The Months That Will Be
by azruavatar on May 2, 2008 8:00 AM EDT
187 comments
"But Faith, like a jackal, feeds among the tombs, and even from these dead doubts she gathers her most vital hope."
~Moby Dick, by Herman Melville
What a difference a month makes. The Cardinals had a lot of questions going into the season. There were questions about how the outfield would coalesce, what kind of production the starting rotation would provide and whether the middle infielders could bounce back from declining numbers in recent years. A lot of those questions remain unanswered (but we've been given some hints) but it's awfully nice to look at the standings and see the Cardinals atop them, temporary or not.
Prior to the start of the season, I collected the community's predictions for the division and needless to say the Cardinals didn't quite come out on top. But beyond that, the Cardinals are blowing that prediction out of the water.
| Team | Winning % Predicted | Winning % To Date |
|
Astros |
.464 | .448 |
| Brewers | .540 | .571 |
| Cardinals | .483 | .621 |
| Cubs | .542 | .607 |
| Pirates | .429 | .393 |
| Reds | .501 | .414 |
If the Cardinals played that .483 ball that we predicted the rest of the way, they'd wind up with 82 wins. That's over .500 ball and I'll still be surprised if it plays out that way. But we've got some data that we can add to the data set now. Let's just take a weighted average of the two numbers and see what happens.
| Team | Weighted Winning % |
| Astros | .461 |
| Brewers | .546 |
| Cardinals | .508 |
| Cubs | .553 |
| Pirates | .423 |
| Reds | .488 |
Rejoice Pirates fans, we don't think your a .393 team still. If we think that the first 30-ish games are as representative as what we pegged each team as before the season, then the Cardinals still won't come out on top. But maybe the first 30 games are more important. What weight do we have to give the performance to date in order for the Cardinals to stay on top? It's difficult since the Cubs have been performing very well to date and pre-season predictions thought they were the best team in the division. If the games to date are about 5 times as representative as what we thought before the season, then the Cardinals would eek out the Cubs for the division title.
That seems like a bit of a stretch. Has our opinion of these teams really altered that much based on 30 games? I'd argue that it shouldn't even if it has. And I'm as guilty of that as the next person.
I won't venture to guess where this team is really headed but I will give you three players that are looking at some backsliding and three players that are better than they appear thus far.
When good luck goes bad:
- Ryan Franklin is walking twice as many batters as last year, striking out fewer and isn't a groundball pitcher. His ERA is under 2.00 but that's a function of his .239 BABIP and zero of his flyballs winding up in the stands. Regardless of the fact that these numbers are bound to go up even with him pitching from the pen, I've watched Franklin's outings and he's give up some screamers to the track. Once a few of those go out of the park, his numbers will look more like but his skillset and their peripherals.
- Kyle Lohse has something of a perfect storm of circumstances to cash in this coming offseason. He's in a slight pitchers park, in the weaker league and he has an above average defense behind him in the infield. If ever there was a time for him to set career highs, it's now. But a 2.36 ERA? That's not gonna stick. He has yet to allow a HR and his strikeout rate is down slightly. He's still pitching very well (and ought to continue to be a good pitcher) but he's stranding a lot of runners and expectations are a little too high for him right now.
- Elbows, shoulders and hips -- oh my. The Cardinals haven't really been hit by more than some minor mishaps thus far -- Springer's elbow, Izturis's wrist, Ryan's ribcage -- but does anyone really have faith that it's going to stay that way. I don't. How long until we have to watch Mulder pitch and then swear to us that he doesn't feel pain in his shoulder? Is Pineiro's shoulder impingement really better? Izzy doesn't look right to me still; could it be the hip again? Can McClellan shoulder the substantial innings totals he's been handed thus far? And, of course, can Pujols elbow stay healthy all year? Maybe none of this goes wrong, but we should all know by now that something is going to go wrong even if it's totally unexpected (see Rolen & shoulder).
Don't stop believing:
- Chris Duncan is absolutely lacing the ball but his power stats are uncharacteristically low. Part of the problem is that he's popping up a ridiculous number of pitches. His infield flyball per total flyballs % is at 30.8 -- or about 4 times higher than it was last season and the season before that. He's hitting more line drives than in the past and walking at a higher rate than ever before. The thing that sticks out to me the most though is that his homerun per flyball rate is about 80% of what it was last season. That's a number that really isn't going to fluctuate a great deal once you've identified the player's true talent level and Duncan's hitting well below the previous two seasons numbers. In summary, he's popping some pitches up but everything else points to more power than his .424 SLG would lead you to believe.
- Second verse, same as the first. Troy Glaus just can't get a ball to go over the fence. If he hits them, they will come. Eventually.
- Don't let anyone tell you that Thudwick's 1.037 OPS is luck. It's entirely possible that he's actually been a little unlucky on his batted balls thus far. 40% of his contact is line drives. He's taking walks despite the high strikeout rate and he's making hard contact. You can question whether he'll keep hitting that many line drives (he probably won't) or walk as often as he had (again, probably not) but thus far, his production isn't a lucky run of disguise, it's the real deal of someone hitting the ball very well.
I'd love to give you some rational preview of the Cubs/Cards game tonight, but I can't. Because I don't like the Cubs and I don't like to be rational about them. I hope the Cardinals destroy them. If things start to go bad, just count to 100 -- it's their centennial!
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The Small Bears
I used to utilize a story problem rebuttal to unruly Cub fans. However, since it is their 100th Anniversary of being losers, it is not as effective this years. Allow me to set the tone…
A Cub fan is taunting me during the 2005 season because the Cubs are beating the Cardinals, even though we are far superior. I ask the Cub fan, “What is 2,005 minus 1,908? The Cub fans pauses, then replies, “Um, ah, 97.” I then say, “Thank you. I couldn’t remember how many years it had been since the Cubs last won a World Series.”
by bgh on May 2, 2008 8:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cub Hatred
A friend of mine gave me trouble about my cub hatred. He said hating on a team as historically beleaguered as the Cubs is like being against autistic children.
There’s many responses to this bit of misplaced empathy. But my quickest response was to allude to that terrible, teeth-gnashingly awful series in early September 2003 when the Cubs overtook the Cardinals’ spot in first place and went on to win the division.
Cubs 7, Cards 0
Cubs 4, Cards 2 in 15 innings
Cubs 8, Cards 7
Cubs 7, Cards 6
Crushing.
Even though the Cubs went on to lose the NLCS through feats of world-historic improbability and shame, I still have raw feelings over that series.
In the past few years, as the Cards have racked up Division Championship, after Pennant, after World Championship, I’ve often questioned the point of winning if you don’t also beat the brains out of the Cubs?
Here’s hoping for a little good conquering evil this weekend.
So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)
by Titus Pullo on May 2, 2008 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hope the cubs win a world series soon...
mainly because they wouldn’t get half the attention they do right now. they’d just be another mid america team.
Call an ambulance, La Russa's about to kick some ass.
by emrfg8 on May 2, 2008 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
I hope the NEVER win another WS!
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 2, 2008 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the = they
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 2, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
"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 2, 2008 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's what we thought about the red sox after 2004
and we saw how that turned out.
by jroman on May 2, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ridiculous!
i’ve heard some crazy things on this forum, but this one trumps them all!. ridiculous!
I'd rather my sister be a prostitute than my brother a Cub fan.
by _pistol_ on May 2, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sick to my stomach
I don’t think I’d be able to eat for a week, if the Cubs ever won it all. blech.
So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)
by Titus Pullo on May 2, 2008 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ooops
I was so excited to post I didn’t type anything….
I may have been the only person who liked the Pineiro signing. I know next year might be a little expensive, but at the time I thought it was a good deal on a pitcher who had turned the corner. I took some serious crap for that. I thought that Wainman, Welley, and Pineiro would be a good start to the rotation. Add Lohse and Looper and it is pretty solid. What do you think we could get for Mulder?
I saw the last series against Pittsburgh last fall, and I saw a lot to be excited about. I thought Welley pitcher well enough to be in the rotation and he is doing ok. I saw an outfield that I thought was outstanding. At that time I thought JimmE would still be on the roster. Switching Edmonds out for Barton has only made the outfield better.
I had and have my concerns about the infield, but since the 15th of April Kennedy is 13-35 with 3 doubles. I really like AK in the 2 hole moving Duncan to sixth. Glaus doesn’t have to hit homer runs he just needs to keep banging doubles of the wall. Over all the infield defense is much improved over last year. So I am pretty happy with it. I predicted this team to win 82-84 games and finish third. I think now it might win as many as 88. With a little luck they might make the playoffs.
by nybirdfan on May 2, 2008 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
pre-mature posting
Aren’t there drugs you can take to slow things down. :-P
by sbentley on May 2, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cards Vs Cubs
Molina vs Soto, Molina is better defensively, but Soto has a 167 OPS+ and 5 HRs right now
Pujols vs Lee, Lee is leading the HR department but Pujols is leading in OBP, both are gold glove defensive 1B men
Kennedy vs DeRosa, AK probably won’t play tonight, but even if he did DeRosa is better offensively
Glaus vs Ramirez, Ramirez wins by a mile right now, much better OBP and SLG numbers
Izturis vs Theriot, Ryan may start in place of Iz2 but I am going with primary starters right now, regardless Theriot is hitting better than both of them
Duncan vs Soriano, probably Skip in left tonight but either way Soriano is struggling, with a .164/.215/.279 line
Ankiel vs Pie, absolutely Ankiel is better, Pie is in the .200s for all his rate stats
Ludwick vs Fukudome, Ludwick has more power and a better OPS but Fuku is getting on base more.
This looks to be a very interesting competition.
Note: I took this straight from BA and chose the most common lineup for the Cubs, I didn’t take into account any current injuries and such though.
by StLHugo on May 2, 2008 8:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking Reed Johnson will be starting in place of Pie. With Soriano back the slumping Pie was put on the bench yesterday.
by enoscountry on May 2, 2008 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I wasn’t sure. Johson shows up in the most used batting order but not the most used Lineup. Thing is I should have looked at the most starts at each position in which case he is top. Regardless though Ankiel is better than Johnson in all rate stats, and bar far in SLG.
by StLHugo on May 2, 2008 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reed Johnson starts in CF
Pie rarely starts. Sometimes comes in as a defensive replacement.
by sdrone on May 2, 2008 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs kind of scare me
I think it’s just the fact that the Cubs have had the Cards number the last couple of years. At least STL does not have to face Big Z this time.
Should be an entertaining series for sure. I like listening to Chicago radio and I hope the Cub fans are up in arms this weekend.
by ICbirdfan on May 2, 2008 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Role Reversal
Maybe things will change this year. I think a reason why the Cubs have been doing so well vs. us in recent years is because the Cards games were the only excitement for them during their season, seeing that the Cards have been so much better. But since they are sharing the lead, they had to focus their attention elsewhere, cf. the Brewers the last series. So hopefully, this year will be different.
BTW, it’s great to hear the national meda prop up this series. Even though we are getting very little respect, it’s great that people still respect the tradition.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on May 2, 2008 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Going into this series
I’m real glad we’re not getting any respect. Houston’s antics provided one type of fire, the Cubs and media is fueling a natural fire of a different kind.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree on the respect issue
Both Sportsline and ESPN have us #6 in the power rankings. I think that there are well over 5 teams that will finish with better records than the Cardinals. It seems to me that Yahoo has the results of the Cards game in their 10 headlines more nights than they don’t. People are sighting the Cardinals as Big early season surprises (just like they’ve been to me), as opposed to making them an afterthought after Oakland, Florida, and Baltimore.
I’m quite content with the amount of respect being paid, even if it will never approach Yankees/BoSox coverage.
by tinstl on May 2, 2008 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you have a general tone for “don’t expect it to last” in coverage, the respect, in hindsight is quite.. “qualified”. Though I’ll admit that none of the rankings themselves carry that tone.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do like Bernie Miklasz' frequent
references to “Don Tony,” and I have to agree that seasons like this one are when TLR is at his best. I have no doubt our boys will be fired up for this series. There is a lot of advantage to having people “qualify” their support all the time.
by MdRedbirdFreak on May 2, 2008 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice way
to tie today’s post in with lb’s post yesterday. And it is soooo hard to be rational about the Cubs. Why? Because we just don’t like them. Here’s to a weekend of destroying the small bears and staying on top of the NL Central. GO CARDS!
by cardsgirl95 on May 2, 2008 8:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lohse
I’m actually of the belief Lohse is going to pull of his impression of Kent Bottenfield and have a stellar season which cannot be explained by numbers. Ol’ Bottenfield (God bless him for helping to fetch Edmonds) went an entire season bucking the trend of numbers he had set for himself from prior seasons and with Lohse having several external factors counting in his favor, I look for him to have a similar experience.
As for the Cubs – I agree – with such a pathetic bunch of losers, it’s hard to make rational predictions. I’m so hopeful the games this weekend will be so lopsided, the Cubs will become even more demoralized.
by jomfa on May 2, 2008 8:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree on Lohse.
Anybody consider the stikeouts are down due to him learning to pitch to contact the Duncan way???
Wainwright started off poor in the strikeout department last year and then seemed to turn it on once he got comfortable on the mound pitching the Duncan way. (I maybe reaching a bit but only time will tell.)
"Why does he keep saying that?"
by Red Blazer on May 2, 2008 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Confidence
in the team may help with that as well. When you don’t feel as if you need to beat the other team yourself because the other 8 have your back in the field. One of those quiet things defense provides.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's interesting you mention Bottenfield
He is coming to Paducah, KY and leading a prayer group down here this week. They are advertising it on the radio.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on May 2, 2008 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Bottenfield - and God blessing him
I never liked Bottenfield because he had been a Cub and he looked like a beer league softball player. But 50 years from now when someone explains the term “Buy low, sell high”.........they will talk about Bottenfield & AK to the Angels for Jed.
I especially like Bottenfield now as he has evidently become a full-time Christian musician and pastor based in Nashville. I can’t link the subscription article I read today but the writer made KB out to be one heck of a nice guy on a mission to help people. Good for him.
by Hinkster on May 2, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't stop believing
Now I will have Journey stuck in my head whenever I see Chris Duncan, not good.
At least the Ramones “Judy is a punk” evocation for Troy slightly mitigated it for me.
by enoscountry on May 2, 2008 8:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Nice Ramones reference!
by mattisnotfrench on May 2, 2008 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyway you want it
That’s the way you need it
by azruavatar on May 2, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that song is forever ruined for me because all I associate it with now is the disappointing end to the Sopranos
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on May 2, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wheel in the sky keeps on turning
i don’t know where i’ll be tomorrow… brad thompson’s theme song?
and does anybody else remember the epic reo speedwagon thread from last season? good times…
by mattybobo on May 2, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
pretty sure
that it’s journeyman coach larry brown’s theme song, or journeyman reliever ron villone (his next team will be his 12th.)
by sdesserman on May 2, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chat with Mo today
Mo is putting himself out there again, interacting with Cardinal Nation. He is doing a live chat on the Cards website at noon today. We really are lucky to have a GM this available and this accountable. I suspect this chat will be a little more positive and a little less confrontational than the Spring Training chat on the P-D’s website.
So, if you want advocate for Ryan, pan Izturis, or read the tea leaves for future moves, today is the day to pick Mo’s mind.
by bgh on May 2, 2008 8:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if he will defend
Miles honor again.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no questions about Miles, IIRC, but he did say
that iz2 will keep Ryan’s job despite Ryan being the better player. Or something like that, the transcript isn’t up yet. It was basically “Iz2 has been the defender we thought he’d be and he took some walks”, though I got the impression that he was deferring to TLR on this decision.
Speaking of my pet personnel peeve, even FOX sports is talking about this now.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
by SleepyCA on May 2, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw that last night...
made me smile for sure….also, big KUDOS to Dayn Perry for not mentioning the Red Sox during the entire article!
"Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead!" - Wayne Hagin after the cardinals snapped a losing streak
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on May 2, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok, actual quote
Courtesy of AdjustedExpectations, who posted a diary with the chat:
“Izturis has done what we expected defensively he has struggled at the plate but in fairness he has had some big hits. I expect that with Ryan back Tony will continue to play Izturis but I also think Tony will try to play the hot hand.”
So it wasn’t as cut and dry as I made it out to be. It actually made it sound like Tony might give Ryan more playing time, but that it’s up to him- which it probably should be.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
by SleepyCA on May 2, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s what I took from it as well. And in all fairness, Ryan’s utility may hurt him from outright taking the lead at short since he can swing across the infield. I know Miles is around as well, so I don’t know how much weight my point has. I’d rather see Ryan giving Glaus days off than Miles, that’s for sure.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+10,000
for the use of thudwick.
re: the cubs… i hear you azru. hate ‘em, and always will. as irrationally as possible. the day they win the series will be a very dark day in the moboiler household. hopefully it does not happen in my lifetime.
think about how obnoxious red sox fans are right now… if the cubs won it all, that’s exactly the way their fans would be as well.
go cards, o's, and phillies.
...boiler up.
by moboiler on May 2, 2008 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As the saying goes.....
Will Rogers obviously never met a Cubs fan during a pennant race….
Personally, I think we got hosed on that call.
by TurdFerguson on May 2, 2008 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
um...
Will Rogers obviously never met a Cubs fan during a pennant race….
fixed that for ya
I'd rather my sister be a prostitute than my brother a Cub fan.
by _pistol_ on May 2, 2008 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
when I originally heard the quote, it was 2003
Personally, I think we got hosed on that call.
by TurdFerguson on May 2, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
in the land of the Scrubs....
the trust fund babies were really hacked in the bleachers at the friendly confines up here yesterday. Woody blew yet another save and not-so-sweet lou blew a gasket at a reporter’s question about having soriano start the top of the ninth in LF, as both he and Fukudome misplayed fly balls. As I type this in Naperville attending my wife’s quarterly state meeting, you can feel the pressure for the Scrubs to win the division and get past the first round of the playoffs. It’s like the humidity in Pagedale where I grew up in the 70s – thick, foreboding, and a harbinger of a storm to come.
Hope is a dangerous thing, to paraphrase Johnny Cash. As much as I’d like El Birdos to finish above .500, the great start to the season has my expectations skyhigh, but they’re not realistic. I just don’t think we have enough run producers to carry this off. The Scrubs are ripe to screw up this season. If (and that’s a big if) the Brew Crew can get their pitching righted, I think they wind up on top. If we can finish with a winning record at the end of September, everything else (playoffs, pennant, WS championship) is gravy.
by chicagojedi on May 2, 2008 9:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bleacher Bums play
My wife and daughter went to a local (Baltimore MD) high school rendition of the play Bleacher Bums last night. I don’t know if the opponents for the game at Wrigley are always the Cards, but the Cards won the play in a thriller 7-6.
The cast was updated for present day players and the main onstage Cardinal was Colby Rasmus. Itz2 was playing shortstop so I guess the director isn’t a VEB follower.
I tried to get more detailed results from the wife but alas she stopped tracking pitch count after the third inning.
by ubeddie on May 2, 2008 9:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Cardinals...
are the default opponent, unless it’s produced in another National League city or surroundings.
The players are also updated as needed. When I saw it in Champaign back in 1989, Tom Brunanski was the hero of the day.
by tinstl on May 2, 2008 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love that
our boys are keeping the Cubs on pins and needles right now. Even if it doesn’t last, my Cubfan pals are absolutely dumbfounded that the Cards just keep coming on. They put on a brave face-“The Cardinals CAN’T keep playing this well”-but their anxiety is palpable. They were so sure our boys would be last placers right out of the box. Fighting for first place with St. Lou was the last thing they envisioned. Now, if our boys can just take two out three this weekend. Man, that would be sweet. GO BIRDS!!
by rockin redbird on May 2, 2008 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What do the Cubs and the Nationals have in common?
Neither team has won a World Series in their new stadium.
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on May 2, 2008 10:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wrigley, Ballparks
As much as I don’t want to admit this (‘cause it’s the small bears), I sure love old ballparks. Props to the Cubbies on not selling the name rights, at least for now.
Speaking of ballparks, I was so glad that the Dodgers were only going to renovate Chavez Ravene and not replace it. Too bad Yankee Stadium couldn’t be preserved.
I was a little sad about old Busch as it was still a good stadium, but that vintage of cookie cutter stadiums was just not very special. I was happy to see the Vet blown up, by far the worst ballpark ever.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on May 2, 2008 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, but it was...
special at the end. The problem with the cookie cutters were that they all looked the same. By the end, Busch was the only stadium to look like that. Now I can’t tell the difference between all of the Retro stadiums.
by tinstl on May 2, 2008 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Dodgers are going to renovate Chavez Ravine
instead of their ballpark? I’m sure some people would like that, but I’m not sure the people that live there would. ;-)
by saladdays on May 2, 2008 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez Ravine=Dodger Stadium
I guess if you want to be technical about it… I think you are just trying to give me a hard time :). But my understanding growing up in LA is that the names were interchangeable.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on May 2, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I am just giving you a hard time :)
Yeah, I’ve read how it’s been interchangeable to some people who live in the area.
by saladdays on May 2, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrigley is awesome....
until you have to leave your seat or you get an obstructed seat. There are seats directly behind a post that should clearly be removed.
I like going to games there but MAN the bathrooms are just horrid. I mean horrid.
by sdrone on May 2, 2008 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nostalgia doesn't go very far in my book
I attend a lot of games there, and I’m to the point where I am so over the old-fashioned appeal of the place. Yeah, the stadium is cute and picturesque, but it is also crumbling and the infrastructure is insufficient: (1) The bathrooms suck. I went to one of the Jimmy Buffett concerts there and spent at least 30% of my time waiting in line for the bathroom. I guess I don’t notice this as much during games because a lesser percentage of females attend baseball games than the concert, but they are still disgusting. (2) The concrete is crumbling and had to be netted to keep it from falling on fans a few years back. They claim the problem has been fixed, but I wonder how complete the solution could be without some major over-haul. (3) The visitor’s club house is especially abysmal, not to mention small. (Took the tour a few years ago.) (4) The bleachers leak something awful while you huddle below them to wait out lengthy rain delays.
I’ll be thrilled if someone—other than the State of Illinois! – buys the place and puts some cash into making it a bit cleaner/safer/more convenient. And I won’t cry if they sell the naming rights. Sorry, but it is inevitable. Besides, it won’t matter because it will never be known as anything other than “Wrigley.”
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too." ~8-year-old Greg
by ChiTown CardFan on May 2, 2008 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That joke was MUCH funnier in 2006...
When it was “what do the Cubs and the CARDINALS have in common.”
That joke didn’t make it to Halloween.
by tinstl on May 2, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked the Nov 2006 version
What do the Cubs and Cardinals have in common….ah damn can’t use that joke anymore.
by StLHugo on May 2, 2008 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Revised joke:
What’s the difference between the cardinals and cubs?
The cardinals have won a world series in their new ballpark.
by hex706f726368 on May 2, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldnt that be a carry over
from Busch II?
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on May 2, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm...
Out of all of the possible 3 game pitching matchups, we probably have the better of them this series out of the combinations possible. We’re going to need these little “bonuses” in order to give us a chance moving forward.
Someone mentioned yesterday about how we have more games at home than away this year with Mil and Cubs, another nice addition.
One thing I like is the fact that neither of those teams have a lights out bullpen. Now, neither do we, but I’d rate it above theirs. Especially at the closer position. Izzy, Gagne, Wood? Izzy thanks, even if he does give me an ulcer before it’s said and done.
What more does Lohse have to do? He spent his last two years with the Twins either getting no run support, bad defense, or pounced on in several starts against the eventual AL champs Tigers. Then bounced around as trade bait. I’m not saying he’s a pure hardluck story, but even the most cynical of fan has to consider his conditions.
Frankly he’s heading into his next start 3-0 and very well could be 6-0 should some things fall his way. Izzy with a blown save in his first game, and two bullpen losses behind excellent starts. Of course he doesn’t throw as many strikeouts. Part of it will be maturity, part of it will be confidence in the field behind him. The rest is the pitch to contact. make them beat you.. not try to beat them.
Mil is the team I’m worried about sitting on first at the end of the month. The cubs may well have some chumps later in the month, but first they have us (with rotation matchups), ariz, padres and then the cinci boys get a second look.
That series between the brew and cubs may very well start their fire. Hopefully we show up in the 4 games we’ll play in Miller real soon.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
marmol
Better than any guy we got in the pen
by ICbirdfan on May 2, 2008 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he does have a nasty slider that produces quite a few strikeouts. but i wouldn’t call him head and shoulders better than we have in the pen.
K-Mac should stand along side him, and while there’s a high K disparity, Franklin gets the job done as well.
And when you look past him, what else is there of significance? I’m not saying ours is lights out, far from it. But he’s only one of a few.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree
I realized my post did not really address it properly. I should have said I like Marmol better than what we have but as a whole I can see the argument that the cards have a slighlty better pen. I am too lazy to look at how Howry has been? He was not very good early last year but he was really good from June or July on.
Yeah it’s not like Marmol is Waaaaaaaayyyyyyy better than what we got but based on the numbers he has put up last year and this year he is pretty darn good.
by ICbirdfan on May 2, 2008 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, if someone were to offer me him, I’d take it in a heart beat. His success is for sure more real feeling than Franklins. Just like the idea that K-Mac can play anytime through a game, 3 inning close out, setup, escaping a high leverage situation etc.
Howry was actually one of the reasons why I put ours above theirs. He’s allowed 12 runs and 3HR on 13 and a bit innings pitched and boasting a 8+ era.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Howry has an ERA of 8.10, and a BAA of over .300 , he's been abysmal
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on May 2, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is also almost always
a slow starter. HE might be a bit overused, but I’m pretty sure he’ll improve as the weather gets warmer.
by sdrone on May 2, 2008 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed...
Seen him pitch several times already this season and he is damn filthy. Wood’s grasp on the closer role is tenuous at best, I think.
Picked Marmol off the waiver wire in my fantasy league in anticipation of Wood blowing it at some point this season. Looks like it might happen a lot earlier than i thought.
by svengali on May 2, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes and no
Wood likes the pressure situations and has shown he can do better in pressure situations than in normal situations. Though yes, he only has like a 75% save rate this year.
Everyone from Lou on down loves Marmol’s stuff but they remember the playoff last year. He will have to continue to kick butt in order to get that closer’s role by the end of the year.
I wonder about his throwing motion. He really whips that side-arm delivery.
by sdrone on May 2, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turnbow DFA'd
you guys see this already?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3378285
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Daryl Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms!
by 82Special on May 2, 2008 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Props to MIL's GM
They just couldn’t wait until the all star break. Their bullpen needed shaking up ASAP. The question is will whoever they bring in do any better? Hey, you think MIL wants Ryan Franklin? I’d love to dump Franklin for a prospect or two and replace him on our roster with one of the young guns from Memphis. I know, trades within the division … but if we could fleece MIL on a Franklin trade, I’d be all for it.
by jjray on May 2, 2008 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Turnbow.
Well, I at least like it when he is pitching against the Cardinals.
by Evilfrog on May 2, 2008 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stay away Mo, STAY AWAY
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on May 2, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You kidding?
Sign him, send him to Memphis and turn him into a starter.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a bad idea
Get him on a cheap, no risk contract and see what can happen! Seems to fit the turnaround profile of having lots of talent but not having the head to put it together. As long as you can structure it as low/no risk, why not?
by birdo rojo on May 2, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've always thought he'd make a better starter
than a closer. His conditioning seemed to really suck for a guy working 3 out of every 5 days. Also, having to go longer in games, he may sacrafice velocity in hopes of gaining control. If he was able to harness his control to go along with the movement he has, he’d be a very dangerous pitcher.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's really a no loss situation is it?
Spin him cheap down in Memphis. If he donks, well.. we’ve wasted more money on less. If he starts performing at that level, he doesn’t need to leave TripA in order to build trade value. If I was looking for pitching and someone offered me Turnbow out of Memphis, I’d consider it. It’s not like he’s never seen an Major League bat before.
If he really screams down there, he’s a roster piece for us down the road.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And wouldn't that piss off the Brew
Usually I’m just anti-cubs and ‘stros, the rest I pay attention to as we play them, but you know what? The whole division can piss off this year.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That makes me sad.
I have enjoyed watching Turnbow pitch against the Cards the last couple of years. For example, last August when DT gave up 5 runs in the top of the ninth and the Cards won 8-0 to complete a three game sweep of the Brew Crew, his performance helped to make my birthday an extra happy one.
by cardsgirl95 on May 2, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now you get Gagne to give you the same feast. Cept’ Gagga is a little bigger to swallow ;)
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Help please
Anyone know where I can find average Pitch F/x values (velocity, horiz/vertical movement) for all different types of pitches?
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
by joker24 on May 2, 2008 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not exactly what you're looking for
But this pitch f/x primer is a good place to start.
by liam on May 2, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure
http://baseball.bornbybits.com/plots/players.html
by pitcher, by year for 2007 and 2008.
by cdb on May 2, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah I'm looking for MAJOR LEAGUE average not on the individual level
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
by joker24 on May 2, 2008 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well said AZ
some of us just can’t be rational when it comes to those north sider’s. count me in with that group. theres no other team i hate more than them. but it seams like every time i say something bad about them, they go off & do something good, like win a game. so i’m going to refrain from bashing them here.
so i’ll simply say, GO CARDINALS. bring the pain boys.
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on May 2, 2008 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hope the the Cards bring attitude
to the games. Tony seemed to play mind games with the Astros last weekend and it worked (mostly), so I hope he does it with the Cubs.
Arch City Brawlers..... I just really like that nickname.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on May 2, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh yes
I’m sure Tony has some new tricks up his sleeve for the cubbies. this series should be one of the best in recent memory…
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Busch emptier this year?
I swear I’m the only person not shocked the Cards are doing this well so far. Maybe I’m setting myself up for a big let down here, but I tell everyone I know that they’ll finish the season over .500. Plus, I bet my White Sox friend a case of beer that they’d be better than the Sox, so I’d hate to lose that one!
As for this weeknd’s series, I don’t have a good feeling that they’ll win it. I think Wainright will do well tonight, but after that, I kind of think the Cubs bats are going to overpower our pitchers. Hope they prove me wrong though! I live in Chicago though, and I can’t stand listening to Cubs fans tell me how they’re going to destroy us this weekend, so I really hope they get blown out of the water so come monday I can laugh at them.
Also, when I watch the games on tv, it looks like Busch is really empty this year. Has anyone else noticed this, or am I seeing things? I know that the team was expected to be not so great, but I don’t know why that would stop people in StL from going…
by soty987 on May 2, 2008 2:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow
lots of cardinals fans in chicago. although it is a huge city, and I do see the cardinals as the #3 team here (although bosox may be close). You’re not the only one who thought the cards would be good, or at least better than .500. not sure why everyone thought they would suck. this team does well historically, and have one of the best managers of all time, and an exceptional pitching coach with one of the best hitters of all time. not a bad combo
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that they would be
Just over .500 at the end of the year. But I sure wasn’t expecting them to win a record number of games in the first month.
by Evilfrog on May 2, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
An article on Yahoo earlier this year
noted how many seats were unsold early in April.
by sdrone on May 2, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
durring...
The cold rainy afternoon games?
by Evilfrog on May 2, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the Cardinals have sold out a home game
this year since Opening Day.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good news for me...
this is gonna allow me to make a gametime decision as to whether or not to buy tickets for this potential rainout.
"Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead!" - Wayne Hagin after the cardinals snapped a losing streak
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on May 2, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
got some rain in the forecast down south?
Stormy here in iowa
by ICbirdfan on May 2, 2008 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yup..
from ksdk.com: A strong cold front will push across the area later today and will provide another chance for showers and thunderstorms. It remains uncertain if the atmosphere will be able to become unstable enough to fuel severe thudnerstorms for the metro area late today….............................................................................................typical weatherman bullshit it might rain it might not…they don’t really know
"Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead!" - Wayne Hagin after the cardinals snapped a losing streak
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on May 2, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really a problem,
as far as I can see. The official attendance for the Wed. afternoon game against the Reds was 40,629 and for the Sun. game against the Astros, attendance was 44,222. It seems attendance has been consistent through the last half of the month at least.
by cardsgirl95 on May 2, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what the turnstile count was though...
i’ve been to 4 games so far and i’d estimate maybe 34,000 or less for each game
"Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead!" - Wayne Hagin after the cardinals snapped a losing streak
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on May 2, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was part of the 44,000 at Sunday's game
and it seemed pretty full to me. Over 40,000 for sure, probably closer to 42,000.
by cardsgirl95 on May 2, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Economy, gas prices, ect.
I think the high gas prices are a BIG factor of the smaller crowds. Living in Kentucky, I would love to drive to St. Louis to go to a few games, but with gas averaging $3.65 a gallon, it would cost $80 or more round trip, and that’s just getting there and back. Add in the tickets, food, parking and a hotel room and it would be a $350 -$400 trip….and that’s not including buying a shirt or other souverniers.
I imagine this is a factor for a lot of the fans not living in the St. Louis area. Maybe the government checks everyone got might help bring in a few more fans though.
I’m going to wait until the Cards play in Cincy to see them this year…..will be much cheaper for me.
by KYCards on May 2, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
umm
so have 2 less beers? That’s like a $20 difference as opposed to $2.65/gal. gas for the trip. People avoiding doing 1 thing doesn’t make much sense to me.. Changing a habit I can see (like car-pooling or taking metrolink or bus) – that’ll actually add up over the year – but not taking your planned vacation, when the difference will be like $100 if you making a 12-hr drive, just doesn’t seem to make much sense to me.
by Birds on the Matt on May 2, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
whew - not our problem any more
Padres keep Edmonds in No. 7 spot
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA - Center fielder Jim Edmonds, stuck in a 0-for-22 slump heading into Thursday’s game against the Phillies, was back hitting seventh in the Padres’ lineup for the second time in as many days. Edmonds - who was hitting .153 overall this season in 72 at-bats—has only hit seventh six times since 2004. He had been hitting fifth this season for San Diego before manager Bud Black moved him to seventh in the order before Wednesday’s 4-2 victory. Edmonds, who ended his skid with a second-inning single on Thursday, went 0-for-5 in Wednesday’s game and didn’t hit a ball out of the infield.
“Where you hit in the order to some guys, it’s more important than others,” Black said. “I think Jimmy wants to contribute. I think he knows he’s not swinging it like he’s going to swing. “I don’t think it [moving him down in the batting order] takes any pressure off a guy like Jim Edmonds. He wants to do everything he can to help the team win.”
Black said that while Edmonds, 37, has struggled since coming off the disabled list on April 5 - Edmonds missed the last three weeks of Spring Training with a strained right calf - he isn’t chasing bad pitch after bad pitch.
“It doesn’t look like he’s expanding the zone, it looks like he’s swinging at strikes and taking his balls,” Black said. “He’s just not hitting the ball on the good part of the bat. He’s just a tick off.”
by Urban Pawnee on May 2, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Jimmy
hit the end of his prime about 2 years ago
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i blame Jason Marquis
and that fat pitch he threw to Crede that led to Jim killing himself trying to prevent a home run in a game we were already losing 9-3 in the third inning…
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
by SleepyCA on May 2, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He certainly -
left it all on the field. That dude threw his poor body every which way out there. He was a gamer. Lotta mileage on his baseball frame.
by Urban Pawnee on May 2, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
he was awesome and one of my favorite players from that era. like someone said, it’s too bad he didn’t retire as a cardinal last year.
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i blame Jason Marquis
That’s generally how I get through my crappy existence.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
betty
excessive wear and tear on jimmybaseball’s body- it’s betty’s fault
el hombre’s hinky elbow—it’s betty’s fault
global warming—it’s betty’s fault
high gas prices—it’s betty’s fault
the occasional mess of bird crap on my car—it’s betty’s fault…
When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?
by RosevilleRedbird on May 2, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
always wondering..
where did that nickname for Marquis come from?
thanks
"...but If I can do some damage and help my team win, I'm going to stay in there" -Albert
by BigMOman on May 2, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
going back to the quote Azru opened up with
Marquis will always be my white whale. He has company though. Do white whales travel in pods?
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
by mattyfrommo on May 2, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will be suprised
If Jimmy is still with the Padres by All-Star break. This could very well be the end of the road for Jimmy. I do want him to get to play one more game at Busch though, to get his standing O.
by KYCards on May 2, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bleacher creatures
I’d be embarrassed if I were a Cubs fan after yesterday’s babies throwing stuff onto the field after the brewers won the game. they should move wrigley field piece by piece out to the suburbs so the trust fund babies can’t throw stuff around in the city.
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yovani Gallardo out for the season with a Torn ACL, huge loss for the Brewers
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on May 2, 2008 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
sounds like we'll be seeing the return of Jeff Weaver....
sweet…we can cheer for him and watch him get rocked all over busch stadium on the same night.
"Ding-dong the wicked witch is dead!" - Wayne Hagin after the cardinals snapped a losing streak
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on May 2, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gallardo going down sucks
But Jeffwea doesn’t look like he’s ready to help.
I’ll be rooting for a Chris Narveson call-up in a few days.
by liam on May 2, 2008 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it sounded like he continued to pitch after hurting his knee??
by ICbirdfan on May 2, 2008 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did
and from I heard wasn’t that bad.
by StLHugo on May 2, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you imagine...
...if this happened in-game to one of our pitchers and TLR had left him in the game, only to learn the next day that the guy had a torn ACL?
TLR would be re-re-re-crucified. (for the sake of brevity, I limited myself to three “re”s)
My first memory of Cardinals baseball is seeing Darrell Porter jump into Bruce Sutter's arms on October 20, 1982!
by 82Special on May 2, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hate to see that
it’s tough to come back from a torn ACL…
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
by SleepyCA on May 2, 2008 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're not fun
from experience. That’s for sure.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
@#$Jasdfrij
He’s on my fantasy team.
by stl tyler on May 2, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was right
He did hurt his knee and then continued to pitch. Sometimes ACL tears are different. I had a buddy tear his and he said it was not really painful until he had the surgery then it hurt like hell.
by ICbirdfan on May 2, 2008 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somehow McGowan was available as a replacement in my league
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
by joker24 on May 2, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I picked up
that Galarraga guy from Detroit for Gallardo.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
by madding on May 2, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
check on Max Scherzer while you're at it
hometown boy, no less.
by redrey on May 2, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tried to get him in like 3 leagues
but other people had waiver priority. hopefully he’s all hype.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
by madding on May 2, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunno
I wouldn’t think it’s all hype. All those pitches are either basically pinpoint or elevated 96-98 with life. He was filth at Mizzou too and that’s pretty much exactly what he did to college hitters nibbling the corners then blowing it by them. I don’t even know what the hell that 88 mph to Tejada pitch was he definitely didn’t have that thing in college, announcer says changeup but that’s gotta be too hard for a change isn’t it? Splitter? “Slow” 2 seamer?
Obviously it’s only one outing but the Astros lineup is pretty good. Too bad the Cards didn’t pony up back in the day, one more “what if”.
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
by joker24 on May 2, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pitch F/x on the mystery pitch
Kalk’s Scherzer player card called it a fastball it looks like but that little bunch of 4 pitches that are clearly the same that got labeled as 2 fastballs/changeup/splitter are pretty weird. About -10 to -14 inches horizontal with like .5 to 4 inches of “rise” at 86-88? What the hell is that?
With no evidence to the contrary, Colby Rasmus is clutch
by joker24 on May 2, 2008 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Brew Crew
are in trouble if Sheets doesn’t stay healthy ALL season and if Suppan continues to struggle. They will have to make some trades pretty soon. I wonder if they regret releasing Vargas now? But has he even signed with anyone yet??
by KYCards on May 2, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beat me to it
I was coming here just now to post that.
When he fell, I told the missus that his season was over. The fact that he continued to walk on it amazed me because it appeared he actually BROKE his leg.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
im not surprised
my sr year my buddy tore his ACL in practice. He got up, said he was fine and proceeded to run about 20 poles. Woke up the next morning and his knee was the size of a softball so he went to the Dr and found out the bad news
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
by stltrav09 on May 2, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was a hyperextension
Usually when you see a torn ACL it’s in football when the ball carrier gets his knee swiped from the side. It just looked like Gallardo landed on his leg fully extended, which I’ve done before. Painful as hell at first, but you can walk it off. I was very surprised to hear the ACL diagnosis.
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on May 2, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah
when they showed the replay and his knee bent completely sideways, I figured that if he could walk on it, there were no ligaments left in that kneecap.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs are set up for a meltdown, by Piniella, Wood, Soriano, et. al.
Piniella’s intense outburst yesterday after Wood blew a two-run lead in the 9th to lose the game showed the crack in the Cubs’ position. Piniella stubbornly keeps Wood as the closer, out of nostalgia for Wood from his days as a prodigy (the affection for Wood in Chicago is much like the affection for Ankiel in St. Louis). Despite Soriano’s usual poor outfield reliability, Piniella isn’t putting in defensive subs for his “left fielder” (to use the term loosely. And the Cubs have weak middle relief.
All this sets the Cubs up for the kind of late-inning losses they suffered yesterday. The pressure to win that the Cubs feel this season showed yesterday when Piniella was intensely angry and stormed out of the post-game press interview, spewing foul language and destroying a water cooler along the way. And this is when the team just set a record for most April wins! With that kind of reactivity (and we haven’t even mentioned Zambrano’s emotional short fuse), what would the Cubs do if the Cards beat them in the first two games this weekend (the pitching matchups favor the Cards)? Then, facing Marquis, who is struggling again, how would the Cubs feel if they lost that game, too, on national TV (ESPN)?
I predict the Cards will take 2 of 3 in this series, and I wouldn’t be altogether surprised to see the Cards take all three. If the Cards do take the series, I will upgrade my preseason prediction to at least 88 wins, not 85. Yes, it’s early in the season, and the Cards had a very easy schedule in April, but they are winning without Carpenter or Rasmus (or Mulder, who seems more and more to be a nonfactor for this season), and Mozeliak hasn’t even cashed in his surplus of relief pitchers (which will emerge by July) to upgrade the Cardinals where they need to fill their weak spots.
The Cards don’t play the Cubs again after this weekend until July, when Carpenter is expected to return. With LaRussa no doubt setting up the matchups so that Carp, Wainwright, and Lohse can go against the Cubs as often as possible, and with Lilly struggling, the Cards just might challenge for the NL Central title by winning their season series vs. the Cubs, head to head. Imagine how much that would steam Piniella and his gang if the Cards stole the title from them, or if the Cards sneaked into the Wild Card slot and knocked off the Cubs in the post-season. Never say never….
by CardsWin on May 2, 2008 5:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Funny how...
I posted the below before actually reading the above.
The Cubs are fine bud. Lou had his meltdown last June and I seriously doubt we will see him do so as bad again this year. Wood will be moved out of the closer role in favor of Marmol. Soriano hopefully will be moved down to 5 or 6. They will be fine.
The questions that the Cubs need to answer are the leadoff issue, shortstop, cf, and the addition of a starter prior to the deadline.
The Cubs will win 90+ games this season. Book it.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs are the team to beat, but they are volatile and that makes them vulnerable
Thank you for your sportsmanlike note, BarlettBob. I hope it’s a well played series on both sides, and, of course, I hope the Cards win, just as you hope the Cubs win.
As for 90 wins, I agree it’s hard to imagine the Cubs NOT winning 90 this year. But I wonder if you’re underestimating how vulnerable their volatility makes them, starting with their manager? Yes, Marmol SHOULD be the closer, already,. and Soriano should NOT be leading off, and Soriano should be replaced in left field in late innings. NOT doing any of that probably cost the Cubs their game yesterday. What a painful loss! Too many more of those, and it could really bring this team’s emotional volatility to a boil, don’t you think?
Here’s what a Chicago Sun Times writer says, today, about yesterday’s Cubs loss:
After tough loss, Mt. Piniella just one question from full eruptionMay 2, 2008
BY RICK TELANDER Sun-Times Columnist
[excerpts]
Milwaukee the city, the urban principality, is to Chicago as a little piggie is to a water buffalo. [I wonder what he thinks of St. Louis, then!]
’’I don’t know what happened,’’ Lou barely was able to say to the press.
Then WSCR-AM’s Jesse Rogers asked if he had thought about moving center fielder Reed Johnson over to struggling left fielder Alfonso Soriano’s spot late in the game.
Soriano, just back from a calf injury, had not played like a $136 million man, but a free Cracker Jack toy.
Duck!
’’You’re damn right I thought about it!’’ Piniella spewed. ’’You think I’m stupid?’‘
Some near-profanity followed, with virtual smoke rising from Piniella’s noggin like imaginary train puffs.
My brethren and I sat there thinking, what does one ask next?
I must admit my failure.
I looked straight at Piniella’s raging eyeballs just a few feet in front of my own and simply could not bring myself to ask one of the questions pestering my brain: Is Soriano fundamentally incapable of looking at more than two pitches per at-bat?
I knew what would happen.
Everybody knew.
No matter what was asked.
The questioner would become a footnote to a meltdown of raging profanity, crazed arm gestures and epic Youtube replay.
So there was silence, and quickly Piniella stormed out of the tiny interview room, dropping muffled F-bombs as he left like a farmer tossing out seed.
What could make the manager of a 17-11 team this furious?
Wood ignites rally
Start with the loss itself, a complete tank job by closer Kerry Wood.
Brought in with a two-run lead and only three outs needed, Wood hit the first batter he faced, Craig Counsell.
Baseball 101: Avoid bringing the tying run to the plate quite so easily.
Then a wind-aided double flew over the head of Soriano—did we mention he looked stiff, old, and clueless? Then came an RBI single, soon followed by a two-run double by Ryan Braun over right fielder Kosuke Fukudome’s head, and that was enough.
Piniella, on simmer, moved to full boil and swatted the orange dugout water cooler into submission.
Of course, the Cubs went down quickly in their part of the ninth.
And though this was but one game, there were a number of elemental fears that obviously rushed up on the manager….
What do you make of all this, BartlettBob? I went to college in Chicago, started my career there after grad school, so I know the town pretty well. People have to be hurting already today, and if the Cards knock off the Cubs in the first two games, Ron Santo will be a basket case (I really like the guy a lot, and I agree with Bill James he should have been elected to the Hall of Fame a long time ago.)
Thanks again for visiting us Bob. I hope we both enjoy the series this weekend, however it turns out.
by CardsWin on May 2, 2008 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is an excerpt, as noted under the title
I gave full credit to the author and the source. Excerpts are fine. Full articles are not.
by CardsWin on May 2, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
I enjoyed reading that. When the Cubs signed Piniella, I knew this would be a problem. I doubt, however, that Piniella made the choice to have Wood as the closer. That would probably be the upper management or owners, trying to salvage a bust.
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seems that the article itself
was deleted from the sun times web site… Oh, now it’s back. Good.
Anyway, that’s a bit more than an “excerpt”. It’s basically the whole article except for the intro paragraph and a non-sequiter at the end. If I wrote that article, I’d be pissed.
An except would be:
’’You’re damn right I thought about it!’’ Piniella spewed. ’’You think I’m stupid?’‘Some near-profanity followed, with virtual smoke rising from Piniella’s noggin like imaginary train puffs.
My brethren and I sat there thinking, what does one ask next?”
With commentary following.
And I awoke in California, far far from Spancilhill...
by SleepyCA on May 2, 2008 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What we make of this.
Its May 2nd.
If it were July 2nd, then a meltdown may be in order.
As Lou did last year, he is feeling out his team and making adjustments. I do feel that the Cubs thought that the Roberts trade was in the bag before Opening Day (having moved Soriano to the 2 hole in prep for it) but it fell through. This is a source of frustration for Lou I am sure because he knows he is playing without all of the cards (no pun intended) yet. I am sure Hendry will make a move within the next 45 days and it may be with Baltimore.
As for this weekend, the Cubs owned Wainright last year so we will see how improved he really is tonight.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wainwright pitched very well the last time he faced the Cubs
Wainwright did fare very poorly vs. the Cubs in his two games against them in April last year and in one game against them in July last year. But by the fourth time Adam faced the Cubs, he had them figured out. He went 7IP on Sep 24, giving up 5 hits, including a HR, 1 walk, 2 ER’s.
We shall see how he pitches tonight, after throwing a record number of pitches, for him, his last time out but then getting an extra day of rest. Should be interesting, no?
by CardsWin on May 2, 2008 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely.
And the same on our side. Rich Hill is 1-0 but the Cubs are 3-1 when he takes the mound. He has looked better over his last couple starts. Very big start for him tonight.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
should be a GREAT game
I’m very excited for this
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
from a Cubs fan
I personally am happy to see you guys doing as well as you are this season. I would much rather compete with you for the division than the Brewers. I’ve been to 5 of the 6 Brewers vs. Cubs games at Wrigley this year and thier fans are no match to you guys. The baseball IQ just isnt the same.
That being said, here’s to a good series and the Cubs taking 2 of 3.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well aren't you nice, Mr. BartlettBob!
I don’t get some of this fan hatred of the Cubs or the Cards from your side. I even like some of the Cubs players—can we please have Carlos?
I’m not going to die or cry or hate anyone if the Cards don’t win. I will be mad if they lose because they make too many bone head plays, but I won’t get mad as long as both teams play hard. May the best team win!
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on May 2, 2008 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and when I say Carlos, I mean either one of them.......
preferably both of them.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on May 2, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marmol
You may get a shot at Marmol in free agency if the Cubs dont pony up in a couple years.
We shall see.
And im not that nice…..just enjoy good baseball.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals
I agree it’s much more fun seeing the Cards and Cubs head to head than either of the combinations with the Brewers. Chicago is one of my very favorite cities in the U.S., and its people are great. The spirit of the St. Louis and Chicago communities that gets injected into the friendly Cardinal-Cub rivalry is a big part of why their matchups are so much fun. The traditions of both teams make a big difference, too. Even though you told Jill you aren’t a ‘nice guy”, maybe because you remember Leo Durocher’s old adage about how nice guys finish last, you seem to reflect the general congeniality of Chicago folk, at least those who don’t sit in Wrigley’s bleachers…. For your sake, and for all the sake of all those great Chicago fans, I hope the Cubs look very good when they lose to an emerging ace pitcher tonight…. : )
by CardsWin on May 2, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else read that part of the reason Zambrano has been such a headcase
over the years is that he was actually addicted to caffeine, which also led to the muscle cramps he has struggle with?
That would explain alot.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes....
Too many Red Bulls and Starbucks. He loves them.
He now has to drink lots of water and eat lots of bananas to keep from dehydrating.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that was kind of funny in a weird way.......
I mean, nobody thought that his caffeine intake could be the problem. Might also explain those outbursts. I hope he sticks to the water and bananas-I love watching him and his attitude on the mound. Like I said, I’d like him for our team…....
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on May 2, 2008 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I read that. it was pretty interesting. I’ll be he’s going to have a career year this year
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineup
Love it:
Barton 7
Ankiel 8
Pujols 3
Glaus 5
Ludwick 9
Molina 2
Izturis 6
Wainwright 1
Ryan 4
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome!
Great move by TLR to sit Skip. He has not been hitting lefties very well. I don’t know why but i Just have a feeling Barton is going to be a Cub Killer.
Also love that Ryan is starting.
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
by stltrav09 on May 2, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd consider putting skippy in leadoff
and move Barton to 2, Ankiel to 4 but I don’t get to make out the lineup card. I don’t like having Glaus hitting 4.
Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS
by Hardcore Legend on May 2, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i also don't like Glaus 4th
But I don’t think Skip would stand much of a chance against Hill’s loopy curveball.
I’d like to see Ryan batting 2nd, Ank 4th, and Izzy 9th.
Proud President of the Unofficial Skip Schumaker Fan Club!
(now accepting applications)
by stltrav09 on May 2, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope his eyes are ok
Glaus in 4th doesn’t settle well considering the conditions they’re playing in. I hope they have the eye situation figured out. If he is having problems I hope it’s considered early. Can always move Ryan to 3rd and bring Kennedy back in.
Damn, just typing that makes me think about how puny we could get in a hurry.
I use statistics much as a drunken man uses lamp-posts – as support rather than illumination. - Andrew Lang
by AdjustedExpectations on May 2, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this lineup is near perfect
it’s like the season is starting today! well, except for the record setting April
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only way I'd change it
Switch Ryan and Izturis and place Miles in Izturis’ place (Miles 2B, Ryan SS) of course
Maybe switch Glaus and Ludwick
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on May 2, 2008 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tomorrow's game on FOX
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/5619630
looks like most of the country gets the Cubs/Cards for once.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
by madding on May 2, 2008 6:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i don't believe it
we poor souls in central ohio almost never get the Cards on the Big FOX. even when they are scheduled to be on, they always show another game.
thanks for the link though.
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on May 2, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Izturis...
I know that Albert’s home run stroke hasnt warmed up the way it will yet. But, be ware of this when he does hit his first ‘walk-off’ for you this year.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 7:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he's no Jim Edmonds
remember the crotch grab?
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate the Cubs, but not as much as SOME of their fans
I was starting to get over it until Kile died and they still threw Pujol’s homerun ball back out on the field during the next game back. Would it really have been too much for them to show a little class and stop that stupid tradition for one game? That is the main reason why I get pissed off when people want to throw balls back at Busch. I like to think we should have more class than that. Plus it is never a good thing to follow any Cub related lead.
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
by mattyfrommo on May 2, 2008 7:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We all have idiot fans...
I do not think throwing Pujol’s home run back was at all indicative of how the Cubs organization or its fans handled the loss of Daryl Kile. The tradition has been around for almost 40 years and though I would personally have a hard time throwing a Pujols homerun ball back, I respect the tradition. To your point, it isnt the same in other ballparks and I tend to laugh when Sox fans do it.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's a dumb tradition
to say the least. I’d be holding onto any baseball that I’d be fortunate enough to have come into my possession. it seems like an angry child thing to do. but yeah, I think for the most part cubs fans all right. Hell, most of my friends and co-workers are cubs fans!
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
Many times…the ball that is thrown back is not the actual game ball. There have been some very funny ones in the past. Playground balls, BP Balls, etc.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I wasn't trying to group all Cub fans in there
Most of my best friends are Cub fans ( who knows why though!). I just thought those damn bleacher bums could control it for one game. Should have known better.
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
by mattyfrommo on May 2, 2008 7:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
just shows the crowd mentality is usually bad
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still dont...
Understand the correlation between the two.
I could understand your frustration with Cub fans if they did not respect the ‘moment of silence’ but that simply was not the case.
Fans will be fans and in Wrigley Field we throw back ALL visitor home runs. It had nothing to do with Kile.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is my point
that was a time when it shouldn’t have happened. I don’t care if it is a Wrigley Field tradition, it should have been halted for that one game. Everything else about that games was toned down, if I remember correctly.That should have been too.
"He was trying to hit a three run homer with the bases empty. To my knowledge, no one in the history of the game has ever done that. But it could happen someday. You never know in this world of baseball." The Moonman
by mattyfrommo on May 2, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude...
The thrown ball was by no means a disrespectful action towards the memory of Kile. Nothing was ever said at the time by anyone from the Cardinals organization. At least nothing that was made public here.
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
still
the fan would have had more class if he refrained from doing that. just because everyone else is doing it…
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 2, 2008 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So let me get this straight...
He should have caught the ball (or acquired it in the scramble) then thought wait, I should not throw this back because it would be disrespectful to Cardinal fans and the memory of Daryl Kile if I do?
That is the thought process that should have occurred?
by BartlettBob on May 2, 2008 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
apparently
yes
Ankiel is Jesus!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 3, 2008 2:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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