Welle, er...
by DanUpBaby on Apr 27, 2009 8:15 AM EDT
130 comments
Do we worry about Todd Wellemeyer yet? Now seems like as good a time as any—he's not going to keep getting torched on balls in play, at least not to a .411 average, but he's looked surprisingly tentative for a guy who once was known for his fastball, and who is now only walking two and a half guys per nine innings. Certainly he's already chasing down Joel Pineiro for the title of uncertain back-of-the-rotation Worry-Focusing Point.
But I'm going to wait a little longer. Wellemeyer still has the good fastball and the excellent changeup, which I was excited to see more of as the day progressed.
About that changeup: according to pitchf/x, Wellemeyer threw eight of them in the first two innings: a swinging strike, a foul ball, four balls, and two singles. None in the third, and then in the fourth he brought it back out; the next seven brought him five swinging strikes, a ball, and the R.O.E. from The-space-riot. Wellemeyer has had two games in which he's failed to catch more than five hitters swinging, and unsurprisingly, neither was a good one. Tony La Russa mentioned the attitude the Cardinals take re: this kind of slump in the P-D:
"We want our pitchers to have the attitude we're in control of most of the luck and what happens against us."
La Russa and Duncan would never phrase it in this way, but being "in control of the luck" is what making hitters swing and miss is all about; it nullifies the inevitable Texas Leaguers and bad calls, and it can momentarily turn bad control into an asset. An effective Wellemeyer changeup is a pragmatic, proactive antidote to his BIP problems.
#
Blaine Boyer watch: None of us has really seen enough to make any judgments about Mr. Boyer yet, Dave Duncan excluded, but for what it's worth our latest nebulous pitching talent brought back his curveball for a cameo appearance against Ryan Theriot. This adds a new bullet-point to the Blaine Boyer Curveball Timeline. Right after the trade: Mozeliak, La Russa, everyone who has ever known Blaine Boyer praise the curveball. A little later: Blaine Boyer mentions that he hasn't really thrown it all year. Now it's back, but only in the Willis Reed-limping-onto-the-court sense; if it had any impact, it was emotional rather than useful.
In this brief piece from the Belleville News-Democrat Boyer says he's going to bring back the curve, which was his out pitch before this season, and now he's thrown one. The article's interesting: it mentions that in Spring Training he discarded the curveball because it was inconsistent, and went with a cutter instead. That sounds like he'd already been channeling Dave Duncan, and now he wants to bring the inconsistent, swinging-strike curveball back?
It's tough being a prescriptivist pitching coach, sometimes.
#
The Ankiel home run is a nice image for the way I think of Ankiel as a hitter. Here's video, for what it's worth. (Dear MLB.com: embeddable video, please?) Ankiel gets a pitch he can hit—or at least a pitch he can swing at—and he takes an ugly swing at it, a bald-faced, all-upper-body slow-pitch pull-swing, and puts it into the seats. I don't believe that Rick Ankiel could slump for an entire season because I don't think he, or anybody else, has any idea what it is he's doing when he's slumping or when he's hitting home run after home run.
For purposes of this Monday morning, let's call the bottom on the Ankiel slump and take a look at it with a healthy dose of retrospect. Five minutes with Baseball-Reference, and ten minutes with table HTML, gave me this list:
| G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | AVG | OBP | SLG | |
| 4/6-4/18 09 | 11 | 39 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | .179 | .273 | .231 |
| 8/23-9/9 08 | 10 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .107 | .167 | .214 |
| 4/16-4/29 08 | 10 | 34 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .147 | .310 | .176 |
| 9/7-9/21 07 | 15 | 55 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | .127 | .169 | .164 |
As Hemingway might say, We've seen them come and go. Big ones too. Better than you, Mr. 4/6-4/18 2009. I'm not going to suggest that Rick Ankiel is alright now, because I don't know what that means except in retrospect; he doesn't look locked in when he's locked in, but then I'll look at the last-seven-days widget on ESPN.com and realize he's hit .450. It's just hits in three games, but at least his seasonal line looks like an outfielder's, and not a—
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i'm worried about him
the evidence so far suggests that his bread and butter from last year (live fastball) is not as effective this year. according to fangraphs, his avg fastball is a full mph slower this year compared to last year. and his contact rates are downright ugly. when opposing batters swing at pitches in the strike zone, they only miss 5 percent of the time -- half as often as in the past, and on a par with pitch-to-contacters like jeff suppan. overall (ie, including pitches both in and out of the zone) he’s inducing swing/misses on just 11 percent of his pitches - he got 20 percent last year.
it’s only four starts, unless you count spring training in which case it’s more like 10 starts . . . . . my concern is that last year’s workload took some life out of his arm and weakened his fastball to the point that hitters can now muscle it into play, instead of fouling it off or missing altogether as they did last year.
your suggestion re the changeup seems on point -- if he forces hitters to look for that, it might make his fastball more effective.
by lboros on Apr 27, 2009 8:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He needs to develop...
…as a starter. I think he made it through the first half of last year on a relief pitcher mentality. Live fastball with a crisp slider as his out pitch. When he came back from elbow issues, I though he was very tentative with his slider—thus losing his out pitch. Hitters at that point were doing the same crap as they are currently doing, kinda muscling balls into play—Lee’s was the only true drive from the first couple innings yesterday.
I still don’t think he is locating anything too well. If his fastball is down then he needs to be able to locate it well in able to adjust his pitching strategy to feature his change-up and breaking ball. Otherwise hitters can lay-off the junk and wait for a mis-located fastball.
Even with his fastball down abit—he has enough the tools. I think he needs to locate his fastball better and then he can feed hitters a steady stream of change-ups and sliders. His problems ar all location, location, location…
by BigJawnMize on Apr 27, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have the same concern re: Wellemeyer's...
workload last year and how it will bleed into this year. It has been remarked on by more than a few scribes that a pitcher who sees a dramatic increase in innings one year, typically falls back the next year.
If that turns out to be true, I think the team needs to reassess what it can expect from Wellemeyer.
I’m not trying to raise red flags or suggest that management should start thinking about it now, but I wonder if it turns out that Wellemeyer is gassed if it’s possible that he would find his way back into the bullpen sometime later this season.
by Scarecrow7775 on Apr 27, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colonel
It’s interesting, to me at least, that his GB% has gone up this young season, from 39.3% to 42% this year. His FB% has decreased by over 5% from 39.8% to 34.6%. But, his LD% has increased to 23.5%. He’s only throwing his less lively fastball ~60% of the time (vs. over 64% of the time last year). According to FanGraphs, he threw his curveball (0.1%) and changeup (12.1%) a combined 12.2% of his overall pitches last year. This number has jumped to 20.7% (3.4% for the curve and 17.3% for the change) so far this year. His slider, which I have always felt to be his best pitch, has been used less this season, from 23.6% to 19.2%. With the decreased velocity on his fastball, it seems that he is using it less, relying on offspeed stuff more; namely, the changeup. It seems that The Colonel has a fever and the only prescrption is more cowbell changeup. I hope that it is that easy…
"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 27, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going to wait a few more starts before suggesting he's got a big problem
He’s giving up a ridiculous BABIP and low LOB%. He’s not striking out as many and the 1mph loss in FB velocity is a slight worry, but he’s not walking anyone and is generally keeping the ball on the ground (low HR%, increased GB/FB ratio). His FIP is good.
He walked a bit of a tightrope last year and was a bit lucky (both on BIP and HR rate) and frankly I think he’s not a true-talent 3.8ERA pitcher like we saw last year.
Despite the concerns so far and the fact people are making better contact when he’s in the zone (not helped by that game in, I think, Arizona, when the umpire had a ridiculously contracted strike zone that meant he missed out on a bunch of called strikes and got squeezed), his peripherals are encouraging. He seems a slightly different pitcher this year (with the change a major factor – can only be good, I think), and it might take a few starts for his performances to normalise a bit. I’m concerned too, but there is some encouragement there…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 27, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re: fastball velocity
I am also, in general, but I’m waiting on the old saw about pitchers’ velocities being lower in April before I get too worried about it. Right now his fastball in general just looks bad—the location, the movement, the general command of it.
by DanUpBaby on Apr 27, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
…his fastball is pretty awful. After I wrote the first post is came to me that this could all be because he is sort of guiding the pitch, fishing for strikes with it. When i teach high school kids about pitching, I generally wan’t them throw each pitch thinking that they can get an out with it. It is a confidence thing. Wellemeyer doesn’t seem to have that with the fastball right now.
by BigJawnMize on Apr 27, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Listened on the radio yesterday...
It seems that the games I’ve watched where The Colonel has started, Yadi often calls for the fastball and then Wellemeyer missed Yadi’s glove horribly. Did this hold true on Sunday?
"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 27, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I think they want their starting pitchers to take it easy in April and not get hurt, hence the fastball mph decrease.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ankiel
finally connected with a shoulder high fastball after about 50 attempts over the last couple of years. I don’t know if that was good. I hope he doesn’t get it is his head that he can consistently hit that pitch.
by ridgesee on Apr 27, 2009 8:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On Ankiels likes/dislikes thing on MLB Gameday
does it say
Likes: Stupid high fastballs?
by sdrone on Apr 27, 2009 9:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Likes to face: pitches he hits
Hates to face: pitches he does not hit
I think that’s as far as the internal scouting report can go.
by DanUpBaby on Apr 27, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Ankiel
And his unbalanced, brute force type swing. Just as I love it every time Duncan scorches one over the Right Field fence. As bad as the mechanics look on their swings, it just puts a smile on my face when they nearly fall over due to all the power they put in on one swing.
by Pujols Is A God on Apr 27, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I actually
like Duncan’s swing. It’s very consistent. Ankiel’s is a mess.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on Apr 27, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ankiel's Swing
It is the swing of a natural athlete, isn’t it? Only someone with the physical gifts that Rick Ankiel possesses could get by in the big leagues with that swing. It’s uncanny.
"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 27, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suppose
that is true. Never thought of it like that. Imagine what could be done with a more refined swing and approach.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on Apr 27, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't it be better to say
that it’s the swing of an amateur, but the results of a natural athlete? I mean, anybody can have an ugly swing, but only the Rick Ankiels of the world can turn that swing into a major league homerun.
by mattybobo on Apr 27, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
McRae where art thou
"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 27, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question for the Administrators
Do we have any AP photos from Saturday? I was at the game and was just curious. Thanks.
"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 27, 2009 11:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeesh - we're going against Jurrjens tonight
Pineiro better be on his game.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 27, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I had a dream during the winter that we traded Troy Glaus for Jurrjens
Man that would have been sweet.
by mattybobo on Apr 27, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And completely impossible
But sleeping brains don’t have much of a problem with suspension of disbelief.
by mattybobo on Apr 27, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a dream the other night
that featured Larussa and Rasmus getting on an airplane. can’t remember much more than that
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Khalil vs Jurrjens
0-3, 3 K’s
Could Brendan Ryan be playing at short tonight?
by Woodwork on Apr 27, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wellemeyer is being
transformed into a different kind of pitcher. They continue to work with his mechanics and with his specific pitches – they are trying to make a pitcher out of him instead of a thrower. Right now the results are not to good. I’m am concerned with his velocity – it is noticably down. You no longer see him simply over-power batters like he has in the past.
Motte is another example of a pitcher who has lost velocity. I don’t know if they are likewise changing him or if there is just something wrong with his arm. He was hitting high 90’s and is now hitting mid to low 90’s.
by Warcard on Apr 27, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
WPA after three weeks
per FanGraphs
Hitters
Team Total: 2.801 (3rd in NL, 4th in majors)
Best 3: Pujols (1.338, 2nd in NL), Ludwick (1.002), Duncan (.538)
Worst 3: Ankiel ( -.650), Freese ( -.195), Greene ( -.123) [PITCHERS: -.457, Waino -.147]
Best lineup spot: 3rd (1.338); worst: 9th ( -.509); otherwise: 2nd ( -.295)
Best WPA by position: 1B (1.338); worst: CF ( -.778) [NOTE: The 8 standard positions, excluding CF, are each greater than +.000, meaning average or better]
Best single-game performance: Ludwick on 4/17 (.317); worst: Ankiel on 4/18 ( -.343)
Best Plate Appearance: Luddy’s 3-run HR 4/17 (.278); worst: Greene’s game-ending DP on 4/17 ( -.290)
Starters
Team Total: 1.314 (1st in NL, 2nd in majors)
Best to worst: Lohse (.463), Carp (.410), Wainwright (.383), Pineiro (.363), Boggs (.199), Walters (-.054), Welley (-.450)
Best single-game performance: Lohse CG shutout (+.448); worst: Wellemeyer vs CHN (-.320)
Relievers
Team Total: -.604 (12th in NL, 24th in majors)
Best to worst: Franklin (.897, 3rd in NL), McClellan, Boggs, Boyer, Walters, Reyes, Miller, Perez, Motte, Kinney ( -.584)
Best single-game performance: Franklin on Saturday (.261); worst: Motte on Day 1 ( -.833)
Pitching
Who are we beating up: 5-hitters (-.688) & catchers (-1.036); who is beating us up: 2-hole (.600) & left-fielders (.568)
Best inning – hitting: 4th (1.167); pitching: 4th (.570); combined: 4th (+1.737)
Worst inning – hitting: 2nd (-.602); pitching: 5th (-.544); combined: 10th & 11th (-.500); otherwise: 2nd (-.275)
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Apr 27, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
love it when you do this
ank needs to get on track…hope this last weekend springboards him…otherwise, he should not be in our starting OF
by VolsnCards5 on Apr 27, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't it weird
that Blaine Boyer is almost our hardest throwing reliever now?
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 27, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
we got some heat
Perez, Motte, Boyer…
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like this staff
It’s easier to work with guys who can bring it.
The ’pen will be even better once Kinney regains his control (and we DFA Miller)
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Apr 27, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I don’t have a whole lot of confidence in Miller either
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me check the calendar -- April 27.
Okay, on this day in 2008, Ron Villone was the best pitcher in our bullpen, with a 0.90 ERA, allowing 6 walks in 10 innings, and a .129 BAA.
This is a long season. Some people will play well in April and suck the rest of the year. Some will play poorly in April and pick it up as the year goes on. This is baseball.
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 27, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Charlie Manning
is putting up some pretty impressive numbers in Memphis.
8 ip
6 hits
1 ER
7 ks
2 BBs
THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!
Seriously... what were Rich Harden's parents thinking?!?!?!
by stltrav09 on Apr 27, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he had a good ST too
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Once he was sent down
He wasn’t all that good before that.
"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 27, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was doing all right
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's wrong with Miller?
Here’s his numbers against lefties this year:
.125/.167/.313/.479 with 7 K’s in 18 PA’s
Perhaps they should just use him against lefties? Like a LOOGY? Which is what he is? Putting him in for full innings when he’s going to face more than one RH batter is putting him in a position to fail — kinda like playing Skip in LF when he’s played 2B all spring or asking Duncan to play centerfield. There are better options available and they should be used.
McClellan, Motte, and Perez are the guys (especially McClellan) who should be handling full innings while Reyes and Miller should be coming in against lefties and lefties alone.
"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 27, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was brought in to face Fukudome
Boyer got two outs, Miller in to finish the inning against the lefthander. He was left in after Fukudome because the bed had already been crapped in.
by liam on Apr 27, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't referring to a particular situation
I’m just saying that when you put him in a position to fail, you should be surprised or down on the player when that happens. He just doesn’t have the tools to be effective against righties, so he shouldn’t be blamed when he has to face them.
"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 27, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amen to that
but the HR to Fukudome was pretty painful, and I’m guessing that’s where the reaction to DFA him came from.
by liam on Apr 27, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jorge Sosa
could bring it, too.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 27, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Five minutes with Baseball-Reference, and ten minutes with table HTML..."
Just wanted to praise this perfect compliment for a great website.
Its easier to locate and analyze four years of baseball statistics than it is to format said information afterward. Thank God for the internet and sites like this and BR.
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
by effin fisk on Apr 27, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
-- Aidan Sonoda
R.I.P. Nick Adenhart - 4/9/09
In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas.
by Aidan Sonoda on Apr 27, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was also a comment on the infuriating nature of HTML tables
But I agree with your assertion.
by mojowo11 on Apr 27, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My four cents...
Two on Welley:
- I’m not that worried until he gets out of April. He had a so-so April last year with better peripherals, but his May was great. If he gets halfway through May without a quality start and his peripherals remain the same, that’s the time to get a little worried.
- He seems to be “pitching” more this year than last year, instead of just going out there and throwing — but he’s been missing spots terribly. The difference is that last year when he missed, he missed badly out of the strike zone. This year he’s missing badly inside the zone and those pitchers are getting hammered.
- Sure he isn’t missing as many bats, but he’s getting more ground balls and his change-up has looked much better than it did last year, making him a true three pitch hurler. That’s got to start paying dividends at some point — he just needs to throw more first pitch strikes and get ahead of hitters.
Two on Ankiel:
- I love the homer, but it’s still a pitch he should be taking. I was surprised when looking at Harry’s fanpost that he didn’t have a higher swing % and that his take % had gone up from 2008 early in this season. If he keeps swinging at pitches like this, he’s going to continue to struggle.
- He’s got to start learning how pitchers are trying to get him out. In this way I think he compares to Soriano (my least favorite MLB player, btw) — Soriano understands that pitchers are going to get him out with breaking stuff away and fastballs in on his hands and that they’re going to get him out often, but that he’s going to make them pay when they make a mistake. The book on Rick (and it’s OBVIOUS to most of us here) is that you throw him fastballs up and in and off speed stuff low and away and he can’t really hurt you.
- Unless he starts cranking out some base hits, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t end up with his ass on the bench a lot more — especially considering how well Colby is playing. I hate to say this, but I’d like to see Rasmus hitting in front of Pujols and playing CF as much as possible, and this comes from a guy who owns Ankiel in 3 different fantasy leagues. Rasmus seems to understand what his purpose is when he’s hitting in the 2 hole: See some pitches, sit dead red on pitches you can hit, get on base in front of #5 as much as possible, and damn the power numbers as long as you get on base. Ankiel doesn’t do any of those things and should be hitting in the 5 or 6 spot when he’s in the lineup.
"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 27, 2009 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
"The Invisible Man"
That’s the nickname Albert said his peers have given him when he’s on the base paths according to DG’s 10@10 today. Certainly wouldn’t work when he’s at the plate. I did get a kick out of this.
But the more telling discovery of the home stand was Franklin sliding into the closer role, and Kyle McClellan rising at setup. Not that La Russa would cop to it Sunday: "There are days those guys aren’t going to be available, so why get bogged down with specific roles?"
We would never want to get bogged down with specific roles like starter and reliever or infielder and outfielder or pitcher and position player. That would be way too conventional and Tony will have none of that. I’m sure he thinks the team has been bogged down for years with the specificity of the manager’s and front office’s roles.
"There are three things the average man thinks he can do better than anybody else: build a fire, run a hotel and manage a baseball team."- Rocky Bridges
by That's a Winner on Apr 27, 2009 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel like Tony's favorite roster
would include nine guys named Doug Dascenzo, who was one of the last guys to play all nine positions in a single game. THINK OF THE POSSIBILITIES!!!
"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 27, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couple things
According to the page you linked to, Dascenzo never played the infield or catcher. He did have a career ERA of 0.00 in 5.0 IP.
The last person that I remember doing that was Shane Halter, on the last day of the 2000 season for Detroit.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Apr 27, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know he did it
because I remember the highlights from the day it happened. He played one position in each inning, but started in the outfield and ended in the outfield, so he goes in the scorebook as an outfielder I believe.
"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 27, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
he does work with the Secret Weapon…
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a big fan of the 10@10
Goold’s a clever dude.
by liam on Apr 27, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goold is great
And the 10@10 is a must-read, IMO. It has wonderful analysis and statistical tidbits.
"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 27, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goold is the best
one of the few blogs on my home page RSS.
by Toddius on Apr 27, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this quote is very true
“La Russa said there’s one reason why Pujols may be stealing again: Health. Sore feet and that nagging hamstring ache kept Pujols fairly visible during the past couple seasons. "He’s feeling good running again," La Russa said.”
Pujols just looks healthy when he’s running. He doesn’t LOOK fast, but he really moves well.
by sdrone on Apr 27, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he is fast
He’s just gotten unbelievable jumps on all these plays.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 27, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of jumps, i hope everybody watched that steal of home by ellsbury.
i know the Sawx are not popular among many here, but the steal of home has to rank up there with the grand slam for most exciting play in the game.
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 27, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's amazing...
is he actually tripped and started falling right as he was to begin his slide. Nevertheless, he still got in there…
by LukeMP1186 on Apr 27, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Terrible by the Yankees
Their 3B was playing like 30 feet off the bag. Ellsbury could have gotten at least that much of a lead, because he knows he can beat anyone back to the bag. Pettitte pitched from the windup, when he has a speedster on 3rd and a very slow delivery to boot. They got what they deserved.
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 27, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
third string 3rd baseman
I kind of felt sorry for him. If anything his coaches should be helping him out there.
by ol Pete on Apr 27, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jacoby FAIL
but a successful fail!
R.P.O.F.Y.M.
by BVHeck on Apr 27, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My most exciting plays
- Unassisted Triple Play (there’s 5 all time (I think) and 1 in the last 50 years — can anyone name the player who last executed one and the teams playing?)
- Stealing home
- Inside the park home run
- Walk off home run
- A properly executed squeeze.
- Grand Slam
- Triple
"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 27, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
jose reyes doing damn near anything.
outfield assist from rick ankiel.
chris duncan fielding a ball.
jason isringhausen throwing a ball.
albert pujols doing damn near anything.
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 27, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I though
Tulo did it for the Rockies. Too lazy to look up teams.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on Apr 27, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tulo did do it -
I think it was an NL west opponent, but can’t remember which…
by cdb on Apr 27, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there have been more unassisted triple plays than that.
and a couple in the last few years. this is off of the top of my head, but i think i remember hearing that there have been about 15 all time.
by Phizzle on Apr 27, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scoring from 2nd on a grounder to 2nd
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 27, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I love a suicide squeeze.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Apr 27, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved the walkoff suicide squeeze we had a few years ago
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 27, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at one such game
in 2005 against the Cubs, I believe. First game I brought my wife to.
by mattybobo on Apr 27, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Twas there, too
came after a Mabry triple in free baseball mode, if’in I recall correctly.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 27, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember eckstein saying
something about he was hoping that no one from the Cubs saw him smiling when he got the signs because he was so excited that they were doing the squeeze.
"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 27, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
asdrubal cabrera had one last year
Smell the Glove
by emrfg8 on Apr 27, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually picked up the Sunday paper yesterday
the Trib, and was shocked that they had the Cardinals rated #1 in MLB in their power rankings
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
how many chicagoans have cancelled their trib subscriptions as a result?
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 27, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If their numbers are right
probably the 5 people who still subscribe….
"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 27, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
10,009
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
101
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing Phil Rogers does should surprise you
He’s wacked about half the time.
by sdrone on Apr 27, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
in those power rankings
‘complete games’ are #9 and ‘errors’ are #27. the astros and nats are ranked outside the top 30 in a league with 30 teams.
by Phizzle on Apr 27, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he was joking a bit
he doesn’t usually do stuff like that in his power rankings.
by sdrone on Apr 27, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was probably just trying to make the cubs fans feel better about the first two games
in some weird way
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Memphis Acquisition
Noticed this minor acquisition on Leach’s blog
The Cardinals acquired LHP Evan MacLane from the Diamondbacks organization. He’ll join the Memphis rotation
Anyone know what we traded?
by ubeddie on Apr 27, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"future considerations" apparently.
So saith the Springfield News-Leader.
I guess that means a PTBNL or money? we can’t really trade draft picks.
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 27, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Baker
looks to be continuing the tradition of strong baseball beat writers at that paper.
by liam on Apr 27, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At first glance
I thought, “Poor Man’s Chris Narveson.”
He’s really fallen off a cliff since heading to the ARI organization. I’m guessing they like the groundball numbers against RHB and the innings-munching over the past few years.
by liam on Apr 27, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm having a hard time seeing the appeal of this guy, other than being a leftie.
he’s free, so the only cost is the opportunity cost of giving the starting innings to him rather than somebody else. are any of our springfield starters realistic candidates for a promotion?
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 27, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Player of the Week
Albert was named Player of the Week
by ubeddie on Apr 27, 2009 4:38 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
when is the player of the decade voting?
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 27, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
deservedly so!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quite an honor...
… for the award, to be associated with a player of his calibre. Congrats to the “Player of the Week” Award.
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
by birdjam on Apr 27, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
very nice, sir
4B - beer baseball bands blog
the thrill is still ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hot
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 27, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How has this
only gotten one rec?
Classic underachiever.
by spants on Apr 27, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I made it two :)
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 27, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slightly off-topic
I think we should invent a new role for relievers called the SOOGY – the Soriano one-out guy. I nominate PJ Walters for this role.
by cardsgirl95 on Apr 27, 2009 4:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think they should let a fan come in and try to strike him out whenever he comes up...
Veeck would have found a way to make it happen.
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
by birdjam on Apr 27, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i got an idea
slider outside
slider outside
slider outside
"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 27, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
one minor quibble...
fastball up and in
slider outside
slider outside
slider outside
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Apr 27, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineup for Tonight
Per Strauss and the Cardinal Beat:
Skip Schumaker, 2b
Rick Ankiel, CF
Albert Pujols, 1B
Ryan Ludwick, RF
Chris Duncan, LF
Yadier Molina, C
Joe Thurston, 3B
Brendan Ryan, SS
Joel Pineiro, P
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Apr 27, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nothing makes my head hurt more than ricky dick in the 2 spot so far this year
hell even kbot is taking walks……
by FunkeeC on Apr 27, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's hard to grasp
He has been the singular player on the club that you absolutely would not want batting in front of Pujols this young season. Apparently, TLR is sticking to the ol’ “batting-in-front-of-Albert-ends-slumps” medicine.
"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 27, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so honestly,
i think the only way Cobly gets regular starts in CF is if we trade Ankiel, which would actually be the smart play since he’s not likely to re-sign. but since tony loves him …
/sigh
by kalmavet on Apr 27, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh. I just don't get
the lack of Colby.
by sdrone on Apr 27, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ya well, ive already conceded that as long as ankiel is on the roster
that he will get most of the starts in CF regardless if he deserves it or not
by FunkeeC on Apr 27, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colby didn't light the world on fire yesterday
when he was chewed up by Harden.
That being said, I agree with you, and would much rather see Colby in the lineup over Rick.
MyBrute - Where tiny gladiators rule the internets
by dcfcblues on Apr 27, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
because you can always draw very useful information from a few at bats
against a top pitcher.
you give me the SSSblues.
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 27, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha we need a youtube video
and someone to actually sing the SSS Blues
by FunkeeC on Apr 27, 2009 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoever it was that said Colby would play tonight given his horrid performance last night was wrong
I believe the reasoning was “TLR doesn’t like rookies to sit and stew on a bad performance, so he plays them as soon as he can.” This isn’t just any rookie, though. This is a rookie competing with the pitching coach’s son and the manager’s adopted son* for playing time.
*May not be true
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 27, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was me
I forgot that Tony changes the rules when it involves Ankiel and Duncan
MyBrute - Where tiny gladiators rule the internets
by dcfcblues on Apr 27, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bring on Triple J
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on Apr 27, 2009 5:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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