Wain wrightish
by DanUpBaby on Apr 17, 2009 8:30 AM EDT
260 comments
Computer: has Adam Wainwright ever struggled this badly with his control?
| TIME | IP | H | ER | BB | K | ERA |
| 6/15-7/15/05 | 16.1 | 17 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 3.31 |
| 4/07 | 29.1 | 39 | 20 | 16 | 21 | 6.14 |
| 4/09 | 16.1 | 14 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 3.31 |
I'll be honest—I'd totally forgotten about how terrible a start he got off to in 2007. I'm proud of the Cardinals for keeping their foot down on his spot in the rotation, something I'd have liked them to do with this guy; we owe Jason Isringhausen a lot, as fans, but his last great gift to us was the masterly start he got off to that year.
The short answer is that no, Adam Wainwright has never struggled—and yes, he's hardly struggling in a value sense, to this point—in this particular way. The Adam Wainwright we've seen thus far is pitching deep into counts, striking people out by the inning, and altogether behaving like a completely different pitcher from the completely developed almost-ace we (perhaps presumptuously) expected out of the gate.
Is he hurt? If he is, he's made far and away the best post-injury adjustment I've ever seen—Mark Mulder, of the sidearm fastball and the blooper curve, or Woody Williams, knuckleball pitcher, would be inconsolably jealous. It's bizarre, but pitchers, presumably, struggle in different ways just like hitters do. Maybe Wainwright is one constant struggle away from becoming the bad version of Carlos Zambrano.
#
Ryan Franklin looks like the closer now, but I don't think La Russa is ready to let someone take a real stake in the closer's job at the moment; aside from McClellan, who has once more proved Spring Training's worth by emerging as the Cardinals' late-innings stopper for the second April in a row, everything in the bullpen seems subject to change without warning.
(I'll say this for bullpen fluidity—I've always liked it as an idea, but like the kid who wants to stay up forever and is suddenly given the opportunity [I am thinking of Pete & Pete here, for what that's worth] I'm finding the day-to-day practice a little more frightening than the theory. Which is to say I can see how easy it must be for managers to fall into the mindset of using pitcher x for situation y, over and over, day after day—my job isn't on the line every time I get a little uneasy about who's warming up.)
Maybe it's old habits dying hard, but I can't shake the feeling that the job is still Chris Perez's to lose. He's up against two guys, Franklin and Motte, who have periods where they look extremely hittable, and he himself is among the least hittable-looking pitchers to come out of the minors in some time. Should Franklin look old in the process of blowing a save or two I just feel like Perez's flaws are more likely to be tolerated, especially in a city inured to walk nausea by seven(!) years of Jason Isringhausen.
#
I was not going to get excited about P.J. Walters, heretofore the rich man's Trey Hearne, under any circumstances; I was pretty clear about this, to myself. As a guy who can too easily fall under the sway of the nearest Blake Hawksworth or Gary Daley, I need to have limits, and mine have typically been drawn around the guys whose strikeouts come gift-wrapped in scouts' apologia. When his walk rate doubled last year upon his Memphis debut, I felt vindicated—of course this was a smart pitcher compensating for superior hitters by walking the ones he couldn't deal with. It's easy to become a pitching psychologist, so long as you're not watching the pitcher.
But that most pernicious of baseball rumors, the velocity increase, has been attached to his name in the last few months, and now I must get up the necessary muted excitement. Whatever I can say about the guy, however I can justify his doing what he did, he struck out a batter an inning in the Pacific Coast League last year, and he did it as a relative youngster in his first go-round. If he hits 86 on the Gameday, I'll hope he's got enough Simontacchi Gumption in him to win this one game. If he hits 90, I'll stay optimistic.
Regardless of his actual MLB readiness, I'm excited to see the changeup that the P-D notes "was actually described by scouts as a 'screwball.'"
0 recs |
260 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
I never liked the idea
of a “closer” “position” on a team. Riding the hot arm always made more sense to me.
If it’s Franklin at the time, so be it. I like the idea that if Motte gets over his nerves (which I suspect was the main problem) he could step back in and pitch. He usually looked good for 2/3 of the 9th – and unless I’m mistaken he has looked pretty good in his lower-leverage appearances.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 9:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After looking at the stats,
not perfect but pretty good rookie reliever numbers -Extremely small sample size applies
Excluding the two save attempts,
3.2 IP, 1 ER, 1H, 1W, 4K
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oops... I meant BB instead of W.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I move
to start initializing walks as ‘W’, and to do away with the pitcher’s win statistic altogether.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Hear hear
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 17, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our movement continues down the righteous path of progress!
Down with the imperialistic “win” stat!
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think the win stat is at least as useful as the Game Winning RBI stat was
That’s kind of funny… it was years after they stopped keeping track of that when I realized it was gone.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re: I never iked the idea
Co-sign with skcabrozar.
If you’re hot, you’re hot. If you’re not, you’re not.
KRAM®
by kramtronix on Apr 17, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any idea where the kid's fastball sits?
n/t
by sdrone on Apr 17, 2009 9:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
used to be mid 80s..
but there have been recent reports of upper 80s to low 90s
http://www.futureredbirds.net/2009/04/16/walters-start-friday/
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 17, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man I hope we're not throwing some kid
with a fastball in the 80s out there.
by sdrone on Apr 17, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was supposedly hitting 90+ in spring training
I’m guessing he’ll need that difference between his FB and his 80-ish curve/knuckle/screwball/mystery thing to get hitters out, especially LHB.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gyro Ball?
Is it true? Is this the screwball the American version of the mythical Gyro?
by birdo rojo on Apr 17, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the scroogie
Has anybody else ever seen that picture of Carl Hubbell’s arm where it’s bent permanently at an angle from throwing so many screwballs over the course of his career?
by DanUpBaby on Apr 17, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PJ Walterzuela
Maybe he can do the stare at the sky thing in his delivery. But he’s no lefty.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on Apr 17, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wagonmaker
Whatever the mechanical inefficiency or body-part misalignment or other over-my-head pitching problem that Wainwright is fighting and struggling to correct, I admire the way that he, as a true heir to Carp, has been able to limit the damage and battle through his struggles—limiting the damage in any given situation (Kosuke’s homer notwithstanding), and making just enough good pitches to avoid the big inning. This pleases me both as someone who is pulling for him to be great, and as a Cards fan who doesn’t want them to lose even one game.
Even though his stats are mediocre (for him) right now, in each game he’s started, he’s put the Cards in a position to win each time he’s started. If that’s the kind of outcome we can expect from the Wagonmaker, even in the midst of his current profound control problems, then I wouldn’t mind if that particular strain of control problem rubbed off on Master Walters before today’s scrotum-tightening start.
by santiagofish on Apr 17, 2009 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
wagon
I haven’t been able to watch a full game of him pitching yet. What suggests that he’s hurt? Just the lack of control and the walks? I can see that from the numbers, but what about seeing him in person or on tv?
by spencegrif on Apr 17, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't
seem hurt. He doesn’t even seem like he’s laboring.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on Apr 17, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seems, to me, like he might be over throwing
I’m confident he’ll settle into the ace role sooner than later
by STLRegalia on Apr 17, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
somebody else mentioned (Danup?)
that he seems to be pitching backwards. That is, start hitters out with the soft breaking stuff and move to the fastball later in the count. I am not sufficiently experienced to know whether this is a Duncan preparation move, or a thing that Adam goes with the pitch he has the most confidence in and his cheese is just not up to speed yet or something else entirely. Wainwright said in the postgame that he was challenging the hitters but there were people (Aramis?) that he would just not give in to under any circumstances and walks were the lesser evil. Does anyone remember whether Adam used to pitch “backwards” or is this something new? His breaking balls are sharp, but not necessarily his best.
Dan, the lines above and below the 4/07 line are eerily similar, no?
"Statistics mean nothing to the individual"
"You are what you eat and you clearly went out and devoured a big fat guy"
by jacksonian on Apr 17, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
aren't they?
I was proud of that bit of Baseball Referencing. That is, my listening computer was.
by DanUpBaby on Apr 17, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jackson,
to my untrained eye, he was trying to get the fastball over, but could not command it. The only pitches he could throw for strikes were breaking pitches. So, he was starting off with the pitches he had confidence in.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 17, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
P.J. Walters
I admit to not following the prospects as I should, but what is the word on this guy? With Carp’s muscle tear, he seems to be the new “come tryout to be a starter” guy.
by graffin on Apr 17, 2009 9:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To agree with Dan..
I can’t wait to see his “screwball” pitch. Since my main base of knowledge of the screwball comes from Bugs Bunny cartoons, I expect a spiraling pitch accompanied by a slide whistle sound effect.
by graffin on Apr 17, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You never saw Fernando Valenzuela pitch?
His screw ball was a thing of beauty. He lived on it, threw to both right and left handed hitters.
by jjray on Apr 17, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Azru posted some links to FR Content on Walters. He’s been effective throughout his minor league career, he’s a big kid, the knock on him is that he’s all deception with sub-par velo (in the upper 80s), but I’d heard the reports that he was bringing 90+ heat late last season and this Spring.
FWIW,WIMCHMAKMHK*: he looked great in ST, striking out 9 in 9 innings, walking two and allowing 5 hits, none for extras.
- For what it’s worth, which isn’t much considering how much ass Kyle McClellan has kicked.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
not to be pedantic
but it’s not an acronym.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's just because you're not trying hard enough
It’s clearly pronounced “wimm-chuh-mak-mik”
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
he he :-)
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously, though
does it have to actually be a real word to be an acronym (like ZiPS) or does it only have to be pronounceable (like PECOTA)?
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Acronym
I was always under the impression that it simply had to spell something that could be pronounced as a word, not an actual word, but I could be wrong.
If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it.
by the red baron on Apr 17, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I assumed but I wasn't sure.
I think acromyms that either spell out actual words or pseudo, homophonic words are just a bonus.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From Garner's Modern American Usage
“An acronym is made from the first letters or parts of a compound term. It’s read or spoken as a single word, not letter by letter (e.g. awol, radar, scuba…) An initialism is also made from the first letters or parts of a compound term, but it’s sounded letter by letter, not as a word (e.g. r.p.m. or RBI).”
by OCCardsFan on Apr 17, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Garner
is the Albert Pujols of English grammar and usage. And I’m not sure which of them I’m flattering more by that comparison.
by santiagofish on Apr 17, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree
He taught me more about writing in 3 hours then I learned in 4 years of high school. If only America’s secondary school teachers would spend some time learing about good writing so that they could actually teach it.
by OCCardsFan on Apr 17, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
slightly offended
secondary English teacher with a Composition Masters here. I’m sure Garner is not a fan of the faulty generalization, either.
mel
by mel1975 on Apr 17, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry to generalize
I just was amazed at many of the common misperceptions of language that Garner keys on. I’m sure there are great secondary English teachers, unfortunately I didn’t encounter them. He also points out that many of the mistakes are common in the media as well.
by OCCardsFan on Apr 17, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys just don't get my high-falutin jokes
Fwiwwimch’makmhk is also Klamath for ‘he who wrestles young bears.’
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Fwiwwimch’makmhk
Talk about brilliant !
"How can a Mexican lose the ball in the sun" ? Harry Caray
by bigchieftootiemontana on Apr 17, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man I can't wait to see PJ.
I mean, I know what everyone says….but when someone defies scouting reports throughout his entire minor league career (with the possible exception of AAA last year), you just can’t help but get excited over seeing what he can do in the majors.
Go get ‘em Walters. I’ll be impressed no matter how your start goes. After all, you’ve made it to the bigs.
by arch support on Apr 17, 2009 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Looking at those numbers
that HAL dug up, I’m going to close my eyes, put my fingers in my ears and assume that Adam’s current 6-plus walk per 9 rate is just him working out a few kinks, and not elbow trouble. If he’s still missing the plate that much 3 starts from now I’ll start to worry.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 17, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I need Sigourney Weaver to read those numbers back to me.
by Andyfantastic on Apr 17, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great movie - Galaxy Quest
By Grabthar’s hammer, by the sons of Worvan, you shall be avenged!
No! Never give up, never surrender.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Apr 17, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
... It always stops at one!
We gotta get out of here before something kills Guy!
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If PJ gets Marshall's strikezone from yesterday
he might throw a no-hitter.
PJ is very Greg Maddux like in that he has to be ‘X-ing’ the corners or else he’s going to struggle. For much of his minor league career, he’s been able to do that. Last year, not so much.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 17, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
PJ Walters Day!!!!
"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
by bmorgan on Apr 17, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn straight! +1
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on Apr 17, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any nicknames for him?
Pajamas? Cronkite? PPK? (Walthers) If he walks a bunch of guys, maybe PBB&J?
Or maybe just go with this guy:
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, it's a good thing they didn't ask him to pitch tomorrow
it being shabbos and all.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point
That means that I don’t work, I don’t get in a car, I don’t fucking ride in a car, I don’t pick up the phone, I don’t turn on the oven, and I sure as shit don’t fucking pitch!
- PJ Walters
"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
by bmorgan on Apr 17, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Is that an actual quote?
If so, what kind of idiot rookie says that to a media outlet?
I hope it’s a joke.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing joke
since “shit” and “fucking” weren’t “####” and “#######”
by STLRegalia on Apr 17, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a big fan
of how Goold redacts blue language in his posts.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big Lebowski
Learn it. Love it. Live it.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Apr 17, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i was pretty sure that's what it was
especially with the picture, but I don’t know it well enough. haven’t seen it since college and i was probably drunk when i did
by STLRegalia on Apr 17, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cohen brothers are so very sweet.
I think The Big Lebowski is one of the funnier movies I’ve ever seen. I think a great idea would be to have some buddies over, watch that movie, and drink white Russians all night.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Done it
Switched to beer after about three WRs. You can only drink so much half-n-half in one sitting.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You
simply weren’t trying hard enough, Liam.
If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it.
by the red baron on Apr 17, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Trying hard
kind of doesn’t work with the Big Lebowski
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Substitute milk
Not quite the same overall effect, but it doesn’t sit on the stomach quite as badly.
The thought that I have is that the season is over. And that everybody in the game; a fan, a coach, a player, a manager, front office, scouts...surrender. They say, "that's enough," especially after a game like this. But then Christmas comes, New Years, contracts are signed, trades are made, free agents are signed; and then baseball, like the rose beneath the April snow will force it's way to the front again. And we'll have the fever once more.
-Jack
by Jack618 on Apr 17, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
man
how can you go wrong with movies like Big Lebowski, Fargo, and No Country For Old Men? not to mention, O Brother Where Art Thou, those dudes no how to make a movie!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the variety of their movies is impressive too.
They can definitely do humor, but No Country For Old Men was pretty depressing and dark. Fargo was funny as hell at times but pretty damn twisted at others.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was quite impressed
with burn after reading too.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
probably the funniest movie i've ever seen
"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 17, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is illegal (and impossible)
to be funnier than Dumb & Dumber.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 17, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Missed that one
In fact I really need to catch up. I haven’t seen Intolerable Cruety, The Ladykillers, or The Man Who Wasn’t There. Or anything pre-Fargo, except for Raising Arizona. So I guess I’m kind of a poser Coen brothers fan. Correct spelling this time, thanks imdb.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't need to see the Ladykillers
It was okay, but if I never saw it again, I wouldn’t complain
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 17, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i thought it was pretty poor actually
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a cat lover,
Mr. Pickles stole the show!
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 17, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
those 3 are supposed to be
the ones you don’t watch. pre-Fargo stuff is good though
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't like the man who wasn't there
but I know a few people who did. didn’t see the other 2 but I haven’t heard any good things about them
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't think much of Ladykillers,
but for me Intolerable Cruelty is a fairly close second behind Big Lebowski as their best comedy. I thought Clooney and Zeta-Jones both greatly overachieved in that movie. (Oh, and she’s absolutely gorgeous.)
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 17, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll check that out then
heard mixed things about it
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 18, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and yet I sometimes feel
that I am the only person who liked The Hudsucker Proxy.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trust that feeling.
If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it.
by the red baron on Apr 17, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's it
you made my list
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A blacklist?
If so, hooray!
If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it.
by the red baron on Apr 17, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
indeed!
I haven’t seen it in forever, so there is a chance that the only reason I liked it was for the “Sure, Sure”.
And Charles Durning’s running leap. That was visually stunning.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't get it
The only Cohen Bros. movie that I didn’t enjoy.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on Apr 17, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
O Brother, Where Art Thou may be my favorite Coen flick
Probably due in large part to the setting of the South, and it hitting close to home. For a couple of Jews from the upper Midwest, they sure did a good job of painting the relationship of Southern culture and religion!
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 17, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
I’ve heard from a friend of mine who’s also from the south that he thought it was a little too much of a caricature. I guess everyone is not going to agree. Also, that movie is gorgeous to look at.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess to each his own
I thought it was very tastefully done. Much better than most Hollywood interpretations of the South. (see: Vanderbeek, James in Varsity Blues. “Ah don’t wont, yo lahfe!”)
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 17, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, my gut feeling was that he was overreacting a little
He still really likes the movie and is a huge film buff. In fact, he’s heavily involved in the Wash-U newspaper now. I am not from the South, but he is, so I always found his opinion interesting.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bought that dvd for my stepdad one year for xmas
and he watches it religiously
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, I bet I'm the only one no this board...
who absolutely LOATHED No Country for Old Men. I’ve gotten into so many arguments about this thing. I just don’t get the hype. I thought it was one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen….well, maybe not the movie itself, but within the context of how much everyone just fell all over themselves to slurp it. God that thing was simply awful in my book.
by goodymobb on Apr 17, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, I can easily understand that.
I felt similarly about The Departed. Similar in that it got lots of hype, but I ended up not liking it. In fact, with both of those movies I had a hard time deciding if I actually liked them or not, I just had the opposite conclusion for each one.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I freakin loved the Departed
I hadn’t really heard too much about it and then saw it in theatres; awesome.
haven’t seen No Country
by STLRegalia on Apr 17, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, the Departed, to me
was one of those movies that ended being less than the sum of its parts. I really dug certain elements of it, but the whole thing just didn’t do it for me in the end. Why I disliked that depressing, violent, possibly nihilistic movie but enjoyed No Country is a mystery… maybe I’m just being arbitrary? Nobody’s perfect.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Departed was great
saw it in the theater by myself, great movie
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 18, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with ya
well, I didn’t loathe it. But I found myself glad it was over. It just kinda made me uncomfortable. I did think the bad guy/actor did a pretty good job, but overall, it was really depressing and bleh.
youneverknow
by floodOfLove on Apr 17, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's how I feel about O Brother
I found it almost unwatchable.
by OCCardsFan on Apr 17, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he has to issue a IBB today,
He has to point at him and say, “This Guy Can Fucking Walk!”
by thp0344 on Apr 17, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
definitely not a real quote
Walter says this is in the Big Lebowski. I just changed “roll” to “pitch”
"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
by bmorgan on Apr 17, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay.. cool.
If you’ve never seen the flick it’s totally lost on you :D.
I don’t know whether or not Walters is Jewish, but according to Wikipedia (my main – sometimes flawed – resource on all knowledge foreign to me) he should be done pitching before Shabbat starts tonight.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Walter
is the name of the big guy with the gun
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Donny: It was posted by La Russa
Walters: Well he can un-fucking post it!!!
"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 Apr 17, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Walters can really tie the rotation together
n/t
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Apr 17, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
+1000
You bastard, I wish I had thought of that.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 17, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about Jelly?
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on Apr 17, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Did anyone else notice
that yesterday’s game threads were numbered 10, when it was game 11?
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 Apr 17, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m just sayin’.
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 Apr 17, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did
VEB just doesn’t go to 11.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 17, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like Spinal Tap speaker do?
:)
Thoughts on the Vikings, Buckeyes, and Cardinals
www.purplebuckeye.blogspot.com
by MilCardFan on Apr 17, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They did the sensible thing
and just made ten louder.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as we win,
then every game thread should be numbered 10!
by cardsgirl95 on Apr 17, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dang straight.....
might as well set the whole thread up the same, call Wainer the sp…. if it worked the first time might as well rinse and repeat
by fuegophil on Apr 17, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just gonna say!
Keep it on 10 until we lose.
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 Apr 17, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Today’s scrotum-tightening start."
Santiagofish—you said it man. (nobody f*cks wit da Jesus)
We’ve got Walters and Boggs ready today, for what could be a big game (in my mind).
What we can learn from today:
1. How many AAA arms do we have that could be competent 4/5 starter competitors for 2010?
2. How close are the Cards and Cubs in terms of talent and ability?
3. Which Zambrano are we seeing today? I’d love to see a repeat of the game at Wrigley last season where he put up this line… IP4.1 H10 R9 ER9 BB1 SO3 HR4
4. Will TLR ride the hot hands Duncan and Ludwick (no-brainer imo) and put Colby or Ank in Center? I’ve got to give the edge to Ank—he’s the “vet”, he’s seen Zambrano before and played in Wrigley’s winds before.
Should be fun.
Go Cards!
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 10:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How about a redux
of my favorite Big Z memory. Just sub Duncan for Rolen and Pujols for Edmonds.
St. Louis – Top of 4th
Carlos Zambrano pitching for Chicago
S Rolen reached on infield single to third, S Rolen to second on throwing error by third baseman A Ramirez. 0 0
J Edmonds homered to right center, S Rolen scored. 2 0
St. Louis – Top of 8th
Carlos Zambrano pitching for Chicago
S Rolen homered to left center, T Womack scored. 5 3
J Edmonds hit by pitch.
C Zambrano ejected by home plate umpire Joe Brinkman.
by PhillyRedbird on Apr 17, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh heh heh heh
I think all I really saw of that game was the second time Edmonds got hit, for some reason.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love that game
Zambrano gets ejected after hitting Edmonds — which I thought was unfair because he had no idea where the ball was going all day that day. He couldn’t hit the broadside of the barn in that game and he gets run for hitting Edmonds twice.
"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 Apr 17, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In today's lineup, these people HAVE to start
Skippy, Albert, Yadi, and Ryan Ludwick. All have lit Zambrano up in their brief careers against him and all are hitting well. I’d bench Duncan because defense is going to be at a premium today and I doubt Tony wants to douse the ruminations of Ankiel coming to life.
Although, Rick has never gotten a hit vs Zambrano in the 7 times he has faced him.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 17, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see
Rasmus start his reputation as a Cubs killer today.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he sat Rasmus to give him a look at the circus atmosphere
I’m making a wild guess at Duncan, Rasmus, and Lud today. I’m guessing Duncan won’t sit if he’s hitting like this.
Stupid afternoon game. This lousy AM radio better pick up WGN here in the bowels of this building.
by sdrone on Apr 17, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'll be wrong
Ankiel will play. Mark it down.
"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 Apr 17, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
especially after he showed sign of breaking out of his slow start
Tony will play him, mark it down
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mark that Ankiel in center and you're entering a world of pain.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't watch my buddies die face down in the muck
so I could watch a struggling centerfielder go for the collar today against the Cubs!!!
"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 Apr 17, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
plus
he has a .000 BA vs. Zamboni
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are we going to do quotes for Wallace too when he comes up?
Donny: " I am the Walrus?"
by thp0344 on Apr 17, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When we start calling
him GooGoo (as in GooGoo b’jub) we will have jumped more than 1 shark.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 17, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm afraid of wearing out the Walrus nickname, as much as I like it.
I propose the alternative of kilts, blue face paint, and chanting his name like a bunch of crazy Celts.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, we could always use "The Hitman"
One of my all-time favorite WWF wrestlers.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 17, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mark it Rasmus, Smokey!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It determines who advances in the next round robin.
Am I 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
by fourstick on Apr 17, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No but you're still an asshole.
(not you personally)
The thought that I have is that the season is over. And that everybody in the game; a fan, a coach, a player, a manager, front office, scouts...surrender. They say, "that's enough," especially after a game like this. But then Christmas comes, New Years, contracts are signed, trades are made, free agents are signed; and then baseball, like the rose beneath the April snow will force it's way to the front again. And we'll have the fever once more.
-Jack
by Jack618 on Apr 17, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh, I messed that up a little bit.
close though.
You’re not wrong, Walter! You’re just an a****le!
The thought that I have is that the season is over. And that everybody in the game; a fan, a coach, a player, a manager, front office, scouts...surrender. They say, "that's enough," especially after a game like this. But then Christmas comes, New Years, contracts are signed, trades are made, free agents are signed; and then baseball, like the rose beneath the April snow will force it's way to the front again. And we'll have the fever once more.
-Jack
by Jack618 on Apr 17, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
damn you guys!
I MARKED IT DOWN!
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same outfield as yesterday
I’d guess Rasmus doesn’t get a start in Wrigley until tomorrow, at the earliest
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 17, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who in the heck will be sent down today?
Boggs? Motte?
We have to make a roster move to make room for PJ.
by cardsfaninmass on Apr 17, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
my money's on kinney
though it should be ryan.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My chips are in that square, too.
THE BULLPEN NEEDS A LONG-MAN!
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope it's
Kinney, but I fear that it will be Motte.
by Toddius on Apr 17, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's so sad to me how messed up Kinney looks....
…he was such a hero in 2006….
by cardsfaninmass on Apr 17, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he'll get it back
he had a decent run in ST. Small sample sizes are always a killer for relievers. I remember when Springer first started in 2007 he got lit up on his first couple of relief appearances.
He does seem to have lost control a bit and he’s trying too hard to get balls over. Plus, he’s been a bit unlucky. Still has it in him to be a good setup guy i think.
So long as two out of KMac, Perez and Motte are “on” at any one time, we probably have enough depth in the pen to manage a few bad appearances from the rest of the cast.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt if they'll send down kinney
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they did
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice catch
Wonder if/when he’ll make it back?
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That pic of Goodman with a gun
above had me reading the starting lineup #9 position oddly.
It says “P P.J. Walters”
and I read
PPK Walthers.
My, how the mind is susceptible to suggestion.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PPK Walthers would be fun
if his velocity is indeed in the 80’s. The PPK isn’t exactly a big gun.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha
my reverse psychology worked
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 exactly
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But were are talking about a TLR
managed team here. You really think he will do what everyone expects?
MO: “Hey Tone, who do you want to send down so we can bring up Walters? You do have 3 utility infielders on the roster. And Josh Kinney doesn’t look quite right. Maybe he could use a few weeks in Memphis?”
TLR: “How can I send down one of my boys? Have you been watching Barden MO? I mean how can you even call him a utility player? The guy looks like Rogers Hornsby out there. And Joe Thurston is a complete stud.”
MO: “Rogers Hornsby? Tony, it’s just been a few weeks.”
TLR: “I know ballplayers MO. I’ve seen enough. This guy’s got heart, you know?”
MO: “But what about Ryan?”
TLR: “Ryan? Come on MO. You know I need a fast player on the bench who I can use in late innings to bat with a runner on first and less than two outs. Fast guys avoid double plays.”
MO: “What about Thurston for that roll.”
TLR: “Earth to MO, Thurston is left-handed! Dah! I need one from each side.”
MO: “OK, OK. What about Kinney?”
TLR: “After all Josh Kinney has done for the team you are going to kick him down to AAA just because he hit a little rough patch? I mean, we wouldn’t have won the world series in 06 without Josh.”
MO: “Tony, he pitched 25 innings in 06.”
TLR: “And those were 25 huge, huge innings! Man, you stat guys just don’t understand high leverage situations. Josh was HUGE for us.”
MO: “Calm down Tony. Tell me who you feel you can do without.”
TLR: “Freese.”
MO: “He’s your starting 3B.”
TLR: “Not anymore. Rogers Hornsby is playing third. Freese has to pay his dues. That was his first big league camp and now he thinks he waltzing in here and starting on my team? No, he goes back to Memphis and hits his way back.”
MO: “Fine, it’s Freese then.”
by jjray on Apr 17, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
i can totally see that happening
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
by gdm426 on Apr 17, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony was right
Barden is Rogers Hornsby.
by jjray on Apr 18, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does Kinney have options left?
He’s been around long enough that I doubt it, but I don’t have the facts.
by StanTheManFan on Apr 17, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure he’s got all three remaining: he stuck when he came up in 2006 and was DL’d whenever he wasn’t active aside from that. He may have only two left, but he’s definitely not out.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has all three remaining
He was sent down via DL in 2007.
"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 Apr 17, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan is a good idea
I think Thurston and Barden have proved themselves to handle the utility roles adequately
by cardsfaninmass on Apr 17, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the one argument against demoting ryan
is that it leaves us somewhat short on pinch-hitting options (just 4 bench guys). However, as Wainwright’s a better hitter than Ryan, perhaps he should be the 5th anyhow….
Personally, i’d dump ryan tonight for walters, and then looks to send either kinney or boggs back next week and bring up brian barton.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
because having a pitcher hit more is a great idea
j/k
"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 17, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing that worries me about WW
is that Will Carroll at BP, whose health opinions I respect greatly, has suggested that loss of command/control may be a precursor of a UCL about to go.
I really don’t think that’s what Wagonmaker is facing — looks to me more like early-season blahs, which he’s had before, and is perhaps understandable given that he’s a Georgia boy who’s been pitching in near Arctic conditions, which we tend to forget. But even the remote possibility is frightening.
by StanTheManFan on Apr 17, 2009 10:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
weren't wainwright's mechanics flagged by...
…that blog (can’t remember the name) as being prefigured for elbow problems – the same blog predicted Carpenter’s demise.
Will Carroll scares me.
by cardsfaninmass on Apr 17, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would O'Leary's blog
And what he does isn’t an exact science. I respect his opinion, but he certainly didn’t “predict” Carpenter’s injury as Carp had already had an injury back before his blog even started. He has changed his opinion of certain guys’ mechanics as well, Jeff Francis being an example that comes to mind.
I do think that he’s got some good points about mechanics and elbow pronation has been shown to lead to injuries in some pitchers, but I wouldn’t put a great deal of stock since he’s been wrong on pitchers plenty of times.
"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 Apr 17, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I know nothing
about Walters … but from what I’m reading he looks like the second coming of Bob Tewksbury, i.e., the crafty righthander.
For those in the know, does that comparison have legs?
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 17, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That would be cool
Even cooler if he brought back Tewksbury’s motto of “hitters are dumb”.
by fuegophil on Apr 17, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anybody but me like the movie "The Scout"?
It’s pretty Yankees-centric so that’s kind of annoying (Steinbrenner the elder is actually in the movie as himself, I think). I kinda liked it though, a not-bad baseball movie with some great moments. By the end of the movie, the Yankees end up playing against the Cardinals in the world series. Tewksbury faces off against Steve Nebraska (Brendan Fraser) with Bob Costas calling the game. Also, Ozzie Smith is on an “unexpected power surge” in the playoffs that year, and is the scary final batter of the game. Hilarious.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's hilarious
I don’t remember liking it that much, but it’s been a long time.
by Toddius on Apr 17, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love that movie
The Cards at the end are just Cake to me. Ozzie as the final hitter was quite funny.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 17, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or maybe the
painting as a hobby.
BTW, Tewksbury redux would be a fantastic outcome for El Birdos, methinks.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 17, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would like
to see Mc Cellan get the closers job. First, because he has the stuff to handle it and second because La Russa likes to use him for multible innings too much. He’ll use him for 2 innings one day and then bring him back the next day for at least an inning. He burned him out last year and he’ll do it again this year. I’d rather see Franklin overworked than Mc Cellan.
As for PJ Walters, I have been wanting to look at him for a long time, to see how a mid eighties righty strikes out as many hitters as he has. He must be a right handed Jammie Moyer.
by ridgesee on Apr 17, 2009 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he distracts them
with pictures of kittens whilst he’s pitching.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would very much like
David Freese to get the start at 3B today.
After a very solid ST he’s just not really been given a chance. Of all the options on the roster (not incl. Craig and Mather in Memphis) he’s got the best chance of sticking. I’d like to see him given a run in the side and we’ll see what he can do.
However, I’m guessing Thurston at 3B and Schu at 2B. We’ll probably load up on lefties vs Zambrano.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 11:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
people have said he's looked overmatched
and Sharky is a power pitcher, so that might not translate well. but then again, Thurston looked pretty overmatched when he k’d the other night while pinch hitting, so who knows.
by STLRegalia on Apr 17, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't say overmatched
Nick Stavinoha against Brad Lidge was overmatched. Brendan Ryan against Chad Qualls was overmatched.
I think Freese is just getting adjusted to the amount of good breaking balls that these late inning specialists throw. Quoting Crash Davis: “They throw ungodly breaking stuff in th show, exploding sliders….”
If Z has his good stuff, even Pujols has looked overmatched against him at times. It’s when he doesn’t know where it’s going that he gets hammered, because guys get ahead in counts and look for the fastball.
"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 Apr 17, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm calling shenanigans, Pujols has never, once in his life, looked overmatched.
your probably right. seems like feast or famine against Sharky for the cards, hopefully they stay hungry.
(did I really just say that? stay hungry? I’m embarrassed)
by STLRegalia on Apr 17, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hate to burst your bubble...
But Albert has really struggled with Zambrano at times.
"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 Apr 17, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
get out of here with you "proof"
what makes you think I’m a rational person? Albert only gets out because that’s what Jesus would do. he hurts enough feelings around the league, and already came close to ending someone’s career, so he has to take it easy every once in awhile
by STLRegalia on Apr 17, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By those '07 and '08 numbers
One could argue that it just took Albert a little time to figure Z out. Cause he’s hit him fairly well the last two seasons.
by fuegophil on Apr 17, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw Pujols look stupid in an Ab against Lincicuem(spell that right?) last year. The kid looked like he was throwing a wiffle ball.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on Apr 17, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really can't remember when or what game
Heck it may have been in the spring, but I recall Albert saying in a post game interview something along the lines of “He made me look really bad with that previous at bat so I really concentrated on not getting fooled” I think he hit a homer. But he definitely seems to learn from mistakes and takes those lessons with him beyond the day or even season. Will be interesting to see how he performs agains Z today.
Sometimes Pujols seems to be the Greg Maddux of hitting.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't Wait...
I love to see young guys come up and get the chance especially when they have earned it as P.J. has. With Carp gone for 6+weeks I am hopefully that he will get at least a few chances to show what he can do. Starting against this offense in Wrigley is a tall task for a major league debut…
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
by nomar34 on Apr 17, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
PJ Walters
I watched him throw in a live BP session in the early part of spring training this year. There was no radar gun, but I did get a good look at the change-up that he throws and I can see why he’s so successful at striking out hitters. He throws it from the same arm slot as his other pitches, there’s a big difference in velocity, and it has a down and in ( to righties, down and away to lefties) late movement that makes it difficult to hit even when the hitter keeps his hands back. A good hitter could sit on it and still not hit it — it reminds me of Kevin Appier’s “thing” that made him such a great pitcher in the late 90’s. Walters doesn’t throw as hard as Appier did, but that change-up is a difference maker.
The other thing I remember about that session is that Duncan was consistently telling him to “let it fly” or “throw as hard as you can”. It’s almost like Dunc thought he was holding back velocity so that he could put the ball where he wanted it — in high school we called this “aiming” the ball, and it usually ended up in you getting shelled. I’m not saying that’s what he was doing, but that’s just what it seemed like from the comments that Duncan was making.
I think it’s obvious that he can’t work behind in counts and that he can’t throw get over fastballs, but if he can stay on the corners and hit spots he can use the change-up as a true out pitch. I’ll be interested to see how he’s going to do with patient hitters like Derrick Lee who aren’t going to swing at his nibblers. I’d also like to see how he’s going to approach hitters like Alfonso Soriano, who, imo, should never be thrown a fastball on the plate, ever, but is susceptible to getting himself out breaking pitches, which Walters doesn’t really have.
"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 Apr 17, 2009 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wainwright is working some new stuff into his repertoire
for his first Cy Young season
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and it's Kinney to Memphis
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh my God!
They [optioned] Kinney!
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 17, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
you BASTARDS!!!
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
to follow that up
2B Skip Schumaker
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Albert Pujols
RF Ryan Ludwick
LF Chris Duncan
C Yadier Molina
3B Joe Thurston
SS Brian Barden
P P.J. Walters
umm. thanks Joe
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am barely gonna argue with that lineup
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and wow
No Ankiel in CF? I am shocked!
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hasn't hit z
granted, small sample but he has looked pretty ugly trying
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on Apr 17, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's how larussa rolls
with the small sample
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Ludwick hits his first HR of the season, sits the next game
Brian Barden hits his first HR of the season, sits the next game (IIRC)
Khalil Greene hits his first HR of the season, sits the next game
I’m beginning to sense a trend.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 17, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
unclogging the bases makes tony mad
its not cardinal baseball
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on Apr 17, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greene is 1 for 18 against Z
"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 17, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
god, i hate tony’s small sample size bs…. But he was probably due a day off anyhow. Barden’s a more patient hitter which will work better against Z if he’s a little rusty/wild.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't know that the small sample size isn't backed up by other information
TLR’s decisions (unlike yours) can be based on talking to the players. He could have asked Khalil whether he needed a rest or Khalil could have told him that he just doesn’t see the ball well against Z (or some other reason why he doesn’t hit well) and doesn’t expect his numbers against him to improve no matter how big the sample gets.
Moreover, even if all TLR has to go on is “1 for 18” – that’s not actually all that small of sample for one particular hitter against one particular pitcher.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Apr 17, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good thing APu doesn't count
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Apr 17, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Albert didn't sit
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 17, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
liking that lineup
at least they’re giving walters a decent chance to get some run support tonight. That top 5 is absolutely nails.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 17, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
top 6
YADI!
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
now that
is a damn fine lineup
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Prediction
Brian Barden gets his first walk tonight. Two of ’em.
by liam on Apr 17, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Think Colby Jack's one today?
sorry…
couldn’t resist the cheesy pun.
Oops. did it again.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 17, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
That would be very gouda!
"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 17, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
stop it
you silly
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
somehow, that just sounds dirty
but then, my mind may be in the sewers…… but that is part of my job.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 17, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mind out the gutter, doods
I just meant that I hope Colby hits a grand salami. What could possibly be dirty about salami anyway?
…
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it will be a munster shot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just hope we won't be wine-ing all day today
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its muenster
Get that cheese out my kitchen.
by colbyjackscheese on Apr 17, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You Feta Be!
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Apr 17, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he likes the cheddar
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 17, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope we don't hear about the goat
Get that cheese out my kitchen.
by colbyjackscheese on Apr 17, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like Colby
Makes Goat Cheese?
SF CARDS FAN
by norlanski on Apr 17, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 17, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does anybody else feel that Kinney has dropped his arm slot?
I seem to remember his release point being higher before the injury.
by MattK on Apr 17, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well, if he has.....
it reached down to Memphis. Tough break, hope he gets sorted out and soon.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 17, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My take on Wainwright so far 2009 vs 2008
Just going to throw out a couple numbers
(2009 vs 2008)
- K/9 9.37 vs 6.20
- BB/9 6.61 vs 2.32
- Avg .233 vs .247
- BABIP .309 vs .281
- GB/FB 0.95 vs 1.32
- First Pitch Strike 50.0% vs 57.0%
- Swinging Strike % 10.3% vs 8.5%
Some bad things in there but also some good things too. What I like to see more than anything is the increase in the K rate with an increase of a swinging strike rate. What I don’t like to see though is the huge jump in BB rate and the drop in GB’s. He also isn’t getting the first pitch strike like he used too.
If I had to take a guess what the problem was I would say he is just over throwing the ball. Increasing his BB rate and also his K rate.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 17, 2009 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wainer doesn't worry me yet.
I think he’s got great stuff, and he’s smart and adaptable, so I really believe he’ll get straightened out sooner than later. If this continues into mid-May, though, then I’ll really start to worry.
by fuegophil on Apr 17, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this shows
that he is fine tuning some things a little bit…
but that’s a good point, he is probably charging out of the gates
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 17, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The bad thing about increasing BB rate and K rate
is that adds LOTS of pitches. Hopefully he can get the walks down so that he can go deeper into games, and the season
"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 17, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so what you're saying is...
he’s turning into Dice-K? Tough to hit, strikes out a bunch, walks a bunch, and only goes 5 innings.
by longhornscardinals on Apr 17, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I put this in the DFR today, but almost serendipitiously
Anthony Reyes and PJ Walters, both former Cardinals Pitchers of the Year, are starting in the big leagues this afternoon.
Anthony’s game in New York is already underway, it’ll be fun to see who has a better day.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 17, 2009 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
All I know is that Reyes won more Worlds Series Games than Harren ever did
Whatever Reyes eventually becomes, he gave the Cardinals the best contribution he ever could have. I won’t ever cry about what could have been if he becomes a Cy Young winner, because we’ve already gotten the best outcome from his pitching: A Championship.
by cloistermaximus on Apr 17, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the info
He’s facing off against Joba “OMG ROTATION OR BULLPEN???/” Chamberlain, no less.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Gameday
Anthony’s fastball is topping out at 90 mph. What the hell did Dave Duncan do to him!?!?!
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 17, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he just pitched to contact Johnny Damon just went yard
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 17, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and tex followed him up
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 17, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, gameday sez
there was a 87 mph fastball followed by a 86 mph changeup somewhere in there… weird.
by mattybobo on Apr 17, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
according to gameday
Joba’s average fastball is 91.0 mph. I think it might be a little off, unless Joba lost that much velocity.
by longhornscardinals on Apr 17, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems like velocity is down everywhere
Sauce hasn’t even been much over 95 has he?
by OCCardsFan on Apr 17, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
his fastball on GameDay
seems to sit around 95-96.
by longhornscardinals on Apr 17, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reyes BABIP this year so far 0.111
That is not going to last
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 17, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at 110
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 17, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bloop hits just kill you
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 17, 2009 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Viva El Birdos
Related FanShots on Viva El Birdos
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
