Pujols, Barden, other sluggers
by DanUpBaby on Apr 14, 2009 9:00 AM EDT
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PrintA nice, taut game—can't ask for more than on the west coast with two of the game's more profligate free passers tabbed to start. But Wellemeyer, with considerably less impressive command than Lohse, made the Diamondbacks earn what they got. That's 19 consecutive innings without a walk for the Cardinals, and with Carpenter going today they're in as good a place as any to stretch it past 20.
Wellemeyer's stuff seems mostly intact—his changeup still great, his breaking ball still adequate, his fastball a little slower than I remembered, but not much slower than Fangraphs does—but until that string of strikeouts in the fourth and fifth inning he didn't seem to have the first idea of where said fastball was going. Even after that his outing was cut from the playing-with-fire cloth; it might be an awareness of his past as a wild, replacement-level reliever, but at the first hint of trouble I start to think of the Colonel as a pitcher who has to escape things, where I'm likely to give Lohse a little leeway instead.
#
The late game killed my lead time; I'll have some more analysis, such as it is, in time for the game thread. In the meantime, yesterday in links:
- Yesterday, erstwhile free agent Schumaker competition Orlando Hudson became the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since to hit for the cycle since 1970, which astonishes me. Since then, six Cardinals have done it. I was going to list them, but let's try it another way: how many can you name off the top of your head?
- It's been a bad time to be related to baseball, it seems like; I was sad to hear about both Harry Kalas and Mark Fidrych's deaths. Kalas makes me wonder about baseball announcing as an art, like I do every time I realize that the Vin Scullies of the world—even the Mike Shannons—are not getting younger. I make fun of Dan'n'Al—you know, I really do—but I admire their rapport, and the way they've become a part of the Cardinals tradition as much as is possible on TV, even when they say things that are completely asinine. But I worry about the next generation of radio announcers.
- As for Fidrych, I wasn't there, but I've always been amazed at the way he captured the imagination of every casual baseball fan of a certain age that I meet. A lot of people in their forties and fifties couldn't tell you five players currently on their de facto favorite team, but whenever I run into somebody like that they seem to have stories about watching The Bird.
- Nick Swisher becomes the coveted first position-pitcher of the season (video). Almost 80 mph from the left side—I've got to imagine there are some LOOGYs in the low minors mystifying high school draftees with that exact repertoire. And the less-coveted first position-pitcher strikeout of the season goes to Gabe Kapler, who does not look very happy for someone involved in a 15-5 blowout directly afterward.
- Finally: I ang not a maching. I'm in an awkward position: I don't like ESPN very much—I'm put off by all their loud-mouthed analysts and their propensity toward 24 hour news cycle hysteria—but their commercials are consistently hilarious. This one is great, but Mark McGwire's brief Y2K reaction shot is one of the great moments in TV history.
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Man, the Yankees
That just makes me laugh. No real reason.
Shouldn’t we offer to send them Piniero?
maybe when Pineiro
stops kicking ass
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Willie McGee
Willie hit for the cycle in the “Sandberg” game in 1984.
Lou Brock
hit for the cycle at some point in the 70s. I remember the Mabry game – against Colorado. I always liked Mabry.
Worst trade in the last ten years
I have no idea what Jocketty was doing trading Luna for a fat slob like “Belly”-yard. I thought he could have become much more.
Andy S
are you being sarcastic
cause luna sucked and belliard solidified our defense in a world series year…luna could not figure that covering second was a key part to the double play…and luna never caught on anywhere else
this team really needs another right-handed bat
they’ve been beating left-handers, but only barely. the rotation can’t keep up a 2.00 ERA forever.
get mather or barton back up here ASAP.
by lboros on Apr 14, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Mather please!
Who would you send down at this point LB?
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...
by RunninRedbird on Apr 14, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Mather
is batting.083 as of this moment in Memphis (albeit small sample size, and he’s taken a few walks). I don’t mind keeping him down another few weeks to let him regain his stroke; that was the whole point of sending him down in the first place, wasn’t it?
Hopefully by May we’ll be seeing both Bombs and YP back in St Louis.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
There is a reason Mather got sent down, his swing is crap right now. This is a non-issue until he starts hitting the ball. Hopefully that will be soon, but until then, TLR’s hand are tied.
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
by SoonerfanTU on Apr 14, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
i would send out barden
he and ryan are redundant. barden’s the better hitter, but ryan is the only real shortstop on the team other than khalil -- so ryan’s job is safe for the moment.
I disagree
If neither have options left, which is up for debate right now, then I send out Ryan and keep the better bat. Greene is going to play 150+ games at SS unless he gets hurt, and Barden is serviceable there in a pinch or for a day off — hell, he’s probably better than Miles at SS and Aaron played entirely too many games there last year. You also have Tyler Greene at Memphis if Khalil gets hurt, so keeping the better bat is the way to go, imo.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
yeah i agree with that
though it seems Ryan might be out of options after all (!). Still, I’m liking Barden as the backup guy. T.Greene might be a better SS than Ryan anyhow, if K.Greene goes down (good defensive rep, and probably a similar hitter – probably more upside too, we might be able to get something for him in trade if he gets brought up and plays OK).
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I should clarify
I meant T.Greene is a similarly (in)effective hitter to Ryan (not K.Greene) at MLB level, whilst being a good glove.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't like that argument
Barden is probably better than Miles at SS so it’s ok to play him there. I mean, I’m probably better at running FEMA than Michael Brown was, but that doesn’t mean you want either of us touching that position!
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 14, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, but...
Greene’s going to play nearly every day as long as he’s fit. The average number of innings our “backup” SS options (Barden/Ryan/whoever) are going to have to fill in will probably be 100-odd. Given that (with proper roster construction) that guy (or those guys) is also going to take at least 250, 300-odd PAs (most of the 2B PAs vs left-handed pitching, some occasional PAs at SS and a few fill-in PAs as a pinch hitter or 3B). Whilst some of those PAs will go to Thurston, the rest will be Ryan/Barden.
About the WORST difference you’ll find in 100-odd innings of defense between a terrible SS and an amazing one is 10 runs or so (1 win, absolute max), and there’s no certainty that there’s really that huge a difference between barden and ryan (Ryan’s major league record as a SS is pretty mediocre by UZR, for what it’s worth, from what I recall). However, in 300 PAs the difference between an awful hitter and an average-ish one might be a couple of wins. Not saying, again, that Barden’s that much better than Ryan, but just that the argument fourstick made (that it doesn’t matter TOO much how the backup MIF handles SS defensively because they shouldn’t have to take too many innings there, compared to their batting ability) is probably fair enough.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it's ok to play him there
for the few times that he’ll be needed — probably less than 10 games.
It doesn’t make a lot of sense to keep Ryan if he’s the worse hitter simply because he’s better at SS than Barden, who can play SS better than the guy that the Cardinals ran out there 24 times last year. If you make the case that Barden doesn’t provide an improvement with the bat over Ryan than you have a meritable argument, but to keep Ryan just because he’ll play marginally better at SS starting 10 games is a bad move, imo.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Now that argument I can buy
It just seemed like the only criterion a potential backup SS needed to have was to be better at SS than Aaron Miles. That’s setting the bar way way too low for a MLB team.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 14, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Barden is supposedly a + SS
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 14, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
i'll be surprised if Khalil plays 150 games
he’s only done that one time in his whole career. We need a legitimate backup SS.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Even if he plays 140
he + Barden would still be nearly as good as Greene + Ryan unless Ryan proves he’s a better hitter, which I don’t think that he is. Just looking at their numbers at AAA and the spring numbers from this year, I think it’s pretty obvious who the better offensive player 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
I know you won't mistake me for LB, but
I’ve got to say Barton. “Slur it” Barden leading off against lefties is not what I would call our best foot forward. Of course, he was the deserving hero last night, but i’ve got to think that EngiNERD Barton could have more long term success as a leadoff righty for us. This importance is heightened in my opinion, by TLR’s batting Greene in the 2 slot. If Barden/Ryan and Greene consistently bat in front of “The Maching”, there will be many more solo shots to come this season.
My two cents.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 14, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Forgot to actually answer your question
but I felt compelled to defend…weird. Barton up, Barden down. Ryan stays to see if he’s ML capable. if not, he’s waived/dumped/traded and Barden comes back as the backup SS.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 14, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Enunciate up, Slur down?
I had to read that three times. Need more coffee.
"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 Apr 14, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
One problem
Barden’s out of options. We have to put him thru waivers to send him down, I believe, and he almost certainly WILL get claimed after his solid ST and reasonable start to the year.
Ryan’s in the same boat but is (IMO) a next-to-worthless MLB hitter. So, if we’re going to try to demote one of them, we have to risk losing them. Now, to me, that’s not a big problem because IMO Barden is a marginally useful backup MIF and Ryan is barely a AAAA player. But we probably have to admit that we’re likely to lose whichever of the two is sent down to accomodate Barton/Mather. Whether it’s the better defender (Ryan) or the better hitter (Barden) is the question; I feel Barden’s glove is playable as a backup option at the top level, whilst Ryan’s sucky bat probably isn’t. Send down Ryan.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Didn't realize..
Barden is out of options, as well. This is the first I recall hearing this.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
by cardzfanbub on Apr 14, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
How is Barden out of options?
His first big league service time was in 2007, was claimed by the Cardinals off of waivers that year then used one option in 2008. That would leave him with one more option right?
Or am I reading this situation all wrong?
"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 thought the same thing
but someone posted it last week. I think he’d been on the roster in Arizona the year before. But whoever posted about Barden’s options may have been wrong, although at the time they seemed pretty convinced. Perhaps whoever it was mentioned that can illuminate us here?
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm looking at Cot's...
Brian Barden inf
1 year/$0.4M (2009)
1 year/$0.4M (2009)
re-signed by St. Louis 2/28/09
1 year (2008)
re-signed 3/4/08
1 year (2007)
claimed off waivers from Arizona 8/13/07 after being DFA 8/3/07
contract purchased 11/06
drafted 2002 (6-189) (Oregon St)
ML service: 0.072
It shows his contract being purchased on 11/06, so he didn’t have service time in 2006, he would have been on the D-Backs 40 man starting in 2007. That would leave him with one option. Why he was DFA’d in August of ’07 if he had an option left I have no idea.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
who knows!
Seems an odd move for sure, especially as his record in AAA was fairly solid until then (and ARI were short on MIFs coming into this year…)
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
That was me
who said he was out of options, thinking that if both the D-Backs and the Cardinals DFA’d him the past two years, he must be out.
But, per Snakes transactions for march of 2007:
reassigned … 3B Brian Barden to Minor League camp.
I have no idea what his situation is, but it looks like I was wrong.
He's got to have an option left
unless there’s some mundane CBA fine print that I’ve never heard of before.
It really doesn’t make sense that he was DFA’d by the D-Backs in ‘07 does it? It’s not like they have a wealth of players at 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
What makes less sense
is that we must have DFA’d him at some point during the ‘07 -’08 offseason, since on 3/9/08, he was reassigned, not optioned, to Memphis.
Doesn’t make any sense. I suppose we played the Ankiel two-step, where he was waived then re-signed to a minor league deal, but I don’t see any indication of that in the transaction logs.
my comments
were dependant upon Barden having an option, Ryan not having one, though, I’m not sure if it really changes my opinion. Both have very comparable defensive abilities, IMO, are RHH, and not very good at that. potato, potato.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 14, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
To clear a spot on the 40 man roster
If I recall they made a deal of some sort and had to release someone.
Most teams don’t manage the 40 mas roster as well as the Cards dol
Just ask Luis Perdomo...
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
you burn an option year
every year that you are on the 40 man roster, and play in the minors.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Exactly...
- So he was purchased after the season in ‘06, reassigned in ’07, so that’s one.
- Called up and then DFA’d in August; claimed by the Cardinals and sent to Memphis — still at one.
- On 40 man in ‘08, assigned to minor league roster — that’s two.
- On 40 man in ’09, assigned to major league roster — still at two.
Am I missing anything?
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Seems to me
that a Barton/Ryan swap is a pretty straightforward way to improve this team right now.
All of a sudden we have another RHB in the lineup, we solve our “leadoff man vs LHP” problem (I really don’t want to see Barden there again, despite his heroics last night), and we don’t have to shoe-horn in too many ABs from Duncan, Ankiel and Rasmus against southpaws. It also gives us more pop off the bench and limits our number of no-bat middle infielders we’re having to find playing time for.
I think it was pretty scandalous that we sent Barton down as early as we did in ST, really, it just meant that we had no real options once Mather started stinking. Pretty bizarre roster construction, and it’ll start costing us games against lefties once (as you say) our rotation starts regressing to the mean.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
OOO
Out Of Options – Ryan that is.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
by cardzfanbub on Apr 14, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
So?
He’s a completely fungible commodity – a reasonable fielding middle infielder with absolutely no bat to speak of. With the exception of a handful (200) PA in 2007 when he hit more HR than he’d hit in his previous 3 years in the minor leagues, he’s never been close to a useful bat. And he’s started striking out more in the last two years (2008 and 2009) than he had previously in his MiLB carerre, which is a worrying trend. I guess you could keep him as a defensive option but really, he doesn’t even hit as well as Cesar Izturis (!) and players like him are $2-a-dozen in professional baseball.
He really has zero value I’m afraid, and I can’t help but feel that any contrary opinion would be based on a pretty small sample size (200 PA in 2007) that runs contrary to his previously entirely sucky hitting record in A, AA, AAA and (since 2007) MLB.
Plus, Barden’s also OOO I believe (or so somebody said in a post last week), based on his service time in Arizona.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't fully disagree...
but I do feel that Ryan is good enough to be on a MLB roster as a reserve infielder. Perhaps not with the Cards, as we have Thurston and Barden. I would like to think we could get a low-level player with some upside for him somewhere – rather than just giving him away. He’s off to a decent start and playing stellar defense…maybe he can increase his value with a couple of weeks of good play.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
by cardzfanbub on Apr 14, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe
I just find it hard to see we could trade him for anything at all really. There’s plenty of better middle infielders who can’t get a game at the moment (Grudzie) who’d probably play for next-to-nothing in baseball terms and who could be closer to league-average players. Ryan’s the definition of replacement level and WE’VE got two or three players in the high minors (Hoffpauir, T.Greene) who could come up and do an equivalent or better job, despite our generally awful MIF depth. I realise there’s some dumb GMs out there but I just don’t see why anyone gives up anything for (at best) a reserve middle infielder who they probably already have somewhere languishing in their AAA team.
I agree we should get something for him if we can, and it can’t hurt to look, but I really think Ryan’s probably the definition of “freely available talent” – he just isn’t worth anything really. And I agree his defence is very good – but someone like Tyler Greene (say) is an equivalent or better defender and at least has a little pop (to go with his gaudy K rate).
Also, because of this, I can’t help but feel there’s a reasonable chance he’d pass through waivers – anyone who wants him is going to have to put him on their 40-man, and I’m not sure how many teams are really looking for an all-glove backup MIF. I think there’s a decent chance we get him back.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree on Greene, because he can play 3 positions
But Hoffpauir is a keystone that can’t play anywhere else. He’s got on-base ability, but he doesn’t really hit all that well and is coming off a horrendous 2008 season in Memphis and a sub-par spring session this year.
You can see what the league seems to think of weird on-base ability in the minors with how James Skelton was treated in the Rule 5 draft — seems like most teams don’t think that this is something that will translate at the next level if the bat doesn’t catch up somewhere along the line.
I’m not saying that Ryan is a great commodity, and if Barton were coming up from AAA I would have no problem with DFAing him and rolling the dice. I do think that someone will claim him, I’m just not sure I care about losing him all that much.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
In my opinion you've made it clear
I really like Brendan Ryan, but it has little to do with his worthiness as a major league baseball player. He’s way too replaceable to be taking up Barton’s roster spot. Although, I’m assuming Barden and Thurston are both good enough defensively at the middle infield spots. Thurston, after all, isn’t actually a third baseman.
Remember how we all complained last year that we had 4 middle MIFs? Well now we have about 4.8 on the roster (I’m counting Skip as 4/5 of a MIF since Tony’s been rather predictably moving him to outfield and that’s exactly how the inning breakdown goes—36 at 2B, 9 at LF. I’m still counting Thurston as a MIF even though he’s played more at 3B so far because it’s funnier this way).
No kidding
It feels strange that I keep finding myself wanting Rasmus to pinch-hit against lefties just because we’ve no righty bats with decent power (apologies to Barden).
It's got to be Barton
Late inning outfielder, check.
Right handed bat with on-base ability, check.
RH Bat that hits lefties well, check.
RH Bat that can lead off against lefties when Schu is on the bench, check.
He makes the most sense for this team right now. Ryan is out of options, so it would make more sense to send Barden down I would think.
With Barton leading off against lefties, you could set the lineup like this:
Barton
Greene
Pujols
Ludwick
Freese
Ankiel
Molina
Pitcher
Barden/Ryan.
That looks infinitely better to me than what the club rolled out there yesterday.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Yep much better for sure
I’m still not very keen on Greene in the 2 hole though. I’d like a better OBP guy (Freese? Rasmus is CF maybe?) there. Maybe even Ludwick.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
He's hit better in front of Pujols
this year than he has anywhere else. I’d rather have a OBP guy in front of Albert too, but if Rasmus isn’t in the lineup, I don’t like anyone else hitting there that’s in that lineup. Freese is a down the order hitter, Ankiel is worse than Greene against lefties, and Ludwick really needs to be hitting 4th against left handed hitters because he’s the second best bat in the lineup. If you put Molina there you risk Barton getting on and then getting doubled off in front of Albert. Barden/Ryan don’t help you in the spot either.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Molina
is an interesting thought. I had him as my 2-hole hitter at times vs lefties last year, which I’d forgotten about. I think his GIDP-tendency can be a bit overstated. That said, he probably doesn’t really get on base enough either. Does hit lefties reasonably though.
I agree Ankiel is a no-go for OBP reasons (.260-odd vs LHP last year, despite a decent SLG). I wonder if we’re not maybe judging Freese a bit soon, though. I reckon he’ll get on base better than Greene and he’ll maybe start flashing a bit of the gap power he showed in AAA if he hits in front of albert, seeing all the fat pitches he’s liable to get…
I agree there’s probably no ideal solution. Oh for a fit-and-firing Joe Mather!
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
B. Barton better option that Joey
Agree with fourstick. Unless and until Joey is pummeling AAA pitching again, I think he should stay in Memphis. Barton’s ability to leadoff from the right side is needed on this team right now. I know Barden was the hero last night but the guy is not a leadoff hitter (and neither is B. Ryan).
Barden and Ryan are redundant as others have mentioned. Send one down regardless of whether or not they have options. Is anybody really going to claim Brendan Ryan? Seriously. Every team already has at least one Brendan Ryan AAAA middle infielder on their 40 man roster. Why would they desire another? Barden is a bit more heralded but I still don’t think he gets claimed either, still I feel comfortable in saying B. Ryan will clear waivers. And with T. Greene in Memphis, is it really a crime if B. Ryan gets claimed? I think having the best team in the clubhouse in STL is much more important than worrying about whether B. Ryan gets claimed.
by jjray on Apr 14, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In Reply to everyone...
I am just enjoying the fact that we can legitimately discuss who should be sent down and who should be brought up. The fact that we have options available from within and are not trying to discus which teams 4A player we need to chase down and try to pry free is something that makes me quite happy. Especially considering that this is really truly only the beginning of having such discussions.
Now if we could only get John Gall back and bring him up… It would be so not fair to the other teams, I mean he does hit the ball harder and further than anyone not named Amaury Marti, and he can play all three outfield positions at the same time. We would so not need to even worry about Mather… We could trade him and Duncan for 2/3 of the Giants starting rotation. hehe
agree with stream
Have bad memories of the days not too long ago when the Cardinals were combing the waiver wires for spare players thrown in the dumpster by other teams. When I look at the Springfield roster, I know those days are quickly fading away.
Don't knock the dumpster
If I recall,we have found several decent players on the scrap heap even in the 2000-2006 “Glory Years.” Clubs should always keep a watchful eye on other’s garbage.
The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!
LB
I have a nice Fanpost half-done, which I started after Tony Clark’s heart-dropping deep fly last night, making this very argument. Yet, you have made my point in three sentences…
"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
Thinks he runs the joint or something...
"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
Barton needs to be on the team!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Barton + Mather = TEH SUCK right now
Barton is not hitting any better than Mather right now…
Why not bring up Allen Craig? He plays 1st & 3rd and I know he garnered some OF starts in AA last year. Kid seems to hit no matter where he is located on the field or otherwise (Palm Beach, Spfld, Memphis, etc.).
If Barton is on the team though
how does the OF play get split up? I love Barton , but I don’t want him taking ABs away from Ludwick or Rasmus.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
that's nothing
Wasn’t it their infield with the three-man error? Or did that get infield fly rule? Can’t recall if it drifted outfield or not.
"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 Apr 14, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
sadly the ESPN ad is better on tv
Better resolution on Albert’s glare. Can’t get the full effect in fuzzy youtube.
"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
You can see
the glare pretty well on ESPN’s website. The video quality is higher.
Classic underachiever.
Position players pitching are among my favorite baseball moments
Nothing brings out the kid in grown men better. It also humanizes the game more when it happens, because you see that these big mashers also can have fun playing too, even during a 15-5 slaughter.
by cloistermaximus on Apr 14, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions
I loved seeing how much fun Swisher was obviously having
Talk about a steal for the Yankees. Especially if he keeps up that ERA.
If your pen contains Ron Villone or Brad Thompson
it’s probably not really necessary….
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
The most important stat of the young season:
Teams with bird mascots are a combined 17-6. It’s starting to look more and more like a Cards-Blue Jays World Series. You heard it here first!
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 14, 2009 10:45 AM EDT reply actions
Blue Jays might get some trouble from the Orioles this year
I mean, they’re only a game behind. Sure, they expected W-L is only 3-4… but maybe they’ll be this year’s Angels? I think it’s obvious that the Yankees and the Sox are done, time to blow up their respective teams and find out what they have going into next year.
The Orioles
can absolutely hit. Markakis/Roberts/Jones is a nice trio plus they have Mr Offense himself, IZ2. But seriously, when there pitching arrives they just might be able to compete w/ the Yanks/Sox/Rays. AL East is scary.
They're going to need a lot of pitching to arrive
Their pitching is pretty much atrocious from top to bottom. Except Guthrie.
For god’s sake, they have Adam Eaton in their rotation.
Even Guthrie's only a decent #3 on a proper MLB team...
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
They have some pretty good arms
near the top of their farm system.
Here’s Sickels’ list for this year — it’s not all the different from BA’s or BP’s lists.
All 5 of their top 5 prospects should be in the majors no later than 2011, and they’ve got a good young core of players at the major league level already. If they are able to add a good hitting corner infielder and a top of the rotation starter while holding on to what they have they could make some noise.
Alas, they are owned by Peter Angelos, who always lacks for common sense, so he’ll find some way to utterly fuck this up….
"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 probably the funniest part
ie, that the Orioles really do have a lot of potential. I hear they have a decent catcher in the minors who’s close to ready as well.
I heard that catcher (whose name should not be spoken) is a demi-god
And that soon he will return to bequeath upon us his many gifts, which he will disperse from all sides of home plate.
how are the fish mascots doing? watch out for them.
And do we count the Pirates?
"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
A Pirates/Mariners WS would be awesome
Think of all the nerdy historical joke potential. All of a sudden the Articles of Confederation and letters of marque and reprisal would be relevant to a baseball discussion…
Wait, maybe I’m the only person in the world who would want that. Wouldn’t be the first time…
would be broken up by Marines in the Padres stands
"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 nailed a mermaid!
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
I was wondering how to count the Phillies
The Phillie Phanatic looks kind of feathery, and that thing on its face is described as a beak, but I have a hard time calling it a bird.
Another important mascot category to keep track of is articles of clothing. Right now the White Sox are up, Red Sox are down, and the Reds (including them because of the “Red Stockings” origin of their name) are at .500. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 14, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
the Rockies seem to be stuck in their own class
"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
though
their mascot is ‘dinger’ the dinosaur – so that would classify them under the ‘non-bird animals’ category
Pfft
That doesn’t count. Arbitrarily picking an animal/feathery bird-like creature doesn’t get you into the animal categories, as far as I’m concerned.
P.S. What is the Nationals mascot? What about the Royals?
The Royals have the
Lion…can’t remember his name. No idea about the Nats.
Wait…it’s Slugger the Lion.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
its actually Sluggerrr
it has three r’s at the end
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
took me a minute...
I never watched Saved by the Bell, so I thought I was mistaken about the mascots. Then I did the google.
youneverknow
Not sure about this one
It’s been a long time since high school biology – but isn’t it a generally accepted fact that dinosaurs were the ancestors of birds??? I’d put them in the bird category myself.
A lot of dinosaurs apparently had feathers.
At least according to what scientists currently think. Which means that a lot of previously awesome and badass dinosaurs were actually quite silly looking.
Velociraptors had feathers
And they were turkey-sized. Link.
Yes, it’s true…Jurassic Park lied right to your face.
It's true!
There is a larger kind of raptor that is more like the ones in Jurassic Park, but yeah. I guess “velociraptor” was just too cool a name to worry about accuracy.
My quick look at wikipedia has only confused me, so who knows.
Anyway, the illustrations for how they now think these dinosaurs looked are ridiculous. Very disappointing.
excellent point
but I think that since birds are derived from dinos, then being a dino does not necessesarily put them in the bird category
haven't you guys ever been to church?
where in the bible did God create Dinosaurs? It’s all just made up baloney to fill textbooks, as to further fill young minds with useless information.
See, this is one reason I'm glad I'm Catholic.
We can just look at the whole God-versus-Science “debate” and laugh… and then cry because it just doesn’t go away.
if god could create the earth from scratch
he could create it complete with giant fossilized skeletons of dead birds, just to eff with our minds.
Duh.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
I'm convinced that he does have a sense of humor.
why else would there be so many goofy looking people? his image my ass
My categorization of Mascot classes (and I am a living breathing real life biologist)...
The easiest (for me) first…
~ Birds
Cardinals (FREDBIRD)
Blue Jays (Ace)
Orioles (Simply put the Bird)
Nationals (Screech the Eagle)
Pirates (Is it Polly the Parrot?)
~Cats
Tigers (Paws)
Royals (A Goofy Lookin’ Lion Named Slugger)
Diamondbacks (Baxter the Bobcat)
~Fish(like things)
Marlins (Billy)
Rays(Raymond sure as hell ain’t a fish see mutants below)
~Reptiles
Diamondback
Rockies (Dinger)
White Sox (he’s fuzzy but to me he looks like a lizard – Southpaw)
~Dumb animals
Cubs (We all know what it is even if they don’t have an actual bonified stuffed bear)
Giants (A Goofy Seal named Lou can you say jealous much?)
Rangers (Captain the Horse)
Mariners (Seriously who picks a name like Theirs and then Chooses a Moose)
Angels (For choosing a Monkey)
Astros (Junction Jack? WTF)
Athletics (Stomper)
Twins (a bear)
~Bizzare Sesame Street Aliens/Mutants:
Phillies (The Phanatic)
Indians (Slider)
Mets (Mr. Met)
Reds (Can you really have 4 mascots?)
Rays (Raymond)
Red Sox (Wally the Green Monster, you have to admit is pretty cool)
~People:
Brewers (Bernie)
Padres (The Friar)
~Too cool to appearantly have a mascot
Yankees
Dodgers
Cubs
it should probably have been a fanpost but oh well, live with it.
by streamman on Apr 14, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
"dumb animals"
what a wonderful zoological classification. Family(?) “Bestia Bardus”, according to some random free online english-to-latin dictionary.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
a catch all
and I am incorrect on the Angels… though they have a monkey in a angels uniform… it is simply not their mascot. I call horseshit Ranger Captain backs me up on it too!
I suppose I could have at least called them mammals, but all of the animals in that category have nothing to do with the team name… except for possibly the horse.
I would say that grouping all of them being of the genius mamalia
would allow for a sub-grouping at the family level yes… Something along the lines of Bestia bardus cubii would suit the family well I assume.
nautical standings
18-9
(Rays, Mariners, Pirates, Marlins)
"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 thought they changed to "rays"
because there are more types of rays than just Devil Rays, and the other Rays filed a juncture with the ACLU
They actually aren't animals at all anymore
They are beams of light, as in a “ray” of sunshine
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
maybe they wanted to appeal to the Florida Keys crowd more.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 14, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's what I thought
So now all aquatic rays should file a class action lawsuit in response to this disenfranchisement.
can't
They keep them in a tank near the outfield.
"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 asked a Rays fan
Turns out they still have an aquatic ray on their sleeve.
Here’s a link to a pic…I don’t want to post it because it’s kinda big.
Until they get rid of the ray tank at the Trop, they will forever be aquatic.
and a long time ago, too
"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've actually been to the Trop twice
I went when it was still very new and that place was a total craphole, even back then.
You all have it all wrong....
They were originally named as a slam to the former Cincinnati Reds third baseman. The “Devil” was dropped because Ray Knight’s niece married a significant shareholder in Tampa’s franchise.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
Others
All non-bird animals: 20-15 (Rays, Tigers, Cubs, Diamondbacks)
Occupations: 20-16 (Mariners, Rangers, Pirates, Brewers, Padres)
Various socks: 9-11 (Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati)
Magical beings: 5-8 (Giants, Angels)
Native Americans: 7-6 (Braves, Indians)
- I choose to think of the Rays as the aquatic type of ray still. Screw that sunny stuff.
- Is a “Royal” an occupation?
- I still don’t know what an Athletic is.
Nah, it's just a shortened version of "Athletic Club"
They went by the “White Elephants” for a while in the early 1900s, which is why they have the elephant in their logo.
Did you know that there’s a professional baseball team in Hungary called the Jászberény Stinky Sox?
by liam on Apr 14, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
teams or mascots?
Either way, have us some wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_mascots
"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 would count Royals, Nationals, and Yankees under a national symbol/patriotic/head of state conglomerate category.
Nationalistic Symbols: 7-14
Symbols including Phillies: 11-17 (I wasn’t sure if Phillies counted, but I wouldn’t mind if they do)
Locations: 4-10 (Astros and Rockies)
could the Astros be Nautical?
aren’t astro-nauts nautical engineers? or do i have my phrase-ology mixed up?
Well, technically -naut refers to water, yeah
But since they symbol is a star and their name is Astros, which means star, I don’t count it. Besides, Astro-nauts are “star sailors” so the sea part is only metaphorical.
They're not the Astronauts, though
They’re the Astros. I believe it’s just some kind of abstract space reference. That’s their thing in Houston: the Astros (MLB), the Rockets (NBA), the Comets (WNBA), the Dynamo (MLS).
Marlins are also
a non-bird animal.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
Past-tense verbs
6-7
See if you can figure out which teams I’m talking about. Hint: one of them is misspelled.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 14, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I are dumb
please talk down to me
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
Mets and Reads?
I like the way your mind works!
Yep
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 14, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Twins are kinda magical right?
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
by albrtfn on Apr 14, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Syllable divisions
Three syllable team names: 19-24
Two syllable team names: 61-60
One syllable team names: 26-22
We’re leading the three syllable division, which isn’t saying much.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
Alphabet divisions
Knock Y and Z out, divide the alphabet by four, and here’s your divisions:
A-F = 38-33
G-L = 3-11
M-R = 32-24
S-X = 33-38
Ok. Now I better do some real work.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
where do the cardinals fit in?
sound it out correctly and it’s 3 syllables, but who speaks correctly? I’ve heard “card-nuls” more than “card-in-als”
Card-in-ulls
Is how I placed them, although I say Card-nulls myself.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
Strangley, I use three syllables when I'm talking about the actual bird
- Look at that Cardinal
- I love the Cardinals
I pronounce each of those differently. Wow. I’m learning a lot about myself today. I’m starting to feel uncomfortable.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
radio announcer that over-pronounced "card in ulls"?
Can’t remember his name, but remember being annoyed at how strongly he emphasized the 3 syllables.
youneverknow
And can I just say...
how much I’m enjoying this season! It’s great to have a young, promising team to root for, and seemingly so much to look forward to. Even if we miss the playoffs again I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a fun year to be a Cards fan.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
Respectfully Disagree
I am convinced that this team is making the playoffs. It would anger me to no end if they dont short of any serious injuries.
Well we've got a good shot
and I reckon most of the media (including some of the better saber-sites & blogs) have underestimated us a bit; we’ve patched most of our glaring 08 holes and added a lot more depth from internal and external sources, without having made any real major additions, but we’re still maybe at best only the 4th or 5th best team in the NL. I don’t think we can be too pissed if we get close but don’t make it; these things happen.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Carp's health
If Carpenter makes it through the season, we will make the playoffs. If he doesn’t, we won’t.
"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 told my cubs fan buddy
that if (Carpenter IP+Wainwright IP) > (Harden IP + Zambrano IP), then cards win the division
Considering the potential for injury...
with all four of those guys (WW and Z to a lesser extent), I could see your scenario turning into the Reds or Brewers winning the division.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
by cardzfanbub on Apr 14, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I think
if Carp, Waino & Lohse make 90+ starts, we’re in good shape for either the WC or the division.
If they make <80, I think we’ll struggle to be in contention by the end of the season.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree more with that statement
but to invovle cubs fans in a debate, at least my buddies, you have to include their team in any equation. I could say that if Pujols, Ludwick, Duncan, Ankiel, Rasmus, all 3Bers combine for 315 HRs, the cards will win the division, they would brush it aside and assume that Aramis and Soriano would hit 285 combined and the better pitching would make up the difference
Arguing with Cubs Fans
I think the sig says it all
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
I think that you are overrating Big Z
He hasn’t been an ace quality pitcher since 2005. His strikeout rate has dropped to a Lohsian 6.2 per 9, and he doesn’t have enough control or few enough homers to make up for it anymore. CHONE calls for a 4.3 FIP, which is only slightly better than league average.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 14, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
It's a shame what Dusty Baker does to young pitchers.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
He's ~1400 innings deep with a 3.4 ERA, I don't think anyone can complain on Dusty with Z
Not afraid to nitpick
Obviously
Just sayin with Zambrano attributing much to Turns-Arms-to-Dust-y isn’t right.
Not afraid to nitpick
I know about those innings, but..
How many 130 pitch count games did Baker leave Z in for?
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
And what did that result in
A decline in performance 5 years later? Hardly damning.
Not afraid to nitpick
we were picked to finish 2nd by just about everyone
I don’t really see that as underestimating.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
I don’t get the talk of underestimation, either. For the most part, the media seems to have us near the top of the division. Last year at this time, the media was seriously underestimating the Cards…but they seem to have learned their lesson.
I've also seen/heard a couple talking head types give us props
As the season was about to begin a few analysts were starting to say things like “don’t count out the Cardinals.” That doesn’t prove that the media (or projection systems or whatever) aren’t still underestimating us a bit (to be fair to Monk, he did say “a bit”) but at least there’s not a universal underestimation.
once they realized just who Albert Pujols is
they probably won’t be picking us lower than 3rd for quite some time
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I like this team, too
Even more than last year’s. Glad to have the 2007 team well in the rear mirror.
I think obviously this team is set to be the best regular season team we have had since
2005. And there is an even an outside chance the 2009 El Birdos could dominate the NL central.
The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!
From FanGraphs: Swisher's pitching
Lots of 80 MPH tailing fastballs.
by mojowo11 on Apr 14, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Somewhere in Phoenix...
A lightbulb has gone off in TLR’s head.
"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
Quote of the Day:
“I got a beer shower. It’s a great day when that happens.”
-Brian Barden
What a great moment for Barden!
THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!
Seriously... what were Rich Harden's parents thinking?!?!?!
Pale ale, too
:-)
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 14, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
i thought
the org banned booze from the clubhouse
Only at home
since they don’t drive on the road, they’re free to drink postgame.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
maybe the Pale Ale wasn't good enough for them...
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
that makes the story even better.
not only did Barden hit the game-winning home run off the team that wrote him off two years earlier, but he did it in their park, and then celebrated with their beer.
Glorious!
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
by SleepyCA on Apr 14, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i'm not sure that we really need a right-handed leadoff hitter NOW.
two weeks ago, we really needed barton. but haven’t we already run the gantlet of lefthanded starters?
honestly, i might rather see allen craig come up, to get some time in at third and as a pinch hitter, than barton. we have plenty of outfielders.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
it doesn't seem like anyone knows how well Barton is doing in Memphis
does anyone know, or did I just miss someone posting this?
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
He keeps getting lifted in the fifth inning--you know, to ease him into starting.
j/k doods, j/k roffle!
heh
just like in the big leagues!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Brian Barton in Memphis
4g, .250ba, 0hr, 0rbi, 2bb, 2k, .350ops
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
you mean .350 obp? because if you're hitting .250, your obp and slugging both must be
at least .250, meaning your ops would have to be .500.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
you are right
Barton is batting .100
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
the only way that would be possible
is if he gets picked off 3/5 of the time he gets on base
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
You can have an OBP that's less than your AVG
Just take no walks and have a sacrifice or two…
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 14, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Bringing up Barton only makes sense if we stop using Skip in the OF
It’s hard enough to rotate Luddy (sigh), Duncan, Ank, and Raz while still somehow giving Skip innings in the OF late in the game. Mixing in Barton would just be nuts. That said, I really like the idea of a Barton/Raz/Lud outfield against lefties and a Dunc/Ank/Lud OF against righties (loosely speaking, of course…Raz shouldn’t become a lefty-only hitter):
LHP:
Barton
Raz
Pujols
Luddy
Greene
Molina
Freese/other 3B
Ryan/other 2B
Pitcher
RHP:
Skip
Dunc
Pujols
Luddy
Ank
Greene
Molina
Freese/other 3B
Pitcher
Hmmm. It seems like no matter what we do, we end up with a lot of good bats sitting on the bench.
I’ll tell you what would be nice — getting Glaus back. Slotting him in there instead of Freese/Thurston/Barden really makes this an imposing lineup.
Getting Glaus back at the AS Break
Is just like making that big trade in the middle of the season, don’t you think Al?
You know Dan, your exactly right.
SF CARDS FAN
we shouldn't be using skip in the outfield
he needs to learn 2B without any confusion
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
aaaaand
we have too many other OFs to use anyway
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
to both of your statements, Cards Fan in Chitown!
by cardsgirl95 on Apr 14, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah right
One does not give Tony a guy who can play both infield and outfield and expect him to use him in only one of those places.
shouldn’t start in the outfield, but is a damn fine replacement for two (if not three – depending on your confidence on Colby this early) for later in the games
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
adding another outfielder...
that would take AB’s away from the four we allready have and I would assume that Raz would lose the most.
Is it weird that I would rather the payroll be more like the Marlins than the Yankees?
Any VEB'ers at the game last night?
I’m a Phoenix local and was surprised by how many Cards fan I saw. Granted, it was a small-ish crowd, but it seemed nearly 50/50.
Hope I see that many again tonight!
Barton's Minor League Stats - they suck
It appears that we might want to hold off on this call up as well. I hate it when facts get in the way!
AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS
.100/.250/.100/.350
It appears that Shane Robinson, John Jay, Allen Craig and Bryan Anderson and the only ones deserving of a call up to date.
10 at bats buddy
Barton has a long track record of good to excellent hitting in the minors (career: .413 OBP, .886 OPS), and he has excellent secondary skills (walks and defense) that will translate well to the majors, even if he struggles a little bit. Last year, he was worth .8 WAR in less than 200 plate appearances, despite rarely having consistent playing time. Most people will agree here that Barton should be on the major league roster.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 14, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
he's probably just depressed he didn't make the team
it seems like he took it pretty hard… he will rebound, it’s too early
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
He took it pretty hard?
Dude looked to be having fun in drills with the AAA squad during Spring.
And the coaches call him “BB.”
I like our nicknames better.
in the interview I read at least
it seemed that he was quite disappointed he didn’t make the team… which I guess is just an obvious thing
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't worry - not making a quality statement
Only providing some info for those that are insinuating that calling him up would improve the team’s performance right now. I think leaving him down in the minors to get consistent at bats is best for all parties him and the big league club.
The reason Nick Swisher was pitching last night was...
Because Chris Perez made the team and Brad Thompson didn’t, Hear me out. The Yankee’s picked a set up reliever vs a long men for the final roster spot in the bullpen. They have no long man on their team and when your team gets blown out early. Which happens to every team during the season you are forced to play your positional players vs blowing your bullpen on a blow out.
I know it is cool to see a positional player pitch but I sure don’t want to see any Cardinal player do it. Too much of an injury risk, imo.
Stat Whore
Who would be our position player pitcher this year?
Spiezio and Miles are gone.
Schumaker is my guess. I could see Joe Thurston volunteering for it, too.
One word, two handlebars
Stache
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
Give Franklin
the OK to throw his knuckleball and let him go the distance. He could probably throw 55mph knucklers for a week without hurting his arm, and then you’ve got everyone else available the next day.
I always wondered...
…if the Red Sox could have a four-man rotation by pitching Wakefield twice
Beckett
Wakefield
Lester
Wakefield
Dice-K
Not that they need to — especially since they’re in the AL — but they could carry and extra bat or bullpen arm.
That'd kind of defeat the purpose of a 4 man rotation
if you have your fifth worst guy pitch twice and put your #4 in the ‘pen, but I see where you’re going with that.
Hmmm
Who would I rather have on the mound…Nick Swisher or Puppy Kicker. Don’t make me choose…
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
I was just thinking
that Skip might have the potential to become the next Derosa
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 2:42 PM EDT reply actions
isn't Derosa lite
Aaron Miles?
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on Apr 14, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
uhoh
we just can’t shake that guy!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Carp vs Scherzer
Accuscore has a 50/50 split, advantage D-Bags. Lame.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
I don't understand how we are the underdog in this one
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
they are, we’re slight favorites (inc the vig)
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I do too.
Though the key to betting on the Cards is to wait until the lineups. TLR can screw an obvious line with a swift use of the pen.
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
We #1!
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Apr 14, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Scherzer Platoon Split
The native St. Louisan has struggled is his fledgling career vs. lefthanded batsmen, posting a .319 BAA/.389 OBPA/.418 SLGA/.806 OPSA.
So, doesn’t this mean a lineup filled with LHB?
Skip, 2B
Rasmus, RF
Pujols, 1B
Ankiel, CF
Duncan, LF
Greene, SS
Thurston, 3B
Molina, C
Carpenter, P
"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 certainly hope
that Tony doesn’t continue to platoon Ludwick. He needs to be in the 4 spot every effing day. I vote to sit Ankiel.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I like that
except the every day part… just start him more often than they have been and I’ll be happy
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
What else does he have to prove
to be an everyday player?
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Let’s see..
Did a slight platoon at the beginning of last season hurt his numbers? Or ours for that matter.
No.
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
It really isn't about that too me
It is about putting the best team on the field tonight. And I think our best lineup includes Ludwick. If he needs a breather, that is one thing, but I believe he gives us a better chance to win this game.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t disagree. I also believe that Luddy makes us a better team (neutral split environment of course).
I guess I just get a little frustrated by “he was a silver slugger last year” as if he should be absolved from the 4 man rotation that’s currently going.
He was in a platoon a bit of last year too and did just fine, some could say he also got over extended at times last year due to injuries (esp. during El Hombre’s calf issue).
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes he did do fine in a platoon setting
And I am sure that he could continue to do so, but is that really a reason to give him less playing time now? Do you really think there is still a concern about Lud being overextended or overexposed? I think he is beyond that point, but I could be wrong.
I worry that without Glaus in the lineup, we have exactly two bats that I have faith in on a daily basis, Lud and Albert. IMO they both need to play as much as possible. I guess just seems like a no brainer to me at this point. Obviously, there are others who feel differently, and thats cool. Just one man’s opinion.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Personally, I have no issues with Luddy playing, I mean, why would I?
But I also don’t see it as a bad thing that when he’s in it’s always in a position to succeed. 35 homeruns in 125 games doesn’t mean there’s 42 coming in 150 games.
Ank’s playing time (too much considering production) concerns me more than Luddy’s rotation.
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions
really doesn't feel like Ludwick is being benched when he can't succeed
It seems like the other OFers are put in there when they have a chance to succeed at the expense of Ludwick.
why play him everyday when we don't need to
and risk him getting hurt? he is kind of accident prone (knocks on wood)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Why play Albert every day?
He could get hurt as well. Lud has had some freakish injuries. I don’t see that as a reason to hold back his playing time.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions
That I’ll agree with. My reasoning wouldn’t be under an injury guise (though I continue to say be soft with his use when the weather is overly cold – his body has had more work than Albert.. or well just about anyone on the team)
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
and that was with a completely unproductive Duncan
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
I think that if Scherzer's splits are that pronounced
then we look one more time at testing the theory that we score a crapton of runs when Luddy gets a day off..So far we are 2 for 2 in that department.
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
When a guy has a split that extreme you kinda have to
We’re talkin a 64 OPS+ vs. 101 OPS+…
Not afraid to nitpick
Except for the fact that
Ankiel is ice cold right now and Ludwick hits right handed pitching very well. My money is on Lud.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not saying the Luddy shouldn't be playing tonight
I just don’t think he needs to play EVERY SINGLE GAME, that is all. probably just me being picky with semantics, sorry.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I did the same. “every effing day” is what i reacted to.
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe that wasn't the right choice of words
But I do believe he has earned every day player status.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
just give the guy a day off every once in a while is all I’m sayin
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Injury History
Given Ludwick’s injury history, if we can give him a day off when the team, on paper, looks to stand a good chance of scoring more than five runs, we should consider it. I think that Ludwick is the second-best player on our club and one of the best in the league, but I am also slow to forget the career plagued by injuries that he had before last season.
"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
Check this out...its pretty cool of the D-Backs
I hope that I posted the link correctly
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Try this
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=4048771
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
That is awesome.
Something as original and generous as that really says a lot about an organization. After this series, I’ll probably be pulling for the D-Backs in the West. It kind of puts things into perspective when you think about the fact that the Cards are paying almost $4 mil to Kennedy to play in the minors elsewhere, but the D-Backs chose to give 81 happy days to a few fans for $100,000.
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
I wonder how many other clubs have tried that?
Some of these teams with horrid attendance, like the Marlins, should have done this years ago. If you gave the season tickets for outfield seats, then during highlights of Marlin’s games, there would be more than those two guys chasing homerun balls. I still think it’s the same two dudes every time.
Warning: Rick Reill article
"I think he's the best hitter of all time. I think there has never been a better hitter than him. And I know I didn't see them all, but I just don't think there could be." - Adam Wainwright on The Mang
*Rick Reilly
dammit
"I think he's the best hitter of all time. I think there has never been a better hitter than him. And I know I didn't see them all, but I just don't think there could be." - Adam Wainwright on The Mang
Luckily
On my browser, it reads “Reilly: D-backs give b…” so I decided to forego the article in its entirety.
"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
good choice
"I think he's the best hitter of all time. I think there has never been a better hitter than him. And I know I didn't see them all, but I just don't think there could be." - Adam Wainwright on The Mang
Everything LaRussa touched turned to gold yesterday
Barden and LaRue had big games when put in the lineup, and Brendan Ryan was a defensive sub that made quite a difference.
I really think TLR is one of the few managers who wins that game.
I know, I can't believe what I'm saying either!
Even if LaRussa benches Luddy again tonight, he gets a free pass from me.
He did
See below
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 14, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
No, it didn't
Barden failed to drive in a runner on second base, each time after Wellemeyer executed a sacrifice bunt. Ankiel looked lost against the LHP, as did Duncan, which begged the question, “Where is Rasmus?” As ChuckB has pointed out, Rasmus’s glove makes him starting against LHPing better for the club than Ankiel or Duncan. Duncan doubled off of the righty reliever, which he could have done as a PHer. What’s more, Duncan’s late-inning misplay in LF could very easily have cost us a run.
"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
Joe Mather...upon further review
Joe is struggling in Memphis, and I thought I’d point out a couple of things…He is 1-12. His one hit is a double. But in limited plate appearances check this out…he has walked 5 times and only struck out twice. There is the possibility that he is hitting into bad luck, or that he just has to center the ball a little better. I think that Joe will be fine and back up with us soon.
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
To add a lil
Mather’s ops .520
Barton’s ops .350
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Silver Slugger Sits Again
1. Skip Schumaker, 2B
2. Colby Rasmus, RF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Chris Duncan, LF
5. Rick Ankiel, CF
6. Khalil Greene, SS
7. Yadier Molina, C
8. Joe Thurston, 3B
9. Chris Carpenter, P
I’m confident in TLR, but Ludwick has a 16 or 17 game hitting streak, dating back to last season, and seems to me to provide the best protection for Albert.
But, whaddo I know?
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
Luddy
No play vs. RHP on 4/7—9 runs
No play vs. RHP on 4/11— 11 runs
I think that our lineup vs. RHP is ok. Lets let this theory run its course. If we average 10 runs a game with Luddy sitting, then he sits. I mean, how do we complain about that if the RHP lineup keeps it up.
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
cause obviously it WONT continue at that pace
and sitting out 2nd best hitter against RHP regularly is just dumb, not even to bring up Luddy’s reverse platoon split….
I agree that Luddy should play more vs. RHP
and I think that he will. TLR always does the lineup shuffle, so we should be used to it. One thing that I think we all agree on is this…all of our OF need ab’s right? We have got to get Ankiel going. Maybe TLR’s thinking is that it is THEIR best chance to succeed. And it is true that all 4 of our OF have the ability to produce big numbers, so lets let this run its course
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Luddy
.985 OPS vs. RHP in ’08.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
why?
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
look, brian barden is either a good player or not.
tony has no way of knowing whether any one individual is going to hit a home run tonight or not.
if I say, “gosh, aaron miles should probably not hit cleanup tonight” and aaron miles hits a three-run homer, you could either decide that I was right and aaron was lucky or that I was wrong.
that said, i have often advocated for barden. he’s a decent on base guy with a little pop (29 HR in three minor league seasons). he’s much more likely to pull that off than brendan ryan (6 minor league, 4 big league HR over three seasons). he had a good winter league, a good ST, and a slow start in the spring. but he clearly has a strong offensive upside. give him a little time and he might surprise. i’m a little disappointed that everyone has jumped on him as the odd man out after two weeks.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
Good points
A lot of the things you say can pertain to Freese too. Not necessarily that he is a good on base guy, but I’m not going to be convinced he can’t hit based off 10 AB’s.
I don’t think most people here tend to be reactionaries. I think a big part of the issue is that we all probably realize we ideally don’t want 3 utility infielders on the bench. We understand they are probably using this as an extended tryout, and that likely this will not be the composition of the bench for long. People assume that management is likely going to have to make decisions on a small sample, so we tend to jump the gun and do the same here.
by Merry CRasmus on Apr 14, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Last year against Scherzer
TLR benched Ludwick and the Mang. I really think this “benching-Ludwick” situation has more to do with the pitcher’s LH/RH splits than anything else. And it’s not like Ank/Dunc/Raz don’t have talent or are bad options. Ank and Dunc have 30+ homer power and Raz is a great 2 hitter and defender. It’s not like Ryan is going out to RF tonight (knock on wood?).
by Willie McGee's Twin on Apr 14, 2009 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions
In that case
I suppose we better sit Albert as well.
And I say England's greatest prime minister was Lord Palmerston.
by tangledbrett on Apr 14, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions
and we should cal u anderson to catch.
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions
what do you mean, 10 runs?
clearly we’re on a pace to score 13 runs tonight.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
You can't predict anything about a sequence based on two numbers
What we score tonight will give us a better idea of the pattern. We could be on an exponential rise, in which case we’ll score 15 tonight, 23 the next time Luddy isn’t in the game, and 39 after, and so forth…
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 14, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Exponential Rise
is too complicated for this football coach
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Colby and Duncan are the obvious throwins. Rick should be sitting, not Luddy. Slide Duncan down to 5th and I wouldn’t have any gripes.
Well, I actually think that Thurston may be a solid #9 hitter in the ‘old system’, so maybe flip him and Carp.
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions
it is slightly baffling that Luddy is getting all these days off
I really hope this doesn’t turn into a pattern, the guy has nothing left to prove
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Well I’ve spent a bit defending on matchups, but today doesn’t qualify IMO. Maybe there’s something we don’t know. Rick hasn’t earned his playing time IMO. And it’s looking more like a platoon than a simple rotation the first week shown.
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I would have been fine with the simple rotation idea
but we all knew that Tony would not do that
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, it’s clear that Tony is packing a log jam of lefties vs Scherzer due to his platoon splits. I can see why we have the lineup that we have.
I just would rather have Luddy’s reverse platoon split carrying a 1.292 OPS over Rick’s LHB carrying a .500ish OPS
One Century down, next on its way. Cardinals '09 : Preserving the Cubs tradition.
by AdjustedExpectations on Apr 14, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
but that's not the guy who would be in the batter's box.
the guy in the batter’s box would be the true talent rick ankiel, and the true talent ryan ludwick.
Now, Luddy is probably the better hitter, especially if Rick is going through the kind of existential angst period in which he can’t hit like he is right now. But the difference between the two is not nearly as much as it appears from the tiny sample we’ve seen this year.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Long Term
Small sample size is one thing. Another thing is the responsibility of the organization to maximize the value of all their assets. I’m OK with the approach so far because it creates the possibility for Ankiel to prove himself as an asset. Sure. Ludwick is the better hitter, but benching Ankiel structurally would cost the organization in the long run. Letting all four OF’s play, establish their value, seems a very sound approach in terms of over all value in the long run.
Lest we remember the history of Rick Ankiel(the hitter)
When he is hot he is capable of carrying a team like few 2nd tier hitters in the game.
When he is cold he cannot hit water while falling out of a boat.
I think that he just needs that one AB where he puts a good swing on a pitch and makes solid contact.
Last Result—Rick with a beard……..does not hit
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
what the heck
time to shave that thing off
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
A theory
TLR sees tonight as a good opportunity for Ankiel to pick up some steam and start hitting for powah.
Ludwick’s locked in already in spite of the role he’s in and provides the best possible bat off the bench in the late innings. Getting Ank going as early in the season as possible should be a pretty big priority for Tone.
Yeah I hope this doesn't continue
He is our best hitting outfielder overall, and against righties is even better so far. He has a reverse split thing going on, and personally I’d like to see evidence that the reverse split is a fluke before I started managing as if it were. Particularly when said batter was one of the best in the business.
I don’t want to be the guy that talks about the daily lineups. I really don’t. The dial is just touching “Slightly Irritated” at this point. Up from “Mildly Concerned”.
by Merry CRasmus on Apr 14, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I like this lineup
In fact, I’m feeling downright optimistic about it.
If the worst thing TLR is accused of is playing Duncan/Ankiel/Rasmus against a RHP who gets killed by lefties, I can live with it. Ludwick will still end up with 500abs.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Apr 14, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
true i guess
i think it’s all just kind of been building up with each day luckwick is benched, if TLR had saved the opportunity to sit Ludwick for this moment, I don’t think anyone would be too mad about it.
cmon Tony
you have your “impact bat”… now use it!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 6:35 PM EDT reply actions
Is it possible that he's trying to get Ank some cuts in
to regain his stroke?
After all, we’re supposed to throw up 13 tonight…
(And Carp’s gonna whiff 13 as well!)
R.P.O.F.Y.M.
that would be my guess too
I hope he hits one out soon, or something
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Watching Mariners home opener
Nike just busted out a Griffey commercial from back in the Kingdome days. Nice.
“Hit it Here, JR!”
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 14, 2009 6:49 PM EDT reply actions
And after a long standing ovation
The kid laced one down the RF line…
it was a single, but it was laced
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Russell Branyon -
Mr. Three True Outcomes with a strike-out in the first.
Hey can you do me a favor
I got a stream of the Mariners game. Could you tell me who is up to AB and the current count. I am trying to see the distance between the live feed and the streaming feed
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 14, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Betancourt 0-2 count
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Now it Evil Endy
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
I just finished the 3rd Inning
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 14, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Really
maybe the HD extra inning feed is slow.
My 3rd just ended
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
just joking I meant the 2nd
The quality is not the best
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 14, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
okay
I have top 4 Figgins up with a 3-2 count
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Mine is 5 or 6 mins off that
Not bad for free
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 14, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions
true
you da man
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
has your 4th started yet?
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
No I am in the bottom of 3rd 1 Out
I was wrong before. I couldn’t really see it well
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 14, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
How to Watch the Baseball Online for Free Tonight
Unfournately it will not be easy as it was yesterday. You will have to download a program but overall still easy. There will be probably up to a 5 minute delay between real time and stream time. Right now the Audio doesn’t seem to be working but the streamer is working on that.
1) First off you need to download and install a program, TVAnts
2) Click on this Link for Feed after done installing
3) Wait to buffer and it should start playing
He is currently playing the Angels vs Mariners game and will switch over afterwards. I would recommend trying it out now cause some of you might have problems.
P.S
FreeBaseballRadio.com & TheGameLive.com Try these sites for radio game broadcasts
Stat Whore
So nothing like what was set up last night?
Because that was awesome and a great service you guys did.
"...and pujols has given st louis the lead"
Darren Oliver is throwing in the M's Bullpen
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Has security escorted him out yet?
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 14, 2009 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Darren Oliver is in the game now!!
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Rec
For a hearty laugh
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 14, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
err, Angels bullpen
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
I feel for fans of other teams
Every day we get to complain about the line up that Tony puts out no mather what.
What do other fans get to complain about?
in all likelihood
about their teams sucking
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Carlos Silva?
Endy Chavez?
Joji’s contract?
Harold Reynolds throwing out first pitch?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 14, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Memphis Update
Up 6-1 and batting in the bottom of the 2nd. Clayton Mortensen pitching has allowed 1 run(unearned), no hits, 1 walk, 1 k.
Stavi has 2 hits and 2 rbi. Craig with a 2 run HR, Tyler Greene with a hit and his 4th rbi.
Barton got a hit and an rbi, average upto .167
Mather 0-2, 3 LOB…average down to .071
Mortensen also has a RBI triple
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
His average is .400
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Bryan Anderson stole a base
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
AJ Burnett
does not have a perfect game…but close to it
Thru 6
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
no-hitter?
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
oopsy
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't want to jinx it
because if we get the chance, I don’t want anyone to jinx it.
But yes
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
I'm watching Mariners game
keep me updated on this one, please.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 14, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
free baseball
anyone??
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
They've got 14 minutes to finish this game
or else I’m going to be pissed.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 14, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
its 8:40 tonight right.
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, broadcast begins at 8:30 CT
9:30 ET
6:30 PT
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 14, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
well i don't think it will happen
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Double play on 1 pitch
need another quick batter and a quick walk-off Dinger.
Do it!
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 14, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
He lost it to Carl Crawford
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Crawford, Longoria, and Pena with consecutive singles to break up the no-no
way to go bearcatcardfan.
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
Wasn't he the guy that killed
Carpenter’s no-no too?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 14, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
no i did not post during that game
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I didnt know for sure
but I though it might be fun to give you some friendly shit about it and this one
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
yeah i was just guessing
when you said not a perfect game but close i typed it in and switched to the game just in time to see it broken up i thought it was funny.
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Im kinda superstitious
so I didn’t want to be responsible for the jinx. I was hoping someone would catch it and run with it
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
it was dang penguins that broke it up
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 14, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it was
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
dammit...i need to hit reply
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
What
Do the M’s have Tyler Johnson in the game
The only one who liked the Cardinals so much he became a St. Louis Cardinals football fan.
of course I get off work right when the game is starting
luckily I have a short commute… I thought the gamethread woulda been up by now…. hmm
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 14, 2009 9:40 PM EDT reply actions
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