great stuff from strauss today! Go read!
by cardsphan04 on Sep 4, 2008 4:48 PM EDT
90 comments
I normally don't like to link stuff from the st. louis post dispatch cause I know it is on the left hand side down a bit but I really encourage all to go check out strauss chat today. It will really make you smile, atleast for me it did. He discusses some great stuff. Here's a teaser....Wallace could go far and there might be some interest in a short stop that enjoys Coors! Either way the chat got me pumped and is making me look forward to the offseason.
http://www.stltoday.com/discussions/sports/joe-strauss-live/LD090108461/all
Go cards!...oh and someone listed earlier that looper would be a type B free agent, I think that is incorrect, if you look at the website I think it list him as nothing and lohse as a type A.
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well
it’ll be interesting to hear what TLR has to say tomorrow. if JS’s comments are true, my blood pressure is going to skyrocket.
and if we DO sign Dunn, for the love of god, bat him 2nd!
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 4, 2008 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
meh, what a frigging weak article
at least, given joe strauss’ self-serving lead-in. Though FWIW I’d love to see TLR get a job as GM of a team, just NOT the cardinals…
I like the fact that TLR is challenging the FO to make some moves. I don’t see anything controversial about his comments regarding Duncan- it looks more like a threat to the front office than anything else; to me he is saying “don’t screw my colleague or he’ll go elsewhere, with my blessings”. And that’s fine.
I dislike the fact the he is saying “impact player”. Those words are scary. Cool that he admits to not being a long-range thinker, though, and that he recognizes that there is another guy in the org paid to be that guy.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 5, 2008 3:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree on the article
I was expecting a little more based on all the hints Strauss included in his chat.
I think Strauss is pushing the “Rasmus will be traded” a little too much. TLR may be pushing the FO by saying Rasmus is available for the right bat, like a top tier MI who is under some known cost control for a three to four years. Unfortunately, there are very few that fit that scenario; Hanley, Tulo, Rollins (stretching here)…
IMO if Duncan wants to still coach and has to go elsewhere to get a contract, TLR may start looking for that GM job, even to the point of taking 2009 off. I have never heard or seen anything about TLR’s contract, but it probably allows him to resign as long as he stays out of managing in 2009.
by ubeddie on Sep 5, 2008 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Three, count 'em three
references to trading Colby Rasmus. It would be pretty amazing to me if he was traded without ever wearing a BOB uniform in StL. I believe Bill DeWitt said a month or so ago that the chance of CR making his MLB in another uniform was, “Zero”. I hope that still stands.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Sep 4, 2008 10:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think as long as LaRussa is here
it is a distinct possibility. Not because of any dislike of Colby but because of a crush on Skip and Ank, and the team’s inability to trade a guy who is currently leading the team in HRs.
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 4, 2008 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
U'd cry if he was moved.....
For an equal caliber player at a position of need?
I don’t understand that. The only player I feel that way about is Pujols, and MAYBE Molina.
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 5, 2008 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
from a fan's standpoint
yep – I would. I’ve been waiting basically three years to see Rasmus in a Cardinal uniform. Sorry I don’t share your deeply rooted disdain for our prospects.
by azruavatar on Sep 5, 2008 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disdain?
Hardly.
I’m just realistic. Answer me this…..is it more likely that Rasmus exceeds expectations or falls short of them?
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 5, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A prospect like Rasmus
isn’t a 50/50 shot as success. The anti-prospect crowd likes to use that argument, “Well, its more likely than not a prospect will flame out.” For an elite guy like Rasmus, it is more likely than not he WILL succeed in the majors…its just a matter of time. His talent and production is just too overwhelming. I would be shocked…..SHOCKED….if Rasmus was less than an above average MLB player. I think he could contend for an MVP at some point in his career.
Its that kind of thinking that fueled the Mariners trade for Erik Bedard, using Adam Jones and other valuable pieces to do it. How did that work out? And Rasmus is more talented than Jones, IMO.
"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 Sep 5, 2008 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't totally disagree
but adam jones, who was ranked as a better prospect than colby going into this season by everyone I can remember, because he “had more power potential” and “was likely to hit for a higher average”, has a 90 OPS+ with 8 HR in 407 AB’s this year. He’s struck out as many times as Ankiel with the same # of HR’s and an OPS 60+ points lower than Skip’s, with only an incredibly lucky BABIP keeping his head above water offensively. He really should have spent this year in AAA (like our FO is being criticized for doing with Colby- and he’s a year older than colby…)
George Sherrill looked like a great pickup for a while there, but lately he’s been making Franklin look like a decent closer. The minor league pitchers that Seattle included seem to be the real prize, but we won’t know for a few years.
Anyway, it’s not really fair to use this trade as a example, as Jones (the rasmus analogue) seems to be having serious problems in MLB. He could improve, or he could “not improve”- it’s really hard to tell. If that BABIP regresses, like Tulo’s did in ‘08, Jones will be in for a very rough ’09, unless his power and plate discipline both develop significantly. And it’s not like we’d be trading for a post-arb pitcher with a history of injury problems. Tulo is just 2 years older than colby, and is signed to a great contract.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 5, 2008 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
same # of HR's as skip, not ankiel.
He’d be a great success if he was hitting like ankiel.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 5, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
plate discipline is one of Rasmus' best 'tools'
and players like that are even less likely to ‘flame out’ as opposed to free swingers who are more prone to diminished returns.
by rlgosnell on Sep 5, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no it isn't
at AA he struck out 108 times (1 per 5.1 PA, 1 per 4.4 AB) and this year at AAA he struck out 72 times (1 per 5.3 PA, 1 per 4.6). Would you say one of Rick Ankiel’s best tools is plate discipline? Cause he strikes out once every 4.6 PA, too.
He’s not horrible but that’s hardly one of his “best tools”.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 5, 2008 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rasmus walks a lot
12.9% BB/PA rate, and .096 ISP even in his season from hell at AAA. That’s decent bordering on good.
K’s are irrelevant unless he is swinging at a lot of pitches out of the zone.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 5, 2008 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I could argue that BB's are irrelevant.....
Cause he’s one of the best players in the minors, of course he’ll get pitched carefully.
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 5, 2008 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then he still has to take those pitches
and not flail helplessly at them like Rick Ankiel.
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 5, 2008 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
honest question
know how to find intentional walks? I can’t find ’em anywhere for him.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 5, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colby had 3 IBB
in 2008 for Memphis.
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 6, 2008 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not questioning you
I’m just curious for my own list of sites where you found that. I looked on B-R, First Inning and milb.com and couldn’t find IBB for minor leaguers.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 6, 2008 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was on baseball-reference
I know you weren’t questioning me.
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 6, 2008 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
crap
I just noticed it. It’s off my screen and I had to scroll over slightly.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 6, 2008 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i could argue that K's in the 1 or 2 spots where he would likely bat are irrelevant
by rlgosnell on Sep 5, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Difference of opinion there.....
Those are the two spots that I hate K’s in the most.
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 7, 2008 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
If I had a strike out machine that could make up for it in other areas (and I’m not calling Rasmus a strikeout machine, just using that term for emahasis), I’d much rather that hitter be someone who comes up with runners on in front of him. A strikeout is better than a double play.
But, I want guys in the 1 and 2 hole who are going to put the ball in play. If you aren’t gonna walk, you gotta make the defense get you out.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 7, 2008 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have someone who strikes out
in the 2 hole so that there’s less chance of a double play in front of albert. If there are two players with a .380 OBP and one Ks 160 times while the other does 60 times, I’ll take the 160 in front of Albert.
by azruavatar on Sep 7, 2008 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but how many times does it happen that he
hits into a dp when the lead off hitter gets on base?
I want two guys in a row who can get on base. Period. The scenario you’re presenting isn’t going to happen enough to really effect anything.
If Molina were hitting 2nd every game this year (which I wouldn’t advocate), he’d have done it 19 times. And he’s the highest on the team. Miles has done it 12 times. Hardly anything to be concerned about.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 7, 2008 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That presumes that Molina would hit
with a man on first the same number of times if he hit in the two slot as if he hit in the 6 or 7 slot. which is not at all true.
I will note that the leadoff man has grounded into a double play 19 times this season, while the second slot has grounded into 13 double plays. so i wonder if the intuitive answer about putting the high-K man in front of pujols actually makes sense.
by tom s. on Sep 7, 2008 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rasmus would also rival Izturis
in foot speed, which will help in respects to double plays.
Unlike Izturis, though, Rasmus makes a great deal of contact and does so for extra bases.
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 7, 2008 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's not any faster than Skip
I just don’t think whatever number of dps the number 2 hitter will hit into in a given year is enough to be concerned with.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 7, 2008 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I'm confused on where
this discussion is going.
Rasmus is a better hitter than Skip, or atleast has been when compared to each stage of Skip’s minor league career.
Rasmus is going to strike out a good deal, he’s going to walk a good deal, and he’s going to make a lot of contact.
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 7, 2008 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mentioned Skip because
you mentioned his foot speed. Skip’s hit into 15 dps (2nd most on the team). Speed helps but if you hit the ball hard enough, they’re still going to turn 2.
And, honestly I’m not sure where this is going either. Somewhere, this went from someone saying that plate discipline was one of Rasmus’ “best tools” to this comparison of Rasmus, Skip and Izturis hitting into double plays.
But, i still stand by my original statement that plate discipline is not one of his “best tools. I could name a number of his "tools” that are much better than his plate discipline.
I just think that with a player like Rasmus, having decent plate discipline (high k’s, with decent walks) is really not worth talking about since the other “tools” make it a moot point.
Personally, I’d love to see Rasmus hit in front of Albert.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 8, 2008 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rasmus
is significantly faster than skip. Rasmus is closer to hanley ramirez than skip schumaker.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 8, 2008 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My dad can beat up your dad
Seriously? This is a position to take?
And what does “significantly faster” mean?
Hanley has grounded into 5 dps and he grounded into 10 last year. Is this really that big of a difference that we need to make a deal out of it?
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 8, 2008 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever, dude
you’re the one getting excited. I’m just pointing out an incorrect statement. It’s not a “position”, it’s a simple fact.
I don’t care about the GIDP rate, that’s going to be largely determined by ball-in-play type anyway, and we won’t really know that until he gets (emotionally and physically) healthy playing time against high-level pitching. I just don’t want the “colby isn’t fast” meme to develop, because that is one of his better tools.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 8, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know it is
and i never got excited.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 8, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adam Jones
I am gonna preface this by saying I do not necessarily think that this is what you were getting at, but… I think too many people fall into the Albert Pujols Hitting Machine Syndrome of Thinking. Sure , Adam Jones didn’t have a great first year in the majors, but isn’t that typical of rookies? How many superstars start out their ML careers like Albert did? I would be SHOCKED if Adam Jones didn’t turn into a stud.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Sep 5, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
me too...
… he’s only 22. same with Jay Bruce, who has struggled since his first week. his OPS+ is down to 89, but he’s only 21. it makes the Cards strategy of keeping Raz in the minors this year a lot more defensible. too bad he got hurt and basically lost the year.
i don’t wanna trade Raz (see below), but there is some risk with him. Pie was a “can’t-miss” guy too, and he may still develop but he’s definitely lost a lot of luster this year. i don’t think Raz is ever going to be completely useless, but it’s not guaranteed that he’ll be as good as Sizemore either. there’s a lot of room in between the two. he could end up being Steve Finley: a very good career and a valuable player, but doesn’t set the world in fire either. my money is that he’ll be a lot better than that, but you never know.
i just hope injuries don’t wreck him.
by kindred on Sep 5, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think disdain is an apporpriate characterization
of your reaction toward virtually every prospect in the system. I don’t know what you’d consider the “expectations” to be but he’ll be a league average CF. He’s as good a bet to succeed as any other prospect in the minors. As much of a sure thing as you can get.
by azruavatar on Sep 5, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
azru
I am with you in that since reading/anticipating Rasmus with the big club it will be a let down if he is not on the team next season at some point.
However if you get a chance to land Hanley Ramirez for Colby Rasmus you would be crazy not to make the deal. There are not too many guys you would trade Colby for but Hanley fits the bill.. I think I just am enamored with Hanley Ramirez
by ICbirdfan on Sep 5, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It strikes me as odd to mention this
Of course we would trade Rasmus for Hanley. Heck, if we got him I doubt Azru would cry over that acqusition.
But its not happening. So why even bring it up?
"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 Sep 5, 2008 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true, fantasy land...........
wishful thinking on a Friday.
by ICbirdfan on Sep 5, 2008 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you are getting all worked up over a guy.....
That may end up being league average in CF?
Seems pointless to me. We have what, 3-4 guys that can probably play some degree of league average CF in the majors for at least another 3-4 years?
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 5, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(Royal) We (I won't speak for Azru, but I will for me) are getting worked up
over someone that has as good of a chance to be a superstar as he does to be just a league average CF.
How many people knew that this line: .324 .383 .565 in A ball would translate into what it has for a certain 20 Y.O.
So why is it so hard to believe that a 20 Y.O. that put up a .275. 381. .555 as a 20 Y.O. in AA ball might turn into more than just a league average CFer? Maybe not a future hall of famer, but still something to think about.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Sep 5, 2008 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But wasn't this whole argument about whether or not it would be
acceptable to trade Rasmus for a player who is equally as good and relatively the same age but plays a position that not only the team needs, but is in high demand around the league?
The two names being thrown about are Tulo and Hanley. While I really dont’ expect either of them to be traded, why wouldn’t that be a favorable situation to acquire either of them for Rasmus? And why would wanting such a trade be considered having “disdain” for Rasmus or any other outfielder?
Maybe I missed something.
In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.
by Tackle Box on Sep 5, 2008 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My whole part of the argument
is that Rasmus is worth getting worked up about. Trade him, keep him, whatever. I was just arguing the “may end up being a league average CF”
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Sep 5, 2008 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
You would cry if the Cardinals swapped a guy who hasn’t played a single major league inning for someone like Troy Tulowitzki, who has a full season under his belt, plays a premium defensive position, is good with both the bat and the glove, and is signed to club friendly deal for 5 more seasons, thus avoiding arbitration? Excuse me, but did you cry at the end of Tropic Thunder too?
Although I really like Colby Rasmus, we can stop treating him like the best thing since sliced bread. I don’t want to see him traded either, but if the club gets a good young middle infielder who can hit (read: Tulo, Hanley, Kinsler) back in return, I really think they have to make that trade. From an organizational standpoint it would be ludicrous to pass up a deal like that since the Cardinals already have a glut of players and prospects in the outfield.
"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 Sep 5, 2008 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I worry about Tulo's injury
but I’ve stated in the past that (from a baseball perspective) I’d move Rasmus for Tulo.
From my personal fan view, I’d be devastated.
by azruavatar on Sep 5, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I worry...
That Rasmus may be the 2nd coming of JD Drew. Regardless, I’d hate to see him moved.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True...
but we don’t know just yet if Rasmus is Drew or if he’s Sizemore. If he’s sizemore he’s untouchable, if he’s drew he’s very moveable. I think we should at least give him a season to show the signs of which one he is before moving him.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really.....
There is THAT much of a difference between Drew and Sizemore?
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 5, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
abso-fucking-lutely
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no there isn't.......they are pretty similar.
Grady Sizemore (career)
.372 OBP
.495 SLG
.867 OPS
21 HR/yr
Drew (Career)
.392 OBP
.502 SLG
.894 OPS
19 HR/yr
The Ghost of Todd Burns, I think you owe SoonerfanTU an appology because they are the same player. You can say Sizemore has more upside because he does not have JD’s injury history, but if JD had stayed more healthy he would be really, really good.
What the heck are you talking about saying Sizemore is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better than Drew.
by ICbirdfan on Sep 5, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
also, sizemore is 25
drew is 33. Sizemore has his peak years ahead of him. He’s got a great chance of being much, much better than drew in the near future.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 5, 2008 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JD Drew's age 25 season...
… 161 OPS+, 27 HR in 375 ABs, 13 SB, .414 OBP.
Sizemore’s age 25 season (thus far): 136 OPS+, 31 HR in 535 ABs, 35 SB, .385 OBP.
obviously i’d rather have Sizemore at this moment in time. but the original comparison isn’t outrageous.
personally, i’d freaking love it if Rasmus is the 2nd-coming of Drew, so long as he isn’t injured as much and is as good defensively in CF as advertised. he doesn’t seem to have nearly as much power potential as Drew had. but if he were the 2nd-coming of Sizemore, i’d be ecstatic.
i wouldn’t trade Rasmus for Tulo. Tulo is great, don’t get me wrong, but his splits away from Coors aren’t strong (82 OPS+) and his BABIP was very high last year (esp. at Coors). i think Raz has a very strong chance of being much better than Tulo, and i think we can upgrade SS in other ways. i’d much sooner move any other OF we’ve got, including Ank or Luddy, esp. if we could swing a Hamilton-for-Volquez kind of deal.
we will have to trade somebody, tho, especially if Wallace ends up in LF and Jones continues to progress.
by kindred on Sep 5, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and of course Sizemore hasnt missed tons of games
for having a hangnail either ( only used that for dramatic purposes)
Comparing Sizemore to Drew, really?
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Sep 5, 2008 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think I owe him an apology, nor do I think
these guys are the same player. Sizemore IS way better. Like Rigosnell points out he’s a 30/30 guy who bats lead off, plays centerfield and has played 162 games in each of the past 2 season. I also think he’ll improve as he hits his PEAK years, like SleepyCA points out.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Drew would/could have been a fine CF.....
Just b/c he doesn’t play there, you can’t hold that against him.
And at a point in time, Drew probably could have stolen 30 bases too. But even if not, steals alone don’t make a player substantially better than another.
Thanks to the posters above for looking up the info I didn’t have time to look up. The numbers were even closer, or more in Drew’s favor, than I originally thought.
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 5, 2008 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
his numbers mean nothing
if he can’t stay healthy….which he hasn’t.
Games started by season for drew:
93
108
104
108
70
142
72
131
126
103
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
apologies...
those aare games started in the field…which if he wasn’t playing the field that would lead me to believe it was because of a lingering injury
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is a huge if
and an if that never happened
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Sep 7, 2008 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just think if we had turned him into a second baseman!
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 7, 2008 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not that drew is terrible worse than sizemore...
its moreso the fact that he hasn’t lived up to his potential. This guy should be cranking out 30 HR 100 RBI .300 avg. 20 steals every year.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
injuries...
… Drew has only had 500 ABs once in his career. Sizemore plays the game recklessly but hasn’t had a significant injury yet. that’s the luck of the draw. if Drew had been healthy, he would’ve had those numbers. hell, some years he DID have them without full seasons. his career OPS is .900, for Christ’s sake.
Drew is a very good player. he could’ve been better if not chronically hurt. but that doesn’t take away from how good he has actually been.
by kindred on Sep 5, 2008 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fine then...
he hasn’t lived up to his potential, because he gets hurt EVERY season.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the way Sizemore plays...
… i wouldn’t be surprised if he starts breaking down earlier than other guys too. maybe he won’t. you never know.
but it’s not Drew’s fault that he got hurt a lot. it’s not to Sizemore’s credit that he hasn’t been. sometimes it just happens. but even with the injuries, Drew has been a very, very good player for 10 years now (he’s had two so-so years; the rest have been all-star type years). if Rasmus mirror Drews production but stays on the field more, i think everyone would be very happy. a .900 OPS with good CF defense would make Raz one of the most valuable players in MLB. that’s basically the level of production that Sizemore gives.
Rasmus has shown that he’s not immune from injuries either. he’s already had his share. hopefully he doesn’t break down as often as Drew.
by kindred on Sep 5, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Drew's injuries (or lack there of) have
been called into question by both Tony LaRussa (through his anti-Intertubes buddy Buzz) and Chipper Jones/John Smoltz.
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 6, 2008 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comment on TLR's future and dumping of AK
He hints that Friday’s column will talk about Larussa’s and Duncan’s future since Dunc’s contract ends this year. I don’t believe Tony will operate next year as a lame duck manager.
Strauss also made several comments about AK being gone by spring training. Nice positive comments for 2009.
Could be a good front office battle over Rasmus’ value based on the hints that Strauss is dropping.
by ubeddie on Sep 4, 2008 11:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't have the numbers
but I think 2009 will be the fifth or sixth season since joining the Cardinals that TLR will be a lame duck manager. He seems to want it that way as he likes for everyone to beg him to come back.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Sep 6, 2008 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last year seemed different that previous end of contracts
He previous two contracts expired after 2001 and 2004. New deals were inked in Jan 02 and Feb 05. Those situations seemed different from last season where there was alot of talk about TLR moving on, to the point where players were having to answer questions about his future. IMO, TLR (even though he loves to have people beg him to come back) didn’t enjoy last season’s media barrage about his future. He walked away from the A’s when they didn’t commit payroll.
by ubeddie on Sep 6, 2008 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tulo
Yea – I am interested in how much factual evidence Mr. Strauss has related to Troy Tulowitzki’s availability. I would be happy to start the bidding at Rasmus and Anderson….
by Lawless on Sep 4, 2008 11:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
tulowitski contract information:
http://www.mlb4u.com/profile.php?id=1283
6-year deal worth $31M thru 2013, with a $15M option for ‘014. BUT he has the right to void the deal if traded. If he did that I assume he’d go to arbitration or negotiate a new deal?
If he voids it, he isn’t even arb eligible until after next year.
the ******* plane has crashed into the mountain.
by SleepyCA on Sep 4, 2008 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure they wouldn't trade for him
unless given the option to work out a longterm deal.
WHY IS THE FONT SO BIG ON THIS SITE NOW?
by Hardcore Legend on Sep 5, 2008 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no difference on font from my end
FWIW, I was on last night on a laptop and this morning on the office pc and don’t see a difference.
by ubeddie on Sep 5, 2008 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he is available...
…What the hell are the Rockies doing?
They re-upped Tulo as a centerpiece for their young-guns crew, and now they’re willing to jettison him just like that? Holliday goes from key young gun to trade bait to not b/c they’re quasi-in contention? Is O’Dowd going nutzo ape or something? Have the apes named Ham, Enos, and Skippy La Chimp taken over the franchise? This seems weird to me.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Sep 5, 2008 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be ridiculous
Tulo’s a find defensive player but his career OPS away from Coors field is less than Adam Kennedy’s career OPS. His lone full season in AA he had a .854 OPS. His best slash line away from Coors was in 2007 when he went .256/.327/.393/.719.
I don’t think the Rox would trade him anyway, but if they find a sucker organization that values him based on his Coors numbers then you never know.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Sep 6, 2008 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pujols contract...
Interesting that he suggests that Pujols will walk if they take him to his contract year. I think the cardinals should do whatever it takes to resign him. It’s nice that they’d have a backup plan in Brett Wallace, but I think they need to make sure he stays with us permanently. I think it will take more than 20-25 million per year. I think it’s possible that he displace A-Rod as the highest paid player in the game, which I think he deserves to be. I wouldn’t rule out 10 years 300 million. Remember, no discounts, this is a business.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why does everybody think this?
Pujols has done nothing to make me think he’s a money-first kind of guy.
Will he want to get paid? Sure. Will he be after record setting money? I don’t think so. And by that point, he’ll have been in STL for how many years? Being that he is from KC, will have been in STL for what, nearly a decade…..I’d think a fair offer would land him.
by SoonerfanTU on Sep 5, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only "fair" thing to do..
would be to make him the highest paid player in the game. I think most of us can agree that he is better than A-rod.
Also, the union would frown upon him taking below market value. Not saying that Pujols will be told what to do by the union, but if he takes below market value that affects everybody underneath him (all other players) as well. Much like a-rod did when he signed with texas – pujols will probably be raising the bar for salaries.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
also,
IIRC, his first long-term contract was a record-setter for a player of his experience. Not to mention he actually uttered the words “No discounts, this is a business”
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So he'll be entering
his age 32 season after the end of this contract (in 2011). Does anyone think that he would take a 5 year deal (through his age 36 season) for $137.5 million? That would tie him for the top contract in baseball at $27.5 million per year. I would structure it:
2012 – 25 million
2013 – 27.5 million
2014 – 30 million
2015 – 27.5 million
2016 – 25 million
Then, if you’re Albert Pujols (even if you are already Godly enough in St. Louis) do you turn around and go to the public and say…pay me $10 million a year for the next 5 years instead, and spend the other 87.5 million on 2 amazing pitchers?
by stlfan on Sep 5, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if this happened...the contract i mean, it would make great baseball, business, and marketing sense
if both things happened…i would personally offer myself as a slave to albert.
by VolsnCards5 on Sep 5, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think 5 for 137.5 is certainly fair...
I just don’t think its enough years to seal the deal. Maybe 8 for $220 Million.
Nick Stavinoah = John Gall
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 5, 2008 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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