nothing in particular

by lboros on Feb 21, 2008 8:38 AM EST in St. Louis Cardinals News

first, a program note: the migration to the new platform will not, repeat not, take place this week. i'll have more specific information about the timing of the move asap. for now, we stay w/ the tried and true.

items:

the cards will flip through the cutout bin for starting pitchers after all. they're only offering a minor-league deal, hence only considering minor-league talent --- jeff weaver and bartolo colon are the two biggest names being bandied about. of late the white sox have been linked to colon --- apparently one caribbean paper even reported that an agreement was reached, but that later proved not to be true. strauss rightly points out that the pitchers under discussion probably aren't better than the options already available (ie reyes wellemeyer thompson). this reinforces my perception that the cards didn't prepare sufficiently for attrition among their corps of sore arms. they didn't decide to pursue more pitching depth until there was no depth left to acquire. . . . . (/ belaboring point)

kyle mclellan may get converted back into a starting pitcher this season. mclellan was drafted as a starting pitcher in 2002, muddled around for a while, got hurt, had TJ surgery, then came back last year as a reliever and blew guys away --- a 5:1 strikeout-walk ratio and 1.81 era across two levels (high A, double A). the guys at fanhome had a chat w/ mclellan at this time last year. he's not young --- will be 24 years old in june --- but he's already had half a year in AA, so he could move along quickly. if he returns to springfield, he'll join a rotation already stocked with some of the organization's top SP prospects (ottavino, pj walters, jaime garcia). it's a sensible move; the team already has a surfeit of right-handed relief prospects but needs more depth in its stable of rotation prospects. mclellan ranks 19th on the baseball america list, 31st on the birdhouse's list, 24th on the reader list at Future Redbirds; wasn't mentioned by sickels or goldstein. duncan was singing his praises the other day.

john sickels thinks allen craig's a real prospect: "I like Craig a lot and rate him as a big sleeper in the book. Not sure where he fits defesnively, but I like his power a great deal and I think he will continue to hit at higher levels. Very much an unsung prospect."

does the reds' signing of josh fogg for a million bucks mean their pursuit of joe blanton is at an end? i have to think so. beane was asking the moon for blanton and has no urgent need to trade him; i think the reds saw they weren't gonna be able to get him on reasonable terms. fogg's a very bad fit for the cincinnati ballpark; the signing probably helps the rest of the division.

shawn chacon to the astros . . . . i had the 'stros pegged as prime suitors for kyle lohse. but maybe not . . . . .

speaking of lohse: where will he end up, and for how many years / dollars? on a 1-year deal, what's the over / under ---- $7.5 million? i'll take the under on that . . . . . lohse is this year's jeff weaver, ie the Designated Boras Screwee (DBS).

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Stick with what we have

I think we need to stick with what we have right now unless we can work out a trade. I saw this because I am afraid of what might happen if we suddenly have too many expensive contracts.

Lets say we sign Weaver for anything more than 1M+incentives. Then Clement comes back and tears up AAA in rehab by the end of April, who gets bumped? Do you bump Looper? Piniero? Weaver? or the "5th" starter Thompson/Wellemeyer/Reyes/etc.? Now if Weaver is only being paid 1M then it isn't that hard to bump him and just say it was insurance but if he is owed 4M than I just don't see the team bumping him out.

I would rather have one of the younger arms get used for awhile, we have them on the 40 man roster so I beleive they have to be optioned down to Memphis anyway at the end of spring training. So why not just keep them up a few weeks longer? I am referring to Hawksworth, Pairisi and McClellan (if his transition back to SP works ok). But you could also use two of Thompson/Wellemeyer/Reyes.

This season is going to be a tough one regardless, why not see what we have in some of the younger guys while still in April? Yes every game matters but we would have a long season to make up for a slow start if they don't work out.

by StLHugo on Feb 21, 2008 8:54 AM EST reply actions

I'd love to be in a position

in which we have to decide between 4 of our starters because they are all too good to bump from the rotation.

I say sign Weaver, see what he has left here in ST and then if he bombs in April and May, throw him away.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Feb 21, 2008 9:26 AM EST up reply actions

I agree

Weaver has been decent in the NL in the past. At the very least, he helps with depth for a year.

And thanks for the DBS comment, lb. I'll be laughing about that one all day.

Personally, I think we got hosed on that call.

by Futility Infielder on Feb 21, 2008 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

I agree wholeheartedly

with what you say Hugo. I am getting little tired of this cry for a flow of recycled vets. It is the right time to go with what we have on the team and in the system. Pump some confidence into the young players we have coming along. I think that Chris Perez, Jason Motte, Mitch Boggs and possibly P.J. Walters are already developed enough to possibly be on the roster before Sept. and don't forget Kinney. I would also like to see Tyler Johnson get a shot at starting, even if it turns out to be 4 or 5 inning stints for most of the year.

by ridgesee on Feb 21, 2008 9:29 AM EST up reply actions

Man. How quickly have we gone

from Boras getting whatever he wants to have a DBE each year?

by sdrone on Feb 21, 2008 9:05 AM EST reply actions

I thought

That Jeff Weaver was this year's Jeff Weaver, but I guess there are two this year.

How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!

by Elvis on Feb 21, 2008 9:14 AM EST reply actions

weaver screwed himself

a guy with an ERA+ that's gotten worse each of the last four seasons isn't doing himself any favors. if it weren't for the playoff success he had here two seasons ago, he'd be a complete afterthought as opposed to somewhat of one.

by moboiler on Feb 21, 2008 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

I'd be okay with

Weaver for a deal similar to Clement's, figuring they both won't make the incentives. Either one will take from the other, or neither will get them.

by vinniefromjersey on Feb 21, 2008 9:28 AM EST reply actions

Your approach

seems the sensible one, but I won't be broken-hearted if the Cards just decide to test drive some of their young arms this spring.

by cardsgirl95 on Feb 21, 2008 9:56 AM EST up reply actions

Weaver.....

Weavers put over 40 million in his checking account to compile a 93-114 WL record and become the MLB poster boy for having the great arm and a ___ (insert your word here) attitude.

He's piled up some innings over the years, but I'd rather see Parisi, Boggs or Garcia get a shot at keeping us in games and getting innings out of the 5th spot this year, early in the season.

IF Weavers coming, he needed to be Florida LAST @$%# WEEK! Hes never camped with Cards, he needs to proove something in camp under the gun like everybody else. Or go surfing.

If we can't be good, can we at least be lucky?

by cardschinmusic on Feb 22, 2008 2:52 AM EST up reply actions

Dream Weaver

I think overall Jeff Weaver can be a decent National League starter. He put up good numbers for the Dodgers, and good numbers in his half season with the Cardinals.

Granted I've been watching my 2006 NLCS/World Series DVDs, but I think he could be a nice addition to the rotation for 08.

I have to qualify this by saying that I like the signing for no more than $4 million...or some sort of deal like Clement's.

by mwinf12 on Feb 21, 2008 9:43 AM EST reply actions

What happened to the damn

youth movement? Jeebus, if the team really wants to build up the system and promote from within, they have a funny way of acting on that concept.

Nuthin'....I got nuthin'over here.

by Handsome Jimmy on Feb 21, 2008 9:44 AM EST reply actions

I'm with you.

Clearly they haven't been reading my signature for the past year. Sheesh, and all this time I thought I was so important.

On with the (good) youth movement!

by aet15 on Feb 21, 2008 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

youngster Kyle McClellan!

Bring on Kyle McClellan, Im ecited about this young (24?)guy with a new arm. Besides possibly Garcia, Perez and Motte, we need to bring some young heat to the table.

TJ surjury is done and he was mowing the lawn around home plate last year as lboros said. If Kinney cant come back, Thompson cant keep the ball down or a couple of rightys get packaged in a trade, this kid could be the answer.

If we can't be good, can we at least be lucky?

by cardschinmusic on Feb 22, 2008 3:14 AM EST up reply actions

Just say no to Bartolo Colon.

Despite what Joe Strauss said about him recovering from rotator cuff surgery, he must be avoided at all costs. He has a torn rotator cuff that he DID NOT have surgery on. He chose to rehab instead-and it obviously hasn't worked for him. He is also overweight, and doesn't look to be in very good shape overall. He may be worse than any option in or out of the organization......

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Feb 21, 2008 10:04 AM EST reply actions

exactly

the cards are looking for insurance and colon doesnt fit the bill. he is as big of a health risk as clement, if not more. colon's velocity was still in the 80s last i heard.

by dmb60614 on Feb 21, 2008 11:34 AM EST up reply actions

Geez!

Can he even run to 1st base? "and now pinch-hiting for Bartolo Colon in the bottom of the 3rd, Adam Wainwright!"

If we can't be good, can we at least be lucky?

by cardschinmusic on Feb 22, 2008 2:55 AM EST up reply actions

Fortitude for spending on pitchers

Other than mega-deals for mega-stars, seems to me there are two major recent trends in the MLB pitching market

"extend your stud while you still can"...Carpenter, Beurhle, etc...a hedge bet against future rising costs...takes alot of guys off the FA market
"silly money for 3-4-5 starters"....the market has really moved in favor of the Suppans, Marquis, Silva, Lohse, Weaver et al....

The Cardinals response to these two trends has been (other than to extend Carpenter)

mostly stay away from mega-stars (other than failed attempts at Burnett, Schmidt and others)
avoid the silly money thrown at 3-4-5 starters
wait for youngsters to mature and/or the FA market to correct or improve in depth

Or, put another way.....do nothing except convert relievers, sign recyclers and hope for the best.

I believe most rational minds on this site have agreed, more or less, with this strategy. We really don't want to invest a quarter of our budget in one pitching arm and we don't want to give $40M to the Carlos Silvas of the world.

The problem is that the market is not correcting, the prices remain high, the FA bin depth remains weak and the youngsters are doing what youngsters do - progress slowly.

So the end result is this - we've gone from an enviable power rotation of 2004 to 2007 where we feature Wainwright, a recycler, a struggling youngster and 3 converted relievers.

Now maybe the Carp & Mulder injuries while still being paid is the root of our situation but their return or not aside, might the Cards need to re-think what appears to have been a fiduciarily responsible strategy in a wacky pitching market?

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 10:06 AM EST reply actions

Fiduciarily

"An individual, corporation or association holding assets for another party, often with the legal authority and duty to make decisions regarding financial matters on behalf of the other party."

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

by bukowski on Feb 21, 2008 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

Additional Information...

fi·du·ci·ar·y fɪˈduʃiˌɛri, -ˈdyu- Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[fi-doo-shee-er-ee, -dyoo-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, plural -ar·ies, adjective
-noun 1. Law. a person to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit of another.
-adjective 2. Law. of or pertaining to the relation between a fiduciary and his or her principal: a fiduciary capacity; a fiduciary duty.

of, based on, or in the nature of trust and confidence, as in public affairs: a fiduciary obligation of government employees.
depending on public confidence for value or currency, as fiat money.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Origin: 1585-95; < L fîdûciârius of something held in trust, equiv. to fîdûci(a) trust + -ârius -ary]

--Related forms
fi·du·ci·ar·i·ly, adverb

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

by bukowski on Feb 21, 2008 2:32 PM EST up reply actions

fiduciarily - my definition

"relating to fiduciary in a whimsical way in which the author, way too lazy to stop and think of the word he intends, purposely botches a nearby word in hopes that humor will detract from his inherent laziness" - a technique often used on blogs and by writers (like me) fully capable of butchering at least one or two words per sentence) - other forms of the word, fiduckery or fidouchery

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

okay

If I am re-reading your definition correctly, fiduciarily (an adverb) may actually be a real word. If so, it was total luck and complete accident on my part.

Either way, thanks for the information

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 5:10 PM EST up reply actions

Explain...

how we had a "power" rotation in 2004?

Rotation 2004:

Carpenter ERA+ 123
Morris ERA+ 90
Williams ERA+ 102
Suppan ERA+ 103
Marquis ERA+ 115

None of them got hurt and Marquis had a career year -- but are you saying that if we had that rotation, minus Williams and plus WW, that we'd be BETTER off going into 2007? Health-wise, yes...money-wise, it's not even close. Look at what we'd be paying that rotation! Our bullpen that year was fantastic, and won a lot of games and held a lot of leads. The bullpen was also what kept the team ERA below 4.00 and the team ERA+ so high. Had just starters been factored in, the Cards would have been near the middle of the pack in a year where there weren't very many good staffs in the National League.

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

by fourstick on Feb 21, 2008 6:44 PM EST up reply actions

you're correct

I stand down to your analysis......I suppose the memory of what seemed like a quality start every day from the same five guys and getting to a World Series led me to the "power" conclusion but your numbers do not lie.......it was a pretty steady group 1-5 though, wouldn't you agree?

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 7:37 PM EST up reply actions

weaver would be an addition

I have to disagree with post today because I really feel like weaver would improve our rotation. I mean that's not a hard thing to do right now but he will give you 200 innings and most likely in the NL a mid 4 era. I would take that in a heart beat. Who else do u want in the 5th spot? Reyes? Well? Thompson? I don't think so! Weaver I better then those three if for no other reason then he's healthy and can give you innings.

by thoran85 on Feb 21, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions

particulars

regarding mcclellan... here's hoping he fares better as a starter this time around. i don't see any speculation as to why he was so successful last year. if it's due to improvement in control, then i think it's a good move.

regarding josh fogg and cincinnati... i remember thinking lilly and marquis were terrible fits for wrigley, but those two had surprising success last year. i'll adopt a wait-and-see.

lastly... surfeit? nicely done. had to hit the ol' dictionary for that one

I'd rather my sister be a prostitute than my brother a Cub fan.

by _pistol_ on Feb 21, 2008 10:34 AM EST reply actions

Yeah...

I thought Lilly and Betty would get pounded in Wrigley too. Let's hope we were just a year off and we'll get to see that happen this season. Maybe Lilly's postseason starts were an omen ;-)

by rockin redbird on Feb 21, 2008 11:08 AM EST up reply actions

I do not understand all of the negative

feelings towards Ted Lilly. I wish the Cardinals would have signed him. He has been better than league average every year since 2003, with the exception of his injury shortened season in 2005. If he stays healthy, I predict he will be better than league average again in 2008. True, last year was a career year for him; he probably won't match it this year. But he's going to be a solid member of the Cubs rotation. The Cubs should be more concerned if Rich Hill's break through season is for real-in my mind that's a bigger question than Lilly. Lilly's going to be fine.....and Marquis has been consistently inconsistent year after year. I expect more of the same for him this year.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Feb 21, 2008 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

negative feelings?

i agree that lilly has been a serviceable pitcher.
but i do remember doubting that a fly-ball pitcher would have much success in such a homer-happy park.

perhaps my perception of wrigley is unfounded, or maybe Lilly has made the necessary adjustments.

marquis continues to befuddle me. unpredictable, and perhaps a bit of a head-case. his confidence seems to erode quickly sometimes.

I'd rather my sister be a prostitute than my brother a Cub fan.

by _pistol_ on Feb 21, 2008 11:46 AM EST up reply actions

I understand folks concern regarding Lilly and

fly balls and Wrigley Field. They were wrong. The wind blows in just as often as it blows out. He does give up homeruns-but he also misses enough bats that he's still effective. I really wish the Cardinal brain trust would have looked beyond his GB% and seen the solid pitcher that was there-he was well worth the contract he got IMHO......and would have been a nice addition here.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Feb 21, 2008 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

Let's see how Lilly does in year 2

before we label his contract a success.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Feb 21, 2008 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

Lilly

I believed Lilly, at the time, was, by far and away, the best FA for the money. I still like him. Evidently waaay too much emphasis was placed on his GB%. As far as I can tell, we never gave him a phone call. Hey, grounder to short - fly ball to the track, a winner is a winner. He would have been the ace of our staff - at a fairly decent price. We whiffed on him imho

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

From Sickles Diary

where you got the Craig post, he was also asked this:

"I need to know how you'd rank these guys for the next 5yrs and how big the gaps are between them. Maybin, Chris Young, Adam Jones, McCutchen and Carlos Gomez."

His answer:

"Rasmus, Maybin, Young, Jones, McCutchen, Gomez."

by Romo9 on Feb 21, 2008 11:23 AM EST reply actions

More Is Better

I'd like to see the Cards sign more, rather than fewer, pitchers as long as the deals were structured properly.

I say that because...

I think both Reyes and Wainer are above-average injury risks this season.
It sounds like Clement may have a lingering shoulder problem.
Mulder still has a long way to go.
I would be surprised if Carp contributes much of anything this year.

by thepainguy on Feb 21, 2008 11:37 AM EST reply actions

The only player I'd be interested in

would be Lohse on a one year deal. But I think the Cardinals should be prepared to firesale on their veterans at mid-season if they are out of contention. Dump veterans like Franklin, Lohse, Pineiro, Kennedy, whoever at the break and promote from within.

I still feel like the organization is making a lame half-hearted attempt to build from within that's liable to lead to more harm than good. The bullpen should be a good microcosm of this during ST. If players like Politte get preference to better relief prospects than were still stuck in the same "veteran" mindset.

by azruavatar on Feb 21, 2008 12:48 PM EST reply actions

Saw this on MLBTR

"Another possibility for the Cards is David Wells, according to Peter Gammons. Gammons says Boomer "would like to come back for 20-something starts."

I can't read the article because I refuse to sign up to be an ESPN "insider". I hate sites that do that and don't like the east coast bias they have anyway.

We would be his eleventh different team and he will be 45 years old this season. He also has the longest player page I've ever seen on BP. With 3439 IP he has always been a horse.

I think I kind of like the idea. But not more than signing Loshe. One year for less than 7.5M, can't pass that up. Then again Boomer would be alot more fun off the field.

"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin

by That's a Winner on Feb 21, 2008 1:04 PM EST reply actions

Boomer

Thanks to his diabetes and new found eating/drinking habits, he's a mild man off the field. Probably still a fun guy but the old Boomer is supposedly gone. Good for him. But I'd still take a pass on a 45 year old starter.

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

Dude...

I'd take him in a second.
#1. He's an experienced major league starter who has won - which we don't have right now that isn't on the DL. Plus, in August, when we're 10 games out, he's good for a quote.

#2. How awesome would it be to see his tub of goo on the mound? It'd be the second coming of Ray King.

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

by bukowski on Feb 21, 2008 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

Ray King is no longer a tub of goo.....

He saw a video of himself pitching and was horrified by how truly large he was. He worked out and lost 23 lbs. over the off season. He barely had a gut in the picture I saw of him. Always liked Mr. King-hope he does well.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Feb 21, 2008 2:38 PM EST up reply actions

Seriously

I loved Ray-Ray too.

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

by bukowski on Feb 21, 2008 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

Wha?

It took a video of him pitching to realize he was obese?

Does the guy live in a funhouse where all the mirrors are the slimming kind?

F*** the heck?

by arch support on Feb 21, 2008 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

I'm sure he knew he was obese

But when you actually take that good hard look at yourself and realize how bad you look.......he did that.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Feb 21, 2008 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

king

baseball uniforms aren't the most flattering for the fat guys.

Cardwash - Cardinal, Washington fan (Washington???? Yeah, I know)

by cardwash on Feb 21, 2008 7:22 PM EST up reply actions

Good points

we may need some entertainment this season....and Wells usually delivers, one way or another....may be work out better than the last overweight 45 year old left-handed starter from socal that we signed....Fernando "I am Not From" Valenzuela

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

Entertainment? You want entertainment?

Then bring back Julian Tavarez. And Steve Kline. At least those guys can pitch a little still......I wish Mr. Wells well with his new team. Please make it NOT BE the Cardinals. Having said that, ol' David would probably be a fun guy to invite to a barbecue.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Feb 21, 2008 8:56 PM EST up reply actions

entertainment?

I hear Ray-Ray was the King of one-liners

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 9:08 PM EST up reply actions

NO NO NO

how short is you alls memory? boomer said he'd rather retire than pitch for the Cards last season & the season before.

he is old & washed up. there is no way the Cards should even talk to his agent.

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

by gdm426 on Feb 21, 2008 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

that

and his last game with the padres was when he got hammered by the cards.

Cardwash - Cardinal, Washington fan (Washington???? Yeah, I know)

by cardwash on Feb 21, 2008 7:23 PM EST up reply actions

Isn't Lohse on a 1 year deal

a lot better than one of those other clowns on a minor league deal?

by chuckb on Feb 21, 2008 1:11 PM EST reply actions

oOooooooo dream weaver

I am in the more is better boat, I kinda liked fogg but the went and compared his and weaver's stats, and it became easy for me. More innings and he has been here before and if his agent wasn't the most greedy life form (well there is still drew rosenhouse) he would still be here. I also think he might know that dave duncan is good for him

"Textbooks are Soviet propaganda" - Rev. Jerry Falwell

by elirock83 on Feb 21, 2008 2:47 PM EST reply actions

Promote from within

I think you need to promote from within. I'm pretty pleased with what Mozeliak has done this offseason. Next year, if you don't pick up the options on Mulder or Clement, there is 27 million left on the payroll to fill 2 SP, a SS, and a couple of bench/bullpen players. I say you promote some young guys this year, and see how they do and if they can be counted on for next season. You find out you have someone who can hold down that 5th spot in the rotation, then you open up more money to spend on 1 SP and a SS, and maybe you can get a guy like Burnett (who will likely opt out after this season)or maybe even Sabathia (it will take some money though). If Mulder and Clement are successful (options picked up), then the payroll is reduced by 16 million and all you need is a SS and some bench/bullpen players. If you only pick up one of their options (Mulder is 4.5m more than this year (11 total) (-1.5m buyout), and Clement's is 7.5m more (-.25m buyout), you are still sitting in a good situation. I believe that even if this season is one to forget, there will be a lot to look forward to in '09. And that is why you promote from within to see what you can let go and what you have to keep for next year.

by Jumsy on Feb 21, 2008 3:13 PM EST reply actions

Iron Brim

We'll need to come up with a new nickname for Reyes, judging from these pictures.

by liam on Feb 21, 2008 4:54 PM EST reply actions

change is good

if I were him, I would change everything from last year....cap, socks, hair style....maybe even my name

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 5:02 PM EST up reply actions

I hope

His change is good.

And the fastball, too.

by liam on Feb 21, 2008 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

nice

by Hinkster on Feb 21, 2008 6:43 PM EST up reply actions

hmmm

change and fastball?

weren't those the only two pitches he threw to the tigers?

Cardwash - Cardinal, Washington fan (Washington???? Yeah, I know)

by cardwash on Feb 21, 2008 7:27 PM EST up reply actions

It's those stupid

Nike spring training hats. Can't make 'em flat.

(Here he is in 07, for example.)

Juan Gonzalez actually doesn't know the meaning of the word "retirement."

by Alxfritz on Feb 21, 2008 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

good

I'd be disappointed if he started wearing a bent brim.

by azruavatar on Feb 21, 2008 5:35 PM EST up reply actions

nice pictures

could have a lot of fun, captioning photo #6...

by SleepyCA on Feb 21, 2008 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

all things considered

after thinking it over, unless Dream Weaver will sign for a minor league deal, i really dont think the Cards should sign any of the remaining free agent pitchers. Anthony, Puppy Kicker & Welley are as good or better than whats left. plus one of the kids could surprise this spring.

i say wait a month & see what the Cards have. then make a decision about what to do. see if the kids will surprise, or if the one or more of the mediocre 3 will work out, or whether they need to make a trade. or take another dive into the blue light special isle of washed up pitchers.

i could be wrong, but i dont see a reason to push the issue right now & go get a pitcher or two that the Cards dont even know if they need right now.

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

by gdm426 on Feb 21, 2008 5:43 PM EST reply actions

You also make some sense, GDM

I knew NASCAR had what they call a "Silly Season" but obviously VEB has one too and we are in the midst of it. Sign Boomer, sign Lohse..Hell, sign anybody, sign..sign..sign. Is there a panic button anywhere around to hit.

by ridgesee on Feb 21, 2008 6:28 PM EST up reply actions

Chacon

Am I the only one who thinks he would have been a really nice fit in St. Louis? He'd fill that rubber arm/Tavarez role that TLR really likes to have about as well as anybody. He can spot start when needed and can pitch situationally out of the bullpen, and even close if the need be. For that kind of flexibility I'd much rather have him at $2 million a year than Weaver or Lohse for double or triple that.

His National League stats are pretty good and he was even decent for the Yankees a couple of years back as a starter/long reliever. I think the Astros got a steal at the back end of their rotation or bullpen.

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

by fourstick on Feb 21, 2008 6:56 PM EST reply actions