Projected Starting Lineup is???

If I ruled the Cardinals,

I'd bat:

Rasmus CF
Ankiel/Ludwick RF
Pujols 1B
Duncan/Ludwick LF
Glaus 3B
Molina C
Kennedy 2B
Pitcher du jour
Ryan SS

Fame was like a drug, but what was even more like a drug were the drugs

by Alxfritz on Jan 17, 2008 11:37 PM EST reply actions

I'd mostly agree, but

I'm not sure about Rasmus right away. I'm kind of curious to see how Ankiel/Dunc/Ludwick do every day. So I'd start with Rasmus in Memphis, and not be hesitant to call him up if those guys struggle.

So I'd bat:

Ryan SS
Ludwick RF
Pujols 1B
Glaus 3B
Duncan LF
Ankiel CF
Molina C
Pitcher (I like that idea)
Kennedy 2B

Looking at that, I feel much happier about our line-up than last year. The only problem is I don't see things going that way . . . Cesar will probably be starting, somehow Barton will win over Duncan, and Miles will most likely beat out Glaus at 3B.

But seriously, if Cesar starts out the season over Ryan, I will be pretty disappointed.

On with the (good) youth movement!

by aet15 on Jan 18, 2008 2:45 AM EST up reply actions

Ryan

How does Ryan get into the lineup from Memphis? :o) I know, this is your "if I ruled Cardinal nation" lineup. Too bad Tony rules Cardinal nation.

by jjray on Jan 18, 2008 8:27 AM EST up reply actions

Hmmm?

Ryan's been out of memphis for a good chunk of a season now . . . Maybe I misunderstood your comment?

On with the (good) youth movement!

by aet15 on Jan 18, 2008 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

he is saying...

that ryan will start the season at memphis because of the plethora of infielders and tony's less than positive attitude toward him...at least that is what i took it as...

"Back in the day when I played, a pitcher had 3 pitches: a fastball, a curveball, a slider, a changeup and a good sinker pitch." - Mike Shannon

by nomar34 on Jan 18, 2008 5:35 PM EST up reply actions

Ryan doesn't make 25 man roster out of ST

The signing of Miles means there is no room for B. Ryan on the 25 man roster. That is why bringing back Miles was significantly destructive to the team. The infield is pretty much set based upon contracts alone. There is room on the roster for only three middle infielders. Izturis was signed for $2.85 million. Kennedy makes $2.5 million in 2007. Miles was signed for $1.4 million. Brendan Ryan would have to beat out one of these three guys in ST for a roster spot. TLR tells us there will be a "competition" for the last IF roster spot. My @ss. Ryan is designated to start in Memphis absent injury to one of the three with ML contracts. Ryan will stay in Memphis until one of these three gets hurt or stinks up the joint to Junior Spivey proportions. The only other scenario I can imagine to get Ryan on the 25 man is if Spiezio goes back on drugs (which, for his sake, I pray never happens). This means lots of Izturis at SS as Miles is nearly incapable of fielding that position (weakness of arm exceed only by his lack of range).

by jjray on Jan 19, 2008 9:26 AM EST up reply actions

I'd like to correct your last statement.

let's just skip to "This means a whole lot of suck."

On with the (good) youth movement!

by aet15 on Jan 20, 2008 4:53 AM EST up reply actions

To start the season (pre-Rasmus)

1.(Izturis or Ryan SS)Kennedy 2B
2.Ankiel CF
3.? I guess I'll ponder this one
4.Glaus 3B
5.Duncan LF
6.Molina C
7.Ludwick RF
8.Pitcher
9.Kennedy 2B(Izturis or Ryan)SS

Damn, I forgot Firstbase

by Romo9 on Jan 18, 2008 12:02 AM EST reply actions

it all depends...

vs RHP:

CF Rasmus
RF Ankiel
1B Pujols
3B Glaus
LF Duncan
C Molina
2B Kennedy
P __
SS Izturis

vs LHP:

CF Rasmus
SS Ryan
1B Pujols
3B Glaus
RF Ankiel
C Molina
LF Spiezio
P __
2B Miles/Hoff(if he makes the cut)

by SethWestern on Jan 18, 2008 12:11 AM EST reply actions

Spiezio

We all know what Spiez can do. I'd give the bat to someone with a higher ceiling like Ludwick.

Who knew that many people live in Puerto Rico?

by Yadi4MVP on Jan 18, 2008 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

Am I the only...

...one who sees Rasmus as more of a 2-hole hitter? He's got the power than Tony loves in that spot, and the speed, too. When the lineup rolls around a second time, he'll have two singles hitters in front of him and Albert behind him to protect him (assuming the pitcher hits eighth again this year).

by mojowo11 on Jan 18, 2008 12:20 AM EST reply actions

I could see him as a #2 but he did so well

with Team U.S.A in the 1 hole I think that is his niche.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jan 18, 2008 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

For Opening Day

I think Rasmus will be in Memphis. Here's what I've got:

Schumaker CF
Ankiel RF
Pujols 1B
Glaus 3B
Duncan LF
Molina C
Kennedy 2B
Pitcher P
Izturis SS

by qwikimport on Jan 18, 2008 12:35 AM EST reply actions

Rockies...

I think you are dead on with the lineup that will be used (even if I don't think it's optimal). If we are facing the Rockies, there is a good chance they will open with Jeff Francis (a lefty) which would make opening day look like (I'm not advocating this, I'm just saying I think it's probable)...

Miles 2B
Ankiel RF
Pujols 1B
Glaus 3B
Ludwick LF
Molina C
Barton CF
Pitcher
Izturis SS

if Gonzalez makes the team (I'm not advocating):

Miles 2B
Ankiel CF
Pujols 1B
Glaus 3B
Gonzalez LF
Ludwick RF
Molina C
Pitcher
Izturis SS

"It takes pitching, hitting and defense. Any two can win. All three make you unbeatable". Joe Garagiola

by MRCARD on Jan 18, 2008 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

lineup

i agree with qwikimport 1-9

At least he's better than Esteban Yan

by jacksonian on Jan 18, 2008 12:39 AM EST reply actions

synchronicity

ryan @ cardinalsdiaspora.com talked about this yesterday (specifically in regards to where to bat Glaus).

Personally I'd go with:

Ryan SS
Duncan LF
Apu 1B
Glaus 3B
Ludwick RF
Ankiel CF
...arbitrary after that.

the bums will always lose...

by SleepyCA on Jan 18, 2008 12:41 AM EST reply actions

lineup

Skip CF
Glaus 3B
Pujols 1B
Duncan LF
Ludwick/Ankiel LF
Kennedy 2B
Molina C
Pitcher (only because that's what LaRussa will do)
Cesar SS

by averagejoe on Jan 18, 2008 1:55 AM EST reply actions

What we'll probably see...

Izturis SS
Ankiel RF
Pujols 1B
Glaus 3B
Duncan LF
Ludwick CF
Yadi C
Pitcher P
Kennedy 2B

Maybe Tony will flip Kennedy/Izturis, but I imagine that depends on how ST goes.

If it were me, I'd probably go with

Ludwick CF
Glaus 3B
Pujols 1B
Duncan LF
Ankiel RF
Yadi C
Kennedy 2B
Pitcher
Izturis SS (only because Ryan won't be on roster)

Ludwick leading off is something of an odd choice, but IMHO, he's the least worst candidate.

It's weird, but Ludwick dramatically improved his OBP the more he played last year. Starting off, he almost never walked. But near the end of the year, he was walked 70-110 points higher than he was hitting. (Which is more in line with his minor league stats)

by DiscoJer on Jan 18, 2008 2:21 AM EST reply actions

Projected Starting Lineup is???

Not very good.

by azruavatar on Jan 18, 2008 3:38 AM EST reply actions

Optimisic

CF - Barton
RF - Ankiel
1B - Pujols
3B - Glaus
LF - Duncan
C - Molina
2B - Kennedy/Hoff
P
SS - Ryan

Of course, this is based on all the guys that I want to win jobs this spring doing so and the other guys getting ditched, which will never happen. Also, you can put Rasmus in at CF starting in June.

by roarke on Jan 18, 2008 9:01 AM EST reply actions

I think Barton should be in there, too...

at least against LHP.

Vs. LHP

Barton
Ankiel
Pujols
Glaus
Ludwick
Molina
Kennedy
Pitcher
Izturus

In my perfect world you'd replace Kennedy and Izturus with Hoffpauir and Ryan. Maybe even bat Hoff 9th if he maintains his OBP.

Vs. RHP

Replace Ludwick with Duncan

I'm kinda high on Barton!

Thanks for the highlight moments 15 and 27!!!

by cardzfanbub on Jan 18, 2008 9:49 AM EST up reply actions

This is what it will likely be

RHP

Skippy, CF
Ankiel, RF
Pujols, 1B
Duncan, LF
Glaus, 3B
Yadi, C
Kennedy, 2B
P
Izturis, SS

LHP

Miles, SS
Ankiel, RF
Pujols, 1B
Glaus, 3B
Ludwick, LF
Yadi, C
Barton, CF
P
Kennedy, 2B

But then again, this is TLR we're talking about. There really is no starting lineup in the true sense of the word, just a few guys who will usually play (Pujols, Glaus, Molina), and some others who get shifted in and out.

by redbirdnation8206 on Jan 18, 2008 10:31 AM EST reply actions

Kennedy, Pitcher, Izturus, Schumaker...

that's gonna strike some fear into the opposing team!!

Thanks for the highlight moments 15 and 27!!!

by cardzfanbub on Jan 18, 2008 12:59 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

With some...its hard to predict a lineup because Tony doesnt go with a set one much--nor should he considering the makeup of the team.

Really only Glaus, Albert, and Yadi can be written down in pen--after that it will change a lot depending on matchups.

So...
RHP

Skip, CF
Ankiel, RF
Albert, 1B
Duncan, LF
Glaus, 3B
Molina, C
Kennedy, 2B
Pitcher
Izturiz, SS

LHP

Barton, CF
Ankiel, RF
Albert, 1B
Glaus, 3B
Ludwick, LF
Molina, C
Miles, 2B
Pitcher
Ryan, SS

SUBURBS: Where Americans cut down trees and then name streets after them.

by beanocook on Jan 18, 2008 10:58 AM EST reply actions

I think this is entirely correct

subject to the usual matchup/gut feel stuff. Skippy's numbers as a lead-off hitter are not spectacular (.211/.250/.315 career), but let's disount that to sample size. Interesting that he has also shown a tendency to reverse split (OBP only) in his brief career.

If anybody ever doubted the value of batting in front of El Hombre, Schumaker's career numbers in the #2 hole are .412/.426/.686.

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

by giveml on Jan 20, 2008 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

Pitcher

I'm intrested to see that everybody had the pitcher hitting 8th again this year. What makes everybody so sure of that? TLR has done it in the past, but never for two or more seasons in a row. I'd rather doubt that he does it again.

Here's my projected starting line up (not what I want but then I'd have A-Rod and Big Papi in there too.)

2B AK
CF Ankiel
1B The King
3B Glaus
LF Dunc
RF Lud
C Molina
SS Miles
P Wainright

Not a fan of Troy Glaus

by gibbyfan on Jan 18, 2008 12:10 PM EST reply actions

i think

I've heard Tony say he planned on doing it again this year. That's the only reason I put the pitcher 8th.

SUBURBS: Where Americans cut down trees and then name streets after them.

by beanocook on Jan 18, 2008 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

SS Miles

I am not a Miles hater, but SS????

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

by giveml on Jan 20, 2008 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

i'm surprised

to see so many people put ankiel 2nd and duncan 4th/5th. in both their short careers dunc has shown a significantly greater ability to get on base (.356 OBP in the majors, .340 minors for duncan; .305 majors, .328 minors for st. anky), with both hitting for similar levels of power (.528 SLG in the majors, .415 minors for dunc; .459 majors, .546 minors for ank). ankiel appears to strike out a little bit more as well. why would you stick that ahead of your boppers? therefore, my lineup would be (vs. RHP):

schumaker CF
duncan LF
pujols 1B
glaus 3B
ankiel/ludwick RF
molina C
kennedy 2B
pitcher SP
izturis SS

vs. LHP:

barton CF
duncan/schumaker/ludwick LF
pujols 1B
glaus 3B
ankiel/ludwick RF
molina C
kennedy 2B
pitcher SP
izturis SS

at least give the top of the order a chance with two (reasonably) high-OBP guys. i'd greatly prefer ankiel in the 5-slot.

by moboiler on Jan 18, 2008 3:23 PM EST reply actions

Because we're thinking like Tony...

Don't want to clog up the bases for Albert

by DiscoJer on Jan 18, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

but...

...is dunc really that much worse a baserunner than ankiel? i think it's been discussed that dunc's poor defense is not as a result of lack of range, it's just terrible hands. i agree that he runs pretty well for a big guy; very larry walkeresque.

by moboiler on Jan 18, 2008 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

Larry Walker?

Um...maybe Larry Walker at age 38...certainly not the Larry Walker that used to play centerfield and was a legitimate 30/30 threat when he played for the Expos.

"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 21, 2008 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

yeah

the walker i was referring to was the one who played for the cardinals. he ran well enough to keep his OBP in the 2-hole - surely dunc could do the same thing.

by moboiler on Jan 21, 2008 12:00 PM EST up reply actions

i'm surprised

to see so many people put ankiel 2nd and duncan 4th/5th. in both their short careers dunc has shown a significantly greater ability to get on base (.356 OBP in the majors, .340 minors for duncan; .305 majors, .328 minors for st. anky), with both hitting for similar levels of power (.528 SLG in the majors, .415 minors for dunc; .459 majors, .546 minors for ank). ankiel appears to strike out a little bit more as well. why would you stick that ahead of your boppers? therefore, my lineup would be (vs. RHP):

schumaker CF
duncan LF
pujols 1B
glaus 3B
ankiel/ludwick RF
molina C
kennedy 2B
pitcher SP
izturis SS

vs. LHP:

barton CF
duncan/schumaker/ludwick LF
pujols 1B
glaus 3B
ankiel/ludwick RF
molina C
kennedy 2B
pitcher SP
izturis SS

at least give the top of the order a chance with two (reasonably) high-OBP guys. i'd greatly prefer ankiel in the 5-slot.

by moboiler on Jan 18, 2008 3:28 PM EST reply actions

curiosity

Since Ankiel and Ludwick both seem to reverse platoon split, would we start Ank against lefties and the Ludder against righties?

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

by giveml on Jan 20, 2008 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

you're right

they do have wacky splits, but i'm sure tony would design the lineup around matchups to the point that ank/schu/ludwick/barton would be pretty much interchangeable in CF/RF, with dunc being spelled occasionally in LF.

by moboiler on Jan 21, 2008 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

appearances

Was thinking the exact same thing, moboiler. The best explanation I can come up with is that Ankiel looks a little more like a #2 hitter that Duncan, so that's why folks are slotting him there. Like you, I'd much prefer for Duncan's OBP to be ahead of Pujols than behind him and for Duncan to get the occasional extra at-bat.

by DCGreg on Jan 20, 2008 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

whoops

apologize for the dual comment. admin, please delete one (and this apology) if possible.

by moboiler on Jan 18, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions

This is really dumb to discuss

As we all know, La Russa rarely uses the same lineup for two days in a row. He likes to play matchups and keep bench players fresh. This is one of the reasons he is the best manager in the game. Projecting a starting lineup for a La Russa managed team is just a waste of time. Unless of course you have the likes of Larry Walker, Jim Edmonds and Reggie Sanders as your outfielders.

But nowadays....c'mon, everyday will be some kind of combination of Ludwick, Ankiel, Rasmus, Barton, Schumaker and Duncan in the outfield. Some combination of Ryan, Bardon, Izturis, Miles and Kennedy in the middle infield. Pujols, Glaus and Yadi.

Pending the specific players he plays, that will determine the Batting Order for the day. Guessing at it now is just stupid.

"And that's a winner. A World Series winner for the Cardinals."

by Bird Watcher on Jan 18, 2008 3:53 PM EST reply actions

+1

yeah what he said

"back.. at the track...at the wall..homerun." -joe buck

by omshagome on Jan 25, 2008 12:21 AM EST up reply actions

Here you go

CF- Rasmus
LF- Bonds
1B- Pujols
SS- A-Rod
3B- Glaus
RF- Ankiel
C- Molina
Pitcher Spot
2B- Miles

The hot stove is burning...

by cardzfan24 on Jan 18, 2008 4:16 PM EST reply actions

Lineup

Womack 2B
Walker RF
Pujols 1B
Rolen 3B
Edmonds CF
Sanders LF
Matheny C
Renteria SS
Haren P

Oh wait...wrong election year....

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country

by Mr Redbird on Jan 18, 2008 4:44 PM EST reply actions

A single tear

just rolled down my cheek. Those were the days.

Fame was like a drug, but what was even more like a drug were the drugs

by Alxfritz on Jan 18, 2008 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

Any lineup that Edgar bats 8th does that for you

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country

by Mr Redbird on Jan 18, 2008 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

What the hell...

I ought to run this through the lineup tool but i think this would be more productive than what will be put out there...

Dunc LF
Pujols 1B
Ankiel CF
Glaus 3B
Ludwick RF
Molina C
Ryan SS
Pitch P
Kennedy 2B

"Back in the day when I played, a pitcher had 3 pitches: a fastball, a curveball, a slider, a changeup and a good sinker pitch." - Mike Shannon

by nomar34 on Jan 18, 2008 5:52 PM EST reply actions

P.S.

i know Pujols wont hit anywhere but 3rd but as most of you know, studdies have shown that haveing your most productive hitter 2nd is best in most cases...

"Back in the day when I played, a pitcher had 3 pitches: a fastball, a curveball, a slider, a changeup and a good sinker pitch." - Mike Shannon

by nomar34 on Jan 18, 2008 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

or studies

and having...being an IT person one would think i could handle a keyboard a little better...

"Back in the day when I played, a pitcher had 3 pitches: a fastball, a curveball, a slider, a changeup and a good sinker pitch." - Mike Shannon

by nomar34 on Jan 18, 2008 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

understandable

after all, Albert is quite a "studdie"!

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

by giveml on Jan 20, 2008 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

My Line-up



Ryan          -ss

Ankiel        -cf

Pujols        -1b

Duncan        -lf

Glauss        -3b

Ludwick/?     -rf

Molina        -c

Kennedy/Miles -2b

The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!

by Zubin on Jan 18, 2008 9:00 PM EST reply actions