VEBegone
"O, Oysters, come and walk with us!"
The Walrus did beseech.
"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:
We cannot do with more than four,
To give a hand to each."
Obviously, VEB is in for a bit of a change over the offseason. It's one that's healthy and natural in the course of blogdom. It's a demanding task that, while having many rewards, is arduous at times. Personally, I've found it surprisingly difficult to be original on a once-a-week basis. The fact that others can write about the same 25 players day in and day out is a testament to their abilities (or stubbornness). My thanks go to Larry as well for the opportunity to write at VEB -- even if my stamina here was merely a season, I enjoyed it very much.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
Walked on a mile or so,
And then they rested on a rock
Conveniently low:
And all the little Oysters stood
And waited in a row.
So without making that melodrama overly long, how 'bout them Dodgers? A part of me recognizes that it must feel pretty crappy to be a Cubs fan right now. They're not done yet but the walls are closing in. Since I'm not a Cubs fan, however, I'm looking for a good T-Shirt to commemorate their pending century of futility. Here's to many more!
"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes—and ships—and sealing wax—
Of cabbages—and kings—
And why the sea is boiling hot—
And whether pigs have wings."
As I ride off into the sunset (can a robot ride a horse?), I've got a couple suggestions for the offseason. I'm not going to make outlandish trade proposals or even reasonable ones. Those types of happenings are very difficult to just guess at so I'll keep to in-house personnel but there's no shortage of story lines and decisions to make there.
1) Kyle McClellan to start: I discussed Kyle McClellan last week. With the signing of Lohse, I'm inclined to believe that it's even more important to make McClellan a starter. The Cardinals aren't in a good position to land another good starting pitcher with a multi-year deal given the holes in the middle infield that have to be addressed. I won't belabor this point but Kyle should be given the chance in Spring Training to prove that he can take the ball every 5th day.
2) Arb for Loop: Braden Looper appears to be a Type-B Free Agent. This is the simplest decision that Mozeliak will make the entire winter: offer him arbitration. The Cardinals need to avoid making too many multiyear deals with pitchers and they've just signed Lohse. Looper is in for a healthy payday on the market; the Cardinals shouldn't bet on a mid-30s pitcher when they don't have to. If Looper accepts arbitration, which is the risk that you take on when you offer it, that would be all for the better. He'd get $8-$10M and the Cardinals would get a safe one year deal. If he declines (far more likely), the Cardinals get a supplemental round pick. Getting as many early picks as you can is a good way to have a good draft. Plenty of talented players are still available in the supplemental round.
3) Pick 3 middle infielders, any 3 middle infielders. I'd love for the Cardinals to acquire Brian Roberts but I'm not going to hold my breath for something like that. The players readily available to them (Aaron Miles, Adam Kennedy, Cesar Izturis, Felipe Lopez, Brendan Ryan) offer a variety of offensive and defensive options. Let's just be clear though -- having four middle infielders on the roster IS BAD ROSTER CONSTRUCTION. These players are routinely the weakest hitters on a team so being able to use them as a pinch hitter offers less gain than having another outfielder or someone who can man the corners who can actually hit. The difference between any two of these players moving forward probably isn't more than 1 win. The players that can hit (Miles, Lopez) can't field. The players that can field (Izturis, Kennedy, Ryan) can't hit. Pick your poison and ditch two. Don't give any of them multi-year contracts if you can avoid it. these aren't the kind of players that deserve long-term commitments.
"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,
"Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!"
"No hurry!" said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.
4) Trade some prospects but do it because it makes the team better. The meme that some in the media (namely Joe Strauss) have been consistently floating for the last month about the front office hoarding prospects or just trying to get prospects on publication lists (such as Baseball Prospectus or Baseball America) is crap. Strauss is a pretty good beat writer but he knows next to nothing about the farm system (as his comments on the radio routinely make clear). There isn't any player that's untouchable (not even Rasmus). The goal should always be value for value. No PR moves. No dumping players because TLR doesn't like their attitude. Value for Value.
But, if you do consider trading Rasmus this offseason, take a look at what Evan Longoria did this season. The Rays gave him the reins and let loose. Colby Rasmus is that caliber of player and while a rookie season such as Longoria's is never the expectation, Rasmus is one of the few prospects in the minors capable of putting up those types of numbers their first season.
5) Stop being loyal to a fault. If Izzy is willing to come back for a $2M base salary, sign him yesterday. It's worth taking a chance to see if he's healthy. If Chris Duncan is 100% and mashing the ball, play him on a regular basis. The system is good enough, however, at both RH relief and outfield that those players do not deserve extended looks. That is the doom of the Cardinals this year. The team -- be it Mozeliak or TLR -- is too scared to cut the cord when it comes to these players. Trust your farm system to supplement at these positions and don't waste more than 20 games if the players don't look like they've returned to health.
"It seems a shame," the Walrus said,
"To play them such a trick,
After we’ve brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!"
The Carpenter said nothing but
"The butter’s spread too thick!"
It's easy to prescribe some simple moves or decisions like above. The last bit of advice I have for the Cardinals could be more valuable than all the rest combined but has nothing to do with personnel decisions: Learn how to talk to the media and the fans. The Cardinals have two problems in this area: 1) medical issues and 2) LaRussa/Dave Duncan. The first isn't entirely their fault. The players have some sway in what the club can tell the populace and really whether the club has enough foreknowledge to address a small injury before it's a big one. That said, the rest of it is clearly the club's fault. They are borderline deceitful when releasing information to the public about injuries. Far more harm comes from injuries like Ankiel's that turn into something really bad than from letting other team's "know" how desperate you may or may not be. The club winds up looking like they are lying to their fans or are totally incompetent. The damage to the club-fan relationship is more important than another team knowing that Ankiel really is hurt. Find a way to correct this problem.
With regards to number two, send TLR/DD to a class or have them sit down with a politician. They need to find a way of either being straight without being condescending or sounding like they have a grudge. If they can't do that let them learn how to say nothing but offering equivocations (the politician). I'd rather they speak their mind but doing so without throwing players under a bus or demeaning them are skills they obviously don't have. Head back to PR 101 and figure out how to not start a s--tstorm every time you speak. Fans (and the internet) will always blow quotes out of proportion but there is no need to throw us a meatball pitch down the middle. We'll hit those out of the park every time.
"O Oysters," said the Carpenter,
"You had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?"
But answer came there none—
And this was scarcely odd, because
They’d eaten every one.
~The Walrus and the Carpenter
by Lewis Carroll
Note: SBN 2.0 decided to try and destroy me this morning. If you've seen some wacky formatting, apologies. I had to break out my brute force HTML skills for some jenky fixes in the background. All should be well now. Victory is mine. [/kicks SBN server] [/rides off into sunset]
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Fare thee well Azru...
I’ll be seeing you over at FR.
I agree with you on McClellan and BLooper. I think this year was a good stepping stone for Kyle, and if we can get a similar season out of Looper, I’d be happy.
by jim of beam on Oct 3, 2008 9:52 AM EDT 0 recs
+1
and maybe plug boggs or todd or ?? in mcc’s spot
"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension
by sportsman on
Oct 3, 2008 6:11 PM EDT
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Good advice all around.
Hope the people in charge heed a large portion of it.
Everyone heaped thanks and praise on LB (rightfully so, because he was deserving of it), but I would like to throw a little in your direction as well, az. Thanks! I always enjoyed your posts – they were insightful and well written. Like I said to Larry, don’t be a stranger! Show your robot face around here once in awhile.
by cardsgirl95 on Oct 3, 2008 9:55 AM EDT 0 recs
what will we do without the robot jokes?
This has just been a tough week for me
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on
Oct 3, 2008 5:47 PM EDT
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I don't care for Strauss
I’m a Goold man myself (Strauss thinks he’s a columnist when writing his stories. I really don’t care about your opinion, Joe), but what is with his (Strauss) constant banging on the trade prospect drum? Do we have to deal with a manager that wouldn’t have mind if we had traded Jason Motte for Brian Fuentes* and a beat man who feels the same (and injects it into his articles)?
*I think after actually seeing Motte, La Russa would no longer be in favor of it, but at the deadline, it sounded like he was pissed a deal wasn’t made, and that’s the one that was on the Rockies table.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Oct 3, 2008 9:58 AM EDT 0 recs
Don't think the Rox wanted Motte
It was the Braves that wanted Motte for Ohman. I think the Rox wanted significantly more for Fuentes. And I think Tony was more upset that we didn’t get another bat, moreso than not getting a bullpen arm.
by SoonerfanTU on
Oct 3, 2008 10:00 AM EDT
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Thats an even worse deal.
Tony will make a fine GM somewhere else.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on
Oct 3, 2008 10:11 AM EDT
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Again.....
Show me where Tony complained about not getting THAT deal done?
I don’t understand why some of you have to make stuff up. I seriously doubt Tony wanted to force Mo to make a ridiculous trade for a couple of FA-to-be relievers.
by SoonerfanTU on
Oct 3, 2008 10:48 AM EDT
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In short:
20 more posts mainly about semantics where, in the end, nobody thinks the other party is right, no matter what is presented.
Aaaaand I just saved VEB a few hours.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on
Oct 3, 2008 11:02 AM EDT
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Well done, Fritz.
Well done.
Victory is sweet, even deep in the cheap seats.
by the red baron on
Oct 3, 2008 11:14 AM EDT
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awwww,,, i was in a fightin mood today
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on
Oct 3, 2008 1:59 PM EDT
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Awesome.
That is all.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.
by Mr Clean on
Oct 3, 2008 4:47 PM EDT
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I'm sorry to hear that you died this week.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on
Oct 3, 2008 9:52 PM EDT
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92 years young.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 10:58 PM EDT
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who was that masked man?
and why did he leave behind a silver bulletin?
Thanks, Az….. I’ll be reading your stuff at Future Redbirds.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Oct 3, 2008 9:59 AM EDT 0 recs
K-Mac
I think any thought of moving him to the rotation will be based on two things: 1) What happens with Looper, JP, and Carpenter, and 2) What kind of bullpen talent we can get this winter.
If we can’t improve the bullpen much, I think you have to leave him in the pen.
by SoonerfanTU on Oct 3, 2008 10:02 AM EDT 0 recs
I say let him compete for a starting job
Our bullpen is (honestly, is has to be) going to be better next season pretty much by default. Full seasons of Motte and Perez, no more (fingers crossed) trotting out an injured Isringhausen, and Franklin in a 7th inning role looks good to me. Granted you lose KMac in the pen, as well as possibly Springer, but I think the contributions of Motte and Perez plus any other youngsters who impress in ST will outweigh those losses.
Piñata - something children beat relentlessly with bats. Piñeiro - .858 OPS against. Some call it irony; I call it destiny.
by thegodfather on
Oct 3, 2008 11:15 AM EDT
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I disagree.
If we lose Springer and K-Mac out of the pen, and don’t land two equal replacements in FA or via trade, our pen, even with Perez and Motte, will not be very good.
by SoonerfanTU on
Oct 3, 2008 11:42 AM EDT
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I would say
Springer & McClellan 2008 <= Perez and Motte 2009 in my opinion. Even if they are about the same value, and assuming you lose Springer (big assumption), you would still only need 1 more good arm to make the 09 pen drastically better that 08. That also ignores guys like Todd, Worrell, and Parisi that could contribute at some point.
Piñata - something children beat relentlessly with bats. Piñeiro - .858 OPS against. Some call it irony; I call it destiny.
by thegodfather on
Oct 3, 2008 11:48 AM EDT
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forgot Kinney
Piñata - something children beat relentlessly with bats. Piñeiro - .858 OPS against. Some call it irony; I call it destiny.
by thegodfather on
Oct 3, 2008 11:49 AM EDT
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Forget about Worrell.....
he’ll never be any better than Jiminez.
by SoonerfanTU on
Oct 3, 2008 2:26 PM EDT
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and you know that based on
5.7 innings pitched in the big leagues? Hell, we can’t even be certain that Jimenez won’t turn into a reliable reliever someday. I just can’t figure out why people give up on prospects so early.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on
Oct 3, 2008 5:46 PM EDT
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For real +1
Glad Mo didn’t give up on Ryan Ludwick like some of the other teams (Rangers, Indians). It’s taken him longer to get here but we are now reaping the benefits. Have some faith!
Ryan Howard: one of the most Statistically Outstanding players of all time
by RunninRedbird on
Oct 3, 2008 6:02 PM EDT
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And Oakland and Detroit.....
They all had Ludwick at one time.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on
Oct 3, 2008 6:18 PM EDT
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Thanks
I knew there were others (just couldn’t remember them) but as far as I know Cleveland and Texas were the only ones to give him a look at the ML level.
Ryan Howard: one of the most Statistically Outstanding players of all time
by RunninRedbird on
Oct 3, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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I like the idea of...
seeing what KMac can do as a starter…but I think not bringing Springer back would be a ridiculous mistake. My guess is the team offers arbitration, and he accepts…unless a deal is made first. He goes somewhat unnoticed, but Springer has been our best and most consistent bullpen arm for two years.
by cardzfanbub on
Oct 3, 2008 12:24 PM EDT
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See you around, Az.
It’s been an honour to have you as a colleague, if only for so brief a time as this.
Oh, and excellent choice on the poem, but admit it, you also got lucky. It’s not often you can find a situation that involves baseball versions of not one, but two literary inventions.
It would be like finding a team with a Daedalus in the rotation and a Bloom in center field.
Victory is sweet, even deep in the cheap seats.
by the red baron on Oct 3, 2008 10:03 AM EDT 0 recs
Oh, yeah
Godspeed, robot.
You made SIUE’ers everywhere proud (except for Bill Plaschke).
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Oct 3, 2008 10:06 AM EDT 0 recs
MMmmmm....oysters....
A fine parting piece as I’ve ever read. Full of practical advice and sage wisdom. The whole herd wishes you well.
:=8)
by The MooCow on Oct 3, 2008 10:08 AM EDT 0 recs
Middle Infield
This is kind of turning into a mess. We all know this is probably the biggest area we can improve on next year, well, that and closer. Most of us, I think, weren’t aware that Miles was still under team control next year. That means out of all our mediocre MI’s, only Izturis and Lopez (who I think we’ll sign) is without a contract heading into the offseason.
I think trading AK is going to be very important this winter. It will free up a couple of million dollars, plus just for the sake of the numbers game.
by SoonerfanTU on Oct 3, 2008 10:08 AM EDT 0 recs
Trading Kennedy?
While I agree it would be nice to dump him, I just question who will take him. What team would want him?
I agree though that the MI is the crux of this offseason. The Cards have stated (and I don’t disagree) that it would be nice to see an upgrade or two for the offense. The most obvious location for such an upgrade is at 2b or SS. Lopez certainly could be part of such an upgrade (though it would seem to be a mild one). The Cards are also willing to part with someone like Rasmus, though short of Hanley Ramirez, I don’t see many options to acquire a young talented middle infielder worth trading away such a prospect for.
Give the limited option, I think it might be best to head into next season with a MI of Miles, Lopez, Izturis and Barden (and keeping Kennedy around if the Cards must have 4 MI on the roster), seeking the offensive upgrade through the OF (Manny anyone?).
by JMedwick on
Oct 3, 2008 10:26 AM EDT
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I should clarify my point.
I think it is unlikely the Cards will be able to find someone to take on Kennedy.
Assuming the Cards keep Kennedy, a MI of Barden, Miles, Kennedy and a resigning of either Lopez or Izturis depending on a preference for O or D.
Assuming the Cards get rid of Kennedy, a MI of Barden, Miles, a resigning of both Lopez and Izturis.
I prefer the non-Kennedy version, but just don’t think it can happen.
by JMedwick on
Oct 3, 2008 10:36 AM EDT
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well
Kennedy doesn’t want to play here anymore, so it’s a similar situation as with Rolen, so I think he’ll be traded somehow, but we probably won’t get much for him, think of the Reyes trade.
go rays
by Cards Fan in Chitown on
Oct 3, 2008 12:47 PM EDT
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Or it may be exactly like the Rolen trade, which worked out B-E-Autifully for us
That’s what I’m hoping for.
by Ray Lankford on
Oct 3, 2008 4:18 PM EDT
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no
on four middle infielders.
and why on earth would you think barden will be on the team?
by adiueordie on
Oct 3, 2008 1:24 PM EDT
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There is a difference between should and will
I want/ think he should be on the team. I do not know that he will be.
by JMedwick on
Oct 3, 2008 2:12 PM EDT
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Trading Kennedy
While most have floated the idea of trading Kennedy in a deal where the Cards eat most of his salary, I think there may be a better option…
Why not trade him for another guy with a salary that’s dragging down his club?
How about Mike MacDougal of the White Sox? He’s set to make $2.65 in 2009 and has a $350,000 buyout for 2010. He spent most of 2008 in AAA, and sucked in 2007, but prior to that he was pretty decent, and even really good for stretches.
AK’s set to make $4M next year, so this deal shaves $1.35 off the matrix, and throws another arm into the bullpen mix. MacDougal could fail to impress in ST, of course, but then he just could go to Memphis. That’s not a beautiful option, but it’s better than just “eating” Kennedy’s salary, no?
As for Chicago, they quite possibly will have a need at 2B next year, as Cabrera looks to depart. They will probably slide Alexi Ramirez over to SS (and why the hell weren’t the Cards in on him this winter? )
Now, one upside to “eating” salary is that sometimes you get lucky and get a David Freese back. Usually, though, you get Evan Rust.
Just something to consider.
by Hal Lanier's Pants on
Oct 3, 2008 10:55 AM EDT
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I like the concept
particularly as a method for acquiring a lefty (or two) for the bullpen.
But figure it would need to be a straight salary swap for the most part.
What teams would want or need a player like Adam Kennedy?
by JMedwick on
Oct 3, 2008 11:06 AM EDT
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Well
my quick survey showed only Chicago as an obvious fit, and that’s assuming they slide Ramirez over. Arizona might be losing Hudson, but then again, Hudson might wind up with the White Sox…
Oh, and MacDougal is right-handed.
by Hal Lanier's Pants on
Oct 3, 2008 11:19 AM EDT
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Okay, there are problems with it;
but bad contract swaps can be good for all involved.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on
Oct 3, 2008 6:21 PM EDT
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If Someone Took On...
…jimmy Baseball after his fiasco in Padre land, someone will bite on AK, just not sure we’ll get very mooch…
:=8/
by The MooCow on
Oct 3, 2008 11:52 AM EDT
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Edmonds cost the Cubs absolutely nothing
He was released by the Padres. All it cost the cubs was the pro-rated version of the league minimum salary.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 11:53 AM EDT
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But, he did cost the Pads something
Namely, David Freese, who some believe was the real Minor League Player of the Year after hitting .306/ .361/ .550/ .910 for AAA Memphis.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on
Oct 3, 2008 12:00 PM EDT
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Right.
but the point made above was referencing the post-Padres Edmonds.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 12:05 PM EDT
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My bad
My Cardinal-centric brain misread his comment. Sorry about that.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on
Oct 3, 2008 12:13 PM EDT
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I don't see a place for Miles...
and Lopez on the same team…let alone with Kennedy. All three are limited to second base defensively (I don’t care if Tony is willing to play them anywhere). They are not SS’s or OF’s not 3Bmen. They could probably play first, but so can Duncan. Is Floppy arbitration eligible?
by cardzfanbub on
Oct 3, 2008 12:29 PM EDT
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not so sure kennedy can play first
did you see those games?
by adiueordie on
Oct 3, 2008 1:27 PM EDT
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He could if he practiced at it
The whole problem I had with it this year, and with people who were saying anyone could play first, was that he’d never done it before. There’s a lot to know and do at first that most people have no idea about. He’s good enough defensively that he could learn the position.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 1:30 PM EDT
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Exactly...
the footwork, timing and handling the incoming runner are different at first, but it is the easiest defensive position on the field – requiring the least athletic ability. This is not to take away from what Pujols does at first base – he’s perhaps the best in the game.
by cardzfanbub on
Oct 3, 2008 2:11 PM EDT
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haven't there been fielding metrics in the past that put albert as the best defender in the game
in terms of saving runs, even when adjusting for positional importance? maybe i’m remembering wrong.
if my memory is correct, that’s just mind boggling.
by mattybobo on
Oct 3, 2008 2:20 PM EDT
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I remember that...
obviously Pujols wouldn’t be the “best” at any position. He is great at first, and could probably be great at third (if the elbow could handle it)…that’s about it. I don’t like the idea of him running around in the outfield.
by cardzfanbub on
Oct 3, 2008 3:05 PM EDT
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thats not what he meant
he meant that albert is sooo good at 1st that he saves more runs than great fielders at other “tougher” posititons
by FunkeeC on
Oct 3, 2008 6:50 PM EDT
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I know matty better...
than to think he’d say Pujols is the best defensive player in the game, but his statement kinda reads that way.
by cardzfanbub on
Oct 3, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
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i can see how it would be confusing, yeah
my bad. and funkeeC was right about what i was trying to say.
by mattybobo on
Oct 3, 2008 7:09 PM EDT
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It might be the easiest from a physical standpoint
but it’s one of the most mentally difficult positions as well and that’s where it gets tricky. First base takes situational practice to become good at it.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 2:23 PM EDT
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Just think about when we played Greg Jeffries there.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 4:26 PM EDT
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I'm fighting off a mental picture
of Geronimo Pena skipping one past Jefferies.
"The strike zone was slightly amorphic today." - Joe Maddon
by random on
Oct 3, 2008 4:50 PM EDT
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Better to skip it than to throw it over 6 feet off the ground
He’d never reach it.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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BR has Jefferies at 5'10
that has to be a mistake, no way Jefferies is taller than Miles
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on
Oct 3, 2008 6:29 PM EDT
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Trading Kennedy
may require the Cards to keep paying a significant portion of his salary to make him “go away” (see Martinez, Tino)… Would it be worth signing a 33-year-old Edgar Renteria? He posted a .699 OPS (an 84 OPS+, according to baseball-reference.com. For comparison’s sake, Miles posted a .753 OPS (99 OPS+, and no, I’m not suggesting Miles play shortstop… ever!), while Lopez had an OPS of .730 (92 OPS+ combined with the Nats and Cards. Or would a 34-year-old Orlando Cabrera (.705 OPS, 84 OPS+) be more to your liking?
"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra
by The Ol Goaler on
Oct 3, 2008 10:33 AM EDT
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If they are willing to eat most of it.....
And he still can’t be traded, why not just release him?
by SoonerfanTU on
Oct 3, 2008 10:50 AM EDT
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I guess because they don't want to diss him to much
it’s probably some kind of unspoken rule, especially with a veteran type player… and used as a last result in most cases. but I think they should just release him, why not? then they can focus on other concerns.
go rays
by Cards Fan in Chitown on
Oct 3, 2008 12:51 PM EDT
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I truly believe
that if they can’t find a trading partner by the end of Spring Training, they will release him. If not before.
Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.
Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.
by Tackle Box on
Oct 3, 2008 12:53 PM EDT
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I agree...
and TOTALLY support this plan of action!
by cardzfanbub on
Oct 3, 2008 2:12 PM EDT
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We Cud....
…trade headaches with the Mets and trake AK for Castillo…
Sorry, bad joke…
:=8P
by The MooCow on
Oct 3, 2008 2:18 PM EDT
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ooops
trake = trade and/or take. It’s tough typing with hooves…
:=8/
by The MooCow on
Oct 3, 2008 2:19 PM EDT
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mr. kennedy
I thought he’d produce here (EPIC FAIL), but i think they will move him. There are always these old school thinking guys that need a veteran __________, so if he fits that blank and the birds pay a lil some one will give a middling prospect for him
"Textbooks are Soviet propaganda" - Rev. Jerry Falwell


