Good Morning
by DanUpBaby on Apr 24, 2009 8:30 AM EDT
Email
PrintI'm really sorry, everybody—I've been putting in all of the work I shirked through my first three years of college over the course of this current semester, and all the work I shirked throughout this semester in the last two weeks. As a result, I have nothing for you this morning, except a lengthy and ill-formed set of short-answers about anthropology.
So consider this an open thread. As far as a prompt goes, a question I discussed with somebody a while back: What is a slump? You can imagine who we were talking about when this came up.
Obviously players have slumps, in the empirical sense—they don't hit 1-4 every day when they're .250 hitters, after all. But are they mental, when they aren't physical? Are they random chance? Are they the result of certain skill-sets, such as Ank's bizarre combination of a fastball-slow bat and terrible strike zone control, being predisposed to extended bouts with futility?
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Lohse
So… if Lohse is out for any extended time frame. What’s the rotation?
Wainwright
Wellemeyer
Piniero
Boggs
Thompson/Mortensen/Walters/Hawksworth?
I’m still hopeful that Jess Todd get’s a chance at some point.
throw McClellan
into that mix.
ESPN
Not a big fan of the WWL but went to their site and it was on the front this morning as the #1 Web Gem.
yeah, saw it on BBTN
don’t think I’ve seen a cardinal as the #1 web gem since the days of Jim & Scott
rick was last year when he had those two incredible throws
by SGFCardinals on Apr 24, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
he's got his own video now
"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 agree. Give Pedro his 5 million if Lohse is out and once he and Carp get back he is our new closer for the year.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
I have to wonder how affective Pedro would be now. And how long would it t ake for him to be ready.
The last three years don’t look that impressive but maybe worth 5mil
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
$5MM
Pedro would have to be $4MM more effective than what we have. And he may be, but I’m saying that he was worse than El Pineiro last season, which is staggering. I might even suspect that Paul Byrd may be a better option: as effective and cheaper.
"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 wouldn't mind
trying Paul Byrd, but he’s not immediately ready, either.
When is the draft?
because I imagine that’s about the time that the “sign ben sheets” petitions will start back up.
If Lohse’s knee is jacked up, would it be worth the draft pick to sign ben sheets before june? (to possibly beat other teams to the punch and possibly(there’s that word again) get a lower price?
SIGN BEN SHEETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that way, all our pitchers can be on the dl: past ace, current sort-of ace, will-be-if-he-ever-pitches-again ace
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 24, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think he's ready
Saw a clip recently saying he was hoping to get in a 10-15 start audition at the end of the year to prep for signing a long term deal next winter.
No worries, Be happy
WOW you guys are waaaay ahead of yourselves. Worse comes to worse, let’s bring back Bob Gibson. He looks fit & can probably still Bring It!
CliffNotes: "My Dad wanted me to be a baseball player!"
Roy Hobbs: "The Natural"
Free Daily Matchups Email from Bill James's Website
So, I’ve signed up for the free Daily Matchups email from Bill James. They send you a pretty sweet color-colorful chart of the matchups for the clubs. It’s like a window into TLR’s mind. I thought I’d post how folks can sign up for it, if they are so inclined.
Attached are the Bill James Daily Matchups against your team’s next opponent, with updated stats as of today, brought to you at no charge by ACTA Sports, Bill James Online, and Baseball Info Solutions.
Feel free to forward this attachment to others. If they would like to receive a free subscription for the remainder of the year, please have them send an email to matchups@actasports.com with their name and favorite team and where they buy their sports books.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Apr 24, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think I'll go throw a bullpen for LaDunc
surely I could get through the order two or three times before they remember how to hit a 68 mph fastball and 50 mph 1-8 curveball. and if they get their timing back, I can bust out the slider and knuckle ball
Our 2B on my
high school team had an incredible knuckle ball. Unfortunately, no one ever let him pitch in an actual game. Our coach played college baseball and would rake our best pitchers fastball wherever and whenever he wanted, but he’d pop out or ground out on this kids knuckleball. It wasn’t enough to inspire him to put the guy on the mound during a game.
sounds like me
but as a bonus i am left handed, but my curve is more 12-6
"Chuck Norris CAN divide by zero"
I would just aim right behind the head of a right handed hitter
and as long as it broke, it would end up around the knees on the outside part of the plate….those were the days, back when my shoulder felt atached to my body and crappy high schoolers couldn’t hit a curveball to save their lives.
I am undefeated in Major league ballparks. We played a game in Busch II in 2001 and I got the W. so I’m 1-0 in major league ball parks and so I never forget about it, have pictures of me pitching there scattered around my office
This made me laugh out loud
Rob Neyer makes a Neyerian joke at Milton Bradley’s/Cubs’ expense:
Milton Bradley is not healthy enough to play right field (or run out ground balls, or do other things that managers like). So, who had April 23 in the pool?
The links didn’t transfer, but if you go to the original post, you can read the story.
"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 was just thinking the other day
that I wonder how hard it will be to teach my kid (hopefully a boy) to hit. I imagine if you start early, ala tiger woods in golf, you have a pretty good chance of making him or her at least cometitive in little league. having just seen that video of the 3 yr old I’m kind of excited to try. Just have to make sure I don’t become a psyco parent
Just to throw this out there in regards to Loshe's knee.
2 weeks ago I tore the ACL in my left knee playing softball. I was on 2nd and the third baseman made a terrific grab on a line drive. A line drive I thought was going to get through. So, once he came up with it, I tried to pivot back to 2nd so as not to get doubled up and SNAP , complete tear. It’s the second time I’ve done this. Six years ago it was might right knee while playing flag football. I go in for surgery a week from today. But anyway, the reason I bring it up is that the pain for me was intense both times. There’s no way I could continue to play either time. I hit the ground like a bag of sand and was immediately unable to put any weight on it. So having seen Kyle finish the inning yesterday is very encouraging to me. I’m not trying to say he’s gonna be right back. A partial tear would still take time to heal. Al I’m saying is, imho, if he did something major like a complete tear, he would not have been able to continue.
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 10:45 AM EDT reply actions
Similar knee injury story
I strained my MCL in HS preseason football, had my knee locked in position and my body bent sideways. I ran sprints afterwards, the entire time my knee wobbled. I didn’t hurt until I woke up the next day, I was out a week (played two more weeks with tape and a brace).
Doesn’t really matter that much, but there is huge variance in knee injuries and time off. Here’s to hoping Lohse is healthy.
jp
by jpmorgan5150 on Apr 24, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow....sorry about your knee!
Not to contradict what you said, but I have a buddy that tore his ACL in high school, right after halftime of a playoff basketball game. He pushed his kneecap back into place, and finished the game. But, he’s kind of insane like that.
My wife's knee
Has had three surguries – after the ACL tears she was hurting, but when she tore her miniscus she kept playing basketball.
She’s kind of insane like that too!
jp
by jpmorgan5150 on Apr 24, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Women's ACL's
are interesting, they tear at an extremely higher rate than men. Several reasons have been researched as to why, ranging from angle relations for the hip and knee to menstrual cycles.
Not to take away from your glorious story of your wife playing on a torn meniscus, many menisci are played on torn, its just that people don’t know they are torn. I’ve got a meniscus that is damaged, but it doesn’t limit me, it just swells a little if I’m too active on it.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
thanks
Yeah, I’m no orthopedist so I really don’t know if everyone experiences the same amount of pain when they tear a ligament. It could be that I’m just a big wussy but boy oh boy my two injuries were painful. I’ve assumed the reason I had so much pain was the severity of both injuries. They were both completely torn or snapped or however you want to put it. I was hoping this time it would be a partial tear so I wouldn’t have to go under the knife. no such luck. Anyway, I hope my optimism for Kyle comes to fruition. Obviously though, I have a narrow perspective. I just assumed everyone would have as much pain as I did if they completely tore a ligament and would not be able to continue. For this reason I thought at worst he may have a partial tear somewhere which would require less time to recover. Hopefully it was just a sprain with no significant damage.
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeesh.
That sounds unpleasant.
You know, I’ve had my ankle pop playing basketball. It was so loud, the other players heard it. It ended up being fine. Was swollen for a few days or maybe a week, and has never given me problems since.
I’ve also got some wonky cartilage behind my kneecaps (a common problem for female athletes b/c of the angles of the hips and the pressure it puts on the knee) and sometimes, when I’m just plain old walking, my kneecap slides off course and some bones that should not touch crash together. It is the creepiest, oddest feeling, in addition to hurting. I’m gonna hope that Lohse experienced something like this. I’m also kind of glad it’s the right knee. Obviously pitchers need both legs, but I imagine and injury to the left leg of a RHP would be more detrimental.
Classic underachiever.
I hear a pop in my knee sometimes
and it doesn’t mean anything, other than my joints make popping sounds (sometimes they lock too)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
ALL of my joints pop
Knees, ankles, toes, elbows, shoulders, wrists, knuckles, hips, neck, even my sternum pops when I’ve been sitting in one position for too long (like whin I’m blogging). Been this way since I was a teenager, but more so now that I’m in my 50s. I’ve had some semi-serious probs with my ankles (thanks to playing soccer for 25 years, and a general clumsiness) and a slight tear in my left meniscus, but have been able to avoid going under the knife so far (knock on wood).
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 24, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
*when
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 24, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Replied to you in last nights thread about this
You probably have a torn meniscus. Especially with this new information of the locking, I’m about 99% sure you have a torn meniscus. Its just that there are many different types of tears in the meniscus and there are differences in the amount of pain caused.
A couple of other diagnostic criteria I would ask of you: do you ever experience swelling in your knees? It can even be very mild swelling. And do you have any painful areas if you feel along the joint lines of your knee?
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
I have the same problems with my knees
my athletic trainer at school said I probably have torn meniscus too, but since the pain wasn’t keeping me from playing, only the swelling, he just suggested I ice my knee. He put me on some leg strengthening workouts too to take stress off of my knee.
"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
Icing, strengthening
good idea on each of those.
I’d suggest you do your strengthening in closed chain exercises (where you are moving your body on a foot fixed to the floor) examples would be: leg press, squats, and lunges. They are going to strengthen the specific muscles of the quad that you need for stabilizing your knee.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
yeah my AT is awesome
I go to a pretty small college, and we are super fortunate to have him. He’s worked with the US mens soccer team, and we will prolly lose him soon to that again.
"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
how's "ton of bricks" work
I’ve used “ton of bricks” too many times in the retelling to family and friends so I think I was just trying to change it up in my own head. Of course, I could have injured my brain too.
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
So I was browsing the team stats at ESPN
and the Cards are leading the NL in every offensive category save triples.
I.LOVE.THIS.TEAM.
Yadi's speed kills
"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 24, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
The offense is truly incredible.
There is no doubt some regression is in order. I think we’ll see Allen Craig before the all star break, but this team will score some runs.
We need to estimate the runs per game at the end of the year. I think we are going to win the division and I don’t think the Scrubs are going to even come close to the offense the put out last year.
jp
getting him ready to start?
wellemeyer part duex?
is he from Kentucky?
do you think the new grilled chicken bucket at KFC is any good?
I have no interest in KGC
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Boyer
Boyer has been throwing bullpen sessions for Duncan and has been unavailable because of it. Matthew Leach on his blog made a statement that makes me think there might be something going on there. “They’re giving him a long look to see what he’s got. I’m becoming very interested in what they think is possible here.” Now, I’m not sure what that means, but perhaps, they are considering him for a Welley type conversion.
by stickman179 on Apr 24, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
If he was tipping pitches
He could be very similar to wellemeyer. He has said he has a cutter, very good curve and a mid 90’s fastball…it’d be just like Duncan to pick this guy up and turn him into a league average pitcher.
jp
by jpmorgan5150 on Apr 24, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
he better we are currently down a couple of starters
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 24, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
shouldn't they have done that before putting him on the active roster?
or are the rules of acquisition in regard to players possibly traded when claimed off waivers fooling me again?
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
he was on the active roster as soon as he was traded
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
yeah, I suppose they couldn't have "sent" him down to Memphis
still sucks being an arm short in the pen
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Lohse
I agree that everything is probably OK because he would not have stayed out there if there if he was hurt very bad. I think everything is fine but you never know.
Are there any teams that have extra pitching? Peavey is the only one that I can think of that is suppose to be available, and while that ain’t going to happen, that acquisiton would be great. The more ideal situation would be to pick up a good young pitcher who is blocked at the major league level. I don’t know if any of those are even out there.
I continue to believe that the Cards need to move Ankiel or Duncan and packaging one of them with some other prospects might be enough to get you a good young pitcher.
Steven Wright
I just received my degree in calcium anthropology … the study of milkmen.
Bonus quote: You know when you put a stick in water and it looks bent? That’s why I never take baths.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
I've got a map of the world
It’s actual size.
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I bought a microwave fireplace
… now I can sit in front of the fire for the evening in eight minutes.
someone stole all of the furniture in my living room last night
then put it all back in the exact same place
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
i came home drunk one night, put my car key in the front door.
my house started.
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
So I drove it around for a while.
A cop pulled me over, asked where I lived. I said, “Right here!”
Then I got onto the highway, parked in the median, and yelled at all the drivers to get the hell out of my driveway.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
I'm with you on a trade...but
I think we’ll see TLR and Mo take the slow Rasmus approach that seems to be pretty pressure free at this point. Ras has a free rookie year to adjust and next year, after Ankiel walks in free agency, he takes over center.
I just can’t see them trading anyone before they have a ‘proven’ replacement.
jp
ank
ankiel kills me. he’s looked horrible for 2 straight weeks but games like yesterday show those flashes of brilliance. i don’t think he’ll be worth whatever he gets paid next year but sometimes, on rare occasions, its an absolute joy to watch him play.
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
I'll never forget
that rockies game last year (or that catch yesterday)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
"Excuse me, baseball? Going a little fast there, weren't you? May I see some license and registration?"
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
Lohse
Not to be a pessimist here, but Yovani Gallardo had the same thing happen last year and he stayed in to finish the game. After that, he was done for the year.
He only recorded 5 more outs
Just like Lohse. But Gallardo’s looked serious when it happened. Somehow he got up and kept pitching.
"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
what happened to Lohse
didn’t look bad at all
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
He was running to cover first
when the ball skipped off AP’s foot/glove and Lohse tried to stop real fast to grab the ball. He said he heard a pop when he put on the brakes
which could be really bad
or nothing at all
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
that's the difference
When Gallardo jumped to avoid a collision and landed, it just looked really bad… His leg went forward awkwardly and there was a ton of stress on the knee. You could see it easily. Looks like the Lohse thing wasn’t nearly as bad.
"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
Rasmus
I guess keeping all 4 outfielders makes sense if you are not sure that Rasmus is ready at this point. The flip side of that strategy is that he needs to play everyday and he cannot do that right now. I think you also need to trade Ankiel or Duncan when their value is high. Duncan’s value is probably at a high point right now but Duncan is probably not the guy who gets moved. So if it is Ankiel what is the best strategy – let him walk or move him now for something of value for the remainder of the year. I guess the answer to my own question would have something to do with what you could get for him and I don’t know what that is. I am thinking that Ankiel packaged with some prospects should get a real good player in return and right now they need starting pitching.
are TLR & Duncan going to hold a grudge against each other?
Will they trade Duncan’s son or TLR’s golden child?
Lohse concerns
Last year when Gallardo hhurt his knee he also finished the inning.
If Lohse is ok enough to pitch I’m worried about his effectiveness. Knee problems can impact landing/pushing off depending on which knee, and can lead to not being able to consistently repeat a delivery, which in turn leads to not keeping the ball down. That spells trouble.
If Lohse isn’t ok, a cheap alternative might be Odalis Perez. Now, I know Albert lights him up like crazy, but he wouldn’t have to face him. He isn’t going to strike fear into opponents, but as a stop gap, we could certainly do worse. Here’s a fangraphs post to make the arguement better than I could:
I think Paul Byrd
is a better option than Perez.
Perez has tossed nothing but meat since 2006
Just say no.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...and I'm wanting an Allen Craig call-up!
by RunninRedbird on Apr 24, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
his stats would be much better
If he never had to face APu though
"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
Pitching Possibilities
Boyer could be the guy but I would think that they would go to Walters and leave Boyer in the pen. Walters was not bad in his start against the Cubbies and probably would do better in another start opportunity. You also have Thompson at AAA and he has pitched well there (again).
The plain simple truth is that none of these are good options which is the real story. The need a viable starting pitcher option and they jsut don’t have it.
I'm guess that his getting lit up against the Mets
means he has lost his chance, at least for now.
Maybe the pen just isn't the place for Walters
I know he warms up faster than Boggs and that’s why LaDunc wants him coming out of the bullpen, but look at his track record thus far. When he started for StL in the Memphis game he struggled for the first couple of innings, then settle down and pitched well. The start against the Cubs, rough in the early innings then strong through the 3rd and 4th. Yesterday, first (and only) 2.1 innings out of the pen and he gets lit up. Walters may just be a guy who struggles early on, but when he’s through an order once he can find his groove. If this is the case, the bullpen would seem like the absolute worst place for him.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...and I'm wanting an Allen Craig call-up!
by RunninRedbird on Apr 24, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
We can't afford a starting pitcher.....
That will be luck to get you 4, MAYBE 5 innings. That puts the team, and the pen in a crappy situation every 5 days. PJ barely averaged 5 innings per start in the minors. That isn’t good.
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
by SoonerfanTU on Apr 24, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not saying we keep him in the rotation
I’m saying maybe we shouldn’t use him in the bullpen. There’s a difference. Send him back to AAA if he can’t be an effective guy out of the pen and he isn’t going to be starting here.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...and I'm wanting an Allen Craig call-up!
by RunninRedbird on Apr 25, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone know
how Hawksworth has been pitching?
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 24, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Earlier someone mentioned...
Lohse finishing the inning as hopeful considering the intense pain usually associated with an ACL tear. But I can’t help thinking about Yovani Gallardo hurting himself on a similar play at Wrigley last year, finishing the inning, and then going on the DL for the rest of the year with a torn ACL. Obviously I hope that’s not the case, but I can’t stop thinking about it…
ACL tears are painful
but you can keep playing on them generally. See: Hines Ward, who doesn’t have an ACL.
by longhornscardinals on Apr 24, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
My guess on Lohse
He’ll be DL’ed, but he won’t miss the season. Probably the 15-day DL for one go-round, then he’ll be fine. We’ll see later today if I’m right!
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
It's the Cardinals
A 15 day DL for anyone but Pujols ends in amputation of something.
Not afraid to nitpick
Yeah
Pujols gets something amputated, it just grows back.
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 24, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
as titanium
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 24, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Man I hope that Lohse is ok
We are in april and already we get a gut check
SlamalamaJackADongWick cares very little about your draft pick standing-by gdm426
by FredbirdisaDork on Apr 24, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions
No
I always thought that he was a rock
SlamalamaJackADongWick cares very little about your draft pick standing-by gdm426
by FredbirdisaDork on Apr 24, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I was more going for the
surprised we’d ever think Kyle Lohse was a major cog in our rotation and not just a filler. speaking of filler, does anyone else enjoy eating cherry pie filling? Sometimes I think I’d rather crack open a can of filling than have an actual piece of cherry pie…it must be lunch time
when i was younger i used to eat chocolate icing straight from the can
nowadays it makes my teeth hurt just thinking about doing that. Ugh.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
How about downing a whole can
of Easy Cheese? Used to do that, back when I was an idiot (translation: last month).
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 24, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
oh, i still do that
with or without crackers. And peanut butter is best straight from the jar.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
someday, you should make a pie with actual cherries in it. like whole cherries that
you buy from the produce section, pit, halve, and put in the pie. not cherry-substance-in-corn-syrup. it’s the best.
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
No action needed until Tuesday
MRI results come back today and Kyle gets to hang out for a few days. Let’s see how he feels after a day or two.
His next scheduled start is Tuesday in Atlanta, which matches PuppyKicker’s schedule from Memphis. If it ends up being a 15 day DL then the short term solution is to bring back PK. If something else is wrong, solution for Tuesday is to bring back PK and look for a long term solution.
I had a dream last night that Brad Thompson beat Colby Rasmus in a playoff to win the Masters
I need help
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
what a screwed up dream.....
if any Cardinal ever won the Masters, it’d have to be Albert. That’s just a rule or something.
Wainwright
is close to a scratch golfer. He and Smoltz got to play with Tiger once. Tiger won.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
I heard about a time where Smoltz, Glavine, and Francouer scrambled against Tiger
Their cumulative handicap was less than five. Tiger still won by like 6 strokes.
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
See, if I actually knew anything about golf I'd understand that...
My grandfather is spinning in his grave…
You should take it up
it’s a great game.
Me too
those are two things my wife and I do together. I prefer golf as a game, but like the sweat you work up playing tennis. They’re both good ways to stay active.
I love tennis actually
All my uncles badger me for never playing golf, because I play tennis. I can only half-join a country club someday. Ah well.
my grandma played golf into her mid to upper 70s
I think I’ll be bowling for a while
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Small tutorial
Handicap: average strokes over par a player is per 18 holes
Scramble: all players tee off, pick the best tee shot, move their balls to that spot, hit again, etc. until the hole is done
Tiger: freak of nature
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
How cool is that?
Just so Tiger did have all the bragging rights, they should have handed him a bat though. Just to make it fair.
I'm shocked!
Tiger beats Wagon Maker?…… But who would have the faster club swing? The Mang or Tiger?
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 24, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's a question
If Albert were as good at golf as he is at baseball, would he be better than Tiger?
One of Tiger’s biggest advantages over his competition is his incredible focus and intimidation. However, Albert has both of those just as much. I think it would be a pretty good match.
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
pay per view anyone?
all monies collected to charity.
That would be something to see….. but only on a Wii game for now I guess.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 24, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Remember when there was all the talk of BigMac joining the senior tour?
"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
sweet
"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
well done!
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
at least until the lineup comes out.
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
The whole team gets a pass from me for the day.
(I’m going to the boxing match tonight so I won’t be around to complain anyway.)
stupid East Coast.... timezones
Pujols: 998 RBIs – vs Dempster 8:15 EDT
Beltran: 999 RBIs – vs Scott Olsen 7:10 EDT
One more reason PJ should’ve been pulled earlier…?
"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
he may still miss a start from the fall
but his is good
"no structural damage"
But does that mean no damage to ligaments as well? Just a sprain?….. help doctors????
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 24, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
ligaments are structure
article doesn’t say anything about any sprains or anything like that.
Interesting note about the generic terms like “knee sprain”: you DO NOT sprain a knee, you sprain ligaments in the knee. Never understand why they say “knee sprain” and not MCL sprain or ACL sprain, etc.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
thanks for the clarification
Sometimes the word play is awful…… I see “structural” and think bones…. but didn’t know if ligaments is part of that… now I know.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 24, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
no problem
you can include: ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones in that list.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
Told ya he'd be fine :)
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
+ Q
A favorite junk food lunch of mine is a Tuna Sandwich, bag of fritos, & some sweet Yoohoo.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
excuse me, i have to go sacrifice a goat in thanksgiving to the GOB.
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
I am still waiting on seeing him out on the mound before any thanks are given
they way the GOBs eff with us, they probably screwed up the MRI
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
it never hurts to make the GOB happy.
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
but what if they are goat-lovers
and seeing goats killed makes them angry?
We need a Prophet, to tell us what pleases and what displeases them. Imho we should preferably find this stuff out BEFORE we do any sacrifices. After all, a mere slight to a goat has caused the Cubs to be unable to win a world series for years and years; I think killing one would be risky, at best.
/mid-level manager
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
exactly
perhaps the goat is the prophet. how would we know?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
i didn't think of that.
anybody know goat cpr?
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
what did you do, strangle the thing?
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
Maybe offer them a cow instead?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
now you've done it . . . .
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
mmmmmm
steak
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
mooo cow does not approve
how about a chikin or bison? or better yet, a pig! pigs give us that glorious, delicious gift from the gods know as bacon, even those bastard coated bastards with bastard filling GOB’s can’t stay mad at us if we offer them bacon.
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
like this
disturbing, but actual picture?
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on Apr 24, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Mark Mulder's MRI Clean
Will throw bullpen session next Tuesday.
Oh wait, I blacked out.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 24, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Way off topic.... not even about baseball......yet.
A senior NFL official confirmed that ‘substantive talks’ have been held with London officials about holding the Super Bowl abroad, the BBC reported Friday.
Incredible…..so, for a 5:00pm kick off for the east coast, they will play the game at 10:00 at night in London?
Looks like Attendance is down 10% already this year
This year we are average 37,850 people a game which is 80.8% capacity at home. Last year we were averaging 42,353 people a game which is 90.4% capacity at home. If this trend continues it will mean 364,778 less people will go Busch Stadium this year compared to last.
Stat Whore
That's actually about an 11 percent
drop. But of course you can’t make projections based on April, the month of so much shitty baseball weather.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 24, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
But it is also the first month of the season
More people are excited about baseball returning. Now the first couple games were freezing as cold but now they are just a little chilly at night. Which I prefer over scorching heat. This is something to keep an eye on baseball wide. LOTS of team will be forced to drop payroll cause no one is going to games.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 24, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Average attendance for the first 9 home games in 2008 was...
39,971 (average from the box scores on espn.com)
So through 9 games this year, the drop-off is only about 5.6%…
Actually more like 5.3% (me and math aren't friends)...
If I’m doing it right, which I may not be…
The difference in attendance is 2,121 per game…
2,121 ÷ 39,971 = .053
That is good to see
I am really curious what our payroll flexibility will be mid season. I think their will be fire sales this mid season by a lot of teams.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 24, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Buster Olney called Pujols the second most perfect player of all time, after Willie Mays
In speculation motivated by TLR’s calling Pujols perfect yesterday, Olney blogged today about who the most perfect players in history are, considering all of the “five tools” together (and giving Pujols a bit of a break on speed, focusing more on baserunning skill). His list is Mays, Pujols, Bonds, Aaron, Dimaggio.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 24, 2009 2:37 PM EDT reply actions
no Mantle?
On a tools basis I don’t think anybody could top the Commerce Comet, unless one of the tools is not having one’s knees self-destruct once a year.
I personally would have had Griffey on that list instead of Dimaggio,
and I don’t give a damn where the hell a nation turns its lonely eyes. I realize his career average is quite a bit lower than the rest, but it’s dragged down by so many years of injury. Taking just his first stint in Seattle he’s a .300 hitter.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 24, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Commerce Comet
I get that. Go to Commerce, OK and drive down scenic Mickey Mantle Blvd and swing into MIckey Mantle field. It’s just up the road from Miami, OK. I always appreciate when you pull into a small town and next to the welcome sign it says Welcome to Whatevertown home of That Guy that was a pretty good bass fisherman.
"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance." - Aesop
That's an interesting little article
Maybe it’s my WAR-informed biases talking, but I wonder if a “tools” approach to evaluating the “perfect player” makes much sense… I mean, theoretically can’t a player just be so good at enough things that the tools themselves don’t really matter? If a guy somehow is worth say 12 wins in a year only because he has magic arms that catch almost every ball in play, couldn’t that make him the most valuable player in a given year? And if he did it enough years in a row, couldn’t that make him the best player ever, if he contributes to winning more than any other player?
like, the uber-ozzie
who could play both 2B and SS, freeing Skip up to be the second CF?
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
Theoretically, yes
I mean, if you only have 1 or 2 or 3 tools but they’re friggin’ amazing tools, who cares about the others?
Man who fell 18 feet onto woman at Busch Stadium is released from hospital
http://www.bnd.com/179/story/742131.html
Stat Whore
Hopefully the woman will recover soon too
thanks for the update
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 24, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm really curious about the details of that fall
Amazingly, I didn’t see anything about in the Post-Dispatch the day after it happened; in fact, the only place I’d seen anything was a very short bit in the NY Times today (maybe the P-D also had something about it yesterday or today). I was at that game in the section right next to the one the guy fell into, and some folks around us were saying he had been jumping around like an idiot right next to that railing for several innings before he fell. A number of people said he was drunk, but I don’t know if that was speculation or if they actually had some reliable info. But there was no mention of alcohol in the NY Times or in the story you linked; you’d think in a situation like this there would be some mention of it, even if just to say that it wasn’t a factor.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 24, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
last night
on the local Channel 5 news (KSDK), they had a short bit on it. Apparently workers in the area he fell from said that he was drunk and had been cut off several innings before he fell. The reporter said that the club is still doing fact finding before making any comment.
mel
Thanks for the news - that's pretty interesting
The STL policeman quoted in the bnd.com link said it wasn’t a criminal matter, but I assume it will become one if it’s established that he was drunk. He should sure as hell be accountable for whatever happens to the woman he put in the hospital.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 24, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
my favorite part
Sadly — and this is a little known but true fact — Albert Pujols petitioned and was denied by Major League Baseball to shave his goatee into a true flavor saving mustache. MLB argued that as Pujols is already hitting .339 this season, adding a performance enhancing mustache would give him too much of an advantage and possibly endanger opposing National League pitchers.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
just ask cole hamels
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 24, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Would the universe implode
if the Bob Gibson from spants’ fanshot had to face a mustachioed Pujols?
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Agreed, hilarious
The first night I saw him on TV with the new ‘stache I just couldn’t place who/what he looked like. I finally decided he looked like a late ’30’s or ’40’s private eye in any number of old movies.
by ArkansasTravs on Apr 25, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
When Vern Rapp took over as Cardinals manager in 1977, he ordered “The Mad Hungarian” to shave his trademark Fu Manchu. Hrabosky later said that being beardless made him feel “like a soldier going to war without his rifle.”
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 24, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm a a connoisseur of baseball-related facial hair
so this makes my day.
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
"lip sweater"
great nickname perhaps?
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 24, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought about that one
but I think too many “say what?” would be bit annoying to answer.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 24, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
What is most encouraging you guys have seen his year?
For me it has been their walk rates of 11.8 % and K rates of 15.4 %.
Stat Whore
he's a cyborg man
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I think of him more as a Dalek
Death-wielding machine on the outside; gooey, wriggly thing on the inside that can swallow a person whole.
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 24, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions
or a GOB avatar
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Kind of a Deus Ex Machina thing?
n/t
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
I was thinking along the lines of
a Vingean Deity. Applied theology, and all that.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
one of them, for sure
he’s had some pretty seminal ideas. he’s also a pretty neat guy, very accessible; he was at a scifi convention in some gawdaful texas city (waco, maybe?) a couple of years back (william browning spencer was there, too) and would hold court in the hallways in between sessions and just shoot the bull with fans. Very cool. some authors act like readers are something they’ve scraped off their shoes, but Vinge was very friendly.
FWIW, his ex-wife was the inspiration for the heinlein character “Friday” ;)
Have you read anything by Charles Stross?
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
No
but I’m always eager for suggested writers.
I got around to reading Rainbow’s End recently and went through John Scalzi’s trilogy as fast as I could lay my hands on the books.
That’s all the entertainment reading I’ve had in the past year, I’d say, so I’ll check out Stross.
stross is fabulous
he’s got several books set in an interesting post-singularity universe, and uses much of the same terminology as Vinge. He uses a neat plot mechanism to explain why technological singularities can’t happen any more, but the Deities are very much players in the space opera.
He’s also got a series of “spy thriller” books that are intentional parodies of James Bond, except set in a world where government agencies use lovecraftian Elder Gods as technological weapons. A collection of that whole series is usually available in the Barnes and Noble “cheap books” stack for like $10. Think it’s called “in her majesties occult service” or something.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
oh
here’s a link to one of his singularity books- accelerando – online as a free e-book.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
how tragic...
if you can’t trust a southern lawyer cooking a kosher meal in a dumpster,
well, then, the world has grown far too cynical
by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 24, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
had discussed this in class recently
Article doesn’t relay exactly where he was hit very well. Supposedly the pitch was a slider that got away from the pitcher, the kid turned in so that his back was to the pitcher and the ball hit him more in the neck (think brain stem/spinal cord) than the head. He suffered a C1/C2 crush injury. Extremely tragic situation. Very brave of his family to make sure his death was not in vain and donate his organs so that others may live.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
it's really sad
because he did what you are SUPPOSED to do—turn away from the pitch instead of trying to use your bat to protect you—and the worst possible thing happened. Just a freak accident.
"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
ugh. awful. i hate watching HBP for just this reason.
it’s so sad. i agree about the organ donation being a very small silver lining.
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
Really sad
and I feel bad for the pitcher as well. Even though it was a complete accident/freak injury, you know it will effect him for the rest of his life.
MyBrute - Where tiny gladiators rule the internets
Remember that mythical
12 year old girl the Mets were going to call into the game?
Turns out she’s real.
Classic underachiever.
do you think they'll ask her to stick around?
it’s an even guess between the nats and the mets who needs a 12-year-old to pitch more.
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
I think they could make an exception
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
she's on a strict pitch count
but they might relax it, since it’s not a school night.
by DanUpBaby on Apr 24, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Anyone care to venture a guess at tonight's lineup?
I’m assuming Thurston will be in there against the righthander. Surely Ludwick doesn’t sit again, so who’s the odd man out among the lefties?
Ludwick is 7 for 13 vs Dempster
so, if he does sit, I hope someone hops over the rails and kicks Tony in the shins.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 24, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ankiel was 0-6 in the game Dempster started on Saturday...
So I’ll go with:
Schumaker 2B
Rasmus CF
Pujols 1B
Ludwick RF
Duncan LF
Molina C
Greene SS
Thurston 3B
by LukeMP1186 on Apr 24, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that is one sweetass lineup
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Think you misread that declarative sentence.
Because it’s the best, it won’t happen. TLR and all that.
"I throw him four wide ones then try to pick him off first base." - Preacher Roe on Musial
My friend and I
have a pretty good bet going this year…He gets to pick the lineup every game if he gets it right once he wins $50 if he doesn’t get it right all year I get the $50. The only rule is you can’t use the same lineup more than once a week. He is 0-16 thus far
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on Apr 24, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
today he goes with
shoe
green
pujols
ludwick
duncan
rasmus
molina
barden
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on Apr 24, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
The problem is he already had the exact lineup earlier this week with greene and rasmus flip flopped
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on Apr 24, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
His odds would probably be better...
to just stick someone off the bench in the lineup rather than mess around with the batting order.
yep
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on Apr 24, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Cardinals leading the majors in team BA (.303!)
also leading the majors in OBP, 2nd only to the Rangers in SLG%, first in the NL in ISO. Wow!
our pitching is doing pretty well too, but strangely enough the Pirates lead the NL in ERA, but we are ahead of most in FIP (6th in the majors).
Go Cards!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 5:31 PM EDT reply actions
you know it's early in the season when Torii Hunter is leading in SLG
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
FYI: Lohse doesn't expect to miss a start
Leach writes about it here.
"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
Sounds good
I’d rather he skip a start to be on the safe side, but whatever.
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's the line-ups per Hummel
Chicago:
Ryan Theriot ss
Kosuke Fukudome cf
Alfonso Soriano lf
Aramis Ramirez 3b
Derrek Lee 1b
Mike Fontenot 2b
Geovany Soto c
Reed Johnson rf
Ryan Dempster p
Cardinals:
Skip Schumaker 2b
Rick Ankiel cf
Albert Pujols 1b
Ryan Ludwick rf
Chris Duncan lf
Yadier Molina c
Khalil Greene ss
Joe Thurston 3b
Adam Wainwright p
"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
I expected Ankiel
after his “breakout” from the past 2 games.. You know TLR is gonna try to ride that out.
"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
I sort of did, too...
But he was 0-3 with 2 Ks against Dempster on Saturday, so I thought that would win out…
He had some pretty terrible at-bats v. Dempster
But hopefully he has changed his approach since then, since he’s having a little success now.
"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
That was argueable his worst game of the year
And by WPA it agrees with a negative -.342. He had 2 K’s and 3 Infield Pop Ups. That is a horrible day.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 24, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
How to justify playing Ankiel over Rasmus
Ankiel is slumping: “Well, you gotta get him ABs, help him see the ball, try to get out of the funk.”
Ankiel is streaking: “You can’t bench the hot bat!”
AAAAAUUUUUGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The La Russa paradox...
A certain staple in university psychology departments for generations to come…
it's like
he knows what we want, then he almost does it, but not quite
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it's understandable to play Ankiel
He’s 6 for his last 13 w/ 3 doubles and a homer.
I think Rasmus gives more consistently good at-bats, but we do have 4 major-league quality outfielders. Gotta do something.
"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
Ankiel is never going to prove his trade value
if he sits on the bench
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
i think Rasmus should bat 2nd
for as long as hiOBP is over .400 Call me crazy, but I think that is a pretty good idea/
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
You're crazy!
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
anyone notice a very big change in the cubs batting order?
Is that right? Soriano hitting 3rd?
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I did notice that
That’s where he should be… Soriano batting leadoff makes about as much sense as pinch-hitting Brendan Ryan instead of Ryan Ludwick with the bases loaded
"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
heh
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree
I was just thinking that lineup looks much better for them. I know a lot of cubs fans who are gonna be happy about it.
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn't he suck when not batting leadoff though?
I feel like he pouts about it and goes out and struggles. Maybe I’m just making it all up.
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Apr 24, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought that too
and BR kinda backs it up.
His lines at those spots:
first .294 .344 .552
third .260 .310 .452
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
if you dig a little bit in those stats, they're misleading.
out of 600-odd PA’s in the 3 slot, he got 500+ of them in 2004, which was his worst year hitting. is it an artifact of where he was hitting in the lineup or how he was hitting that year?
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
I thought about that
but I didn’t want to rain on JD’s (or my ) parade.
Way to go tom!
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
i love to rain.
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
if ankiel is not a fastball hitter, but thrives on the junkball, could putting him
in front of albert have the wrong effect? that is, he will see more fastballs. which is great if you’re chris duncan or . . . well, really, anybody. but for rick ankiel, maybe hitting him just before albert could actually hurt him.
he has terrible stats last year in the #2 slot, which i realize is in part because he went there when he was injured. but watching him struggle in the #2 slot this year makes me think that he could be the one person who will struggle in front of albert, since he’s not a great fastball hitter.
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
Pinch Runner
Do you think Tony would like to have a guy like this? No PA’s but 29 steals in a season. I personally think this would thrive in the La Russa system.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
Sporting News has a great article
About the end of hit and run games on the 80’s that relied on speed. Not sure if it is online I got it on print.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 24, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
that has got to be
the strangest BR page ever. The thing that got me was the 16 CS to go along with the 29 SB. I really would have loved to have seen his minor league stats.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
He didn't have any
He was a track runner that hadn’t played baseball since high school. He was signed by Finley specifically to be a PR.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
that Finley was a crazy bastard!
Finley and Veeck had to have been related.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
i think in the tony larussa system his card would say "2b" or "IF" or "2b/LF."
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
by tom s. on Apr 24, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Anybody want to buy a Star Wars Boba Fett hoodie?
(((shameless plug))) I have an auction on one ending soon.
Stat Whore
you are the king of geeks and whoever purchases this will be second in the kingdom of geeks.
>beat<
what size is the hoodie?
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
I remember when you got those
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 24, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not sure what that emoticon means...
but I wasn’t being sarcastic in response to you. I really wish the games started at 7:05…
booo Lohse
He passes on “Sauce” for Motte!
“gonna have to get Tadallion on that.”
Well, I’m still calling him Sauce.
"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
someone tell the Cat we've been calling Motte
Apple Sauce for over a freaking year now. on his radio show the last two mornings & just now on the pregame he said they have been trying to come up with a nickname for the kid.
oh & he was talking to Lohse & Kyle says he won’t miss a start. i’ll believe it when i see it.
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
next thing you know
they won’t like Wagonmaker for Wainwright. Those silly bastards probably still call a cold frosty one beer, too.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Whoa there
Someone using a DVR needs to let me know, did Tony just call Ludwick “Ludwig”? I was just about ready to change my avatar too.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Pretty neat article
from mlb.com. I hope Albert can get this tonight.
Lets Go Cards!
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
Is there a rain delay?
comcast sports net Chicago is showing hockey crap right now.
I dont think so
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on Apr 24, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
cubs announcers are already talking about how the ball flies out of busch.
It seems a common misconception in cub land that busch is a hitter’s park. Am I wrong in that it’s more of a pitcher’s park? I know espn.com gives it a below 1 park factor all 3 years so far.
by Walking Underwear on Apr 24, 2009 8:19 PM EDT reply actions
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