I Will Ruin this Blog With my Anger!

by the red baron on Mar 26, 2008 8:39 AM EDT Comment 223 comments

Morning, everybody.

Here's Anthony Reyes' line from yest, erday.

6IP,0R,0ER,3H,1BB,2K

Here are a couple of comments following that performance. Per Matthew Leach:

"For me, it was a real difficult game to evaluate the performances of the pitchers," Duncan said. "Odalis Perez was doing pretty good for five innings, if I remember right, and he's not exactly a top of the rotation guy. I actually thought Anthony threw better in the last game he pitched, in comparison to this one."

And this, from Joe Strauss

"I'm still looking for Anthony to do certain things that when you face first division teams you can compete against them and have a legitimate chance to be successful," Duncan said.

Earlier in the same article, however;

"I always say the bottome line is what you look at," Duncan said. "It's not how you get it but if you get it. In Anthony's case, the line is there today."

All right. Am I the only one who sees a bit of a disconnect here? In fairness to Duncan, he did say that only results matter. However, he also basically wrote off yesterday, mostly due to the wind. (BTW, game time the wind was listed at 12mph, blowing in. The average wind speed this spring has been around 11mph. I have a hard time believing the wind was a bigger factor yesterday than the rest of the time.)

Look, I will not claim that Anthony Reyes is a great pitcher. I won't even go out on a limb and say he's a particularly good pitcher at the moment. I like the kid; I think he still has a lot of potential. However, he was very bad last year. He was fairly bad, with a couple of notable exceptions, in 2006. I could go into all kinds of reason why I think he's had so many problems, but I won't. I'll just let the record stand.

When I see these sorts of comments made about a pitcher who just threw the game that Anthony did yesterday, though, I can't just let it go. After the gushing, the praise, the heaping of laurels, on the shoulders of Brad Thompson, for lesser performances, I just cannot let it go. After Todd Wellemeyer, with his >6BB/9IP, his inability to controlhis pitch counts, and, thus, his inability to go later in a ballgame than the fifth inning, is guaranteed a spot and commended for his efficiency, I just cannot let it go. And most of all, after a talented, struggling young man has worked his tail off, dedicated himself to coming into camp in the best shape possible, and conducted himself in as professional a manner as you could ever hope for, I just cannot let those comments go.

Anthony Reyes has pitched as well as any other pitcher in competition for a starting spot this spring. He has the second most strikeouts of any pitcher, the second best ERA, (despite throwing one game while still recuperating from the flu) and has walked almost no one. However, there is some mystical thing, some magical thing, some fantastic, bamstaferous, flamtabulous thing that Anthony Reyes simply does not do. Unfortunately, whatever that single thing is, it's the only thing that can possibly make him into a major league pitcher.

I cant' tell you he's a great pitcher. I can't even tell you he's all that good of a pitcher. I can, however, tell you that he's been a better pitcher this spring than the pitchers who have beaten him out for his spot in the rotation. And it flat out drives me nuts. Brad Thompson, Braden Looper, and Todd Wellemeyer will all be in the rotation come opening day. However, Anthony Reyes, despite having pitched better, will not be. Hopefully, though, he'll have the encouraging words offered up by his pitching coach as a source of comfort as he whiles away the hours in Mem-

Oh yeah, that's right. Never mind.

On a positive note, (and I do apologise for the negativity; I try to control it, but this just really rubs me the wrong way) I am enjoying watching a baseball game at five o' clock in the morning. A lot. I don't know if I can somehow get Japanese baseball games here in the states on television, but if I can, my joy will flow like roaring river from mountain tops, bringing gentle cherry blossom breeze to the valley.

On a related note, I know that Rich Harden can't stay healthy. But good god, is he ever nasty. (Jon Lester ain't too bad either, but Harden is just wicked.)

There's another thing that's upsetting me this morning. ESPN is currently running a series of interstitials, entitled, "Remembering the House that Ruth Built". It is, obviously, a retrospective on Yankee Stadium.

Currently, there is on running about Max Schmeling and Joe Louis. It talks about Schmeling defeating the heavily favoured Louis, etc., and then talks about the rematch in Yankee Stadium. The tagling, that Louis defeated Schmeling on the 22nd of June, 1938, in front of a raucous, celebratory crowd, contains a serious problem.

It refers to Schmeling as "Hitler's Champ."

You got that?

"Hitler's Champ".

Here, read this.

Max Schmeling is one of the most decent human beings you will ever read about. The man is a literal hero. It was a crime the way he was demonized in the 30s in America. The times being what they were, though, our perspective now has to be taken with a grain of salt. Was it right? No. Was it understandable? A little, yes. Schmeling was a German, fighting a black man in a time when Adolph Hitler was spouting propaganda about the superiority of his Aryan Master Race. You can understand a bit how the boxer could have been made a scapegoat. Again, it wasn't fair, but we can forgive. There was a tremendous amount of fear and anger. Rational minds struggles against the tide when the times are dark.

This is not the 1930s. This is 2008. We know the full story of the man. We know that he refused to join the Nazi Party and was punished for it. We know that he hid a pair of Jewish children, sparing their lives from the scythes of the German genocide. And yet, somehow, in this supposedly enlightened age, ESPN calls Max Schmeling, a man too principled and courageous to give in to the overwhelming press of evil, "Hitler's Champ". I don't care how much you want to elevate Joe Louis. Joe Louis needs no elevation. He was one of the greatest fighters who ever lived. He maintained tremendous dignity in an era when the black man was not supposed to have any. He is a beautiful, tragic figure, to be always remembered as the dark side of our own American Dream. Joe Louis needs no elevation. To demonize his opponent, even in a quick, thrown off television spot, seventy years after the fact, when we should all know better, when we do all know better, is the lowest, most despicable form of pandering. I am sickened. To hell with you, ESPN. And I have nothing else to say about it.

Manny just hit a solo home run. Rich Harden is still ridiculous.

Again, sorry for all the negativity this morning, everybody. Hey, there's a baseball game on today! The Wagonmaker will take the mound today, facing off against Jeremy Guthrie, Baltimore's own Opening Day starter. It should be a good one, and wonder of wonders, it's on television! Fox Sports Midwest, to be more specific. I can't express how exciting it is to have real baseball on TV again.

By the way, after watching Kyle McClellan pitch in Sunday's game, I'm softening my stance on Chris Perez making the major league team. Don't get me wrong; I still think Perez is ready to work at the big league level, but if it's between Wild Thing and K-Mac, (that's right, I'm coining my own nicknames for everyone and everything this morning) I don't think we can lose. Unless Cliff Politte somehow beats out both of them for a spot, I'll be happy. Both are very exciting, very promising young players, just the sort of player I'm looking forward to watching this year. Please, somebody, tell Cliff Politte can't beat them both out. For the love of god, tell me!!!

One last note, and it's a nice one. My Spring Surprise Position Player, Travis Mitchell, has been coming on strong the last few days. I believe he's slated to start the year out at Quad Cities; I'm planning to try and make at least one trip up there this year to get a look at a couple of the players on that squad, Mitchell high among them. Mitchell's a local kid, from Chesterfield, and I'm really excited to follow him this year.

HOORAY BASEBALL!!!

Alright. I don't feel like quite such a downer now.

1 recs | Comment 223 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

YO! FRONT OFFICE!!!

I hope the front office reads this one.

I like some of the moves Mo has made. BUT, I can have ZERO respect for any manager that allows his underlings to run down the business/employees to the media.

Mo and Co. need to put a gag on both TLR and Duncan. Strauss reported 10 scouts in the stands yesterday and Duncan is still running him down.

Any other business head would yank the choker so tight on these middle managers their head would spin. For most organizations, it would be a fire-able offense.

MO! Shut these guys up!!!! Didn't you learn anything from the TLR/Rolen war!!!

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder

what the scouts thought of Reyes.
I'm also very disappointed that hes not in the rotation over the 3 bullpen-ites.

by rmtx97 on Mar 26, 2008 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apparently, LaRussa will meet with Mo today

to finalize the rotation. I hope Mozeliak puts his foot down and refuses to send Reyes down. He won't, of course, because LaRussa is king and apparently got special concessions in his contract for him to come back.

But this whole thing reeks. Apparently, Wellemeyer and Thompson are such polished pitchers while Reyes lacks the Quan. Perhaps LaRussa is waiting until he gets old enough to be considered a veteran reclamation project and then he will finally let him start.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Mar 26, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You know what

that is probably true. Reyes just needs to suffer a major injury or have a run of bad years on some other team before he is eligible to pitch in our rotation. We will throw anyone else's mediocre trash out there on the mound, but we sure as hell won't let anyone of our homegrown pitchers aspire to be average.

Also, it seems to me that we have a pitching coach who wants guys to pitch to contact to get groundballs, and we have a weak hitting MI that specializes in hitting groundballs. I just don't have a whole lot of optimism for this club. I am looking forward to see certain players compete, but the team as a whole is not inspiring a whole lot of confidence. Part of that is the manager and coaching staff talking out of both sides of their mouth.

"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols

by cardzfan24 on Mar 26, 2008 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best case scenario...

Here is what I see as the best case for Reyes as a Card from this point on:

Reyes goes to Memphis, dominates, gets grounders and Ks and is very effective, their "ace" while he is there. Sometime in May we realize that Wellemeyer and Looper don't belong as starters, one is traded and one is demoted to the Pen, Mulder replaces one, Reyes the other. Doubt it will happen but it would be the best case for Reyes I think.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem is ...

that you have to include Pineiro in that group, also. So, Mulder and Pineiro will replace Wellemeyer and Thompson, when ready. Reyes will still be on the outside, looking in.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem is ...

that noone will admit that Looper is a bigger problem than Wellenmeyer or Thompson ... he's the one Reyes should be replacing ... if not Anthony, than Brad ... Looper needs to go the bull pen ...

Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...

by Cardinals4Ever on Mar 26, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know that I ...

agree with you on this one. Can you provide any numbers to back up this statement? After my research yesterday on the trio of Wellemeyer, Thompson, and Reyes; I will need some convincing that a guy that produced the results Looper did is significantly worse than any of these three.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My reasoning is this ...

Looper seemed inconsistent last year ... yeah, he was starting for the first time in his career; and, considering the change in role, he had a very decent year, and should be commended for it ... but he would have a good outing, then a bad one ... kind of the same thing Reyes is being bash for ... his ERA this Spring is 7.98 and he's 0-2 ... he's a career reliever ... I think it is better use of talent to send him back to that role and have a 'true' starter like Reyes have that slot ... listen, I'm not a baseball wiz or anything ... but I have a strong inclination that Looper is going to be bad early this year, and I'd rather avoid it ... I get a little irritated sometimes when Reyes is always painted to be in 'competition' with Wellenmeyer and Thompson, and Looper, who is pitching like s**t, get's a free pass ... all I can say is LaRuscan likes him ... By the way, I believe the most effective starting rotation come Monday would be ... Wainwright, Lohse, Reyes, Wellenmeyer, Thompson ... with Pineiro quickly replacing Wellenmeyer and then Mulder eventually replacing Thompson ... and Carpenter finally replacing who ever is pitching the worst at the time ... I believe Clement is toast ...

Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...

by Cardinals4Ever on Mar 26, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good points.

I would also add the guy had a significant jump in innings between 2006 and 2007. There is correlational evidence to back a significant drop in performance for Looper this year, based on that fact.

You are also correct that he was inconsistent last year, but it seems to me that his good performances at least balanced his bad performances. Reyes only had 5 quality starts out of 20. Looper had a .500 record (please don't go off about how bad W/L is as an evaluator). I am interested in what his IPavg was last year, but I believe it was better than what you got from the trio. Again, I haven't done the homework.

Also, he is going to get a free pass from Duncan because
1) He is a veteran pitcher
2) He is a low-ball pitcher
3) His transition was Duncan's brain-child

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if i remember correctly

looper actually had pretty defined splits between day and night games. i want to say in day games he was at least a run better. maybe we should just spot start looper during the day. pitching platoons, thats what we need.

"Sorry about him, he's dealing with being an inker. " - Chasing Amy

by FutureMan on Mar 26, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow!

Don't let Tony read that. That will become the next gift from the baseball genius that is TLR. The 7 pitcher, 5 man rotation. The 4 & 5 spots will be platooned with whichever reliever Duncan is working on converting.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

But even more extreme than a 1 run difference the last couple years.

Last year he was 1.82 in day games with 7-1 record, 6.75 with 5-11 record in night games. Similar splits in 06', though not quite as extreme. Not that much difference in his career before that.

So he looks like Juan Marichal when God's flashlight is showing. Looks like Juan Agosto when it's not.

Not sure if it's anything because overall it is not that many innings I suppose, but it's something to keep an eye on at least. And I'd rather he just never end up with the Cubs.

by Merry CRasmus on Mar 27, 2008 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't I say Looper?

I was leaving the Piniero v someone debate till later, you can easily replace Wellemeyer with Thompson and it works depending on who P replaces first. I said Reyes would replace Looper basically.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My bad.

I misread (or is that misremembered?) what you wrote. You did say Looper.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

It's hard to come up with a realistic scenario that has Reyes pitching with the big club before, say, August (if the team is out the race then). To me, that's what's most vexing about sending him to AAA -- it's as if the team really is giving up on him, at least for this year.

by DCGreg on Mar 26, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

for the pointer to the Schmeling article. I knew next to nothing about him until this morning.

As for Reyes and the reaction to his gem yesterday, I thought Strauss' article did a pretty good job of contextualizing the comments the coaching staff had made. My preference for Reyes is for him to contribute for the Cardinals sometime soon, so I don't have any problem with the field management downplaying his day—I don't want to see him traded away.

I'd like to see him pitch and dominate at Memphis, add another pitch (preferably a cut or split-fingered fastball), and improve the slurvy breaking pitch he throws. I don't know what Duncan has in mind when he says that Reyes needs to learn a few more things, but if it's that he has to improve and diversify his repertoire, then I'm in agreement.

Reyes may have outperformed Wellemeyer and Thompson this Spring, but he's the only one of the three with options remaining. Wellemeyer is not long for the rotation, either, with Piñiero coming off the DL in a few weeks and Mulder following not far behind. Would we prefer Reyes be demoted after a few weeks or the worse of Wellemeyer or Thompson released?

Reyes is going to be a good pitcher. I don't see a serious problem with taking a step back and letting him develop his arsenal at AAA given the opportunity.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Preference

I would prefer...

Reyes stay in the rotation and the worse of Wellemeyer/Thompson sent to long relief. Then the bullpen guy who makes the team (Perez or McClellen) can be sent back down. They have plenty of options.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reyes in AAA

I'm trying to argue that there are some benefits for Reyes starting the season in AAA, where he'll be the ace of a suddenly good staff, instead of pitching for the Cardinals, where his role will be (almost certainly) temporary until the high-contract pitchers return from rehab assignments. I can buy into the idea that it's best for his development to be a front-of-the-rotation starter at Memphis over controversial cannon fodder in St. Louis.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

Liam, I can kinda see that I guess.

I am skeptical he has anything more to learn at a level he has already dominated over 3 season and 42 starts. But, if it's to learn more pitches...maybe. I think that's a big assumption, that he's going there to learn more pitches. I also would be loathe to find out the additional pitch would be a 2-seamer.

I really think he might just need to "learn" his way through some major league hitters on a consistant basis.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is there any evidence ...

this year that the AAA pitching coach and Duncan are on the same page about Reyes? (Not rhetorical). Last year there was significant disagreement between Miller and Duncan on what this kid needs to do. If that is still the case, then he won't benefit anything from going to AAA. They will tell him he's doing everything right, and Duncan will continue to tell him his approach is wrong.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

No need to worry about K-Mac

Pollitte and Perez were reassigned to AAA camp this morning per Goold's blog.

by paposse on Mar 26, 2008 10:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dude....

I was JUST NOW typing that!

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry man.

Actually I was surprised no one had mentioned it yet.

by paposse on Mar 26, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its ok

I was trying to figure out the best title when I saw yours pop up. I like this new auto refresh for just that reason.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Super nice

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Roster Set

According to Leach:

Barton and K - Mac are on the Roster barring anything unforseen

Juan Gone will not be on the roster

A few other notes though but you can read those form him at http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/obviously_youre_not_a_gol/2008/03/roster_all_but_.html

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oil on the fire

In that post, Matthew also says that the last two remaining spots are to be determined by Boog's health (whether it's Ryan or D'Angelo Jimenez as the backup 3B/utility INF) and for the back of the bullpen mop-up role between Kelvin Jimenez and Anthony Reyes...

Reyes is about to get beaten out of a job by such a lowly player as Kelvin Jimenez. (Who looked pretty good when I saw him pitch last week.)

I'd been hoping they'd give Hugo Castellanos his first major league innings as a mop-up man until a starter returns. (Link goes to fluff piece on Hugo). I like watching him pitch... He throws like a submariner, only from a sorta 3/4 arm slot instead of sidearm, and occasionally throws one standing up at 3/4. So I guess you'd call his usual delivery 1/4. Pretty neat to see—in last Friday's game, I got to see both Chad Bradford and Castellanos pitch, which was quite a treat.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well I wondered about that

'cause the other day Gould or someone had said the roster was pretty much set and Pollitte was on it.

What pitches does K Mac (ok ok I'll use the abbreviation) have? Does he have some giddyap?

by sdrone on Mar 26, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RB,I am SO very glad

that you talked about Max Schmeling...I was under the mistaken impression that Max was a Nazi sympathizer until I read a wonderful story about the man in S.I. several years ago, and about how he tried to help an impoverished Joe Louis at a time when a lot of Americans had almost forgotten about him...he was a fine a gentleman as there ever was, and I don't think his story can be talked about enough.

by tbell61 on Mar 26, 2008 10:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I remember that story, also.

Oddly, I thought ESPN Classic did a piece on Joe Louis and Max Schmelling that discussed this. I could be wrong about where I saw it. It might have been on HBO, or somewhere else. It would be quite ironic if it were ESPN.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone else think

That if the wind had been blowing out and Reyes had given up 4-5 runs, the quotes from LaRussa and company would be along the lines of "Well, you have to adapt to conditions, and Anthony didn't do that today. He still has some learning to do." Instead of blaming the wind as they did yesterday?

C70 at the Bat

by Cardinal70 on Mar 26, 2008 10:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reyes is as good as traded

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 10:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

probably

And probably for a low-level non-prospect thanks to the trash-mouth-two.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice rant RB

Can we also add in the fact that we were sold a bill of goods on Matt Clement? When they signed him, they said he would be ready to go (or something close to that)....now they're saying Mulder (ugh) might be back before Clement? What the hell?!?!?

Personally, I think we got hosed on that call.

by TurdFerguson on Mar 26, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder about Matt Clement.

They said he was "game ready" at the end of last year, but Boston chose to go with what they already had. Huh? If that's true, what has happened? If it's not true, who said it?

My biggest question of all is, did anyone in the organization actually go see him throw before they signed him?

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

by jillsinmo on Mar 26, 2008 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just discovered the "wide" button

Ok, so maybe I am dense or something but I just noticed a button at the top of the page that makes the blog entries take up the entire screen, not be limited to a small space in the center. Man I love this new format.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

me2

I just discovered that a bit ago also. I wonder if it was just added? I had a "Site down for temporary maint." message when I first logged today.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was added because us regulars at Lookout Landing threatened to light ourselves on fire

if our demands were not met.

Also, you can turn of avatars which is pretty sweet too.

Signatures are for Communists.

by JI on Mar 26, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice!

We here at VEB greatly appreciate your willingness to self-immolate if necessary for these cherished updates.

P.S. Thanks, SB Nation developer guys! The new features rock!

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

by Mr Clean on Mar 26, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh sweet

that's been my biggest peeve, and now it's fixed. Thanks ;)

Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he'd drive down the street in his El Dorado

by SleepyCA on Mar 26, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks,

I'm slower than you..I never noticed that wide button. Might've took years.

by ridgesee on Mar 26, 2008 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I respectfully don't agree

What Duncan asked him up to now is in line with the flaws he showed last year (no out pitch, lack of control, no good tempo, problems with people on base, no consistency). If he believes that Reyes didn't show the good things, it's not a spring training game that will change the scenario, the implosion will be just behind the corner.

I have the impression that Tony and Dave have been patient more than enough with Reyes, trusting in him to be able to learn what he obviously lacked last year. Did he show that? To what I read, not enough.

And, to be clear, nothing would make me happier than seeing Reyes as a starter with the Cards, but nothing would make me sadder than anonther 2-14 season.

GO CARDS!!!

by SuperSeve on Mar 26, 2008 10:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

In order to ...

meet Duncan's requests, Reyes changed his arm slot. This resulted in lost velocity, lost bite on his curve, too little speed change between the fastball and change-up, and control issues. This off-season he worked with someone to get his arm slot back. He is producing results with his rediscovered mechanics. Duncan couldn't identify this issue last year. Marty Mason did not identify this issue last year. They allowed the kid to flounder, and then made up the idea that the kid doesn't have "an out pitch." You don't have the minor league success he has had without "an out pitch." The reasoning doesn't make sense. In addition, this discussion of "an out pitch" doesn't address why the kid gave up all of his runs basically in one bad inning of each start. How did he get out of the other innings without being touched? Majic?

I'm not sniping at you. I just don't buy what Duncan is selling.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing personal

But simply looking to last year's games shows you that Reyes was not following Duncan's advices at all, he was pitching high, almost not using the 2 seamer, not controlling ANY pitch apart from his worst, the curveball (which was hit hard, of course).

Regarding the single inning issue, I suggest you to look at his splits with men on base Vs with bases empty, this is showing that something is not good when men are on base, he loses control of the strike zone and starts to become nervous and then makes errors.

On top of this, if he did bad last year because he followed what Duncan said, why is he out of the team with Duncan's words that he is resistant to do what they are asking?

I repeat, I would really be happy to see Reyes succesful in our rotation, but it seems to me that, for a reason or another, the guy burned his chances.

GO CARDS

by SuperSeve on Mar 26, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll grant you ...

that he was not good with runners on. I haven't looked up the numbers, but several have referenced that stat. The fact that he was high in the strike zone doesn't necessarily indicate that he was not following Duncan's advice. Referencing statements last year by Dyar Millar (AAA pitching coach) and Reyes this spring, his mechanics were out of whack in trying to develop a sinker. His mechanics have been better this spring (by all reports), and his curve ball has been much sharper.

Losing control of the strike zone and making mistakes are signs of a guy that is unsure of himself, or is losing concentration. That doesn't get better by running him down in the media. That doesn't get easier for him by tinkering with his mechanics. Those are the issues that Duncan is supposed to be so good at resolving, the psychological problems.

I don't know if this is a Marquis-type issue, where the pitcher simply thinks he knows better than the coach. It seems to me that Reyes has tried to do the things Duncan has asked, but that his results have been sliding down hill. When he goes back to what he knows, he has success. If I'm in his shoes, I might be inclined to do it my way, also.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

stretch vs wind up

i was under the impression he wasn't comfortable pitching from the stretch. that's why he had trouble with men on base. i could be wrong.

"Sorry about him, he's dealing with being an inker. " - Chasing Amy

by FutureMan on Mar 26, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That could be.

Now that you mention it, I do think I remember something about that. It could definitely be a valid concern. That would be a valid reason for him to be sent back down to the minors, or put into the bullpen. It would give him ample time to work on working from the stretch. I wonder why that discussion hasn't come up in any of Duncan's comments about the wind and his missing intangibles.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

stretch necessart

i was wondering if the stretch is always necessary? if he pitches from the stretch and is not very good then there is a good chance that the runner on first makes it to second anyway right? So why not just let him pitch from the wind up and hope the person on first isn't a good base stealer most of the time.

"Sorry about him, he's dealing with being an inker. " - Chasing Amy

by FutureMan on Mar 26, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

windup with runners on

ain't that a balk...unless bases loaded

by ridgesee on Mar 26, 2008 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had to look it up.

Major League Rule Book
Chapter 8 - The Pitcher

8.01 - Legal pitching delivery. There are two legal pitching positions, the Windup Position and the Set Position, and either may be used at any time.

There is more, but it's a .pdf file and wouldn't copy. I also don't want to bore you, and I figure this answered the question.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not a balk,

just dumb to do.

I remember during the '06 NLCS Reyes started pitching exclusively out of the stretch. Don't remember why, though, and am too lazy to look it up.

"Say something once, why say it again?"

by Alxfritz on Mar 26, 2008 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tipping his pitches

So the team thought.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would rather see

Mc Clellan over Perez at this time. Mc Clellan seems kind'a in a groove at the moment, Perez does not. I say Go with what's hot.

by ridgesee on Mar 26, 2008 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you, Red Baron, for so articulately ...

voicing my anger and frustration over this LaRuscan's handling (mis-handling) of Anthony Reyes ... I am really bummed out about it; it seems so unfair ... but, I guess you just have to let it go ... they've made up their freak'in minds ...

I would also just add that I think Tony and Duncan's comments yesterday were preposterous... talk about adding fuel to the fire ... Brad pitches well, and Duncan almost breaks his neck jumping out of the dugout to pat him on the back for the TV cameras ... Anthony has a better outing and gets ripped by the same arse-hole and Tony too ... deplorable ... I would seriously consider starting a 'Fire Duncan' movement over his public handling of Reyes ... just what are these 'things he has to do' to get into your good graces ... What a crock ...

Oh well ... looks like Reyes, who has already dominated AAA, is headed back to Purgatory, because the all powerful and knowledgeable Duncan can't coach him worth a plug nickel ...

Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...

by Cardinals4Ever on Mar 26, 2008 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I agree

As I stated in the first comment, I can't believe the front office continues to allow them to run Anthony down in the press.

With scouts in the stands, they bash him. It's almost as if they don't want him to be traded. Maybe they are afraid they will be proven wrong by Anthony's success with another team?

In the meeting with Mo today, I hope he tells them to shut up or get out. If some floor supervisor at Pepsi, Disney or whereever were doing them same I am sure they wouldn't be allowed to keep running down the product.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In a weird way...

It is almost good to let TLR/Duncan bash Reyes after that performance. Then the scouts can look at the results and see that the results and TLR/Duncan's assessments don't line up.

If all of a sudden after that performance TLR / Duncan gushed over the kid then other teams would think they just saw one good performance but that usually he is nowhere near as good.

Maybe I'm over-analyzing, or maybe it's just wishful thinking, but here's hoping the other teams see this as an irrational evaluation of Reyes and increase their assessment of Reyes' trade value accordingly. As long as Mo can convince the other teams the Cards have no problem with keeping Reyes, then at least we can get some value when we unceremoniously deal him.

by pete0713 on Mar 26, 2008 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"He's still a young pitcher on the come," manager Tony La Russa said about Reyes. "I see him getting better."

Stop Bashing him Tony!

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7953642

by Evilfrog on Mar 26, 2008 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"He made a lot of good pitches," La Russa said. "Whatever the wind was doing he made some good pitches. He was helped a little by the wind. He may have been hurt by the wind. Mostly, he helped himself."

And quit saying that he only pitch that well because of the wind.

by Evilfrog on Mar 26, 2008 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, Hey.

How dare you use actual statements to argue against emotional ranting? That kind of stuff is uncalled for.

Yes, that was sarcasm. LaRussa has stated many times that all pitching decisions are left up to Duncan.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tony / Duncan

After gushing about Thompson, you have to admit the reaction to Reyes' performance was more than lukewarm

"I'm still looking for Anthony to do certain things that when you face first division teams you can compete against them and have a legitimate chance to be successful," Duncan said.

I mean, what the heck else is he supposed to do? I understand Duncan gives him credit for the bottom line but anytime they give him credit it is with extreme reluctance.

by pete0713 on Mar 26, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've got to give up

on Anthony Reyes. The odds of his contributing here are shrinking rapidly toward zero, for a multitude of reasons, all mentioned above. In thinking back over literally years of negative comments about him from LaDunc it seems to boil down to their belief that he lacks the "killer instinct" necessary to be successful at the ML level. Right or wrong, he does not appear to have a future in StL.

by vinniefromjersey on Mar 26, 2008 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagree with the Reyes portion of today's entry.

Regardless of their opinions on Reyes, I don't ever want TLR and Duncan making roster decisions based on a single game. This is the cognitive trap of watching baseball: short term memory. If there are things that Reyes needs to work on, one good outing shouldn't be enough to ease Duncan's concerns; just like one bad outing shouldn't be enough to get the boot.

I didn't see anything in the quotes that was particularly derogatory in nature. I still disagree with their summation of Reyes' pitching ability but yesterday's game, in and of itself, should have had little to no impact regarding the teams plans for Reyes.

by azruavatar on Mar 26, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Goold and Strauss's write-ups

For today on the P-D seem to point to Reyes going to Memphis and Clemments might not ever making it into the rotation. Sounds kinda related.

Also Reyes has said that he has pin pointed flaws in his timing and delivery and has been working on that this Sping. And is a lot more sure where his pitches are going compared to last year.

by Evilfrog on Mar 26, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One game vs the ongoing arguement.

I agree no decisions should ever be made on a single game.

I don't see it as a decision maker. I more see it as an exclamation point at end of a statement. Reyes shouldn't have had to develop a new pitch at the major league level last year. He shouldn't have had to compete for a slot this year. And, most of all, he shoudn't have been told he in competition this year if he really wasn't.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Why does everyone say he wasn't in Competition? From where I am sitting it looks like he was in Competition with Thompson. They posted similuar resaults in spring training. Brad's past track record looks to have pushed him forward.

by Evilfrog on Mar 26, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wellemeyer

When you are beat out of the rotation by a guy like Wellemeyer, how can you call it a competition.

Statements at the beginning of spring training by TLR indicated only Looper and Wainwright were gauranteed spots.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe ...

we just all misinterpreted what "competition" meant. I was under the impression that meant the guy that pitches best wins. If Looper and Wainwright were guaranteed, than the handicaps should have been identified for the others. Wellemeyer has received nothing but praise for a pretty mediocre spring. He shows no signs that he will be able to carry the team deeper into games, but I think he would be an effective 2-3 inning pitcher. Thompson clearly won a rotation spot due to the injuries. Reyes seems to have done enough to be given an opportunity, but it seems like from day-one Duncan has dismissed him. I don't know what criteria he was using, but clearly it has had little to do with spring performance.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still wonder hwat happens if the redbirds

crush Wellemeyer

"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams

by Valatan on Mar 26, 2008 10:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyway Rasmus plays for Springfield?

I would SO love for Rasmus to play for Springfield for those 2 games and beat the snot out of em. Regardless Bryan Anderson has a shot to hit a nice HR off him.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

On the other hand...

There is more to pitching than a line. You can sometimes not pitch very well and still have a decent line.

I think the problem with Reyes is he doesn't respond well to Duncan's coaching. So even when he's good, he isn't doing what Duncan wants. One or the other of them needs to either adapt or move on.

I would not say Reyes has clearly out pitched Thompson this spring, at least looking at the stats. Spring stats are of pretty limited value, but here they are:

Reyes 3.32 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 6.16 K/9, 4.3 K/W
Thompson 2.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 7.73 K/9, 3.5 K/W

Both have fine stats, and Thompson leads in everything but K/W.

However, Wellemyer stands out as clearly worse:

Wellemyer 4.05 ERA, 1.4 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, .91 K/W

by tarakas on Mar 26, 2008 11:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Typical Reyes gem

This is very typical of the good games that Reyes pitches. When he gives up very low hit/walk totals he is a very effective pitcher. His struggles come when the batted balls drop and he has to consistently pitch with men on base. When Reyes is forced to pitch the majority of innings out of the stretch he fails to limit damage. I think this might be what Duncan is referring to when he says that Reyes still has things to learn.

by indakind on Mar 26, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Or, you know, he needs to learn

to have multiple decent games in a row.

I'm not a Reyes hater, nor even a Reyes doubter. But I need to see some proof in some major league games form the kid.

by sdrone on Mar 26, 2008 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ditto

been arguing the same point for over a yr

I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punch and judy hitter-major league 2

by punchinjudy on Mar 26, 2008 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

6-man rotation

Is it at all possible the cards could just extend spring training into the reguular season with a rotation of

Wainwright
Lohse
Looper
Thompson
Wellemeyer
Reyes?

The benfiits of this being giving every starter an extra day of rest, which I think may be helpful considering that 3 of the six are converted relievers. It also would give us a little more time to see who is performing the best against mlb talent in real mlb pressure games that count. I know the bullpen would be short but it seems that we carry a larger pen than most teams. I remember in 2006 Carp seemed to benefit greatly when given an extra day of rest late in the year and wonder if that wouldn't help out some of our young guys.

I know pitchers have a routine in between starts and don't know if it would mess that up too much. Just an idea.

by RVAcardsfan on Mar 26, 2008 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

But I would still have Waino and Lohse go every 5 days, maybe even Looper.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why Looper?

Not only is he not very good, he's also a converted reliever and doesn't have the stamina. He even had a short DL stint last year because (many theorize) he injured himself after the strain of repeated starts at the beginning of the year.

I can understand wanting Wainer and Lohse every 5th, but Loop-d-Loop? No.

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

by Mr Clean on Mar 26, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last year

Based on last year he was our 2nd most dependable starter, so if he can repeat that I see no reason to not let him. But if he struggles than you skip him, that is why I said maybe.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max Schmeling

No need to get angry, Red Baron. You've got plenty of other stuff to be angry about. The tagline "Hitler's Champ" doesn't mean that Schmeling was pro-Hitler. It just points to the fact that Hitler was using Schmeling as a propaganda device. So if you must be mad at someone over that tagline, be mad at Hitler for using Schmeling. Hitler was indeed "championing" Schmeling, and that's all the tagline means.

by blehmann on Mar 26, 2008 11:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Guilt by association in the eyes of uninformed viewers

I think people unfamiliar with Schmeling would see the two names together and think there was mutual support between the two of them.

by lightbulb on Mar 26, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

LIke when people call Nietzsche the 'nazi philosopher' even though he had ceased being cognizant in 1905 and hated German nationalism.

"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams

by Valatan on Mar 26, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Throw away comment from Gould

From the last Bird Land post :

"He’s getting away with too, too many pitches in the zone. His pitch count is always on the verge of skyrocketing. Some of the same traits Todd Wellemeyer has."

Anyone else see a lot of similarity between Wellemeyer and Kent Bottenfield? unfortunately the numbers do not really hold up, but the performances are eerily similar.

by bdief on Mar 26, 2008 12:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't remember Bott throwing 95 mph

..or walking 5 guys per 9

by salvomania on Mar 26, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are right...

but I do remember a pitcher who threw a ton of pitches. Never got deep into games and despite winning, never really impressed me.

by bdief on Mar 26, 2008 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Positioning Reyes to be Traded

I think it's probably a wise move to send him to AAA. That way he's much better positioned to bring something of value in a trade. With the probable (or hopeful) return of at least 2 of the 4 injured starters, there's little chance he'll be a significant portion of the major league rotation this season.

Might as well send him to AAA where he's got a good chance of succeeding and someone giving something up for him, rather than put him in the majors where his past history indicates he'll struggle and make him worthless.

At least Thompson and Welle can move to the pen when/if a couple of the other starters come back

by birdo rojo on Mar 26, 2008 12:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you, RB

for giving voice, in a balanced way, to what many of us feel about the Reyes situation -- acknowledging that he isn't anything close to Cy Young material yet, while also making clear that he's done all the right things and has performed well enough this spring to earn a rotation spot. (particularly over Looper and Wellmeyer)

As for Dave Duncan: I can never overlook the value he's added to this franchise, helping guys like Woody Williams and Jeff Suppan (not to mention Carp) resurrect their careers and become valuable members of pennant-winning clubs. Hell, his wizardry in turning Jeff Weaver into something resembling a dominant pitcher during the magical 2006 run is enough to endear him to Cardinal fans forever. But his handling of Reyes has been unforgivable.

by DCRedbird on Mar 26, 2008 12:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

by deweydell on Mar 26, 2008 10:27 AM CDT

Re the comments about Reyes, I agree without reservation. Tony and Dave have their own little cohort and Reyes is clearly not a member. That stuff might work when you got the horses, but given the state of this team it's ridiculous. I realize this is all masturbation though: those two will do what they want to - they don't listen to anybody.

[moved from fanpost]

by azruavatar on Mar 26, 2008 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reyes' Numbers

Kind of old history, but I was looking at Reyes' numbers this morning and was kind of confused by some "changes" between 2006 and 2007.
Looking at his Rate Stats:
2006
Hr/9: 1.8 BB/9: 3.58 SO/9: 7.5 H/9: 8.86 ERA: 5.06

2007
Hr/9: 1.35 BB/9: 3.60 SO/9 6.2 H/9: 9.05 ERA 6.04

So... He dropped his HR numbers, essentially maintained his walk and hit numbers, dropped his strike-out totals (probably the most glaring number, though the HR/9 drop is of the same order ~20%), and had his W/L and ERA go in the toilet....
I guess I find it interesting that he got "lucky" (less strike-outs w/ the same hits, indicating a lower BABIP), but also seemed to be extremely unlucky (Terrible W/L, ERA).

I'm kind of surprised by this dichotomy of "Luck" (shouldn't it just skew the numbers one way?), and was wondering if there is a good explanation (non-sabremetricists welcome!!) for these stats....

Also, while Spring numbers are kind of junk, Reyes' spring is substantially better than either of these two seasons (k/bb are up, era is down, HR are down...) is it possible he just got tired at the end of the season (or midway through?) and imploded... how do you build a AAA guy up to be successful for full 162 game season except by letting him flounder in the bigs'?

by duncans_army on Mar 26, 2008 12:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

early season stinking

Actually, if you look at Reyes game by game stats:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/gl.cgi?n1=reyesan01&t=p&year=2007

you will see that he wasn't very good early. As the losses kept piling up as he marched relentlessly toward the infamous 0-10 mark, he got progressively worse. Once he got his first win, he started to settle in a bit. His individual game eras tell the story. Before July, 10 of his 12 starts resulted in ERA's over 5, July and later, only 4 of 8 starts resulted in individual game ERA over 5. So although Reyes always said that he wasn't effected by the 0fer record, performance says otherwise.

by cdb on Mar 26, 2008 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

His biggest problem was that he got absolute destroyed with runners on base

he''ll likely progress to the mean: that trend won't continue

Signatures are for Communists.

by JI on Mar 26, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's an interesting theory

...but methinks you are confusing correlation and causality.

So although Reyes always said that he wasn't effected by the 0fer record, performance says otherwise.

Just because two variables are highly correlated does NOT mean that one causes the other. Correlation does not imply causation.

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

by Mr Clean on Mar 26, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

can't argue

Mr Clean, Didn't mean to state it as fact, just saying that the piling on and piling on of losses, and the media focus on it did not make winning any easier.

JI, I agree the big inning killed him. I have tried to find an easy way to get inning-by-inning data for pitchers - no easy way I have found, anyone know a good way to do so?

by cdb on Mar 26, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've been doing it ...

the hard way by looking at old box scores on Baseball-Reference (www.baseball-reference.com). That site will give you about any kind of split I could think of. Sometimes it is hard to find, but it is usually there.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah - I have been there and say that data, I was hoping there was a system out there that made it easier. Thanks.

by cdb on Mar 26, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

About face

According to Joe Strauss the Cards have done an about face on Reyes and the bullpen:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/0CC52FE90F73636E86257418001216EB?OpenDocument

This does make some sense with Wellemeyer's inability to go deep in games. Also, it would give AR a chance to work on getting big league hitters out.

by indakind on Mar 26, 2008 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Egads

I can't say I agree with that decision. Although it beats having to watch Kelvin Jimenez sully the Cal Eldred role.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

3 for 2

I see this as a kind of 3 for 2 or 4 for 3 situation. Between Looper, Reyes, Wellemeyer and Thompson the Cards have any number of opportunities to have a pitcher either knocked out of a game early or run up high pitch counts. Essentially you have kind of a tandem rotation for those spots. Basically between McClellan and Reyes the Cards always have a backup ready to go on the days that Wainwright and Lohse don't start. I saw a comment from TLR along the lines of "maybe there is a creative way" to solve the problem. This may be what they are doing.

by indakind on Mar 26, 2008 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That'd be interesting

We might need to split up Lohse and Wainwright in the rotation in order to get McClellan and Reyes at least two days rest between their tandem starts.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reyes in the bullpen

I wonder if this is a direct result of the meeting today between LaDuncan and Mozeliak? I hope so. Mo, show those two clowns who's in charge.

I suspect this move is in anticipation of a large number of blow outs served up by our hideous starting rotation (Wainwright excluded), which I affectionately refer to as "the batting practice boys". A-Rey is likely to see lots of innings in long relief and will get the added bonus of not having to pitch in the first 2 or 3 innings of the game (at least I hope our starters can make it that deep into the game), where he struggled so much last year.

I still don't understand why Franklin hasn't been considered as a possible starter. He has experience in that role and has excellent command of several pitches. Hard to imagine he would be worse than Looper, Thompson or Wellemeyer. Replacing set-up men is typically much easier than finding even league average starters. Perez, McClellan or Kinney could potentially fill the role of set-up man. Oh well.

by CURVEBALL on Mar 26, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Franklin sucks at starting, might as well leave him in the bullpen, it's the only place where he's been successsful

Signatures are for Communists.

by JI on Mar 26, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, ...

I guess Duncan's comments were overruled.

Duncan said he believed "there are too many things involved" for Reyes to move to the bullpen, including an elaborate routine Reyes uses to get loose.

"There will always be a question if he is physically able to handle that kind of role," Duncan said.

It's nice to see he is really pulling for the kid, though.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

YEAH!!!

Restores a little faith in LaRuscan ... at least Reyes will be available to still make a contribution and immediately take someone's place if they start stinking the place up in a starting role (Looper or Wellenmeyer) ... sending Anthony to AAA made no sense to me ... I like having him on the team, but still think he should start ... kind of sounds like a compromise solution was reached (between Mo and LaRuscan) in that meeting this morning, doesn't it? ...

Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...

by Cardinals4Ever on Mar 26, 2008 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it sounds like

Mo put his foot down. i start to like Mo more and more.

"Sorry about him, he's dealing with being an inker. " - Chasing Amy

by FutureMan on Mar 26, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ahhh

Baseball on Fox Sports MW. What a wonderful sight.

by Schnake on Mar 26, 2008 1:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gameday link is ...

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2008_03_26_balmlb_slnmlb_1&brand=mlb

if you need it ...

Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...

by Cardinals4Ever on Mar 26, 2008 1:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wainwright

Through the first two innings Wainwright had thrown 1 pitch to each of the 7 batters he faced. 1 hit, 6 outs. Crazy.

by pete0713 on Mar 26, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, ...

the wind's probably blowing in. Ha Ha.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once again...

Gameday is not tracking pitch counts....an out on a BIP is considered 1 pitch, a hit is 1 pitch, a K is 3, a BB is 4

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I knew that it wasn't tracking pitch counts...

But if you go to the pitch-by-pitch summary I thought the pitch-by-pitch was right. I assume that's wrong...

by pete0713 on Mar 26, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it isnt

The pitch by pitch is what feeds the pitch counts, therefore all they put is what the end result was.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice catch by duncan

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

by _pistol_ on Mar 26, 2008 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What a great at bat from Ankiel ...

showed a lot of plate discipline working that walk ...

Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...

by Cardinals4Ever on Mar 26, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This churns my stomach.

Bitter old men running a team that needs neither of those traits. Why didn't we gut them two while we were gutting the team to begin with? Absolutely sickening.

Rasmus or bust.

by Zoop on Mar 26, 2008 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Try

Rolaids for that churning stomach.

by cardsgirl95 on Mar 26, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's with

the vitriol today? Reyes has made a case for making the team, but by no means is he the obvious pick for the 5th spot.
I'm all up for a debate on the merits of each, but the accusations being flung at Duncan ans LaRussa are ridiculous.
Actually , I'd like to see Reyes make the team over Wellemeyer, but I'm certainly not going to lose my composure if the professionals disagree.

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

by _pistol_ on Mar 26, 2008 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah, I don't get the hyped up emotion

We have one very good to great starter in Wainwright, one solid pitcher in Lohse, and after that a bunch of question marks. Reasonable people can come to different conclusions on who the remaining three starters should be. In terms of Reyes, I just can't get myself too worked up about the guy either way. Honestly, I don't see why he's any more of a future rotation prospect than Thompson is. I'd have him in the rotation for now, but if we traded him for more than nothing, I wouldn't get too worked up about it.

My rotation would be
1. Wainwright
2. Lohse
3. Looper
4. Thompson
5. Reyes

by bailorg on Mar 26, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, but...

I think what irritates most of us is the fact that the term "open competition" gets thrown around by Duncan and LaRussa a lot. The problem is that their decisions seldom reinforce that idea. In addition, their statements to the press often seem to indicate personal feelings towards a player, instead of a professional decision for what's best. That seemed to be the theme of this post, and has been a recurring theme through many of the posts. I would like to see a lot more backup to the statements about how Looper should be removed in favor of Reyes. It seems to me that he gave the team a reasonable opportunity to win in the majority of his starts last year. I will do the homework later to justify that statement. Reyes clearly did not. How that translates to this year is nothing more than a guess. I think Wainwright, Lohse, Looper, and Thompson are going to keep the team in their starts. The Cards are going to have to score runs if they want to win for Looper and Thompson. The 5th spot may not be a real issue, depending upon Pineiro's status.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Reyes could throw a no hitter twice in a row and Duncan would call it a fluke.

My problem lies with honesty, I think. We constantly hear about open competitions in all spots on the field when it's clearly not the case. At least say "Hey, you know what? These guys with high ceiling can get fucked, we're starting inferior players with less potential, and you can't do shit about it." At least then I'd respect their honesty.

Rasmus or bust.

by Zoop on Mar 26, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zoop

you're adding zilch to this discussion

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

by _pistol_ on Mar 26, 2008 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you're denying that TLR and Duncan have something against A-Rey?

And way to go with trolling, btw. Didn't think that was tolerated around these forums.

Rasmus or bust.

by Zoop on Mar 26, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's obvious

that TLR and Dunc have little faith in reyes' ability to execute a game plan. I don't think they have something against him in the way you're implying. They feel putting him in as a starter is kinda risky. Reyes has definitely had trouble pitching out of trouble. I know it's been beaten to death here, but just take a look at his stats last year.
In there eyes, it likeyl that Thompson is more of a known quanity. perhaps Wellemeyer too. Like I said i disagree, but your angry comments seem pointless.
As to your trolling comment. Who was the one throwing out the foul-mouthed, hyperbole? I simply questioned your childish anger. BTW, I'm done with this discussion.

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

by _pistol_ on Mar 26, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The general tone

I think the tone you are questioning is not a product of a single day's decision. it's frustration of a seemingly chronic pattern. It's not just Anthony Reyes for us. He's simply the poster boy for Hector Luna vs. Aaron Miles, JRod, Reyes, and a few others.

The frustration is boiling to a head because we all thought these things would be a thing of the past with a different GM...especially in a rebuilding year.

Wellemeyer advances the franchise nowhere in the grand scheme of things. Furthering our position for the future should be our greatest goal this year.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

You can take this point ...

back to 1996. This is the crux of the issue between Ozzie and LaRussa. The concept of an open competition is also the issue that Andy VanSlyke has with LaRussa. The manager is paid to make decisions that result in what he considers to be the best 25-man roster. He has infinitely more information at hand about how these players are performing swing-by-swing and pitch-by-pitch. He is not required to tell the fans his reasoning.

That being said, if you are going to tell the fans your reasons, then they need to be consistent. This is the issue I have with LaRussa and Duncan.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Foul-mouthed, yes

but my argument is to start the guy with the higher ceiling. Certainly you think Reyes has more potential than Puppy Kicker, right? That's hardly hyperbole; you may not agree with it, but that's the purpose of an argument.

And since when is spewing hate in TLR/Duncan's direction insulting to the users here? You called me childish and flat out denied my valid source of irritation without an argument in two posts. At the very least, I listened to your opinions before dismissing them.

Rasmus or bust.

by Zoop on Mar 26, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not exactly ...

what I said. I think they have preconceived notions of players, and I think both men carry personal grudges. I believe that LaRussa has denegrated Ryan in the media in order to defend Izturis, and I believe he does it because Ryan irritated him while he was in the dugout last year. I think Duncan at least perceives that Reyes is ignoring what he is asking him to do. I don't know if that's true, but it seems like he changed his mechanics last year to try to appease Duncan. When it didn't work, things snowballed. As long as he doesn't pitch the way Duncan expects, he won't be considered major-league ready. I think, from watching Duncan for the last 12 years, that he believes there is only one way to be an effective major league pitcher. I disagree with him, but a lot of pitchers have failed in St. Louis because they didn't fit that mold.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Before Reyes pitches in the LaRussa/Duncan rotation he will have to have an operation and make a comeback attempt. This is about the only type of pitcher these guys can operate with. They don't have a good history with young pitchers

I'm still trying to figure out the "we're going with youth" deal and then having Tony and duncan back for two more seasons. We have a couple youngsters that may make decent everyday players but watch them get turned into platooning journeymen at best by Tony's platoon sysytem. St. Louis is no place for Young players. Reyes is just another case of wasted youth in the Cardinal's System.

by Trader Frank on Mar 26, 2008 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Just like to say

That I'm insanely jealous of everyone who's not at work and watching this game on the tube at home.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ditto

green.

by hit and run on Mar 26, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm at work

and I'm watching/listening via my Slingbox. Much better than MLB.tv and no fees. It's great to be able to watch the game.

by swmrnbk on Mar 26, 2008 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

FS Midwest is replaying the game tonight I believe....

by CURVEBALL on Mar 26, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Issue

I'm sure someone mentioned this earlier, but I'm in a hurry.

Here is my issue with this affair: I don't think that Reyes is a great pitcher. I think he's a potentially good pitcher who needs some serious work to reach that point. However, he's better than Thompson and Wellemeyer. So if person A sucks, but sucks less than persons B and C, person A should get the spot. Period.

Thompson is a limited pitcher who throws one quality pitch and doesn't go too deep in games. Wellemeyer has plus stuff, but isn't much at throwing strikes and went past the 5th inning like 3 times all last year. So why not at least find out what Reyes can do, even if you're noodling with his mechanics or approach or whatever. If he stinks, he stinks, and he'll get dumped by the time that our walking wounded start coming back to the rotation.

"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.

by redbirdnation8206 on Mar 26, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Miles scores and FSN rules it 3-0 Baltimore

DAMN! I missed FSN's incompetence!

Rasmus or bust.

by Zoop on Mar 26, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Only Albert...

would steal 2 bases in one play...during spring training. I love the mang.

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Once again

I am very, very jealous of all you 2nd and 3rd shifters.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

i'm a student, taking the semester off work because of 2 really tough capstone courses so that I can graduate in May. But yea, it's nice being able to watch day games.

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

STLCardinals.com Article on Roster

Either Kelvin Jimenez will get that final spot, or it will go to Anthony Reyes, who has lost out in a competition for the St. Louis starting rotation. If Reyes is not in the bullpen, he will be sent to Triple-A Memphis -- or, possibly, traded.

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080326&content_id=2459106&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl

by bgh on Mar 26, 2008 2:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Since Reyes is on the 25 Man Roster

Is this done to enhance his trade value? Not very many here have faith he will be given a fair shot at the rotation. If this has been mentioned above, forgive me.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Mar 26, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pickle?

So was Barton just caught in a Pickle? Or what the heck happened?

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hit a blooper...

that landed right in the middle of the 1b, RFer and 2b, tried to stretch it to a double, but realized he was screwed, and was too far off first to get back in time

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not often

you see an out made at first base after six defenders -- none of them being the first baseman -- touch the ball.

by DCGreg on Mar 26, 2008 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about a compromise

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/0CC52FE90F73636E86257418001216EB?OpenDocument

Seems to me this is the best option. Keeps Reyes around to get experience on getting big league hitters out. Keeps Wellmeyer and Thompson and even Looper on a shorter leash as they can easily swap roles with Reyes if needed.

by FunkeeC on Mar 26, 2008 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yadi

Did you guys see that Molina "Play Like A Cardinal" commercial, I'm liking 'em.

by davethebutcher on Mar 26, 2008 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Got a link?

n/t

by sdrone on Mar 26, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't see the Yadi commercial

...but I saw the Fredbird one with the grass maintenance guy. My wife and I agreed it was awful. Hopefully the others will be better.

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

by Mr Clean on Mar 26, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yadi

The Yadi one was on right before the redbird one. It had two pitchers warming up in the bullpen. They both threw a pitch at the same time, then it switches views to the catchers and it is just Yadi sitting there with two balls in his glove.

by davethebutcher on Mar 26, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Izzy's one

is pretty decent. Its about having a short memory as a closer, so, of course, he can't remember any of his lines.

"Say something once, why say it again?"

by Alxfritz on Mar 26, 2008 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

25 Man Roster?

Ok, from what I have gathered the following will be the opening day roster:

C: Molina
1B: Pujols
2B: Kennedy
3B: Glaus
SS: Izturis
LF: Duncan
CF: Ankiel
RF: Schumaker
8
Bench:
OF: Ludwick
OF: Barton
MIF: Miles
MIF/CIF: Ryan/Jimenez
C: LaRue
5 (13 Position)
Rotation:
RHP: Wainwright
RHP: Lohse
RHP: Looper
RHP: Thompson
RHP: Wellemeyer
5
Bullpen:
RHP: Isringhausen
RHP: Franklin
RHP: Springer
LHP: Flores
LHP: Villone
RHP: McClellan
RHP: Reyes
7 (12 pitchers)

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We may not get anyone out

Boy it sure seems like this team can hit. Another 10 hits today already. Its not like we are piling up these hits late in games against scrubs either.

I know we are going to struggle to get guys out but it sure looks like this team is going to be alot more entertaining offensively than last years dink and dunk bunch.

by indakind on Mar 26, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not trying to be argumentative or anything ...

But in the last 13 games, including today we've only given up 38 runs ... that's 2.9 runs per game ... the staff is getting guys out ... but your point is well taken ... the over-all offense looks damn good, and I'm excited about it ...

Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...

by Cardinals4Ever on Mar 26, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Grapefruit league

Since the Grapefruit League seems to suppress hitting stats and enhance pitching stats, I am still worried about the pitching. But the power and walk numbers for this team cannot be ignored. In fact with the league tendencies it really augers well for a productive offense.

Fearless prediction: The Cards score 850 runs this year...about 5.25/game.

by indakind on Mar 26, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barton hit in the face with a pitch...

down on the ground, not knocked out or anything, but looks to be injured.

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

crap

by indakind on Mar 26, 2008 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

..that sucks...

hope he is ok, i hate balls hitting faces after watching Juan get hit last season.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe not too bad...

his nose is bloodied, but it didnt look like it caught him in the eye or anything.

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

TLR

TLR will be hot. This has to be his biggest peave. I expect retaliation regardless of intent.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

which brings me to another TLR gripe

TLR is very quick to call out opposing pitchers when our players hit a guy in the head. He says he doesn't care about intent. He says if a pitcher can't control where his pitch goes, he shouldn't throw up and in.

Why, then, did Wellemeyer seemingly get a pass on this issue after hitting Franceour in the face the other day?

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup

no doubt about it. TLR is a complete hypocrite.
I heard that when no one is around, TLR kicks is own dogs and gorges himself on 32 ounce t-bones.

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

by _pistol_ on Mar 26, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LoL

that's kinda funny.

What would be funnier is if i told you you were adding zilch to this discussion.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 26, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Oh no,

he didn't!

*snap*

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha

that's pretty good.

by arch support on Mar 26, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ZING!

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

by Mr Clean on Mar 26, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll bet he will.

Barton was almost hit in the head on nearly an identical pitch early in the AB. I think LaRussa gets too hot on this topic. If it's not done with intent, then there is no fault on the pitcher's part. If you take away the inside part of the plate, then you might as well put up a pitching machine.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

history

Apparently Barton is no stranger to getting hit by pitches...

From Get Up, Baby! -

AGE, LVL, HBP
23 A 8
A+ 15
24 A+ 16
AA 5
25 AA 28
AAA 2

Just try to keep 'em away from the head area...
http://getupbaby.net/?p=1719

by davethebutcher on Mar 26, 2008 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I always thought we needed a new candidate for the Frernando Viña award

"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams

by Valatan on Mar 26, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

uh-oh

barton just got hit the face by a ptich.

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

by _pistol_ on Mar 26, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

"IN THE FACE...

THE FACE!"

"Say something once, why say it again?"

by Alxfritz on Mar 26, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For those watching...

Any update on Barton's condition?

by indakind on Mar 26, 2008 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing

the answer is no.

by DCGreg on Mar 26, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

Latest Birdland at stltoday.com/sports/cards says that Barton is fine - once the bloody nose stopped bleeding, there was so much as a ding. Very good news indeed.

by cdb on Mar 26, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, does Reyes being a long reliever

mean Red Baron isn't angry anymore?

by sdrone on Mar 26, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure

...BUT just imagine how happy Red Baron would be if Flat Hat were starting for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters at 5am every 5th day?

If Mo really cared, he'd get Tak Kojima on the phone, stat.

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

by Mr Clean on Mar 26, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ballpark Village news?

I haven't been following the whole ballpark village news, but I just noticed this press release on the official site:

Statement from the St. Louis Cardinals and The Cordish Company

Sounds like something bad. Can someone who knows about this translate?

by effin fisk on Mar 26, 2008 4:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This article

right here explains what's going on. Sounds like Centene wanted too much autonomy to design their section of the village and the rest of the design group wanted to enforce a standard theme for the village.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually I'd consider it good news, but not great news

Basically Ballpark Village was being held up because Centene was considering moving its corporate HQ to Ballpark Village, and since if that happened the HQ would be the major tenant in Ballpark Village. As far as I can tell the Cards have been working on two contingencies: one with Centene and one without.

Now that they know that Centene is out, they can finally go ahead with the non-Centene plan.

by bailorg on Mar 26, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's hope so

I hope you're right and they can now move forward with "Plan B."

That site is an eyesore, and we've got an upcoming All Star Game fast approaching.

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

by Mr Clean on Mar 26, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I was Reyes...

...I would demand a trade. And if I was Reyes and felt especially spiteful, I would demand it to the Cubs. It seems like he is always getting the short end of the stick. I know he sucked last year, but it is neither best for the club nor best for his career to stick him in the bullpen.

by kblakestl on Mar 26, 2008 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just an observation

But it's nice to see so much green on the Depth Chart for a welcome change.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reyes

I hate to say it because I want the guy to turn it around, but he could be Mark Prior junior. His mechanics are the same as prior and both suffered a few missed starts/set backs due to shoulder sorness. Neither had a surgery either. Prior had his first surgery this past winter and it was more of a scope to see if anything was wrong.

Between college, minors and MLB action Prior has thrown 1012.1 innings and he finally just hit a wall. He lost a lot more velocity than Reyes has but still if you look back Prior probably lost it slowly.

Reyes is at 880.2 inning between college, minors and MLB action. I just don't know what direction he will go in as I hate to try to predict injuries. I hope he is healthy but he was shut down last season due to shoulder fatigue/soreness which was written off as just fatigue.

One absurd comment you hear is that Dusty ruined Prior,well that is false. People had blinders on I guess and thought Prior had perfect mechanics.

Greg Maddux
334.4 innings pitched prior to MLB debut
Mark Prior
267 innings pitched prior to MLB debut
Greg Maddux
first 5 MLB seasons 910.3 innings pitched
Mark Prior
frist 5 MLB seasons 654.9 innings pitched.

I hope Anthony is not on the Prior patch and if he is maybe we should consider a trade ASAP!

by ICbirdfan on Mar 26, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I am enjoying the early morning baseball-watching before I go to work.

How about that Keith Foulke? He retired and sat out all of last year, now he's relieving with the A"s. Looked good yesterday, don't know if he pitched today. I just think it's neat that he's been able to come back.

Oh, and I am no longer commenting on (#23) Go read my 7,432,987 prior posts. I got it covered.

You all have a nice day.

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

by jillsinmo on Mar 26, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jill

I know I am done with him as well, I just needed some closure. Also I just got tired of hearing people talk about "Dusty", no I don't think he is a great manager but I got tired of hearing how he runied Prior. Prior was a ticking time bomb...... He ruined himself, I am sure the only thing Cubs fans would care less about Prior had they won the WS in 03

by ICbirdfan on Mar 26, 2008 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There you are Jillsinmo.

I was wandering about you. I know this had to drive you crazy with 2 Reyes post today. Hats off to you for handling everything so gracefully.

by ridgesee on Mar 26, 2008 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am fine. But I'm confused about what to make of Mr. Wainwright's pitching today.

I mean the wind was blowing in from right field, 16 mph, and it was the Orioles and Jeremy Guthrie, so did he just get good results because of these factors? Or did he really pitch good? Did Mr. Duncan and Mr. LaRussa say? His stat line looks good, but I'm just not sure.......

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

by jillsinmo on Mar 26, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well. If we ask tony...

Im sure he would say the exact thing about Wainwright as Reyes.

Whatever the wind was doing he made some good pitches. He was helped a little by the wind. He may have been hurt by the wind. Mostly, he helped himself.

And then half of VEB would be calling for Tonys head because that statement is obvoiusly publicly trashing Adam.

by Evilfrog on Mar 26, 2008 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

By the way, baron...

Nice Aqua Teen reference in the title.

Rasmus or bust.

by Zoop on Mar 26, 2008 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I know it's only ST...

and I may be a homer, but 9 wins in a row and 12 of our last 13, have given me some faith in this club. I personally don't think an 85-86 win season is out of the question. That won't be enough to win the division or anything, but it's enough to make the season interesting.

I'm starting to gain some cautious optimism about the upcoming season.

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 6:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I just threw up a little in my mouth.

Quoting

From the Job Security File. Here’s when you know a player has been around the team awhile, earned some cred with the coaches and quite possibly has won a World Series ring with the manager: Aaron Miles pops his head into La Russa’s office the other day and says, "Hey, Tone, what time do we report tomorrow."
Once the infield leaves, a report asks La Russa: "Tone?"
La Russa looked befuddled.
"How many players get away with calling you ‘Tone’?" I asked.
"He’s a player-coach," La Russa said.

Any questions as to why he's back? No? Ok, great.

by azruavatar on Mar 26, 2008 6:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Miles does seem like one hell of

a great guy, the type of guy you'd want to go to war with, and he probably would be a great coach (he's definitely gotten the most out of his physical abilities). That being said, he's just not very good at playing baseball.

"Say something once, why say it again?"

by Alxfritz on Mar 26, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"he's just not very good at playing baseball"

Does this really make sense? He may not be worth what they are paying him, but when you say something like this, it takes away anything meaningful you might have said earlier. He can back up three positions, good bench guy and a okay hitter. You're not the only one who does this, but I guess I had my fill..... sorry to single you out.... not trying to make it personal.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Mar 26, 2008 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No worries

and you're right, he can back up three positions (although I'm sure he could play first, too and he has played some outfield as well and even pitched, too, so maybe he actually backs up eight positions), but he backs up only one of them competently and that just happens to be (in general terms) the easiest position to play. And at twice the league min, that resume shouldn't be getting hired.

Still seems like a hell of a nice guy, though.

"Say something once, why say it again?"

by Alxfritz on Mar 26, 2008 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure you're right

Maybe nice guys don't have to finish last. We both agree he's overpaid... but if the thread above is true..... then maybe he is being paid extra to "coach" all those positions to the young guys...... Ryan mostly.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Mar 26, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Oquendo ...

needs any help coaching the infield. Certainly not from a guy that is barely competent at 2B, and significantly below average at SS and 3B. I think he is evidence of how low the talent level on this team has gotten over the last several years.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See Alxfritz

You're not alone.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Mar 26, 2008 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's not very good at playing baseball

relative to other major leaguers. I'm not sure what's wrong about that. He's right around replacement level and I continue to think that there are better options in the minors.

He seems like a great person. I'm with Fritz on that but he's not someone I want on the Cardinals right now.

by azruavatar on Mar 26, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wish I could play baseball like Aaron Miles

by ridgesee on Mar 26, 2008 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so we better get use to seeing him

Does that makes him the next "Oquendo"?

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Mar 26, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My theory is that Aaron Miles is trying

to get Tony! Toni! Toné! back together, and thinks TLR is the starting point.

"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams

by Valatan on Mar 26, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tony is a Bay Area guy

I bet he loves that New Jack Swing.

"Say something once, why say it again?"

by Alxfritz on Mar 26, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, he's got photos.

n/t

by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 26, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Incidentally, La Russa had a similar exchange with another backup MIF

Brendan Ryan pops his head into La Russa’s office the other day and says, "Hey, Tone, what time do we report tomorrow."
La Russa glares across at the young Ryan while the reporters in the room sit in an awkard silence.
La Russa finally breaks it by shouting "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY LIFE AND GO PLAY IN TRAFFIC" at Ryan.
"I almost expected it," an unsurprised Ryan told reporters. "I kinda just wanted to see what he would do."
Once the infielder leaves, a reporter asks La Russa: "Tone?"
La Russa looked befuddled.
"How many players get away with calling you ‘Tone’?" I asked.
"He’s a douche-bag," La Russa said. "And he smiles too much."

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country

by Mr Redbird on Mar 26, 2008 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I laughed

by Evilfrog on Mar 26, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats top notch satire...

And I, for one, appreciate it.

by Merry CRasmus on Mar 27, 2008 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Springfield rotation set....

Jaime Garcia
PJ Walters
Adam Ottavino
Jaime Garcia
Adam Daniels

That's an impressive rotation.

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 7:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jaime is so good he pitches twice....

I meant to say Clayton Mortenson instead of one of those Garcia's

...just a bit outside....

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Mar 26, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good for Clayton

That's some very fast advancement... Good to see him pitching at an age-appropriate level after pitching in college through his senior year.

by liam on Mar 26, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See ...

now here is something fun to talk about. An excellent AA starting rotation that has the potential to put 2, maybe 3 arms into the major league rotation. Who is Adam Daniels? I haven't heard anything about him, yet.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

3?

Adam Daniels: http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=19029

Besides Daniels I think all 4 of the others have the chance to be in a Major League rotation

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was being conservative.

I figured the odds are typically good that at least 1 of the 4 will flame-out or get injured. Also, there has been some discussion that Ottavino is not projected as a major league starter, but instead a reliever. I was also trying to conservatively estimate if they would "stick" in a major league rotation. You could definitely be right, and all 4 of them could ascend. That would be pretty unbelievable to have that kind of stockpile all succeed.

Thanks for the link on Daniels.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

That is true, but the potential is there which is why I said 4.

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Daniels was quite good when he first came up

to Springfield for about 5-ish starts. The league seemed to figure him out a little after that. If he struggles for the first half, I think the organization would be prudent to move him to the pen since they have no lefthanded relievers and call up whoever's succeeding at High A at midseason.. I don't really want to pay Randy Flores through his arbitration years and there's nothing in the pipe.

by azruavatar on Mar 26, 2008 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To that point...

It seems like the Cards are fairly bereft from the left side. They brought up TJ, and it looks like Garcia is on a fast track; but do they have any other southpaws that look like they have a reasonable chance to make it to the big club? Maybe Haberer?

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

from Future Redbirds Depth Chart

http://futureredbirds.com/organizational-depth-chart/
Left handed starters
Jaime Garcia
Brad Furnish
Tyler Norrick
Adam Daniels

Left handed relievers
Eric Haberer
Zachary Zuercher

by StLHugo on Mar 26, 2008 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

That was a fairly depressing look into our LH future. The 2 relievers give up a BB for every SO, and neither has done very well at the AA level. I see why azruavatar is advocating a guy like Daniels moving to the bullpen.

by etp_stl on Mar 26, 2008 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to mention that they released Haberer

which I will now update on our depth chart

by azruavatar on Mar 27, 2008 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

29 (regulation) games till May 1st

3 vs. COL
3 vs. WSH
6 vs. HOU
7 vs. SF
5 vs. MIL
2 vs. PIT
3 vs. CIN

11 games on road.
Not very many tough teams. If we have a losing record by May 1st..... it can only get much worse.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Mar 26, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

15 out of first 29

with Houston, Milwaukee, and Cincy is not exactly a cakewalk.

by ridgesee on Mar 26, 2008 8:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

9 of those are Home

So if they win those three series and split the road games, that is a 9-6 record. 9 more Home games left and 5 on the road could give the Cards a 17-12 record at the end of April. I know I'm dreaming..... but as they say in a baseball movie "....it could happen".

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Mar 26, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every NL team is in first place until the 31st, after all

"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams

by Valatan on Mar 26, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Red Baron...You are FAMOUS today! Did you know that your angry rant is linked to from mlbtraderumors.com? Mighty, mighty impressive young man!

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

by jillsinmo on Mar 26, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i noticed that

as to your foulke question above, yes he did pitch today and he struck out manny with runners on

as to reyes, i am curious what your thoughts are about the bullpen assignment? and no, i am not trying to stir things, i really want your opinion; here is mine, i was shocked about it at first, because they have always claimed he couldnt get warmed up quick enough to come out of the pen, but after reading that tony said he and duncan dont always see things the same way, you have to wonder just how much of this decision was duncan being overuled by tony and mo

also jill i was glad to see you back on here this evening, it shows you have spunk; many people would have stayed away, even though there was no reason to do so

Pujols is the greatest Cardinal in my lifetime.

by bigcardsfan5 on Mar 27, 2008 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I have said I'm not commenting on Mr. @@@@@ anymore.

But since you have asked, I think he belongs in the rotation. Period. If not here, another team. It's obvious there is nothing he can do that will ever be good enough, and why you don't want to take his spring as a positive, possible turning point and try to run with it, see if he can keepit going is absolutely baffling to me.

If our field management had any interest at all in his development. that's what they should do. But they don't.

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

by jillsinmo on Mar 27, 2008 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now that Barton has made the roster

what will his number be? I can't imagine him keeping #66. He's worn tons of numbers throughout college and the minors.

Any idea? I'd have given him 3 but someone is wasting matter in that uniform.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Mar 27, 2008 2:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Per Bird Land...

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/03/ludwicks-wicked-case-of-deja-vu/
"For the numerologists out there: Barton will wear No. 54 when he arrives at Busch Stadium as a big leaguer Monday. Kyle McClellan will wear No. 46."

by StLHugo on Mar 27, 2008 7:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alot of experts

I just joined and wanted to post. The problem is I'm not qualified to be a pitching coach or a big league manager like many of you apparently are. Guess, I'll just sit back and learn from the experts who post this stuff!!! Uh, you guys do manage a club or at least get paid to criticize those who do, right? :-)

TLR:
3rd winningest mgr. of all time
2 World Championships
29th year as a manager
4 time Manager of the year (both leagues)
7 post season appearances

Duncan:
has helped to produce 4 Cy Young winners

I guess these guys need some help knowing who to play and where. Good thing they read this message board. Wonder how they won all those games without your expertise?

by okiecardfan on Mar 27, 2008 5:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs