A. Grade: A. Who would have guessed first place? 8-3 start?

B. I'd flip Barton and Izz2 because the "crazy 8" lineup means you need some power threat in the 2 hole.

C. I agree with you, baron. I go back and forth on this. I think you develop a rhythm with a regular platoon. Guys need to know they will play against certain pitchers and not necessarily based on the manager's hunches. Still you have to have the leeway to play the guy who's hot. That's why these guys get paid to do what they do--and we just get to gripe about how they should listen to us more often.

no tv for you:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/54D4CB2E5581B22C8625742800792AC0?OpenDocument

But okay, here you go:

1. LaRussa I give a B+. The only reason it's not an A is because some roster choices were forced upon him, ie Spiezio getting waived (not saying he didn't support releasing Speezer, but if SS hadn't had the DUI/assault charge no way he isn't on the roster...and conversely no way a young guy like Barton probably is), and Mo forcing Reyes onto the 25 man roster. If I give an A, it's to Mozeliak for being his own man, getting along with Tony, but being the GM when he needs to be. I like the youth movement, but I don't think it would have been as full steam ahead if TLR called all the roster shots.

2. I think we would all agree that on April 1st, if TLR had submitted a lineup with Izturis in the 2 spot, we would have hoped it would have been quickly followed by an "April Fools!". But now it's not so crazy an idea. And although you make solid points about having Isturis in the 2 spot, I agree with gocards62 about flipping them. Izturis, whether he walks, singles, or doubles down the line and then skips from 2nd to 3rd, gets on base. And hitting in front of Pujols is the best spot in baseball, so Barton will see some good pitches to hit. I think you have a more dangerous combination at the top of the lineup that way.

C. Not a big fan of it, but TLR's done it his whole career and he's only the winningest manager in Cards history and is going to the Hall of Fame when he retires, so I live with it. I think it really hurts some players, like a Chris Duncan and Jimmy, but people generally adapt. Hitting is still hitting, whether it's from the 2 spot or 6. Except, apparently, for Troy Glaus in cleanup. He's historically poor in that spot, but does pretty well in the 5 spot. Go figure.

I would keep Izturis in the 9 spot: 1) it's a 'second' lead-off position, and 2) he's comfortable there ... his comfort is the reason for his success ... moving him up in the order will probably just screw him up ...

I would keep Skip in the lineup ... leading off ... I want his .295 against righties and his hot bat ... I would start Barton also and keep him at the 2 spot ... I love the way Ludwick is playing, and would like to start him, but, I think I would bring him in as a replacement in the middle of the game for whatever OF is not having a good game ...

Let's raise some Cain, Cards!!!

I liked last nights line up. I would do it again 'cept Rick is in for Ludwick and Kennedy for Miles.
Schu
Barton
His Eminence
Glaus
Rick
Molina
Kennedy
Welley
Iz2

Well since I am not in school anymore I refuse to answer this quiz, a pop quiz no less. Perhaps if I was given time to prepare and research I would be able to answer these questions. You would have to point at gun at me to make me answer these questions...hmm is that a .45 pointing at me? Alrighty! On with my answers.

1. I would give him an A-, a 91% because I like the use of the youngsters. I would give him a higher grade if our starters could make it into the 7th inning more frequently. I know this isn't completely his fault, but in a few months it is going to become a huge deal when arms start falling off, so I am concerned about the use of the pen. Also, who knew that AK and Iz2 wouldn't suck it up this year! I guess it is still early.
2. I like the lineup. I like any lineup that keep Barton in the game. This kid, to me, might force the team to move Dunc when CR is ready to come up and Dunc could land us more pitching prospects which is always a good thing to have.
3. I can go either way. But, given the shear number of wins TLR has I guess he might know something about how to build a lineup.

after the night he had last night, especially against a RH? Barton's great and all, but I believe he's done so well because of Tony's judicious use of him.

Tony gets an incomplete - we've won because of pitching mostly. Tony hasn't screwed it up (big plus for putting Reyes in at Houston) so I guess that gets him a B+.

Flipping Iszturis and Kennedy: given the stats so far this year it makes sense. Career numbers would put it back the other way I think.

I think the constant lineup shifts are good. Especially for young players and early in the year. Right now Barton, Schu, Ankiel, Ludwick, and Duncan all think they might start each game. I think that's contributing to their performances in a good way.

Just Like a star pitcher that needs to repeat his delivery Tonys style is consitent and relentless. When the players listen to his message they reflect that same consistentcy and relentlessness.(if that is a word)

As we saw last season some guys weren't buying what Tony was selling.

I like the young players with Tony as the Manager because you know...

1)he won't cut corners

2)he will always put them in a position to succeed.

3) they will learn how to play the game the right way. Team first not me first.

On the line-up I wanna see this one...

Schumacher
Barton
Pujols
Ankiel
Glaus
Molina
Kennedy
Pitcher
Izturis

I am of the opinion that Ank should always be in the 4 spot. He sparks the offense.

The point you made about not having so many slap hitters bunched up at once is spot on.

And if TLR decides to start Skippy he can just swap him with Barton and have him hit leadoff and Duncan could replace Lud in the 6 spot.

Also, I really like Glaus hitting 5th and not cleanup. I believe someone mentioned in last night's game thread that Glaus has hit better in his career in the 5 spot.

I posted a comment on a thread (and it might have been yours, can't remember) but it was my concern for the bottom four hitters and how something had to be done. your idea to me should be tried as it could possibly distribute the offense better in the line up, as the weak bottom four will certainly come to bear before long, but this lineup depends on Kennedy contributing at least something exceptable. If not, if not that is a separate issue that will have to be addressed.
Some here have stated here that they would rather izturis leadoff and then Barton 2nd. I don't prefer that. I think Barton's speed, baserunning and hitting ability makes him more value in the leadoff spot with izturis task to move him into scoring position however he can, by walk ,bunt or ground out or what ever.
Remember, power is just as good in the 1st slot as the 2nd slot.. I just think Barton then Izturis gives Pujols a better chance of having someone to drive home.

First off Baron, your lineup is pretty close to what Pinto's lineup tool says is the best for producing runs. Ridiculously small sample size warning, yada yada yada. Izturis 1, Barton 2, Pitcher 8, Kennedy 9 show up in the top lineups. Nice work.

A: I don't think TLR deserves anything lower than an "A." It's hard to argue with most of what he's done, especially with bullpen management.

B: Lineup. Wish Duncan could swing himself out of his small funk and work his way back to the starting nine, but it's tough pulling any of those three OFs in your lineup out.

C: Okay with the lineup shifts. Hoping that TLR is just trying a bunch of them now to figure out what is working best.

Ahhhhh - Its good to be back at the VEB. I finally have accepted the new format and "reclaimed" my screen name.....

Anywho, as to LaRussa, you are completely right. I like having the crotchety field general on my team. The upside is having a resilient team that continues to fight and almost always, "plays a hard nine."

The downside is his role in bringing back guys like Miles who the manager simply just "likes" rather than giving the Hoffpauir's or Worrell's, of the world a chance.

I'll take the downside because the underlying philosophy seems to be one of "earning your stripes" which is not the case with other teams. Most managers these days change their style to mold well with there players because somewhere deep down they know that the player support (read superstar support) is going to be the difference between them having or not having a job someday. LaRussa on the other hand doesn't seem to give a flying F if Rolen, Edmonds, Kippy or anyone else doesn't like it. He's the boss. That's just plain refreshing. Wouldn't want it any other way...

I still reserve the right to complain though! Here's hoping LaRussa whoops are guys into a 500 record at the all star break and we trot out this lineup on a daily basis at some point this summer:

1. LF - Brian Barton
2. CF - Colby Rasmus
3. 1B - Albert Pujols
4. RF - Rick Ankiel
5. 3B - Troy Glaus
6. SS - Tyler Greene (I know, pipe dream)
7. C - Yadi Molina
8. Pitch
9. 2B - Jarret Hoffpauir

1 SP - Chris Carpenter
2 SP - Adam Wainright
3 SP - Kyle Lohse
4 SP - Mulder/Clement
5 SP - Joel Piniero

1 RP - Izzy
2 RP - Chris Perez
3 RP - Franklin
4 RP - Worrell
5 RP - Loopy
6 RP - Tyler Johnson (yes only one lefty)

Bench
OF - Lefty mashing Amary Marti/Joe Mather
OF - Skippy
OF - Duncan(split evenly with Barton)
C - Bryan Anderson (I know dreamon)
IF - Brendan Ryan
IF - Adam Kennedy

I'll keep dreamin...

I seriously can't believe that they are showing us the red sox/yankees game instead of the Cardinals game here in St. Louis.
I hate Fox.
I hate New York.
I hate the cubs.

By the way, wouldn't it be a complete disaster being a Giants fan when Cain or Lincecum weren't starting. Good luck Giants fans - I really hope they put together a decent lineup for you....

Is Zito done or what? He really is terrible. The SF announcers said that last night performance was an improvement! Really? He couldn't break 84 with a fastball, and the Cards just sat there and waited for one. They all timed his junk breaking stuff and knew that they could catch up to a fastball when thrown. This could be the worse signing in the history of the game!

9-3 and secure the best start during the TLR-era in St. Louis.

First of all I feel TLR & DD have done a fantastic job with this young team. I won't second guess the dynamic duo. But I agree with Red. Mix up the line-up. Keep the opponent guessing. The young talent on this team is just thrilled to be in the big show, & I feel they are up for the challenge no matter where they are in the line-up.

TLR really is a great manager, who is constantly presented with challenges that other HOF managers don't get. He copes well and consistently pulls out better results than most other managers would have. Imagine what would have happened if it had been announced that Joe Torre would have the honor of having a Cesar Izturis-type as starting SS just before the 2003 season.

That said, I actually am not crazy about his bullpen use. He's overexposed several of the better relievers. Some of his late game substitutions have been headscratchers.

I don't think the criticism re: Reyes is valid. TLR stuck with Reyes through three innings in a close game after Thompson's weak start, including allowing him to bat the other day. If that doesn't show confidence in him, I don't know what does. Except maybe giving him a starting role, and I can't fault him after Reyes' 2007 and a generally good showing by Thompson.

I think juggling the lineups, both in terms of where and when players bat, keeps the competition up in the dugout. Only four of our eight positions are really "guaranteed" a start. The corner OF and middle IF have to work for it. That keeps people's heads in the game. That also keeps developing hitters from getting overexposed too quickly and having their flaws exposed to opposing pitchers.

in 11 games. The initial reaction by many seems to be that he's now going to be getting on base on a regular basis. I think everyone is reading WAY too much into 11 games. Izturis is most likely the same player he was two weeks ago. Don't be deceived by the early returns and using results based analysis.

be the guy with more power. I want the #2 guy to get on base, but I'd also like Albert to come up without having first base open. The ideal inning is: Barton leads off with double; #2 hitter Izturis walks or singles, thus making them pitch to Albert. If your #2 guy is clearing the bases with a homer (admittedly, a positive thing), or doubling, either way Albert comes up in a position where the other team doesn't have to pitch to him. IOW, as a general principle, what I want is for both my #1 and #2 hitters to be high-OB guys, but of the two, I would put the more powerful hitter in leadoff, not 2nd.

But the Brits spell quarelled with the double-L (at least in my experience). Nonetheless, after studying there, it was a very enjoyable theme and greatly appreciated.

As for TLR, it is undeniable that he has done a good job as manager, but the high marks undoubtedly go to Mo for the offseason personnel moves that put TLR in a position to succeed. Shipping out Jimmy opened the way for a younger, more productive OF while the trading of Rolen netted us a plausible threat with the bat behind Pujols. Furthermore, his pitching additions look to make our former weakness a strength.

The TLR philosophy on the field is great, but I firmly believe that managers make a minimal difference in the outcome of games. Personnel is driving force behind success. Look at Torre (bad with the Cards, good with the Yanks), Art Howe (good with the A's, not so much with the Mets), etc.

As for the No. 2 hole, I nominate Rasmus (at least after this month since he is coming to Des Moines at the end of it to face off against the I-Cubs).

see infielders playing the outfield anymore (one of my previous pet peeves about TLR), my main quarrel with TLR is that he won't put a young player into the lineup for an extended period to see what he's really got. One earlier commenter said he thought Barton's sparing use was appropriate because he hasn't proved himself yet. My approach would be to put the kid in the lineup every day for at least 10 straight games. I believe that some players need an extended stretch of dependable playing time to show their true level of performance. So I would urge Tony to give extended stretches of PT to Barton, Schu, and Ludwick (not all at the same time).

is it in effect this week? We thought it was last week and it didn't blackout the game. I'd really like to know if I should be sitting in front of my PC at 4 today.

A. How would you rate the job LaRussa is doing so far this season?
Let’s see. TLR’s decisions have been questioned very often in this young season.
- Remember the errors Iz2 had in ST? And VEB reacting to TLR’s comment that Iz2 had good defense and good hands?
- Playing Ank in Centerfield? It’s looking to be pretty good, surprisingly.
- Balancing playing time among outfielders, and allowing Schu to get going. I know that some folks complained because they wanted more Barton, but we need to get all the guys going. TLR had commented on Schu’s golden defense, and it sure fires up a team when someone is gunned down at the plate.

So I think I would rate TLR pretty good so far for his long term approach. But the season is long and there are tough decisions ahead dealing with pitchers and outfielders.

Related question: How would we rate the job VEB is doing in rating/commenting on LaDunc so far this season? C-.
I have nothing against questioning LaDunc’s moves. I think questioning things is a health exercise, and it’s a lot of fun to explore alternatives. But I feel that many are not very fair-minded in their comments. I just hope that folks would eliminate the vitriol that accompanies the questioning. Also, I think some of LaDunc’s comments on players have been micro-analyzed. Those one-line comments can many times be construed in various ways, so it’s dangerous to read too much into them, especially when one assumes an agenda behind the comments. I know that some of you didn’t want two more years of LaDunc, but they are here so let’s be supportive.

I am also hoping that we will tone down the hating on Duncs Jr and Sr. It seems like some look for every opportunity to trash them. We need to get Dunc Jr’s bat going, and it doesn’t happen unless he has playing time.

B. What do you think of my lineup?
Sound like a good idea, but I do like TLR’s tinkering.

C. Related point: In general, how do you feel about the constant shifting of the lineup?
I think it’s great if it is: building and not taking away confidence, building up potential trade values, exploiting matchups…

Total tangent… How about WunderBrad batting .333 with 2 RBI’s, and Tony squeezing him?

I generally hold my tongue when the Tony bashing begins around here, but I'll bite here and say I think Tony deserves tremendous credit. Playing winning baseball year after year is nigh impossible, and who but the manager should get credit when you play above your pyth record? He has a style, doesn't work for every player (see e.g. Toronto 3b), but it gets results.

I note with mild amusement RB's lineup has the pitcher batting 8th. Have we agreed as a community that LaRussa wins on that one? He's finding other converts. Not many managers can claim to successfully buck a 120 year tradition.

Subject change, if I were Mo', I'd be packaging Duncan and pitching and looking for a real middle infielder. Barton and Schu and Ludwick are for real (and don't even think about trading Ank). I would love to see what we could get for Dunc and either Welly or Thompson out there. The Itz/Kennedy/Miles platoon is our achilles heel in waiting. Let's address it now.

A) I would give LaRussa an A- on the season. I am usually conservative with grades. I have been extremely impressed with his focus on fundamentals in the field and at the plate. This team has significantly upgraded in both areas this year, so far. I like what he has done with rotating guys in and out this early in the year. I hope he settles it down later. I think he has probably over-used some of the bullpen this year, but I don't fault him too strongly as the starters are still stretching themselves out.

B) I like your lineup. I would probably start Schumaker over Barton. He is hitting well and he is LH. I would do a direct replacement in the lineup. I know that will probably cost you some power from that spot, but hopefully he'll make up for it in the doubles department.

C) I'm not a huge fan of constantly shuffling the lineup. I think Glaus needs to be fixed at the 5 spot, with Ankiel in the 4 spot. I'm not expecting much change, though. This is LaRussa's MO, and it works for him.

but Iz2 won't walk for crap in front of Albert, so eliminate any OBP he'd receive from walks and it falls solely on his ability to hit.

on MLB.tV, so I have to imagine that those of us outside the STL/SFG markets will be able to watch the MLB.tv feed.

Love him, btw. I agree with starting him over Skip.

a damn good one so far.

I defend him with friends every chance I get. I think he is the best in game manager in baseball today. He does more with minimal talent than any manager I've ever seen. I was extremely excited when we resigned him this year because I knew this team would go to hell the second he left St. Louis.

1: Tony has to have a fairly high rating with the team in first place and the pitching coming around and the defense really looking solid.

2. Your line up isn't bad, but Skip is the hottest bat right now, plus he's getting on base a ton right now. What about this...

RF Skip
SS Iz2
1B "5"
CF Slick Rick
3B Glaus
C Yadi
2B AK
Pitcher
LF Barton

It puts Yadi in the 6 spot and I really don't like that (maybe Dunc can play C...kidding) but you have Barton, Skip, and Iz2 in front of the big bats; one of the 3 should get on.

3. The shuffling around show how much Tony really wants to win this year, it’s easy to run the same 8 out there every day, but this takes work. The young guys on the team don't care where they hit as long as they play, I don't really worry about them. "5" is always in the 3, Rick is 4 against RHP and 2 against LHP, and Glaus is 4 and 5, and the pitcher 8. There are a lot of other changes but they have been productive so I say lets keep shuffling and keep the hot bats on the field.

1. Schu
2. Duncan
3. Pujols
4. Ankiel
5. Glaus
6. Kennedy
7. LaRue
8. Welly
9. Iz2

Not a fan of sitting Yadi. Guess LaRue is due for a hit or two, right?

Is TLR reading VEB? I LOVE Glaus hitting 5th!

A. LaRussa, I give you a B+. can't argue with the record, although...
B. I like this lineup here, and wouldn't mind seeing it in play (chances are, we will). But, why not just keep last night's lineup?
C. I think I wrote about this at some point, but I kinda think with this new team a more consistent lineup would behoove them. less of a matchup based deal, and a more role-driven familiarity would work well with these guys, imho.
Season's still young though...