Please sir, can I have some more?

by azruavatar on Jun 6, 2008 8:01 AM EDT Comment 188 comments

tap tap tap

Is this thing on?

So, how 'bout that game last night? Ya . . . my bad on that extra overflow thread. I'm getting ahead of myself though.

Mike Parisi didn't look good last night. He didn't look like a major league pitcher to be honest. Everything was up in the zone and my willingness to attribute that to nerves lasted one start -- his previous one. Location was a problem but I'm not sure it was the only problem. In the first inning, Parisi threw just 4 curveballs out of 25 pitches. Pumping fastball after fastball after fastball and the Nationals were all over him. His fastball isn't even his best pitch but that's what he was totally reliant on in the first.

In the second, Parisi was let down by his defense in part but he wasn't able to bear down and get the last out. It's understandable that after your first inning shellacking you'd be a little shaky and then having to watch your CF commit an error. . . while I'm sure it's hard, you have to stop the bleeding. He didn't. Plain and simple. Again a lot of fastballs (over 60%) in the second inning, and he wasn't fooling anyone.

How about Troy Glaus ? Another HR in the 4th inning for his 6th shot of the year. If you check out his batted ball data for this season, it's all in line with his career numbers. The only number that's depressed is HR/FB. His flyballs are leaving the field about one-third as often as they have in the past. This is the type of thing that you'd expect to regress to around career norms by the end of the season.

Tony LaRussa had made up his mind that he was going to get some innings out of Parisi without destroying his bullpen. It was borderline reckless of Tony as Parisi was obviously laboring and tired throughout the 4th. It's easy to overlook punishment like this because it's only 89 pitches and Parisi isn't someone that figures prominently into the Cardinals longterm plans but make no mistake -- that was a recipe for an injury if we've ever seen one.

Mark Worrell came on in relief and true to Cardinal pitchers this season hit a HR in his first major league at bat. A three run shot that put the Cardinals within 2 of the Nationals after being down by 6. Worrell hasn't been especially sharp in STL but he's proven that he can get major leaguers out. His Memphis numbers over the last two years are superb and while he doesn't project as anything more than a middle reliever, it's nice to see him get the callup he obviously earned. The Cardinals have shown how adept they are at cultivating right handed relievers this season with McClellan, Worrell and Perez. Jason Motte is getting roughed up in Memphis right now but he's the next best reliever in the minors. He needs a secondary offering (something --- anything!) to keep hitters from sitting on his fastball but if he ever gets that he has the potential to be second only to Perez in the bullpen.

But I digress. The 7th was a relatively boring inning as Skip, Kennedy and Miles went down in order for the second time that night (see the 5th). After his 1-for-6 showing last night, I have to ask what it's going to take for Kennedy to be shown the door. He's hitting .246/.300/.283 overall and those numbers are still buoyed by a crazy good April. Since May 1st, he's hitting .164/.222/.194. This is well below replacement level production. You should be able to grab any Brooks Conrad or Callix Crabbe out of the minors and have them be a better player than Kennedy. The Cardinals have shown that they're willing to do what's necessary to field the best team this year (DL Izzy, option Chris Duncan) so hopefully it's not much longer before Kenned is simply released but he needs to go.

Let's skip ahead past McClellan and Villone who pitched good 7th and 8th innings, respectively. The real fireworks start in the 9th. Jason LaRue grounds out to the catcher and we all assume that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow morning. The pitcher's spot comes up in the lineup and Brendan Ryan gets to pinch hit. He hits a long double to centerfield that probably could have been a triple if he had gotten the green light but Albert was available off the bench. (A quick side note on the bench, the Cardinals are really hamstringing themselves by refusing to put Ankiel on the DL. This is the second time this season he's been more than mildly injured -- read: unavailable -- and the Cardinals just drag him along. It's foolish.)

The scene was set for Pujols. The pitch sequence was ball, called strike, called strike, ball, ball worst called strike in the history of man. I was sure the umpire had done the Cardinals in as he called Pujols out on a pitch that was at least 6 inches off the plate. It's not that the pitch even broke inward; it was a fairly vertical slider that the ump just flat out botched. Albert exchanged a few words with the ump but I was surprised that no one was terribly fired up about that call on the Cardinals team. It's not that it was just a bad call -- it was a terrible call that took the bat out of the hands of the Cardinals best hitter late in the game in an incredibly important situation.

Fortunately, Skip and Miles came through. Skip hit a pitch to dead centerfield that was about 1 foot short of being a HR. It bounced off the wall for a triple, scoring Brendan Ryan. Aaron Miles proceeded to single Schumaker in on a "hit" about a foot left of second base and 5 feet past it that Christian Guzman probably should have had but couldn't quite pick with the glove. Adam Kennedy proceeded to groundout weakly to the pitcher and stop running after about 5 steps.

Bringing Randy Flores in to pitch the 9th was a hard thing for me to watch. The game is tied and Flores isn't exactly a good pitcher. Except he had his slider working last night and it had some pretty tremendous sweeping action. He got two groundouts before retiring 298lbs. Dmitri Young on a flyball to Ryan Ludwick.

Which brings us to the 10th. Ludwick and Glaus are retired, Joey Bombs is at the plate with the bases empty. The Nats pitcher fed him everything he had in his repertoire -- fastball, splitter, changeup, slider. Mather worked the count and fouled off 5 pitches before taking the 10th pitch deep for a HR. (The dog in the apartment below me went crazy after I jumped up and was yelling at the TV.) It's was Mather's first HR in the majors and a sign of the plus-power he possesses. Mather had to fight off pitches that were all over the plate: up, down, outside, inside. The slider he took deep was thigh high on the inside part of the plate and Mather turned on it with a swing that you knew meant the ball was leaving the park. The stage was primed for the Cardinals dramatic and inspiring comeback win.

LBoros wrote about some starting pitching "heroes" a few days back. After Izzy, it's not hard to see that Franklin is TLR's go to guy for a bullpen "hero". TLR had already used much of his bullpen in the first game (including Chris Perez who was shaky and gave up a run) so there weren't really any great options. He could have let Flores out for another inning since Flores had only been needed for one out in the day game but Franklin had pitched a perfect 9th earlier and TLR went to the trusted veteran again. Ryan Franklin scares the crap out of me everytime I watch him. His stuff is average at best but he has some decent sink on his fastball and is able to command his pitches throwing strikes a good portion of the time. The problem I have, besides the underwhelming stuff, is that, statistically, he's a ticking time bomb. He's not getting as many groundballs as he did in the past, his walks are way up and his HR/FB has been extremely low. The same as when Kyle Lohse was pitching phenomenally early in the season, balls staying in the park have been a huge part of Franklin's success. The problem is that it really isn't sustainable -- as was evidenced when Elijah Dukes took him yard.

Dukes is a good player, despite his somewhat juvenile reaction last night, but I still would have preferred Perez to close. There's no good choice to close the game -- and I certainly won't be lynching TLR for his decision to go to Franklin -- but that was a damn hard game to lose after an incredible and exciting comeback. Regardless of the outcome, last night was my favorite game of this entire season so far. If the Cardinals lose another 101 just like that this year, I'll tune in to every game. Well fought Redbirds -- a tip of the cap to you.

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there was an invincible feeling

after worrell hit the HR. i really thought at that point we could do no wrong, that we were going to win the game – and after that it was no surprise that skippy and miles came through in the 9th and mather hit his HR in the 10th. i can’t really argue with bringing franklin in – you’re right, there weren’t a whole lot of good options. i would’ve disagreed with leaving flores in, though; guzman-dukes-milledge-boone against a lefty would’ve been tough. just an unfortunate loss, but if they keep battling back against deficits like that they’ll be fine.

go cards, o's, and phillies.

...boiler up.

by moboiler on Jun 6, 2008 8:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

But I thought we were definitely going to pull it off after Joey Bombs’ first major league homer. A couple of games (like against Hoffman in SD) they looked like they just gave up and were ready to call it a night. I prefer to see them fight back, even if they fall a little short. I ditto Az’s tip of the cap to you, boys.

by cardsgirl95 on Jun 6, 2008 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

also i forgot to mention

the few times i looked, the nats park radar gun was showing franklin around 85-87 in the nightcap. did anyone else notice that? i had kind of an ominous feeling at first, but the general post-mather HR high overcame it rather quickly, before dukes turned all that around.

go cards, o's, and phillies.

...boiler up.

by moboiler on Jun 6, 2008 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gameday had him touching 94...

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 6, 2008 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good

i figured it might’ve been me noticing the wrong pitches. thanks.

go cards, o's, and phillies.

...boiler up.

by moboiler on Jun 6, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Game 2 lost in Game 1

At least a dozen people in the game thread openly questioned TLR’s management of the pitching staff in Game 1. Even giving him a pass on the early removal of The Colonel, due to Pujols’ homer, using five relievers in the first game of a day/night doubleheader that also happens to the be the first of five games in four days is horrendous managing. To make the decision even worse, Parisi was starting last night, which, again, probably a dozen people in the game thread made note. I even joked about the over/under 5 IP odds were for Parisi. Well, it was under.

Oh, and now our bullpen is crippled heading into Houston with Blooper slated to start tonight. The only excuse is that TLR was drunk yesterday, and he might have been. How else do you explain Kennedy batting third?

by bgh on Jun 6, 2008 8:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree but I wonder

if there’s something in the works? I dunno. He’s not stupid; he had to know Parisi wouldn’t go 7 innings.

by sdrone on Jun 6, 2008 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its called hedging your bets

LaRussa obviously felt Game 1 was the best opportunity for the win since Parisi was pitching game two. He did what he had to to win game 1. What happens if he rides Wellemeyer too long, or doesn’t make that extra pitching switch and they lose the first game and then Parisi comes out and shits his pants in the 2nd? It’s not like you could have predicted this team (not only this lineup) to post 9 runs and come back from a 7 run deficit.

LaRussa did what he had to do to get a split, and avoid the sweep with Parisi pitching. Obviously, with Kennedy batting third, that wasn’t the best lineup in game 2. Why would he save his pitchers for it?

by Tackle Box on Jun 6, 2008 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's a point in a game

when it’s the manager’s job to determine if it’s time to lift the starter.

Some managers maybe rely on a pitch count, some rely on results, some rely on more subtle things like a seeming loss in command, or body language. Mostly, I imagine, it’s a combination of these things, as well as perhaps who’s due up both for the opposition as well as in your own next half inning.

Given all that, I still can’t for the life of me figure out why Tony pulled Wellemeyer after 6 innings of shutout ball, 79 pitches, the lead, and zero evidence of declining performance/results when he knew that there was still another game to be played last night.

The only thing I can think of is that Tony was responding to critics who said he should have pulled Waino in the 7th when he was throwing a shutout and had thrown just 89 pitches. It’s as if Tony wants to be able to say, “hey, see, no matter what I do people are going to complain.”

There is a huge difference though, between the two performances, which was obvious to any fan watching. People have mentioned AW’s fastball still hitting 92, etc., but he was missing his spots badly by the seventh, and after having faced the minimum through two outs in the sixth, he allowed 4 more baserunners between then and right before the big homer—-two of them walks that sandwiched another 3-ball count. This from a pitcher who averages fewer than 2 walks per 9ip. He had clearly lost whatever he had earlier in the game despite being at only 89 pitches.

Now look at Welly’s performance: he was absolutely coasting, and, unlike Wainwright, was not losing command and loading the bases.

I believe in our last two losses Tony made very poor decisions in his handling of the pitchers which is one of the few places in which a manager can have a real impact on a game.

That said, his pinch-hit button-pushing sure has worked out well of late, and his team--pegged for 4th or worse by pretty much everybody—is in 2nd place, 10 games over .500 with the second-best record in the league.

100 games left to go, and if this team can go 55-45--not as unthinkable as it may have been back in March—then we may be playing ball in October…

by salvomania on Jun 6, 2008 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, perhaps you haven't grasped the situation!

by sportsman on Jun 6, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he was hedging his bets

He would have left The Colonel in since the phrase means playing both sides of the fence. In essence, he would have tried to win both games.

The point is plowing through the entire bullpen during the first games of five games in four days. It’s pooor strategy. He knew he would need relievers in Game 2, and that he’s probably going to need relievers tonight with Blooper on the hill. Nonetheless, he managed the game like it was any other, even though it wasn’t for the aforementioned reasons. I’m not even talking about winning games. I’m talking about the strategy of using the bullpen in the face of a packed schedule. Although, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that Wellemeyer could not have gone seven, eight, or nine innings of shutout or one-run ball.

by bgh on Jun 6, 2008 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Even if we suppose that TLR’s first priority was winning the afternoon game, Walley is the best option to accomplish that purpose.

This decision is just baffling without postulating TLR clairvoyantly foreseeing Pujols’ HR.

So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)

by Titus Pullo on Jun 6, 2008 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bullpen use

I don’t think he really burned through the pen in Game 1

Villone- 6 pitches (he could pitch game 2)
Springer- 11 pitchers (if need be he could have pitched game 2)
Frankin- 9 pitches (he did pitch game 2…Dukes hit a ball that was fairly low out)
Perez- Did not see how many pitches he threw
Flores- Did not see how many pitches he threw

I don’t care if there was not a Game 1, You can not have Parisi throw 2 innings….....He needs to last a little longer….You learn a bit by watching him battle a bit as well.

I wouldn’t say they blew through their pen by anymeans, all of the guys who threw game one could have easily pitched in game 2.

by ICbirdfan on Jun 6, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Going through the bullpen...

in the first game also meant that Guzman and Dukes got to see Franklin for a second time on the same day…they fared a little better in round 2.

by cardzfanbub on Jun 6, 2008 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last Night...

...was the ultimate anti-climax. They showed the game on MASN (Orioles and Senators), so I got to watch it as it happened (with peeks at the opening Celtics/Lakers game). We had the magic that night, we had the moomentum; we had clutch hitting the likes of which Cards fans can only dream of. Worrell’s HR had me up and screaming! Dreams can come true! Skip and Miles had me up and screaming; Joey Mather REALLY had me up and screaming! A win last night seemed like our inescapable destiny. Then…

Owch.

Dukes sticks a dagger in our hearts. Make no mistake: this is a hard, hard loss, and the club will feel its after effects for a while. To me, the true measure of a champion is not that he comes from way behind like we did (only to win), but how to rise up again after a devastating loss like last night. I think we’ll learn a lot about this club in the next couple of weeks, on the road with a tough schedule with a tired BP after a punishing loss.

I can’t complain about Franklin (aside from the fact that he is not a real closer); I’m not sure Perez or even Izzy would have done better. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat: Dukes stepped up and got the job done. He had hit the ball all over the place all night, so it really wasn’t that much of a surprise. he might be batting .200 for the year, but last night he was hitting 1.000.

I don;t think we should dwell too much on a game like this and start pointing fingers – that sort of self-destructive behavior is just not helpful. As for AK, I’m not sure what is going to happen, but something will moost likely happen soon. The club doesn’t seem to be able to make a deal for a 2nd baseman right now, and our baby birds in the minors are question marks at best. We may have to just put up with AK for a while, or (and this is the MooCow preference) just go ahead and START Ryan at second. This means less versatility off the bench, but that’s ok, we need to solidify that hole at second.

Worst of all: last night’s loss made me almoost forget about Welly’s faboo 6 shutout innings and the W we got in the first game.

:=8/

"We're against society, authority, and anything else that ends in y"
- Johnny Rotten

by The MooCow on Jun 6, 2008 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

maybe

the first 2 he got on dukes were excellent pitches low and away. then he went inside and somehow lost his ability to the outside spot again. he threw 2 in a row towards the outside, but were right down the middle of the outer half. lucky the first one didn’t go out.

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, perhaps you haven't grasped the situation!

by sportsman on Jun 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's not forget Dukes had a hell of a game last night.

A great sliding catch in RC field, I think 4 hits, etc. (Although Parisi was making everyone look like Tony Gwynn.) I disagree strongly that this was a devastating loss, and I doubt very much that the Cardinal players see it that way. Given the first 4 innings, I think the team will draw huge POSITIVES from it. Really, if the Nationals had lost that game, it would have been devastating for THEM. For the Birds to come back from 7 runs down with a lineup that weak (and believe me, lots of Cardinal players were asking themselves, “Why in hell is Tony putting such a weak lineup out here? AK hitting THIRD?”), is awesome, and they know it.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 6, 2008 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mather

I would not push this comparison too far, and I’m certainly not suggesting Mather is going to be this kind of player—but something about him at the plate reminds me of Jack Clark. I think the main thing is the way they both attacked the ball. Mather does not get cheated when he swings. He probably needs to refine how he starts his swing, but he absolutely pumps up there and even before he hit the homer last night he had me thinking of Clark. Something about the way his bat travels through the hitting zone.

They’re both tall, too. Their batting stances aren’t similar, really. I actually wouldn’t mind seeing Mather stand up a little straighter, more like Clark, but stances are individual. In any case, I certainly wouldn’t suggest he fiddle with anything right now.

by Youneverknow on Jun 6, 2008 9:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I just like the fact that he fought it

the at-bat description above is awesome.

by sdrone on Jun 6, 2008 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mathers stance resembles Pujols in the way he squats down at the plate like he is sitting on an invisible chair.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jun 6, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He reminds me of a tall and lanky Brian Downing

mattnj

by mattnj on Jun 6, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone said Alex Rios

and if you look at their career path, it makes alot of sense.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 6, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was me

Though PECOTA doesn’t have Rios in the top 20 of comparables so who knows. I was just looking at it stance/swing wise but it does make sense career path as well. I’d be enthralled beyond belief if he becomes Rios.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 6, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great game last night

Bad ending. I think I woke up the apartment complex when I saw “In play, run(s)” on both Miles’ and Mather’s ABs, but surprisingly didn’t have a ledge-jumping reaction on Dukes’ ball. I guess I just thought after we got down 7-0 that any good things out of this game were good enough. Maybe I never left that mindset. But I still think my new signature addition is the next step for the club this season. Oh well, on to Houston. Sweep the ‘stros!

Side note: Off to New Orleans this weekend for my little brother’s 21st birthday. Be back on Sunday if I’m alive :)

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 6, 2008 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't stray too far from Bourbon Street

New Orleans has really become a haven for criminals. Stick to where there are people and cops.

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Louisiana/New_Orleans-793014/Warnings_or_Dangers-New_Orleans-Crime-BR-1.html

by indakind on Jun 6, 2008 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just got back...

From New Orleans on a little R&R trip…make sure you hit up Johnny White’s on Bourbon (happy hours from 3-5 PM and 3-5 AM—no, I’m not kidding) and the Absinthe House, two of the better places to drink and chill out. Plenty of good clubs to go to as well, and Sing Sing on Bourbon has a pretty darn good house cover band.

Also, check out Frenchmen St. for some good jazz clubs if you’re in the mood for that, (Snug Harbor is one of my favorites!!!

I’m sure some strip clubs will be on the menu, but stay away from the two Hustler clubs (Hustler and Barely Legal), Rick’s Cabaret has much better looking girls and it’s a much nicer place as well….

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jun 6, 2008 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Almost forgot...

make sure you eat at least ONE meal at Bourbon House—it’s probably the best restaurant in the Quarter right now…sidle up to the Oyster Bar and let the shuckers razz your brother…

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jun 6, 2008 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How many total team blown saves

have the Cards amassed this year? Anyone with a tally? Maybe who and how many?
A little help, see I am too lazy to look it up and I am sure that one you stat geeks probably have it memorized.

Steriods is...is bad.

by Handsome Jimmy on Jun 6, 2008 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You could see that coming

after TLR burned through the bullpen in the first game, but in fairness to him, that was kind of a “perfect storm.” No solution to pitching-staff management in a doubleheader works well any more, even if the second game’s starter goes reasonably deep into the game—which certainly doesn’t describe Parisi. (AZ, I wouldn’t worry too much about him.)

Agree wholeheartedly about the Pujols punchout. I was watching that with my son, and we just looked at each other and said, “man, that home-plate ump blew that one.” Most egregious “outside strike” I’ve seen in a long time. But it happens.

Wonder who they’ll bring up when Parisi is returned (COD…) to Memphis? Interesting roster decisions are looming.

by StanTheManFan on Jun 6, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, has Reyes' groundball to flyball ratio improved?

hahah

by sdrone on Jun 6, 2008 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1 sort of

ump called that pitch a few times, but was not consistent. if franklin had been able to get the ball in that area one more time, we probably win

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, perhaps you haven't grasped the situation!

by sportsman on Jun 6, 2008 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reaction from being at the game:

I know that as Cardinals fans there’s no reason to justify not winning against the Nats, but last night was one I was ok with. The atmosphere was electric. Cardinals fans all over the place. It was awesome.

Mike Parisi was just bad. No control and was walking the bases loaded and just not attacking the bottom hitters in the lineup. However, I credit five runs to Skip’s mistake. Didn’t anyone see the first inning where he totally misplayed Duke’s triple? I attribute that to two runs. You can definitely say the Nats would’ve gotten one run in the inning, but that set the tone. Then Skip’s drop in centerfield was inexcusable. It would’ve been the third out and the Nats when on to score three more runs that inning.

I was glad to see Mark Worrell’s and Joe Mather’s first home runs as Cardinals. That was really exciting to be there for those events. With the lineup we trotted out on the diamond (Adam Kennedy hitting third for crying out loud), I was surprised we came back the way we did.

"My only regret is that I have boneitis." - That Guy on Futurama

by Wizards on Jun 6, 2008 9:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Also at the game last night

Disagree about it being a hard loss to swallow. All the Cards fans in my section were PROUD of the fight the team displayed. I remember being at last year’s blowout in DC. The Cards didn’t show any of this year’s grit. I have lots of hope for this team. They will be in contention in September.

AK “lost” the game for us by being picked off/thrown out in the fourth before TGlaus’s HR. The ball dropped by Nieves wasn’t more than three feet away. AK had to see it, or at least McKay had to see it. I don’t see how the front office can justify keeping AK. I’ll be surprised if he’s on the roster after the ASB.

Yeah, Skip had a direct hand in giving the Nats three runs, but he did redeem himself with the ninth-inning triple. My beef here is with TLR. Mather/Ludwick need to play CF when Ankiel is out.

Speaking of Mather: this guy is for real. He’s got a great eye at the plate and puts the ball in play. Totally agree with AZ comments above. I hope he’s here to stay.

Finding a closer is now the priority.

Finally Iz2 gets a season pass from me. The guy can hit his weight as long as he fields the way he does. He got to three absolute ground rockets and turned them into DPs. Contrast that with Guzman’s two bobbles.

by gocards62 on Jun 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

yea, promote him to iz3

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, perhaps you haven't grasped the situation!

by sportsman on Jun 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right on, those are

my thoughts too. I was in Sec. 140, right field, how about you?

by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 6, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Upperdeck style

I was in section 405… along the third base line.

"My only regret is that I have boneitis." - That Guy on Futurama

by Wizards on Jun 6, 2008 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RF 225 mezzanine

Great park. I look forward to going again soon.

by gocards62 on Jun 6, 2008 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It does remind me of Busch III (interior),

except in blue.

Both times I’ve gone I’ve approached from Navy Yard Metro, so I don’t really know what the facade outside looks like. Next time I’ll take a stroll around the thing.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 6, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought

Nats stadium was pretty plain with too much concrete and no personality. They’ve been touting the scoreboard, but it’s really not that different from anywhere else. It would have been amazing to see the capitol from the seats, but they decided to block it with a couple parking garages. As is, you’ve got to be up around section 420 to see it. Nice place to see a game, but I MUCH preferred Busch, having visited it for the first time only recently.

by spencegrif on Jun 6, 2008 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

I was there on Tuesday night and was not impressed. It’s a nice park, but there was nothing special about it. Also took in a game at Camden Yards the night before. Now that’s a place to see a game.

by gdowdy on Jun 6, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To me new Busch isn't that great either

Pretty much a cookie cutter of all the other new stadiums ironically enough.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 6, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

huh

no other new stadium has a huge ass pond

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 6, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AK

Agreed about the fight and clawing back.

I think blaming AK for the loss is too severe. I agree that he shouldn’t have tried to advance on the ball. I know that he also GIDPed twice. But he did make a nice over the head catch and turned 3 DPs. Should we try to be more balanced in our critiques of players and not just point out their mistakes? Maybe I feel sorry for the guy as he seemed to be VEB’s punching bag.

born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red

by totalloser on Jun 6, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Parisi.

Seems to need a little more time in the minors. At least now Duncan should have a nice long list of stuff he needs to work on.

As far as the game goes. Sucks we lost. But I said Tuesday that I love the way this team fights back. They don’t let though losses turn into prolong losing streaks. And apparently they don’t let being down by 7 runs bother them to much.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 9:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AAA SP Replacements

Who could we call up for Parisi? I say this with a lot of concern since I was an idiot and bought tickets for Wednesday’s instead of Tuesday’s (Welly) Reds-Cardinal game.

I don’t see how we can honestly call A. Reyes up from AAA – his numbers aren’t looking great and he has yet to throw over 6 innings/many pitches down there. I’m sure he’d give us his typical 4-run 1st inning and 5 innings pitched, which is better than Parisi, but I don’t see how he has earned a call up.

Boggs is a possibility I guess with his GO ratio, Garcia is too young. But I don’t know as much about these guys as others so I’ll defer to other opinions.

Also, I guess the Cardinals might wait until Sunday/Monday to make this call.

by enoscountry on Jun 6, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think the move will be made before todays game.

Parisi down and a reliever up. The bullpen will be short today so it makes sense to bring up a reliever. Also, Parisi’s next start is an off day if my math is correct. So we can actually just skip that start and hopefully Pineiro will be ready to go. Or there will be someone standing out down in Memphis.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

heads up

parisi has thrown much worse starting than relieving. just needs his head on straight. may be best to send him down to do that, may not

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, perhaps you haven't grasped the situation!

by sportsman on Jun 6, 2008 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

That he has shown value with the big club as a reliever. But right now our bullpen is short. And he wont be adviable to pitch for a few days after throwing 70+ pitchs.. I can’t think of anyone else to send down. So a move should be made. Unless Tony feels we can win the series with a short pen and a short bench.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ankiel

Today’s PD (Strauss) says Ankiel was checked out and went with the team to Houston. Well, he was on my flight back to St. Louis last night, left DC at around midnight. I saw him walk from the gate to the baggage area and he was favoring that leg pretty heavily. Hope he’s OK.

It happened on a Sunday afternoon, August 22, 1982.

by Glenn Brummer stole home on Jun 6, 2008 10:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ankiel

I saw that galloping gazelle springing catch and it was amazing, what?, do they spray the warning tracks with sewer water? The man can”t wrap it in gauze? Is there an amputation in the works? Can’t they just say he banged up his knee and needs a few days off?

Other mysteries remain. TL

by BKKCard on Jun 6, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Warning Track

it’s not dirt. It’s like kitty litter. If you slide on that I’m sure it would leave one nasty mark.

by Carps on Jun 6, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get it either.....

I played baseball from age 5-22, got tons of cuts and never got an infection in my life!

I don’t know what’s up but it makes me think of the Spezio drama last year with the whole “Fake Infection”

Who get’s infections? He had the damb thing cleaned up right away last Sunday.

by ICbirdfan on Jun 6, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I thought that was kind of a lame excuse as well.

If he is injured they are hiding something if he is not maybe they are just showcasing Mather and others for a trade. Could explain why Parisi was up and now that we know he sucks as a starter they bring up Boggs.

Maybe something is brewing.

Maybe I’m just bored.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jun 6, 2008 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dissent

Last night’s game WAS surprisingly fun, but I can hardly call it a favorite, and I definitely DO NOT wish to see it repeated ever again.

1. In the first place, Parisi is terrible. He was lucky to only give up 2 in the first. Virtually every ball in play was a hard hit liner. As folks have noted, the decision to pitch Parisi into the 4th, was a virtual concession of the game by TLR. The Nationals’ announcers were comparing it to when TLR left Marquis out there a few times in 2006 to “take one for the team.” But they wondered how this could be good for a young pitchers’ development. Good question.

2. The line-up was awful. Kennedy batting third. LaRue batting at all. No Pujols. If you remove Pujols from the line-up, you simply cannot bat both Kennedy and LaRue and expect to win.

Based upon those factors, last night should have been a blow-out. That we came back is nearly won is incredible.

But we didn’t deserve to win the game because our manager decided from the get go that he wasn’t especially invested in winning.

ps. The error on Skip in the 2nd was crap. It did bounce off his glove, but he did a good job to make it close. It was in the gap, and hit virtually to the wall. Had he been a step behind, nobody would have thought twice about calling it a double.

pps. Kennedy hurt the team even more by getting caught stealing just before Gluas’ homer. The ball got away from Nieves, and Kennedy ran for it. Bad decision. I bet he would like a do-over.

So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)

by Titus Pullo on Jun 6, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd like a do-over

Of the signing of Kennedy instead of Belliard after the 2006 season.

I''m a Jenius!

by gibbons on Jun 6, 2008 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like a do-over...

and re-sign Grudz and never have had to trade for the Belly in the first place….

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jun 6, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't forget

the team signed Kip Wells the same day!

by tdawg on Jun 6, 2008 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or...

He could have left Welly in. Not got the HR from Albert or the insurance run from Mather. Left Perez in when he wasn’t locating the strike zone. Increased the chance of loosing the first game. And still had to deal with Parisi pitching the second game.

Baseball is a game of series. You play to win the series. Which is what Tony did. He made sure his team took the Series.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're avoiding the issue

Post hac justifications are not persuasive. Why pull Wallemeyer in the 7th, given how well he was pitching and with Parisi pitching in the evening?

The sole rationale I can see is that arguably this was the most opportune time PH Pujols. But this rationale seems short-sighted, given that we had the lead and the dangers posed by burning through so many relievers.

So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)

by Titus Pullo on Jun 6, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that...

the best time to PH the best hitter in baseball is ever with noone on and more than a one-run lead. Pujols homer had no effect on the game, and IMO wasted our most valuable bat that we may have needed later in the game…it’s reminiscent of replacing Barton in the fifth inning after the LH starter was out in April – that hurt us more than once.

by cardzfanbub on Jun 6, 2008 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no effect on the game?

Or win expectency went from 81.3% to 89.2%. Which was the highest change in the game.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong

Glaus’s two-run jack put it up over 15%, which was almost twice as “impactful” as Pujols’s HR, both in fact and in “feeling” (a 2-run HR in a scoreless game vs. a later solo shot to increase the lead by a run).

by salvomania on Jun 6, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My bad

Alberts HR was second largest jump.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

With Izturis and Kennedy

Do we have the worst infield (offensive) production in the majors?

I''m a Jenius!

by gibbons on Jun 6, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hmmmm

the Giants are pretty damn awful in the middle infield, but that’s about the only team that even stacks up. Izturis is at least doing what he was signed to do, play great defense and hit acceptably. Kennedy just stinks terribly. If he was the 2002 or 2003 version the infield would be decent—instead he should be on the bench behind Miles….

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jun 6, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe I've become an Izturis

defender but over his last 100 ABs, he is hitting .297. Couple that with his above average defense and his speed on the bases and he is ‘useable’.

Kennedy, however, is worthless.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 6, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Worthless?

Really? You don’t think we could get 10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double-dipped black 34-inch C243 style?

I wonder how long that joke can run…

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stating the obvious

but all of the blown saves this year indicate that we find need to find a closer and quick. I strongly suspect that Izzy is done (only based on a gut feeling; no inside information). Perez could be that guy, maybe next year or by the end of the season, but I think TLR and Dunc are reluctant to throw him into the frying pan. We could do a closer by committee, but that would require a fairly good shut down lefthander which we don’t have. Flores is okay to good; Villone is barely serviceable. It would be easy to say that the Cards need to obtain a closer by trade, but how many of them out there are available and at what price trade wise? Who would you give up? The trade would probably need to come from a team out of contention and would presumably require us to give up young talent already up or still down in Memphis or Springfield. I just don’t see that happening. Franklin isn’t the answer; they may be forced to try Perez sooner than later and hope he has the cajones for the job, even when he fails occasionally.

I agree Parisi has to go. He was throwing batting practice right down the middle of the plate. Many of the outs were hard hit. Maybe Franklin is the answer here as another spot starter until Pinero can make it back. Carpenter, Mulder, and Clement are a long way off from being back if ever for Mulder an Clement.

by Wahoo on Jun 6, 2008 10:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

iz will close again before it's over

reasons i see a committee of 2
franklin isn’t good enough
iz can’t go everyday
perez isn’t ready to fil the role as the one and only

i see iz coming back and sharing the role with perez for the most part. franklin goes back and we se if he can hold in to the set up job

If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, perhaps you haven't grasped the situation!

by sportsman on Jun 6, 2008 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You and I have differing opinions...

of Flores and Villone. I would swap the statements you made about each, guess that leaves our bullpen in the same shape either way. How far away is TJ?

It’s funny that our biggest presumed strength entering the season has quickly become our most glaring weakness (except maybe Kennedy). Where would this team be if we had Izzy07?

by cardzfanbub on Jun 6, 2008 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

D. Gould on TJ

Gould reported that TJ is out for the remainder of the season after his surgery in mid-May.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/A1060129DABBFC308625744A0009D2C5?OpenDocument

by djsmokyc on Jun 6, 2008 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

McClellan for closer

When Izzy first started struggling there was alot of talk about using McClellan as the closer, following the progression of Wainy from a few years back. He seems mature and comfortable and ready to take over that kind of a role. Perez might be closer in training and of the future but probably isnt ready just yet. McClellan could even give us the 2 inning save occasionally.

Franklin is not the guy for the job and he needs to be removed quickly before it costs us more games. I don’t blame TLR or Franklin for the lose last night though. He was the right chose and even the best closers lose games.

by gossard56 on Jun 6, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Available closer

or just a really good lefty if we don’t want to use him as a closer. But….the O’s George Sherrill is probably going to be available in a few weeks. He’s a late bloomer, might be able to get him for a little less because of his age. Just a thought of a guy who might be there to help us.

by gossard56 on Jun 6, 2008 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's been pitching much better as of late

I don’t think he’s a good closer, but he’d be an upgrade as a middle reliever. Maybe if JJ Putz gets healthy we can talk to Seattle about him.

by JI on Jun 6, 2008 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Puts has been pretty horrendous this year with 14 BB in 17 innings.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 6, 2008 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No kidding.

He’s been pitching hurt the entire season and it’s having an effect on his control.

by JI on Jun 6, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had forgotten about McCellan as a potential closer

You are right. He more more mature than Perez and closer to being ready to handle the pressure. I agree he should be given the shot to close. We’ll see if TLR and Duncan can see the obvious and may the change.

by Wahoo on Jun 6, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Franklin's slider

is a home run waiting to happen. Not hard enough, not enough break. He gets it over the plate & there’s just nowhere to hide. Last year he was better able to keep away from the center of the plate, and I think he was a lot more successful getting hitters to mistake it for a fastball.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s a place for him on the staff. I just don’t think he’s the kind of pitcher best suited to close.

by random on Jun 6, 2008 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dukes

What did he do after his home run?

by saladdays on Jun 6, 2008 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Dukes

He hit his chest with his fist and then glared back at the ump (supposedly about a strike call earlier in the at-bat). He was watching the homer the whole way. Dan and Al criticized him for that in the post-game.

by djsmokyc on Jun 6, 2008 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was it bad enough

that he could be suspended for it (showing up the ump)?

by saladdays on Jun 6, 2008 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could have been worse...

It wasn’t like he threw a bat at the ump (like his former teammate).

I doubt he gets suspended. It was just juvenile.

by djsmokyc on Jun 6, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he said the ump looked like a penis with a hat on..

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

by punchinjudy on Jun 6, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He made sure...

That all the umps are going to give the pitcher the call on all boarder line pitches for the next month.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What did he do after his home run?

Probably went home and beat his wife.

boo cubs, hooray beer

by Raconteur on Jun 6, 2008 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

actually I think she has a restraining order on him

by Phizzle on Jun 6, 2008 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dukes gives me bad vibes

After he had that great sliding catch to rob Luddy of a double, he walked back to right field and was looking at the crowd in a way that I interpreted as, “Did you just see what I did?!” The thing was, people already were cheering. I guess they just weren’t loud enough for him.

I prefer the smooth nonchalance of Mather after his homerun. Much more “All in the line of duty” than self-congratulatory.

So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)

by Titus Pullo on Jun 6, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

definitely

His actions last night were quite thuggish. Pumping his chest, glaring at the umpire…

by Glowsticks on Jun 6, 2008 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

all while hitting under the mendoza line.

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

by rocKStark5 on Jun 6, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

When is Joel ready to pitch?

Parisi was just not sharp at all last night. When he did use his curveball it was not very good at all, it was breaking away so much no batter would even be tempted at swinging at it….

Tony had to leave Parisi in, it is tough to manage when playing a doubleheader…. I think Tony did what he needed to do making sure the Cards won game 1.

All I Know is Adam Kennedy has been the biggest dissapointment this year, not that I did not see it coming….. Will STL just DFA him?

by ICbirdfan on Jun 6, 2008 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

only if bernie calls for it in the press :D

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

by rocKStark5 on Jun 6, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boggs?

Guys at future redbirds saying Parisi down, Boggs up. Anyone hear?

by paposse on Jun 6, 2008 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I just figured he was moving toward relief work.......

Who do you think would be the best call up?

When is Boggs next scheduled to start?

by ICbirdfan on Jun 6, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's been great as a starter lately

although there’s some who think he’s better suited to the pen long term.

by azruavatar on Jun 6, 2008 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so was...

McClellan; Parisi; Worrell, Thompson, and Wainwright before they were called up. Im sure he’ll be doing relief work at first.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

McClellan and Worrell were both relievers

Worrell never started and McClellan hadn’t since his injury. Only Wainwright projected as a long term starter out of those you listed so that’s a pretty flawed comparison that does little to help your point.

It’s entirely possible they’ll use Boggs in relief but if they’re just looking for a mercenary arm, call up Castellanos or Reyes. It seems silly to disrupt his starters rotation when he may only be up for a couple days.

by azruavatar on Jun 6, 2008 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

my bad on Worrell

But McClellan was projected to be the opening Day starter for Memphis before he ruined it by making the big team. Point still stands that Tony and Duncan are not worried about bringing up a starter to eat a few innings in relief.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

McClellan was not going to be a starter

I don’t know where you heard that but it’s wrong. He underwent surgery a few years ago and was converted to relief. Duncan commented on him having the repertoire of a starting pitcher but there’s never been any serious talk of McClellan being a starter.

by azruavatar on Jun 6, 2008 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember hearing someone say Tony or Duncan liked the kid in spring and wanted him to go to AAA &

work on Starting.

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jun 6, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I heard it

here.

by liam on Jun 6, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But

Dan was saying during the game the other night that that plan is pretty much off the table now with how good he’s been out of the ‘pen.

by liam on Jun 6, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's on the PD

article

If he starts it would most likely be Parisi’s spot, Wednesday vs. Cincy, although there is an off-day on Monday meaning tonight’s starter could take that spot. His last start in Memphis was June 2.

by enoscountry on Jun 6, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wellemeyer could pitch Wednesday without messing up the rotation

6/5 Wellemeyer
6/5 Parisi
6/6 Looper
6/7 Wainwright
6/8 Lohse
6/9 Off
6/10 Wellemeyer
6/11 Looper
6/12 Wainwright
6/13 Lohse
6/14 ? Pineiro/Boggs/Parisi/Reyes/me?

No need to bring up someone to pitch the 14th on the 6th. They could make another start between now and then.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Call me selfish

but I’m more worried about the Memphis rotation…I’ve got to finally see PJ Walters pitch during next weekend’s series in Round Rock. :-)

by random on Jun 6, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

40-Man Roster

Someone will have to be removed from the 40-man to make room for Boggs.

Mulder to 60-day? Hawksworth released?

Kennedy…?

by liam on Jun 6, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

TJ

Tyler Johnson could also be moved to 60-day, since he is projected to be out for the rest of the season.

by djsmokyc on Jun 6, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boggs is already on it

by StLHugo on Jun 6, 2008 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was drafted in 2005

No need to add him last fall.

He was added today, with room made by moving TJ to the 60-day as djsmokyc astutely suggested they would.

by liam on Jun 6, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

really?

Hmm I thought he was added before the rule 5, guess I was wrong

by StLHugo on Jun 6, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

He wouldn’t have been eligible for the Rule 5 draft until after this season.

Dude’s advanced through the system sneaky fast.

by liam on Jun 6, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Pujols at bat

in the second game was asking for trouble. Following the double, I’m sure Tony figured he would be walked, putting the winning run at the plate. Pujols really didn’t even warm up. After the first called strike, closer went after him with another fastball with no challenge. Ball two was in the dirt. Called strike three wasn’t even close, but the ump was as aware of humiliating the struggling Nats further, so he put up the thumb. Tony had made a mockery of the game to that point, and the ump said enough…........ Parisi was over throwing, a natural reaction to getting your ass handed to you. That game showed many of the Cards potential strengths, and again revealed there weaknesses…..........I like K mac as a closer with Perez as set-up. For awhile. Franklin should be 6th inning maybe 7th. Two inning stints maybe. He takes awhile to warm up.

Westcoastbirdwatcher

by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jun 6, 2008 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

"Tony had made a mockery of the game to that point"

How’s that? He kept Parisis in to take his Marquis-like beating, but didn’t overuse or abuse him. He had a fair amount of subs in for the night cap, but that’s not unusual. Pujols pinch-hitting at that point made snese; I’m sorry, but I’m not following that comment at all.

I get to borderline mockery with Adam Kennedy batting third, but that’s about the only beef I had with TLR managing yesterday. But maybe I saw another game.

"Is this Heaven?"
"No, it;s Iowa."
"I could've sworn it was Heaven."

by MilCardFan on Jun 6, 2008 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the only time Adam Kennedy sees 2nd is when he's playing it.

How in thee blue hell do you have a SLG lower than your OBP?? He needs to bring his purse up to bat with him.

Maybe he’s born with it, maybe it’s Maybelline.

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

by rocKStark5 on Jun 6, 2008 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

hahaha!

by eglasier on Jun 6, 2008 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Adam KenneD-F-A

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 6, 2008 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha nice

Miles in '08

by Zoop on Jun 6, 2008 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Couple of thoughts on the second game

1. Kennedy’s second GIDP; the shortstop moved to his right, had some trouble fielding the ball cleanly…but the Nats still got a double play. For a left-handed hitting second baseman not to beat out the throw to first, he pretty much either wasn’t running or is flat out awful or both. Whichever of the three, it’s time to replace him.

2. Does anyone know how much time Franklin had to warm up before coming in to pitch the 10th? I was under the impression that he was not warming up until Mather homered, and I expected Flores to go out there and warm up before Franklin was brought in.

Mike

by juggler on Jun 6, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Franklin gives me the Izzy jitters due to his "Izzy formula" that I need to patent

which is get one guy out immediately with a few pitches on a grounder or shallow flyball, then walk a man, and let up a single or a double to the next guy to start the threat.

Seriously, how many times has Franklin NOT let a man on in his appearances this season? How about Izzy in ‘06? How many clean 1-2-3 innings? Anybody know if my Izzy formula is accurate? It sure seems like it to me, but it might be me ignoring the good outings because they’re not as memorable.

Miles in '08

by Zoop on Jun 6, 2008 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't know..........Lot's of closers fail to go 1-2-3

by ICbirdfan on Jun 6, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

People expect Izzy to go 1-2-3 most of the time, when most closers fail to do that.

by saladdays on Jun 6, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I've noticed due to how bad the NL Central closing sitch is this year

but truthfully, I don’t watch many non-Cardinal games since I watch every Cards game, and unless they’re on my fantasy team or an opponent’s team, I don’t cover their box line.

Miles in '08

by Zoop on Jun 6, 2008 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, new experiment then: how many players touch second or beyond with Iz/Frank on the mound?

Miles in '08

by Zoop on Jun 6, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, I ask

how many saves have the Birds blown as a team this season to this point? Anyone?

Steriods is...is bad.

by Handsome Jimmy on Jun 6, 2008 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

According to Yahoo! Sports

13 blown saves. Did I miss anyone who pitched in relief this year?

Franklin: 3 (4/1, 4/21, 6/5)
Izzy: 6 (4/12, 4/25, 5/2, 5/7, 5/9, 5/15)
Reyes: 0
Flores: 2 (4/17, 5/5)
Springer: 0
McClellan: 1 (5/17)
Perez: 0
Villone: 1 (5/10)
Parisi: 0
Jimenez: 0
Thompson: 0

by djsmokyc on Jun 6, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If there is one thing that will keep us out of the playoffs

too many more of these blown saves will be it. 13 is a large number with only a little over 2 months of the season in the books.

by KYCards on Jun 6, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Playoffs?

I don’t see how this is a playoff team at all with Franklin as the closer. People can say “well he hasn’t done too bad of a job” but does anyone really see this as a playoff team with Franklin in that role?
So yeah, I agree with you.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 6, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Franklin won't be the closer

by September. It will be either Izzy or Perez.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 6, 2008 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

From your fingers

to tony’s ears

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 6, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lot of "blown saves", though aren't really blown saves

If a middle reliever in the 6th allows the game to be tied he is given a “blown save” even though nobody would really consider that a “save” situation.

I think it would be more telling to go back and see how many of those are truly “save” situations as opposed to points earlier in the game in which there was a lead change with a reliever on the mound…

by salvomania on Jun 6, 2008 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Updated w/ losses

Those 13 blown saves turned into 7 losses (for the team).

Franklin: 3 (4/1, 4/21, 6/5) 2 losses
Izzy: 6 (4/12, 4/25, 5/2, 5/7, 5/9, 5/15) 4 losses
Reyes: 0
Flores: 2 (4/17, 5/5) 1 loss
Springer: 0
McClellan: 1 (5/17)
Perez: 0
Villone: 1 (5/10)
Parisi: 0
Jimenez: 0
Thompson: 0

by djsmokyc on Jun 6, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the find djsmokyc

So in 62 games played so far this season, we’ve had 13 blown saves. Yikes. I am no math major but that is roughly 20%. Does this figure not leap out at anyone else?

Steriods is...is bad.

by Handsome Jimmy on Jun 6, 2008 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

issues with blown saves.

Is the way it includes setup men giving up the lead in the 8th.

Actually. I hate the save statistic all together.

by Evilfrog on Jun 6, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree on a sloppy way that save stat is figured

but it does really point out a glaring weakness for our favorite team.

Steriods is...is bad.

by Handsome Jimmy on Jun 6, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some changes need to be made NOW!

We are going into a stretch where we are going to be playing some of the toughest teams we have faced this season or at least teams that can score a ton of runs.

Reds are tough at home.
Phillies have an explosive offense
Boston are lights out at Fenway
Tigers can put up some runs on bad pitching
We also have to deal with the Mets and Cubs in early July.

Mo and Tony really need to get the team ready for this month. And here are a couple of glaring holes that should be dealt with NOW:

1. Adam Kennedy….it’s time to cut their losses and DFA him. He hurts the team in so many ways and is taking up a roster spot that should go to someone that can actually hit. Either bring up the Hoff or try to work out a trade for someone else.
2. Use McClellan and Perez in the closer role. Alternate them..so not put too much pressure on just one guy to get the job done. Franklin is not a closer and should not be used as one.
3. If Ankiel is hurt and can not play for a week or more…DL him and bring sombody up. It’s tough to play games the way Tony makes switches with a short bench. If a player is hurt then do what’s best for the team. Quit trying to hide injuries and hope that they get better in a couple of days.
4. Tony needs to try to put best line-up he can every game. There are no excuses for batting Kennedy 3rd when we are trying to get a spot in the playoffs. Nothing is a given and putting out spring training line-ups during the season is silly and inexcusable.

by KYCards on Jun 6, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

we need to quit clamoring for Hoff...

he hasn’t done a whole hell of a lot in AAA

by longhornscardinals on Jun 6, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.........No need for Hoff

Cut Kennedy and play Miles & Ryan at 2B…........ We don’t need another 2B

by ICbirdfan on Jun 6, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by gocards62 on Jun 6, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know this won't be popular but

it is June, why not call up Rasmus if Ankiel needs DL’d? The cost-controlled argument has now been exhausted and he is heating up with the bat. Give him a cup of coffee and if he sticks, leave him and ditch Skippy. If he doesn’t, send him back down to get his ABs.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 6, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think they'll wait till after July1

I would think they want to be sure he has regained his confidence. I also think it will be easier to move an outfielder for some (minimal) value at that time. Also, a callup after July 1 will be sure to avoid the Super Two designation after 2010.

by indakind on Jun 6, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would go along with that.

But I would also like to see Mo try and make a trade soon. I think this team needs another veteran to help in the OF or at 2nd. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Memphis Mafia and love seeing our “kids” getting the job done but it wouldn’t hurt to have one more veteran to help some of these kids if we are serious for a play-off run. If it wasn’t for his big contract I would like to seeus get Bill Hall…but he’s too big of a gamble with that contract.

by KYCards on Jun 6, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why would you even consider changing the OF?

Really, just to have a vet. TLR, that you?

When someone ran the numbers a week or so back we had the most productive OF combination. Yougn doesn’t imply bad or about to implode.

We could use help at 2b. But the problem there isn’t that we have a young player that cannot handle the stress, its that we ALREADY HAVE A VET who is stinking up the joint. If we just DFAd AK and put ryan there we would be a better team.

by DriverZn on Jun 6, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed on no OF vet

I see several problems with brining a vet for OF:
- mo $
- a vet would not be as open to sharing playing time
- lost ABs for our youngsters

born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red

by totalloser on Jun 6, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice post

totally agree, except that we already have our 2nd baseman: Brendan Ryan. why this kid is not starting is beyond me (and so is a lot of what the Mastermind does). Kennedy NEEDS TO GO. I also like the point about using McClellan and Reyes as dual closers. keep ‘em guessing. and there won’t be a ton of pressure on either one of them. good point.

Ankiel is Jesus!

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 6, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't know if this has been mentioned

Mark Worrell first AB = HR

Elijah Dukes first AB=HR(2007), and of course the walk-off shot last light.

Kennedy needs to go….. don’t care where….. just needs to go. Need team players, not dudes going through the motions.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Jun 6, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Too bad Kennedy can't maufacture

a mysterious ailment to go on the DL. Then he could play 27 holes everyday with Mulder. Baseball seems to get in the way of the golf games somehow.

Steriods is...is bad.

by Handsome Jimmy on Jun 6, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he could go on the D.L. for a broken nail...

"Why does he keep saying that?"

by Red Blazer on Jun 6, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last night

Joe Mather and Mark Worrell had their first career HRs. When was the last time two Cardinals players did that on the same night?

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 6, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or in the same game...

I have no idea, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s never happened before…paging Elias….............

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Jun 6, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Odds of Worrell before Mather

What were the odds on Worrell hitting a HR before Mather? Had to be very low

by StLHugo on Jun 6, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wainwright and Luna

Both Wainwright and Hector Luna hit home runs in the first major league at-bats as Cardinals. I remember them both getting some special gift / reward from the Cardinals management in a ceremony before some game, but I can’t seem to find any news story about it online.

The story I remember was they were going to give Wainwright this gift, when they figured out that Luna had done the same thing two years earlier. So they had a little ceremony for both of them.

Wainwright hit his home run on May 26, 2006 and Luna was traded July 30, 2006, so there is only a short window for this thing to have happened. But Google News (or my memory) has failed me.

Anyone else remember this? Cause Worrell is in line for the same gift.

by djsmokyc on Jun 6, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

AW hit his 5-24-06, Luna 4-08-04

Cardinals have 6 of the last 11 hitters in N.L. (since 2000) to hit HR on 1st AB.

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Jun 6, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

here they are

Keith McDonald
St. Louis
07-04-2000

Chris Richard
St. Louis
07-17-2000

Gene Stechschulte
St. Louis
04-17-2001

Hector Luna
St. Louis
04-08-2004

Adam Wainwright
St. Louis
05-24-2006

Mark Worrell
St. Louis
06-05-2008

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Jun 6, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

July 2010

Who will be getting their first MLB AB that month? Seems to follow the current trend of 2yrs 1mn between it

by StLHugo on Jun 6, 2008 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah, in case you're wondering

this feat has been done 97 times (41 A.L., 56 N.L.)

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Jun 6, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Draft

So, how have we been doing with the draft? I read some of yesterday’s thread and looks like our second pick was a dog. Any improvements?

by bdub78 on Jun 6, 2008 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Check this

http://futureredbirds.com/2008/06/06/welcome-to-day-two/#comments

by Woodwork on Jun 6, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

I should have known to look there. I am ashamed.

by bdub78 on Jun 6, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the second pick was definitely not a dog

a kid with #3 upside that will be a fast mover through the system.

boo cubs, hooray beer

by Raconteur on Jun 6, 2008 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lance Lynn

I just completed an analysis of the pitching mechanics of Lance Lynn, the Cards’ number 2 pick, and I like what I see…

http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/ProfessionalPitcherAnalyses/LanceLynn.html

by thepainguy on Jun 6, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why is it just now

that I realize thepainguy is Chris Oleary? I always paid attention to what you said anyway, now I know why you seem to know so much.

by StLHugo on Jun 6, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another thing to like

He releases the ball much farther in front of the rubber than most pitchers. I think this is a large part of why Chris Young has been effective despite his average velocity.

by DriverZn on Jun 6, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say it has more to do with the fact that his fasball has 13 inches of "rise"

His fb plays up because of that I’d imagine more than anything else.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 6, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mechanically I see why you like him

Seems pretty dead on Schilling to me minus the landing closed (I disagree with you on that he lands in the right spot, he doesn’t seem to be clearing his hips very well). But having just watched him last Friday for more than a few draft video pitches I can tell you his stuff isn’t very good.

"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA

by joker24 on Jun 6, 2008 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs