Game Thread: Chris Carpenter Day
by DanUpBaby on Mar 23, 2009 9:15 AM EDT
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PrintI've got a serious World Baseball Classic hangover—is there anybody in the world but Davey Johnson who thinks Rollins at DH, Jeter at short, Dunn in right, DeRosa at first was the optimal defensive set-up with these parts?—so consider this the game thread while I recover enough to ruminate re: the regrettable cut of Tyler Greene and Blake Hawksworth, two ex-prospects for whom I harbor irrational expectations.
(Yesterday afternoon, incidentally, was the first time this year I got to see Hawksworth—he really does have an extra something on his fastball, or at least a little of the old something, and I liked his confidence in the changeup.)
So: Chris Carpenter. Today. I went over to sister blog Federal Baseball to see if I could divine who was pitching for the Nationals, but no such luck. I recommend clicking on the link anyway, because over there, number one pick in hand, they're particularly focused on one starter: Stephen Strasburg.
(A few months ago I wrote a long short story about a college pitcher who can throw 120 miles an hour and becomes, for a week or two, a folk hero, before he's crushed by the 24 hour news cycle. I thought I was being unrealistic with the fastball, but right now Strasburg is striking out 20 batters per nine innings. He sits at 100. I'm going to have to dial up the folk hero's fastball to stay relevant.)
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Anybody but Davey Johnson?
I doubt it. Tim Brown had this wonderful (/sarcasm) take on the whole event on Yahoo this morning.
Ouch...
You think he is upset?
The problem the USA has is all of our best players won’t play.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
And
those who do play are still in Spring form. I know that factors in with the Latin American teams. When do the Japanese/Korean/etc. teams play during the year? I know that almost all teams have MLB players, but some of the guys who are not very likely are closer to mid-season shape.
The local ESPN affiliate in Chicago
said that Japan/Korea start spring training in January. Dunno if that’s true. A web search tells me they might start 2 weeks ahead of U.S. players.
question..
What American players that didn’t play would have made a difference? Could you have made a better team from the American players that didn’t join team USA?
Oh, for SURE!
Pitchers:
Roy Halladay
C.C. Sabathia
Position Players:
Mark Teixiera (DeRosa played first base last night — are you kidding me?)
That’s just the players off the top of my head. I’m sure there are a few more, plus, you could replace Jeter with just about any SS and end up with a better team.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
But would've played for the D.R.
…had he been able to get insurance.
"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
"you could replace Jeter with just about any SS"
Johnson’s decision to use Jimmy Rollins as DH and play Jeter at SS is absolutely baffling to me. I know it’s been mentioned 85 times, but there’s no way the Baseball Gods let you win after making a decision like that.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
He had done it before
and it made no sense then.
The only explanation is based off of Sutcliff’s out-of-character pointing out that Jeter was acting like a big baby when he got benched by Johnson earlier in the series. Perhaps Jetes was throwing a fit again and Johnson didn’t want to deal with the headache.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Aren't Jeter's actions and comments the complete opposite of what you want a leader to be?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I would think so
but yet, who am I to question the Four Letter Network?
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
The whole USA losing thing is being over analyzed
Look, that’s baseball. Did the Dominican get knocked out of the first round because they didn’t have the best players they could, or used players inappropriately? No, they lost because baseball has elements of random chance embedded into, and that’s what makes it exciting and great.
In 2006, the Korean team was a monster, but lost one game to Japan—that one game knocked them out of the tournament. USA lost one game to Japan this year, and they are eliminated. That’s baseball. Having Adam Dunn let balls roll past him or Jeter make a bad throw wouldn’t have changed anything. If CC was on the mound instead of Oswalt, he could have had a bad game too.
by cloistermaximus on Mar 23, 2009 10:22 AM EDT reply actions
This is pretty much what I've been thinking the whole tournament
Baseball doesn’t do tournaments with one game contests—it does series. Even a seven game series can be unpredictable and crazy, let along a five game. From the descriptions I’m reading of last night’s game (I didn’t watch it) yeah, USA shot itself in the foot… multiple times, with an uzi apparently. But, eh. I just hope not too many people get bent out of shape about it.
My money is now on Korea. Can’t let Japan win twice in a row!
I don't agree with this fatum attitude
Baseball, unlike any other sport, FINDS you. Tony LaRussa has exhibited this over the last 3 years better than anyone…when you try to hide someone on the baseball field, the GOBs do no allow it to pass unscathed.
Davey Johnson used the ‘pressures by GMs and Managers’ as a crutch to punt the whole thing. If he had any guts he would have told these imaginary GMs to stuff it, we are playing to win these next two games and Derrek Jeter can go pout in the corner if he like but he’s not playing the field unless Jimmy Rollins leg snaps in half.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
gob?
honestly, i don’t even liked gob…
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on Mar 23, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
i for one agree with those GM's, they aren't imaginary, just afraid to speak out because Bud's a jackass
too many guys are getting hurt because they are not in game shape. that’s going to affect games that actually matter in the grand scheme of things. unlike the face that is the wbc which means nothing.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
Derrek Lee got hurt last week playing for the Cubs
Chris Perez got hurt two weeks ago pitching in a meaningless game in Jupiter.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
come on man, they were doing their jobs playing for their teams
there’s a big difference between that & playing in some made up tourney the commish is forcing down the throats of American baseball. outside of the hardcore baseball fans, no one in the country cares about the wbc. that’s why we are now hearing the gm’s & owners complaining. it’s starting to cost them some serious coin.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
there were about 44,000 people at the game last night
and most of them cared a lot. The atmosphere was awesome.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
i watched a little of that game, and it seamed most of the fans were for Japan
but please don’t let my personal belief ruin your passion for this tourney. i’m not mocking you or anyone else for it. good for you & i’m glad you could enjoy the games. i just personally don’t get it. my disdain for Bud probably won’t allow it.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
I read 57,000.
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
maybe for the final
57,000 is a sellout at dodger stadium. The semi-final was 43K and high change.
gdm, i’d guess about 75% of the crowd at the semi-final were japanese. FWIW, I felt the same way you do in 2006, but it’s been really fun to get into it this year.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
oh cmon man
you would have played Dunn in the OF and Derosa at 1B? I woulda switched the two, and of course started Rollins. Davey Johnson is an idiot.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
adam dunn has a small tattoo on the back of his neck, kind of like a wash-and-wear tag on a shirt.
It says “please do not play me in right field. ever. I have a lifetime 58.4 UZR/150 in right. Babies cry when I play right field. I am teh suck there.”
I was going to say
he would be the fastest right fielder ever
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
It also says
I hate baseball and America.
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
i have the same tattoo
we got matching ones a few years back. what a wild & crazy night.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
Put it on Youtube
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 23, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
i don't think it will last very long on youtube
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
Certainly
But my point was, I don’t think it would have made a difference. Classic case of woulda, shoulda, coulda.
by cloistermaximus on Mar 23, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Just wanted to let you know Scott Olsen was throwing for DC today...
,..and thanks for the link, I have a game thread going up soon….
Vivian Jaffe: "Have you ever transcended space and time?"
Albert Markovski: "Yes. No. Uh, time, not space... No, I don't know what you're talking about."
by Patrick Reddington on Mar 23, 2009 10:30 AM EDT reply actions
Feeling good about the season
When I read things like that this season “Kennedy’s and Miles’s PAs will be replaced by Rasmus and Duncan,” and as I watch Carpenter and Motte blank the opposition in game after game, and as I see come-from-behind wins like yesterday’s, I can’t help but feel bullish about the Cardinals this year.
It was funny, yesterday I was never in doubt that the Cardinals were going to win the game. I know a critic would say: that it was just the Orioles; or not just the Orioles, but the Orioles AAA guys. And they would be right. But it was a feeling I haven’t had since 2004 to be honest.
The clear conviction that my team was better and therefore would win.
We’re not gong to win every game against the Cubs this year, but we’re not going to lose them all either.
This team’s going to be pretty good.
So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)
Game on TV today?
Hey, how about…that…baseball…
Not much going on right now in the baseball-dedicated corners of my mind today, for whatever reason.
Is the game on TV today?
I checked Cardinals and Nationals site and both said no.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking out out of positions
Ryan is at 3rd today.
If Freese goes north with the team does Mather still make the team? If Mather makes the team as the 5th outfielder does that leaves the final roster spot between Ryan and Thurston correct?
Nevermind. Just did the math in my head. Even with Mather as the 5th that leaves 2 spots for the infield backup. Unless we go with 13 pictures.
Ok. So if Mather isn’t healthy who gets that 5th outfielder spot?
I confused myself
I'm confused
Mather will split time at 3B and the OF, I bet. He will be on the roster. TLR and the club cannot get by without a legit RHB OFer to spell Ankiel and/or Rasmus or Duncan. With Barton in Memphis, that leaves Mather.
"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
Rasmus goes 5 for 6
then sits two games in a row. What the eff? No Mather or Freese? Oh, well. I am always giddy when Carp is on the hill.
Per Strauss:
3B Brendan Ryan
CF Rick Ankiel
1B Albert Pujols
RF Ryan Ludwick
SS Khalil Greene
LF Chris Duncan
C Yadier Molina
P Chris Carpenter
2B Skip Schumaker
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
One would think
…with two weeks to go, that the two contenders for third base would be getting ABs.
"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
Seriously
With all this talk of the “competition heating up” you would natually think one of the two would be playing. But maybe they will be over in the cage battling it out over a fierce game of soft-toss.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Mar 23, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
yes!
but with TLR, expect the unexpected
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Nats throwing a Lefty?
Interesting twist with Dunc hitting 6th and Skip 9th. I hope this is not a harbinger of regular season lineups vs. LHPs.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
i try
to look at it as an opportunity for the players to improve vs their poor split side, with game pitching.
since it’s a ST game, the team doesn’t suffer for it. it’s hard to improve your splits off a tee, or on the bench.
skip i’d guess, is in the last two days vs a lefty, for the defensive reps mostly, and to work on his splits.
by ball in play on Mar 23, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess he just wanted Brendan Ryan leading off today
didn’t take him long to get back to pitchers bat 8th
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
the 8th thing
When he made the switch back to the pitcher 9th it was said to be because there wasn’t a true 9 hitter in the lineup that day (read a second leadoff). I think that is his plan, if you don’t have another leadoff guy to put 9th then just bat the pitcher there and move on.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
Maybe a sign
that TLR doesn’t need to see more to take Colby north.
Ryan is out of options so he needs to be able to stick at all three IF positions to free up bench space for a real bat or a roster spot for a 13th pitcher in April. When Glaus returns he might be taking a pitcher’s spot on the roster. Too many days left in ST to guess though.
I hope you are right...
But I also hope he isn’t planning hiding Colby from lefties the rest of the spring.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Mar 23, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't know for sure
but the Cardinals web site said he was about ten days ago.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
yes, he is out of options.
He was added to the 40-man in nov, 2005. He used options in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Than the question is
Do you think anyone would pick him off waivers? I don’t.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
i'm irrational when it comes to brendan ryan
but he’s a very good defensive SS/2B with offensive upside. I think it’s very unlikely that he’d clear waivers.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
I disagree
I think he is an average defender at best. Being an excellent SS and a poor 2B/3B. The problem is we don’t need him for SS very often anymore. I don’t see much upside to his Offensive either.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually Excellent SS is a reach
He posted good UZR numbers in 07 and 08 at SS. But when you look at his minor league numbers over at minorleaguesplits.com they are average at best which translates to poor in MLB. I just don’t see anything to like about him.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
The Astros have no 3B
there is no way they let him get by.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
white sox
2B/leadoff, could possibly start there, utility role easy.
by ball in play on Mar 23, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Astros also don't have a backup SS
and they want to rest Tejada more this year.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 23, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions
ryan needs to
play small ball more. bunt for a hit, use your speed, use the opposite fielg / outer half of the plate.
by ball in play on Mar 23, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Huh? I think they'd easily pass on
Ryan if they want a 3B with any kind of offensive value.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 23, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
i think you are putting too much stock
in very small sample sizes at 2B.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
By the Numbers
2B numbers in 07 and 08
07: 125.0 IP -1.0 UZR and -9.4 UZR/150
08: 149.0 IP -0.8 UZR and -7.4 UZR/150
Not tons of Innings Played but I think enough make some kind of an opinion. His only value is how he hits against LHP. Will it be the 07 Ryan that exceeded all his previous minor league numbers in his brief stint in the MLB or 08 Ryan who sucked.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
"I think enough make some kind of an opinion"
No, sorry, it’s not nearly enough. That’s about equivelant to 65-75 PA’s per year.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Any counter argument than
To show he is good at Defense?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Ryan suffers from "iwannadotomuchitis"
He is athletic and talented enough but he plays outside his ability sometimes.
He needs to utilize his mind more and let his body follow instead of the other way around.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
be color blind, don't be so shallow
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
agree
his D and affordability as a 0-3 player gives him have value as a utility player who still might have undeveloped potential.
by ball in play on Mar 23, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't know if this has been posted
but Luke Gregerson was the PTBNL in the Greene trade. Not a bad pitcher, but certainly not a big loss for us. We have more than enough right handed relief pitching.
Not to me
I really liked Gregerson since he played so well in Winter Ball during the off season. I guess it is better than Salas though.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I know you don't like Spockoli
that’s ok… but I hope he changes your mind :)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Spockoli?
Is that a new nickname I’m not aware of?
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
Yes
It was arrived at during the Hahlil Greene post due to Greene’s appearance and lack of emtion. It built off of the Padre fans’ nickname of “Khalilbot.”
"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
On Chris Carpenter Day
An interview with Chris Carpenter!
I can’t believe he doesn’t know how to dunk.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
Yeah
And you’d think that his favorite superhero would be someone who was underwent a series of surgical procedures or something, wouldn’t you?
"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
Little known fact....
His latest round of surgeries was very similar to what they did to Wolverine… Carp had is entire pitching arm infused with adamantium, thus explaining his recent success. He just doesn’t want to admit to loving Wolverine, because he fears this would lead to people making the connection. If you thought people got into a tissy about Ankiel and HGH just think what the outrage would be like for Carp in this instance
by streamman on Mar 23, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wolverine
Would be a great starting pitcher. You could sign him to a 20-year contract and never worry about an injury. In fact, he could start every single game…
"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
No one would charge the mound either
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Mar 23, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Both true
Also he’s not exactly the typical starter frame, unless I’m wrong he’s approximately the size of Aaron Miles, if not shorter. Would be unusual for the hitter, if nothing else.
Would...
…he throw with his fingers or his claws? I wonder if what the ramifications of a claw-throwing pitcher are on competitive balance, rules, and the safety of the actual baseballs.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Mar 23, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
He could scuff the ball unnoticed
His breaking stuff would be just nasty.
"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
Aaron Miles is about 6 inches taller than Wolverine.
Wolverine is about 5’2".
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
I think they are actually talking about Wolverine
Not about Jackman he is actually 6’2. When X-Men was coming out he actually lied about his height to appear shorter to appease the comic fans.
Maybe Rick Moranis should of played Wolverine.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I heard Rick Moranis cashed in on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movies
and then just called it quits. I forget what he made, but I remember it was pretty absurd.
Kinda like Chris Tucker taking his rush hour money and calling it a day.
there's just no way
he gets through the minors without being converted to relief.
“Wolverine can pitch every inning of every game,” said an anonymous scout, “but he’s undersized for starting work.”
Big if...
But if Carpenter would come back this year and pitch at a level putting him into contention to be the cbpoty in the NL… I may start to wonder if Carp doesn’t in fact have this mutant healing ability you speak of. All be it occurring at a much slower rate than it does for wolverine.
I got a kick out of this answer:
Q. Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
A. I don’t have one. I have an iPod, but I don’t have an embarrassing song.
by BTown Birds fan on Mar 23, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I like this one
since it would be my answer, too.
Word or phrase you use too often?
(cannot be printed on a family blog)
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
Good News
Goold reports that Perez is pain-free:
Chris Perez threw about 25 pitches in a bullpen session this morning and said his shoulder is pain-free and game-ready.
"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
I've been so jaded by Mulder and Carpenter
that I don’t flinch by this news. Mulder threw “pain-free” how many times?
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 23, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions
this afternoon
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
Schilling is retiring
Story here. We had a brief discussion about his HOF chances last year. I think his stellar post-season career (10-2 with a 2.23 ERA overall, and 3-1 with a 2.06 ERA in the World Series) along with his borderline regular season career (216 wins, 3116 K, 16th in career Cy Young shares but no wins thanks to his Arizona teammate Randy Johnson) will put him over the top.
by BTown Birds fan on Mar 23, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah,
maybe now he’ll have more time to voice his opinion.
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
Dan Patrick had an intersting take on this...
The possible pitchers who would be eligible for the HOF the same year as Schiling:
Greg Maddux, Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Pedro Martinez (assuming he retires).
So, who gets in among Schilling and Mussina?
I’ll take Mussina, and color me surprised that he’s not pitching a couple more years somewhere so he can get to 3000 strikeouts.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Mussina for me too
and yeah, I’m bummed that Moose isn’t going for 300. He has a legit shot at it. Getting his first 20 win season this year, I think, took a lot out of him. He carried the Yankees for most of the year.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
There's a lot to be said
for going out on the crest of the wave … i.e., a 20-win season. He’s old, he doesn’t need the money, and he won’t have to end his career on a depressing fade-out like so many stars do.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 23, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
True
but he never got a ring. Thanks to Jeffrey Mayer and Todd Zeile’s bizarre throwing error in the ALCS.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Post on Pitches
This is an interesting read overall on pitch usage with this stinging assessment of our ace setup man:
Most people have the idea that quality matters more than quantity in mind. I know I did. In fact, while running the query (last three years, at least 5% usage of the pitch, at least 150 innings) only one pitcher recorded more than five pitches and that was Ryan Franklin with six. As you’ll see, Ryan Franklin is not a particularly good pitcher. Franklin is passable, but I think you would expect more from someone who has a constant advantage in game theory. Now, it is possible that Franklin falls into patterns, tips his pitches, or simply throws hittable garbage, I’ll leave that up to you to figure out, my only interest is the amount of pitches used modestly and whether it makes for better pitchers.
Apparently R.J. does not follow the Cards as closely as we do. Otherwise, he would know that if Franklin were tipping his pitches, Duncan would diagnose the problem and fix it like he did with Pineiro.
"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
A few notes
1. I think the posts above nicely sum up how I feel about the WBC. Baseball is a weird game. Weird things happen. Random variance happens. This is why the game is build around a 162 game schedule and why LaRussa focuses on one series, not game, at a time. It’s why they decide championships in a 7 game series. Even those set-ups aren’t perfect. Is DeRosa at first with Dunn in RF and Jeter at short an optimal lineup configuration? Of course not. But are those players good enough to get it done? Sure! Roy Oswalt isn’t as good as C.C. Sabathia, but is he still pretty-damn good? Um, yeah! The WBC is a neat celebration of the globalization of the game and is really just a glorified exhibition. Let’s not get to pissed the US didn’t win this thing, mmkay? The world’s best players still come to the US to play in the MLB because it’s the best baseball league in the world.
2. Steven Strasburg is an absolute pitching freak. I know a lot of internet mechanics analysts (upon whom I will withold comment for now) hate his delivery, and I wouldn’t call it ideal. However the results he gets with it are unquestionably astonishing. The guy can carry insane velocity late into a start, throws a knee-buckling breaking ball, and has pretty damn good control. I mean, think about this for a second…He has pitched 34.1 innings this year, and in those innings he has SEVENTY FOUR STRIKEOUTS with SEVEN WALKS. It’s better in yell-type I think. 74:7 is a 10.6 K/BB ratio. It’s a man against boys right now. I firmly believe he could pitch in a ML bullpen right now, and he should be the number one pick barring the Nationals going insane. The only question is how much Washington will be willing to pony up to the guy, b/c I believe he’s going to be represented by Scott Boras. Should be interesting…
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Mar 23, 2009 1:15 PM EDT reply actions
Strasburg's Price Tag
MLBTR passes along some insight from Peter Gammons that Boras is going to ask $50MM over six years for Strasburg and if no one pays it, Strasburg will play in Japan for a year. Would that require teams to post just to negotiate with Strasburg?
"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
If Strasburg makes it to the Yankees or Sox and not the Nats
Something is seriously wrong with the draft.
I guess if the Cards ever got him, I wouldn’t complain.
I would complain
About signing him for $50MM when the team decided not to spend any money on major league starting pitchers going into 2009, excepting Kyle Lohse.
That’s way too much to be spending on a starting pitcher with a funky delivery who hasn’t thrown to a single big league hitter yet.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
let's see -- erik pointed out on FR that there's a 10% chance of any given first round pitcher
becoming an ace. so spending $50M on Strasburg is like paying a free agent Brandon Webb $500M over six. i think boras would have to wait for the market to shift.
and again i don’t like boras’s brand of hardball. in the event he actually scares teams into thinking that strasburg is truly unsignable, what happens if this kid does go off to japan, takes a liner off his wrist, shatters it in 10 places, and never pitches again?
Or even just injures his shoulder or elbow
And leaves even $5MM on the table.
"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
I'd say that due to his velocity and stuff you'd have to say he'd be worth that barring injury.
I don’t think Strasburg really can be categorized as a normal 1st round pitcher, he’s one of those guys that doesn’t come around very often.
$50 million is too high, but some team will have to pony up A LOT. I have a feeling the Nats will do the right thing and sign this guy.
Yeah, but
next year, the “can’t miss” prospect will say something like this: “Well Strasburg got $50 mil, why can’t I?”
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
next year there probably won't be a Strasburg caliber player.
It’s definitely something I wouldn’t want to happen, and $50 million is an exaggeration, but someone is going to have to pony up.
It will also be interesting to see what happens with Aaron Crow
as that may give Mr. Strasbourg a glimpse of his future.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
"next year there probably won't be a Strasburg caliber player."
Two years ago people said that about David Price.
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
I don't
Part of the reason that organizations are taking a draft and keep strategy is to avoid large monstrous contracts. Rick Ankiel wasn’t done in by injury, he was done in by a freak mental block of throwing a baseball from 60’6". Strasburg reminds me of a cross between Ankiel and Mark Prior, neither of whom would have been worth over $60M as pitchers.
$60M would have netted us Derek Lowe for four years. Call me crazy, but I’d rather have Lowe for four years starting in 2009 than Strasburg for four years starting in 2010 or 2011.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
This isn't whether or not I agree with you
I’ve just got a feeling this guy will make at least 15 million, possibly could go as high as 20 million. Don’t try to convince me of the obvious, that can’t miss prospects don’t exist.
OK, you're crazy. :-)
There are lots of guys out there like Lowe, and there is exactly zero chance that he’ll be better in 2011 than he is now. By all accounts Strasburg already approaches being as good as Lowe will be in 2010, and he has nowhere to go — barring injuries, which could also happen to Lowe — but up.
With deals like that, it’s important to look at the last year of the deal as carefully, and even more skeptically, as you do the first year.
by StanTheManFan on Mar 23, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember this...
…guy who was the greatest college pitcher to ever play. Arms like his only come around once in a generation. He is a sure thing MLB ace. What was his name…hmmm…Mark Prior? Yep he is not worth it.
Remember how
well Todd Van Poppel turned out?
first-taken pitchers per draft
2007- Price — great prospect, starts for rays this year
2006 – Hochevar – pitched like a back-of-rotation starter for royals in 2008
2005 – Ricardo Romero - pitches okay at AAA level for jays, but no sniff of MLB Kyle Sleeth (last appeared for the tigers AA unit in 2007)
2004 – Matt Bush (out of baseball)
2003
Bush wasn't drafted as a pitcher
of course that whole strikeout thing might be hinting at that
* 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 Mar 23, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Prior was brilliant
until the Cubs broke him — which is what the Cubs are for, after all.
by StanTheManFan on Mar 23, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Strasburg
is not human.
His slider is 94-95!!! (per Buster Olney). That’s as close to patently unhittable as you’ll ever find.
Also, I head a report that a scout said Strasburg is better than A.J. Burnett right now.
Olney
He said he drafted Strasburg for his fantasy team already, to make sure he had him locked in.
"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
In that same interview
Olney said Strasbourg was a #2 MLB starter right now.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
in that same interview olney said that we should all buy a bunch of AIG stock,
invest in gold, purchase the latest diet trend (OBEY!!), try Extenze because it makes men bigger, and oh my god is he excited for the next movie starring the Rock.
Gold is actually a good investment
Not as much as when I bought it at $600 though
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I have no idea what
it will do going forward, but historically, as a long term holding, gold has been a lousy investment.
You are obviously into Finance
So I would recommend checking out Mish’s Global Economic Trend Analysis
He does some really in depth stuff but he is spot on. Him and Peter Schiff are 2 guys I listen to when they talk.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I could agree with that
But it tends to be a stable investment and when compared to every thing else tanking it becomes a great investment. I am a Economist that did analyst work on the Macro side. In 06 I really knew something bad was going to happen. When comparing all the numbers nothing added up right and I just had a horrible feeling. I dumped all my investments outside of my IRA and 401k into gold which included selling my house. I am pretty close to 50/50 in Paper Gold and Physical Gold. My Grandfather was a coin collector so I had access to purchase large amounts of gold.
Now as good as Paper Gold has been real gold has absolutely skyrocketed. Selling Gold coins right now are around 30 to 40% above the spot price. So I think someone is trying artificially hold down the price of gold.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
So I guess your point
is that you don’t like Buster Olney, or what?
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
that'd be about right.
the man has a long history of just raving indiscriminately about almost every player i’ve ever seen him write about.
So that means
this Strasburg guy is pretty much meh or what?
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
Dear St. Louis Cardinals fans;
I have decided that, in the even that Strasburg falls far enough in the draft due to price tag issues, we will give up on Ballpark Village and sign him. Seriously, the guy is really good.
Sincerely,
Bill DeWitt
I can dream…
A 94-95 mph slider
That sounds like JR Richards.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly what I was thinking!
led the league in walks a few times, though. His wild pitches were something to behold.
If he even has the tortured, brief career
of Richards, he’s worth the $50 M.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Neyer on the situation:
Scott Boras is going to convince some team to invest $50 million in Stephen Strasburg? Sure … and Boras is going to get $100 million for Manny Ramirez, too. Sure, Strasburg will probably set a new record for a draft pick. Maybe by a lot. But nobody’s spending anything like $50 million on a guy who hasn’t yet thrown a professional pitch.
"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
especially this season
* 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 Mar 23, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope TLR doesn't start Duncan and Skip against LHP in the regular season.
I think it drastically reduces are chances of winning.
Also, is he trying to stifle all of Colby’s momentum?
Yes
Just like he did with Ryan Ludwick for the first few months of the season. After all, a player has to prove himself and earn his stripes.
"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
I think Tony brings causes a lot of the Duncan hate.
He’d be fine as an extra OFer who got a reasonable amount of ABs, but he too frequently makes his way into lineups he shouldn’t be in. And really you’ve got to say that Tony has Mismanaged him. Only explanation for today is that TLR wants to specifically give him ABs against a lefty.
Maybe he is giving Colby time to reflect on his success and how it came about?
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
carp striking out the side!
nice!
Look, I don't ask for much. All I want from the 2009 season is for Carp and Adam to combine for 420 IP and go 1-2 in the Cy Young voting, and for Albert to win the MVP again. Oh, and for the Cubs to never win another World Series as long as I live. I really don't think that is too much to ask.
and the streak ends at 16 2/3
but they are unearned, even though it was his own error
The Nats have got to have at least a dozen errors
in the games we’ve played against them, it’s sickening.
I'm still impressed by Spockoli's ST
who’da thought he’d be over 100 points higher on BA than Pujols
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 2:06 PM EDT reply actions
there's something wrong with my gameday.
it said chris duncan hit a single off a leftie and then stole second base. clearly they meant somebody else.
Not from gameday
I can’t think of one other than if a writer happens to mention it in a story about the game or whatever, after the fact.
Try one of the twitter feeds
101espn
here is their latest entry
76 pitches for Carpenter thru 5 innings. Not quite the 64 thru 6 he had last time. But still a good outing nonetheless
Plus 6 K in 5 IP this time
He’d only had 4 K in 14 IP going into this game.
by BTown Birds fan on Mar 23, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Walters had a good outing. I didn't see it but the line looks nice...3ip 1 hit 1K no runs.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
am very excited about offense
everything else is sort of a big ?
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 2:48 PM EDT reply actions
bullpen should be much improved
and defense should be solid outside of the MIF.
Look, I don't ask for much. All I want from the 2009 season is for Carp and Adam to combine for 420 IP and go 1-2 in the Cy Young voting, and for Albert to win the MVP again. Oh, and for the Cubs to never win another World Series as long as I live. I really don't think that is too much to ask.
*on days when duncan's not playing.
Look, I don't ask for much. All I want from the 2009 season is for Carp and Adam to combine for 420 IP and go 1-2 in the Cy Young voting, and for Albert to win the MVP again. Oh, and for the Cubs to never win another World Series as long as I live. I really don't think that is too much to ask.
yeah
defense should be nearly as good as last year… bullpen should be improved… starting could be better, could be worse, hmm
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
At this point I'd say it's much better
I think any reasonably optimistic person would speculate a good amount of starts from Carpenter. Though there are those who always say “talk to me in august” or something similar who just hate to stick their neck out for anything.
well
to be honest, I am superexcited about this team! I wish the season was starting now!! argh
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Just on general principles,
I’d have to say that it’s not possible to be a “solid” defensive team if the MIF isn’t solid. It’s like saying a ship is seaworthy, outside of that hole in the hull.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 23, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree completely
I hope we won’t notice too much of a defensive dropoff with khalil, but I am fearful that the diminished defense at 2B, and consequently LF, will be pretty damaging
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
that's a winner.
game summary:
carpenter continues to look good,
pj walters has a bad case of the awesomes,
chris duncan went two for four with a stolen base,
we played a 2b in LF and a LF at 2b and this somehow is improving the team,
brian barden hit a ground-rule double in his only at bat but doesn’t seem to be likely to end up on the roster,
and being a baseball fan in washington must be somewhat like being a professional skier in bombay.
by next year
everyone will be able to play any position equally as well, it’s TLR’s masterplan
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Young Duncan
Did he have two hits off of lefties?
"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
does that mean he's ambidextrous?
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, along with teaching all the defensive positions, everybody's gonna switch hit.
Hey. No filthy replies. I saw you think that.
but it won't matter 'cause all
the pitchers in MLB will become switch pitchers resulting in an unresolvable stalemate that will result in the collapse of western civilization.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
nice
I still remember that one video that goes on forever…
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Has his velocity really improved?
I heard in an Luhnow interview that he now that his fastball touches the 90’s, which would be awesome.
luhnow does say his velocity is up around 90 towards the end.
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.
If PJ is indeed pitching in the 90s
he can be a very effective MLB starter.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Off Topic
I have a fantasy baseball league I’ve been running for a few years. I lost a couple of people this year and am looking for two players.
It’s all Cardinals fans located in St. Louis (not that it’s a requirement). We’re not super competitive and you can make all the moves you want. It’s also free. I just need people who are active the whole year.
Right now, everyone is active in the league so there is no dead team. It’s an autodraft and we’re head to head.
By the way, we use Yahoo.
If you’re interested, send me an e-mail with the title “Fantasy Baseball”. I’ll shoot an e-mail with the league code and password. My e-mail is carps12@hotmail.com
the espn "braintrust"
actually picks the Cardinals to be the Cubs main competitor… although they said Eric Ludwick
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 23, 2009 5:04 PM EDT reply actions
That link showed me something I was unaware of
We play the Astros tomorrow. They are 5-16 this spring. They are also on a four-game winning streak. that means they started the spring 1-16. Egad.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 23, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I think this means Thompson will be our long man
I don’t think Thompson could make through waivers so I guess they are hedging their bets.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I still think that is the smart thing to do.....
It isn’t like Thompson sucks. He is decent. Keep him around for a month or two, and see what happens.
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
define "sucks."
if by “sucks”, you mean “can’t throw a ball without falling down” or “pitches better than skip schumaker” then, no he doesn’t “suck.”
if by “sucks” you mean he “doesn’t clearly pitch better than jess todd or mitch boggs or PJ Walters or any of the other replacement level players on the team” then, yes, he probably does.
by tom s. on Mar 23, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I just hope
That if Thompson is not preforming in 09 and the options in AAA are that Mo/TLR/Dunc will make the move regardless if they lose Thompson or not.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions
i think he has an option year left
wouldn’t mind he go down and work on getting lefties out from the rotation, keeping mid-reliever ready.
by ball in play on Mar 23, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
He still has options but
He still would have to pass through revocable waivers due to his Major League playing time
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
the 5 yr rule
hasn’t kicked in yet, what am i missing…….
by ball in play on Mar 23, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
found it
it’s four yrs at 19 or older signings, good catch
by ball in play on Mar 23, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
or Chris Perez or Jason Motte or Josh Kinney
one of whom will likely be sent to Memphis in order to clear a spot for Thompson.
The other option may end up being that KMac ends up on the DL since he’s completely out of whack right now. But if McClellan gets it together, either he or Franklin could be the “long man” this team so desperately needs (and w/ Carp returning from injury and Pineiro taking 20% of the rotation’s turns, it does need a “long man”) and Motte, Perez, and Kinney — all of whom are inarguably better than Thompson — could make the roster.
I think we need to groom a Long man into a 6th starter
Thompson does not fit that bill to me
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 24, 2009 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Should we actually fear
Thompson not making it through waivers?
That sounds like a solution, not a problem.
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like a..
…“who cares” to me. Thompson isn’t an awful pitcher, but he’s indisputably replaceable. If they lost him…oh well. The organization has about 5 guys who could take his spot right away.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Mar 24, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't mind seeing P.J. go down...
Keep him stretched out in case he needs to plug a whole in the rotation.
Also it can’t hurt to get him a little more seasoning and work on the success he had in ST.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
i don't get the hate for PK
i really don’t.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
No hate just whatever is best for the team
Comes first for me
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of people
are just tired of his mediocrity and would like someone else to get a looksie. Not a knock against him, but he is what he is.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
Wait until PK gets cut...
and all the people who said he sucks will be coming out of the woodwork decrying that the Cards gave him up for nothing and are still playing his salary only to replace him with any number of interchangeable parts (Todd, Boggs, Hawksworth, Walters, etc.) that haven’t yet established themselves. Then everyone will talk about how TLR and Duncan always hated him and never appreciated what he brought to the table (whatever that was). And that MO was an idiot limpdick that couldn’t stand up to TLR and keep (now)beloved Kicker of Puppies on the team.
Oh wait, nevermind. I was thinking of Adam Kennedy.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 23, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Kennedy was atleast above average at
by Hardcore Legend on Mar 23, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions
no one has kicked puppies like PK has. no one
don’t get me wrong, i don’t want him blocking anyone either. my bad on not finishing my thought earlier. when he was resigned i don’t remember anyone upset at it. maybe there was & if so i’m sorry i missed it & never mind this. i am wondering if there were so may against it now, what changed their minds? was it just the kids good spring performances?
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
I can almost guarantee this will be Brad's last year on the team
He just has almost no value. He has a negative career win value. Last year he was marginally better than he was getting paid. This year if he gets lucky he might break even. Next year he will be most likely getting paid more then he is worth. Than when it is weighed against the opportunity cost of blocking prospects he will be costing the team to much money to justify retaining him even with out right releasing him. I don’t think he will make it till July. Hopefully we can trade him for anything what so ever.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions
It's not Personal it's Business
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 23, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he just plays to his paycheck...
so we should sign him to a 1 year 8 million dollar deal (to satisfy those who feel the payroll is too low), insert him into the rotation and watch him win 13-16 games this season.
spring performances
I’m pretty excited about Motte based on what he’s doing this Spring. Same goes for Kinney. If they keep it up for the last 2 weeks, they have to make the roster. Thought I read Duncan saying that Motte is his pick for closer so far.
Neither Perez or Thompson have been very good, and KMac has been worse.
He's not good
and we have many other, better options. If that’s hate, I hate him. I wouldn’t call it hate, but if you want to, I’m ok w/ that.
no, i wouldn't call that hate
come on man, i’m not trying to pick a fight. i was just asking a question. perhaps hate was the wrong word to use, if so, that’s on me & i’m sorry.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
I really like PK.
He has had enough chances to show someone something.
Maybe this year he finally has figured it out if not he has learned enough to earn a living and stick in the majors if not with us then someone else and I think that is all that Tony owes him when it is all said and done.
He gets better every year maybe this year he earns a big paycheck.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
The O's would pick him up in a heartbeat
they need some starters to take innings this year while the young arms gain experience in AA or AAA. It’s not like they are going to win this year.
Than just trade him for a C prospect
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 24, 2009 3:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm on board for that.
With 2 weeks left of spring training, the O’s still haven’t identified their 3, 4, or 5 starters. We are bracing ourselves for the worst this year in Baltimore.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 24, 2009 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Glaus "has temporarily ceased baseball-related activities"
The Post-Dispatch story doesn’t have a revised timetable for his return. Who the hell knows what to think about it now – just a minor setback, with a May return still likely? June? Post-All Star Break?
by BTown Birds fan on Mar 23, 2009 7:10 PM EDT reply actions
In 2 weeks
they’ll be talking about “minor” surgery to clean up some scar tissue in there. It’s the Cardinal way.
Good thing we have so many 3B options!
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 23, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
why does CBS cover baseball?
they say nothing i haven’t heard all winter & spring long
link
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson AND THAT'S A WINNER!
Extra Sugar! Extra Salt! Extra Oil! And MSG!!!!!!!!!!!
Not sure if anyone is watching the WBC Championship game tonight, but I had to mention this. I noticed it last night. The Japanese lady that “yells” over the PA system in the background reminds me of this song….
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
bless insomnia
Extra innings! There’ll be lots of long lunches in Japan and Korea.
"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
I understand that it's just spring stats...
but has anyone else noticed that the Astros have scored just 77 runs in 24 games? That’s horrible. By comparison, the Cardinals have scored 149, which leads the Grapefruit League. The Astros are also last in runs allowed, with 148.
The run totals in Arizona are much higher, which I assume is somehow weather related.
There's a reason for that
It’s because the Astros suck.
Also, Oswalt’s been gone, right?
But mostly the Astros suck. Atrociously. And their minor league system is barren. They’re a huge goddamn mess of a franchise.
Playing the the Cactus League
is like playing all of your games (home and road) at Coors Field. High elevation + Spring Training Pitchers = Lots of runs.
Whereas in Florida, you don’t have the elevation but you often have extremely windy days. But that’s pretty much an even since one day it’ll blow out 30 mph and the next it’ll blow in 30 mph.
Getting two tickets to an execution is like getting two tickets to NASCAR, except you KNOW Jeff Gordon's gonna die.
And low humidity
Maybe that doesn’t affect baseballs as much, but I remember playing golf out in Arizona one time and watching my drives soar
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 24, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
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