Game 76 Open Thread- 21 June, 2008

by the red baron on Jun 21, 2008 2:45 PM EDT

Boggs Matsuzaka

1-0, 5.56 8-0, 2.53

Today the Cards get to face Boston's hundred million dollar man and his Spinning Death Sphere of Ultimate Power Doom Pitch. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to the Cards hanging the first loss of the year on old Dice-K.

This will be Dice-K's first start back off the disabled list since he suffered a rotator cuff strain at the end of May. Shoulder injuries scare the hell out of me, as they should any Cardinal fan who's been paying any kind of attention the past several years. Even before the injury, Matsuzaka was living dangerously, ripe for a severe case of the mean regressions. His BABIP this year is .237, his HR/air rate is only 3% while pitching in Fenway Park, and his FIP is almost a run and a half higher, (3.97) than his ERA. Hopefully, the Cards can knock him around a bit and start evening out those peripherals.

Boggs will be trying to come back from a bit of a rough outing in his last game. He ended up with a bit of an ugly line, of course, with four runs, all earned, on six hits and two walks in only 4.1 innings. He really did pitch better than that, though, giving up only one run on two hits through the first four innings, cruising through the second, third, and fourth, before he got into a jam in the fifth and just couldn't figure a way out of it. That Philadelphia lineup has a habit of doing that to pitchers, of course. Unfortunately for Boggs and his ERA, though, the Boston lineup isn't much easier to navigate. Personally, I think Boggs has the potential to be a pretty serviceable #4 type starter, he just needs some more seasoning and adjustment.

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Russ Springer

He needs to be TLR’s #1 option in the bullpen. Look at his line since coming off the DL:

24 G
18.2 IP
12 H
9 BB
17 K
3 ER
1.49 ERA
2.83 FIP
1.13 WHIP

.185/.293/.246 against

He’s a grown-ass man

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:00 PM EDT 0 recs

Optimistic

Boggs under 4ER, and a QS. Fenway tends to help those with late movement, or it could be just me, nonetheless I think today’s the day we’ll find out what Bogg’s is all about.

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:02 PM EDT 0 recs

Any word yet on what they're going to do

with Izturis’ roster spot?

by Tackle Box on Jun 21, 2008 3:06 PM EDT 0 recs

per leach

Lots of bits of news to bring you this afternoon from sunny Fenway.

Molina is out today. He said he feels the same as he did yesterday, but he did not do as well in the imPACT screening today as he did yesterday. So he is on the bench. TLR said he could pinch-hit if needed.

Still waiting to hear on Izturis, who is meeting with Dr. Paletta today. It seems likely that they will make a move if only to keep from being so short-handed. Per TLR and other sources as well, they would NOT call up a middle infielder if they make a move tomorrow—instead the expected callup would be Nick Stavinoha.

Wellemeyer threw a bullpen today and said it went very well. He will throw a light bullpen on Tuesday after the off day, and will be slotted in the rotation either Thursday in Detroit or Friday in KC.

TLR professed significant optimism regarding Pujols, who will join the team to work out in Detroit. There seems to be a real hope that he could be activated when he’s eligible, which would be Thursday in Detroit.

It’s an open question as to who will pitch the ninth if they have a lead today. TLR mentioned several candidates - Springer, McClellan, Perez and possibly Isringhausen - but said he does not plan to funnel it to any one pitcher. More a play-it-as-it-goes kind of thing.

Clement’s line last night was bad (six runs in three innings). And unlike with Mulder the day before, there was no mitigating it. TLR: “I don’t think it was a plus outing, from what I heard.”

Miles at 2B and Kennedy at DH, as was the plan yesterday before Molina was semi-scratched. TLR said it’s not simply a matter of preferring Miles defensively. Quote: “One guy is fresher. I mean, they’re both fresh, but Miles needs the playing time.”

-M

by DCGreg on Jun 21, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up 1 recs

Oh man

I am torn on the Pujols news. The offense obviously needs him, but I don’t have a good feeling about this.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 21, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm trying to think back, and I can't recall

has there been any history where Pujos has came back from something and completely been out of sorts?

I can’t recall off hand anytime that he’s rushed back so fast that he ended up sitting a lot, or back on the DL.

With that memory above, I don’t see him rushing to the point where his body is at long term risk.

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

I only remember him really being hurt once

with the oblique, so I can’t think of one either. I might be worrying for nothing, I just hope he isn’t rushing it.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 21, 2008 3:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

That's a tad sad

that Molina can’t even DH today.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 21, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

Also, the Stavinoha

is probably being held off on because it would mean the end for Duncan 100%. We can’t carry 6 OF’ers when we get back to NL play, and when Pujols is activated, I doubt they would call Stavinoha up for 4 days.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 21, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Food for thought

is Duncan being held up to get enough days in for Arb? Could he be lingering for $?

I may be misunderstaing the Arb setup, but it is starting to smell funny.

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up 0 recs

misunderstanding*

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

Why does Miles "need" the playing time?

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

shhh

don’t make Tony rethink it, at least Miles is on 2nd :)

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

That quote is just asinine to me

There’s no defending Kennedy DH’ing and not playing 2B to me. It’s ridiculous. If you’re gonna have him in the lineup, at least let him show off his plus D

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:33 PM EDT up 0 recs

Under what stat is Kennedy dominating Miles at defensively at 2nd? Have one?

I don’t mean slightly better, I mean flat out dominating, because as you type I’m assuming you mean he’s “outclassed” at 2nd by Kennedy

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

I don't know where to find it

But RZR and UZR (I believe I saw on this site) have Kennedy as one of the top defensive 2Bers in the NL. He doesn’t have to “dominate” Miles, but if you’re going to have the nine guys in the lineup that TLR chose, you might as well set up the best defene you can out of what you decide.

And damn you for making me defend Adam Kennedy!

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:40 PM EDT up 0 recs

can they just go ahead and DFA

AK or Flores? I think we would all feel better if we could at least once go

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 21, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up 0 recs

Amen Brotha

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

did anyone else

hear Tony on the post game last night? He was talking about Flores walking the line with his effectiveness. He also said there were others who were walking that line.
Am I just reading too much into that?

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 21, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

i don’t think so.. I’m feeling a little..

“if we were healthy…”

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up 0 recs

sorry

meaning, I bet he’s feeling hamstrung by the injuries

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up 0 recs

lol

just playing devils advocate :)

and in reality, I didn’t take the DH in consideration, I was just going “phew” for not having Ryan on 2nd and Miles on SS

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well I concur with that

No Miles on SS. Ever.

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

for 2008 kennedy’s RZR is .875 against miles’ .783, +8 on inning-adjusted OOZ plays.

FIP > ERA, OBP > AVG

by astrostl on Jun 21, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

On the Lohse topic

I didn’t want to bring this up for fear of jinxing him but at what point does houstoncardinal go over the BCB and tell AL, “I told you so!”

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 21, 2008 3:08 PM EDT 0 recs

What's that about?

Was Al saying it was a bad signing in Spring Training? That would be odd – it was only $4 million and one year.

by BTown Birds fan on Jun 21, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yes

he said that houstoncardinal’s reasoning for saying it was a good signing was ‘unintentionally funny’.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 21, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up 0 recs

Here it is

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2008/3/16/13442/8554

by Tackle Box on Jun 21, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up 0 recs

man. Speaking of unintentionally funny. There sure is a lot of it in there.

Could be worse.
You could have Todd Wellemeyer as your #3 starter. That’s where the Cards were before this signing.

Point taken.
But why spend even that much, when your team has no chance of contending?

You know. For a team who hasn’t won the WS in a 100 years; there fans sure talk a lot of crap.

by Evilfrog on Jun 21, 2008 11:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

It was a very mocking tone, as well

And then if you go through the comments you get to see all sorts of terrible predictions made about how bad we would be etc.

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

You'll also see me inaccurately type

Garcia when I mean Perez.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 21, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

Funny

I just read through that post and when I read your’s, I totally read Perez instead of Garcia. Didn’t realize the mistake until you just mentioned it.

by Tackle Box on Jun 21, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up 0 recs

Lineups per Gameday

STL

Schumaker RF
Miles 2B
Ludwick LF
Ankiel CF
Glaus 3B
Duncan 1B
LaRue C
Kennedy DH
Ryan SS

BOS

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Drew RF
Ramirez DH
Lowell 3B
Youkilis 1B
Moss LF
Varitek C
Cora SS

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:31 PM EDT 0 recs

huh

he’s going back to the weird and aggravating move of putting Kennedy in the DH! at least Ryan gets to start I guess…

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 21, 2008 3:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

at least he's batting in the pitchers spot

even when playing with a DH we get pitchers stats sitting in 8th.

p.s. I’m sorry looper, don’t mean to knock ya :)

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

by AdjustedExpectations on Jun 21, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

so 9-0

Cards, right?

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 21, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

All in the first inning

we run Dice-K early but can’t get anymore runs the rest of the way out.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 21, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

If we score 9 runs in the first

We’ll lose 15-9 lol

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

usually that infuriates me

but if they get 9 in one inning…I might be ok with that.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 21, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up 0 recs

sounds about right

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 21, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up 0 recs

Let's Go Cardinals!!

by mikeonthecards on Jun 21, 2008 3:37 PM EDT 0 recs

the Fox people say

there is a problem with Ichiro, in Seattle…
anyone have perspective? I can’t imagine a problem with HIM

by the Tewk on Jun 21, 2008 3:40 PM EDT 0 recs

Does that mean an injury problem? or were they being ambiguous about it?

by BTown Birds fan on Jun 21, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up 0 recs

sounds like an attitude thing

because the mariners suck

by sbentley on Jun 21, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ah, gotcha.

by BTown Birds fan on Jun 21, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up 0 recs

who could blame him?

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 21, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

"Playing on this team and seeing what is happening around me, I feel that something is beginning to fall apart," Ichiro said, through a translator. "But, if I was not in this situation, and I was objectively watching what just happened this week, I would probably be drinking a lot of beers and booing."

gotta love the guy :)

FIP > ERA, OBP > AVG

by astrostl on Jun 21, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

Marmol sure has been wild has last couple appearances

He’s going back to his old ways. Here’s hoping he keeps it up….

by BTown Birds fan on Jun 21, 2008 3:41 PM EDT 0 recs

he's probably getting exhausted

they use him practically every day

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 21, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

That NL All-Star OF is such a joke

It has a guy who has missed 30+ days already (Soriano), a guy who is a slap hitting OF that is barely hitting around .300, and a sentimental favorite (Ken Griffey Jr.).

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 21, 2008 3:47 PM EDT 0 recs

Agreed.

I guess I don’t mind Griffey being there, but there certainly are better outfielders.

by mikeonthecards on Jun 21, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

Only two non Yankees/Red Sox on the AL leaderboard right now

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

by Mr Redbird on Jun 21, 2008 3:49 PM EDT up 0 recs

yeah

shows the fans are pretty clueless this year for the most part. seems to be a transitional year as aging stars stick around but plenty of new guys are performing better but less recognizable

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 21, 2008 3:53 PM EDT up 0 recs