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The Flea Market

Jack_benny_tiny by DanUpBaby on Comment 376 comments

The part of John Mozeliak will be played by John Turturro.

More photos » by M. Spencer Green - AP

The part of John Mozeliak will be played by John Turturro.

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THE FLEA MARKET

A VIVA EL BIRDOS PLAY IN ONE ACT

CHARACTERS
JOHN MOZELIAK, a nervous shopper at the St. Louis Ballplayers Goodwill
WALT JOCKETTY, his worldly liaison
TONY LA  RUSSA, a disembodied voice
THE GHOST OF CHRISTY MATHEWSON, a cautionary figure

SCENE
The Recession has made strange shopping partners of baseball's vast middle class. WALT JOCKETTY, experienced bargain shopper, steward of a Cincinnati team in the middle of a long and cheap rebuilding process, has seen JOHN MOZELIAK window-shopping wistfully at ballplayer Target long enough to agree to take him under his wing. 

So off to ballplayer Goodwill they go. It's not in the newest strip mall, and there are certain types of player—the empty-.275 first baseman, the no-hit, no-field catcher, the righty relief pitcher who specializes in off-speed junk—who will hang on the dusty racks until someone is putting together a particularly weird Halloween costume. But WALT is a veteran of the strange aisles, and he is ready to convince JOHN that there's life after SCOTT BORAS.

WALT: Now this guy, for instance—his agent's name is Scott Boriss. I know the guy, and if you get him on the horn right after his double shift at the mattress warehouse he'll agree to the league minimum just to get you off the phone. I usually start negotiating right when the payphone asks for more quarters. 

JOHN: I—I feel awkward being here, Walt. 

Star-divide


WALT [looking through a bin of left-handers]: Nonsense. Happens to the best of us. This one has—well, it's most of a slider. 

JOHN: I know it does. But this is my big year! Payroll's down, we just made a huge deadline deal, and we've got a big, Matt Holliday-shaped hole to fill in left field. Pretty soon my only duty as General Manager will be christening the ballpark Pujols Stadiang, but this—this is the Offseason of Mozeliak. 

WALT: Right, right. So what do you think is better, a LOOGY with no fastball, or a LOOGY with no right arm? I might just take the whole bin. I really—

A MIDI version of WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE rings out of JOHN's pocket. Bargain shoppers glare from behind warped-looking shelving until he flips the phone open and ducks hastily into the UTILITY INFIELDER WHO CAN'T PLAY SHORT aisle. On the phone JOHN can hear a cassette version of WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, and on top of it, sounding impatient, TONY LA RUSSA. 

TONY: Moz Def. Glad I caught you. How's Goodwill? Hey, is Jocko there?

JOHN looks down his glasses at WALT. WALT briefly but firmly shakes his head. 

JOHN: You know, ah, he just left. Anyway—what can I help you with?

TONY: I don't know, just calling to chat. You know. I was wondering if you had a left fielder yet. 

JOHN [staring at the far wall, where a few unmatched left fielders stand unpromisingly.]: I'll tell you, I'm still looking. But I've got some leads, and I'll—well, I'm sure I'll see you at work. So I can just tell you then. 

TONY: About that, Mozambique. I was wondering if you could get one now? 

JOHN: Now? Isn't it a little soon?

TONY: Well I don't mean now, of course!

TONY: But if you could get it done in an hour, that'd be great. Anyway, I've got to have two hands to air-play this solo, and Mac's busy air-drumming. Tell Walt Jocketty World I said hey, okay? If you see him again. 

JOHN steps out of the aisle to find WALT haggling over a LOOGY.

WALT: Look, I'd give you $400,000, but it says here he's had Dan Johnson Surgery, and to be honest I'm not even sure what that is. I'll fax you an offer sheet. Just be near the front desk when it comes in this time, all right? If they ask what room you're staying in just make something up. [He hangs up.] John, I think I'm going to head out. You see anything you like? 

JOHN: I just got off the phone with Tony. I think I'll just grab Xavier Nady on the way out. 

WALT: Oh—well, okay. I'll be at the register.

Defeated, JOHN walks to the back of the store, where XAVIER NADY sits in a prime spot on the quiet left fielders' wall. He's been nearly average before, and he can be nearly average again! He is the perfect patch for a team that has not been able to develop its own XAVIER NADYS. But as JOHN takes one last glance at the price tag an eerie but remarkably distinguished chill falls over the aisle. JOHN turns around to find erstwhile Cardinal employee THE GHOST OF CHRISTY MATHEWSON floating carefully over the DISCOUNT SPIRITS aisle and into view. MATHEWSON adjusts his pince-nez and moves one rakish, waxy lock back into place over his forehead.

MATHEWSON: Good afternoon, John—it is I, The Ghost of Christy Mathewson!

JOHN: I know, thanks. What are you doing here? I made the same mistake you did, but that Joel Pineiro in the right-handers aisle, his name sounds exactly like it's spelled. Your guy's at Target this year.

MATHEWSON: I thank you, John, but I'm not here to resume my corporeal meanderings—I'm here to-day with a warning. I owe you as much, after you sorted things out with the players' union. I've been speaking with my—ha, ha—my partners in the, ah ha, para-normal, and I can assure you that none of the ghosts I'm in regular contact with have any desire to possess the Castilian gentle-man on which you've set your left field sights. 

JOHN: He's—no offense, Mr. Mathewson, but he's alright on his own, isn't he?

MATHEWSON: All right, perhaps. Adequate, why, almost certainly. But brilliant? Stupendous? When Pete Alexander and I went "Over there" to "deal" with the "Kaiser" did we settle for adequate? Leave adequate to the Old World, friend Mozeliak. If one must arrange for one's left-fielding in this dingy place, it stands to reason that he should aim not for the assuredly unimpressive but for a player who might, should things proceed in his favor, contribute what we called a significant number of Victories As Against the Homunculus. 

JOHN: So an Austin Kearns or a Randy Winn, instead of a Xavier Nady?

MATHEWSON: I am merely saying that if one is forced, through circumstance, to look here when they were so recently looking at Matthew Holliday, it might be best to become completely penurious. A Winn on the low end, a Michael Cameron on the high end. And that money might be spent elsewhere, on a replacement for our mutual acquaintance Pineiro or a fleet of Relieving Pitchers to account for these starters' weakened arm-constitutions. The middle path, as my father used to say, only leads to the holes in the fork!

JOHN: Well, Mr. Mathewson—I suppose 'll take that into consideration. Thank you. 

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE begins to play on JOHN's phone. 

MATHEWSON: I—I say. I hate to tergiversate but it is in our spectral nature, after all, to make a sudden de-parture! Godspeed, Mr. Mozeliak. 

MATHEWSON vanishes; WALT appears, keys in hand.

WALT: Alright, I started the car, so maybe put him on layaway if you're not sure about it. And I'm still not here. 

8 recs  |  Comment 376 comments  |  Add comment |

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Read More: veb theater, 2010 mlb hot stove, Xavier Nady (RF - NYY), Austin Kearns (RF - WAS), Randy Winn (LF - SFG), Joel Pineiro (P - STL), Matt Holliday (LF - STL), St. Louis Cardinals

Comments

Display:

i'm afraid I might have actually liked FIST better.

it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie

by SleepyCA on Nov 13, 2009 2:26 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

MEME

DONE!!!! did not get posted

Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat

by DESTROYER on Nov 13, 2009 8:25 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I decided it needed an off-day

it might be brought in to pinch-hit later if the thread becomes late and close.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

quitter.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It

BOYCOTT HASS AVOCADOS

by vexedtechie on Nov 13, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It's just like a mini

mall

BOYCOTT HASS AVOCADOS

by vexedtechie on Nov 13, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Hey hey! You heard me.

Living rooms!
Bedrooms!
Dinettes

"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 Nov 13, 2009 10:56 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

DINETTES?

FUCK!

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

pure awesome

I cannot repeal the words of the golden eel

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Nov 14, 2009 4:17 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I am pretty uncomfortable with this premise

unless this has something to do with the Man Stew.

In which case that’s fine.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 2:11 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

so yeah

this was absolutely brilliant. we don’t deserve this kind of stuff.

Can we put BEN SHEETS on layaway?

it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie

by SleepyCA on Nov 13, 2009 2:33 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

tergiversate

wtf? do not recall ever seeing that word, but perhaps its usage is limited to ghosts. anyway, it seems to fit perfectly – great job.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 3:09 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

That was pretty damn funny, especially the Mo and LaRussa banter

by CardsFanSmikema on Nov 13, 2009 4:08 AM EST via mobile reply actions   0 recs

david sedaris has a story he tells about getting crabs from a second-hand pair of pants.

thought 1) always wash clothes you get at a thrift store.

thought 2) if we do get nady, i hope he doesn’t metaphorically give us crabs.

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 Nov 13, 2009 4:26 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

You should wash clothes you buy new, too.

Or, so my mom always told me. Because you never know who tried them on before you. I suppose that is analogous to checking a prospect’s eyesight before the contract with him goes into effect.

Juan Encarnacion already metaphorically gave us grabs. Hopefully we have built up a resistance (if that’s even possible).

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:50 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If we get Nady, I might just give up on the ol' hot stove for life...

he’s the most utterly uninteresting and middle-of-the-road option out there.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

We should really just put a remote controlled scarecrow in left

probably save a lot of money… and it would be entertaining to watch… and most importantly make azru very happy that we’re employing some of his brethren.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

But...but...

He’s so handsome.


Just kidding. I mean yeah, he is handsome, but two TJs is scary and not a good gamble.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

But he is beautiful.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Watching from the dugout makes him sad

Awww. Just look:

All the best pictures I have found of him are:

1. Pensive Nady
2. Sad Nady
3. Nady In Pain

"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 Nov 13, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I love this one.


And you’re right the best Xavier Nady are usually not overly happy.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Another sad fact:

I feel like red would look really good on him.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 11:42 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

you mean like this?

No, really. I say NO XAVIER NADY FOR THE CARDINALS, PLEASE but I do like to look at him, and he had a few decent hitting streaks last year before his elbow broke again.

I feel bad for the guy; I hope he can continue playing, just not for us.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh and his name.

I love his name. It’s so wonderful.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I like it better when he's not looking at the camera.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 11:42 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

But I really like his face.

Just straight-on. If we’re not careful this could turn into a Xavier Nady slideshow.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I know. I was slowly backing away from the keyboard already

and I had resigned myself to not posting any more pictures of him (today).

But I already showed you the best two.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 11:52 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

this brings new meaning to "fantasy baseball"

You guys should put together a “nice to look at” all-star team.

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 Nov 14, 2009 8:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

It's funny you would mention that,

because I seriously entertained that thought over the past few days.

I said once (but I was kidding, of course) that my fantasy baseball draft strategy is to select only attractive players.

"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 Nov 14, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Let's do it andi.

That is actually kind of my strategy. If they’re good and good looking I do my best to get them on my team.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 15, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I *did* pick up Nady last year for a little while,

BUT ONLY BECAUSE HE WAS HITTING LOTS OF DOUBLES! Not at all because he’s attractive. Nope, not at all.

If you would like to collaborate on this project, facebook me. I’m right above you on the VEB group page.

"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 Nov 15, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I can't click on your name.

It’s private.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 15, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

oops, I forgot I restricted my settings when I was looking for a job

I limited it to friends of friends.

I just sent you a friend request.

"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 Nov 15, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

excellent.

you both owe us a good fanpost/fanshot when you’re done.

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 Nov 16, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll work on it this weekend, promise

"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 Nov 16, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

is that tim tebow?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Penurious

are you f’in kidding me? HFS® dannysan, please don’t try & teach an old dog new words. i just don’t have it me man. i just don’t.

if anyone needs me, i’ll be in the Gritty White Guys Who Play Everywhere Not So Well isle. i don’t know why, but that just seems like the place to be.

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 4:31 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

That Goodwill sounds fancy...

what with the isles and implied water features…

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 4:37 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Ahhhhhh

A dumpster diver, I see.

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 Nov 13, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Now maybe this is because I just woke up...

but huh???

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I was just meaning that if you were thinking

that the Goodwill is fancy then dumpster diving must be your game. Just a joke.

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 Nov 13, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

What would dumpster diving be in MLB replacement standards?

That would be guys three years retired kind of scrap heap, wouldn’t it? Maybe trying to promote AA guys to the majors? That would be ugly.Or maybe just the Pirates?

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 Nov 13, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

/2007 Cardinals

Best moment I've ever seen at a game in person
"If it was Zoom Zoom'd, we'd be doom doom'd" - making fun of myself for my bad luck streak in the 2009 season
Looking forward to Cardinals baseball in 2010!

by zoomzoomj88 on Nov 13, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I was making a joke about him using isle and not aisle...

claiming it had water features and was thus fancy… probably funnier at 330 when I made it.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

You caught something I didn't.

Sorry if I effed it up.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

if i say i wrote isle because i was going on the welcome to the jungle thing

would you all believe me?

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Lucky.

I’ve been up since 6.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Did you get your tickets?

"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 Nov 13, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah.

Upper deck for all three. After 5 1/2 hours of waiting and almost missing my class. They need to change the system back to how it was last year. That way everyone would get tickets within an hour of distribution time and most people would get good seats to lame games like Presbyterian and Winthrop. If you don’t want to camp out and still go to Illinois then fine you get upper deck but let’s be honest Winthrop and Presbyterian were not going to be highly attended games anyway and probably still won’t be because people will just have the tickets and not go.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

winthrop

is an excellent small program.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah but no one would go if it wasn't grouped with the Illinois game.

I would. But most of the people in the line wouldn’t have and people will have the tickets and not go. And they can’t be better than us. We’re ranked #24.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

College team rankings are perhaps

the most arbitrary system devised in sports… even more than the Gold Glove Awards… In other news I-L-L

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

But still...

I don’t think WInthrop is better than Clemson.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

But they have uniforms and shoes this year...

can’t count them out. And they’ve been a respectable program the past few years. Luckily Illinois is getting back to that level after we had guys leaving other teammates for dead and such. I love my school so much…

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I am by no means saying

the team should assume they’re going to win. That’s stupid. I’m saying in terms of crowd drawing ability Winthrop is not very high on the list because most people will assume it won’t be that interesting a game.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Eh I'd like to watch the game

but that’s probably cause I enjoy college basketball a bit more than I should. It’s always been my feeling from the people I’ve talked to that college basketball ticketing leaves something to be desired at best at most big schools. I guess that’s one of the risks you take going to a big school.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm with you. I would too. I try to go to every game.

I meant most people. Basically I’m mad because it’s a classic case of it’s not broke don’t fix it. And sure enough they “fixed” it and ended up ruining it. They say next year they may go to an online system which would be great.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

oh yeah

thousands of people in an online arena all at the same time trying to do the same thing. that’s bound to work!

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It went swimmingly for Rose Bowl tickets at Illinois...

Which is funny cause I walked up and bought tickets while the phone lines and online stuff was slammed.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

online ticketing is a great idea in theory

but people will always find something to bitch about in an online system about how it wasn’t fair because they’re computer was slow.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

The only fair way to do tickets is line em up...

if you want the tickets bad enough you’ll get in that line.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

exactly.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Here's our problem:

Each person in the line (unless you were in a tent) can get up to 10 tickets for their friends. So there were a lot of people not in the line ever who got tickets without waiting in the line. I think you should only be able to get one extra ticket.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

oh well that's just stupid then

that’s the school’s problem, not the student’s problem.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

But they don't want us camping out.

The only way they’ll stop that is online.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

that's dumb

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

They get angry calls from parents.

Saying they’re putting their children in danger by making them camp out in the cold for days. I think that’s stupid because it’s your choice to camp out.
Also they can’t monitor underage drinking very well in the camping out so they would like to stop that. It’s a losing battle but if their reason for changing the distribution in the first place was to discourage camping out (I have yet to figure out how it did that) then why didn’t they just do online.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

You get older

but the girls stay the same age?

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

best thing about coeds...

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

How cold does it get in South Carolina in November?

I can’t imagine it’s hypothermia inducing if you have anything more than a hoodie on. And shock of shocks… there’s underage drinking going on at a college campus… alert the press.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly.

It’s stupid. These are also SC parents doing the calling so their immunity to cold is worse than their children’s. And it goes into January when it actually does get pretty cold at night. And last year it snowed during a camp out and our tent collapsed. Luckily it was the last one.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It's all coming into focus now...

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Wusses....

This is how they do it in Zagland:

"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 Nov 13, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Especially pre-season

Pretty much pull some names out of a hat and call it a poll.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

And this growing up an Illinois fan and now playing them every year sucks.

But it’s still fun.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It's only been the past two years...

Both schools are apparently happy being slotted at about 4th in the conference for this ricockulous “challenge” we do every year. Can it please be called something else until the Big Ten wins it one year… I don’t think challenge is what I would use.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i'll take that last line as sarcasm

winthrop has beaten better programs than clemson. ideally they would play later in the season, after clemson gets off to their customary 16-0 start.

in winthrop you will see what fundamentally sound basketball is, so it will be a very interesting game stylistically if nothing else.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It was slightly sarcastic.

But my main point was no one would go because it’s not really a big name school. I would go. But most people in that line were there for Illinois. And it should not take five hours to hand out tickets.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Sure it should...

they sold the tickets… they have you by the short and curlies… why staff the ticket office with more than three hung over sorority chicks. There’s nothing in it for them to get you guys out of there quickly.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

There is if people start complaining about it putting academics in jeopardy.

Then the athletic office gets in trouble. Because people skipped classes. I agree that it’s their problem if they skipped but they used to make the ticket distributions go much faster. It goes a lot faster for football. And last year basketball was fine, I don’t know why they changed it.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

And you just know

that 95% of the people bitching about academics skip approximately 40% of their classes. aka 60% of the time this argument works every time

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I know.

But they got in trouble last year when people said the same stuff for the South carolina football game. I don’t think it’s a valid excuse but people use it and the AD department listens.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

The only valid response should be

You’re all adults with training wheels here… make the decision that makes the most sense to you and deal with the consequences… Sorry I’m just getting angry at how it seems like everyone wants to blame everyone else for decisions they willingly made in life… I’ll try to stop ranting now.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Winthorp, sir, is anything but small.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

...to the gunshow?

And, in a related story, this week marked the 5,000th performance of the Broadway musical "Cats." It also marked the 5,000th time a guy turned to his wife and said, "What the hell is this?"

by jd is legend on Nov 13, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

OT: Pablo Sandoval

He’s apparently sensitive to the cake’s posted on VEB. They’re calling his new diet regimen Operation Panda.

Operation Midwest Nice/Operation Panda = irresistable force/immovable object

He was fast becoming one of my favorite non-cards, and i’m not sure how i’ll feel about this slimmer version.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 4:43 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I just don't get how pro-athletes can be fat?

I mean most of us after high school/college deal with 40-50 hours of work. We’ll their 40-50 hours of work is…being an athlete.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 8:38 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If you travel all the time...

you’re going to eat like crap, and if you need to hit a baseball, you can’t really tire yourself out with workouts.

MB for LF in 2010!

by guayzimi on Nov 13, 2009 8:40 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If you travel all the time…you’re going to eat like crap

I’m not sure I could disagree more. If you have even the slightest bit of food knowledge, it’s not hard to eat right even when you are eating out. Not to mention that I always feel worse when I eat poorly. They may eat like crap but it is entirely a choice.

Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation

by azruavatar on Nov 13, 2009 9:03 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Especially

when you factor in that they get per diem to feed themselves on the road, which means cost really isn’t a factor either.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 9:05 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

And also I'm pretty sure most ballclubs will employ an army of diet consultants and cooks

so when they’re at the ballpark they can pretty much get anything they want that’s reasonably healthy and delish. Sushi ftw, FWIW.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

and google a "cutting diet"

most of it revolves around canned tuna, protein shakes, egg whites and chicken breasts. Not exactly rare commodities that are isolated to Milwaukee or San Fransisco.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

crab legs and lobster tails

on chartered flights ain’t so shabby, but he might be eating the entire ocean I suppose. how much weight you reckon prince has dropped by being vegetarian?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

+15 pounds.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i figured 0

but has he really gained weight or is that a joke?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Just my witty self.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

part of it is cultural

it’s hard to be away and not eat like momma’s back home. Or by the same token, suddenly not have a curfew and then acquiesce to your teammate’s suggestion that they should eat chili dogs with all the fixings after midnight….

[was reading Ryan Howard’s slim down plan] He switched to organic for the first time. All white meat for the first time. Cut out carbs for the first time.

Not that easy to take the toasted ravs out of the boy.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

but the argument isn't your typical joe.

it’s multi-million dollar athletes.

To be in peak marathon condition is one thing but again, morbidly obese just seems odd for somebody that literally has nothing to do but be an athlete.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder why more clubs don't build incentives

based around fitness into contracts.

Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation

by azruavatar on Nov 13, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh sure...

it’s possible to eat well on the road, but obviously you’re going to lack cooking facilities a lot of the time, so you end up at restaurants. Restaurants are unhealthy food environments relative to a grocery store and a kitchen.

MB for LF in 2010!

by guayzimi on Nov 13, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

people are acting like "eating well"

is so impossible on the road.

It’s not nearly as hard as you think. At all. Even if you were a world class body builder that has his calories, carbs, proteins, etc down to some algorithm.

To NOT be morbidly obese at their age and activity level they can “eat better” or probably even “normal person” and get to a decent body weight.

He probably half asses it at work then pigs the fuck out. Can’t wait for the the gland disorder arguments to show up…yes people have different metabolisms, however, to be THAT big, what do you realistically think his calorie deficit is? I’d bet its absurd.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

probably against the CBA

stats-based incentives aren’t allowed, so I’d be surprised if fitness-based ones would be.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

there have been a couple of those lately

andruw jones had a clause like that in his contract with the rangers, IIRC.

it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie

by SleepyCA on Nov 13, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, because I'm sure they're all emotionless automatons built for your pleasure

"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 Nov 13, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

an elbow can start acting up

and you start limiting your constant bodybuilding
and on your off-day you buy a lot of beans at Global Foods
a mang can get a little chunky

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:44 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

hahaha ya chunky is one thing, especially for a baseball player

i’m talking obese like the vegetarian.

bum elbow or not, get your fat ass on the treadmill.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 8:46 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

don't tell me

go tell him to his face

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:55 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It runs in his family-

some weight issues are genetic.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

CC Sabathia would be another example...

"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 Nov 13, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Sabathia was pretty thin as a prospect

He ate his way to 290 for sure.

Not afraid to nitpick

by joker24 on Nov 13, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

weight issues may be genetic

but obesity is lifestyle driven.

Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation

by azruavatar on Nov 13, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

True

but certain people can be in great shape and still hold weight in unflattering spots.

I used to run 5K’s in college and still carried a lot of weight in my midsection.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Some people carry weight really well

People are surprised when they see me and find out how much I weigh

And, in a related story, this week marked the 5,000th performance of the Broadway musical "Cats." It also marked the 5,000th time a guy turned to his wife and said, "What the hell is this?"

by jd is legend on Nov 13, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm the exact opposite-

even my college wrestling coach estimated my weight 40 pounds low. Naturally, I eventually made the 40 pound lower weight, but he was guessing for accuracy, not wishing.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 9:28 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

that's alot of weight

did you drop it in one preseason? i couldn’t imagine a boxer dropping that far down in class and having anything for the fight.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It was august before the semester had started,

and we were starting practices and getting the weight classes for the team figured out. In HS I had wrestled 189 and track had ended early for our crappy team, so I was coming off of a few months of doing nothing so I was around 200 and the coach guessed I was a 160 pounder. I hit 160 in october but I never really cut the ridiculous weight that some people were doing (wearing trash bags while riding exercise bikes, fasting for days etc.), killed around 25 lbs by the end of august just getting into shape with the ridiculous practice schedule.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

wow

you didn’t lose strength/energy at some point?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

remember, everyone else is doing it too

10 lbs of muscle is useful. 10 lbs of fat is “eh”, an advantage, but minimal unless you put yourself in a bad position.

10 lbs of water is nothing, for 6 minutes, if you are in shape and used to it.

it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie

by SleepyCA on Nov 14, 2009 5:20 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Actually it doesn't look like much runs in his family...

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

ha ha

per the article, his brother is doing this thing with him, so i assume they’re in a similar boat

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

never gets old

I could watch this all day

"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum

by scoot on Nov 13, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I just want to know who had the idea to make it...

and why that guy hasn’t been given a 6 figure development deal.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

he's a Giants employee

i think his title is Motivational Trainer

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

is nothing sacred anymore?

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

no sir, nothing is sacred

here’s some apple sauce

"A great catch is like watching girls go by the last one you see is always the prettiest."- Bob Gibson

by CodyG on Nov 13, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

anyone have some pork chops?

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

gob I love me some pork chops and applesauce

so hungry….

pork chops and applesauce are wholesome, good for you foods, right?

Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Nov 13, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

yes they are

if only someone cared enough about old gdm’s well being that they’d make him some,,,,

oh well. that’s life

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

,,,

Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Nov 13, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It's not our fault that you're bedridden

when a classic like Panda Cake is needed.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

f'in chicks

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 7:47 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll rec this every time

Never gets old. Meme-in-waiting?

Best moment I've ever seen at a game in person
"If it was Zoom Zoom'd, we'd be doom doom'd" - making fun of myself for my bad luck streak in the 2009 season
Looking forward to Cardinals baseball in 2010!

by zoomzoomj88 on Nov 13, 2009 8:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Baseball players are basically the main athletes that get away with it.

Their sport doesn’t require that much aerobic ability and it has a huge psychological component.

Plus, a lot of them go straight to the bar after practice. They work out, but many of them are in horrifically bad shape and do not take care of themselves. Younger players can get away with this easily, but it becomes more and more difficult to look in shape while not being in shape as you age.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Somebody please post the cake.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:41 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

No joke...

I didn’t think Fridays were gif free.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

The panda's not that fat

I hung out with him for about 30 minutes in July and talked hitting.

He’s certainly not as chunky as Prince (Fielder).

He could eat Prince (the singer) in one gulp.

Carp Love (NSFW)

by thepainguy on Nov 13, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Xavier Nady, Austin Kearns, Randy Winn

Eh, um, no thanks.

They would be like a year’s supply of Turtle Wax or Rice A Roni for the loser of a game show. It’s like Mo was in the showcase showdown and lost.

Announcer: Well John you didn’t win the Holliday showdown…but as a parting prize you get your choice of Randy Winn or Austin Kearns and 2nd place finish in the NL Central next season. Que the Price Is Right looser theme.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 7:17 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anyone's OK at the right price

I would be fine with something like a Kearns or Craig/Dejesus platoon in left, but obviously then we spend the rest of the money on another badass piece for the rotation like Rich Harden, or a better option at 3B like Beltre.

The real disaster would be to spend money on an eminently replaceable/average player for a position where we can probably find an average option internally or on the cheap. Giving Nady $8m or whatever would make me puke. At least DeRosa has some flexibility and has been above-average more than once in his career.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Signing Nady or Kearns to me would be like waiving the white flag

to the Cubs and giving them the division. Pujols won’t see much to hit with replaceable/average hitters hitting behind him. Ludwick can only do so much. I don’t think too many pitchers would be scared of Austin Kearns or even Nady if it meant not pitching to Albert.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah but what if we're not using Kearns/Nady/whoever in the 4th hole

but they’re hitting 6th or something? What if our lineup is Schu, LF platoon, Pujols, Beltre, Ludwick, Rasmus? What if it’s even Schu, whoever, Pujols, Ludwick, Rasmus, Nady with a kickass rotation (Carp, Waino, Harden, Smoltz, Lohse) that, well, kicks ass?

There’s more than one way to skin a cat, especially in such a weak division. I don’t really want Nady either, but if Holliday, Bay, Cameron, DeRo etc. are being overpaid by other teams, I don’t see the harm in getting a cheaper alternative in LF (Kearns, or Nady if he’s, say, <$5m) and spending the excess money on the third base issue, or even on some pitching. Just spending megabucks to sign Matt Holliday and being tied to some absurd 7yr/$130m contract just because “Albert Needs Protection” has the potential to cripple the franchise, assuming payroll stays the same.

We don’t have to look far from home (Cubs, Astros) to see what damage a bad, long-term contract given to an ageing LFer can do.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i've been calculating nady

as like a 2 mil player on a one-year deal and i don’t like that much. so i hate these 5-8 mil figures people are using – must be in monopoly money

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Showcase Showdown?

That is an excellent idea that someone must steal. DanUp.

Now with extra feisty!

by spants on Nov 13, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

¿Qué?

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Que?

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

you always go "one dollar" in the showcase showdown.

everyone knows this, mo.

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 Nov 13, 2009 8:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Cards needs

I am at the checkout counter where they keep all the wierd candies and National Enquirer. I was wondering…do the Cards have a left-handed batting practice pitcher? Just curious since they always look like they have never seen a lefty when they face one. They are on sale here for almost nothing and you get a free large tootsie roll with purchase.
Back in the left field section, in seems like there may be a deal on outfielders named Vladamir. If this Holiday thing in the glass case doesn’t happen, What do you guys think of Vlad? He had injuries last year, but has been pretty good year in, year out. He sounds like a better option than some of the others back in this section.

How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!

by Elvis on Nov 13, 2009 7:35 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I'd be OK with Vlad for something like 1yr/8m

but I think he’ll be wanting more than that (and he’s not as good as Cameron even if he isn’t). His is a skillset that’s set to age REALLY badly IMO, all hacks & contact – basically, as his eyes and power deteriorate, he could fall off a cliff QUICKLY. I’m not convinced yet whether last year was an example of that occurring or whether it was more due to the injuries.

He’s also terrible in the field and has been generally used as a DH – he may not be able to play every day, and would be a Dunn-like adventure in left. I think it’ll be tough for him to be above average next year playing for an NL team.

If we’re going that route (slugger with limited glove for LF) we might as well just get Russell Branyan – he’s cheaper, probably a better hitter right now, and I doubt his glove is as bad as Vlad’s in left, even though he is mostly a 1B/3B.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If part of the deal is he comes with replacable knees maybe

From my understanding the last time he had a real knee was the second year of the Anaheim contract. Otherwise I don’t know how we can make a DH work in left…

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

that's probably fair comment

still, I think for the cash that Vlad’ll cost, we should be able to get an above-average option in LF, even if it means splitting it up into a platoon (David Dejesus, who is a well above-average hitter vs RHP, basically Skip with a bit more power, is apparently available from Kansas and I’d be surprised if he costs more than a B-grade prospect and maybe a power arm like Francisco Samuel, and we could plug him together with Kearns, who ain’t going to cost more than maybe $1-2m, or even Allen Craig, who hit lefties nicely, and have an above-average hitting, above -average fielding platoon in LF).

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

And we'd have someone who sprang forth from Jesus himself

well at least if his last name means anything… and you really can’t discount having Jesus on your side… Just ask Notre Dame football… oh wait my bad.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

oh dear God

I read this blog to get AWAY from ND football. I’m going to pretend you didn’t say anything.

"Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." --Churchill

by lordsummer on Nov 13, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Someone seems a bit too touchy on the subject...

But it does bring up the joke of…
How do you find the Notre Dame grad in the room?
You don’t have to they’ll tell you.

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

There is no escaping it

We are everywhere.

Free Milton

by all4tookie on Nov 13, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

that'd be a burn

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 6:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

how does this only have one rec?

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Nov 13, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Four.

Hilarious.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 10:46 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i was two

my first rec – didn’t know where the damn rec was!

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

A broken down Vlad

Reminds me of Ankiel to much. Swinging at stuff outside the zone that now he can’t hit.

VEB CheBird T-Shirt & Hoodies on CLEARANCE - Red or Powder Blue
Viva After Hours

by FlimtotheFlam on Nov 13, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

The only positive I see with Vlad

is the chance he travels with the heads, shoulder, knees, and toes video… I love that video…

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

this reminds me of something i was thinking of early

in the age we live in and in america, no less (what a country!), i feel like major league clubs should be able to construct some sort of…..machine — a pitching machine of sorts…..that is super expensive that is able to have data input into it that is able to simulate the release point and break of the different pitches for different pitchers in the league. how valuable would it be to be able to go into the batting cages and face tim lincecum’s fastball/change up before you go out there and see the real deal.

i see no reason to not drop like $2MM on this technology

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i can't imagine

hitters doing that on a daily basis, though, perhaps in special circumstances you’d pull it out, like preparing for a playoff opponent.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

they'd be fools not to

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

fatigue-wise

it’d be like doing a homerun derby before the game – they do get tired in those, mentally and physically. that’s why i don’t see it employed as a daily grind.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

how

would it be any different than regular bp or batting cage work before the game

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

bp is half-speed/effort

just to get locked in. it would require full-intensity to hit a lincecum machine, and that’s not really the point of BP. and lincecum shooting out of a machine? no chance without the arm motion.

i do think it could be used with the indoor cage when you have a few days to prepare for a team’s staff in the playoffs, because they could have a video screen behind synched with the machine to simulate the given pitcher, i would think.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i've seen guys in bp

and they don’t seem to be at half effort. even so, they don’t have to be at full effort, they could just stand in there and watch the pitches to see how they move and try to differentiate a change from a fb. and yeah, they video screen would be a must so that you can time the pitcher’s delivery

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

going back to your original thought

i wonder if this machine has been contemplated and discarded, or put in motion, or what. the market for it is very limited, i guess about 30 potential clients, and R&D would cost a pretty penny. but teams do certainly bring in the odd lefty, on occasion, or even a knuckleballer.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

it's a good question

it’s would have been easy to pull of prior to the days of pitch f/x, but with all the data there is now, it should be pretty easy to make a pitching machine than can be programmed to shoot the ball at a certain speed with a certain amount of spin. the tough part would be incorporating it into the video screen since all pitchers have different release points

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

this should be the number one goal

of robotics (because it’s baseball!). it’s not like we’re trying to make a hitter here, just a pitcher. if quirky armies wanted them to toss grenades i’d bet we could have them rolling out pretty quickly.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

wouldn't the market

be strictly MLB teams? if you’re talking about the whole kit and caboodle, with the video and inputting pitch f/x data. what pitchers could be simulated outside of mlb? seems there’d be insufficient data and funds.

Don’t get me wrong. i think this would be very cool. my only question is practicality (outside of MLB – for now, anyways. one day johnny littleleaguer will undoubtedly be doing just this)

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 10:50 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Jeter

I am so sick of this guy. The most overrated, overhyped, paper tiger in the history of baseball. Has anyone ever won more undeserving awards than this guy? I give him credit for dating celebrities, but other than that, he is a very good, but not great, player. Problem is, he has won tons of awards that he hasn’t deserved, which make him look like the greatest shortstop ever. When kids 20 years from now look back, they are only going to see the awards and those 2 defensive plays that he made which have been shown 10 billion times on TV, and think this guy was on par defensively with guys like Ozzie, Omar Vizquel, and Mark Belanger.

He has how many gold gloves? This guy has been anywhere from worst to mediocre among defensive shortstops. He has also one a bunch of Silver Sluggers. (although he probably deserved a couple of them. He won the Hank Aaron award this year. Tell me how he deserved that one. He shouldn’t have even been in the top 15.

And don’t even get me started on this captain BS. How is it that only the Yankees and Red Sox have captains? Do you ever hear about any other team’s captain?

Also, they make it sound like he is the reason the Yankees have won all of those World Series in the last 15 years. I guess it has little to do with them spending twice as much as any other franchise on payroll during those years so they can have all-stars as bench players.

How about handin' me another helpin' of those mashed taters...thank you very much!

by Elvis on Nov 13, 2009 7:59 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Pujols: "What you want some of this?....That's what I thought" "I'm the Captain here bitch!"

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 8:43 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

at leasy you give credit where credit is due

But I did just trow up a little in my mouth when you suggested that might be remembered on a par with Ozzie.

by mattyp on Nov 13, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i'd let her throw up in my mouth.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 9:18 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Please leave your odd fetishes off this website

puke fetish = gross

So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)

by Titus Pullo on Nov 13, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I wish she would.

Now with extra feisty!

by spants on Nov 13, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

without even knowing what she'd consumed?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

That chick looks like my sister!

Sorry guys she’s already taken.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

just because they'res a goalie

doesn’t mean you can’t score.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

epic fail on there's

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm just glad I don't have to play the "protective older brother" anymore.

She’s 24 now and can do what she wants. Or at least that’s what she tells me.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

my sister is a 22 year old hot mess.

I just watch and observe.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

are you 6?

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

She's probably

the 4th best looking girl he’s dated too. If you want to feel good about yourself, don’t compare your love life to Derek Jeter’s.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

For those keeping score

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions   2 recs

hahah this is awesome.

I have a pg13 story about this and my X during the allstar game but given the moral high horse tone lately I’ll pass on telling it.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i used this

in an argument with a yankees fan a couple of months back. . . pretty much shut him up about Jeta

"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum

by scoot on Nov 13, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

You left off Jordana Brewster.

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 Nov 13, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

really?!?!

who’s better. Watch 500 days of summer and tell me Minka Kelly isn’t smoking

by mattyp on Nov 13, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh please...

1. Jessica Alba
2. Scarlett Johanssen
3. Jessica Biel

Minka Kelly is cute — but you put her next to those vixens and she doesn’t stack up. Yes, I know who Minka Kelly is from watching Friday Night Lights, 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 Nov 13, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

flip that list, please.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Everyone has their taste I guess

but you could put them in any order and I think they’d come in ahead of Minka though, and I completely left off Jordana Brewster, who I would rank up there as well.

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

by fourstick on Nov 13, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

+1

And, in a related story, this week marked the 5,000th performance of the Broadway musical "Cats." It also marked the 5,000th time a guy turned to his wife and said, "What the hell is this?"

by jd is legend on Nov 13, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

scarlett johanssen is beyond gorgeous.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i wouldn't touch her biel or alba with a ten foot pole

they are trash. complete human garbage. looks ain’t everything fang, you’ll learn that if you ever grow up

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Take it back

And, in a related story, this week marked the 5,000th performance of the Broadway musical "Cats." It also marked the 5,000th time a guy turned to his wife and said, "What the hell is this?"

by jd is legend on Nov 13, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

never

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

not this shit again.

if we’re gonna get on our moral high horses keep in mind you’re judging their public persona.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

is is awful high up here

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 7:52 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

hey mulliganstew

think it was you, anyway, a few days ago who mentioned O’Fallon Township and i was wondering if you saw their catcher, by chance, the kid that the twins drafted this year. i saw him play in state championships and he was very mauer-like, albeit a righty hitter, and was curious if he signed or headed to carbondale.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I saw him play football against my brother.

That kid was insanely athletic.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 10:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Also, I'm pretty sure he did sign.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i'll keep an eye out for him

he was pretty impressive, like 6"4’ with a cannon arm and the athleticism of a SS. nobody tried to run on him until a ball got away behind him and the kid threw the runner out at second from his knees.

i was comparing him to mauer for a couple innings with the guy i was with (we were actually there to eyeball this sophomore on the other team) when a scout directly behind us informed that the twins thought the same thing, apparently, since they had just drafted him – i think in the 13th round, pretty good for a high-schooler, so i thought the money might just be good enough to sign.

btw, didn’t know he played football, but that’s reminiscent of mauer too, who was a gatorade player of year and headed to fla. st. before signing with twins.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

all i said is that she was gorgeous...

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't see how you can claim they bought the other series...

this year is the only one I really think you can make that claim on. Of the 4 before pretty much all of the key players were guys from their own system. Also this is a sign if you want to be more famous than you really should be move to where you have someone other than the P-D covering you…

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i, for one, think bernie is a plausible jump board to fame.

am I wrong in this assumption?

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

well, aside from the pitchers who started/won games 1, 2, and 3 in 1998

and two of the three best hitters on that team, and the first, second, and third basemen. And Tim Raines.

And then after that WS victory, they went out and got Roger Clemens…

it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie

by SleepyCA on Nov 13, 2009 6:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i like jeter

he’s a good player (would’ve given him mvp over morneau) who either can’t control the fawning press (so it’s not his fault) or can control it and has chosen to use that to his advantage (smart).

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

so i guess Elvis,,,,,,,,,

is back in the building

YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions   3 recs

you're a sick man

oh! wait…i didn’t mean that. hope you feel better.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Very well done...

but it’s mostly horseshit. Mo is going to sign Matt Holliday; he’s going to sign Ben Sheets; he’s going to pick over the decomposing remnants of the Tigers or Reds and bring home a shiny new toy, just like Walt did with Renteria.

I have faith in John Turturro!

MB for LF in 2010!

by guayzimi on Nov 13, 2009 8:22 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

but seriously, that Tigers fire sale

I dunno. How can so many of the premium items look so unappealing?

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I forgot to say intriggggguiiiiinnnnggg

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Brandon Inge

looks rather appealing to me. He’s the new Mark DeRosa, only better at defense (except, maybe awful or above average in LF).

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:46 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Even after surgery on BOTH knees?

That would worry me just a little bit.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:54 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

and I've never liked his defense

It’s too Boog-like, which I just don’t like for a third baseman.

Also that is kind of asking for a spectacular collision, now that I think about 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 Nov 13, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

He's like the new Mark DeRosa except terrible at hitting and even more injured

pass. The only advantage I can see is that perhaps he could also be backup C (no Pags Lite, yay!), but with his knees, perhaps he can’t even catch anymore.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

he's good at hitting

when he’s not playing catcher and has healthy knees

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Nov 13, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

no.

no, he is not.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Granderson in LF?

no idea on the price of prospects, but I’d kick that tire.

Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!

by timmycardinals on Nov 13, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Grandy's really free? I thought that was a mere rumor

"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 Nov 13, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I would give up pretty much anything on our farm for Granderson

but tbh I just don’t see him leaving, presumably he’s about the only thing they’re desperate to keep.

Carlos Guillen would be an intriguing third base/bench lefty bat option if they ate some of his contract (say, about half of it).

But just looking at that team – man, they have some shockingly appalling contracts. They’re paying Nate Robertson (NATE ROBERTSON!) $10m next year, Dontrelle Willis (DONTRELLE WILLIS!) $12m next year, and Jeremy Bonderman (if he’s still alive) $12.5m next year. That’s $35m on three pitchers who may not exceed replacement level. Ugh.

They’re also paying Guillen $13m for the next two years. Over/under on him making 900 PAs? I think I’d go under.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

it is a mere rumor, but

Olney wrote a couple hundred words on it this morning, and other ‘scribes’ have put it in publication as well.

If they were to listen, would we be able to put together 2 or 3 guys to entice them enough? (Lynn, Jay, Henley, Greene, etc.)?

Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!

by timmycardinals on Nov 13, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Not for Granderson I don't think

we’ll have to get out the big guns, i.e. it’ll be the likes of Garcia, Boggs, Darryl Jones, Descalso etc. in that deal. They like their flamethrowing relievers too, so perhaps something including one of our better prospects (Jones?), Sanchez and one other B or C grade guy, perhaps. If they’d be amenable to that, I’d definitely do it. Granderson’s cheap in 2010, as well (he goes up in the next 3 years), which would leave ample payroll space to go after someone like Harden for the rotation. The upshot would be a kickass “win now” team in 2010, without totally crippling ourselves going forward, although we’d have to really use all our draft picks well this year to re-stock the farm.

Kind of annoying we “spent” Wallace, our one big chip, on a fairly meaningless trade, when we could’ve solved the LF problem long-term with him, by going after Granderson or even including him to get McLouth last year – I know people are a bit down on him, but he’s a legit 3-win talent, signed to a reasonable contract, who the Braves got for 3 B-level prospects. The package for Holliday would’ve been more than enough to get McLouth (Wallace alone might’ve just about done it, actually), he would’ve been the “boost” we were wanting last year and then we’d have him cheaply for another 3 years on top of that.

Granderson and McLouth are quite comparable packages, I think, contract and value-wise (both 3-4win players signed on reasonably team-friendly 3 year deals) – either would leave us some money to upgrade the rotation in 2010, and set us up in the OF for the next 3 years with Colby and Ludwick. That must be better value for our star prospect than 2.5 months of Matt Holliday…

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 13, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

granderson is a nice piece but he would leave us with a very lefty-heavy outfield.

2009 splits

OPS v. LHP: .484 (career .614)
OPS v. RHP: .897 (career .894)

you could hope that craig would be a reasonable platoon partner in left.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

and if we are trading for a platoon option

we sure as hell better not have to give up much. I fear granderson’s rep is better than his actual production

by FunkeeC on Nov 13, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

he's certainly underwhelming defensively

in CF, but presumably better in LF. those batting splits are worrisome, though – for his cost and reputation, i’d expect more.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

This was very enjoyable.

I find it interesting that the store doesn’t have a “Post-Op” aisle where you can find the likes of Nady and pitchers coming off of shoulder surgery. Isn’t that where we picked up Carp?

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:45 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

it's in the back, next to the paperbacks and records

"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 Nov 13, 2009 8:57 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I think you can find them

at the Salvation ARMy

YEAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by brackenthebox on Nov 13, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions   3 recs

They are in the refurbished items isle

with large “BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK” and “NO REFUNDS” signs on them.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 9:02 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Mo will travel to Plaza Frontenac

And pick us up a nice Chone Figgins (avoiding all sorts of gun fire I’m sure).

Also, completely OT, has anyone ever thought they slept in, hurried to get ready, and then once they were ready realize they have like 45 minutes to burn? Because I definitely did that this morning.

I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.

"OHHHHH!!!!!!! IT TASTES. SO. GOOD!!!!!!!!!!"
-BOOOOOOOOG

by slu on Nov 13, 2009 9:34 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I woke up in my dorm at like 10 (Class starts at 9:45)

Hurried to get dressed and everything, and realized it was Saturday :P

My halloween costume: the Indiana secondary iPhone- no matter how much you want to love it, you know the coverage area sucks.
-ChronicHoosier

by Taskmaster on Nov 13, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Mo as a Prof

Mo looks like a college prefessor in the post photo. I hope he is the type of professor with a little moral greyness to him that doesn’t mind bangin’ a student every once in a while.

Just saying he is a little too clean cut for my taste. Maybe he could steal one of Jeter’s ex’s.

by BigJawnMize on Nov 13, 2009 9:42 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

steve phillips?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

asshat?

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I would like to wear

Minka Kelly’s ass as a hat.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

wow dude, you really are high on here this afternoon

the spants police will soon be after you.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Are the Reds really having a "fire sale"

because of poor attendance? That’s what I saw on MLB Trade Rumors. Although I can attest to that. The last couple of time I went to a Reds game…let’s just say it wasn’t hard to get a ticket. Pretty sad situation to what used to be a great baseball town. I think if they could just rid themselves of Dusty Baker they will be better off. What a mistake it was to hire him. The guy before him (Pete Mackanin) was actually doing ok and they didn’t really give him a chance. It will be interesting to see what Walt does.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Walt should fire himself...

It’s nuts to pick up Rolen and his $11 million for 2010, then turn around and have to gut the pitching staff or ship out Brandon Phillips because the team is over budget.

MB for LF in 2010!

by guayzimi on Nov 13, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I was just figuring Bob Castellini & Walt

were trying their best to stick it to the Cardinals or wishing they could build a team like the Cards. They sure are not doing a good job at it. They have some talent but they put the wrong guy in the dugout to call the shots. I bet if they would fire Dusty and hire someone else…hell even Bobby Valentine they would at least be a .500 team or better.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Nov 13, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If only I could get Stylish to autoreplace all instances of WAR

with VAAH. )sigh(

I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.

by The Continental on Nov 13, 2009 10:33 AM EST reply actions   1 recs

my work here is done

it’s all secretly bob hope/bing crosby fanfiction

by DanUpBaby on Nov 13, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

how do you know who bob hope is?

i find it fascinating such a young lad can be so well versed in really great classic cinema

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

the marx brothers were my gateway drug

from there to generalized old-comedians fandom and from there to The Classics as a big, untidy favorite genre.

by DanUpBaby on Nov 13, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

that's how it all starts - one whiff of "duck soup" can lead a boy astray.

soon you’re onto harder things. buster keaton marathons. obscure charlie chaplin showing in dim-lit artsy dens of old-fashioned cinematic vice.

pretty soon, you’re living in the alley behind the mobil station and reenacting old fatty arbuckle routines for your own amusement.

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 Nov 13, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions   3 recs

so in this scenario

are Abbott and Costello meth?

Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Nov 13, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

And the Stooge's are crack?

"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 Nov 13, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

this is eerily close to what actually happened,

except they found me face down in a pile of overdue harold lloyd dvds, singing “the road to morocco”

by DanUpBaby on Nov 13, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Freedonia's going to war! Freedonia's going to war!

Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.

by mattybobo on Nov 16, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

It is.

Until the Rushmore scene. And then I giggle.

Now with extra feisty!

by spants on Nov 13, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

My favorite part of the offseason!

One Act Plays! Thanks Dan!

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Nov 13, 2009 12:21 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

LF Solution: Daryl Jones+ for David DeJesus?

Would this be worth it? I think that DeJesus actually represents a pretty similar picture to Daryl Jones’ upside, and if Jones another C grade prospect would get it done, I think this is something we’d have to consider.

With DeJesus in LF, our outfield would be a fly ball catching machine, since he and Colby would both be nearly 2 win players defensively at their respective positions, and Ludwick is no slouch in RF either. He’s currently owed $4.7M in 2010, and has an option for 2011 of $6M with a $500,000 buyout. He’ll be worth his contract nearly on defense alone, so if his bat provides anything it’s absolute gravy.

DeJesus’ career OBP is .358 and he slugs a little better than Skip does (more HR, fewer doubles) so he would be a very good player to slip into the second spot in the lineup in front of Albert.

Kansas City is really about 2 years away, by my estimation, of making some real noise in that division. They’ll have Greinke and Crow in the rotation at that point, and hopefully Gordon, Butler, and Ka’aihue anchoring their offense. That would also be about the time Jones is ready for prime time, and they don’t currently have a guy with his skill set in their high minors. I think KC could probably get more for DeJesus, sure, but Moore isn’t exactly the savviest of GM’s so Mo might be able to pull this off.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 12:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Somebody that Mo coudl fleece?

HFS. I didn’t think I would ever see that in print.

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 Nov 13, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't get the distaste for Mo at all.

I really don’t. Just about everyone who gets all bent out of shape about Mozeliak have incredibly high and unrealistic expectations. I’d like to see you prove me wrong, so here’s your chance:

Please, explain to me how this team is in a worse position now than it was in the fall of 2007 when Mo took over. I’d love to hear it. Please show me how he could have stacked up 3 more 4-5 WAR players on offense over that time given the hand that he’s been dealt.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

man, if only he had traded adam kennedy and skip schumaker and nick stavinoha for brian roberts and

nick markakis and matt wieters like i’ve been SAYING, we’d be totally set.

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 Nov 13, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If only he'd make that PJ Walters for Roy Halladay trade I keep talking about....

Or the Lance Lynn and Adam Ottovino for Neftali Feliz, Ian Kinsler, and Elvis Andrus that the Rangers keep dangling out there….

"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 Nov 13, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't dislike Mo

but I don’t think there’s any getting away from the fact he’s average. Good at some things, bad at others. He’s flat out average. Which is still a boatload better than Dayton Moore….

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

league average

that’s based on past performance, right? perhaps his true talent level is higher? i mean, he’s young, so there’s room for improvement – seems to have some upside.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 14, 2009 7:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

That was a joke.

I didn’t say that I had a distaste for Mo. If you listen to him and some of his trades don’t make him look like the type of person that could pull one over on somebody else. It’s purely perception rather than anything he’s actually done. I am not arguing that he was left with a bare cupboard after Jocketty left and has had to make do with what he had.

 Tell the truth, does anything that he has done or said just scream shyster-type to you? That is all that was getting at.

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 Nov 13, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

No, but I still think he's savvy enough to pull it off

With Luhnow in the fold, this front office seems much better at evaluating players than the old front office was. That said, because of the roster and payroll restrictions of the last couple of years, he really hasn’t had the opportunity to go after some players that might help this club over a longer term or go after a short term salary dump by one team. He certainly hasn’t been completely swindled yet (unless you count the Greene trade, where you could make that argument).

"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 Nov 13, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I heartily agree that they seem to have a better grasp

on how to look at players and how to develope younger players. And that he is playing the game with one hand behind his back with regards to payroll.

 I hope that he can prove me wrong one day and pull off the big con and get us a boatload of help for not much in trade. Granted you have to have something that somebody else really wants to begin with.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I so far like Mo, but Jocketty was fired...the standard should not be are we in a worse position...

but how much better position..if we are equal position or worse than mo shouldn’t be here either being that he’s had a bit of time to make an imprint.

by ADMDrayson on Nov 13, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

While I somewhat agree,

we’re about 6 weeks past the 2 year anniversary of Jocketty getting canned. I don’t think you can turn an entire organization around in just 2 years. I DO think that he’s done a great job of getting us in a position to dominate this division for the next half decade if some of these younger players pan out (like Rasmus, Jones, and one or two of the starters we have in the minors).

"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 Nov 13, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

We are in good shape.

Like foursticks said—he has done a lot in the last 2 years to set the team up for dominating for the next 5-6 years. He is working on developing young talent; Loshe is the worst contract we have (still productive by the way); we just made it to the playoffs with some gutsy moves by the GM; potentially built a nice stockpile of draft picks next year; and currently we have lots of payrol to spend. He is unlucky in that he enters a awful free agent class with lots of cash on hand, but if he can add a core player as a free agent for the next 3-4 years he has made a ton of progress.

by BigJawnMize on Nov 13, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

why would we trade DJ?

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm ok with trading Jones

if we get back multiple years of a 4+ WAR player, and DeJesus is that. As a bonus, he only makes a shade under $11M the next two seasons as well, so we could go whole hog after a better 3rd base option via FA as well.

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

by fourstick on Nov 14, 2009 9:17 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I dont think DeJesus is that good

I do really like him, but guaranteeing 4 Wins next year is a stretch. He should be a (very good) lefty platoon option with Craig. Between them they might be worth 4 wins, if it all works out 100% perfectly…

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'd like DDJ

but I don’t think it’d take as much as DJ to get it done. I think we could actually get him for less.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Goold with an interesting look

at the mlbtraderumors top 50. Got me to thinking about Chone Figgins. I know, some are worried about signing a speed player who isn’t getting any younger. (And the whole too short for third thing). If Figgins were to sign with the Cardinals, I think that would flip the young guy getting more playing time from the expected (Freese) to the forgotten (Craig). Anyone follow that line of thinking?

"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum

by scoot on Nov 13, 2009 12:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i am warming up to that line of thinking

figgins and a lefty to platoon w/ craig in LF

throw in a pitcher starting or bullpen

by FunkeeC on Nov 13, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

"Victories As Against the Homunculus"

You, sir, are a freaking genius!

I’ll be laughing at that one all day…

by Upset on Nov 13, 2009 1:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

This post is so awesome...

…I’m starting to feel slight twinges of jealousy for girlfriendup.

by mojowo11 on Nov 13, 2009 1:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

This post is so full of win.

Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?

by ClemsonGirl on Nov 13, 2009 1:57 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

anybody interested in matt capps -- had an off year - mostly unlucky - in 2009.

pirates may consider non-tendering him, since he’s probably going to be one of the more expensive players on the team after an arb bump (in the area of $3m).

has consistent okay K rates (6-7 k/9) with generally low BB/9 – last year was his first year over 2 bb/9 at 2.82. he was a little unlucky on HRs (13% HR/FB) which put his FIP up around 4.90 for 2009. still, not a bad pitcher. his year was badly affected by a .370 BABIP, even though his GB rate went up and his LD rate went down.

seems like a good rebound candidate and a feasible setup guy.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ryan Franklin 2009?

I think that’s what he is when I look at this stats. Franklin strikes out about that many, doesn’t walk a lot of guys, but isn’t a dominating arm out of the bullpen. I’m just not sure he really gives us something that we don’t already have in spades. I mean, Hawksworth, Boggs, and Ottovino could probably give us similar numbers out of the bullpen if we really needed them to.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

umm -

blake hawksworth – 4.50 k/9; 3.38 bb/9
mitch boggs – 7.14 k/9; 5.12 bb/9
ottavino (AAA) – 7.44 k/9; 5.13 bb/9
capps – 7.62 k/9; 2.82 bb/9

none of them approach having the same kind of control as capps does (let me reiterate that 2009 was capps’ WORST season for control: prior bb rates of 0.84, 1.82, 1.34); the best control artist of those three is the hawk who doesn’t strike many guys out.

i don’t agree with your assessment.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:24 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Capps was worth..

-12 WAR versus the Cardinals last year. Who will we hit game winning home runs off of?

MB for LF in 2010!

by guayzimi on Nov 13, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

lidge

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If we're going to go out and pay a reliever

I’d rather go pay Billy Wagner than Matt Capps. I think Boggs and Ottovino, if relegated to strictly bullpen work, would have K/9 rates of around 8 or 9. They may walk a few, but there are good relievers out there that walk hitters more than Capps does and are much more effective.

Why pay for a guy coming off of a horrible year, who if he gets only halfway back to his former self could be replicated by someone coming out of the minors? I just think it’s a bad use of funds.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

obviously wagner costs a shit-ton more money than capps.

you may be right that boggs and ottavino would do better in relief.

and i’m not saying we should rush out and get capps — i’m just saying, in light of the slim pickings that don’t cost a first-round pick according to RB’s post on Wed., that capps looks like a good buy-low opportunity. if we end up not spending money on holliday and we’re looking to improve the club with money not spent elsewhere, we could do a lot worse than to pick up capps for a quasi-prospect and $3M/yr. his upside could be very high, and his trade value could be substantial at the deadline if he does bounce back.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm basing this on the bias

that I don’t believe that he’s going to be non-tendered. Obviously Pittsburgh is shopping him, but they offered him for JJ Hardy and were turned down (rumored, but if it’s true, WTF was Milwaukee thinking? You play in a division that could be had, you could add Capps, one good starter, one scrap heap starter, re-sign Cameron to play CF, and you’ve got a fighting fucking chance).

If he’s non-tendered, I’m more interested, because we could probably pay him peanuts and get him for nothing.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i'm thinking that if they're on the fence, he could be got for something minor.

sam freeman?

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 Nov 13, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I feel like

if they would throw him in a deal with one of their young(ish) starters they might get a pretty decent return. I’m not sure if they’d let him go for a pittance like Freeman if they could package him with another player and get back a good prospect or a decent pre-arb player.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

but how much would they relistically have to pay for capps?

he just got off a terrible year, and could probably be had for dirt cheap. if he comes in and has a great year, mo looks like a genius. if he’s terrible, it’s not a big loss.

i still don’t know why people are advocating for billy wagner. he’s still one of the best closers in the game, but is he worth the 10M+ and a draft pick? i’d say no.

jd is legend for Cardinals' closer 2010!!

by stlcardinalsfang on Nov 13, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Wagner
  1. I don’t think Boston is offering him arbitration. If they do, he’d be a fool not to accept it.
  2. I think he’s worth 1Y$10M as a closer, I just don’t want to pay him for 2 or 3 more years (I don’t want to pay any closer for 2 or 3 years for that kind of money — too much risk, look at Isringhausen as an example). It moves Franklin back to the set up role, where he’s more comfortable anyway, and moves everyone else down a peg PLUS gives us a reliever that can strike some fucking people out which we sorely need.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i think his priority

is playing on a team where he can rack up saves – thus his insistence that boston guarantee to not exercise his option. so i’m not sure he’d accept arb from boston unless they dealt papelbon (a possibility, i guess).

so he might like the cards, and could be fine with one year (not sure how many saves he’s short of whatever the magical number is that puts him in HOF discussion)

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If you're Boston

doesn’t Wagner on a one year deal make sense? Especially if you can deal Papelbon for a SS, 3B, or C?

After that, Bard might be ready to take over.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

absolutely

good move for them.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Papelbon for Adrian Gonzalez

Two major benefits:

1) Finally, we get to see what kind of a stick Gonzalez has at Petco;
2) We never hear about (or fromm) Papelbon again

by siddfynch on Nov 13, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

outside petco

he’d really mash at fenway. too bad that would never happen, but speaking of heath bell, i wouldn’t mind him.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 14, 2009 12:01 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

So his worst year is better (K/BB wise) than Ryan Franklin's best year,

and that’s an argument not to get him? If he costs $3M and an A-ball prospect, sign me up.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

when you say it like that

hmmm…compelling.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

sure why not

but Albert might have a thing or two to say about it

pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels

by gdm426 on Nov 13, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, I'd love Capps

if he’s cheap. Massive bounceback candidate IMO.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:31 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

In regards to Holliday

Last nite Frank Cusuamano put on the three things that Boras doesn’t want you to know about Holliday in regards to the type of contract he is trying to get for Holliday. I know that these are things that everybody here knows already, but it was interesting to see it on the news.

1. He was 21st in hits.
2. He was T-56 in HRs
3 He was T-2 as the worst LF. I haven’t checked that one yet.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

was bay the worst LF?

would seem sorta appropriate.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

but he was still the best OF in the NL per WAR

and 3rd overall.

I think cusuamano is trying to “be that guy that sees what no one else does”.

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

by rocKStark5 on Nov 13, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I would suppose that that is his job.

I don’t think the FCC is going to let them say “shit-stirrer” instead of sports reporter.

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Stupid FCC...

Ruining everybody’s fun

"The Cards lead this game tied 1-1." -Mike Shannon

by ducttape16 on Nov 13, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take a few more Cusamano's

Trying to manage down the hysteria around this, and few less Burwell’s screaming to sign him at any cost. If the facts used as support are weak, I can still appreciate the general point.

by Merry CRasmus on Nov 13, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks for that.

I looked it up but I am not good at much on a computer except typing.

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 Nov 13, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah they probably mean stupid errors

If they looked at it like that ,then Pujols was the worst first baseman and Schumaker is a better defender than Utley at second.

"A great catch is like watching girls go by the last one you see is always the prettiest."- Bob Gibson

by CodyG on Nov 13, 2009 6:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Brewers decline Looper's option

payout $1 mm instead of $6.5 mm. Number five starter anyone? Who needs Smoltz when Looper can come back and close.

by ubeddie on Nov 13, 2009 2:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

/vomit

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 Nov 13, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

clean up on aisle two

"A great catch is like watching girls go by the last one you see is always the prettiest."- Bob Gibson

by CodyG on Nov 13, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Beware Zombie Cardinals!

"But as the leadoff guy that inning, my job is to get on base and let guys drive me in." - Albert Pujols 8/20/09, base-clogger.

by lightbulb on Nov 13, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

as long as their time in the grave

wasn’t spent at Wrigley…

"Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." --Churchill

by lordsummer on Nov 13, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

God no

our internal options are better. I’d rather roll the dice with Walters than Looper, and PJ would be the third option in the spot as it stands right now.

"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 Nov 13, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll be as unreactionary as possible here and say yes...

…but only if he’ll play for less than a mil.

by mojowo11 on Nov 13, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I liked it

And, in a related story, this week marked the 5,000th performance of the Broadway musical "Cats." It also marked the 5,000th time a guy turned to his wife and said, "What the hell is this?"

by jd is legend on Nov 13, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

How have I never heard this story before?

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Nov 13, 2009 9:58 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i hadn't heard it till about a year ago

it may have been in conjunction with a book – don’t recall though.

i saw that link on the right last nite but have yet to watch it. thought i’d wait for the right moment. now i see there’s one of a polar bear hitting too.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

dock

the david wells of psychedelics

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

If you liked that

Check out the Chuck Brodsky song about Dock

by siddfynch on Nov 13, 2009 11:55 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I heard it a while ago

I cannot repeal the words of the golden eel

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Nov 14, 2009 4:20 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if there's any video floating around of the actual game.

That video is really cool tho.

"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus

by hazel on Nov 13, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

some film of the game would be nice

I cannot repeal the words of the golden eel

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Nov 14, 2009 4:21 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

dude

watched that earlier today, friggin awesome

I cannot repeal the words of the golden eel

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Nov 14, 2009 4:20 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

that snopes link a must read

the other is basically a synopsis.

joe pepitone, wtf?
as much as i’d like to see video of the acid no-hitter, i’d rather see video of the first inning of that reds game.
great ellis quote: “The ball I was throwing was moving.”
RIP Dock (i’m such an idiot. i thought i’d initially heard the story about a year ago in conjunction with a book release, but i heard the story because he died.)

Imagine dock ellis, spaceman lee and bird fidrych were all pitching that decade. who’s the most colorful pitcher today?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 14, 2009 5:12 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Jason Motte?

"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 Nov 14, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

After this past season, how much has Coco Crisp's value dropped?

  His switch hitting bat and defensive versatility could make him an interesting pick-up if cheap. He could potentially platoon with Craig in LF and also provide the defense to give Rasmus the occasional break. They could take a chance on Glaus at 3B to help add power to the line-up and then spend some money on the pitching staff (both pen and starter). I’m looking a Crisp as more of a 4th outfielder here, so don’t get too upset with the suggestion.

With all that said, because the CF FA market is so weak this year, he probably will get paid much more than he is worth.

by stxcardsfan on Nov 13, 2009 5:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

or you could sign a combo of DeRosa and Crisp, along with Glaus...

Crisp- 1 year/ $2mil w/ incentives
DeRosa- 2 years/ $16 mil (LF mostly, but he could get some time in other areas and would back-up Glaus and Freese)
Glaus- 1 year/ $3 mil w/ incentives
Smoltz- 1 year/ $3-4 mil
R Soriano- 2 year/ $14 mil
maybe a lottery ticket starter or another BP arm

A lot of platooning going on, but LaRussa would like it. Plenty for LaRussa to work with with a bench of Crisp, Craig, Freese, Greene or Lugo, and Pags

by stxcardsfan on Nov 13, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

is coco that cheap?

i like dero but don’t want 2/16 for a guy whose value is as super-utility. still think uribe much better option for that role – same production for a fraction of the price.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know if he will be,

but he had a horrible season filled with injuries. He’s long battled injuries so his durability may drive the price down significantly. I doubt he goes that cheap but he could

by stxcardsfan on Nov 13, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

meh. uribe = tyler greene

uribe’s only value over replacement this year came because he had a BABIP 40 points over his career average. the prior three years he’s been within a win of replacement value. not a great fielder. not a good hitter. NEVER walks. the likelihood of him repeating this year’s success is very low.

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 Nov 13, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

tom

he is a joy to watch swing the bat (i enjoy watching vlad, too)

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

he's a joy to watch swing the bat

when your team is pitching. Not the other way around.

it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie

by SleepyCA on Nov 14, 2009 5:26 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

ha ha

good point, though i think i’d have less angst than watching ankiel hit…well, eventually i just became numb

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 14, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Dude

you really need to drop the Uribe thing. It’s getting semi-embarassing….

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

actually

that came off needlessly snarky. Disregard.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

that's OK

consider him dropped. i was just using the poor guy anyway to make the point of how craptastic our bench was in 09, and a smaller point of i think we need to move forward from dero. but i reserve the right to dig somebody else up – did you hear edgardo alfonso is willing to lace ’em up again?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 14, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

bring him on!

our bench should be a bit better this year, though. Lugo’s here all year, Allen Craig should provide (eventually) a substantial bat, and (if we sign a 3B or some sort, Glaus maybe?) Freese looks a useful player. Hopefully just getting rid of DunKiel should help a lot!

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 15, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Curtis Granderson

I think, would be a good fit for STL. He’s a lefty who’s got speed, power, and a good arm. The left-fielder might be a problem, but I could see the OF like this:

Ludwick LF, Granderson CF, Raz RF
Granderson LF, Raz CF, Lud RF
or
Raz LF, Granderson CF, Lud RF

Best moment I've ever seen at a game in person
"If it was Zoom Zoom'd, we'd be doom doom'd" - making fun of myself for my bad luck streak in the 2009 season
Looking forward to Cardinals baseball in 2010!

by zoomzoomj88 on Nov 13, 2009 7:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

nexdef'd

Best moment I've ever seen at a game in person
"If it was Zoom Zoom'd, we'd be doom doom'd" - making fun of myself for my bad luck streak in the 2009 season
Looking forward to Cardinals baseball in 2010!

by zoomzoomj88 on Nov 13, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

hmm a left handed hitter with a .210 BA against leftys for his career

just what this team needs, sign me up.

"A great catch is like watching girls go by the last one you see is always the prettiest."- Bob Gibson

by CodyG on Nov 13, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

granderson would never play center

unless colby was hurt or had a day off. it’s one thing for colby to move over for cameron, but never in a million years for granderson. i don’t know what uzr says, but he is not in the same league defensively. hell, he’s probably two leagues down.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

colby doesn't move over for cameron either

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

if cameron was our goal

and that was the sticking point, i believe it would be done, unfortunately.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

then i hope colby figure out his offense

and fast. otherwise he has no value as a left fielder

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 14, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

at least

we don’t have to give up anything to get him.

don’t get me wrong, i love the cheese in center for a long time, but that could be a pretty productive LF at the plate with craig taking some hacks against lefties.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 14, 2009 1:12 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

how would granderson take to a platoon?

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Nov 13, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

HOOCHIE MAMA

Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.

by prophetjohn on Nov 13, 2009 8:21 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Not that there's anything wrong with that

Wait, I think I did it wrong

And, in a related story, this week marked the 5,000th performance of the Broadway musical "Cats." It also marked the 5,000th time a guy turned to his wife and said, "What the hell is this?"

by jd is legend on Nov 13, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

take that MLE with a collosal pinch of salt

it’s from about 140 PAs last year in AAA.

Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008

by Felonius_Monk on Nov 14, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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