Ludwick a Cardinal, Isringhausen a former Cardinal
by DanUpBaby on Feb 17, 2009 8:45 AM EST
169 comments
Your Roster Matrix for today:
2009 ROSTER MATRIX
ARBITRATION-FREE EDITION
| STARTERS | BENCH | ROTATION | PEN |
|---|---|---|---|
| molina c $3.3m |
thurston ut $400K |
wainwright rhp $2.6m |
perez rhp $400K |
| pujols 1b $16m |
freese 3b $400K |
lohse rhp $7.1m |
franklin rhp $2.5m |
| schumaker 2b $450K |
barton of $400K |
pineiro rhp $7.5m |
motte rhp $400K |
| glaus 3b $11.3m |
mather of $400K |
wellemeyer rhp $4.05m |
mcclellan rhp $400K |
| greene $6.5m |
ryan ut $400K |
carpenter rhp $14m |
kinney rhp $400K |
| duncan lf $850K |
larue c $950K |
boggs rhp memphis |
thompson rhp $500K |
| ankiel cf $2.825m |
rasmus of memphis |
todd rhp memphis |
miller lhp $500k |
| ludwick rf $3.7m |
kennedy na $4M |
mortensen rhp memphis |
--- --- --- --- |
| TOTAL $44.93m |
TOTAL $6.95m |
TOTAL $35.25m |
TOTAL $5.1m |
| OVERALL | PAYROLL: | $92.23m |
Not particularly different from when last we left it; the Cardinals continue to run hard up against their assumed $95-100m payroll, and meanwhile, Adam Kennedy provides a formatting conundrum for roster matrix-watchers everywhere.
#
The latest Cardinals semi-story pivots on he who must not be named in the late innings, Jason Isringhausen. I say semi-story because in the P-D piece Mozeliak doesn't mince many pronouns in dismissing an Isringhausen return, but Izzy's momentary turn back in the spotlight allows for the kind of career retrospective that's best avoided in the middle of a 2008-caliber down year.
Isringhausen the Cardinal was a fun pitcher to watch; he fulfilled nearly every closer trope, but only in moderation. He threw really hard, but it was a self-effacing, mid-90s hard—there was no Jenks-ian effort before every pitch, no looking at the radar reading. He was frightening, in a Wild Thing sort of way, but prior to his various injury problems he never really walked that many people. He had two devastating out pitches, the aforementioned Closer Fastball and a yo-yo curveball, but he didn't seem to enjoy using them all that much. Most importantly: he was really, really good. Before he lost the fastball, and then the command, he combined a strikeout an inning with an extreme knack for avoiding the home run—in his first 241 Cardinals innings he allowed just 11.
But for closers every skill is an invitation to discuss a failing, and every failing is magnified by virtue of everyone in the stadium standing up and then sitting down again on every two strike count. The ability to keep the ball in the stands becomes a propensity for wriggling out of trouble, in this odd spotlight; the occasional bout with the base-on-balls becomes an elaborately described, sigh-inducing balancing act of curveballs in the dirt and bases-loaded infield flies. When he actually did lose it, it wasn't much of a stretch—he was accurately portraying our worst-case-scenario mental image, just more often than usual.
Get any better than Isringhausen was from, say, 2002 to 2005 and you get the full pyrotechnics/t-shirt treatment. Isringhausen was not Jason Game Over Isringhausen, but—we can say it now that he's gone, now that 2008 isn't the current impression but one of many old ones—for a while, he was pretty close. Jason "Things Are Still Interesting, But Only Clinically" Isringhausen. I hope he catches on somewhere.
#
Finally, I'm really excited about the World Baseball Classic this year, and not just because Albert Pujols and his Permanently Google News Alert-ed Elbow have bowed gracefully out of the proceedings. It's still a month off, but the increasingly regular news roundups at Baseball Think Factory have gotten me hooked. More than anything else, I hope to see more stories like this one, which combine the cosmopolitan allure of passport issues with the memory-jogging effect of former major leaguers.
What I'm getting at is: am I alone in my WBC giddiness? The artificiality of the whole competition is still a little too close—too recently constructed—for me to go whole hog and become a rooting, partisan fan, but already I can see myself, twenty years down the road, cheering on the USA team against Cyber-Pujols and the Dominican Republic with reckless abandon. It's a gradual process.
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Pujols in the WBC
I’m glad I wasn’t alone in silently hoping that Pujols didn’t play in the WBC. I am also looking forward to watching it, but in the same way that I look forward to the Futures Baseball game at the All-Star break. I want to watch it, but I always forget about it and don’t care that I missed it.
by graffin on Feb 17, 2009 9:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm not excited
about the WBC. I’d like to be. If every player showed up and played, that would be one thing. If the top pitchers in the USA played, I think I definitely would be. Of course, that’s not the case. Guys are saving their arms for the major leagues, and I can’t say that I blame them. It would be dumb for a team to hand over their best arms to people that don’t have a vested interest in them. Regardless, I don’t get too excited about it.
by Toddius on Feb 17, 2009 9:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the Matrix
Love the Matrix….
I’m not that fired up about the WBC, I guess I’m too old school.
Oh and MLBTR had these numbers for arbitrations that are different then yours in the Matrix, DanUpBaby
Chris Duncan $825K
Brad Thompson $650K
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Feb 17, 2009 10:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Matrix formatting solution?
Adam Kennedy provides a formatting conundrum for roster matrix-watchers everywhere.
Column header: Deadweight
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song:
by gocards62 on Feb 17, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Deadweight
Nice! Would we have needed two columns of deadweight in year’s past? Hopefully, Carpenter can make his way from that column (last year) to the rotation column.
by MRCARD on Feb 17, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
great minds
I was about to suggest this very thing. Add a column for deadweight to account for injuries, trades where we eat salaries, etc etc.
by Birds on the Matt on Feb 17, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"Sunk Cost"
We really ought to just have a “sunk cost” section at the very bottom, in black, for the disgarded scraps—the Adam Kennedys, Matt Clements, and Sir Sidney Ponsons of our yearly adventure in Cardinal baseball.
As an aside, I’m studying for the bar exam, which is in a single week. I found out that Kennedy was released yesterday and apparently Dunn, Abreu, and Looper all signed? Looper on a one-year deal with the Brew Crew? So, they lose CC and possibly Sheets (unless Sheets signed and I am unaware) and fill in the hole with Looper. Great news. I’m thrilled.
"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 Feb 17, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sheets is injured
Will not be back till August (if at all this year). I don’t know if he signed with Giants or not…. they were the last team I heard mentioned about him.
Good luck with bar.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Feb 17, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rangers almost signed Sheets
Link is here
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Feb 17, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sheets won't be signing
His value skyrockets after the June draft, since he loses Type A status. He won’t be signing before then.
by mojowo11 on Feb 17, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good luck on the bar exam
Are you doing Barbri?
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on Feb 17, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Be careful what you wish for...
Jeff Suppan went 1-0 in two starts with a 2.54 ERA and one dinger against the cardinals last year, and I consider Looper a better pitcher than Suppan. I never like seeing discarded pitchers go to another team in the division – especially good pitchers. I still can’t figure out why the FO didn’t offer arbitration. Oh well. Looks like we’ll see him again.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Feb 17, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If he'd been offered arb
He would’ve gotten a raise from his $7+ million salary. That’s why we didn’t offer it to him.
by mojowo11 on Feb 17, 2009 11:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, you're right
I think I was thinking of Pineiro for some reason.
by mojowo11 on Feb 17, 2009 11:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If we had offered Looper arby
then we would be paying him a raise from the 5.5 he got last year.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
sunk costs
include players who will be taking the field.
by spencegrif on Feb 17, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Czechguardsmen made a good comment about Izzy in the hot stove thread
But I think now the problem might just be that Izzy has worn out his welcome in STL and he might not have the confidence to pitch here anymore. Still, if Izzy rebounded after 06, why can’t he have a mild rebound in 09.
That seems like a pretty fair assessment of what is happening here. I personally wouldn’t mind giving Izzy another chance, but he has to prove that he is healthy and effective before he pitches in front of fans.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 10:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end...
Turning the page on Isringhausen seems like the right move, but would it be so bad to take a chance on him with a non-roster invite? If he is somewhere in between 2008 and 2007, right handed relief is something we have in abudance and we could cut him. If he’s 2007 Izzy, we’d have our closer situation taken care of.
I don’t think it is wise to turn the ball over to Perez and Motte before they are ready (Which I blogged about over at Whiteyball.com). As Izzy has learned, facing the ire of impatient Cardinal fans in the closing role can be a daunting task. A full big league year under the belt of Perez/ Motte can only help their development.
by MRCARD on Feb 17, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
is that semisonic, closing time?
or seneca?
by STLRegalia on Feb 17, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice catch...
I believe the pop lyric was culled from the Roman Philosopher, so I guess both.
by MRCARD on Feb 17, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Closing Time! So finish your whiskey or beer!
Closing Time! You don’t have to go home but you can’t…….stay…….here!
by MattK on Feb 17, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Cards say to Izzy:
Closing time – you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.
by MRCARD on Feb 17, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It might be the perfect song to describe the situation.
by MattK on Feb 17, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
from what i understand, it's not all the Cards that don't want IZZY
it’s Tony that doesn’t want him back. guess during those yelling matches & TV punches IZZY hurt TRL’s feelings so much so he can’t forgive him.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
really?
I would think it would be the exact opposite — that TLR wants him but the FO doesn’t. What makes you think otherwise?
Gregatron is not responsible for any of the crap he just wrote.
by Gregatron on Feb 17, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
damnit i can't find the quote from Tony i was looking for
all i can find is this
“There was a determination at one time that a change of venue would be a smart move. I don’t know where it is now,” La Russa said.
and this
“I think the attitude for most of the winter has been for him to find a situation someplace that wasn’t us,” La Russa said. “And if that doesn’t work, it’s [already] the third day here. Not that it doesn’t ever happen — it does happen sometimes — but you don’t like guys missing the first three days. I don’t know. We talk about him, and it’s a complicated situation.”
neither one of those is what i swear i read over the weekend when he was asked about IZZY. maybe i saw it on TV, but i swear he said more forcefully he’d rather him not be a Cardinal anymore. i’ve been under the weather since last week so maybe i heard or read wrong, but did anyone else hear or see the same thing?
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I've never been to Spring Training but
I’d have to wager that the first 3 days AREN’T THE MOST IMPORTANT!
by Hardcore Legend on Feb 17, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly, goes to show you he doesn't want him back
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Locker assignments and swimming buddies
are done in the first three days.
by ubeddie on Feb 18, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
WHAT?!?
How is this possible? We all KNOW that Tony requires that every player be a veteran and thinks that all young players are crap. This just doesn’t fit.
Please realize the above was written with a lot of sarcasm and that I’m actually very happy to hear these types of things that rip holes in the blanket assumption Tony hates young players.
by birdo rojo on Feb 17, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If LaRussa'a hand
is truly on the Izzy situation (and is it definite that Izzy is gone?) and it was on the Kennedy situation… then I for one will account it as two of the rare times I have been proud of LaRussa and glad he is our manager.
To paraphrase Gerry Ford… {my} long {Cardinal} nightmare is over.
And I am four for four: no Lopez, no Izt, no Kennedy, no Izzy.
Let’s play ball!
by the Tewk on Feb 18, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Manning and Ring Salaries not in matrix
I didn’t see Ring in the matrix. Ring is making 475k. I also think Manning is making about 400+k, but not as clear on his status.
by NMBob on Feb 17, 2009 10:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
im super excited about the wbc too!
i had mlb.tv during the inaugural wbc and they gave all the games for free which was eggcellent (anybody know if mlb.tv is doing this again?). the best part was that there were absolutely no commercial interruptions. i was watching a usa game, and i guess some kind of bad publicity just came out against bonds, but barry came out to home plate (even though he wasnt playing) and gave derek jeter a hug and talked to him a while. the whole time the announcer forgot that he had his mic on and he was just like, “what?!? who told HIM he could come here? get that guy out of here!” the action was good too…
by krippledmaster on Feb 17, 2009 11:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
WBC is great
mainly because we get to watch pretty quality baseball in March. I have to get the MLB package to watch Cardinals games and even with MLB channel, I doubt I will get to watch too much spring training, so the WBC gives me my baseball fix for a month until the real thing starts. Plus, I do want to see the USA kick some butt. Like the Olympics, its one of the few times I can indulge in a bit of homerism.
by ckeiner on Feb 17, 2009 12:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
WBC
To my understanding, Asian teams/fans take it more seriously then the US fans. Not sure about the Caribbean teams. This partly explains Japan and Korea’s success 3 years ago. I agree with Dan that this is a good start and a gradual process. It might become bigger in the future. Plus, one more month of baseball is always fun!
by richardcjy on Feb 17, 2009 12:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
One of the best things about the WBC
Is watching the Cuban team and picking out which players you wish would defect. Anyone who saw Alexei Ramirez last time knew what the Pale Hose were getting. I still think Yadel Marti is worth taking a flier on. In the RB tradition, WBC Baseball Card of the Week.
It wouldn’t be Spring Training without the first meaningless Power Rankings.
CBS Sports has us at # 14, right behind the Blue Jays and Brewers. Fox Sports is a little bit more optimistic putting us at # 11.
One thing that stands out to me is it’s lucky were not in the NL East because we’d already be in fourth place. Forget the wild card, it’s division title or bust.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on Feb 17, 2009 12:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
NL East
I’m glad we’re not in the AL East. I feel bad for the Blue Jays who could probably win any of the NL divisions but are mired in 4th behind NY, BOS and TB. Maybe they’ll toss us Halladay at the break though.
by azruavatar on Feb 17, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ROY MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH HALLADAY
whatd y’all think?
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll PrayAllDay
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Feb 17, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like this a lot better than the Sheets idea
by stlfan on Feb 18, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Me too. They're basically polar opposites of one another
Halladay is the ironman, Sheets is made of glass.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...
by RunninRedbird on Feb 18, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Have any defectors signed this year?
You’d think it’d be a cheap-ish option with possible high reward
by mattybobo on Feb 17, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dayan Viciedo
Signed with the Chisox.
Space.
It's a problem we face.
So we never go anywhere.
We just stay in one place.
by hazel on Feb 17, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How many Cubans do they have?
and why isn’t anyone else getting in on it?
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Feb 18, 2009 2:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There was a story somewhere last week
That most of the cuban team is made up of older players, not likely to defect. Supposedly they have kept off most of the young prospect type players.
I will see if I can find it.
by OCCardsFan on Feb 17, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
NL East
Is there ever a year that the Eastern division doesn’t get overrated in the preseason rankings?
I’m fairly certain that the media types are working on some way to let an eastern team with central or West division titles based on their clear superiority as determined by mentions solely on ESPN.
by birdo rojo on Feb 17, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Two words
Yuniesky. Gourriel.
Guy’s a stud. Best player on the Cuban team. In the ‘06 WBC, he looked JUST LIKE Juan Rodriguez at the plate. Almosta carbon-copy stance. Problem is, his dad is a longtime coach in the Cuban league and so his son would risk damning the father is he defected. Won’t happen.
by meat on Feb 17, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I stopped reading the Fox Sports one when I read this:
Like the move to replace Pat Burrell with the more steady Raul Ibanez.
What exactly is there to like about that deal?
by mojowo11 on Feb 18, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BlogsFan list Cards outfield #1 trade canidate for ST
Link is here
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Feb 17, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like they're just putting a knife in the dark.
We have so many OF its absurd.
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Feb 18, 2009 2:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Question for VEB -
In the CBS Power Rankings, the writer says, “Hanley Ramirez started playing excellent — not merely passable — defense in 2008. He is thus now the game’s best player. Only Albert P. comes close.” MLB.com Fantasy Baseball Top 100 Ranking lists HanRam as #1 and Albert as #2. Is this a defensible position? I see Hanley as a great young player, but not better than Albert. Can someone enlighten me?
by cardsgirl95 on Feb 17, 2009 2:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
In terms of fantasy it's not a stretch to have Hanley #1 at all
In terms of on the field value, uhhhh…….no.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Feb 17, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I'm calling baloney sandwiches on that one
Ramirez’s defense improved from ,really bad to ‘merely passable’(which is still great in terms of value).
2006 UZR: -5.5
2007 UZR: -19.1
2008 UZR: -0.3
by lightbulb on Feb 17, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I questioned that statement
as well. From merely passable to excellent defense? Really?
by cardsgirl95 on Feb 17, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
guess their definition is
merely passable=excellent
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 17, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
follow this rule
don’t use CBS sports — remember, they don’t cover baseball at all — as a source for baseball analysis.
by chuckb on Feb 17, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yet they
Inexplicably put up Power Rankings anyway. Perplexing isn’t it.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on Feb 18, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hanley was the #1 fantasy player last year I believe
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hanley is only arguably a better fantasy player than Pujols because of his steals.
In reality, I would rather have one Albert Pujols on my team than two Hanley Ramirezes.
I don’t even think that Hanley is even close to Pujols even in the fantasy realm. Sure, Hanley can steal 50 bases, but he maxes out at about 32 HRs and only gets about 80 RBIs due to leading off. Besides, Hanley still is far lest predictable and has yet to amass the track record and consistency of Pujols. I can actually see Hanley having a dropoff like Jose Reyes had in 2007.
by Czechguardsman on Feb 17, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hanley is better than Albert because of his steals, yes, but mostly because he's a SS
by mojowo11 on Feb 18, 2009 12:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I picked Hanley with the #1 pick last year over Pujols just because of that reason.
....my quick smells like french toast...
by mstreeter06 on Feb 18, 2009 1:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Um...
I’ll take 2 Hanley’s to your Pujols and beat the crap out of your Fantasy Baseball team.
Considering that I’ll get a Hanley Ramirez at SS and another Hanley Ramirez at my MI and then draft someone like Adrian Gonzalez to play 1B for me, while you’ll have one Pujols at 1B and your three middle infielders (SS,2B,MI) will have a tough time putting up numbers equal to 1.5 Hanley Ramirez’s. Let’s assume that you get the 3rd, 7th, and 9th best middle infielders in the NL last year in an NL only league (which is a stretch). You’d have Dan Uggla, Kelly Johnson, and Ryan Theriot. Combined in 2008: 43 HR, 199 RBI, 38 SB, 268 R, and a .275 BA. If you took the next three SS after Ramirez you get a few more homers, a few more RBI’s, and a few more runs — using three guys to replace one. If I take the next three 1B behind Pujols I end up with nearly 3X Pujols numbers in every stat but batting average.
To equate:
Two Hanleys (2008) = 66 HR, 134 RBI, 70 SB, 250 R, .301 BA
One Pujols (2008) = 37 HR, 116 RBI, 7 SB, 100 R, .357 BA.
You would be INSANE not to take 2 Hanley’s to 1 Albert Pujols, without even factoring in position!!! FYI: 63 steals was the difference between 1st place and 6th place in my FBB league last year, and 150 runs was the difference between first place and LAST PLACE in the same league (12 team, 5X5 Roto). If you want to talk head-to-head, Hanley is even more valuable because he fills up more columns and hasn’t had injury issues yet. Given your equation, the 2 Hanley’s would have been enough to swap 6th or 7th place in my fantasy league for 1st place. He’s that much better than everyone else at his position.
I don’t even think that Hanley is even close to Pujols even in the fantasy realm
That’s one ridiculous comment. In fantasy terms he’s the best player out there simply because of position.
"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 Feb 18, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that he was being serious
But it’s good to know to not ever piss you off.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 18, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he's certainly
the best fantasy baseball player. That and $12.99 will get him a high quality annual featuring articles from some of the best Cardinals writers around, he said, shamelessly.
by DanUpBaby on Feb 17, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It should for FBB
In terms of Fantasy Baseball production, Hanley will probably go #1 in most fantasy drafts because you can’t get that type of production in HR, RBI, R, SB, and AVG from any other SS, whereas there are plenty of First Baseman who will give you similar numbers to Albert Pujols. The drop off from Hanley to the 5th best SS is tremendous, while the drop off from Pujols the the 5th best 1B isn’t nearly as dramatic.
In terms of his defensive improvement putting him ahead of Albert as the best player in baseball? Well, I can’t agree with that at all. Albert is the best at his position by nearly every metric, offensively or defensively, as well as being quite a bit better than Hanley with the stick according to rate stats.
"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 Feb 17, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hanley.....
I don’t follow Boston Blogs, do they ever complain about the Bo Sox trading Hanley?
I don’t think they should care as they have won a WS since trading him?
by ICbirdfan on Feb 17, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I lived in Beantown for several years
and no one really cares (maybe on some blogs?) But in general, in the Globe, in the Metro, etc. -I think the overwhelming consensus is that the trade was great for Boston. Beckett and Lowell (WS MVP) led them to the World Series – that’s all that really matters.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 17, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I have friends who are Red Sox fans
If you know any, you know that they will find any possible reason to complain about anything, so I’m sure that there’s plenty of forums over at Sons of Sam Horn related to beating the Hanley for Beckett and Lowell trade over the heads of the Boston front office. They should be more upset about the Julio Lugo signing, the continued career of Jason Varitek, and the re-signing of Lowell, which really neutered them from being able to go after Teixeira this offseason. They could have played Youkilis at third base last season while putting a rotating group of people at the 1B position, then dealt for Teixeira at the deadline instead of picking up Mark Kotsay.
"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 Feb 17, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Red Sox fans I know
are only dimly aware that there is another league, so Hanley Ramirez might as well be at the bottom of the ocean as far as they’re concerned.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Feb 17, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Further proof Red Sox fans need their heads examined
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Feb 17, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Arod a dirty, dirty cheater
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The ones I know
Don’t care because Beckett and Lowell won them a ring.
by mojowo11 on Feb 18, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand
the #1 ranking in fantasy because, like you said, one doesn’t normally get that kind of production from the SS position, but in “real life”, I still don’t see Hanley as “thus now the game’s best player.”
by cardsgirl95 on Feb 17, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
the only reason he gets #1 is that he plays shortstop… game’s best fantasy player and game’s best real player aren’t the same, heh
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 17, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Money Missing off the Matrix
Speizo Buy Out – $100k
Mulder Buy Out – $1.5M
Matt Clement Buy Out – $250K
Royce Ring – $475K
Lohse Bonus – $1.25M
Miller’s Bonuses – $1.48M
Also the very each to reach performance bonuses of Trevor Miller
$0.2M each for 40, 45, 50, 55 games; $0.225M each for 60, 65 games; $0.23M for 70 games. I assume he is going to reach them all.
That is another $5.055M of money that is unaccounted for. Which brings our payroll to $97.285M with last years payroll being at $ 99.6M we don’t have much money left.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 3:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm nearly positive those buyouts/Lohse bonus are accounted for on the '08 payroll
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Feb 17, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
If we didn’t buyout them out but exercised their options would those count against 08 too? That is essentially what you are saying. We signed Lohse after the 08 season so why would it count against 08 payroll?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They would not
Because you would be paying them during the 2009 period. As it is you pay the 1.5M buyout to Mulder in ‘08 so that’s where it goes. It likely doesn’t really matter given that there were buyouts or whatever that could have been on the ’08 payroll that were put on the ’07.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Feb 17, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
...and likely there will be buyouts or bonuses something for '10 that get paid in '09*
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Feb 17, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I bet the Cardinals internal accounting has the year ending after each season not each year
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what type of entity are the Cardinals?
Corporation? S-Corp? Partnership?
by STLRegalia on Feb 17, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they are a LLC
Limited Liability Company
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If they are a Limited Liability Company,
then why did they resign Mulder the last time?
by STLRegalia on Feb 17, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Over at the Replacementlevel.com they have some CAIRO projections and through 100 simulations they have the Cards average at 86-76 with 12 division titles and 29 wild card spots………….its fun to think that a simulation has us in the playoffs just a little over 40% of the time
Bruce Seldon > Ali
by rjhabeeb on Feb 17, 2009 3:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
but more fun
to think our players will get us there
by STLRegalia on Feb 17, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Look at that payroll Matrix
outside of Carpenter, Pujols and Glaus…we look like the Pirates. Overpaying for average MIF’ers and starting pitchers!
by Hardcore Legend on Feb 17, 2009 5:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Everyone overpays for pitching
Pitching is always in short supply so I think if you broke down the rosters of every team you would find that they are overpaying for average pitching. That being said, the Pineiro deal is awful and the Lohse deal is merely bad.
by indakind on Feb 17, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Rays don't
now, we’re not picking in the top 5 every year in the draft — but they won’t be for a long time either.
by chuckb on Feb 17, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Most of their rotation didn't come from their nice draft picks, actually
Kazmir – Stolen from hapless Mets for Victor Zambrano (who started with the Yanks initially)
Sonnanstine – 13th round draft pick
Shields – 16th round draft pick
Garza – acquired for Delmon Young one of those high draft picks
Price – high draft pick
(Jackson – initially acquired in a trade centering around Baez)
So it’s really only Price and Garza who came about as results of those draft picks (not that having those two guys is anything to scoff at, mind you). The rest of the rotation was good player development and exploiting Steve Phillips. Having two cheap guys in your rotation who came about thanks to high draft picks is enviable, of course, but their ridiculous depth is a function of a whole variety of player acquisitions.
by mojowo11 on Feb 18, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exploiting Steve Phillips
should be a reality tv show.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 18, 2009 12:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fortunately Pujols can be a 10-win player!
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Feb 17, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And Glaus and Carp can be a 10 win player combined
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
personally i hate the WBC
it’s just another good old bud creation that had no biz ever seeing the light of day. it means nothing to me & i’ll probably not watch 1 inning of play.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 5:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
spring training interviews
this week TMA on 1380 in the STL & insidestl.com are down in Jupiter for spring training. they are interviewing a lot of the young kids, and shockingly today got Albert himself to set down & talk to them.
along with Pu they had Bombs,Colby,JackADongWick,Lohse & Tim Kurkjian from the WWL on today’s show
they had Franky, YP,The Tadallion,Apple Sauce & Luhnow on yesterday
yesterday’s show
there’s a lot of grabass so many might not enjoy all the topics, but they do manage to ask some decent baseball related questions. if you want to listen to them live the rest of the week you can click here. they start at 8am east coast time. it’s generally awful radio unless they have some players on, so again, it’s not everyone’s cup o joe.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 5:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
ITD Morning After...
…is easily the best bit of radio St. Louis has to offer. They talk sports only when there is actually something to talk about. Otherwise, they are there for entertainment. This week in Jupiter they will actually talk sports (baseball) far more than they typically do the other 51 weeks of the year.
by southsidepat on Feb 17, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i live in ohio & i never miss it
i don’t know what that says about me, but i find it highly entertaining.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm usually asleep when the show is on
but i download the mp3s from insidestl.com every day and put them on my ipod to listen to at work. love the show.
by adiueordie on Feb 17, 2009 9:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cardinals May Have Interest In Juan Cruz
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 5:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It seems like a decent idea
If you can get AZ to accept a low level prospect for him.
Also saw some discussion that the Yankees could sign him, thereby forfeiting their 4th round pick and then trade for a prospect. This scenario would be much easier for the Yankees then the DBacks who would have to try to get first round value. Plus it is cool because it seems like the Yankees are screwing over the DBacks.
by OCCardsFan on Feb 17, 2009 5:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
rather do hudson
multi-year, low rate, give up schu or another non-starting outfielder
"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension
by sportsman on Feb 17, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Terrible, terrible idea
We already have enough guys with great stuff and crappy command with little closing experience in the majors. Cruz will cost a first round draft pick and won’t really solve any problems. Would you trade away the chance to draft another Walrus or Razzle for 1 to 2 years of Jaun f-ing Cruz?
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They would not lose a pick
The Diamondbacks would sign him than trade him to us for a prospect. That is the only reason we are interested. I agree though we don’t need Cruz. We have enough Bullpen arms as is. I would rather have Izzy on a non-roster invite than Cruz. But I do like the idea of signing Hudson without losing a pick.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hudsons would be nice
or Durham.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hudson costs too much though
He would cost upwards of $4 to $5 million. The Marlins Cardinals don’t have that kind of money
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 8:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
would you trade Rasmus or Wallace for Hudson?
I don’t think anyone in their right mind would…so why give up that 1st round draft pick to sign him? That is bad baseball 101.
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
by nomar34 on Feb 17, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No
The Cards DO have enough money to be a free agent oriented team. I’m not saying that we should be the Yankees and completely disregard the draft, but if we have a chance to make a serious upgrade that could potentially put us into the playoffs than we should do it and sacrifice the daft pick. The draft is largely a crapshoot anyways. 9 times out of 10, your first rounder (especially at 19) isn’t going to turn into a Rasmus/Wallace type prospect pick. The #19 pick in this years draft was Andrew Cashner, a reliever who walked 23 hitters in 20 minor league innings last year.
This is a moot point anyway. The discussion that we were having was to do a sign- and-trade with Arizona so we wouldn’t have to give up a draft pick.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That statement awhile ago that the Cards are out of money I think is just a bluff
to get FAs to come down. I wouldn’t mind a sign and trade for Cruz and give up Jon Jay or someone like that.
But I would rather get Orlando Cabrera via sign & trade instead of Cruz or Hudson, though I would like Cruz as closer insurance or just to have another nasty arm for late innings.
by Czechguardsman on Feb 17, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure about Cabrera
His offense looks like it’s about to dive off of a cliff and he hasn’t ever played second save a couple innings in 2000.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cabrera said he was willing to switch to 2B.
Cabrera has been really consistent over the last few seasons although scouts thought that he looked old last year. His 186 hits last year nearly doubled Kennedy’s total. I would still take Cabrera over Hudson.
I agree with you that Cabrera is liable to take a Lugo-esque cliff dive but I think that that will not happen for another 2 or 3 years.
by Czechguardsman on Feb 18, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The hits look good,
but they are coming in 730 plate appearances. His wOBA, which is the best way to measure offensive production, was .316. League average is around .330, so over the course of those 730 plate appearance, Cabrera was about 8 runs below average. The projection systems peg him to roughly mimic those numbers next year.
Conversely, Orlando Hudson had a .358 wOBA and was 11 runs above average in only 455 plate appearances. His aggregate projections call for him to have around a .345 wOBA which would make him around 15 runs better offensively than Cabrera over 600 plate appearances.
While Cabrera will probably be better defensively at second than Hudson due to his excellent UZRs at short, the offensive gap between the two players is enough to make Hudson around a win more valuable than Cabrera next year.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 18, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hudson will be better for all of the reasons you mentioned...
but he is also going to be more expensive, and the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees are all in on him. The thing that scares me about Hudson is his injuries the last 2 years. I think most likely he’ll be fine, but Cabrera seems safer and cheaper. I personally feel that Hudson is relatively overrated for the job he actually does.
by Czechguardsman on Feb 18, 2009 2:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right about that
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 18, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The sign and trade is nice and all
But in the end, we still have to work out a trade with the D-Backs. You think they’re going to let him go to a league rival for pennies knowing that if he signs the old-fashioned way, they get a first-rounder?
by mojowo11 on Feb 18, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Mardi Gras
So who is all heading downtown for Mardi Gras this weekend? I just got a room at the Renaissance Grand for only $71 w/ 2 Beds (taxes included)
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 6:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking about it
Unfortunately, real life got in the way. New Orleans is a great place, for those who’ve never been. You feel like you’re in another country. I have a little brother who goes to college down there. We always have a good time.
One other note: BE SAFE. Don’t wander away from the touristy areas. Crime is a problem down there, once you get away from all the tourist stuff.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Feb 17, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was talking Saint Louis not New Orleans
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, but I won't put out
at least not unless you buy me dinner.
Gregatron is not responsible for any of the crap he just wrote.
by Gregatron on Feb 17, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i'll put out for one shot of tequila
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
whore...
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
by nomar34 on Feb 17, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
your point?
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 17, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
nothing...
i just like the sound as it rolls off my tongue…
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
by nomar34 on Feb 18, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i could keep this going, but out of good taste, i'll stop
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
ManRam
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
by gdm426 on Feb 18, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't realize they had Mardi Gras celebrations in St. Louis
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Feb 17, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It is pretty huge in Saint Louis being a French Catholic town
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't like the 2nd largest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S.?
And I think for 1 year (Katrina) it was the largest.
Meeting is adjourned. Oh I am sorry sir, I didn't mean to overstep my bounds. You say that.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
No, you say that, Governor.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
by Tackle Box on Feb 17, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently the one in Biloxi is huge too
The one in Saint is definitely very large though. Normally a few hundred thousand people show up
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting read.
I googled “largest mardi gras celebrations” and while I’ve yet to find an actual list, i did find this article from 2006 titled Will New Orleans’ Loss be St. Louis’ Gain?"
It’s about the expected influx of Mardi Gras revelers going to the Lou because of Katrina and states that St. Louis “has long held the distinction of having the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the nation”.
I’m not sure what ever happened with it. Actually, if I remember correctly, there was a push to get people to actually go to New Orleans to help jump start a little economy down there that year so I’m not sure if St. Louis ever actually surpassed New Orleans.
Meeting is adjourned. Oh I am sorry sir, I didn't mean to overstep my bounds. You say that.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
No, you say that, Governor.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
by Tackle Box on Feb 17, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I told someone before that we were 2nd biggest before
And they about lost it on me telling me how the one in Mobile is way bigger. The one in Saint Louis seems to be dependent on the weather. It is going to be cold Saturday but as long as it is not snowing or raining it should be fine
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
You learn something every day. I would have thought Mobile would be the 2nd largest (considering it’s where Mardi Gras originated in this country)
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Feb 17, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder how the Italians felt about that....
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Feb 18, 2009 2:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yep
I just started hearing about it a couple of years ago
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 17, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i live in New Orleans
so yes, i’ll be participating in Mardi Gras festivities. Have fun in St. Louis, guys.
by bmorgan on Feb 17, 2009 8:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
do they give
complimentary beads with that stay?
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
by nomar34 on Feb 17, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like the Rays signed Kennedy
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 17, 2009 8:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Minor league deal
I already put it in a Fanshot
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
MLB Traderumors
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...
by RunninRedbird on Feb 17, 2009 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
surprising choice
Akinori Iwamura is a pretty good player and is clearly better than Kennedy. I don’t really see a need but the Rays organization is absolutely one of the best in the business now that it’s run by Andrew Friedman and Gerry Hunsicker. They must have a good reason.
by chuckb on Feb 17, 2009 9:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was a minor league deal
So there is really no reason not to do it.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and what is Kennedy's reason?
he couldn’t find a better opportunity elsewhere?
by chuckb on Feb 17, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Really hammers home the point that there was absolutely no trade market for him, doesn't it.
Meeting is adjourned. Oh I am sorry sir, I didn't mean to overstep my bounds. You say that.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
No, you say that, Governor.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
by Tackle Box on Feb 17, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great opportunity for AK
from the St Petersburg Times
For the Rays, Kennedy is low-cost insurance in the event starter Akinori Iwamura, who is playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, or a backup is injured.
Always nice to know you have a job to fill in for the injured backup.
by ubeddie on Feb 17, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
heh
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...
by RunninRedbird on Feb 18, 2009 8:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i think it may be as much to hold onto a valuable trade commodity without any downside
as anything else. why wouldn’t the rays hold on to him? if iwamura blows out his knee tomorrow, they have a backup. if some other team has a catastrophic loss of a 2b, they can trade him to a desperate team. if none of the above happens, they have a minor league 2b who costs almost nothing.
by tom s. on Feb 18, 2009 2:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And from Kennedy's standpoint...
now he’s a $4+ million minor leaguer.
by stlfan on Feb 18, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Trivial Question
but I’m curious anyways.
The deal is that we owe Kennedy’s 2009 salary less what his new team pays him, which we’ve been assuming to be the league minimum salary. Suppose his minor league-contract is for a nickel, with incentives for major league playing time.
Could the Rays do that? And if so, why wouldn’t Kennedy have signed the same deal with the Astros?
by liam on Feb 18, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The best way I can answer this (and I'm not 100% positive)
is, right now, the Cards owe him the entire $4M (obviously broken down into payments since ballplayers get payed on the 1st and 15th or something like that). The Rays owe him his minor league salary which is probably around 55k per year but it’s like 1,500 per month or thereabouts. Now, if he makes the Rays roster, his pay from the Rays would jump to 400k (the mlb minimum) and that number would be subtracted from what the Cardinals owe him.
So, if he makes the Rays roster out of ST, the Rays pay him 400k and the Cards pay him 3.6M.
At least that’s how I think it all shakes down.
And as for why he didn’t sign the same deal with the Astros? I guess you’ll have to ask them why they didn’t offer him a contract. Oh, and the Rays could not have signed him for a nickel. There is a structure of salary for each level of the minor leagues. I’m not sure what the ‘09 figures are (AAA is close to what I mentioned above), but feel free to dig through the CBA cause it’s definitely in there.
Meeting is adjourned. Oh I am sorry sir, I didn't mean to overstep my bounds. You say that.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
No, you say that, Governor.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
by Tackle Box on Feb 18, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Guess that answers the question
on whether there were teams that still thought he was worth something or not.
by Hardcore Legend on Feb 17, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was on a minor league deal
and he has almost no shot of getting playing time unless people are injured. I wouldn’t say that Kennedy is being valued so much.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Feb 17, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Big difference between trading a player for him AND paying around $2M for him
as opposed to paying the league minimum on a minor league contract.
Meeting is adjourned. Oh I am sorry sir, I didn't mean to overstep my bounds. You say that.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
No, you say that, Governor.
What?
Meeting is adjourned.
It is?
by Tackle Box on Feb 17, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it does answer that question.
And evidently, the answer is “not.”
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 18, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it answered no question
outside of the one that goes some what like “Would the Rays pick AK up on the cheap?”
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
and....BEN SHEETS!!! **
**not that BEN SHEETS might be involved in this comment, just BEN SHEETS!!!
(BEN SHEETS might be involved in this comment)
by mattyfrommo on Feb 18, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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