King Albert's best
by chuckb on Apr 30, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
in St. Louis Cardinals News
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PrintThe following are Albert’s 5 best months (offensively) as measured by wRAA.
#5 (tie) – August, 2001 and August, 2004 – 15.8 wRAA. In August of Albert’s rookie campaign he scored 32 runs and knocked in 25. Though he only hit 6 homers, he slugged .696 and had a wOBA of .474. Not bad for a rookie, huh? Exactly 3 years later, Albert doubled his home run production from 2001 – he hit 12, 2nd most in any month in the majors – and knocked in 29 runs. He also scored 26. Though his OBP was a little low (for him -- .405), he slugged .772, the 2nd highest of any month in his career.
#4 – September/October, 2006 – 15.9 wRAA. The Cards may have faded late in the ’06 season, almost forfeiting a chance to play for the championship they would ultimately win, but it wasn’t Albert’s fault. He had 10 homers, scored 22 runs and knocked in 28 as the regular season came to a close. He slugged .700 and had a wOBA of .475. The Cards, by the way, ended October by celebrating at the new stadium. Chris Duncan dry-humped the championship trophy. (Yuck!)
#3 – August, 2008 – 17.5 wRAA. Albert likely clinched his 2nd MVP trophy during August of last year. The traditional counting stats look rather pedestrian among his other months – 8 HR, 18 runs scored, 22 RBI – but his OBP was .491 and he slugged .745. His wOBA was an astounding .510. This wasn’t the best team Albert’s played on but, again, it wasn’t his fault.
#2 – June, 2003 – 19.5 wRAA. In Albert’s third year in the big leagues, he was setting the standard that he would become one of the best hitters in the game. Again, Albert "only" hit 8 homers during this month but he did score 28 runs and knock in 29 more. Additionally, his OBP was .481 and his slugging was, once again, over .700 – at .723. This was one of three months in which his wOBA was over .500 at .502.
#1 – March/April, 2006 – 20.8 wRAA. I think we all remember this month, don’t we? He had just finished playing in the inaugural WBC and came out as hot as the summer air in Miami. People were talking about triple crowns and 200 RBI seasons and all sorts of ridiculous stuff. He hit 14 homers, scored 27 runs and knocked in 32 more. He also walked 28 times and struck out only 7. His OBP was .509 and he slugged an ungodly .914. (For those of you scoring at home, that’s a ridiculous OPS of 1.423). His wOBA was .552. Ryan Howard won the MVP this year b/c of what he’d done in September b/c people forgot about what kind of April Pujols had. It’s insane that he wasn’t the MVP this season also.
| HR | R | RBI | BB | K | OBP | SLG | wOBA | wRAA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/01 | 6 | 32 | 25 | 14 | 14 | .441 | .696 | .474 | 15.8 |
| 8/04 | 12 | 26 | 29 | 10 | 13 | .405 | .772 | .478 | 15.8 |
| 9-10/06 | 10 | 22 | 28 | 19 | 11 | .465 | .700 | .475 | 15.9 |
| 8/08 | 8 | 18 | 22 | 17 | 12 | .491 | .745 | .510 | 17.5 |
| 6/03 | 8 | 28 | 29 | 12 | 11 | .481 | .723 | .502 | 19.5 |
| 3-4/06 | 14 | 27 | 32 | 28 | 7 | .509 | .914 | .552 | 20.8 |
As it turns out, though Albert’s been great this month, it’s not even in his top 15 months in the big leagues. I really thought I’d be able to look carefully at the numbers and find it to be in the top 5. Right now he sits at a .457 wOBA and 9.7 wRAA – nice totals, mind you but clearly not among his best. Well, I guess he’s got 2 more games to get it there but his last 2 games will have to be other-worldly!
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courtesy of mattybobo
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2009/2/27/773829/how-valuable-is-pujols#12701138
"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 30, 2009 8:46 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Those WAR comparisons are really fun
The CHONE guy did this on his blog, demonstrating that how awesome Pujols is. It’s based on dollar value, at 5 or so million per WAR, I think. Albert was supposed to be worth 40+ million dollars in 2008, and Chone finds two superstars, Teixeira and Hunter, whose salaries equal that much and argues that paying Albert that money instead would be totally defensible. Even if you get a replacement level guy in the other position, the output is about the same.
I’m still waiting for a Beyond the Boxscore writeup of Albert Pujols Percentage.
-IF- Albert declines
Could we use the hypothetical APP to chart that? Would the APP have to be frozen at a certain benchmark, like say the first ten years?
=is math-impaired
"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 30, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I've wrestled with that question
I mean, maybe you could just go with Albert’s most valuable year, and if he tops it, then you have to do the math all over again because there’s a new “1.000” baseline. Realistically he’s probably not gonna be the most valuable player in baseball every year for the rest of his career, but most of the fun in the APP is the assumption that he is. I’ll let the smarter stat people figure out the details, I just want credit for the idea!
I think it's year-to-year
It’s not a practical stat for much of anything except demonstrating his godliness. Might as well do it year-to-year.
Or you could update it daily to reflect his last 700 PA as a baseline, in case he gets injured or something.
Yeah, year to year would make the most sense I have to admit
But then there’s a greater chance of somebody other than Albert exceeding a 1.000 AP%, at least in a few years if he declines.
That's okay
Think how great an achievement it would be to have a AP above 1.000 — that’s better than a 1.000 OPS by far.
the Albert Line
We can’t assume that AJ won’t start playing either.
"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 30, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Or, more importantly,
Could AP break the Cuck Norris barrier?
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
Albert Pujols hits homeruns with his mind
The incredible timing of his swing is only to provide the illusion that he needs a bat.
it *would* be kind of cool if he broke his own metric
Wouldn’t that make him beyond-Albert?
"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 30, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that is impossible.
The world would implode if Albert were better than Albert could possibly be.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
I still wouldn't totally discount the possibility that he figures out a way
Much like that 5-run homer that has, so far, eluded baseball. He is really really good after all.
I like the idea of an AP. Can we get this to ESPN?
Maybe you could have Gammons and a few others debating this proposal and then flash to a sportcenter update with them showing the top APs for the year so far.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
Just curious
Could we see this with WPA? I know it’s not really as good of a measure of actual offensive output and that’s why you didn’t use it, but I’d be interested in seeing if he was even more influential in some month just because of the context of his ABs. A month of clutchness here or there, perhaps? I’d do this myself, but I’m busy cramming for an exam that starts in 2.5 hours.
Ask and ...
5th best – June ’07 (2.08)
4th best – July ’06 (2.13)
3rd best – September ’06 (2.15)
2nd best – June ’04 (2.26)
Best – April ’06 (3.19)
Albert has had 22 months where his WPA was 1.000 or higher, compared to 24 (batting) for the rest of the team (only Jimmy’s August ’04 breaks into the Top 5 at +2.50). Edmonds had 7 months like that, Renteria 4, & Drew/Glaus/Rolen 2 a piece. (NOTE: A month of +1.00 would put a batter on a very good MVP pace – Albert has done nearly that for his entire career (46.93 over 49 months).)
Also, Albert has only had 3 months where he has marginally been a drag on the offense, no worse than -0.25.
(I don’t have much time right now to work on this. Maybe I can whip up one later with more info, plus the pitching equivalent. I also recenty pulled up all of the seasons 1974-2008 to look at Cardinals “career” numbers; I’ll try to post something on that soon.)
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
Pitching over the last 8+ seasons, per WPA
25 months of WPA +1.00 or better since 2001
Best – Woody, Sep ’01 (2.07)
2nd best – Carp, Apr ’06 (1.85)
3rd best – Carp, Jul ’05 (1.69)
4th best – Izzy, May ’02 (1.51)
5th best – Carp, Jun ’05 (1.49)
Isringhausen had 5 months this good, followed by Carpenter with 4, Williams with 3, and Andy Benes, Franklin, & Morris with 2 each.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
That shows you how good Carp's '05 season was...
2 of the best months in the Cards last 8 seasons were back to back months that year by Carp.
Just further evidence (as if anymore was needed)
That El Hombre is the greatest player in the game. Some players don’t have careers as good as some of his months. Just ridiculous.
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!
I am always amazed
when people say that he is not the best player in the game
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
The only part of it I understand...
is when people make the point that he’s a first baseman. Obviously a decent centerfielder or shortstop who could hit like Albert would be better. But nobody, realistically, can hit like Albert. He’s that good. And his defense really is that good too, even if he’s a first baseman.
To those people I say:
- He’s also the best defensive first-baseman with the most range over the past 3 years. The only guy close is Tex, and I’m starting to wonder about his “motivation” for being great — it seems he doesn’t have any.
- If he doesn’t have the elbow injury, he’s still be playing third base. He had the arm, range, and hands to be a great big league third baseman, but would you put the best right handed bat in a quarter century under the knife and on the shelf for 18 months just so he could still play third base when you have a giant hole at 1B that needs to be filled?
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Not to mention
that we have had a lot more luck filling a hole at third (Rolen, Glaus) than we did at 1b since Hombre arrived.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
Albert
I can’t imagine there has ever been a player that is so good, such a hard worker, and so damn easy to root for. On top of that, he seems to care about the team and enjoys being a Cardinal. As fans, we really lucked out.
No kidding
And so far, nothing has surfaced to indicate any steroid abuse. A power hitter in this era sans steroids is just even more impressive. Might we see a slight UPtick in his numbers if you take steroids out of the pitchers?
Oh…nor has the press’ never-ending desire to find out Albert is lying about his age ever amounted to anything. He’s been dealing with that question for eight years now and nothing has surfaced. Tremendous.
He’s just so incredible. “Tainted” is a popular word these days, and Pujols (so far) being untainted just makes him even more so.
Steroids
He has been the same size and put up the same numbers since his rookie season, so I can’t imagine him using steroids.
Also, for another plus, he did ace his citizenship test.
I think that for every at-bat, the Blue Angels should do a fly over, with “Rock you like a Hurricane” blasting over the PA system.
also, his wife would kill him
"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 30, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not sure I think he's the same size
He’s muscled up a lot, but I’m 21 and I know if I had access to a professional weight room and trainer on a daily basis, I’d probably beef up a whole hell of a lot over the next few years, too.
A guy who’s 28 turning into a giant at age 36 is one thing. A guy who’s 20 and turns bigger by age 28 isn’t subject to the same suspicions in my mind.
Diet, too
If we could all afford a dietician and the food that s/he recommends, we could probably add muscle and subtract fat. I know that I was fifteen pounds heavier during my high school football senior season than I am now, which is actually kind of counterintuitive. But I had a diet and workout regiment and the time to adhere to both.
"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
Man, I forget how young some people who post on here are
You guys are making me feel old, and I’m only 30…
Society's going
to hell. Country’s run by a bunch of lousy commies. Kids are out of control.
Tell me about it.
All the youngsters these days don’t even know what a chat room is, or Compuserve, or Netscape. MTV doesn’t even play music videos anymore! Remember when gas costing around 2 bucks was expensive? Kids today…
rolling into the gas station on fumes
with 5 bucks in your pocket was awesome, even in the late nineties
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 30, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
MTV only plays videos
when kids are in bed….I seriously don’t even know why bands bother to make them any more
I though the same thing the other day actually, which is why I mentioned it
It seems like nobody really misses them either. I mean, who is the audience for music videos these days? I remember really liking them as a separate form of entertainment, but now it seems like they’re basically dead. I don’t know the chicken/egg relationship exactly. Is it MTV’s fault for abandoning them? MP3 players for making them irrelevant? Kinda sad, but ah well.
Again, I had the exact same thought
Quite literally in fact. Somebody needs to write the rest of the lyrics.
internet made MTV obsolete?
hmm, actually, I think they made themselves obsolete
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it's more like, the internet put the final nail in the coffin
They were slowly killing themselves with crappy content for years, and the net finished them off. It’s pretty much like newspapers… declining content, competition from the internet, and then the economy tanked and they’re suddenly up a very nasty creek with no paddle and a massive hole in the canoe.
that is full of retards
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
MTV was on the slippery slop
long before the internet became a dominant part of pop culture. For a while, VH1 picked up the slack, but it too became realtiy/gameshow crap.
Gonna show my age here, but I loved lying in on Friday and Saturday after a night on the (small) town and watching Night Tracks on WTBS – The Superstation.
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
I also used to like them
as a separate form of entertainment. But with the technology today, there are a lot of “separate” forms of entertainment. I just don’t know how it could be wise much longer for bands to continue producing so many of them. Perhaps marketing-wise it still seems to make sense, but I just don’t know how or why.
I think it would only make sense in the coming years to make it all online
Go viral. Set up a video page on YouTube, etc. etc.
Actually
You can actually go onto VH1/MTV and log in and create a personal video playlist from all of the video’s in their archive… it’s great for parties! You can go from Wilson Phillips straight to MC Hammer!
I miss Brenden Ryan already...
straight to putting your head in the oven!
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 30, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And RB's next analogy.....
……begins to take shape. I’m guessing it involves heated bagels and perhaps a George Foreman Grill.
"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 30, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
There was a gas station near my high school that had gas at $0.87 a gallon when I turned 16
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 30, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
There
was a gas station near my house that occasionally sold gas for 79.9 cents/gallon when I was 17, back in 1997.
Classic underachiever.
For some reason I always thought you were older than that Spants
P.S
I think I figured out how to get around MLB.tv’s black out rule
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Not Cranky
I was going to say articulate
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember a gas station around my house
that sold gas for 63.9 when I was 16, and no, I won’t tell anyone what year that was
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I sometimes wonder if we shouldn't have a
get to know other commenters thread to pull back some of the threads of anonymity.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
I tried to organize a day for us to all meet
I was even offering free hotels but very few were interested it seems
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Judging by your avatar, I'd say that was aroun 1670
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 30, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
he's got old player's skillz
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Apr 30, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
OK, now I'll really show my age...
but I remember buying gas for $0.299/gal! Of course, that was when I was just a wee lad mowing lawns for summer $’s.
by ArkansasTravs on Apr 30, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions
dude
I’m 49. Feel better now?
youneverknow
by floodOfLove on Apr 30, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
good
now he’s gonna pick me up? Calling all geezers! i need to hear stories about walking 7 miles to school, both ways uphill!
youneverknow
by floodOfLove on Apr 30, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll just say this
I’ve been a Cardinal fan since before Albert Pujols was born. But thinking of the Cardinals without him and him in another uniform makes me feel like the game would just never be the same.
Isn’t that ridiculous?
Yes
The whole idea of baseball is that it goes on. Forever..
But what I really mean to say is that this problem, like most problems, can be fixed with alcohol. I recommend Franklins.
Beer. The cause of, and solution to all of the world problems
Homer J. Simpson
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
by gdm426 on Apr 30, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Random question about 3rd catcher
During last night’s telecast, Dan or Al made a comment about how LaRue was stuck on the bench in case of an injury to Yadi, and if he came into the game, he would have to stay in at 1B so he could replace Yadi still.
Not that LaRue’s bat is that important for pinch hitting needs, but since the bench is a little thin recently, I was wondering who the emergency 3rd catcher was for this season.
Last year, Aaron Miles was that guy. Before him was Spezio, and further back was Eli Marrero. Is Jason Motte the guy this year? B-Ref says he hasn’t been catching since 2006, but I would imagine he has retained some of the skills. Anyone know if he got behind the plate at all this spring?
Not using Motte to pitch, so you could use LaRue as a pinch hitter doesn’t seem like the best use of resources, but just curious.
he's retained his wicked pickoff move....
"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
Stavinoha is the only guy anywhere near the majors, I think, who could be a 3rd catcher
And I don’t really want him on the squad, so I’d rather do without (never been high on Big Grit). So no, I don’t think we have one at the moment, unless you count Motte, and I just don’t think Tony would ever use Motte that way.
I guess we could ask Skip about doing a reverse-Biggio.
Schumaker :)
He can play OF and 2B why not catcher?
In all seriousness though I would think Barden could probably do it in a pinch.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
Stavinoha is
right handed though, and could also platoon with Duncan.
It would have to be Motte.
The guy spent years in the minors as a catcher.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
I asked Motte about that when I interviewed him this past winter
Motte said he would love to be the emergency 3rd catcher, but thinks there is no way Dave and Tony would ever let that happen.
Barden would be my guess.
Random rant
The Cards need a damn running coach.
Why do all of our players (maybe minus Skip and Ank) run like pansies or like they’re stuck in mud? And I’m not even talking about Yadi. It’s no coincidence that these muscle pulls keep happening. I was just thinking about this when watching Brendan round 2nd for his 2B off Vasquez. I didn’t get to see the play where he pulled his hammy.
And I’ve always hated the way Albert runs…those huges strides, standing up straight.; another hammy pull waiting to happen. Duncan can’t run; Ludwick’s not much better. It’s not like these guys are bad athletes. Are they being coached on running at all?
Albert looks terrible when he runs
but you’re not gonna change that. I assume he’s run that way his whole life. Looks aside, he’s running great this year.
As for Duncan. hahah. He runs EXACTLY how you’d expect a big tall dufus to run. He just happens to have a good batting eye and a powerful swing.
man
he looked funny in that rundown last night between the bases
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
made me look bad watching it
Was entertaining a few guests who could care less about the existence of sports when that happened. Keyword: guests
I won’t call anyone a friend if they don’t like baseball!
I started cracking up and nobody else knew what I was laughing at. I’m guessing they assumed I was just drunk. Well, they guessed correctly..but nonetheless.
my fantasy
Is the millions of dollars we paid for players on the DL to have gone to hiring a crack medical team (you know, out of the same geographic area that has some of the best teaching hospitals in the world) instead of a medical team on… well.
We pioneered tape analysis; why can’t we use that to improve mechanics, prevent injury, and not be relying on the other guys on the field to spot injuries as they occur?
"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 30, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Duncan's center of gravity appears to be in his left temple
So you can’t really blame the guy for always being on the verge of teetering over.
by mojowo11 on Apr 30, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
have they issued him a bobblehead yet?
"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 30, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Can they make a Chris Duncan bobblehead?
Wouldn’t it bobble three times, fall over, get up and start humping your spelling bee trophy?
"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 30, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
I'd be curious
to see Albert’s 5 worst months also. He is so consistent, I’ll bet even his worst month was still a very productive one.
Just wondering
what are Alberts 6 worst months. That would be a seasons worth. I just wonder what a season of albert at his worst would look like vs an average player.
sweet idea
somebody make it happen
Milt Thompson FTW!
Six worst months by wRAA (OPS in brackets):
June 2006: -1.0 (.715)
July 2001: 0.9 (.793)
March/April 2007: 0.9 (.832)
May 2002: 2.6 (.804)
June 2008: 3.3 (1.003)
September/October 2002: 5.1 (.907)
(Unless I’ve made a reading error.)
by notmorganfreeman on Apr 30, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Here it is - Bad Albert
.282/.349/.478
26 Doubles
25 HR
72 RBI
59 W
74 K
514 AB’s in 135 Games. This is just sick. Albert at his worst is still good.
More Ks than BBs
that is the thing that stands out the most to me. Albert is at his worst when he isn’t walking because those Ks are about normal while the BBs are really low. When he is seeing the ball well he either hits it good or knows when to take them otherwise he just hacks. And hacking for him still produces hits and HRs.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
Wow.
That looks similar, to me at least, to the rather sobering projections for Ludwick in 2009, which frankly I would have been happy with. Fewer Ks of course, but still. Albert at his worst has an OPS of about .830, with 25 homeruns. Similar numbers (albeit with some positional reasons as well) got Pedroia an MVP award. Totally unfair comparison, I know. But while I’m at it, 2nd place MVP vote-getter Ryan Howard’s slash lines were just .251/.339/.543 in 2008.
As an aside… it still mystifies me how Albert improved greatly from his “down” year in 2007, while Howard took a significant step back from 2007 to 2008, and yet Howard managed to threaten to steal another MVP award. Blah.
Albert is awesome! There, a positive ending.
albert's worst games make him carlos lee!
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
And if you take that and extrapolate it out to his average of 155 games...
…he would have the same slash line with:
30 Doubles
29 HR
83 RBI
68 Walks
85 K’s
in 591 ABs.
Even better.
Greatness Personified
We are incredibly lucky to watch him play game in and game out. We have him locked up through 2011, but I really hope that they re-sign him with price as no object. With the emerging farm system, we can afford to pay Pujols like the best player in the big leagues and I hope that we do. He is the 21st Century Musial and he should spend his entire career in a Cardinals uniform. I actually grow concerned when I think about him possibly becoming a free agent. If he left, I don’t know how I’d take it. He is the one player that I follow like a kid, in whom I have a childlike faith.
Incidentally, I’m going to engage in self-promotion. I wrote this after last Friday night’s game and posted it yesterday after the loss because re-living that game put a smile on my face:
The Greatness of Pujols in a Steal
Granted, it’s more anecdotal than chuckb’s wonderfully researched post. Great job, Chuck.
"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
psst
(You got a little typo in there. Missing the “of” in “greatest of Cardinals”.)
Great essay, bgh.
"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 30, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
I think it would be terrible for the fans, yes, but also terrible for the Cardinals as a brand and an entity to let Pujols get away.
Stan the Man is still part of Cardinal baseball to this very day. Albert needs to have that status in 40 years, including a gorgeous statue of him mid-swing outside of Busch IV. Like this, but in bronze:
What is the link for that pic?
That’s wonderful. If it can be made bigger, I’d like it as my wallpaper.
"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
Right-click --> Copy Image Location
If you’re on Windows. It’s from someone’s Photobucket. I saved it to my computer for later ogling myself.
statue
I’d prefer his batting stance, because I haven’t seen it change in years. It’s a comfortable sight. And he scoops at almost any kind of pitch, so there’s not one swing, right? That one would turn into a pull-up bar for kids or Cubs fans.
Now that I think of it, the stance is so balanced, it would practically be a park bench.
"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 30, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
If you look at the statues
They are all in motion, in game action. And that’s what I love about them: Ozzie diving, Gibson following through, Dizzy throwing, Musial following through. For that reason, I think that the smaller statue would be great if it were the above image from the 2005 NLCS Game 5. However, if Pujols stays with us for his entire career, he should get his own batting stance statue like Stan Musial. They typify what it means to be a Cardinal.
"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
oh, the ten statues
Then yes, I think that’d be perfect.
Or maybe Albert on one end of the plaza anticipating the pick-off throw from Yadi on the other end.
"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 30, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Stan the Man Statue
Does anyone know the story of that statue? Who made it? When?
I love Stan, and what he means to not only St. Louis but baseball — reading about him makes me think of the James Earl Jones speech in field of dreams (“It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again”). That said, I have to say that his statue does him no justice. I mean, I never saw the man play in real life, but I doubt that his upper body was 3X bigger than his lower, that his hand was bigger than his entire head, or that the bad he used would only come up to his thigh if stood on end. It looks pretty ridiculous, IMO.
Am I petty for letting the proportions of the statute bother me? (feel free to say yes, but I really don’t mean to start a flame war)
by Ray Lankford on Apr 30, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I've always wondered how people feel about that statue, stylistically.
I understand that the artist wanted to do something other than pure realism, but it does kinda make him seem like Frankenstein in a baseball outfit.
I could understand it not being purely life-like
But it is also internally inconsistent — one hand is gigantic, while the other one is slightly too big; the face and head are too big, but still aren’t big enough to be inproportion with the massive torso. Its like what would happen if I tried drawing the above picture of Pujols by meticulously shaping his batting gloves, then his arms, then his torso — and then saying, “oh shit, I’m about to run out of paper, so I better start scaling back a bit.” Only difference is, if I drew a picture that way, I wouldn’t then ask that it be framed and hung near the park as a landmark tribute to The Mang.
by Ray Lankford on Apr 30, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Heh
Yeah, it’s not so much the premise I have a problem with, it’s the execution. Hell, Michelangelo sculpted his statues with weird proportions, but in such a way that they looked even cooler than they would with perfect proportions. I just don’t get what the artist was going for with the Musial statue in question.
If I'm not mistaken,
Stan doesn’t even like the statue.
"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
Is this the statue
that the NY Times article a few days ago said was in storage at Bush III ‘cause The Man didn’t like it?
No, the statue
in storage is of McGwire.
by Youneverknow on Apr 30, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally agree
It’s hard not to take for granted what we’re witnessing. A number of years down the line, we won’t have Albert Pujols anymore. We’ll sit and think, “Where did the time go? Seems like just yesterday he rocketed through the farm system to make the opening day roster.”
We’re very lucky to have him playing for our team, and lucky we get to witness his greatness night-in, night-out.
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 30, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Brendan Ryan placed on 15-Day DL
Post-Dispatcher Straussy reports:
The Cardinals will place infielder Brendan Ryan on the 15-day disabled list Thursday and are expected to promote 2005 first-round draftee Tyler Greene to fill a growing void at shortstop.
"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 LOL'd at SportsCenter
When they said in a shocked tone that LaRussa may (even) have to make a roster move to replace Ryan. Gasp!
"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 30, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually, Straussy's editorializing really irked me on a second read
Tyler Greene is hitting .296 at Triple-A Memphis. Drafted as a college junior at Georgia Tech two picks behind Colby Rasmus, Greene also has contributed nine RBI and seven stolen bases in 71 at-bats. His 17 strikeouts are partly offset by a .412 on-base percentage. Greene fared well in spring training after being placed on the 40-man roster last November. He likely will become the Cardinals’ starting shortstop until Khalil Greene improves. A Texas League (AA) All-Star last summer, Tyler Greene, 25, arrives after taking only 182 at-bats total at Triple-A.
I’m sorry. What? His 17 strikeouts are partly offset by a .412 OBP? Partly offset? Partly offset!? An out is an out is an out. Next thing you know, in his analysis of Silver Slugger Ryan Ludwick, Strauss will write that Ludwick’s 146 strikeouts in 2008 were partly offset by Ludwick’s .966 OPS. This is so irritating.
"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 30, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I try not to read
what Strauss says.
I'm amazed that the PD in this environment keeps essentially 3 cardinals beat writers
Hummel and Goold are so much better.
I agree
completely.
They could even drop Hummel
as far as I’m concerned — I only read Goold, and that would get me more Goold to read.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
It's like having two backup catchers?
"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
Wait. Could he really start in place of Greene?
That’d certainly be interesting.
Quite a situation
Greene starting in place of Greene.
"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
he's washed up
everyone’s talking about how great he is doing but when we compare his performance to how great he used to be (last August) then it just doesn’t stack up.
His OPS now is what? 1.0andsomething?
At least we only have to put up with him for three more years.
Albert for Fuentes, straight up
Do it
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 30, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Pujols
Moz came to Wash U’s law school about 3 weeks ago to talk to the students there about jobs in baseball and the business of baseball. One student asked about resigning Pujols. Moz said that Pujols will command 25 million a year on the low end, and that would be about 25% of our salary budget. He then said that only one team in the history of baseball had made it to the WS with one player making 25% of the payroll (Todd Helton w/ Rockies), and they didn’t win.
I guess the point is, we need to appreciate Pujols while we can, because he’ll likely be gone (unless he’s willing to defer a ton of salary – which is possible). Hopefully that doesn’t end up being the case, but I fear that it will be. Brett Wallace is likely our 1B of the future. He never said that we wouldn’t sign Pujols – he didn’t commit to anything, but that implication was there. For the team, it’s a business decision.
If every Cardinal fan donated five dollars...
"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 30, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm sorry, but Todd Helton is NOT Albert Pujols
And neither is any other “franchise player” who commanded such a salary. That statement is illogical on many levels. Using the term “baseball history” suggests that players did not command roughly the same salaries prior to the free agent era. It would be more accurate to say that no team in the last 25 years has won a World Series with a lone player taking up 25% of payroll. This also requires one to take into account how those other teams, who made such a large salary commitment, constructed their team around that player.
Let me put this to you another way. The Cardinals’ payroll this year is at, what, about $88.5MM this season. Pujols makes $16MM (18.07% of payroll). Carpenter is making $14MM (15.81% of payroll). Two players make up 33.89% of our payroll this season. I’d like to know how many clubs have won a World Series with two players eating up one-third of a club’s payroll.
I reject this argument. In my opinion, it comes down to club construction. If you don’t spend $12MM on your number four and five starters, you can afford Albert Pujols. This is the entire reason for the build from within approach, so you can keep your truly great players at close to market value and fill in around them with low-cost youngsters.
"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 30, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think the
implication was that Todd Helton was as good as Pujols. Moz was simply pointing out that investing that many resources in one player has not worked in the past. I want to keep Pujols as much as anyone – I’m just relaying what was said at the meeting.
But as was pointed out already
Pujols is worth almost twice what Helton is towards a team, so Pujols + replacement = two 12-13M players
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
I know you don't
I didn’t mean to debate you, but the absent Mo. I apologize if I came off that way. I lose rationality on this subject.
We have Albert signed through his Age 32 season, which I’d say is fine for any other player in baseball. However, this the second coming of transcendent hitting greatness, the best player of a generation. I think that after the season, they should explore an extension. The problem is that Carp is signed through 2011 (yes, we have two more years after this one to wait with baited breath for Carp to return from _______ [fill in the injury]).
"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
On cue from VEB, here's Gordo's column from today of all days
The system is working, according to the Post-Dispatcher, and it could result in gold down the road:
If the Cards continue filling multiple positions with productive, low-cost young players, then Bill DeWitt could easily afford to retain Pujols, at the going rate, without blowing the budget.
Albert will want to win during the seasons ahead. He also will want to get paid. Both can happen in St. Louis if the organization stays its current course.
"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
So you re-sign him early and
allow the coming years of chronic inflation (I’m talking about the U.S. economy, not just MLB) to solve your problem for you.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 30, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
But how will he be able to buy bread on £35m per year?
Mr. Burns’ trillion dollar bill awaits.
by notmorganfreeman on Apr 30, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
hmmm
why not up our payroll…i still refuse to believe this franchise can’t afford it
by VolsnCards5 on Apr 30, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
If you look at the Forbes chart on team
values, our reported cash flow is significantly lower than the other teams in the top 10 in payroll spending.
That's the problem.
We are a $90MM payroll because of 3MM attendance. To put it another way, we spend more than our market produces because of Cardinal Nation.
"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
Viva!
"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 30, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
If that is the case....
then you have to trade him in 2010 in a Herschel Walker style deal that will set the franchise up to be damn near a dynasty for the next 10 years.
That being said, give the man a blank check. I don’t care if it means making him partial owner of the team, you can’t let him walk.
MyBrute - Where tiny gladiators rule the internets
yeah. I don't see the Cardinals resigning him.
I just try not to think about it.
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
I have to imagine that Pujols isn't worth $25M a year
Think how many Jersey’s and merchandise they sell because of him. Their would also be a drop off in attendance from the casual fan. If they ever just let Pujols walk and got a draft pick that would make me 10 times angrier. If you are going to lose the best player in my generation at least take some teams entire farm system.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Strike that
I have hard time imaging that Pujols isn’t worth at least $25M a year
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
It would only be right
Tyler got the bigger signing bonus in 05. Would that be irony if he got called up and overshadowed Colby after 3 years of the opposite in the minors?
I hope that Colby is able to
keep up his defense, keep his OBP where it is at, and raise his SLG .200 points in the next 3-5 years…and pales in comparison to what T. Greene does as a Cardinal. :)
Keep up his defense?
He’s been rather poor defensively so far. I hope he steps it up.
MyBrute - Where tiny gladiators rule the internets
rather poor defensively?
When he has played his natural position (CF) he has been anything boot poor defensively
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Been meaning to ask this
I guess P.J.‘s crazy stuff got a lot of attention and maybe overshadowed Boggs. How has he pitched so far? Seems like he had a good start. Was it lucky? I haven’t had a chance to watch him closely at all, even on gameday or anything. Does Boggs still seem like he can stick in a major league rotation fairly soon? Number 3 ceiling, or more like number 4 or 5? Etc.
At the game on Saturday
Which gives me probably the worst perspective on how he pitched. Early on, he seemed to be getting behind on hitters, but it nonetheless looked like a sea change from last year. I thought he threw very well until the error that seemed to rattle him. I’d say a ceiling of a #4, but who knows? I thought Wainwright’s was as a #3 coming up, then #2 after ’07, and, well, now a #1. Ha.
"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
Velocity was great
…on TV they had him hitting 94-95 with the 4-seam. It was probably jacked up a mph or two but it was encouraging.
i was at the game in chicago that he started
and he was barely touching 90…only 89 a few times…i’d be shocked if he ever threw 94-95
I meant it to be about Boggs
After reading my original comment again it’s kind of confusing. The second sentence of the body of the post is ambiguous and should have read “How has Boggs pitched so far?” Sorry if there was a mixup.
It was Boggs I was referring to also
in regard to velocity. If I remember right people were saying gameday had him in the 93-94 range so he must have been bringing it.
Gameday had him touching 97 once
Fox’s gun had him topping out at 95-96
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Stadium gun
I don’t know about FOX, but the stadium gun at Busch had him 91ish most of the game.
"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
wish we could bring up Freese instead of Greene… can Thurston play short?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions
Khalil is currently injured
Apparently he hurt his wrist so would be out for a couple days regardless. So we need another SS.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
that's why I asked if Thurston can play ss
probably not
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
barden is the most realistic SS after the greenes and ryan. barden was SS at AAA all
last year and was pretty average.
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 we could theoretically bring up Freese instead of Greene
so confusing
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually I am not sure if we could even bring Freese up
We sent him down on 4/20 and today is 4/30. I am not exactly sure how the 10 days sent down to the minors work but that is right on the line. That might have something to do with it. Also, He was sent down cause he wasn’t getting playing time. Unless he learns to play SS he isn’t going to get more with the big club.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, but i think that freese's batting in AAA is preventing that.
i think it’s a good move. it burns another roster spot, but tyler is someone the club seems high on.
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
Don't think it burns a spot
I seem to remember greene being put on the 40 man this winter
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
Found it
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=stl&year=2008&month=11
11/19/08 Purchased the contracts of SS Tyler Greene and RHP Matt Scherer from Triple-A Memphis. Signed LHP Ian Ostlund to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
you're right. i'd forgotten.
well, then, it’s really hard to argue with that move.
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
Tyler is our best SS prospect currently
We really need to figure out what he can do. Kozma is having a horrible year so far with 9 errors already.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
i wouldn't go that far -- greene has a history of mega-error years.
i think tyler had a 30-error year and last year had 22 or 23 errors.
while kozma and vasquez are pulling down errors like there’s no tomorrow, all three are in a “i have so much range it’s scary” category that allows them to muff so many plays.
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
Kozma is hitting well though
and infield defense is hard at the lower levels of the minor leagues where the fields are in mediocre condition.
Elvis Andrus, who by all accounts is a great young defensive shortstop, made TONS of erros in the minor leagues.
MyBrute - Where tiny gladiators rule the internets
trying to make fielding assertions about duncan is a little
unfair, especially using his minors stats. he only played 69 games in the outfield prior to his advancement to the bigs in 2006.
dunc is a lumbering oaf, and will probably never be a plus fielder in the OF, but a lot of people forget that he hardly made an attempt to play the OF until just before he was called up.
i feel bad watching murphy for the mets get crap for not being a good OF when he ISN’T an OF and is trying to adapt on the fly, while making his ML debut.
and, if if makes you consider the value of errors, Duncan only has 12 ML errors 2005-2009.
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
Nice find
I totally forgot about that.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
excuse my ignorance
and my laziness to look up this stat… but what is wRAA?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 1:18 PM EDT reply actions
Also, Roughly 10 wRAA equals One Win
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Off topic, but the silence regarding Glaus is eerie
I suppose it could be a good thing because no one is counting on him, but I wouldn’t mind the occasional update. This offense could be scary good if Glaus is back by the all-star break and can have a second half similar to last year.
he won't be re evaluated until June
then we will get an update
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 30, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
can i say i am looking forward to danny cabrera this afternoon?
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 know I was looking who we have to go against this series
Besides Zimmerman these guys are like epically bad
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
both Zimmermans
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
luckily we only have to face one today.
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
and try not to pitch much to the Dunnster
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
ryan zimmerman has a 17 game hit streak going on
hopefully we can stop it!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Sports Illustrated Power Rankings:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/04/30/power-rankings/index.html
Spoiler: Cards at #2.
I prefer
"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
Adult swim rocks. Thanks for the link I have been stuck there for the past 20 minutes.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
You have to watch the new GI Joe
GI Joe Resolute is awesome, It was broken down to 11 different web episodes but they are all out there now.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Keith Law is sort of an ass...
From his chat on Sportsnation today:
Patrick (Cheyenne, WY): Hey Keith am I missing the reason Ryan Ludwick does not start every day is his defense that bad because he is having a very good season even though he has cooled off a bit but I just dont understand why Chris Duncan might get as many at bats as he does?
SportsNation Keith Law: Ask his daddy.
Maybe a good answer would have involved something about Ankiel being the problem and not Chris. But that’s Keith Law. He also said earlier in the chat that Chase Utley is more valuable than Pujols because he plays a premium position, but that’s a sentiment he’s held for a while…
Chris Duncan in 2009
This sentiment that the only reason Duncan plays regularly is because he is the pitching coach’s son bugs me. I’m sure that it does not hurt in the least, but professional sports are the ultimate meritocracy and Duncan has played very well, certainly well enough to merit the PAs a TLR regular receives. His line heading into last night: .297/.387/.531/.918/2 HR/13 RBI/7 2B. What’s more, it is not Duncan or Ludwick. It is Duncan or Ankiel or Rasmus or Ludwick.
"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
Radio guy here had best reason why Papa Duncan has his "pitch to contact" idea....
“the more ground balls there are, the less chance his son has of making a fool of himself in the outfield”…… made me chuckle….. but only for a moment.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 30, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
speaking of ass's
dude was on the 1380’s TMA today and that entire segment bugged me. .
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
take out the pan
and all you have is ass
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
He's the same POS...
that wrote this article after the opening series of 2008 with Colorado. He’s terrible…
I thought it was really funny actually
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
i don't mind him taking shots that the fans
it’s his general baseball knowledge, actually the lack there of that bugs me.
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
OT:
I haven’t had time to read the main posts the last few days, much less the comments or the game threads. I’m just wondering, other than the fact that we have the best player in the league, is there a perception that our team is achieving this record with smoke and mirrors, or are we really this good?
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 30, 2009 2:56 PM EDT reply actions
I am content
For the rest of the world to think the Cards are achieving this with smoke and mirrors, and for the execution of fundamentals and team cohesion to really be that good. (I reserve judgment as to whether that’s the case, as it’s pretty early. The facial hair experiments are a good sign, imo.)
In fact I think everyone in the NL Central is content to let the “experts” believe that the Cubs are the de facto owners of first place. It fits almost everyone’s plan to play long-term baseball every day, instead of win-now baseball. It’s in their financial interest, anyhow. Filling those stadiums will take consistent play, esp. in the Midwest.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
I will take smoke and mirrors
Our toughest months will be our first 2 months. If we can keep a high level of play before the All Star break than it doesn’t really matter. Most of our head to head matches will be done with the Cub’s by than.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't get this smoke and mirrors thing...
does this just refer to Duncan-style pitching?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought it reffered to Molina kicking up dirt while the opposing team is hitting
While the pitcher shines a mirror in their eyes off the inside of his glove
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
it refers to the amount of toking in the ESPN "newsrooms"
smoke + mirrors
"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
with a hall of mirrors effect going on
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
yes
There’s nothing to be worried about now. I want to know if they’ll still be kicking after the All Star Break, and obviously that’s not covered on the stats sites.
(Yet.)
"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
our two best pitchers right now, pineiro and lohse, probably won’t be able to be quite this good… but if they keep pitching low in the zone and inducing groundballs rather than home runs, they should be pretty effective all season long. our defense if it gets better will make this even more effective. If Wellemeyer goes anywhere near his 2008 form, and when Wainwright sorts things out, our starting pitching looks to be at the very least well above average. our bullpen almost assuredly will be quite a bit better than last year, and our offense, especially if Glaus comes back, will be elite. so I think we can contend…..
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The real deal
I agree that Pineiro likely won’t continue to be this good, but I also don’t think that, given his peripherals (other than the 1 mph drop in fastball velocity), The Colonel will bounce back. I also think that Wainwright will be better later in the season than he is right now. Boggs looked very good on Saturday vs. Chicago and if he can continue to control his entire repertoire, he will be an adequate #5. I think that Khalil Greene has been about what we should have expected. I fear that the Barden/Thurston platoon might see a serious falloff in production and may be playing over their heads. The Skip Experiment is going better than planned. Ryan looks better than I thought he would. Duncan looks healthy and is swinging a mean bat. Ludwick looks like Ludwick of last season. Rasmus is performing better than I had hoped. I anticipate Ankiel hitting more like the last week than the first few. Also, I see the ’pen getting better as roles become defined. To put it another way, we are sitting pretty and look to be seriously in the playoff hunt for the duration. And, if Carp comes back (a painfully familiar refrain, no?), we are title contenders.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
I think this is just a young team
I think this team is just figuring things out. It could be a monster of a team in the second half. I don’t think the Skip Experiment though is working out.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
why not?
Skip has made a lot of good plays, and will continue to get better. I just hope they don’t keep bouncing him back and forth to the OF… unless you are talking about skip’s offense? I haven’t looked at his stats yet.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you saying his UZR/150 of -44.7 means he isn't working out?
Granted, the very limited amount of information producing the metric is problematic with some saying that rolling three-year averages are the only way to truly gauge a player’s defensive skill, but still.
"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
isn't it too early to be busting out UZR/150 for him?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Look at his UZR/150 in LF
It is -98.6/150… Holy Shit!
I think he is having problems adjusting back and forth
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
I think this is an issue with him, he needs to be able to concentrate on one or the other (at least until he’s played 2B for a while longer)
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
The sample size is so small that errors have a huge effect
So, the dropped fly ball in left Friday night killed his LF UZR/150. Yes, it is entirely too early to bust out his UZR. In fact, season’s end might even be too early to bust it out on Skippy. Still, it’s fun to look at the dramatic numbers this early in the year. Khalil is about as bad as Skippy using the metric at this point in time (-36.7). I don’t think Skip or Khalil will be that bad come season’s end.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
I'm still blaming it on Oquendo being at the WBC
things should improve…
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
just said
that if Welley gets anywhere near his 2008 form fwiw
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone know if MLB.tv offers trials?
I would like to work on getting MLB.tv to work with a proxy to get around the blackout rules. But really don’t feel like paying for it especially if I can’t get it to work. I am pretty sure though I should be able to get it to work. I have used proxies for years now and am pretty good with them.
Stat Whore
I don't think so...
but if you want to email me, I’ll give you my login info. I’m home for a month (meaning I get the games on TV) so I’m not using it anyway…
in that case, i have an exciting investment opportunity that might interest you...
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 30, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha...
Are you the Nigerian king from all those emails who must unload his fortune to a someone in America? Sign me up!
In all seriousness, there are some good identity thieves out there if they can make due with an MLB.tv login…
I am selling stuff on craigslist
And I swear everyone is so sketchy. I don’t know who to trust. People want to send me Certified Bank Checks which I know is fraud right off the bat.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
They are????
Crap!……… got to call the bank.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 30, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
ummm.....
Will microsoft ever send me that check?…… really, really need it now.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 30, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Heh. You trust the guy who
1. Shows up at your house
2. Brings the correct amount of cash
I love selling stuff on CL ’cause all the wackjobs crack me up.
selling stuff on CL can be a pain at times
Too many Flag nazi’s out there. I like to have really detailed descriptions but will flag you for even putting a link your description.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I really appreciate it
Hopefully I should be able to help everyone out
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Events beyond my control
leave me with one (1) ticket to tonight’s game at Nationals Park, Sec. 133, Row D. If interested shoot me an email.
even with all the surprises so far...
I think that Ryan Franklin is the biggest one
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:31 PM EDT reply actions
dude freaks me out
at any moment i expect him to completely fall apart & TLR to just keep running him out that just like he did with IZZY. thus pissing away good this good start the team is off to.
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
let's hope he's more open minded this year
or that Franklestein keeps this up!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
here's hopeing you can in fact teach an old dog new tricks
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
now that would be something
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Sutter-esque beard is working
can’t shave ’til he blows a . . .
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
...balloon?
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 30, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
as of right now
-Yadi has the hightest BA on the Cardinals at .333
-Adam Dunn has a higher OPS than APu (Albert’s slugging is higher though)
-Cards team BA has fallen to .287 (still first in NL though)
-Cards first in NL in OPS (tied with Dodgers in wOBA)
-Cards plate discipline is lower middle of the pack (we need to do better here!)
-Cardinals pitching is first in the NL in both ERA and FIP (team BABIP is .307)
-BB and HR per 9 is very good for the Cards so far
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 3:51 PM EDT reply actions
*accidentally overlooked the Pirates have a better team ERA
4B - beer baseball bands blog
rocknroll ain't noise pollution
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 30, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
gee i'm sure glad we didn't resign Russ
he just gave up a gofer ball to hank the tank down in texas
/sarcasm
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
Anyone else
love these east coast start times? get the game going earlier and its over before bedtime.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
I'm a huge fan.
I need my defrag time at night.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
Tonight's lineup
Schumacher, 2B
Rasmus, RF
Pujols, 1B
Duncan, LF
Ankiel, CF
Thurston, 3B
LaRue, C
T Greene, SS
Boggs, P
by notmorganfreeman on Apr 30, 2009 5:55 PM EDT reply actions
Yea, T. Greene
Here’s hoping the kid has a great night.
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
Very excited to see another young player come up.
Prob will be outclassed, but hey maybe he will make a good impression.
Cabrera has a huge platoon split
It’s not the worst thing in the world to get a guy a day off, especially when you can do it and probably not lose very much.
Not afraid to nitpick
We should beat the hell out of the Nationals
regardless of who is on the field. That said, I’m still not a fan of how many days Ludwick is sitting.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
"the flu" is not actually a joke or a term of art to describe being stunningly underused
by tony.
leach says ludwick actually has the flu. like throwing up.
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
this is it.
The initial estimate appears to be 5-7 days, but because of the short bench, the injury to Khalil Greene and Ryan Ludwick’s illness, they’re almost certainly going to make a move. . . . Ludwick is day to day, it’s not really a big deal, but TLR said he may be held out of Thursday’s game.
the 5-7 days refers to brendan not ludwick.
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
Not swine flu, is it?
The horror!
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 30, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
whoops!
Thought that was code for “we don’t really know what the hell TLR is doing. . . must be the flu!”
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
that's the word.
or pork lung or Baconsumption or whatever the term is here.
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
Yeah this flu bug that has been rumored to be passing through the team is worrisome with the swine flu scare lately.
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
That whole Swine Flu thing seems awfully overblown to me
Over 30,000 people die a year in the USA from the flu.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
people like getting upset
the bird flu did kill us all you know
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I was killed by a shark
in the summer of 2001.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 30, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've heard that there were no more shark attacks that summer than usual
It’s just that it was a slow news period, so they had to find something to report.
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
I know you were
Alot of people don’t know that about that summer though
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
Did you see that Egypt is slaughtering all of the pigs in the country?
I was amazed by that. How crazy.
They are not even sure yet if it is related to swines
It seems to mixture of Avian + Human + Pigs
When something is getting overblown I normally think it is a diversion for something else
Did anyone even hear Mexico decriminalized small amounts of drugs?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Good thing this isn't bovine flu
I think VEB would have a very unhappy denizen if that were the case…
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 30, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think Egypt, in general, is too fond of pigs
If you know what I mean.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Apr 30, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Kissing has been banned in Mexico?
I don’t wanna live in a world with no kissing
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
After my night last night, a couple week ban on kissing or uhh any other contact wouldn't be the worst thing in the world...
Not afraid to nitpick
be careful what you wish for
sadly i’m on streak that’s been going on for years
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
Do beer googles ever go good?
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
most of those are elderly people or people with immune problems (AIDS, leukemia, etc.)
an influenza virus that kills healthy young people is a scary thing.
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
That is true if it was true
But H1N1 is not the kind of influenza that kills younger people. They simple don’t have a vaccine for it yet. That is the big uproar in reality. The World Health Organization is saying it isn’t as potent as normal influenza flu.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Apr 30, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
awesome
Chris Perez just called Jason Motte “the tazmanian devil”
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
Yes.
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 30, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
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