Physician, Kaheal thyself
by DanUpBaby on May 18, 2009 7:30 AM EDT
276 comments
And now, 5-9. Not hitting, not pitching, not doing much of anything—we are, hopefully, at this season's horse latitudes, where the order of the day is stagnation and the kind of hopeless losses that manifest themselves as shutdown performances from Jeff Suppan.
As mentioned last night, the current offensive shutdown is broad-based, with nobody but Skip Schumaker avoiding a share of the blame. Even El Hombre is down, all the way down, in May, to .289/.353/.644—Sammy Sosa instead of Ted Williams, I guess. That's why it's so unbearable; there's no one who you just know is about to start a rally, nobody who's not implicated.
But the worst of it has been parceled out to—or from—Khalil Greene, whose encouraging signs have evaporated so fast that the clouds, the silver linings, the cloudy silver-lining linings have all been left hanging in mid-air. Once upon a time I was concerned that Khalil's new on-base tendencies—nine walks in April after 22 in 100 games last season—were not silver lining his rough start but the beginning of one of those late-career collapses that befalls players who have stopped swinging because they can't hit.
But now, in May, I don't have to worry about that anymore, because he's stopped walking, too. From the heady days of his .677 April OPS we're below .500 in May, an utterly empty .200 average. (It's not just the overly positive stories of April that get buried underneath an enlarged sample size as the season goes on, it's the bad ones, too, reshaped and forgotten about.)
What I'm relatively sure this isn't is a lack of effort. Either the guy "wants it", in the generally understood sportswriter sense, or he had a different reason for punching a crate in the Padres dugout and breaking his hand to end his 2008 season. Some people are difficult to read, and I'm willing to bet that Khalil Greene is one of those people. When he's hitting well it's shyness and selflessness that makes him a quiet performer on the field, a result of his adherence to the Baha'i faith.
After Greene made his big-league debut, a sports writer observed how the shortstop celebrated by heading to the training room after the game. "Grounded," is how one scout described him. Greene calls it a matter of staying centered...
When he's not hitting it's a distance, a look in his eyes that says he'd rather be someplace else, like Ridgemont High. These are the same mannerisms; either they're easy to misinterpret, or the interpretation is informed primarily by the success he has—that any player has—on the field. Joe Thurston hits .330 and sprints to first base on a walk, and it's endearing; he hits .245 and he sprints to first, and it's irritating.
Optimism watch: Greene's PrOPS—his predicted OPS, based on the kind of balls he puts in play and the kinds he doesn't—is still .801, which would be well above our community projection from January. His BABIP might stay low—it's been pretty low for most of his career—but it won't remain at .220. It's an awful start, but so long as he avoids breaking his hand during this slow start he remains, if nothing else, the Cardinals' best shot at the replacement level from today forward.
As for Wellemeyer—well, what could anybody possibly say about Wellemeyer at this point? If it's possible, in that first inning he looked even worse than he pitched.
Oddly enough, his problems seemed to fit right into the Todd Wellemeyer/Dave Duncan narrative. In the first inning he got his fastball up to 93 mph with startling consistency, and he had no idea where it was going. Then Duncan came a-visiting. After striking out Manny Parra on a bunch of I'm-throwing-to-a-pitcher fastballs, he came into the second inning and only brushed 93 two or three times, sitting at 91, and "settled in."
The narrative fits perfectly—and it almost never does. But if overthrowing is the real problem (and he does indeed miss in a way that suggests that, up and away for fastballs, in the dirt for off-speed stuff), why is it the matter now, after he's supposed to have figured things out?
Whatever the problem is, Wellemeyer can't be allowed to make it forever. It was a nice year, an occasionally dominant one, but it was just a year, and the Cardinals have other options if his command and effectiveness continue to falter so fundamentally.
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I'm no pitching coach
but Welley really has been aweful to watch. …and Boyer. Ugh.
But honestly I could live with the usual pitching rough patches if we had some consistent hitting. Albert must feel pretty lonely right now.
by paposse on May 18, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea...it really causing him to press
he struck out on a pitch yesterday that was 4 inches above the zone…it would have been ball four…we need ludwick to get back and healthy in a hurry…at least provide pujols with some protection…i mean we had yadi in the 4 hole yesterday….and can someone please get on in front of pujols…i’ve never been a fan of having molina in the two spot, but if tony’s going to play him as the clean up hitter, he may as well put him as the 2 batter…his on-base skills would be much better served in that role, getting on ahead of the mang
this has been an incredibly dissapointing two weeks
by VolsnCards5 on May 18, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boyer has been good
Since the trade, just not yesterday.
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
by SoonerfanTU on May 18, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
Tony should know the man is terrible against lefties…
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Boyer needs to be used as a ROOGY. The whole point of having a ludicrously deep pen (8 pitchers!) so early in the season was, presumably, to take advantage of the massive splits that guys like Boyer, Reyes and Miller have. If TLR is going to leave them in in high leverage situations against the wrong-sided hitters then he’s simply managing badly IMO. It defeats the whole object of having these guys in the pen (i.e. to allow us to shutdown one or two same-sided batters in games that matter).
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you
think Duncan and Tony are testing him to see if he can be a starter? If he can’t face lefties, that experiment will never get off the ground.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy the "Boyer as starter" thing
He only has two pitches and hasn’t been a starter for quite a few years. I haven’t really heard anything come out of the organisation that it might be in their thoughts. I think he was picked up only because we had no use for Barton and the club didn’t fully trust the young, untested guys. Also, he clearly has some talent. But I think he profiles as a dyed-in-the-wool reliever, because of his significant platoon split and his lack of a useful third pitch.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.....
The deep pen is b/c our starters don’t go very deep into games, and we have/had limited off days.
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
by SoonerfanTU on May 18, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TLR continues to warm guys (right handers) up to face one batter
and then proceed through 5-6 relievers to get out of 3 innings. The starters have been a problem but TLR hasn’t done himself any favors.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on May 18, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is warming up todd's new issue? did he change his warm-up in the off-season?
this I-can’t-pitch-the-first-two-innings-but-then-I’m-fine thing reminds me too much of tony reyes, ca. 2007. He’d settle in eventually, but by then we’d be too far behind or he’d have thrown too many pitches to make it through five.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weren't we getting blown out.....or beaten soundly
When Boyer faced a lefty the other day? Isn’t that the time to say handedness be damned, we either need you to improve, or at least give us some outs?
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
by SoonerfanTU on May 18, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"We need you to
do something you don’t do well."
Saying that doesn’t mean he will be able to get out lefties.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not a bad argument
although we were only 3 runs up at the time. He could’ve used Reyes/Miller (one had pitched, I can’t recall who) to get Fielder out and keep us in the game. If we’re going to give up when we’re only 3 runs behind, and the other team have a shaky closer, I don’t think we’re going to compete this year. But yeah, it probably wasn’t as horrible a decision as I was making out in the game thread.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we were actually two runs behind
But the way the offense is going right now, that seems like an enormous hill to climb night-in and night-out
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on May 18, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We were 2 runs behind
and it was right after we had just cut the lead to 2.
by Hardcore Legend on May 18, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is what brad thompson is for
jason motte should not come in for one batter and be relieved by chris perez for one batter….its ridiculous
by VolsnCards5 on May 18, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many times has that happened?
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
by SoonerfanTU on May 18, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
especially if Boggs can mimic the Colonel's 2008 performance
he can be the new Colonel
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seems like todd has one more start to improve.
boggs can’t be called up for a bit — unless dave and tony tell todd that his elbow hurts.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
funny, sad, and true.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on May 18, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok, so Boggs can take Welley's starts...
Who can we get for Welley? While watching the game I was thinking just that. The Yankees have a current starting pitching need. If Wang doesn’t come back Hughs doesn’t look like he can handle the job. The name Xavier Nady came to mind. He is a right handed outfielder who could platoon with Duncan. Maybe Joel would be a better fit with the Yankees but either way. Nady would be a nice fourth outfielder. Duncan/ Nady- Rasmus-Ludwick. Not sure who the 5th outfielder will end up being. This means Ricky will be trade-able too. Most of us have expected that to happen this year anyway.
I the guy I really want the Cards to make a play for is Ben Zobrist. I know his infield defense is lacking but as a switch hitter he could platoon with Duncan or Schu. Not sure if we have what it takes to get him, but I would love to have him on the bench.
As far as SS goes I think we will have to play the rest of the year with what we have. If KG can not get together than TG and Ryan will have to do for now. At least Ryan and TG can play the position
Well, the trade pieces look like Welley, Joel, and Ricky. Any other thoughts as too what that can get us?
Oh, any word on Glaus? When can we expect him back? Thurston and Barden seam to have been over exposed.
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Glaus
Last I saw on that rotoworld bar was re-evaluate in July. No time-table. I’m guessing he’ll be more like a Sept callup after rehab.
Which makes me bummed that Freese didn’t work out. And he’s on the DL again in AAA right?
by paposse on May 18, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It'll be like having a September call-up of an All-Star! Without giving anyone up!
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on May 18, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know Dan, it really is...
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 May 18, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know Dan, it really doesn't.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on May 18, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
the joke doesnt get old
but hearing Dan and Al or whoever say it on a broadcast sure does…
"Baseball is dull only to dull minds." - Red Barber
Yeah, I'm a loser...
by nomar34 on May 18, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, If Glaus
Is out till September than shouldn’t we consider him lost for the year and make a play for a third baseman? How about a guy like Blalock? Beltre is in a contract year too. Think maybe Seatle would look to move him Belre has a limitted no trade, but maybe he would not block a move to St Louis?
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I forgot Blalock hits left. he might not fit
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trades
We aren’t going to be trading for an outfielder, at least not for five or seven years. We have too many in the farm system. If anything, as you note, we might trade Ankiel, who is in his walk year. However, I don’t think that would be a for a third baseman. Brett Wallace was just promoted to AAA, which suggests to me that he will be given every opportunity to win the starting 3B job in Spring Training next season and may even get a September call-up to audition for it at season’s end.
I don’t think anybody is going to be giving us much of anything for either Pineiro or Wellemeyer. Remember, the Royals DFA’d the Colonel back in ‘07 because he was pitching, well, like he is pitching this year. I don’t think that the Yankees want anything to do with someone who has such a low K rate, especially when Pineiro would be pitching in the New Yankee Stadium, with hits HR tendencies. In fact, I don’t think anyone is going to be offering much of anything for Pineiro. And, to top it all off, with Carpenter’s iffy health, I don’t think that we will be trading away any pitching, especially starting pitching.
Also, the Rangers are in first place in what looks to be a weak, but competitive, AL West. This would make them less likely to trade a middle-of-the-order bat, in my opinion.
"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 May 18, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
if we want to trade a guy because he isn’t good enough to be in our rotation, no contender is going to give us anything of value for him.
by Toddius on May 18, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't that always the problem?
It seems fans come back that this issue year after year.
by mattybobo on May 18, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok
But we need another stick. Some will argue we need pitching more. I get that. My idea is to make a trade for a rental. All the players I mentioned are in their walk years. Beltre, Blalock, or Nady. Walk year players do not have the trade value they once did. So why not get a 3Ber who can hit from the right side and be on the team for one year. Beltre might be a salary dump on the part of Seatle. Blalock as I mention may not be the right guy. Nady too would only be a rental, but he offers a veteran right handed bat.
None of these players I am suggesting would be on the team in 2010. So none block any of the prospects for next year. If you want pitching fine. I think the offense is what we will need in the second half. Even after the return of Ludstick and Ricky. We still will need a 3Ber who can hit. Do think Thurston or Barden will turn it up a notch. SS is a hole in the batter order too.
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no team in their right mind would give up one of the guys you are mentioning
for piniero or welly…all of thoe player could command more…remember that piniero and welly are also in their walk year
by VolsnCards5 on May 18, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only trade
I actually suggested was Joel/Welley for Nady and that implied a desperate Yankee team with no Wang. My piont really has been to look for a right handed rental stick. I didn’t say that Seatle would trade Beltre for Welley or Joel. I dropped Blalock after I remembered he hit from the left side.
My main piont is that I think we need offense more than pitching, and we will even after Ludstick and Ricky return. If you all think we need pitching more so be it.
If Seatle is out of it at the break and they still owe Beltre 6 million maybe something could be done to get him. If Glaus was going to be back by the break I would not be suggesting a 3Ber. September is a long way to go with Thurston and Barden at third base. Specially if KG doesn’t start hitting.
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yanks
They’d just call up one of their AAA starters vs. trading a productive outfielder for out back end of the rotation.
"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 May 18, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Beltre's a bad idea
if we’re in it come late July/August, Seattle are out of their division, and Glaus is ruled out for the year. This seems like a pretty unlikely set of coincidences, though. I also wouldn’t want to give up much more than a mid-level arm or two. Obviously, they’d need prospects. Maybe Lance Lynn or something.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way I would give up Lance Lynn for 2 months of Beltre.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on May 18, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
me either
But that’s the sort of thing it’d take, I reckon. It took Matt LaPorta (a hugely better prospect than Lynn) to land a couple of months of CC last year (although he’s obviously somewhat better of a player than beltre).
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry, but
a desperate Yankee team with no Wang is just too funny to pass up.
If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it.
by the red baron on May 18, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that's what she said
( I don’t know if that works, but I had to try)
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just don't sit in the right field bleachers
You’re liable to get whacked in the face with Wang’s
by mattybobo on May 18, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tang should run a promotional deal in NYC
The possibilities are so endless I don’t even know where to start. any suggestions?
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
heh
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was hoping some one would hop on that
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's what he said
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on May 18, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what she said?
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on May 18, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i disagree with that premise
the offense will come around, though maybe not to april levels. However, even if they play hit like in april, the pitching will take wins away from them. April’s pitching numbers were illusory (though that’s a good thing in wainer’s case). the nice thing is that the cards can plug boggs in if they want and just dump welley without much pain or drop-off. plus the club thinks carp will be back. i sincerely doubt the cards will deal for pitching or 3b.
by spencegrif on May 18, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how about we take a gamble and call up wallace
he can’t be any worse than barden/thursty have been in may
send barden down and bring up wallace.
actually, if they call him up, like someone (horton?), suggested to dh next month and he performs at the plate, this idea might not be too far removed from reality
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barden has played in May
wait…who is the Barden guy you speak of? I thought we traded him for Boyer?
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
He can be far worse, because he’d have to hit much, MUCH better to make up his lack of prowess defensively. Barden and Thurston have been plus defenders even when they aren’t hitting well.
"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 May 18, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, considering his talent
i don’t think hitting much, MUCH better than whatever .100-something that both barden and thurston are hitting in may should be much of an issue. and while he’s a big boy and won’t have much range, his .958 fielding so far isn’t quite abysmal. and with t greene seeming to get most of the starts (maybe a few more to ryan now) we can handle a slight defensive downgrade at 3b consider how huge an upgrade a .250 avg and .300 obp would be. and that’s probably conservative. this is also not to mention what a justice we would be doing the ’10 cards if we can get wallace 250 ML ABs this year
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we'd be burning an arb year for Wallace
for effectively a couple of months rental. Realistically, he’s probably not much better than Craig, Freese or the MIF options right now (although I agree he’d possibly be an upgrade) but he’s not hit above AA, and might only be in the team briefly if Glaus ever comes back. Also, he can’t really sit on the bench as he can’t play the OF. Glaus and Pujols will play every day so there’s no room for him with both in the team except as a double-swap PH.
I’d pass on Wallace this year and wait until he’s really ready. Might as well use Craig instead.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's a good point
i guess then, the only legitimate expectation for seeing wallace is if glaus is announced to be out for the year.
which won’t happen before august barring another big surgery
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Craig
is the one who really kicked a puppy. what’s a guy got to do to get a cup of coffee?
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well put
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on May 19, 2009 6:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
But both Barden and Thurston hit well for the whole month of April, so it’s not like a .100 BA is their true level of talent. It’s certainly not their April numbers either, but somewhere in between.
I would venture to say that we could get a .250 BA and .300 OBP out of Thurston and Barden as a proper platoon at 3B, with plus defense from both of those players, making them a better option now than Wallace would be, since he’d be learning on the job.
"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 May 18, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd actually be a bit more optimistic
I think they can both put up higher OBPs than that. Thurston’s put up .360 his last two years in AAA and .340 for his (admittedly very short) MLB career, although I think that’ll be a stretch long-term given how often he strikes out, and Barden’s consistently been around the .350 mark in AAA and his short major league career so far. I’d hope they’d be in the .330/.340 range by the end of the year.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ain't nobody
gonna give us nothin’ for the Colonel or Piniero.
end Fred Sanford voice
Seriously though. If you wanted either one of those guys, you’d just wait for them to hit waivers. No point in giving anything up for either of them.
Our trade chips now are who they’ve always been: Ankiel, Duncan, Ludwick…..and not much else. I guess you could include Mather, Wallace, Craig, Anderson, and one or two of Boggs, Walters, Mortensen, or (insert back-of-rotation pitching prospect here).
by arch support on May 18, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who can we get for Welley?
No-one. I’d guess the general feeling would be “if Dave Duncan can’t fix him, no-one can”. We’re certainly not getting Xavier Nady, and there’s no way in the world Wellemeyer would land Ben Zobrist, that’s cloud cuckoo land stuff. I’d like Zobrist too but now it appears his days as a SS are over, I’m not sure how much value he has to us.
Also, Joel isn’t a trade piece. No-one is going to pay him $8m (pro-rata) when they could get a slightly better version of him (Byrd) for a similar price without giving up a player. Ankiel is the only one out of those three with any value, and right now I can’t see him landing us much. Plus, we need him back in the OF.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never suggested
Welley yields Zobrist. I said I was not sure we had what it takes to get him. So you don’t have to throw insults my way hinting that Forrest Gump has a higher IQ than I do. I guess I am sorry I brought it up at all. Remember all four runs scored in the first after two outs. Maybe Welley rights the ship and we will want to keep him!
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one is taking Welle
Just because a team needs a pitcher does not mean they’ll just take whatever. Trading for Wellemeyer would only make said team’s issues worse. He’s got no value to anyone.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on May 18, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's not going to get anything huge, for sure, but he's still a starter.
the orioles have a deep farm and a terrible rotation. welly would be a step-up there. of course, the orioles are probably destined for last place, so their motives to make a win-now improvement of that sort would be limited.
texas? texas has the weakest rotation of any contending team that comes to mind, and its nice pitching prospects are too far from the majors to make a difference now.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looper today
I wish today’s is a day game. If I have to watch our offense ineptly flail for seven or eight innings against Braden Looper, I might snap. The awful performance versus Suppan was beyond frustrating. (I now have some sort of an idea what is was like to be a Mets fan in that fateful October of aught-six.) I’m hoping that tonight we can manage to score more than three runs. Five would make me incredibly happy.
"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 May 18, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wasn't looper better during the day?
so maybe at night we will have a chance.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on May 18, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be the numbah on my hand plus my thumbah
It is a serious number.
"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 May 18, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nobody can convince me otherwise
that is marketing at it’s finest
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, it's
definitely effective as far as branding goes. However, it’s not getting me into a Mobil.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was quik trip
so maybe the branding isn’t working all that well.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on May 18, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
on the run
at mobil, so i guess it isn’t working :)
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on May 18, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's right.
But I remember the On the Run part only b/c of Shannon. It’s not really mentioned in the “song.”
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on May 18, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i giggle everytime that damn thing comes on
and i don’t care who knows it.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on May 18, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem lately
Is that the Cardinals have forgotten how to score runs, let alone score six. I probably wouldn’t have gone to Mobil for a drink anyway, even if it is for just two bits.
by mattybobo on May 18, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This has nothing to do with the above topic...
And I know that most people here feel the same and it’s been said many times, but I was watching the Mets/Giants game on ESPN last nite and it was almost unbearable because Morgan and Phillips would…not…stop…TALKING. They rambled on for 3 friggin’ hours! They carried on for at least 3 innings about how the Mets will never win because they don’t have a “true leader” and Phillips doesn’t think that Beltran is worth his salary because he’s not a “true leader” and Morgan thinks David Wright and Jose Reyes are nice guys but he wants a leader who is “edgy” or something.
I know this is nothing new, but I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks.
by svengali on May 18, 2009 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
My early impressions
This is very early in the Phillips/Morgan pairing, but Phillips says some of the most ignorant things imaginable. So much so that I sometimes finding myself siding with Joe Morgan (something I thought would never happen). One example of this was last night when Phillips starting parroting talk radio in NYC calling for the trade of Jose Reyes. (Apparently, NYC talk radio is unaware that Jose Reyes is the most exciting player in baseball?) Phillips seemed to be putting this out there as a valid notion. Somehow their late season collapses are because of Jose Reyes and trading Reyes will remedy the problem. Then, Joe Morgan chimed in, and I paraphrase, saying that he doesn’t listen to talk radio and you probably shouldn’t make personnel decisions based on a talk show’s ideas.
"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 May 18, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jose Reyes is too talented
If he wasn’t so good than he would be the leader that the club needs. Same with Wright and Beltran. Those guys are just too freaking good and they are getting in the way of winning with their combined ~20 WAR a year. Therefore, they should trade Reyes for David Eckstein, Beltran for Darin Erstad and Wright for Blake DeWitt. Then they would have some ballplayers who are clutch, scrappy, have heart, leadership, etc.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on May 18, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh yeah
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on May 18, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would be willing to throw some stuff their way if they ever seriously considered trading Reyes
Who doesn’t covet a player like that? I hate the whole “most exciting player in base-lol” meme as much as anybody, but that’s not even really his fault. I hope for Mets fans’ sake that this is all just echo chamber nonsense and the organization would never actually make a move like that.
by mattybobo on May 18, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'd throw a lot his way
but they’d probably want a big bat (like ludwick) and someone who could be a replacement level ss. we don’t really have a replacement level ss (without looking at numbers) and we’re not giving up ludwick. and if not ludwick, who would they want? albert? waino? i don’t think i need to expound on why the first one is unlikely and waino is my favorite cardinal and i would seriously consider revoking my fanship if waino was traded (even if for my favorite non-cardinal
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would you give up for Reyes?
I’m sending Wallace their way for starters. Maybe Brian Anderson too.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wallace, Anderson and Garcia
Reyes is a 5-6 WAR player right now, who still has untapped potential. Plus, he is under contract for a while making nothing.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on May 19, 2009 6:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't watch it non-stop and the announcers talked a lot
but Phillips talked about how valuable Beltran was and how he was under-appreciated by fans.
by ol Pete on May 18, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...
he said both that he’s very valuable and the fans don’t appreciate him, and he’s not worth it because he isn’t a leader? I suppose there’s a readily available CF who is just as good but who would “lead” the team and win the hearts of the fan… I’m not disputing you, it’s just that we’re talking about some serious dumb logic here, even for Phillips.
by mattybobo on May 18, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My impression of what I heard was that he didn’t say Beltran wasn’t worth it. There was a fairly long discussion among the three that NY needed a leader. Did you watch it?
by ol Pete on May 18, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, which is why I'm so confused
I wasn’t really trying to be sarcastic in that post, so sorry for one if it came off that way. Anyway, I’m trying to piece it together based on what people are saying about it (often this is a terrible idea, I know) and it seemed like Phillips was being even more crazy than usual… which I was kinda hoping for because I found it funny.
by mattybobo on May 18, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t take it as sarcasm so no problem.
by ol Pete on May 18, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I tuned out at times, too...
so I didn’t hear Phillips defending Beltran. But he did say that Beltran was not worth his salary. I agree with redbirdnation down below…it always gives me a weird feeling when I agree with something Morgan is saying.
by svengali on May 18, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of Beltran's tools
that Phillips cited was “experience.”
I find it hard to believe he ran a baseball team.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on May 18, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so do mets fans
and victor zambrano
by VolsnCards5 on May 18, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kazmir-Zambrano was Jim Duquette's, not Phillips's
It’s hard to believe that Phillips drafted Kazmir and Wright and signed Reyes. Those are astute moves. Phillips is many things, but astute is not one of them.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on May 18, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, what's the deal with ESPN and baseball?
1. Are we in the minority about Morgan etc.? Is there some larger majority of people who LIKE that announcing team? Man I can’t stand to listen to these guys.
2. I’ve stopped watching Baseball Tonight as well. Aside from Tim K. (I can’t spell his last name) they are dang near as bad as Joe Morgan. And the whole stools thing – is that supposed to make them appear less dumb?
ESPN is getting to be like MTV. BAseball tonight should be a guy sitting behind a desk and a BUTTLOAD of baseball highlights. Instead, I get some guy who is not a good speaker touching some other guy’s (2nd guy is not a good speaker either) tie and stroking his suit jacket sleeve while his “resume”, which literally included nothing about baseball, is put on the screen. I assume to make him appear legitimate.
by sdrone on May 18, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hooray MLB Network!
“Quick Pitch” is basically literally what you described. A guy behind a desk with a million highlights.
by mojowo11 on May 18, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll check it out
when I wanna get sports news, “mlb 1st to 3rd” always seems to be on, which hasn’t impressed me.
by sdrone on May 18, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I really enjoy
Is that the MLB Network owns the broadcasting rights, so they just cut to game highlights with each games play-by-play guy calling the highlight. Or, at least they did for the highlights from Sunday last night. I really enjoyed that. It’s so much better than some talking head trying to be clever and John Kruk spewing out something ignorant off the top of his head. (However, I will say that Peter Gammons in that format is unbelievable. The tidbits he gets out in five seconds are amazing.)
"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 May 18, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kurkjian
It’s a fairly normal name…I think.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on May 18, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's what I get tired of
The cock posturing that happens on that show now. It’s not about explaining the game, it’s about finding a better nugget than the guy sitting next to you, and that’s just stupid. Explain the game, don’t go making stupid predictions and leave the “inside the game” stuff to the actual guys who know what they’re talking about and express it in a meaningful way. You know, like Buck Showalter, Peter Gammons, and two guys you extricated from the show: Dave Campbell and Buck Martinez.
The best studio show on TV right now is “Inside the NBA” on TNT because you have three guys who tell you what they think based on what they see, and a great host who can keep the show moving. It’s also produced so much better than any of the ESPN shows because it’s not about face time. If a guy has a good point, the others will recognize that. Sadly, even this show is getting screwed up by overproducing (adding the stupid thing-a-ma-jig that Kenny can’t figure out how to use even though it’s a touch screen monitor that we’ve had since 1990, naming each segment after a sponsor, etc.).
Oh, and Eduardo Perez simply shouldn’t be on TV. At all. Ever.
Also, and this isn’t meant to be a racist thing, but why is ESPN putting more and more Latin guys in the baseball reporting and commentary loop? Don’t they have ESPN Desportes for this? I could understand one, but sometimes the entire SHOW is Latin American guys. How does that help you with market share?
"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 May 18, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a nugget for you...
My dad and I were watching Sunday Night Baseball a couple weeks back. About the fifth inning, he turned and asked me what this “OPS” stat was. You know, the one the Jon Miller was explaining as “on-base PLUS slugging” for the first 4 innings. I think we may need to make sure my dad doesn’t get lost on the way home from work…
But that got me thinking. So you explained what that stat was, Jon, but nobody in that booth is capable of explaining WHY IT’S IMPORTANT IN PLAYER EVALUATION!!! I spent the next minute or so explaining why OPS is superior to batting average and RBI’s when evaluating a hitter and my dad said “That makes a lot of sense. Why don’t they explain it on the broadcast?”.
Why, indeed Pops, why indeed.
"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 May 18, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
...
Are we in the minority about Morgan etc.? Is there some larger majority of people who LIKE that announcing team? Man I can’t stand to listen to these guys.
There awful, especially Phillips.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on May 19, 2009 6:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was truly awful
But what was particularly bizarre is that I found myself agreeing with Joe Morgan. Morgan was pretty consistent in his consistent defense of Carlos Beltran, adding the consistent comment that if you get rid of Beltran, you have to replace all of his value somehow. What consistency from Morgan.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on May 18, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I went to my first STL game in two years yesterday
If that performance by Wellemeyer isn’t worthy of losing a roster spot or demotion, I don’t know what is. 7 BB’s and 2 HBP’s is horrendously awful control. It was painful to sit and watch. Boggs may not be getting deep into games, but at least the four or five innings he does pitch he is usually successful. The switch has to be made. With Carp coming back and Waino getting his act together the rotation looks better w/o Welley in it.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...and I'm wanting an Allen Craig call-up!
by RunninRedbird on May 18, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As bad as he was
I thought some for the ball/strike calls could have been better. Granted you don’t get the call when you are missing the tarket as bad as he was on some pitches. With that said he got robbed a couple of times. I think he could have gotten out of the first with a lot less damage done.
by nybirdfan on May 18, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I wasn't in a good position to see whether or not
the calls were accurate. (Third base line). But you still don’t get robbed 7 times and the ump’s k-zone doesn’t matter when you are hitting batters.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...and I'm wanting an Allen Craig call-up!
by RunninRedbird on May 18, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'll see if Kinney's recent criticism holds true
If Wellemeyer is bumped out of the rotation, Kinney may have been right about STL not being a place to work out your problems but to get outs.
My spider sense tells me The Ghost and The Darkness (Duncan + LaRussa) will let The Colonel work it out in the rotation.
by arch support on May 18, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i want boggs back
at least he kept us in games
by VolsnCards5 on May 18, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We were pretty much out of the game after 2/3 of an inning yesterday
4 1/3 looks great comparatively
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on May 18, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Ghost and The Darkness?
Awesome. I always thought that was a surprisingly cool movie. A great cheap DVD pickup if you happen to spot a deal for it.
by mattybobo on May 18, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if the trend of losing the first two games of a series
then winning the last continues, we win tonight!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The NL central will be bad on my liver this year.
Cards get it together and pull out a division title: I drink happily
Cards battle it out and come up short of the playoffs: I drink to ease my heart rate and drown my sorrows
Cards continue to suck: I drink to forget
in conclusion: I drink way too much
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 1:08 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
best thing to do
is take a day off every once in a while, don’t even have one beer.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hah!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No no
You’re simply preparing yourself for MORE beer. Which is good.
It’s like taking a day off from pitching to work out or run extra miles.
by sdrone on May 18, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So are you saying he should take a day off from beer
And consume nothing but liquor?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on May 18, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Listen, I'm not a qualified instructor
although I did drink at a Holiday Inn Express. The regimen is going to vary from person to person.
by sdrone on May 18, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
does chasing with beer count?
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on May 18, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The best a beer can ever taste
is immediately after a good workout. Your body just seems to more wholly absorb the nutrients. I imagine that’s why the old timers always had them on ice in the clubhouse. I just noticed that i use the phrase “I imagine” a lot. I imagine it might get on people’s nerves, so just let me know….damnit, there it is again.
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
some days I’m just ready for one after working out/going for a run. I love a beer when I’m cooking too.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i saw a study on this a couple of years ago
seriously, some doctors concluded that a post-workout beer was good for you. something about opening up the blood that allowed you to rehydrate better or something
by Expatcardfan on May 18, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is there protein in beer?
there are definitely carbs and you’re supposed to load up with stuff right after a workout to fuel the metabolism. If I acted on 1/2 of what I’ve read in muscle & fitness I might have some muscle and fitness…but hey, softball starts tonight and I’m playing 3 nights/week, so in my book that counts as 3 nights of cardio for a week(and beer)
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
very little protein
there’ll be a bit more in live or bottle-conditioned beers (i.e. ones that have some yeast in them). The carbs mostly come from the alcohol so I don’t think that’s especially good for you ;-)
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shut up
beer is ALWAYS good for you
(not really telling you to shut up)
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ladies and gentlemen; mike shannon! on our blog!
sorry to unmask you, dude.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
on the bright side
we’re due to score about 25 runs tonight
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Completely off-topic, but,
did you guys see that Chuck is coming back to NBC?
Thought some of you might be excited about this.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Im still holding out for TSCC being renewed.....
by FunkeeC on May 18, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what that is.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nevermind.
Googled it. I haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard good things.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
one of my roommates watched this show
and from a distance it looked like it suffered from Too Many Hot People Syndrome, or Las Vegas Disease.
I mean I’m fine with the idea that people on TV are going to be more attractive than people really are, but on Fox it’s like every actor on every show is oiled up right before they film, and told to do nothing but look, glassy eyed and intense, at the actor in front of them. If House weren’t so well written it would put me off it entirely.
by DanUpBaby on May 18, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, but that's Fox
Chuck is genuinely funny.
by sdrone on May 18, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're right
replied to the wrong post—I meant to say this about Terminator. I’ll probably try Chuck out on Netflix, eventually.
by DanUpBaby on May 18, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You replied
correctly. Hulu.com might have some old Chuck for you to check out.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, i have to admit that they didnt cast UGLY people....
but, especially in the 2nd season, the story in TSCC got really engaging and involved. and the actors didnt take away from this at all, so i will forgive them some hotness….=]
by FunkeeC on May 18, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can watch the whole series on NBC for free, I think
Although, it is definitely worth a Netflix. I’m thrilled that it’s returning. Now, if only FOX would renew Dollhouse…
"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 May 18, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great news
I’m two-for-two today. Can the Cards make it three-for-three? Tune in at 7 p.m. tonight to find out…
"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 May 18, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I struggle to watch TV dramas post-The Wire
everything looks a bit shallow in comparison.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why?
Because they aren’t offering a critical insight into layers of society from top to bottom?
"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 May 18, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
characterisation, clever exposition and lack of patronisation mainly.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've got the complete set
ordered to arrive from Amazon on Wednesday. Can’t wait.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on May 18, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mmmm enjoy that
if ever you want to discuss that show let me know, i can never talk enough about that show….
by FunkeeC on May 18, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
once you’ve watched the wire, there seems to be little point in pursuing another tv drama
but still, watch the two seasons of twin peaks if you haven’t already
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mad Men
is deeper than most, but not The Wire of course.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mad Men is really good TV
Can’t wait it for the next season
by OCCardsFan on May 18, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i saw an episode yesterday, i think it was from season 2
and i was lost. it was good, but i was totally lost.
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on May 18, 2009 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Las Vegas
was on NBC, but yeah, that kind of thing bothers me, too. It’s hard to suspend disbelief when fans are blowing everyone’s hair around and, in general, all the actors look like they just walked off a photo shoot. They’re less actor and more prop.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Las Vegas reruns are on TNT
every day when I guess wrong and there’s not a Law and Order on, and it is one of the great TV disappointments of my week every time.
by DanUpBaby on May 18, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
that show sucks. I’m still not sure how it was on the air for more than a half-season, let alone FIVE seasons. Yet Friday Night Lights was banished to DirecTV before NBC gave it another shot. Ridiculous.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i loved Vegas
i was sad when they left the series hanging last year
fire at will
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on May 18, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
when is twin peaks getting picked up
for a third season?
by adiueordie on May 18, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brett Wallace
What are the chances of him being called up to play DH during inter-league? I know he may not be ready, but I have to think he will be more of a threat than Barden, Thurston, or Ryan in the DH role as his defense will not matter. If we dont call him up I have a bad feeling the AL is going to crush us. Will this have an impact on his arb clock?
by hghallstar on May 18, 2009 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cards Brass won't have it
Bird Land has a nice blog up about his promotion and why the Cards front office doesn’t want him up any higher for the time being.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on May 18, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ick.
That means Wallace will see playing time in left field and at first base, in that order of preference, when/if Freese returns to Memphis.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why is that ick?
People have been wondering if he could stick at 3B for a long time now, it would only make sense to give him some LF playing time. If Freese turns out to be good at the hot corner why not see if Wallace could play in the OF? If Freese doesn’t work then Wallace sticks to 3B. To me it is preparing the club for a win-win situation.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on May 18, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you think Duncan's bad
You haven’t seen anything yet. Wallace is a big and slow. Duncan overall isn’t that slow but just clumsy.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on May 18, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's wait and see
He has much better feet than Duncan does. He hit LEADOFF his junior year in college. He’s much more nimble and moves side to side better than Duncan.
He doesn’t cover a lot of ground, that’s obvious, but to say he’s going to be worse than Chris when you haven’t seen him play that position yet is a bit of stretch.
"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 May 18, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Early numbers but...
Fangraphs has Brett Wallace’s Speed Rating as 1.7 on his AA from 2009 but it is probably closer to around 2.25
Fangraphs has Chris Duncan’s Speed Rating as 3.9 in 2009
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on May 18, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
duncan's problem isn't speed.
he can run well.
by adiueordie on May 18, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
I didn’t say he was faster than Duncan running in a straight line. Not that it matters as neither of them are going to be stealing bases.
He is more nimble and is less likely to trip over his own two feet. He has a more natural feel to approaching the ball and his footwork is pretty good when approaching ground balls, so he should be able to adjust to the footwork of the outfield. He moves side to side better than Chris does because he’s a better all-around athlete.
Duncan doesn’t judge the ball well in the outfield and he takes horrible angles. I haven’t seen Wallace play in the outfield yet so I couldn’t begin to tell you how he’s going to look out there. I simply saw Wallace move around at third during spring training and liked what I saw.
"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 May 18, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't see him as a long-term LF.
but more, i don’t like the idea of freese getting playing time over wallace at third. freese is probably as good defensively as he will ever be at third. wallace needs the innings at third.
and ultimately wallace is just the better prospect. you don’t shortchange your best prospect to give a secondary prospect more playing time. i’d rather see freese get time in LF than wallace.
there’s surely no justification for sticking wallace at first, at least in terms of player development. i guess it’s better than putting him on the bench, but if i have a choice of putting freese at first and wallace at third or freese at third and wallace at first, I’d much rather have the former.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i guess i can agree with that
Keep Wallace at 3B and have Freese do some moving. If anything I would like to have Wallace as your everyday 3B while Freese is your CIF/COF backup utility man. Having Wallace, Duncan, Rasmus, Ludwick and Pujols all in the same lineup would be just fun to watch for me.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on May 18, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goold also discusses
The number of quality guys that have to be protected from Rule V this offseason- Jay, Jones, Ottavino, Craig, and Garcia, plus recent additions Robinson and Greene. No way all the guys listed are put on the 40 man, so what will happen? Could we see some of those guys moved in-season for help?
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
by scoot on May 18, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be my preference, scoot
If we aren’t going to give Craig a shot at 3B (which the Wallace promotion proves beyond the shadow of a doubt), then we need to look seriously at trading him. For what, I don’t know and am not going to speculate on at this point. This many guys on the 40-man all but necessitate a deal. Whether it’s prospects for a prospect or prospects for a third base stop-gap, it seems to me that a trade is the logical avenue to explore.
However, I found this interesting from Bird Land:
A couple Cardinals officials said it’s possible Freese will return only briefly to Memphis and then emerge back in the majors as the Cardinals’ third baseman.
"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 May 18, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(Un?)intentional humor on the P-D site?
BERNIE: It’s too soon to panic
GORDO Shorthanded Cards need help, quickly
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
merely making sure that no matter what kind of card fan you are
your needs can be met by a crappy article on the PD
by FunkeeC on May 18, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
aren't most Cards fans bipolar?
or have multiple personalities? or is that just me?
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on May 18, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a Gemini
Does that count?
(Just in case in doesn’t, I’m crazy, too!)
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on May 19, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rayz called up Izzy today
Hope all 75 of their fans are ready for the roller-coaster ride…
Lou Brock loves Lamp.
by birdjam on May 18, 2009 2:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If healthy, he'll be fine.
"Stats are for losers," Muschamp said after last week's victory. "I like winning games."
by SoonerfanTU on May 18, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If healthy, he’ll be fine.
That needs to be in Latin on some sort of coat of arms for the Cardinals.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
rec'd
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on May 18, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
English to Latin (roughly)
Si sanus , is ero teres.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on May 18, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and there's always a chance
that he will be craptacualr, he is a soon to be 37 year old reliever that can’t stay healthy, who the hell knows what kind of havoc all these injuries will wreck on his mechanics
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on May 18, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Need some lb
I think we need a post from lb to break this team (and us fans) out of our slump. I offer nothing to back up this jaunt into superstitionland.
by indakind on May 18, 2009 2:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm I wonder what Mark Grace would do in a situation like this?....
Eureka!!!
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on May 18, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See posts above about drinking...
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on May 18, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't it his post
that sent the team into it’s current tailspin?
Since his posting, we’ve had one of the worst rotations, worst offesnes and worst records in baseball.
by Hardcore Legend on May 18, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GET THE PITCHFORKS
NO MORE LB!
NO MORE LB!
NO MORE LB!
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he brings teh doooom!!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
with all the yelling
it made me think. would any body be offended if Shannon brought back the NBA Jam “BOOM SHAKALAKA!!!”? or anyone else for that matter. I truly think that it could work equally well for any sport.
- here’s the pitch to Pujols…BOOM SHAKALAKA!!!
- Bulger with the pass over the middle….BOOM SHAKALAKA!!!…the safety laid some wood there
- Lebron James penetrates to the right….BOOM SHAKALAK!!!
- I don’t know any hockey terminology….BOOM SHAKALAKA!!!
I miss the 90’s
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
heh
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I miss the 90s too
especially the first 2/3rds or so
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
man the 90's rulled
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on May 18, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the Portland Trail Blazers radio announcer
busts that out on a regular basis.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
by madding on May 18, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the pitch to Pujols...BOOM SHAKALAKA!!!
Pujols pops out to the third baseman…
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on May 19, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Skip deserves a share of the blame...
Maybe not as much as some, but one walk by your leadoff hitter in 2 1/2 weeks is not good.
Sure, his overall OPS is good (.806), but is a .327 OBP by your leadoff hitter desirable? (Though sadly, it’s about the best among the regulars, behind Pujols and Yadi and the hurt Ludwick).
by DiscoJer on May 18, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
not all that desirable
he’s more of a #2 hitter or lower in the lineup imo
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm too lazy to look it up
but hasn’t he always been a little swing happy? I don’t seem to remember him ever taking a lot of walks. just singles, singles, and more singles
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's being more aggressive
I guess only TLR can take an offense that is tearing the cover off the ball and then tell them all to change their approach. Granted, losing Ludwick and having Pujols playing less like Superman hurts, but when you have bad hitters at the plate they almost need to take MORE pitches because there are fewer pitches they could actually hit with any kind of authority. As feeble as the hitters they are running out there are, it’s amazing how much worse they get when they just plain get themselves out.
That was a tangent.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on May 18, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't really complain about Skip
since he’s the only member of the Infield besides Albert and Molina that can hit.
by TheBirds on May 18, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on May 18, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but his job isn't to hit...
It’s to get on base for Albert. And he’s not really doing that.
Maybe he should be batting cleanup?
by DiscoJer on May 18, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is only May...
*Rasmus is to CF as Longoria is to 3B*
by Red Blazer on May 18, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where can I find that image?
Does anyone remember that image from a couple days ago of the birds on the bat with his wing taped up? I am little bored and wanted to make a Cardinal Coat of Arms and thought that would be appropriate
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on May 18, 2009 4:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Derrick Goold's Bird Land 10@10 had it
And, it might be on his Facebook page, too.
"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 May 18, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ask, recieve
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on May 18, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
DanUp, Horse Latitudes = top notch analogy.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 4:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i thought it was a Scrubs reset
from when Dr Cox told Turk what he did to calm his nerves
Physician, love thyself.
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on May 18, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It bears repeating...
…this is the strangest-constructed team in the world. The infield crew is made up of an outfielder and four utility infielders. The two one-position guys are Pujols and Greene, and Greene hasn’t done much of anything and Pujols is, for him, struggling. I’m not really positive why Thurston, Ryan, Greene, and Barden all need to be on the active roster. Ryan and Greene are redundant with each other on the roster, as are Thurston and Ryan with each other, and so on and so forth.
Unfortunately, no one in Memphis seem to be hitting at all. Sad to say that Robinson was probably the best guy to call up based on performance at the time, and Stavinoha was next best. I don’t see anyway either of those guys could ever be ML-level players, but sadly those were the only options with Craig, Jay, Mather, Freese, etc. pretty much doing nothing.
At least they don’t have a 22-man pitching staff or whatever. Thank god for that one. I’m not going to hit the panic button yet, but this is a disconcerting situation nevertheless. I’m wondering if TLR, if brought back, will spend the offseason devising a roster made up of nothing but utility infielders and platoon-split pitchers. He could Johnny AllStaff every single game and move guys all over the field based on small-sample size matchups.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on May 18, 2009 4:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
my only guess
is that they are trying to pick which of those guys stick on the team… at this point I’d have to pick Barden and Tyler Greene, plus maybe Thurston. which means we have to figure out what to do with Khalil, unless he turns over a new leaf very soon.
it’s crazy that no one is hitting in the organization, not even the minor league teams. very strange phenomenon. I know this is really traditional or old school or whatever, but I think that if they have regular players with certain roles, the defense and maybe even the offense will get better.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Say no to Joe.
Easily the worst MIFer on the team, at least the others have some redeeming factors. Skip is the only one who can actually hit, KGreene has power and may turn his career around yet, TGreene is my favorite with the glove, Barden puts decent at bats out there and knows how to draw a walk.
Ryan, well, goes up there and hacks like Joe at the plate, but is good defensively.
I could live with just having the Greenes, Skip, and Barden on the team.
by TheBirds on May 18, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sounds about right
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can all now hold our collective breaths
Chris Carpenter will start Wednesday vs. the cubbies. It’s like trading for a………oh whatever. I guess he passed the sneeze and cough test after yesterday’s bullpen session. We also get our Dick back Wednesday, no word on the Wangless Yankees. Carp’s take on his pitch count is a little concerning though.
“That’s their call,” Carpenter said before Sunday’s 8-2 loss. “I feel good. Their call is going to be on how long I’m going to go. That’s the way it’s always been. I’ll take the ball. When Tony comes to take it from me I’ll give it to him and go sit down, which is the way I’ve always been ever since I’ve been here. And I’m not going to question or put any thought into it. When it’s over, it’s over.”
With his history saying When it’s over, it’s over is a very poor choice of words.
"There are three things the average man thinks he can do better than anybody else: build a fire, run a hotel and manage a baseball team."- Rocky Bridges
by That's a Winner on May 18, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hopefully when our Dick gets back
we can be more offensive
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
well that offended me
so there might be hope…
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as Dick gets some good Wood
we should see some Balls going for a ride
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on May 18, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
just come right out and say it.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
by thegodfather on May 18, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
quality stuff
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on May 18, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's gotta go green....
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wood isn't on the Cubs anymore though
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true
but dick is all about the comeback. i bet he goes long off the chubbies
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he better
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"The ball sank the pirate ship that had been docked in the river."
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 18, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, haven't I seen this movie before?
Carpenter comes back without a rehab stint and then winds up with a more serious injury than before. . .
$ ls
$ ChrisCarpenterInjuryMemories.fil
$ rm -r ChrisCarpenterInjuryMemories.fil
It’s going to be awesome to have Carpenter back
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on May 18, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
the rest of us have to drink heavily to block out memories like that.
durn robots.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I seem to recall him and a visible expletive
after leaving the field against the Cubs last year.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
by madding on May 18, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He rehabbed before that though, right?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on May 19, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WPA after six weeks
per FanGraphs
Hitters
Team Total: 1.743 (6th in NL, 11th in majors)
Best 3: Pujols (1.761, 4th in NL), Ludwick (1.027), Duncan (.694)
Worst 3 (non-P): K.Greene ( -.538), T.Greene ( -.369), Ankiel ( -.214) [PITCHERS: -.906, Welly -.272]
Best lineup spot: 3rd (1.709); worst: 9th ( -.985); otherwise: 6th ( -.476)
Best WPA by (non-P) position: 1B (1.691); worst: 3B ( -.214) [Pinch hitters: -.767]
Best single-game performance: Rasmus yesterday (.382); worst: Ankiel on 4/18 ( -.343)
Best Plate Appearance: Ankiel’s RBI 2B on 4/30 (.351); worst: Greene’s game-ending DP on 4/17 ( -.290)
Starters
Team Total: 0.218 (9th in NL, 13th in majors)
Best to worst: Carp (.410), Wainwright (.249), Lohse (.214), Pineiro (-.009), Boggs (-.039), Walters (-.054), Welley (-.553)
Best single-game performance: Lohse CG shutout (+.448); worst: Wainwright vs PHI (-.419)
Relievers
Team Total: 0.551 (5th in NL, 10th in majors)
Best to worst: Franklin (1.085, 5th in NL), McClellan, Perez, Miller, Reyes, Boggs, Walters, Boyer, Motte, Thompson, Kinney ( -.584)
Best single-game performance: Perez yesterday (.279); worst: Motte on Day 1 ( -.833)
Pitching
Who are we beating up: 5-hitters (-.671) & catchers (-1.206); who is beating us up: leadoff (1.205) & 3rd basemen(1.009) [NOTE: Pinch hitters are +.383 against us.]
Best inning – hitting: 5th (1.262); pitching: 4th (.839); combined: 4th (2.101)
Worst inning – hitting: 2nd (-1.184); pitching: 5th (-.916); combined: 11th (-.500, one game); otherwise: 1st (-.483)
Last two weeks: Batting -0.933, Starters -1.669, Bullpen +0.603
Trending up: Miller (.352), Perez (.310), Ludwick (.273), Rasmus (.248)
Trending down: Lohse ( -.653), Pineiro ( -.454), Wellemeyer ( -.383), K.Greene ( -.319), T.Greene ( -.305), Thurston ( -.274), Franklin ( -.213), Boyer ( -.204)
Despite how poorly our guys have played lately, only one player shows up on the “back page” of FanGraph’s WPA lists – Kinney, who blew one game 4 weeks ago, then went away.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on May 18, 2009 5:33 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Thanks, very interesting
Best single-game performance: Perez yesterday (.279);
[Unfortunately] I was at the game yesterday, but I don’t remember Perez pitching. Was I that zoned out?
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
by thegodfather on May 18, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I don't remember it either
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on May 18, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya got me
Forgot to switch it from last week’s post. Still the best performance of the year, just need to clarify the date (5/10 v CIN).
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on May 18, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I was sitting next to you
and I don’t remember him pitching either.
Welley, Motte, Boyer, Thompson is how it went as I recall.
Patiently awaiting the day Colby Rasmus does this: .275/.381/.551/.932, 29HR, in St. Louis...and I'm wanting an Allen Craig call-up!
by RunninRedbird on May 18, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man... I would sell someone's else first born for a SS that could be Replacement level
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on May 18, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well mine is due in December
and you can’t have him/her
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell her to put on some weight!
[rimshot]
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on May 19, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mine is due in Oct
and you can’t have him either
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on May 18, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this tonight's lineup?
Schumaker, 2B
Stavinoha, RF
Pujols, 1B
Duncan, LF
Molina, C
Rasmus, CF
Barden, 3B
Lohse, P
T. Greene, SS
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
needs more crazy.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
you know Tom, it really does
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on May 18, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fixed the lineup.
robinson RF/t. greene 3b/pujols 1b/k greene ss/molina c/thurston 2b/rasmus cf/ lohse p/ duncan lf
that looks more like a tony lineup.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 hole infection?
what? the guy gets one hit and suddenly he’s a better #2 hitter than raz?
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
perhaps TLR
likes the promising power Rasmus has been displaying as of late and likes him behind Molina? The thought of Pujols/Duncan/Molina/Rasmus on a collective hot streak does give me a hot streak though
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Rasmus in the 2 hole when we have luddy,
but without Luddy i don’t mind him in the 6 spot
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on May 18, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
with ankiel and ludwick out i like rasmus hitting sixth. he’s shown a bit of power.
by adiueordie on May 18, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true, but
i’m more worried about hitting in front of pujols than behind molina
by prophetjohn on May 18, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is that actually the lineup?
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on May 18, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
somebody posted it somewhere else
that’s why I put the ?, because I don’t know if it’s accurate
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just going about things like ESPN
It may not be entirely factual, but I want to be the first to throw it out there
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
According to Goold
Khalil better stop kicking puppies. He may soon be playing for the AAA Rays or A’s.
by OCCardsFan on May 18, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And those should be separate sentences
I don’t mean to imply that Goold thinks Khalil kicks puppies. That part is my conjecture. Goold just provided the lineup.
by OCCardsFan on May 18, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1st comment from that link
How am I better for the 2 spot than Rasmus? Is it because I am not that great of a hitter and hitting in front of Pujols will cause me to get some good pitches? Just curious…
— Nick Stavinoha
even the infection is curious as to why he’s in the 2 hole
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i always do
but it’s only worked a couple times
by kalmavet on May 18, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
make sure you specify that our pitcher is supposed to throw the no-hitter.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on May 18, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
great point
especially w/ the way our o has looked of late
by kalmavet on May 18, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I'm going to start betting on the team that plays the cardinals.
I have a theory that I have Mush abilities, so it’s win/win. I either win a boat-load of money or the cardinals win the world series…what can go wrong?
by STLRegalia on May 18, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It worked for me last year
but it was with football and I bet against the rams. Worked out pretty well actually.
by hghallstar on May 18, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weeks is gone for the year for the Brewers
tore stuff in his wrist striking out of all things
by BirdsonFire on May 18, 2009 6:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That sucks.
Glaus, Ramirez, Weeks… Watch out 3Bmen for Astros, Reds, and Pirates.
Classic underachiever.
by spants on May 18, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
but it does weaken the brewers… which is a good thing
all the best to the guy on recovering and continuing his career…
by BirdsonFire on May 18, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's their 2B
That’s a pretty big loss – he was tied for the team lead in HR (presumably would’ve eventually been passed by Fielder and Braun, but still…).
by BTown Birds fan on May 18, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was slugging over .500
but if the rest of the team gets going, Counsell could be a valuable player at 2B because he’ll get on base more than Weeks.
I don’t see this hurting them all that much. If Gallardo gets hurt they can call it a season…
"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 May 18, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs