A hitter short?
by DanUpBaby on Jun 2, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
384 comments
Before we go any further, the big news: Troy Glaus's conference call re: his upcoming magical mystery rehab tour went about as well as could have been expected, and that still means that the Cardinals will be lucky to see him back before the first of August. Or after the first of August. The pertinent information from Mozeliak:
"When I say the words ‘encouragement, good news,' that means he's taken the next step to get back," said Mozeliak. "I don't think there's any guarantees he's going to play."
I'd accuse Moz of attempting to redefine "encouragement" and "good news", which already have perfectly good meanings, but it's honestly a fair way of characterizing things. As strange as the injuries on this team have played out, from Carpenter's return and strange interlude to the Khalil Greene situation and the late-breaking, shadowy injuries to the Cardinals' top two options at third base, any news at all is good news; any hopeful thought that Glaus might play a meaningful game in 2009 is encouragement.
Until he swings a bat while other people are watching, Glaus has earned himself a place atop the Carpenter Throne for now—if he does anything, it'll be a wonderful surprise; in the meantime, I'm thinking about this team as if he doesn't exist.
#
Some games are tough to write about because the take-home from them is so obvious as to sound condescending: well, in games in which the starter defers to a Pretty Good bullpen after one inning, the Cardinals as currently constructed should score more than three runs—especially when the other team has put itself in the unenviable position of having just twelve pitchers available to cover any nine innings. Obviously. These are the ones that count, and you only get 162 of them.
Joe Thurston, at this point the team's de facto plexiglaus, got on base four times and hit two doubles, so he did his best, but getting put down by the likes of Mike Lincoln and an honest-to-God left-handed screwball specialist is going to raise questions about the positional reason that Jason LaRue hit sixth yesterday no matter how well its incumbent performs.
The presence of LaRue and even Molina in the spots immediately following Pujols is maybe the most obvious tribute to the idea that the Cardinals are a hitter short, and third base is the one historically hitter-filled position that they do not fill, every day, with someone they are at least hoping and praying will hit soon.
But being a hitter short isn't about the one you don't have—we've filled that slot with just about every prospective third baseman already—it's about the ones who don't perform, and the safety net that doesn't exist when the fifth "RBI" option is a guy who runs to first base when he's walked.
May was the worst-case scenario of this idea brought to life. The Cardinals lost options two (Ludwick), three-four-five (Duncan/Rasmus/Ankiel), and seven (Molina) to a combination of injuries and straight ineffectiveness for a better part of the month, and the predictable result was a cumulative line that looked like a bad year from Jeromy Burnitz—.230/.299/.389, with just 3.5 runs a game over the duration. The Cardinals could have used... well, they could have used six more guys to rotate in, but above all they could have used a little production—one more shot at a guy who wasn't slumping—from third base, where they instead got a lot of regression from their collection of utility infielders.
I'm not sure if it tracks with anybody else's, but my idea of what happens when a team is a hitter short is that they're unable to get the guys who can rake across the plate; the middle of the order does its thing, and then 6-7-8-9 putters around and strands baserunners. Which leads me to this table:
| POS | AVG | OBP | SLG | POS | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| 2008-6 | .279 | .346 | .396 | 2009-6 | .213 | .287 | .333 |
| 2008-7 | .283 | .347 | .389 | 2009-7 | .224 | .313 | .374 |
| 2008-9 | .267 | .322 | .325 | 2009-8 | .251 | .313 | .417 |
| 2008-8 | .205 | .253 | .298 | 2009-9 | .199 | .273 | .263 |
Those attractive numbers in the sixth and seventh holes are half-Molina, half a cast of thousands—Mather, Lopez, whoever was in the lineup at the moment. This year Molina's moved quite literally "up" a slot—where before he was split in a rough 60/40 between sixth and seventh, with Glaus gone he's spent about forty percent of his plate appearances hitting fourth and fifth.
With Molina, a basically average hitter, pressed into service as sportscaster-approved protection for the Pujolses and Ludwicks of the world, the sixth and seventh spots are left to the offensive misfits. Right now they're on pace to drive in twenty fewer runs than they did last year. So when four and five aren't hitting, either, there'll come a few days in which nobody's around to bother tying the game against the Reds bullpen.
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if we don't have a legit 3B
by the middle of the month, i’ll be very upset with MO and/or dewitt…it is obvious that teams are looking to unload beltre and derosa; Mo needs to go get one of them and do it quick…our run of great pitching seems to have come to an end, and now our offensive deficiencies are no longer masked…we need at least one hitter and third base seems to be the best spot to upgrade
by VolsnCards5 on Jun 2, 2009 7:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm leaning towards DeRo again
given that his split vs lefties is very intriguing and that Glaus might be back for the last month of the season.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 8:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That said
Thurston’s done well enough that, on merit, he probably should be the lefty side of a 2B platoon. Unfortunately, I doubt that’ll happen with Schu there (who’s also hitting well).
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too
I posted yesterday on the main thread about possibly looking at Tejada as a 3B option, but I think DeRosa is the best play for us. His RHbat and lefty splits would be great for us at 3B and in LF to give us another RH bat out there (should Glaus make it back at all). With the uncertainty of Glaus, DeRosa’s versatility and moderate salary (prorated over the remainder of theyear) should give him the edge, imo.
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Jun 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad enough that the
team is structurally short a hitter, our manager seems to think Swingin’ Whiffin’ Dick Ankiel was the answer last night while Luddy (OPSing a mere 150 points higher) rides the pine. Why does Ank, by virtue of his play and the team’s wierd belief that he should not spend time on the DL, get to sabotage our offense?
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 2, 2009 8:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My fear: Ank is a two-year wonder
2001 & 2008
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Jun 2, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think its your reality
the book is out on ank, and he is not adjusting at all
by VolsnCards5 on Jun 2, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he is still going to be an effective player. He is just mis-cast.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Rick hitting 6th or maybe 7th in the lineup. I’m a fan of having a power hitter down in the lineup. Tony just refuses to recognize that Rick is just not going to carry the OBP to hit much higher in the order than that.
I like the idea of a right fielder that can play excellent defense and hit 25 homeruns, even if he hits .250.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm not seeing the 25 jacks
evev in a full season…he’s not even hittingmistake pitches anymore
by VolsnCards5 on Jun 2, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's becoming pretty hard to visualize him regaining that kind of form
I haven’t given up on him, but I sure do wish he got less playing time right now. Is it possible to let him work it out in Memphis? It’s not like he is making much of a case for himself to start… ever.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look at the bright side...
he’s coming into free agency. Maybe we can resign him on the cheap…if we want to…?
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gawd I wish (and did at the time) that we could have unloaded him during the offseason.
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I totally agree
I was for moving him, even when I thought he would have a good year, just because it made more sense than moving any other outfielder.
Ludwick — too good to move.
Duncan — probably not enough value to move.
Rasmus — Hahahahaha sure we’ll trade Rasmus.
Ankiel — Not as good a fielder as Colby, not as good a hitter as Luddy or probably even Duncan, impending free agency, etc. etc.
Blah. That said I’m still pulling for him and he has talent. I want him to succeed. I’m not gonna go all James Carville/Rush Limbaugh on the guy.
jay kay doodz lol.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that was a very bipartisan yelling reference
I’m impressed
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I try to be fair and balanced
LOLITICS!!!
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was hoping he'd start the year on fire...
and increase his value, which I thought had diminished towards the end of last season. Unfortunately that hasn’t worked out so well.
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's out of options, no?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I assumed it wasn't possible and that he was out of options
but at this point I’m starting to get desperate.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He continues to look lost at the plate
He has only had a few at bats this year where he looked like he was actually seeing the ball well. All the other times he looks more like a flail-er than a hitter.
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you're saying trade him?
since you’re saying right field….
by sdrone on Jun 2, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean 2000?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, no.
My best-case scenario includes Luddy in left, Colby in Center, and Ank in right with Duncan as the 4th option. However, with Ank’s lack of production, he should probably go to the 4th outfield option and spell any of the other guys, as he can really play all positons.
If he were right-handed, things would be so much easier.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reply fail?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Abort reply fail?
God I’m a dork.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I got it though
I’m a dork as well
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was the line-up I wanted as well
until Ankiel stopped hitting. heh.
by sdrone on Jun 2, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As Ken Tremendous might say...
Check-plus for “plexiglaus”
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 8:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Adding a "true" 3B.....
Isn’t going to help much if we are still running out the same everyday players at the other positions. The biggest thing that is hurting us right now is that we aren’t getting squat from the OF (save Colby last night). Ankiel and Duncan are crap right now, and Luddy isn’t anything better than average. IF they started hitting like last year (or in Duncan’s case, like April), we could deal with Thurston and Ryan’s numbers, most likely.
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 2, 2009 8:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ludwick average?
he’s barely played the past 3 weeks between the dl and the duncan-duncan and larussa-ankiel father-son nepotism…he’s above average
by VolsnCards5 on Jun 2, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lineup
Throwing a slugging 3B in the mix could possibly make the difference. Thurston had a great game, but where was he in the order? Like DanUp said, Molina shouldn’t be in the 4-5 spot, but has had to this season. A lineup of:
Schumaker/Ryan
Rasmus/Duncan
Pujols
Ludwick
Good hitting 3B
Rasmus/Duncan/Ankiel
Molina
Pitcher
Ryan/Schumaker
IMO, would produce runs at a rate more simlar to April. Mix and match Barden and Thurston in with Schumaker and Ryan to give TLR his lineup flexability.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cmon man
Ludwick just got back, let’s reserve judging him until he’s got a few PAs
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duncan as crap right now
In the last two weeks, Duncan has hit .270/.357/.405/.763. I’d like to see some more pop out of his bat, too, but it’s not crappy hitting. That said, his May was atrocious (.227/.289/.386/.675) after a tremendous April (.304/.417/.522/.938—as you point out). He’s probably not going to consistently hit like he did in April or May; rather, he’s probably somewhere in between, or, a .800 OPSer, which is pretty good.
I think a slugging third baseman would make a tremendous difference in that it would push Ankiel and Yadi down in the order, where they should be hitting—sixth and seventh. (I might argue that Ankiel shouldn’t be batting at all, but I’m still holding out hope that a patented Ankiel hot streak is on the near horizon.)
"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 2, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I blame Pujols
If he would get off his ass and lead for the triple crown, maybe they would score a few more runs. They should trade him, Ankiel, Thurston, Duncan, Boggs, Perez, & Wallace for Youk. With all the heart Youk has, they might have to throw in some cash, but it’s gotta be worth it, right?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 9:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just when I think you can't possibly do anything more idiotic.
YOU TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!!!
We had this conversation yesterday, and the consensus was that this Pujols experiment needs to be ended ASAP.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was on that bandwagon
Let’s face it, Pujols hasn’t even really hit that much better than Raul Ibañez this year.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he should be hitting .400
with 30 home runs by now, dammit!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mlbrumors.....
Is stating that Boggs, Walters, and Perez “may” be bargaining chips in regards to DeRosa.
My question is, after seeing Perez this year, and seeing what Motte has done, would any of you give up Perez for DeRosa straight up? I’m assuming that DeRosa isn’t going to be a Type A FA, but I don’t know where he stands.
I’m unsure. I’m probably as neutral on Perez as anybody, and I’d still rather not give him up for a half a year rental. Would rather not move Boggs, but I wouldn’t be devistated.
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 2, 2009 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RH RP
seem to be a strong point in the system, and Motte seems to have settled down and doesn’t walk people, so why not? Even if DeRosa isn’t type A, who’s to say, that at a reasonable price, he wouldn’t be worth resigning for a year or two to help transition in a new 3B come 2010. Everyone wanted Rasmus up(wasn’t around VEB much last year so don’t know for sure here) last year, and he’s yet to light the world on fire (except last night), so maybe an extra year for Wallace or somebody to platoon him with, could work for his and the team’s benefit?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
there were a lot of arguments about rasmus
no real consensus. Some thought he was ready, some felt he needed more development, and others thought he was ready enough but that he should be held out for strategic reasons.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jun 2, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
from that article
Not only are the Cardinals looking for help, they have permission from ownership to add some payroll.
Looks like Mo is taking tips from Hal McRae and getting aggressive at the plate (phone)
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry
there are two seperate entries. I linked to the more recent one that doesn’t list names.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In regards to Perez.
I still think he will turn out to be the better pitcher between him and Motte. He only throws a couple miles per hour slower, and he has a ton of movement on his FB. His slider, though a bit inconsistent, can really look nasty too.
Personally, I would rather trade Motte, but either way, I don’t think it will hurt us in the long run. DeRosa’s FA type will play
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Posted before I finished.
DeRosa’s FA type will really play in his total trade value.
IF we had to give up Perez for 2/3 of a year of DeRosa and DeRosa turned out to be a type-A, then I’m sure we could draft talent at least as good as Perez in the supplemental 1st round.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since we're bringing up FA type...
does Derosa accept arb if we trade for him AND offer? I think given his favorable contract for 2009 we could take the gamble and offer…
I couldn’t get a feel from the article whether it would be a one for one swap, or if it would take two or three (surely not) of those guys. I’d prefer to give up one of the starters over CP…but we have a lot more depth in RH relief than in starting pitching. Can 2009’s bullpen afford to lose Perez? PJ Walters is a reliever?
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would be ok
with the hypothetical offering of arbitration to the player rumored to be possibly traded to the team. He rejects, they get the draft pick, he accepts they get him for 1 year at an avg salary.
PJ Walters is a starter. They want major league ready, and Boggs, Perez, & Walters have all pitched there this year. I would imagine it would be Perez + Boggs/Walters
(sorry if you knew this and were just refering to somebody calling walters a reliever)
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 pitchers...
for 2/3 of a season of a rental. But that’s not all:
if he is average for that 2/3: likely to be able to resign him for another year. If we can’t, we get draft pick in supplemental first round.
if he is really good for that 2/3: likely won’t resign him, but get compensation draft pick from the team that signs him and supplemental first round pick.
So its really 2 pitchers for 2/3 of a season with the probability of another year and/or high draft pick(s).
Of course, this hypothetically assumes we offer him arbitration (which we probably would).
God speculation is fun.
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it only makes sense
that 2/3 of the pitchers listed would equal 2/3 of the season…
a lot will depend, I think, on what other teams offer. Perez straight up might be enough for DeRosa if nobody else offers anything better. Boggs/Walters would just be sweetner.
(it’s fun talking like i know what i’m talking about)
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would think
Perez would easily be enough for DeRo, straight up. To be honest, I’d say that’s a little too much, given he was a BA top 100 prospect coming into this year.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you, sdrone
If we are giving up 2 pitchers — cost-controlled pitchers with upside, mind you — I want the similar qualities in the return player. Mark Reynolds, Steven Drew or Brandon Wood for example. Then the problem is what to do in two years when Mather or Craig or Freese or Wallace needs a roster spot and we already have youngish talent. I guess its never a problem to have too much relatively cost controlled talent . . .
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I think if you make a trade for one of those three guys
and they hit the crap out of the ball for a year, then you start shopping Wallace as a 1B batsmen and look for MLB ready starting pitching help. Assuming that you can re-sign Pujols that is.
"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 2, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get your point Ray, but
we are giving up cost-controlled pitchers that we can repace with OTHER cost-controlled pitchers we have in the system (see Todd, Jess). Also, we may get a compensatory draft pick that would allow us to enjoy 5-6 more years of a cost-controlled supplemental first-rounder.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear ya
I struggle with whether I value the Cards’ farm too much, or whether hoarding young talent and sprinkling in veterans is really the way to go.
While young cost-controlled talent is somewhat fungible as you are suggesting may be true to some degree, I think its also true that banking on having a draft pick pan out is pretty speculative. Particularly because the quality of that pick depends on the player we receive in return’s FA status (Type A, etc.). It also dilutes – but extends – the pool of near MLB-ready talent. In other words, we trade a guy or two who are a year away from the MLB for a 1/2 season now and the chance to pick a guy who could be anywhere from 2-5 years away from the MLB, if ever.
I guess I just prefer the idea of having a stable of guys who are pretty close because it gives us good flexibility. (although I understand that this has its downfalls too)
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed the following is 100% backwards ass looking terrible way to objectively think:
But Raz was a compensation pick. The temptations of the compensation-pick tree. Ahhhh.
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's good to have a wealth of young talent
But I would rather take advantage of the time we have left with Pujols in his prime, and put the best possible product out on the field. Young talent frees up more money to resign Pujols, but will that young talent be good enough to convince him to sign? I feel like birth control when it comes to Pujols being a cardinal for his whole career, works 99% of the time, but my wife was on the pill and we’re expecting little Blaine Burns in December.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll add that...
since we are a mid-major market, part of the reason we have young talent is to trade a bit of it away in order to win when whe can.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Believe me, I understand that line of thinking
and I subscribe to it too. The problem is that we aren’t discussing trades for David Wright or Evan Longoria (to my knowledge). We are talking about trading cost controlled talent for Adrian Beltre or Mark DeRosa. The marginal upgrade (if any, really) just doesn’t seem worth it to me to justify the higher salary or the loss of young talent, compensation pick or not.
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That sounds contradictory.
You subscribe to that line of thinking, but OTOH you don’t want to make any of these trades? Are you thinking there are more blockbuster-y trades out there for the making, or are you arguing we should sit tight?
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jun 2, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm saying that the rationale, "we have plenty of cost controlled talent, so lets deal it away to win now"
only holds up, in my opinion, when you are talking about trading for guys who will represent a substantial upgrade over what we have.
I have no doubt that Beltre will improve from his current .584 OPS. DeRosa’s current .764 OPS is fine, but Thurston is sporting a .805 OPS. Sure, these could and probably will look very different by the end of the season, but those two guys don’t seem like a substantial increase, in my opinion, so I’d rather just keep the cheap guys we have and trade for someone who would be a substantial upgrade.
If we identify a substantial upgrade — at any position really, including SP (Peavy?) — I’ll drive Thursty, Wallace, or whomever to the airport.
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You have
to obsessively take it the same time every day. Also, antibiotics weaken effectiveness. Keep that in mind before you have a whole hockey team. :)
"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 2, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
she took it same time every day
and the antibiotics thing is an urban legend. Some of the stronger antibiotics will weaken it, but the majority have no effect. Her anti seizure meds are a different story. They increased her dosage after a seizure and then, to quote John Madden, BOOM. Definitely not planned, but we are definitely excited.
14 weeks and already has my beer gut
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The antibiotics
thing is NOT an urban legend. In fact, plenty of other medications can alter the effectiveness of birth control. And when you take into consideration all the differences in body chemistry… things can get crazy.
Regardless, congratulations!
"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 2, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I am only basing my information on what her OBGYN told us, but then again, she makes money when people have babies.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations...
But you just scared me to death
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at the thought of being a father?
or from looking at human life in the womb?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the thought of being a father
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's terrifying
the fear comes and goes, but I get the feeling that once he’s here all will be well
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kids are awesome
They can learn to fetch you Mt. Dew: 
and you can show them off at parties:
Of course, they eventually learn to beat up on their younger sister.
by sdrone on Jun 2, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
your post intrigued me, so
I used my privilege of having a subscription to clinicalpharmacology.com, a website that runs interaction reports for drugs, and this is what came up between antibiotics and oral contraceptives:
“It was previously thought that antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives containing estrogens due to stimulation of estrogen metabolism or a reduction in estrogen enterohepatic circulation via changes in GI flora. One retrospective study 5212 reviewed the literature to determine the effects of oral antibiotics on the pharmacokinetics of contraceptive estrogens and progestins, and also examined clinical studies in which the incidence of pregnancy with oral contraceptives (OCs) and antibiotics was reported. It was concluded that ampicillin did not alter plasma levels of oral contraceptives. Another review of the subject concurred with these data, but noted that individual patients have been identified who experienced significant decreases in plasma concentrations of combined OC components and who appeared to ovulate; the agents most often associated with these changes included penicillins and their derivatives.5239 These authors concluded that because females most at risk for OC failure or noncompliance may not be easily identified and the true incidence of such events may be under-reported, and given the serious consequence of unwanted pregnancy, that recommending an additional method of contraception during short-term antibiotic use may be justified.5239 During long-term antibiotic administration, the risk for drug interaction with OCs is less clear, but alternative or additional contraception may be advisable in selected circumstances.5239 Data regarding progestin-only contraceptives or for newer combined contraceptive deliveries (e.g., patches, rings) are not available.”
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
by scoot on Jun 2, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I passed out 1/2 way through
so does that say they do or do not?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ampicillin
did not increase risk of pregnancy for women using oral contraceptives. The authors surmised that non-compliance and under reporting may have affected these results, and suggest switching contraceptives during short term antibiotic use, just in case the under reporting and noncompliance were having an effect on the results.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
by scoot on Jun 2, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had 3 boys in 34 months
Being too tired to say no increased my odds for pregnancy.
by momup on Jun 2, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
I got my boy, so I am looking into the V-word. I don’t like to play with fire
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if there's fire involved
you’re doing it wrong. unless that’s your thing, i guess.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jun 2, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nuva Ring!
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Jun 2, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pull out Method
“Pulling Out” Rivals Condoms, Study Says
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why not pull out
while using a condom?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, Pops from Dirty Work
“Back then we didn’t have these fancy birth control methods. Like pulling out.”
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Jun 2, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"typical use" failure rates of 17% for condoms?
That just doesn’t seem right.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jun 2, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
last i read up on this
it was usually cause of user error aka being dumb enough not to know how to use them correctly
by FunkeeC on Jun 2, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always like to poke a whole in the top
so it fits better
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jun 2, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Poke a whole what in the top?
’Cause that just sounds uncomfortable, to be honest.
If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it.
by the red baron on Jun 3, 2009 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I had a friend from high school who ran cross country at Clemson
He lived with a bunch of his teammates. He told me they had a condom thumbtacked to the wall right through the center of it. Could that be cause for part of that 17%?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the article that the MLBTR blurb referenced...
referred to PJ as a reliever. I thought there was a SLIM chance he was now relieving in Memphis, and I had missed it. Chances are the writer has NO idea who Walters is, and vaguely remembers him being in the STL bullpen in April.
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll forgive it.
It’s not like the Wainwright saga. “OMG teh Cards are converting Wainwright to a starter???LOL”
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although it's a bit of a nebulous system
I’m having a hard time believing that DeRo’s going to be a type A, unless he utterly rakes the rest of the way. He’ll almost certainly be at least a B, though, which gives us an extra pick…
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was at the bottom of the "type A" rankings last year
link. Ratings are based on 2 years of performance, and his 2009 is looking to be much better than his 2007 in terms of what elias counts (RBI, HR, PA, etc), so he should have a decent shot as long as he is still considered a 2B/SS/3B.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jun 2, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But can Perez learn to consistently throw strikes and not walk people?
Hasn’t he had pretty bad walk rates at every level?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.
Yes.
"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 2, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how much leash does perez get to get his bb/9 under, say, 4? he's now had basically
a full season in the majors and it’s still sky-high.
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 2, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the concerns about Perez's control are a little overblown
and it’s magnified by the fact that Tony keeps him on a very short leash. Since May 1, he’s walked 7 batters, but 5 of them came in 2 games. He’s walked 0 in 9 of his 13 appearances. He is prone to bouts of wildness — a 3 BB outing and a 2 BB outing but his control has been very good 75% of the time he’s gone out there over the last month. I think he’ll be able to improve on those bouts of wildness as he matures so to give up on him now for a utility infielder for half a season seems to be a mistake. If we’re going to trade him, and I’m not opposed to it, I’d like to do better than Mark DeRosa.
by chuckb on Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not sure about Perez for DeRosa straight up
But I’d definitely do Walters for DeRosa straight up, in a heartbeat.
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sounds good to me!
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FYI
When I saw that Mike Lincoln got the win, I found a baby and punched it real good.
by cloistermaximus on Jun 2, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
TIGER UPPERCUT
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have this picture in my head now
of a bald, shaved Randy Johnson with an eye patch hopping around and making lanky roundhouse kicks to a box full of puppies.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Derosa is great but...
Instead of ordering a hamburger lets get real and order up some prime rib.
MO call the Nats.
Wallace(1B), Freese(3B), Boggs(SP), Perez(RP)
The Nats would at least have to think about that right?
You get a guy that can play 3B with a little pop, Wallace should be a beast with the bat and less of a defensive liability at (1B), Boggs slides into the rotation with Strasburg next year and you get a quality relief pitcher that has the potential to be an elite closer.
Yeah Zimmerman is cheap but so are all thos guys we are sending over. If Wallace is not going to stick at 3B or the OF what else are we going to do with him?
I think this is a realistic deal because there is a large part of me that screams “no way in hell do I send them all that cheap talent for 1 player” but Zimmerman would be a nice fit. Zimmerman, Greene, Ryan, Pujols in the infield with Raz and Molina in the middle. Luds in RF. Plug in whatever flavor of the month offensive young OF in LF and you have a young team that is cheap and will be competitve for a few years.
I know, I know , I’m crazy but forget Zimmerman is the face of the franchise and look at the value you would be getting for him and from a business standpoint tell me you wouldn’t at least consider this move?
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are you asking if we'd consider this move from the viewpoint of the Nationals?
or from the Cardinals’ perspective?
I say Cardinals, yes definitely I’d consider it. Nationals maybe, they might decide that Zimmerman is their one legitimate franchise player right now and would want to hold on to him come hell or high water.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd consider it...
but I hate to see Wallace go right now. He’s in AAA, and holding his own in his first pro season. If I’m the Nat’s I think I have to do it, though it would be hard to sell to the fans (if they have any).
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They don't have any fans
so that shouldn’t be a problem. If you consider that their entire goal should be to get a ton of great young talent and be ready to go as the Mets, Braves, and Phillies continue to get older, that would be a smart move for them. All those guys wouldn’t be expensive until 2012.
Also, could we get them to throw in Austin Kearns with that deal and send them another minor leaguer or two? I still think he could be a good player in a platoon situation…
"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 2, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, maybe I'm overestimating the "franchise guy" effect
I mean, if the Nationals loaded up on young talent, and started actually competing for the division with a good young team that had promise for years to come, I would think that and all the sudden attention and hype would do way more to bring in fans and keep them than simply having Mr. Franchise on the roster, whoever Mr. Franchise is (except Pujols, he has abnormal abilities due to our Sun’s effect on his alien physiology).
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyway, that'd be the logical way to go
which means squat when it comes to predicting what the team is actually thinking.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Besides, if they can sign Strasburg he can be the new face of the franchise.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had thought of that, but he is still a prospect
they might be hesitant to anoint him like that right out of college.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strasburg just broke your car window with a 103 MPH fastball
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK OK I'LL DO WHATEVER YOU WANT
Please don’t kill me Strasburg!
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought after I posted this I would have liked to put it in a fanpost so I did.
If someone can delet this post please do so.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tough cookies
you already spilled the beans
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mmmm. Cookies and Beans. Yum!
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zimmerman is not that good
by Anonymous Communist on Jun 2, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well it is gonna take Wallace I would think,
After that you don’t need Freese anymore with Zimmerman on the team.
Maybe pull Perez or Boggs out of the deal and swap in a lesser arm or two.
Also Zimmerman is cheap enough that if he does get hurt or fades away he doesn’t kill your budget plans.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's cheap this season and next...
and fairly cheap in 2011…in 2012/13 he ceases being cheap, though maybe not overpaid. Do we have to consider that he starts getting expensive the same year that would be the first of Pujols’s new contract?
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's inconsistent
but has been an above average hitter and an excellent defender his whole career.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And also is signed to a long-term, cheap contract
We get him until 2013 (4 years, plus the remainder of this season) for $45 million, less than $10m/yr.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding me?
He’s 24 years old and will be 25 this September, so he’s younger than Freese and Craig and only two years older than Wallace. Those are our third base options right now.
He’s got an extremely club friendly contract for the next couple of years and should be hitting his prime as a player by the time he starts making big bucks in 2011-2013, which will be his age 28-30 seasons. Go look at Troy Glaus’ 28-30 seasons…damn that would be nice to have behind Albert.
Now lets look at his talent level (All stats via FanGraphs:
- Career wOBA = .350
- 2009 wOBA = .397
- Career UZR/150 = +10
- 2009 UZR/150 = +16.6
- Career Avg. WAR = 3.5
- 2009 WAR (so far) = 2.6
If you extrapolate his 2009 WAR this year he’ll be a 6-8 win player at his current pace. You wouldn’t give up Brett Wallace, who might be as good a hitter but will not be an elite defender, and three pitching prospects for a career 3.5 WAR 3B who has a ceiling of 6-10 WAR in his prime. I sure as hell would. I would do that deal in a heartbeat…
"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 2, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nevermind. My fanpost didn't take and I'm to lazy to do it again. Please do not delt nor delete this post.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would make this trade
doubt the Nats would, though. Zimm’s probably a legit 5+ win player going forward, which is better than anything projects to be in our minor league system right now, and better than Wallace is ever likely to be.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much of that is defense?
I don’t really know about Zimm’s defense too much, and the hitting streak is kind of fuzzing up my notion of him as a player anyway.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I'm kinda exaggerating a bit
but seems he’s turned a bit of a corner on offence. His one 5-win year (07) was twice as much defense as offence, but he’s been a + player with the bat every other year, and has been worth 4.1 and 2.2 (only playing 2/3 of the season – prorated probably nearer 3.5) wins his other two seasons. He’s been worth nearly 3 wins already this year.
Over his career, his bat is worth 42 runs over replcement, his glove 29 (according to fangraphs).
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jun 2, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just posted his value stats above
He’s definitely worth this trade, based on his glove and contract alone. His bat in the 4th or 5th spot in the order is just gravy.
I don’t think the Nats would do that deal. Now, if we added John Jay or Lance Lynn to the mix and took Austin Kearns’ contract off their hands, they’d have to consider it right? I’d like to see Kearns in a Cardinal uni. I think he’s got great talent if he could just get himself on a decent ballclub.
"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 2, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good stuff
I actually took a quick look at fangraphs, so as to not be lazy. It seems like he’s a a solidly solid offensive and defensive player at a nebulous position for us. I’d be very excited to get Zimmerman, and would still totally consider Red Blazer’s idea. I like Perez a lot, but on the list he proposes I think Wallace give me real pause, and the rest I would happily trade for Infielder Zimm.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the one bright spot that poor run team has is him
and a few so so pitching prospects. They will not part with zimmerman. their would be a revolt of the fans they do have..not sure what a fan revolt looks like but there would be one.
I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punch and judy hitter-major league 2
by punchinjudy on Jun 2, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the Nats
it would be 18 guys with pickett signs outside of the stadium
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which would increase
both their attendance and TV coverage in the area.
"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 2, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lol.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyways you are replacing Zimmerman whith the next Jim Thome(Wallace)
& his D with Freese and addind a young Starting Pitcher with upside as well as at least a nasty set-up guy if not your future closer.
Zimmerman is expendable in sight of all the low cost talent they would get back in the trade and it will give them some room to throw that gaudy new contract at Strasburg.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't wan't to see the Walrus go but what I keep asking myself is where are we going to play him if not at 3B?
Maybe he can cut it as a LF for a few years and then he may be a little to slow to play anywhere but 1B/DH.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I ask myself...
in another year might he be able to bring a player similar to Zimmerma all by himself? Probably not, but I still ask myself this.
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
n
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's possible but he could also turn into Reyes as much as I think that won't happen it could.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you saying:
- that they could trade Wallace for Reyes?
- Wallace could get as fat as Dennys?
- Wallace could become the most exciting player in the game?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Answers to all of those questions and more tomorrow!
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
credit Dusty?
I know, I know…I should not read the P-D but it was Hummel who I will let off the hook assuming some edit editor choose the headline – “Baker’s managing wins it for Reds”
puh-leeze…….blame our pitching, blame our hitting or roster construction….credit a key hit and the Red’s bullpen but not Dusty
by Hinkster on Jun 2, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
according to mlbtr
indians no longer looking to sell off players including derosa
link
by huts04 on Jun 2, 2009 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man
What a blow to our fanshot industry!
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hilarious
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
by liam on Jun 2, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should have been fan post, but eh
thanks!
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
www.firehuts04.com
Way to ruin our interweb fun
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he's saying this for positioning
That way he can ask for more for DeRosa
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Perez
alone should be more than enough for Derosa
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dammit! next you're going to tell me brian roberts and ryan zimmerman have signed
multi-year deals with their home clubs!
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 2, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like trading for a #2 starter without trading anybody
Mark Mulder could be ready to return after the All-Star Break.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
mark mulder's middle name is "godot." just found that 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
by tom s. on Jun 2, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
also in that blurb
The Blue Jays are more likely to pursue a left-handed slugger than a number two starter.
Duncan for Halladay anyone?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
would a package with Wallace
work for Halladay? He’s signed through 2010. would it be worth it?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
man u drink too much
Halladay the one Constant of the jays the last 5 yrs. ace for dunc and wallace? thanks needed a chuckle
I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punch and judy hitter-major league 2
by punchinjudy on Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duncan was meant for a chuckle
similar to S.F.’s need for a left handed hitting 1B, but I was somewhat serious about Wallace. Not including Duncan in the package, but Wallace and some other spare parts. I doubt Toronto will trade him, just wondering what the thought around here was.
after reading the 2 posts, it does appear that i was packaging the two…sorry.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick check of the standings
has Toronto two games out of first place with a 29-22 record in the best goddamn division in baseball, and they haven’t had half their starting rotation healthy for most of the year. I don’t think there’s a chance in hell they’re trading Halladay right now.
"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 2, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and I still have 1/2 a 1/5 left
so my drinking hasn’t reached “too much” status yet
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MIghty early for a drink. Good for you!
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about Tejada?
D. Goold’s 10@10 has Tejada listed in a pole as possible trade bait. I didn’t realize he’s only signed through 2010 and it is a player option year at that. He’s having a very good year right now (380obp/527slg/353avg in 201 AB). I know he’s not a 3b but you can’t ignore the affect he could have on the lineup. Anyway, very unlikely but of the candidates listed in the 10@10, his bat is most attractive.
by Walking Underwear on Jun 2, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if they gave him to us free
I’d have to think about it
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's sporting a BABIP of .359
meaning his batting average and doubles are probably going to come back down to earth, and he plays in a doubles park now — Busch isn’t really a doubles park at all.
I think it’s worth looking into, but only if the Astros are in full “blow it up” mode and trading Tejada, Oswalt, and Fat Elvis and starting over with Pence, Wandy, and a rebuilt farm system in 2 or 3 years. Otherwise we’re going to have to overpay with players that could come back to haunt us down the line. Not sure if I Brett Wallace playing first base and hitting cleanup for the Astros in 2011.
"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 2, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
*shivers*
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yah...
I get visions of him flipping his bat out and dropping homers over that left field pennant porch — just like Berkman has done to us for years. I think better players could be had for Wallace and he’d be out of our division…
"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 2, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention
if his average is .353, and his OBP is only .380, that means that once his BA comes back to earth he is not repeat not getting on base. That’s a walk % of less than 3, correct?
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tejada was an offensive black hole last season
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness
I should have said “if his BA comes back to earth” and not “when”. But yeah. His offense looks pretty nice this season, especially compared to what he’d be replacing. It’s just a little worrisome too. Maybe as a rental it’d work out great.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's horrible
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perish the thought
I certainly wasn’t trying to imply we give up Wallace for him. But Brendon Ryan+?
I also think he’d have impact in name as well as offense (if that makes sense)
by Walking Underwear on Jun 2, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If this was 2002
that name might be an impact, but since its 2009 few teams are going to be pitching around Tejada or worrying about facing him
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was what I was saying
If they aren’t blowing things up entirely, they’re going to want teams to overpay for him, and given how well he’s hitting coupled with his defense at a premium position, they’ll probably get some pretty good offers.
If they are blowing everything up and trading him, Oswalt, and Berkman, then they’ll take less for Tejada to dump his salary next year, because they’ll get premium talent for Berkman and Oswalt.
"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 2, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RB doesn't like Al :)
in RB’s latest RFTs article he has the following to say about Mr Al.
whose main talent seems to be that he can still talk with both of Tony La Russa’s testicles lodged firmly in his mouth, does nothing but run the kid down no matter what he does
I would suggest you all give it a read:
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/therundown/2009/06/okay_al_we_get_it_colby_rasmus_hrabosky_criticism.php
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jun 2, 2009 2:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lets just say
hes not the only one whos noticed this
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Mad Hungarian
does seem to run Colby down a lot more than most of the other rookies, and he’s really, really hard on rookie’s in general. I’m sure it comes from being a player.
My guess is that Colby, or his dad, has slighted Al in some way that pissed him off and he can’t just let it go. Which, as RB says, extremely unprofessional. Can’t we find someone else to man the booth who’s got something nice to say? I don’t want a Cardinal-homer up there like Ron Santo is for the Cubs, that’s best left to radio. But are you telling me that someone like Ozzie Smith or Brian Jordan wouldn’t want that job?
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
by fourstick on Jun 2, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't mind a
simulcast with the radio with Shannon and Rooney
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If there wasn't...
a five+ second delay between TV (dish) and radio I’d never have to listen to Dan and Al. I’d just like to know what it’s like to watch the game while Shannon calls it.
"Don't do anything till I get back!" - Jesus to the Cubs
by cardzfanbub on Jun 2, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a gadget out there that syncs it up for you
I can’t remember the name. It’s basically just a box that delays the radio audio to match the TV video. Does anybody know what I’m trying to remember?
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
F That route
I have looked into it and it is expensive. If you have a computer near by than it is very easy to fix.
Their is radio streams of the Cardinals game online that you can easily sync up too.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coolness.
How would one sync it? I actually have gameday audio, but I only get to watch the games if I’m visiting my parents.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It has a pause button on it
So it works best if you have a DVR on the TV and a computer nearby
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That simple, huh?
I’ll give it a try sometime. Thanks for the info.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do that quite a bit
when I’m in my buddies man cave with the surround sound. We watch FSN with the sound off and tune in to the local radio station and listen to Shannon and Rooney
"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 2, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry
but the phrase:
my buddies man cavejust made me throw up in my mouth a little.
ok, i’m over it.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You know the man cave I'm talking about.
- Bar
- 16’ X 9’ 1080p HD projector
- 16 speaker 7.1 surround sound
- Beer signs and sports memorabilia hanging on the walls.
Who wouldn’t have a small budding Bromance with the guy who owned a system like that to watch sports 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 3, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be surprised if it is some sort of personal slight.
Or is it sleight?
Anyway. In the morning drive I pretty much switch stations every few minutes, and in the process I have heard a lot of J.C. Whatshisname on 96.3 recently. There’s plenty to like or dislike about J.C., but one of the best things he does is play clips of Al trash talking him for god knows what personal insult he holds a grudge about, while Dan goes back and forth between describing game events as if Al isn’t talking and awkward silence. It’s fun stuff.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fourstick, I remember the days when Ozzie tried the whole thing,
and he was absolutely horrible.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jack Clark maybe?
I know he does some post-game stuff or something like that. I can’t remember if he was any good. He’s a force in RBI Baseball for the NES though. Pretty much the only player the Cards had who could actually have a multi-homer game.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are there any good announcers?
I have to give Dan some slack. When I was doing play-by-play in college, we got to go to the MVC men’s basketball tournament and call games for the MVC website. (MVC schools apparently have non-exclusive broadcasting contracts for radio.) Every year, we did a broadcasting workshop with play-by-play radio pros. One year, Dan came and talked to us, taking questions and the like. He didn’t have to take the time to do that and was a really nice guy to boot. That said, he should educate himself more and defer less to the Mad Hungarian.
Who would make a better color commentator/analyst?
"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 2, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've always kinda liked Dan too
I think Al probably drags him down quite a bit. He has weird eyes though.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do appreciate the sympathy weight
he’s put on with me the last few years
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that's why his eyes look weird to me.
Now that you mention it he’s put on a lot of weird. Some of it apparently went straight to his face.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a fan of Bob Brenly
You don’t get this on his national broadcasts, but he’s a good mix of
1. A touch of homerism (you need that IMO)
2. “Here’s the situation. Now this will happen because of X. But you have to be careful because of Y.”
3. Honest criticism like “You can throw a dart in the Cubs dugout and hit a better fielder than Soriano.”
4. He seems to like the Cards . he’s always pretty complimentary of ’em.
by sdrone on Jun 2, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
bob brenly is a c$$cksucking snake in the grass pos
he stabbed buck in the back to get the manger’s job in Zona, then when he got fired because Shil & the Big Unit lost & wanted out, he bitched & moaned about it not being fair.
he’s always mentioned as being from ohio, but everyone who knew him & his family hates his guts.
he’s a world class asshole. fuck him. and fuck AL
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 3, 2009 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Getting Joe Magrane back would make me happy.
hecanthithecanthithecanthithecanthit
by Alxfritz on Jun 2, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd!
Make it happen DeWallet!
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jun 2, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pedro Gurrero was awesome in RBI II, but he was sooooo slow.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's fried his brain too much in the tanning bed
to be functional for 3 hours
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was a little worried about that actually
In fact, Dan, Al, and Jack Clark are all pretty weird looking.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I would rather have a guy like Hawk
I know people hate him, but does any other tv guy have as many coined phrases? I think I’m going to name my softball team, in an upcoming tournament: Chopper-two-Hopper
I guarantee Hawk wouldn’t hate Colby
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to admit this
But I am blanking on who “Hawk” is.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hawk harrelson
white sox announcer that a lot of people, and all cubs fans, hate for his homerism. I grew up watching cards and sox, so I’ve always had a soft spot for Hawk.
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, OK
That name actually sounds kinda familiar but I could be imagining it.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you can put it on the boooaaarrrdd...YES
?
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good voice, but gets really annoying
They’ve paired him with Steve Stone which is GREAT, but Stoney doesn’t do enough talking yet.
by sdrone on Jun 2, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The rest of the lineup
could beat you with doubles and triples…except maybe Tony Pena, who actually had more power in that game than anyone besides Clark
by saladdays on Jun 2, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Willie has OK power as well.
And Coleman and Ozzie can steal a ton of bases.
Tudor is a Badass.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gracias for the plug.
Check’s in the mail.
If you've got a blacklist, I want to be on it.
by the red baron on Jun 2, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
al's really mad about that.
he said something, but it came out like “MMMMPHHPHH, MMMMMMMPHH, MMMMMM, MMMPH!”
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 2, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Last night, Al really bothered me
I missed the Thursday, Friday and Sunday games, meaning last night was only my second game watched in five days and I was excited that Rasmus was in the lineup (even if I have yet to get used to his new haircut). I became really aggravated. There were two players who had good games: Go-Go-Joe and Rasmus. Yet, by listening, to Al, you’d think that Rasmus was playing poorly. It killed me when Colby scalded that grounder past Hernandez. First Al said that he was sure it would be scored a hit in a tone that made it seem like he thought it was an error and Rasmus was undeserving of a hit. Then, he said that Rasmus was 2-for-3, which I’m assuming was a Freudian slip with Al substituting how he would have scored the grounder in his head. Later, while discussing Rasmus’s night, he said that his average had still sank to the high .220s (even though it had risen to the mid-.240s by that point in the game). I had a meeting this morning and just logged in to see if anyone else had pointed this out because I was still bothered by it after lunch. Nice job, RB.
"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 2, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ignore my comment
RB’s piece is much better.
"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 2, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Colby managed to raise his OPS what, 35 points last night?
Not too shabby. Great defense plus approaching league average hitting. I just checked fangraphs, he’s at .325 wOBA, league average of .333. That’s not too shabby from a rookie, especially if you’re smart and realize he is likely to hit better than that for the year (though maybe not, it’s not set in stone either way).
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good job red
your doing the lords work. one day we’ll be free from AL’s dumbassery. one glorious day.
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 3, 2009 2:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which Player would you rather have?
A) .262/.333/.431/.764 BABIP .303 8.9%BB 23.1%K -2.6UZR so far this season
B) .258/.370/.435/.805 BABIP .310 14.5%BB 18.5%K -.6UZR so far this season
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
B unless A is Ludwick, in which case give me Brad Thompson
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thompson does have an OPS of 2.000
I wonder if he could play 3B
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how many PAs? and innings in the field?
at first blush it is player B, but if Player B has only played 2 games and A has played all season it may change things
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jun 2, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AB’s
A) 195
B) 124
A) 493 Innings
B) 310 innings
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so B has less time
and by looking at BR I see that B is thurston
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jun 2, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
b is chris duncan?
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 2, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
b is thursty?
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And A is .....
Mark DeRosa
The world collapses
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never knew that
Thursty’s walk rate was so high
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or that he has the 3rd highest OPS on the team
Only .010 behind Ludwick
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could you post his may stats
because I think those numbers might be slightly inflated from his stellar April
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ludwicks numbers
.254/.323/.492/.815 .253BABIP 8.5%BB 19.5%K in 118AB’s
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry I meant Thurstys
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that his season totals
or just his may stats
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea i think those stats are a little bit inflated by his April
In May hes hitting .209/.338/.403/.740
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While the team as a whole in May hit
.230/.299/.389/.688
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well he certainly didnt help
while Derosa hit .291/.359/.437/.796
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just want to go on the record and say
I am a huge DeRosa fan. He has been one of my favorite players the last couple of years.
I just think you guys are not rationally thinking things out. He will be a marginal gain if at best or at worst be a downgrade.
He is not the fix, imo.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd agree with you
he isnt a long term solution but I think he is a better, more consistent solution than Joe Thurston is
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
Thurston walks at a much higher clip
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and as somebody said earlier
if he’s walking in front of the pitcher, that doesn’t usually accomplish much
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Batting order isn't his fault
And, I think it does accomplish something — if nothing else it gets the pitcher up that inning (assuming pitcher is the 9th batter). It also gives the pitcher a chance to make a productive out by sacraficing. Its not much, but its something.
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's used to by my line at the bar
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha
which one? “batting order isn’t his fault” or “its not much, but its something?” In the right context, I could see both being hilarious.
by Ray Lankford on Jun 2, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So far as I can tell
at least in their major league careers, Thurston actually does walk more than DeRosa. DeRosa has a higher OBP in the majors though. Also, Thurston’s ML numbers are a jumbled mess of wonky playing time and whatnot so my comparison is far from diligent.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
o noes i m teh racist nao
I’ve caused Thurston pain by “othering” him other-ingly. I’m such a white male d-bag.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I just want 1 capable right handed bat.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
better walk rate, and a good ISO
I garauntee that May is just BABIP deflated.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has that high a walk rate
because he continuely bats in front of the pitcher.
If they threw him pitches near the strikezone, he’d never walk.
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His highest OPS is in the #2 hole
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A whopping 23 PAs in which he walked once
yet batting 7th and 8th, which is directly in front of the pitcher depending on Tony’s mood, he has 13 of his 21 walks.
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But it also shows that when he is in front of Pujols
And is given pitches to hit he preforms well
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that's why Tony doesn't bat him second.
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if thurston were a good 3b, he'd be a great answer.
he IS a good 2b. but for some reason we want to put skippy there.
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 2, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Skippy isn't terrible either
I’d probably say hes the 3rd or 4th most consistent hitter on the team, and his defense isnt killing us
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i disagree on the latter part.
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 2, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have been trying to find month to month UZR data
I have the gut feeling he had a decent May in regards to defense
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think his bat is good enough
to make up for his less than stellar defense but I wouldnt call him the worst defender on the team
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nobody's defense is "killing us"
virtually everybody’s offense (or lack thereof) is “killing us”
that and McDonald’s
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have been tinkering with a Fanpost based on the premise of trading Skippy
…and implementing the Barden/Go-Go-Joe platoon at second.
"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 2, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i disagree. if we're only going to score 2-3 runs a game, we
better have excellent defense. neither is skip without a position on the field if thursty plays at 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 2, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh come on!
every other throw to 1st, no matter where he’s at, thursty tries to kill Albert. i’ve seen it with my own two eyes.
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 3, 2009 2:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is this Thursty vs. Beltre?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or perhaps derosa?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
still wouldn't mind having DeRo
but only for a good trade that’s lopsided in our favor. I wouldn’t want to trade Boggs OR Perez for Derosa, let alone both of them
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hawksworth it is than
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which player is above criticism?
Player A:
.220 BA
.661 OPS
6 2B/1 3B/2 HR
13 RBI
22 Ks/9 BBs
Player B:
.236
.782 OPS
6 2B/ 6 HR
16 RBI
18 K/3 BBs
Player A has 3 errors and only 59 putouts in 67 chances. Player B has 100 putouts in 104 chances, to go along with 2 errors.
Player A is above criticism and continually gets valuable positions in the lineup, in fact he never sits. Player B is labeled as ‘too cool for school’, ‘homerun happy’ and ‘lacks respect of boundaries of certain people’s lawns’.
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Player B is Raz?
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
a is Rick.
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 2, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
a is dunc
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
Player C
.000 BA
-.242 OPS
0 2Bs/0 3Bs/ 0 HRs
0 RBIs
72 Ks/1 BB (HBP)
2 putouts in 271 attempts, 52 ERRORs (none throwing)
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
stl regalia is rico washington?
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 2, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
that was good
gonna need more franklins to get through this one.
by hoofhearted-pujols on Jun 2, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This whole thread is top notch
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
you just never actually pick up the ball. Colby has had to run over and make the throw for you as you peel yourself off the turf. The two you ‘caught’ actually landed on your back as you lay there. Ryan came out and picked those 2 up.
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And very gritty.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I refuse to sprint to 1st
(unless Dave McKay has a beer waiting)
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, Duncan is A
Rasmus is B, both since May 1st.
Chris Duncan has been terrible yet only gets a passing mention by Dan and Al when talking about how he has to ‘carry the load’ protecting Albert with Ludwick out.
He’s misplayed some balls pretty badly too, although he has made some nice dives.
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am the Winner!
of guessing
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That looks like Rick's line for the whole year, forget May
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fact, for comparison
Duncan in May:
.220 BA
.661 OPS
6 2B/1 3B/2 HR
13 RBI
22 Ks/9 BBs
Ankiel in all of 2009:
.221 BA
.657 OPS
7 2B/0 3B/2 HR
11 RBI
26 Ks/8 BBs
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
both of those guys need to step it up
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't we all
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry
I’m having trouble following along with all the adult talk, so I’m just throwing out random lines all over the place that have no value
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorta like fox news?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sort of like any news channel
or AL
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
tv=entertainment
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fuck it!
We will do it live
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw that and that was awesome
I have this weird love for Shep Smith. His eyes are hypnotic.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NSFW
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahahahahhhahahhhaaaa
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We all talk that 3B is the problem
But our OF is becoming the problem
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point
we can just move him around
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He would be nice to have
if Glaus comes back
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
August is a long time away
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha
you said “if Glaus comes back”
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear that Bonds guy is available as well
by STLRegalia on Jun 2, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think our outfield will rebound
Because we have players who’ve either performed at a high level or youngsters with great skills that are just getting their feet wet.
None of those apply to what we have at 3B right now, which is two veteran minor leaguers who started out great, one has maintained his start after a two week hiatus to Mendoza-land, the other hasn’t. The one who’s resurrected his great start plays substantially bad defense at third, the other guy plays great defense but is currently hitting .160 or something for the month of May.
I agree that Derosa isn’t a substantial upgrade from Thurston if he’s being brought in as an everyday solution at third base, but factoring in how well he punishes lefties, he could be a substantial upgrade at the position in a platoon situation. Thurston could play third base exclusively against righties with Derosa playing against lefties and playing elsewhere on the diamond (OF, 2B, etc) against right handed pitching.
I agree that Thurston’s played very well to this point, but I disagree that he’s going to be able to keep up the ridiculous 163 OPS+ he has going against lefties the rest of the year. If he does, you can always move him to second in place of Skippy with Derosa at third base against lefties, and we’re a much better hitting ballclub.
"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 3, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How hard is it to play 3B?
A certain player just cleared up all his legal problems today and his bat is probably better than that of Jason LaRue. His knees are bad, so being the backup catcher is probably out.
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There are some ugly storms passing through STL right now,
and they’re supposed to be here off and on through overnight. Might be tricky to get the game in tonight.
by BTown Birds fan on Jun 2, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yea im supposed to go tonight too
hope it stops raining from around 6-11
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I played 3b in high school.
AND I hit 2 homeruns.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jun 2, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
fyi -- only 4 position players for the cards have a may BABIP over .275.
the worst may position player babips run from barden at .146, ludwick and ankiel around .160, colby at .210, yadi at .230, to dunc at .273.
i think we could use a RH bat, but let’s also not panic about unluckily bad hitting.
we do need to show more plate discipline, with only three players over 10% in their walk rates.
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 2, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
sounds like a curse
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the BABIP woes
that is
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about a Bear Sacarfice in the name of the GOB's?
(((Cuts off Head)))
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why did you have to cut off the head of Teddy Ruxpin?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Our batboy should be safe now.
Just wow. I’m going to have to refer to the Cubs as the Baby PedoBears soon. I think my equally nerdy siblings might get it, but nobody else will.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Inside jokes are the funniest jokes
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the fuck?
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's just say 4chan is an evil evil place
and leave it at that before this thread gets truly gross.
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh good heavens
"Your Holiness, I'm Joseph Medwick. I, too, used to be a Cardinal."-Joe Medwick, to Pope Pius XII.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jun 2, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not be too quick to attribute it all to bad luck...
Quick and dirty rule is that BABIP = LD% + .120. Here are the LD% for those guys in May:
Ludwick: 11.4%
Ankiel: 8.3%
Rasmus: 20.0%
Yadi: 17.3%
Dunc: 15.9%
Granted most of these guys’ BABIPs are still below what LD% would predict, but gotta be careful in assuming they should be at league average BABIP. Ankiel and Ludwick aren’t as unlucky as it seems.
Surprisingly, Pujols’ LD% was only 14.5% in May (career avg ~20%).
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
even with those numbers, the babip is still systematically way too low.
sure, ankiel may not be hitting b/c he’s injured. but only larue, ank, pujols, and ludwick have a LD rate under 15.5% — which would suggest most of the position players should be over the .275 BABIP mark. instead, almost all our players are under it.
colby has a .100 difference between expected and actual babip — he’s being robbed of 30% of his expected hits. barden has a .140 difference — being robbed of half his expected hits. that’s pretty dramatic.
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 2, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally.
My main point was that Ludwick and esp. Ankiel (hurt and all) shouldn’t be getting anything to fall.
That, and that Pujols guy is terrible.
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Careful there
If you are simply saying that the offense didn’t really get that unlucky last month due to the fact that they aren’t hitting the ball that well, than you’re sorta right, although you really shouldn’t use LD%+.120 method as it’s been proven to have a very low correlation with BABIP. But it sounds like you are implying that our team BABIP shouldn’t be expected to be that high for the rest of the year because they aren’t hitting the ball well, which is false.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't trying to make any predictive statements...
But I was kind of hinging my argument on the LD%+ .120 method (what I thought was sound). Meaning that given some of those guys had a low LD rate in May, their respective BABIPs should have been well lower than league average (not as a result of bad luck).
Can you point me to something that refutes the LD + .120 thing? How did that rule come about?
I really, really love this blog.
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is a quick post from THT which figures out the correlations of each BABIP estimator
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/fantasy/article/whats-the-best-babip-estimator/
LD + .120 comes in dead last, with a pretty insignificant correlation of .20. It turns out that a player’s BABIP in his previous season has almost twice the correlation of LD + .120 method, which is very illuminating to me.
The LD+.120 method was put out because that is the average split between BABIP and LD percentage in a single year. It makes sense intuitively also; the guys who hit more LDs have more hits. Unfortunately, players hit “different” LDs, and also FBs and GBs. That is evident with Baseball-References splits: Pujols’ career BABIP on LDs is .805, while Juan Pierre’s career BABIP on LDs is .713. Conversely, Pujols’ BABIP on FBs is .075, while Pierre’s is .120.
It turns out we don’t know a lot about each specific player’s BABIP skills, and using his LD percentage seems foolish. The best BABIP estimator is probably this one.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I really didn't answer your question
When you say that because our team hasn’t hit a lot of LDs this month is the reason that our BABIP is so low, that is probably true. However, as you can see, that notion is built on a very sketchy foundation, so I would avoid making any definite conclusions.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This all was very helpful.
Thanks. Pretty intuitive that the quality of LDs is drastically different.
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way
One of the BP Idol contestants wrote a pretty cool article about the shortcomings of PECOTA re: batted ball statistics.
Thinking about your points, I had initially thought that perhaps something like BP’s similarity index could be another way to forecast hitter specific BABIP (get a list of most similar players and compare) but PECOTA doesn’t factor in batted ball rates.
Again, your thoughts on the matter were appreciated.
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
The guy who wrote that is really good at BABIP. He actually created his own BABIP estimator using a regression of batted ball rates and other fancy statistical shit. You can read it here if you want. It includes a giant list of BABIP projections for this year, which are pretty useful.
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We've lost 5 of our last 8
Why does it not feel that way?
by Hardcore Legend on Jun 2, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Khalil Greene is on the DL?
the return of Ludwick? Carp?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs being mediocre?
Awesome run of starting pitching?
At or near the top of the standing despite recent suckitude?
Giants looking for a left handed first baseman?
…
…
There's no "I" in team. There's also no "I" in "B-g Mac Land".
by mattybobo on Jun 2, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait
Do you feel like we’ve won more than 3 of our last 8 or lost more than 5 of our last 8?
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cause the Brewers have cooled off at the same time
so we’re still right there behind them in the standings?
by nota bene on Jun 2, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rain
pouring here in KC off and on.
Looks like it’s clearing out for now, but by game time they may not be able to get 5 innings in. These storms are making a habit of firing up in places where there were no storms. And they are not in any hurry either.
by nota bene on Jun 2, 2009 5:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and quite frankly
with Thompson pitching tonight, I think I’ll take a rainout, even if it means not facing Cincy when their bullpen threw 8 frigging innings yesterday…..
by nota bene on Jun 2, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
clearly they need 8 relievers.
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 2, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tonights line up
Schumaker 4, Rasmus 8, Pujols 3, Ludwick 9, Ankiel 7, Molina 2, Thurston 5, Thompson 1, Ryan 6
via twitter.
Don't skip the Skip! 55 is alive!
by dangpenguins on Jun 2, 2009 5:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yay for the
OF of Raz Luddy and Ank
"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
by stlwcards on Jun 2, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boo Ankiel in the lineup
He’s worthless right now.
/hope he goes 4-4 to spite me
I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train
I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain
by jd is legend on Jun 2, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least his defense is a little better than Dunc's
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ooh me likey
The defense (with the exception of Schu) should be pretty good as well. Ankiel is probably an above average defender in a corner spot, and so is Ludwick. Too bad Puppy Kicker is on the mound (I keed, make me proud brad).
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We all know...
That after everyone bashed TLR for his roster management, BT is going to scatter four hits across 8 innings with 7 Ks and 1 BB (and 2-2 from the plate with a crucial sac bunt in the bottom of the 7th). I am already drooling over Soonerfan’s smug comments afterwards.
Mang Says...
"There is no "I" in team, or in B g Mac Land, either."
by all4tookie on Jun 2, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It might be a neccesary sacrafice for him to suck today
St. Louis Cardinals... defying win expectancy since 2008
by vivaelpujols on Jun 2, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe this is just another of tony's BP innovations:
the fortnighter.
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 2, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's been a big league pitcher for 3 years
does Gordon really think that one spot start is going to turn some GM’s head and make him say “oh, Brad Thompson! That’s the answer!”???
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jun 2, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Might turn our GM into saying he is not the answer
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jun 2, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was in the bubble
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really hate being back in the Eastern Time Zone...
and having to wait until 8:15 for games to start. Following a West Coast team must be absolute hell for those not on the West coast…
V, b.
by LukeMP1186 on Jun 2, 2009 6:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it's pretty annoying following a central time zone team from the west coast
games almost always start before I get home from work, and I can’t go to the gym after work, which is when I prefer to go. I’d much rather stay up later than have to rush home.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jun 2, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well my problem is that I'm in college and I don't work...
so I’m pretty much sitting around and avoiding homework after about 3 in the afternoon. So your situation would be ideal for me, and vice versa…
V, b.
by LukeMP1186 on Jun 2, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you guys could just trade bodies for the baseball season
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brilliant!
"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
by Red Blazer on Jun 2, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
imagine if that was possible
one day rick ankiel comes into the locker room and finds skip schumaker looking at him funny, just before something smacks him in the head. He wakes up in the body of a second baseman wondering “what the hell just happened”!
meanwhile, Skip goes on hit 40 home runs.
(it would be a lot easier to just root for the Angels, except I have a tremendous dislike for them, for some reason)
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jun 2, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it requires some talismans from indonesia to start
4B - beer baseball bands blog
"OOHHHHH!!!! He knocked out the I in Big Mac Land!!"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jun 2, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you do know a way!!
Make it so.
by BTown Birds fan on Jun 3, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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