passing glaus --- UPDATE: both players pass physicals

by lboros on Jan 14, 2008 8:55 AM EST in St. Louis Cardinals News

Update [2008-1-14 14:24:32 by lboros]: both rolen and glaus have passed their physicals. [/update]

i'd like briefly to note the passing of marty hendin, a member of the cards' promotional team for 30-plus years. his parents were my father's patients, and marty showed his appreciation through various acts of generosity to our baseball-loving family --- every year we'd get signed player photos and surplus swag from giveaway promotions. one night when i was 10 or 11 years old, he invited my dad, my brothers, and i up to the press box during a game. we got to peek over buck and shannon's shoulders while they spun the play-by-play; we shook hands with stan musial, still hale and looking as if he could hit .325; we crowded into the organ booth with ernie hays, who engaged in lively banter with us between innings while simultaneously tickling the keys for the crowd (and not missing a note); and we received copies of that day's briefs for the media, about half a dozen legal-sized pages of stat-filled notes. in that pre-computerized era, when fans almost never had access to any stat beyond basic avg / hr / rbi, these sheets of paper were packed with revelations and delights --- items on the order of "lou brock is batting .323 in his home games this year" and "lynn mcglothen hasn't yielded a home run to a right-handed hitter all season" and "al hrabosky has retired the first batter he faced in 29 of 30 appearances." those stapled sheets are still in a drawer in my old bedroom, i'm pretty sure.

derrick goold has nice remembrances of marty at his post today at Bird Land. condolences to the hendin family.

i don't have a whole lot to add to my snap evaluation of the rolen-glaus trade, nor to the more in-depth analysis that houston cardinal presented yesterday. i did get a little input as to why the jays would trade for an older player with a longer contract. here's how it was explained to me. glaus's player option left toronto in a no-win position. if he came back healthy in 2008 and played well, the jays would lose him --- glaus would decline the option and get a better deal on the free agent market. but if his injuries persisted and he played poorly, then the jays would be stuck with him --- he'd exercise the option rather than hazard the free-agent market. so their best-case scenario was one good year of troy glaus. in rolen, they have a much better best-case scenario --- 3 good years if he comes back reasonably healthy --- and if he stinks they're not that much worse off --- they're stuck with him for one season longer than they would've been stuck with glaus. this is why the cards insisted that glaus exercise his option as a part of the deal --- they didn't want to be in the same position the jays were in.

in short, the jays gave up a little youth and payroll flexibility in exchange for greater roster control; the cards acquired a little youth and payroll flexibility (and above all clubhouse peace) without sacrificing roster control. i don't see the downside for the cardinals. that doesn't mean the trade is sure to work out --- the players' health will determine that --- but the decision-making passes muster w/ me.

i sampled the reaction from within the jays blogosphere to see how this is playing north of the border. we begin with john brittain, who writes regularly for the Hardball Times and wasn't happy on hearing the news:

My first reaction is to flinch. I realize that [Rolen] has been dealing with shoulder injuries but I cannot help but wonder if it's time to stick a fork in him. Vernon Wells played with a bum shoulder last season and posted an OPS+ of 85 while Rolen weighed in at 89; however Wells put up his numbers against teams like the Yankees and Red Sox while Rolen worked in a division where 85 wins was tops.

Bottom line, it'll likely improve the defense but defense wasn't the problem in 2007. If J.P. Ricciardi wants to deal with the Cards, couldn't he at least try to land Pujols?

by sunday, brittain had made peace with the deal:

After blog surfing on the Scott Rolen/Troy Glaus trade, I came across some thoughts that do not leave me with that greasy, heavy feeling in my intestines. Some plusses from the deal include that it makes 'high-for-a-Blue Jay shortstop OBP' David Eckstein a better defender since Rolen covers more real estate. . . . Since the Jays will be going with a rotation where as many as three of the starters are entering their sophomore seasons on the starting staff, improving an already top shelf defensive team is a definite plus. As long as Rolen can deliver around his career norms in OBP, it should be O.K.

the profane but always-entertaining mokes at Drunk Jays Fans were grateful for a juicy subject to sink their fangs into. initial reaction:

With Lower Case X playing shortstop, the Jays now have the left side of an infield that won a World Series. Unfortunately, that was two years ago.

A best case scenario has a healthy Rolen making up for Eckstein's lack of defensive range and adding his higher OBP and speed to a lineup that struggled last season. A worst case scenario has me thinking about a John McDonald and Marco Scutaro platoon and wondering how Curtis Thigpen would transition to third base. . . . .

This move would seem to fall in line with the Eckstein addition, in that Rolen is a gritty player. He's more in the line of guys that get dirty and play hard visibly. I asked this question after the Jays new shortstop is signed and I'll ask it again. Is J.P. actually listening to those guys who phone into Wilner's radio show saying that the Jays need more heart?

a more sober (by DJF standards) assessment came forth yesterday:

I'm kind of pussing out on this, but I'm going to have to say that the deal looks a whole lot like a win-win situation. Glaus gets a nicer playing surface and hopefully better health. The Cards get rid of a problem while picking up a scary bat. Rolen gets the fuck away from Tony LaRussa. And the Jays get better defense, a little more basepath speed, and a roster shakeup that should tell fans and players alike that the front office is not really as complacent as they've let on.

All Your Base Are Belong to Rios says good riddance to glaus:

I suspected late last year that the Jays were desparate to unload Glaus, but didn't think there'd be any market at all for him. With the public fighting between LaRussa and Rolen, all of a sudden the Cards were a team that was desparate for a change at the position, and the Jays were happy to oblige, ridding the team of their own corner infielder that they obviously grew tired of.

and the Mockingbird thinks the trade is pretty much even-steven --- and has some nice things to say about glaus's glove:

Despite all the reports gushing over Rolen's defense and his closet full of Gold Gloves (Rotoworld goes so far as to say "Cardinals pitchers would all see increases in their ERAs with the switch from Rolen to Glaus."), Glaus when healthy is only slightly behind him- he's an above-average third baseman and probably one of the most underrated fielders in the league.

Unfortunately when we try to look at the defensive measurements other than fielding percentage for last season, there's a problem. The two different companies who sit in the stands and mark where every hit goes don't agree with each other about how well he fielded last year. One says Glaus was very good and the other says he was terrible. But we can go back a year and see that Glaus is still up there with the best in the league. Anyway, this is a minor upgrade --- but it doesn't count as extra enticing just because the Jays already have one of the best defenses in the league.

stay tuned for some site housekeeping tomorrow.

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Comments

Defense

I noticed in most defensive metrics that he was above league average (for the AL wonder what that means to the NL, not much difference I assume). I wonder how "The Secret Weapon" will handle Glaus? Rolen was great before he came here but I have to wonder if Glaus can compete for the best defender in the league now. His offense should also be enough that if he plays exactly the same his name may come up in the top GG discussions (not first place but mid of top 10 I would think). I really do think it is a downgrade defensively but we upgraded our SS so in all the left side should be the same as it was last year.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 9:09 AM EST reply actions

Glaus may be good, but ...

My first reaction to Nightingale's concession that Rolen will be a slight upgrade defensively was "well, you've obviously never seen Rolen handle the hot corner."

I think only Lowell, maybe Wright, could be described as slightly worse than Rolen defensively; everybody else is a full step behind. He's the best since Robinson; I'll miss him.

And good point, Hugo, about looking at the whole left side of the infield. Izturis/Glaus is probably better offensively than Rolen/Eckstein, and only a tick behind defensively.

by Snacks LaPoint on Jan 14, 2008 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

Not a substantive comment but...

"All Your Base are Belong to Rios" is a clever name for a blog.

by liam on Jan 14, 2008 9:45 AM EST reply actions

Yep

I am glad I am not the only one that had a good lol at that name.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

+1

hilarious.

by airhad on Jan 14, 2008 12:32 PM EST up reply actions

Apparently, money coming to STL in trade

I've been an El Birdos reader for a while, but never posted. Awesome site, lboros.
Anyway, saw this on another message board and thought it was worth adding to the discussion here.

http://www.thestar.com/article/293647

by pitchingandefense on Jan 14, 2008 10:31 AM EST reply actions

Says we are on the hook for $4 M

in 2010 for Rolen's bonus.

I will be boxer briefs

by Hardcore Legend on Jan 14, 2008 10:37 AM EST up reply actions

Full quote from article:

"According to the same source, Rolen is due a $4 million bonus in 2010, the final year of his current contract. St. Louis is on the hook for that bonus. That's in addition to the $33 million the Jays will now pay Rolen over three years.

Glaus has reportedly already exercised his player option for 2009, meaning that the Cardinals are due to pay him $24.5 million over two years. Toronto has offered St. Louis a deferred payment of about $1.8 million to make up the difference."

I provided that quote to clear things up. From that article the Cards are getting 1.8M from Toronto to help pay the player option. What I don't get is what the 4M bonus in 2010 is all about since it isn't listed on Cots.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

signing bonus?

it may be a deferred part of his $5MM signing bonus.

by dmb60614 on Jan 14, 2008 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

Agree

that is the only thing I could find as well, just unsure of what they are talking about.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

I had never heard of the 4M bonus either

After reading that article, I also looked on Cot's and couldn't find it. I guess we'll find out the full details when the deal is finalized.

by pitchingandefense on Jan 14, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

Deferred

It seems that the 4M is the deferred money from the last couple of seasons.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

Whoa

this deal gets better everyday I was worried we might send them money but we get money? awesome......

by Calhoun on Jan 14, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

OT - Ian Snell

Snell approached the Pirates this off-season about an extension (still 4 years away from free agency). The Pirates said "Thank, but no thanks" as they really have no reason to with him becoming aribtration eligible NEXT year.

He already has been pretty disgusted with the organization (openly feuding with the pitching coach last year).

I know I beat this drum over and over again but maybe we can pry Snell away from the Buccos.

I will be boxer briefs

by Hardcore Legend on Jan 14, 2008 10:33 AM EST reply actions

Keep beating that drum

Snell would be a lovely addition.

On with the (good) youth movement!

by aet15 on Jan 14, 2008 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

Snell

I doubt the Pirates would just hand him over, but he would be a nice addition to the Cardinals pitching staff. The results that he's had playing for that shitty Pirates team are nothing to spit at.

I think that the Buccos would probably ask for Duncan and "something else," and Duncan isn't going anywhere (right or wrong, he's here to stay).

by redbirdnation8206 on Jan 14, 2008 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

Chris Duncan

>>[Chris] Duncan isn't going anywhere (right or wrong, he's here to stay)<<

Don't be so sure about that. I don't see the Cards starting an all left handed outfield for an extended period. Who goes first, Roy Hobbs or Chris Duncan? It might come down to what Hobbs gets in arbitration. Although I never would have believed it 1 year ago, I think Hobbs has more upside in the NL than Chris. Young Mr. Duncan has AL written all over him. They may wait for things to sort themselves out in the outfield but, if I were a betting man, my money would be on C. Duncan not wearing the birds on the bat in '09.

by jjray on Jan 14, 2008 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

splits and platoons

hobbs, aka ankiel, has shown the ability to hit lefties. in fact, he hits them better than righties. they wont be starting an all lefty OF all of the time. they have enough options in the outfield to mix and match lefties and righties until larussa has tried every conceivable option. the outfield could be quite productive if TLR finds the right platoon set up.

by dmb60614 on Jan 14, 2008 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

On Marty Hendin

Larry, thank you for your remarks about Mr. Hendin. I didn't know him personally, but it was always a source of comfort seeing that familiar, affable face on the field before each game. A good friend of mine posted this note on Miklasz's site, and allowed me to re-post it for this community:

"This morning my mom called that our cousin Marty had lost his battle after a lengthy illness.

He was our only somewhat famous relative and as a Cardinal fan I enjoyed being able to say I was related to Marty Hendin. We would get occasional tickets to a game but never asked for playoff or World Series tickets. Marty had tremendous integrity and understood that he worked for the St. Louis Cardinals and wouldn't take advantage or take for granted his position.

It's a great story that a guy who went to UMSL, not the fanciest or best looking guy wins out because he's bright, works incredbly hard, makes friends with everyone and follows through on his word. Hall of Famers, Presidents and celebrities interacted with the Cardinals and St. Louis through Marty's handshake.

I believe that the St. Louis love affair with the Cardinals is built on both the great storied success on the field and the decency and maturity of men like Stan Musial, Lou Brock and Marty Hendin. Marty had the job that every fan in St. Louis wanted to have

Anyone who every went to hat day, or got a rally towel or enjoyed the festivities around a World Series game should have some toasted ravioli for Marty.

May his memory be for a blessing."

by Secret Weapon on Jan 14, 2008 11:00 AM EST reply actions

thanks for adding that

this captures marty very well. he had a big and generous heart.

by lboros on Jan 14, 2008 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

I had the privilege of...

also being shown the press box by Marty Hendin when I was a kid. Also through a family connection. I was wide eyed about all the free food in the pressbox - a bunch of ballpark food including hotdogs, nachos, burgers, fries and the like. I'll always remember Marty's reminder about how it was during Passover and I shouldn't eat the hot dogs with a bun. It was crushing at the time, being so close to a veritable cornucopia of free ballpark food and not being able to have any. It's not a memory I'll look back upon fondly.

Indeed, may his memory be for a blessing.

by airhad on Jan 14, 2008 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

What a horrible time for a typo!

That last bit should read: "It's NOW a memory I'll look back upon fondly."

so sorry.

by airhad on Jan 14, 2008 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

R.I.P. Marty Hendin

I remember Marty almost as far back as I can remember following Cardinal baseball...I swear, I used to hear him on KMOX more than I heard the manager or general manager...for a non player, he was really the face of the franchise...I did meet him once, and I remember him being a fine gentleman, kind to everyone he saw, even pushy kids like me.

by tbell61 on Jan 14, 2008 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

no-trade clause

does anyone know how this works? does the fact that glaus has apparently waived his no-trade clause apply only to this deal or is the clause no longer part of his contract? In other words, are the Cardinals free to deal him to LAD or LAA?

thanks!

Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...

by giveml on Jan 14, 2008 11:03 AM EST reply actions

he would have to waive it again to be traded

this is the second time he waived it. first was heading to the blue jays from the d-backs.

by dmb60614 on Jan 14, 2008 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

trading for prospects

i always thought the ideal trade was rolen for prospects. of course rolen would have had to prove himself and waive his ntc. the cards might have had to kick in some cash. pretty much the same restrictions are there for glaus. i wonder if the cards would consider moving him for prospects at the deadline, should the situation present itself.

by dmb60614 on Jan 14, 2008 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

I thought that too

As soon as I heard about the trade, I figured they were going to flip Glaus to a contender once he proves he's healthy. Hopefully LAD for LaRoche.

by pitchingandefense on Jan 14, 2008 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

and then?

to either of you, or anybody else thinking this way:

who then plays third base in '08 ?

Not criticizing your thinking, just curious about that temporary hole in the line-up?

by the Tewk on Jan 14, 2008 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

3b

three ways to go:

acquire a 3b prospect like andy laroche who is ready to play now.
go with a combination of the speez and ryan, although it seems larussa would go with speez and miles.
sign or trade for someone. pedro feliz is still floating around as a free agent and joe crede is still on the trading block. this is the least desirable of the options, imo.

trading glaus/rolen for prospects is about setting yourself up for 2009. you accept lower than average 3b production in 2008 if it ends up putting you in a good spot for 2009 and beyond.

i am not in a big hurry to trade glaus, i am just curious if the mozeliak would consider moving him in furtherance of the rebuilding efforts. hopefully he pans out and the cardinals merely re-load instead of rebuild.

by dmb60614 on Jan 14, 2008 4:19 PM EST up reply actions

but if Glaus

is healthy you've an ideal 3b situation. A 31 year old veteran with a proven record under 2 year contract. Just about right to start developing one. anyone in the minor league system is at least 2 years away from taking over full time.

by ridgesee on Jan 14, 2008 6:27 PM EST up reply actions

Arni Cruz...........

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jan 14, 2008 6:56 PM EST up reply actions

yeah,

I'm watching him too, the Cards him up two levels in about two weeks last year. He is still on the Quad Citys roster. So I guess that is where he will start.

by ridgesee on Jan 14, 2008 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

correction

"moved him up"

by ridgesee on Jan 14, 2008 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

Yes I'm excited to see how he progresses this

year in the Quad and how fast he can move up. Maybe if he's sharp he can get to AA by the end of the year.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jan 14, 2008 9:12 PM EST up reply actions

Marty Hendin

Thanks for sharing your memories of Marty Hendin. What a great story!

by Deaner on Jan 14, 2008 11:04 AM EST reply actions

Only because you quote him.....

It's Brattain, not Brittain.

by flynn on Jan 14, 2008 11:27 AM EST reply actions

will carroll weighs in

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7049

"The Cardinals would get Troy Glaus back on grass, and that might be the most significant factor in this trade. Glaus' long history of foot and back problems will be helped by a move away from artificial turf . . . it's the foot injury that limited Glaus that has to be the foremost concern. If so, the Cards did well. According to sources, Glaus had a nerve problem that was painful but not serious. He had surgery to decompress the nerve causing the pain due to plantar fasciitis. While oversimplifying the procedure, the nerve was moved to keep the inflammation from causing the constant, debilitating pain that had limited Glaus. Remember, the Cards have good experience with managing plantar fasciitis--they've been able to keep Albert Pujols on the field despite the condition, and Pujols has continued to produce due to some advanced techniques and plain old hard work. The combination of the Cardinals' experience with the injury, the move to grass, and the absence of shoulder symptoms over the past few years makes Glaus a very reasonable risk over the term of his deal."

by lboros on Jan 14, 2008 12:57 PM EST reply actions

and dan szymbroski weighs in

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/oracle/discussion/blue_jays_cards_swapped_gimpy_3b/

"Both third basemen are injury concerns. Rolen's a bit better when completely healthy but also has the lower chance of being completely healthy. I think the risk/reward scenarios actually work out pretty well for both teams - the Blue Jays are against very tough competition and have some heavy groundballers, so they want the more fielding oriented guy with the biggest payoff, since they're not going to slip into the playoffs with 88 wins anytime soon and the Cardinals, against rather weak competition, would rather have the safer bet."

by lboros on Jan 14, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply actions

I'm just pleasantly surprised...

We didn't get screwed on this deal. I figured if Rolen was getting moved this offseason we weren't going to to get equal return on him. I think we might have actually come out a little ahead on this, considering our objectives, and that surprises me.

An added benefit is that the lefthanded laden outfield is not as much of a concern with Glaus, who mashes lefties. We can still deal Duncan if the move is right, but we won't be negotiating a deal from as weak of a position with a viable cleanup hitter against lefties already in place.

by Merry CRasmus on Jan 14, 2008 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

BTF

Dan doesn't park adjust numbers based on whether the hitter is right handed or left handed. Just something to keep in mind since both the Toronto and St Louis park are at the extremes (opposite end of the spectrum) when it comes to power numbers for right handed hitters.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Jan 14, 2008 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

Uni Number

After watching Rolen all through high school, and eventually landing with my favorite team, this is all pretty tough to swallow.

Haven't seen this yet, but will the Cards give Glaus his usual #25? I doubt it...

Also, funny to think that Rolen now has to wear those horrible Blue Jays throwbacks every other Friday. Yikes.

by kyle on Jan 14, 2008 2:32 PM EST reply actions

Uni number

I was thinking about that, too. I don't see why Glaus shouldn't be given #25 if he wants it.

I doubt McGwire would care. He doesn't talk about the past, you know.

by 26thMan on Jan 14, 2008 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

XM Radio reports both have passed their phyiscals

and it's all up Selig's office to deal with the money being sent in the deal.

I will be boxer briefs

by Hardcore Legend on Jan 14, 2008 2:46 PM EST reply actions

Plantar Faciitis

I love this trade, first of all. The only thing that worries me is Glaus' plantar faciitis. I have this right now, and it hurts like hell. I've had this damn thing since early September, and it has caused me a world of pain ever since. I go to physical therapy twice a week for it. Anyway, the pain diminishes (thanks to Vicodin), but it doesn't go away. I hope that Glaus can overcome this, it is a nasty thing. The one thing I have been dreaming about this offseason is a healthy third baseman who can mash (particularly lefties). Well, we go the guy who can mash, but has some significant questions in my mind.

by BigdJC on Jan 14, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply actions

So now I'm back to worrying about

our shortstop and leadoff hitter.

by sdrone on Jan 14, 2008 2:57 PM EST reply actions

I can cut your worries in half...

Rasmus will be batting first. If not at the start at least by the All-Star break. I really think his perfomance on Team U.S.A. says it all in regards to him succeeding hitting lead off.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jan 14, 2008 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Same feeling

I have the same feeling as you, but I still want him to compete in the Olympics.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry, hugo, but I'm not that patriotic...

I want him with the big club, assuming he's ready!!

by tbell61 on Jan 14, 2008 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not that patroitic either

Why would you want your most valuable commodity, receive a career ending injury in a collision with some overgrown amateur from Castro country.

by ridgesee on Jan 14, 2008 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

Patriotism isn't all

I guess I am putting myself in his shoes. I am one of the best young athletes in my sport and I have the opportunity to represent my country in the Olympics and I would want to do it.

Beyond that I do want us to win what could possibly be the last baseball Olympics.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 6:48 PM EST up reply actions

Valuable is correct

And keeping him on the farm for part of this season buys us an extra year before he hits big money.

I would love for him to come up midseason. If he works out, I would love for the Cardinals to do something aggressive with him like the Indians did with Sizemore. He had the largest contract ever for a second year player when they bought out his arby years plus more. However, the contract is a steal.

by RedbirdRay on Jan 14, 2008 6:56 PM EST up reply actions

I'd love to see that...

I'm not sure how it happens though unless they move an outfielder somewhere. Right now you've got 4 who will be with the ballclub for sure on opening day:

Barton
Ankiel
Duncan
Ludwick

In my view there's room for one more, which I would expect to be Schumaker. I don't see them carrying more than that since Spiezio can play some corner outfield in spots as the utility guy. I think Barton really has to be given every shot to win the CF job in spring training. He would be the best CF option that the Cards have. If he doesn't go bonkers then my second option would be to have Ludwick start out there (he came up as a CF and played well in short stints out there last year), but then I'm not sure who leads off.

In my mind, Colby has to have a spring similar to the one that Albert put up his rookie season to even have a shot at making the club right out of the gate. I'm not saying it won't happen, but if he struggles I'd much rather see him get another half a season at AA or AAA and then get called up around the time Ankiel did last year or when rosters expand. Gives the club more cost controlled years of him.

"I just wish that the late Harry Carey were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jan 14, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

It'd be great if Barton

could do it. Give Rasmus just a little time in AAA. Just a little. Heh.

by sdrone on Jan 14, 2008 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

Schumaker

>>In my view there's room for one more, which I would expect to be Schumaker.<<

Who the 5th OF is all depends on spring training IMHO. Colby is notorious for starting slow when he makes a jump in level, thus, I think he starts slow and gets sent to Memphis only to be recalled later in the year. Barton can play center. So can Ludwick. Are they comfortable with Ankiel's defense in center? If so, I think Schu is out. Not enough power, doesn't walk enough (although a small sample size). Wouldn't shock me to see LaRussa use the last roster spot get Josh Phelps onto the 25 man. It would mean more reliance upon a Rule V player (Barton) than is traditional but, hey, what the heck. Don't think the Cards are going places in 2008 so why not experiment.

by jjray on Jan 14, 2008 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

La Russa

is not going play the game of experment

by ridgesee on Jan 14, 2008 6:40 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with Ridgesee

I don't think Tony will go with some great experiment here, even if this is probably the season to do it. Maybe if the Cards fall completely out of it, but probably not before.

Also, I believe Tony is very fond of Schumaker. I would be a little surprised to see him left at the mercy of the waiver wire.

You little punks think you own this town.

by the red baron on Jan 14, 2008 8:19 PM EST up reply actions

I sure hope so,

'cause Randy Karraker was on the local radio station here today saying Skippy was the lead-off hitter and everyday CF. Horrors!

Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...

by giveml on Jan 14, 2008 10:14 PM EST up reply actions

They're Giving us Money!?!?!?

mlbt says they are sending 1.8 mil with Glaus. That makes this deal hella worth it!

by tdub @ Viva El Birdos on Jan 14, 2008 3:23 PM EST reply actions

Per Goold

We still owe 4M in deferred money to Rolen that we will send to Toronto and part of the Arizona/Toronto trade for Glaus was an American Dollar exchange rate portion that is 1.8M that Toronto will send to us. So in the end we just pay the listed salary and so do they.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

Anyone have a good lineup simulator?

I was wondering what Glaus does to our run scoring potential.

I will be boxer briefs

by Hardcore Legend on Jan 14, 2008 3:43 PM EST reply actions

Bird Land just did it

Check out Bird Land for one.
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/01/docs-are-in-lineup-checkup/

Hint: still worse then 07 and 06 some how.

by StLHugo on Jan 14, 2008 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

He used 2007 numbers though...

I'd like to see the runs scored using the 2008 projections (PECOTA, James, etc.), maybe weighting each the same and coming up with a general number projection average. I'm not sure the difference would be huge, but Duncan's numbers would probably be better, as would Izturis' and Kennedy's.

Just a thought. I don't know what Goold's using to do this, but if anyone has the time that would be interesting to see.

"I just wish that the late Harry Carey were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jan 14, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

interesting

he makes some interesting choices for what numbers to use for our 2008 projections. Yadi's career numbers (pessimistic), Ankiel and Ludwick's 2007 numbers (optimistic on ankiel, pessimistic on ludwick), Kennedy's career OBP and what seems to be a randomly generated SLG, random reasonable numbers for Iz2 and Apu, Braden Looper-'07-as-pitcher (very pessimistic because half the #9 spot AB's will be pinch hitters) etc.

Fourstick- he used david pinto's lineup generator.

the bums will always lose...

by SleepyCA on Jan 14, 2008 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

Using David Pinto's

Filled in table here, using ZiPS 2008 projections, Izturis is for Pirates ballpark, Looper's batting stats are his career numbers (it would have been silly to use Wainer's, even though he had more AB's last year than Loop's had in his career), scores 4.786 runs per game using a highly unlikely lineup.

I find it hard to believe that Izturis will last as a starter (or even on the 25-man) if he bats as poorly as ZiPS expects while fielding as badly as some expect.

Swap in an unlikely, yet spunky infield of Brendan Ryan and Jarrett Hoffpauir, and the best aveRS/G goes up to 4.878

by liam on Jan 14, 2008 4:43 PM EST up reply actions

Glaus' Option?

Looks to me, if I'm reading the mlb release correctly, that Glaus did not have to exercise his option. That means we actually do receive the problem that the Blue Jays wanted to avoid:

If Glaus plays well in 2008, he leaves to test the open market. If he plays lousily in 2008, he picks up his option to play for us in 2009.

Or am I reading it wrong and he picked up his option?

Either way I am happy about this, but I hope he picked up his option.

by Ghost on Jan 14, 2008 6:52 PM EST reply actions

trade is finalized

according to goold, and Glaus did exercise his option.

I love this quote from Glaus's agent, r3egarding his plantar fasciitis: "The thing of it is, if he got it fixed, it will be fixed."

Ya think? ;)

the bums will always lose...

by SleepyCA on Jan 14, 2008 6:58 PM EST up reply actions

Nice Doublespeak

Gotta love it. Surprised he didn't use the now popular line, "It is what it is."

by Merry CRasmus on Jan 14, 2008 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

deal done...

Goold is reporting the trade has been finalized. Jays will have a presser tomorrow and Cards Wednesday (out of respect for Mr. Hendin's family)

by oquendorocks on Jan 14, 2008 6:59 PM EST reply actions

Addition by subtraction

Regardless of who was at fault, the situation in the clubhouse would not have been good if Rolen was around.

This is probably realistically as good a trade as Mo could have made.

by juggler on Jan 14, 2008 7:48 PM EST reply actions

Farewell Scottie,

You were my favorite cardinal for most of your stay here.

Bon temps up in Montreal.

I will be commando

by Valatan on Jan 14, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions

Let's throw batteries!!!

Well, at least Rolen will get the ovation he deserves on return instead of the Phillie treatment.

by RedbirdRay on Jan 14, 2008 9:20 PM EST reply actions

How come nobody projects defensive stats or

do they and I just don't no where to look?

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jan 14, 2008 9:21 PM EST reply actions

Anybody see this?

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/jeffgordon/story/2365F1A8BC412A47862573D00081 0E89?OpenDocument I'm interested in people's opinions. I think this is a kind of weird piece. Scott did a lot here, and oh-by-the-way he never took the "feud" with TLR as public as TLR did. Never heard Scott talk to a reporter about it. Oh, and he played hard and he played hurt. Isn't that what a guy who makes $12m supposed to do? Wish him luck and draft him in the later rounds of our fantasy leagues. Don't need to backhand him on the way out the door.

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

by bukowski on Jan 14, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions

Bernie and the like

have said that while Rolen doesn't hold press conferences about it, he makes his fair share of backhanded comments off the record about LaRussa.

I will be boxer briefs

by Hardcore Legend on Jan 14, 2008 9:58 PM EST up reply actions

Exactly

off the record. TLR is on the record.

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

by bukowski on Jan 14, 2008 11:27 PM EST up reply actions

I tend to agree with Gordo

especially when you factor in Scottie's time in Philly. There does seem to be a pattern of behavior that shouldn't take place at this level. And when it comes down to it, TLR is the manager (whether you like him or hate him) and therefore is the boss, and the successes and failures of this team rests on him, that means you show some respect to him, you don't have to like him, just respect that he is your boss. You don't fight with you boss at your office and you don't fight with your boss at the ballpark, you do what the rest of us do, show up, stay quiet, put on a good face and save the complaining about your boss elsewhere and in a non-public place.

http://welcometojohnsonville.blogspot.com

by arthropodtodd on Jan 14, 2008 10:21 PM EST up reply actions

Mo's best move so far

I figured Mo was holding out for a 'good return' because he was trying not to deal Rolen.("But, Tony, I tried to trade him.")

Rolen is the better fielder and strikes out less, Glaus has more power potential, but if you looked around the league and tried to find the most comparable 3B to Rolen, wouldn't it be Glaus? Glaus and Rolen are fairly similar -- minus the 'disgruntled' and one year of potentially bad contract.

I checked out Baseball-Reference's 'most similar batter by age' for Glaus figuring Rolen would be on it and sure enough he checks in at #7.

Interestingly, Glaus' #1 comparison at age 30 is Mike Schmidt (also true for ages 27, 28 and 29). And Schmidt's most similar is also Glaus for those same ages. (Although "most similar," almost all the comparisons are tilted in Schmidt's favor especially OPS+). Glaus may miss 60 games like Schmidt did at 31, but won't post his OPS+ of 199 from that season.

Other 3Bs on Glaus' age 30 list are #3 Dean Palmer and #5 Matt Williams.

by vances law on Jan 15, 2008 12:20 AM EST reply actions

It'd be pretty amazing to see Glaus

return to form and hit 35+ HRs each of the next two years, giving himself a legit shot at 500.

I will be boxer briefs

by Hardcore Legend on Jan 15, 2008 12:36 AM EST up reply actions

I don't want to bash the other blogs on SBN, but

I sure appreciate what we have here on VEB...every freaking day of the year, there is discussion about our favorite team...some of the other teams, their blogs go days without a new post or a comment...I also think we are relatively civil ,compared to some of those east coast fans...just my two cents at the end of a long day.

by tbell61 on Jan 15, 2008 12:25 AM EST reply actions

yes

and here's hoping we have some good and interesting things to chat about this spring and, hopefully, this fall. lots of questions, but its not like any of the questions have to improve by 40-50% to keep us in it. always hope before we start. just wish the team was still in st pete or played some games up north like they used to do with the tigers. always enjoyed the b-squad games with the tigers in lakeland. btw, if you have not been to a game in lakeland during the spring, you should try to do it and save some room for the fresh strawberry sundaes they hawk in the stands. local strawberry season is in full swing during spring training.

by sportsman on Jan 15, 2008 12:46 AM EST up reply actions