Halil Greene?
by DanUpBaby on Mar 20, 2009 11:52 AM EDT
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PrintSorry about today's late entry—as someone who once considered himself pretty thorough if he blogged three times in two weeks it's a continual learning process.
Anyway, we're getting to the part of spring training where the sample sizes start to seem meaningfully large—where even the most hardened ST observer looks at the fifty at-bats, the half-month of games, and says: this means something.
Which is why the Khalil Greene optimist's club has grown at unprecedented rates over the last week; you get halfway through a month without striking out after doing so thirty-five times last May and it's natural to feel like the guy's turning a corner. But how does Spring work on hitters—are they less prone to strike out as a whole?
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | AVG | OBP | SLG | K% | |
| Greene | 15 | 41 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 1 | .415 | .432 | .610 | 2.4 |
| Spring | 20 | 706 | 206 | 48 | 7 | 12 | .292 | .361 | .431 | 16 |
| 2008 | 162 | 5636 | 1585 | 283 | 26 | 174 | .281 | .350 | .433 | 17 |
So the team as a whole, then, isn't benefitting from the increased diet of AAAA pitchers and sub-90 fastballs.
I don't know about you, but at this point I'm getting particularly antsy about debunking Greene's spring renaissance. I want to believe he's going to return to 2004 form, and I think he might, but as someone mentioned in the comments of a recent entry, if you believe in Greene's spring renaissance you also have to believe in Thudwick's Khalilian exploits to begin the year, and I just can't take that. Hands jammed over my ears, a song in my head, I went to the Baseball-Reference Play Index and looked for Greene's career zero-strikeout streaks.
Needless to say, they are not very attractive. How bad was Greene in 2008? He never went more than fifteen at-bats without a strikeout. You'll remember that that was Yadier Molina's average at-bats per strikeout last year. But this doesn't count long streaks that were broken in the middle by a single strikeout, or bookended with them—theoretically, his streaks could be five or six at-bats longer. But aside from that 37 at-bat run in 2004, he's never done much like this before.
So is that it? Is there nothing to temper this terrible Spring predictability, to dampen our still-high expectations for Greene and raise them for our fallen hero Ludwick? I'd almost run out of hope before I thought to venture to ESPN's ugly spring training archive. There, off in a dark corner, are the Cardinals' 2008 spring training leaders:
PLAYER AVG G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI A Pujols .381 15 42 9 16 36 5 0 5 12 R Ankiel .380 16 50 6 19 30 2 0 3 9 T Glaus .368 15 38 5 14 20 3 0 1 5 S Schumaker .354 15 48 11 17 26 1 1 2 7 A Kennedy .350 13 40 5 14 17 3 0 0 6
Adam Kennedy—strikeout-prone middle infielder, requester of trades, breaker of small sample-size spells.
I'm optimistic about Greene—really optimistic, since the shortstops, last year, were so terrible as to make Khalil Greene a neutral move on-base-wise—but a lot can happen in 40 at-bats.
#
12:05 start against the Phillies. Today the DH disappears and the Cardinals go back to hitting the pitcher eighth, which should just about cover the visiting team's radio guys for the first two innings. Thurston back at third; Wainwright pitching.
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I think Khalil is just one of those guys
That likes to go to work and not get hassled by anybody even co-workers. Khalil has pretty low expectations in Saint Louis so he can dart after the game. He kind of reminds me of someone… Quiet guy… strikes out a lot… gets called lazy in his field… doesn’t walk a lot… What is his name again…Got it!!! Juan Encarnacion. Oh No
Stat Whore
Encarnacion never really bothered me very much.
but I will take Encarnacion #s from khalilbot
Chuck Norris hit a Home Run
with his beard
by bearcatcardfan on Mar 20, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
indeed
* 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)
Partly true...
Because he’s white he won’t be called lazy per se. They’ll just question whether or not he actually likes baseball all that much.
he's therefore gritty
and a vertiable “coach” on the field, but lacks true athletic talent.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 20, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
what's "vertiable"?
Oh, I mean “veritable.” My secretary has been fired.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 20, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I really think he has turned the corner… but then again, I still don’t put much stock into spring training.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 12:06 PM EDT reply actions
That is why I like Twitter so much this Spring
I really want to hear first person reports on how a player is actually playing.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 20, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
What are the Cardinals' Twitter links again?
Someone, I can’t remember who, posted them, but a cursory search didn’t produce them.
"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
much appreciated
Dont take me seriously :-D
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
take guitar lessons from me!
by jealousblues on Mar 20, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I think you may have convinced me to use twitter more
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
"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
That was to FlimtotheFlam posting his list
Sorry for the confusion.
"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
What impressed me was the interview in the Post the other day.
He realizes there is only so much physical preparation one can do and at some point you have to be strong of mind.
I think he will have a good season if not great.
Nice pick up by Mo.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
when do we find out the PTBNL?
my money is on Jay.
Chuck Norris hit a Home Run
with his beard
by bearcatcardfan on Mar 20, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions
good guess...
though that would kind of suck.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 20, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Better not be
I doubt we would be show casing him for San Diego still.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 20, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it will be a C prospect with some upside
Jay is a B prospect at least. Maybe someone like Luke Gregerson. I think it will be a RHP
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 20, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
No chance it is Jon Jay
it’s not going to be anyone currently still in ST with the Major League club. I’d put money on that.
i'll be surprised if it isn't walters.
because that will break my heart, and that is what baseball is designed to do.
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
by SleepyCA on Mar 20, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That would suck. I think Walters is gonna be a good pitcher.
He may not be a great pitcher for a run of 4 to 5 years but maybe he pitches 10 plus years and racks up over 200 wins.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
Maybe...
I guess 200 wins in 10 years would be pretty impressive.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
Did you read what Luhnow had to say about Walters?
What’s the organization’s plan on P.J. Walters? Does he has any chance to defeat other contenders such as Mitch Boggs, Jess Todd or Clayton Mortensen this year? It’s exciting to see a guy who doesn’t have good stuff but thrive in the big league. I believe P.J. is this guy and his strong performance in spring train so far proves it. And, if he comes to St. Louis, what’s the best role for him, a starter or a long reliever?
LUHNOW: David, I’m glad to know there are Cardinal fans in Taiwan that follow the minor leagues! Regarding PJ, I’ll tell you what – I’ve heard people say he doesn’t have good stuff, but that’s not true. What he lacks is a hard fastball (low to mid nineties), and many people (including some in baseball) put too much emphasis on the velocity of the fastball as an indicator of good stuff. PJ has good stuff. He has one of the best changeups in our organization, a pitch that has almost become a necessary for today’s big league starters. It’s also a pitch that some pitchers live off of because it is not only an effective weapon against the hitter but it makes the other pitches that much better. He also has very good command of his fastball, which is very important. Location can make a slower fastball much more effective. He has a curveball which at times is an above average major league pitch. Combine all that with a good pitchers body, strong work ethic, terrific makeup, and a fastball that used to be 85-88 and is now 88-91, and you’ve got the makings of a big league starter. So yes, he has the potential to be the first guy on the list when a need arises in St Louis this year.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 20, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't get the nickname
khalilbot?
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions
ah
I’m sure he’d love to hear that one!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
We didn't invent it
It was passed on by our San Diego brethren
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 20, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
kal el
or, of course, spicoli
both are better than khalilbot…
by adiueordie on Mar 20, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Worrell
With Khalil performing well and now Worrell out indefinitely with elbow soreness (link) the Pads are really going to hate us. Also, I thought the PTBNL had to be a pitcher? No?
I thought I read that
I was thinking I had seen that was the agreement back when the trade happened. Something like there was a pool of 3 or 4 pitchers that were agreed upon by both teams and they had till the end of spring to make their decision.
But then, I could be ‘mis-remembering’.
it doesn't have to be
but is more likely
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that's what it is
There may only be a few players the Padres were interested in, but they most likely are pitchers.
It is between 2 pitchers and 1 positional player
Has to be someone in the minors because they have to switch leagues.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 20, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
With that said
I think trading Puppy Kicker to them would be a good idea. Even though it is supposed to be a PTBNL you can still work these things out. Tend to be flexible.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 20, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
I never woulda thought of that, but I think that is in everyone’s best interest
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
With Perez having arm/shoulder issues already?
No thanks. We need to keep the experienced, cheap arm, even if he isn’t that great.
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
hope it's somebody way down the list
since we picked all greene’s salary
"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension
as if they didn't have enough reason
with the Edmonds thing
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I have it
Spockoli
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
I like Spockoli...it fits. Can he apply the vulcan death grip?
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
Rec'd
I like that. I like it a little too much, probably. I have this image in my head of Khalil baffled by a reporter asking “How do you feel?” over and over again. “I do not understand the question, Tony.”
“Khalil, so far your baseball education has focused mostly on your logical, robotic side. But baseball has a human element too.”
live long and take a pitch?
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on Mar 20, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
www.ryanludwick.com
This is clip art heaven. It is possible that I missed it, but how has this not been addressed?
Current odds on the website creator
Ludwick himself – 12:1
Skip Shumaker – 8:1
College Girlfriend – 5:1
Mother – 3:1
Stalker – Even Money
by Gillie McWeeeeee! on Mar 20, 2009 1:03 PM EDT reply actions
it's not me
in case you were wondering ;) I’m scared to click it; is it work safe?
It might also be his brother; he posts over at scout.com.
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
It's nothing more than a very crappy website
It’s the domain that will forever own Ryan Ludwick’s name
by Gillie McWeeeeee! on Mar 20, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Huh
Hey guys, has anybody heard about this Tiger’s prospect named Ryan Ludwick? I hear he’s pretty good!
Khalil & Skip
Mo had this to say on the radio:
Mozeliak went on to talk about how well Khalil Greene has been playing thus far in spring. He is taking good at bats and getting walks when he needs to. He has been hitting the ball hard, and his defense has been great so far. Greene has also played a major role in helping Skip Schumaker make the transition to second base.
I don’t know whether that is complimentary to Greene or not…
As a side note, Mo also said that it looks like Glaus will be back in late April or early May.
"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
hopefully right after allergy season
get the man some claritin
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
definitely complimentary
But i’m not sure how true it is. That .415 batting average is nice (though it pales in comparison to ALLEN CRAIG), but I’m very concerned with the 0.17 isolated patience. he’s definitely not “getting walks when he needs to”, unless pitchers are just grooving everything.
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
I'm wondering if Craig could play 2B
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm NOT wondering
whether Amaury Marti could play second base. I’ve heard rumors that when he does, his team shifts the first baseman to the left side of the infield because Marti can play all 90 feet between first and second all by himself with minimal effort. (Yes, this includes receiving throws at first base.)
"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 Mar 20, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In fact
when he fields a ball near second base, he rifles the ball to first so hard, that only Amaury could catch it, so he does.
There was Gibson in the Reds' dugout, visibly manhandling about three Reds and tossing them bodily out of the dugout and onto the field...He was the toughest athlete mentally I ever saw, and the greatest competitor. JACK BUCK
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Mar 20, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
No-one has ever seen that happen.
Since Marti is the one pitching in this same scenario, nobody has ever hit the ball in the first place, thus, all that is needed is 7 midgets that will walk every time up, Marti to pitch, and a catcher.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
Does Amary Cazana ever pitch to himself?
You know, to make it more fair? And how would Marti’s slash stats look like against Marti? I’m not sure we can even begin to answer these questions until the Large Hadron Collider does a few tests first.
I believe the results have actually been observed in nature.
These are the two properties that cause a black hole to form.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
Oh?
I must have gotten some things confused then (easy enough when we’re talking about the ineffable). I thought that black holes were what happened when Marti divided by 0. For most of us it has no effect, but because his will is so strong the universe is forced to compensate.
This is what happens in said instance...
I believe that is Tony standing there… muttering to himself! This is the only reason Marti, has not been called up to the big club. He and Tony just don’t see eye-to-eye. Especially after this instance.
spring training opposite day
seems to me (no proof provided) that spring typically presents a .400 batter and a pitcher with an ERA of 0.00 who promptly lay eggs in April
On the bright side, usually a .100 spring hitter and a spring struggler pitcher promptly win April Player of the Month Awards…….maybe it’s the weather change……..maybe Khalil bombs in April while Ludwick becomes Thudwick again….let’s hope this hallucination of mine does not apply to Carp
and rick ankiel answers
goodbye, mr spalding…
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
I wonder what most of Greene's Ks came on?
Usually, pitchers work fastballs early in spring, then get the breaking stuff going. Maybe Greene whiffs on junk, but kills the dead red stuff?
Speaking of breaking balls, maybe that could explain the recent fade of the other Greene in camp, too? Also, I’ve always been warned to discount the early spring performance of hitters that played winter/fall ball. They come in ready, while the pitchers are just warming up.
On the other hand, K. Greene has not seemed to have an increase in Ks as the curves and sliders come into play. So, signs of hope!
Counting the days 'till the first pitch.
Also
Pitchers are really trying to find location the first few weeks of camp. Maybe they don’t waste as many pitches, getting a hitter to chase. It could be a serious advantage to a hitter with a questionable batting eye, early in spring, knowing that the pitchers are trying to hit the zone.
No idea if these are really factors (for either Greene). Just trying to point out possible co-factors.
Counting the days 'till the first pitch.
by IL and StL Fan on Mar 20, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
are you saying that Jesus Christ Couldn't Hit a Curveball
sorry I watched Major league last night ……
I think that now that Greene won't be trying to pull the ball as much
and just concentrate on hitting, he will reduce his Ks… you will strike out a lot if you are swinging for the fences, here, with like 4 or 5 home run hitters, he doesn’t have to worry about that.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 1:44 PM EDT reply actions
i was sooo wrong on this one (so far)
But Greene is looking fantastic.
We dont even need him hitting bombs as long as he plays defense well and hits doubles it will be an upgrade.
I hope he can continue to “figure it out”
I was worried he would bomb
This is looking like another great move by Mo
Dont take me seriously :-D
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
take guitar lessons from me!
I think this is perfect example of what kind of person Khalil is
Khalil Greene continues to tear the ball up over the last couple weeks. He goes 3-3 with a double and 3 RBIs to raise his spring average up to a ridiculous .447. He’s just in one of those hot streaks…leading the team with 17 hits. Probably the funniest moment (for me anyway) was after the starters came out of the game and we are all back in the locker room talking. All of a sudden ESPN’s “Baseball Tonight” comes on with Cardinals-Tigers highlights…while the game is still going on. The very first thing they talk about is Khalil Greene. I’m standing right next to Khalil while he does not even turn around and change facial expressions. I say to him, “I see how much you care what they think of you”. He tells me he could not care less. I know it’s one thing to not pay attention to that stuff, but it’s amazing how they’re doing YOUR highlight immediately after you go 3-3 and you don’t pay any attention at all. Pretty cool stuff.
http://www.toastedrav.com/post/7581_spring_training_day_28
Stat Whore
he's awesome, super cool
why should he care? I mean, he’s just doing his job really.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
He'd need to be programmed to care about other peoples' opinions
That kind of thing doesn’t come standard on the Khalilbot.
second one of the day, too
fingers crossed…
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
dang
didnt’ realize he already had one, you go skip!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
good glove?
don’t go countin your chikin’s before they hatch. i hope it’s good, but it’s too early to tell.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
skippy will be doing back flips over the runner trying to take out the second basemen
while turning Double Plays
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
i'd pay good money to see that
and joe strauss will explode if it does happen
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
+1
on the whole Joe exploding thing! Just kidding, I wouldn’t really want anyone to explode. :)
If I could pick how I died?
Spontaneous combustion. Easy.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 20, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
you can't exactly chase the dragon with a chute on
* 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)
oh, wow I got a warning for saying DP is also a sexual term.
what a joke.
I understand if you dont like me, my discussion, or you are sick of me posting but thats beyond ridiculous.
Dont take me seriously :-D
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
take guitar lessons from me!
i also
didnt discuss it, didnt elaborate on what it would be, didnt bring anything disgusting into it at all.
thats kind of weak.
but if thats how its going to be, whatever
Dont take me seriously :-D
www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
take guitar lessons from me!
by jealousblues on Mar 20, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
You're one of several commenters that needs
to figure out when to take a conversation to private e-mail. Bitch at me all you want in private (I was who warned you) but your comment was childish and uncouth.
I’m really tired of people airing their grievances in comments. It’s rude to us as moderators and it’s an ignorant attempt to incite other commenters against us. I didn’t have a problem with YOU before; I had a problem with your comment. That’s why I removed it and let you know. I do have a problem with you now, however.
by azruavatar on Mar 20, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
get over yourself
you wont have to worry about it from me around here anymore.
Your high horse superior attitude and mod power trip tells me all I need to know.
You may know a lot about baseball, and I appreciate all the work you put into this site, but this stick up the rear end attitude and church pastor sense of self righteousness and false moralizing is a joke.
Just like the guy from the Blues blog who tried to register here (albeit with a vulgar name) who was told to “grow up.” (whoever said that) Who the hell do you think you are?
by jealousblues on Mar 21, 2009 4:42 AM EDT up reply actions
If I don't have to worry about you,
then I won’t bother banning you. I find it absolutely hilarious that you accuse me of “stick up the rear end attitude and church pastor sense of self righteousness and false moralizing is a joke.” because I’m one of the first ones around here to make jokes. There are limits, however, and I thought you crossed a line earlier. It’s not in the best interests of the site to have DP associated as a sexual term for the rest of the season.
And you’re right, vulgar screen names are often banned in advance. I’ve banned people with the N word and F word in their screen name before they even posted. I’ll do that every day of the week and twice on sundays. If you don’t like these things send an e-mail to myself or chuck or dan or aaron and we can discuss like adults and not some simpering child throwing a tantrum.
Why didn't you just say you were sorry?
Than if you had any problems just e-mail them?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 21, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
So, I was wondering what the title meant...
And I’m still wondering. Came up with this guy though: Patrona Halil.
Turkish bath waiter, who, after a Turkish defeat by Persia, led a mob uprising (1730) that replaced the Ottoman sultan Ahmed III (ruled 1703–30) with Mahmud I (ruled 1730–54). This was the only Turkish rising not originating in the army. Patrona Halil was assassinated soon after.
Somehow I doubt this is what the title is referencing…
I'm guessing that he removed the 'K'
as a symbol of Khalil cutting down on all the ‘Ks’.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 20, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Aha,
I thought I was a royal reference, as in ALL HALeel GREENE!
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
Forgive my ignorance
How long will they let a Spring Training game run? For some reason, I thought they didn’t go into extra innings…
I've seen them end it after 9 before during a tie
It’s just however long the managers want to/are willing to go, I think.
so Perez was throwing from 90 feet today
after the weird tingleshoulder thing
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions
Not sure if this has been posted, but...
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/20/worrell-out-season-elbow-surgery83717/?padres
Mark Worrell needs TJ surgery & is out for the year.
yeah
I’m thinking they hate us, what with our superstar taking out half their team and these horribly one sided trades.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Mark Worrell's gotta be pretty peeved at his elbow
It’s really holding him back and not giving him a fair chance. He did everything he was asked to do and then his elbow just gives out. It’s just disrespectful.
by mojowo11 on Mar 20, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Think about it
In spite of having a damaged elbow he hit that bomb. What could he have done had that not been injured?
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Mar 20, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did anybody see this coming?
On the one hand, as far as I can tell, he didn’t show any of the usual signs of a chronically bad UCL about to go — loss of command, etc. On the other hand, if a motion looks weird, it’s for a reason, namely that more “conventional” motions work out better for most pitchers. One of the ways they work out better is that they don’t destroy guys’ arms.
by StanTheManFan on Mar 20, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the subject came up in the discussion
after LB interviewed him a couple, three years ago when he was at Palm Beach.
whoa, I hit post by accident
I agree with your point about odd motions and increased likelihood of injury. You said “for most pitchers” and that’s important because of the Garbers and Tekulves of the world who threw effectively for ten years and more w/o major injury.
Another point to consider is that even without a catastrophic failure requiring UCL surgery, there are cases where someone with an odd delivery loses the action on his pitches as joint capsules loosen or bind up w/ scar tissue. Quisenberry comes to mind.
Worrell has always said that his motion is “natural” and comfortable, but then started throwing from a higher arm angle to left-handed batters. I’m not sure that’s a good thing.
but they do destroy guys' arms.
the act of throwing is pretty unnatural, whether it’s overhand or worrell’s wacky style…
This really sucks for him, regardless ;)
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
yeah
I have nothing but respect for pitchers, that is not an easy job
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 20, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting names of SD team
surgeons, Fronek and Hoenecke.
There was Gibson in the Reds' dugout, visibly manhandling about three Reds and tossing them bodily out of the dugout and onto the field...He was the toughest athlete mentally I ever saw, and the greatest competitor. JACK BUCK
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Mar 20, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
greene and ryan
are both using the opposite field this spring, a lot. i doubt it’s because they are late on spring pitches which are less than a pitchers best effort. opp field approach is exactly what i have been hoping to see.
ludwick’s timing seems to be improving slightly as the pitching gets stronger. ankiel seems to be getting his power stroke, lately. colby’s power hasn’t seemed to be there. as the pitching improves, i expect the best bats to also improve with it, especially in slg%.
Berkman's comment re the 2006 Cardinals:
“Berkman references the 2006 Cardinals, which may be the worst team to win the World Series. "The Cardinals won the World Series with not anything more than we have now,” Berkman said."
Meh...
People forget about Izzy. He blew 10 saves, 7 of which seemed to end up as losses from looking at the game logs
Replacing him with someone better (or not hurt), the team got a ton better.
Felipe Lopez - next year's Joel Pineiro (on another team, thank you Mo!)
I have one thing to say
about the picture accompanying the article you linked – if Berkman is serious about shedding his “Fat Elvis” nickname, then he should do something about those sideburns.
To clarify,
I’m not saying that those aren’t impressive sideburns, just that they make him look eerily like Elvis and I thought that last season Lance was pimping the nickname “Big Puma” in an effort to ditch the “Fat Elvis” moniker. Those ‘burns aren’t helping his case any. I’m just sayin’.
he'll always be fat elvis to me
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
Albert Pujols nods & just keeps busting out those windows
counting down the days till he’s back in the juice box busting out their windows
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
I think I know what you are talking bout
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Mar 21, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions
does he break windows
before or after he polishes his MVP trophies?
methinks the astros don’t quite have what we have (though berkman is a fine player).
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
Berkman
is probably the only other 1st baseman in the majors who isn’t overrated.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Mar 21, 2009 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm ready for some baseball!
That is all.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
by dan on Mar 20, 2009 7:18 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+1000
Here’s to the start of the regular season and games that count!
I suggest coming to Mizzou baseball games, my arguments:
1. Kyle Gibson is a Top 10 pick. He’s dirty.
2. Nick Tepesch the Sunday starter will be a Top 10 pick. A huge 6’5 throwing 90-96 with life
3. It’s baseball. You want baseball.
4. “Trops” in Columbia is the greatest drink there is. It’s a 7-11 Slurpee made with everclear basically.
5. You can sit 5 feet away from opposing players to talk shit.
Not afraid to nitpick
Trops is a drive through liquor store where they make you mix drinks
But they don’t put the straw in so it is not drinking and driving
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 21, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
17 days
aaaargh.
Thank god for the WBC (never thought i’d say that)
"i have a feeling the answers are bigger than the questions" -Dr Heyward Floyd
what is the WBC?
and are they only showing the rest of the games on MLB network?
* 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)
What?
I don’t even know where to start in saying how off-base I think this Yahoo column by Tim Brown is.
For sure
Jeter has “leadership qualities” and “intangibles” so he should clearly start over the superior Jimmy Rollins. Is this guy oiling up Jeter’s back and washing his feet?
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Not to mention
That Rollins hasn’t complained once about not playing SS in the WBC, when he’s clearly the better player, but Jeter has opening fumed about being asked to DH because his defense is now borderline atrocious. Sounds like a “beacon of light” to me!
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
The guy is writing for Yahoo Sports
That should tell you all you need to know.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...
by RunninRedbird on Mar 21, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Jeter's 35?
damn, that makes me feel really old.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
I wish I could call him BBhalil.
Space.
It's a problem we face.
So we never go anywhere.
We just stay in one place.
i finally get the title of the thread!
since it was a danup post, i though it must be some 13th century turkish literature reference that I was missing…
in retrospect, it should have been obvious, since the main post was about khalil not striking out so much.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
And I pointed it out roughly
22 hours before this post.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 22, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions
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