The Last, Interminable Week
by DanUpBaby on Mar 30, 2009 8:15 AM EDT
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PrintA week from now, we'll look back on all this and still find it a terrifically dull week. For what it's worth, I belong to that pseudo-traditionalist club that would like MLB to pick a day, already—April 1?—and stick to it, thus turning opening day into Opening Day, a cultural holiday for which I am not just justified but obligated to wake up late and watch TV all day, preferably with the windows open.
Meanwhile, Spring Training grinds on. Your notes:
Chris Carpenter Watch: Thus ends Carpenter's Grapefruit League season, not with a bang, thank goodness. I'm not putting too much stock into how well he pitched, because there are already too many ways to be disappointed by Carp's start to invite more of them, but—and here is where we must creep superstitiously around what we want to say—so far, at this very moment, barring future updates to the contrary, knocking on wood, his arm is intact, capable of throwing upwards of 100 baseballs every few days.
So as to distract the baseball gods from that bit of bridled optimism, I should note that he also looked excellent in Spring, 2007. . .
The very end of the roster is the subject at the P-D this morning. When it comes down to Thurston or Barden or Ryan I'm sure La Russa et al will be able to give you perfectly rational explanations for the choices they end up making, but the three are so evenly handicapped—Ryan presumably making up in de facto incumbence what he lacks in, well, ability to hit—that subjective impressions will probably end up as important as anything else when it comes down to the final cut. Honestly, I'd be surprised if Barden made the team out of Spring Training, but I'd also be surprised if whichever utility infielder(s) break camp with the club remain in the role all year.
Discarded lefty Tyler Johnson is apparently the only LOOGY for which the Mariners have eyes. Dumping Johnson was one of those moves that just can't be understood in a strictly baseball context; his stuff was distinctly overqualified for specialist work, he had already spent an entire year on the roster without even picking up a baseball, and as the Cardinals' subsequent flirtation with every free agent left-hander proved there was simply no other internal plan in place to replace him.
Which brings me to a possible discussion topic for today. We know what's happening a week from now: much rejoicing, much shirking of duty, much gnashing of teeth if they drop the opener. But what's going to be happening a month from now? My pick, be it ever so humble, is this: Trever Miller has early issues, leading to a reconsideration of that gaggle of lefties currently fighting for spots in Memphis.
Finally, I have no idea what to make of this. Rick Ankiel prepares to make his most difficult transition yet—from pitching super-prospect to slugging outfielder to pipe-smoking fifties father figure:
About to turn 30 this year, planning to start a family, and on the brink of free agency's windfall, Ankiel sees contentment where others see quiet. There is only one thing he's thinking about changing.
His name.
Ankiel has been preoccupied recently about when it is age appropriate for him to shorten his given name, Richard, to "Dick" instead of "Rick." Some friends and clubhouse denizens have already taken to calling him "Dick" this spring. He calls it an instant "ice-breaker."
That Dick Ankiel, always redefining himself.
Call him Rick. Call him Dick.
Call him a Cardinal.
I've always been sad to see the name of one of my favorite Nick at Nite sitcoms—when I was eight I wanted to be Morey Amsterdam—so besmirched, so I admire his tenacity in going after a name that, well, currently warrants a blurb in a newspaper article. But I'm not sure becoming an outfielder is adequate preparation when one is trying to reclaim Dick for non-phalluses.
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la rue, rasmus, thurston, ryan, barden, is ok with me. mather looks like he could benefit from some aaa time to find his swing. if we are carrying colby, increase his playing time as duncans platoon partner, instead of sharing it with a struggling mather. skip, ryan and thurston are all outfield friendly, no outfielder shortage. ryan laying down the bunt for a hit yesterday, is exactly what he needs to do more of. thurstons D is really looking good.
Rasmus/Duncan Platoon?
I’d rather there was a Duncan/Mather platoon with Colby playing CF and getting all the AB’s at AAA. Platooning two lefties doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Mather also gives Tony a flex candidate off the bench because he can play some 3B.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I agree, fourstick
A Mather/Duncan platoon makes a lot of sense. Or, move Ankiel to a corner and install Rasmus in CF. His defensive ability is better than Ankiel’s and he could help trim back some of the additional runs we’ll be giving up due to defensive downgrades in the MIF.
"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
sorry
i have to disagree. mather isn’t hitting, and i don’t see rasmus as platoon player. i see him as an eveyday player, so the two lefties doesn’t apply for me. just as it doesn’t apply with ankiel.
by ball in play on Mar 30, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
The Best OF
In my mind, our best offensive and defensive outfield allignment would be Rasmus starting in CF and Ludwick and Ankiel in the corners. Unfortunately, I am certain that will not happen.
"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
agree
but even if duncan gets his starts, colby can hit lhp’s and float around as the 4th outfielder, and wind up getting a large amount of playing time. why share it w/someone who is currently struggling? when mather finds his stroke, bring him up for a rhb infielder, depending on who is playing better, barden or ryan. thurston and rasmus give us two lhbs off the bench. really don’t want 4 rhb’s/1 lhb bench.
by ball in play on Mar 30, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I am with you
In a perfect world, we’d have Duncan the Younger as the 4th outfielder with Rasmus starting in center, probably Ludwick in left, and Ankiel in right. I worry, though, that TLR would find a way to play a RHB infielder in the outfield against a LHP a la Felipe Lopez.
"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 you're giving a lot of credence
to spring training. Ludwick isn’t hitting worth a crap either and has one option left, so should we send him down too? Rasmus hasn’t exactly set the world on fire this spring, either. Allen Craig hit the cover off the ball for the first 2 weeks and got a ticket to the minors. Barden’s been the best hitting guy in the utility infield mix and he’s probably going to get sent down because of Ryan’s lack of options. Just because a guy isn’t hitting right now doesn’t mean he should get sent to AAA to “work things out”.
Mather proved he could hit big league pitching last year just like Ludwick did in 2007. That has to be worth something. Tony has more flexibility with Mather as well, since he can play some third base if he needs to and can make double switches while moving him around the diamond.
Rasmus is an everyday player, so why would you want to platoon him with Duncan? If you’re “platooning” him with Duncan than he’s a late inning defensive replacement and a starter against only left-handed pitching — you’re essentially putting him in a position to fail at the big league level because he’ll never have regular at-bats against right handed hitters. That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense in my mind.
Duncan has hit as well as anyone on the team through spring training and looks to be recovered from his surgery. He should get a legit chance to prove that he’s late 2006/early 2007 ‘Lil Dunc again if for no other reason than to drum up trade value. Sure, his defense isn’t the greatest, but I think that his bat is worth the defensive trade-off if he’s back to his .850 – .900 OPS days.
Bringing up Rasmus now also makes him a Super 2 candidate, which doesn’t make a lot of sense if he’s going to be the utility outfielder when we have another right handed bat to fill that role, balancing the outfield bats on both sides of the plate. Baltimore has no other good options at catcher outside of journeyman also-rans, but Matt Wieters is starting the season in the minors (to the detriment of my dynasty FBB team, who is currently stuck with Jeff Clement as it’s catcher). Starting Rasmus at AAA to get him regular AB’s makes a lot more sense to me — if he starts tearing it up there he’ll easily get called up and make it easier to trade one of our existing outfielders for value.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
better start looking for a replacement, then
because Clement is also starting the season in the minors
I know...
I’m going to have to make a trade, which sucks, but hopefully I can pick up Laird or Salty for cheap since their two owners till be starting Mauer and Martin. I could also try to make a run at Sandoval, but I think his owner is planning on playing him at 3B for at least a couple of months while A-Rod is out.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
better do it quick
before he realizes mauer is injured.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Laird is his reserve catcher
he also has Shoppach so I’m sure that he’ll start for him while Mauer is on the bench.
I was deep at catcher last year, but I traded away Iannetta at the All-Star break and moved Navarro at the trade deadline to pick up some draft picks for this June’s player draft, thinking that Wieters and Clement would both be in the bigs this year. Just so happens the team that I traded Iannetta to ended up finishing in last place…and I have his first pick: Stephen Strasburg here I come!!!
Here’s my minor league pitchers as of right now: (we have a minor league roster of 12 players on each team):
Madison Bumgarner
Brett Anderson
Tommy Hanson
Neftali Feliz
Brian Matusz
Rick Porcello
I also have Rasmus, Smoak, Gordon Beckham, De La Cruz, and Daryl Jones with one roster spot open that was filled by Motte before he got called up last August.
So, I’m LOADED with minor league pitching talent over the next couple of years, adding Strasburg is like icing on the cake.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
That league sounds awesome
Anytime you can incorporate minor leaguers in fantasy baseball is a huge plus.
On a side note, I’m working for an affiliate of the Giants this summer, and it is where Bumgarner pitched last year. Would have LOVED to watch him all summer, but he’ll definitely be up a level this year. Villalona was there last year as well. They went 88-50 in the Sally league; not too shabby.
A guy I played college ball with
got drafted by the Giants: Mike Eifel
I imagine he’s in about the lowest possible level, though
He played at Salem-Keizer last year
So the next level up is Augusta, where I’ll be. There’s a chance he’ll be there at some point this summer.
cool
not too shabby for a D-III guy I guess. Makes me wish I was able to throw anything above 72 MPH
Check it out
We also operate on a salary cap that is related to real salary values tied to major leaguers. A couple of years ago I had Ryan Howard and then traded him for a bunch of draft picks at the 2007 trading deadline as I was out of the race and still had Pujols (who was my first pick when we started this league in 2001) to play 1B and Nick Johnson to cover my corner spot (that one hasn’t worked so well, lol. I ended up getting lucky and grabbing Pedro Feliz for a 3rd round pick at the start of last season.)
Anyway — I got a 1st rounder, 2 2nd rounders and a 4th rounder for Howard that year, and was able to stay under the salary cap when he got his $10M arbitration award the following offseason. Those draft picks netted me:
1. Smoak
2. Matusz
2. Beckham
4. Motte (who was a huge steal at this point, because he’d been pretty awesome for the first three months of last season.)
I took Feliz with my own first round pick and Jones with my second, De La Cruz with my third and I didn’t have a 4th round pick.
Hopefully all of these guys are up no later than 2011, when I’m going to have to shuttle some players away because of salary cap issues, unless things really tank on the FA market the next couple of years like it did this offseason.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
i'm playing Shoppach for now
while I wait on Wieters. I can’t wait for Wieters to crack the Majors. BP talks about him in almost reverential tones.
Rasmus in AAA
“Starting Rasmus at AAA to get him regular AB’s makes a lot more sense to me — if he starts tearing it up there he’ll easily get called up and make it easier to trade one of our existing outfielders for value.”
Based on what I saw of Rasmus at ST, I totally agree.
Ryan has no options
so you know he will stay. doesn’t matter to me between the others because I think Thurston, Barden, Mather, Rasmus and Freese will all find playing time in Stl this year. My concern is the recent slump in pitching. It’s not good to open the season without sharp pitching and we have some important games early and that’s when the Cards need to make some hay.
I thought Ryan has one more year of options?
he has only used options in 07 and 08.
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
he used one 06 when he was added to the 40man, suffered a wrist injury in ST, and was sent down. goold reports he’s out also.
by ball in play on Mar 30, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Which pitcher goes down?
I think that’s a more interesting question than which one of Ryan, Barden and Thurston goes down.
Perez
or Thompson seems to be the more interesting decision. I guess it could be someone else but it appears to be Thompson or Perez. I like Thompson but I think Perez just has to much talent to not have him on the team.
I think Ryan is in – his defensive ability at SS separates hiim from the other two. He also seems to be the best late inning defensive replacement at 2B and the best option to start against lefties and hit leadoff in place of Schumaker.
I believe the final two spots are between Mather, Freese, Thurston, and Barden. Someone has to start at 3B and while it appears that Freese has the inside track, I think a case could be made for anyone of the four. Once the 3B decision is made then there are two other spots. Oddly enough, I think that Thurston has the best shot at making the team as a reserve because he could provide a left handed option at 3B for Freese, Mather, or Barden, and a left hand option for 2B.
If my theory is correct then Ryan and Thurston make it as reserves leaving two spots between Mather, Freese, and Barden. Just a guess, but I think that Freese wins the job at 3B and Mather gets the other reserve spot because he can platoon with Duncan in LF and provide depth at 1B as well.
perez to go north?
Matthew Leach wrote yesterday it looks like Perez is going to St. Lou, with Brad Thompson going to Memphis. Sometimes I wonder if Leach is paid to create the smoke & mirrors for TLR.
Thompson is out of options, right?
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes.
I believe that he is.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
And Goold counters with Thompson going North
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 30, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's what concerns me about his move...
It would leave Perez with only one option left right?
He’s so young and still might struggle at the big league level in the future, without the possibility of freely sending him down if he gets called up later this year. That’s a huge problem for me, considering Thompson could easily go down on revocable waivers with very little possibility of someone claiming him anyway. I still think that Franklin and K-Mac could serve as long men with the current staff and Perez is obviously the better pitcher, so he should make the staff.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Brendan Ryan
should never, ever hit leadoff against anyone.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Mar 31, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
You can call him Rick or you can call him Dick
Something about this sounds familiar. I bet he could get some promotional endorsements if he wanted. It is a good icebreaker, I’ve started many conversations by calling the other person Dick but they always seem end abruptly.The only way I’m going to refer to him as Dick is if he changes his middle name to Trickle, that would be cool.
Yahoo Sports has a piece up about odd need for teams in Missouri to move outfielders to second base. Why the hell is KC ripping off our ideas? Next thing you know they’ll be putting pitchers in center and having a catcher close games. At least our guy looks like an infielder.
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on Mar 30, 2009 10:17 AM EDT reply actions
Your subject made me think...
of Christopher Walken dancing through an empty hotel…
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
One of my favorite music videos of all-time
And Christopher Walken is fantastic. From “Deerhunter,” in which he is damaging to watch, to SNL hosting stints, to Fatboy Slim videos, to “Wedding Crashers,” the guy is amazing. Plus, he is genuinely funny.
"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
"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"- George Carlin
by That's a Winner on Mar 30, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
draysbay is over there
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Mar 30, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I put my cleats one just like the rest of you--
one foot at a time. Except, once my cleats are one I win gold gloves.
That is my favorite music video of all-time
Numero uno
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
I liked him in the Prophecy as well
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Annie Hall
I tell you this as an artist. I think you’ll understand.
by Youneverknow on Mar 30, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
True Romance
The scene between Walken and Dennis Hopper is terrific. Rest of the movie is mostly a mess, but I could watch those two all day.
by Youneverknow on Mar 30, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I dig
That is one of those movies that I would never call a really good movie as a whole. But it has really cool parts to it. Brad Pitt’s small role is hilarious, but that’s kind of a weird case because it depends on events after the movie was made (ie him becoming an enormous star).
An entertaining actor
to be sure, but I still think he helped kill Natalia Zacharenko with Robert Wagner.
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 30, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Help me here...
Natalia Zacharenko is a character in a movie?
Natalie Wood
n/t
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 30, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Teahen's move...
…is one back to the infield. He played 3B all his career (minors and majors) before 2 years ago when Alex Gordon was called up and bumped him off 3B.
by southsidepat on Mar 30, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
If you'll be my bodyguard I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty when you call me
You can call me Al
Call me Al
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
what was wrong with "Rich"?
Rich, Rick, Richie, Ricky, Rico. Or if he’s gonna go medieval … Ricard, Richeard, Richart, Ricohard, Richer. Ricket Ankiel?
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mdick.html
He could’ve gone down the pronunciation route, too, like he did with ‘Ankiel’ a while back. Though good luck getting Shannon to say it…
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Mar 30, 2009 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
How about Ricardo?
He could scream “KIRK!!!” or “Lucy!!!” in interviews just to throw off the press corps and keep things light…
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
by fourstick on Mar 30, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
wow.
any reference to the straight dope gets a nod from me
by Birds on the Matt on Mar 30, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Why not Rocket
after he made those two throw-outs from deep centerfield last year, Rocket Ankiel would seem to have been appropriate. Easier to take than that other guy.
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 30, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
50Cent & Lil Kim released a song very similar to that a few years back
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
the name change is a lame move
unless he starts hitting more in the late innings, then it will be totally worth it
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
with that moustache
we could start calling him private dick
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Hitting, errmmmm, Dick dongs???
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Mar 31, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Bench IFers
Given our beavy of skilled OFers, shouldn’t we be rooting against Thurston at this point? This is not Thurston’s fault as he seems like a nice enough fellow, but Thurston not making the club would save TLR from himself. Visions of Felipe Lopez are dancing through my head. With Rasmus/Duncan/Mather, we have no need to play Thurston in the OF, but I have a sinking feeling that TLR would find a way to do just that.
"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'm rooting for
Thurston. I like the fact that he runs well. Good athlete – the kind of guy you liked to be able to bring off the bench. Not consistent enough to start, but can occassionally change a game.
I'm rooting for Thurston too....
he might be the rarest of all baseball players – the gritty INF – who happens to be black. If the media started reporting that he had “intangibles” and played “the right way,” he might be the first of his kind.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 30, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Too many LHP OFs
Thurston would start at 3B with Duncan/Ankiel/Rasmus in the OF and Skip at 2B to set up five lefties against RHP. Ludwick can come off the bench once the starter is knocked out. Double switches galore. Tony is just giddy with the possibilities.
We should see some interesting lineups in the first four games against Pirates since it looks like the Cards will face LHP/RHP/LHP/RHP (Maholm/Snell/Duke/Ohlendorf).
LHP OFs?
The Left handed pitching outfielder I know of is Ankiel, are you trying to tell us something?
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
That's the plan for next spring
convert all the outfielder’s to relievers to improve double switch efficiency.
This "Dick Ankiel" thing has to be a joke
Check out the last quote from Goold’s story:
“I would like to be the total package as a player,” he said.
That’s Dick Ankiel, the Total Package.
by Anonymous Communist on Mar 30, 2009 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
the total package
that is a great nickname!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Nightmares
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
That's what she said?
[/cries uncontrollably]
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
i laughed, hard
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
adiueordie is the man when it comes to avatars
or woman, suddenly i’m not really sure
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
by gdm426 on Mar 30, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not a joke.
And I brought this up a month ago, and nobody even cared. (single tear.)
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the ace-est of them all?
by the red baron on Mar 30, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
props
I just sort of thought that it would not happen, or the guy just accidentally called him the wrong name
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
don't feel bad red
tim mckernan has been calling him dick ankiiiiiieeeellll for years
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Play ball
I guess its all kind of trivial to speculate how this team will turn out. I know Spring Training games mean NOTHING…but in 31 spring training games….20 runs given up in the 9th inning. In my humble opinion…this rotation and bullpen are in for a long year. I hope I’m wrong and I don’t mean to hate…but what I see is a struggle for 4th in the NL Central.
Carp has pitched in the BIGS only 3 of the last 7 years….
But weren't a lot of those innings
thrown by guys like Ring, Manning, Ostlund, etc.? I don’t think that Motte has thrown in the ninth more than a couple of times and he’s been perfect. Perez has rounded into form as of late and is showing a decent spring ERA in the limited innings that he’s had. K-Mac hasn’t looked good but has pitched a lot in the ninth this spring as well.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
that's a name that got dropped from the pitching struggle for the 12th spot.
does k-mac need to worry about making the team? he seems like he may need some time to shake out whatever’s bugging him.
It sure doesn't seem like it
It seems like he’s got a stranglehold on a bullpen spot, regardless of his performance this spring, which is an interesting sidebar.
We should be hearing his name more, but we sure aren’t, so that makes me think he’s on the team no matter way.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
They may regret
Letting KMac have so much leeway. I don’t see why he has such a long leash. He was great for about 4 months last season but since then he hasn’t impressed. May as well let him iron things out in AAA while perez and motte are outperforming him. Once he’s got it figured out, bring him back up because he’s a valuable asset when he’s right.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
by thegodfather on Mar 30, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I've gotta agree with you on this...
Why is it between Perez and Thompson? They don’t fill the same role on the team. Shouldn’t this last roster spot really be between Perez and KMac? Just saying…
Did you know…
The Traffic Light, the modern day Bra, the Ford Model T, and Instant Coffee have all been invented since the Cubs last won a World Series…
by NoSteroidsHere on Mar 30, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I have to say...
this was a bad move. KMac has done nothing to give me confidence in ST and I would like to see him work it out in AAA, not the big league. I think he will come around, be he needs regular time to work it out and that ain’t happening in the big leagues (at least it shouldn’t if we want to win). Perez got a bad break here…
Did you know…
The Traffic Light, the modern day Bra, the Ford Model T, and Instant Coffee have all been invented since the Cubs last won a World Series…
by NoSteroidsHere on Mar 30, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Isn't it between Perez and Thompsen...
…precisely because they don’t fill the same role? Perez is a “one-inning guy” and Thompsen mops up and eats more bullpen innings. TLR feels that given the early schedule (with so many games in a row), that Thompsen fills that need more than Perez. I think TLR thinks he’ll need both KMac and Thompsen for the expected bullpen innings and both those guys will be able to pitch more innings than Perez.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 30, 2009 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Gameday
Just in case no one else has posted this yet, here is a link to Gameday for the game today…
Did you know…
The Traffic Light, the modern day Bra, the Ford Model T, and Instant Coffee have all been invented since the Cubs last won a World Series…
Man I really really really really really really really ...... wish that the Editors would just put the Gameday link in the Main Post
Anything that I dislike is looking all over for the Gameday link. That would be a HUGE upgrade for me personally
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 30, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
I don’t like having to navigate away from this page and then coming back, but then again, I didn’t want to whine about it, so thanks!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe he is the next kyle lohse.
Chuck Norris hit a Home Run
with his beard
by bearcatcardfan on Mar 30, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Lohse is the next Pineiro and Pineiro could be the next Lohse
Think about that.
"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
wow that is pretty accurate as of now
Chuck Norris hit a Home Run
with his beard
by bearcatcardfan on Mar 30, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Am I missing something?
I thought he was having a bad spring, though I can’t find any freaking spring training stats. Or maybe I’m missing the sarcasm.
Gameday
3-0, 1.57 ERA
Not the best indicators of pitching performance, but no matter what, if your ERA is sub-2, you’re doing something right
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I know this is going to be opening up pandora's box of pain for some people...
but didn’t Anthony Reyes put up a line similar to that one in ST ’07 and then go on to suck horribly the rest of the season?
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Good points
I was pointing out that a sub-2 ERA is excellent as a retort to the “ERA isn’t the best indicator of pitching performance” line. Not that I disagree with it, but in the extreme (an ERA below 2, an ERA above 9) you can pretty much know what kind of pitcher you’ve got based on ERA. Of course, this being ST, the batters aren’t all major leaguers, people aren’t trying as hard, etc. So there’s that caveat.
I guess to sum up what I wanted to say, if Joel Pineiro has a 1.xx ERA in May, we’ll know he’s been damn good.
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Just for the record...
since ERA is a “bad” stat, here’s his line:
6 starts,
IP…H…R..ER..HR..HBP..BB..SO..WHIP..ERA..K/9
25.. 23…5…4….1….1…..4…..20…1.08…1.44..7.2
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
it's not a bad stat
but it’s not perfect either. It doesn’t account, for example, for poor defense behind him unless errors are committed. It also is no predictor of future performance. All it tells us is how the pitcher has done during that time period. It doesn’t tell us how he’ll do next year or once the season begins.
You do have to like the BB/9, and the K/9, however.
Non-predictive stats
Sometimes I just want to know what happened. Maybe I just want to be surprised when the future arrives.
That said, the Cubs do deserve my pity, but never my support.
Yeah...
I’d like to know the batted ball detail and all that, but without that his periph’s look pretty good…for all of twenty five innings.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
far from it
dude has been rocking all spring
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe he's one of those guys
who does better when angry, since he sort of got snubbed for the WBC
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
But it probably doesn't help
his anger issue that the guy he’s mad at is someone he’ll see every day at the office; that is, if it is an anger issue.
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 30, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
That might be a good thing...
TLR can get Jose to go say hello the morning of every start. Adrenaline can get you only so far with one shot…
Jose should heckel him from the dugout every time he pitches
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Pre season stats on mlb.com
click on stats, then spring training. sort by batting pitching and the all important fielding for updates on skip. The default link is sorted by ABs and the Cards have three of the top four. Way to go Team.
Given that its his contract year
I’m not shocked. I’m also not surprised that Khalil Greene has discovered his stroke and is now batting… what… .700?
it's periodically interesting to check out the "depth chart" on the mothership.
but you should take a quick look.
There’s a (CL) after Motte’s name in the bullpen. Mather’s name no longer appears on the third base side.
Granted, the depth chart has been ridiculously off-base in the past. I think it had ankiel in left and schu as our starting CF for most of last year. but it’s gotten updated more regularly over ST. both thompson and barden seem low on the depth chart as it stands. sigh.
I saw that during a fantasy draft this Sunday
Thought it was interesting enough to grab Motte with my 30th (and last) pick in the draft. I figure between him, Arredondo, Devine, and Francisco I’ve got to come up with some saves and a shitload of K’s.
I don’t put much stock in the WWL, because their depth charts have steered me so wrong in the past. They do seem to be updating the depth charts much more frequently this spring (although Emmanuel Burriss is still listed as the utility infielder for the Giants, when all signs point to him starting over Kevin Frandsen and leading off)
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
That wasn't the WWL...it was the Cardinals' MLB.com homepage
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
It's in both places
I was referring to the WWL in the second paragraph, although I guess I should have stated that they have the same info there as well.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Is it just me or is Albert in some kind of serious funk?
Thank God it’s only ST
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Well good thing we're not wasting outs by making our top prospect bunt or anyth
oh crap I just checked gameday. I guess they did score a run though.
Nah
TLR is just showing that Colby can do anything
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Rasmus is a really good bunter
But I don’t really want to see him bunt unless it’s for an attempted base hit.
i don't want to see it then either
why take the bat out of his hands when he has extra base power? His likelihood of reaching base is higher by swinging away … or not, considering his batting eye. Plus, he’s not getting to 2nd w/ a bunt.
Well I'm assuming the primary goal is to advance the runner
which to be fair you can do by getting productive outs while swinging the bat. I think the main reason to do it is if you don’t feel comfortable in a particular at bat.
didn't he start out really slowly last year?
but then again, I am thinking of the regular season, not ST
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Heh, imagine Ankiel just homered
Dan: “and slick Rick goes deep!!”
Al: “he prefers to go by Dick”
Dan: “slick … Nevermind”
Couldn’t resist. Guess he won’t be “slick” anything anymore.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
by thegodfather on Mar 30, 2009 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Winnar
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
just call him r'dick
for ridiculous!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Chronicles of R'dick
I like it. Hopefully this latest sequel continues to improve upon the last iteration.
very noooiice
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
umm, joel pineiro just pitched six shutout innings.
should we be concerned? is almighty judgment upon us?
It's the economy.
A decade ago I would’ve credited it to El Nino…
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
the end of the world is upon us
the apocalypse is nigh
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
i knew i should have gone out & got some booze today
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
So says the preacher man, but I don't go by what he says...
The Cubs win the series and I’ll start listening.
A decade ago I would have told you I am craving Taco Bell in Spanish
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
are they really going to win a 1-0 game started by joel piniero?
hot damn
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.
franklin is in the game
don’t hold your breath
by bmorgan on Mar 30, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
so it was Franklin's fault, right?
I’d almost rather send him down than PK
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
well, it was really probably Dennys' fault
Franklin gave up a single to the guy that scored, but Dennys gave up a double that got the run in
you might be on to something
dropped by the Sox, he pitched great for us. Then “snubbed” by the WBC, he shows he has something to prove. Who wants to take charge of the “Keep Joel Irritable” campaign?
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
I nominate Brandon Backe
He seems to be pretty good at that
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, waterboy!
Gatorade not only quenches your thirst better, it tastes better, too!
by DanUpBaby on Mar 30, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
gotta keep Pins on edge
someone please harsh his mellow
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm going to make a Pineiro voodoo doll
but instead of hurting him, the pins make him pitch better
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
roflmfao
Chuck Norris hit a Home Run
with his beard
by bearcatcardfan on Mar 30, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Kiko Calero sighting!!
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In that same Ankiel article where he talked about going by Dick
he kept talking about being stimulated.
I’m ashamed to say that I giggled a little bit.
I wonder...
Since he’s pretty much been given a second chance at the big time, maybe Dick’s intent on milking it for all he’s worth? I mean, turning his career into one giant, sustained exercise in phallic humor is crazy, but maybe he’s just crazy enough to do it.
by mattybobo on Mar 30, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have to ask
Did you choose that username and then lie in wait for an opportunity to type that response? heheh.
good one!
I wish I could claim that I had the foresight to do that, but nope, sheer coincidence.
youneverknow
by floodOfLove on Mar 31, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
i'll be lucky if i'll ever hit puberty
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
at this point, does it make sense to have mather on the squad as a fifth outfielder?
mather’s virtues were tied up in being the third baseman at least occasionally. if freese is gonna take third, wouldn’t we be better off with barton? skip is not going to lead off against lefthanders, and duncan is not going to take left field against lefthanders. there’s a pretty defined role for barton to play.
i know barton is off the squad and has been for a while, though he left when we thought mather was going to be the third baseman. but just on an “it-makes-sense” level, i’d rather see barton on the 25-man than mather right now.
Mather can play third
bats right-handed, and has power. He’ll start in the OF against lefties, I’d expect. He’s more versatile and a better ballplayer than Barton. I simply disagree that Mather only has value b/c of his ability to play third. He has value in that he can keep Chris Duncan out of the lineup when a southpaw’s on the mound.
khalil!!!
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.
I hope not
If Chris Carpenter doesn’t win that award I don’t think the Cards can catch the Cubs. :-(
Maybe Carp finishes first and Greene finishes second.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
If Khalil has a park adjusted version of his 2007 season though
that’d be a way to rob a healthy Carp of the award right?
Given the past history of the award
Injured guys tend to get a sympathy vote and tend to win more often. Greene did break his hand though, so he qualifies as injured — unfortunately he broke it at the end of his shitty 2008 season probably because of his shitty 2008 season.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Maybe of the spring
at least.
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 30, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Skip led the league in Runs
Dick and Khalil were top 3 in hits, and Dick was also top 10 in BB’s
these mean nothing, but still something to get excited about, and even though Ludwick has struggled, he’s only 5 behind Hamilton for most RBI
I'd rather them being be doing well than poorly though.
And with them doing well with this many ABs, at least you know they’ll be right when the season starts. I think the Cards in general have more energy, guys like Encarnacion, Kennedy, etc took soo long to get into the swing of things.
lord explain the logic
of bunting colby over w/ pujols on deck and thus taking the bat out of your best hitters hands
Random person driving someone home from second
Much better chance of occuring than Albert driving someone home from 1st.
I know Albert is good, but sometimes it makes sense to “take the bat out of his hands”
Yeah, when someone is hitting over .400
one might argue that he’s not a bad person to come up with the game on the line.
Maybe TLR just wanted to, you know...
use ST to practice things.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Mar 30, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Everything Mo touches seems to turn to gold (Reyes situation exluded)
Glaus
Lohse
Freese
Greene
Ludwick
I don’t know if he’s lucky or good.
But only because Mo was
pushing hard for him to be signed.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 30, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I heard the ShamWow guy got arrested for punching a prostitute
And this was the internet, which is even more reliable than television.
Is she wearing a snuggie?
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by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
whoops
I see we are sort of on the same wavelength there
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Rasmus and Greene
get the job done in the 9th. I have a feeling that these two guys are going to make the Cards much better in 09. I’ve been hoping that they would give Greene a shot in the #2 hole as he has been great this spring.
I really hope TLR plays the heck out of Colby.
I really think the team can only benefit from him being in the lineup.
Yes, and Duncan
benefiting some AL team by being in THEIR lineup.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 30, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't dislike Duncan anymore, but I still can't stand his defense.
I think Rasmus being a very good defensive player is what gives him the biggest edge over Duncan.
I'm fine with trading him
But the team better get a damn good player or prospect that fills in need in return. I think he’s going to have a big season with the bat this year, so getting little to nothing shouldn’t be an option.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I hope he does
otherwise I am just going to be mad
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
He needs to seriously improve his trade value before he becomes worth trading.
I good spring is fine, but really he needs sustained production over a few hundred ABs before teams seriously take a chance at giving anything worthwhile for him.
Exactly
Which is why I was advocating for sending Colby to AAA to start the year so that he can get plenty of AB’s while Duncan is up here proving that he’s a solid middle of the order hitter. Then, in June, a team that needs a good bat at 1st base or DH and is in contention (Atlanta, Minnesota, Cleveland, possibly the White Sox, San Fran, maybe Toronto) might give up a pitching or middle infield prospect to get grab Duncan. Then we call up Razzle and stick him CF while moving Rick to RF and Mather to LF. We avoid his possible Super 2 status this way and we end up getting a much better deal for Duncan, it’s a win-win-win for the ballclub really.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I think that it's a good idea
instead of having Colby playing in limited time
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Duncan really complicates things
don’t he
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
that is the if we have been speaking of
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
big IF
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
he should be a big IF
playing at 1B on some team that doesn’t have the greatest 1B of all time
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
for some reason the los gigantes come to mind
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
just because i am a prick...
that translates to “the the giants”…
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
I almost posted that
Also, The Los Angeles Angels, of course, translates to “the the angels angels” (of California of Anaheim?)
hey cut me some slack
i have a hard enough time with the english language, and can’t even speak enough spanish to order food from taco bell. i’m shocked i spelled it correctly.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Starting big league First Baseman and DH's
As of right now, these guys are all starting at either 1B or DH to start the season:
Lyle Overbay – 1B – Toronto
Jason Kubel – DH – Minnesota
Kendry Morales – 1B – LA Angels
Russell Branyan – 1B – Seattle
Casey Kotchman – 1B – Atlanta
Travis Ishikawa – 1B – San Francisco
Luke Scott – DH – Baltimore
Duncan, when healthy, is a pretty good bet to be better than all of those guys, so if he can prove the he’s fully back he should bring some decent trade offers if we shop him.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Ya know, I'd be
ecstatic if the Orioles would trade for Lil’ Dunc and Brad Thompson. Those guys would be true upgrades for the orange & black. Thompson, in fact, would have a decent shot at #4 starter right now.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 30, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
See, now you're asking
questions I can’t answer. Sorry, while I follow the O’s and go to games, I really don’t know their minor league system.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 30, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
whom
sorry, couldn’t resist. still at school. English teacher hat still on.
objective case if you really want to know (which I’m sure you didn’t)
mel
I was going to use whom
and try to sound (read) all smart and stuff, but I figured it’s better to be wrong with who than it is to be wrong with whom, becaue then you just look like a douche
lol, very true.
generally, if it’s position is after a verb or preposition, it’s whom; it if is before the verb, it’s who.
Possibly, that made things muddier, and it’s not a life and death thing to know.
mel
brian roberts & their lefty closer
that sounds like a fair trade
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Done!
I’ll call Andy McPhail first thing in the morning.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Mar 30, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Does that mean that
Motte is officially the Cards closer? I know they won’t say it but he looks to have an early hold on the job. I drafted Motte in a fantasy league on Saturday.
i think that's fair to say.
he will probably do a stint as not-the-closer-but-the-guy-who-shows-up-in-the-ninth-inning, but to all intents and purposes, yes.
i drafted Motte in both my fantasy leagues
Even if he’s not the closer, his WHIP, Ks, and ERA should be great. If he’s getting saves, that just adds to it.
I had Motte and Perez on my team
now I don’t know if I should drop Perez or keep him
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess it would depend
on how deep your league is and how many bench players you can carry. He’s basically Motte insurance for fantasy purposes, so since you have Motte I’m not sure it’s worth keeping him.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
puke!
Let’s see a whole lotta Franklin and Thompson — 2 mediocre (or worse) vets so that Perez can get some “seasoning.” Awesome!
plus -- apparently, according to the rotoworld bar on the main page -- we're going to be
giving time to some pitcher named “zach mcclellan.” anybody know who that is?
matthew leach
is reporting perez to aaa, also, on the stlcardinals.com site.
if he experiences more shoulder problems, i’d much rather he go dl from a minor league roster, and not acquire mlb service days as garcia is while on the dl.
20 days down will eliminate the chance of super two status, also.
by ball in play on Mar 30, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
hmm, i'm not one to jump to conclusions, but that's awful convenient isn't it?
i’m happy for PK, but damn, YP should be on the team.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Can't count on 6+ IP from all starters
Someone has to take the last bullpen spot and throw garbage time. I’d rather have Thompson doing that than Perez. OTOH, It will be nice to be able to call up Perez on the first bullpen need instead of Kelvin Jiminez.
+infinity billiontrillionzillion on KJ no longer being the first call up
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
predicted 90
Bert Blyleven predicts 90 wins for the cards….
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29944872/
however, he also pics 97 for the yanks….
not trying to say
that he is wrong, just that I don’t like that part of it. Interestingly, he also predicts 90 wins from the Cubbies….
I don't think they are going to be that good.
I’ll give you 3 reasons why:
1. Their defense sucks
2. Too many position players on the downside of their career, Jeter, Posada, Damon, Matsui
3. Adam Gardner is their centerfielder
I bet they win 91-93 but not 100.
add that rodriguez is going to miss half the season
that’s -3 wins by himself, assuming they can find a replacement-level replacement.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
half the season?
i thought he was on track to be back in may. i hope so, because i took him in the third round in a fantasy draft.
Actually
That’s Brett Gardner in CF, and he’ll split some time with Damon and Swisher. Gardner stole 37 bases in 94 games at AAA last year and is a plus defensive CF. He’s kinda like their version of Jacoby Ellsbury, with better on base skills.
Nick Swisher is their fourth outfielder and he’s a year removed from putting up a 127 and 125 OPS+ in two consecutive years.
Losing A-Rod hurts them a lot more than people think though, because they have nobody to replace either his glove or his bat.
They play in the most competitive division in baseball — there’s only one bad team in their entire division — the rest are all capable of winning 90+ games. That’s the only thing that will keep them from winning 100 games, though. If they played in the AL West, they’d probably win 110.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
that's pretty much how I'm seeing it
cubs and cardinals are about equal
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 30, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Bodog.com picks St. Louis at 1/3 to win the Central
I can live with those odds.
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
1/3?
Or 3:1? Because if it’s the former, that would be like 75%, no?
(Somebody with a gambling problem help me out here)
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Mar 30, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
you're on the right track....
1/3 would be equivalent to 2:1.
3:1 would therefore be 1/4, or a 25% chance.
by southsidepat on Mar 30, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
PS...
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I have a problem, but maybe a habit….
by southsidepat on Mar 30, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
OT: Any Blues fans here?
How about the run they are on? It will be pretty unreal if they make the playoffs.
if they can climb to the 6th seed...
they will not lose in the first round…if they wind up at the 7th seed, they could make it to the 2nd round. If they finish in the 8th seed they will abso-freaking-lutely lose in the first round….by the way does anybody know of a good blues blog? The SB Nation site is absolutely atrocious!
"Greene over to Schumaker, on to first! Double Play!!"
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Mar 30, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
The content is good, really good I think
The link dumps are awesome. The main posters/people are awesome…….some of the commenters are just soooo childish it’s unbelievable. It’s like the anti-El Birdos in that regard: very few if any commenter makes a content driven post.
Not afraid to nitpick
yea...
thats mainly what I was talking about…it’s not a very discussion based forum at all…the writers and content are pretty good…I read it, but just not the comments
"Greene over to Schumaker, on to first! Double Play!!"
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Mar 30, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
It's just different
VEB and SLGT have competely different tones. Here people are more analytically driven (in a game that has more numbers and analytical tools at its disposal), especially during the offseason. We make sure that ideas are challenged and don’t just accept things that either aren’t patently obvious or don’t have logical or statistical backing. There things are much more carefree and yes childish at times, but thats how they roll. SLGT is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but the people who enjoy it are obviously very passionate if somewhat crude.
"Statistics mean nothing to the individual"
"You are what you eat and you clearly went out and devoured a big fat guy"
Obviously people like it---point being people like a lot of things
They all but encouraged that one guy to fire-bomb spam other team sites, and the guy comes back to boast about it. Really cool, if you’re 15…and it was 1999. The salty language doesn’t bother me one bit in any sense other than that it seems some still think it’s funny to say fuck, it’s just the constant shotgunning of that kind of unclever, sophomoric stuff.
Not afraid to nitpick
true
that spamming was totally uncalled for.
"Statistics mean nothing to the individual"
"You are what you eat and you clearly went out and devoured a big fat guy"
Also...
for those of you who have not been introduced to saint louis’ newest superstar I recommend this link and promise you’ll have a new favorite blues player….this guy is going to be 2nd in this town only to Albert
"Greene over to Schumaker, on to first! Double Play!!"
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Mar 30, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
oops ...linkage
http://dagblog.com/sports/moft-episode-12-st-louis-blues-tj-oshie-579
"Greene over to Schumaker, on to first! Double Play!!"
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Mar 30, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I was at the Game Saturday night and it was electric
The video of Oshie hitting Nash truly doesn’t do it justice. As soon as he got out of the box he went straight towards Nash full speed. After the hit the place exploded like I haven’t heard in a long time. Than went on a long Oshie! Oshie! Oshie!… chant for awhile.
Wish we didn’t have to go to OT but the shoot out was awesome
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Mar 30, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Sunday's hit was even cooler no doubt
Nash trying to payback just got bitched. Stolen from SLGT:
Not afraid to nitpick
Don't make fun
that happened to me last week and I broke my wrist.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Mar 31, 2009 5:08 AM EDT up reply actions
you don't get paid a lot of money to get hit like that
so i’ll continue to love that shot and make as much fun of that dude as i like.
oshi!
p.s. sorry about your wrist.
Maybe this belongs somewhere else
But isn’t Ohman or Beimel still available? I pretty much started thinking of them as the same person at some point so I can’t remember which is which. At this point, do we really not have a million or so dollars to offer [Ohman/Beimel]?
beimel's signed. ohman's available, though i just read that he's not in game shape.
do we need another leftie?
more baseball related TV news
FOX has dumped Jeanne Zelasko, Kevin Kennedy & their entire studio pregame show.
linky linky it’s in the last paragraph. i hate to hear about anyone losing their jobs, but this is a good day for baseball fans every where who had to put up with those two.
btw, both are still employed by Fox, they just won’t be annoying us every weekend anymore. i hope.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
maybe they are wising up
that baseball fans are not idiots
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Mar 31, 2009 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully Harold Reynolds will be the next to go
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Mar 31, 2009 5:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I think I heard something about that a while back
it has to be strictly an economic reason, there is no way FOX actually woke up to the fact that they suck. Is there a single person working at FOX sports on the national level that does not suck? Some of those people actually make Hrabosky seem tolerable.
* 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)
USAToday.com
has a long story on El Hombre here. Probably old-hat stuff to this crowd, but I’m always happy to see any sort of national story on any Cardinal.
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 31, 2009 12:15 AM EDT reply actions
wow, what an amazing article
wow, just wow.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
yay
Manny Ramirez complemented Pujols!!! I’m starting to think that he isn’t such a douche-snozzle after all. BTW did anyone read that piece about him in ESPN the Magazine?
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Mar 31, 2009 5:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm sure many players compliment Pujols
But there are few that could truly complement him, since he’s so so tremendously good.
yeah,
getting a compliment from Manny or Bonds or Mays or Musial is something completely different than getting one from Brendan Ryan or Joe Thurston.
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
The point>10,000 miles>you
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Mar 31, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
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