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Salute Your Colonel

I must have been sending lboros some telepathic waves yesterday because he set up the conversation nicely for me.  I was at the game on Wednesday night watching Todd Wellemeyer toss a gem.  It's a good thing he was pitching well because he can't bunt to save his life.  It's obvious he's not a good hitter so why he doesn't do bunting drills every day until he can consistently get the ball down, I don't know but his at bats were painful on Wednesday night.  But I digress. 

I'm not really sure when it happened but at some point in time, Wellemeyer learned to get his pitches across the plate. 

Time Frame Strike % Pitches
Pre-Cardinal 2007 58.8 3295
Cardinal 2007 63.2 1046
2008 64.3 891

Those are some pretty astonishing numbers.  He's throwing 5.5% more of his pitches for strikes now.  Just for comparison, Wainwright throws 62.2% of his pitches for strikes, Lohse 63.2%, Looper 62.4% and and Pineiro 63.4%.  Wellemeyer has made a significant change to his pitching skillset that I didn't think he was capable of.  If he throws 200-ish innings, it's probably around 3000 pitches for the season.  That's 165 pitches that were balls that are now strikes.

While his career walk rate is still over 5 per 9IP, it's easy to see the effect of all these extra strikes.  During his 2007 time with the Cardinals, he walked 4.10 per 9 -- something that I routinely scoffed at as a blip -- and now he's walking just 3.10 per 9.  His strikeouts haven't really gone up (sitting around 7 per 9) but the massive drop in walk rate has made him a much more efficient and efficacious pitcher.

The other thing that sticks out at me when looking at Wellemeyer this year is that he's essentially a two-pitch pitcher.  He's got a fastball and a slider that he throws 90% of the time.  He's got a changeup that fills in the last 10% but that's a remarkably low number for a third pitch.  Brandon Webb is often thought of as a two pitch pitcher but his fastball and second offering (a changeup) are still only 85%.  Wainwright's 1st and 2nd most common offerings (fastball & slider respectively) are only 75%.  So think about that: hitters know that they are getting one of two pitches -- and they still haven't been able to hit Wellemeyer (as lboros noted he has a .216 BAA).  Remarkable.

How this all came about, I'm not really sure.  I certainly didn't believe that Wellemeyer was capable of finding the command necessary to throw this many more strikes and reduce his walk rate as significantly as he has.  Many people will probably want to say that it's the influence of Dave Duncan; after all, one of his cardinal tenets is to throw strikes.  I'm reluctant to make that connection though.  Despite Wellemeyer's success, he isn't Duncan's typical reclamation type of success.  He isn't a groundball, two seam fastball pitcher.  Wellemeyer is more in the mold of Anthony Reyes -- a high riding fastball that generates predominantly flyballs.  Wellemeyer has become even more of a flyball pitcher than in the past this year too.  He's only generating 37% of his outs on BIP on the ground.  League average is probably around 42-44% but more importantly, Wellemeyer only has a .85 GB/FB ratio -- easily the lowest of his last 3 years.  That's not really the Dave Duncan path to success.

Maybe the Cardinals corrected a mechanical flaw.  Maybe Wellemeyer has started trusting his stuff more.  Whatever the reason, he's made a very real, measurable change to his skillset.  It even looks sustainable.

There's one small cautionary note that I want to sound here at the end.  The Cardinals have derived a great deal of value from Wellemeyer especially since he cost them absolutely nothing as a cost-controlled player acquired on waivers.  But he's not much more than a innings-eater on a contending team.   We've seen as many trash-heap pitchers fail under Duncan and LaRussa as we've seen succeed.  The Cardinals still need to find some pitchers that profile as front of the rotation if they want to be serious about having a good starting staff. While I laud the team for this specific pickup, I don't think it's a good long-term plan to use with their pitching staff.

 

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My last final exam

We have a program that takes control of your computer so that you can type out your final exams without cheating. Well, it was 2-1 on GameCast when I software took control of my computer. I walked out of my final and looked up the score. 11-5.

So much for my optimism about Izzy. It was clearly misplaced. A DL stint? DFA-ing him? It’s sad that the core of our squad-Jimmy, Rolen, Izzy-has deteriorated right before our eyes. It’s tough to watch.

Let the Chris Perez era begin.

As an aside, are the “Colonel” t-shirts on order?

by bgh on May 16, 2008 8:28 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

not only right before our eyes but literally instantly....it just seems like 04 was just yesterday.

"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"

by rocKStark5 on May 16, 2008 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Lohse may miss Sunday start

It just keeps getting better and better. Lohse is hurting.

Lohse skipped his usual between-starts bullpen session on Thursday, a result of some shoulder soreness that has plagued him for a couple of weeks. He still intends to make his next start, but the Cardinals are preparing for the alternate possibility by not using rookie Mike Parisi. If Lohse can’t go, Parisi will get the start.

Shoulder soreness plaguing him for two weeks, yet we grind him out. Granted, it doesn’t discuss the severity of the shoulder soreness, but isn’t this a disturbing pattern? I suppose this helps explain his ineffectiveness. But, if LaDunc knew of his soreness, why trot Lohse out there to get whacked around after demonstrating that his injury is enough to limit his effectiveness?

Sorry to double-up on the opening comments and also sorry if this has already been addressed.

by bgh on May 16, 2008 8:39 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't know soreness is very vague..... you know 99% of MLB pitchers experience this..

It is just hard to tell to what degree and it’s up to the pitcher to tell the training staff if the soreness is mroe than standard soreness

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pitchers get sore...

...The issue becomes if they’re injured.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Interesting

I am certainly not a drinker of the Dave Duncan Kool-aid, but I am having a hard time not attributing the success of Welley to the influence of Duncan.

Just because Todd doesn’t follow the usual pattern of DD reclamation projects does not necessarily mean Duncan didn’t equip him for the success he is currently having. Does Wainwright follow the Duncan mold exactly, or did Carpenter? I don’t think they did, yet both of them are effective and part of that can be attributed to Duncan.

I guess ultimately we don’t know because there is no objective way to see what turned Todd around. It just seems to me that the pitching coach would have SOMETHING to do with any pitcher turning it around.

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

by cardzfan24 on May 16, 2008 8:51 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

duncan

i feel the same way. i am going to assume duncan had at least some part in it until i hear otherwise…and i am not an especially big fan of d.duncan. i thought i read tony/dunc asked welly to take a few mph off his fastball to gain a little more control. i dont think him not getting groundballs means dunc had nothing to do with it. dunc commented last year that he wanted pineiro to throw his four seam fastball more. when a reporter questioned why he wasnt having pineiro switch to the two seam, dunc replied that pineiro’s best pitch was the four seam fastball so that is what he wanted him to establish.

by dmb60614 on May 16, 2008 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can't wait

to hear Jon Miller say ‘on the hill here in the ninth, Cards new closer Chris Pay-rez’.

by paposse on May 16, 2008 9:02 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

What Duncan preaches

1 – throw first pitch strikes
2 – throw strikes also on the inside
3 – throw the ball down
4 – pitch to contact and let your defense take care of that, to keep the pitch count down.

This fits very well with groundball inducing pitches, like the 2seamer, but can work also with different pitches, as long as you’re not giving HRs away.

With Wellmeyer I believe that the real difference is the game plan, that let him tap the stuff he has effectively.

GO CARDS!!!

by SuperSeve on May 16, 2008 9:16 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Damn straight

I love how people seem to have this idea that Duncan is the only pitching coach who preaches “down in the zone” pitching. He’s not.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Where did I say that he's the only one?

I simply collected what he preaches, never spoke about somehing exclusive.

GO CARDS!!!

by SuperSeve on May 18, 2008 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pretty much so, I'd say

The phrase “pitch to contact” wasn’t around until more recently, but this has been more-or-less the received wisdom I’ve heard since I started paying attention in 1969.

though I don’t think Seve’s saying otherwise.

On rule 1: even outliers w/ fantastic Nolan Ryan/Doc Gooden stuff profit greatly from first pitch strikes. I think Bill James published something illustrating that in the ‘80s. I think it belongs at the top of the list and isn’t subject to caveats and qualifiers, though rules 2-4 are to some extent…for some pitchers…in a few situations…with the moon in the right phase.

On

by random on May 16, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Edmonds and Zambrano

I still love Jimmy baseball and I expected him to be nice with Z, but a hug with Zambrano? Is nothing sacred?

That 2004 two-game series in July has to be my all-time favorite two Cubs-Cards games (box and box). The Rolen/Edmonds HRs and the Z frustration the first night and the Albert 3-HR, 7-1/8-2 comeback in the second game, including a So Taguchi homerun in the 8th. And talk about long relief, where have you gone Cal Eldred? We could use you now, make a second comeback!

by enoscountry on May 16, 2008 9:19 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I THOUGHT was Carp pitching that game

I was actually at a good Cards/Cubs game! hahha. I remember Carp grabbing Sosa on Sosa’s way back to the dugout. “Better get hold of your boys.”

by sdrone on May 16, 2008 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

July 20, 2004

I was at the game with my mom. Still the most fun I’ve ever had at Wrigley Field.

"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." ~8-year-old Greg

by ChiTown CardFan on May 16, 2008 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's a Post Dispatch article on this topic today

It tries to make it sound like everything is hunky-dory—they shook hands and are ready to play nice together. Then it contains this little gem of a quote from Edmonds:

“There are guys out there who hate each other more than he and I do”

I literally laughed out loud.

by Ray Lankford on May 16, 2008 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was a tremendous series

The family was up in Iowa City visiting some old friends. I.C. is solid Cubs territory as far as I can tell, so watching that whole debacle in Cubbie land felt awesome.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

iowa city.........

Cubs town for sure… lots of students from the windy city burbs…...

Durning 05 WS there were lot’s of Sox’s hats that came out as well.

IC Has a pretty good redbird following though. There are some Cardinal bars

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good post AZ

I’ve been skeptical of Wellemeyer as well but have also noted the improvement he’s made in his ability to throw strikes. He misses bats as well as any pitcher on the roster and has made substantial improvements in his strike % and walk rate.

The trouble I have w/ people connecting this to Duncan is this—some will try and characterize Wellemeyer’s improvement to Duncan, thereby taking the credit away from Wellemeyer. However, when pitchers fail under Duncan, they tend to say “(insert pitcher) was too hard-headed, stubborn … and therefore, Duncan couldn’t help him.” In other words, if a pitcher succeeds, it’s b/c of Duncan. If a pitcher fails, it’s the pitcher’s fault. Logically, this is fallacious.

I’m not saying Duncan has had no impact on Wellemeyer. For whatever reason, Wellemeyer has taken to hearing Duncan’s message and has made the correct improvements. Did Duncan tell him anything other pitching coaches didn’t? I doubt it. He’s not a wizard. My guess is that getting released by the Royals had more of an impact on Wellemeyer than anything any pitching coach has ever said to him. I imagine it humbled him and he decided to start listening to pitching coaches or he’d be out of baseball forever. The Cards happened to be the beneficiary but the credit goes to Wellemeyer.

by chuckb on May 16, 2008 9:57 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

that's the problem with this board....................

Duncan is should never get all the credit nor all the blame. It’s like since the Reyes debacle this board has been going back and forth…........ You got people who blamed Dunc wayyyyyyyyy too much for Reyes being crapy and you had people trying to defend Dunc wayyyyyyyy too much saying that it was 100% Reye’s fault for being awful….........

It’s a 50/50 thing all the time. The coach tries to put players in positions to succeed and the players need to perform.

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sometimes it is not the message itself

But how it is communicated. I was listening to Billy Ripken on XM the other day and he mentioned that oftentimes the message is the same from most coaches. What he said was that the different ways that coaches communicate that message help or hurt how it is received. I found this statement to be true in my own life and can easily see how it would apply to ballplayers as well.

by indakind on May 16, 2008 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The biggest message Wellemeyer got

was “b/c you can’t throw strikes, the Kansas City Royals don’t want to fool with you anymore. Learn how to throw strikes or go get a real job.” He, wisely, heeded the message.

by chuckb on May 16, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You may be right

Or you may not be. Both the pitcher and the Cards front office and coaching staff deserve credit for his turnaround. Wellemeyer deserves the lion’s share of the credit because it is his ability and execution but you cannot just dismiss the work of th front office actually picking him up and the coaching staff for helping him stick.

I don’t understand your reluctance to give any credit to Dunc. Other pitching coaches had a shot at this guy and could not make it work. Yes being released by the Royals probably “woke him up” but to deny Dunc any credit is, in my opinion, wrong.

by indakind on May 16, 2008 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Wellemeyer does deserve the most credit because he is succesfully executing his game plan.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you actually read HC's post?

HC:

“I’m not saying Duncan has had no impact on Wellemeyer. For whatever reason, Wellemeyer has taken to hearing Duncan’s message and has made the correct improvements. “
You:
“I don’t understand your reluctance to give any credit to Dunc.”

There seems to be a disconnect here.

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

by Mr Clean on May 16, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I disagree vehemently...

Who lobbied to pick up Wellemeyer? Duncan.

Who converted him to a starter? Duncan.

Now I can’t find the article(I looked all morning) but in a recent interview/post article about the Col. he credited Duncan and said something to the extent when he goes out there he doesn’t want to dissapoint Duncan and he knows Dunc is behind him 100%. So Wellemeyer even gives him credit.

I am not saying Duncan is responsible for his success because like I said yesterday the pitcher has to execute the plan.

I don’t know why a large faction here want to string up Duncan like a piniata and hand out sticks?

He is a good pitching coach. Good enough to at least be consiered one of the best.

How about Loop? No love for Dunc on that one? He has wrung a nice amount of succes out of two middle relief guys that never would have been more than that anywhere else.

Come on. Give a hand for Dunc. And for that matter the Col & Loop.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Speculation

Perez did not pitch in last night’s 12 inning game at Memphis.

Mather hit a walk off homerun and Barden went 3-6.

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!

by stltrav09 on May 16, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

And

there was a save situation for Perez in the ninth that was blown, necessitating all that awesome free baseball. I’m looking forward to seeing him pitch tonight at Busch.

by liam on May 16, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Credit to . .. Yadi?

A good receiver is worth something.

Also I give the Colonel his due. He’s come into his own with a new organization, new teammates, and a new coach. It’s probably a combination of all.

by gocards62 on May 16, 2008 10:22 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It's a team effort.

The catcher and pitcher execute the game plan from the pitching coach.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah but

A good catcher is worth his weight in gold. Sure the pitching coach comes up with the plan, but the catcher’s gotta, heck, remember it correctly, execute it, and if the situation calls, adjust on the fly. That’s the reason a lot of people (me included) think Rick Ankiel may not have freaked out back in ‘01 if Mike Matheny hadn’t darn near cut his own thumb off with a hunting knife.

The catcher’s gotta be a best friend, psychologist, coach and crazy ex-girlfriend all at one time for the pitcher.

by Jhusk on May 16, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

you meant to say “sane, supportive ex-girlfriend.”

by spants on May 16, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, I meant a crazy ex-girlfriend

Keeps you from making the same mistake twice.

by Jhusk on May 16, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In my experience

people are ALWAYS making that mistake twice. :)

by spants on May 16, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

also

i think wellemeyer drinks that new tiger woods drink, so let’s give some credit to the gatorade company.

by baw on May 16, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Isringhausen

I know that he is struggling right now. Most of you feel that maybe he shouldn’t take the ball the rest of the season. I agree that he is not getting the job done, and cannot be trusted to pitch in almost any game.

But reading the quotes out of this guy, you have to feel sorry for him. He sounds like a man who is broken, who literally has no answers to his troubles. You can tell that he’s more upset at himself than anybody else. I just feel terrible for the guy.

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on May 16, 2008 10:47 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I do feel sorry from him

but I also feel sorry for the 24 other guys who are putting the team in a position to win and are being let down. Izzy just isn’t good right now. This isn’t a debate on fan etiquette or if we should boo or not, its a personnel issue. TLR needs to stop running the guy out there in high leverage situation.

He goes out there to hold a one run lead. How is that any different from what he faces in the ninth???? Its inexplicable that Izzy would be thrown in that situation again so quickly. Let him do mop up work and bullpen sessions, or just disable him and let him work completely on the side. Basically Tony, do the opposite of whatever you want to do.

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

by cardzfan24 on May 16, 2008 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

of course, from should be "for"

i now have more typos in the past 24 hours than Izzy has blown saves…in his career.

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

by cardzfan24 on May 16, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do feel sorry for him.

He’s done and he knows it. That’s a hard pill to swallow when all you know is baseball and all of a sudden you realize you just can’t cut it anymore (no pun intended).

I blame TLR for continuing to put him out there. I think after the 06 playoffs, Tony feels like he can make any move and it will go right.

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!

by stltrav09 on May 16, 2008 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

what about

The No play by Glaus on the throw? He didn’t even look to make an attempt at stopping that ball from going by him.

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

When you're momentum is going towards the base

and the throw is 3 feet in the direction you just came from, that’s a pretty impossible play to make. Especially when you’re expecting to get the throw and hopefully fire it to 1st for a double play.

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!

by stltrav09 on May 16, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Impossible play to make......

He was moving to the outside of the bag, ball was thrown behind him, and he would have probalby been taken out and possibly broken a leg if he tries to go back into the path of the baserunner. It only looked bad in slow motion but if you have ever played 3B you would realize that ball would have been nearly impossible to stop.

Izzy needed to set up and step and throw. He just rushed the play and made a bad throw

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Had he made that play it would have been the #1 web gem.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It almost seemed

that Izzy was gripping the ball tighter and tighter as things went awry…

I’m sure Don Tony was thinking, “He had a good outing yesterday; here’s a chance to give him another good outing in a tight ballgame. That will get him that much closer to being ‘back on track’.” Sadly, it didn’t work, and now the problem is worse than it was before last night’s game.

According to Joe Strauss in the P-D, Izzy would be willing to go to Memphis to pitch for a while:

The admission coincides with a potential roster move today involving the franchise’s career saves leader, who left open the possibility Thursday of accepting a minor-league assignment to recapture his missing mechanics and confidence without compromising the bullpen’s integrity.

“I’m out of answers. I’m out of excuses,” Isringhausen said. “We’ve just got to go to the next step, whatever that might be. I don’t have any answers. I expect probably an answer tomorrow when I get here. We’ll go from there.”

The problem with DFA-ing Izzy is the possibility that somebody would claim him on waivers… there are a bunch of closers blowing saves in the bigs right now!

"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra

by The Ol Goaler on May 16, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

silly rules question

but as a 10-5 guy, does he have to waive his no-trade clause to be put on waivers? Or can he just waive it conditionally?

At this point, we still owe him $6M+ this year. I wouldn’t be terribly opposed to letting someone else pay that and putting it in the bank for next year/deadline pickup.

And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...

by SleepyCA on May 16, 2008 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That small effort by Glaus

and also the HR looked catchable if played right, certainly didn’t help.

by ridgesee on May 16, 2008 11:15 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah I saw the replay

and I’m not sure he could have caught it had he played it perfectly, but Duncan was a good 5-10 feet away from where the ball crossed the fence before he realized he was in the wrong place. He just looked awful on that play, though it may not have made a difference.

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on May 16, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

in comparison to Ankiel's play

In my mind, I pictured Ankiel’s catch, and that made Duncan’s play more painful, somehow. Ankiel had to make a last second adjustment, but had put himself in position to make the play. Duncan often doesn’t do that on balls hit over his head. He sometimes looks good on balls at the edge of his range he doesn’t need to go back on and can take a straight line to because he hustles. That’s to his credit.

by random on May 16, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

When you're relying on your defense to save home run balls and catch throws off by 10 feet...

You’re not pitching/playing well.

With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch

by joker24 on May 16, 2008 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

When does Tony keep putting him in high leverage situations?

Izzy was the designated closer prior to his last two outings. The first one was not high leverage, the second one was more high leverage. Perhaps Tony made a mistake in sending Izzy out there yesterday. Maybe he realized that he shouldn’t do that again in the near future.

Now, if you are talking about Tony sending him out when he was still the closer, based on his track record (especially how he performed last year), since he wasn’t hurt, and since he was still effective in many of his appearances, I don’t really have a problem with Izzy not being demoted sooner.

I don’t know what to do with Izzy now, but he really has no place on this team if he can’t pitch at all with a small lead. We can’t keep paying a guy so much for being only a mop-up guy or DLing him with a phantom injury, yet he is being paid WAY too much money to just get rid of him since, IMHO, he still has talent.

by saladdays on May 16, 2008 11:38 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

limiting pitch counts

Do Tony and Dunc keep these guys on any specific leash? Especially Welle and Looper – guys who are still conditioning their arms to starting?

I just can’t see any reason why they would’ve trotted Wellemeyer out for the eighth inning Wednesday night. Take his scoreless 7 and run.

‘Course, TLR has to be frightened out of his brain at the thought of bringing anyone out of that bullpen in right now…

by Pitchers Hit Eighth on May 16, 2008 11:47 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

TLR is frightened?

Hell, I’m frightened and I’m watching Gameday from 1000 miles away…

Run Vince run! There's a tarp chasing you! Run! It's right behind you!

by TBender on May 16, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

hehe

Me too. I know Peneiro had that big inning. But I was just thinking. No no. Leave him in.

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree with several other posts

...that stated Tony’s decision to pull Jo-el after only 5 IP was pretty much the deciding factor in the game. It was a huge gamble since it forced 4 innings onto our shaky and overtaxed bullpen, and Tony KNEW it would mean Izzy would pitch at least 1 inning in what was still a 1-run game at the time. He took the chance, and we got burned. Badly.

That was a bad call. He didn’t put the team in the best position to win with that move. This is one of those rare times I would have preferred he keep the starter in there longer.

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

by Mr Clean on May 16, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe.

And this is just me intrupting the situation; that Tony thought the game wasn’t going to go many more innings before a long rain delay/called game. And wanted the runs.

I could be way off in left field (or right field, depending on what level of baseball you play it.)

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

any word on Izzy up there yet?

i saw in the post this morning that he may be deisgnated or put on the injured list, but havent seen anything yet…

by UNCDubya on May 16, 2008 11:56 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

he is going to see a doctor today

If he goes to the DL we should hear of someone showing up from Memphis before the game tonight. At least I would hope so. Anyword on what Perez is doing today?

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

And then I woke up

Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans

by Mr Redbird on May 16, 2008 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

perez..

wasn’t getting on the flight with duncan was he?!?

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Giants could use some left-handed power.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on May 16, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Cards could use some left-handed power

And seeing as they have a guy who can provide it, why trade it away?

Dave

by SydneyDave on May 16, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

How many people think

the cardinals are a good team going through a funk? It seems to me this year much more than in the past that the cards are losing games that they are suppose to win. It is a disturbing trend to me and I wonder if the damage is too much to come back from. I am pretty sure we should have about 4 more in the win column

Losing is a disease

by ANDYAK47 on May 16, 2008 12:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

funk.........

Not too worried as they right there toward the top. All teams go throw this, remember a week ago when the Cubbies could not win on the road? It happens time to time in a 162 game season

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

hate to say it

i think they are done contending for the central. the damage done with the blown saves over the last few weeks is too much. this was a young team playing way over their heads. losing half a dozen games that could easily have been won is a lot to overcome. that said, they are far more enjoyable to watch, even when losing in excruciating fashion, than most recent cards teams.

It could be worse, you could be on fire.

by themanthemyth on May 16, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you think they're done in the middle of May?

that seems a bit negative. but sure, you might be right. I just see it as the pitching is trending downward, which will take some roster moves to alleviate. I think also that the hitting will trend upward as the weather warms up (unless this RISP issue will be definitive of the ‘08 team, then we will, indeed, be out of the race, but then again, there’s always the wild card)

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

hope not

like everyone on here, i sincerely hope they aren’t. middle of may or no, this team doesn’t have the margin of error to give up what should be easy wins when they are competing against a much more talented cubs team.

It could be worse, you could be on fire.

by themanthemyth on May 16, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes,yes

I agree, I think a revamping of the pen is needed however. the losing games in late innings trend must stop

Losing is a disease

by ANDYAK47 on May 16, 2008 12:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Carlos Quentin

Off subject, I have been watching a few Sox games this year and boy this guy is REAL impressive.

He is a younger probably more talented version of Ryan Ludwick. Quentin is much better defensively in my opinion.

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 12:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

He is so muscular and thick he moves a bit robotic in my opinon..

I guess there was a reason he was a very highly rated prospect….... He needed to get over an injury and get some PT.

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

He is a BIG Guy

much bigger than I thought. I’ve been watching ChiSox games on WGN and I really was blown away by how ripped he was.

boo cubs, hooray beer

by Raconteur on May 16, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've seen him on my cable too. What he is is a guy who MAKES things happen. And he looks like he's having a blast doing it.

He’s a very good fit for the team they have constructed. Mr. Williams got himself a diamond…...

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

by jillsinmo on May 16, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Matt Holiday...

MLB Trade rumors says he is likely that he could be traded this winter, and lists the Cards as one of the possible team interested in obtaining him….. I just don’t see that …not with the young outfield glut we have already….but ?....we can dream..

by Timbo02 on May 16, 2008 12:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Doubt that

I highly doubt they’ll unload Holliday considering they just signed him to decent sized contract to cover him until arbitration this offseason and he’s part of the Helton/Tulowitzki core that got them to the World Series last year. Even if they did trade him, it would take a pretty decent haul of players to bring him aboard.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh I agree....

I was just passing on what I read. I just can NOT see them trading that guy… to anyone.

by Timbo02 on May 16, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

barton

He has been slipping…........ I wish the Cards could send him to AAA to play every day and help him out. He is a young player experience wise, not really age wise.

It would be nice for his developement to play every day I think

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

As a Rule 5

Can they actually do that with him?

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think they would have to work something out with Cleveland..... I don't see it happening

I think he would benefit from playing more. I am not going to say he deserves more playing time at the MLB level either. I think he would benefit from consistent AAA AB’s

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

I think Barton is still a developing player who needs time in AAA. However, I think he can contribute at the major league level too. It’s a tough call. He’s part of a true glut of good ballplayers in the outfield.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

but he can't go to AAA

he’ll be learning in the big leagues

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

nope

He has to either remain on the big league roster, be sent back to the Indians, or Mo would have to work out a trade with Cleveland for him.

Now that he’s shown flashes, I doubt Cleveland would let him go easily.

by Pitchers Hit Eighth on May 16, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

and to work out a trade

he’d have to go through waivers first, at least according to Brian Walton at the Birdhouse.

2 starts and a couple of pinch-hit opportunities ago (at least two of which he was called out on strikes on balls well out of the zone) he had an .848 OPS, and he still has a .366 OBP. It’s way too early to give up on the guy.

And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...

by SleepyCA on May 16, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol

you gather this from what exactly? What evidence do you have for him just being not good?

by FunkeeC on May 16, 2008 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe not holiday

but what about picking up Atkins or Fuentes?
sorry if this is way off but when I heard that the Rockies could deal Holiday they also said these two might be moved too. (or at least thats how i remember it, it might have just been message board BS)

Both would help this team. I suppose Fuentes would be expensive to sign and we have a closer in the wings. But Fuentes can be a tough pitcher.

Atkins could be a guy who could be an answer for us for a number of years.
Good source of power/rbi, has patiance and draws walks. I dont have a clue about his defense though, I would imagine he would be much cheaper than Matt.

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 16, 2008 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

here from mlbtraderumors fwiw
Rockies Could Trade Holliday

In Ken Rosenthal’s latest column, he sees Matt Holliday as a prime candidate to be traded this summer. Rosenthal notes that the Rockies are already ten games back and have very little chance of signing Holliday to an extension. Holliday is signed through ‘09 with $13MM due next season.

Previously, Rosenthal speculated that the Rockies might be willing to go to six years and $96MM to keep last year’s NL MVP runner-up. However, all we know of Holliday’s demands are that he wants more than a four-year deal. Rosenthal sees the Indians, Cardinals, Yankees, A’s, Tigers, Blue Jays, Mariners, and Mets as potential suitors. This should provide an interesting new storyline for July.

Rosenthal thinks that the Rockies could also seek to move Brian Fuentes and Garrett Atkins. Fuentes is eligible for free agency after this season and Atkins will be in his second year of arbitration eligibility and is not eligible for free agency until after next season.

Rosenthal also suggests that the Rockies may be willing to accept low-level, high-ceiling prospects in return as they are deep in prospects at Double and Triple A.

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 16, 2008 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

heres a little more info on why they might not sign him...

Two major media outlets ran identical online stories Thursday regarding Matt Holliday’s uncertain future with the Rockies. As previously reported in The Denver Post 12 days ago, Holliday could become trade bait if the team struggles or if gaps can’t be bridged on a long-term contract. The speculation didn’t concern him Thursday.

“You know I live in a box. I don’t worry about that stuff,” Holliday said.

Holliday hasn’t spoken with agent Scott Boras, who is never influenced by media scare tactics, about any new talks. The left fielder is scheduled to make $13.5 million next season, his last before becoming a free agent.

General manager Dan O’Dowd admitted recently that $100 million would be a starting point on a Holliday contract. The term of the deal remains as big an obstacle as the money. The Rockies have shown a reluctance to go beyond five years.

The futures of Garrett Atkins and third-base prospect Ian Stewart remain linked to Holliday. If no progress is made, Holliday could be shopped — more likely this winter than this season, unless the team’s chilling tailspin continues. If he’s traded, the club would have the option of keeping Atkins at third base and moving Stewart to left.

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 16, 2008 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Have you looked at his non-Coors numbers? It would be a nightmare

In away games, in 1265 PAs, Holliday has a .780 OPS over his career. His 2008 road OPS is .774, and he’s making $9.5 MM.

Duncan, over his career on the road, in 439 PAs has a .903 OPS—or 123 points better than Holliday. For 2008, in roughly 50+ PAs, he’s got a .746 OPS, or 28 points less than Holliday.

Why is everyone ready to trade for a guy who’s not nearly as good of a hitter at sea level to the guy that so many (see today’s PD poll) want to trade away?

Dave

by SydneyDave on May 16, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

have you ever watched him play at Busch

I would think his stats at busch are better than those at coor’s

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on May 16, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

My theory

I think that Duncan tends to get painted with one brush. Yes, part of his philosophy involves pounding the bottom half of the zone, but I think you’ll find that a large portion of the pitching coaches in baseball would agree with that idea, so calling it “his” idea is a bit silly.

Duncan’s other great skills involve puting together a solid game plan and basically becoming the pitchers brain, as well as getting guys who have been whacked around to believe their stuff is good enough to compete. I would imagine that there is some of this going on with Wellemeyer.

Another theory I have for the decreased BB rate is that he’s sacrificing velocity by being a little less physical on the mound. He’s less worried about gassing someone up, so he’s backed off a little bit, a little more controlled aggression in his delivery.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:24 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

well put......

Didn’t Gary Bennett say that Dave Duncan spent more time than any coach he has been around preparing for a regular season game…...... Bennette makes it sound like Dunc works very hard at going over all the slightest details for a Tuesday night game against the Nats just like he would for a game 7 WS game.

by ICbirdfan on May 16, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've heard that too

I remember in 3 Nights “Fuck you bloggers for being fucking profane” Bissinger talked about how Duncan would pour over his charts quite meticulously and knock together a plan to get every conceiveable hitter out. I think by “being the brain” for some of these guys he takes some pressure off of them. They can just go out and throw. I don’t think that would work in every case, I doubt Maddux would take too kindly to it, but for guys like Wellemeyer or Weaver or someone like that I’m sure it takes a certain burden off.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or Brian Bannister......he works it out himself. And he's really, really good at it.

I just get sick of the FSM broadcasters constantly telling me how great, blah, blah, blah the coaching staff is. Maybe Mr. Duncan is more thorough than the other coaches, but it’s silly to think that each and every team doesn’t have their own game plan, their own film guy, etc. They do. So maybe if Dan and Al would shut up I’d be more awestruck or something.

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

by jillsinmo on May 16, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um

what do Dan and Al have to do with anything? And yeah, we may not like them, but Tony and Dave are, statistically, one of the best manager/pitching coach combos in baseball history.

Just because Anthony Reyes hasn’t turned into a Cy Young winner….........

by Jhusk on May 16, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Um, probably nothing.

Dan and Al just really irritate me for reasons stated above. You can look at the team right now and see we have had a lot of baserunners-and stranded an ungodly amount of them. I think the other teams also have elaborate plans on how to pitch to us. All I was saying that having a plan is not unique to the Cardinals and Mr. Duncan. His may be more detailed and better thought out. I concede that is probably true. But he ain’t the only one…...

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

by jillsinmo on May 17, 2008 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

CAN WE???

DFA IZZY, Trade Franklin, DFA Villone

Bring up MOtte, Perez, Garcia for a lefty in the pen and make Kmac the closer?

Pretty Please MO?

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 12:43 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

why franklin?

He has been the one guy who’s been consistent out there.

by Pitchers Hit Eighth on May 16, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I always think the same thing

but then he proves me wrong time and time again.

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!

by stltrav09 on May 16, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

the one thing that could make this better is

orange mocha frapachinos

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

im pretty sure there more to life

than pitching well and being extremly good looking…

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

There is also...

Hitting and fielding. Ask Ankiel.

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

u either missed the reference or

ignored it all together

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

ya gotta keep Franklin in the mix there

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I LOVE how some of us have been calling him a ticking time bomb for 2 YEARS.

Yet he still produces.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on May 16, 2008 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know..

It just seems like a good idea to get some return for him while he has value. You could leave him out and keep Motte in AAA to work on closing games.

Would that be better?

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Motte does need to stay in AAA until he develops a quality second pitch to go with his fastball.

Without an offspeed pitch to go along with his heater, he will get rocked up here.

boo cubs, hooray beer

by Raconteur on May 16, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

a couple things drive me nuts about this site

the links always navigate you away from VEB, most sites (not all) when you click a link it opens in a new window or tab but here it never does. It drives me nuts because I forget and close the new window, or if we have a 500post game thread, I have to reload the entire page which seems to take forever.
Does anyone else have this problem?

Also whenever i log in using the bar at the top of the page, it doesnt log me in…instead it takes me to another log in page and I have to log in there.
maybe im doing something wrong.
I enter my information and hit “log in”

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 16, 2008 2:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

right click the link

and select open in new tab or new window. Depending on your browser.

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, I know that and I should

but I always freaking forget because 90 percent of site do it the other way and you just get used to it.

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 16, 2008 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Middle Click

I open all links with Middle click, at least in firefox that forces a new tab no matter what the default is

by StLHugo on May 16, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

You could also:

CTRL+Shift+left click in Firefox to open a new tab in the background (At least that’s how mine does it)

CTRL+left click in Firefox to open a new tab in the foreground.

I think Internet Explorer 7 is the reverse regarding foreground and background of tabs.

by spants on May 16, 2008 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh

and I do this with all links, too, because I hate having more than one browser window open. Certain sites or applications force a new window, though. I sometimes have 15 tabs going. Or more.

by spants on May 16, 2008 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

use firefox

middle click on the link. Firefox makes browsing so much easier!

"Give a man a fire, and he’ll be warm for a night. Set him on fire and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life."

by BigMOman on May 16, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i am using firefox

what do you mean by middle click?

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 16, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

bah

so I see someone already said that. He means the middle mouse button (your scroll wheel is actually a button, just push down on it)

by StLHugo on May 16, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pittsburgh needs to do us a solid

and KILL the Cubbies

Losing is a disease

by ANDYAK47 on May 16, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah

they owe us after that comeback and taking the series

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate to say it

but if you want to watch a good team plays the game, flip it to WGN.

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!

by stltrav09 on May 16, 2008 2:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

troll

sersiously man.

"Give a man a fire, and he’ll be warm for a night. Set him on fire and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life."

by BigMOman on May 16, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was too angry to spell "seriously" correct.

"Give a man a fire, and he’ll be warm for a night. Set him on fire and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life."

by BigMOman on May 16, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pirates sweep!

you have angered the baseball gods!

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any score in the cubs

game?

Losing is a disease

by ANDYAK47 on May 16, 2008 2:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

6-0

Soriano has 2 bombs.

Cards need 2 out of 3 this weekend badly

Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)

PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!

by stltrav09 on May 16, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

now 6-0

Soriano has 2 Hrs, the 2nd one was a Wrigley special. The Cubs are almost unbeatable at home this season, if the Cards don’t get going, the Cubs are going to be tough to keep pace with.

by KYCards on May 16, 2008 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

and frigging soto has another one

where did this guy come from? Kid never has a minor league OPS over .750 until his third year in AAA, then suddenly becomes Albert Pujols at the age of 24?

And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...

by SleepyCA on May 16, 2008 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think everybody in baseball that isn't a Cubs fan knows where his Mysterious power came from

Also, idiots keep throwing him fastballs. He can’t handle breaking pitches, but kills fastballs. Don’t other teams have scouts?

by cloistermaximus on May 16, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

well, to be fair

Joe Mather has had a similar power spurt at about the same age. But he’s not a catcher, and is like 8 feet tall.

I’m not accusing him of steroids, just shaking my head and saying “wtf”.

And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...

by SleepyCA on May 16, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, part of your answer is "he's a catcher" Catchers and pitchers often take

longer than other position players to put it all together. Soto is an awesome addition to their club.

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

by jillsinmo on May 16, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

as of yesterday,

before going 2-3 with a HR and a walk today, he was having the 17th best season by a catcher in MLB history, by OPS+.

When B-R updates tonight his season to date should be pushed into the top 10 of all time. And he just had to be a frigging Cub.

And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...

by SleepyCA on May 16, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

didnt Albert Pujols

Just suddenly become Albert Pujols at like the age of 24?

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 16, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

by the time albert turned 24

he had over 100 big league home runs. Unless you believe he lied about his age, and is actually 32-33 right now.

And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...

by SleepyCA on May 16, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Post-Dispatch reporting Perez is up

Per Bernie Miklasz in his forum on stltoday.com, Perez is up and Izzy to DL with hand injury.

by indakind on May 16, 2008 2:57 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Are you kidding with the hand injury

Did Izzy punch another wall?

Losing is a disease

by ANDYAK47 on May 16, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i love this

cause e was saying ” i feel fine” its mechanichal not physichal..

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

this might be one of those

Doc: “Hey look. You have a hand injury. “

Izzy: “No I don’t.”

:::Doc slams hammer on Izzy’s hand:::

Izzy “Ouch…Mother F(& what the F$& is wrong with you.”

Doc: “See, there it is. Hand injury.”

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

funny stuff

beyond the humor of a phantom injury…
Whether his problem is mental or physical, i hope he gets straightened out. He has stated many times that he takes great pride in pitching for the same team he grew rooting for. It’s got to be doubly tough to go through this tailspin in his hometown. I wish Izzy the best.

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

by _pistol_ on May 16, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

I want to see Izzy healthy. And throwing like he did in 07 and the first 2 weeks of this year. I won’t be heartbroken if Perez sticks as the closer even after Izzy comes back. And izzy falls to the 8th inning guy.

But we’ll see.

On a completely unrealted note my better half just called me to say that she was offered to box tickets. But we are going out to dinner with her coworks instead. So im going to go cry.

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

thats something that she should have

kept to herself..ouch

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would

never do that to my husband. He almost gave someone tickets the other day (without telling me!) because he couldn’t go to the game with me. I gave him an earful. Then, I went to the game with my best friend.

by spants on May 16, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, it was a TV.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3399784

Rumor has it the first four punches he threw were way off target and missed the TV entirely.

by birdjam on May 16, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah...

and I heard that immediately after the 4th punch Izzy threw, the TV showed a replay of Bay’s homerun going over the wall.

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

by Mr Clean on May 16, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

can we make Overlord his official nickname??

The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.

by coachnick39 on May 16, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Beats the heck out of

our old 89mph Gophermaster. Seriously I like Izzy and really appreciate how good he has been. However, this team needs someone who scares the opposition and Perez, with his wildness, will certainly scare hitters.

by indakind on May 16, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

His first pitch tonight should be up and in

just to scare people…Dont F with the 98 mph overlord

The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.

by coachnick39 on May 16, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

LOL

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

"I want you to throw the next one at the mascot."

“What? Why? I’m throwing great!”

“Just hit the bull.”

by Jhusk on May 16, 2008 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Quick question:

It seems that Fan Diaries should be a place for discussion of news or other comments and the FanShots should be a place to post media, such as pictures and video, that does not warrant discussion. For example, recently have been posting news in the fan shots section – Edmonds A Cub, Perez gets called up – and then these posts are repeated in the Diary section. I think what confuses people is the fanshots say post your links here. Is this something that should be clarified, in order to eliminate double posts etc. Also, there has been numerous double posts in the the diaries section, maybe if we asked people to be more descriptive with the titles of their diaries it would be easier to tell if a news item you want to post has already been discussed. I guess that wasn’t such a quck question…

by davethebutcher on May 16, 2008 3:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

FanShots

are quick, small items, whether it’s a photo or a link with a brief description. Discussion can occur there, but if you link to an article that’s already being discussed in a diary, chances are it will be talked about in the diary instead.

Diaries are exactly what they sound like: diaries. You write something. It’s kind of like writing an essay or an article, but maybe shorter.

Hopefully it’s something well thought out, with stats and maybe links, and discussion fodder; good diaries get A LOT of discussion.

by spants on May 16, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perez will wear #63

can we give him a normal number??? I’d like to think that he will be around for awhile

The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.

by coachnick39 on May 16, 2008 3:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Closers

Sutter = 42
Smith = 47
Eckersley = 43
Izzy = 44

He used 52 at Memphis. So, who knows what he should have.

by Hardcore Legend on May 16, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

No one uses 49

except Joe Pettini

The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.

by coachnick39 on May 16, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

or he is 6-4 225, He should tell Kinney to give him 52 or

who knows where his Fastball will end up

The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.

by coachnick39 on May 16, 2008 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like 99!

He could wear some crazy ass horned rims and get a wierd mohawk hair cut too. Maybe even come out to the mound in a leather vest-jacket thing.

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

by redbirdnation8206 on May 16, 2008 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I could care less

as long as he pitches well, but you’re right it’d look cooler

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Grammar police

*it’s couldn’t care less.

“Could care less” makes no sense think about it…

With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch

by joker24 on May 16, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unless

He cares about it.

by Evilfrog on May 16, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

And he could

stand to care less.

by spants on May 16, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

dude spelling is one thing

but my grammar…u missed the point entirely..

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like it

63 saves in a season would be a record by six, and would be very, very hard to accomplish.

That should be his goal, and yes. I have high expectations.

(note, not this year.. for obvious reasons)

I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang

by AdjustedExpectations on May 16, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

45....44+1 :D

"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"

by rocKStark5 on May 16, 2008 4:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Tell Gibson to move over...

I don’t think Gibby would mind….

by StLHugo on May 16, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's insane

Gibson should never be asked to move over.

What, has the whole world gone mad?

by Hardcore Legend on May 16, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gulp

Highly agree

Perez may be exciting due to our recent issues, but never, ever would he be worth a Gibson like status, even if it is just a jersey number.

I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang

by AdjustedExpectations on May 16, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Go Over Lord !

I salute you.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Just imagine if you will...

The “Colonel” turns over the game in the eigth to “King Mac” who then turns it over in the ninth to the “Over Lord”.

That is neat.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on May 16, 2008 4:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I wish that Mcfarlane would make a few more birdos

Stan,Lou, and a few other cards variants would be good.

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

by punchinjudy on May 16, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

interesting..

11 out of the 25 players on the roster were actually drafted by the cardinals

"Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead!" - Wayne Hagin after the cardinals snapped a losing streak

by The Ghost of Todd Burns on May 16, 2008 4:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

list...

Looper
Kennedy
Pujols
Molina
Ankiel
Duncan
Schumaker
Perez
Ryan
Parisi
McClellan

Is that correct? Not sure if I miss one or made an incorrect assumption about one of the younger players.

by StLHugo on May 16, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Explains

why the team is falling out of the standings so quickly now.

by JMedwick on May 16, 2008 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

huh?

I dont think I follow your logic.

by FunkeeC on May 16, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We haven't been

great at developing our own talent.

by spants on May 16, 2008 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

but that list

has nothing to do with why we’re falling in the standings.

Matter in fact, I can attribute that list to being a large part of how many wins we do have. How many game winners does Shu and Ank have alone? Looper is leading us in wins, and frankly anyone blasting a list with Molina and Albert and attributing it to why we fail is a little far fetched if you ask me.

I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang

by AdjustedExpectations on May 16, 2008 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

I’d have to agree that it is helping us, if for no other reason, it should help the “team chemistry” or intangibles. but then again, maybe that’s why people are saying it’s hurting the team? or maybe it’s just an interesting blurb

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

My browser froze or something.

I was saying that Cards haven’t exactly been drafting dynamos. Our farm system has been pretty poor until recently, and we’re still not great.

by spants on May 16, 2008 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, I think that we kind of spread out the talent a bit

then try to sign proven stars to mix it up with. at least, that’s what it is during the transition phase… although they’ll probably always do that to an extent

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was just explaining

to FunkeeC what JMedwick meant. I do think we’re turning the farm system around, and I’m happy that Mo’s our GM.

by spants on May 16, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm already excited for the post-Larussa era

or simply next year. but I think Oquendo would make a great manager :)

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 16, 2008 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want

Mike Matheny. The Secret Weapon would be cool, too.

by spants on May 16, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still dont understand why the fact of the number of drafted players specifically explains anything.

sure, it will help the team to develop cheap helpful talent. but thats not the REASON in and of itself of the poor play.

by FunkeeC on May 16, 2008 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We have (at least during

the Jocketty era) drafted poor players.

A team full of poor players (who happen to be drafted by us) is plenty of reason for poor play. So, if nearly half the players on the roster were poorly drafter by us, that might explain why we play poorly. Make sense?

by spants on May 16, 2008 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

it would make sense if it applied to these 11 players

but it really doesnt. nor does it explain the bad play recently. In my opinion, our bullpen would be better served by using more of the talent available in the minors rather than what we have up currently.

by FunkeeC on May 16, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not supporting the idea.

Just explaining it. Besides, it might have been a joke.

by spants on May 16, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Lohse shoulder

will probably tell a little bit about what the front office sees in his future. also may show a little about whether this is a rebuild year or a contending year. I think Mr. Rule five has been given his last look….............................The Rays are pumped, young and hungry and coming to this historic baseball city, their probably going to kick our ass.

Westcoastbirdwatcher

by westcoastbirdwatcher on May 16, 2008 7:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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