Game 102 Open Thread: July 29, 2007

by erik on Jul 29, 2007 2:13 AM EDT in News Comment 233 comments


Gallardo	Kip "the Killer" Wells
3-1, 2.18	4-13, 5.57

I bet Reyes is relieved. I don't see how they can send him back after tonight, but knowing the Cardinals he will already be on a flight to Memphis as I write this early Sunday morning. I really liked Reyes's aggressiveness and reliance on his fastball, particularly against Ryan Braun. In the first inning he struck him out on 3 pitches, finishing him off with the high heat. In the 4th Braun went down swinging again, the next time on 4 pitches, again on a 92 MPHer up. Then Tony had to be Tony, taking the ball from the kid in after he just threw 67 pitches. I can understand why TLR would trust Ryan Franklin, the dude has been nothing but nails all season while Reyes certainly has not, but the kid was in a groove, just hit a tiny blip in giving up the HR and his reward was a ride on the pine when he looked like he was just getting warm. I don't get it.

As for the trade deadline looming, you have to think with the Cardinals as close as they've been in a while, they will look to buy. Even if the season is shot, they'll be looking with the future in mind. Just for fun, let's look back to see what WJ has done when the Cardinal teams he was overseeing were less then perfect.

On July 31 of '97, with the team back by 7.5 games, Walter traded Eric Ludwick, T.J. Mathews, and Blake Stein to the Oakland Athletics. Received Mark McGwire.
On 7/31/98, the team was in dire straights, being 13.5 back, so they traded Royce Clayton and Todd Stottlemyre to the Texas Rangers for Darren Oliver, Fernando Tatis and PTBNL Mark Little.
On 7/31/99, 11.5 games out, the team swapped on utility man for another, trading Shawon Dunston to the Mets for Craig Paquette.
In 2003 Walt was 2 games back behind the Astros, but the bullpen was in tatters and he was content to stand pat. Later he traded for Sterling Hitchcock and Mike DeJean. Hitchcock "cost" the team Justin Pope, a previous 1st round pick who after doing well for 2 seasons in the low minors was struggling in his first season of high A ball. FYI, Pope is still trying to find his way to the bigs, still a Yankee farmhand pitching in relief for the Scranton/W-B Dunderballers..I mean Yankees.

McGwire was obviously an offer Walt could not turn down, and the deal was made with the future of the team in mind, as they signed him to a long term deal shortly after. Stottlemeyer was actually pitching quite well when he was traded to the Rangers, but he was the third highest paid player on the team making $4.9 mil and Clayton was making about $3 mil himself. It was a salary dump, but he received Oliver who went on to pitch 196 inning the next year, and young Nando was a major league ready hitter ready and displaced Gary Gaetti the following year. In '99 he stood pat for whatever reason and in 2003 there was an obvious need he was unable to address until it was probably too late.

One thing we do know about Walt, the trades he makes usually have the long-term future in mind. The only name I can think of off the top of my head that would possibly fit that bill is Jon Garland, and I'm afraid Ken Williams will ask for Rasmus and/or Chris Perez, which would be suicide. If AJ Burnett wasn't on the DL for the zillionth time, I think he could've been a distinct possibility. We'll see what happens. Al Hrabosky mentioned on the broadcast that the Red Sox had scouts looking at Eckstein, which seems like typical Al talking out of his...well, you know.

Elsewhere, first round pick Pete Kozma made his debut with the GCL team. He was part of turning 3 double plays and at the plate he walked and struck out.

Update [2007-7-29 2:29:17 by erik]: just as i posted the game thread, i read over at the P-D that Mike Shannon's wife Judy lost her fight with cancer. Mike had been out of the booth a lot due to all this, and this is a terrible tragedy for the Shannon family, and Cardinal family in general. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family, I've really come to love Shannon over the years of listening to his broadcasts, and we hurt with him over this loss.

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bad news

according to the PD, Mrs Shannon lost her battle with cancer last night.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/C011B9857503A67F8625732700 1DBEAE?OpenDocument

my thoughts and prayers go out the the Mike and his whole family.

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

by gdm426 on Jul 29, 2007 2:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a shame

Rest in peace, Mrs. Shannon.

My thoughts are with Mike and his family.

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

by Mr Clean on Jul 29, 2007 2:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

just saw that

and posted the update before i was able to read your comment. i'm really sad for him. i had an aunt who died of breast cancer a few years ago, painful for the whole family to see her suffer and lose that battle, very sad, sad news. i wish mike the best, and hope he'll one day find the strength one day to make his way back to the broadcast, because he is cardinal baseball in many ways.

Future Redbirds

by erik on Jul 29, 2007 2:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Terrible news

atleast now she no longer has to suffer.

Prayers to Mike and his family.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RIP

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Jul 29, 2007 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

All the best

to Mike Shannon and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Condolences

That's too bad about Mrs. Shannon. Cancer is tough. Best wishes for Mr. Shannon and the rest of his family.

A Cubs fan just visiting

by brianp88 on Jul 29, 2007 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When Tony pulled Reyes...

It actually made sense to me, and I could certainly understand why he did it. Reyes had been borderline dominant through 6 innings, giving up only 2 hits (albeit one was a HR on a pitch that badly missed location), with 1 walk and 4 Ks. By pulling him with 2 out in the bottom of the 6th, Tony ensured that Anthony could ONLY get the win. Anthony is also an almost guaranteed out at the plate, so with a runner at 2nd and 2 outs, a pinch hitter gave us a fairly decent chance of another much needed run.

That said, with the way Reyes was dealing, I honestly believe he could easily have thrown a complete game tonight. The guy used only 67 pitches through 6 innings, allowing only 3 baserunners. It doesn't get a whole lot better than that.

But with Franklin and Izzy both well-rested, the pinch hit for Reyes REALLY increased the odds of getting Anthony that win. I have no problem with it.

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

by Mr Clean on Jul 29, 2007 2:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Could Reyes be another Haren?

Anthony Reyes' ERA, now 6.11, is the third worst among the 9 pitchers who have had at least one start this year for the Cards (only Maroth and Carpenter have higher ERA's.)

But Anthony's WHIP, 1.34, is best among this year's 9 starters.

He has shown flashes of brilliance, as vs. White Sox last year (one-hitter), vs. the Tigers in the World Series (won game 1), and in today's game vs. the Brewers. Reyes' ERA was a very respectable 4.68 last year before his very last appearance, on extremely short notice, when he was left in a game to eat up innings. This year Anthony has been asked to change his pitching style in a fundamental way, on the run, in the big leagues, a daunting task for any young pitcher.

I hope the Cardinals don't give up on him and make the kind of mistake they did in trading away Haren. Haren had an ERA of 5.08 in his first season (72 IP), 4.50 in his second (46 IP), both with the Cards. Haren showed his promise under the pressure of the 2004 World Series (4.2 IP, 7 baserunners, but 0 ER), as Reyes did last year (8 IP, 5 baserunners, 2 ER).

Reyes has too much promise to give up on him, especially when the Cardinals so much need quality starters at a low price. I hope the Cardinals keep him at least the rest of the year, make him a starter from here on to see what he can really do with regularity in his starts from this point, and, if they still wish to trade him, do so this winter. Given the year he has had so far, it is likely his stock will be at least as high after the season as it is right now.

by CardsWin on Jul 29, 2007 3:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love the way he just takes the ball

and keeps coming at you and if you noticed he walked the first batter he faced-the umpire had a pretty tight strike zone-and Reyes figured it out after that first batter. I don't even think he ran a 3-2 count after that. He's had close to a whole season of starting-he's shown flashes of brilliance, and now he's had 2 games in a row (NYgame) where he has pitched well. There is no justification for them to NOT to work with their only prospect for the rest of the year. NONE! I have always thought they looked at him in regards to what he couldn't do (throw a sinker) instead of what he could do which is throw a lively fastball/changeup combination, and spent to much time trying to change his pitching. There really is no reason to trade him-I have no doubt they will live to regret it if they do. He is in his 4th professional season--to soon to give up on someone that has shown such potential.

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

that pulling Reyes was the right move. He needed the win and the team needed the win. Franklin and Izzy were rested and they did what they are being paid to do. Finish the game.

That said, I believe Maroth will be in the pen with Reyes pitching Thursday or Friday.

by cards13 on Jul 29, 2007 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish you were right, but they will

never push a veteran out of the way, and they shouldn't push the youngsters out of the way. Although Thompson has worried me because when the sinker doesn't sink he's got nothing. Anthony is probably already back in Memphis as we speak.....

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wrong.....

(AU)...but now he'll have to show hes good for more than once every 10-12 starts. We'll be watching.

In ten days we'll find out Alberts played the whole season on two broken legs.

by cardschinmusic on Jul 30, 2007 4:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

...or maybe this.....

http://www.delawareonline.com/blogs/2007/07/july-29-reyes-of-hope.html

Maybe this could be Reyes future? The responding comments are interesting in how AR is perceived elsewhere as a pitcher.

Anthony Reyes....the future of the Cards starting rotation!

by cardschinmusic on Jul 30, 2007 5:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I actually wanted Miles to make an out there so that Reyes would come back out for another inning but, once Miles got on, I knew what Tony's decision would be. It made sense in many respects -- Reyes can only get the win (maybe if Reyes wasn't 0-10 the decision would have been different), it was only a 1 run game at that point, a runner on base and the pitcher up in a 1 run game -- a very defensible decision.

That said, Reyes really had it working last night -- good location except for the one pitch to Hart, moving up and down, in and out in the zone, throwing strikes. What he showed is the difference in the upsides of our starters -- with Thompson, Looper, Maroth -- the upside just isn't very high. Looper and, to a lesser degree, Thompson have been more consistent -- 6 IP, 3 ER, that sort of thing -- but Reyes' upside is so much higher. For that reason, and the fact that he's proven all he can prove in AAA, he needs to be in St. Louis full time.

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The New, Improved Kip Wells?

Kip's numbers since 06/20/2007:

G GS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA W L K/9 BB/9 K/BB HR/9 8 4 31.6 30 11 8 0 11 21 2.27 2 2 6.0 3.1 1.91 0.0

And his last 2 starts:

G GS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA W L K/9 BB/9 K/BB HR/9 2 2 14.6 10 3 2 0 5 6 1.23 1 1 3.7 3.1 1.20 0.0

Let's hope he can keep this up!

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

by Mr Clean on Jul 29, 2007 2:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm still not sold the Cardinals did anything

but have a good day.

However, if the Cardinals somehow turn this season around from here on out (and they have the opportunity before them to do that), I will always look back on Scott Rolen's at-bat in the 9th inning of Game 1 as the most important AB of the entire season.
Pitch 1: Fastball (97 mph) Ball Pitch 2: Slider (92 mph) Swinging Strike Pitch 3: Slider (92 mph) Ball Pitch 4: Slider (92 mph) Swinging Strike Pitch 5: Fastball (97 mph) Ball Pitch 6: Slider (91 mph) Foul Pitch 6: Fastball (98 mph) Foul Pitch 8: Slider (91 mph) Double

Of course, everyone who got on before him and drove in runs was important to the final score, but Rolen found himself in a 2-2 count with 2 outs, down 1 run against a closer who, if you aren't smart, can dominate you with a slider that dies in the dirt. And for Rolen, his electric fastball is just as dangerous.

If this season becomes ANYTHING from here on out, I'll look back at that at-bat as the turning point in the season.

And I'll remember how I was furious that the Cardinals were losing..my power had gone out in the 9th inning, so I had to take go find my battery powered XM radio to listen to the game. I'll remember how I acted like the Cardinals had won the freaking NLCS when he served that double into LF.

I don't know why I carried on like that, I haven't in a LONG time this season but damn it, after all the lopsided losses, I needed it. So did they.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

As difficult as it has been for Scott

this season, he has still taken some good at bats. It's huge if he found his hitting stroke. Good hitting teams can sometimes win in spite of a bad start....not always, but a few games here and there. They all stepped up yesterday-they did not let their kid pitchers take a loss....

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To the Shannons....

Rest in peace Ms. Shannon....she had to be very special to be married to Mike...the radio announcer (Bucks summertime pardner for how long?), restaurateur (sp?), an original and classic St Louis Cardinal player and major leaguer in every way....thats a lot of stuff to keep up with.

(atta boy Anthony!)

In ten days we'll find out Alberts played the whole season on two broken legs.

by cardschinmusic on Jul 29, 2007 8:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RIP, Mrs. Shannon

She must have been a very special lady to have raised six children with her husband gone as often as baseball players are gone. Everything I have ever read about her certainly supports that. Mike and his family will be in my prayers.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anthony Reyes and 67 pitches

Could this be Tony's way of saying "short rest" before his next start? We have the day off tomorrow, and then Looper on Monday. Could Reyes take the Maroth start on Wednesday so Thompson goes on regular rest?

That would give us an extra lefty in the bullpen with TJ still on the DL and Cate not eligible to be called up for a couple of days (he was sent down the 22nd)

by Phyrkrakr on Jul 29, 2007 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope not

Reyes has not been good on short rest (to put it mildly), if memory serves me correctly.

Checking now...

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 29, 2007 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reyes and rest

6+ days rest
14 starts (16 games) 3.67 ERA, 1.12 WHIP

5 days rest
6 starts (7 games) 7.79 ERA, 1.59 WHIP

4 days rest (regular)
10 starts, 5.68 ERA, 1.38 WHIP

3 days rest
1 start, 54.00 ERA, 7.50 WHIP

so, regular rest or TONS of rest seems to work best for the youngster.

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 29, 2007 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That 3-day rest game

That was the last game of last season and it ticked me off. We should have sent Chris Narveson out on regular rest but La Russa (from the explanation I heard) wanted to see how Reyes pitched on short notice to see if he could handle bullpen duties.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rotation next week

stlcardinals.com has Wainwright listed as the Tuesday starter (Monday's an off day). That makes sense, as he last pitched Wed. I'd think that Looper probably gets Wed's start, and Wells will be on schedule to start on Friday.

So, the question is who fits in on Thurs and Sat? Thompson and Reyes would be on normal rest for Thurs, so you'd have to figure one of them gets that start. Then it's either the other one or Maroth on Saturday, I'd think, and I hope it's not Maroth.

Tues: Wainwright
Wed: Looper
Thurs: Thompson/Reyes
Fri: Wells
Sat: Thompson/Reyes

That seems like the obvious/best way to do it, and nobody has to go on short rest.

by CardFaninVA on Jul 29, 2007 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

I had the rotation wrong in my head, for some reason I thought Waino pitched Friday.

When will Cate be eligible to be called back up? I can't remember if it's 10 days or 15 before a player sent down can return to the 25 man.

Also, do we have an ETA on Johnson? I heard he's showing signs of improvement, but I haven't heard a specific date yet.

by Phyrkrakr on Jul 29, 2007 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh-Oh......

With all the elation over winning the double header against the Brewers....the Cubs are now only 1 1/2 games out.....
I predict the Brewers are going to have some problems in the race because of their poor fielding. I noticed it's the only thing Ryan Braun seemed to have trouble doing.

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 9:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

and I suspect

Fielder does not help them much (defensively) at first. Although I confess I have not seen him on TV much at all. With little to go on, I put Fielder in the Ryan Howard/Dmitri Young category... which is to say that big galoots are often a defensive liability at 1b. (Albert being quite the exception)
And I know errors don't tell the whole tale, but Fielder has more (10) than any 1b in the majors so far: .. Young 9, Howard 6, Albert 7
"Assists" probably tell more: Albert 90; Fielder 74; Howard 60; Young 48 (no doubt DH-ing some of the time)

by CurtFlood on Jul 29, 2007 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fielder moves around pretty well

over there. I think if he put more work into the defensive part, he'd be able to improve. For a guy that is overweight he moves surprisingly well.

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade for Matt Morris!

Let's bring him back Walt. He's having a decent year and we need a starter. He may give the team a spark too! Maybe I'm just in the clouds though...

by gorn on Jul 29, 2007 12:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No.....leave Matt be

I love him but he's having a rough second half; we have enough pitchers doing that already......

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

even with...

AJ Burnett on the DL i'd still try to make a move for him. Toronto management has shown they regret their decision to sign him and it sounds like they both need to go a different direction. Take on his contract and give up a low level prospect and that oughta get him for us.

by lopey986 on Jul 29, 2007 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want no part of A.J. Burnett and his

ten trips to the DL--we already have Mulder and Carpenter injured. AJ only makes 20 starts a year for 2-3 year now. Pitchers are always an injury risk; lets start with someone with a history of durability, and take a chance they will stay healthy instead of someone we know is always hurt.

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Burnett being hurt is toronto's fault

I think there was a diary about it, but AJ was being abused heavily in Toronto- the 5th most pitcher abuse points in baseball, behind zambrano, dicek, harang, and arroyo, and he was #2 in BP's "stress" category behind Z. He threw up to 130 pitches per start and over the 3 start span before he hit the DL he had thrown 385+ pitches. No wonder his arm hurts.

I say offer beans for him and treat him like we treat wainwright.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If

they eat up some of his contract, I'd be more than happy to see AJ here.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry......I still pass.....

all those other pitchers you name could take it....that's why they have all stayed in the rotation. Shame on Toronto for abusing him. He should be their problem.....really. If you are going to spend the big bucks spend it on someone you can reasonably expect to stay in the rotation.

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We can't trade for him

while he's on the DL. It would have to be a PTBNL type deal, but still, I'd pass.

by Phyrkrakr on Jul 29, 2007 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spiezio in Falkenborg back to Memphis

On the radio this morning Tony said Spiezio is in the starting lineup and Brian is back on his way to Memphis. He said it like "About an hour ago (this was at 10:15) I had to congratulate him by sending him back down for Spiezio" not his exact words but basically it.

by StLHugo on Jul 29, 2007 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

R.I.P.

rest in peace, Mrs. Shannon.
our thoughts are with Mr. Shannon and his family.

From Curaçao, the friendly island in the Caribbean

by Johnny64 on Jul 29, 2007 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who is going to be available from the bullpen

today if Reyes stays up and Spiezio is activated? Izzy didn't pitch long yesterday so he could take one fairly short inning. But otherwise, it seems like we're pinning our hopes on Flo (doesn't make me feel confident). That puts a heck of a lot of pressure on Wells to pitch 7 innings. And the last thing I want to do right now with Wells possibly turning around is to load on the pressure without giving him any safety net. He has the third worst run support (in the NL?) and has had lousy defense. He should have won that game with Chicago but for Rolen's error (not to mention some questionable umpire calls). So I hope we don't leave him hanging out there.

by nycardfan on Jul 29, 2007 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why am I still optimistic at all?

But I am!

If the Cards can pull of win #3 against the Brew Crew today, that would leave them 4 under .500. It takes a huge 5-1 road trip to get back to .500 before facing the NL West foes at home. However, they are traveling to Pittsburgh (7-5 there the last two years, 3-0 this year) and Washington (1-2 there last year). I could see a 5-1 trip if we can win a big one today...if only because that would make three good outings by Kipper in a row.

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 29, 2007 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Astros News

Morgan Ensberg was designated for assignment in hope to be traded.

I'm actually glad about that, because I always had a soft spot in my heart for him, and now that he'll be away from the 'Stros, I can actually hope he succeeds.

I wonder who will pick him up.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You think Dan and Al are 'spin doctors'

I've said all year long, these Brewers announcers are just plain silly. They can make ANYTHING sound like a positive.

"The Brewers gave up 19 hits and 12 runs in the 7th inning last night, but you gotta love the resolve of these young kids coming back out there for the 8th inning and only giving up another 5."

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Brewers broadcast just said

"Ryan Braun could become Albert Pujols"

Oh, I'd love to drill these guys early.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

gotta admit

I've thought it myself- his first couple months in the big leagues he's had a 1.000+ OPS, and he's only going to get better (though there's no way he maintains that .668 SLG). Plus he isn't overweight or suffering from debilitating foot/hamstring/oblique injuries. Todd Helton might be a better comparison though, just based on physique.

use 2 hands, duncan. grrr.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

Dave McKay works with the outfielders, and says that with today's modern, deep-pocketed outfielders' gloves, the two-hand catch is unnecessary at this level.

Gotta love GameDay magazine.

by Jhusk on Jul 29, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Braun's numbers are so good

because he has a freakish split against LHP. He has more HRs, less strike outs and a .500 average against LHP.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

KSDK

What's the over/under on how many times KSDK plays their annoying jingle in and out of every commercial? Wherever it's set, I'm taking the over.

T.M.

by tooth mcgee on Jul 29, 2007 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

a drinking game is given birth

and it's on a day when Wells is starting. perfect!

Future Redbirds

by azruavatar on Jul 29, 2007 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kip can just be plain nasty

when he wants to.

He is the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. He has some of the greatest stuff I've seen in a long time and then he can look like Speezer out there mopping up.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ryan ludwick

has the highest percentage of "drilled the ball right at the third baseman" outs I have ever seen.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 2:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps you forgot

Yadier Molina circa 2006.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jason Jennings

gave up 11 runs in the top of the first to the Padres.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 2:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WOW

ouch.

by Jhusk on Jul 29, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Jenningsmeister has not had a

particularly good year......

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Enc

so I could be making nothing out of something, but do you think Juan is out of the line-up because of a trade or just another case of TLR being TLR and benching one of our hottest hitters?

Sadly, it's probably the latter.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Kip Wells should teach WonderBrad

that curveball. It is a sick, sick sinking curveball.

Why does the defense seem to always make 'just enough' mistakes to make Kip's life hard?

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Juan is

probably a career 0-1 hitter against Gallardo

by The Butcher on Jul 29, 2007 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wheels coming off Wells

here in the 3rd. Time to man up, Kip.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Braun

King of the excuse me hits.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I despite Rick Horton

EOM

"Well, no one's perfect. Only one guy was ever perfect, Jack, and they nailed him to a tree!"

by lightbulb on Jul 29, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Edmonds?

Can someone explain why we're starting Edmonds at all? We have a hot hand in Schumaker, and Juan and So are both hitting as well. We can't afford an automatic out in this lineup. I might feel differently if the guy had pop, but he's slugging a whopping .369 with one HR since June 2.

(Having written this, I can now sit back and watch him go 3 for 4 with a double and a homer today . . . )

by Secret Weapon on Jul 29, 2007 3:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A little surprising

Considering Skip went 2-4 against Gallardo (single, double, 2K) earlier this season.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And he probably has a lot of familiarity

with him because they both started the year in AAA and played against each other......Tony being Tony I guess.......

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BS

he was out. I hate Greg Gibson

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Fuck Greg Gibson

What a vindictive little jerk.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

they need a stat for bad luck...

this is ridiculous.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

There is a stat for bad luck

For pitchers anyway...I recognize a few Cards in the top ten.

Year/Name/LUCK (or lack thereof)

2007 Matt Cain -9.75
2007 Bronson Arroyo -7.02
2007 Anthony Reyes -6.77
2007 Mike Pelfrey -6.48
2007 Joe Kennedy -6.41
2007 Kip Wells -5.07
2007 Jeff Weaver -4.83
2007 Kyle Lohse -4.03
2007 Paul Maholm -4.02
2007 Dallas Braden -4.00

Luck: Luck, as measured by the number of extra wins, and short losses the pitcher actually got, versus his expected record. LUCK = (W-E(W))+(E(L)-L)

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/glossary/index.php?search=LUCK

"Well, no one's perfect. Only one guy was ever perfect, Jack, and they nailed him to a tree!"

by lightbulb on Jul 29, 2007 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and the bad call comes back to haunt us....

figures. I doubt we have 2 comebacks in us this weekend unfortunately.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It is Sunday

and Gallardo was getting smacked all over the place in the 1st inning.

3 runs isn't going to do them in. They just can't give up more before they score.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's right -- hard 9

don't let the kipster lose this game fellas......

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing how we've yet to get a hit off him

I think it's safe to say we have little chance.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if weeks had gotten a hit

after taking a pitch right down the middle for ball 2, I would have been very upset. Great play, eck.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Worst umpiring crew ever.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Adam Kennedy has got to be the worst player in MLB

he makes Neifi Perez look like a Hall of Famer.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

I guess you weren't watching this team last year when Yadi was hitting even worse.

And if you're referring to defense, we could do a lot worse.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Gallardo

on a strict pitch count? Something like 100 pitches?

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If he is...

He would go 6 hitless innings with 8 ks at this rate.

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 29, 2007 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure that could

that could have been any less of a strike.

by Hammondsbird on Jul 29, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

poor chris duncan

his eye is too good... unfortunately this ump's strike zone is getting wider and wider.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why even have homeplate?

If Gallardo throws it up there, it's a strike.. apparently.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Tim donahey

would call a better game

by Hammondsbird on Jul 29, 2007 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only if he had the over

Pujols currently < Career godliness.

by joker24 on Jul 29, 2007 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Enc

really should be in this game. There's no excuse to bench our hottest hitter for the biggest game we'll have in awhile. Unless Tony is resting him for the off day they have tomorrow . . . yeah, that's probably it.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The leftside of the infield makes me

stomach turn. It's a defensive liabilty over there. Speezer with no range and Eckstein wearing cement shoes.

Hit it on the ground towards Eck and it's a single.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

this strike zone

is unbelievable.

Future Redbirds

by erik on Jul 29, 2007 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Kip is going to get rocked

on the 3-1 pitch.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wheew

that was scary.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no kidding

by Hammondsbird on Jul 29, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get a double play

PUH-LEASE Kippers!

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Can you get Rickie Weeks

now?

Kip?

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or just IBB him

and let Gallardo smack a double down the line.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

please

don't tell me gameday is that far behind...(or that the cardinals are now)

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 29, 2007 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn

it is and we are...good bye

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 29, 2007 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, don't

Get Gallardo!

stlfan

by stlfan on Jul 29, 2007 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he had

a .215 batting avg. I don't care that the pitcher is next. Weeks was not going to get a hit.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do we even scout teams?

Gallardo is a good hitter. It'd be like walking Aaron Miles to loard the bases to face Kip Wells.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Please TLR

resign promptly. Or get ejected again or something.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh...

Rickie Weeks career OPS+: 91
Aaron Miles: 71

Besides, you wouldn't rather face Kip Wells than Aaron Miles anyway? I don't get it.

by baw on Jul 29, 2007 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a pitcher, I'd rather face

Aaron Miles than Kip Wells.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a watcher of baseball,

I'd say that makes no sense. I realize this is sort of like debating the Kia Sorento vs. Chevy Tracker, but... eh, nevermind

by baw on Jul 29, 2007 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

According to the homepage,

Reyes is staying in the rotation.

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070729&content_id=2116755&vkey=news_ stl&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl.

No word yet on when he next starts, though.

"I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it." ~Rogers Hornsby

by spiderman15 on Jul 29, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

5-0, Milwaukee

Game over.
Season over.

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Jul 29, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Such a flair

for the dramatic!

by baw on Jul 29, 2007 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoops...

I forgot it was Sunday.

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Jul 29, 2007 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, 11 singles, no XBH

by CardFaninVA on Jul 29, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

First hit

for the Cards and it is an XBH. And for all you guys, they show Jen Spiezio on air.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

great at bat, eckstein

double on the 9th pitch of the at bat...

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

houston

now only trailing 11-15 after being down by 11

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 4:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How 'bout a home run by Duncan

and then rain to call the game?

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Jul 29, 2007 4:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

gah

it's a shame that that had to end on a called 3rd strike.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rain, Rain go away

bullpen, let's shut them down and then get the lead.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

duncan'

been robed a couple at bats there on questionable pitches

by Hammondsbird on Jul 29, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

poor chris duncan

though after getting screwed the first time you'd think he would have adjusted.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Phillies scouting Reyes

per mlb trade rumors

by Hammondsbird on Jul 29, 2007 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

replying to myself here

but michael bourn for reyes, that selling really, quite low. I hope thats not a realistic trade

by Hammondsbird on Jul 29, 2007 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

We have a surplus of average/above-average outfielders. If we're going to bring in an OF, we need to make sure they're a big contributer. Bourn is not that.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please LaDuncetty......

Don't trade Reyes. We would like to see him develop here. Thank you.

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did Ludwick stay in the game?

I hope not, I hope Juan took his spot batting 9th.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Three outs

on nine pitches. Not bad, Russ, not bad.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Especially since we only have

5 relievers today.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could Edmonds PLEASE

try to pull a ball?

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

what's the rush in calling up pj walters

he's pitched a mere one game at AA and has this line:

Springfield Cardinals (TL) 0-1, 6.75 ERA, .385 BAA, 2.06 WHIP

let's not get ahead of ourselves...

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Per the Post-Dispatch

Through 107 2/3 innings this season at three levels, Walters has walked just 19 batters against 112 strikeouts. In 138 professional innings, Walters has allowed 28 walks.

[...]

The control started in high school, Walters said Thursday. His coach stressed finding a delivery and sticking with its mechanics. It's given Walters an easy, repeatable motion that he looks as natural doing it as he does folding his lanky, 6-foot-4 frame into a chair. His coach also cut a 5-inch-diameter hole in a mat and placed the hole behind low corners of home plate. It's why, Walters said, he walked just four batters against 123 strikeouts and was 13-0 in his senior season.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, he still needs to prove he can do that...

...at AA and/or AAA before we pencil him in as an MLB starter.

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, WVT,

I just have to ask: are there any players you do like, that interest you? Cause this schtick of lurking around the edges of conversations, then jumping in just to say, "hey, that guy isn't any good" seems like an awful lot of work to me.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 29, 2007 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brewers use their only lefty

in the pen. So next inning, unless he stays out, a righty will face Duncan.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If Flores

holds the Brewers right here, a righty facing Duncan could be good news for the Cards.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Springer threw 9 pitches

and his spot didn't come up to bat. Why wasn't he allowed to go back out there for the 7th inning?

We only have 5 relievers in the pen today, we've now used 2 with 2 innings left to play. If this goes extras, someone is going to have to throw more innings.

And now Franklin is coming in. This is maddening. We now have 2 relievers left in the pen, Izzy and Percival.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks for nothing, flo

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 4:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Randy Flores is one of my least favorite Pitchers.

in Cardinals history. He's in Jason Marquis/Dave Veres/Esteban Yan territory

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You can't fault him for those runners

he got one guy, then 2 bloop hits. Give the guy a break.

by CardFaninVA on Jul 29, 2007 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's been pretty awful the past few months though

he leads the league in % of inherited runners allowed (something like 67%). a lot of us have developed shorts fuses with him. so, sorry...

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i wish we could trade flores

to some team desperate for LH relief pitching. johnson and cate could hold down the left side of the bullpen.

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still not nearly in the

Ricky Bottalico or Jeff Brantley territory.

Pujols currently < Career godliness.

by joker24 on Jul 29, 2007 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i heart ryan franklin

he is the anti-flores.

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 4:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

At least

bad boy Franklin gets the job done.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 4:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This has been a very exciting weekend

No matter how this game ends, we've seen some fun baseball.

Now Hombre... Don't GIDP, please.

IBB takes care of that.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Awful game for Dunc

2 tough call strikeouts and then a flat out ugly one.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drat.

Duncan is now 0-3 with 3 strikeouts vs. Linebrink during the regular season.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ARGH

Duncan strikes out

If Edmonds doesn't come through, he's finished.

by Petkovsek on Jul 29, 2007 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

what just happened?

mlbtv froze and 5 seconds later it's a commercial.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Duncan

Struck out swinging on a hard fastball. Edmonds flied out to deep left.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

was it

the first pitch or something? It froze as he walked to the plate, and literally 5 -10 seconds later it was a commercial.

And yeah, that Duncan at bat was painful.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1-2 count

It wasn't that short of an at-bat. MLB.tv probably dumped some buffer when it froze.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too bad

Duncan couldn't have made the out that Edmonds did.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jimmy needs to retire....

He just doesn't have anything any more. We can only have so many defensive specialists who are completely useless at the plate. Yadier Molina is one, and that's all we can really afford.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Next inning

is it Skip or Taguchi, then Molina, Kennedy, Rolen?

Pujols won't get to bat again today unless someone gets on.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 5:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mets win another rain shortened game....

Must be nice, getting wins handed to you all the time even when you dont play a whole game.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I hate that rule.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It appears

it pays to be the Mets when it comes to rain.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can we get wunderkind Braun

to hit into a DP?

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hell yeah!

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good call

putting Rolen in there, TLR- doubt speezio would have turned that.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Around the horn DP

to end the inning! Very nice, boys, very nice!

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How did Yadi hit that pitch

I swear it was head high.

by DriverZn on Jul 29, 2007 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That was a crazy hit

but it got the job done - Skippy all the way to third. Great!

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When a hit and run works

It's a thing of beauty.

When it fails, Rafael Furcal turns an unassisted triple play.

That pitch to Molina was literally eye-level. Great piece of hitting.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I despise Kennedy...

and I despise the fact that we never use the squeeze play anymore.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah

what happened to that? We used to be so good at it.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're

making a really good point about Turnbow balking.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

who needs a balk

when scott rolen is back?

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if they called one

I wouldn't be complaining.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

Never noticed before, but he moves around before EVERY pitch.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1000 RBI's for Scotty

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

1,000 RBI

WHOO!

by lopey986 on Jul 29, 2007 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyone but Molina........

and we take the lead there

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yay Scott

If he had hit into a double play I would've shot a kitten...

by Petkovsek on Jul 29, 2007 5:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What!

We kick puppies in these here parts.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why is Miles not running for Yadi?

Yadi can't score on a sac fly

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 5:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

good question

or Taguchi, for that matter.

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or reyes

or older dunc,or any of the pitchers, or the 8 yr old boy in the stands

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap

by punchinjudy on Jul 29, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ludwicks gameday pic

looks like him and weava hung out

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap

by punchinjudy on Jul 29, 2007 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Villanueva coming in

Batters are 2-7 with 4 K's against him with bases loaded this year.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

good eye, Lud

he's gotta come after you now.

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

thank god that was foul

by jeff abs on Jul 29, 2007 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice job, Lud!

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 5:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

c'mon Albert

let's put this one away.

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 5:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Now AP

can clear 'em.

by glennrwordman on Jul 29, 2007 5:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What a break

that called foul ball was! Yadi gets to walk home now.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ALBERT!!!!!

Wow!

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

PUJOLLLLLLLLLS

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to 10 run Sundays!

Could this team really be back in the race?

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ludwick walks in a run

pretty sure that's a sign of the apocalypse...

and 3 RBI's for albert, oh my.

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

On sliders

he laid off some NASTY sliders to get that walk.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

funny...!!

you win the "chinmusic one liner of the game comments award" today...thats funny, no one is more surprised than Ludwick!

In ten days we'll find out Alberts played the whole season on two broken legs.

by cardschinmusic on Jul 30, 2007 4:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

un-be-lievable

wow.

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 5:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

duncan

10 run sundays

by samael88 on Jul 29, 2007 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Albert

6-15 w/ 6 RBI this weekend vs. the Brewers. In the last 3 games, he's 6-12 w/ 6 RBI. Not too shabby!

by chuckb on Jul 29, 2007 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Where was he for the Cubs games?

While it's great he was good against the Brewers, they really arne't the competition anymore. They've been fading (at least on the road). The Cubs series was the most important one, and Albert failed that.

by DiscoJer on Jul 29, 2007 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gameday

says out "at third Jenkins to Hardy to first baseman Fielder'? Whah?

by glennrwordman on Jul 29, 2007 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pujols

He'd advanced past second to try to draw the cutoff throw to ensure that the third run would score or else take third on the play at the plate.

Fielder tagged him out on his second pickle in the last week or so.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why

Thank you!

(And I forgot the rule from last night: "Ask Liam."

by glennrwordman on Jul 29, 2007 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

with rolen

Apu and dunc starting to hit all at the same time if the starting pitching can be halfway decent they got a chance....maybe...or at least to play good ball the rest of the way

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap

by punchinjudy on Jul 29, 2007 5:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah

and even though he gave up 5 today, I'm not going to hesitate to call this a third start in a row for Kip on the better side of decent.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but it's amazing what a potent offense...

...does to our assessment of the starters' performances. 5 ER in 5 IP would have been insurmountable in april and early may. and certainly some of reyes' 5 IP, 3 ER and 6 IP, 4 ER outings would have looked a lot different if the offense was hitting like it is now. (and yes, i know i've been really negative re: reyes...)

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but

give Kip some credit. The guy struck out seven and two of the runs came after a VERY questionable call on two outs. He looked more confident than he did a month ago, and I think that has something to do with his past two starts.

Believe me, I'm not saying he did decently because of the offense's influence on my mind. I'm just saying that the Kip we have no can actually be a decent back of the rotation guy for the rest of the year.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we lost today

it wasn't Kip's fault. They could not have sprayed the ball any more than they did in the game.

Not to mention, 2 of the runs came from a call on a ball that actually hit 1st base. Then, another run came on a TERRIBLE throw by Edmonds.

Kip ain't great, but he deserves to be in the rotation. His team's defense let him down twice this week.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shameless Self-Promotion

I estimated the Cards would need around a 100 run differential after the all-star break to get to the 90 wins area.

The 'rithmetic was summarized here, with links to the full workout.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Note to Brewers:

I think you're going to need a little more than Linebrink to shore up that bullpen.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Over at Brew Crew Ball

A Cubs fan just registered to taunt the Brewers fans.

Classy.

I found myself next to a table of the least knowledgeable Cubs fans I've ever seen the other night. Watching the crappy Maroth game, one of them saw Uecker in the visitors radio booth and said, "Bob Uecker's calling a game?"

One of them also thought Bronson Arroyo was Jeff Weaver.

I know a lot of smart Cubs fans and many, many more ignorant bandwagoners that put away their two-year-old White Sox caps for this season.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Me thinks

the Brewers have some problems. Nice win, Gents! Way to take the series!

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I've gotta say

I really wish we didn't have an off day tomorrow. I don't want these guys to lose this fire at all. If they can keep this attitude going into Pittsburgh, that could be a really nice series.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How about a 9 game winning streak?

Okay, I realize it's a pipe dream, but for today, i'm a happy camper. Came back from a 6-0 deficit yesterday and a 5-0 deficit today, love it.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

with 3 vs PIT and 3 vs WSH

And a day off to rest the bullpen, it's not even that huge of a stretch. in that same period the cubs and brewers each face the red-hot Phillies and the Mets...

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 29, 2007 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's

just hope to break 4 games before hoping for 9. It's disgusting that 4 games is our biggest streak, and even worse that it was in April. 5 games just has such a better ring to it than 4. Let's hope Wainers in prime form on Tuesday.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 29, 2007 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love that the Cardinals won

but I can't help but feel bad for the Brewers. They traded some good prospects to get Linebrink and he wasn't exactly 'sparkling' today. That was their solution to the bullpen and that's like taking a Dixie Cup to a 4-alarm fire.

It's teasing the fans who have waited this long for the playoffs to see this team look helpless.

That said, let's catch and pass them as they are dead in the water.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

my understanding

is that San Diego players were very upset over the team dealing Linebrink. So he may still prove to be a good addition to the Brewers.

On the other hand, SD's park seems to be a pitcher's heaven. Still, he was apparently doing the same job for the Padres that Franklin has been doing for us.

by CurtFlood on Jul 30, 2007 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To walk in John Kerry's shoes

I don't think there's ever been a Cardinals team that has been so intermittenly DEAD and then alive the next day. It's ridiculous.

Pujols currently < Career godliness.

by joker24 on Jul 29, 2007 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great win.

This was a fun weekend.

Six games back isn't completely insurmountable.

Maholm-Armas-Youman in the Buccs series—nice to miss out on Gorzellany and Snell.

by liam on Jul 29, 2007 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great game

For months people have been whining our seasons over.
I'm forever an optimist after last October I will never lose faith in this team ever.
We have a chance to take this division if we can get decent starting pitching from Kip and Anthony.
I don't care what happened the first half it`s only 6 games.
We can do it!

by Calhoun on Jul 29, 2007 5:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i agree...

even if they don't catch the cubs or brewers, seeing them out there battling like that reminds me why i'm a fan of this game and this team in the first place. and it's not for the endless online debates about which player to "DFA" or whatever. great weekend for el birdos.

by willievinceterry on Jul 29, 2007 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I'll be dipped. Just when I think I'm about out of excitement for this season, they suck me back in. 3 of 4 from The Crew/2 comback from behinders. Wish there wasn't an off-day tomorrow, as I'd like to insure this momentum leads to a Bucco sweep. May yet, and that would be sweet. We'll see how Chi does with Philly and the Crew with NY. There's a chance we could be, what, only 3 or 4 games out by thurs? Wow. Whoda thunk it? No guarantee it'll happen, but I wouldn't have given a wooden nickel that there'd even be a chance two weeks ago. GO BIRDS GO!!!

by rockin redbird on Jul 29, 2007 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Scott Rolen may need help but he may not be

washed up.

Since recieving the cortisone injection, he is:

AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO HBP GDP SB BA OBP SLG OPS

26 6 9 3 0 2 7 2 0 1 2 1 .346 .414 .692 1.106

Not bad for the old guy.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 6:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

injections for everyone!

hooray!

it is nice to see him swinging the bat well. now if only Edmonds could pick it up a bit...

Acquire some runs!

by madding on Jul 29, 2007 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ya if

he can contribute more thanpop ups and add some timly hits to the poppy name i gave him they could play good ball down the stretch...they need him to play more than just good D and lately he has been showing signs of life..hes looked good since that Sunday nigth game where he made that error and joe morgan informed us he had a hurt shoulder, and that he played for the big red machine

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap

by punchinjudy on Jul 29, 2007 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say inject edmonds

everywhere medically possible

by jeff abs on Jul 29, 2007 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

theory

well this week has been close blowouts close games, but yesterday and today you have 3 straight close games...hard fought ones too..mayeb they are coming out of it, the way they did not die today or yesterday has to say alot..honestly i think most of us probably expected a pounding today, thats the way they been after all they have been the bi-polar cards..

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap

by punchinjudy on Jul 29, 2007 6:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Viva El Bi-Polar Birdos

Pujols currently < Career godliness.

by joker24 on Jul 29, 2007 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Bullpen

was nails these last 2 days. Don't ever argue against a 'bullpen game':

W L IP H ER BB SO ERA WHIP 2 0 12 4 0 2 8 0.00 0.50

I'd rather scrap Maroth and just throw a bullpen game everytime his day comes around.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 29, 2007 6:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Your boy PJ Walters

is having a great outing so far for AA Springfield today.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 29, 2007 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

With

Kippy revived somewhat and Reyes finally getting a win, I'm still holding out hope that Maroth can find the form he showed against the Mets.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 29, 2007 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

3 in a row

Seems like a year or so since we last did that.

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Jul 29, 2007 7:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A rumor over at MLB trade rumors has the

Phillies getting Anthony Reyes for Michael Bourn......Walt, Tony, Dave, Mr. De Witt-do not make this deal....please keep Anthony around....

by jillsinmo on Jul 29, 2007 8:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bourn?

You know, I could have had a really good joke if only you had phrased your request to management as an "ultimatum"...

Yeah, that's just what we need...another mediocre outfielder who can't hit left handers.

Alas, I fear our 3 game winning streak has, sadly, turned us from potential sellers (which I feel we need to be) back to potential buyers. No matter which way they decide to go...hopefully, they won't make THAT trade. It would be obscenely lopsided.

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

by Mr Clean on Jul 30, 2007 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

does that mean

that the Cardinals would then have a 'Bourn Identity' ?

by CurtFlood on Jul 30, 2007 12:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And,

if he ever won a batting title, it would be "Bourn Supremacy".

I feel so dirty.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 30, 2007 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and just think

if we make that trade, we'll get to hear Al make these jokes for, like, 10 years. Even if it wasn't a terrible deal for us, I'd hate it for that alone...

Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on Jul 30, 2007 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

MLB.com rumors have the Indians interested

in Troy Percival. I like having Percy on the team but I assume Walt is going to make a trade at some point.

As far as the Reyes deal, I would hope that we could get something better than a future 4th outfielder for Anthony Reyes. I'm not even that high on Reyes ($1 million arm/$.10 head) but that is selling WAAAY low.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 30, 2007 1:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Okay, You all know what just happened

here......the Brewers are in a tailspin and the Cubs are 1/2 game out of first. Zambrano is now 14-7. The dude is going to get some serious consideration for the Cy Young.....

by jillsinmo on Jul 30, 2007 8:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Doubtful...

he's still no where near Jake Peavy or Chris Young or Brad Penny. Not to mention John Smoltz, John Maine and Brandon Webb are also having better seasons. His first 2-3 months of the season really hurt his CY Chances.

- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Jul 30, 2007 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and Walt.....please try to sign Zambrano in

the off season. To go along with that powerful arm, he never misses a turn and he's a switch hitter batting .291.......just make him promise not to hit Yadi.

by jillsinmo on Jul 30, 2007 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not saying it'll happen, but...

There are certainly still reasons to believe that it can.
We have 6 games remaining against the brew crew and 8 left against the cubbies.
We've played the last month w/o TJ and Speezer and a week w/o Rolen(who seems to be the poster boy for cortisone).
Not sayin it's likely, but I'm staying optimistic. Over the next week, we have 6 games against the Pirates and Nats while Chi and Mil both play the Phils and Mets.
It could be interesting.

by toris34 on Jul 30, 2007 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs