Baseball Open Thread: Season 139
by DanUpBaby on Apr 6, 2009 8:00 AM EDT
285 comments
The grass, freshly cut, the smell of sizzling hot dogs, the dulcet tones of John Fogerty and the rest of the baseball playlist playing over crappy transistor radios—we're going to have to wait on all of that. Current forecast is for snow showers, conclusive proof of a season unable to make up its mind, and bunting-endangering winds. It all makes FSN HD and grocery store concessions sound like a pretty good set-up, even if you won't be able to hear the roar of the beer-vendor and smell the tell-tale scent of clydesdales in the spring.
But it's baseball; when Jeff Francoeur, ex-hero, ex-goat, all-time perpetrator of the this-time-it's-different fallacy that pushes its way into our mind every March and leads us to today with hopeful, gullible fan-hearts, whirled the bat around and hit a long home run on the first pitch he saw, I was ready to get started. The slate's clean; Jordan Schafer, who until last night was best known for a HGH bust, leads the league in home runs.
Last year the Top Birdo used this space to explain his criteria for a successful 2008. In order: get carp back healthy; have a good draft; get one cost-controlled position player other than rasmus established as a league-average-or-better contributor.
Maybe this time, Brett Wallace, and Ryan Ludwick, respectively. Two out of three weren't too bad; the Cardinals stayed in contention for a long time, lots of unexpected contributors stepped up, and the farm system managed the wide gap between "on the rise" and "top notch." It was a good year.
As ever, staying in the race is the paramount requirement for a successful season. Baseball lasts a long time, and its famous feats and numbers are, for the most part, bound to the regular season. This is not a sport predicated on a one-day commercial blow-out; they're the boys of summer, not the boys of fall. More than any other sport, baseball is remembered for what goes on in the regular season as much as what happens in there's-only-one-October. I want the Cardinals to take command of the Wild Card, or run down the Cubs, but the NL Central is a tough place to be in 2009, and if it comes down to the end of September with things close enough to worry about I'll be—well, acceptably disappointed. What else do I need to declare 2009 a success?
1. Get Carp back healthy. He'll be on the payroll in 2011. If he's not a factor—ERA around 3.50, innings pitched around 200—his contract is going to stand over the Cardinals' next few years like Ozymandias's trunkless legs of stone; it's tough to win with a tenth of your payroll turned into a decaying symbol of mankind's hubris.
2. Establish Colby Rasmus. Last year he was the exception, but this is it for Rasmus the Boy Wonder; he's on the team, and he needs to force himself into the Cardinals' long-term plans, where he belongs. The roster is set up to give him a chance to do that—if he doesn't, the number one spot on this list next year will be figure out what's wrong with Colby Rasmus, which nobody wants.
3. No regrets. The Cardinals, another year into a brave, post-Jocketty world, didn't land a big free agent; they didn't trade out of their outfield glut; they made no Grand Statement. In 2009 that course needs, in some way, to be validated. Is that 90 wins? The playoffs? The pennant? It's not losing in ways we knew they'd lose. The 2009 Cardinals need Lohse to succeed because they banked on it, need Kawakami and Uehara to prove unnecessary because they banked on that, need Ben Sheets not to show up in May wondering what all the fuss was about and win the Cy Young for the Rangers. Come June and July the Cardinals could be sunk by injuries, or wrecked by inexplicable regression, but I don't want us to have told Moz so.
It's Opening Day, unless, as last year, the weather says otherwise. As of this very moment, I declare the season a success. Game Thread around game-time, if I figure it out.
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It's on!
Who would have thought our opening day clean up hitter would be Khalil Greene? This scares me. A lot.
by paposse on Apr 6, 2009 8:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A proven track record of damage
Um, unlike 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
by bgh on Apr 6, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ludwick is too good
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't mind it that much
I don’t mind Greene in the 4 spot as much as others do I guess. He isn’t the best choice but I don’t mind this lineup at all with the exception of Barden over Freese at 3B.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh btw
Anyone else notice the redesign of Baseball Reference? Looks weird but I guess I will get used to it.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the new BR
But did you read chuck’s post about optimizing lineups? #2 and #4 are basically where you want you’re best hitters. Greene, because of his sub .300 OBP, is probably one of our worst hitters. He shouldn’t be in that spot, but if it is only the first game, then I’ll live.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll bet you
10,000 internet dollars that Greene gets on base at a clip over .350 this season.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he does that
I’m gonna go ahead and say he’s a front runner for comeback player of the year, possibly upsetting Carp. Also I think that dramatically improves the likelihood we win the wild card (and I mean dramatically in the “a couple wins is all the difference” kind of context)
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Over .350?
That’s quite a bet, liam, considering his career high OBP is .349 and his career OBP is .304. Him getting on base that much this season would be huge for this team’s chance at making the playoffs.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His career road OBP is .318?
(Said with a whimper)
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Izturis Line
Izturis has a career OBP of .299 and actually had an OBP of, get this, .318 last season. So, we look to be getting what amounts to Izturis with some pop and less defensive skill.
"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 6, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shut up shut up shut up shut up
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Opening day
is an excellent time to be bold. I think he’ll do well this year, and expect him to bat 7th quite a bit—hitting in front of the pitcher with his gap power should get him a lot of free passes.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know he isn't best
I just said I don’t mind it.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get it?
What’s the rationale behind:
1. Green 4th, Ludwick 5th
2. Duncan against a lefty rather than Rasmus
It must be related to anticipated late game switches, but it makes no sense to me.
So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)
by Titus Pullo on Apr 6, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recommend halting your ponderings
It will only cause frustration, followed by anger.
"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 6, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I get the cleanup thing
both Ludwick and Ankiel openly did not care for hitting cleanup and the stigma that comes with it last season. I’m willing to bet that K-Bot has not been programmed to understand lineup orders and will do as programmed wherever he is in the lineup.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 6, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
4) Have Waino establish himself as one of the best starters in the game
We Cards fans all know that he is capable of that, and when he pitched last year, he pitched like an ace more often then not. If he can expand on last years success and become the ace for this team, then we won’t need to rely on Carp so much year after year.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 8:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
5) No Black Holes
Get through the season without conceding a spot in the lineup to an easy out (Cesar Izturis → Brendan Ryan?) and without expecting a turn in the rotation to be a sure-thing loss.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
6) 0 save opportunities
for ryan franklin . . . . .
by lboros on Apr 6, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
agreed
although it doesn’t seem like Motte’s gonna lose that role anytime soon.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has he been given the role, though?
Sounds like they’re still gonna feel their way through that position
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
if he blows a lead in the 7th, doesn’t that go down as a blown save? and thus a save opportunity? As long as he doesn’t go in during the 9th in a save situation I am fine with that.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
I would love for Franklin to get every last three-run lead save opportunity that comes his way. La Russa needs to find a rationale that involves veteran experience and sticktoitiveness to justify splitting the low-leverage and high-leverage saves between the two of them, leaving Motte free to pitch every last one-run eighth inning.
by DanUpBaby on Apr 6, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very good point, DanUp. I hope you are correct.
The problem is, though, that both Duncan and TLR view Franklin as a top-of-the-league setup man. I fear this means that he will enter in the non-ninth of many one-run contests.
"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 6, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weather
They are still predicting “snow showers” but the radar looks clear west of us. I think they’ll get the game in today but it’s cold as a witch’s tit out there right now (live a few miles from the ballpark).
by jjray on Apr 6, 2009 8:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
have there ever been 2 consecutive opening day rainouts?
this is one of the few things you can’t look up on baseball-reference.com . . . .
by lboros on Apr 6, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
But I sure picked a bad two years to get my hands on Opening Day tickets.
by mojowo11 on Apr 6, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
KSDK was predicting the snow being done this morning
So I would expect no Clydesdales but I would expect getting the game in.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clydesdales are badasses.
A dusting of snow surely can’t slow them down, can it?
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 6, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not at all
I think the question is whether or not the Cardinals want those gigantic, hoofed beats clomping on the field given the weather we’ve had. It could give the groundcrew a collective heart attack.
"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 6, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking more about InBev-AB
not wanting to risk that a horse may trip in the mud. I doubt snow will be there in the evening but the track could be muddy as hell, which could prove dangerous for the horses.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the players
During the game, after the horses have tromped through.
"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 6, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, but
the horses only trott on the warning track, not on the grass. And since that is mostly sand maybe it won’t be as bad as I think. Also this stadium has one of the most state of the art drainage systems, so it could be completely dry by game time.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
And Lord only knows what sort of advanced technology was used on the warning track. After the Vince Coleman incident of ’85, the Cards spared no expense on the grounds…
"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 6, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Drainage
It’s pretty awesome. I’ve been at games where you could literally watch the puddles disappear. It was about as exciting as watching puddles dry could possible be.
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As opposed to Busch circa 1980s
Where the puddles would just, well, puddle on the turf.
I wonder if the water runs off directly into the Mighty Mississip.
"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 6, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Full of Win!
Holiday Rooooooooaaaaaaaad
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost all (and probably all) modern fields can handle up to four inches of rain an hour.
Most fields are sand based in the track and grass areas to allow for maximum drainage. The only place you have to watch is the playing surface which clay based.
by MattK on Apr 6, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
I think they can handle it
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks jd
Man do I love those Clydesdales.
Happy Opening Day VEBers!!!
"That annoys the you-know-what out of me." - Bud Selig
by random on Apr 6, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Draught Horses
Those things are total beasts (… literally!)
I think maybe in honor of our brewing tradition we should start referring to the Cardinals having a good draught this year.
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll drink to that
"That annoys the you-know-what out of me." - Bud Selig
by random on Apr 6, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks!
Happy Opening Day, hopefully no back-to-back rainouts
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 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not according to the commercials
Baseball Fever.... Catch it!
by skcabrozar on Apr 6, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
im doing it!
cannot believe im actually going down there. i must be an idiot. it is going to be so cold.
Don't skip the Skip! 55 is alive!
by dangpenguins on Apr 6, 2009 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Take your courage
and your flask! And I hope that the last game you attend this year is also a cold one (i.e., because it’s in November).
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 6, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There-is-only-one-October!
But-there-is-also-a-little-bit-of-November-now-too-apparently.
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm heading down there too...
It can’t be any worse than last years opening two days!~ Rain out day 1 as we had already gotten two on in the 1st (I think, don’t quote me)…
Second try was blistering cold – day 2… and we lose … I remember sitting in front of the dugout and the cardinal girls jumping up on the dugout screaming… and all of us just frozen still… our a**es stuck on the seats just staring out into the field, their faces were priceless!
Gotta be better than last year.
It's not what you do, It's who you do...
by pattimagee on Apr 6, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
6) In Season FO activity
If the Cards are in contention, Mo needs to “Pull the Trigger” this year to prove he will do act. And I don’t mean making a Mike Maroth like trade. Be nice to hear Mo tell us that he is using his dry powder.
by ubeddie on Apr 6, 2009 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There is a distinct chance that such an opportunity could and will present itself
Peter Gammons has openly stated that big names will be sold off because clubs get off to bad starts, their attendance plummets, and they have to cut costs. Whether their posture is salary dump or building for the future remains to be seen, but Mo could very likely land an impact player (and make TLR very happy, because that player has a track record of impactness).
"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 6, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let us hope...
that a June update on this report involves the words Toronto, Halladay, trade, and St. Louis in some semblance of that order. :-D
"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 6, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
YES YES YES YES YES YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS
re: Roy Halladay
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping the google search for this event looks like the following:
“Roy Halladay” trade “St. Louis” -Rasmus -Wallace
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frankly I'd hope
Rasmus isn’t sent to Toronto!
by sdrone on Apr 6, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
but Wallace I could live with
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Google syntax
There’s a “-” before Rasmus and Wallace. That is, the search matches any pages with the phrase “Roy Halladay,” the word “trade,” and the phrase “St. Louis,” but NOT the words “Rasmus” or “Wallace.”
If that search ever hits, there will be much rejoicing.
by brackenthebox on Apr 6, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh man google syntax
You’re killing me! hahah
by sdrone on Apr 6, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wallace intrigues me more than Rasmus
by STLRegalia on Apr 6, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
strangely enough, me too
And ordinarily I’m much bigger on the type of player Rassums represents than a corner infield slugger. Wallace’s swing screams “yeah, I can hit at this or any other level.”
"That annoys the you-know-what out of me." - Bud Selig
by random on Apr 6, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
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 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's the allure of the unknown
A hot prospect tearing apart double-a is more interesting than a hot prospect struggling in the big leagues.
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
by effin fisk on Apr 6, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, and the nice
thing about having so many prospects is that there isn’t room for ALL of them on the ML roster. Make us proud, Moz.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 6, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
as long as the economy is in the
crapper, i think that is exactly what till happen, it will be one of the busiest in-season trading years ever. The good news as a cardinal fan is that attendance will be close to normal, I am truly glad stl is a baseballtown, so that means the lil extra bred that wasn’t spent will be able to pay the big names that come onto the block. It gives the cost controled outfield glut more value. What ever the trade the buyers of big contracts won’t have to give as much in young cheap talent to get it.
"When the boogie man goes to sleep he checks his closet for Chuck Norris"
by elirock83 on Apr 6, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since its impossible for me
to go to the Cards Opener, I’m going to the Astros opener instead. This is the only time during the season that I pull for the Astros… well, I guess I just want the Flubs to lose.
Go Cards!
boo snow!
C'mon you Redbirds, lets prove em' wrong, again!
by yer dog first on Apr 6, 2009 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Actually
In that instance, I’d be rooting for a 25 inning game that ends with both teams running out of pitchers and Bud Selig calling it a tie, then a portal to hell opening up and swallowing the entire city of Houston, including Selig, the Cubs, and the Astros. Ed Wade must have already sold his soul to end up a MLB GM, so the chances of this happening are better than you would think.
"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 6, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
How do you REALLY feel about it.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 6, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but what about chuckb
doesn’t he reside in Houston? And poor yer dog first, enjoying opening day, then going straight to hell.
by ubeddie on Apr 6, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
go straight to hell
do not pass go, do not collect $200 would have made that game even more intretaining
"When the boogie man goes to sleep he checks his closet for Chuck Norris"
by elirock83 on Apr 6, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yer forgetting
yer dog has helicopters
"That annoys the you-know-what out of me." - Bud Selig
by random on Apr 6, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't hold back fourstick!
Tell us what you really think. wow!
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 6, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
boo stros!
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 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And since I'm all the way out in San Francisco
I’ll be going to the Giants game on wednesday. Randy Johnson in a Giants uni….this will be weeeirrddd.
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Gibson
by davethebutcher on Apr 6, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but appropriate, if "Giant" is taken literally
Have fun and wear something Cardinal red!
"That annoys the you-know-what out of me." - Bud Selig
by random on Apr 6, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is he now the Giant Unit?
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Apr 6, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he is, he stole my nickname.
Thank you, I’ll be here all week folks. Don’t forget to tip you waitress.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 6, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giants opener on Tuesday
I’ll be there- sporting the birds on the bat as usual. Here’s to hoping the Giants somehow are playing the Cards in the first round of the playofs this year and it’s the Flubs that win the wild card. I think it’s terrible we never get to play them in the NLCS.
A guy can dream.
SF CARDS FAN
by norlanski on Apr 6, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopes for the 2009 St. Louis Cardinals National League Baseball Club
These are in addition to DanUp’s list.
1) Adam Wainwright makes 30+ starts and posts a sub-3.50 ERA.
2) Skip Schumaker sticks at second base, evolving into a league-average defender by season’s end. This precludes the need to search for a second baseman in the offseason.
3) Khalil Greene clubs 25 homers.
4) David Freese posts a .275/.340 line filling in for Troy Glaus.
5) Rick Ankiel plays a full, healthy season, jacking 40+ HR and posting an OBP of .350+.
"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 6, 2009 10:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is your Freese line AVG/OBP or OBP/SLG?
I’m assuming the former but I don’t know how much of a pessimist you are.
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AVG/OBP
I didn’t feel like attempting to calculate out my hoped-for SLG this early.
"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 6, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just got to think what OPS sounds good...
and subtract .340 from it. I’m thinking .460 SLG so .800 OPS is good enough for me.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
by cardzfanbub on Apr 6, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To that list, I would like to add:
Colby Rasmus, 2009 All-Star Game MVP.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 6, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know, I know
My hopes are very high. But I can’t help it. I devolve into a child on this day every year.
"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 6, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greene, K
I would be happy if Greene didn’t hit a single HR and batted above .280 with less than 70 K
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
by albrtfn on Apr 6, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
which is why he shouldn't be batting clean-up
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
by albrtfn on Apr 6, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm
Not hitting a single HR, batting above .280, less than 70 Ks…Where have I seen that line before? Hmmmm….
Oh yes, here it is: Adam Kennedy, 2008. He hit .280, had 43 SO, and, well, 2 homers. I couldn’t find an exact match. Without Kennedy’s glovework, that line is less valuable. So, I’ll take a few strikeouts if we get a fair OPS and more run generation.
"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 6, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
i wasn’t indicating that that line would be an improvement over our 2b last season, but simply an improvement over Greene’s last season in which he hit .213 with 100 K in only 389 ABs.
It’s kinda creepy that I said that and it’s almost exactly what AK did last year.
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
by albrtfn on Apr 6, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very creepy
And I understand what you are saying. However, I think that your expectations need to be reworked a bit due to Greene’s skill set. Before Greene fell off a cliff last season and posted a Mendoza-esque season, he was a low-BA, slugging SS. His career best BA is .273 and his career BA is below .250, so Khalil Greene, even if he has a career year, likely won’t be topping .280 in BA because he isn’t a contact hitter. What we should hope for is a .250 to .270 BA with an OBP ranging from .310 to .335 (he’s had a sub-.300 OBP three of the last four seasons), ~30 doubles, and ~20 HR. If he does that, he’ll be a significant threat in our lineup.
"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 6, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Essentially
a repeat of his 2007 season, which I think is in the realm of possibility.
"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 6, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seems like...
he has changed his approach though to not try to pull the ball, generating HRs and swinging more for the middle of the field. He has been working a lot with Albert and McRae, pretty much doing anything they tell him to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits for a decent average without the power of 2007.
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
by albrtfn on Apr 6, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I here you...
I know it’s just spring training…but he only K’d 3 times in 70+ AB’s. I’ve read a couple of places that he has changed his approach. Might be that walk-year thing.
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
by cardzfanbub on Apr 6, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
here...
= hear
Sometimes I wonder,
"Why is that frisbee getting bigger?"
...and then it hits me!!
by cardzfanbub on Apr 6, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In is 07 season he was below average offensively
mainly due to a sub .300 OBP. I would love to see that kind of power of him, but he has to get on base more to be worth it.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His on-base skills are attrocious
I truly hope he can increase his walk rate, but I fear he will revert back to 2007 form, which is still an upgrade from the Izturis baseline. Not that this is saying much. The question is, when taking the offense and defense abilities together, will Greene be a net upgrade over Izturis. Hopefully, he can. If he can draw more walks and strikeout less, he likely will.
"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 6, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure how good he is defensively
The various metrics all differ on him a lot. I would say that he is slightly above average with the glove, and projects to be slightly below average with the bat. Add that all together and he is probably a league average player.
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Izturis started 110 games - 69% of innings played at SS in 2008
Miles had 25 starts and Ryan had 24 at SS, with FLopez even getting 3. A healthy Greene will probably start 150 games Greene’s success/failure should be compared to the platoon mess we had in 2008, not just Itz2’ s outstanding D. Same thing with AK at 2B where he only started 74 games.
by ubeddie on Apr 6, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been working on a FanPost that looks at this
With TLR stocking the roster with MIFers, one wonders how often Greene will get a break.
"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 6, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
contract year
what is a solid SS with his 2007 power and an improved OBP and fewer Ks worth on the open market. If everything finally comes together for him this year he could be looking at a big payday.
Is it weird that I would rather the payroll be more like the Marlins than the Yankees?
by ForesterShane on Apr 6, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be surprised if LaDunczeliak take this into account
Platooning the MIF more would make his numbers smaller, turning his possible off-season contract negotiations in the Cards, or any other teams for that matter, favor.
"All baseball fans can be divided into two groups: those who come to batting practice and the others. Only those in the first category have much chance of amounting to anything."--Thomas Boswell
by albrtfn on Apr 6, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TLR isn't dumb. well, you know what I mean
If KG is smacking the ball, he’ll play.
by sdrone on Apr 6, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of my greatest hopes
for this year is that we (or at least I) can develop a zen-like sense of tranquility in the face of LaRussa lineup outrages. Because with this team we are going to see many, many bizarre choices.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 6, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My biggest secret desire for 2009
is for the 25-man roster to gradually be infiltrated by more and more scrappy, multi-position middle infielders with subpar MLB bats, until our entire lineup, bench, and starting rotation comprises so much multi-positional AAAA grit that it can out-hussle any team in baseball and we sweep the world series 4-0 over the Orioles.
The revolution is coming, gentlemen, and Chairman La Russa will be Brother no.1…..
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Apr 6, 2009 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think this is a first!
I don’t know if a sitting manager has ever posted on an SBNation blog before, at least on a game day.
by DanUpBaby on Apr 6, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know what would be awesome?
if tony had nine different players all play all nine positions in one game. i wouldn’t put it past him either.
by Phizzle on Apr 6, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
talk about catching hitters off guard
nobody’ll know whether they have the platoon advantage or not until La Russa stops the music and everybody runs to their position. Opposing switch-hitters might require medical attention afterward.
by DanUpBaby on Apr 6, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
musical bases
nice
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
accumulate a winning record within their division
is key
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 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Predictions
Cards will win the Wild Card
Ankiel will hit at least 35 homeruns
Duncan will hit at least 25
Carp will still be pitching in September
So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)
by Titus Pullo on Apr 6, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Titus Pullo
biological father of Caesarion, I like your predictions.
by jjray on Apr 6, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
predictions
Mets win east
Cards win central (cubs end up with injury problems and getting-swept hangover)
Dodgers win west
Giant win wild card
Motte – Rookie of the Year
Freese gets traded
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 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on Motte = ROY
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How dumb are the Mariners
They’re converting Aumont to relief. He’s 20 years old.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you see his stuff in the comments to my Jess Todd post?
vivaelbeñsheets
by vivaelpujols on Apr 6, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's to watching Opening Day
in the law school library. With my Property Law book open.
Thank god for mlb.tv
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Living in the St. Louis market as defined by MLB
I usually relied on GameCast in the lawbrary.
"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 6, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it me or are some of the main posters on here lawyers and law students?
What does that say about our profession? (insert joke here)
by MattK on Apr 6, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More importantly
What does it say about TLR, Esq., that none of these lawyers or law students can explain the reasoning behind his managerial decisions?
"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 6, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Simple....
Nobody understands lawyers.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 6, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
even other lawyers don't have to understand lawyers.
they just have to argue with them. which never requires understanding them.
by tom s. on Apr 6, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm in New Orleans
so I’m safe from blackouts
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, at least the mlb.tv blackouts
the drinking kind… not so much
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ba-zing!
Love New Orleans
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're in Georgia, correct?
I’m moving there for the summer
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Athens
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never been
It’s only a couple of hours away though. Sneak me onto Augusta National, I’ll be your friend forever.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
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by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Passing of the Torch
From Goold’s article:
Years after pledging to rebuild and rely on a minor-league system, the Cardinals enter the 2009 season ready to test that plan.
The poster boy of the renaissance, 2005 first-round pick Colby Rasmus, is on the team and others also could have prominent roles. Internally, there are concerns that this year’s roster is too thin on experience and too reliant on players improving on the job. Officials agree 2009 will be a referendum on how equipped the system is to supply talent.
Ready or not, here they come.
“The passing of the torch,” La Russa said the morning his club left the spring training complex in Jupiter, Fla. “The one thing you expect when there is not a lot of big-league experience is they (must) deliver on their promise to prove the faith in them is well-placed. If they don’t, if there’s ever this kind of dig-me factor, then the torch that has been passed will be extinguished in a heartbeat.”
“That is not a threat,” the manager concluded. “That is the reality of what we have here.”
“Dig-me factor”?
"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 6, 2009 12:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How about the fucking faith we had in Isringhausen last year
I guess that torch didn’t extinguish, it hit the ground and lit everything else on fire.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm so tired of TLR and all his BS mind games.
by azruavatar on Apr 6, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder: was TLR always this full of it?
Or did he learn to put a high gloss on it in law school? Sheesh, what drivel. It’s opening day, Tony, and you’re already harshing my mellow.
"That annoys the you-know-what out of me." - Bud Selig
by random on Apr 6, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hooray!
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this may be the most exciting thing for me this year
welcome to the Jason Motte era. Love it
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He looks like gane in this picture
not the washed up one milwaukee signed but the dominant one for the dodgers.
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 6, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
*gagne
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 6, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wild Thing
scary to have a 100-MPH ball thrown by a guy wearing specs.
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song:
by gocards62 on Apr 6, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He looks like a Japanese demon or something
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm
"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 6, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
bears a striking resemblance
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 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oni + iron club = "strong beyond strong"
"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 6, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best.Commercial.Ever.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What commercial?
Link please.
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 6, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check it
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't get scared
you’ve been warned….
Here’s the commercial.
I get a "D" in common sense ... and an "F" in general helping.
by Tackle Box on Apr 6, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who does this remind you of?
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 6, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
David Ortiz.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 6, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Izzy
TLR remained beholden to Izzy for far, far too long last season. There is no debating this reality and I wouldn’t ever try to do that. I was clamoring for Izzy’s ouster as closer as loudly as anyone last season. However, I think that we need to keep in mind how valuable a piece of the puzzle Izzy was for this club throughout his St. Louis years.
That being said, let the Motte Era begin…
"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 6, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a dream with Izzy in it last night
Not sure what that means…
by saladdays on Apr 6, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a dream with Motte a couple nights ago
I had to defend his reputation since I drafted him in a fantasy league (the drafting part is actually true) and explain that he is in fact a for real closer.
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can remember looking ahead to 2009 since 2006
We won the series that year, but there were a lot of frustrated fans.
2007 ended with chants of “wait until 09, when contracts come off the books.”
For better or for worse, it’s finally here. I’m very excited about this season.
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
by effin fisk on Apr 6, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And your avatar shows it, sir
That is one menacing robot.
"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 6, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought that I hit "reply," but apparently did not
I meant that in response to Az’s new avatar
"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 6, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the new azru avatar
no more mr. nice ’bot.
"That annoys the you-know-what out of me." - Bud Selig
by random on Apr 6, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow robots have genders who knew.
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 6, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
opening day!!!
i hope to be making regular visits to the game threads again this year making fun of gdm’s age, cards in chitown’s night job, and other things about the people on this site!
happy opening day VEB!!!
by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 6, 2009 12:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what's my age again?
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
by gdm426 on Apr 6, 2009 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Opening Day
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
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by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To each their own
but I would have gone with this.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 6, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I was a kid
I thought there would be nothing cooler than playing the saxomophone on the strength of songs like that.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My goal this season
Is to give dumb Dunc a clean slate and reset my dunc-o-hate meter to zero. If he does half as well as he did in 2006, then that’s twice as much as I was expecting.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
by bjork24 on Apr 6, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am trying my best at doing that too
but if he ends up sucking like last year and still is taking playing time away from other outfielders, I have a short fuse
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 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A question to ponder whilst we wait.
If Amauri Marti pitched to Chuck Norris, who would come out on top?
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 6, 2009 1:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
HOW DARE YOU QUESTION CHUCK NORRIS
sorry for the caps
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 6, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what about when Bruce Lee killed Chuck Norris?
by STLRegalia on Apr 6, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he wasn't really dead he was holding his breath untill he walked away.
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Apr 6, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was elevated to a higher "being"
sans the lore of Chuck Norris began.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 6, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who fashioned the bat and the ball?
Presumably, ordinary bat- and ball-makers. So, when manmade Marti-thrown baseball met the manmade Norris-swung bat, both the baseball and the bat would explode on impact. Because the ball was neither fair, nor foul, there would be the first ever “do-over” in professional baseball history. After repeating the exercise and arriving at the same result a few more times, Marti and Norris would deem it futile and Marti would go back to dominating professional baseball while Norris would return to dominating fisticuffs.
"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 6, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if Chuck got frustrated and charged the mound?
I’m just saying. Wouldn’t the issue then be resolved by Law and Order (proper names for Chuck’s legs)?
by sdrone on Apr 6, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
okay, have to ask....
what are his fists name? Over and Out? Wax on and Wax off?…..???
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 6, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
technically his fists do not have names.
I simply refer you to #6 on the list of “Chuck’s Favorites”:
by sdrone on Apr 6, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is a very good question.
Since Marti is so fast that he can defend the entire field, I would assume he could get away. OTOH, Norris is infinitely fast himself. I would say the momentum of the two of them chasing each other around would probably cause the earth to stop rotating. As a favor to all life, they would have to stop and run the opposite direction just to keep the earth habitable. Realizing that they do much more for good as a team, they would steal the silver surfer’s surfboard and make the universe safe a just for all life.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Apr 6, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I imagine that chuck norris
in his prime, in real life, could have hit a ball fairly far. his bat speed would at least be ridiculous, what with the whole fists skipping frames thing
by STLRegalia on Apr 6, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chuck Norris would not need to hit a baseball.
It would stop half way to the plate, apologize for its own insolence, then fly out of the park. Chuck Norris would automatically be credited with an infinity-run home run.
by sdrone on Apr 6, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Team Norris will win every game forever.
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 6, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Wieters
But if Stephen Strasburg pitched then All. Bets. Are. Off!
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whew that was close
If you had put the names W****** and S******** in the same line the world would’ve ended.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean Wieters and Strasbur.........
funny….. just as I was about to type the “g”…… felt a slight vibration, heard a hum and the sky turned a wierd color…… but then maybe I’ve watched “Lost” too much.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 6, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I tried to make an elaborate joke
That the LOST storyline culminates in Strasburg joining MLB and wearing number 16 which disrupts the space-time continuum to bring forth the greatest ever infield with Lou Gehrig (#4) at 1b, Wieters (#15) catching, Strasburg(#16) pitching, Cal Ripken Jr (#8) at ss, but couldn’t find a really, really good 2b and 3b who wore #23 and #42, respectively.
That joke itself may have destroyed the world.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it certainly destroyed a few brain cells
not yours, mine. Had to have a beer (actually 3) to try to understand the joke….. but then, I hardly need a joke for reasons to have a beer, but it helps.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 6, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that sounded mean, didn't it?
sorry, didn’t mean to be mean…. just ….. damn…. dropped my beer…. hold on….. what was I saying?….. got to get go to store, brb.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Apr 6, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryne Sandberg and Jackie Robinson?
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
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by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For symmetry
the 3b should be #42, since #4 is the first baseman.
It was a pretty lame joke, anyway.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Jackie Robinson
played 256 (the number 16 squared) games at third base. Just trying to help a brotha out.
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course,
by the end of the year there’s a good chance they’ll be playing in the same market. we’re doomed.
by Phizzle on Apr 6, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dollar says the Nats screw it up
They’re too bent over from a leverage standpoint for Boras to concede anything. They have to draft him and have to sign him, therefore I bet they won’t.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Random photo, w/o comment
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Apr 6, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he's probably wondering why they had to migrate north to st louis
i would think he liked it down there in jupiter.
by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 6, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Impromptu Caption Contest
It means “Rolling On Floor Laughing My Ass Off” … No problem, anytime, Tone … (ducks thrown bat)
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Apr 6, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TLR is using the iFart app on his iPhone
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
by bjork24 on Apr 6, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
"It's a blog called 'Viva El Birdos,' skip. I'm a pretty big deal over there."
Alternate: “I loaded up a playlist for you, Mr. LaRussa, I hope you like it. The first song is ‘Centerfield’ by John Fogerty, it’s a good one—and it really makes you think. You should give it a listen… just sayin’ is all…”
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
does he have a calculator?
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 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colby looks a little scared.
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 6, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Happy opening day, all
Here’s hoping I can take a long lunch break to watch at a sports bar here on the sunny left coast. (Anyone in West L.A. want to join me?)
defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.
by effin fisk on Apr 6, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I woke up at 5
to get to work early enough that I can leave and get home for first pitch while still getting all my work done.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Am I just imagining this
or did Gameday devolve this season? Where’s the video tab? Also, I vaguely remember seeing something about Gameday Premium… does this ring any bells?
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
by bjork24 on Apr 6, 2009 2:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hm. I don't like the sound of any of that.
I just assumed the video tab was missing because it was still spring training… I really hope I won’t have to pay money to get it back. Although I already had MLB audio and that’s pretty darn good.
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is weird
The NYM-CIN game looks like the spring training gameday, but the CLE-TEX game has all the new bells and whistles. Maybe it’s just a glitch.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
by bjork24 on Apr 6, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's still there
Here’s this link to last night’s gameday.
When I go to it, it has this:
Gameday Premium will be FREE to all fans through April 19. Check out these exclusive features:
* In-line streaming of Gameday audio feeds (home and away flagships and Spanish where available);
* In-game video highlights;
* Batter and pitcher “Hot/Cold Zone” data, filterable by over 15 different situational splits;
* Pitcher tendencies: “out pitch”, plus averages and trends for velocity, pitch selection, movement and release points;
* Batter tendencies: pitches they “love to face” and “hate to face”;
* Enhanced pitch type identification;
* Advertising-free interface.
If you click through to the gameday, you’ll see two video highlights, so that’s still free. Sounds like pretty cool stuff on the premium version, though. Can’t wait until TV and this sort of thing are seamlessly combined, and you can pull up all this kind of data from the tv remote.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and
forgot to put in the URL to last night’s game.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But it does list in-game video hightlights as a premium feature
I am led to believe that will disappear after April 19? Kind of annoying if that is the case. I understand the logic of making a better version of gameday that costs money, but why make the free version worse?
by mattybobo on Apr 6, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're right
As bjork points out, the CLE-TEX game has the video tab and also all the not-yet-functional other functions. The NYN-CIN game has no tab and no other funk.
by liam on Apr 6, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much will the premium features cost?
b/c the batter vs. pitcher data is awesome. Check it out!
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
by bjork24 on Apr 6, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ditto
on the tv and this stuff being seamlessly combined
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 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so April will be my trial run on mlb.tv
haven’t tried this for more than one game, going to see how frustrating/rewarding a month of it is over wifi internet connection
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 2:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm doing the same thing
hope it works well b/c i don’t have an alternative
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing on the radar yet
But when Missouri weather is concerned, you can’t take anything for granted… so we shall just have to wait and see.
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
by bjork24 on Apr 6, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm about 200 miles northwest of stl
and there’s flurries here, but nothing that would really show up on radar. i think they can get the game in no matter what comes out of the sky today.
by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 6, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn't look like there's much in the way of precip left this afternoon based on the radar,
and I actually caught a glimpse of sunlight not too long ago in University City, several miles west of Busch. It’s still too freaking cold for any self-respecting April day, but let’s play ball!!
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 6, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Santana just flied out to "deep center" with the bases loaded and two out in the 4th.
I wonder how close he was to a grand salami.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 6, 2009 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wasn't really that close
the CF was still about 10-15 feet from the warning track. but it was well struck
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got an extra ticket can't go
if anyone wants to have it, I’ll meet ya somewhere d-town. Live off grand and 44.
by from First to Third on Apr 6, 2009 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
free
sec 446, row 7, seat 9
by from First to Third on Apr 6, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, that is tempting
I wish I didn’t have so much work to do. But thanks a lot for offering it here.
by BTown Birds fan on Apr 6, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just one?
Come on, we all aren’t loners!
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 6, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well the other ticket is with my coworker who
decided to drive around with an open container, so i can’t get that one from him exactly.
by from First to Third on Apr 6, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahahaha
That’s a great way to celebrate opening day!
Chuck Norris bows to no man...but he does bow to The Mang.
by miniboscorino on Apr 6, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh
I would take yr ticket, if I was in the area!
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 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
would just like to give a cardinal fan the opp to go to the game due to my schedule
by from First to Third on Apr 6, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
I have an extra ticket for friday’s game if you would like you can have it….
where do you want to meet?
by streamman on Apr 6, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
7th or russel?
at the gas station there sound good?
by from First to Third on Apr 6, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
....
give me 15-20
my # is 870-885-0417
by streamman on Apr 6, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dark grey jeep cherokee
go cards, f the weather and plane schedules!!!!!!!!!
by from First to Third on Apr 6, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sporting my chris carpenter jersey at the university of virginia,
and just gave a guy with a cubs hat a serious evil eye.
"you know how you pitch mike schmidt? Hard fastballs inside, sliders down and away. you know how you pitch henry aaron? willie mays? Hard stuff inside, soft away. you know how you pitch willie stargell? hard stuff inside, soft away. you know how you pitch god? hard stuff inside, then down and away, and if you get it there you'll get him out. even though he'll know it's coming. or at least they say he knows." -jim lefebvre
by el_duderino on Apr 6, 2009 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i've been giving the hairy eyeball
to Cubs fans all day at Tulane
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
some really bad defense by the Reds
Two consecutive pop ups fall for hits in the shallow outfield
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On MLB.tv
They’ve completely done away with the non-browser based video player?
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Gibson
by davethebutcher on Apr 6, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dusty's at it again
Harang at 110 pitches and counting in the 5th inning
The artist formerly known as...
Mr Redbird @ Viva El Birdos
PowerOfDixieland @ Track Em Tigers, other SEC blogs
by jd is legend on Apr 6, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
anyone else having trouble going to the mlb websites?
my computer is not letting me go to any mlb websites… this sucks
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 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Had this problem for a couple of days
Installed Firefox again and problem solved
by Woodwork on Apr 6, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My computer has been acting strange for months
The culprit was somehow my clock was set to 2008.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok
now my mlb.tv is taking forever to load, cmon work now
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 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had the same problem with firefox
I cleared my web cache and then turned off Ad Block Plus.
I think it was the ad block that was keeping it from loading.
I get a "D" in common sense ... and an "F" in general helping.
by Tackle Box on Apr 6, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I use Ad Block plus and have not been having this issue...
Did you know…
The Traffic Light, the modern day Bra, the Ford Model T, and Instant Coffee have all been invented since the Cubs last won a World Series…
by NoSteroidsHere on Apr 6, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just followed your advice
And cleared my cache, it did make it a lot snappier.
I did not turn off ad block plus, so i’m going to say it was a cache issue.
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Gibson
by davethebutcher on Apr 6, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is in IE
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 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clear the cache.
95% of the time, when IE is going slow, clear the cache. It’s almost like restarting your computer for Windows…
Did you know…
The Traffic Light, the modern day Bra, the Ford Model T, and Instant Coffee have all been invented since the Cubs last won a World Series…
by NoSteroidsHere on Apr 6, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By clearing the cache
do you mean deleting the temp internet files?
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 6, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes.
Did you know…
The Traffic Light, the modern day Bra, the Ford Model T, and Instant Coffee have all been invented since the Cubs last won a World Series…
by NoSteroidsHere on Apr 6, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steve Phillips is making my head hurt
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stats
He prefers using his eyes to stats. If stats tell him something that conflicts with his eyes, then he doubts the stats’ “veracity.” I hope Houston hires him to replace Ed Wade…
"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 6, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Screw Houston, they mess it up on their own.
I’m hoping Phillips replaces Jim Hendry.
I get a "D" in common sense ... and an "F" in general helping.
by Tackle Box on Apr 6, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry
He’s doing a good job of taking the Cubbies down the path of the mid-2000’s ’Stros…
"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 6, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, our Hall of Famers will fall off the trucks
That has always struck me as incredibly dangerous.
"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 6, 2009 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, the Cardinals were interested in Gary Sheffield
I hate you Steve Phillips.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Apr 6, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So...
is anyone using Tor to get around the blackout?
by spants on Apr 6, 2009 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what is Tor & how can i used it?
i’m sick of FSNPitt. they aren’t showing tomorrow or thursday’s games
BEN MOTHERHUSHYOURMOUTH SHEETS
I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson
by gdm426 on Apr 6, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a proxy
by spants on Apr 7, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The new gameday is nice
but seems to be going really slow.
by STLRegalia on Apr 6, 2009 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
My MLB.tv is acting up since the Cardinals’ game started. Grr.
Did you know…
The Traffic Light, the modern day Bra, the Ford Model T, and Instant Coffee have all been invented since the Cubs last won a World Series…
by NoSteroidsHere on Apr 6, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mine has been choppy
but i think that is my computer more than anything
by bmorgan on Apr 6, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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