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Around SBN: Trent Richardson Interviews Fellow Brown Brandon Weeden

Gee, but it's nice to see you again

To be honest, I think I ended up with a pretty good week to be severed from the Cardinals—which isn't to say I didn't spend far too much time over the last several days scrolling down a 2.4 inch screen for news and score updates. Since I've been incognito, beginning on the sixth, they've gone 3-6. The hitters have been awful at every possible facet of hitting, save for their shiny SB%, and they've been partnered with a pitching staff that remains stuck on uninspiring.

But I'm not quite back in the saddle—I'm catching up in big, iconic chunks, like a movie shut-in. So let's take those, in no particular order—

THE DRAFT

I'm not sure what Shelby Miller would have to do for me to be disappointed with this draft before he takes the mound [fictional-conceit ed.: not sign], but in the early going this draft seems like the one the Cardinals have earned after several years of putting pennies into the polished-role-player jar. The Cardinals have taken enough responsible Nick Stavinohas and Lance Lynns and Shane Robinsons to put themselves in a position to bet the farm on a high schooler they'll have to pay above slot, or use their second rounder—in a draft without a supplemental pick to their name—on Robert Stock, a guy whose value, on either side of the battery, is tied up to an un-Cardinals-like degree in his future projectability. 

As the red baron noted after draft day, 

 They've built up some real depth at several positions, and the impact of a single miss at this point isn't going to make or break the system.

That's good to see on its own; it's even better to see that the Cardinals have acted upon it. 

P.S.: Can you even remember the last time the Cardinals had a guy whose future-ace credentials weren't shrouded in mid-rotation hedging? Anthony Reyes came out of nowhere and was dogged by arm injuries that had creeped up on him in school; Dan Haren, who turned out to be a future ace, didn't have the knockout pitch that the people who bestow future-acedom on pitching prospects like to see. Most of the early-draft pitching prospects of recent years—Mortensen, Ottavino, Lambert—were either born to be third starters or struggled with command from day one. The last future ace, in the swaggering, strikeout-throwing tradition, was...

BLAKE HAWKSWORTH

Seriously? They finally bring up my pet prospect of five years and his major league debut occurs while I am in a car in the middle of Ohio? I don't even know what to think about that. 

After I got back I watched a little of his debut on MLB.TV; he seems particularly ill-suited for the bullpen, but he had good command aside from the Worst Curveball Ever to Clint Barmes and his changeup was as swing-and-missable as advertised. Above all I'm just glad that a name as good as Blake Hawksworth is forever immortalized in the baseball encyclopedia, ready to be pressed into service as a rich but dangerously irresponsible old-money heir in a detective novel at a moment's notice. 

HITTING

The Cardinals haven't been doing it, and at this point I think it's probably too much to ask for them to bounce back very far in the direction of the lofty expectations we had after a fine offseason and an excellent April. But at the same time there's a very faint optimism to be derived from a look at the position players. It's all locked up in the buts that follow all the worst-case scenarios the Cardinals are currently plumbing: Chris Duncan might not be right after all, but certainly at least one of the Cardinals' fearsome foursome of outfielders will manage a final OPS over .800; Skip Schumaker's had an awful month but he's better than his year-to-date, and if he isn't his UZR-busting defense—now up from its early-season -30 runs per 150 games to -25!—will spend less time haunting Cardinals pitching. 

Colby Rasmus has become the Cardinals' second best hitter far too soon, to say the least. But the team's current hitting is still not representative of the team's true talent so much as its worst possible self. 

KHALIL GREENE SUPPLANTS I DON'T KNOW AT THIRD

I expected a lot more out of Greene than the younger brother's half of a third base platoon, but at this point in the season this would count as a ringing success. This is a tough move to analyze; first you have to assume that Khalil's psychological issues, serious enough to land him on the DL, have a significant bearing on the way he'll perform as a third baseman and a hitter when he comes back. Second you have to assume that, given the surprisingly quick way Greene was turned over to a rehab assignment, and the scant information available about his DL stint and the underlying problem, we don't know enough about his psychological issues to use them to evaluate his chances as a major league baseball player. To think about Greene you have to accept that his anxiety is an important issue, and the ignore it. 

With that in mind, this seems like an efficient, if uninspiring, use of the Cardinals' resources. Right now they have three shortstops with uncertain hitting prospects, and two of them are by all accounts outstanding defensive shortstops. Right now they have zero third basemen, and the guy who's standing there in the meantime is a left-handed hitter. Greene is by no means definitely a better hitter than Brian Barden, and his time at third base is limited to this rehab assignment and some time there in college. But to paraphrase an early episode of Family Guy, Brian Barden is Brian Barden, a substandard hitter with a good glove, but Khalil Greene could be anything—he could even be Brian Barden!

The off chance that the Khalil Greene who shows up at third is the one who hit the cover off the ball in college, or even the one who left the cover on the ball but hit pretty well, thank you, in San Diego, is worth more to this team than a known quantity. This isn't a lineup in need of a patch like Barden, who won't make mistakes and might even get on base every so often. It's a lineup desperate enough that a guy who hasn't been a difference-making hitter since 2004 makes sense as a last-chance replacement for Troy Glaus

Thanks to Larry and the front page staff, who more than made up for my absence. More catching up in time for the game thread, at which point I will be very happily stepping back into present tense.

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A kind word for Skip!!

Sort of… Hey, he’s better than anyone could have imagined given his minor league performance. Just get him out of the infield and into left field on a part-time basis… Skip can be a plus for the team.

Also, Narveson resurfaces in the bigs after a two year absence. Five outs, six baserunners, one homer, 1K.

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 9:03 AM EDT reply actions  

Why would Skip be an asset in LF?

He can’t hit lefties so he’d have to platoon. He doesn’t hit with power and his defense is meh. Why would Skip be better in LF than, say, Ank? He’s not a better hitter or defender than Ank.

Skip is not a major league corner outfielder. And, going forward, he’s redundant and replaceable as a non-power hitting LF’er with prospects like Jay, D. Jones, Henley, etc.

Of course, if by “part-time” you mean that Schumaker should ride the pine until we need a pinch hitter/runner or injury replacement, then I agree.

by Willie McGee's Twin on Jun 16, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions  

He wouldn't be better than Ankiel

but he’d not be appreciably worse. I guess he’d only be in asset in LF in the old “addition by subtraction” meme – if he’s in leftfield, he’s not at second base.

We should be platooning one of the lefties (I really don’t especially care which, but arguably ank’s the best option) with a RHB in LF, and playing Colby and Ludwick every day. One of the other lefties (I’d go with Schu) warms the bench as the 5th OF, and the other one (Duncan, as he’s been the worst and still has an option left) gets DFAed/traded/sent to Memphis.

Outfielders should not be playing the infield. Middle infielders should not be playing third base. Infielders should never start in the outfield. The 8th reliever in the bullpen needs to be turned into a position player. That should sort out a lot of our problems.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

dogs shouldn't wear toupees

doesn’t mean it can’t happen

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

but by the grace of god

it SHOULD happen.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'd put him ahead...

of Ank and Dunc at this point. He’s farther down the pay scale, he’s a better defender, he hits about as many home runs as Dunc does at this point… And given Ank’s inability to function in close and late, I’d take Skip. I know the small sample nazis are going to be all over me, but Ank is now 20 for 133 lifetime in close and late situations. Given his psyche, I think you discount random chance as the cause of this. You don’t want Ank out there late in the game.

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

nazis = genocidal army that invaded most of europe and killed millions of innocent civilians

small sample size posters = individuals who are, at worst, nit-picking

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 Jun 16, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Fun Fact Time!

The phrase “reductio ad Hitleram” was coined by Leo Strauss.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

"N"azi and "n"azi...

have two different meanings.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nazi

This distinction is firmly entrenched in popular culture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ3AOmZ2fps

I’m sorry if you don’t like it, but DON’T BE A USAGE nAZI!!!!

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

just because it appears in the dictionary doesn't eradicate its associations.

or make it appropriate.

any number of terms appear in the dictionary that are entrenched in popular culture but are offensive.

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 Jun 16, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Are you really...

offended by the word “bastard?” I can’t tell you what you should be offended by, but, just to recap, when a person is called a little “n” nazi, such as “soup nazi”, it means, according to Merriam and Webster, “…a harshly domineering, dictatorial, or intolerant person.” There’s no suggestion that the person is German, violent, crazy, or genocidal. That’s just the English language as it is. Were you honestly offended when Jerry Seinfeld – a Jewish comedian – called the guy a soup nazi?

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Can't we just acknowledge

That the word cuts deep to some people, leave it at that, and reserve our pissing matches for less important things like which outfielder sucks the most right now?

by Merry CRasmus on Jun 16, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dunno if you're familiar with the internet

when you bring up the term “nazi”, capitalized or not, you automatically lose the argument.

by sdrone on Jun 16, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

well you're an Internet nazi

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Now that you're back

maybe we can get past this crap baseball. heh.

by sdrone on Jun 16, 2009 9:33 AM EDT reply actions  

I just don't know...

I look at the standings, and there we are contending. I watch the games and cannot fathom how we are managing it. Is the NL Central so bad?

"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 Jun 16, 2009 10:04 AM EDT reply actions  

Brewers have no pitching except gallardo I guess

There other four starters, Looper, Bush, Suppan and Parra have been worth a COMBINED 0.1 WINS BELOW REPLACEMENT so far. That’s horrific. In contrast, behind Carp, the rest of our SPs have added 4.5 wins above replacement.

It’s hard to see a team with so little pitching (Crew) contending, just as it’s hard to see a team with so little hitting (Cards) contending. Both teams are solid in other areas, and playing together in a bad division. And at least we’ve had one good month of hitting – the Brewers’ excremental rotation has sucked since the start of the season, is sucking right now, and will most likely continue to suck in future. That, at least, is our silver lining. Also, if Gallardo gets hurt again, their season is over.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

nice

Do you think another knee injury is likely?

by ol Pete on Jun 16, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

no, why should it be?

But their ability to compete this year is abnormally settled on one guy’s shoulders, which is a worry for them. Equally, if Pujols gets hurt, we might as well blow this team up and quit for 2009, because he is our team, more or less. I still think the Cubs might be favourites for this division because they’ve had the most injuries so far, the most players slumping, and thus perhaps have the highest upside over the rest of the year, given they’re only a couple back.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

Those were his injuries

He hasn’t had arm or shoulder problems.

by ol Pete on Jun 16, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't really get your point

I wasn’t saying it was likely or unlikely for Gallardo to get an injury. Merely that he’s the only good pitcher on your team so IF he gets hurt, it’s game over for 2009. Equally for us and Pujols.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 17, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'd say we've had the most injuries

lohse, carp, glaus, mather, ankiel, ludwick, greene, ryan, freese, etc have all been on the 15-day DL or worse. If Glaus alone was healthy from the beginning I think we’d have a 2-3 game lead in the division right now.

- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc

by SleepyCA on Jun 16, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Please don't say that

He’s been a rock for my fantasy team so far.

by Anonymous Communist on Jun 16, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

Mine too

I’m a big Gallardo fan. Him and Billingsley might be my favourite non-Cardinal, non-Halladay pitchers, and they’re both tearing it up on my fantasy team this year. Ideally, I’d rather he stayed healthy and continued to deal, whilst the other four continue to plumb the depths of suckitude…

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions  

I still think the Cubbies are the favorites

Sure, they’ve played horribly, but I don’t see Bradley and Soto being horrendous all season and, if Aramis Ramirez comes back, their offense will be tough again. Also, Harden is returning soon. I think they have the best team when looking at all facets of the game.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jun 16, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah

also, they have no players I’d say they can’t afford to lose. Realistically, we’re probably done if any one of Carp, Waino or Albert pulls up lame for the rest of the year. I think the Cubs could still be a factor if one of A-Ram, Harden or Bradley or whoever never plays another game this year.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed

If either the Cards or the Brewers were going to overtake them, they’ve missed their chance to get a nice cushion in the standings.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

WPA after ten weeks

per FanGraphs (rankings as of noon Monday)

Hitters
Team Total: -1.457 (9th in NL, 18th in majors) (no change despite a drop of -.514 in the last week)
Best 3: Pujols (3.040, 2nd in NL), Ludwick (.639), Rasmus (.418)
Worst 3 (non-P): Ankiel ( -.805), T.Greene ( -.672), K.Greene ( -.620) [PITCHERS: -1.628, Wainwright -.488]
Best lineup spot: 3rd (3.008); worst: 9th ( -1.484); otherwise: 6th ( -1.214)
Best WPA by (non-P) position: 1B (2.981); worst: 3B ( -1.122) [Pinch hitters + DH: -1.211]
Best single-game performance: Rasmus 5/10 v CIN (.382); worst: Ankiel on 4/18 v Cubs ( -.343)
Best Plate Appearance: Ludwick’s RBI Single + Ross error 6/11 (.394); worst: Greene’s game-ending DP on 4/17 ( -.290)

Starters
Team Total: 1.579 (4th in NL, 6th in majors)
Best to worst: Carp (1.750, 4th in NL), Wainwright, Lohse, Thompson, Pineiro, Boggs, Walters, Welley ( -1.049, 7th worst in NL)
Best single-game performance: Carpenter v MIL 5/25 (+.540); worst: Wainwright vs PHI ( -.419)

Relievers
Team Total: 1.907 (4th in NL, 7th in majors)
Best to worst: Franklin (1.868, 3rd in NL), Perez, McClellan, Miller, Reyes, Motte, Boggs, Todd, Hawksworth, Walters, Boyer, Thompson, Kinney ( -.584)
Best single-game performance: Franklin 5-out save 6/11 (.292); worst: Motte on Day 1 ( -.833)

Pitching
Who are we beating up: 9-hitters ( -1.118) & shortstops ( -1.912)
Who is beating us up: leadoff (.808) & 3rd basemen (1.379)

Best inning – hitting: 3rd (.913); pitching: 9th (1.041); combined: 3rd (1.641)
Worst inning – hitting: 2nd ( -2.281); pitching: 5th ( -.812); combined: 2nd ( -1.415)

Last two weeks: Batting -1.551, Starters -0.418, Bullpen +0.203
Trending up: Pujols (.907), Carpenter (.453), Franklin (.428), Rasmus (.333), Perez (.225)
Trending down: Wellemeyer ( -.692), Ryan ( -.389), Schumaker ( -.366), T.Greene ( -.358), Duncan ( -.352), Molina ( -.339), Ankiel ( -.276), Motte ( -.222), Carpenter (as a hitter -.217), Pineiro ( -.215)

The difference between our 3rd basemen ( -1.122) and our opponent’s third sackers (1.379) is worth 2.5 games in the standings or a 5-game losing streak.
The difference between our 3rd place hitters (3.008) and our opponent’s ( -.752) is worth 3.75 games in the standings or a 7.5-game winning streak.
The difference between our 4th place hitters ( -.252) and our opponent’s ( -.652) is worth .4 games in the standings or a .8-game winning streak. That’s right – despite how piss-poor our guys have done lately, they have still done better than the guys in the other dugout. They are our 4th best hitters in the lineup (in order by WPA: 3rd, 5th, 2nd, 4th, 1st, 8th, 7th, 6th, 9th), which is probably more of a testament to our overall hitting un-prowess than any great performance by our cleanup guys. (For comparison, the opposition: 1st, 6th, 2nd, 7th, 4th, 3rd, 5th, 8th, 9th)

Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.

by Solanus on Jun 16, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions   2 recs

Great post.

I wonder how much our stats are skewed by WPA team dependency issues? For example, the infamous dropped fly by Luis Castillo credited A-Rod with .825 WPA but if it was caught he gets -.175. Same bias for K-Rod as well in the other direction.

Then again, maybe A-Rod willed the ball out of Castillo’s glove!!!

Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."

by all4tookie on Jun 16, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe A-rod is finally a leader and a gamer? Dare I say, a True Yankee a la Jeter???

Getting the other team to make mistakes is one of those intangibles that he has yet to really display so far in his career.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

if he had

He would’ve hustled to first.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

I think he was just mad he had to make Castillo look so bad

Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."

by all4tookie on Jun 16, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions  

he did hustle to first

?

- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc

by SleepyCA on Jun 16, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

he had time to slam his bat

Either way, twas a joke.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

What about when he yelled or when he hit that guy's glove?

that doesn’t count as getting the other team to make mistakes? haha.

by sdrone on Jun 16, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hmm...

I’m gonna scramble and say… he hadn’t earned the right to cheap tricks like that because he wasn’t yet a true gaming gamer who does the little things that don’t show up in the box score.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

It definitely counts,

(counts towards A-Rod’s douche bag quotient)

by cardsgirl95 on Jun 16, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Looking ahead at the next 3 games pitching match-ups

Doesn’t look so good. The back end of our rotation is matching up with the Tigers front end. Verlander and Jackson in a row? Oy vey. Brace yourselves for another sweep.

by cloistermaximus on Jun 16, 2009 10:11 AM EDT reply actions  

wtf has happened to Jackson this year?

Kazmir’s struggles and the fact Price and Niemann (sp?) haven’t been great makes the Rays look a bit stupid in retrospect. Although at the time I thought that was a great trade for them.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

I didn't know much about Jackson

so I took a look at his fangraphs page to see if maybe I should pick him up off waivers in my fantasy league. I thought, this guy isn’t that good. Turns out I should have just picked him up and enjoyed it since that was weeks and weeks ago and he’s still doing great. He is sporting a pretty low BABIP of .250 or so, and suddenly giving up not much more than half the HR/9 as last year. He is walking fewer and striking out more though so it’s not like it’s all luck. I dunno, maybe he figured something out. Fewer fastballs and changeups than last year, more sliders and curves.
I recently picked up Porcello, having forgotten that we were about to play the Tigers. Stupid divided loyalties.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

I traded him for JJ Hardy

I was like, “Oh yeah, selling high on Jackson, buying low on Hardy!”

Now I hate myself, and I dropped Hardy yesterday. Sigh.

by mojowo11 on Jun 16, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why does it make the Rays look stupid?

I’ve read that the improvements w/ Jackson are, in part, attributed to the pitching coach in Detroit who helped Armando Gallarago with similar issues. I’m not sure that Jackson’s good numbers to date were easily predictable.

Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

I don't think it does make the Rays look stupid

I said “a bit stupid in retrospect” but I don’t think you should really judge trades in retrospect.

But it does appear that Detroit have “fixed” Jackson – apparently his slider is doing a lot of damage this year and it’s a pitch he’s rarely used in the past. SSS and all, but it does seem that the Tigers have quickly “fixed” a guy who had great raw stuff but seemed “unfixable” in Tampa. The Rays traded that guy away whilst his value was (seemingly) cents on the dollar. However, mitigating that, they got a pretty good prospect in return (Matt Joyce) who, although he’s sucked this year, looks like he’s going to at least be an average major league OF.

I suppose it’s looking like a classic win-win trade at the moment, however, I’m sure if the Rays knew Jackson was going to be THIS Edwin Jackson, they’d have probably kept him, given their pitching struggles and the fact they could probably spin him for a lot more this summer.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

And I'm not sure Gallaraga was "fixed" at all

he was just extremely lucky in 2008. He has a FIP over 5 in his Detroit career. Jackson looks to have actually turned a corner in his peripheral skills this year (despite a pretty low HR rate which might be slightly lucky).

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Um

I agree, but there are plenty of people here who would say the same thing about the Cardinals if Anthony Reyes throws a shut-out for Cleveland at any point this season.

Think about all the people who have poo-pooed the Glaus/Rolen deal this season because Glaus hasn’t played for us this year, as if we could have predicted that when we traded for him in during the 2008 offseason. People judge trades and free agent signings in retrospect, always, even though that probably isn’t what we should do. I don’t think that Felonius is doing that here — he just said it does make them look at bit foolish on the face of it if you judge the trade in retrospect. They didn’t know Kazmir was going to implode and Price was going to struggle and it seemed a good trade at the time.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe, um, he learned something through his struggles?

Give the player some credit, maybe? Guys that keep fighting through sometimes DO make it to the next level. Years of struggling-he has always shown flashes of brilliance-perhaps taught him what NOT to do? Now he finally knows what to do. He’s in a bigger a park and the Tigers like pitchers that bring it. It’s a good fit. I thought he’d be better in Detroit; not this good, but better.

Good for him.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Jun 16, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

I see no way

this team can manage 14 games above .500 for the rest of the season, but…stranger things have happened.

by ridgesee on Jun 16, 2009 11:16 AM EDT reply actions  

If Carp, Wainwright, and Pujols...

stay healthy for the duration, the Cards will win 90. I believe that. LaRussa will pick through the pieces and find enough to surround Pujols… I just think if it’s close LaRussa gives the Cards an edge over the Brewers and Cubs.

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions  

I just don't see that happening

It’s one of those cases of “too many things need to go right” and attendance just isn’t down enough league wide for some teams to be selling off at 10 cents on the dollar, so I don’t see a huge move coming.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

LaRussa has managed very poorly IMO so far this year

both in games and in terms of picking sides, organising the roster etc. I don’t see him giving us any sort of advantage over the Cubs/Brewers…

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

LaRussa is a second-half manager...

he’ll drive you crazy with the mind games, but most seasons by August he’s landed on the best mix and he’s got them playing well.

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

by August last year he was playing Adam Kennedy in left field and Aaron Miles in centre

so I think I’ll reserve judgement…

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions  

yeah, I always got the impression

The late stretches were worse. Nothing to back me up other than I’m sure we talked about this before…

"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 Jun 16, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

that's a good point

I have good expectations for the second half

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

I disagree

Signed,
2006, 2007, & 2008

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

I agree with your disagreement

But I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of a “second half manager”. Love it.

Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."

by all4tookie on Jun 16, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'd love Acta with our team. I think I'd prefer Oquendo, but I hope MO

keeps Acta on speed dial.

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 Jun 16, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ron Gardenhire

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

The same Ron Gardenhire who let Jesse Crain pitch the entire 9th inning in a tie game against the cubs?

I have a very, umm...photographic brain. A lot like Ansel Adams but in color and with a lot more, uh.....insertion and pubic hair.

by Tackle Box on Jun 16, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

The same Ron Gardenhire

who helped the Twins go from the brink of contraction to a yearly playoff contender

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wait...

Ron Gardenhire single handedly got them a new, publicly-funded stadium?

I think he’s a great manager, but lets keep things in perspective.

He’s also had very little to do with filling their farm system with great MLB talent. Mauer, Morneau, Span, Cuddyer, and all their pitchers for the last decade have come from their farm system.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

What I'm referring to is the early years of his tenure there

They’ve been talking about a new stadium for 15 years, but that didn’t exactly translate into success until he took over the manager job. I’m not exactly sure when it was decided they would build a new stadium, I can’t find that in my quick google-searching, but having a new stadium getting built has nothing to do with becoming a playoff contender (right, Washington?).

The players you mention by name haven’t been playing for the MLB club for all of his tenure. Cuddyer’s been there the entire time, but the rest came up after he was hired. He’s had some fantastic pitchers, that’s to be sure, but considering the state of the Twins before and after he arrived, he seems like a damn good manager to me.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

I see your Ron Gardenhire

and raise you Mike Soscia. Now THAT guy can manage.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

sarcasm?

cardinals are the things with feathers that perch within the soul.

by ilrosso on Jun 16, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Just to be clear.

I was being a little silly….

I have a very, umm...photographic brain. A lot like Ansel Adams but in color and with a lot more, uh.....insertion and pubic hair.

by Tackle Box on Jun 16, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah

Not that it was a great decision, or anything, but we’re fans of a team coached by a guy who put Adam Kennedy in LF, kept running Randy Flores out there last year, etc. No manager is going to make a perfect decision every time.

Also, I’m not saying that I think he’d necessarily be the best fit, or that he’d even succeed. Based on his track record, however, I think he’d have a good chance. He’s been with that organization for a long, long time, though, and I think it would be hard to pry him away.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's time for someone to move

Ted Simmons out of the bench coach spot and into the managers spot.

New pitching coach would be Mike Maddux’s brother.

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Jun 16, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

his brother looks like a huge nerd

so i’m sure he’d be a huge hit here. we’d finally have a guy we could relate do in the dugout.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Mike Maddux's brother was a pretty good pitcher, right?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

eh, he was alright, i guess.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Actually I checked him out on Rally's WAR database

And he’s pretty mediocre.
Heh heh heh heh….

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

He could really hit the longball.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

I admire your optimism

But respectfully disagree

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

i vote

melvin

"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension

by sportsman on Jun 16, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I would tend to agree with that...

The sad thing is that I think the Cubs could play that well if they could get everyone healthy and some guys start to perform. Nobody has put them 7 or 8 games out while they’ve played so poorly early this season and they’re bound to make a run at some point.

The Cardinals needs everything to come together like what happened in 2006. Everyone get healthy, start hitting, and couple that with ace level pitching for a 6 week stretch from the start of September on.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

Cards have the best shot at the Division title

I don’t think the Cubs will win this year. They hit the panic button last year after being swept in the Playoffs. They took a big step backward by subtracting Wood and DeRosa. And they do not have enough money to make any major additions without making a major subtraction. The Brewers are staying in first with an outstanding hitting line up but they do not have enough pitching and are not going to add a lot of payroll. The Reds are improving but are not ready to contend for an entire year. That leaves the Cardinals as winners of the NL Central. I predict they will make a splash before the trade dead line with a bat and add payroll. This will separate the Cardinals from the rest of the NL Central.

by bigmotors on Jun 16, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Losing DeRosa was big deal...

but losing Wood probably helped them — Gregg has been better than Wood so far this season.

The Cubs just need to get Ramirez back and hope that Derrek Lee starts playing more like Derrek Lee and Milton Bradley finds whatever inspired his play last season. They have the best talent in the division, they just need to put it together, and Lou’s teams over the years have had great stretches of play over the years.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions  

heh

milton bradley

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

contract

thats probabaly what inspired Parker Bros.

R.P.O.F.Y.M.

by BVHeck on Jun 17, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

they do not have enough pitching

How so? The Cubs’ rotation is great. Their pen’s been poor but I can see them turning it around. Once Harden’s back they have a better rotation than us or the Brewers.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Harden

This is the 2nd or 3rd reference about if/when Harden come back.

However, he IS back, right? I mean, I’m pretty sure that was him pitching vs. the Twins on Saturday….I think he struck out 9 in like 6 innings.

Or did he have a setback?

by goodymobb on Jun 16, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

your right

Up to this point, I’d say the cubs made a good choice getting Harden. He hasn’t missed too much time and has great stuff

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions  

reread...

he said the Brewers don’t have enough pitching. Losing Wood and Derosa are the reasons the Cubs won’t make it.

"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs

by cardzfanbub on Jun 16, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hola!

It’s hard to blame the Cubs struggles on an injury to Ramirez. The Cards have had several key injuries. The Reds lost Votto. The Brewers lost Ricky Weeks for the entire season. BTW Ramirez is reported to be out at least another 2 weeks and maybe more.

by bigmotors on Jun 16, 2009 11:37 AM EDT reply actions  

I know this

because the game I attended this year was ended by a Aramis Ramirez home run. arrrghhgh

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'd be surprised is Ramirez is much help to the cubs the rest of the year.

He had an injury very similar to what Scott Rolen had. Shoulder injuries of this nature take a long time to get right. Even if he’s back, he’s going to struggle with hitting imo. But, he will make their infield better if for no other reason than eliminating 3rd base starts by Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles.

Now, for the rest of the team, Soto is probably the biggest actual concern for the cubs. He’s out of shape (some blame Selig and the WBC, but I think that’s ridiculous), can’t hit, and can’t throw. He’s got issues. Lee is really starting to hit the ball, although he’ll never be the 40 hr threat again, but to his credit, he’s really picked it up lately when that team needed it. Their middle infield is bad. Andres Blanco can at least field but none of them can hit. Theriot, for some unknown reason, is upper-cutting almost everything. I suppose he could get it figured out, but his defense at short is suspect anyway.

As for their outfield, what’s up with Alfonso Soriano? I guess you have to assume he’ll get hot eventually (he always does) but as long as he’s been cold, I’m afraid he’s going to just demolish the ball in the entire 2nd half. Bradley’s gonna have to get better, right? But he can’t stay on the field. Luckily, Lou (for whatever reason) doesn’t like to DL Bradley, so they often play with a shortened bench. Fukudome looks to be in another tail spin and I’m fine with that and Reed Johnson is a nice role player but nothing more. Cripes, their best hitting outfielder right now is Micah Hoffpauir but he’s a bad outfielder. There’s been talk (by Lou even) of starting Hoff in left and moving Soriano to 2nd. The defense would be atrocious but with their strike out staff, they might be able to get by with the increase in offense.

I have a very, umm...photographic brain. A lot like Ansel Adams but in color and with a lot more, uh.....insertion and pubic hair.

by Tackle Box on Jun 16, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Apparently Soriano played 2nd for an inning

a week or so ago. I didn’t catch that game.

I might not be surprised his hitting is going down hill. Maybe everyone is finally saying “whoa, why haven’t we thrown him nothing but breaking balls low and away for the last 5 years?”

by sdrone on Jun 16, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

I've never understood that.

He insists on hitting leadoff presumably because he gets many more fastballs. Either way, he is a fastball hitter and struggles mightily when thrown anything but fastballs, yet pitchers still throw him fastballs.

I wouldn’t thrown him a fastball ever. Not even in a 3-0 count.

I have a very, umm...photographic brain. A lot like Ansel Adams but in color and with a lot more, uh.....insertion and pubic hair.

by Tackle Box on Jun 16, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Amen

I’ve said that for years, and I felt my viewpoint was really affirmed when PJ Walters, of all people, struck him out three times by throwing him nothing by sliders off the plate.

I do not understand why anyone throws him a fastball or a breaking ball on the plate. You can get him out without doing that, so why give in?

"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 Jun 16, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

"Gotta keep him honest"

/other baseball cliches probably could work here just as well

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

The only fastball to throw Soriano

is a shoulder high fast ball. He can’t hit it but he loves it more than Ankiel does.

by ridgesee on Jun 16, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Soriano

I think he has a knee that has been bothering him.

by ol Pete on Jun 16, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

EZ now.

When I said, “they do not have enough pitching” I was referring to the Brewers

by bigmotors on Jun 16, 2009 11:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Double Reply Fail!!

"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 Jun 16, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions  

Make mine a TRIPLE....

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think you are correct

I did see Harden pitch recently. Not sure what day it was.

by bigmotors on Jun 16, 2009 11:42 AM EDT reply actions  

i just hit the reply button below your post, next to the time and date stamp

to reply to you. it makes the threads easier to follow

How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor

by themanthemyth on Jun 16, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

At some point this season,

after a botched grounder, I’m going to refer to Brian Barden as Das Boot, which will be a joke so obscure as to be utterly meaningless, and I have you to blame, DanUp.

Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.

by liam on Jun 16, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions  

If only he'd turned his glove,

then the ball wouldn’t have gotten all up on him.

Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

In honor of Barton

can we call him Das Bood?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

oh that is GOOD.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 16, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

ENUNCIATE

"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 Jun 16, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't think that is a movie

You should be ashamed of watching. I have the director’s cut and holy hell is this movie long. I heard the uncut version is even longer.

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

"I heard the uncut version is even longer."

Isn’t that a given?

I have a very, umm...photographic brain. A lot like Ansel Adams but in color and with a lot more, uh.....insertion and pubic hair.

by Tackle Box on Jun 16, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well the Director's Cut

Is over 200+ minutes so how much more footage could they have?

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

I can just

see him dancing around with that dopey grin.

"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter

by spants on Jun 16, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like that movie

And I’m not ashamed

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

what movie is that?

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Beerfest, I believe

Unless the phrase “Das Boot” has been uttered in another movie I’m unaware of..

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wasn't talking about that

I was actually referring to the movie “”http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082096/" >Das Boot"

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

ok, i've heard of that, but never seen it

i take it that’s a good movie?

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

this is the saddest thing I've ever heard

A classic movie getting mistaken for a Beerfest quote.

You’ve all but made me give up on humanity with this post alone.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Unless

jd was being ironic?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Surely not on the Internet!

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

clarification

I know nothing about jd other than he sat through beerfest. This leads me to believe he isn’t capable of using irony for the sake of humor.

not serious btw.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

What is this irony of which you speak?

Is it like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife?

/kill me now

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh wow.

I cannot believe you went there.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hey I've made someone else all but give up on humanity

Why not go there and make everyone else do the same?

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

it's ok

not only have I seen beer fest, and assumed that’s what you were talking about, I own the movie.

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

in fact

I’ve never even heard of this “Das Boot” movie

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I do what I an

And no, matty, I wasn’t being ironic. Never even heard of the movie.

FAIL

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

*can

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Also, given azru's answer above

He thought of Beerfest as well. So I’m not alone.

/responding to myself

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have seen both movies

And now have no clue which movie liam is speaking of

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

i've seen beerfest

it has it’s funny moment.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

i thought that's the point of the movie?

watch beerfest while drinking.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well Half Baked is funny to me even when I'm not high

My roommate at the time was basically the biggest binge drinker I’ve ever met, and he loved beerfest, so I guess it panders to it’s audience well at least.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wasn't born in time for the other movie

I need to be told when people are going to date themselves.

Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

holy fucking shit i'm old

thanks for the reminder Az. 1981 wasn’t that long ago was it?

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wasn't born either

I have just have an obsession with owning all the movies on the IMDB Top 250.

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's a cool obsession to have

But, I will say that the list has “The Dark Knight” ranked at #7. It was an awesome movie, no doubt, but #7 of all time? Seems like a bit of a stretch.

Also, I wasn’t alive for “Das Boot” either, so I’m cosigning with azru’s excuse.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

The IMDB list is a little fickle, yeah.

I do think it’s interesting how universally beloved The Shawshank Redemption is despite the fact it won 0 Academy Awards. If Forrest Gump and Shawshank are both on TV, which one do you watch? I watch Shawshank probalby 8 or 9 times out of ten. It didn’t even win best adapted screenplay. It is currently IMDB’s #1 film of all time.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree IMDB can be fickle

It takes a few years for new movies to adjust to rankings. It helps with foreign films though. Those can be hard to find. I have over 1000 movies but still about 75 movies short. I have probably about 200 movies that I haven’t even watched before.

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

back to you...

irony.

I’m with you Gump is good stuff, but I’ve seen the Redemption probably 20 times and would watch it over FG anyday.

"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs

by cardzfanbub on Jun 16, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

IMDB ratings are overwhelming dominated by the 18-20 something male demographic

Which isn’t a bad thing. It just doesn’t make it the end all be all list some people claim it is.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

No I agree

I have just seen to many lists starting Citizen Kane as #1

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

i still don't think citizen kane is overrated, though.

that’s truly a great movie.

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 Jun 16, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe I need to watch it again

But it just didn’t impress me that much.

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Citizen Kane was a good movie

but it is also the most disappointing movie I have ever seen. I was actually expecting it to be the best movie EVER, and it wouldn’t even make my top 10.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 16, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

revolutionary for its time

I love Citizen Kane in its own right – for any time -but I do think one reason it’s put at #1 so often in lists like this is because of what it meant for its time. A film buff will know more than I, but it’s my understanding is that it was the first film to lay audio across cuts (i.e., they cut to a different shot while someone was speaking – I’m sure there’s a better phrase for this), among other things.

And you don’t often see a camera with a more determined point of view, in my opinion.

by peach concrete on Jun 16, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

so it's like the Ulysses of top ten lists?

"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 Jun 16, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Spot on

It was a technical advancement and a stylistic departure from anything else before it in addition to being a good movie. That’s why it’s frequently #1.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

add another to the list

of movies I haven’t seen.

I did watch Gran Torino the other night though. I’m willing to bet there were more ethnic slurs per minute than kills per minute in Rambo.

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think 1 person died in first blood or something

It’s weird how the series went from that to uber body counts.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

call me immature

but the .50 caliber scene was thoroughly enjoyable. I often wear the Rambo T-shirt that came with my movie purchase, usually to the gym, and as should be expected, cut the sleeves off

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I enjoyed it

but I’m easy when it comes to movies

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Lightning Mixes

I think is what Welles called the audio cuts you refer to. For instance, when Thatcher says, “Merry Christmas…” and then there’s a cut to an older Thatcher who continues, “…and a Happy New Year”.

by phesto on Jun 16, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

a noble pursuit

i have seen the worst-rated movie on IMDB (as of right now): “Night Train to Mundo Fine”…at least the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version, which is very funny.

by phesto on Jun 16, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is anybody else having problems getting some images to load?

I’m getting a blank rectangle in DanUp’s post. At first I thought it was intentional, to symbolize the week that wasn’t for Dan. I thought that was really clever and wondered how he did it. But I just noticed that the AP photo for yesterday’s post isn’t loading for me either. Strange.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Aaaand as soon as I post that

they’re loading fine now.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

No worries,

the picture wouldn’t load for me either until I manually refreshed. Like you, I thought DanUp was being clever and witty…again.

by cardsgirl95 on Jun 16, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

your reasoning is sound

Given DanUp.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm along the school of "We can't possibly do much worse"

I don’t know how we (aside from Pujols) could possibly be doing much worse. Yadi has rediscovered his Mendoza-like ways of the past. Ank is absolutely flailing. Dunc has lost his power. Luddy was hurt. K-Bot got depression. Glaus is hurt. Skippy is learning how to play second base.

How can things get worse? Pujols could get hurt. One of our pitchers could get hurt. Other than that, not much.

How can things get better? Molina is starting to hit the ball hard again. Luddy is going to get right. Skippy seems to be almost a passable second baseman. Carp is back. Wainright seems to have found what was mostly wrong with him. BRyan seems to have learned how to be an average hitter to go with his really nice glove. Glaus could come back. We could make a trade for something.

The way I see it, we stand to have a lot more to gain than to lose from here on out. Personally, I think our odds of playing better baseball from now on are a LOT higher than our odds of falling apart.

Then again, I’m a glass-is-half full kind of guy.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 12:33 PM EDT reply actions  

i agree. how can we not see improvement, especially on offense, from a team that is not much

worse off than the offensive juggernaut (with a weak rotation and worse bullpen) from last year.

the only big offensive loss from last year was glaus. i doubt that kennedy or izturis are worse OFFENSIVELY than our current options. other than that we’ve lost role players like barton or mather who were worth less than a win.

now, some caution is appropriate. even with a similar cast, ankiel has spent some time injured (though he spent time injured last year, and seems to be recovering) and at least some regression is to be expected from ludwick.

on the plus side, though, there’s rasmus, who I think will do quite well over the rest of the season, as well as reasonable performance from the middle infield.

if we could replace at least some of glaus’s contribution at third by trade, and we could stop swinging at every pitch that comes near the plate, i think our offense could come back, maybe not to last year’s level, but to a serviceable level — enough to let our improved rotation and bullpen win us some games.

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 Jun 16, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

that's the thing

I don’t think we can keep underperforming like this. our plate discipline has to get better, and our luck with babip has to increase, right?

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Here's what we tell Tony:

If we start taking more walks and getting free passes to first base, this will make the pitcher want to throw strikes. And when the pitcher is forced to throw more strikes? Be aggressive!

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

glaus-half full kind of guy?

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions   3 recs

Zing!

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

rec'd!

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

no you didn't!

 back up the rec’d statement next time!

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 16, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

might have a technical difficulty

I’ve been reloading, and it hasn’t gone beyond 2.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

nice going

"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 Jun 16, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think that's a personal record

(2 rec)

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

When I feel down about the Cardinals, I just think about Albert Pujols and it cheers me right up.

I am looking at fangraphs right now, thinking “man, it sure would be cool if Albert can pull his SLG up over .700.” How lucky am I to have this guy on my team? I mean, it’s mid-June and he’s slugging .689. That’s insane.
The only player who’s topping him in wOBA right now is Youkilis, and it’s by .001. Pujols is at .459 and Youk is at .460. I will bet my entire internet savings that Youkilis is not the more likely of the two to keep that up. Youkilis’ BABIP is only .411 and everything. That just screams “sustainable” in a sarcastic no-not-really sort of way. Raul Ibañez is second in slugging in the majors with .678, and is hitting .322 and only has an OBP of .380. Again, I’m sure he’ll keep this up all year.
Albert’s BB/K is 1.96, and is only trailing Luis Castillo and Dustin Pedroia in the major leagues in that category. Castillo is OPSing .713. Pedroia is at .775. Pujols is at 1.131.
He has hit 22 homers and is in a three-way tie at first in the majors (I predicted him going on a tear and doing just that recently). Along with those 22 homers he has 47 walks, and 24 strikeouts. He has 18 intentional walks. He only has 6 more K’s than IBB.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions  

APu really can carry a team

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
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Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'd say he can carry a team even more than Sheff!

Albert is pure concetration at the plate. Big Red Maching. Davey Concepción.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

His consistency is unbelievable

I was contemplating writing a fanpost on Pujols shot at a triple crown (it may still happen so dont steal my idea!) this year and was looking at his OPS+ broken down by month for his career. It was not at all rare to see it top 200 and very rare ever to see it drop under 100 which may have happened once in the statistics I looked at.

He is definitely “The Mang”.

by MattK on Jun 16, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

In this modern age weird stuff starts happening as HR/K approaches 1

Time slows down and mass increases. The only reason a HR/K of 1 or greater was ever possible was because the universe was still expanding back then, so it didn’t violate any laws of physics. In related news Albert is going to skip the homerun derby this year to participate in a Large Hadron Collider experiment. If spacetime still exists and the All-Star game goes on as planned we’ll know the experiment was a success.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Hang on Matty.

I was under the impression that Albert’s homerun derby WAS the Large Hadron Collider experiment.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

String theory is correct; there are as many as 11 dimensions.

7 of them were created when Albert Pujols hit his first homerun.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Holliday could be had!

(Off topic I know)

Per MLBTradeRumors.Com:
“Don’t assume the A’s will be able to collect compensation picks for offering arbitration to Matt Holliday if they don’t trade him at the deadline. Holliday’s numbers have fallen off, making him more likely to accept arbitration if the A’s offer it. He could make upwards of $16MM, meaning the surest way for the A’s to get something back would be to deal him now.”

If we could get him to sign an extension imagine this lineup:
Skip/Ryan 2B
Rasmus CF
Pujols 1B
Holliday LF
Ludwick RF
Wallace 3B
Yadi C
T. Greene/Ryan SS

THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!

by stltrav09 on Jun 16, 2009 1:37 PM EDT reply actions  

duncan and schu for holliday

straight up

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

I could see Skip as an A actually

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bill Beane

just cyber-punched you in the face and called you an idiot. Then he hung up the phone.

by jxmetal1 on Jun 16, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

No kidding...

I hope that was a joke. It starts with Brett Wallace, I’m afraid. I’d do it. Beane can have a whole collection of Barton/Wallace, no-position, line drive bats that don’t transfer. Hell, throw in Anderson with him.

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

laff, waste wallace on a rental

i believe that Moz just cyber punched you in the face

by FunkeeC on Jun 16, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

No kidding.

If Wallace is what they want, I say no thanks. I think he could be had for less.

THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!

by stltrav09 on Jun 16, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

It wouldn't be a rental...

It would have to be a trade and sign deal… Plus, it’s important that we move Wallace now before he loses all his value. The guy is 23 years old and he’s slugging under 400 with over 270 plate appearances this year. This is a guy with no position, who has to hit like Ryan Braun to be really valuable.

He should absolutely be traded this month or next for a bat. He’ll never pan out. Everyone was sure about Barton as well.

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

disagree

he was rushed up to AAA, gotta give him more time to prove himself with the bat.

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Loses all his value?

He hasn’t even been in our system for a year yet.

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Given the starting rotation turnover that will happen after this year

You don’t want a pitcher instead?

Also, these is this Pujols guy we may need to resign, so be weary of albatross contracts.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

He’ll never pan out.

It’s a bit early to say that, don’t you think? This time last year the dude was brooding over his ASU team not making the CWS. He’s always hit wherever he’s been. This is the first slump of his high-level baseball life. He’ll be fine. I’d be more worried about his lack of position than his hitting.

"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.

by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 16, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

He struggled at the start of the AFL seasson too

but ended up just fine.

I have a very, umm...photographic brain. A lot like Ansel Adams but in color and with a lot more, uh.....insertion and pubic hair.

by Tackle Box on Jun 16, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

To gratuitously pile on to this point

Does a prudent team give up on all college first round picks after less than a year of actual development?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

It wouldn’t be a rental… It would have to be a trade and sign deal… Plus, it’s important that we move Wallace now before he loses all his value. The guy is 23 years old and he’s slugging under 400 with over 270 plate appearances this year. This is a guy with no position, who has to hit like Ryan Braun to be really valuable.

He should absolutely be traded this month or next for a bat. He’ll never pan out. Everyone was sure about Barton as well.

Clueless, in pretty much every respect.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 17, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions  

of course

I was joking, heh

4B - beer baseball bands blog
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Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

i thought we agreed to stop the holliday trade talk?

when no one follows the rules, it’s anarchy

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

can we trade you for Holliday?

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

deal!

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I would almost trade myself for Holliday for the sake of the team

but not quite. I’d have to move to Oakland. Yikes.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

You could learn to ghostride the whip, though.

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Then I'd get my car outfitted with some whistletips, Woo WOOOOOOOOO

OK, “Ghostridin’ da WHIP” should be a new statistical meme. I say it should either refer to: 1. A pitcher whose WHIP is good but is not actually pitching all that well, example Scott Feldman, or 2. A pitcher who is pitching pretty well or getting good results despite not having a good WHIP, example Gil Meche.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

i think the former works better

WHIP is BABIP-dependant, so luck dopes play a big factor. #1 would imply a guy who is about to fall off a cliff when his luck runs out.

- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc

by SleepyCA on Jun 16, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I think I'm starting to agree with you

The whole point of ghostridin’ is that nobody’s actually behind the wheel, which means that you’re not truly in control of the outcome. However, I also still like the idea of ghostridin’ da WHIP meaning that you’re getting around just fine without that WHIP; whip is slang for car, correct?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

I know, I know

It’s really lame for me to ask. But I want to get this right, damn it.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

ok, so it's GDM, Mattybobo & a PTBN for Holliday

pull the trigger MO.

and matty, you don’t have to live in Oakland. i hear there’s many fine, safe, good American neighborhoods in the bay area. a friend of mine has a buddy from college out there & i’m sure he’d hook us up.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

But then the chances of having to deal with people from San Francisco would increase, wouldn't it?

I’m not sure the awesome Chinese food is worth it.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

awesome chinese food, great weather all year around, plus a ton of single girls

and the possibility we don’t have to watch Dunk in the OF anymore, what else can we bring to the table matty? what more do you need?

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

I want to move to san fran

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

yup

4B - beer baseball bands blog
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by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

oh Mo would be a moron to pass this deal up

Chitown, Matty, GDM & a PTBN. come on matty, be a team player

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

I refuse

I don’t like hippies.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Surely there is another B or C level poster who could take my place

I only threw my name into the trade for the sake of conversation.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sorry but

the only people on this roster with a no-trade clause are LBoros, DanUp, RB (why in the hell we let RB have a no-trade is beyond me), HL, ChuckB, and AZ.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

I have a limited no-trade clause

Only to the North side of Chicago though

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

mine too. it also includes the south side, flushing meadows,

pitt, philly, south east texas, bean town, & canada.

there’s a funny story behind red’s no trade clause, but i’ll let him tell it.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm going to be lucky to get rule-5 protection. F.

Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."

by all4tookie on Jun 16, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Crap

A well paid slave I tell you! Well, I’m not paid. And nobody’s forcing me to be here…
I will continue to fight the good fight though!

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

my buddies friend who's in RE out there

shares your disdain for hippies as well. i’m sure he can find you a nice place north of the bay area far away from the hippies.

come on matty, it won’t be that bad. you’ll have me, chi town, girls, great weather, great food, i promise it won’t be half as bad as you think.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, I'm married

So the girls are a non-starter. I’m pretty sure I can have similar weather and food in Seattle, and I can join Look Out Landing to boot. I dunno. I’ll talk to my agent and see if we can work something out.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Plus!

California’s government and economy are about to collapse under the weight of its hubris, and probably break away and sink into the sea like Atlantis of old. You can’t play or even follow baseball when you’re thousands of feet under the sea.

Or can you…?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

didnt know you were married

maybe we can work a three way (that’s what she said) with seattle & add beltre or bedard to the mix. i’ll call the agents & get things started. is the anything else i need to know?

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

One other thing you need to know

The club has decided to package you and Joe Thurston together, so wherever you go, Thursty goes with you. They wouldn’t give a reason for this, but were heard snickering as they walked away.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

TLR just had to get the last laugh

i won’t be surprised if PK is thrown in too

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like the Niners

so sign me up

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

but I want to change name to

Cards Fan in San Fran

4B - beer baseball bands blog
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Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

we're going to have to work on matty to get this deal done

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 Jun 16, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah

he can pay for my condo out there, right?

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

i'm sure we can put that in our new contracts

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 Jun 16, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

mwhuhhuhuh

4B - beer baseball bands blog
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by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

were going to do a sign & trade deal

so we all get new deals. i’m getting a $500K a year gig + housing, so i’m sure you can as well.

the three way with seattle matty added may throw a wrench into the talks, but i’m confident we can all come to an agreement that makes everyone happy.

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

I will be the replacement matty

I love hippies

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Jun 16, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hippies are getting a bad wrap on here.

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

mmmm,,,,now we don't need to call seattle

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

NO...

I wanted Holliday, Beltre, and Bedard…if they throw in Washburn…all the more power to them.

by stlfan on Jun 18, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions  

Matty Lite?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Darn, beat me to it

when I found out we were all guaranteed MLB minimum +, I was ready to go. Especially with the girls thing going too.
(‘course, I’m assuming there are some older girls included in that population, I don’t think the 18-22 y/o type would be much interested in yours truly!)

by ArkansasTravs on Jun 16, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't like

hippies and hoosiers

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Heh

I have won the “hoosier” argument several times now when people claim it means somebody from Indiana. Acceptable use of a word does not = definition of a word.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

or hipsters

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

I take offense to your categorical denial of my open hand of friendship

Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."

by all4tookie on Jun 16, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

nice

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sorry you've only been on the blog

for 4 years, and you only have 9 years of internet service. Your current contract does not give you that right.

by sdrone on Jun 16, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

That sucks for you. one year from being a 5-and10 guy.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

I assume that your PTBN means

“poster to be named later”

How’s the cow population in NorCal looking these days?

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

and here i thought no one would pick up on that

happy cow’s come from cali right? at least that’s what the cheese commercials say. the TV wouldn’t lie would it?

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 Jun 16, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

it never does.

on a related note, i love this blog.

cardinals are the things with feathers that perch within the soul.

by ilrosso on Jun 16, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

on the one hand

we have people all over the place wringing their hands about a possible inability to sign Albert to a long-term deal, and here we’ve got people wanting to throw big $$$$ at Matt Holliday. There’s a huge disconnect here unless you’ve resigned yourself to the notion that we can’t or shan’t extend Albert’s contract.

by chuckb on Jun 16, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Love the usage of "shan't." Well done.

"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter

by spants on Jun 16, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

me too. soon you'll be writing "colour" and "defence" like RB and felonious.

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 Jun 16, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

the counter-argument

is that we need to field a competitive team so that Albert would want to stay. I think I see Albert frustrated from being walked so often. Like you’ve posted before, he is surrounded by mostly dwarves. Imagine batting with Grumpy infront and Sneezy behind. I wish Albert would talk more to DeWitt about getting some help. Maybe he is already in private. But I am glad that he doesn’t make a fuss to the media.
Not that I think Holliday is the person to pay, but Cards will have to pay lot’s, regardless, to retain Albert. Lot’s of rookies + Albert is what we are experiencing right now. We need a good mix, and that means paying for a few proven vets.

born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red

by totalloser on Jun 16, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Two Minor Leaguers I'm curious about.

Two guys have put up some good numbers in Memphis this year and I was hoping someone here coudl provide me with more info. Donovan Solano and Mark Shorey

Solano plays SS and is hitting .346 with an OPS .768. He has little power .404 SLG and has taken only ONE walk in 104 at bats. Prior to this year, he hasn’t had much hitting success in the minors. He has no speed (0 stolen bases) which is odd for a slap hitting MIF. He also doesn’t strike out much – only 13 K’s. Is he a fluke?

Shorey plays OF and is hitting .319 with an OPS of .796. Only 8 extra basehits in 135 Ab’s (3 are HR’s). One impressive stat – ZERO errors on the season.

Whats the story with these two guys? From what I know, they are not projected to be major leaguers but at they are putting together some pretty good numbers in AAA and I haven’t heard a peep about either one.

Please shed some light

THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!

by stltrav09 on Jun 16, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions  

solano was a prospect once upon a time

as one of the Cardinals’ early forays into signing really young Latin American players. He was really young and one of the only sites that covered Cardinals prospects compared him to Edgar Renteria, and that was all it took.

But by the time he started playing his upside seemed really limited, because he’s never hit for power or very much average. The one skill he’s always had with the bat is that low K-rate and being young, and those don’t sustain prospect-hood forever. I doubt his current average is the real thing, but I guess he is still young.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

if you hit .346 and only slug .404 I don't think that means you have much power at all.

The fact that he’s hitting way above his head right now and is only OPS-ing .768 is pretty telling to me. One walk in 104 ABs is ugly, but I don’t know his career walk rate. Right now he appears to be pulling an Aaron Miles offensively.

Shorey- Don’t know much about him, probably a non-factor. Fangraphs says he weighs 230, So he’s a pretty big guy with weak power at first glance. Also, he bats left so there is no chance you will see him really.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

It seems our troubles disappear

when we are hitting as a team. Anyone that has played at any level might agree that HITTING IS CONTAGIOUS!! I for one will be patient for this team to CATCH FIRE!! GO CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by cardsfanatic on Jun 16, 2009 2:45 PM EDT reply actions  

When is David Freese due back?

Anyone know when he’ll be back to playing everyday in Memphis?

THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!

by stltrav09 on Jun 16, 2009 3:03 PM EDT reply actions  

I think he had some kind of ankle surgery

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

well now we all know the reason for the Cards bad week

dan was here in hell with me. dan, i hope for your sake your were able to keep on driving, because if you still in the middle of ohio, may God have mercy on your soul.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Sorry if already posted...

But Will Leitch weighed in on the state of the franchise and how it affects the likelihood of Albert bolting after 2011. He doesn’t add anything we don’t already know, but it’s still pretty terrifying and depressing to say the least.

Leitch

V, b.

by LukeMP1186 on Jun 16, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions  

If the Cards let this happen..

I’d start shopping for a new favorite baseball team. I never thought ANYTHING could make me Iconsider ending my allegiance to the Cards but this is one thing that could do it.

THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!

by stltrav09 on Jun 16, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I endured the 90s

cards fan for life

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Let me give you a hypothetical

Let’s say Mo trades Albert for 4-5 high-ceiling guys next year that immediately address needs within the organization. The team he’s traded to is of no matter, but he does keep performing at 1.000 Albert Pujols level. The guys we get back replenish the organization and we have another playoff run like we did in the mid-2000s, even sans Albert. Would you still consider ending your allegiance to the Cardinals?

I love Albert Pujols, but no player is above the Cardinals franchise for me. Honestly, I’d almost rather Mo trade him in the next year or so (if we’re not contending, that is) in order to get more back for him than just letting him walk in free agency. Either extend him now or trade him next year or the year after.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

you're dead to me jd

I’m unable to think in way that even resembles rational when it comes to Albert’s future. He will retire a Cardinal at the age of 50, after hitting 1,086 hrs.

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Like I said, I love Albert as much as the next guy

But if we’re not going to extend him, we might as well get everything we can for him. I just reeeeeeeallllllllllly don’t want to see him walk in free agency. Supplemental picks are nice and all, but not nice enough!

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'd deal him straight up for Utley

and possibly for Hanley.

The Rangers could have him for most of their farm system…

Other than that, I want him here for life…

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 17, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

A trade is different than letting him sign elsewhere.

So yes, if this happened my allegiance to the Cards would remain.

If Pujols doesn’t re-sign it’s because the front office does not make a “committment to winning” in the next 2 seasons. In other words, they were cheap. They’d rather fill their own pockets than win money.

THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!

by stltrav09 on Jun 16, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

I honestly cannot believe that I would hear such sacrelige here.

Albert Pujols is without a doubt the best player ever to wear a Cardinal Uniform. How in the world can we discuss trading him? How in the world can the 5 prospects we get from him ever hope to total the production he gives us?

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

If he's in his walk year, the team isn't contending, and we're not going to re-sign him

Why not? Assuming we make out like bandits with the return package. What if the return package had a Colby Rasmus-like prospect and a Brett Wallace-like prospect, along with some pitching prospects at the same level? Which would be more valuable, a half-year of Albert Pujols (on a non-contender) or 5+ years of 5 guys with that kind of potential?

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

To be very honest,

I probably wouldn’t care. If the Cards aren’t going to pay Pujols, I will probably just focus more on my golf game and not worry about the team any more.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jun 16, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

You're right...

even if it means I would throw up for a week.

V, b.

by LukeMP1186 on Jun 16, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's a different scenario than the first one you gave though.

If they trade him before next season, he’ll have two full season’s left. Someone like the Dodgers might give up a bunch of prospects to have him for two full seasons.

The scenario above really limits the number of teams he could be traded to:

  1. You’re only going to get great value from a team that is going to be able to sign him, so subtract 2/3 of the MLB and most of the franchises with great farm systems.
  2. They’re only getting a half season, which means they’ll give up a lot less for him because they’ll get less production.
  3. There’s no possible way that the Cardinals get anywhere near equal value for him in the above scenario. None.

There really isn’t a comparable trade out there other than what the Yankees gave up for A-Rod, which was really just one player and some also-ran prospects. If you could deal him to the Red Sox for Youkilis (3B), Buchholz, Masterson, and Lars Anderson that would be a great deal for the Cards but not such a great deal for the Sox. They’re still a contender, but having to give up Youk offsets the trade by a lot.

"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 Jun 17, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions  

two words

bing devine

"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension

by sportsman on Jun 16, 2009 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm rec'ing this because you're not afraid to take a controversial stance

and because you are making good use of the Albert Pujols metric: “performing at a 1.000 Albert Pujols level.”

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm not sure Albert wants to sign yet

I gather he wants to see what happens here, meaning he’s not on board with developing from within until he sees that it is working. Whether we want to admit it or not, there will also be a huge revenue impact if he leaves. For sure in the short term, and if you miss on the return on the deal it would be long term.

This is what complicates things a little more than we’d like to admit. I’m on board with building from within. I like TLR overall, or at least I think he is no worse than most managers, but I think taken in isolation this team could do fine with a number of guys running the show. This stuff isn’t taken in isolation though. What Albert thinks counts for a lot. His motivations are going to be short term in nature, like TLR, and he respects Tony a ton.

It’s a pretty complicated situation really, and I don’t envy the spot Mo is in. My opinion is that he needs to do just enough to keep Pujols happy. I think Leitch hits pretty close to the crux of the dynamic here. It’s easy to tell TLR and his shortsighted tendencies to screw off right now, but if Pujols is no sure thing people aren’t going to feel the same in 3 years. People won’t be acknowledging they sided with the organization the second Albert is playing for the Red Sox or Cubs.

More specifically, this team needs to make the right evaluation on Wallace. Specifically whether he can handle 3rd. If not, that chip needs to be moved. He is equivalent to LaPorta, in that case, and it sends the message Pujols is looking for. If he can play 3rd, it is a different story. It’s a tough call.

by Merry CRasmus on Jun 16, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Your first point is what scares me the most...

Fair or not, the belief is already out there that ownership is cheap and uncommitted to winning. I’m fine with trading Albert for a king’s ransom if you insist on not making a fair offer to the world’s greatest player, but what happens if that doesn’t pan out for you? Now you’re still not committed to spending money, and you just got hosed on the deal that was supposed to sustain the franchise. So what are you then?

V, b.

by LukeMP1186 on Jun 16, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

you're saying we should see if Nats want to start talking about trading

a first round draft pick this summer after the front office staff is all found stabbed to death in Boras’ hotel room?

by sdrone on Jun 16, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree

and this “poor us, we might lose Albert” stuff is getting old already.

by chuckb on Jun 16, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

oddly it would upset me more to break up Yadi and Albert

That’s a Hall of Fame tandem.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

like i said in the fanshot about this

i stopped reading right after he called bernie great.

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 Jun 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

i'll read it later, but i really did have to stop reading

it just so happens i got to the bernie is great part & had to stop. funny how that worked out.

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

turned on espn radio on ride home for lunch

The Herd was on with Ozzie. According to cowherd(or whatever his name is) St. Louis is a dark horse to win it all, and Ozzie agrees

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions  

I don't listen to that show

as I don’t live in STL, but we were a dark horse in 2006 as well.

by stlfan on Jun 18, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

Have you guys seen the Elias Rankings so far?

I have not heard anyone say anything about it so I am going to post up what some guys are so far

Rick Ankiel is barely a B. He is on the bottom 10%
Troy Glaus is still an A by quite a bit
Khalil is nothing and a good amount off from being a B
Wellemeyer is a B and really not that far away from an A either. He should be able to hold B the rest of the seasion
Pineiro is nothing but in range to make it to a B
Franklin is an A but in the lower 25% of the rankings
Trevor Miller is right on the line from nothing to B

Now potential trade targets

Holliday is an A and not going to change
DeRosa is a B between A and nothing considered 2B 3B SS
Beltre is a B but right on the line between A and B

NL has a strong 2B 3B SS crop so both would drop in rankings if switched league. Holliday is in first place in AL in ranking

Source

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 4:06 PM EDT reply actions  

so what your saying

is that they should trade Rick Ankiel, Khalil Greene, Todd Wellemeyer, Joel Pineiro, Franklin & Trevor Miller for Holliday, DeRosa, & Beltre ?

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

my internal calculations tell me the following

Rick Ankiel is barely a B. He is on the bottom 10% = .90
Khalil is nothing and a good amount off from being a B = .15
Wellemeyer is a B and really not that far away from an A either. He should be able to hold B the rest of the seasion = 1.25
Pineiro is nothing but in range to make it to a B = .75
Franklin is an A but in the lower 25% of the rankings = 2.0
Trevor Miller is right on the line from nothing to B = .95
                            Cardinals Total = 6.0

Holliday is an A and not going to change = 2.0
DeRosa is a B between A and nothing considered 2B 3B SS = 2.0
Beltre is a B but right on the line between A and B = 2.0
                            Trade Targets = 6.0

so, by my, I’ll admit, imperfect point system, all would be equal

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

In my points system, Trever Miller is worth 2,845,736.

Bartolo Colon is worth pi.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 17, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions  

My guess

Maybe Troy Glaus if he comes this season and plays very strong
Wellemeyer I think would be a FA
Same with Pineiro
Depends on if Franklin keeps up this crazy numbers but in most likely hood he would accept arbitration
Trevor Miller could be hit or miss but I would say he would accept

I don’t think Holliday would
Same with DeRosa
Beltre is really hit or miss also. If he is a Type B I would say No because their would be less opposition to sign him

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think Franklin would def accept if he was type A

too much of a chance of him ending up in limbo due to his status.

Due to the fact that we may need warm bodies for the rotation next year, I’d say the only guys we offer it to is 1 of Welly or Piniero and maybe Ankiel. Welly is looking really bad right now, but who knows what could happen.

The only guy I could see potentially declining would be Ankiel. He’ll need to do much better this year, but if he does he could receive a decent contract.

DeRosa and Holliday would def lead to picks if not resigned.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

I can't believe I'm saying (typing this)

but I think I’m more comfortable offering arb to Pineiro. assuming this sinker transformation is real.

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

why offer arb to pineiro if he's not at least Type B?

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 Jun 16, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

this is assuming that he makes it there

if he does then it really depends on the market. It should be pretty close to last year, if that’s the case I’d be surprised if they extend the offer to any pitcher. That would just be dumb.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

no way...

he’d make like $8mil in arb…

He might be worth offering a 2 yr $12mil deal if he continues to pitch well…but I think it’s risky.

"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs

by cardzfanbub on Jun 16, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't think there is

any way that Piniero takes that deal. He’s very proud.

"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter

by spants on Jun 16, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm not sure in this market...

that he gets any better offer. Maybe he could get 1/$8M and hope that the economy improves…?

"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs

by cardzfanbub on Jun 17, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm not saying he'd get a better offer.

Just that he won’t take that deal from us. He’ll brave the FA market and regret it.

"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter

by spants on Jun 17, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Franklin has a...

$2.75M option that will be picked up unless he falls on his face.

I agree on all but Holliday and Beltre…

If Holliday is the player he was in May (.872 OPS) or especially so far in June (.914 OPS) he declines arbitration and tries to get a longterm deal. If he’s the player he was in April (.648) OPS he accepts in a heartbeat makes about $15M next season and tries to reinvent himself.

Beltre has to accept arbitration if offered at this point…unless he has turned the corner and continues to play like he has in the past month.

"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs

by cardzfanbub on Jun 16, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

No it wouldn't,

but really how likely is it that he would accept? If he was type B he’s still on the edge of his prime and definitely not declining defensively, there’s another long term deal out there for him, probably in LA or maybe Philly.

Decrease runs scored?
Maybe.

Decrease winning? Never seen that proven.
-SFTU

by hazel on Jun 16, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's tough to say..

he’s making $12M this year, so would likely get very close to that amount in arby. If he finishes the year with an OPS under .700 (currently .678 – .299 OBP) I think he definitely accepts arb, and I don’t think paying him $12M would be a good thing. We still have some depth at 3B (I think?). He’s only 30, so you may be right about the long-term deal, but he’s going to have to step it up offensively to get there.

"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs

by cardzfanbub on Jun 16, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Um.

This is nothing groundbreaking.

Decrease runs scored?
Maybe.

Decrease winning? Never seen that proven.
-SFTU

by hazel on Jun 16, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Frank

has a club option which will probably be picked up.

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did danup really go anywhere, or did he just lurk here, like Henry V among his

soldiers, in the guise of “cardsrock83” to quietly observe and interact with the posters on the board?

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 Jun 16, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions  

Are we gonna get a St. Crispin's day speech?

And who plays Falstaff?

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

more importantly, are we invading Bleed Cubbie Blue?

because I’m too young to internet-die.

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 Jun 16, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

K. Greene up.....

And Hawksworth down.

Say you were standing with one foot in the oven and one foot in an ice bucket. According to the percentage people, you should be perfectly comfortable." - Manager Bobby Bragan

by SoonerfanTU on Jun 16, 2009 5:21 PM EDT reply actions  

That was the fastest

anyone has ever overcome depression.

And it also means no more moronic 13 man pitching staff.

Our robots are no longer sad!

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

well as i understood it

it was an anxiety disorder not depression. and the point of treatment of this kind of d/o is not a “cure” but to remove the functional impairments (aka allow him to perform his work/life duties). he assuredly isn’t cured of anything but he very well COULD have symptoms alleviated to allow him to perform his job.

by FunkeeC on Jun 16, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

They go hand in hand often times

Also, if you want to look at medical fixes for anxiety, they usually take several weeks to set in. I just hope he’s ready.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Considering how much maligned the Cards medical staff is,

one has to wonder how well they are managing the first public case of a psychological disease and not a physical problem with a player. I wouldn’t be surprised if they prescribed him Dramamine and had him play with Pogs.

I have a bad feeling about him being rushed back up, and really hope I’m wrong.

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Actually, I take that back.

They dealt with this same issue with Bill Pulsipher. And that didn’t work out at all.

So I guess I don’t take that back.

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

sadly, i see no way this ends well

i’m actually afraid/scared/nervous/ to see KBot come back so quickly. and at a new position no less.

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

again, why can't we throw millions of dollars at a new medical / training team

How many millions have we lost on injuries in the last five seasons? Injuries undetected before trades? Injuries exacerbated during the season? Surgeries I grant, because like the playoffs, those are always crapshoots. How many times have the Cards had the bulk of their non-Albert payroll into someone on the DL? (Okay, that last one may be decidedly weighted to pitchers and our recent history, but still.)

Don’t they know lack of health care causes bankruptcy?

"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 Jun 16, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

lol no

anti anxiety meds are usually benzo’s ( yes the ones people often abuse such as xanax bars)

anti depressants are the ones that often take several weeks to build to therapeutic levels

we have little to no information to base a claim of whether he is being rushed back or not. or whether he has an anxiety d/o or a depressive d/o or what. it is ENTIRELY within the realms of possibility that he may be functionally ready to play baseball. this doesnt mean he will do well or even that he wont have a relapse and need to take another break.

by FunkeeC on Jun 16, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Also we don't know that he's on medication.

Could be therapy.

There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".

by mattybobo on Jun 16, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

beer is my therapy AND medication

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

What about Paxil?

I know it’s an anti-depressant, but doesn’t it also help those with anxiety?

"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter

by spants on Jun 16, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yes

It is an SSRI

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

also the fastest anyone has converted to a third baseman

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

true

probably won’t help his anxiety by learning a new position though

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

maybe

it will keep him distracted.

by adiueordie on Jun 16, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

dude, khalil is our 13th pitcher.

you should say, the fastest anyone has converted to a middle reliever.

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

matt leach is denying this on his twitter page, as of 20-odd minutes ago.

he says hawk remains on the 40-man and greene is still at 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 Jun 16, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

True

and anyone else interested: I’m saying Hawksworth is on tonight’s 25 and K.Greene is not.

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 16, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

*25-man

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 Jun 16, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

On a more physical injury note

Wellemeyer has somethineg wrong

There is absolutely no way, if he makes it through to the end of the year, that we should offer arb to this guy

by FunkeeC on Jun 16, 2009 5:46 PM EDT reply actions  

gee, I was wondering when the next injury would be.

I figured we were due…..

@#$*^%# GOB.

"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 Jun 16, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

can fangraphs be a trusted source for a medical diagnosis?

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 Jun 16, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

point

"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 Jun 16, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

is it better than the Cardinals?

/tongue-in-cheek

"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 Jun 16, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

hehe

rec’d

"Every epoch dreams its successor" - Jules Michelet

by Tudor's Electric Fan on Jun 16, 2009 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

he didnt make one

just pointed out that the data suggests something is wrong, which is something MUCH discussed here. He really hasnt been the same since missing time w/ the elbow last year….

by FunkeeC on Jun 16, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah

which is very unfortunate, because he was looking like a diamond in the rough

4B - beer baseball bands blog
No results found for comming:
Did you mean Coming (in dictionary) or Commin (in reference)?
Dictionary suggestions: Coming

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 16, 2009 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

The rotation...

is crumbling around Carpenter. Scary when he’s your healthiest…

by guayzimi on Jun 16, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

line up

   1. Skip Schumaker, 2B
   2. Colby Rasmus, CF
   3. Albert Pujols, 1B
   4. Chris Duncan, LF
   5. Rick Ankiel, RF
   6. Yadier Molina, C
   7. Joe Thurston, 3B
   8. Adam Wainwright, P
   9. Brendan Ryan, SS

no Ludwick. why? per Gould, damn lefy right splits

Lefthanded hitters have slugged considerably better than Verlander and hit slightly better this season against Detroit’s righthanded frontman. His slash-line splits this season:

    vs. righthanded batters: .181 BA, .235 OBP, .254 SLG

    vs. lefthanded batters: .253 BA, .321 OBP, .393 SLG

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 Jun 16, 2009 5:52 PM EDT reply actions  

I could buy into that

if our alternative was someone other than Duncan.

Jesus…play Ludwick regularly already.

Has anyone heard/read the STL media ever question why Tony insists on sitting Ludwick, an All-Star, Silver Slugging OF, on a very regular basis?

by goodymobb on Jun 16, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

The StL media needs someone who is both not afraid of TLR and also not a complete idiot

So far all we get is one or the other. It’s really sad when Bernie is the most credible person to criticize TLR.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

But...think of the fungoes!

"Every epoch dreams its successor" - Jules Michelet

by Tudor's Electric Fan on Jun 16, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

For realz

Duncan clean-up? Psh.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

I just don't get how no one has ever

asked the question. Maybe they have and it just hasn’t gotten play, maybe they have and Tony gave some smart remark and made the reporter feel incredibly stupid for even thinking something kinda different than what TLR decided to do, whatever. It’s just annoying.

And Duncan has been horrendous, FWIW.

by goodymobb on Jun 16, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Happens every time.

Say you were standing with one foot in the oven and one foot in an ice bucket. According to the percentage people, you should be perfectly comfortable." - Manager Bobby Bragan

by SoonerfanTU on Jun 16, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm calling it now

Duncan will go yard tonight, earning himself almost daily playing time, deservadely(no idea how the heck that is spelled, or if it’s even a word) or not

How did the pig corner the breakfast market?

by STLRegalia on Jun 16, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

not yard, maybe he'll sneak one through the right side of the IF or bloop one

but he’ll definately get a hit, because I complained about the lineup. Which is a good thing I guess.

by TheBirds on Jun 16, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

for everyone still on the Holliday train, you should look at this lineup very closely

if he’s doing this to Ludwick, he’ll do the same damn thing to Holliday

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 Jun 16, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

No way

Holliday is a name. It’s not logical, but I guarantee it.

Also, I think I might be in favor of a Holliday trade just for the mass collection of terrible puny headlines the PD sports section would use.

"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah

by Alxfritz on Jun 16, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

if you look at the fine print on Putz's contract with the Mets,

you’ll find the NY post is actually paying his salary. the trade was in fact engineered by the NY Post for exactly the same reason.

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 Jun 16, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

will the PD pay for Holliday?

cause if so, maybe i’ll hop back on that train.

fritz is probably right though. and that really pisses me off. Ludwick is Holliday. he’s just cheaper & not as famous.

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 Jun 16, 2009 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

vomit

tony la russa via Matt Leach’s blog.

And based on his opportunities, there’s nobody better than Brad. When Lohse comes back, then you’re going to pick the best five. And if Brad’s outpitching somebody, then somebody in the rotation will go in the bullpen. It’s always the best five. Unless they’re really close and one guy fits the bullpen better than the other guy.

we believe in “competition” in the rotation, even if it means putting a starter in the bullpen to make room for BRAD THOMPSON. in the outfield, however . . . .

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 Jun 16, 2009 7:59 PM EDT reply actions  

i mean, we're asking PK to be a decent starter at this point

if you have .500 pitchers at the back of the order, and Carp and Wagonmaker at the front of the rotation, that’s a pretty solid group of starters.

by Expatcardfan on Jun 16, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Thompson is out-pitching.....

Lohse, Welly, or JP…..damn right he should get to keep starting.

To say otherwise is ridiculous.

Say you were standing with one foot in the oven and one foot in an ice bucket. According to the percentage people, you should be perfectly comfortable." - Manager Bobby Bragan

by SoonerfanTU on Jun 16, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

holy shit, i agree

cats & dogs man,,,,cats & dogs

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 Jun 16, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I knew you'd come around.

Say you were standing with one foot in the oven and one foot in an ice bucket. According to the percentage people, you should be perfectly comfortable." - Manager Bobby Bragan

by SoonerfanTU on Jun 16, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

What tom s. is saying...

The best 5 pitchers (that have starter stamina or whatever) should be our starters. End of story. We all can agree on that. The best 3 OFs (which includes Ludwick) should start almost every game, but that’s not the case. Why is it one way and not the other?

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 16, 2009 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't agree.....

That every game, all throughout the season, that Luddy is one of the 3 best options.

Would I sit he and Raz as much as TLR has/does? Probably not.

Unfortunately you can’t really do your SP’s that way…..match them up and what-not.

Say you were standing with one foot in the oven and one foot in an ice bucket. According to the percentage people, you should be perfectly comfortable." - Manager Bobby Bragan

by SoonerfanTU on Jun 17, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

Actually you can
Unfortunately you can’t really do your SP’s that way…..match them up and what-not.

Piniella has done this with this starters throughout his managing career. Giving a lefty an extra day of rest when he’s going to be scheduled to face a lineup with a lot of right handed hitters in it.

Sorry, but Ludwick’s splits, both career and season, make him the best possible outfielder to start everyday of the current group that we have. Given Rasmus’ great CF defense and minor league track record, he should also be playing every day. Which leaves a LF platoon of Stav, Duncan, and Ankiel — three guys for one spot. I don’t know how you split up the AB’s, but Ludwick shouldn’t sit except for a occasional day off to rest him or an injury forces him out of the lineup.

If we’re applying this rationale to the pitching staff, then we need to do the same with the everyday lineup. I think Tony sits Ludwick because he knows that Ryan will take a seat without pitching a bitch about it.

"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 Jun 17, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Ludwick had better stats vs righties than lefties last year

so sitting him against righties makes limited sense to me.

Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.

by Felonius_Monk on Jun 17, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

Career/Season splits (OPS):

vs. LHP:

Ludwick: .785/.679
Ankiel: .735/.517
Duncan: .626/.691
Rasmus: .411/.411

vs. RHP:

Ludwick: .876/.759
Ankiel: .823/.826
Duncan: .877/.796
Rasmus: .873/.873

So basically, Ludwick is the best hitter of the four over his career against both RHP and LHP (1 point of OPS given up to Duncan notwithstanding). Over his career he is much better against RHP than his numbers are showing this year, but since our genius manager loves to play the splits, it seems like he sits more against RHP than he starts. Look, I’m all for giving guys days off, but the dude was a silver slugger last year and an all-star. If TLR will let Ankiel and Duncan fight their way out of injuries/slumps, why not Ludwick?

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 17, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Ehhh this was supposed to be a reply to your reply to me

Not to this post which I’ve already replied to.

FAIL

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer

by jd is legend on Jun 17, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

game thread?

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 Jun 16, 2009 8:15 PM EDT reply actions  

thinking the same thing

technical difficulties?

The time has come for someone to put his foot down and that foot is me

by heathen on Jun 16, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

apparently so

I stood where no man goes...

by Desert_Rat on Jun 16, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

it's even messing with Colby

WTF was that?

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 Jun 16, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

The tigers are doing .190 with RISP...

Triple to start.. two out now

I stood where no man goes...

by Desert_Rat on Jun 16, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions  

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