Izzy or isn't he? (plus Game 39 Open Thread)
by chuckb on May 11, 2008 1:51 AM EDT
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In considering the Izzy situation, I’m less ready than others to write his obit just yet. He’s had some bad outings, to be sure, but we forget that he was pretty good as the year began. He didn’t just lose it between April 9 and April 12 of this year. What’s interesting is that the year started with him coming out like gangbusters – he pitched in 6 of the Cards’ first 9 games and had 5 saves and 5 baserunners allowed w/ 7 K’s in his first 6 IP this year. Granted, it’s a small sample size but w/ closers we’re almost always dealing w/ small sample sizes.
Yet, something did change after that 6th game. Did LaRussa use him too much in the first week and a half? I’d have a hard time believing that. We’re talking about 6 freaking innings. Thursday, LB referred to the fact that so few of his strikes have been on swings-and-misses but that problem has been magnified since his April 9 outing against the Astros. In his first 6 appearances, he had 9 swing-and-misses. Since then, in his last 12 appearances he’s only had 11. During this stretch of 12 games, he’s walked 6 and given up 16 hits in 9.2 IP. He’s given up his only 2 homers of the season and only struck out 4 batters. It’s a distinct difference from the way in which he started the season. This gives me hope.
Is Izzy done? I don’t think so. His first 6 IP (small sample size caveat) were too much like last year and the rest of his career for me to think he lost it for good between his 6th and 7th appearance this year. Still, though he has suffered some tough times in his career, with the exception of his injury-riddled 2006, it’s the roughest stretch of his career. Other bad stretches:
| Year | IP | H | RA | BB | K | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 11.1 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 2 |
| 2005 | 18.2 | 20 | 12 | 10 | 21 | 2 |
| 2002 | 11.2 | 15 | 11 | 3 | 12 | 2 |
| 2001 | 12.1 | 20 | 9 | 6 | 13 | 2 |
| 2000 | 18 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 13 | 4 |
Though this is the roughest stretch of his career, he’s been through rough times before. He even went through a fairly rough stretch last year and one in the Cards’ 100 win season (2005). What strikes me about this stretch and, to a lesser degree, last year’s is the high number of walks and the low number of strikeouts. 4 K in 9.2 IP, to me, is problematic – more so for him than for Ryan Franklin b/c Izzy depends on the K much more than Franklin. That K rate is about half his career average – a sizable dropoff and one that needs to be fixed if Izzy’s going to have any success this year.
Tony chalks this up to mechanics and Izzy insists he’s not injured. I’ve seen nothing to contradict that. His fastball still gets up there in the 92-94 range and his curveball still has a lot of bite. I see no indication he’s injured or that his stuff is significantly worse than in the past. The results are, of course, a lot worse but I don’t see why it’s not correctable. There’s one thing I definitely see and that’s that his cutter’s not cutting. Right now it’s a terrible pitch – like a slider that just spins in the middle of the zone. Tony believes that fixing his mechanics can get him on the right track; I hope he’s right. I can say this – he’s got to get that cutter out of the middle of the zone or he’s going to get hit hard often.
I got to wondering about similar closers and when they seemed to "lose it." Is it possible that Izzy really is done? His top comparables from baseball-reference include people like Ugueth Urbina, Jeff Brantley, Armando Benitez, Rod Beck, Todd Worrell, Jeff Shaw, and Robb Nen. All of these guys, at one time, were pretty good closers. Nen was fantastic until injury ended his career. Benitez, at times, was dominating. So, how old were they when they just lost it? Urbina – 30; Brantley – 33; Benitez – 33; Beck – 30; Worrell – 37; Shaw – 33; Nen – injured and never threw another pitch following his age-32 season. Yikes! Izzy is now 35 years young. Is it possible we’re lucky to have gotten those extra 2 years out of him? While I would argue that Izzy’s been better than most of those guys on that list, baseball-reference found that Izzy’s numbers were more similar to these guys than people like Hoffman, Rivera, and Billy Wagner.
Even so, I expect to see Izzy pitching in the 9th again this season. Friday, LB predicted that Franklin would get the first call and yesterday’s game proved him correct. Franklin handled it well, though Ludwick’s 9th inning, 2 out single helped provide a buffer to settle any butterflies that Franklin may have had. Tony’s planning a closer-by-committee approach for the time being – using Franklin, Springer, and maybe even Flores (gulp!) in the 9th until he’s ready to stick Izzy back in there. To me, that’s the biggest indicator that Tony sees this as temporary. Nobody’s more in favor of relievers having definite roles than Tony. If Tony felt Izzy’s problems couldn’t be fixed, he’d try to find a permanent closer, whether it be Franklin, Springer, McClellan, or Chris Perez. The fact that he’s going to go closer-by-committee tells me he doesn’t anticipate Izzy throwing in mop-up duty for too long.
Unlike a lot of others, I thought the saddest news of the week (Cardinal version; let’s not get too carried away in talking about sadness w/ tens of thousands killed in a cyclone in Myanmar) was the Pads’ release of Jim Edmonds. While I see Izzy’s situation as temporary, there’s little doubt that Jimmy is done. He was pretty bad for us last year and has been awful for the Padres this year. Who’s going to pick him up? Anybody think Jimmy’s going to be willing to go to AAA to try and fight his way back to the majors? Me, neither. Looking back, it would’ve been great if he had just sailed away into the sunset following the Cards’ tremendous postseason run in ’06 but….well, we all know the rest.
When he was traded last December, I waxed poetic (as poetic as I get, which isn’t very damned poetic, BTW) about Jimmy’s leaving the organization and his chances of making the Hall of Fame. I’d like to draw your attention back to that post – not b/c I think it was Pulitzer Prize winning stuff – but b/c, w/ Jimmy about to begin his 5 year clock, I surprised myself when I was able to make a pretty good case for him getting into the Hall of Fame. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t think he’ll make it but I started that journey believing him to be in the mold of Andre Dawson or Dale Murphy. He was much better than that. I still think he’s about 2 pretty good seasons from being a definite Hall of Famer but he still merits discussion.
That post compared Jimmy’s Hall of Fame numbers to the average Hall of Fame CF, using metrics established by baseball prospectus. His career WARP3 was 105.2, compared to the average Hall of Famer’s 109.1. Just 4 wins short for his career. And the average Hall of Fame CF includes people like Mays, Mantle and Dimaggio. His peak WARP3 was 5.5 wins higher than the average Hall of Fame CF and his JAWS score is slightly better than the average Hall of Fame CF. Jimmy’s problem, as I said then, was that a lot of Jimmy’s value came from the fact that, in his prime, he was a fantastic defensive CF. That means, of course, that his offensive numbers are lacking, compared w/ the other CF’s. There are no CF’s in the Hall of Fame b/c of their defensive ability alone. If Ozzie or Bill Mazeroski played CF, they wouldn't be in the Hall of Fame. Granted, Jimmy was better than those 2 offensively but he wasn't Mantle or Mays.
I have no idea how the Hall of Fame voters will act when his name appears on the ballot 5 years from now. Hell, it’s hard to predict what they’ll do w/ Clemens and Bonds, to say nothing of people like Jim Edmonds but it would be a tragedy if he doesn’t get the 5% required to be on the ballot a 2nd year. It’s likely Jim friggin’ Rice will make the Hall of Fame this year and Rice is nowhere near as good a ballplayer as Jimmy Edmonds was.
It won’t, however, be tragic if Jimmy never becomes a Hall of Famer. It won’t even be a miscarriage of justice. It is, though, if not tragic then extremely unfortunate the way his career ended. Jimmy deserved better than that. At the time, I supported the trade to the Padres. The job of the Cards’ front office is to put together a team that will win games and Jimmy just wasn’t in the game-winning business anymore. And David Freese isn’t doing too badly w/ Memphis – his first year above A ball. He’s not ready to take Glaus’ spot at 3B, but he might be this time next year. Still, I would’ve liked to have seen Jimmy return to St. Louis w/ the Pads in mid-July and the standing ovation that he would have received, even as a member of the Padres. Alas, it was not to be. You’ll be missed Jimmy. You were a helluva player and baseball, and St. Louis, was better off b/c you played the game.
Well, here we are. Another Sunday, another rubber game. Our old friend, Supp, takes the mound for the Brewers. It’s fitting, I suppose.
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Goold's bird land blog
Derrick writes about Izzy’s abandonment of the curve in recent weeks. Of course the off speed stuff generally is the stuff that misses bats. If you really bring the heat you might miss a lot with a fastball, but for many pitchers the fastball draws more foul ball strikes and fewer swing and misses. And lately all he is throwing is fastballs and cutters.
Going back to Larry’s point a few days ago. There is slippage in Izzy’s ability to miss bats. I’m wondering now though to what degree the fastball and the cutter have slipped. Could this be as much about pitch selection as it is a loss of stuff.
I don’t think the cutter has been worth a darn, just like anybody that has been watching the games. But I must admit that I am now beginning to wonder if this is as much about hitters sitting on it as it is poorly locating it.
I tend to agree.
im not dropping Izzy from my fbb team fwiw.
he started off great and closers have their ups and downs, look at Fuentes. Three time? all star, replaced by Corpas…infact they chose to sign Corpas to the extention instead of Fuentes. And look where he is now.
Then again Fuentes has some youth on his side.
I think the main reason most people think he is done is the way he is talking.
He sounds like he doenst believe, like he doesnt want to be out there…and thats just not good.
I know what its like to do a faceplant in front of a crowd, it sucks, but you have to keep going back out there and trying. He has always done that, he has always had the short memory…but not now.
If you are in St. Louis check out my band, Griffin and the Gargoyles
(formerly Gargoyle Reign, Gargoyle Lounge)
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com
www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
:-D
yesterday i debated whether it was mechanical or physical
and really speculated that IF it were physical it was something slight that izzy might just be compensating for. I also suggested that this move was temporary and it was significantly related to his abandonment of the curve.
Now I may be throwing wild ideas into the wind at this point, but seeing how bad izzy’s been, I have to wonder whether in addition to lack of curve recently, if he’s just not tipping his pitches in some very obvious way. I realize that obvious should mean obvious to everyone on his team as well as the pitching staff/coaches, but it makes me wonder. His skill can’t just leave the way it did.
So i’m still torn between some minor physical issue, some alteration in mechanics which has impacted pitch selection, or now, tipping pitches.
if someone covered this in the past, I apologize for not being able to read the 1000 posts that come in everyday on the site now (go VEB!).
What mechanics exactly?
I coach golf and my experience is that “if you don’t test, it’s a guess.” I hope the coaches are using 2-D video and 3-D motion capture to analyze Izzy’s mechanics to determine why his “cutter” isn’t cutting? So far I’ve got more questions than answers.
I would personally be looking at his leg drive.
We know his hip is arthritic. It may not be a case of pain, but merely a loss in range of motion due to the arthritis. He may not see it as an injury, but it would certainly change his mechanics. A short leg drive would start to leave the ball up in the zone, and could possibly cause a lack of movement by not being able to finish off the cutter.
I’m simply making a guess, but that would be where I would start looking.
Other than Rivera, Hoffman, and Eckersley,
Are there any other prominent closers that have gone into their late 30’s? I guess Wagner is still pretty good, but I think NY’ers have the opinion that he is maddeningly inconsistent.
Age catches em all, sooner or later. Could it be that Izzy just needs more rest between games, since he is now older? That maybe he can go twice a week, but no more?
I know he only pitches 1 inning each appearance, but for a guy thats 35, who has been seriously banged up over the last couple years, maybe TLR should just use him more sparingly.
On another note, has anyone heard about Clement or Carpenter’s progress? Cause, Clement is way overdue, and Carp should be around 6-8 weeks away, right?
If either of those guys can come back, I like the suggestion of putting Wellemeyer in the closer’s role.
What about Carp as a closer?
I know it probably will be August at the earliest, but it worked for Smoltz.
If or when Carp comes back
I certainly hope he can start.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe he had TJ surgery, and the success rate is astronomically high for that procedure. If he does revocer fully, and is expected to come back, I hope he can come back with the health and stamina to start. To me, anyway, quality starts are a far more valuable asset than one inning of shutout ball at the end of a game.
he'll be able to come back more quickly in the 'pen
his arm strength is not going to be capable of going 7 IP even when he’s clear to throw—the guy hasn’t pitched in a MLB game since opening day 2007, after all. If we’re still closerless when he’s cleared to throw in game situations, it’s not a horrible idea.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Izzy or isn't he?
Seems to be to be a matter of credibility. TLR generally has the credibility of a Pravada editorial – at best. If in fact JI is healthy, then you must factor in age and degradation of physical strength to justify the continual meltdowns. If he is not healthy (endless examples) then one asks at what price loyalty? The answer, to me, is that when loyalty disappears (see Scottie and Jimmy) then the results are dismal beyond disappointing.
This is out of left field, but
You know how everyone tells us that the Cardinals are the smartest team, and Mr. Duncan is a genius becuase of his plans to get batters out? We see him in the dugout with all of his big white binders….Well, I happen to know for a fact that other teams ALSO have plans to get our batters out; they also scout OUR pitchers, so they kind of know what to expect, right? Nevermind…..it probably doesn’t apply to Izzy except I can’t help but wonder if his cutter is failing him, why is the pitch still called for? Why not his curve? Can he not throw it? Is he pitching the pre-game plan no matter what? Is it mental or physical or both?
Mr. Rivera is a freak of nature…...but even he has a bit of a rough stretch every year-his generally lasts 3 games before he rights the ship. He will retire as the greatest closer of all time IMO.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
Oh, and a non baseball recommendation:
For all of you Whiskeytown fans out there, you MUST go out and get the deluxe edition of “Stranger’s Almanac.” Trust me. You simply must have this in your collection…...
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
Duncan is considered a "genius",
if you can call him that, because of the time he puts into said reports not becuase he does them. Matheny has said he has never seen anyone put that much effort into a plan for a single regular season game, fwiw.
"Back in the day when I played, a pitcher had 3 pitches: a fastball, a curveball, a slider, a changeup and a good sinker pitch." - Mike Shannon
They aren't all identical pitchers
Wellemeyer is a strikeout pitcher that misses bats. Wainwright relies on his huge curve. The other three are sort of similar, but still… Duncan isn’t about one size fits all.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Excellent point, houston
when you say the “committee” is a clear indication that TLR expects Izzy back in his role sooner rather than later. He and Dunc believe in clearly defined roles: when they went to Wainwright in ‘06 it was permanent.
I don’t think he’s finished. After watching him warm up for the Friday night game vs. the Cubs and in the game itself I asked in a thread the next day if anyone else thought his plant leg appeared to be giving slightly. A few said they also saw that, but subsequently Izzy and the coaches have insisted he isn’t injured. Since he referred to hiding his injury in ‘06 I have to believe him now. Mechanical correction is what they’re talking about- let’s hope it works.
As far as his curve is concerned he addressed why he’s not using it after one of the games in Colorado. He said he uses it after he gets ahead in the count and he hasn’t been getting ahead. He doesn’t try to throw it for called strikes.
Finally, he has had some bad luck in a couple of his blown saves. Didn’t Albert miss the foul popup in Colorado with Izzy on the mound? And Friday wasn’t the second hit he gave up kind of a bloop to right? If those two go the other way and he has 13 saves wouldn’t there be thousands fewer keystrokes here and elsewhere?
If these things are redundant I apologize. I can no longer keep up with the thousands of posts here daily.
by vinniefromjersey on May 11, 2008 8:18 AM EDT reply actions
Why was this announcement
to the world necessary to be made.
“As far as his curve is concerned he addressed why he’s not using it after one of the games in Colorado. He said he uses it after he gets ahead in the count and he hasn’t been getting ahead. He doesn’t try to throw it for called strikes.”
If he doesn’t have enough confidence in it to throw it for a strike, that weakens him greatly in MHO
when coupled with aging, stamina, loss of velocity. Some pitchers pitches just seem to go completely flat with any loss of zip and Izzy seems to be one. Not saying he is done, just don’t think he can carry the work load of a full time closer any longer and I hope La Russa and Duncan don’t try to push him with not so good results.
Personally I would like for another closer to be found and a new reign begin.
tha'ts just the type of minor injury i mean
just enough to throw the whole motion out of whack and leave hispitches up (which is happening quite a bit).
by HoosierCardFan on May 11, 2008 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
not a rubber
game today . . . but the third game of one of those weird wraparound the weekend til monday series
who will be the new MV3?
On Edmonds
Joe Sheehan wrote a good article supporting Edmonds’ Hall chances during the early part of 2006.
The end of his article was fairly ominous to me when he said the following:
Barring a collapse along the lines of Jim Rice, where he loses the ability to hold a job in the next two seasons, Edmonds will finish his career as the second-best center fielder of his era, and a certain Hall of Famer.
The most saddening part of it all to me is that his rapid physical decline seems to have been an necessary consequence from his body punishing defensive style for all those years.
He revisited this in today's BP
and concludes that, alas, Jed isn’t gonna get there.
by StanTheManFan on May 11, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
even if jed doesn't get in
he is probably my 2nd favorite cardinal of all time, right behind ozzie smith.
any word on wether or not we sign him to retire a cardinal or would he rather retire an angel?
he's still the 2nd best...
w/the other 2 great ones (excluding Ichiro, who only moved recently), Jones and Griffey, also losing steam quickly, esp the former. that said, i quite agreed q/those making the hall case, but his deterioration was too steep..i don’t think he makes it.
by HoosierCardFan on May 11, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions
here's izzy's pitch f/x stuff
http://baseball.bornbybits.com/2008/Jason_Isringhausen.html
Look who’s his number 1 Similarity Comparison….
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
here are his 07 numbers
http://baseball.bornbybits.com/plots/Jason_Isringhausen.html
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
...does he even through a slider?
His cutter is so bad pitch f/x thinks it’s a slider.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
Interesting
In 2008, he has 4 other Cardinal pitchers in his top 25 similarity scores. This makes me think that his similarity scores have a lot more to do with how the entire staff approaches most of these hitters—belying the overall philosophy of the Cardinal staff.
It is interesting that non-strikeout pitchers like Lohse and Piniero rate so high with his comps since there’s more strikeout type people on his 2007 comparisons…
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Can the Cards....
afford to screw around and give Izzy chance after chance. They need to start looking for another closer or get Perez mentally ready to pitch in the bigs
Here’s one from MLB trade rumors
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/05/isringhausen-wa.html
I was reading an interesting article about baseball,
and why it is soo great. It had some very strong points to it that evoked many memories from my childhood. You can read it by clicking the link below:
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
well, that didnt work
http://men.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=7048094>1=32001
can anyone tell me how to create a link without copying and pasting the whole thing on here?
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 11, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Create a link
using the chain link icon. To do this, first copy the link, hightlight text within your comment section, click on the chain link icon and a pop up box appears that allows you to paste in the link address. The html code appears until you post or hit preview. I also get a warning with IE7 that requires me to allow the VEB website to use a scripted window. If this happens click on the warning and Temporarily Allow Scripted Windows. Hope this helps.
He has many good reasons to love baseball
Yesterday I was reminded of another. Caught the HBO documentary When It Was a Game on. Been a while since I’ve seen it, pure joy. For anyone that hasn’t seen it, must watch for any baseball fan. The color film of the Gashouse Gang and Stan the Man is as classic as it gets. The shot that got me was when they show the panoramas of all the old ballparks, with a DVR I could pause it on Sportsman’s Park. What stuck me as odd was an ad on the main scoreboard. There, right above a KMOX ad and to the left of a Get Every Play KWK ad was an ad that said Try Good Old Hyde Park Beer. I’ve never heard of Hyde Park Beer. Found a micro-brewery by that name but I don’t think that’s them. Can anyone help me out? This is the best pic I could find but it seems to be from a few years later.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on May 11, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
excellent article, however, the writer gets a -1 for the use of "grit"
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
heres the flip side of the article.
talks about why baseball “sucks”. I dont get it; he uses some of the stuff that he supported his love of baseball with, for anti-baseball rhetoric. confusing
http://men.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=7047910>1=32001
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 11, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
not to pull a "Buzz" on the guy...
but if you are going to write an article about baseball at least spell McGwire fucking right.
If you are in St. Louis check out my band, Griffin and the Gargoyles
(formerly Gargoyle Reign, Gargoyle Lounge)
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com
www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
:-D
by jealousblues on May 11, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I wrote it in yesterdays comments
and I’ll again write it in today’s comments for you that are slow or haven’t paid attention. There are 8 million reasons that Izzy will be closing (actually blowing games) in the very near future. It is painful to say that, but you all know it is true. Purely economics, results be damned.
Steriods is...is bad.
by Handsome Jimmy on May 11, 2008 11:45 AM EDT reply actions
Bad economic analysis
The 8 million is a sunk cost. Ownership will be looking at ways to increase revenue to offset the fixed cost. The team wins, more fans, greater revenue. The team loses, lower attendance, lower revenue. The additional cost of a first year player who could improve the chances of winning would be offset by selling a few more stadium beers in August.
You haven't paid attention.
I agree with your ownership/sunk costs theory, but you are not factoring in this particular ownership and TLR’s love of old washed up veterans into the equation. These are the two main reasons that Izzy will again be blowing saves before the last week of May.
Steriods is...is bad.
by Handsome Jimmy on May 11, 2008 12:26 PM EDT reply actions
Eh, maybe
As fast as TLR pulled the plug on Izzy makes me think he won’t put Izzy out there to blow save after save. He’ll give him another opportunity, and I think Izzy deserves another opportunity once he’s fixed what’s ailing him.
If you ask me, I think this is quickly becoming one of TLR’s (and St Louis’) favorite Cardinal teams, and I think he recognizes that this club has the chance to be a very special team. I don’t think he’ll wreck that chemistry by trotting out a closer who can’t close, and I don’t think he’ll allow Izzy to embarrass himself if in fact Izzy can’t do it anymore. He has too much respect for what Isringhausen has done for the Cardinals, and he wants to win with this team so he can stick it in everyone’s eye about how terrible this team was supposed to be.
I agree that finances drive decisions, but only to a point. If it becomes obvious Izzy can’t get it done after his hiatus, they’ll get someone who they think can do it, and they won’t look back.
"Is this Heaven?"
"No, it;s Iowa."
"I could've sworn it was Heaven."
I don't think we can know
what goes on in TLR’s head as regards this, or any other team. His head is a strange and inscrutable place. However, the man wants to win, and he is no fool.
The question is not whether Izzy can close, it’s whether he can pitch effectively at all. After going over his motion and health with a fine-tooth comb, they should resume using him in increasingly high-leverage situations, starting with “routine” time and working up. A thing easily forgotten is that closing isn’t the only high-leverage relief work. We’ll be OK with a closer by committee as long as middle relief does its job in those high-leverage spots.
by StanTheManFan on May 11, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
As fast as TLR pulled the plug on Izzy?
What? 6 blown saves in 6 weeks and then Izzy going very public with his situation thereby forcing TLR to actually make a temporary move? What exactly is fast about TLR pulling the plug on Izzy?
Steriods is...is bad.
by Handsome Jimmy on May 11, 2008 12:50 PM EDT reply actions
In relation to 2006
And every great closer goes through a rough spot. And from how I interpret the newspaper articles, it seems like they were going to make a switch even before Izzy took them off the hook.
Issy just made it easier to do so.
"Is this Heaven?"
"No, it;s Iowa."
"I could've sworn it was Heaven."
Lineups Per Gameday:
Schu
Kennedy
Pujols
Ludwick
Duncan
Glaus
LaRue
Looper
Izturis
Weeks
Gwynn
Braun
Fielder
Hart
Hall
Hardy
Suppan
Kendall
man
isn’t albert due a day off?
3-6 look brilliant, 7-9 looks godawful.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 11, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Today's Gameplan
Don’t pitch to Bill Hall with runners on or in late game situations.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 2:03 PM EDT reply actions
thoughts for today.
im liking kennedy second. no ank or yadi could be interesting.
I am the only/last Anthony Reyes fan!
Good. AP gets the streak issue out of the way
so now he can just play ball.
Albert is getting TOO aggresive.
Hey, I’m all for aggressive base running, but this is the second time in a week that he should have gotten picked off for no reason. He would have been picked off of 2B the other day with even a decent throw. It seems like he’s gotten a little cocky after his mad dash from 2B the other day. Any agreements?
i don't know
i don’t really believe there is a such thing as TOO aggressive. besides, pujols is a very smart base runner and until he actually starts getting into careless outs, i say let him run his ass off.
Always better to make the aggressive mistake
I don’t see a problem here—yet.
by StanTheManFan on May 11, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Like getting picked off 1B by a mile.
If he had gotten picked off the other day off of 2B, there was only one out and the run was important. He was already in scoring position. It didn’t make sense. That’s my issue with it.
if ablert is NOT aggressive
we dont win the other night in colorado.
I am the only/last Anthony Reyes fan!
by dangpenguins on May 11, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
okay, uh, loop
gotta throw strikes bud. can’t pitch around a guy like tony gwynn jr because now you’ve gotta deal with 3-4-5 with no outs.
bad teamwork
i know skip gets the call being the centerfielder, but shoulda let ank get that since he was perfectly lined up to throw a rocket to third.
he had me right
i thought ank was over and right and i know the centerfielder gets to call off anyone, i was thinking that was ank lining up to throw a bullet to third but it was luddy.
agreed.
RESET.
I am the only/last Anthony Reyes fan!
by dangpenguins on May 11, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Loop often starts slow
His career OPS is over 100 points higher in the first inning than the second. That isn’t all a function of facing better batters in the first, although part of it is.
by StanTheManFan on May 11, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah,
kind of suprising. IDK, my mom lives 6 hours away.
I am the only/last Anthony Reyes fan!
by dangpenguins on May 11, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
love the signature
but you are HARDLY the last aRey fan around these parts. i still love the kid and make sure he always has a place on my video game rosters.
I've been really surprised....
.... so far by how bad Larue has been. I wasn’t expecting the second coming of Simba, but I thought he’d hit .240-.250 with some occasional pop.
Looper's line
.385/.467/.538 OPS+166
He only had 10 hits last year w/ 2 doubles. This year, 5 hits already, 2 of them doubles. This wouldn’t be so amusing if I wasn’t so bored right now.
he pulled an izzy...he loaded the bases to face iz2 :-)
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
cesar
hang your head in shame.
Amaury translates into "Punisher of Spheroids" in the lost tongue of Atlantis. Marti means "Belgian Waffle."
there is nothing shameful
in having your #9 hitter swing at the first pitch after the pitcher walks the bases loaded
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
There is for the 'double leadoff'
guy to swing at the first pitch. His job is to take pitches.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
obviously
proof yet again sarcasm doesn’t translate well
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
we are just lucky it wasn't Ryan
that pulled that crap
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
if only
sarcasm was as easy as double entendres
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
New rule
Izturis isn’t allowed to swing. His job is to take a walk or get hit by the ball. If he swings, he should have to drop and do 20 pushups.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply actions
Do you think the pitchers give.....
LaRue and Izturis shit about thier batting avg…..like hey do you guys need some pointers at the plate or hey 250 more points and you’ll be up thir with us, or maybe you’ll catch us in rbi by sept.
I don't know about the pitchers
But do you think the hitting coach does anything? I mean, both players are completely useless at the plate. It’s been over a month and they still look completely lost, like they have never played baseball before
The Brewers broadcasters are questioning the Cardinals OF
defensive alignment. Who is in-charge of putting them in these spots? Chris Duncan doesn’t need to play LCF. Skip can handle the gap, thank you very much.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 2:54 PM EDT reply actions
The top of the order: STOP SWINGING
Good God, Skip and Kennedy are showing the patience of a 5 year old up there against Soup.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 2:56 PM EDT reply actions
I'll say this
Although he had a tough year last year and look crappy today, I wish we would have kept Suppan. I understand he was overpaid but the guy battles unlike anyone. Imagine if he had taken Kip’s spot last year, how many more wins we would have had. I miss him
+1
I don’t mind that Soup’s moved on, but it’s really hard to see the guy through the eyes of an opponent. I’m forever indebted to the guy for the 2006 postseason memories he gave me. Then again, I couldn’t judge Taguchi without seeing him go deep off Billy Wagner, so maybe I need to take off the rose colored glasses.
"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 May 11, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty awful
from what I understand. Hate to see that. He was a player I genuinely rooted for and wanted to see do well.
"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 May 11, 2008 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
pujols
was that deliberate to make sure kennedy scores? or was he just being goofy again?
Amaury translates into "Punisher of Spheroids" in the lost tongue of Atlantis. Marti means "Belgian Waffle."
I agree
Looked like they had a chance at throwing Kennedy out at the plate.. Pujols saw that and took a wide turn to get Fielder to cut it off
by cloistermaximus on May 11, 2008 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
just saw the reply and Kennedy...
was going to safley make it. pujols was 2/3rds of the way to 3rd. I think he was just trying to take an extra one just being aggressive
Heading 1st to 3rd
If he’d stopped at second, the throw would’ve gone home for sure. He went for third to make sure the throw came to him or at least made the cutoff man have to make a decision.
Not saying that he got caught in a (sorta) rundown so the run would score.
Baby Dunc
is back?
"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 May 11, 2008 3:05 PM EDT reply actions
woah. woah. woah. woah.
dont count the chickens yet man.
I am the only/last Anthony Reyes fan!
by dangpenguins on May 11, 2008 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry
a little quick to chew the tobacco there…
"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 May 11, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Aesthetic appeal?
"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 May 11, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice to see
Looper settle down there after the HR and get a coupla groundball outs. If he can go three more innings without allowing a run, I’ll be real happy with the outing.
sloppy baserunning crap
Amaury translates into "Punisher of Spheroids" in the lost tongue of Atlantis. Marti means "Belgian Waffle."
No kidding
Think that was supposed to be a bunt, but still.
And Kendall’s throw was bad enough that he might’ve made it if he were running all out.
Are we seeing more of that this year?
Or am I just really sensitive to the stupid baserunning gaffes so far?
"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 May 11, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
yet again
good thing that wasn’t Ryan. I would like for LaRue and Iz2 to pull their heads out of their rectums today
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
you make a good point there
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
Or,
gets you stepped on and crushed by Prince Hippo. Hippos are vegetarian aren’t they?
by chicagocardfan on May 11, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, no
the males will occasionally eat meat.
I saw a documentary where a dominanto hippo stole a wildebeest from a crocodile and chewed on it for a while.
Male chimpanzees eat meat, too. I’ve seen infrared video of a team of chimps chasing and cornering monkeys to eat.
His draft video
was, in fact, just a clip of him stealing and eating a wildebeest carcass from the maw of a crocodile.
Why does Tony love the hit and run so much?
When it “works” you get to go first to third on a single. When it doesn’t work, you have a big slow man like Troy Glaus halfway down to second by the time the shortstop has the ball. Or you have a hitter swinging at whatever garbage the pitcher throws up there (because he has to) rather than being selective. It is such a low percentage play.
Baserunning mistakes?
What ever could you be talking about? We’ve only gotten picked off, thrown out at third, and gotten caught stealing twice in 4 innings. What are you, picky?
(sarcasm, in case someone does not pick up on it…)
In that case
who’s our backup catcher?
"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 May 11, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Mark Johnson?
Then we could pay LaRue’s salary and the league minimum for even less production and worse defense!
he sucks too?
oh crap
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
isn't that why they signed Mark Johnson
to have a warm body down at memphis this year?
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
A little patience
at the plate, and we’d still be in the 3rd with 6 runs, if Soup stayed in the game.
by chicagocardfan on May 11, 2008 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Soup keeps falling behind hitters
And they keep doing him favors by swinging at crapping 3-1 pitches to ground out. You know he have yet to beat him since he’s been a brewer? That’s frustrating
by cloistermaximus on May 11, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply actions
Damnit Soup
have one of your flashes of brilliance in the next series…
"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 May 11, 2008 3:40 PM EDT reply actions
he could start
not trying to throw it down the middle of the plate to braun
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
meh
cmon schu, you shoulda caught that!
by stlcardinalsfang on May 11, 2008 3:44 PM EDT reply actions
i think even jimmy
would have had to be 8’ tall to catch that
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
We've all
seen Jimmy climb a wall and catch a ball barely over.
by chicagocardfan on May 11, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah it looked like on slo mo
that it was about 3 feet over the wall.
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
that's because he's good
and it doesn’t hurt that looper keeps throwing him BP
Amaury translates into "Punisher of Spheroids" in the lost tongue of Atlantis. Marti means "Belgian Waffle."
I agree
still doesnt change the fact ;-(
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 11, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
this is the inning
Soup starts earning that almost 5 era
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
god, ludwick
wait for the ump to make the call before you go to first.
Umps hate that shit.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
but, my eye and gameday agree it was a ball
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
That was a terrible call though
Jay Randolph made me laugh, unintentionally.
Home Plate umpire Brian Knight… Looking for something to do, got somewhere to go…
Turns out that last part was him starting a plug of some website, but I was already laughing.
yeah, it was a horrible call
but at least, don’t give them an excuse to make a horrible call is what I say
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
that's twice today
luddy was called out on a strike that was well out of the zone.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
ah, billy hall
if he doesn’t kill us one way…
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
that is unfair
9 out of 10 times the runner will be gunned out trying to scamper back to the bag. happens all the time
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 11, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Gagne out as MIL closer?
that happened quick.
Sorry if that is a redundant post.
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
additionally
is Troy Glaus the unluckiest player in baseball?
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
I"m seriously expecting a little stormcloud to form over his head
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
IF things ever start to equal out for him...
that is going to be something fun to watch!
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
right now,
I would agree with that.
But, Tony Saunders, I would have to say, is the unluckiest player, ever.
http://www.sptimes.com/News/082500/Sports/Saunders_breaks_arm_a.shtml
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 11, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
A NASCAR rally?
"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 May 11, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I know
Robby Thompson was once thrown out on the basepaths 4 times in one game. I wonder if that’s the record. Albert is up to 3 so far…
Brian Gunn
Oh well...
even if we do end up losing today, you gotta like our chances tomorrow, and a 4-4 road trip isn’t a bad thing. (Even though it could’ve very easily been a 6-2 road trip with a little help from Izzy)
boo cubs, hooray beer
or with a little help
from the offense
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
well, at least loop is getting those awful inside pitches
not as bad as the ludwick one, but still
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
yeah
knight has called a terrible game, but he’s at least he’s been terrible for both teams. It just seems like he has been extra terrible with Luddy up there.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
I'd rather they be consistent and innaccurate than accurate and inconsistent
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Aren't we trying to stay IN the game
Parisi would be the alternative to that.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't agree
and he’s warming up.
I’ve been impressed with Parisi. Great velo on the fastball. Fantastic curve, except when it gets away from him and zips over the batters’ heads.
Ank pinch hits
and stays in to catch???
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
Jeff Suppan is going to get a quality start
while leaving a ton of ducks out there on the pond.
He should thank Ryan Ludwick.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:04 PM EDT reply actions
LaRue doesn't have a hit on the road all season!
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
Now come up with a stat on Looper please.
"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 May 11, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
hit # 3 on the year
I hope I am drunk, that is pathetic
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
Watch them make Barton bunt
we haven’t given up enough outs today.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:05 PM EDT reply actions
Holy Crap!
I think LaRue is as suprised as i am that he’s on base. I think someone needs to draw him a map to 2nd since this is 3rd hit all year
Brian Barton doesn't have a home run all season!
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
Damn
Nice try, 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 May 11, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Man, Jason LaRue is slow
did he stop for a drink between 2nd and 3rd?
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:07 PM EDT reply actions
well, it looks like he was more rolling along the basepath than sliding
maybe he DID need a map to second
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
.610 OPS for Iz2
Yikes.
"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 May 11, 2008 4:09 PM EDT reply actions
did fielder actually tag the bag?
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
my 1 year old son
could’ve hit the ball farther than that
Amaury translates into "Punisher of Spheroids" in the lost tongue of Atlantis. Marti means "Belgian Waffle."
The real question is whether or not
he has soft hands and glides to the ball well.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
all right, skippy
get this one home, at least
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
LaRue and Iz2
should never been in the lineup at the same time
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
or on the same roster
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
I heard
when you bat LaRue and Iz2 next to each other in the lineup, the ghost of Mendoza will appear. Or so legend has it.
"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 May 11, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
is that what happens....
no offense bad baserunning….yup the mendoza ghoast has made an appearence…he even cooled down ludwick
if that happens
let the ghost hit
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
What is the MLB record for infield groundouts?
Cause Skip is on the assault.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions
Ludwick has been all or nothing lately
but I’ll take it
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
I bet Suppan
is thrilled he got to face this line-up to get his season back on track after the Cubs shelled him last week.
We don't deserve to win this game
but neither do they.
Unfortunately, we don’t get a shot at Gagme.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:14 PM EDT reply actions
why not
they release him?
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
He pulled an Izzy and asked not to be the closer
and they likely won’t use him in short relief after yesterday.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
really?
as of yesterday i heard they were (stupidly) keeping him there. Will Torres or Mota be stepping in to close?
Why do the Brewers
copy everything we do? What is this, the third grade?
yost
has said, at least once, that the Cardinals are a team they admire and hope to emulate.
If you are in St. Louis check out my band, Griffin and the Gargoyles
(formerly Gargoyle Reign, Gargoyle Lounge)
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com
www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
:-D
by jealousblues on May 11, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually,
Yost has said that more than once.
Someone take Izzy snipe hunting
"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 May 11, 2008 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I just realized we play the red-hot Pirates
next series followed by the Rays. We could be in 4th place real quick.
Yeesh.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:19 PM EDT reply actions
Could be worse, though
we could be the guys that greenlit the new Speed Racer movie.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I know
what’s next? Johnny Quest: The MOVIE
Starring Frankie Muniz as Johnny
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
You're
quite the ray of sunshine today, aren’t you?
And I’m very much looking forward to that Rays series… First chance I have to see some ball at Busch this year.
With a loss today
the Cardinals will have lost 5 of their last 9. Not good.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
that tends to happen
when you go on the road
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
Tough road trip
The blown saves hurt, offense hasn’t been sharp.
But I’m not at all scared of facing the Pirates at home. If we lose that series, then a little gloom may set in.
Hey hey
There’s a 1-2-3 inning from Mr. Parisi
"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 May 11, 2008 4:21 PM EDT reply actions
is it just me,
or has Yost been riding the Riske train pretty aggressively?
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
those pink bats look like giant strawberry pocky
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Mmmm...strawberry pocky...
You know the Cards are having a pathetic day at the plate when we’re talking about novelty snack items.
"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 May 11, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
We've only scored more than 5 runs...
in 7 games this year. Man, that’s not very often.
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
Man, someone check Ryan Ludwick's blood
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:27 PM EDT reply actions
i'm guessing he's a bit pissed
after the way his earlier at bats went…
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Good lord our offense is terrible
please open the checkbook this offseason Dewitt. We need Furcal, and atleast one more above average bat.
boo cubs, hooray beer
If Duncan could give one a ride
I’ll take my chances with Ankiel in the 9th.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:28 PM EDT reply actions
a one run game in the ninth is Tony's game, after all
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
How many of our 30 HR's this year have been solo shots?
My guess would be 25 of them.
boo cubs, hooray beer
Albert isn't going to like
Not being the team leader in HRs again
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
+1
I’ve never been so skittish about a sub .200 batter. Ever. Maybe Mark Lemke, but that’s it.
"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 May 11, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
out of no where comment
just tuned in so im not in touch with the comments so far…but…
arrgg..why is it doing that????
anyway….what we need is a middle infielder who can lead off. then we can play Ankiel, Ludwick Duncan in our outfield allowing another power bat in the lineup. We gotta start pushing some of thease base runners across hte plate.
If that isn't Ankiel
I’ll scream.
Next inning should go Glaus, Ankiel, Molina, Ryan, Skip.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd be shocked if it's not actually
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Not so fast, fella
LaRue won’t be hitting in the ninth, unless Tony’s heavily medicated
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
If LaRue does bat
for the love of god get Tony a designated driver.
"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 May 11, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
he's the obvious choice
since he used to be a closer
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Hmm...
..then I bet TLR sticks with him.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been trying to think of a good "look-alike" for Corey Hart
Jim Carrey as “The Mask”? Mac Tonite (okay, showing my age there…)?
"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 May 11, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions
These games piss me off
What happened to playing well throughout a game, instead of having a nice 2 innings per series
I wear my sunglasses at night
so I can
so I can
so I can
run into outs
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
I'd trade that stolen base for a few extra hits any day of the week
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
i'd rather have the hits, is what I mean
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
to be fair
it’d be a stolen base and a few more passed balls, etc.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
I think the orgnization should change it's Baseball Almanac
abbreviation from SLN to LOB.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:39 PM EDT reply actions
+1
Nice
"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 May 11, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
my jaw is completely open
that should have been an out twice
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
I loved that on contact
LaRue thought it was a popup behind HP instead of a flyball to LF.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
slow popup to shallow left
Duncan misread it and it landed. Throw to second was cut off. Throw to second not great, even worse throw home, LaRue missed the catch, and a run scored
But if larue caught an on target throw, it woudl have been an easy out at home
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
I can't wait for Bernie to tell us all again
how much Chris has improved his OF defense.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
to be fair
he was much better last year. It seems like he has really regressed this season
If you are in St. Louis check out my band, Griffin and the Gargoyles
(formerly Gargoyle Reign, Gargoyle Lounge)
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com
www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
:-D
by jealousblues on May 11, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Routine pop-up down LF line
Duncan just quit running for it, let it drop in front of him and then threw it to 2nd base and Bill Hall scored.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
what happened, can't see
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
Would a run score there if we had a competent LF?
Has ther ever been anyone so overmatched in leftfield? At least Soriano has the speed to get to a ball before he drops it.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down and that foot is me
No
it would have been an out, even with Skippy play in the LCF gap.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
it depends
given how all of our OF’s have been lining up in the gaps (esp schumaker) I don’t know if anyone else would have caught that either. A competent LF, PLAYING IN FRIGGING LF- yeah, he catches that.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
pretty sure it is McKay
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
duncan "fan"
I am the only/last Anthony Reyes fan!
by dangpenguins on May 11, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm sick of nepotism....if Barton was out there in LF, he'd of been replaced in the 6th inning
boo cubs, hooray beer
Now Miles should PH for LaRue
I can’t believe I am actually saying that, but he owns Solomon Grundy
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
Damn Miles
That is what I get for saying it
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
Duncan
let a popup drop in front of him and then threw to the wrong base allowing Hall to score.
The time has come for someone to put his foot down and that foot is me
That was a Glausian double
if I’ve ever seen one.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions
Ah, that explains...
... why gameday said, “In play, out(s)” and then flashed “DOUBLE” across the screen.
Homeruns are
rally killers anyway
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
That's a start
and still Glaus’s unluck continues, even has he hits a double
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Holy Cow
That would’ve been a phenomenal play by Hart.
Leaping grab over the fence, would’ve been out. Sno-coned it, dropped out of the glove when he hit the ground.
Tying run would be at the plate
if not for Duncan’s blunder.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:47 PM EDT reply actions
He has to be
until the tying run is in the box. That will be Ankiel.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
All right miles
get Ank up against Torres
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
the pink necklace
and pink arm bands don’t help, either.
And damn, how many balls have we smashed right at someone today?
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
i saw that..
what is that even supposed to mean??
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
can't be too pissed off at him about that one
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Not at all
I wonder if Glaus had hit the HR, if they wouldn’t have been pinching the middle.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Lots of hard hit outs today. Frustrating game.
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
dammit
another one that could’ve been a hit. It’s like we have a talent for hitting balls directly at infielders
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Hit Ank for Skip here
right? No brainer.
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
You would think
with his HR power
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Bet he uses Molina
with the LHP, even if Rick is killing LHP.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:54 PM EDT reply actions
the only think I'm thinking is that he might be saving ank to bat for kennedy
so he can leave miles in or something. It wouldnt’ make any sense, but…
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
I don't think we will ever get
to Kennedy’s spot.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
didn't something bad happen to us with 2 outs in the 9th the other day?
any way we could turn the tables?
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
I am confused as to why Kennedy is batting for himself
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Tie game?
Ankiel’s the only guy left on the bench – use him now and have a tie game you’re just as likely to lose and hurt your team even more.
no, you're less likely to lose
if you plate the tying run, you’re way ahead. If it doesn’t work out, the game is over. It’s two out with the winning run on the plate in the ninth. You want the best hitter possible up in that situation.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
With Wainwright on the mound?
I don’t think so.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Kennedy at the plate is playing for the tie
the best he’s gonna do is a double.
Ank is playing for the win, because he has legitimate homer power
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Shouse is tough on lefties
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
TLR used the bench too early again
and didn’t want to use Ankiel because he was the last guy on the bench.
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
I hate that logic though
because you’re playing for the game not to end. If you make it to the 10th inning, you’re already ahead.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
It's not dumb
extras hurt a team – less rest for the players and it hurts the bullpen.
You don’t want to set yourself up for a disadvantage in extras if you have to pay the cost.
losses hurt a team, too
and if ank hits a homer, there’s a chance to avoid extras.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
If he is afraid of losing in extra innings
he can flush his mantra of ‘play a hard 9’ then.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
That's dumb
extras aren’t for sure and he could have used Wainwright to PH.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
That is possible....
Would you write that Sh’ouse? My son used to say “am’nt” as in “no, I am’nt” which he insisted was a contraction for am not. He actually looked for it in a dictionary. Ah, youth…....
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
Made their own luck
with shitty base running
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
....
17 LOB today! That’s awful but completely normal with the Cards so far this year.
it's 17
Schumaker left 1
Kennedy left 2
Ludwick left 3
Glaus left 2
LaRue left 2
Miles left 1
Barton left 1
Ryan left 1
Izturiz left 4!!
but at least they were still in it down to the last AB
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
Dbacks 4
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
The M's maybe
they would probably have some use for Reyes, too. He’d probably be happy in that enormous park with the damp air
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
That's not true
Toronto needs offense, Detroit needs a LH power bat.
by Hardcore Legend on May 11, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Because Duncan has so much value as a power bat right now, what with all the homeruns he is hitting.
boo cubs, hooray beer
I'm not smoking stats if that's what your implying...
he’s somewhere around 47 hrs in his last 500 or so at bats
mattnj
where he never bats against lefties
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
up to last year he was
44 hrs in 655 at bats….someone might take him for a decent infield or pitching prospect
mattnj
5 players hit 40 or more HRs this year
That’s truly elite power. Not to mention his struggles against LH pitching. He’s just not a 40HR hitter
in his current incarnation
he is, indeed, not a 40 HR hitter. based on pujols career numbers, a starting player who plays every day will have about 215 PA’s vs lefties and 435 against righties (worst case for a lefty) in a 650 PA season; by reducing his “splits adjusted to 160 games”, and then multiplying by the ratio 215x(adjusted hr # vs left)/650+435x(adjusted HR # vs righty)/650, it looks like lil’dunc is merely a ~31 HR/year hitter in a 650 PA season.
However, doing the same exercise using his splits from ‘05 through 31 July 2007, and he’s right on the line. He works out to be worth 6.7 HR vs lefties in 215 PA’s and 32.7 HR’s vs righties. Rounding up, that’s 40. (I thought he’d do better than that, but it’s “worst-case”- the 215/435 assumes he sits against some righties and plays against all lefties; tango says lefties face lefties ~175 times a year, IIRC, [can’t find my copy of the book] which would make him a ~41 HR player). And there’s always the fluke HR or 5 that pushes the career year guys over the top.
(To prevent a VEB-wide run on franklins, i won’t put up the July 31 ‘07-11 May ‘08 numbers.)
Anyway, he’ll probably never hit 40, but I don’t think it is fair to him to say it is impossible for him to do so. He probably hasn’t peaked yet and could very well still have a few years of excellence in him, a la Morneau, ortiz and klesko. I, for one, refuse to give up hope.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
by SleepyCA on May 11, 2008 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Me neither
I hope the pitching and LH powerbat starved Tigers will give us Renteria for Reyes and Duncan.
Wait, what were you hoping for? :D
by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2008 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
and to think
we could have kept renteria, to posterity, for nothing but $$$. F’ing Epstein. Sleepy wants cage match.
but no, I wouldn’t trade Duncan and Reyes for Renteria [peralta]. Renteria [peralta] have been worse than Adam Kennedy offensively this year (both 82 OPS+) and neither’s defense has been very good. And though peralta is cost-controlled, Renteria is making $10M in ‘08 and $11M in ‘09. I haven’t looked into DET’s needs- I thought they were set, pre-season, except maybe bullpen-wise- but amazingly, CLE needs corner OF’s more than we need SS’s; that has to be embarrassing.
If Duncan goes, he needs to go for a very, very good prospect, unless the spector of $$$ arbitration looms (like it did Ortiz, with the indians, whose career is remarkably similar to Duncan’s, and whom I garuantee the Indians wish they had kept). Duncan has shown enough brilliance that if MLB GM’s don’t think he can do the job, they shouldn’t be MLB GM’s, imho. And based on how Mo has priced Reyes, I can’t see him moving Duncan for cheap.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
erm, minnisota. ;)
Luddy is the gift from the indians.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
man i hate
this stupid song that cubs play at the end of their games.
I am the only/last Anthony Reyes fan!
Cubs and Astros won today...
We HAVE to win tomorrow with Waino on the mound versus Dave Bush.
boo cubs, hooray beer
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