Let's talk about the past just this once
by DanUpBaby on Oct 26, 2009 6:00 AM EDT
542 comments
I'm writing this post at 6:30 PM Sunday, CDT. Right now, it looks like Mark McGwire will be the next hitting coach of the St. Louis Cardinals. As someone who first heard the opening strains of "Welcome to the Jungle" as an eleven year old in Busch Stadium while everyone emptied out their disposable cameras, I'm excited.
As someone who watched multiple Cardinals flail around last year without even the unsubstantiated insistence of some new approaches in the air, I'm even more excited. Mark McGwire is—or is typically seen as—a less-than-engaging communicator, so we know, at least, that the various Cardinals and future Cardinals who have shown up at his door to retool and refine their swings in the last several years have not done it because he's hilarious, or the nicest guy you'll ever meet.
These are the straws we grasp at, when talking about hitting coaches: he hit a lot of home runs and he did not subscribe to Vladimir Guerrero's newsletter. (As funny as it can be to think of Mark McGwire, one of the unique hitting talents of all time, suggesting an approach for Matt Pagnozzi ["don't swing"], his approach, provided he does not tell Joe Thurston to take that outside pitch and just pull it 500 feet, can be basically replicated by mortals.)
We don't yet know what McGwire will say, if he accepts the job, and how sportswriters will respond to whatever it is. Which makes this the eye of the news-cycle hurricane. But while I'm out I'd like to suggest, if nothing else, a little measured calmness; if this really is the beginning of a three day festival of pomposity, just look congress in the eye and say: "I'm not on the internet to talk about your idea of the past."
What, bad advice?
That's the exciting part of the day's almost-news, but of course there's more, and maybe more important: Tony La Russa may be returning, possibly on a multi-year deal. So the real news is this: The Cardinals braintrust is ready to keep refining the Cardinals of the aughts into a second decade. Given those teams' success, this is probably a good idea, and a confirmation that Mozeliak and company aren't the overreacting types.
With organizational restructuring unlikely, then, and new blood coming in the form of a good-faith attempt to get the team's hitters to at least face in the right direction when they swing at pitches out of the zone, the off-season narrative comes down to this: how crazy will Bill DeWitt get?
Possibility #1: Really crazy. I think all of these possibilities come with the understanding that, within a year of his shopping spree, the erstwhile DeWallet will realize that lots of season tickets depend on him getting Really Crazy and trying to pretend that there isn't a blank giant novelty check with Albert Pujols's name on it behind one of his filing cabinets. With that in the back of his mind, I think getting Really Crazy in 2009 is a remote possibility. But it's not my money.
With that in mind, the Cardinals are currently in the running on Aroldis Chapman, who wants Daisuke money despite having spent his career, to this point, not in Japan's major leagues but in Cuba, which is usually assigned a position somewhere in the A-ball spectrum. They're also at least theoretically interested in retaining Matt Holliday. If they do both of those things the payroll is immediately somewhere in the vicinity of $95-100 million, and all of the payroll relief they got when Pineiro, Glaus, and Greene became free agents is gone. That's a workable team this year, if the Cardinals see Chapman as an immediate contributor in the rotation, but when Pujols comes due and Adam Wainwright's contract becomes less unbelievable these moves are going to require a long-term move from around $100 million to, say, $120 million. Again: it's not my money. And I get the idea that DeWitt was impressed by the bump in fan interest that followed the team's dramatic trading deadline activity. But we'll see.
Possibility #2: A little crazy. La Russa's return means that 2010 will not be a rebuilding year, and for me that signifies a probable move in this direction. The bare-bones team we saw in the roster matrix would be great for a rookie manager, who can be content with Surprising People—in the real way, not its current status as a La Russa mind-games chit in good standing—but with Pujols, Carpenter, and La Russa all under contract a surprise-year would seem like a waste of resources in the short term.
Retaining Matt Holliday without, well, wasting resources gets tough past a certain point. And Aroldis Chapman's contract demands might put him in a position where his only career option is to become an inevitable Yankees Disappointment by only winning 16 or 17 games in his first year. (The Cardinals could do worse than to hire Hideki Irabu and Jose Contreras to talk to future pitching phenoms as their official emissaries.) But those are the two spaces in which the Cardinals could most easily improve the skeleton team they have now; signing one, or going after John Lackey, makes this a better team in 2010, and as of today that seems like an important objective.
Possibility #3: Not very crazy. The Cardinals have two holes, in left and at the back of the rotation, and there are cheap ways to fill them, too. But there were cheaper ways to fill out the coaching staff, too; unless La Russa is signing up with the idea that he's going to steward this current team toward further surprises over the next two or three years, this seems like an increasingly odd combination.
[Programming note: First: great job by tom and vep, right? I was glad they were both willing to help out around here. Second: I've noticed some minor blow-ups of late, and I realize that Mark McGwire is a potentially explosive topic. I'm not going to be around as much as usual to moderate, so I'd like to urge, well, moderation; if a discussion gets both heated and all the way to the right side of the page, take a step back. Jay Mariotti is one thing, but assume, at least, that your fellow Birdos are reasonable human beings.]
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Chapman
Mozeliak was scheduled to meet in New York this afternoon with free agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman but canceled to return to St. Louis in time for this morning’s announcement. The Cardinals have likewise virtually abandoned hopes of signing Chapman, believed to be seeking a financial package worth at least $40 million.
by Evilfrog on Oct 26, 2009 7:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yawn.
The sun rose in the east this morning.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better yet.
I cursed at my 5:15am alarm clock this morning.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought I had it bad
with my 7:30 alarm
/colleged
Matthew, Mark, Lugo, and John.
by BVHeck on Oct 26, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate MODOT and their decision making
the MLK bridge in St. Louis is a disaster
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh no!
Have they called FEMA yet?
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FEMA would probably set up trailers on the bridge
and block the one remaining westbound lane.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't agree more
And now the McKinnely is backed up from everyone who don’t want to take the MLK because it’s down to 1 lane. Stupid extra half hour on my commute
by Evilfrog on Oct 26, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness
MODOT likely didn’t make the decision… they would have had to meet with IDOT too… and then approve the design the engineer came up with… There’s a lot of hate to go around here.
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 26, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I believe it was reported that IDOT was doing that.
The news never mentioned MODOT at all.
by etp_stl on Oct 26, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still have a lot of pent up anger from the extended
time period it took Missouri to get on board for a new bridge.
That said, I’m perplexed why the design engineer, if forced to go down to 3 lanes, couldn’t develop a system to create a reversible center lane. It’s a really poor re-design, imo.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love the express lane on 70
I have no clue why it isn’t more widely used
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reversible on 90 in Chicago is amazing...
On a good day I’ve been able to get up to 85 in there… I love Chicago driving when there’s no traffic.
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 26, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MOT can be a real bitch to have a reversible lane
There’s a reason you rarely see it. As civil engineers we like to tell traffic where it will go and take out any chance for idiots to screw it up.
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 26, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
5:15 a.m. alarm clock
This would mean that you, like me, wake up in the dark. My body is still atempting to get used to doing this. It isn’t easy.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what makes me the angriest.
It’s easier in the summer but I do enjoy getting out of the office at 3pm.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
try being at work by 6 when it is still dark
working all day in a cave with no sunlight or windows then leaving many evenings when it is dark….that shit wears on you fast!
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not looking forward to it.
Just a few weeks away now.
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't even imagine how irritable that would make me.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no one likes an
irritable robot!
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do get some sunlight
but it’s the sun in my eyes as I drive home, which is even more annoying.
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow!
A solar powered robot! What will they think up next? Talk about the ultimate work force with a cheap power source. They never get tired you just replace a broken part and send em back.
/J/K Azru. Don’t beat me Dear OverLord sir.
You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Oct 26, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guess I shouldn't rub it in that I get to work outside all day,
except when I’m doing paper work and stuff like now. Of course, this also means I get to work outside when it’s rainy and snowing and not a helluva lot of fun….trade-offs are a bitch at times.
You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Oct 26, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I look at his mechanics, I see Dontrelle Willis
That’s not terrible, but not the best news.
by thepainguy on Oct 26, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dontrelle could hit
but his years in the other league have erased my memory of his stroke. Did he have a good swing? When his name has come up the past few years I inevitably think. “He could/should convert to RF,”
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're talking about
this guy, right?
Funny thing, google images grabbed this photo from some guy named Chris O’Leary in an article about scapular loading. Hmmm, hope he doesn’t mind.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, that guy
what a hitter. loved watching him leg out a triple with ease.
is chris o’leary painguy?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta love defending a pitcher
by the “he’s a good hitter” stance. never a good sign for the pitcher’s career.
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 26, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who's defending his pitching?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defending was a poor word selection...
anytime his hitting is brought us as a good point it’s a bad sign… much like the hitter who’s “a great clubhouse guy” who’s hitting .216
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 27, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so are we supposed to go crazy?
folks?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chapman
Can someone explain to me why the Cardinals would drop $40M – $60M on a Cuban phenom who might have mechanical problems when they could go after Lackey and pay him about the same amount on a four year deal*? That doesn’t make any sense to me. Lackey is clearly the better pitcher right now, and you know what you’re getting as well. If you’re going to “go crazy” and sign another pitcher to a long term deal, I’d much rather go with the known commodity.
That said, I always seem to be wrong on these damn Cuban defectors — Alexei Ramirez was pretty damn good, and they could have had him for a song. El Duque was also pretty good, until his fake age caught up to him.
*FWIW, I think Lackey will get a deal similar to the one the Derek Lowe got last year, especially since there’s now two #1 starters on the market with Hudson opting out of his contract.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 9:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
is hudson definitely available?
i thought atlanta would extend him those extra two years he’s looking for.
I’m a Lackey advocate (4/56), but Hudson for 3/33……..I don’t know.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN gossips
that the Braves have offered 3 years at $9MM per or more, which leaves a lot of room to speculate on what their max per year would be. I’d say $11MM isn’t a bad guess. I’d much, much rather have Hudson for 3/33 than Lackey at 4/56.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i could come around to that
IF he were to become available, assuming medical due diligence.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately,
it doesn’t look like he’ll be coming available. Atlanta has moved quickly to lock up Georgia’s favorite son.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ray Charles?
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
on my mind....
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just glad Nipsy Russell is still on the market.
GET ON IT, MO.
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
y'know
we already have Boggsy, Wainer, and Smoltz. and I guess we might have DeRo.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lock me up? AGAIN? i didn't even do anything!
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have not heard anything from the Braves' organization about getting locked up
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do they normally call you right away?
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the organization and I have decided to go in different directions
I thank them for everything they’ve done for me.
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
uh, you know those P-D most-read stories?
and how they’re sometimes dodgy?
I checked an old tab and realized there was this headline that said “Doctors check out Piñeiro’s shoulder”. Clicked and got the WeatherBird 404. Went back (reloaded) and it was gone from the list.
WTH?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 9:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If it ever existed, that story seems to be from last offseason
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
okay, thanks
P-D is so spotty sometimes
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it really is pathetic
I can’t imagine it costs that much to keep stories up indefinitely
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wonder if there's some legal thing involved
I mean, not that anyone can find the archive, but the archive is pay-only. like they’re the Wall Street Journal or something.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then they should be trying to sign people up at pages of pulled articles instead of returning a 404
Hard to buy a product that you don’t know exists.
thank you, choir
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and the search function is completely useless.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 26, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hate that "search" "function" with the heat of a thousand dying suns
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
very few sites have a search that works any better than a site:xxx.com search through google
even, inexplicably, youtube
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Messed up shoulder
does that make him more attractive or less attractive to the Cardinals. I, sadly, really don’t know.
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had this happen earlier this year, during September, I think.
And it was the same story.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and their code is so cluttered
I mean, I’m no geek, but even I can see that. it’s a mess of a layout.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to say thanks and great job as well
to tom s and vivaelpujols! i wasnt around to comment this weekend but i read both posts and they were excellent!!! I cant wait to see more from both of you. as you are well aware you have big shoes to fill…
this year cannot be a rebuilding year and i am pretty sure that no one in the org sees it as such. we have a prime Pujols, WW and a Carp that isnt getting any better or healthier. Plus we have no youngsters ready to step up to the majors with the exception of Freese. I would love to see Possibility #1 which would probably come back to burn us in a couple seasons but i think it will be time to rebuild by then.
McGwire as hitting coach i am all for if nothing else because it is a different voice. If he can teach his skill (plate discipline not behemoth power to hit 500 foot HRs) than it will be a big positive!!! thats all i got this morning…
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really think rebuilding is not an option if you want Albert to stay
Not saying that’s necessarily how they should be making decisions, but seeing as how he’s in “no rush” to sign an extension, we have to keep going with the win now thing, or he will bolt.
by mojowo11 on Oct 26, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mark McGwire to Joe Thurston
“I once had that problem too, but Joe Buck once told me to ‘Touch First, Big Mac’ and all my problems were so solved. It all seemed so simple that I couldn’t believe I didn’t think of it before!”
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
no, it was Dave McKay who told him to touch first
can’t find a still picture of it, but I’m sure it’s etched into our memories…
that explains so much
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe was the one that said it on the broadcast, though.
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh how could i forget
i miss joe b too much
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i miss jack b tooooooooooo much
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i mean jack
damn it, my coffee was double strength today!
i fail.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does this worry anybody?
McGwire has operated a de facto off-season hitting camp in Orange County for a number of major-league hitters in recent years. Current Cardinal outfielders Skip Schumaker and Matt Holliday along with recently-traded outfielder Chris Duncan are among the campers. Daric Barton, Bobby Crosby and Garrett Atkins also have attended.
Out of those 6 people, 4 of them are injured all the time (Atkins, Crosby, Barton, Duncan) and three of them (Atkins, Crosby, Barton) have struggled mightily at the plate. Holliday went back to his old style of hitting after struggling post-Mac Camp, so it looks to me like Schumaker is the only one who’s really improved of all those guys, and by improved, I mean “moved from being a below average corner outfielder to an above average second baseman by putting up the same offensive numbers.”.
Doesn’t seem like a good track record for a guy who is going to be our new hitting coach.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
inside the clubhouse I am mostly worried
about friction with Albert. who seems to be uncoachable, on account of being the best right handed hitter of all time. [cue kanye] I mean, the dynamics are not the best, given that Big Mac was there for Albert’s rookie year.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could you elaborate?
Is there evidence of Pujols and Big Mac not getting along or something?
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, no that's not what I meant
not the personalities
the roles. Albert pretty much coaches himself. Or Dee Dee does. I mean, the only coaching I really heard from McRae was setting up the drills that Albert thought he needed to get back into his swing.
so to have a new hitting coach that he used to play with — when Big Mac was big and he was a rookie — I’m wondering if anyone will drop a word in McGwire’s ear that Albert has enough “points” to be left to his own devices. does that make sense?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it does.
But I think, as a coach, you can pick up on how to approach individuals pretty quickly. I think Big Mac recognizes Pujols’ greatness. After all, Big Mac did come out and say that Pujols was worth a $30MM-plus salary.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, I've never claimed to have worried over rational things
Though at this point “friction” and “Albert Pujols” are not two terms I want together, be it his elbow, or his coaching…. or having even more steroids accusations flying out of the peanut gallery…..
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you read that Q&A?
It’s pretty awesome. Big Mac on Pujols:
True or false: He’ll retire as baseball’s home run king?
"True. He’s very capable."
True or false: Before he retires, he’ll win the Triple Crown?
"True. He’s the only one with the ability who can."
The past great he reminds me of is…
"No one. He’s on his own planet."
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes I did
I also don’t believe what people say in interviews. (I’ll watch their patterns, but one q&a = small sample size.)
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't worry to much...
after all, McGwire seemed to have championed for Pujols while they were still playing together…
linky..
Mark McGwire was without a hitting-coach portfolio as yet when he offered his first professional assessment in the spring of 2001, McGwire’s last year with the Cardinals as a player.
Approaching manager Tony La Russa, who appears finally to have worn down McGwire to return to the game, this time as the Cardinals’ hitting coach, McGwire all but demanded that La Russa keep a swarthy, 21-year-old Dominican Republic native on his roster for that season. Even though Albert Pujols had played just one season in professional baseball, including only 14 regular-season at-bats in Class AAA.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Oct 26, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, but again
I am not talking about personality clashes
I’m talking about a role clash
you ever try to start a business with your best friend? and then you’re his boss? that kind of thing.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really don't think that's going to be an issue
Especially considering that Mac is an easy guy to get along with. I’m guessing that he’ll just leave Pujols to be Pujols and work on helping Ryan Ludwick hit more homers.*
*This may also be wishful thinking….
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Oct 26, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fixed
work on helping Ryan Ludwick hit more homers dingers.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He does hit from the right side.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Via Jeff at Lookout Landing
McGwire: See, what you want to be doing is hitting dingers.
McGwire: When you go up there, first pitch, you’re looking dead red so you can hit a dinger.
McGwire: Sometimes you’re gonna miss. That’s okay. Stick to your guns. There’s no more efficient way of scoring than hitting a dinger. That’s what we want to be doing.
McGwire: The pitcher might pick up on your strategy. Don’t worry about it. He’s more afraid of you than you are of him.
McGwire: If he throws you something offspeed, like a curveball, don’t be fooled. Just hit it for a dinger.
McGwire: Walks are good too. If the pitcher tries to get you to chase something out of the zone, don’t swing at it.
McGwire: You only want to swing at strikes. Take balls. Hit strikes for dingers.
McGwire: Now let’s break up and practice. Group A, get in there. I want to see you guys hitting dingers. Group B, practice your dinger swings.
McGwire: Who’s first in Group A? Skip? Get in there, Skip.
McGwire: Let’s see some dingers!
Schumaker:
Schumaker: Coach, I don’t
McGwire: What’re you doing over there?
McGwire: You’re standing on the wrong side of the plate. Bat righty.
McGwire: You hit dingers batting righty.
BOYCOTT HASS AVOCADOS
by vexedtechie on Oct 26, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
So nexdef'd
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I LoLed pretty hard
at this one. Very funny look at a pretty one and half dimensional player. But in all honesty, I’m excited about McGwire being in the Cards dugout again. Should be fun to see him in that uni again. Will bring back good memories.
It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great.
by lukyduk on Oct 26, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fixed again
…work on helping Ryan Ludwick hit more homers dingers become Studwick more often.
by mojowo11 on Oct 26, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think Mac knows/accepts who's boss
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swarthy????
:=8.
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Oct 26, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dictionary.com
–adjective, swarth⋅i⋅er, swarth⋅i⋅est.
(of skin color, complexion, etc.) dark.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Know What it Means...
..but its not very PC is it?
:=8/
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Oct 27, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
im a PC
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 27, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
let me guess
the other guy’s a Mac?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 27, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
umm...who cares if he coaches albert?
Albert can continue doing whatever it i that he does. I’m more worried about the other guys, you know, the ones who are not one of the greatest hitters of all time.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Oct 26, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well yes
which of the dwarves will become a man…..
but that goes without saying. safe to say we all want results, no matter who the coach is.
I was speaking (sorry if I’m not clear at all right now) in terms of distractions. the internal ones >>> the external ones
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tough to say.
He doesn’t work with them throughout the season, so it would be difficult to judge how his coaching of them affects them all season long. Also, the injuries are not a direct result of attending The OC Big Mac Hitting Camp for Professional Ballplayers. If I’m not mistaken, he has helped Chris Duncan for years, and it certainly seemed to pay dividends until Duncan got hurt twice, which happens. That said, Barton and Atkins (hasn’t Crosby been injured quite a bit?) have failed to impress at the plate as of late. I don’t know what to think at this point in time.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and the Duncan brothers essentially injured themselves
with their weight room competition … sibling rivalry, go figure
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
supposedly
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you could be looking at it backwards....
perhaps it’s not because they’ve been advised by Mac that they have struggled. Perhaps because they have struggled, they have sought out Mac’s counsel. After all, if you were doing so great, what would be your motivation to seek out outside-the-organization hitting help?
by Willie McGee's Twin on Oct 26, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno
Atkins was there last offseason with Holliday, and both guys started off craptastically this season before reverting to their old habits and becoming serviceable hitters again.
Same with Crosby, who’s never been a very good hitter and certainly never reached his “Gammons Potential” as the MVP of the league.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not only that
Performance wise….the players listed all have been unspectacular, to say the least.
Is this a move by LaRussa to put one of his favorites into a position of power to help restore his name?
I just dont know about this move for the Cardinals. It will be very interesting to see how it all works out.
As for the “crazy” talk, are the Cards a team that is highly conscious of payroll? Mid market with huge fan base leads me to believe that they can spend in the $100 – $125 million range on a payroll and still be profitable. I think going after Holliday at $90 million max is a good idea and going after Lackey as well isnt so bad. But the Cards do so well with cast offs in the rotation due to Duncan’s influence. Why mess with a good thing?
by backtocali on Oct 26, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They are highly conscious of payroll
Always have been since DeWitt and Co. took over in 1996. If you look at our payroll in that time, it pretty well caps out in the top 7 or 8 and is consistently there, but it never gets up into the top 3-4 in the MLB.
I do think that it could go up to $120M for a short time and I’ve been advocating them doing so for the next 4-6 seasons to make a run at some championships during Albert Pujols’ prime seasons. There have been some indications of them doing this so far this offseason, hence the “below the fold/after the jump” portion of today’s main post.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i cant see $120M
Revenue is right around $200M. So $120M in payroll would be cutting it close
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they may be willing
to deficit spend for a few years in order to make a run at a title. They surely did this from 2002-2004, considering that our payroll was about the same (adjusted for inflation), and revenues were smaller in the old ballpark.
Titles make a lot of money and sell a lot of merchandise. They also lift the value of your franchise at the same time.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember reading somewhere ( for the life of me I can't find the link anymore)
that the Cardinals made 64M during the 2006 postseason. Now if that really was the case, then they really should up the payroll to at least 110 for the next few seasons and make a run while APu is still in his prime.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy that number....
but I guess it’s possible.
"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 Oct 27, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that doesn't seem that out of the ballpark
8 playoff games X 45k per game X $100 per ticket = 36M gross just from the gate. Obviously there are expenses, but throw in merchandise and concessions, plus that $100 is a little low, and it doesn’t seem hard to get to 64M.
by brackenthebox on Oct 27, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They also had less expenses in the old ball park by a large margin
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you trying to tell me that they aren't making money with the new stadium?
That’s crap, Flim. Look at the Operating Income numbers since they’ve moved into the new ballpark. They’ve gone up every year they’ve been there so far, and we won the series in 2006 in a new stadium. You would think that income for that season would be the highest overall.
They are making much more now, even in a bad economy than they were in the old stadium.
"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 Oct 27, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
schumaker
has been working with him since before he became a 2b
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
by prophetjohn on Oct 27, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT kinda
Link
Acta is, IMHO, a great manager and I’d not be happy to see him go to Houston. A near miss. I wish he would have waited longer though, just in case TLR decided not to come back.
Matthew, Mark, Lugo, and John.
by BVHeck on Oct 26, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
might be the only one but
that link isnt working for me.
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go Tribe!
Woohoo!
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Houston?
I thought he signed with the Indians . . .
On with the (good) youth movement!
by aet15 on Oct 26, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
The Houston Indians
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He said he's glad he's NOT with Houston.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no he didn't
he said he’d “not be happy to see him go to Houston.”
On with the (good) youth movement!
by aet15 on Oct 28, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
He would not be happy to see him go to Houston. I see. Your problem is with “A near miss.” Because he did miss Houston so it’s not a near miss. I think he meant it was nearly bad.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 28, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is that clemsongirl
rolling up the pink sleeves, firing a few stiff jabs?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 29, 2009 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
McGwire as hitting coach
The more I consider this move, the more I warm up to it. While we will be slammed by most national media guys because of the steriod allegations, I like the idea for two reasons: his approach at the plate and the value of showing other players we are loyal to our players through thick and thin. While the first reason has been talked about for a day now, the second reason is probably being overlooked.
by thp0344 on Oct 26, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Plus, the steroid allegations probably will die out in a few years....
since he’ll have a chance to change the news about him. Previously living as a media hermit keeps them harping on the same tune forever.
by ADMDrayson on Oct 26, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meanwhile
last night’s winning pitcher is a steroid user, as is the hero of the ALCS.
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Derek Jeter is *not* a steroids user.
And how often to do you see a SS get the “win” while becoming the hero of yet another playoff series? No wonder they call him “Captain October” or “Captain Clutch,” depending on the banner…
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well according to Buster Olney...
It’s because they said they were sowwy:
We saw again Sunday night an example of how others have talked about their past use of performance-enhancing drugs and moved on. Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte apologized after his name appeared in the Mitchell report, and he was exceptional against the Angels in Game 6 as he picked up his 16th career postseason victory, more than any other pitcher in history. Alex Rodriguez was outed as a steroids user in spring training, held a news conference and moved on, and now the monkey is off his champagne-soaked back, John Harper writes.
Pettitte and Rodriguez have provided a possible road map for Mark McGwire to use as he returns to baseball as the Cardinals’ hitting coach. The slugger has never really addressed the issue of performance-enhancing drugs since leaving baseball in 2001. He famously appeared at a congressional hearing on March 17, 2005, saying he didn’t want to talk about the past.
I’d just link it, but it’s an “insider” article.
V, b.
by LukeMP1186 on Oct 26, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a little more...
McGwire has the option of talking about the past now. He has the opportunity to invite all reporters to a onetime news conference in which he’d address questions about his possible use of performance-enhancing drugs — one time, and one time only — and then move on.
But the guess here is that he won’t do this. With Tony La Russa standing at his back, I’d bet that what he will do is say right from the get-go, “I’m here to be the hitting coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, and this is what I will discuss. I’m not here to talk about the past.”
Within other organizations, this would not be accepted. The Yankees basically told Pettitte and Rodriguez that they wanted them to hit the questions head-on, then move on.
V, b.
by LukeMP1186 on Oct 26, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reporters
For them, the press conference is the key. It’s not that the individual apologize to fans, it’s that the individual open themselves up to questions from the media, because answering to the media is more important. Just ask Straussie, who just won’t let die the fact that Pujols wouldn’t and hasn’t talked to the St. Louis-based media since the NLDS.
The other part of this is that the shock factor has worn off. The vast majority of folks are not surprised by steroid revelations. I don’t need to be apologized to because I think I’ve wrapped my head around why ballplayers did what they did. I don’t really care to dwell on it. And I won’t watch as ESPN flogs the dead steroids horse yet again.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the reason why it freaks reporters out
And why it allows them to get all up in arms is because they rarely have non-clubhouse sources for any purpose. In most journalism fields, you don’t HAVE to stay within the good graces of the establishment. You develop outside sources. For 90 percent of sportswriting, there are no outside sources,just the players, the coaching staff, and the front office.
Strauss’s worst nightmare is that these guys stop talking to him, because then his writing has no foundation. His only cudgel is that the team depends on good appearances and public goodwill.so he takes a couple knocks when somebody doesn’t talk to him.I doubt this is as much about clubhouse dynamics as it is about strauss getting a scoop.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 12:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this...
But if Strauss is so scared of that, why is he airing his dirty laundry with someone like Albert out in public? Wouldn’t that be phenomenally stupid on his part?
In the back of his mind, he also knows that the club will force guys to talk to him because he’s got a media credential, so he can blast them and be petty when he feels like it.
It’s his job to report Cardinal news, not air personal attacks because he felt slighted. I don’t read the majority of his garbage, because I think Goold does a much better job and I don’t want to give Strauss more page interviews. I met the man at Spring Training this year and was less than impressed with his professionalism.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is Strauss we're talking about right?
Wouldn’t that be phenomenally stupid on his part?
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank you!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
look at the hind quarters on that!
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
er, wow.
I was looking at the rockin’ 80s ’do.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
pretty much sums up strauss haha
....my quick smells like french toast...
by mstreeter06 on Oct 27, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dear Buster,
apples and oranges. arod and pettitte are current players in the biggest media market. Mac has been retired for nearly a decade and is coming back as a coach, not a player. (i should say hitting coach, because were he coming in as strength/conditioning coach…)
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
stay strong Big Mac...as for the haters....fuck 'em.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Oct 26, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We all know he juiced
And not just with legal (at the time) OTC andro supplements.
Jose Canseco has proven to be a completely reliable source on steroids. He told us about ARod for years while most dismissed him as a kook. Canseco said he injected McGwire in Oakland, and I believe him.
I hated the McGwire years here with the Cardinals. The team was mediocre, and the team was like the supporting cast in a freak show. It seemed management was content to take the money to watch McGwire hit a home run in a 6-2 loss.
Maybe it was because I grew up watching as fans chanted “Ster-ooids, ster-ooids” at Canseco and McGwire on the late 80’s/early 90’s Oakland teams. Remember, steroids WAS in the public consciousness when the Bash Brothers came into prominence—Ben Johnson in 1988 saw a meteoric rise in popularity only to come crashing down with the steroid revelation. The Johnson scandal was huge at the time. Eyes immediately turned to the Oakland duo putting up eye-popping numbers and bashing their enormous forearms.
It wasn’t just the strike that put steroids in baseball on a back burner. Breaking up the Bash Brothers (disseminating the concentration of juice, as it were) played a role.
by olddomination on Oct 26, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's this we? Do you have a mouse in your pocket?
You can surmise all you want, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he did. I however, refuse to act as Judge, Jury, and Executioner based on assumption and hyperbole.
From the majority of your comments, I’d be surprised if you’ve enjoyed any era of Cardinals baseball.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, a miniature giant space hamster
Named Boo
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Oct 26, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know that he juiced
any more than I know what you ate for breakfast this morning. There’s no proof of anything. You can be an old curmudgeon about it, but a lot us people just want to excoriate all the players who we perceive to have gotten the most benefit out of “juicing” while forgetting all the other players who were probably juicing in the era, not to mention that amphetamines and other “performance enhancers” were used for years in MLB while nobody batted an eye.
I hate Barry Bonds, and mostly for reasons that have nothing to do with steroids. I didn’t want the Cardinals to sign him because he creates a media circus wherever he goes and I didn’t want to have to openly root for a guy I grew up having a strong dislike for. Same thing with Will Clark.
McGwire has always been a great ambassador for the game. The man probably hated attention more than Bonds hated giving interviews, yet he went out and gave the press their quotes after every game, after every homer. The fact that he’s being killed by the same media that celebrated him 12 years ago as “the guy who saved baseball” is hypocrisy at it’s finest.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
+100
Hit nail on head, Foursticksan. Although I didn’t necessarily care for Clark I didn’t care that we signed him if it helped us out. Bond’s is a whole different class tho. The guy just screamed prima donna.
Ruth just used beer, hot dogs, and broads back in his day. But you are correct that many other substances were available and in wide use and noone cared a bit.
The media’s scourge of Mac after holding him up as the champion of all things baseball, was ludicrous. I said it at the time that, “Yep, I did em and it was a stupid thing to do.”, it never would’ve gotten the traction that it did. People can forgive a great variety of percieved wrongs.
You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Oct 26, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the problem though...
said it at the time that, "Yep, I did em and it was a stupid thing to do.", it never would’ve gotten the traction that it did. People can forgive a great variety of percieved wrongs.
Comparing him the A-Rod and Pettitte isn’t fair. Both of those guys are still playing and people will forget the steroids because they are currently putting up good seasons without them. Mac will never have that chance, so if he admits to doing something morally wrong but not illegal, he never will get the chance to prove that he could have had the same career without them.
Clemens was probably a HOF pitcher prior to juicing. He had over 200 wins and over 3000 K’s. Now he’s got numbers that put him up there with the top 5 all time best pitchers in any era, yet he’ll probably never get voted into the HOF because of steroids.
Pete Rose is the all time hits leader, was a fan favorite, and played the game as hard as he could all the time. He’s a despicable human being off of the field, but so were Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby, and they are in the Hall. Pete’s admitted to what he did, although it was many years later and in an attempt to personally profit from it, but I’ll wager he’ll never be reinstated. As Bob Ryan said at the time of his admission:
“I always said that if Pete would just admit his transgressions and repent, I’d support his reinstatement. Now that I’ve heard it, I hope he rots in oblivion for the rest of his life and never gets back into baseball.”
I’m paraphrasing there since I can’t find the actual quote.
I feel like that’s how McGwire would have been treated then and would be treated now if he comes out and admits to anything. He’s not going to be celebrated as a “truth-teller”, he’ll be demonized for using steroids. Is anyone slapping Canseco on the back right now for telling the truth? Most baseball fans I know hate his guts for bringing to light an issue that everyone had simply turned their heads on, including the owners and the MLBPA.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I ate fruit loops...
:=8)
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Oct 26, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
with moo juice?
"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 Oct 26, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
U bet!
:=8)
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Oct 27, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What Olney omits
is that basically you have to play for a team that has a strong fanbase in the media. Look at media coverage of Manny and ARod (even Sosa) vs. McGwire and Palmeiro.
I’m not expecting the media to be fair, but don’t spread lies that “fessing up” is the way to redemption. That only comes with a WS win for the Yankees.
by enoscountry on Oct 26, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ya, but nobody liked them to begin with
The vitriol is save for fallen idols
and Barry Bonds
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man...Pujols looks so young in this pic...
I guess because he was.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 11:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
DON'T TOUCH THAT ELBOW!
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mcgwire looks a little scary in that pic
the same way Herbert from Family Guy looks scary…
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey there, you like popscicles?
i got a whole cellar full of popsicles.
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 26, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
he was just passing off greatness? No?
Others might caption it with: “this is where I’ll poke you”
I don’t know, I’m excited about it. I know it will turn into steroid talk and probably rightfully so, but it’ll be neat seeing him in the dugout and hopefully changing our hitters’ approach a little. Was Mac a big first strike swinger? I hope not.
Hey Ump!
by paposse on Oct 26, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like McGwire held on to Albert's elbow while dipping him in the Styx
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 16 recs
That's awesome.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uno mas por verde
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I Thought...
…he sprouted fully uniformed and with a bat and glove from the forehead of Stan Moosial…
:=8/
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Oct 26, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would've figured you for a proponent of an Io-based Pujols myth
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Just...
….love anything that involved Athena, the Buffy of the mythological world!
;=8)
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Oct 27, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what?
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Oct 27, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles#Birth
According to a fragment of an Achilleis— the Achilleid, written by Statius in the first century AD, and to no other sources, when Achilles was born Thetis tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the river Styx. However, he was left vulnerable at the part of the body she held him by, his heel.
by brackenthebox on Oct 28, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turn into.....
Have you read any of the comments on PD, Fox etc? I realize that comments sections of stories are the dregs of society, but its already begun in earnest.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is something ironic in this post . . .
On with the (good) youth movement!
by aet15 on Oct 26, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's telling Albert...
“if they throw you a strike, hit a dinger”
Just win
by The Duke on Oct 26, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
god
look at all that hair
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
by prophetjohn on Oct 27, 2009 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I for one am excited to see McGwire back with the team some how
I had a hard time hating on him. He was the reason I came back to watching baseball after the 94’ strikes. I doubt I would be as big as a Cardinal fan as I am today without McGwire.
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i had a chance
to meet and shake his hand once, and he seemed to be a genuinely nice person. That’s enough for me to root for the guy.
by _pistol_ on Oct 26, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He spent a little while playing AA in my hometown!
With Canseco!
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your Point-of-View
I appreciate you sharing your feelings toward Big Mac. I think it’s easy to forget or not to relate to this point of view, this experience for folks at the time and how it has affected their following of the sport subsequent to the ’94 strike, ’98 Home Run Chase, and the Steroids Era being exposed.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i just don't think steroids are as big of a deal as others make them out to be
I bet Babe Ruth would of taken steroids if he played in the 90’s.
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt it...
but the tabloids would have been interesting with a 90’s Ruth, what with all the drinking, cigar smoking, womanizing. Same thing with Mickey Mantle.
We put those guys up on a pedestal and forget all the unsavory things they did off the field.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would bet a lot of big stars today are the same way...
they just have better PR teams.
by Phizzle on Oct 26, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
probably, interesting fact:
at a recent olympics, Sports Illustrated surveyed the participants and asked them this question:
If you could take a banned substance and were guaranteed to win and guaranteed to not get caught, would you? Over 90% of the participants answered yes.
When the question was modified to add, “and you would die a short time after,” over 50% of the participants STILL ANSWERED YES.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
by scoot on Oct 26, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember reading that...
and thinking “Did they survey everyone? Or just the track athletes?”
"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 Oct 26, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
badminton players will do anything to get ahead. sneaky bastards.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who was in that badminton commercial
drilling the birdie into that guy’s leg?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
David ortiz and Brian urlacher?
I haven’t watched it yet but here it is.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup that's the one.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's the curling players you have to watch out for.
Sweeping ice is tough work.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude, badminton players are badass
I would not cross them. they’re fast and they’re smart.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The '98 Home Run Chase
with Sammy Sosa and McGwire was critical to my appreciation of baseball going from casual to die-hard. At 13, that season was absolutely captivating. I couldn’t care less about steroids but, even if I did, I couldn’t hate Big Mac after he was such an intricate part of my baseball growth.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
I still have a stack of every PD sports page from that season with the homerun counts on the back. I don’t much care about the steroid drama in general, but even if I did, I think he’d still get a pass from me.
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have all of those too
I also have the Tribune, NY Times, Denver Post, Washington Post, STL Post-Dispatch, and LA Times from the day he broke the record. I can’t wait to get those framed and hung up in my new office.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the 98 home run race
is what brought a lot of people back to baseball, or in my case (as I was still pretty young) first sparked the interest that blossomed (ok…maybe metastasized) into the all-out obsession it is today. I’m sure a lot of these people are the ones up in arms about McGwire’s return. Well….I just don’t get people like that. So quick to be cynical now, to repudiate all the joy that summer brought baseball and chalk it up to foolish naivety. Me….I’d rather just cherish the good memories of that summer…one of the best and most exciting of my childhood. Sure, it turns out that it wasn’t all pure and real, but the memories still are. Why sully them with this unnecessary self-important cynicism?
by mattyp on Oct 26, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
98
I skipped school and went to Opening Day with my dad in 1998. It was my 15th birthday and Big Mac hit a grand slam. I refuse to throw away such great memories and I have no desire to be angry about everything all the time.
by sluggerbird on Oct 26, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HFS. you all really know how to make a 32 yr old feel like he's 110
i was 20 in 98 & working my ass off in a shitty machine shop for a prick of a boss. i missed most of Big Mac’s greatness that year due to that shitty job. Big Mac didn’t bring me back to this game, because i never left. no strike, canceled world series, greedy owners or incompetent commissioner could ever make me leave this great game. i don’t have the great memories you all have, but i still love that man & i always will. i don’t give a damn what he did or did not take. it’s doesn’t f’ing matter. it was the style of the times & much like this onion on my belt, i’ll still talk about it with pride because i don’t give a shit what anyone thinks about me or my opinions or what the uninformed think about this great game i love so much.
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Oct 27, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I was away all weekend and had this weird dream
For one thing, signs pointed to Tony coming back to manage longterm, way quicker than I expected him to take to decide. And it was all like, “duh, of course Tony’d gonna be back, and for a while too.”
Then vivaelpujols and tom s. started writing front page articles to fill in the gap from chuckb’s transition.
Then out of nowhere it was all but officially announced that Mark McGwire was finally returning from his exile in a faraway land to lead the Cardinals’ batsmen on a new offensive crusade.
My dream also had this part where I was running behind on some big project at school and was furiously trying to b.s. my way through it the night before it was due. But that happens in about 50% of my dreams, which sucks because I graduated from college over three years ago.
Anyway, it was all kinda surreal. Did I miss anything while I was gone, VEB?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 11:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
CodyG scared CGirl.
Peach died for a little while.
We learned that Big Mac signs his junk, but didn’t come to a conclusion as to why.
Other than that, pretty quiet.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Oct 26, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How is Danup writing this?
I thought he was in Japan?
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 11:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The interwebs are like pegacorns...
magical and everywhere.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're like a series of tubes....
…apparently Japan also has a series of tubes that connects to our series of tubes.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you look at a map of the Japanese tubes, they are in the shape of Hello Kitty
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
*Spits up coffee*
rec’d…
"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 Oct 26, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dictateed via transpacific telegraph lines.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 12:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I heard they don't have internet there
by vivaelpujols on Oct 26, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, not
but it’s clearly not in japanese. i know because i can’t speak japanese
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
by prophetjohn on Oct 27, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure the Japanese have the Internet.
I may be wrong. Also airlines let you bring your laptop with you.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if xkcd got a call or an e-mail from the FBI after posting that comic
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure it flipped the "suspicious" flag in their master DB of everything if nothing else
Also, if you only get xkcd in your reader, I recommend going to the site today
by brackenthebox on Oct 26, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Already been
Threw me off
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A: if they sold laptop batteries on the other side of the checkpoint for 300% the market price,
they’d be banning them too.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ba-zing
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
6ly.
I’m not buying that much money for a laptop battery. Actually last time I flew I didn’t carry my laptop on so it didn’t matter.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
paying*
You don’t really buy much money. I guess maybe you kind of do.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahahaha the original presser 14 years ago
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
his name is not Shoemaker
really. REALLY.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
does anyone feel weird about Busch Stadium being the halfway house of the major leagues?
I mean, it’s kind of cool, but last I checked, it’s not Lourdes.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:06 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+1 for zola!
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on Oct 26, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo claims he is excited
I am cautiously optimistic that this is actually the case.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tony's going to enlighten us now.
Mo was rushing.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this on FSMW or WWL?
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fsm
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damnit
Isn’t this why we have MLBN? So I can watch this in Ca?
Offseason Rumors : Me :: Unicorn Blood : Voldemort
by Cardinals645 on Oct 26, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was on mlbn, they say
also, sorry, I missed that it was streaming live on fsm’s website.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, i just woke up late I think.
Stupid Midwest Bias! Pander to us Californians!
Offseason Rumors : Me :: Unicorn Blood : Voldemort
by Cardinals645 on Oct 26, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony admits to being selfish
blah blah decisions. he is excited by us fans. gee thanks Tony. we’ll get on those pies.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"the guy who comes in next is really gonna be lucky... and selfishly I thought, to heck with him! I'll take it"
aha, now I get it. he’s referring to Oquendo. so Jose really IS the next in line.
now a word about Springsteen and toilets. uhm.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
also he loves the man stew.
GET TO THE POINT TONY
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has McGwire been officially announced yet?
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he said his name
but we’re getting to it. finally. damn, check that time stamp!
GET TO THE POINT
mentioning Matheny now, vis a vis the invites to ST
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FINALLY
talked to him on Monday, apparently. a week ago.
so it was Tony’s call. he ran it past Mo and Bill and got it done. hinting that he doesn’t have many years left to manage, and he wanted to do this.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Mark's approach -- see it and hit it. Don't overcomplicate it."
noooooooooooooooo OBP
oh okay. apparently Big Mac evolved during the later part of his career to learn the Game Plan Thing.
the powar of the mind.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
name-dropping
Tony says he watched several of the sessions
“fundamental” “mechanics” “power of the mind” “understanding that it takes a lot of hard work”
kid’s out of school, wifey wants it.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"very impressed with his work ethic"
OH DOG
Nobody, including Albert, has worked harder than Mark McGwire.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the coaches are all aflutter. er, excited.
nice words about Hal, then “this is the time for Mark to join our club”
“I was surprised that right away he started asking questions.” i.e. the actual considerations and process
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"he's basically a shy guy"
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we have been promised a lot of hard work!
remember that!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good luck staying on-message, Tony...........
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
coach. our. hitters.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That explains why he's such a recluse
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Plus for ShyGuy
I’ve always thought this site needs more pictures of Nintendo characters. If only there was a sexually-confused player to be compared to Birdo…
…Jimmy Ballgame?
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
by TheDuke32 on Oct 26, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Birdo clearly bats righty, so I don't think that can be Jimmy
You hit dingers righty:
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WTF
IT’S A KINDA FEMALE DINOSAUR NAMED BIRD
I DON’T GET IT NINTENDO
by mojowo11 on Oct 26, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Birdo is a guy
My sister had to point out conclusive evidence to convince me, but Birdo is a guy. Seriously Nintendo…
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
it’s pretty clear to me that they retconned Birdo into being either “indeterminate” or a girl. But Birdo is definitely referred as male in certain games.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giant red bow on head
The universal indicator of a female. Or a Christmas present. Or a dinosaur with a vacuum nose. Or whatever.
by mojowo11 on Oct 26, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's just what they want you to think!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well he said Mark McGwire's name
I still don’t think he’s got the verb in there. Something about message.
Reading Captain "Sully’"’s book.
“Everyone’s coming back including Dave Duncan”
OHO. “It’s not where I manage, it’s where Dunc coaches.”
here we go. “Credibility is everything.”
“I never lie to the players.” And he never lies to us. BS perhaps, but not lie. Awwww….?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo interjects that Big Mac will be available to the press
“sooner rather than later”
just didn’t think it would be good over the phone
… is the party line.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"our execution can be better"
say patience. say patience.
nooooooooo it’s not just the stroke and the “process”
there’s that damned “aggressiveness” again.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony once again mentions his mortality
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony tangles with, it sounds like, Burwell
“he’ll be available just like all the other coaches are available”
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoa, Tony sat down.
DeWitt takes over.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ouch, I can't even watch this.
Bill says he doesn’t think so re: the distraction
oh boy. here it comes.
Mo: Well, we are going to make Mark available.
keep talking Mo. he’s excited to do it. “based on some of the questions here, it might be easier not to”
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo was thrilled to his breeches when Tony called him, apparently.
though he said it in Mo-speak.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they talked to the commissioner about timing of the presser
(some Selig less than three’s Mark, etc.)
and mostly Tony was like, well, I’m gonna be in town for the concert. let’s do it now.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo has uttered the words "free agent market"
I got chills
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo says he and Dave (Duncan) are cool.
in Mo-speak.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo and Big Mac did talk
media etc. and how we can help him.
in Mo-speak.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony's best friend is a book.
he likes traveling.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"there's an end in sight somewhere"
also
strong possibility that if he didn’t come back, Duncan would come back. he loves his pitchers. and probably their luggage.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the record
he remember Motte and Hawk
he did not remember Boggs
(plus Carp, Wainer, Frankie)
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh you mean his "little friend" he takes out on the road?
oooohhhhh…he was talking about a book…i was way off.
I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.
by TheDuke32 on Oct 26, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least, you hope you are
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
did burwell bring a paper
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 12:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
off-camera
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
goddamn gorilla fingers.
A paper bag to breathe into?
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 12:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
if he did, it wasn't very muffled
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of McGwire's figuring out how to communicate to others
plus looking at what other experts do. attitude and expertise, says Tony.
“he’s going to be there for the player.”
so I am heartened……. actual qualifications!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ref. Charlie Lau in one of his metaphors
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
effect on the entire system
but not dramatic differences.
“what Mac talks about is classic Charlie Lau”
so…. does that mean More of the Same? does it?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
talking about fatherhood, strain on parenting
kids are now in school, so the wife says it’s ok.
….
basically Tony just had this brainstorm over the weekend and called Mark that Monday. just like that.
F’N GDM, i told you. he does have that power.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony promises it's gonna be really good, when we see him in there working
Remember that!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"there are distractions every day"
uh huh. well I guess there’s a lot of precedent …….
but yeah this is kind of DIFFERENT.
hey, Tony remembered Colby’s name.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
damn it, I gotta go.
y’all take over. I think the fun part’s over anyway.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't go....
I don’t get FSM or MLB @ work.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, I am impressed they have Albert Pujols footage ready to go
they’ve had lots of footage during the presser. I bet Tony would be mad to find out they’re under-cutting the message.
kind of like Closed Caption for tony-speak……
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"if you wanna leave, and you're not happy, you can leave"
etc.
- Bill DeWitt
On paper they were two-year contracts, but basically they were year to year.
ORLY.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they're done with the "formal portion"
they’re gonna have more???! I guess we have to wait for the one-on-ones in the Payy Puhrr.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh bah, they've got Mo
MO’ MO
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they're not going to hide Big Mac in a box.
in Mo-speak
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HAHA
I have this mental image of Dave and Tony standing in the dugout chatting with a large refrigerator box standing next to them with Mac inside.
by JMedwick on Oct 26, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's exactly the image I got
the number of times they repeated it. also a deep pit, or a well, or some giant bank safe.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mac could work as a hitting coach like
a priest at a confessional. They could set up something like that in the dugout right.
by JMedwick on Oct 26, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh wait
“Albert remembers the first spring in 2001, the mentoring”
ok, well my anxieties are assuaged, somewhat.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does that mean?
Good to know Albert doesn’t have Alzheimer’s. The question is not whether he can simply recall the event, but rather the he remembers it fondly (or at least non-negatively).
by JMedwick on Oct 26, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry, the thrills of live-blogging
Albert has been in contact with Big Mac, and was talking to Tony about it.
(you try typing in real time when you’re not supposed to)
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not ragging on you
Thought that was Tony not being specific.
by JMedwick on Oct 26, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nah, I didn't type the whole thing
it was a much, much longer rambling… something.
takes a while to figure out what the actual point is
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we're all doomed
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Oct 27, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
anyone have a summary of the press conference?
i was trying to watch via the official website, and they failed.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 26, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm liveblogging above. as best I can.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's on KSDK's site if you still haven't seen it
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Oct 27, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony says he has 'staying power'
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather not think about Tony LaRussa's 'staying power'.
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
14 years as manager
8 division titles, 2 pennants, and a world series title will give that to a manager.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you are saying staying power is all about experience?
and acting like you’ve been in the situation before? Realizing it is a marathon and not a sprint and trying different things over the course of the whole campaign to see what works and what doesn’t?
Not being afraid to go outside the normal boundaries and take chances? The occasional squeeze play? Putting a big bat with power in the 2 hole?
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Damage" in the second spot in the order is the parlance of TLR and his followers.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I truly believe a 'Tony LaRussa's philosophies for baseball applied to love making'
would be a #1 best seller.
“Whenever possible, go Left-Right-Left-Right-Left-Right when lining things up in a particular matchup. You can occasionally go the same way back to back, but only if you have really special circumstances.”
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Guess you'd have to go to Mrs. LaRussa for confirmation.
You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Oct 26, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who has staying power?
Tony? he is going on 15 years. I think that counts as staying power.
by Evilfrog on Oct 26, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
First they cram as many Cialis and Viagra commercials into baseball broadcasts as is humanly possible
and now this.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
introducing a man lambasted
For athletic achievement by means of pharmaceutical enhancement, then cutting to viagra and cialis commencials.
Hmmm….
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 12:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
John Smoltz for closer!
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
don't ever give this up JD
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
apparently the one to convince
is smoltz.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smoltz reads this blog
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dear john...
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not
Until one of three things happens:
- We re-sign John Smoltz and announce him as closer
- John Smoltz signs somewhere else
- The comment goes green and I get a shout-out in a front-page article :P
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always try to rec that saying
it’s all the other people that are being bastards about it
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
kip wells closer 2010!!!
duncan can do it!!!
And now a scene from seinfeld
ELAINE: [mind] Who does this guy think he is?
KEITH: [mind] I'm Keith Hernandez.
by CodyG on Oct 26, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recced it this time.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turning it green is only half the battle
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do not indulge his rec whoring people!!!
It only encourages future whoring.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Aw
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 27, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I need sleep.
I should not find this little exchange as funny as I do right now.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 27, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you should rec it if you think it is funny
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 27, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see what you're doing there...
it makes robots cry what you’re doing there…
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 27, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I won't support your whoring.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 27, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You hear that...
ClemsonGirl is no pimp… spread the word…
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 27, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he don't have to put on the red light.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 27, 2009 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"do you know what i am saying?"
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
"OHHHHH!!!!!!! IT TASTES. SO. GOOD!!!!!!!!!!"
-BOOOOOOOOG
by slu on Oct 27, 2009 2:11 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Man that was a funny episode.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 27, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no shit, i can't believe Red gave into his whoring
shame on you Red. you used to be better than that. shame on you
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Oct 27, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did Larry Walker not want the job?
by Hardcore Legend on Oct 26, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was my initial reaction, too.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what spants told me
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, I hadn't considered him
Now that’s a guy I could really get behind.
by TheBirds on Oct 26, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
twhs
"There's a lot of things we say that don't make sense to our viewers. Okay, primarily me." ~Al Hrabosky~
by YesWeOquendo on Oct 27, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL Tony pulls out his little firend on the plane/bus
He was referring to a book, but everyone else laughed and, well, it sounded a little…creepy. LOL
by glamberson on Oct 26, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
say hello to my little friend.......
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excuse me while I whip this out...
by thepainguy on Oct 26, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
no blazing saddles reference
goes unrecced.
by _pistol_ on Oct 26, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's just indecent.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So TLR offered Mac the hitting coach job last Monday straight up.
I don’t know why, but I kind of thought that maybe Mac would go to Tony and say “I’m ready to do something with the team” and make the first move.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Oct 26, 2009 12:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it's the dance recital
he does his best thinking there. and also when he’s reading about the pilot who landed in the Hudson. that’s prime thinking territory.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Competent reporter
has a piece up already.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the blogging is coming from inside the presser!!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So is it a one or two year deal for TLR?
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
One.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Oct 26, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought I heard it was "multi-year"?
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard 2 in the preview, but they said 1 year in the actual presser
by thepainguy on Oct 26, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard 1-year with mutual option for 2011
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh, TLR gets in a "What else you got?" at the end.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Oct 26, 2009 12:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey, Matheny at the FSNMW desk.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Oct 26, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he said Shoemaker
I’m not sure I can forgive him
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can
It’s Skip’s ancestors you should be mad at. Why spell the last name as though you’d pronounce it “shoemaker” if you want it pronounced “shoo-mahk-er”?
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, but he talked to the guy every day!
Because Ellis Island.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_German_Americans#Sports (a bit below the Babe’s pic)
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my brain too slow understand reference.
need spell it out for andi.
otherwise, you would have gotten
the “winnar”
But bgh’s comment is exactly what I thought.
"She gone! Airplane time! Airplane Time!! AIRPLANE TIME." Boog
"I think those scorers must be from Mars or Venus. Or maybe they're just from that book." --Mike Shannon, 7/09/2009
by andi_k on Oct 26, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ellis Island or Skip's place in the wiki?
Name spellings were often mangled when they did the immigration rolls. For Skip’s family to retain the old pronunciation probably means they’re proud of their heritage.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 28, 2009 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i believe the name spelling
remained the same, and thus the pronunciation would have no reason to change. Had it been Americanized, the name would have been Shoemaker and eventually pronounced accordingly. This was not common in the German wave of immigration, nor before or after, although I have no idea when Skip’s family emigrated to America.
What was common (though not exclusive) was the Americanization of Italian names. This is because many Italians arrived without proper papers – thus the term WOP, or With-Out Papers.
Now, before anyone gets up in arms with me, I attended a party at Ellis Island to applaud the costly and just-completed renovation project, and these tidbits were related to me by an historian associated with the foundation. I am only repeating what I learned from him, which I myself took as gospel.
This same gentleman informed me that the usage of “OK” originated with Martin Van Buren, as a presidential campaign slogan. Being from Old Kinderhook, NY, the future 9th (?) president and his supporters would shout, “O. K., Old Kinderhook” at his rallies. I have spent many a weekend in the environs of Old Kinderhook, and have heard this same assertion spoken as fact many a time.
After that conversation with the historian, and then a few escapades of which I am very proud, things get a little blurry, like smudged ink on a cocktail napkin. So take it as you will.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 28, 2009 4:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My mother's maiden name
was Americanized, but you wouldn’t know it. Not Italian, by the way.
by spants on Oct 28, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's a fanpost right there
bravo
…i don’t think i’ll ask how far you got with the historian.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 28, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My family name was Americanized
from the German. ‘course that only involved dropping the final “e”, so, not a real big deal. BTW, that was in the 1830’s.
by ArkansasTravs on Oct 28, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I knew by "Because Ellis Island" you meant that his name had possibly been Americanized,
but I didn’t immediately catch it when furiously skimming comments at work, and the first thing I thought of when I saw
Why spell the last name as though you’d pronounce it "shoemaker" if you want it pronounced "shoo-mahk-er"?was “Because it’s German?”, which is why I “din ding ding winnar”ed bgh’s comment, and then noticed that you said pretty much the same thing.
Most of my Eastern European relatives had their surnames all mucked up at Ellis Island. A tobacconist who couldn’t understand the question stated their profession instead of their last name (at least that’s how the story goes) and became “Tabachnik,” and Wolgemuth somehow got gentile-ified into “Wall.”
"She gone! Airplane time! Airplane Time!! AIRPLANE TIME." Boog
"I think those scorers must be from Mars or Venus. Or maybe they're just from that book." --Mike Shannon, 7/09/2009
by andi_k on Oct 28, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because it's German?
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ding ding ding
winnar
"She gone! Airplane time! Airplane Time!! AIRPLANE TIME." Boog
"I think those scorers must be from Mars or Venus. Or maybe they're just from that book." --Mike Shannon, 7/09/2009
by andi_k on Oct 26, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I Had A Thought...
(I apologize if this has already been touched on above, I’m at school and don’t have time to read all the comments whilst posting between classes)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I am under the impression that upon returning to the game as a coach, McGwire’s HOF eligibility will be put on hold, is this right? I tried to think of current coaches who were HOFers and elected while coaching. The only guy that I could really think of off the top of my head was Robin Yount who was elected to the HOF prior to returning as a Major League coach.
If this is the case, and McGwire will have his HOF voting status put on hold until he again exits the game, this may be a brilliant decision on his part to return as a coach. Depending on how long he stays in the game, that is multiple years of exposure back in the media, back on camera, back in the sight of writers and fans with something altogether different to talk about than past exploits; something new, fresh, and pertinent.
History usually tends to be a bit more kind to athletes and if McGwire were to make use of this opportunity to re-familiarize the public with who he is — rather than the recurring headline of his potential association with a then-non-rule-breaking (for lack of a better turn of phrase) substance — and he then return to the voting years down the road with a whole new outlook from (and a whole new generation of) sportswriters/voters.
by mynameistyler on Oct 26, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am not aware of this rule
I believe that he will still remain eligible for the HOF regardless of his coaching status. Now, if he were a retired coach that returned to coaching, I believe that would be different.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coaching time doesn’t enter into the equation, but it may influence how the writers vote (for good or ill).
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Oct 26, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's hope for good.
You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Oct 26, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Producing under pressure
One thing TLR said about Big Mac was his ability to “concentrate and produce under pressure” (may not be a direct quote). If he can bring that to our young hitters (Ryan, Schu, Rasmus, Freese, Craig), that would be a big gain.
by CRay on Oct 26, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Y2S......Thanks for the running blog
for those of us who weren’t able to watch.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
I really appreciate it.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
by IHeartBoog on Oct 26, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hope mo et al are smarter than me
because i think the mac thing is not the way to go, and not just for the circus reasons, but because he is a rookie at this, ie, never even willing to come to spring training and all of a sudden signs for a 162 game gig? honestly wonder if he will last the season.
were none of the minor league guys earning enough points for consideration? may did not deserve a shot? just another tlr petulance at work. just aren’t sure if tlr’s security blanket decisions are really best for the team. better extend apu and make this worthwhile!
"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension
by sportsman on Oct 26, 2009 1:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ot, just funny
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
by prophetjohn on Oct 26, 2009 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 11 recs
made me laugh out loud at work
rec’d
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
by IHeartBoog on Oct 26, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thought that was untrue
you can kill someone with paper…..
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
more detailed instructions
uh….. do not try this!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hilarious.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is some funny stuff.
"Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it." - Whitey Herzog
by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on Oct 26, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I once threw a Rock, Scissor, Paper tournament for a charity
It was pretty fun getting hammered at he bar thinking out strategies to fake people out. I had some great fients
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A buddy of mine was kind of good at that for a while.
I got tired of losing such a “random” game to him, so I came up with a way to choose at random every time. While he stood there staring at me and trying to get me to give something away, I would just cycle through the three choices in my head at a steady pace, and when we said “go” whichever of the three was the last word I thought, was my choice. It really ticked him off because it ended any strategic advantage he had and made us basically 50/50.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 26, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT as well ut puffrect for math lovers
And now a scene from seinfeld
ELAINE: [mind] Who does this guy think he is?
KEITH: [mind] I'm Keith Hernandez.
by CodyG on Oct 26, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But
what happens when the other guy does rock the whole time too?
by saladdays on Oct 26, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You both stay up for weeks at a time and think bugs are crawling on your skin?
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Oct 26, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's meth
close, but not the same
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm actually really excited.
I have no idea if I think this is good or bad but I’m excited. it’s different. They’ll probably talk about St. Louis a lot now and I can be all “St. Louis!” all the time. Just get excited people. It makes life much more fun and bearable.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
so will Holliday still be around for....
Legoland interested in development seeking tax breaks at Glen Carbon
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Post-Dispatch
but journalism is dead, so take it as is
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Y'know. . .
Holliday reacted really well to Hal McRae’s coaching. . .
[runs out of room, laughing maniacally]
by SouthsideCardsFan on Oct 26, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He WAS the only Cardinal to hit a HR in the postseason
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Holliday is the only non-Pujols Cardinal that's going to hit
then I think there’ll be a problem.
Offseason Rumors : Me :: Unicorn Blood : Voldemort
by Cardinals645 on Oct 26, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing with Holliday is...
was just luck luck? Or was it actually his leg kick?
Honestly, I’m more inclined to believe he just had a fluke lucky streak with the Cardinals (which actually started dying out the last month and into the playoffs, HR notwithstanding).
by DiscoJer on Oct 26, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
his streak started while he was still with the A's
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was more that he had a fluke unlucky streak while with the A's
the guy is a fucking hitter!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like many others
McGwire was what kept me interested in the doldroms of the late 90’s, and I won’t ever turn on him for something as common as steroids use… maybe if he was a jackass about it, but really he was far from Bonds-ish about it…
The best part of this news is being overlooked, though…. NO MORE HAL MCRAE!!!
"If I'm in a slump, I ask myself for advice" - Ichiro
by Toppins on Oct 26, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The stats that make me believe the new hitting philosophy will be better:
McGwire’s #s.
78th in career OBP
69th in a single season OBP
42nd in career IBB
36th in career BB
28th in a single season IBB
10th in a single season SLG
9th in career SLG
8th in career HRs
5th in a single season BB
2nd through 4th in single season AB/HR
2nd in a single season HR
1st in career AB/HR
by stlfan on Oct 26, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
IBB's have no bearing on anything
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just think that he can help
Albert cope with them, possibly…
by stlfan on Oct 26, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see how any
of those numbers mean anything about the ability to teach. As a rule, superior players tend to struggle as coaches and managers.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
I was going on the assumption that he could teach the material. As a teacher, I always presume that any coach can actually do some teaching.
by stlfan on Oct 26, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should have added
the second point, I don’t agree with.
by stlfan on Oct 26, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hornsby?, Schoendienst? Southworth?
and those are just cardinal managers
And now a scene from seinfeld
ELAINE: [mind] Who does this guy think he is?
KEITH: [mind] I'm Keith Hernandez.
by CodyG on Oct 26, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish it were easy to find information on hitting coaches
but it’s not. So, as far as managers go, Red is a decent example as he did make the HOF based on his work as both a player and a manager. Southworth was an OK player who had 1296 hits in 13 seasons, but he was no where near a HOFer. Hornsby was primarily a player/manager and not a very good one with a .463 winning percentage.
The only other HOF players on the top 100 list of managers are Frankie Frisch, Frank Robinson and Tris Speaker. Speaker was a player/manager exclusively and did manage a very nice .543 wining percentage. Robinson has a .465 winning percentage and was a colossal failure in his first go-round with the Indians.
Ted Williams was very bad as a manager and spoke openly about the challenges of trying to coach less gifted players.
This year’s playoff teams were managed by a group of guys who were definitely not HOF-type players. Joe Torre was by far the best player and Jim Tracy, Tony LaRussa, and Charlie Manuel were essentially non-existent as MLB players. Mike Scioscia was a decent player, Joe Girardi was pretty marginal, Ron Gardenhire was a utility player and Jim Leyland never played in the bigs. The hitting coaches are cut from similar cloth. The powerful Phillies are coached by that well-known slugger Milt Thompson while the juggernaut Yankees hitters are coached by someone named Kevin Long.
The best managers and coaches, on average, from most eras were just not the most gifted players.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wasn't milt a card for a while?
"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension
by sportsman on Oct 26, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's misconception
The actual rule, is that the public at large will assume that any superior player can be a coach or manager without having seen any evidence of an ability to coach or manage.
Offseason Rumors : Me :: Unicorn Blood : Voldemort
by Cardinals645 on Oct 26, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TLR said
he watched McGwire’s preparation and techniques as a coach and deemed him ready.
now, this is what TLR said. to say there’s no evidence is not true. it’s just that all the evidence is through the lens of the players he’s worked with and, apparently, every single Cardinals coach and the FO.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say there was no evidence in this situation.
I just meant that any time ANY superior player takes on an instructional role (or heck a FO role in some cases), people always assume superior results will follow.
As it happens, there is some evidence that McGwire can instruct hitters. In fact, even before this I was more aware of McGwire’s instruction of players than I may ever have been of Paige’s or McRae’s.
Offseason Rumors : Me :: Unicorn Blood : Voldemort
by Cardinals645 on Oct 26, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and as stated
no more Hal
enjoy your unicorn blood!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think people normally assume the opposite
because everyone always prefaces a famous athlete coaching with “great players rarely make great coaches” as if it’s physically impossible.
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's as impossible as
being in two places at once.
by spants on Oct 26, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Electrons can do it
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Oct 26, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
have we not been over this enough?
We were told there would be none of this
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
no chemistry joins the no math and no physics movement
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no latin, english, spanish, portuguese, urdu, farsi
behold THE FUTURE
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
"OHHHHH!!!!!!! IT TASTES. SO. GOOD!!!!!!!!!!"
-BOOOOOOOOG
by slu on Oct 26, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd contend we should switch to
gooback
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is more physics than chemistry
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Einstien
it’s more craps than either…
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 26, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
surprising quote?
“God does not play dice with the universe.”
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I was going for...
but I just like the idea of a supreme being gambling…
"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon
by ducttape16 on Oct 26, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perplexed
Not sure how a guy who has been out of the game for eight years and has never been a hitting coach at any level is going to solve any of the team’s problems. At least he wasn’t running a bed and breakfast.
Seems like personal loyalties and a desire to rehabilitate McGwire’s name have overruled good sense. McGwire may succeed, but there is no doubt this is a bad decision. I guess the logic is no more bizarre than some of the lineups TLR insisted gave the Cardinals the “best chance to win.” Maybe Mac will take BP before the games….
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why?
but there is no doubt this is a bad decision.
Skippeh would disagree with you.
He has worked with the Rockies, and was offered a job by them.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even bad decisions
have at least some probably of working out. Even Rick Ankiel can’t strike out every time in key situations.
I don’t see how you can characterize hiring a hitting coach who has never coached at any level, who has no real success stories to speak of from his off-season camp, and who has been out of the game for eight years because of a cloud of steroid controversy that is sure to follow him to some degree, as anything but a bad decision.
The primary motive seems to be to rehabilitate McGwire.
He may have success and maybe the entire lineup will start hitting dingers and OBPing .400. It could happen, but it will still be a long shot.
By the way, I am not a McGwire hater or a McRae lover. I just find this to be a very dubious decision – kind of like arguing that Dick’n’Dunc in the lineup was our best chance to win. There presence didn’t guarantee a loss, but it was a bad decision nonetheless.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't know how anybody characterizes hitting coaches at all.
how do you decide what a hitting coach is really responsible for and what an individual is responsible for? without being in the clubhouse, how do you know which players ignored hal mcrae and which paid attention? how do you know what he even said to them?
all we know was what was in the press and the hitting stats of the team. we can look at those, but there’s really not a guidebook for who does or doesn’t make a good hitting coach.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
It’s almost like Hal McRae got dumber when he didn’t have Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen anymore. Kind of like (I can’t help it) TLR got smarter when Apu showed up in 2001.
Nevertheless, the McGwire hiring does seem to defy logic for someone like TLR who values experience so much.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because the guy who had all those credentials,
coached at all the levels, even managed a big league club (KC does dstill count as Big league, right?) did such an amazing job?
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just barely.
KC I mean.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell me
who could make batting title contenders out of Ank, Dunc, Thursty Joe, Kaheel, et al?
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we don't need batting titles
we need MOBs over LOBs.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.....
The guy had a great approach at the plate, and was a true hitter. He studied hitting. Skip’s sold, and no offense, but his opinion means more to me than most others. Here’s a story from the NYT from earlier this spring, where Mark actually talks about instructing and hitting.
"I believe I have so much knowledge to give and help people improve as baseball players," he said.
The guy loves baseball, the Cards, and just wants to help make players better. I already like his approach better than, "If they need help they’ll ask for it.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no more Hal
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yes...
key point.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank god!
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Oct 26, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quote by HAL
I know I’ve made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I’ve still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you.
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if this is your idea of success of failure
He may have success and maybe the entire lineup will start hitting dingers and OBPing .400. It could happen, but it will still be a long shot.
Then I agree, this hire sucks. Although I’m not sure God himself could coach our lineup to do that, so I think that your expectations may be a bit high.
"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 Oct 27, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also don't get why this is "no doubt" a bad move
He’s a player who has been sought out in the past to help. Players have given him credit for helping.
by stlfan on Oct 26, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely
I don’t know why we would ever trust one of the greatest hitters of all time and someone who has dedicated his life to hitting baseballs (and who has succeeded immensely at the endeavor) to teach some of these hitting skills to other major leaguers, including at least a few who have raved about his coaching ability. It really is quite ludicrous.
Also, it is abominable that TLR would peter principle this asshole to “hitting coach” when he hasn’t spent any time in Asscrack, IA telling single A hackers to “look for your pitch.”
And to think, Dave Duncan was a fucking catcher! He never pitched at the major league level!! TLR and his ridiculous notions of loyalty HAVE GOT TO GO!!!!
by Willie McGee's Twin on Oct 26, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
try decaf
or maybe logic
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His post
was just as “logical” as yours was. Just sayin’.
"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 Oct 26, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
I guess my post was pretty illogical then. Although I still don’t see what is logical about expecting McGwire to succeed as hitting coach – it may happen but there is no logic supporting it. There is no correlation between hitting skill and coaching skill that I have ever heard of.
The fact that TLR is loyal to a poor-hitting reserve catcher with a distinguished MLB track recored as a pitching coach has absolutely no correlation to the McGwire situation.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thing is
Mac has some track record as hitting coach, and those in position to evaluate his methods/results seem to believe he is good at teaching hitting. these were not little leaguers he was coaching, after all. the fact that he had no official title means nothing…is he gonna wilt under the pressure of this title, start doing things differently – will his stroke suffer?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who other than Skip
has actually improved under McGwire’s instruction? Duncan? Not trying to be smart, just that I haven’t heard any amazing breakthroughs. Besides, coaching in your home town on your own terms with no media, no travel, and only guys who have chosen to work with you doesn’t really resemble being a hitting coach for a MLB team.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duncan DID improve
But subsequently got hurt, which has no bearing on McGwire’s skills.
If you remember, Dunc’s hitting improved markedly from the AAA level to the majors. He was a pretty good hitter when he was healthy. I don’t know when McGwire starting working with him, but my guess is it was around the time Dunc started playing for the Cardinals.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
by IHeartBoog on Oct 26, 2009 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i can't answer your questions
but those that can seem to think Mac is good. now, if you were assured that this was the case (that they think that) and that this has nothing to do with rehabbing Mac’s image, as you seem to believe and that I see no evidence of, then would your attitude change?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course
if I was sure he was the best choice for the job and that was the only reason he was chosen then I would change my opinion. I think my attitude is another thing.
That’s all hypothetical and we will have to see. I just want the Cardinals to win. I’ll be happy to be wrong on this one.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 26, 2009 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
misspoke
didn’t mean anything about your attitude.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TLR said
he watched Mac change as a hitter over time from when he was a rookie, and saw him become much smarter about hitting (learning the “game” between hitters and pitchers). TLR also watched some of his work with hitters in the off-season and was impressed. Now, I share giveml’s concerns about how Mac will work out as a hitting coach (and perhaps it’s all BS from Tony), but TLR explained his view fairly well.
by CRay on Oct 26, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus he tivo'd all of the games last year and took notes.
It’s like he was playing hitting coach at home!
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so, it's like we're gaining
a hitting coach without giving up anything (sorry hal).
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I caught a number of digs at Hal
Tony talked repeatedly how McGwire wasn’t just going to be hanging out around the cage during BP.
I think he was suggesting that Hal should have been doing something else during that time.
by thepainguy on Oct 26, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it took 5 years to get that figured out?
Hal was the fall man for a bad offense.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Duncan wasn't always a
poor-hitting reserve catcher with a distinguished MLB track recored as a pitching coach
Actually, Duncan was a pretty good catcher for a number of seasons. I think you’re referring to LaRussa when you say “poor hitting reserve”. Second, at one time he was a former catcher turned pitching coach with little to no experience. So was La Russa. They turned out fine. Just because a guy has no experience doesn’t mean he’s going to be bad at something. Sergey Brin and Larry Page had no experience running a tech startup until Google. Steve Jobs had no experience running a computer company before Apple. They seem to be doing just fine.
"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 Oct 27, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
i HATE the experience cliché and i don’t throw around hate too often…but in the end McGwire inst going to be the reason we win or lose just like McRae wasnt either, he just took the fall for it.
Chicago Cubs: The first century was funny...this second one is just sad...
by nomar34 on Oct 27, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never said McGwire had no chance to succeed
People defy the odds all the time. I have personal experience with dozens of tech folk who had no experience running tech startups. The overwhelming majority of them failed miserably.
I think if you take the man-crush, hero worship factor out of the situation and look at it objectively it still is a bad decision. Way too much downside risk for not enough upside pay off.
My guess is most people who hate the experience “cliche” either have none themselves or have never been in a position with hiring responsibility.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 27, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're missing the point, which is.....
I think if you take the man-crush, hero worship factor out of the situation and look at it objectively it still is a bad decision. Way too much downside risk for not enough upside pay off.
“Objectively,” you have no idea whether it is a “bad decision.” And you have no idea what the “odds” are, or whether it will “defy” them if X happens. Moreover, what is “X” in the previous sentence? What “downside” or “upside” risk are you talking about? How are you going to measure it to see if hiring McGwire was a good or bad idea?
In sum, your premise that hiring McGwire is a bad idea is based on something you likely have no information about – that McGwire, despite being a phenomally-talented hitter who honed his craft over decades, will be poor at helping Cards’ batters become better hitters.
And, to make matters worse still, instead of recognizing that you’re talking out of your ass, you attribute bias to TLR’s decision-making, i.e., TLR hired McGwire because of loyalty and the desire to rehabilitate Mac’s image.
My favorite part is this:
My guess is most people who hate the experience "cliche" either have none themselves or have never been in a position with hiring responsibility.
There may be no one on this planet who has more experience running a baseball team, including hiring and firing baseball coaches, than TLR. I guess it’s too bad all that bias is getting in the way of his experience when he chose to hire McGwire.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Oct 27, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know
no position on TLR’s staff has turned over like hitting coach. It has really been the only position he has changed much. Seems like his experience with hiring hitting coaches is guys who fail, guys who have drinking problems, and guys who are deemed to be very good but then get stupid when the hitters have a bad year.
I guess it just comes down to you think TLR can do no wrong. I guess other managers hire guys with track records and experience in the position just do the safe thing because they don’t have TLR’s legendary hitting coach evaluation skills.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 27, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say TLR could do no wrong...
I said you’re talking out of your ass. There is a quite a bit of difference between these two points, though at this juncture I don’t expect you to follow along. Perhaps some caffeine or logic would help.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Oct 27, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting...
I guess it just comes down to you think TLR can do no wrong
Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t TLR have a lot of “experience” at hiring hitting coaches? I guess if he’s not good at it that must mean that experience isn’t everything.
I’m not sure how this will work out and I really don’t have an opinion on the hire itself until I see some of his efforts working with our hitters, and see how our hitters react to him. You’re taking the “jump to conclusions that this is bad hire based on no experience route”. I’d just prefer to wait for results, thanks.
"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 Oct 27, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
About the only thing
Duncan ever did as a MLB hitter that remotely resembled “pretty good” was hit a few dingers. His career slash lines were .214/.279/.357/.636. Even for his era that is pretty weak. In an 11-year career he only played more than 103 games twice. I will stand by my description.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
by giveml on Oct 27, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He had an All-Star appearance in 1971 for Oakland
and he managed to hang around as a catcher in the big leagues for 11 seasons. He was pretty good defensively, just could never hit the ball very 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 Oct 27, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Decaf is overrated.
I would not finish half of my schoolwork without caffeine.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i tried cutting myself off from caffeine these last couple days
worst headaches ever
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't do that right now.
Two papers due tomorrow. Haven’t started. Not my fault either. Just got the book for one and just finished the book for the other (class schedule, not me procrastinating).
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't need to read anymore.
Just write it.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
potential bestseller
self-help book titled Stop Procrastinating Now!
no one would actually read it, but they’d buy it planning to, so who cares.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't procrastinate!
Okay maybe a little.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe you put off procrastinating?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely don't do that.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sarcasm truly is the lowest form of wit...
sorry about that – just thought one PD-worthy comment deserved another.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Oct 26, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lower than halfwit?
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Oct 27, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lower by how much though?
I’m guessing close to half.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 28, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty much.
It’s the Americanized form of nyet-wit.
by spants on Oct 28, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
way to tie it all together, spants
sort of a glue gal, to use a basketball reference
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 28, 2009 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
anyone else want to call G.Maddux and see if he wants to be duncan's sucessor?
And now a scene from seinfeld
ELAINE: [mind] Who does this guy think he is?
KEITH: [mind] I'm Keith Hernandez.
by CodyG on Oct 26, 2009 6:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isn't it so freaking odd.
That Greg wins 342764324 games but Mike is considered a top pitching coach.
by Tom_Lawless_Bat_Flip on Oct 26, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe somebody coached up greg
mike?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have brothers?
If I was Greg I would always just answer Mike with the old faithful “How many Cy Youngs you got, bitch?” Brothers have no mercy.
by Tom_Lawless_Bat_Flip on Oct 26, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
younger brothers benefit greatly
from older brothers in sports. i’m assuming mike is older.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My younger brother started rooting for the Cubs when we were kids
just to piss me off. He called me today from the Atlanta airport telling me he thought he saw Steve Bartman and would I bail him out of jail.
by Tom_Lawless_Bat_Flip on Oct 26, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My little brother was never into sports
His little league team was the Blue Jays so he always “liked” the Blue Jays (as in he’d say Go Blue Jays when I started talking about baseball). But in unrelated news, I found out today he’s on the billboard advertising his school in Baton Rouge!
John Smoltz for Cardinals' closer 2010!!
by jd is legend on Oct 26, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like he's a ginger too, huh?
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is bartman just
moving about the country, sleeping in a different city every night?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carp will take over
Maddux will probably take one look at Smoltz and want to do something nuts like close.
hehe.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big Mac leads SC
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What about Favre?
They lost yesterday, the world is ending.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
midwest bias
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's the Commish!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the Commish spends all his time correcting all the bad assumptions of WWL
says nothing new.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where's Olney?
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Oct 26, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
New York, probably.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or Jerksville.
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buster's okay
he’s just named Buster, is all.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess Jerksville is just population you, then.
Jerk.
"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on Oct 26, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is everyone around here stalking me!
jeez.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
can you move back towards the window, yadi? i don't have a good angle from here.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 26, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a good angle from here
trust me, you do not want him to move back towards the window
Put on some damn clothes Yadi2!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh dear.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wrong house matty!!
abort! abort!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our pal Erik
tweets that the Chapman meeting will be on, again
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
protected tweets
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh yeah, silly Erik
RT @jorgearangure No fear #stlcardinals fans. Chapman meeting will be rescheduled. Appears LaRussa news got in the way. No new date set.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Oct 26, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo can't be in two places at once?
mind blown. he clearly sucks as a GM.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
merely replacement level GM skills.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is this adjusted for zone?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Oct 26, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chapman is about as likely as us re-signing Wagner Mateo.
It’s just not going to happen. Too much risk.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, there is an article
on Yahoo by Asshat a writer that I refuse to link to, if anyone is interested. He really wasn’t to bad, except for the guilty on all counts and he better admit to it all so we can move on diatribe.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 7:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't care what you say.
Linda Cohn is hot. Maybe Mac can teach me to hit that.
by Tom_Lawless_Bat_Flip on Oct 26, 2009 8:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I can count on one hand the number of your posts
that have not made me LOL.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's what she said
LOL?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
by cardball on Oct 26, 2009 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh boy.
Lack of sleep, papers, and coffee make me extremely susceptible to that’s what she said jokes and most other bad jokes.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's hard to imagine I'm 35 and not married isn't it?
by Tom_Lawless_Bat_Flip on Oct 26, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what she said.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what subject lines are for.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Oct 26, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really couldn't help myself
that setup called for a photo response though.
"Everyone in here comes to the yard ready to play every day. I’ll take this group, any day until the day I die."
"This whole Cardinals thing.....I don’t know if you guys are a believer, but I’m a believer."
~ Ryan Fucking Ludwick
by RiverRat on Oct 26, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
She's got a great personality.
It’s tucked right inside those bitchin sweat pants she’s been wearing for the last 4 days.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Oct 26, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
OT:
Summarize your sex life with a Star Wars quote
You’re all clear kid, now let’s blow this thing and go home.
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was great Flim.
Did you recognize a fellow VEBer on there? leefyg. His was a response but it was pretty good.
You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Oct 26, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read it now
Brings back some memories
by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 26, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Almost there...
“Almost… there…
It’s away!"
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 27, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
negative, negative. . . . didn't go in, just impacted on the surface.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Oct 27, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now this is spot on Michael Scott
by brackenthebox on Oct 27, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Awww....
….but I was going to go into town and get some power converters…"
;=8)
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Oct 27, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"He's more machine now than man...
twisted and evil…"
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Oct 27, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
