play ball
by lboros on Jul 17, 2008 8:12 AM EDT
279 comments
not-quite random musings as the season resumes . . . .
- you gotta read HC's FanPost about Dan Uggla's awful all-star game ---- probably the worst performance by an all-star in history. but uggla shouldn't feel too bad; a lot of great players had lousy days / nights in the ASG . . . .
- wanna know how previous wild-card leaders at the all-star break have fared in recent years? eventual playoff teams in bold:
2007 dodgers, indians 2006 dodgers, white sox 2005 braves, twins 2004 giants, red sox 2003 phillies, red sox half the teams went on to make the playoffs; 50-50 are the baseline odds for a team in the cardinals’ position. but the odds must be somewhat less for this particular wild-card leader, insofar as it leads by the slimmest possible margin (half a game) and is being chased by a team that has cc sabathia and ben sheets in its rotation. Baseball Prospectus gives st louis a 34 percent chance of playing october baseball; i’ll accept that without argument and without complaint.
- speaking of sheets and sabathia, they’ll start the brewers’ first two games coming out of the all-star break, on friday and saturday; that puts them in line to pitch wednesday and thursday at busch III, the last two games of the cards’ important 4-game set w/ the brewers. the cards are set to oppose them with looper and wellemeyer; pineiro and lohse will pitch games 1 and 2. the cards had a 4-game set at home with milwaukee last july too, and it proved to be a pivotal one; the cards had been planning to be sellers at the deadline, then changed minds after winning 3 of 4 in that series; kept their season alive for another 6 weeks. i wonder how the results of this year’s 4-game set w/ milwaukee will alter the buyer / seller matrix. short of a milwaukee sweep, i can’t imagine that it would change the cards’ current status (buyers) . . . .
- did you know the cardinals have one of the best offenses in the league in road games? they’re 3rd in the league in runs per game away from home (5.2), 1st in batting average, 1st in obp, 2nd in homers, and 3d in slugging. at home they rank 12th in runs per game and no higher than 6th in any statistical category.
- the cards have taken more plate appearances against lhp than any other team in baseball; not surprising, given their apparent weakness vs southpaws. yet they’re holding their own vs left-handers --- 6th in the nl in ops.
- the cards, as per their custom, lead the league in hitting line drives --- 589 of them so far, or just over 6 a game. as i noted back in may, they have ranked at or near the top of the league in this category for several years running, mainly (i assume) because they have pujols roping the ball every night . . . .
- their batting average on groundballs continues to plummet. i’ve been tracking that stat for a couple of months --- back on may 5 they were hitting .276 on grounders, 50 points above the league average and clearly an unsustainable figure. by the end of the month their gb batting average had dipped to .263; it now stands at .246, 3d in the league behind playoff rivals milwaukee and chicago. they’re approaching the equilibrium point --- they’re at .246 overall, and .233 since may 5. probably will stabilize at around .240 . . .
- the cards lead the league in on-base percentage by batters leading off an inning, at .352. they’re 2nd to the dodgers in preventing the first batter of an inning from reaching base, holding those batters to a .299 obp. without running any numbers, i bet that discrepancy alone is worth enough runs to turn a .500 team into one that’s 10 games over . . . . oh what the hell, let’s at least eyeball some numbers. according to BR’s run expectancy matrix, getting the leadoff man on base in a particular inning is worth about half a run. compared to an average team, the cardinal offense has put about 30 extra runners on base leading off innings --- that’s +15 runs. and the pitchers have allowed 27 fewer leadoff baserunners than an average team; that’s worth +12.5 runs. so that means their skill at the beginnings of innings is worth nearly +3 wins, which amounts to most (but not all) of their +5-win advantage over .500. (read it carefully --- a .500 team would have 48 wins, and the cards have 53 ---- +5 wins). . . . .
- using this guy’s system for ranking the pre-season predictors, i currently have 51 points ----- which would land me solidly in the middle of the pack of pro prognosticators. i forecast the mets, brewers, and dbacks to win the nl divisions, and the red sox, indians, and angels in the junior circuit. at 51 points, i’m leading jonah keri of BP fame by 1 point; ahead of tom verducci, rob neyer, and most of the espn staff; and within spitting distance of keith law and john heyman. my only clunker pick so far is cleveland; if the mets and / or brewers move up in the standings i’ll gain some points, but if the dbacks continue to suck i might lose a few points there.
- re the rumor (overmuch discussed) that st louis might be willing to trade colby rasmus for xavier nady or the like --- just ignore it. we all know how rumors like that get started: the pittsburgh GM wants to create some buzz around xavier nady and/or jason bay, to drive up the asking price for those players. so he lets it drop that the cardinals are really interested (which they might be), and that colby rasmus's name has come up in the discussions (which it might have ---- only to be quickly shot down, but he doesn't mention that). a writer "overhears" this (note the verb), but he knows there's probably not much to it so he doesn't put it into print. but he does have a source, and it's a juicy tidbit --- perfect for his blog, where there's a higher tolerance for rumor / gossip.
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Great Post Larry
There was some discussion during the ‘off days’ this about posting editorials on veb. I enjoy the discussion they bring up but the #’s you provide today are the reason we all show up. Thanks for all your work.
by toris34 on Jul 17, 2008 8:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Home/Away
It’s a strange split for the Cards. 34 of our 66 remaining games are under the shadow of the Arch, or, one more than half. Batting the ball is not our only problem at InBev, er, I mean Busch III. The pitching has been less good at home, which is counterintuitive, given its slight tilt in favor of pitchers. Our home ERA is 4.30 while our road ERA is at 4.07. Ironically, our BAA at home is .265 and our away BAA is .273.
by bgh on Jul 17, 2008 9:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to take that as meaning
that we will have a better 2nd half at home
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Rasmus being on the table
from Bill DeWitt in today’s PD
P-D: Is there a chance that Rasmus could play his first major-league game in another uniform?
BDJ: I don’t anticipate that. No.
My fellow Americans. As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball, but tonight I say, we must move forward, not backward, upward not forward, and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom.
by Alxfritz on Jul 17, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice thinking...
I was right behind you on that one.
by AndyB83 on Jul 17, 2008 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You gotta wake up pretty early
to out post this guy.
(Man, that’s pathetic.)
My fellow Americans. As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball, but tonight I say, we must move forward, not backward, upward not forward, and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom.
by Alxfritz on Jul 17, 2008 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strauss/Dewitt in today's PD...
Per today’s interview
Joe Strauss: Is there a chance that Rasmus could play his first major-league game in another uniform?
Dewitt: I don’t anticipate that. No.
by AndyB83 on Jul 17, 2008 9:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You gotta wake up pretty early
to out post Alxfritz.
(man, that’s… uh, I mean, just kidding?)
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be great
if the Cardinals can somehow retain their sanity and still make the playoffs. I just hope the first priority is sanity. I don’t put a lot of stock in BDJ’s comments, they are pretty much all just politically correct stuff. If he indicated any willingness to trade Rasmus it would just drive his price down.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 17, 2008 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So for the last 5 seasons
exactly 1 out of 2 teams leading the WC hunt at the break made the playoffs. That means that either the Cards or the Rays, but not both, will make the playoffs. So whose odds do you like better? BP likes the Rays odds better—at 78%. Perhaps that’s b/c they’re 5.5 games up on the Yanks. I’m just not sure their pitching’s going to hold up but it’s not like the Yankees are loaded on the mound either Still, I think the Yankees will overtake the Rays, thus leaving the Cards in the playoffs once again, right?
by chuckb on Jul 17, 2008 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree
about the Rays pitching though they may get a huge boost with Price coming up. However, Kazmir has not looked the same, dead arm?
by njnick on Jul 17, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
that it’s dead arm though. I watched one of his last starts and also looked at his last three. He’s only allowed 15 hits in his last 21 2/3 and those starts were against the Rangers, White Sox, and Angels. Not to mention he struck out 22.
Go Crazy Folks, Go Crazy!!!
by joshbaz12 on Jul 17, 2008 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely Agree
Because we all know that past history is a perfect indicator of the future! I can’t argue with your Rays/Yanks logic.
Although I fully believe the Cubs are the most complete club in the NL, I have a belief founded only on their past history that something will go wrong and they take a nose dive later this fall.
FYI – I’m intentionally ignoring all the posts slamming unfounded speculation yesterday
by birdo rojo on Jul 17, 2008 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
since the Cards, Brewers, and Cubs play each other a lot still
it’s almost impossible to say who will make it. maybe they’ll beat each other up so much that the wild card will go to the Marlins again, heh.
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next 18 Days
the Cards play 18 games.
4 SD at home
4 MIL at home
3 NYM road (NYM is 28-18 at home)
4 ATL road (ATL is 30-18 at home)
3 Phil road
Like I said no off days. This should test the starters b/c they will have to give the bullpen a rest at some point.
Hopefully the Cards will still be in striking distance on Monday Aug 4th.
by njnick on Jul 17, 2008 11:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
at least this gives us a very quick idea
how the rest of the season will shape up, and if we should get someone in a trade, etc
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rasmus
He’s probably like every other player. If the right offer comes along, then he’ll be traded. In Milwaukee, JJ Hardy was floated and my guess is that those things start when our GM says he might trade him with others for someone like Zach Greinke. The response is no thanks, but his name being mentioned ends up in an ESPN blog post (or similar). Then every message board starts proposing crazy trades which of course never happen.
Over at an Orioles forum, there is speculation that the Cards will trade Colby for a year and a third of Brian Roberts. Does anyone like that idea? I suspect not.
by ol Pete on Jul 17, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No Thanks.
I understand no one is untouchable but Rasmus should be pretty close to that. Rasmus/Ankiel/Ludwick makes for one exciting outfield. Wow.
by njnick on Jul 17, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No thanks...
Roberts will be 31 and much more expensive… especially once he hits free agency; Roberts has never had 20 HR’s or 80 RBI’s in a season and he’s surpassed 600 AB’s more than once.
Rasmus is expected to be a more productive player for a cheaper price for a longer period of time.
by AndyB83 on Jul 17, 2008 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we'd have to get more than Roberts to accept that trade
throw in Sherrill and we’ll throw in Duncan and then maybe.
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how about they throw in a draft pick too
all this trade stuff is just confusing me
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dont think you can trade picks in MLB
by StLHugo on Jul 17, 2008 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shows what I know about trading players
all I want to do is try and get some kind of bullpen help without trading away much talent
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they want Rasmus, they can throw in Wieters
Otherwise, no deal.
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Super post, Larry! Had a good day in Bangkok -- hope it carries over to the team.
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
by akaitori on Jul 17, 2008 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's a juicy tidbit from Will Carroll:
The Cards have been “taking a look at Triple-A players that could be had on the cheap in hopes that they end up becoming the next Ryan Ludwick.”
Good luck with that Mo… Meanwhile, a legend sits by the phone.
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I would hope this
would be standard operating procedures by now. I don’t see how that’s news.
Speaking of AAA players, interesting note in today’s PD column by Goold, describing Brian Barden as a “gifted fielder” at SS. Is that Goold throwing out a little hyperbole or is there something to it? Maybe we oughta be looking at our own AAA players.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jul 17, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder
about Brian Barden….....he’s had a very good AAA season. Are we going to at least take a look/see after the olympics? If not, why not?
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had this discussion last month sometime....
At that time I said Barden was not a good enough defender to play SS everyday, and Lboros backed me up with stats which I belive at the time showed Barden to be possibly a bit worse than Eckstein.
I guess the question is do you like Barden or Ryan as a utility guy. I don’t know how well Barden translates to the MLB level especailly considering as a utility guy he will not get consistent AB’s which really does affect some guys.
by ICbirdfan on Jul 17, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what I saw of Barden at short
was not encouraging. Because it was bad first step & range, I wouldn’t attribute it to Barden having a bad series. Maybe he’s better at 2nd base. Wish I had numbers handy…or time to dig them up. I am not going to let Goold’s comments get my hopes up.
by random on Jul 17, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I have trouble projecting these things, though. They also said that Ankiel was not ready to play center everyday at the majors. Though he does seem to have radically imrpoved this year versus last year.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
by Valatan on Jul 17, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Goold or his sources see
the kind athletic talent in Barden that enabled Ank to improve. Last year Ank looked more like Kyle Russell in the OF than Jordan Danks, now it’s vice versa and w/ that golden arm :-) And here I was thinking we’d be seeing Schumaker in CF most of the time.
If Barden has that kind of talent, I wonder why he was playing 3rd base even before Arizona signed Stephen Drew.
by random on Jul 17, 2008 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not?
Because we have a plethora of ML players that play his position. Maybe next year.
by SoonerfanTU on Jul 17, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My reaction to the Triple-A dragnet thing
Considering one of Mo’s old jobs was performing just that task—evaluating minor league free agent talent—and he signed the original Ryan Ludwick, wouldn’t they be doing that all the time?
A scoop on par with reporting that the sun is rising.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think that's more just a filler comment
Along the lines of “Walt Jocketty is looking for a valuable player to contribute in a deadline salary dump.”
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
by Valatan on Jul 17, 2008 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll throw some gas on the fire today.
Hideki Matsui’s left knee swelled, increasing the possibility he will need season-ending surgery and perhaps giving the New York Yankees reason to contemplate signing Barry Bonds. General manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday that Matsui was running out of options to rehabilitate his knee, which has sidelined him since June 22 and kept him from playing the outfield since June 15. (AP)
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jul 17, 2008 11:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well of course. At present there is only
1 media circus surrounding the Yankees, and their organizational mission statement requires at least 2 at all times.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jul 17, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which means
Mo needs to get on the horn and inquire on Bonds…....
by saladdays on Jul 17, 2008 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure.
Any time the Yankees jump on board and inquire about an aging Free Agent, we should get involved, too! Maybe we can be lucky enough to play .500 ball with a $200 million payroll.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jul 17, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, of course not.
It means that the Yankees are likely to make it more difficult to acquire him.
by saladdays on Jul 17, 2008 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rasmus
Can’t see Rasmus traded to the Pirates unless the Cards get 2 pieces (Wilson + Marte, Bay + Marte, etc.). Even then, I just don’t see it. No fun to trade an elite prospect intra-division and then have him beat up on you the next 6 years as a reminder of what a fool you were. If you trade a great prospect, at least ship him to the AL where you don’t see him too often.
Here’s a few proposals:
(1) Duncan for Washburn. Trading Duncan helps offset some of the salary issues. His trade value is pretty low right now and he doesn’t have anywhere to play on the Cards without a slew of injuries.
(2) Reyes and maybe something else to the Nationals for Christian Guzman. His offense continues to surprise and would be a big upgrade over Izturis. He’s just a rental, so he wouldn’t be too expensive. Maybe he even gets lucky and ends up as Type B free agent, garnering a few draft picks. The Nats still need arms and even though Reyes’ value has cratered, he is still interesting enough to garner interest.
(3) Anderson and maybe something else to the Pirates for Marte. The Pirates could use a more legit defensive catcher than Doumit, but Anderson probably isn’t the kind of guy that the Cards would kick themselves for trading intra-division. They would get some extra draft picks next year after declining Marte’s option. Anderson + something (probably an arm) is better than the draft picks teh Pirates would get if Marte leaves, just because Anderson is pretty proven at AAA.
by mymrbig on Jul 17, 2008 12:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to have to...
politely disagree with all of these.
(1) Duncan for Wash is close…I think you could get JW for less as the Mariners simply want rid of him, and he’s having a pretty flat year. My main disagreement is in the salary relief area…Duncan is making the league minimum this year, and is not arbitration eligible till next offseason.
(2) I don’t think you get Guzman for Reyes. Decent SS’s are simply hard to find these days…if the Nat’s would do it we’d have to go for it…although CG’s salary is a bit prohibitive.
(3) Anderson is WAY more valuable than a lefty reliever who is a pending FA (draft picks not withstanding). The Cards may not “miss” Anderson as Molina is a top 10 (maybe five) catcher in baseball…but good hitting catchers are harder to find than decent SS’s. Marte is good…and I’d love to have him, but I don’t think he makes a big enough impact down the stretch to warrant Anderson.
IMO if something with Duncan and Reyes could net us Washburn and Rhodes I’m all for it…it seems this has been discussed before.
by cardzfanbub on Jul 17, 2008 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duncan
Good point on Duncan, for some reason I was under the (mistaken) impression he started getting expensive soon.
It would not be just Guzman for Reyes. I said “and something else”. Just not sure what I would recommend for the something else. Mather? The Nats thought their OF was crowded, now its so empty you can hear echos.
Rhodes is probably a better target. Marte and Fuentes are worth quite a bit because of the draft picks, meaning neither is likely to be traded without someone like Anderson in the deal. At the same team, I agree that acquiring teams like the Cards are smart to balk at that price.
by mymrbig on Jul 17, 2008 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am awesome.
I just misquoted myself from a post that was 6 inches higher on my screen! I am stoopid.
by mymrbig on Jul 17, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would like to give kudos to Cristian Guzman for his all star performance at 3rd base......
He was very steady over there in the 0-out bases loaded situation. Remarkable because he had NEVER played 3rd base in his professional career. I would not be opposed if the Cardinals tried to work out a deal for him…..just know that he’s a free agent who may want to test the market, and a fellow that has had some serious injury problems in the past two seasons. Washington has about half of their regulars on the DL, so they sure could use just about anyone that can suit up in just about any position to get through the season.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For some reason I was thinking that...
Guzman had years remaining on his deal at a pretty significant price. I take back what I said about the “prohibitivity”...prohibitiveness...his salary is not prohibitive.
by cardzfanbub on Jul 17, 2008 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that he blew a DP ball
w/ 1 out the ball was hit his way and he threw it home but Martin caught it at his shoetops. I thought it was a definite double play if Martin gets a good throw from third. Since he caught it at his shoetops, he had no chance to throw out the batter. Fortunately, Cook got another grounder by Quentin and they got out of it.
by chuckb on Jul 17, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point taken.....could have been a DP
except I saw it as taking great care to make sure the run didn’t score.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guzman
I think it would be a huge trade to get him. Izturius cant hit what so ever so any gains he makes with the glove is for not. The Nationals need a lot of help across the board so they would need to MLB near ready prospects. I think we could get him rather cheap and it would be worth the cost.
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 17, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whats with the article
on the cards web page the says, “Cards to stand pat”. Thats just Mrs. Direction, right Iboros, cleverly covering the tracks to the super deal Mo is concocting.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
haha
Mrs. Direction…i love it!
Rams Gab!
www.ramsgab.com
by jroman on Jul 17, 2008 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe mozeliak is working on
that lohse-for-brett-myers trade you proposed, westcoast bird
by lboros on Jul 17, 2008 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They could probably get Myers and Felic
for Lohse today. Myers is better than anything we have in the Pen…....he is just not a starter. I have to admit, I’m fond of the play-offs.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Myers has a rather large contract for the pen.....
unless they were thinking of making him a closer.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah no way he's a starter
No way he could throw 400+ innings with ~120 ERA+ during a two year span.
I presume “Felic” is Feliz which is an equally ridiculous proposition considering we have the 2nd best 3B in the NL.
"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA
by joker24 on Jul 17, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Be honest.
If there hadn’t been a picture of DeWhitt, that interview could easily have been with Mo. Even when it hit such hot topic as ” the village”. You know its true. Mo is just a clone.Their taking it in the shorts over there development projects. “We might kick out a couple million”................jeez….... this happened to the 49ers after De Bartolo fell.
The Big new change in direction. This team will soon be the Atlanta Braves in the east. Just a memory.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Your hatred for Mo is astounding
And I’m still not sure what you’re basing it on.
by saladdays on Jul 17, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
your predictions are ridiculous
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's certainly not human
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's an alien cyborg
"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 Jul 17, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the Moon Man was right all along...
about ‘Bert. He is a “Machine”.
(And we know we can accept this as fact is because Shannon is a bonafide alien.)
by meat on Jul 17, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
little known fact:
albert is a never-nude.
(sorry, the picture of arrested development in a fanpost… can’t help myself)
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
waino wasn't even allowed to test his hand until recently.
it was a management decision that put him on the IR in the first place. Not coach’s or trainers.
I like Mo….... he has just been given a crappy job, thats all. What do you all think Dave D. is getting at when he says, ” its a wait and see” or ” it all depends”.
Do have any idea what goes on behind closed doors at the Bush Family initiations. Do you know what there philosophy really is. You guys have been taken over. Its the Cubs division now.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, only a couple of days ago I took
a vow to never take your bait, but this one … wow. Are you suggesting that Waino wasn’t really hurt and was put on the DL for some other reason? Care to elaborate?
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jul 17, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course he was hurt
but if the playoffs started last week…......he would have been starting. they are not allowing coaches to blow anymore of there long term investments. Being a contender has been a Large inconvenience to this owner. Financially, they aren’t committing any resource to this team. I’ve got a feeling that one of Duncan’s we’ll see has to do with the Lohse situation.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
on "blowing long term investments"
last time i checked, being careful with injured pitchers is a good thing, and had a lot to do with contending as well…
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Being a contender has been a Large inconvenience to this owner."
Setting aside the ridiculousness of that statement for a second - and as a footnote, that shit is crazy - that doesn’t support your conclusion. Sitting Waino down to make sure he’s healthy and preserve a long term investment is completely consistent with being a contender, isn’t it? I mean, c’mon; they want to make sure they can contend for years, not months. Unless you are saying that DeWitt has some evil plan to make the Cards tank, like the owner of the Indians in Major League. If that’s what you are suggesting, then you have a conspiracy-theory-filled view of the world that I just can’t subscribe to in the absence of some evidence. . . . . . . . just checked your post, and you have none, so that issue is resolved and properly filed in the “bullshit” category.
On to the utter insanity of your conclusion. How in the world has the Cards’ contending status been an inconvenience? I’d really love to hear you articulate that. Wait, no I wouldn’t because it would be a contorted, elipses-filled maze of contradicitons similar to those encountered by Alice in Wonderland. Being a contender, and the millions upon millions associated with ticket sales and merchandise that come with it, are readily welcomed by the owners. The longer the Cards “contend,” the more tickets and merchandise will sell, the more the ownership will be happy. How do I know this? Because they are business people, and business people like to make money. You know, similar to how you like to stir up shit with your elaborate, incomprehensible “opinions.”
by Ray Lankford on Jul 17, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
clearly larussa just needs to motivate these guys
he just needs a life-size standee of a scantily clad woman with dewitt’s head shopped on there… for every win, we remove one piece of clothing…
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To avoid violating several VeB commenting guidelines, I’m not going to argue with you about the credibility of your soothsaying. But just to soak up the crazy in buckets, please clarify: by “Bush Family initiations,” are you referring to the PotUS’ family (being that Bill DeWitt and he are old friends from the energy industry) or do you mean the Busch family that sold the team to DeWitt’s group? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you spell someone’s last name right, is all.
And the Cubs will have some serious contract problems for the next several years, we just need to get the small bears through their century of woe and their all-chips-on-the-table run will make it hard for them to compete over the next few years.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please don't ask
it’s at least the 2nd or 3rd reference he’s made to Bush (I assume the President?) w/o expanding. There seems to be some sort of connection between our president and the Cards and Wainwright’s injury. I choose not to ask for fear that he might provide the answer.
Let’s just all remember that the community guidelines emphasize AVOIDING POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS!!! This is a baseball site and, hopefully, we can just talk baseball and the Cards.
by chuckb on Jul 17, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was a credible alternative.
Wishful thinking on my part.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that who knows what's going on behind closed doors with the Bush family
but to say that it’s the Cubs division now is basically insane. sorry for the blunt reaction.
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good post
love the flurry-style stuff.
on line drives, career/2008 – pujols 19.8/21.6, ludwick (~80% smaller sample size) 21.9/27.5.
the mlb average ld% for 2008 is about 19.5, so pujols isn’t defying odds. best year ever was 2003 22.5%.
i don’t know about his tool or defense advantages, and nady’s having a good 2008, but if we trade rasmus for a career 107 ops+ outfielder with a born on date of november 1978 i might hang myself. i give mo more credit than to make that move.
FIP > ERA, OBP > AVG
by astrostl on Jul 17, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How to add four wins and take the WC:
1. Sign Bonds, call up Rasmus, platoon the two, cut Barton to free up space.
2. Trade for Matt Cain or Ian Snell. Some combo of Duncan, Reyes, Anderson, Mather, Todd, Mortenson, Ottavino, and Garcia has to get it done.
Snell’s stock is down with something funky going on in his elbow, so maybe we get him at a a slight discount. He’d still cost a bundle given his age and contract.
As for all the moralistic midwesterners who think Bonds is the devil, they might stay home for a while, but they’ll come slinking back as the Cards’ stock rises, imo…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They don't have to cut Barton
he can come back in September.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Snell is a mixed bag.
Since taking time off, his velocity has returned to normal but he is still have an awful time with his control. So, the up velocity says no injury, the down control says injury. It don’t make no sense.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a wide held belief
True or not, shoulder woes=velocity down. Elbow blown=bad control.
"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA
by joker24 on Jul 17, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I sure don't want Snell
he’s not very good
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do we platoon...
Rasmus and Bonds? They are both lefties. If we get Bonds he should play atleast (IMO) 2/3’s of our remaining games…Rasmus needs to play more often than once every three days…not to mention isn’t Razza still fighting a groin injury?
by cardzfanbub on Jul 17, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
the assumption is that either can hit lefties ok so it wouldn’t be a matchup thing. Plus Rasmus would either run or play defense for Bonds every game and he could spell Ludwick or Ankiel occasionally. He wouldn’t be sitting around…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rasmus
Is playing on the Olympic Team. And I’m pretty sure Mo has mentioned that those on the Olympic team will not recieve a call up this year. So we don’t have to worry about Platooning Rasmus with Bonds.
by Evilfrog on Jul 17, 2008 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a travesty...
it’s ridiculous that baseball is even in the Olympics. Still, sign Bonds!
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'll get your wish soon.
I think the travesty baseball is getting kicked out of the olympics.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball...
isn’t a global sport. It’s only popular in the U.S., Venezuela, northern Mexico, and miscellaneous Caribbean islands.
What if there was a game that Indonesians, Malaysians, Singaporeans, and southern Thais loved but no else cared about? Would that be Olympic-worthy? They should stick to running, jumping, swimming, lifting etc…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Japan anyone?
Also, Taiwan and Chinese Tapai (or whatever) seemed to field good teams in the WBC.
by saladdays on Jul 17, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Japan? Canada? Even Australia has it.
that should be plenty to have an Olympic sport, it is probably more than compete in basketball.
"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 Jul 17, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball...
isn’t a global sport. It’s only popular in the U.S., Venezuela, northern Mexico, and miscellaneous Caribbean islands.
What if there was a game that Indonesians, Malaysians, Singaporeans, and southern Thais loved but no else cared about? Would that be Olympic-worthy? They should stick to running, jumping, swimming, lifting etc…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Korea and China are "miscellaneous islands"?
by saladdays on Jul 17, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball...
isn’t a global sport. It’s only popular in the U.S., Venezuela, northern Mexico, and miscellaneous Caribbean islands and peninsular nations of asia.
What if there was a game that Indonesians, Malaysians, Singaporeans, and southern Thais loved but no else cared about? Would that be Olympic-worthy? They should stick to running, jumping, swimming, lifting etc…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there's plenty of those sports in right now
Rhythmic gymnastics – In
Handball – In
Modern Pentathalon – In
Badminton – In
Table Tennis – In
I think Badminton and Table tennis fits the “Indonesians, Malaysians, Singaporeans, and southern Thais Love but no one else cared about” description.
by birdo rojo on Jul 17, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Table tennis is one of my favorite Olympic sports to watch
I hate the Olympics, so take it with a grain of salt
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rhythmic gymnastics, though?
lame, and awkward to type.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could watch olympic level table tennis
and that insane comination of volleyball and hackey sack that they play in SE Asia and be entertained for quite a while.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
by Valatan on Jul 18, 2008 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also like women's beach volleyball
Though not for the competition
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 18, 2008 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Korea, China, Japan
Baseball is a global sport, it’s just not popular in Europe.
Iran’s baseball/softball program’s been killed since the decision to discontinue baseball.
And yes, I think they’d be olympic worthy. Jai-alai, sepak takraw, and Cricket should all be played. I’d much rather see some alien sport played well than weightlifting.
Pole vault and high jump are freaking awesome, though.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude
baseball is HUGE in Japan. more popular than probably anywhere else
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Umm, by that definition most Olympic sports aren't global
Are Volleyball, Badmitten, Table Tenis, Kayaking, Biathelon.. “World Sports?”
However it is a bit of a joke the baseball is/was at least a demonstration sport and cricket never has been (to my knowledge). Of course cricket wouldn’t be very condisive to an olymic format. Anyway, I am of the personal opinion that the Olympics are way too big anyway.
The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!
by Zubin on Jul 17, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry Seinfeld's take
on the winter games biathlon is one of my favorite bits.
“That makes about as much sense as an event where you swim a lap… then choke a guy!”
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's funny...
I do have to stand up for biathalon though. It’s a fave. The idea is the skiing gets you’re heart rate up to about 180, then you have to sit stock still and hit a target.
Anyway, maybe you have to be Scandinavian…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no kidding
it’s gotta be a real challenge. the fact that it’s also a funny juxtaposition is just gravy.
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Found it. Good stuff there. The bit on the Luge is hilarious too.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right -
that was hilarious!
by cardsgirl95 on Jul 17, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Luge stuff is funny to me too.....
I have 7 kids and have secretly wished for years one of them would ask me to take them luging…..geez, how do they come up with some of these events?
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My favorite luge team ever
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not luge.....
That’s the Jamacian Bobsled Team!
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh tomato to-mah-to
I’ve been waiting two years to post a Cool Runnings picture on this blog, and damn it, that was the best opportunity I’ll ever have!
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, the picture is great, and it's a fun movie.
Bobsledding makes sense on some level. But Luge? Really, who does that in their spare time, or lets it take over their life so they can be in the olympics? Weird…......who spots you? Where’s a track, ice, and where do you even buy a luge?
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually went Luging in Germany last summer
No kidding. Concrete track in the Alps right near the tip of Austria. It was awesome, but it was a little embarassing that I was by far the oldest luger there—most of the lugers were 10-12 year old locals.
by Ray Lankford on Jul 17, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
summers in rangoon...
luge lessons…
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
im curious
what’s the chance of injury? and why is there only young kids doing it? is it the “national” sport?
by njnick on Jul 18, 2008 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, rocky on ice.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
by rocKStark5 on Jul 17, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was heartbreaking when Apollo Creed won the gold medal
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
by Valatan on Jul 18, 2008 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
also...
didn’t the dutch even field a team at the world baseball classic? if anything, kicking baseball out of the olympics is killing the sport’s chances of becoming more universal just when it’s starting to catch on in new regions. look at basket ball, it’s become quite popular in places i never would have expected.
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I remember correctly...
the Dutch brought in Sidney Ponson, the crown prince their former colony Curacao. He faced the Italian Stallion, Jason Simontacchi, a guy who had never previously set foot in Italy.
The whole thing is kind of a farce.
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those WBC teams were kind of a farce
But that doesn’t mean that baseball’s not popular in the Far East any less.
by saladdays on Jul 17, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Piazza play for the Italians?
If I were a really good athlete I don’t think I’d want to go compete for the Irish or Swedish national teams.
But you should see my tan!
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure they approached...
him at the very least. If Simontacchi is your starter, Piazza could likely make the squad. I doubt he did it though, just because his “Godfather”, Tommy LaSorda, would have a hissy fit if he took up against the Red, White, and Blue.
It’s unbelievable how far these teams will go. The Dutch even had Hensley “Bam-Bam” Muelens coaching third. I guess he’s got the orange in his blood some way or another…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The English
are more of a Cricket crowd. Thus, since they host the ‘12 games, they can eliminate baseball at their discretion.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jul 17, 2008 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Simontacchi played in Italy in 2000..
He pitched in the Italian League for the whole season and went 12-1 with a 1.17 ERA.
And Ponson is from Aruba.
by Brianzaredbird on Jul 17, 2008 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he said he won't call up anyone on the olympic team prior to the Olympics
That would mean he could be called up after Aug 23rd when the gold medal game is held.
by birdo rojo on Jul 17, 2008 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess that makes sense.
This is the 3rd time i’ve been wrong.
by Evilfrog on Jul 17, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OBP leading off inning
Found that to be the most interesting piece of a most informative post. I have to wonder if that is sustainable. I would, at first thought at least, conclude that is a candidate to revert towards the overall averages. More to the point, I am skeptical that the pitching staff can maintain a .299 OBP allowed to the leadoff hitter.
by Merry CRasmus on Jul 17, 2008 1:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
walks
i’d be interested to see how walks are effecting those leadoff OBP stats. It seems like maybe they are preaching patience to the hitters leading off innings and trying to avoid walking the leadoff guy for pitchers. The trend across baseball might be for pitchers to be careful with leadoff hitters b/c they don’t wanna give up a hit (especially an extra base hit), but the Cards pitchers are going right after guys to avoid the always terrible leadoff walk.
by DJ87 on Jul 17, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
pujols
how many times does pujols lead off an inning? Prolly less than it seems like to me, but I wonder how much of an impact he has on that stat.
by hex706f726368 on Jul 17, 2008 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duncan has quietly been kind of hot...
Anyone else notice what he’s done over the past month?
Last 56 plate appearances (warning: small sample size): .340/.446/.532, including 9 bb and “just” 12 strikeouts.
For the record in 2008 Duncan is walking about 10% more frequently and has cut his K rate by 22% (compared to pre-2008 career totals).
Lest we forget, one year ago (July 17, 2007) Duncan had an OPS of .947, and in 2006 he had an OPS of .952.
Given those numbers perhaps his .978 OPS over the past month is a sustainable figure…
by salvomania on Jul 17, 2008 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Too few have noticed.
Here’s hoping he keeps it up for the rest of his career.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duncan is a one half pony
Dunc has been great in half season increments, I think he is starting to get hot as part of this same trend. He should have a monster 2nd half and convince us that he can actually play well, at that time we should TRADE him while he is at his peak.
by StLHugo on Jul 17, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, I've heard this
it would be interesting if he had an amazing last half of the season (he’s already started to) and help get us into the playoffs with a bunch of home runs. stranger things have happened.
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In all honesty...
The player I want the Cards to take a hard look at (and they already have been scouting this team recently according to mlbtraderumors.com) is Christian Guzman. He’s just what the Cards need…yeah, he is a downgrade on defense at SS. But what he lacks in defensive efficiency, he makes up for in high batting average, good OBP, low strikeout totals, and the ability to muscle up and hit a HR every now and then. I think he solves some issues and he shouldn’t be too costly. I really don’t have a problem keeping Miles at 2B and splitting some time with Brendan Ryan for the remainder of the year…as crazy as that sounds (MILES starting at 2B for the rest of the year, you say?!).
Official Brian Fuentes Supporter
by Epic on Jul 17, 2008 2:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he comes alive
at the end of every contact. bad for the twins, bad for the nationals, bad for the cardinals. injury prone, amongst other problems.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fine
his contract is up at the end of they year. He will be a 2 month rental.
by njnick on Jul 17, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
owership said its not taking on salary.
Guzzy makes a few bucks…....
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are so clueless
Ownership actually said it WILL take on salary.
Read Strauss’s interview Dewitt
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
interview *with dewitt
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sober up Raconteur
” there might be 1 or 2 million”.............thats a joke, and a message to other teams telling them, “don’t call”.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there going to replace Izrurias and take on 2 mill?
Cristian Guzman ss
4 years/$16.8M (2005-08)
- 05:$4.2M, 06:$4.2M, 07:$4.2M, 08:$4.2M
- signed as a free agent 11/04
- 4 years/$9M (2001-04), plus $5.4M 2005 club option ($0.75M buyout)
o 04:$3.7M; 05:$5.4M club option $0.75M buyout (declined 10/04) - agent: Stan King
- ML service: 9.000
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so basically the remaining half a year salary for 08 is?
2 mIllion dollars!
but on the real, i not sure i believe the improvement in his bat is legit and we’d end up with iz2 all over again.
by FunkeeC on Jul 17, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since you know everything
about being a GM/owner, right?
by saladdays on Jul 17, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're still clueless
JS asked if 1 or 2 million would be available, and Dewitt said yes. No where did he say 1 or 2 million was the max he would allow.
But don’t let that get in the way of your ownership bashing.
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guzman looked good at 3b in the ASG
Haven’t seen him play short but he was pretty good at 3B and we dont really have a true backup 3B right now. I would be all for having him. what is interesting is that he isn’t that much of an upgrade offensively from Miles .313/.340/.424 vs .317/.356/.393
by StLHugo on Jul 17, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Dan Uggla's defense in the ASG
has him now labeled as a bad defender, Guzman’s has him as a Gold Glover.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dont base on one game
I wont base my total opinion on one game but he looked very nice in that game and Uggla just looked uncomfortable.
by StLHugo on Jul 17, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be happy to be proven wrong,
but all I see is irrational exuberance about Guzman. I’m impressed with his 2008 season and his short 2007 season, but they look damned fluky, and regression to suckiness seems likely. And the Guzman that I watched in his first season in DC was possibly the worst ballplayer with regular playing time I’ve ever seen.
What am I missing?
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jul 17, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leary of Guzman
Most times I’d want nothing to do with him. He doesn’t walk at all, he’s got to hit .300 to have offensive value at all, and though he has that going for him right now it is a far from sure thing he can continue it. He’s having a nice year this year, but 2002-2005 he was in Izturisland offensively. If I look beyond this year I don’t see where Guzman offers much more than what we already have.
by Merry CRasmus on Jul 17, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guzman
is a free agent after the year – he would be a 2 month rental.
by njnick on Jul 17, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nationals have a smart GM
and aren’t exactly exploding at the seams with adequate talent on their active roster (DL not included). I imagine it’d take more than it’d be worth to get him away from the Nationals.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
Bowden didnt trade Soriano when he knew he would lose him as a free agent so he might be just as stubborn w/ Guzman.
by njnick on Jul 17, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW, Bowden's unwillingness to
trade Soriano was universally derided in the local media as foolish. And his signing of Guzman a few years ago has been an object of scorn for a long time as well. The words “smart” and “Bowden” do not often appear in the same sentence around DC.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jul 17, 2008 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had no idea Bowden was still their GM. I’ve liked their drafting, though.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
ZIMMMAAAAA will save us!
or not. Big Chief? anyone?
by spencegrif on Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
I wasn’t even thinking about that.
With the compensation picks for Soriano, the Nationals got (sandwich round) Josh Smoker a talented LHSP who looks to have been sent back to extended to work out his gopheritis, and (2nd round) Jordan Zimmerman, a RHSP who’s already having success in AA.
Guzman was ranked 58th among 90 players in his category in the 2007 Elias rankings, so it’s pretty doubtful he’d be a Type A FA. I was thinking he’s more likely to stick around just because the Nationals need the warm body to complete the season.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't even like him as a rental
He’s had a nice half season, but I suspect prior seasons are more indicitive in this case.
by Merry CRasmus on Jul 17, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
The Cards really need to focus on getting an adequte SS as Izturis is only signed for this year and I honestly do not think B. Ryan can be counted on to offer enough offense to be counted on everyday. I think the Cards need to focus on getting an offensive upgrade at SS who can be an everyday player. It’s going to be tough to find a guy who fits the bill though.
Ryan and Izturis are a decent combo in the can be platooned and maybe get put in spots to do OK but I just need a bit better offense out of SS.
by ICbirdfan on Jul 17, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
but I think you are missing the point. Guzman is NOT signed beyond this year. Guzman is NOT the ss of the future just an upgrade over izturis/ryan for the next 2 months. Even w/ Guzman on the team for the next 2 months the team should be looking for the ss of the future. Im not necessarily advocating getting Guzman b/c i dont know what Bowden would expect but I have a feeling it would be too high of a price.
by njnick on Jul 17, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yankees sign Richie Sexson
Which is bizarre. Couldn’t you get twice the production and the same defense from Barry Bonds being at 1B?
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes I would think so....
I think it’s obvious now that people are steering clear of Mr. Bonds.
As bad as Sexson has been you wonder if he has not played for 9 months like Bonds.
by ICbirdfan on Jul 17, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Giambi injured?
How many of these guys does one team need?
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The owners and
commissioner have a “black man” and a “white” man set up as fall guys on the steroids affair. The union lodged their only collusion complaint on the Bonds issue. He will not play.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How
would you like to be the attorney for the Union with” the Bonds freeze out ”, as your evidents of collusion. The owners will stick together on this. The Yanks signing of Sexon screams of this reality.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A new low
“evidents”
"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA
by joker24 on Jul 17, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Mrs. direction"
might have “evidents” beat.
by jdub176 on Jul 17, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
It wasn’t even Ms. Direction. I wish this was like BBTF and you could change your screen name because I would totally be Mrs. Direction (joker).
"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA
by joker24 on Jul 17, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you only knew the pleasure
your little “play ground” was creating for me. The chuckling as I capitalized the M in Mrs…........ do you recognize when your conversing with someone who is more informed than you are. This is like being back on the elementary school playground. In some strange way its invigorating. By the way Larry, nice play, the “Myers” sarcasm. Its is your playground, and alas, I depart.
Westcoastbirdwatcher
by westcoastbirdwatcher on Jul 17, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know more than you think i do, westcoast bird
we’ll miss your wisdom
by lboros on Jul 17, 2008 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you meant to say
well mess you’re wisedumb.
by apack on Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh....lboros, spill it.
We won’t tell a soul…..c’mon, c’mon!
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a crazy suspicion
that if you actually knew as much as you’d like us to believe, you wouldn’t be hanging around here trolling for attention with your cryptic statements and conspiracy theories.
PS – ...........bye….....bye.
by BTown Birds fan on Jul 17, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you really leaving?
Don’t tease the rest of us—it’ll be hard to read posts that actually make sense and are readable….
"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 Jul 17, 2008 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
An elementary school analogy...
Is interesting, because the “I’m the smartest person in the room” bullshit is grade school on its own merit, separate from anything else said. And now here I am taking the bait, when I know I shouldn’t.
Regardless, thanks for stepping away.
by Merry CRasmus on Jul 17, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My cat's breath smells like cat food
It blows my mind.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball is a funny game
you have a man in Sexson who has been downright awful at the plate and is released by the worst team in baseball that will eat about $6MM of his salary for the rest of the year…only a week or so later to be signed by the most famous team in baseball with a outside chance of getting to the playoffs.
by KYCards on Jul 17, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
kinda reminds me of Edmonds' situation
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha! Edmonds has helped the Cubs some. The Padres, not so much.
Maybe the Yankees know the secret code for Mr. Sexson to get his swing back. Stranger things have happened…....
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he just needs to go back to the NL
but who knows, maybe he doesn’t like the west
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edmonds
Is such a strange situation. His first month with the team, he tore the cover off the ball. Over the last month, he is hitting .220 but still putting up a .900+ OPS (with 7 HRs). He’s got 17 hits in his last 70 ABs, and 11 of them are XBH to go along with 17 strikeouts.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrigley
He’s hit 5 of the aforementioned 7 HRs there this season and his slugging is .544 compared to .343. He’s also hit 3 doubles in the last month, all at home.
I watched several of the games as I live in Chicago and didn’t have much to do at work the last few weeks. Many of those HRs were lofted to left and landed in the basket or first couple of rows. I’m thinking they would have been long outs in most parks.
by birdo rojo on Jul 17, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, gee. Bash him for being a good fit for his home park.......
you think Mr. Hendry didn’t consider that?
Okay, he’s a Cub so we are supposed to hate him and pooh-pooh everything he does.
Except I don’t hate him. Really. I’m glad he’s getting a chance to give what ever he has left to give. Shoot me or whatever…..
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not you......birdo rojo.....did I post in the wrong spot?
He says they’re only homeruns because they are in Wrigley…..I’m just saying Mr.Hendry looked at him and thought it would work and since Wrigley is their home park, doesn’t matter if it just clears into the basket. Works for them…...
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think what hardcore might be saying
is that it’s not necessarily taken for granted that birdo rojo was bashing edmonds per se, just making an observation. hell, maybe hendry was just being savvy for realizing edmonds’ “warning track power” could be very useful in wrigley with a little luck.
by mattybobo on Jul 17, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it came across to me like he was diminishing Edmonds.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is
and he is using reason to back it up.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edmonds
stopped taking his post-concussion medication soon after he joined the Cubs and said his head was finally feeling clear for the first time since ‘06. Not sure if that’s good for his long term health, but it’s helping him hit a baseball again.
My fellow Americans. As a young boy, I dreamed of being a baseball, but tonight I say, we must move forward, not backward, upward not forward, and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom.
by Alxfritz on Jul 17, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course
Reed Johnson routinely has to go out to CF and turn him back to facing the correct way.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
except
that Edmonds has actually been some help in Chicago—Sexson won’t help the Yankees at all. Apparently they beat the D-Backs to the punch though, they just traded for Tony Clark!
"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 Jul 17, 2008 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See Preston Wilson - 2006
Not 100% the same, but pretty close, no?
by Hal Lanier's Pants on Jul 17, 2008 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure 1 precludes the other
but, yes, I’d much rather have Bonds. Say what you want (and many did yesterday) about the distractions and dickishness, whatever—at least Bonds can hit!
by chuckb on Jul 17, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
as much as I don't like the guy
Bonds has clearly been made into a scapegoat for the steroids era
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least people aren't making up evidence
about him found under a television 5 years later!
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard about that
but didn’t hear who that was for?
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off-Topic, but
is anyone planning on seeing The Dark Knight this evening?
"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 Jul 17, 2008 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tomorrow
I fear I will be disappointed.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have anyone to go with
But I’m probably still gonna go. This movie seems too promising to be a disappointment.
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've seen it....
you will NOT be disappointed, trust me…..
"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 Jul 17, 2008 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've heard the same
Going to see it at a local art theater with a ridiculous sound system.
First movie I’ve gone to see since Return of the King.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, and at the moolah and i'm giddy.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
by rocKStark5 on Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll probably see it sometime this weekend
looks to be good… but I haven’t seen too many good movies lately
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tomorrow night
can’t wait
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it sucks
that we have to go against Jake Peavy to start out after the Allstar Break
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
hasn’t given up a run since three starts ago. The Brew Crew has to face Cain-Sanchez-Lincecum in SF… That should be a series win for the Giants, right?
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giants
its a shame that they have 3 extremely talented young pitchers, but really almost no supporting cast. If they did they could have an Oakland like run with a big 3 of their own.
by DJ87 on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why they need...
to dump Cain for Duncan, Anderson, and Reyes. I’m sure Billy Beane would be all over a deal like that…
by guayzimi on Jul 17, 2008 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cool
thanks for the info! I had no idea they had to go up against those guys!
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bonds
I’m not sure if this has been posted yet in regards to the Bonds discussion, but I thought it was an interesting read.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/baseballs-greatest-villain/
by DJ87 on Jul 17, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great post
As much scum as Barry is, he should really think long and hard about suing Major League Baseball after this season for collusion.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I don’t think people will be too sympathetic towards him as a whole
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still don't see collusion out there
I guess he should probably add Sammy Sosa and file it class action then? Maybe Julio Franco and Rickey Henderson as well?
Seriously, what would his case be? It’s entirely possible that a team doesn’t want to waste a roster spot on a guy who’s his age and has his legal problems. You can’t begrudge them even if you think, like I do, that he could help some of those teams. Sosa had a much better year than he did last year and he’s out of a job as well. Rickey had to play in the International League a couple of times to get picked up on a major league roster again, as did Darryl Strawberry. I don’t see Barry going to play for the St. Paul Saints do you? Some International League team would sign him if he truly wanted to play ball. Then he could prove that he could still hit a bit and some club might take a chance on him. But he hasn’t done that—he just sits at home waiting for the phone to ring while his agent keeps saying how he’s ready to play in 10 days. If so Barry, prove it. And while you’re at it, why don’t you donate $400,000 to charity as a show of good will? It’s not like you claimed it on your taxes anyway….
"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 Jul 17, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Further...
How come the Times piece didn’t bring up Sammy Sosa? He’s not clubhouse cancer, and he has none of the legal troubles that Bonds has. Yet he is still without a job. Also, none of those other players mentioned (Cobb, Raja, etc.) were as old as Bonds OR federally indicted. This isn’t a case of not signing a guy because of his evilness, it’s simply that they don’t want to take a bet on a guy with a gimpy knee that’s 44 years old.
Barry’s been getting jobs his entire career while being a jerk—but his own club from last year didn’t want him back either even though their attendance would probably go up if they had brought him back.
"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 Jul 17, 2008 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well written by hardball times.........
by ICbirdfan on Jul 17, 2008 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
indeed
It really got me thinking about how horrible of human beings MLB owners can be. I don’t think they go around trying to be scumbags. They just want to run a good business, but obviously sometimes making good business decisions and making decisions that are in the bests interest of society or baseball are at odds.
by DJ87 on Jul 17, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate Barry Bonds
he’s a megamoniacal racist, but Pierzynski is the biggest asshole in the game.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
more sort of off topic
I’m thinking about starting a bulletin board system next week. anyone interested? it’ll be mainly a baseball focus but I won’t stop anyone from talking about other stuff as long as they’re not totally annoying
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it will be informal
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone Id move rasmus for
Liraino..7-0 in rehab starts at AAA. Hes coming off an injury fits their build…the twinkies are supposedly not calling him up because they are “set” but with Livan being terrible in his last 10 starts something liek 10+era…sounds like a save money deal to me..
I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punch and judy hitter-major league 2
by punchinjudy on Jul 17, 2008 5:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ah, there's another wrinkle to that story.......
He feels he’s ready to be activated, and thinks the Twins are keeping him down in AAA to mess with his service time. His agent is looking into filing a grievance against the Twins…....
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely not, not in 1000 years would I make that trade
Rasmus for a pitcher who at such a young age, is already a huge injury risk? Sounds like a horrible idea to me.
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
more og a joek but ya
I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punch and judy hitter-major league 2
by punchinjudy on Jul 17, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tried to see if Troy Glaus
was the reason for the team’s poor home offense but that’s not even the case. While his averages are down all across the board at home vs away:
Home
165 ABs
7 HR
1 3B
10 2B
28 RBI
17 BB
35 Ks
Away
168 ABs
8 HRs
13 2Bs
31 RBI
35 BB
24 Ks
At home, he has a .264 BABIP, while on the road, it is .324. What I’m seeing here is that Glaus is pressing really hard at home. He doesn’t seem to be willing to take walks at home (or he simply can’t see the ball) and he is hitting into a bit of bad luck in the spacious Busch Stadium (which is odd).
This could also somewhat be accounted for by the dimensions of the park. He could have homeruns taken away by the deeper power alleys.
So, looking at that, it would seem that whoever is hitting after Glaus is dragging the offense down a bit too. Which, would be Duncan and Molina. Duncan has been unlucky and awful (a dangerous combination) at Busch Stadium this year. Oddly enough, he has the same ABs at home and away (did Tony plan this?) and this is how it comes out:
BA / OBP/ SLG/ OPS/ BAbip/sOPS+
.236/ .331/.368/.699/.273/ 84
.274/.376/.387/.763/.338/ 114
.038 BA
.045 OBP
.019 SLG
.064 OPS
-.065 BABIP
-30 sOPS+
Looking at Chris 2007 numbers, don’t expect him to suddenly become a better hitter at home. Better hitter overall? Sure, but his entire career at Busch Stadium III, he’s been about a 50 point (OPS) worse hitter.
Not to further bore you, but Molina is a ‘consistent’ hitter. His numbers rate fairly consistently both home and away.
So, we’ve got two choices here: Hope Chris Duncan has another ‘half to remember’ in the 2nd half of this season or install Molina as the protection for Glaus and leave him there.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anyone noticed this?
Player A
377 ABs, .286/.324/.549, 52 runs, 23 HR, 66 RBI, 20 BB
Player B
307 ABs, .270/.343/.537, 53 runs, 20 HR, 50 RBI, 33 BB
Give you a hint, Player A was the worst defender in the league last year, and Player B is talked about as being a future gold-glover.
I guess I’m doing this because I never thought Player B was in the same class as Player A. These stats, plus the huge disparity in defensive ability, sort of prove me wrong, I think.
Everyone know who I’m talking about?
by Hal Lanier's Pants on Jul 17, 2008 6:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ankiel vs. Braun
"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA
by joker24 on Jul 17, 2008 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ankiel has played better than Braun this season
Even with that several week stretch where he couldn’t hit a beach ball.
OPS+: 130 vs. 125
AB/HR: 15.35 vs. 16.39
Not saying he’s a better player than Braun, but he has been for the first “half” of the season
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And that's just talking about offense
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd still take Braun
given his age and team friendly contract. But it’s nice to see Ankiel putting up comparable #’s
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
really?
Ankiel is such a better defender and he could end up being better at offense too
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ludwick sits again
1. S Schumaker, RF
2. A Miles, 2B
3. A Pujols, 1B
4. R Ankiel, CF
5. T Glaus, 3B
6. C Duncan, LF
7. Y Molina, C
8. K Lohse, P
9. C Izturis, SS
And, Aaron Miles starts vs RHP. I’m so confused. It’s like Tony likes the fact he can’t play defense. I guess I should count my blessings he isn’t at SS or 3B.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not a fan of Ludwick sitting and Duncan playing, not one bit.
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See above post
which outlines Duncan’s last 56 plate appearances. He should be playing against RH pitching right now, although I’d be more in favor of benching Skip and letting Miles lead off with Ludwick in the 2 hole…
"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 Jul 17, 2008 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
strikeouts from left-center
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 17, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillies acquired Joe Blanton from A's
Just came across ESPN
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 6:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dodged that bullet.
So they called up Myers and are going to put Blanton in the rotation too? 2/3rds of the rotation changes in 1 week.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillies just got Beaned
They gave up Adrian Cardenas (one of the better MIF prospects in the game), Josh Outman, and Matt Spencer for him.
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beane
Seems to be stockpiling MI prospects despite having Bobby Crosby and Mark Ellis. I wonder if either of those guys is on the market right now 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 Jul 17, 2008 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Icky
Blanton in Philly band box is kinda scary.
"Regression to the mean is so much more fun to watch when it’s a Cub who is regressing." SleepyCA
by joker24 on Jul 17, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He cannot be worse than Adam Eaton.
And he’s probably going to be better than Brett Myers will be when he goes back into the rotation. In that park, I think they’d do better to find someone who can miss a few more bats than Blanton does.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another thing I just saw on ESPN
Mike Hampton left his rehab start after 2 IP with a hurt groin
Jesus, is he made of paper mache?
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 6:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if him, Mulder and Prior have a club?
boo cubs, hooray beer
by Raconteur on Jul 17, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not even close
Mulder hurt his shoulder and had to deal with that.
Prior, the same.
Mike Hampton, just this year, hurt his pectoral muscle and was rehabbing that when he pulled his groin. He gets a new injury on top of the ones he already has.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess you could say
Mike Hampton is the Tyler Durden to their Project Mayhem
I think we’re also getting to the point where we have to add Carp to that list. Hell, even Clement.
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Clement isn't hurt
he just sucks.
Why do we have to add Carp? He hasn’t had any setbacks.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 17, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's missed 1+ years consecutively more than once
And Clement didn’t suck until he got hurt
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe he and Kevin Mitchell have a club....
you know, the guy who went on the DL after sneezing and hurt himself with a can of his wife’s hairspray…
"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 Jul 17, 2008 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least Mulder has pitched to a few MLB batters in the last couple of years
Ineffectively, but still. Hampton is by far the worst
Cardinal fan in the heart of Braves country
DFA Adam Kennedy and Randy Flores!
Track 'em Tigers - An SB Nation Blog for Auburn Tigers fans
by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2008 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a fool
Was arguing that a trade for Hampton would be a really, really smart move.
by liam on Jul 17, 2008 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a great idea!
Let’s just stop signing pitchers we KNOW are injured. It’s kind of like trying to buy a dream.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And to follow up my own post.....
The ones you already have are going to be hurt, some of them at some point-so lets start off with someone who’s not hurt at the moment, not re-habbing at the moment, been on the mound say, oh, sometime within the last 10 days or so…..Mike Hampton has turned into Darren Driefort
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 17, 2008 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
