Pirates '09 Season Preview
by chuckb on Apr 5, 2009 11:43 AM EDT
in St. Louis Cardinals News
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- ’08 record – 67-95
- ‘08 Pythagorean record – 66-96
- Runs per game – 4.54 (9th in NL; league average – 4.54 R/G)
- Runs yielded per game – 5.46 (last in NL)
- DER -- .676 – 13th in the NL (Defense Efficiency Ratio)
- BP projected record – 64-98
- Chone projected record – 73-89
- Welcome: Donald Veal, Craig Monroe, Eric Hinske, Ramon Vazquez
- Don’t let the door hit you…: Damaso Marte
Rotation: It was just a couple of years ago where the Pirates’ rotation was seen as a potential strength and last year it was positively awful – led by the collapse of Ian Snell. Snell was seen as an up and coming pitcher – posting 2 and 3.4 WAR in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Then last year, he fell down to 1.3 WAR as his FIP ballooned to 4.57. While his BABIP was inordinately high last year (.358) the main culprit was a walk rate that shot up by nearly 2 BB/9 – from 2.94 to 4.87. If he can get back to throwing strikes, he can be an effective pitcher again and provide some hope for the franchise. CHONE is more sanguine on Snell’s 09 than PECOTA is. The opening day starter will be Paul Maholm (2.7 WAR in 2008). Maholm had a ton of success in 2008 (4.15 FIP) largely b/c of his ability to throw strikes and get ground balls. Dave Duncan would love him. Plus, he’s a lefty! For my money, I’d rather have Snell due to the bigger upside but Maholm’s a nice pitcher to have in a rotation. The problem is that he’s really no better than a #3 and he’s their opening day starter.
Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf, and Jeff Karstens fill out the rotation. (Where have you gone, Tom Gorzelanny?) Duke threw 185 league average innings in 2008. He’s a Jeff Suppan, Braden Looper-like lefty – walks few, strikes few out, lotta ground balls – who’s serviceable in a rotation but, again, nowhere near a top-end guy. Like the others, Ohlendorf and Karstens don’t miss many bats and will be overly dependent on a porous Pirate defense in order to get people out.
Bullpen: Matt Capps is a nice guy to have pitching the 9th. I’m not sure he’s truly a close as, stop me if you’ve heard this before, he doesn’t miss many bats (6.71 career K/9) but he doesn’t walk anybody and, despite a GB/FB rate of 0.78 somehow manages to keep the ball in the ballpark. Tyler Yates was pretty good last year – despite yielding more than 5 BB/9 IP – and John Grabow is a serviceable lefty. Donald Veal was a nice pickup in the Rule 5 draft. I think the best they can hope for from their pen, however, is to be adequate.
Catcher: Ryan Doumit can hit. As a defender, well, he’s a good hitter. Last year he threw out just 18.1% of baserunners and I determined here that he actually cost the Pirates more than 7 runs defensively last season – worst in the NL. When he takes the gear off, he’s a good hitter and should hit in the middle of the Pirates’ order. He finished last season w/ an .858 OPS and a wOBA of .367. He’s w/o a doubt, one of the best hitting catchers in the NL and, perhaps, in all of baseball. Might we see him in St. Louis at the All-Star Game? His backup is rookie Jason Jaramillo.
Infield: The LaRoche brothers man the infield corners. Adam was a 1.7 WAR performer at 1B last year. He’s got a pretty good walk rate but strikes out far too frequently (24.8 % last year) and, despite pretty good power (25 HR in ’08) doesn’t provide that much to make him an above average player at his position. Maybe this is the year Andy finally becomes the player people have been expecting for years. A once-top prospect in the Dodgers’ organization, he arrived in the Manny – Jason Bay blockbuster last July and has really yet to make his mark w/ the Pirates. He has had a pretty good spring -- .924 OPS – but it’s spring training. Hopefully for the Buccos, Andy can become the player the Dodgers were hoping to get when he shot up through their farm system.
The middle infielders are Freddy Sanchez and former Cardinal farmhand Jack Wilson. An All-Star in 2006, Sanchez slid backward in 2007 and was simply awful last year (.292 wOBA). For most of his career he’s been a pretty good defensive player at the keystone but was slightly below average in 2008. He could help his pitching staff substantially by returning to being the defensive performer he was in ’07. Jack Wilson’s never had any trouble being a good defensive player. His offense, however, is simply awful and the Bucs have been trying for years to trade him and his high salary but have found no takers b/c Wilson’s offense is that bad. He also missed half of 2008 due to injury. He’d be about a league average SS b/c of his defense if he can find his way into 140+ games in ’09.
Outfield: Nate McLouth really came into his own as a hitter in 2008. He had a .369 wOBA and an ISO of .220. Considering his size (5’11", 180) you’d tend to think that was an aberration but, considering his previous ISOs (.193, .152, .201) maybe not. He’s a solid hitter who should hit 1st or 2nd in their order. Unfortunately he’s simply awful defensively and really belongs in LF. He gave back nearly 14 runs in the field last year which brought his overall worth down to 3.6 WAR. McLouth will be flanked by some combination of Nyjer Morgan, Eric Hinske, Craig Monroe and Brandon Moss. At some point this season, hopefully, Andrew McCutchen will take McLouth’s place in center and move McLouth to left. The supporting cast can all be decent pieces of platoons in right and left but will never be confused w/ league average performers. The real prize is McCutchen – the Pirates’ version of Colby Rasmus. Last year in AAA, he walked nearly as often as he struck out and has power and speed. Just 22, he only hit 9 HR last year and was CS 19 times but he’s a very good defensive player and probably could be close to a league average performer in CF right now due to his defense alone. Additionally, he would make McLouth more valuable by pushing him to LF.
As everyone knows, this organization hasn’t been to the playoffs since 1992 and they’re not going this year either. They have 16 consecutive losing seasons and it’s likely that 2009 will be their 17th in a row. Still, there are reasons for hope in Pittsburgh. Their new GM, Neal Huntington, seems to have things going in the right direction. McCutchen should become a fixture in Pittsburgh this year and ’08 draftee Pedro Alvarez shouldn’t be far behind (if they can find a taker for Adam LaRoche). Don’t get me wrong, this team’s more than a year or two away but, after faltering for the better part of 2 decades, there’s reason to believe that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t actually the headlamp of an oncoming train.
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The good thing about the Pirates...
All the season ticket holders I know are always willing to give up good seats when the Buccos are in town. I always feel a little closer to my beloved Birds on the Bat when that team from Pittsburgh shows up in St. Louis… BECAUSE I AM!!!
by Beardsville Rockers on Apr 5, 2009 12:18 PM EDT reply actions
Offfff topic
Per Twitterin’ Goold:
david freese will wear no. 12, joe thurston gets no. 22 … motte sticking with no. 60.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
"Where have you gone, Tom Gorzelanny?"
David Golebiewski at fangraphs thinks Gorzellany got Verducci’d in 2007. link. He basically lost almost 4 mph off his fastball and couldn’t find the plate in ’08.
Still, I think he’s a guy I think Duncan could do wanders for, a la Wellemeyer. Probably after the surgery.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Yeah, if the buccos wanted to give him up for a B-level prospect
I wouldn’t be aversed to swinging that trade. Mind you, he’s not as good as he looked in 07, even when he’s not struggling to find the plate (3.88 ERA, 4.24 FIP, he was also lucky in both 07 and 06 in terms of his HR/FB ratio) but Wellemeyer’s maybe not a bad comp. I guess he could be fixed, but I think Pittsburgh still rate him reasonably highly so it’d be hard to prise him away for as little as (say) Shane Robinson or something.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 6, 2009 3:25 AM EDT up reply actions
In the spirit of previews...
That was an incredible waste of time
I normally don’t have an issue with Stark, but that article sucked.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
Agreed
Complete waste of time. Glad that I only skimmed that article.
I was surprised at how many of the "experts" were high on the Cardinals
Matthew Berry and Eric Karabell (their fantasy gurus) both have the Cardinals winning the pennant.
Several of them picked Colby Rasmus or Jason Motte to win ROY.
A number of them had Albert as the MVP.
Buster Olney sees a repeat of 2005, with Carp winning the Cy and Albert winning the MVP.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
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Gammons picking Josh Johnson threw me off a little.
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 5, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Gammons really really wants Sizemore to win an MVP
I remember him predicting it back in like, 2006 or something. A totally defensible choice of course…
can we keep this link
for reference every time someone wants to chime in about the east coast bias and all the reasons why espn hates the Cardinals?
Well, yes we can, haha
But the thing is, they’ve already reverted to the “no protection for Albert” junk. It won’t be long before they call us a “scrappy” team again.
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 5, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
thats just a meme that has been around for years
the idea of protection…
how exactly do you protect the best hitter in baseball? if by definition he is such, anyone we place behind him will be a better bet to pitch against that albert.
as far as the scrappy meme, that wont pop up much as they usually dont label teams w/ as much power potential as this team has as scrappy. thats saved for slap hitting white boys
Runner at 2nd, 1 out
Albert up to bat, Manny Ramirez on deck. Who do you pitch to? Do you walk Albert? If so, good luck. The ‘protection part’ isn’t exactly real but making your team better by having better hitters hitting behind and in front of your best hitter just makes sense.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
When Miles or Eckstein starts for you....
you deserve “scrappy.”
by Willie McGee's Twin on Apr 5, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Cardinals also are on National TV
more than any team not named New York or Boston.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean we have to listen to Steve Phillips?
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 5, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
How about Phillips and Morgan
together on Sunday night baseball tonight. A real treat.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
I've figured out
Everybody thinks ESPN hates their team. I read an article over there recently about advanced fielding statistical metrics, and it denigrated Jeter. It’s actually a very good article, but if you read the comments, there are so many Yankee fans that say something to the effect of “All you guys care about are the Red Sox and bashing the Yankees, blah blah blah.” I’d imagine if an article came out saying anything negative about the Red Sox, many of their fans would think ESPN “had it out for them.”
The reality of it all is that there are 122 teams in the four major professional sports leagues, 119 (IIRC) NCAA 1-A football teams, 303 (or so) NCAA Division 1 basketball teams, as well as NASCAR, golf, and the X games. There’s no way they can cover all of that to the extent which would please a team’s fans. So as far as bias against teams, I don’t really feel like ESPN has one, necessarily. I do believe they show more Yankees and Red Sox stuff than normal, because those two teams probably have the largest fan bases^. But I don’t hate ESPN for that, I hate ESPN for their horrible analysis.
^ This could be a chicken-and-the egg type thing. Does ESPN show more Yankees and Red Sox because they have the largest fan bases? Or do they have the largest fan bases because ESPN shows so much of them?
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Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
I could not agree more
But I don’t hate ESPN for that, I hate ESPN for their horrible analysis.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
just to play devils advocate chuck
out of the three gents who picked the Cards to do well, Peter Pascarelli & Eric Karabell are the only two guys from the WWL anyone has ever heard of. no one (at least not me or anyone i’ve asked) as ever heard of Matthew Berry. their big named talent all went with the safe east side & windy city picks.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
I've heard of Matthew Berry
I’ve heard of almost everyone that predicted in that article. This could be because I watch more ESPN than you do (I know you tend to stay away from the WWL).
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
yes i try & watch it as little as possible, but i do watch a little SC every day
i asked 4 of my baseball friends & family & if they knew his name & had not heard of him. i know, i know, small sample size. i should have know better.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
so did I
do I have an east coast bias or an anti-Cards bias? I don’t think we’ll win the division as I made clear here. And I like Boston and the Yankees, although the Rays could surpass the Yanks, in the East. If I were betting now, I’d put money on the Sox to win the World Series. East coast bias? Just b/c someone picks someone other than the Cards doesn’t make it east coast bias, particularly when we cannot, objectively, look like the best team.
Did someone say picking against the Cardinals
did make an East Coast bias?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
heh
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 5, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
no chuck, but you are far more objective than the WWL is
you have proved that over & over again.
i was playing devil’s advocate & not saying they were biased. just pointing out all their picks were the east coast teams & the lovable losers. all those are “safe” & popular picks. it doesn’t take a lot of research to think the mets, yanks, sawx, rays,& flubs could win it all. hell a blink monkey could pick one of those teams to win it all. if anything it shows apathy & laziness on their part, not a clear bias to teams on the east coast to make those picks.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Just because it "doesn't take alot of research"
to think those teams could win it all doesn’t mean it isn’t true. I think you could do weeks of research and probably still come to the same conclusions.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
both the Dodgers & Los Gigantes could make some serious noise in the NL
especially if the giants rotation is healthy & lives up to it’s potential. i just did zero research except know who signed who in free agency & who those teams had under contract for the following year. i just did more than most of the WWL’s staff. i guarandamntee it.
again, i’m playing devils advocate here, i’m not taking shots at anyone here. just the WWL.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
But yeah,
I was very surprised as well, Stark can’t even say the Birds are contenders, and the other guys are saying we can win it all.
Just a very strange review in all.
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 5, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
BTN's Cards boner....
Has alot to do with Carp’s solid spring. When ST started and the baseball experts were first spouting off their predictions it was all Cubs. But Carp’s ST and some of the “awesomeness” which is J. Motte as a closer to cure 2008 MLB worst SV% has solidified The Cards.
Also, as much as some may want to, you can’t ever discount a TLR team. Last year, The Cards should have sucked, but they didn’t, and this yr they are much better, IMO.
I've noticed a shift away from the Cubs
they’re on the back stove again, just waiting to boil when the shine of New Yankee Stadium wears off.
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 5, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't say I'm not perturbed by it...
but his points are valid…if not exagerated.
“For them to [make the playoffs], Chris Carpenter has to throw 200 innings,”
Maybe it won’t take 200 innings, but without 150 effective Carpenter innings I don’t think we make it.
“who’s the closer?” to “not enough offense around [Albert] Pujols” to “short on pitching across the board.”
I don’t think the closer situation is that dire, but there’s no denying it could blow up in our collective faces. The offense should be good, but Pujols is the ONLY “proven” threat we have. It’s hard to argue that our pitching depth is a bit scary. Should we lose any of our starters for an extended stretch we could be in a world of hurt. I like our odds…but we’re on thin ice.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
My predictions for the NL, not really familiar enough with the AL right now.
East: Mets
Central: Cubs
West: Dodgers
Wild: Cardinals
Champ: Too small of amount of games to really predict
MVP: Pujols
Cy: Lincecum
Rookie: Rasmus
Other:
Breakout: Yovani Gallardo
Underrated: Ludwick or Beltran
Dark Horse: Giants
I know the awards are basically a repeat from last year, but I really can’t think of a better pitcher than Lincecum right now and I gotta go w/ El Hombre. There are a lot of pitchers who could take down the Cy but I think Albert has the MVP if he’s healthy. Everyone always predicts a 50/50 year for H. Ramirez that just seems unrealistic to me, couple that with the fact that he probably won’t be in the playoffs makes me think he’s not a good choice.
Also...
I think the Cards could walk away with some hardware at the end of the season, or at least contend for some of the more “prestigious” awards.
MVP…Well, I hear we have a decent first baseman who, if healthy, may put up some decent numbers. But, he’ll get some real competition from Manny, Wright, and Berkman (if Astros can somehow contend) IMO. And, I guess, Howard (because chicks dig the long ball).
Rookie: I think of all the Cards rookies, Motte has the best chance, but Rasmus and Freese will get to show off their skills.
Cy Young: If healthy the entire year, we all know what Carp is capable of doing, but I think there are better pitchers in the NL(Santana, Lincecum, etc). So I’ll say this one is the least likely award for a Card to take home. But, I do believe that, if healthy, either Carp or Waino (or if the GoB are truly smiling on the Cards, both) will end up the Top 10.
Comeback: Don’t know the actual criteria, but it seems K. Greene and Carp should be contenders, once again, if healthy
by DisplacedCardsFan on Apr 5, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Back To Te Pirates
They may not be so good in ’09, but next year they will put out a good lineup that is good, young and cheap.
McLouth, Doumit, McCutch, Alvarez, LaRoche…..Good stuff for The Bucs
All they had to do was pay over slot $ and their team got much, MUCH better.
i think in 2 seasons they'll be outta the cellar
and in 3 seasons be the new brew crew. that’s if every thing goes right for them.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Hasn't it been that way for like 10-15 years?
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
to be fair, i think they finally have a GM who knows what he's doing
something i don’t think anyone could have said since the days of Bonds, Bobby Bo, & Co
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
i just don't see it
they have a lot of players on the verge of becoming very expensive, soon, and none of them are that good.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
They are going to be bad
this year and for many years to come. 16 years of early 1st round drafts and they struggle to develop MLB talent. They are early in a new regime, so maybe things turn around…however, I fear if it doesn’t happen in the next 3 years, they’ll head in yet another direction.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
That was odd, I didn't even hit enter.
Anyway, and see Rob Dibble screwing up?
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 5, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Zambrano speaks
“You come into a ballpark like this and you see great things,” the Cubs ace told the Associated Press on Saturday before his team’s 10-1 exhibition loss at the sparkling ballpark in the Bronx.
“You wish that Chicago’d build a new stadium for the Cubs,” he said.
Wrigley
is my favourite stadium in all of baseball. Zambrano is a douche.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 6, 2009 3:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Opening Day lineup
Can be found here
Sorry if it’s already been posted.
1. Brendan Ryan, 2B
2. Rick Ankiel, CF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Khalil Greene, SS
5. Ryan Ludwick, RF
6. Yadier Molina, C
7. Chris Duncan, LF
8. Brian Barden, 3B
9. Adam Wainwright, P
And what do you know, two of our beloved backup MIFs are in the lineup. No Rasmus or Schumaker, and the pitcher hits 9th. I don’t see why Duncan, who bats left and carries a .561 OPS against lefties in the past 3 years, gets the start over Rasmus. I do see why Freese doesn’t get the start at 3rd. He’s a righty but he OPS’d .810 agaisnt lefties in AAA last year as compared to Barden’s .881. Though, Freese was tearing it up in ST… Luckily we won’t have an infielder in the OF for at least the first few innings.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
Ehhh
Not how I would have done it. I would prefer to see:
1. Rasmus LF
2. Ankiel CF
3. Pujols 1B
4. Ludwick RF
5. Greene SS
6. Freese 3B
7. Molina C
8. Wainwright P
9. Schumaker 2B
I cannot wait to watch Cardinal baseball tomorrow!!!!!
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
Tony, Tony, Tony
that Florida sun has done fried your brain.
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.
My two cents
Yesterday I was just havinf a conversation about how much Tony is going to love getting cute with this roster (i.e. double switches, moving skip around, etc.)
I was hoping for:
1. Schumaker 2B
2. Rasmus CF
3. Pujols 1B
4. Ludwick RF
5. Ankiel LF
6. Greene SS
7. Molina C
8. Freese 3B
9. Wagonmaker P
by Beware the Molinas on Apr 6, 2009 3:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Good lord!
Freese on the bench and Barden in the lineup makes no sense whatsoever. If Freese was a lefty I could stomach it. K. Greene’s hitting 4th and Ludwick’s 5th? Are you joking? And Duncan over Rasmus — that’s gotta be a misprint. Duncan can’t hit lefties, has never been able to hit lefties, and likely will never hit lefties. On top of that, he’s a terrible defensive player. At least if Rasmus can’t hit lefties, he can play defense and help the team out that way. Exactly what does Chris Duncan provide to this lineup that might help it in any meaningful way? Then you destroy the value of the pitcher hitting 8th by putting Barden 8th and Wainwright 9th. This works best the worse the 8th/9th place hitter is and Barden is not a good hitter — the perfect 9th place hitter in this lineup, particularly w/ Wainwright, a good hitting pitcher, on the mound.
Tony must’ve just penciled in Albert and drawn the other 8 from a hat!
by chuckb on Apr 5, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I should have scrolled down
chuck illustrated my feelings perfectly.
If you’ll notice….NO ROOKIES. Even though we are carrying what, 3 on the roster?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
chuckb nailed it.
On the bright side, at least he didn’t put brendan ryan in LF…
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Ahem
He didn’t start Brendan Ryan in LF. Over/under on # of times BR is in the OF in opening week: 2.5
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Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
chuckb, I'm shocked
that you’re shocked that Duncan is playing and Raz sits. Is it a foolish choice? Yes. Could the demons in TLR’s brain have made any other choice? No.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 5, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know
I mean, duncan will probably go 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and make us look foolish, but maholm had a 6.83 K/BB against LHB last year and held LHB overall to a .515 OPS. Seems like TLR is not putting him is a position to succeed here.
Joe Mather or Brian Barton should be starting in LF.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
I'm more perturbed
that Freese didn’t get the start at 3B… it makes it look like Barden won the starting job. I would have probably started Skip as well, gotta see how he does from the start
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 5, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions
K. Greene hitting 4th
Will happen a lot as long as he is hot. More than likely the 4th place hitter while the whoever has been hotest.
Hot?
it’s the first game of the season. Greene does not belong in the 4 hole, hot or not. Maybe when Tony goes w/ one of his crazy Sunday lineups w/ Barden at first, Ryan in LF, Thurston in CF, and LaRue behind the plate…maybe. But not on opening day w/ Pujols and Ludwick in the lineup.
We've gotta have power in that #5 slot
with Glaus out, we’ve got to replicate that power and Ludwick gives us that.
/sarcasm
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
tony said the other day hitting 4th doesen't bother Green like it does the other guys
if i remember correctly, he pretty much said he can take the pressure because he’s more mentally tough than most players, without actually putting down any of the other guys. he may be onto something.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Schumaker benched? What??
Is Skip going to be coming off the bench against lefties all season? I do not think this is a good idea.
You can't think it's a good idea...
for Schu to start vs. lefties, do you? His defense is subpar and he can’t hit lefties. Why on earth would he start against Maholm? Thank goodness Ryan is starting against a lefty.
I’m more perturbed Duncan is playing over Rasmus.
Barden over Freese? Meh.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Apr 5, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Does the cold weather figure into TLR thinking?
just spit balling here… I have no clue as to the “why’s” of this lineup. It looks like he doesn’t want to start two guys who never played a game in the MLB, probably will be late subs to “break” them in?…. idk.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 5, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I wish
Apparently we are forfeiting all of our games against lefties this year.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
Listen, we can't question LaRussa. He has won 7 million games
and he has won 7 million games because he challenges his team. He challenges them by putting them in situations where they will fail 85% of the time and by putting his team in a 0-4 hole in the standings.
Only through the struggle can mankind advance.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
This lineup is completely and utterly absurd
Apparently, TLR wants no one on the basepaths when Pujols steps into the box. Ryan leading off and then Ankiel in the no. 2 hole? Greene batting cleanup in front of Ludwick? Barden over Freese? This is insane. Of course, this is the guy who sat Ludwick after last year’s ASG.
I would also like to inquire about why in the blue blazes Atlanta is wearing their navy “shadow” away jerseys on Opening Night. They should absolutely be wearing their away grays, given the formality of the event.
"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 5, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
The formality of the event has anything to do with the color of the jersey they wear?
Not afraid to nitpick
I may be wrong
But I feel I heard like they got rid of the road grays…
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Then the 15% of the time
that tony’s shenanigans work all of his faithful backers will shout in unison, “SEE! HE’S A GENIUS!” then continue to drink the kool-aid. The 85% of the time that it fails won’t be his fault, of course.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
That's the nature of the game
everyone fails 85% of the time, right?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Other than Duncan starting...
what is the travesty?
Didn’t Barden hit better than Freese against lefties last year in AAA?
I don’t understand at all people’s complaints about Schu not starting against a lefty.
And Khalil bating before Ludiwck is a complete non-event. Batting order hardly makes any fricking difference over a year, much less one game (and Khalil’s been hot anyway).
by Willie McGee's Twin on Apr 5, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think Skip should start
against lefties but Barden shouldn’t start over Freese. Duncan shouldn’t start over Rasmus or, probably, even Mather — frigid or not. And Greene in the cleanup spot? That’s gotta be a misprint!
yeah, don't want to start him pressing to get home runs again
at least he’s not batting 3rd or 5th
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 6, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
single-season l/r splits for rhb are useless. freese is a better hitter than barden, i think, but maybe the defense is worth the difference, i don’t know.
I thought Freese had better D than Barden
at 3rd at least
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 6, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
So did I
also, didn’t we refuse to call up Barden and play him at 3B last year because he ’didn’t want to play there’?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 6, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Duncan starting over Rasmus is huge
In all honesty, does anyone think that the reason isn’t that he’s a rookie? Then you have the fact that Ryan is leading off when he got on base at a .307 rate last year. Part of it is just that the roster construction left us in a horrible situation for when we face LHP. Greene should not hit 4th. Barden is not a major league player and therefore I don’t think he should be starting at third, though this move may be more defensible than the others. We again have 2 infield black holes and then Duncan is useless against lefties. Hopefully Waino is on because runs may be hard to come by.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
by thegodfather on Apr 5, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Part of it is just that the roster construction left us in a horrible situation for when we face LHP
Exactly right. And exactly what PRACTICALLY EVERYONE ON THIS BOARD HAS BEEN SAYING SINCE THEY OPTIONED MATHER. Ridiculous to have Duncan starting when we have TWO perfectly good RH corner outfielders who will both definitely hit LHP better this year, and who will both play better defence than Duncan, languishing in AAA. Whilst we keep 2 left-handed outfielders and a left-handed middle infielder on the bench.
Bleugh. We will get killed by LHP this year. I’m glad I’ve got Maholm in the VEB fantasy league – I can see 7 strong innings coming tonight…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 6, 2009 3:36 AM EDT up reply actions
just when I think I can live w/ TLR
he goes ahead and puts out this lineup.
I think barden could start at second, freese at 3rd, Ras in the OF (or really Barton or Mather who should be on the roster)
I’m almost half glad he did this to lessen the pain being busy during tomorrows game, at least I know there is a chance I’d just be shaking my head.
Pitcher 9th is good though.
totally agree
although maybe he altered the lineup for the bad conditions, who knows
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 6, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
chris duncan's larger feet
allow him to play better in the snow than rasmus would? I could see that.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Actually, the rest of the OF'ers
are going to ride Chris like a slide out to their positions.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 6, 2009 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions
It's going to be an ugly day for baseball here tomorrow
Forecast high temp of 38, 20 MPH winds, and a good chance of light snow. But apparently they’re going to do everything the can to get it in – there’s a story at the Cards’ official page saying that a postponement would likely mean a doubleheader on Tuesday, which would screw up the rotation since there are no off days until August (give or take…).
it would at least
give Tony a chance to sober up and re"think" that lineup card!
by chuckb on Apr 5, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
maybe he gets hit in the head with a snowball
and comes back to his senses
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Why would it screw up the rotation?
Brad Thompson, hello!?!
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
The memphis shuttle would start
The plan according to the article is that the memphis rotation is being adjusted to bring up a starter for Saturday. Thompson will have too much work by then to start.
How will he have too much work by then?
He’s the long reliever. THE LOONNNNNNNNGGGGG reliever. If Tony uses him in higher leverage situations than mop up duty, then he wasn’t needed and Perez should have been back up.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
the more PK pitches, the tireder he gets, and the more his sinker sinks
it’s science
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
by gdm426 on Apr 5, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
really?
why will he have so much work? seems kind of pessimistic
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 6, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
really?
why will he have so much work? seems kind of pessimistic
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 6, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
dude, put down the tequila
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
I do have some goods news for the pirates
They won’t finish last in the division, i go out on my limb and say houston will be the worst in the division.
I just can’t get over how good this team was in the early 90’s and haven’t won 80 games since ‘92. I wonder who would win in a battle royale of failure for front office’s, pirates or detriot lions, or la clippers?
"When the boogie man goes to sleep he checks his closet for Chuck Norris"
Dunleavy is still the coach and GM, it's the Clippers
At least the Lions and Pirates eventually fired their management. Dunleavy is the only coach in the league who is also the GM. Dunleavy.
Not afraid to nitpick
Peter Gammons just praised Rasmus on BBTN
However, he also called our new 2B “Scott Schumaker”
Gammons is still my favorite at ESPN
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That's alright, they said that Joe Morgan 'studies for the games' by talking to the MVP
Ryan Howard.
Two problems:
-Joe Morgan doesn’t study
-Ryan Howard wasn’t the MVP
And did someone steal their desk? I know ESPN is going to all new graphics starting tomorrow but what is with this freespace studio show they are doing? Atleast MLB Network sits down every once in awhile.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
considering he's the president & ceo of the sawx public relations
i’m surprised he’s aware there are 29 other teams
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
OT
Just bet a friend of mine $25 that the Cardinals will finish ahead of the Astros
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Did you hear that Brendan Ryan is our starting 2B?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you hear that Michael Bourn is their starting CF?
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Did you hear that Joel Pineiro
is our 5th starter?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't even know who the Astros' fifth starter is
"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 5, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?
"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 5, 2009 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I think so.
I thought I remembered hearing that name and just assumed that Ed Wade was dumb enough to keep him.
I can only find a roster prediction
CBS has Ortiz as their fifth. Hampton as their “no. 2?”
"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 5, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you saying you wouldn't take that bet?
I mean, their pitching rotation consists of Oswalt (awesome, but maybe on the downward side of his career), Rodriguez (talented, but inconsistent), Hampton (probably got injured as I typed his name), Moehler (who?) and Ortiz (or at least his corpse, I’m not convinced he’s still alive). Not trying to say our rotation is full of world-beaters, but damn, dude, whose side are you on?! haha
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No, I would take that bet
I just was being snarky because of the OD lineup.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah yeah
But their secret weapon, Brandon Backe and his 5.26 lifetime FIP and Pujols-pissing ways, is waiting in the wings like some junkballing Mephistopheles….
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 6, 2009 3:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Gammons
If they followed his blog’s lead, they’d have been using it for years.
"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 5, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I love that they keep trying to explain it
I told my lady, “If ESPN had been around in 1922, would they have explained batting average every innings as H/AB=BA?”
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions
batting average is hard to explain
posnanski had an awesome article about this once. Walks don’t count, sac flies don’t count, doubles and triples and hr’s count the same as bloop singles…
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
They are making really good contact
Hitting the ball hard.
"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 5, 2009 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I can think of a reason
"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 5, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd love to claim that as a reason
but, in truth, I was too young to internalize that defeat. Unlike, say, this one for which there is no forgiveness to ever be had.
In my school, there was a kid with my same name
And he absolutely loved the Braves. Obviously, I loved the Cardinals. After about ten years of futility and putting up with him, we were about to have our triumph over them. Then, we collapsed. It has been very difficult to let go.
That Boston series was horrible to watch. Both series, though, showcase your typical TLR postseason collapse, where the wheels just come off.
"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 5, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey
I’d rather collapse in the postseason than not make the postseason at all…
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So would I
But don’t you find it at all curious? The Athletics versus the Reds, Cards/Braves, Cards/Mets (not really his fault), Cards/Giants, Cards/Red Sox.
"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 5, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
It is curious
It sucked bad at the time. He’s not infallible, but he’s a good manager. The Braves were the superior team in 1996. The Mets in 2000, you know, whatever, the Giants in 2002 weren’t as good, I don’t think, but that’s been seven years and I blocked it out of my memory, and the Red Sox were pretty damn good in 2004, and riding a wave of emotion and excellent play. I was six years old in 1990 when the A’s lost to the Reds, so I don’t know anything about that one.
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I don't mean to pick a fight so don't take this as standoffish
But, in 2004, the Cardinals played one of the greatest NLCS ever, riding a wave of amazing play against a truly great Houston club and winning on a walkoff homer in Game 6 and beating Clemens in Game 7.
"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 5, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
That's true
The 2004 NLCS was one of my favorite moments as a Cardinals fan. However, plenty of teams have come out of a 3-2 hole at home to win the series. No team had ever come out of a 3-0 hole, and the fact that they did it against their nemesis and the team that had beaten them like a drum for, well, forever, so I think that was a little bit bigger.
Game 1 is where we blew it. If we had taken game 1, it would have been a series. As it was, they won that game and never looked back.
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Game 1
It was such a poorly played game. It was honestly like watching Little Leaguers. We easily could have stolen it. Had we do so, it probably is a different series.
"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 5, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I may be a bit foggy
But didn’t 2004 have more to do with Rolen’s and Edmond’s bats disappearing than anything Tony did?
Players lose and win games. No question.
But, I just find it odd that so many TLR-managed clubs crash and burn so dramatically in October.
"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 5, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh I'm over that one
Living near Atlanta, I get to see them every night. I get to know their players, and they’re all pretty likeable. I have no beef with the Braves.
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+1
And it starts with Larry “I cheat on my wife” Jones.
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 5, 2009 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions
i barely recognize ryan howard
they say he’s lost 25 lbs, but I’d bet it’s even more than that. It’ll be interesting to see how he does this year.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
It could change his swing plane
I mean, the gut won’t get in the way of his arms during his swing like it used to. I’ve put on a few pounds since high school, and my golf swing has certainly changed quite a bit from those days.
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Oh shit Francouer!
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huh... didn't think the Braves were going to do anything this year...
if you can’t trust a southern lawyer cooking a kosher meal in a dumpster,
well, then, the world has grown far too cynical
by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 5, 2009 8:27 PM EDT reply actions
His wife tried to tell him that
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 5, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Joe Morgan thinks so
He doesn’t have confidence in his fastball b/c it’s the first time "he’s seen these trip decks.
"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 5, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Ouch
rec’d
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that's what she said...
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
by SleepyCA on Apr 5, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
niiiiiiiiice
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Pet peeve
I hate the F***ing open stance. I hated hearing about it when Derrek Lee had his career year and I still hate hearing about it now. Especially when shitty players use it and get lauded for it (read: Francouer).
I use the open stance for slow pitch
because it allows me to use both my eyes, so i can better pick up the spin on the ball
I'm 50-50
Half of me wants Francouer to do well he seems like a fun guy, the other half isn’t going to be able to deal with the Francouer comeback stories. I can barely stand the Francouer might-come-back stories.
Not afraid to nitpick
Just like that game against the Mets in 2007
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My Lord
The Braves have 4 runs, 3 HRs in their first 8 ABs of the year
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Jason Marquis is a poor man's Brett Myers
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Yes Joe,
Bobby Cox actively tells players not to hit home runs. They’re too bourgeoisie.
by azruavatar on Apr 5, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Home runs cause players to lose focus.
I thought that everybody knew that.
by notmorganfreeman on Apr 5, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
and they kill rallies
imagine how many runs ATL would have right now if they had focused on getting on base, instead of hitting the ball out of the park.
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
But not on base by a walk
Slap singles
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Focus on manufacturing runs
It’s more proletariat.
"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 5, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Home runs may be bourgeois
but, as Crash Davis says, “Strikeouts are boring! Besides that, they’re fascist. Throw some ground balls – it’s more democratic.”
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 5, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
or strikeout looking
as the case may be.
i was really disappointed that he didn’t get to 200 last year. This year, he’s on pace for over 300!
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
Great pitching
But, what in the heck was Joe Morgan talking about? Lowe was successful because he forced HOward to try to pull the ball? What?
"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 5, 2009 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Has Brett Myers always topped out at 90 mph?
I thought he was a 95 mph pitcher. The way Joe and Shmo were describing it, he’s Greg Maddux. I thought he was a power pitcher of the Schilling persuasion.
Steve Phillips and Joe Morgan twice in two days
My goodness…
"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've given it a lot of thought and it has become clear to me that
the only plausible explanation for Barden over Freese is that Dave drafted Freese in the front office fantasy league and Tony had Josh Fields. With Chicago being snowed out, he can’t let Dave take the early lead. He simply can’t. His self-worth won’t allow it.
How many times has he called a game Fran-chur has played in?
Sad.
"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 5, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he did
So, that foulball was fair?
"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 5, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Is everyone else gettng a ton of women's softball commercials?
"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 in Columbia
And I get a lot of “Garry’s Angels” housing renewal commercials. You haven’t seen bad commercials till you’ve lived in Columbia, they don’t even use hot girls when there’s a million hot girls in Columbia.
Not afraid to nitpick
i'm not watching, i'm just here reading what you all braves souls are saying
i’m not putting myself through philips & morgan. i don’t hate myself that much.
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
by gdm426 on Apr 5, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I always thought he was a walleye fish, not a human being
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Joe Morgan
If he keeps going on about this open stance…
"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
Bobby Cox
wants to see groundballs from Shaffer, not homers. Thanks, Joe.
"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
They've been rehersing all week
Miller, Morgan, and Phillips in a booth, calling games on VHS. And their work has paid off as evidenced by tonight.
"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 5, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Games Joe Morgan played in, natch
And Dave Concepcion
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I’ve learnt from Joe that if you want to find out which is your dominant eye, ‘look down the barrel of a rifle, or a broomstick, and that will teach you’. This is shocking. Joe Morgan is actively encouraging witchcraft.
by notmorganfreeman on Apr 5, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Joe shouldn't tell people to look down the barrel of a gun...
… I mean, think of the children. No really do you think he ever has done that? How stupid can you be?
My mouth dropped when he said that
To begin with, I was laughing out loud when they started talking about cross-eye dominance. And then Joe started offering up his tests…
"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 5, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
OT: Oklahoma women just lost
One of their players promised a championship or she would give back her scholarship.
Whoops.
That was a dumb thing she said
Not only because it’s extremely difficult to win the tournament, but also because this year’s UConn team is probably the best women’s basketball team in history. Their closest game was a 10-point win. There’s no way Oklahoma would have beaten them.
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I wish we had signed Lowe
I have been saying that since mid-season last year. Lowe + DD just seems like a match made in heaven.
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Did anyone else just catch the "This is beyond baseball." commercial?
How can baseball be beyond baseball? I’m confused.
Consistency
That is what Myers need. Say it, Joe. Say it!
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
Joe Morgan should just start setting him up to say it
Much like this
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Make that Jon Miller
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Nothing about Chipper's open stance?
C’mon, guys.
"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 5, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
If you have an open stance and a still head
And see it with two eyes instead of one.
"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 5, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe because the Cardinals aren't involved?
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Steve Phillips
“Charlie Manuel would rather have Shane Victorino just swing.”
/Shane Victorino swings and misses by a foot
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I like how Phillips wouldn't bat Werth in the no. 2 hole
But Werth is a superior OBP guy to Victorino, meaning you’re more likely to have a guy on for Utley and Howard. Does Phillips know anything about baseball?
"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 5, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that a serious question?
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rhetorical
We’ve been listening to his blather for years. We know. I enjoyed that link quite a bit.
"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 5, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions
We had to wait until the 5th inning
I’m surprised he isn’t criticizing the Phils for not bringing him on.
"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 5, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Wait --
so now the open stance is bad because you can’t keep balls fair? Joe, you’re being inconsistent.
Awesome
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That's the ONLY problem with the open stance
that you pull inside pitches foul. The only problem, mind you.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I drive with my left ear forward
my wife likes to have my attention when she is talking and I can hear the engine better.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Did Jon Miller just call him Logan Schafer?
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I usually like Jon Miller
But apparently he’s dumb by proxy
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Who is Logan Schafer?
Why does he keep calling him that?
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Oh goody, Steve Phillips will be here all season.
I am very excited about that.
by notmorganfreeman on Apr 5, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions
Charlie Manuel lets his players play
where as Tony LaRussa benches his players and lets his backups play. That’s why Charlie will never be in the HOF.
Wow, I hadn't looked at the Phillies starting pitching
After Hamels,
Myers
Chan Ho Park
Moyer
Joe Blanton
Other than Hamels, that rotation can go very, very bad.
But have y'all seen
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 5, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Me too
An Ankiel-for-Johnson trade would have ruled
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Johnson was one of the worst defensive 2B in baseball the last 2 years
And Skip hit as well as he did last year.
Counting the days 'till the first pitch.
by IL and StL Fan on Apr 5, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Go back to talking about the open stance
rather than this circle jerk conversation about Morgan as a hitter.
Input needed
I’m having a debate with a friend right now. He says that stadiums shouldn’t be named for corporations, because it takes away character from the stadium. I say what difference does it make if the stadium is called Fenway Park or Citgo Park (just thinking of the giant Citgo sign above the monster). It doesn’t change the charm or feeling once inside the stadium, and it doesn’t change the history of the stadium.
The debate got started because he is from DC and said he doesn’t want the Nats’ stadium to be named for a corporation “because that it won’t have character.”
Thoughts?
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That's how I feel
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
i agree with your friend
unless the corporation is somehow involved with the team, like Busch.
I don’t get naming deals, anyway. Does anyone really shop at Petco instead of petsmart because they paid a truckload of money to name a baseball field? Or factor that into the decision process when it comes time to choose their bank?
- So, to ease his pain, you're supposed to take him to a ball game?
- Yes.
It's still the state of affairs in the game though
These multimillion dollar megaparks being built have to get funded somehow. If Wrigley Field were called Tampax Field instead, would that prevent douchebags from getting drunk in the bleachers and booing their own players?
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure Wrigley is a company
So no renaming is needed. This corporate naming isn’t anything new so to follow tradition you should in fact name it after a company in my opinion.
Just looked
According to the all knowing Wikipedia -
Even Fenway is a corporate name – Former Red Sox owner John Taylor happened to own Fenway Realty company. He claims to have named it after the Fenway district of Boston but it’s a little too convenient for me to believe.
Takes away character from the Stadium?
Like Wrigley or Busch? (ok, so technically Busch was first, and the beer brand came second…)
I think the issue comes when it gets sold and the name changes every 5 years or so.
Wrigley was named after a man
Busch was named after a man.
Both, were then used to sell other things. It was going to be Budweiser Stadium, but the league wouldn’t allow it. So, Gussie just launched a new beer with the Busch name.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
well he does have a new stance...
… I really need to move on. That’s like my tenth joke on the new stance…
I see his terrible pitch selection is still there.
Guy really should work on that next.
Francouer has so much talent in some areas he’d be a star player if he was just borderline at the things he sucks at.
Ok so Ducan has a .561 OPS against lefties from 06-08
Why is he starting opening day again, for his glove?
Sorry if this has been brought up 1000 times.
Can Razzle be worse than .561?
I know he can play better defense.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
From the stats yes...
I’d also prefer Barton, Mather, heck even start Freese at 3rd and push Barden to the OF.
Yes I would
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
who wouldn't?
especially in bad weather?
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
it's still spring till the Cards start playing
and my spellin is always bad, spring, summer, fall, winter. doesn’t matter, it’s awful
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
Bobby Cox burning through his bullpen
he still has a 3 run lead, what’s the deal with getting Soriano up?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:24 PM EDT reply actions
If Utley hits a groundball right here
this game is over, yet Cox has his closer warming up.
Do they have tomorrow off?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Apparently not
apparently he can’t throw freaking strikes.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
both teams are off tomorrow
that’s why Lidge was in the game… and that’s why Gonzalez is in the game for the Bravos
Couldn't have been that many
2 hits, I’m pretty sure 0 walks, not too many K’s, etc.
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
If they win on a GD Grand Slam
I’m kicking something that breathes.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:29 PM EDT reply actions
Fooled by a fastball
Howard could have hit that pitch to the moon
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, good for Philly
Raul Ibanez’ stance is pretty open
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by jd is legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Frank Robinson said "You always look for the fastball and adjust for the slider"
unlike every other hitting coach, ever…right Joe?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:31 PM EDT reply actions
For the Phillies no doubt
The last thing they needed was another lefty, and they trade their 1st round pick and 15 million for a player who is at best even with the RH Burrell.
Not afraid to nitpick
No joy in Boo-ville
the mighty Raul has struckout.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:33 PM EDT reply actions
Hallelujah
Baseball is back :)
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Listen everyone, this is just one game
this isn’t the end of the world. The Phillies are fighters and they will overcome this crushing loss to struggle and claw their way back to a World’s Championship.
I’m serious. I know it seems dark after today being in last place and losing but they will prevail. Stay Strong, Bro.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:34 PM EDT reply actions
I've kinda got the feeling they'll finish behind the Braves or Marlins
it’s the World Series hangover.
I know it looks dire after this brutal loss
but I promise you, I’ve talked to them. They are fighters. They can do this. They can overcome this hole they are in in their division right now and repeat.
Keep the faith!
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Cards preview on mlb network
wasn’t that informative a month ago but it’s better than Morgan and Phillips
YOU DON'T PITCH MIDDLE IN TO A GUY WITH AN OPEN STANCE
so they say on Sportscenter.
The Open Stance will rule us all.
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 5, 2009 10:40 PM EDT reply actions
he hit it where?
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
brad thompson, it's been nice knowing you.
cubs release Gaudin. he of the 4.14 FIP, 7.10 k/9, 2.70 BB/9 in the 2008 season.
while brad had a pretty tolerable 2008 — comparable fip and bb/9, fewer K’s, brad had an absolutely sucktastic 2007 and neared a 6.00 fip, mostly by just getting destroyed for homers.
gaudin has never had an fip over 4.65. gaudin has had a few years with appalling bb ratios. pitching almost 200 innings in 2007 for the A’s, gaudin is likely to be a much better person to soak up starts than wonderbrad. of course, so would pj walters, but if gaudin makes his way to us, i’d much rather see gaudin than brad. gaudin is a year younger than brad, no less.
I'm a fan.
Wasn’t he part of the Harden trade? Seems odd to release a guy who’s always been a pretty solid pitcher.
Anyhow, I think he’d be a great swingman as he’s shown he can start at MLB level competently. In fact, he’s probably better than Pineiro. Sign him up…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 6, 2009 3:52 AM EDT up reply actions
me too
Gaudin > das wunderbrad
not sure why they would release him…
4B - beer baseball bands blog
cmon and let the games begin
confusion will be my epitaph
I think I have more sigs than gdm now, hah!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Apr 6, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
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