us is always a good inning in my book. Loop in line for the W... who's coming in from the bullpen?

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

Duncan is at the Rogers Hornsby Line

and Pujols (and Rolen) are below the Mendoza Line....but AP has 4 RBI so there's that.

by nota bene on Apr 15, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

pujols

how has pujols other at bats looked? im stuck watching on gameday. the homerun was nice but would like to see some more progress

by truemun12 on Apr 15, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

Struggling

he still looks lost up there, the HR was a down the middle fastball. the other AB's were rough

by FunkeeC on Apr 15, 2007 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Chris Duncan gets to bat again

if someone can reach in the 7th or the 8th.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:15 PM EDT reply actions

23 K's thru 7 1/2 at Wrigley

Cubs down by one.

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Apr 15, 2007 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

yeesh

I said this last Sunday, too, but... c'mon guys, save some runs for Pittsburgh!

of course, the Pittsburgh series went pretty well last time even without the runs.

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 4:25 PM EDT reply actions

It appears that once every week

someone takes the bats out of hiding and gives the Cards permission to actually use them. Miraculous things, like P-Dub doubling and Kennedy cashing him in, actually happen. Albert hits his weekly homer. Cards fans get their hopes up. Then for the rest of the week, the bats are taken back to their undisclosed location and the team sleepwalks through the offense. Weird.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

skip!

Atta boy

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:29 PM EDT reply actions

Bases loaded for Duncan

hilarity could abound here.

If they bring in a LHP, wonder if TLR will pinchhit for Duncan just because he can say 'what else can the kid do'.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

you called it

they bring in an LHP

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

against LHP

This season: 4-8, HR, 3 RBIs

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions

bases loaded

Let's go Duncan!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

Nice Poke schu

3 players creep up to the Mendoza Line today; Schu, Kennedy, & Pdub.

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Apr 15, 2007 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

Go Schu

I know he's looked bad but I believe he's better than he's shown us. All he has to do is slap it with his speed.

by DJ4508 on Apr 15, 2007 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

gotta leave duncan in there

he needs to go for five hits AND one of his HRs this year was against a LHP

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

Duncan

Doing wonders for my fantasy teams

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

squeezed

both pitchers weren't getting any corners at all, so it is doubly impressive how looper hung in there, and put up a quality start.

re:albert
ya, even with the homerun albert isnt looking like albert quite yet.

on a positive note, edmonds appears to be getting his timing back and is raking but getting no breaks.

last 5 hit game by a cardinal was renteria in 2004 the tv people said. go dunc!!!

by Rentboy on Apr 15, 2007 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

Edmonds swing in the 7th

3 years ago would have been off the scoreboard.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

either the Brewers can't pitch today

or maybe it was the football weather....

by nota bene on Apr 15, 2007 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

dang it

ended the inning

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

If Skip was an Astro

he would have been safe on that play.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

Damn

Dunc wanted that fifth hit.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

Bad plan

walking people with a seven run lead.

by cards13 on Apr 15, 2007 4:40 PM EDT reply actions

Over/under on years that Fielder

can stay in the NL before having to go be a DH?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:42 PM EDT reply actions

So...

if Carp, Jennings, Prior, and Sheets all go down for an extended period, who comes out ahead? This is a lot of pitching talent to lose out of one division...

Acquire any Established Major League Outfielder!

by guayzimi on Apr 15, 2007 4:42 PM EDT reply actions

Cubs

they shouldn't have been counting on Prior in the first place.

now if Zambrano went down on the other hand...

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

you would think it's the cubs

i was really scared of the new cubs lineup. silly me. that has more ways to lose a ballgame than any team i have ever seen. they should have swept the reds easily. take away that zambrano melt down inning, which was a joke, and they only gave up 1 run in 26 innings. we would've swept that series like a walk in the park. it's a shame really because it helps the reds. i'd much rather see the cubs sweep them, since the cubs have no chance. they'll be lucky to win 66 games this year.

satis superque

by ortic jones on Apr 15, 2007 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Cubs Shut Out

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Apr 15, 2007 4:44 PM EDT reply actions

eckstein

is not just a good player for his size, he is a good player. glad they dont talk about his size 50 times a game like the last few years.

nice play to save thompson

by Rentboy on Apr 15, 2007 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Albert

looked pretty comfortable there.

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, yeah...let's see him do it on a Monday

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

Pujols

alright!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
2006 WS for JB and DK57

by cardsfan84 on Apr 15, 2007 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

uh

yeah, Albert looks terrible, get him out of there....

by nota bene on Apr 15, 2007 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Devil Rays

Al Reyes just got the save striking out the last two looking.

Another note about this team: Has everybody seen Akinori Iwamura play yet? He's the Japanese 3B hitting almost .400 w/ an OBP over .500. He just led off the top of the 9th w/ a tie game. Quickly fell behind on Nathan 0-2. He took a pitch out of the zone, fouled a fastball back that was at his eyes, took another out of the zone, and finished it off w/ a double down the line off a breaking ball that was going to hit the dirt.

He had over 100 HR in Japan over the last 3 years while batting over .300. Fantasy baseball stud

by lastplacecubs on Apr 15, 2007 4:52 PM EDT reply actions

yes he is

he's been the best player on my team not names a-rod

by jojo5492 on Apr 15, 2007 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

i got him

after his 4-4 game and he has an incredible batter's eyes. I have mlb.tv so i catch most of his at-bats and he doesn't give the pitcher much. He hasn't shown much of his power yet but I was watching one game where he was a foot from a grandslam. he seems to have a lot of similar tools as ichiro hitting-wise

by lastplacecubs on Apr 15, 2007 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

"Jackie Robinson first negro...er, American

player to play in the National League.."

That was almost a disasterous sentence by the Brewers announcer, based on the culture's current climate.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 15, 2007 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

I caught that too

that was a little uncomfortable.

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Albert!

Who cares that we were already 7 runs ahead, this is another big day for him. What is it about him and Sunday...? Whatever, at least it's something.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

both alberts homeruns were

fastballs right down the middle, so he might not be out of his funk yet. it is promising tho! he is kinda like a pitcher getting by without his best stuff. 2 HR's when your struggling is pretty wicked!!

by Rentboy on Apr 15, 2007 5:01 PM EDT reply actions

Not a fastball

pretty sure it was a curveball

by WhiteGold on Apr 15, 2007 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Albert

his first HR - he still looked like he was lunging at the ball.

his second one was classic Albert. it was pretty much right down the middle, though, but it didn't look like a fastball.

by madding on Apr 15, 2007 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Ya think they're reaching a bit?

From the Cards' official site:

"Come out to Busch Stadium and watch the Redbirds battle the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates in a two-game series to close out the homestand. Don't miss Albert Pujols and the rest of your Cardinals in this important divisional battle!"

Important divisional battle? Pirates? Does not compute.

Sparks of Dementia Cards, A's, and Rockies coverage by an amateur if very enthusiastic blogmistress, myself.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Apr 15, 2007 5:12 PM EDT reply actions

to add on

in the middle of april, pirates, important division battle.

ha!

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 15, 2007 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

yes curvey

ya, just saw replay of albert's second homerun and it does appear the pitcher attempted to throw a breakin ball, was the straightest curve i have ever seen, it fooled me!! i dont think it would even be good enough to be called a hanging curve.

meat pitch!!

by Rentboy on Apr 15, 2007 5:27 PM EDT reply actions

That's what

great hitters do with mistakes, though.

by Toddius396 on Apr 15, 2007 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Pujols and the Cardinals Offense

So far this season, whenever Pujols hits a HR the Cardinals go on to score 10 runs that game. Once he gets hot watch out for this offense.

by Chicago Cardinals on Apr 15, 2007 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

Not sure who saw it

but on fri i posted my game of mlb 2k7 reyes vs sheets...it was pretty close to todays game and score cept i held them to one less oh and my guy hr'ed

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Apr 15, 2007 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

I went back and read what you posted

And I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who has 90% of his homers robbed.

Two-thirds of the world is covered by water, the rest is covered by Jim Edmonds

by viva el rojo pajaro 42 on Apr 15, 2007 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions

haha

ya that game every OF even on rookie skill level are gold glovers...oh and i have gotten better but when yadi is my power threat i have issues...

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Apr 16, 2007 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

2K7

I just played my first "exhibition game" finally on Friday night. I've had the game since around when it came out, but hadn't gotten around to playing it. I played the Brewers (Carp vs. Sheets) and ended up winning 1-0 in the 10th on a Juan Encarnacion walkoff. Carp went 9 1/3, at which point his target started shaking constantly because his stamina was under 20% or something. I'm gonna try and get another practice game or two in before I start a season. I played 2K6 a lot last year (and am a fan of 2K sports games in general) but I don't consider myself to be very "good" as I almost never face human competition and also have a knack for forgetting what buttons do what on a regular basis.

by madding on Apr 16, 2007 5:37 AM EDT up reply actions

ya then try online

it sets it to all star...i got pounded my first game and second was doing well and the guy quit so i get a win but was tied at the time 4-4...i've figured out the long ball but thats on rookie...those games are hard to learn but after you get the hang of it you gan bust out the wooping stick...i too am learning plate discipline

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Apr 16, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions