Game 45 Open Thread: 17th May, 2008
by the red baron on May 17, 2008 4:50 AM EDT
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Matt Garza 2-1, 3.86 Wainwright 3-2, 2.95
I'm just going to make this thing the game thread, rather than have separate threads. Why am I doing this, you ask? Because, to be perfectly frank with you, I can't think of much of anything to say this morning, following that lifeless showing last night.
On the upside, Looper was pretty awful, but still managed to turn in a quality start. Everything he threw was mostly flat, mostly up, and mostly smacked. The defense played a nice game behind him, though, with a couple of very nice double plays, and Braden made a couple of good pitches when he really needed to. Really, it's tough to complain about the job that Looper did last night. It wasn't pretty, but it doesn't need to be. Loud outs are still outs.
The offense, on the other hand, was just putrid. After stranding 28 runners on the bases in the last two games of the Pittsburgh series, the Cards' offense was stymied by a starting pitcher who came in with an ERA over 5.00. Lb said last night this was just the sort of pitcher the Cards needed to see, a pitch to contact guy who averages 87 on his fastball. I would have been moved to agree with Mr. Boros, but apparently the local nine didn't get the memo, because they made Andy Sonnanstine look an awful lot like another soft tossing righty by the name of Greg Maddux.
What's worse than the Cardinals not hitting the guy, though, is the fact that they didn't even make him work all that hard. The plate discipline that we've all lauded the team for, even as they've struggled to capitalise on innumerable scoring chances, seems to have taken a significant downturn lately. I wonder if frustration isn't beginning to set in for our boys in red; a thought process of, "Well, taking pitches isn't working. I'm tired of losing and having to hear about all the missed chances in the game. I'll just make this happen myself." Wild swinging ensues.
Truth be told, the whole team just looks to be in a horrible mental funk right now. Whereas earlier in the season, even when the Cards lost, you felt as if they were in the game right to the end, the last week and a half's worth of games have felt more like the interminable contests of 2007, when even a two run deficit seemed utterly insurmountable, and we watched players seemingly imitate the undead on a daily basis.
It may be simplistic, but the issue really does seem to stem, at least to me, from the tough losses the team suffered in Colorado. In the eighth inning of the third game of that series, the Cardinals were riding a collective wave of confidence; two already in the bag, only six more outs to get a third, and go for the sweep with your ace on the mound. Forty five minutes later, they were staring at a loss. Eighteen hours later, two in a row. Since then, it's all been downhill.
You always hear talk of momentum in baseball from day to day being a myth, but I just don't buy it. While it's true that a single performance, (especially one of the pitching variety) can turn things around for better or for worse almost instantly, I think that a team riding so high, who fell so quickly and severely, can very well find themselves in a spiral, lasting multiple games. The fact that one of the longest tenured and most respected players in the clubhouse has been deposed of his end of game slot and disabled with a week old cut on his hand can't help, either.
Maybe it's nothing. Maybe it's just a blip in an otherwise great season so far. Maybe the team just isn't all that good, and we're seeing now what we should have been seeing all along. But it doesn't feel that way to me. It feels as if, right now at least, this is a team playing scared, a team trying desperately not to lose the game, rather than trying to win. The overaggressive approach at the plate is a perfect example. The team has had a wonderful approach at the plate thus far this year, but the results haven't been quite as good as you would hope. Of course, a large part of the onus for the mediocre results falls on just a couple of players. Troy Glaus struggled badly early in the season, making the offense look worse than it was, as he consistently stranded runners day after day. Chris Duncan too, as his power seemed to completely desert him, and he struggled to make solid contact with anything. But still, the team as a whole was taking great at bats, getting on base, and doing pretty much everything right, in terms of at least creating the chances for run production.
Lately, though, the team looks desperate to score runs. They've abandoned the patient, grinding approach we saw so much of early in the season, in an attempt to hit the proverbial three run homer with the bases empty. We're seeing less walks, and just less patient at bats overall, because the players are playing with the thought in the back of their mind that they don't want to lose this game stranding a ton of runners the way they have so many other times. Like I said, it's a small difference, but the team just looks to be playing with a lot of fear right now. They're slumping, and they've lost their comfort level, and trying way too hard to make something happen in order to avoid another loss, rather than just going out, playing the game the way they did to begin the season, and trust that the game will reward them.
We did see one really great thing in the game last night, of course, and I would be severely remiss not to mention it. Well, two great things, actually; the continued excellent performance of Mike Parisi in his first taste of major league action qualifies as both surprising and tremendously heartening, in my book.
I speak, of course, of the debut of Chris Perez. Kid's had a pretty quick ride through the system, particularly by the standards of a team like the Cardinals, who err on the side of caution, (to the point of folly at time, to my eye) when calling upon minor leaguers to help out at the ML level.
Perez looked solid last night. He handled the pressure of his major league debut with aplomb. Even so, you could see he was absolutely amped up, and I think his pitch selection reflected it. He didn't throw a single slider until the fourth man of the inning, Mr. Evan Longoria-Parker, came up to bat. Perez tossed fastball after fastball in there, and still wasn't hit really at all. The first at bat of the inning, the Carl Crawford line out, Perez just pumped the heat, going 95.4, 95.4, 95.9, 96.5, 95.9, 94.8, and finally, on the pitch that Crawford hit to Kennedy, 95.8. Seven pitches, seven fastball, the slowest of them right at 95 mph. That right there is a pitcher just airing it out, trying to get through the butterflies, and just overpowering the hitter even as he does so. I wasn't surprised to see Perez pretty much stay away from the slider, and I wasn't surprised to see the ones he did throw come in there a little loose. The first one he threw to Longoria was a pretty good one, but it looked like the other two spun a little and didn't have the same kind of tight, hard break you usually see from Perez.
Even with him fighting to try and just get that first inning out of the way, Perez was, by far, the most impressive pitcher on the field last night. He can be overpowering in a way that you don't see very often. He's cut down on his walks this year significantly; let's hope that's a real improvement and not a mirage. If he really has gotten his control problems at least moderately in hand, Chris Perez could end up being a truly dominant closer for the Cardinals over the next several years. With him and Motte anchoring the back end of the 'pen, the Cardinals will have two flat out overpowering pitchers shortening games for them very soon. If they could just find one more guy, preferably left handed, they could even end up with an updated version of Cincinnati's old Nasty Boys bullpen of the early 90s. If they had only taken Leyson Septimo in the Rule 5 second round...
Anyway, today the Cards will see Matt Garza, the biggest piece the Rays received in return for Delmon Young from Minnesota over the winter. Garza is a pure power pitcher, capable of reaching 97-98 with his fastball at times. He's struggled somewhat this year with his control; he currently sports a 1:1 K/BB ratio. Still, he's incredibly talented. The Cardinals couldn't hit Sonnanstine's 87; let's see how they do against 97.
Seriously, guys, I'm really getting tired of watching you lose. How about you win this one today just for me, huh? You got Adam on the mound, looking to make amends for his last time out, and a pitcher with some control issues who should be a prime target for you to work some deep counts and some walks off of. You need to find that groove, and get back into it. No time like the present.
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Good God.
I preface this with, “I can’t think of much to say” and it still turns into a novel. What the hell is wrong with me?
All your failures are just training grounds.
Novels are ok
I tend to do the same, mostly on mediocre points. (shrug). Hell, even last night’s overflow. A lot of echos to what you have today, though it’s a good thing. I don’t feel as if I’m the only one seeing it.
As far as your comment on a lefty, we do have Flores doing a bang up job in Memphis. K/BB rate better than Motte and Perez, nice toolset, can strikeout. Limited experience in the Majors with the A’s. Seems to have a lot better control as of late. Meaning, I think he’s growing into his role, which seemed to be an issue when he was with the A’s. Can do the LOOGY role, or a 2 inning stint. Can have a rough game every now and then, but has been overall very solid on a decently solid work schedule.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions
more of a novela, really
your posts/novels are enjoyable to read, so thank you. it is also enjoyable to have a 95-mph-throwing, nasty-slider-toting reliever in the fold. a possible nickname: Perez Dispenser.
You have to love
that “G D” fastball.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on May 17, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
It was a good read.
Perez and Motte are going to be a lot of fun to watch
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
nothing's wrong with you, baron
Your sentiments are exactly correct. The last week has been too much like 2007. They’ve lost their patience at the plate, with Skip’s plummeting OBP as exhibit #1. He needs to make quick corrections or, a few days off. Kennedy is also sinking fast. Today is a day they need Wainwright to step up big.
by vinniefromjersey on May 17, 2008 7:20 AM EDT reply actions
One thing that bugs me
Skip was to be the first option in the lead off spot, but he was to earn it. April seems to have gifted him in there full time. Or just about. And it’s getting painstakingly old.
I didn’t agree with the Ludwick in the 1 hole when it was mentioned, but I strongly think that Ryan can be an option we should platoon into that role. I haven’t looked up stats, but he seems to have solid first sight plate appearances, and I don’t think that other teams have his number like they do Skips at the moment.
Glaus seems to be finding some form. I say this knowing that he was hot for 6 or so games when he was doubleitis mid April, but this time it feels different. Why? Because he’s going the opposite way and showing flashes of power when he does. Glaus started out so far in front of the ball that he’d average a homerun distance foul ball on almost every at bat, he’d slam it, but yank it.
Skip needs to feel the weight of the platoon more than anything at the moment. Barton needs more at bats, he’s already suffering from the heavy bench presence he’s getting. Ryan needs more looks, and you can make a real solid case when we’re facing a righty as Iz hitting from the left side frankly, sucks.
Lineup is getting somewhat predictable. I don’t mind that in itself, but it sucks when it’s two guys who aren’t doing their role very well overall. If anything, if someone has deserved some stability it’s Luddy, offensively and defensively.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 8:24 AM EDT reply actions
Or last night
when Skip went through bat #2 hitting his DP, seeing how the first one was a DP ball should he not been the first batter up. Why not sub in Luddy then? He’s not a lead off situation anymore, he even represents the “power in 2” with the pitcher in the 8th spot.
They pull out Barton because they think he can’t field worth shit in the fourth, why can’t they pull Skip when it’s clear he’s not going to hit for shit? What did he do the rest of the night? Standard pop to center and a ground out.. to the pitcher.
Last night was probably one of the better nights to sit Ludwick when you look at style of pitching to be fair, but I’d like to see the two hotter bats involved against a team who is just as likely not to put up 7 runs or so.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Why pick on Skip?
Nobody did diddly against that pitcher last night. Even Albert was 0 – 4.
The biggest problem I see is that this team has too many singles hitters. Once you get past Glaus and Albert there isn’t much there. Izturis, Kennedy and Miles can barely get the ball out of the infield. League pitchers seem to have found the holes in the swings of Ankiel, Ludwick and Duncan. Molina is having a good year, but he’s a slow catcher and really doesn’t contribute that much for scoring runs.
I watch other teams and see guys hitting frozen ropes in the gaps constantly. The Cardinals are hitting nothing but weak ground balls that occasionally find the hole in the defense and little flares just over the infielders heads. You’re not going to score many runs hitting like that.
by O'Fallon Park on May 17, 2008 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
One, Duncan, Glaus and Looper all had reasonable games against that pitcher last night, so I wouldn’t say no one.
However, I’m not slamming a guy based on one day and I’m not even slamming on him to begin with. The issue is that the attitude was that there would be aggressive platooning for the entire OF with a bias on Rick in center, ALL of the OF has a case to make to start, none of them is playing awful.
Skip hasn’t really been apart of that platoon overall. Because of two issues I’m taking into assumption. One, the “need a leadoff” concept. I’m saying Ryan/Barton could make more of a buffer there, two because his streak of games mid to late April.
.317 .400 .436 .836 at the end of april
.278 .351 .384 .735 after last night
His OBP is .241 the past 16 games.
For a “leadoff” hitter that’s trending down, showing lack of patience and first pitch swinging (total change from April, by the way) he should not be an automatic in right and leadoff.
I like Skip, I have nothing against him. But his case for leadoff and almost an automatic slot in right is not based on performance, and that’s my issue
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
You're kidding yourself ....
if you think barton can produce at the big league level. No Way Jose!
Ha!
we are kidding ourselves running Slappy McGrit out there to bat leadoff and expecting him to get on base.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Barton hasn't been given much of a chance
to produce. And when he has played he has been on base on a regular basis.
Nobody, but NOBODY
looks good when the entire team doesn’t hit…
I agree with O’Fallon that the Cards may be making a mistake by bunching their singles hitters; with Duncan/Ankiel/Ludwick in the 2-hole, that leaves you with Molina, AK, the pitcher, and Iz2ris at the bottom of the order. Don Tony might be better served with one of the singles hitters in that 2-hole, allowing a guy with more “pop” than Molina at #6.
With Garza (a righty) on the hill today, I’d like to see:
Skip RF
Kennedy 2B
Pujols 1B
Ankiel CF
Glaus 3B
Duncan LF
Molina C
Wainwright P
Ryan SS (but I expect Iz2ris in this slot)
Glaus and Duncan have been swinging the bat better (to my eyes) lately; taking “shorter” strokes to the ball.
Go get ‘em, boys!
"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra
Skip is struggling
if he has to be in the lineup (I argue that he doesn’t), then bat him 7th.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
rationale above
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Feels like Ryan is in search of delegates or something.
I mean, he can make a case for not one, but two positions.
Batting for a guy who shouldn’t be batting righties and/or left handed.
Batting for a guy who’s done .200/.256/.250/.506 this month.
If I had to pick, I’d keep Kennedy in today, he splits on rights pretty well and would do well if he was back in the two hole, then again.. duncan has been clicking since being there.
Sigh, who knows – lol.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Close on today's lineup
with Miles getting some face time at 2B and Ankiel resting.
Skip RF
Miles 2B
Pujols 1B
Duncan CF
Glaus 3B
Ludwick LF
Molina C
Wainwright P
Ryan SS
Let’s see if Glaus and Duncan can stay hot while Albert starts a new streak
Sonnanstine
I feel like this guy deserves more credit than you and lboros have given him. The last few weeks he’s been putting some rather outstanding performances including a complete game shutout against the White Sox. His overall stats are a little deceiving because he’s been up and down, but he’s been a guy showing he’s more than capable of a game like last night. We just happened to catch him on one of those nights he was on and not off.
Also, random fun fact, but last year in his rookie season he put up some pretty solid K:BB numbers in 22 games (97:26).
On with the (good) youth movement!
Yeah, Sonnanstine had a solid start last night and his 2007 peripherals were a lot better than his ERA (hi, Anthony!). What’s amazing is that he is the Rays’ #5 starter. I’m a Cardinals fan and this is a Cardinals blog, but the story of this series is on the other side of the field.
by greenback06 on May 17, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Sonnanstine is not a bad pitcher at all. I watched him throw a complete game versus the White Sox earlier this year and he can be nasty. Much like all the Rays pitchers his problems are his youth and inconsistency.
boo cubs, hooray beer
had the wierdest dream last night
Dunc went on an incredible hot streak and missed the the consecutive HR record by 2 games. I wish
At least he's better than Esteban Yan.
I've watched TWIB since I was a kid
and never before have I seen so little of the cards. Only the kicksave is all I believe I’ve seen this year. Ank should get some lovin, at least.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 12:06 PM EDT reply actions
nothing this week either, but with our week, can’t blame them.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 17, 2008 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if
it will be a ghost town around here today. To all the VEBers at the game, I’m jealous as hell. Hopefully someone will stop in here and let us all know how the revelry is going. Drink a Franklin for us poor souls who can’t be there.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on May 17, 2008 12:19 PM EDT reply actions
i should be around for most of the game
very jealous of everyone going. couldn’t make everything work to be there today. : (
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
591 row 12
I want to meet some vebers today dammit!!! I’m rocking a blue polo with garza 22 taped on the back
check out VEB on facebook...just search groups for Viva El Birdos
He's there to strike out the monkey.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on May 17, 2008 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a man crush
on the Tampa pitching staff. Whoring myself out for a ball. Update from the park…
wainwright isnt looking too sharp :(
check out VEB on facebook...just search groups for Viva El Birdos
can see that on the television too.
you got an iPhone?
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I certainly do
Have an iPhone. Looks like a high scoring game today. I was in 509 last night and saw pereZ. That fastball was sick. Jeff murphy looked as larue and just started laughing
check out VEB on facebook...just search groups for Viva El Birdos
not a one so far
:( I’m definitely not hard to miss. I’ll keep looking though. Wainwright looks like he’s settled down. As an aside….
Guy just turned down an Aaron miles autographed ball for 4 tix to 6 flags. I about died
check out VEB on facebook...just search groups for Viva El Birdos
let's do it!
BE the stopper wagonmaker! BE the ace!
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:10 PM EDT reply actions
The original Bad News Bears is on
Awesome
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
damnit
4 E for molina already, 2 this series.
yuck.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:18 PM EDT reply actions
though that looked to be way more ryans fault than molina's to me
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
yeah
still gave it to molina. the receiving end of a throw almost never gets the E anymore.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Low throws to 2nd base are more errors on the covering guy than anything else
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
goddamnit
23 pitches already. bullpen is hurtin.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions
He didn't win it last year so that award doesn't mean too much
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
jesus
i’m used to those getting caught with ankiel and edmonds around.
COME IN SCHU!
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:22 PM EDT reply actions
You know
I am really starting to think that Skippy isn’t the great defensive guy people keep telling me he is.
meh
it’s not really a defensive thing, he just chooses to play deeper unlike ankiel and edmonds.
i’m just used to those “base hits” being caught.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Uhh playing deeper (out of position) is part of defense...
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
well it depends on what you consider the correct position to be.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
If extra hits are dropping in because of your positioning, you are in the wrong position
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
but
would you say the same thing if hits were going over his head?
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
If he's giving up 2 singles to catch 1 double, he's in the wrong spot
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
and skip seems to get a lot of extra hits
And a lot of singles seem to turn into doubles when he is playing a corner position because he seems to shade thwards center.
I guess they haven't heard about Yadi in the AL
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
you didn't make the trip for VEB day at the park val?
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I live in Austin, TX
it would’ve been nice, but…
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
There seems to be alot of us in Texas
Maybe we need a VEB day at the Juice Box.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on May 17, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
because garza is a hard throwing righty
just the kind duncan hits well.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Dunc is about ready to bust out the woopin stick
whether or not that’s a good thing is another story
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
miles!
larussa does like power in the 2 slot.
by stlcardinalsfang on May 17, 2008 1:29 PM EDT reply actions
Ok albert
New streak. Lets start a 3 run hr streak.
by Evilfrog on May 17, 2008 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Oh for the love of god this is fucking ridiculous
Hit with the situation for the love of god.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
+1
This is about as frustrating as it gets. C’mon Troy, stay hot.
"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 17, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Pujols is going to have to be one
to show thesse guys how to hit with runners on base. That was a 4 pitch AB.
woh
didn’t know glaus led the team in rbi (not that hard to do though)
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:36 PM EDT reply actions
well
ok yeah. it’s weird that Glaus is younger than I am but I look 5 years younger than him
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
why is the lineup
different almost every day is another question
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah I think these guys need a little more consistancy
I know there all fighting for a spot as far as im concerened duncan has lost that right.
he has always struggled in the cleanup spot
in his career.
I would say his hitting 5th has helped him out.
cmon Nady
get a bunch of rbis against the cubbies today.
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
crap
cubs just tied it
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Any numbers on this hot streak of Glaus'?
"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 17, 2008 1:36 PM EDT reply actions
7 RsBI!
Those are like an endangered species nowadays.
"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 17, 2008 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats not coal in your stocking...that's what you get when we've been good little boys and girsl
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Thank you, Aaron Miles
He gets slammed on VEB and elsewhere, but for a utility infielder the guy does a respectable job.
"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 17, 2008 1:39 PM EDT reply actions
he's a great
utility infielder
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
these cardinals need to bat around one of these games
to get that back on track offensively
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions
A little Fernando Tatis action!!!!!
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
man
that guy was fun to watch. didn’t he get 8 rbis one game? how old is he now…
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Two grand slams
in the same inning. Won’t happen again.
"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 17, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
that was ridiculous
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Haven't heard a "Skunkman" Tatis reference in a while
Last I heard, the guy was a free agent invitee to Dodgers’ camp. Rest assured, Dodger fans remember who Fernando Tatis is.
"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 17, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Fernando Tatis is in the bigs with the Mets
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Rotoworld listed him as a DH surely as a (funny) joke
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
he's batting 1.000
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
F the Freaking Cubs
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
what is up with aw's tempo
he is taking forever in between pitches. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him pitch this slowly.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Trying to change the mo?
Things aren’t going his way right now…
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
he's not sharp
at all. Leaving everything up in the zone.
it's on mlb.tv
for some reason it isn’t blacked out.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
On a side note I really, really hope the NHL takes a renaissance here
A Pitt/Detroit finals might go a long way. The NHL is 100x better than the NBA it’s not even remotely close, the game is so much better and exciting and everything. The chicness of hating on hockey might be tricky to overcome.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
all right Wainer
lock in and shut ‘em down
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 1:56 PM EDT reply actions
I kindly request that the Cards quit poppping out to short
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Lou Piniella is slowly building up to a meltdown
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Pretty much exactly what he did last year in the minors/majors
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Pitchers will eventually figure him out
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
they are finding all the holes right now
only imawura’s ball has been hit real hard…everything else if just well place..sucks for wainwright, he’s not pitching all that badly
yeah, ww is getting ahead in the count pretty consistently
and I’m beginning to think that ryan might be having some reaction time trouble
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
and that lineout looked like the best hit ball
of at least this inning
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
i'd say that AW
taking 30 seconds between pitches is at least part of the reason for that. It is hard to stay on your toes for that long as a MI.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Yankees news: Damon's arm is hialriously bad
He three hopped a ball to the plate from shallow, shallow left. The Yanks announcers initially said “and the bases are loaded…....but they’re sending Church”
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
If Adam continues to struggle
we are in big trouble going forward. The schedule is going to be tough in June. We need to have guys like Adam at the top of their game during that stretch since we are struggling to score alot of runs.
miles just smoked one
heh
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions
great
now albert is slumping
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions
all right Glaus
looks like you’re the guy now
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:14 PM EDT reply actions
sdklghha;khgjhhaggh
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
It's two freaking games, he went 2-5 TWO GAMES AGO
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
You pitch to contact, this happens
Matty Mo’s decreased velocity is a concern.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm assuming...
... you meant Wagonmaker and not Matty Mo. Matty Mo’s decreased velocity is no longer a concern.
Matty Mo?
Dunno if that’s a reference to Wainwright but he’ been 90-93 the entire game on Gameday. FSN’s gun has been slow at home the entire year.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
It's a reference to what happened to Matty Mo
loss of velocity, heavy reliance on his breaking stuff.
Wainwright’s WHiFF rate seems to be way down over his last few starts. He appears to have a very tired arm.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
That's his usual velocity NOW
it wasn’t. He seems to have lost 2 or 3 mph from last year.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
It's exactly what it was last year
It’s exactly what it’s been earlier in the year. According the the Pitch F/x player cards he’s throwing harder this year technically.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
I'd like to see that
player card, if you could link it.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh dear Lord
Look at his highest comparibles. A bunch of soft-tossing contact guys. Yikes!
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Javier Vazquez high contact? 8.90 K/9 this year 8.85 K/9 last year
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
And just in case that doesn't do it for you
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
It shows a 2 mph drop
from his bullpen days, which is understandable. It’d be nice to see a chart based upon start by start. He had great velocity to start the season but he has been struggling over his last few starts with it.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Alright, don't know why I have to do this, nothing supports what you're saying
But pick me a game from last year, I’ll report you the velocity pitch by frickin pitch.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
You don't have to do anything
no one is asking you to.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh I'm more than willing, I like being right...
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Then do this year
Take the last 3 starts from this year (including today) and chart his velocity.
Thanks.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Excel is being odd on my laptop...
I’ll have to get it later on the desktop
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
Don't bother
it’s fine. I’ll conceed the point and pray he doesn’t see the DL anytime soon.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
it's also availasble
in a neat chart format at fangraphs. Scroll all the way down and you can see speed, percentage of each type of pitch thrown, etc.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Im beginning to believe that the Rays beat you slowly and painfully
with singles.
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
they have boppers in that lineup
Upton, Pena and Longoria all have plus power. Iwamura and Crawford are both good for about 15 a year also
boo cubs, hooray beer
it sounds like what we do
except after we get 3 singles in a row and load the bases, we pop it up to short
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
If you look up Streaky in the dictionary
you will see a picture of Alfonso Soriano. I’ve never seen a player look so absolutely terrible one month, then the next month look like the second coming of Wilie Mays
boo cubs, hooray beer
Alfonso Soriano is listed as a "notable mentions" but the picture is of Jim Edmonds
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
It looks like Big Z might not get out of the 5th in Chicago
GO PIRATES!!!!!!!!
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
go pirates
you’re only down by a run, you swashbucklers
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:29 PM EDT reply actions
oh wait
now a tie game
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Tie game and it Lou is pulling Z
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
thuddy needed that one
he’s had some bad at bats lately, i’ve been starting to get worried about him.
2 more solo home runs, and he’ll be tied for the team lead in RBI’s…
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
why is he not an everyday player?
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Hate to say it...but, Skip should sit
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Duncan will get going
and with all things being equal, Duncan hot is way better than Skip hot
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
I am still waiting for this unbelievable Skip defense to appear
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
make duncan and skip
the two who platoon (and barton fill in for the other two)
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn, it's good to have his bat in the lineup again.
"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 17, 2008 2:30 PM EDT reply actions
I'm liking this double tie
pirates tie the game, then we tie it. nice.
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions
I hope every one of those inherites runners score on zambrano
inflate that jerks ERA
boo cubs, hooray beer
heh
one of ‘em has scored
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
he's a jerk
but i remember last year, when it was looking like the cubs were not going to resign him, and he was making those comments that yadi was going to be is next catcher…i was praying he would become a cardinal
you and me both
he’s a jerk as long as he plays for the cubs, if he was a Cardinal, i’d live with it :P
boo cubs, hooray beer
with the Cards
he would be fiery
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 17, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
aces dont allow leadoff doubles
after getting some run support…wainwright is good, but he is not an ace yet
aces that do give up lead off doubles
get out of it unscathed
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
He's off to a pretty good start on his way to ace-dom
especially when you compare his 1st 3 years to some other aces
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
heh
through his legs
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
there was one replay
that made him look safe, but the others made him look out to me?
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 17, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Very Ace-Like
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Wainwright velocity was considerably better
this inning, 93, 93, 94 to Longoria.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:42 PM EDT reply actions
where would AW be this game
without the 4 or 5 TB base-running blunders?
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
One at a time please!!!!
Um, at the Hardee’s upperdeck restaurant
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably not in the shower
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
I think he can and does turn up the heat
whenever he feels it necesarry, like in a k situation
Losing is a disease
Another reason I voted Molina on the NL All Star Team
Offense is nice, but good defense is way more fun to watch. I would chalk most of the Rays’ success to their airtight defense too. Unless a Cardinal gets it out of the stadium, or hits it WAY hard, it’s an out. That’s why they took game 1 with a sub par pitcher yesterday. Their defensive positioning seems spot on too.
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:43 PM EDT reply actions
Gameday disagrees
they refuse to show any of these defensive gems.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Would you like a blown save with that sir?
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Not if we use Overlord
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Ok, so one order of big inning, hold the blown save
That will be 25 cents at mobile tomorrow.
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Skip needs to get on
for the beef that is Miles today
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Hey Pujols
Remember, you are a good player.
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply actions
Aaron Miles is great in interleague play
which begs the question: Why doesn’t he go play in the American League?
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply actions
GOT TO CAPITALIZE HERE
BETTER?
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
cmon
Ludwick is one home run ahead of you Albert…
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply actions
Aaron Miles=
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
On fire
sorry…hit enter
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
we could go with that
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Pujols
does a Vlad impression
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
tied with Glaus in rbi
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Tough strikezone on Gameday
Ball 2 was right down the middle.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:51 PM EDT reply actions
Glover warming up in the Rays pen
“I’m getting too old for this shit”
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:51 PM EDT reply actions
sick of seeing him play
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
He was our only offense yesterday
I’m not a big fan, but you have to give him his due.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
FREE JOE MATHER!!!!
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
time to get rid of him
when hes not hitting and has no power he’s useless because he’s a liability in the field
Skippy has
speed, defense, a good arm, and a good eye at the plate over Duncan.
One thing about Duncan.. even when he’s slumping, he still has the occasional HR in him.
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
the problem with this is
that skip doesn’t steal bases, so he doesn’t really have “speed”, and there is no objective proof that shows that skip is a better defender than duncan right now. All the defensive metrics show that Duncan has been much better than skip this year, and skip has given up enough extra bases due to positioning (something that is not captured by the defensive metrics) that I don’t think there is any doubt that Duncan has been the beter defender, goof-ball style notwithstanding.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
pop fly hit to the OF with the bases loaded. and 2 outs.
Who do you want it hit to.. Duncan or Schu?
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
PUT SKIP ON THE BALLOT!!!
hit a soft singal a bit off the line..
Who do you want it hit to…Dncan or Schu?
Duncan gets to a lot more balls than skippy. He may make you want to close your eyes and pray he doesn’t break his ankle. But a play is better than no play.
with 2 outs, duncan.
He’s caught a higher percentage of balls hit into left field that Schumaker.
with one out, schu, because he has a better arm and might throw the guy out at home.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
Hey look
Ball 1 and Ball 2 make an arch on gameday!
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply actions
crush another one
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Walk the bases loaded to get to Ludwick?
Sure, then groove him a 1st pitch fastball. He’ll bite.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:54 PM EDT reply actions
Ha!
In all fairness, he should be an all-star.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Will Ken Griffey Jr
ever hit another HR? He’s not even hitting the ball hard anymore.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:56 PM EDT reply actions
This is gonna be real frustrating
When we leave the bases loaded for the millionth time this season
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
It was. But I'll take it.
Makes up for that game this week were duncan stroke out on 3 straight balls.
Funny Funny
McClouth got an infield hit to 1st base, because he runs faster than the pitcher
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Man, caught a break
Ball 3 was a strike right down the middle.. Damn.
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:57 PM EDT reply actions
Yadi is clutch
for a slow, fat catcher!
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
he wants a win here
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2008 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Getting a lot of breaks this game
Would be sad to see them not win it
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:58 PM EDT reply actions
Time for the finishing move...Yadi-slam!!
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Holy breaks
What’s next? Balk in a run? Wow.
by cloistermaximus on May 17, 2008 2:59 PM EDT reply actions
no way, he hesitated to throw to second
even if it’s a good throw, and even though yadi is slow, that was no chance of being a DP
boo cubs, hooray beer
You want to see Wainwright up in this situation
well, you’d prefer Looper but still.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 2:59 PM EDT reply actions
FINALLY
there’s the crooked number we’ve been praying for! Great job all around.
"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 17, 2008 3:02 PM EDT reply actions
Awesome
but as only the 2008 Cardinals could do, we may STILL leave 2 men on base. :D
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Fuuuck
Easy call, though
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
2007
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
No
it was off David Wells last year just as the awesome run was just getting started.
by Hardcore Legend on May 17, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
unless we start hitting homers
with runners on base we are going to continue to have big numbers in the lob section
Losing is a disease
I hate it but
the Cubs are damn near unbeatalbe at Wrigley this year. They are scoring a TON of runs there. They would have to really fall apart not to win the Central this year.
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