Tony La Russa plans on starting Rick Porcello again tomorrow
by DanUpBaby on Jun 19, 2009 7:15 AM EDT
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PrintFun fact: Rick Porcello is five months younger than Stephen Strasburg.
This is all false indignation, to be honest; I like Kozma alright as a prospect—he's finally hitting in AA, if you haven't been reading the news lately, oh boy—and Porcello was and is too young, too much a pitcher to be a sure thing. I thought it was ridiculous when it happened, and I still think it was a bad choice, but at this point I can't separate what I thought I knew from the hindsight enough to be bothered with it.
Porcello's pitching in a weird place—Bill James made an applicable observation in the Historical Baseball Abstract that, like most of his observations, has since become baseball wisdom. The gist of it is that if a player can stick and succeed in the major leagues at a young age he's in rare company, a company he shares with a lot of Hall of Famers. The comment was originally made about Ryne Sandberg, and it has since caused your host to get breathless over every Tom, Dick, and Melky that comes down the pike.
Typically it's a trope applied to position players. Rookie pitchers are too unpredictable—they dominate and then they disappear for a few years, like John Johnson, or forever, like Anibal Sanchez. They peak in the flashier statistics, strikeouts and weird ways to wear baseball uniforms, at a young age and then become steadier in their late twenties.
But statistically, Porcello, flamethrowing ex-teen, is basically starting his career with an ordinary Jake Westbrook season, albeit one with a nice win total and a misleading ERA. He's striking out as many batters as Jeff Suppan used to and not walking anybody, which means that La Russa and Duncan probably feel worse about missing him than we do. Pitchers age weirdly, though, and thinking about it for a few minutes I couldn't think of another pitcher who started off quite this way and ended up in the pantheon. I think he'll be a good one, but to do it he'll have to develop like a position player.
(This complacency—it's the Shelby Miller talking. It feels nice.)
#
I like Jason Motte. He's everything I like relievers to be; he's got one pitch that makes his role on the team clear, he strikes people out, and his grasp of the quirky relief pitcher idiom, from the jerky steps over the baseline all the way into the advanced stuff, like smelling his cap(!) and moving for all the world like a video game character that's only got three or four frames of animation to his name, is unparalleled for a pitcher of his limited experience. His origins as a catcher mean that he will occasionally embarrass himself trying to hit or make beautiful diving plays on the infield.
I'm not blaming last night's home runs specifically on bullpen management; Motte has more or less ditched the slider again—he threw exactly one, last night, that hovered like a housefly and was brushed into the stands by Polanco with the requisite disgust—and that's a recipe for a lot of fist-pumps on each side of the baseball. But this is a thirteen man bullpen, and it was just stocked, at the practical expense of a fifth outfielder, with still another facial-haired right-handed setup man in waiting.
Bringing Motte in for the second night in a row, with the bases clear and his tactical advantage not present, goes completely against the La Russa explanation for the 13 man pen, which has consistently been to keep his pitchers from overexposure. Motte's a young (1) one-pitch (2) pitcher whose recent success (3) has stemmed from mothballing the second pitch he was working on and going after hitters with a hard fastball (4) delivered from a weird arm angle (5)—if anybody needs to be protected from overexposure, it's Jason Motte.
But for all the talk about it, La Russa still can't avoid looking for the hot hand. It's the first instinct when managing a bullpen, whether it's got five or six pitchers or eight, and he's previously brought out Perez (six games in eight days until his poor performance on June 3, at which point he more or less vanished), McClellan (pitched every other day for most of May), and Motte himself at similar stretches.
Having thirteen men gives a manager a lot of opportunties; he could play matchups, he could (as La Russa has done with Motte) rely on one imposing strikeout pitcher to close out innings, he could avoid throwing the same relievers out twice in the same series when they rely on a trick pitch. But it doesn't make the bullpen any bigger to just have more pitchers sitting out there. If La Russa can't trust pitchers who aren't impressing night after night, or simply trusts the hot hand to an inordinate degree, the missing persons at the end of the pen should be in Memphis, where Netflix will be more than happy to ship them out overnight. This is nothing new, but as the season goes on it is more and more apparent that the Cardinals are not going to use a thirteenth pitcher to their advantage in any situation in which his competition for innings is not Aaron Miles.
#
Briefly: I like Colby Rasmus. You like Colby Rasmus. Everybody likes Colby Rasmus. Is there a point at which we get worried that Colby Rasmus has walked once in the last three weeks, even though he's hitting .350 in the same time period? At this point he's seeing fewer pitches per plate appearance than Rick Ankiel... the pitcher.
Rasmus is a smart hitter; I've got to think he'll start taking his walks again when the other team makes a shot and he's no longer on fire. But this is a pretty significant gap.
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Brief writing critique – I hate that stupid (!) thing writers do. I know how to read, Dan. I don’t need anybody telling me where to pay attention. Pissin’(!) me off
And holy holy holy, I love(!) Colby. Walks don’t concern me one bit with him. The minor league track record is there. And I know the minor league numbers(!) just don’t all translate to the majors(!), it seems to me he’s taking(!) a forced approach at the plate to, you know, be the only dude in our lineup from Planet Earth(!) to drive in runs. And it’s been working. I love Colby, damn it.
UMMM
you forgot someone named Mr Pujols(!) driving in runs when hes not being intentionally walked(!)…
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
In all seriousness*
I do sometimes fear that before any trades or contract issues even come into the picture, Albert will have to leave us because the dreaded Mynoks return and his home system needs him for the galactic war effort. That could easily take away a couple peak years from his career.
*Not at all serious.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 19, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
It's not a 'pay attention' thing
I think it means “Can you believe that?!?”
I know whom to call for a hole in my roof or a whole new roof.
Indeed
It’s basically a fill-in for “by the way, like, holy shit, man” most of the time.
I like it DanUp. It has a colloquial vibe to it that I enjoy.
indeed, a quite pendulous comment, sir!
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That comment reads good
"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 19, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
that's what she did
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 19, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Pfft. You’re talking to Mr. Party Animal over here. I was still awake from the night before(!)!
And c’mon, silly gooses/geese, that was said in jest. I love me some DannyUppy. But I really do cringe(!) when I see that stupid exclamation point thing(!).
I really do cringe(!) when I see that stupid exclamation point thing(!).
so you weren’t talking in jest.
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
who is in your avatar?
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
That's Dick Ford!
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.
that it's the first post(!)
and that we’re facebook friends(!) means I will have to take this critique into account, but in the words of Inigo Montoya I do not think it means what you think it means.
What is inconceviable?
I’m paying attention……..I saw the mark of the Attention Alerters…….so I am at a peaked level of attentiveness.
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.
You have a great gift for rhyme
n/t
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
Anybody want a peanut?
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
by liam on Jun 19, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's exactly what I was gonna post!
Inconceivable!
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
Oh the sot has spoken!
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
Rick Ankiel
I actually called one of my best friends last night before Rick came up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th. She is a huge Rick Ankiel fan. She, of course, couldn’t answer the phone when I called, so I left her a message that said, “If your boy strikes out here…I’m going to cry. Of course, he’ll probably just ground into a double play to end the game…that’s how wonderful he’s been playing.”
Gah…Why is he still out there!
Bernie on Ank and Luddy today
Ankiel, Ludwick need to heat up
Nothing new but awful stats to confirm their collective non-hitting
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I haven't read the article yet, and I don't actually mind Bernie too much especially in comparison with some other people
But man, that is the lamest headline ever. “Players who are playing badly need to do better.” Really Bernie? Would that be the mysterious key to winning more ball games, our players doing better?
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
And it's actually a decent article too
but I wouldn’t every click on it if someone at VEB hadn’t linked to it. The headline alone would have bored me.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
Pitchers need to win more games for team to win more games
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jun 19, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
the team with the most runs wins
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Jun 19, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Suddenly I feel like...
John Madden is broadcasting for an MLB game.
Probably editors do headlines
not writers
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I doubt they do headlines on his blog, though.
He put that one up at 1:30 am. Of course, the headline is different now.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
Good point the editor possibility
I also didn’t realize it was a “Bernie’s 5 minutes” piece rather than a full-blown article.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
I was just about to point out
that writers don’t write their own headlines, but I think that article is from his blog, so he probably did write the headline which might explain why it’s sortof….um…….duh?
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.
We all know
that Bernie has a man crush on Dunc, or maybe its just a regular crush?
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring" -Rogers Hornsby
who doesn't?
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.
ummm
the seeing
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jun 19, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
God loves all his children equally
Except, naturally, his only son, Albert.
by mojowo11 on Jun 19, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Maybe it's because...
Duncan is actually hitting?
No, he’s not Pujols. But his OPS is 3rd on the team. Or probably a win or so above replacement, looking at his page at fangraphs
He’s actually about the only Cardinal on the team, besides Pujols, who will work the count and take a walk.
But hey, none of that matters, he’s the coach son, therefore he sucks, and/or is held to a higher standard than anyone else.
And of course, the Cardinals have such a huge amount of outfield prospects at AAA just tearing it up…
A .761 OPS
from a defensively challenged corner outfielder. You’re right, I’m bonkers.
Duncan’s hitting has been replacement level according to fangraphs. His only attribute has been physically being on the field (not fielding but just standing there).
So to answer your comment – 1) he’s not pujols and I never asked him to be, 2) being 3rd on this team in OPS is not an accomplishment to brag about (he’s only outhitting Rollins among philly regulars for an example) 3) I’m glad he takes a walk but that doesn’t help with the dubious power numbers 4) I never made any comment about him being a duncan or other outfielders that don’t exist at AAA.
My point was, if you’re going to lampoon Ankiel and Ludwick, Duncan hasn’t posted an OPS over .700 since April. he’s at least as much to blame as the other two.
Thanks for playing.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
does Dunk get a pass for being half adamantium now?
he’s got to have time to adjust to his new parts & find his powar doesn’t he?
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
you're right, azru.
though, i wonder if Jer is responding more to the plethora of “omg you’re the coach’s son and you wouldn’t be on a team anywhere else” comments than to you particularly.
jer could have been clearer about it, but i have grown tired of those comments. and his comment is better as a response to duncan’s critics generally than to your comment.
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
Because we don't have a better option?
Because he deserves a chance to play out his slump, if that it was it is.
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
i agree with that
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with the post title
but not the body of the comment, especially considering the last part.
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 19, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
WPA impact
Rick’s performance last night ( -.348) was the worst by any Cardinal hitter this year.
1st inning, runners 1st/2nd, 2 out, down 4 – Strikeout ( -.034)
3rd inning, runner at 1st, 0 out, down 2 – DP grounder ( -.089)
5th inning, runner at 1st, 2 out, down 2 – Single, runner advanced to 2nd (.030)
7th inning, runner at 1st, 2 out, down 1 – Grounder ( -.052)
9th inning, bases loaded, 1 out, down 3 – Game-ending DP grounder ( -.203)
Not as bad as John Mabry’s 6/30/04 performance ( -.614), but still …
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
it's french too.
Multi-lingual suckage.
TWSS etc…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Jajajajaja
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 19, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Su es Moleculo
"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 19, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
That's not good.
Unfortunately I have a similar story. I was out having dinner and watching the game with my cousin. My cousin said, “Come on Rick, end the game right here.” I responded by saying, “I bet he does only it entails a 6, a 4, and a 3.”
I messed up on the “4”.
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.
it was almost too predictable
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
The Cards
seemingly cannot score when given the bases-loaded opportunity. I had the bad feeling that Ank would ground out, but I would’ve rather seen him K and the game be continued. I don’t get why Ank is still playing, because he is really struggling.
Welcome to Baseball Heaven.
It's hard to draw a walk
if they’re throwing you a lot more pitches over the plate than out of the strike zone. In principle, this ratio should correct itself as soon as opponents figure out that Raz is hitting a ton when given a chance to do so. If he continues not to walk when pitchers start throwing him balls, THEN I’ll get worried (and it’s not impossible that this will occur).
by StanTheManFan on Jun 19, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd worry
If his SO rate were creeping, but it’s not and his obp is solid. It would appear that his plate discipline is not bad.
Solid?
A .322 OPB is not “solid”. Especially for a #2 hitter. It’s not completely horrible (like say, Ankiel’s), but it’s pretty bad.
That said, it doesn’t look like he’s swinging at a lot of balls out of the strike zone. He’s just swinging at everything in the strike zone
Despite what Tony apparently said, you don’t always want to swing at strikes.
I believe that OBP is rising pretty steadily.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
if he doesn't swing at everything in the strike zone, he'll K
I agree with your Duncan sentiment though. There is a reason too assume preferential (sp?) treatment, so when 3 OF are struggling, personal relationships weigh more in the complaints. what it all comes down to is that if your name is Duncan, Ankiel, or Ludwick, as of 6/19/09, YOU SUCK. I’m optimistic enough to think they’ll come around though
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
this is not true.
pujols for instance swings at only about 69% of the pitches in the zone. guys who swing at more pitches in the zone than that are our high-K guys — ankiel (78%), ludwick (72%). one exception is duncan who swings at 67% of in the zone pitches, but still has a high k rate.
if you swing at very little outside the zone, you’ll have more advantageous counts, and you’ll have the leeway to let called strikes by.
if you see a pitch that is a strike, but not one likely to go for a hit, you can let it go, and wait for a hittable pitch. if you swing at everything in the zone, you’re more likely to K or make an out.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
i was just being literal
and I think Ankiel and Ludwick would still be high-K guys if they didn’t swing at pitches in the zone. (see Duncan, Chris)
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
and as a major league hitter (assuming they return to that status)
shouldn’t every pitch in the zone be able to go for a hit? psychologically speaking.
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
no, if you know a pitcher (e.g., wainwright) has a killer curve
which you’ll either whiff on or just roll over and groundout on, you don’t want to swing at it. if you see that curve coming, you can just let it pass and wait for a fastball.
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
OBP is .392 in June
WITHOUT a single walk. He’s rocking the shit right 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 19, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
+2000
Why, o why, didn’t TLR hold on to Albert till, say, the ninth. I would have really, really, loved to see Albert up there instead of Ankiel.
(disclaimer: I wasn’t home or near a radio in the 7th and don’t know if Albert could have a) tied it or b) put us ahead with that AB. I also recognize that Tony had no way of knowing that we’d have the bases loaded in the ninth with Rick up. I’m just sayin…..)
by ArkansasTravs on Jun 19, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions
or like, you know
just play him the whole damn game. Pujols got a whole six innings off, woohoo!
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Better yet
Pinch-hit for Schumaker against a lefty with two runners on…instead of Colby to start the next inning.
Sigh.
there was only one on - Greene was on second.
Meaning Albert would have been walked and Colby would have faced the LOOGY with 2 outs.
As for why TLR didn’t wait until the ninth….um, why wouldn’t you give Albert two chances to hit in a one-run game? And you pinch hit for Colby the next inning leading off because that’s the way you best ensure Albert batting twice. It wouldn’t have mattered who was hitting first (Colby, Dunc, Greene, Blue, Black…etc.), Albert should have hit for that batter to ensure Albert coming up twice. I’m really surprised so many people are knee-jerking this without bothering to understand the in-game situation.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Jun 19, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions
i was listening
on the radio, and i couldn’t believe that when i heard it. why, of all people to ph for, do you choose colby? i realize wanting to get el hombre in there, but if you want to ph for an outfielder (because we have so many of them) do it for a weaker hitting one.
cardinals are the things with feathers that perch within the soul.
exactly
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
You know, I'm reminded by the whole "being aggressive" discussion from a couple days ago.
Right now, Colby is being “aggressive” in the zone (especially since he’s being thrown strikes) and he’s hitting the crap out of the ball. Not a problem, right? But like you said, if his K’s were going up or his obp was dipping, then it’d be cause for concern.
But this is exactly the same discussion we had the other day, except we’re seeing what happens when the hitter has good pitch recognition and is making good contact.
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.
all this talk
reminds me of the Faith No More song “Be Aggressive”
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Or middle school cheerleaders.
BE AGGRESSIVE! B-E! AGGRESSIVE!
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.
B-E-A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
he may not have gotten a walk
but i have seen him especially of late work counts…its not like he went 1 pitch to second baseman…but he hasnt produced the flair of a rick work the count full foul of pitches then K at bat..those are always a bti more flashy.
i say the kids hitting must we nit pick?
I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punch and judy hitter-major league 2
I was just doing a part of the song we were talking about
I agree, Rasmus hasn’t been getting a lot of outside of the zone pitches, so why should he be walking alot?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
he gets almost exactly 50% of his pitches in the zone.
that’s about normal. almost everybody on the team gets between 50 and 53% of their pitches in the zone.
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
No walks in front of Albert
Colby’s been hitting a lot in the 2-spot so that’s no cause for concern. Only Chris Duncan was able to get some walks ahead of Albert, but he has a great eye.
Thurston
Can we please replace him with someone who can either, 1) play defense, or 2) hit with at least some modest amount of power?
Thurston should be on the bench with only an occasionaly start.
I think everyone agrees.
However, most of our starting infield should also be on the bench with only an occasional start, and our bench players that do get the occasional start should be in AAA.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
Everyone except TLR apparently
I would really rather see a combination of Tyler Greene and Brendan Ryan at SS and 3b most nights, leftie-rightie splits be damned. At least you know you are going to get good defense. Particularly when you have a pitcher going who is going to get a lot of groundballs.
didn't greene have an error
in that critical 1st inning last night?
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
oh
i didn’t get to watch and only heard the 1st inning on the radio, so when shannon didn’t name the 3B, i assumed it was Greene
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
I had the same problem
Then later when I got home in the game thread. Someone accidentally stated that Thruston was playing first. I was all conboogled
Duncan was playing first.
Thurston was playing third.
i’m a jackass…
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.
saved a run there in CLE last Sunday
T Greene can pick it. His bat probably isn’t the answer at 3B though
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Ryan's been okay though right?
I thought maybe Greene at SS and Ryan at 3B. Seems like Ryan’s been taking pretty good ABs and his defense can’t be as bad as Thurston.
barden was a very good thirdbaseman.
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
As I said earlier in the season
if thurston is still our starting 3B in September, we won’t be in contention for the post season…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Who is an option.....
With power?
I don’t think T or K Greene are. Craig isn’t going to happen. Mather and Freese are out.
Are we suppose to magically pluck a power hitting 3B out of the air? Maybe call the 3B fairy?
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 19, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
You say Craig "isn't going to happen"
Why? only because of stubborness from either field management or the front office. The report is he can’t play D — well apparently neither can Thurston, so if he could hit at all, particularly with a bit of power, he would be an upgrade. And as I’ve said, I’ll take someone who can either play D or hit with “some” power. The problem with Thurston is he can’t do either. I’m fine with Brendan Ryan or Barden, but Thurston has had way too many chances at 3b for my taste.
last I heard they weren't really playing Craig at third anymore
is this correct?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes.
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 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
i think you got the names confused
Wallace played 3b last night per the box scores
Craig plays 1b regularly
Ha!
Now I see how Tackle box did it!
I meant Wallace is the starting 1st third baseman in Memphis. Which is one of the reasons Craig isn’t going to be at third anymore. (though, he did move over to 1st before Wallace was called up.)
In other words.
Wallace is first string and Craig is second string (well, maybe third string….)
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.
Really?
He’s played 3 games at 1st and two of those games were when Khalil started at 3rd and he’s started the last 3 games at 3rd.
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.
hmmm
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn't matter.....
Whether it be that they don’t like his defense, or….they don’t think his bat is ready, or…..they don’t want to call him up for 40 man roster concerns, he isn’t getting called up to play 3B for STL.
I find it humerous that people actually think he is the answer in some way.
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 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
he might be the answer
but the management is not going to play him there (which probably means his defense is not all that great at third)
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I find it humerous that people actually think he is the answer in some way.
I don’t think it’s that at all. Many individuals just feel that we’ve seen the best Thurston can do and wonder if Allen Craig could do better. Thurston is a 2nd baseman, and that is patently obvious whenever he plays 3rd. He’s about to kill Albert on his throws to first and he seems really uncomfortable over there. I honestly have no idea what kind of defender Craig is…he’s probably not great b/c they’ve moved him between 3 positions down in Memphis…but he’s shown some pop in the past and this team desperately needs some offensively. No one thinks he’s going to be 2004-Scott Rolen or anything.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 19, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, its not so much that Craig "is the answer"
But that he “might be the answer” and Joe Thurston is “clearly not the answer.”
As I’ve said throughout, there has to be some way, within the organization or without, to get better offensive or defensive production at 3b then Thurston is currently providing.
by OCCardsFan on Jun 19, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When Thurston plays, it should be at second. He’s a better fielder than Schumaker, and by quite a bit, and they’re pretty comparable hitters. Thurston’s UZR at third is -4.3, and while it’s not predicitive it does indicate he’s been a poor fielder over there. Plus, there’s the about-to-kill Albert factor. Now, if the Cardinals could get someone to hit and/or field better over there, than it would be in their best interest to do so, play Thurston at second, and (gasp!) use Schumaker as a fourth OF’er.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 19, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I really don't think Craig is the answer
can he do what Thurston’s doing? Probably. Can he significantly better it? I don’t really see that’s very likely. We should look for an external solution. I think Craig should be up, mind you, but I don’t think he’s a starting 3B at MLB level just yet…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
is this like a stats based site? because you know, they track these things.
in 193 chances at 3d in 2007 at palm beach, craig was rated a +8/150 by the TZR system.
in 274 chances at 3d in 2008 at AA, craig was rated a -3/150 by the TZR system.
his defense seems to be at least tolerable. i’m still not sure why there’s such disgust leveled at his defense, when skippy is apparently the answer at second.
his bat is not appalling, and given that we’re putting all sorts of “not-ready-for-third-base-prime-time” bats out at third, i can’t see why you wouldn’t take a chance on craig.
and the roster management stuff is becoming transparently crap. we have two open slots and we now have FOUR guys who could be moved to the 60-day DL once we fill up: Glaus, Mather, Freese, and Garcia. we have plenty of room.
FFS, we just pulled jess todd onto the roster to pitch, what? two innings? because Todd was going to contribute more than craig?
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
You're wasting your...breathe?
Or whatever the equivalent is in type. Finger energy perhaps.
This is Soonerfan’s world: The organization probably isn’t going to call up Allen Craig, so anyone who says otherwise is wrong to even think contrary to the organization’s intentions. It doesn’t matter what the data is or if other options are better, the organization and specifically TLR are always right. He’s got information we don’t have, so no matter what he’s right.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 19, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
There might be some faulty assumptions going on here
It’s not clear to me whether Sooner is criticizing a desire for Craig to get a chance or an expectation for Craig to get a chance.
If it is the latter, it’s clear that he is correct in that regard; nobody at this point should really expect Craig to be called up and solve the 3B issue anytime soon. However, I don’t think anybody realistically expects that, not anymore anyway. It just never seemed like the org. was interested in giving him a real chance to be a 3B solution.
If it is the former (the desire) then I am torn. On the one hand, I think it is a perfectly legitimate point of view that Craig should get more consideration. Sure he’s not lighting the world on fire with his hitting this year, but neither is any other realistic 3B this year. On the other hand, I can also see how, given he’s pretty much got no shot right now, it’s starting to get annoying having to listen to all complaints. At some point it just does no good to bother preaching to the choir. I’m pretty sure MO isn’t lurking around VEB for roster ideas, just waiting for somebody to suggest Craig.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
Craig isn't hitting at all this year
he hasn’t really hit much except at AA yet. And his defence stinks. And he’s not played 3B much this year. I’m beginning to think he’s probably not the answer at 3B, but it can’t hurt to call him up and keep him as an extra RHB (he’s better than Stav, for instance) and corner IF/OF reserve.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
And GODDAMMIT I WANT MY VET.
And get off my lawn.
/TLR
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Sigh...
We’ve really had a “Springfield Power Plant Softball Team” thing going on this year with our outfield and 3B depth.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
Yeah I said this the other week...
ultra-irony is now that our main needs are (drumroll….) – third base and outfield, ideally a serviceable RHB in both. Sigh.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Last year
The school of thought was we were in pretty good shape in the pen, but questioned how the rotation was going to hold up. It’s amazing how often this stuff happens. Not just here, but everywhere.
by Merry CRasmus on Jun 19, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm playing softball in Springfield (Illinois) tonight...
just throwin’ that out there
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
Last time I played softball in Illinois...
I ended up in the slammer downtown after getting lit on Jaeger Presses and attempting to climb into Busch II on my way home to sit on home plate. I was tanked and had one hand on the rail after jumping on a well placed trash can and then security showed up in a golf cart. I almost ran but decided against it due to the level of my intoxication. I didn’t think I would make it far. Turns out trying to break into a public stadium with a back pack full of softball equipment after 911 is a bad idea no matter how innocent my intentions. After 20 hours in the downtown slammer I was walking home and passed a no trespassing sign. I quickly crossed to the other side of the road. I learn quick.
"Rasmus doesn't hit lefties. Instead he bashes them over the head with their own bleeding arm he just raced to the mound to rip off before the ball arrives to the plate. He then smashes that baseball with the pitchers bloody arm over the wall because he does not hit lefites he bashes them." Ted Lilly
wtf is a Jaeger Press?
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.
It's a shot and a half of Jaeger(or more) and then you press the tonic and soda water at the same time on the gun to fill the glass.
They hit you pretty quick.
"Rasmus doesn't hit lefties. Instead he bashes them over the head with their own bleeding arm he just raced to the mound to rip off before the ball arrives to the plate. He then smashes that baseball with the pitchers bloody arm over the wall because he does not hit lefites he bashes them." Ted Lilly
Basicaly carbonated jaegermeister
yeah….that would hit ya.
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.
Okay.
That should be easy.
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.
My favorite part of this morning's post was the caption of the picture
DAMN YOU PETE KOZMA! DAMN YOU TO HELL!*
*Unless you eventually pan out. Then, uh, I love you.
by mojowo11 on Jun 19, 2009 11:19 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
so uh
the royals fans over at Royals Review are kinda shaking in their boots about this upcoming series
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
Why?
If they intentionally walk Albert and use a LOOGY in the first inning for Colby Rasmus, Tony will wrap himself in such a mental pretzel that he may put Oquendo in to pitch for Chris Carpenter in the 2nd inning and put on a 5 infielder shift.
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 19, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
look at the rotoworld sidebar
the royals manager has said that they will challenge Albert… could explain why they are shaking in their boots.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
It didn't strike me as too concerned.
Only one guy mentioned the series, and it was kind of in passing.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
this is genius:
I like Jason Motte. He’s everything I like relievers to be; he’s got one pitch that makes his role on the team clear, he strikes people out, and his grasp of the quirky relief pitcher idiom, from the jerky steps over the baseline all the way into the advanced stuff, like smelling his cap(!) and moving for all the world like a video game character that’s only got three or four frames of animation to his name, is unparalleled for a pitcher of his limited experience.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions
I think he smells his armpits sometimes too. awesome.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
when dan mentioned
that he asked Motte what he said into his glove when he talked, and Motte replied “Well, I don’t know…”—great reliever moment.
by DanUpBaby on Jun 19, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
maybe Motte watches Spinal Tap
and he is just smelling the glove
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
This one's called "Like My Love Pump"
I think some reliever somewhere should walk out to “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You (Tonight)” but maybe that would be inappropriate for the kiddies.
Did anybody else see this?
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
maybe motte is saying spinal tap quotes into his glove
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
that would make him even more awesome than he already is in terms of reliever stereotypes and comedic value
i’m not sure i could handle that
hahahaha!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
link broken?
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
worked and still works for me.
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.
My folks share season tickets with a friend of theirs, and get a freebie subscription fo Cardinals Gameday magazine
It’s pretty much fluff, but since it’s it’s actually made by the team they get some nice exclusive interviews. They did a piece on Motte recently and I took a look. I believe there was a questions like “what scares you most”, something like that: Motte’s answer was “people who bite their shirts all the time.” I really like Jason Motte.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 19, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
heh
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure that's what he was referring to
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
the sports media must view Holliday as The Great Protector
since they always talk about protection…
http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20090619/?sub_id=NP3y7rpt1wUU&folio=13
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions
his .800 OPS
will bully all comers into throwing 85 mph fastballs down the middle to Albert Pujols.
by DanUpBaby on Jun 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like how in the mets half of that page
they say that Holliday is good enough to “protect” both David Wright and Beltran… give me a break, who’s paying these guys?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, they had to get NY or Boston into that piece somehow.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
heh
I almost said something to that effect, that’s even better!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Does anyone know...
what happened to Mather? He played a couple of games a few weeks ago and then disappeared again. What happened?
I think he's hurt or something
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
He is on the DL
And Mo has stated that he thinks he’ll be out for the rest of the year. Rumor is another surgery on his wrist is coming.
He really is Jayson Werth
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 19, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
sheeeeit
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Mather joining our pile of somewhat-promising-AAA-talents-derailed-by-injury
somewhere between David Freese and Chris Duncan…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 19, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Porcello
I think Kozma will probably be decent. There, I said it.
However, considering that Porcello is 20 and good enough to not embarrass himself at the ML level, I still wish he had been the choice. That sinker he throws is pretty nasty, and a few of his changeups were nasty too. His secondary offerings need work, but the dude is going to be pretty tough provided his arm doesn’t explode or something like that.
Btw…my hatred of Al is reaching near obsessive proportions. He was talking last night about how Porcello is proving himself to be a winner. Goodness, Al. TEAMS win games, PITCHERS pitch. It’s a pitchers job to pitch well and shutdown the opponent’s offense to whatever extent he can, NOT to “win.” If that were the case, Mark Mulder outpitched Roger Clemens in 2005, Chien-Ming Wang was the greatest thing ever in 2006-7, and Jason Marquis and Johan Santana are the same pitcher, ability wise.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 19, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions
You got that worked up over his comment?
It’s an expression. You don’t even have to be an athlete to be labeled as a “winner.” And I’m not sure I agree with you… Pitchers can be winners. Jason Marquis, while not great, is certainly proving to be a winner right now. Wang may be nothing special now, but he definitely was a winner in 07.
THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!
so Marquis has some talent
that makes Todd Helton and tulo hit better when he is on the mound, therefore creating “wins”?
Jason Marquis has been on a team that won its division for like 9 straight years
Imagine if he and Jeter were on the same team. 162-0!
"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 19, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
and if Robert Horry Steve Kerr were on that team
then we’d probably see the end of disease and world poverty.
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.
Why haven't we done this before?!
"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 19, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
everything is giving me the deja vu vibe lately
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
Have we?
Sorry for having a life!
jk.
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.
He said it based on his W/L record...
…which is a reflection of his team’s successes and failures. This is a clear and undeniable fact. The only thing a pitcher can do is field his position, contribute Something on offense, and, most importanty pitch well. Jason Marquis won 16 games in 2006, but was probably the worst starting pitcher in baseball. W/L, I’ll say it again, is not a reflection of a pitcher’s ability.
And yeah I get a little worked up over spending 130 or so games listening to an incompetent, petty hack talk out of his ass.
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 19, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
OT: Great Read
Timmy K at ESPN is one of my favorite baseball writers. he has this article up about El Hombre that samples retired and active players (pitchers and hitters) about the most enticing pitcher-hitter matchup.
The results in a nutshell:
Eleven players were asked; 11 players named Pujols as the hitter.
Eleven players were asked; seven named Halladay against Pujols.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Jun 19, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
that was a great read
thanks for the link.
I like how he asked the poor Marlins catcher and he still picked Albert. At least he’s not bitter.
makes me think
it would be interesting to see Carp vs Pujols
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm...
Who would win…Miniture Mike Ditka vs Pujols?
Nice
Marlins catcher John Baker: “Halladay against Pujols, 1-0 game, bases loaded, two outs, bottom of the ninth. I’d watch that one. The last time I called everyone I know and told them to watch an at-bat was Pujols against Brad Lidge in the playoffs [in 2005]. It’s a pitcher who can do whatever he wants with a baseball against a guy who looks like the older, great player in the neighborhood playing wiffleball against the younger kids. Albert is the one guy in the game who you can’t say, ‘Generally, this is how you get him out.’ He gets a hit every time he gets what he’s looking for. When he got out of that ‘horrible’ 0-for-14, I think he took it out on the side of my head. I’d love to see him and Halladay.”
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
My favorite part:
Mets pitcher Tim Redding: “Justin Verlander against Pujols. Verlander walked him intentionally twice in the same game and he had an ERA under 1.00 in his last nine starts. Verlander throws 97-99 mph with a curveball at 83. But Albert is able to eliminate one of them.”
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
I was kinda surprised Gary Sheffield didn't pick himself
"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 19, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
He was gonna
but he made the article more cosistent by picking Albert.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
I'm sure Ryan Church's
manager just loves to hear that he isn’t always paying attention when he’s out in the field. Duh.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 19, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice NBA Jam reference, DanUp
I also like that you pointed out something I have in common with Rick Porcello. When you mentioned he’s an “ex-teen,” I thought “Hey! I’m an ex-teen too!”
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
And
I wasn’t in the game thread last night…
"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 19, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
The molecular pitcher!!!!
"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 19, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
can i borrow some money?
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
You can
If you can hit my fastball
"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 19, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope he's right
He could fit on the Cubs, Cardinals and Mets. Olney guesses DeRosa ends up in St. Louis
an .827 OPS would be nice at 3B especially after looking at this
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
make it happen Cards
Derosa is gold
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
an .827 ops would be nice anywhere on this team other than first.
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
true. Top 9 so far:
Albert Pujols 1.133
Colby Rasmus .789
Chris Duncan .761
Yadier Molina .755
Brendan Ryan .735
Ryan Ludwick .729
Tyler Greene .727
Rick Ankiel .724
S. Schumaker .721
Joe Thurston .710
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
New team name
The 700 [OPS] Club… and Albert Pujols.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 19, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But how about that Colby,
his OPS has been climbing pretty steadily for some time now? Well over .800 by July 4, I say.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 19, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Albert and the .700 Dwarves?
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 19, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I hope so too
assuming the price isn’t too steep, of course. He’s a righthanded bat that plays everywhere we rely on lefthanded bats. As weakest links become more apparent (so many to choose from right now. Hopefully the pool thins), he can fill the gaps. Also if, or when, injuries strike he’ll be able to ease the pain. Of course, most importantly, he can hit.
I don’t like him to the exclusion of any other possibilities, but he is particularly good fit it seems. Put another way, I think we could probably give the highest value for him while still netting a positive return.
by Merry CRasmus on Jun 19, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
plus
he would piss off cubs fans!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate SB Nation
Seriously what the F$%^ is up with their formatting on their fanshots. I can’t make a table to save my life. I know how to work Excel and I know how to make a table in html. But not with SB Nation. Nothing prevents me from doing fanshots more than not being able to do tables. One of you mods should really put together a fanshot or something explaining how to post tables.
So all this Porcello talk gets on my nerves so bad. Hindsight is always a great talent to possess. So I have been going through the first 50 picks of the 2007 draft to look at how the SS draft picks have been faring so far. It is starting to make look like Kozma draft pick was a smart one. He has been the arguable the best SS out of the 2007 draft. Especially when you consider his age cause some of the picks were from college.
If I can ever figure out tables I will post it.
Stat Whore
I thought Al at Bleed Cubbie Bleed
had included how to do tables here, but I was wrong. Hilariously, in a post about how to use the SBNation formatting, blockquote screwed up. (Due to some more recent css change.)
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
My thoughts on Rasmus. (which I'm sure will be shot down in a hail of gunfire)
The dude is hot. He knows it. Maybe, just maybe, he is riding this streak while he can. I’m telling you, he reminds me of Jim Edmonds so much, it’s scary. I know his swing looks totally different, but he plays great defense, is a naturally gifted athlete, and he is one hell of a streaky hitter.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
I am worried about Ludwick
I have looked at his numbers in June. What stood at me was that he is swinging at pitches outside the zone at a clip of 43.6%. That is wicked high.
Stat Whore
be aggressive! be-be aggressive! WOOOOH!! Go Team!!
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
but... but..
he took 3 walks last night, the team didn’t win. The moral of the story: Taking walks does not lead to the team winning.
(sarcasm)
by duncans_army on Jun 19, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
at least the Indians are repaying the favor to the cubs
since they couldn’t against the brewers
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
Anybody else get a good laugh
that the Nationals took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in their joke of a stadium.
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.
I found it more
surprising that it took till yesterday for a game to go homerless
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring" -Rogers Hornsby
*In the new Yankee Stadium
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring" -Rogers Hornsby
tonight's lineup.
2B Skip Schumaker
CF Colby Rasmus
1B Albert Pujols
RF Ryan Ludwick
DH Chris Duncan
C Yadier Molina
LF Rick Ankiel
3B Khalil Greene
SS Tyler Greene
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I like
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep
I’m really hoping he does well. For him, personally, of course, but also that might be the end of seeing this:
Thurston, 3B
on the line-up card (hopefully) ever again!
by ArkansasTravs on Jun 19, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
No Thurston!
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
Tough to rest a regular, but
He probably needs a night off.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
his OPS has really plummeted
4B - beer baseball bands blog
history tells us again and again how GOB points out the folly of man
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 19, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep
Was hoping he’d keep hitting.
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
I would switch Raz and Lud in the order (to get Luddy going again)
But aside from that, I’m pretty pumped about the lineup. Especially the pitcher :P
"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 19, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm
Just saw that it’s Wonderbrad pitching tonight. I thought it was Carp’s turn for some reason. I guess you can cancel the last statement of my preceding message haha
"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 19, 2009 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Albert says
I guess the infield is Greener on the other side
"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 19, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I agree with the masses. I am happy with that line-up.
Duncan for once is playing his true position. If one can say that it is possible to truly play DH which I guess you could.
I wonder who is leading the UZRs for the DH position.
"Rasmus doesn't hit lefties. Instead he bashes them over the head with their own bleeding arm he just raced to the mound to rip off before the ball arrives to the plate. He then smashes that baseball with the pitchers bloody arm over the wall because he does not hit lefites he bashes them." Ted Lilly
Ortiz
He covers more ground (literally)
"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 19, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
ask and you shall receive.
A: Jack Cust.
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
How fantastic would the Defense be if Ryan were starting at 2b?
I think Ryan is probably a little hurt but if he were playing and Khalil could remember to field, that would unreal range throughout the infield with three SS and APu, as well as a great outfield.
Nonetheless, this lineup is Willie approved.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Jun 19, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions
FYI
cubbies still losing 7-2 in the top of the 8th.
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.
maybe I posted this a little pre-maturely...
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.
sonofabitch.
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.
damnit.
stupid indians.
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.
FLAGGED!!!
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
no kidding
i don’t know who to flag more, tackle or the tribes pen. holy mother of ass
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
accepted.
I take partial responsibility. I’d take full responsibility but there’s no way the Indian’s pen is innocent.
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.
They prefer the term "little people"
"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 19, 2009 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He didn't build the fucking railroads, Walter.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jun 19, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
is that a "station agent" reference?
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
nm. big lebowski. should have known.
i’ll have to watch that just to catch all the references here.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
So many suttle Lebowski references are probably flying right over your head
"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 19, 2009 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions
WOW
By suttle I obviously meant subtle. I need to start hitting the Friday Evening Franklins.
"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 19, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions
nothing improves spelling like a stiff drink.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I've had the conversation on VEB with someone before
If I’m drunk and texting or typing or anything, my grammar and spelling are pretty good. Don’t know why that is. Though if I were drunk I probably wouldn’t have caught “suttle.”
"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 19, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
The "b" in subtle is silent.
Irony or not? Discuss.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
you mean i have to stop saying "SUB-tul"?
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
Ralph Fiennes is spelled neither rafe nor fines. Discuss.
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.
Ooooh
Nice!
"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 19, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Bases loaded
now in the top of the 10 with 2 out
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring" -Rogers Hornsby
3 outs.
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.
Nevermind
Garko flies out to Fukudome to end the inning
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring" -Rogers Hornsby
great, and now Luis Vizcaino is in the game.
this is pretty much over.
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.
Question.
if one were to compare Cleveland’s shitty bullpen to the 2003 St. Louis Cardinals bullpen. Would Luis Vizcaino = Esteban Yan?
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.
If he throws a fastball
near the zone to soriano he is an idiot
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring" -Rogers Hornsby
sonofamotherfuckinbitch.
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 19, 2009 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
who wishes that gameday would periodically interject editorial comments like
this?
in between wooden narrative like “singles on a ground ball to right fielder ryan ludwick” and “strikes out swinging” I would love it if gameday would periodically put in editorial comments like “sonofamotherfuckinbitch.” then tell you “reaches on throwing error by third baseman joe thurston, advances to second.”
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 19, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Thanks
and rec’d
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.
i just noted that i have no idea what the score is, who's batting, yet i
pretty much know what’s happening.
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
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