first time
by lboros on Apr 10, 2008 8:23 AM EDT
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Printthe cards are in first place by themselves for the first time since the final day of 2006. it’s only april 10 so it doesn’t mean much, but after going first-place-less for all of last season i thought this occasion worth noting. also worth noting is how easily the cardinals could be 9-0; their losses came by 1 and 2 runs, respectively, and both times the decisive run scored late in the game. of course, given how tight most of these games are (6 of the first 9 decided by 2 runs or less), with a little bad luck the team could very easily be 4-5 . . . . . again, it’s early. but not too early to enjoy seeing our crew at the top of the stack.
they still ain’t putting many runs on the board --- they’re currently 10th in the league in scoring, which is weird because they’re 1st in on-base percentage and 5th in slugging. dave smyth’s Base Runs formula says the cards ought to have scored 45 runs by now --- ie, 5 runs a game, a decent enough total. they’ve only scored 39 runs, or 6 under their projection --- 2/3 of a run per game. there are some easy explanations for the shortfall; they’ve hit only 6 homers so far this year, 12th in the nl (all but 3 cardinals are homerless), and they haven’t hit particularly well with men in scoring position (10th in the league in batting with RISP, 12th in slugging). again, it’s early and these are ridiculously small samples; way too soon to draw any firm conclusions. it’s possible --- possible --- that the cards’ run scoring will naturally rise to match the level of their component stats (ie, top 5 in the league). it’s also possible their component stats will drop to where their run total is (ie, below average). and the likelihood is that both will stabilize somewhere in between.
tony had a difficult tactical decision to make last night in the top of the 7th --- it didn’t generate any discussion on the game thread, so i thought i’d parse it out here. cards leading 5-3, 2 men on, 2 out, kyle mclellan at the dish, and a dwindling corps of relievers (all overworked) down in the pen with 9 outs still to go. do you pinch-hit or not? mclellan had just entered the game the previous half-inning and had thrown only 2 pitches; he was meant to pitch the 7th as well, but the cards put on so many baserunners in their half of the inning that mclellan’s spot unexpectedly came up. given how overworked the bullpen has been, tony must have been tempted to let mclellan bat, just to keep him in the game; kyle then would have stayed on to pitch the 7th against the bottom half of the houston order, and flores probably would have handled the 8th against bourn-pence-berkman. best-case scenario, franklin gets a much-needed night off. but la russa tried an opposite route to the same destination --- he sent up washington to hit for mclellan and tried to widen the lead to 3 or 4 runs right there; with a large enough margin, he could keep franklin (maybe izzy too) in his warmup jacket. it was a much riskier play, and it didn’t work; rico ended the inning, mclellan was gone, and tony ended up having to send franklin’s tired arm against the heart of the houston order for 4 outs. franklin breezed through the assignment, bless him, but the cards flirted with disaster there.
the bullpen’s workload issues are temporary --- thompson will be joining the pen soon (perhaps as soon as this weekend), wellemeyer shortly thereafter, and motte / perez are down at memphis if they’re needed. but in the short term, the overwork is a concern. izzy and franklin are tied for the league lead in appearances with 6 each (11 other guys are tied with them); i doubt either is available tonight. if they have to keep up this workload much longer, one of them is gonna get hurt. some people think franklin’s already hurt, on account of his heavy workload from last year.
my fearless predictions are up at the Daily Fix’s baseball contest. i didn’t distinguish myself last year in this contest, but i beat 3 or 4 of the other "experts" and thus avoided utter humiliation. i have the same modest goal for 2008 --- try not to embarrass myself too badly. i’ve got arizona and boston meeting in the world series . . . . . . i was the only guy to pick daric barton as my al rookie of the year.
and here’s an article that says ozzie smith had the worst season ever by a #2 hitter.
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The Wizard
Clearly, Mr. Treder took my childhood into account (since I wasn't even born in 1979). I never knew him as anything but a Cardinal and never wanted to be anything than a SS wearing no. 1. Ozzie Smith was the greatest baseball player in the history of the sport when he played for the Cardinals. I remember this from my childhood.
Is that the pujols' slide?
and to his credit - Treder does go at length to show how Ozzie improved through his career.
you can't sneak the sun past the rooster
Yes, yes it is
Because I, like Bernie, hope that the slide proves emblematic of the 2008 St. Louis Cardinals.
Hombres verdaderos slide hard.
I was born alive in 1979
but not nearly old enough to remember Ozzie in San Diego. Like you, my memories of him are all with the Cardinals. He was my favorite player, and probably still will be forever.
"born alive"...
sounds like the name of rock album or something...
as I was born in 1984, I pretty much only remember Ozzie the Wizard who was always a decent hitter. It really is impressive to look at his stats and see how much he improved himself over the years (thank you baseball-reference.com)
I love
"born alive." I know it was inadvertent but it made me laugh.
by Youneverknow on Apr 10, 2008 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Treder is correct...
...in that "The Wizard" was a poor hitter at the beginning of his career... The "book" on Ozzie was "you can knock the bat out of his hands."
Following that season (IIRC) The Oz started weight-training in an effort to get stronger, and continued doing so after being traded to St. Louis. Ozzie made himself into a dangerous hitter. I'm with you, bgh... even though I'm older than The Wizard, I still wanna be Ozzie Smith when I grow up!
And in defense of Ted Sizemore's 1975 listed in Treder's article, that was the season after Lou Brock set the record for stolen bases in '74. A large part of Sizemore's job was taking pitches to allow Brock to steal; lessening the opportunities for Sizemore to get hits and improve his personal batting stats.
"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra
by The Ol Goaler on Apr 10, 2008 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Mackie Shilstone
Ozzie hired this guy & I can recall thinking "what does a ballplayer need w/ a trainer?" A lot we knew back then, I guess. I watched video of the '82 series recently & was surprised at how different the pre-trainer ballplayers looked. Pete Vuckovich makes Jon Leiber look buff, practically.
When Ozzie came to the Cards
Whitey Herzog made it a mission to get Oz to hit the ball on the ground. Whitey made a deal with him that he would pay Ozzie a dollar for every ball he hit on the ground and Ozzie would pay Whitey a dollar for every ball he hit in the air. The idea was to get him to hit the top half of the ball and drive it hard on the artificial surface at Busch. Eventually that also resulted in line drives as he began to sting the ball more often.
That deal became public knowledge and by 1982 Ozzie grew way tired of hearing about it, but it certainly seemed to me that Herzog deserved a fair amount of credit for transforming Ozzie's approach at the plate. He really did develop into a valuable hitter.
by Youneverknow on Apr 10, 2008 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
lboros
I was a little surprised about your NL wildcard pick on the Daily Fix baseball contest (Reds), but loved the disclaimer you threw in about the Red's young talent: "Not even Dusty Baker can ruin this much potential." It sounds like something Ken Tremendous would say over at firejoemorgan.com. Love it!
Jeff Passan
continues to diss the Cards. (See the Daily Fix Contest.)
Which team will suffer the biggest decline, measured in decrease in total regular-season victories?
Passan: Cardinals.
By June, Pujols will be begging for surgery to get away from this mess.
pitching batting 8th.
Really bit in that one. Though it has been successfull most of the year.
Re: Bullpen
Thompson moving back to the pen will really help this team out. Not that he is that bad of a starter. But Peneiro is better. And Thompson is better than Jiminez.
Re: Scoring runs
The Offesnse will pick up I believe. We did fine in the last two games. 12 hits last night if I remember right. Glaus and Duncan are hitting the ball hard. Glaus has found some gaps are starting getting RBIs. (Wasnt in the first week.) Skippy seems to be back on track. 3 hits last night and a walk right? I think the offense is picking it up a bit. Which is good. Because the pitching can't be this good all year.
Yep, the Giants will probably
represent a much-appreciated place of refuge for many a tired contending team this year ... the pause that refreshes.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 10, 2008 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
first inning :D
perez has thrown 3 innings with 3k, 1bb, 2 hits, 1er (hr)
motte has thrown 4.2 innings with 7k, 1bb, 2 hits, 0er
by Birds on the Matt on Apr 10, 2008 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
One thing about overworking the pen
is that the next series is in San Francisco, in a park that suppresses offense, playing an incredibly crummy offensive team (that will now go out and put 12 runs on the board tonight to show how little I know). If there is a time to overwork the pen without an off day, it's probably before going to San Fran, particularly with WW up tonight.
Smith in 1979 -- indeed, pre-1982 in general -- really was an offensive disaster, to the point that I wasn't thrilled when they traded Templeton to get him. Hoo boy, was I ever wrong, and it didn't take long to figure that out.
(that will now go out and put 12 runs on the board tonight to show how little I know)
It would surprise us (Giants' fans) too! We haven't scored more than four runs in a game yet and only did that once. That being said, I do hope we're all wrong and the Giants break out tonight!
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
-1
I hope the Cards will put the past AT&T woes behind them and knock the cover off the ball all series long.
Good to see fans of other teams check out the foe's team blog as well. +1 on that.
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on Apr 10, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
You guys have a great shot with Correia tonight and Zito tomorrow. I'm sure you'll have several of us from McCovey Chronicles on the in game thread tonight.
I had a real good friend in college who was a Cardinal's fan so I do root for you when you're not playing the Giants, great start to the season!
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Very gracious of you
though I have to admit the Giants are one of my most hated teams. You can thank Jeffrey Leonard for that...
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Hah....my friend and I were in several classes together in September 2002. He wouldn't talk to me for quite a while that semester.
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Was it Kenny Lofton
who was always whining about being pitched inside that series?
Needless to say, I can't let the '02 NLCS go either. That was the Cards' "team of destiny" (LaRussa's words, not mine). Yeah...that one hurt.
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
That sounds like Lofton, he was punk and a whiner, but I don't remember. I try to forget 2002 as much as possible.
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Question
I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this question but what did you guys think of the Zito deal at the time it was made? Did you figure that you overpaid but that salary inflation would make it look more reasonable over time? Just wondering. It sure looks like an ugly deal now and getting uglier all the time.
I guess in some ways I am fascinated by how bad the Giants are. How can Sabean keep his job? The team has had no real plan for years now. In some ways, as I saw the decline of Edmonds and Rolen over the last year & a half, I have been worried that the Cardinals would become the Giants.
At the time the fan base was upset because there weren't any moves being made. We feel it was a (bad) move to show the fans that the team was committed to improving during that offseason. We've been pretty incredulous that Sabean has been around as long as he has been. We're still cautiously hopeful that Zito can learn to pitch with his lost 5 MPH off his fastball and return to an above average pitcher. He'll still be overpaid but if he's healthy and average it should be an okay deal by the end of his contract (There's all the nice fluff...basically it is an ugly contract and getting uglier with every Zito outing this year).
The Giants are awful and they did have a plan, it was to overpay average veterans to fill in around Barry and hope he could carry the team. That plan got less effective for obvious reasons in the last few years. The main effect of that is that now we have a whole bunch of young players that don't have a lot of ML service time and nobody is really sure what they can do, except that none of the prospects are great (non-pitching prospects that is). Our hope is that one or two will shine and give us something to build a team around in the next few years.
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
What happened to Zitos Velocity?
Is this another case of Beane burning threw young talented arms and then trading or walking away from damaged goods?
He wore out Mulder...
Hardin seems to have complained as well about being told to pitch when he thought he shouldn't...
Maybe AZ should be careful with Haren huh?
"Why does he keep saying that?"
Beane and injuries
I don't get this aspect of the A's at all. If you're going to be a competitive downmarket team, it would seem to be a sterling investment to get first-rate medical and training staff and facilities, and get the very most out of the talent you have. Especially since their strategy for signing veteran free agents lately is to go after ones (i.e. Big Hurt, Mike Piazza) that are "undervalued" because they have very recent injury history.
Instead, I'd bet that Oakland has far and away the most lost injury time in the majors over the past five years. Not sure if this is tracked anywhere or not.
Smart money says that six years of this treatment will leave most players with a shell of their former potential.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
Yeah.
He seems to think pitching prospects are disposable.
I would like to see us make an offer for Hardin but they better break out the microscope before the pull the trigger.
"Why does he keep saying that?"
I'd make sure he can lift his arm over his head.
My physical for Harden:
1. Take him shopping for t-shirts, and make him put 50 of 'em on, and take 'em all off again in 15 minutes.
2. Fall down on the floor, and get up again without using his MedAlert bracelet. 15 times in 15 minutes.
3. Throw a football over that mountain over there.
If he passes all three, I give him 3 yr/ $36 mil. But not until then.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
50 shirts
Does he have to put all 50 of them on before he can start taking them off?
Stay-puft-marshmellowman
"Ninety percent I'll spend on good times, women, and Irish whiskey.
The other ten percent I'll probably waste."
- Phillies pitcher Tug McGraw, on his plans for his $75,000 salary
Final test
4. Make him wave his hands in the air like he just don't care.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 10, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Better yet
Make him take those shirts off and spin them round his head like a helicopter
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Demise of a proud franchise
I can't say I felt bad for the Giants over the last couple of years. So long as Barroid was on the team I was happy to see them lose. The Giants are one of the most storied and proud franchises and I now root for you guys to get back on track (after the next week and a half or course). A first good step would be to fire Sabean and hire someone who can draft a position player. For all the good young pitching the Giants have developed, they have done nothing on the position player side. I guess it might help to hang on to the occasional draft pick.
+1
Good luck May through September, fellas.
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, one of the downsides to signing all of the crafty veterans we did to support Bonds was the loss of so many draft picks.
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Bullpen workload - Apr/May
The shedule is pretty nasty for the Cards with one day off (Apr 14) between now and May 22nd. Combined with The Opening Day rainout, the boys are playing 50 games in 51 days, with 37 in a row starting on Tax Day.
We should see some creative use of the DL to give some rest to the bullpen as well as Memphis back/forth traveling for the young guys.
Why? Do they need a left handed 1st Baseman?
Just wanted to continue the daily thread on this question.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 10, 2008 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Wait, that sounds like a legit proposal.
I thought this was the daily gag thread.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
There is a new fanpost
It only fails to cite the WWL's quote that the "Giants are looking for a lefthanded slugging first basemen"
This is great
Ummm Villanova is like Miguel Cabrera lite (except not light) apparently
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Brilliant!!!!
Can we get Will the Thill back too......
Could our underperformance in Runs
be do to the high variance in the hitters in the lineup?
When you have Skip, Izz2, Miles and/or Kennedy all not hitting it cancels out Ank, Pujols and Molina.
Which points out how much a sink hole in the lineup really hurts.
Ozzie Guillen says that we aren't scoring many runs
because we are clogging the basepaths.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 11:02 AM EDT reply actions
"That's the school I come from."
"Who's been the champions the last seven, eight years?" he asked "Have you ever heard the Yankees talk about on-base percentage and walks? Walks help. But you ain't going to walk across the plate. You're going to hit across the plate. That's the school I come from.
"It's called hitting, and it ain't called walking. Do you ever see the top 10 walking? You see top 10 batting average. A lot of those top 10 do walk. But the name of the game is to hit."
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
That quote is a little dated...
I think it's from 2003. But I love seeing it in print. And either way, he's a major league asshat.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
it's especially awesome
since the yankees were #1, #3, #4, #7 and #1 in the AL in walks from '98-'02. They might not have talked about it, but they were doing plenty of it.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
News flash:
Ozzie Guillen's an idiot, on so many levels. If we were hitting more homers, those basepaths wouldn't be clogged.
Somehow, we are already outperforming
our pythag record. Strange.
If the Reds can get a victory this afternoon, the Cardinals can stand a full game ahead of the Brewers if only for a few fleeting hours.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply actions
The pythag for a 7-2 start
requires that a team score twice as many runs as it allows. So, for a W-L tally as lopsided as this, I'm not surprised, considering that we haven't been having continual blowout.
"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams
Looper Homerless Streak
The Houston announcers said that Looper has a string of something like 60 innings without giving up a HR. That's pretty solid.
Against Houston
I think the streak is only against Houston - still very impressive
even more impressive than that
he's thrown 72.1 innings against them, and he's NEVER given up a home run to Houston.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Holy crap
I don't know whether to upwardly adjust my impression of Looper, or downwardly adjust my opinion of the Astros offense...
Either way, that's a heckuva feat.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.
Psh, that's no big deal...
i've never given up a HR in Houston either :D
...just a bit outside....
by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Baker
He's actually keeping Cueto and Volquez on reasonable pitch counts. Next he'll be praising Adam Dunn's patient approach because he gets himself on base.
Reds could end up being pretty nasty here. That's a decent lineup already and they have uber prospect Bruce basically ready though he's struggled thus far in AAA. Harangatang (who is always criminally underrated), Cueto and Volquez are 100% Grade A filth, Arroyo, Fogg with Bailey for backup/bullpen help? That's a pretty good and extremely talented rotation. Cordero is overpaid but he's still good. Interesting the Comedy Central is getting pretty good.
Oh and for the love of god why don't we just call up Motte/Perez and send down Jimenez. It really doesn't hurt anyone to do that and it gets at least a desperately needed inning or two of a fresh arm for the Big Club.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
I agree on Motte ...
He is lights out right now and throwing in the high 90's ... hits 98 from time to time ... he would have to help us more than Jimenez ... but from Tony's perspective, it's experience vs. rookie ... plus, with Pineiro imminent appearance, the question is moot ... Jimenez or Motte would have to be sent down ... unless you send down Reyes, which I would not go along with ... isn't it GREAT to have so much relatively good pitching available right now? ... Motte's time will come ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Kelvin JÃminez of the 43 MLB innings = veteran?
I'm thinking it's way more likely that they're avoiding starting the option insanity on Motte/Perez
"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams
I think Motte is already using an option year by being on the 40-man
they had to option him at spring training's end, I believe.
If you see the word 'veteran' in my post ...
I'll eat it ... I said 'experience' ... 43 innings vs. 0 innings equals 43 times more experience ... I was just saying at least he's a known quantity, which Tony prefers ... otherwise, you point on starting options is well taken ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
ha! ...
I was thinking about that too ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't want to start the clock
I'm guessing they're leaving Motte/Perez down since they don't want to start their clocks and limit their ability to option them to and from the majors over the next couple of seasons. They might be thinking there's potential and want to wait until they really need one of them and he'll get innings, either later in the year or next. Since Springer is planning on coming back in 1.5 weeks and we appear to have a surplus of pitching coming in the next month or two, it's probably not worth it now. Jimenez is disposable and his clock is ticking so they don't mind him moving up and down.
They are already on the 40-man, their option years are already ticking
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Crap...
I hate it when facts get in the way of my supposedly brilliant reasoning.
you're right though
keeping them in memphis until June or so delays their arbitration clock a year. We'll have them for cheap for one more year by leaving them down until we need them.
I don't know if it's worth the $1 or $2M difference 3 years from now to keep inferior pitchers in the bullpen right now, however...
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
And even then
When whatever starter gets brought back from the DL it'll bump them back down to keep them from Super 2 status anyway.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Whew! At least I was half right
Thanks for helping me out a bit Sleepy. It will be interesting to see how this plays out if Springer doesn't progress in the next couple of days when he picks up a ball or if someone else buckles under the load. I gotta believe it would be worth the extra $1-3M a couple of years from now to bring one of them up then.
That explains why Perez isn't getting the call
The Motte vs. Jimenez debate is a bit curious since they're both burning their clock. Maybe they're thinking it'd be better for Motte's development to get more innings and in a bit more predictable role instead of being the "garbage" guy in the pen that has to take whatever comes his way????
I think TLR and DD still aren't convinced Jimenez
and his slider just aren't that good. That said, Motte needs to work on his secondary pitches and he's better off doing that in the minors than the majors. He really doesn't have much to speak of after his 98mph fastball (although that's a great starting point).
Motte was fun to watch
His fastball is something to see (unless you're the guy holding the bat)... His offspeed pitch was around 78 to 80, but could never tell what it was. The night we saw him (last week), he had trouble locating the slow stuff... so they pretty much just went straight fastballs all the way. I don't know if his fastball has movement, but nobody could touch him. Can't wait for him to be in St. Louis, but guess it will be in the call-ups later in the year.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 10, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
He can't possibly be worst than Jimenez with one plus-plus pitch and then slop
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
+1
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
But it might not be a matter of THAT so much as
Motte might be better off in Memphis than he would be in St. Louis, where he can appear in the game situations tat most suit his development needs, rather than being used intermittently when the big league team needs him the most..
Also, if the team sees him as a future closer or setup guy, they might want to lose him seven years from now rather than six years from now.
"You say the world has lost it's love. I say embrace what it's made of" - Dar Williams
Again I'm saying call him up for 3 games till Pineiro gets back
The big league club needs a few innings here or we're going to shred our pen in April. 3 games will not affect his arbitration. It will not affect his development. It could affect (positively) the Cardinals. Kelvin Jimenez certainly is likely to hurt them
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Jimenez is the 12th man on the staff
I'm not saying Motte isn't better but the upgrade from jimenez to motte (based on the innings they're likely to pitch) probably isn't more than marginal.
I like Motte a lot but he's still got some things that he can improve on and I think it's at least a defensible argument that it's easy to make those improvements/changes in the minors.
Not counting chickens
however, while we play face a formidable rotation in linecum and cain this weekend, the Giants have no real offensive power. At the same time, the Cubs and Brewers will be facing Mets and Phillies respectively.
The Brewers then come to town next week. It'd be nice if by this time next week, we could be talking about the Cardinals 5 game lead in the Central. Not likely, however.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 11:20 AM EDT reply actions
+1
Let's go for it ... I think this team can do it ... especially if Glaus and Skip continue to heat up ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
i competley agree
by no means is a sweep guaranteed with the giants two young studs pitching. i've seen cain pitch more, and that kid can flat out bring it. the Cards are definitely going to have their hands full with both of them.
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
good times, good times
one of my college roommate's favorite players made the Daily Fix's list... the imitable Jose 'Chico' Lind. If you recall, he got pulled over for wreckless driving - or some such drunken nonsense - and lo-and-behold, he wasn't wearing any pants.
For a brief time, 'Doing the Chico' was popular in our dorm hallway.
I'd rather my sister be a prostitute than my brother a Cub fan.
As bad as the Giants are
they have won their last 2 at home and are 2 and 1 at home so with Cain and Lincecom coming up, don't expect a sweep. a split would be exceptable. However I would rather face them winning their last 2 than loosing their last two. Law of averages you know.
sorry
i'm expecting a sweep.
...just a bit outside....
by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep those last 2 are tough
Yes the Giants are awful. But both Cain and Lincecum are worth paying to see right now. I'm particularly wanting to make the effort to see Lincecum when they come back here. When he's starting I'm watching MLB extra innings. When he's in town, I'm going to the game.
But yeah, they have absolutely nothing on offense. Could be one of the worst offenses in history when compared to its competition. Of course it's early to say something like that, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if they were that inept offensively.
by Merry CRasmus on Apr 10, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
anyone see SF's kid Sanchez throwing last night?
10 K's last night, 18 on the year in only 10 innings....
I'm glad we'll miss him...
From what I gather they need a left handed power hitting 1B
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Sanchez is terrible
i'd much rather face him then Lincecum or Cain. Last night was a complete anomaly (not to mention, SD's offense is awful).
...just a bit outside....
by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
"Terrible"?
He's a 25-yr-old lefty with 92 ip of big-league experience coming into the season... I never knew anything about him until I saw him pitch last night (he looked good) and then just now, when I looked up his numbers...
95 K's in 92 big-league innings suggests at the very least a live arm, and his minor-league numbers (3.43 era in 252 ip, with 333 K's and just 202 hits---and just 12 hrs) also suggest that he's someone who has a good chance to be a successful major-league pitcher.
I think it's a little early to be dismissing Sanchez as "terrible" although you sound as if you've watched him a lot more than I have so you probably have some justification... I'm just not seeing it from the things I've seen..
I agree
he's got outstanding stuff and just hasn't put it all together yet. He's not Lincecum or Cain but he's certainly not terrible. I'd take him right now over any pitcher on our staff not named Wainwright.
Interesting
He's had a lot of trouble adjusting to the major leagues, has been yanked back and forth between the bullpen, starting rotation and AAA in the last two years, and according to Baseball America, has the best changeup in the Giants system.
Sound familiar?
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
Kind of......
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
Maybe terrible was a little harsh...
but I do not find him to be all that impressive. He does have decent stuff, but it's really not much out of the ordinary.
...just a bit outside....
by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
He hasn't been terribly impressive in his career so far. He strikes out a lot of hitters but is very hittable at times. The coaches have tweaked his delivery a little and it seems to be paying off this year, he seems to have a better idea where the ball is going every time he throws it now. A couple of good signs last night were his calm after getting squeezed a few times last night and bearing down after an error by Rowand put runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Before he would have lost command and given up a ton or runs in those situations. We're hoping he's coming around.
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Because the learning curve is a bigger hurdle for some pitchers, I would
not label Sanchez as terrible. I would not be willing to throw him to the wayside just yet. either. He absolutely has a chance to put it together. If the Giants want to send him our way, I'd say "yes, thank you."
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
2 Cents
Why are people freaking out about Pujols' slide? I bet there are a ton of 2nd Basemen laughing at this. Every time they try to turn a double play, people slide half way into the outfield to take them out. Catchers wear a suit of armor and if Pujols makes the ball get by Towles, our runner would be able to advance...or not get thrown out. Yes, he slid away from the plate, but not by all that much. I guarantee you that Mr. Astos, Bagwell and Biggio would have slid the same way. I am glad Towles didn't get hurt, however.
Early musings:
McLellan has good stuff, but leaves too many pitches over the middle.
I get a sinking feeling every time Franklin enters a game.
Reyes stuff looks much more lively this season than at any time last year.
Glaus is really slow and has no range, but I like his clutch hitting.
Ankiel is one of the most exciting players in baseball. (Good or bad, you have to watch him)
Duncan still can't play the outfield.
Schumaker has hit the ball better than his average says, Kennedy the opposite.
This Barton kid has more pop in his bat than advertised.
I love Lohse's start, but let's not forget that Wells pitched great in the opener. Both have good stuff and tend to lose concentration on location. Let's hope Kyle solves this better than Kip did.
Izturis has played some good defense so far.
How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!
Glaus's range isn't bad at all.
he has been a pleasant surprise on defense so far this year. Obviously he's no Rolen, but i'd go as far as to say he's been an above average fielder for us so far this year.
...just a bit outside....
by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been pleasantly surprised
glaus looks like a totally different player at third right now than he did to start the year.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
I agree.
He looked good on that sac bunt he came in on and started a double play with...
"Why does he keep saying that?"
Ankiel = "must see"
Ankiel's at bats are the only ones I deliberately hush up and watch/listen to. Even more than the mang, he's got the electricity right now.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
McLellan vs. Tejada
I thought it was great for TLR to send McLellan against Tejada again. I think TLR has a way of building confidence in his players. I guess it's similar to him continuing to use Schu as lead off despite the slow start. I think riding the hot hand (Barton) would not be a bad idea either, but I think getting Schu going is important for the long run. Maybe TLR has a more prudent long term perspective this early in the year.
I can't disagree that he might have overworked Franklin last night and perhaps should have left McLellan in a little longer?
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
My observations have been
simuliar to yours, Elvis and all the flack about Pujols slide is just silly, silly silly.
I saw the slide again on a FSN replay last night from a birds eye camera
and I was flat out wrong yesterday. Towles was a good 1-2 feet in front of homeplate. Pujols went out of the way to take him out. I'm glad pujols called and apologized because it was flagrant contact.
If you can tag the base during the slide
It's clean. Even if you don't tag it, go ahead and take him out. Baseball is no pink tea, and mollycoddles should stay away.
by Midwestside on Apr 10, 2008 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
speaking of jose..
He is Mr Funky Stats.
He has 6 hits (only one for xtra bases, a double)
200/242/233
yet 6 RBIs
Here's the deal, I'm the best there is, plain and simple, I mean I wake up every morning and I kiss excellence, and nobody can hang with my stuff, uh, you know I'm just a, just a big hairy American winning machine.....
Hey stop it
You don't measure excitement in hits, RBIs or production, you measure it in handshakes, goofy dancing and flash.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
And he's a handsome dude....
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
Good point
Exciting=2*DancingFrequency + 3*compilication of handshakes + handsomeness + 100,000,000,000,000,000,000*does he play in New York
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Any ideas on Skip?
Did he do something different last night? Heckuva night for him.
The Poor RISP
Is there any correlation between the poor RISP numbers and what seems to be a lot of first-pitch swinging in those situations?
by Stache Guevera on Apr 10, 2008 12:47 PM EDT reply actions
giants
Lincecom is real and pitching the only game I'll get to see, the Sunday game, but the Giants offense is the equivalent of the game the Washington Generals bring (the team that used to lose to the Globetrotters) The Giants have scored 20 runs and given up 44. Yes Sanchez had a great game and lowered his ERA to 6.30.
I am so happy to have Ankiel hitting and we are in a pennant race. Maybe it's not real, but it sure is fun.
mulder
Anyone hear anything about yesterdays extended spring training performance? Anyone else a little concerned that we haven't heard anything about it?
I'm not concerned about Mulder
because I don't even think about him----for me, he doesn't even exist.
I'm not counting on him, because he's provn one thing as a Cardinal, and that's that he can't be counted on.
If he returns able to contribute, that's great and I will be excited by that, but for now I just won't even think about him until that day comes, if it ever does.
How does a team
alienate its fan base, destroy a baseball tradition, and break the hearts of school children all in one move? Doesn't seem possible does it? Well the Dodgers found a way.
There's a new rule in Dodger Stadium that allows only the rich kids to get autographs, while keeping the unwashed away from box-seat holders.
I know it's a couple of days old but I saw this too.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on Apr 10, 2008 1:40 PM EDT reply actions
Seeing as the main reason they moved
was that O'Malley was tired of only poor puerto ricans coming to the games as all the "white" people had left Brooklyn for the suburbs, this isn't particularly suprising.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 10, 2008 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
FWIW
There is an area at dodger stadium down the first and third base lines- plenty of room, actually- where kids can go and stand and get autographs. The field boxes are not that area. The guy who wrote that article is just trying to stir things up.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Disrespecting baseball?
In Los Angeles? Then it can happen anywhere.
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
LaRussa's First Goal met
5 games above .500
10 games above .500 is quite possible this month with all the home games left (AND if the pitching holds up). I'll keep dreaming.
Bullpen
Here's what they do: When Piniero returns, they ditch Jimenez b/c he's Kelvin Jimenez for Thompson. Then, if Franklin hits a wall, you have either Motte or Perez sitting there for a call up. Don't mess with Reyes, the lefties, or Izzy, b/c those components all appear to be solid (or, in the lefties part, the best under the circumstances).
I think that Pujols's slide was a bit excessive, and he did call to apologize, so I see this as a dead issue. It's baseball, its a rough and tumble sort of game played by tough, intense guys. Messages get sent, and getting all up in arms about it is silly. Pujols could have gone AJ Pierzynski on his ass and simply laid him out, but he didn't. He clipped him, feet down. This team has been quite tame the last few years, I'm glad to see them try to stick it in someone's ass for once.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Apr 10, 2008 2:51 PM EDT reply actions
When I think about Backe
jumping on top of the dugout railing and screaming like a 5 year old kid without his ritalin when Berkman hit a Crawford lazy pop fly/HR in '05, my empathy for his argument slightly decreases.
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Re: Pujols slide
If he called and apologize. You have to believe that he thought it was excessive too. If it was a case where he thought he was 100% in the right. He wouldnt have apologized.
yeah
it wasn't an outright over-the-top 'mean' play... i'd call it borderline. If that play happened at 2B on a DP, we wouldn't be discussing it; but since it happened at the plate and towles wasn't expecting that contact, it's a different story.
it's likely that after viewing the video, pujols second-guessed his decision to take out towles. those things happen when you play aggressively. Apu could have been belligerent and said 'i'm the mang. i apologize to no one.' instead he showed himself to be a bit soft-hearted, apologized, and moved on.. nothing wrong with that, either.
bottom line - you gotta like a superstar that is willing to get dirty - setting an example for the kids. and the apology was a classy move on his part, too.
I'd rather my sister be a prostitute than my brother a Cub fan.
Borderline
...is how I'd put it too. It could have been avoided, but wasn't. Pujols tried to bury the hatchet and diffuse the situation. Backe was the one acting like an immature jerk. As far as I'm concerned its all over, and Backe needs to chill out.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Apr 10, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
My suspicion is that the argument was less about the sliding incident and more about Backe being an idiot.
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Brew Crew down 4-1
top of the 8th
...just a bit outside....
by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 3:01 PM EDT reply actions
beautiful
ryan braun down on 3 pitches, cordero with the 8-pitch save!
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Excellent ... Win tonight guys ...
cushion our lead ... man, it feels good typing that ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
What happens when worlds collide?
Two of the Molina brothers will be facing off. I'm predicting something similar to 1980s Chuck Norris vs. 2005 Jack Bauer. Those Molina boys have a knack for melting the space-time continuum.
Predictions?
Holy crap
Bengie already has 3 long flies on the year (his career high is 19). What's Mama Molina been feeding her boys lately?
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
i'm thinking more
1990's harrison ford's jack ryan vs. '05 bauer.
all i know for sure is that whatever happens, it will happen verrrrrrrrrrrry slowly.
perhaps one of them will hit the molina family's first career triple.
Our Molina (Bengie) had a triple last year, see if you can find the video for it, absolutely hilarious.
by paboperfecto on Apr 10, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Molina Bro's
I believe Jose and Bengie has faced each other numerous times? I like all three of them brothers. Jose and Bengie were really good for the Angels years back.
On another note, I've always thought that Yadier would be able to hit just due to pedigree. Unfortunately, the pedigree also includes turtle-like speed.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
get ready for a big "if"
if the team plays .500 ball the rest of the year and finishes 5 games over .500 would anybody here be disappointed?
I would not.
I actually think this teams best chance for post season play is to sprint out of the gate and jog the rest of the way.
Nope ... But I expect to do better ...
still think we'll finish with 85-88 wins ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Really??? ....
Seems more like 78 more to go to me ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
And it 'only' takes playing .510 ball ....
to achieve it ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't smoke
But I have a few friends who might want to know who your supplier is or at the very least, is it Mexican or Columbian?
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 10, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Somehow I just knew
who the source would be.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 10, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
so could we ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just depends...
on how well Cueto and Volquez hold up. Arroyo and Fogg will be serviceable #5 types, but I doubt either keeps their ERA under 5. I'd be Homer Bailey replaces Fogg by June.
Their offense is definitely potent, especially with Corey Patterson having remember how to hit. Their Bullpen isn't any good, except for Cordero who proved he couldn't handle a stretch run last year.
Their defense is awful. Much like us, they have a lot of "if's"
...just a bit outside....
by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 10, 2008 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
nah, they'll start out strong and tail off just as they've done the last few years.
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 10, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Best record in NL after 10 games is likely
There's a better than 50-50 chance the Cards the best record in the NL (8-2) after tonight's game, with Wainwright on the mound. (A win would break the current tie with the idle D-Backs.) Cain and Lincecum don't pitch until Saturday-Sunday, and Cain's last outing was very poor. So taking 3 of 4 games is within reach, too. It would be sweet to face the Brewers Tuesday with a 9-4 record, or 10-3! The Cards now have a full one-game lead over the Brewers, who lost their second in a row to the Reds this afternoon.
Yadier's Giant bro Bengie is hot, with 3 homers already. Aside from Bengie, the entire Giant roster has only one four-bagger. I say give Bengie the Bonds treatment! Nothing good to hit....
The SF Chronicle this morning mentions AGAIN that the Giants are looking for a slugging lefthanded-hitting first baseman. Could they be giving the Cardinals a hint? Chris Duncan would love hitting over the right field wall into McCovey Cove. But if Barton establishes himself by July and Duncan has his power stroke back in a groove, those two would make too good a platoon to give up for what the Giants have to offer, I'd imagine. Skip Schumaker seems more likely to be traded when Rasmus is promoted.
Good post ...
Culture of Winning: 10 World Championships, 17 Pennants, 6 Division Championships ...
by Cardinals4Ever on Apr 10, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Chris Duncan is a lefty, right?
Maybe flip him for a young pitcher or something, I think the Giants have a couple...
We need a good April period.
Caught the Rox in a batting slump. Play nine games against SF/Houston/Nats. 18 home games (vs. 11 on the road).
I admittedly didn't expect to see this kind of competitive ball from our boys all year, so I'm really excited. But it's going to be a much tougher road ahead for the Birds.
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
D'oh
16 games against Hou/SF/Nats
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is why
It's important to get off to a good start. All we have to do is be within striking distances when we start getting or injuried SPs back. It's or best shot at making the post-season.
yeah, we have a pretty easy start to the season...
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 10, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Best record in MLB after today?
If the Orioles split their doubleheader today, and the Cardinals win tonight, the Cards will have the best record in all of MLB. The fact that it's not out of the question is amazing, considering how awful the sportswriters said the Cards would be.
Obviously, the Cards can't keep up the pace they've had so far, and, as Tudor's EF says, the schedule gets much tougher after this month, but, still, I'm staying with my preseason prediction of at least 85-88 wins for the Cardinals. If Pineiro comes back strong Sunday or next week and Mulder comes back strong next month, I may revise that to 87-90 wins!
The series vs. the Brewers starting next Tuesday and the repeat series vs. Milwaukee the following week should tell us whether the Cardinals could really be contenders, not mere pretenders.....
Scouting the Giants games this weekend
I'll be at the games this Saturday and Sunday, hoping to see whether Wellemeyer's recent pitching efficiency and suddenly found control (despite his team leading number of walks allowed in spring training) are from an adjustment in his mechanics or mental focus or just a fluke. I'm also hoping to see Pineiro Sunday, to check out whether or not he will pick up where he left off last year, in that outstanding final game vs. the Mets. He'll have a tough assignment, going against Lincecum....
I will be at the game on Friday night and Sunday! Go Cards!
When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?
by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 10, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Right now
this feeling is second to watching our team play in October. What a gift that we get to watch a competitive team out of the gates. Kudos to the job this team's done so far. Keeping the low (or reasonable...whatever adjective you want to use) expectations attached to this team in preseason allows us to view this start in the perspective it deserves - amazing.
I don't want to take this start for granted by discussing 95 wins just yet, though.
"Well, folks, this game began as a tiny worm and is blossoming into a large cobra." - Mike "The Moon Man" Shannon
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Apr 10, 2008 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone..
I was a huge pessimist before the first game, and I haven't posted since then. So far, these guys have proven me wrong.
I love it.. between the new kid who loves to play (Barton), the natural (Ankiel), things falling into place for Glaus, we having one of the best hitting prospects in baseball.
Wagonmaker's throwing tonight..
Life is good.
that and Pujols the tough guy. I'll play through a bad injury till the end of my career, and run over the rookie catcher!
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 10, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I am quite excited!
I just scored tickets at face value for behind home plate for tomorrow nights game! I promise to represent Cardinals fans well!
When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?
by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 10, 2008 5:25 PM EDT reply actions
How are the Giants fans?
Will I catch much crap for rooting loudly, decked in StL gear from head to toe?
Gaints Fans
They usually only hate the dodgers from what i've seen. I will be there in full cardinal regalia, the only thing i'm worried about is the ride over on the muni.
by davethebutcher on Apr 10, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Dodger Haters
SoCal fans call the NoCal fans battery-chuckers... But they are not hostile to anyone else. Maybe they might hate the Friers, now that they have become a good team in recent years. I think Westcost fans are fairly mellow (not saying they are bad fans). East Coast is where I would worry about mean and downright nasty fans, e.g. the Vet in Philly.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
Giants fans are okay
I have attended several games decked out in full Cardinals regalia and have never gotten anything beyond some gentle teasing!
Effin, will you be sporting the pre-playoff beard?
When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?
by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 10, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm stubble-icious
but not beardy yet. Hopefully there will actually be a reason to beard it up come autumn.
I remember a game years ago in Pitt...
Me and a bunch of guys right after high school went on a stadium tour.
We stopped in Pitt and got to watch the cards and bucs go at it...
We were the only ones cheering at first and it was ll you could hear us cheering for the Cards. A little heckling for the OF's as well.
The stadium was pretty empty.
All the sudden though the few Pirates fans who were there started cheering louder for the home team.
It was that St. Louis spirit for baseball we brought with us that finally got them going.
"Why does he keep saying that?"
Tickets
Not sure if it's okay to post this but I have tickets for tonights game and saturdays game. They are view box tickets and I am selling them way below cost (got them from Costco). I have 2 tickets for tonight and saturday, $25 a pair (regular price is $33 a ticket). I bought a four pack but can only use 2 of the four. Call me if you're interested - 415-690-5712. Would love to sit with some cardinal fans.
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