The NL All-Star Team, according to chuck
by chuckb on Jul 2, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
in News
327 comments
Catcher: Starter – Yadier Molina, Cardinals. Backups – Geovany Soto, Cubs and Bengie Molina, Giants. Yadi is 2nd in the NL in wRAA and leads the NL in fewest SBA/G. He also has caught 33% of potential base stealers. He’s first in the NL in overall value. Soto is first in the NL in wRAA and, this year, has a respectable CS%. He’s starting to come around after a very slow start. Bengie gets almost all of his value from his 10 HRs as he has walked just 3 times all year – a number that makes only Jeff Francoeur jealous.
First Base: Starter – Albert Pujols, Cardinals. Reserves – Adrian Gonzalez, Padres and Prince Fielder, Brewers. Duh! Is there any doubt? The best player in the game is having the best season of any position player in the game. There’s really not a lot of arguments to be had about the next 2 either, as both Fielder and Gonzalez have been worth more than 10 runs more than their closest competition – Todd Helton.
Second Base: Starter – Chase Utley, Phillies. Reserves – Brandon Phillips, Reds and Freddy Sanchez, Pirates. There’s a good argument for Orlando Hudson of the Dodgers here but, let’s face it, there’s gotta be a Pirate and there’s gotta be a Red. The 3 of them hover together – Phillips getting most of his value from his defense, Hudson losing some b/c of his, and Sanchez being pretty good at both. RAR has Sanchez and Hudson being nearly dead even, just slightly behind Phillips, due to Phillips’ outstanding defense, so the tie goes to the player on the team who needs a rep.
Shortstop: Starter – Hanley Ramirez, Marlins. Reserve – Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies. This is a blowout, and it almost doesn’t really matter who the reserve is but Tulowitzki gets a lot of value from his 12 homers and solid defense. Despite a .330 average, Miguel Tejada’s defense has been so bad so as not to justify his inclusion on the team. Ryan Theriot’s offense is slightly below average so Tulo gets the honor. For those who haven’t been paying attention, Ramirez is a stud!
Third base: Starter – David Wright, Mets. Reserves – Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals and Mark Reynolds, D-backs. Wright is an absolute stud; I don’t care that he just has 4 homers. He’s still sporting a .939 OPS and a .412 wOBA. He’s about 22 runs above average offensively, even w/ just the 4 homers. Zimmerman keeps it close b/c he’s played spectacular defense and Reynolds is right there b/c of his 21 dingers. I know his defense isn’t particularly good and that he strikes out about 114% of his PAs, but his wOBA is .393. He belongs…period. There are good arguments to be made for Casey Blake and Pablo Sandoval. Unfortunately, the keystone is loaded this year.
Outfield: Starters – Matt Kemp, Dodgers; Raul Ibanez, Phillies; and Justin Upton, D-backs. Reserves – Ryan Braun, Brewers; Carlos Beltran, Mets; and Hunter Pence, Astros. There’s little doubt that Ibanez and Upton deserve to start as they’ve been tremendous offensive players and above average (I know, I can’t believe it either w/ Ibanez) defensive players to this point. Kemp’s been very good offensively and an absolute Rasmus-esque stud defensively in CF and has been 35 RAR this season. He gets the nod, therefore, over Braun who, despite tremendous offensive numbers, has been slightly below average defensively this year. Pence is not just a token Astro representative. He deserves it based on being 16 RAA on offense and 3 RAA on defense. He’s been absolutely terrific and deserves to be on the team whether the Astros have 5 reps or whether he’s their lone rep.
Pitchers: Starter – Tim Lincecum, Giants; Reserves – Javier Vazquez, Braves; Josh Johnson, Marlins; Dan Haren, D-backs; Joel Pineiro, Cardinals; Chad Billingsley, Dodgers; Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies; Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers; Heath Bell, Padres; Brian Wilson, Giants; Francisco Rodriguez, Mets; and Rafael Soriano, Braves.
Among the starters, I looked at their value as determined by RAR and WAR b/c there’s a real delineation between those starters who have been great AND thrown a lot of innings and the pitchers who have either been good and thrown a lot of innings or been great and thrown fewer innings. The top 7 pitchers in terms of value have all been great and thrown at least 92.2 IP. They’ve all been worth at least 2.4 WAR whereas the next highest starters sit at 1.9 WAR. They’re all in the top 8 in the NL in terms of FIP and, again, there’s a big jump (.36 runs) to the #9 starter in the NL.
The 5 relievers were a little more difficult and many of you will doubtless note that I left Ryan Franklin, he of the 0.92 ERA off the list. That was tough to do. I again used FIP, RAR, and WAR as well as WPA to help me select this group. Franklin’s 3.20 FIP is solid, but distinctly higher than the 5 relievers who made the list. Franklin’s thrown fewer innings than the 5 who made it and, as a result, has been worth fewer RAR and WAR than the group who made it. The bottom line is that there have been a number of very good relievers in the NL during the first half but this seems to be the best of the lot.
My batting order would be as follows:
- Ramirez -- SS
- Utley -- 2B
- Wright -- 3B
- Pujols -- 1B
- Upton -- RF
- Kemp -- CF
- Ibanez -- LF
- Lincecum -- P
- Molina -- C
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It's a shame
Carp hasn’t pitched the whole season; I’m almost positive he’d be on that list.
As for Pineiro, unfortunately I don’t think anyone else will look at him the same way. Most likely he’ll be at home watching the game on the big screen.
On with the (good) youth movement!
by aet15 on Jul 2, 2009 8:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure Pineiro deserves to be there...
there’ve been better pitchers by most metrics this year. He has been excellent, though. The lack of Santana is slightly baffling too, despite his recent slip in the last couple of weeks, he’s been broadly excellent.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT from SC
“Albert Pujols is so good, he’ll beat you from the on-deck circle.”
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Jul 2, 2009 8:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
COLBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 2, 2009 8:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
see his interview
with DGoold? Colby doesn’t seem to spend too much time thinking about the game – he just goes out and plays…. Quite a talent to be able to approach the game that way.
by cdb on Jul 2, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its not a bad way to approach really
you cant control what other people do in the game, just focus on what you need to do, and play,
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like Khalil could learn a thing or two from Colby
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 2, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
khalil needs to up his weed intake and just, like, play man
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on Jul 2, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I loved the interview. The last part of the quote I lifted from the PD reminds of something Tony would say.
After the game, which he won with his first walk-off homer of his career (well, his first walk-off shot since the playoffs in Class AA), Rasmus said he’s supposed to think swing, not walk. He asked rhetorically, Isn’t that what people talk about? Isn’t the benefit of batting in front of Pujols seeing strikes? "I don’t like walking," Rasmus said. "I’m trying to hit."
"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 Jul 2, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Carpenter?
gotta think he’s more deserving than Pineiro, or maybe Vazquez.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 8:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
otherwise i should point out i really like your picks, chuck
looks a pretty awesome team.
Also, with the possible exceptions of LF and SS, this an absolutely AWESOME defensive team.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Call me a nervous nelly,
but I’d prefer that Chris Carpenter not pitch in a meaningless exhibition game. I won’t say why because the scab is healing well and I don’t want to rip it off and let the bad memories flow freely. What? Really? The winning league gets home-field in the World Series? You’ve got to be kidding me. That makes no sense whatsoever. Why wouldn’t the club with the best overall record have home-field?
"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 Jul 2, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
i HATE the fact that the ASG winners get home field in the WS. The post-season is enough of a crapshoot already without regular season records counting for nothing in the BIGGEST SERIES OF THE YEAR.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BGH, your measure is as meaningless as the All-Star Game determining home-field advantage.
The team with the best record may just be an OK team that is coming from a really weak division. So they deserve home-field advantage just because everyone in their division really sucks?
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Jul 2, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
while i kinda agree
with your point of view eckstreem
the winner of the all star game gets home field is something for me to poop on!
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
"...as meaningless..."
I’m sorry, but I disagree. Basing it on the records of the clubs that are playing is nowhere near as meaningless as basing it on a collection “stars” from every team playing in a single exhibition game where few batters will receive more than 2 PAs and few pitchers will throw more than 2 innings.
Last year, there’s no debating that the Angels played in a weaker division than either the Rays or Red Sox, but they had home-field advantage in the ALDS and would have had it in the ALCS (had they not lost to the better club in the ALDS). There may be a better way to determine the home-field advantage, and there probably is, but best record is head and shoulders above the ASG determining home-field.
I like jd is legend’s suggestion of interleague play. A lot.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My way
Whichever league has the better overall record in interleague play gets home-field. Always schedule an odd number of IL games to ensure there’s never a tie. No wild card team EVER gets home-field advantage over a non-wild card team, regardless of interleague.
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 2, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
an odd number of interleague games....
would seemingly cause two teams to play one additional interleague game, which would be a little bizarre and which would add another difficulty in scheduling. Not that this is impossible or that this is necessarily even important, since a couple NL teams always have to play each other, and therefore play fewer interleague games anyway.
I still like most wins, as your wild-card thing could have weird consequences, for instance with the ’06 Cardinals, which were obviously not a terribly good baseball team during the season, winning only 83 games. The Tigers WERE the wild card, finishing with 95 wins and being just 1 win behind the Twins.
Did the Cardinals earn home field that year over the Tigers? I would say no.
Of course, I will acknowledge that your system seems to make more sense than the All-Star game determining home field.
by mtalken on Jul 2, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be honest
The reason I put the whole “wild card” scenario in above is the 2004 WS. I’m still steamed the wild card-winning Red Sox got home field advantage over the 105-win Cardinals.
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 2, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think
it really made a difference to be honest we still got swept
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still have a chip on my shoulder from the '04 WS too.
I understand the Sox were hot but I think the Cards win game 1 if it’s played in Bush. My reason is the cheap home run down the right field line in Fenway. I think Boston hit like 2 or 3, in a very close game that night, that would have been outs or foul balls in Bush. And who knows what happens in game 2 at Bush if the Crads win game 1.
by Walking Underwear on Jul 2, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we all do
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the weather sucked ass in bean town too
It kind of sounds like he’s [Duncan] just running around like a puppy out there – full speed ahead in random directions. – BTown Birds Fan
by gdm426 on Jul 2, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not that I agree with this thinking....
…but since each league plays a very different schedule, since Interleague is just a handful of games, if the AL was a better league than the NL this year, a 98-win team from the AL could be argued to have played a superior season to a 102-win team from the NL. It’d be easy to see this by running an RPI for Baseball, which I’m pretty sure you could find online simply by searching for it.
For instance, right now according to the RPI, the Cardinals and Cubs are both rated at .497, exactly the same. The Cardinals are obviously better record-wise, but the Cubs so far have played a more difficult schedule. Both being NL teams, this will, of course, even out at least somewhat by the end of the season, where their strength of schedule should be pretty close to even, but the Red Sox, having to play the Rays and Yankees a whole bunch, whereas we get to play the Brewers and Cubs that many times.
I still agree that it should just be best record, since AL/NL strength is entirely cyclical and it’s not like one league has always or will always be the better league.
by mtalken on Jul 2, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you change the 2-4 order to wright, pujols, utley, for the shear fact of OBP of wright, get someone on for pujols, and if they walk pujols you have a power hitting lefty behind him
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 8:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Forget the allstar game
We face a soft tossing lefty tonight and we can only counter with Wellemeyer….UGH!
by ridgesee on Jul 2, 2009 9:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
soft tosser
or not we still suck against lefties
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next time we're on ESPN
someone tell me!! I missed the first half hour. hahah.
by sdrone on Jul 2, 2009 9:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
anyone know who was announcing
because if it was joe morgan and the other no thanks Morgan blows
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't remember the guys' name, no
he had a decent voice, he’s not as insipid as Miller et. all. Color guy was Mr. Cheerful, Sutcliffe.
by sdrone on Jul 2, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dave O'Brien
is the other guy who Sutcliffe lovingly refers to as “O.B.”
"I think he's the best hitter of all time. I think there has never been a better hitter than him. And I know I didn't see them all, but I just don't think there could be." - Adam Wainwright on The Mang
by bmorgan on Jul 2, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
as much crap as joe morgan gets...
and don’t get me wrong, he deserves it…but IMHO Sutcliffe is the most annoying color guy around. Speaks only in superlatives – which to me is a reflection of zero preparation time. Speculates wildly about shit he knows little about (his opinion that DeRosa will land on DL, for example). I cannot stand this windbag.
by PhillyRedbird on Jul 2, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sutcliffe>morgan
still
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like your team
and I think it could win. I would have picked McCann over Geo as a back-up catcher, but you gotta have a Cub somewhere and better there than in the outfield. ;)
by cardsgirl95 on Jul 2, 2009 9:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
YOU
misspelled Cub your forgot the H after the C its spelled “CHUB”
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
speaking of cubs
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
link didnt post
post it
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
eff it go here i give up
www.zazzle.com/cubs_100_years_of_losing_tshirt-235544829685655591
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Soto
Soto has absolutely no business being anywhere near the all-star team, unless the roster includes Cheech & Chong. If you are looking for a Cub to have on the squad try Ted Lilly.
If Soto makes the team, than so should Ryan Ludwick. Even Soriano would be a more defensible selection.
by Salti Cracker on Jul 2, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, last night, The Mad Hungarian's Rasmus Animus bothered me
It culminated with him saying that if Rasmus gets an extra-base hit, then the Giants won’t pitch to Pujols. Turns out, he was right. Razza!
I’m intrigued to hear the Hrabosky-Hayes debate during this evening telecast as to whether or not the Cards should call up The Walrus…
"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 Jul 2, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mute
Thats why I am so thankful for the mute button. I honestly think I get dumber after listening to the garbage Al, Dan & Rick Horton spew. It amazes me that they get paid, and paid well.
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Major League:
I hear baseball players get paid very handsomely
- Well, that kind of depends on how good you are.
Well. how good are you…
- I make the league minimum.
by Salti Cracker on Jul 2, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to the Rotoworld sidebar
I’m intrigued to hear the Hrabosky-Hayes debate during this evening telecast as to whether or not the Cards should call up The Walrus…
this is a moot point. TLR is dead-set against a Walrus call-up
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Jul 2, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
TLR
has lost his mind this year, case in point….13 PITCHERS!!!
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What really cracked me up was that the for the All-Star game this year they are going to carry...
13 pitchers!
Tony must be happy huh?
"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 Jul 2, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pinata? An All-Star? You must be joking.
SURELY that spot should be occupied by someone else, and I say that while appreciating that Joel has actually been useful this year. Johnny Cueto would be far better in the spot (and also fills the token-Red seat if necessary), and if you insist on a Cardinal, make it Franklin; he’s really been brilliant out of the pen.
McCann at reserve catcher, btw, instead of Soto (the Cubs don’t really deserve an all-star, do they?…), or more realistically, B. Molina.
by StanTheManFan on Jul 2, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Johnny Cueto getting picked
and, while I duck incoming fire, you can also make a case for Jason Marquis.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 2, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is he really first to 10 wins?
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Jul 2, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stupid Marquis.
Stupid wins.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
His # 10 was a complete game shutout of the division leading Dodgers.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 2, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 hits
Dude has pitched well this year, gotta give him that
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 2, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
on 85 pitches. that's what's amazing
85 pitches
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
the team with Marquis on staff always wins its division. The Cubs should have thought of that before they traded him. ;)
by cardsgirl95 on Jul 2, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
the team with Marquis on staff always wins its division. The Cubs should have thought of that before they traded him. ;)
by cardsgirl95 on Jul 2, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you saying we should trade dump Welley and trade for Marquis?
I am reading between the lines, but i think that is what you are putting out there.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jul 2, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly wouldn't be any worse
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 2, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
holy double post batgirl
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brewers over Pineiro
I have a tough time buying that a guy who remains on the free agent list in my fantasy leagues is good enough to be an all-star.
I think a better case is made for Yovani Gallardo. They are in first place for a reason and he is a big part of it. Same with Trevor Hoffman
by Salti Cracker on Jul 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah actually
gallardo should be in there.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Franklin over Pineiro
Pinata has been inconsistent. He had a good April, but since then has fallen off (with the exception of a couple starts). Franklin, on the other hand, has been lights out all season long.
Welcome to Baseball Heaven.
by zoomzoomj88 on Jul 2, 2009 10:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Managers Choice
The pitchers get chosen by the manager and with carpenter or franklin or anyone else giving the NL a better chance then pineiro I have to belive he is a long shot.
by el_hombre on Jul 2, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
who would have throught
that our mods would
1. without apology or a need to justify themselves, select JoEl for the all star game.
2. In the same paragraph apologetically refuse franklin from it?
I generally think this is a well informed group of readers and moderators – and I don’t think that anyone here could have seen this coming before the season began.
by cdb on Jul 2, 2009 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
3 Points from Last Night
1. Can someone please explain to me why Tony pinch hit with Ank to lead off the ninth last night? Ankiel went up there expecting to strike out. On the ESPN broadcast, they were saying that Tony had to because the only RH hitter he had was LaRue. What about Hoffpauir? Why call him up if Tony isn’t going to use him? I know that would have been a tough spot to take your first ML at bat, but I have to think his chances of getting on base were higher than Ank’s against Affeldt. Why not put Hoffpauir on the On-Deck circle and force Bochy to bring in a RH relief pitcher and then put Ankiel in the game? It was just so obvious that we were not going to get anything going in the 9th because Ank had no chance against against Affeldt, and we had a RH hitter on the bench ready to be used.
2. This is more about general roster decisions than last night’s game specifically. Why in the world did we start Mortensen’s clock for 3 innings of mop-up relief work? We could have called Walters up for that. I already don’t understand the insistence on having 13 pitchers, but then to call up a guy to pitch for three innings and then send him right back down is beyond preposterous in my opinion. It might not matter in the long run because we probably would have called him up in September anyway, but I just don’t understand roster management decisions that have been made this year at all. Walters should be our designated call up for mop-up duty player(not that Hawksworth isn’t already that player). Calling up Mort served no real purpose. Was Tony just wanting to see what we had, so that maybe Mort takes over for Welly if he shows he has the goods? I’m sorry, but three relief innings isn’t enough to make that kind of decision. It’s all just very frustrating.
3. I love Colby Rasmus. I love his defense, his swing, his speed, and after last night, his clutchiness. My only question is, Is it really wise to pummel a guy in the stomach who was just diagnosed with gastritis and a hiatal hernia? I know walkoffs are exciting, and its tradition to beat the hell out of the guy that got the walkoff hit, but that could not have been good for Colby’s stomach issues. This paragraph was mostly tounge in cheek.
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
by VolsnCards5 on Jul 2, 2009 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I've pretty much given up critiquing or second-guessing the roster management this year
it’s just been too preposterous and makes my brain hurt.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Good Points
1. I can’t imagine what was going through TLR’s mind and am, quite frankly, astonished that his head did not explode right then and there. You see, Affeldt has been poor against LHBs and Ankiel has been poor against LHPs. So, naturally, TLR seems to have merely applied Affeldt’s platoon split to his PHing decision. Those platoon splits:
Ankiel vs. LHP in 2009: .220/.270/.305/.575 (Yeah, Ank’s OPS is .575 vs. LHP and TLR PH in the bottom of the 9th vs. a LHP)
Affeldt vs. LHB in 2009: .279/.404/.419/.822 (I find this somewhat remarkable.)
Affeldt’s career splits vs. LHB: .251/.339/.411/.750 (RHB’s OPS vs. Affeldt is .750, too.)
2. Same thing with Todd. Call him up for a single inning. Makes no sense.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not defending TLR
but they didn’t they make the pitching change after Ankiel was announced?
Obviously he was just setting Rasmus up for glory…
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
grammar fail
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
remove the first "they"
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
An interesting question
And one that I can’t answer. You see, I watched the game of FS Midwest, which means they came back to the game, showing Ankiel digging in without any explanation for how we got to that point. For what it’s worth, Gameday has Ankiel as PHer first, then Affeldt as pitcher. So, maybe?
"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 Jul 2, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was watching FSMW too
IIRC, they came back and then went away again for the change.
And didn’t Affeldt pitch a couple innings tuesday? I was at the game and vaguely remember him pitching. I think I was still in shock over the Pujols homeruns, especially the one, that at the time, I was convinced left the stadium.
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you see Goold's daily *must-read* 10@10 yesterday?
He linked to Hit Tracker and has their graph of it.
The in-house estimate of the homer was 445 feet. Hit Tracker calculates it at 465 feet — what would be the longest home run this season by a Cardinal and the longest home run yet at Busch Stadium. It breaks the record held, according to the site, by Pujols’ 457-foot shot in 2006.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was breathe-taking in person
from th 3B dugout boxes anyway
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a game... full of ups, downs, and terrible TLR decisions
I don’t know why TLR sent Ank up there in the 9th. Everyone (but TLR, apparently) knew that Ank would be his usual self and K. It made no sense with a lefty coming up – and AnK is worse against lefties than righties. TLR has just been making some very strange decisions (ie, Kinney being sent to bat with bases loaded then taken out for Miller in next inning) – and it’s getting old, fast. I just don’t know what to think about TLR and his decision making. Personally, I feel it’s rather shitty.
I’m not sure what the crew is thinking with their managing decisions. First off, I HATE the 13 pitcher philosophy, because it eliminates the guys we could have on our bench – especially considering the injuries we’ve had over the course of the season. We’ve had 15 rookies – and it has made no sense to me how we call up guys like Todd and Mort, only to send them back down a few days later.
I was hoping that Colby would do something clutch, and I’m glad he did. I hope that when he’s 100% he takes over for Ank full time… but sadly, TLR will keep running AnK out there game after game.
Welcome to Baseball Heaven.
by zoomzoomj88 on Jul 2, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well,
and I can’t believe I’m defending LaRussa, perhaps it didn’t matter because it wasn’t going to get Affeldt out of the game. He is not a LOOGY, and the Giants don’t use him that way. He almost always pitches full innings. He’s not a match up guy-I think that’s why he was able to get a better contract than most of the relief pitchers out there. Affeldt had sick stuff last night. Everyone he faced looked completely over matched.
Roster management? I don’t know. Maybe they are using a magic eight ball? Draw a name out of the hat? Numerology? Horoscopes? Rock, paper, scissors?
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 2, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colby has already taken over for Ankiel
how many times this month has Ankiel started in CF and Cobly set not counting the times that Cobly was unavailable due to injury?
by Evilfrog on Jul 2, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Until anyone in the minors starts hitting to earn a call up
why not just have 13 pitchers. Wainwright and Joel are probably swinging a better bat than a lot of cardinal minor leaguers.
except I guess Walrus is on some kind of hitting streak, but he’s left handed, which is redundant on this team
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bench Bats
I am fervently against pitchers PHing, as a rule. My opposition was exponentially increased when Carp tore his oblique swinging the lumber in the dessert way back when we were a great offensive team. I also don’t think that Wainwright or Pineiro should be an option off the bench over a position player. Sure, Wainwright has a .251 career BA, but this year it is .140. Pineiro has hit .107 for his career and .172 this season. I’m fairly confident that someone who appears at the plate three to five times a night for a living could give us better production as a bat off the bench.
I don’t think that Walrus is redundant because, unlike Duncan/Schumaker/Ankiel/Thurston, he can actually hit LHPing.
Brett Wallace vs. LHP at Memphis, in 2009, over 43 ABs: .419/.447/.581/1.028
One thing that I miss very much about Walt Jocketty was his ability to fill out the bench with role guys. He did this well for the Reds this season, specifically signing Jonny Gomes to a minor-league contract, paying him $600K. Gomes is hitting .338/.435/.592/1.027 this season for the Reds, which is a nice line to have from your fourth OFer.
I would really like us to seek out a righthanded OF type for the bench, someone who crushes LHPing, either on the trade market or the waiver wire. I don’t mean a starter, but merely a platoon partner to play LF versus lefty starters and to come off the bench against LOOGYs late int he game.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Jul 2, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Josh Willingham
And for this offseason I would really love to see them go after Cody Ross from FLA. He is arbitration eligible and we all know the Marlins don’t like to pay anybody. He has a career 134 OPS+ against LH pitching and he is a good enough defender to play CF meaning he would probably make a good LF with Rasmus manning CF.
by indakind on Jul 2, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am with you on an
experienced righty bat off the bench. It’s painful to watch Tyler Greene bat. When we are behind, screw the D and go with O.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on Jul 2, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rasmus...
hadn’t seen him actually play much in the field this year. I thought that much of the raving re: his defense on this site was so much hyperbole…but there were two balls hit last night that I thought would be getting down off the bat and by the time ESPN moved to a shot of the outfield he was running full speed in the direction of where the ball was coming down.
It would appear that he gets a good a jump as anybody. He probably needs to dive for a few to get some more Web Gems and GG consideration.
by PhillyRedbird on Jul 2, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats ok
i’ll trade the web gems for a healthy Raz anyday
by FunkeeC on Jul 2, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+ 1,000,000
I now know what everyone who was saying Colby was the better defender meant.
Those balls he caught last night…I could just see Ankiel diving head first into the wall or eating dirt trying to come up with them instead of the way Colby glided to them and made them look effortless.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and yet ALstill found a way to knock him after that first catch
when he said that he didn’t hurry the throw back to the infield. I couldn’t figure that one out. It looked like Colby caught it, planted himself, and threw it directly back to the cut-off man. What did AL want Colby to do, build a time machine and throw it back before he caught it?
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jul 2, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds reasonable to me
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 2, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know where he can get a delorean on the cheap
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ankiel was announced as a pinch hitter
and then affeldt was brought in to face him.
by adiueordie on Jul 2, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i say burn him then
bring in hoffpauir anyways…ankiel was looking to strike out and it was patently obvious…and a ML hitter should not be looking to strike out
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
by VolsnCards5 on Jul 2, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why no Brian McCann???!!??
.310/.396/.510 overrides any concern about so-so defense.
Home cookin' at Bake McBlog
by salvomania on Jul 2, 2009 10:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
remember
this is his list of all stars, people he thought should be there off of different stats other then regular slash lines that people actually understand better then sabermetrics, huge baseball fan, but having a hard time finding the signifigance of sabermetrics, to much involved for me
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
bottom line, it's a list of who he thinks SHOULD be on
Regardless of whether the stats are pulled from pile A or from pile B, Brian McCann should be in the conversation, because he’s by far the best-hitting catcher in the NL.
You want a stat? “Value over Replacement Player” (VORP), calculated in runs:
McCann…21.0
Y. Molina….8.5
Soto………..5.3
B. Molina…2.8
Home cookin' at Bake McBlog
by salvomania on Jul 2, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A Braves fan actually posed this same argument to me
and I’m trying to defend Molina. Maybe someone a bit more stat savvy then me could provide some salient points/statistics to use, because he’s clobbering me with the offesnive stats and I’m not that well-versed in the defensive metrics. Thanks.
by mattyp on Jul 2, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just say that the game is being played in St. Louis and Yadi should get the nod for the hometown fans
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 2, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Um, doesn't Molina lead in the voting?
No need to defend your choice. He gets in per fans request. McCann should, and will, be named to the team. What other Brave are they going to put there anyway?
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 2, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CHIPPER!!
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Molina vs. McCann
Honestly as a Cardinal fan I cannot say Molina deserves to start over McCann. They should both make the team, but McCann is the superior player, He is the best catcher in the NL and is second only to the awesomeness of Joe Mauer.
by Salti Cracker on Jul 2, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
disagree
Yadier has higher WAR and defensive numbers than McCann
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
McCann could come in during the second 9 innings
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Jul 2, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I find it highly odd that this All Star Game this time it counts stuff
is all because there was one all star game that ended in a tie
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I'm sorry
but you don’t pick a guy who’s 6-9 with an ERA in the mid-3.00s, no matter what Top 5 list he might make in some more advanced metric, UNLESS:
He’s a future HoFer and this is his swan song
—-He needs to be selected to be his team’s representative
Home cookin' at Bake McBlog
by salvomania on Jul 2, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yea i agree with that
honestly after the way Waino pitched last night seriously needs to be him or Carpenter not piniero
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oddsmakers
If I told you one Cardinal pitcher would make the All-Star team, and you were going to put $20 down as a bet on who it was, what kind of odds would you have to get to have picked Joel Pineiro?
10:1? 20:1? 25:1? 50:1? Even higher?
And also for fun, how many people would you have guessed BEFORE you got to Pineiro?
I’m going to go with all 4 other main starters, Carp, Wainwright, Wellemeyer and Lohse, as well as the now-Indian Chris Perez, Jason Motte and Ryan Franklin, guessing any one of those three could have become the closer.
by mtalken on Jul 2, 2009 11:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yay! replying to myself!
of course, for this, the part I left out is: “If I told you BEFORE THE SEASON one Cardinal ….”
Obviously at this point, if you had to take a guess, it’d be one of three guys most likely, Carp, Pineiro or Franklin.
by mtalken on Jul 2, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
33
I believe there’s 33 players on the roster this year. There will be 13 pitchers.
by jxmetal1 on Jul 2, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
explains
There will be 13 pitchers
why TLR is on the staff
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i officially
suck at posting today
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
better luck next time
go get em tomorrow kid
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yep
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BCB is thinkin Randy Wells for NL ROY.
Is it too early to start beating the drums for Randy Wells for Rookie of the Year? Seriously, who else in the National League in his first season is doing what Wells is? (Colby Rasmus, maybe.)
Discuss.
THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!
by stltrav09 on Jul 2, 2009 12:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If he keeps up at this rate, maybe,
But I don’t think he will.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not happening
He is a good story from around the metro area, but he is not in the echeleon of players who should be considered for ROY
by Salti Cracker on Jul 2, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who?
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cubs pitcher
he’s pretty good
colby wins it, though
by prophetjohn on Jul 3, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think i like
hanley in the 3 hole better than david wright
and upton 5th? i’d rather have ibanez there
by prophetjohn on Jul 2, 2009 12:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wainwright's Amazing Performance
Adam Wainwright out-dueled Matt Cain, a pitcher many consider to be amongst the top three or four currently in Cy Young consideration. It was a performance reminiscent of the Wainwright we saw in 2008. Of the 122 pitches Wainwright threw, 82 were for strikes. That is good for a strike % of 67.21 percent. Dave Duncan was surely nonplussed by his flyball-out-to-groundball-out ratio of 12 to 3 and the 12 strikeouts. However, everyone must be pleased with the mere 3 free passes he issued and 6 hits surrendered over 9 IP. It was a lot of fun to watch, and I actually cheered in my living room when the twelfth strikeout ended the Giants’ half of the ninth.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
that ninth inning was nails, pitch count be damned.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know this is pretty late, but someone tell fritz Tony hacked his account
while i agree it was an awesome performance for Adam, there’s no way in hell he should have been pitching in the 9th.
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
He can go 120 pitches every now and then.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 3, 2009 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was so great to see Wainwright pitch like that
one of the best games of his career
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my $.02
1. Upton — RF
2. Wright — 3B
3. Ramirez — SS
4. Pujols — 1B
5. banez — LF
6. Utley — 2B
7. Kemp — CF
8. Molina — C
9. Lincecum — P
by prophetjohn on Jul 2, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i still
dont see how you hit pujols 4th…4th spot = automatic free pass
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its the all star game
they’ll more than likely pitch to him no matter what. theyre trying to prove they deserve to be considered one of the best
by huts04 on Jul 2, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how?
even if there is an automatic free pass in the asg, how is it more automatic in the 4 hole than the 3? you’re still gonna have you 2nd best power guy behind him and your second best on base guy in front of him
by prophetjohn on Jul 2, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
because there's no real obvious lead off man
upton being speedy and not really fitting anywhere else
it’s hard to make out a line up full up of middle order guys
by prophetjohn on Jul 2, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the biggest snub will be to Justin Upton
he should be starting, but is 15th in OF voting. ridiculous.
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he will probably get in as the D-Backs representative
unless Haren is in there (which he probably should be). Reynolds I suppose as well… Yeah he might not make it, actually.
Most fans are idiots. Whatchagonnado?
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ridiculous talent. Probably should be leading the outfield vote.
Fangraphs had a nice article about him back in late May.
by FSUSOM on Jul 2, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they have a new one up
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
am I the only one that thinks Zimmerman should be starting over Wright?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Zimmerman’s batting average is about 45 points lower than Wright’s. His OBP is about 60 points lower than Wright’s slugging percentage is one point higher. Zimmerman does have 8 more HRs, I guess.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zimmerman's defense is better though
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both Wright and Zimmerman present why many put less than full faith in UZR
They each fluctuation pretty dramatically. I’m prone to say that the difference is not as large as the ~75 games worth of UZR would suggest this season.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
However
Zimmerman’s worst defensive season was about the same as Wright’s best. They may not be 23-24 runs different like the current 75 games indicates when prorated over 150, but Zimmerman is an elite level defensive 3B and Wright is probably slightly above average at best.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
I should have elaborated that I don’t think Zimmerman’s quality defense pushes him over the top when compared to David Wright. Wright’s BA (however lucky) and OBP are incredibly impressive. I’m not talking about signing one or the other to a contract at a certain value, I’m talking about who I feel is that All-Star.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
I agree. But it’s v close.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I can live with this one, they are pretty close to being equal players
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
YES
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Felonious Monk agrees
are you saying he is nobody? cuz that’s just not true, he IS somebody (I think)
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wrote in
jose oquendo for shits and giggles
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
nope
saying Wright has had a better season so far
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's nice
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
also
I think McCann would be a better back up than Soto
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My fantasy team
agrees with you. He is my only Cub – I should have known better. However, if all it takes for him to suck is to be on my team, then I am happy to have helped defeat the Cubbies.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am a bad fan
because I don’t really pay much attention to the minor leagues. So…
This Hoffpauir guy. What’s his story? As Royal Tenenbaum would say, is he worth a damn?
by Andyfantastic on Jul 2, 2009 12:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My guess is the Organization wnats to see if he is ready to play or not in the Show
Daniel Descalso in Springfield has a .921 OPS in AA this year. That is the fifth highest in the entire league. He is due for a promotion to Memphis this year. They need to know if Hoffpauir has any kind of legitimate shot or he could be let go. This whole entire 40 man roster craziness this year with promotions is trying to trying to figure who is going to be here next year or not. A lot of these C prospects are going to be cut, traded, or lost in the Rule 5 draft.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roster ?
what happens to guys who are exposed to the rule-5 draft but not selected? What becomes of their status?
‘cause I don’t foresee a lot of our C levels being picked up.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they stay c level prospects until we cut them
or they become pets of TLR and start at 3B
by FunkeeC on Jul 2, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We also won't be forced to put them on the 40 man roster
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hoffpauir
has very good plate discipline for a cardinals non-prospect, and has found a little power this year apparently (disclaimer – probably won’t hit double-digit HRs in the majors in a full season but has significantly more pop than, say, Ryan) but he does have a couple of big black marks against his name – he only plays 2B, and he doesn’t plat it especially well.
His walkrate makes me think he could handle the bat at MLB level well enough to be a decent 2B, but the fact is that his defence probably isn’t enough to make him a workable player. He’s pretty fungible at this point and will probably end up being let go at the end of the season.
Because chicks dig the intentional base on balls.
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 2, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Value:
TLR should immediately implement the Skip/Hoff No-Defense Platoon at the keystone.
Skip vs. RHP ’09: .308/.363/.425/.788
Skip vs. RHP Career: .320/.369/.444/.813
Hoff vs. LHP ’09: .333/.410/.593/1.003 (with MLEs of .286/.344/.464/.808)
Hoff vs. LHP Career: .263/.380/.374/.754 (with understandbly awful MLEs)
If AAA Hoff is more indicative of his ability to hit lefties than his career, he could have some real value as a platoon partner for Skip at the keystone (and eliminate the need for Thursty Joe).
"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 Jul 2, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: As per our soda discussion yesterday
I checked out a store called Soda Jerks in the St. Louis Mills Mall today and can confirm that they have Dublin Dr. Pepper and Ski in the bottle as well, so if you’re in the area and in the mood for some delicious (albeit pricey…I went a bit overboard heh) soda I’d suggest you stop by.
by mattyp on Jul 2, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of soda
the entire city of Saint Louis appears to be brought to us by Pepsi now and it is driving me insane.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH BOY
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although
Colt 45 has really upped their marketing strategy in my hood which makes me happy.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The rappers don't drink malt liquour anymore, sir.
They drink Krystal.
I don’t know where you get your information from, but last night I was watching MTV Cribs and P.Diddy was drinking Hypnotik!
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 2, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hypnotiq is some nasty tasty shit
I remember in college I bought some of that over priced shit.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the gf
guzzles that stuff, only thing she will drink…wont trust me anymore after i made her try and irish car bomb for shits and grins, jameson and guiness doesnt float her boat
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jameson and Guiness is all one of my boys drinks
I just don’t like Irish Whiskey that much. I prefer Bourbon and Scotch.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i am a
whiskey, bourbon, scotch, wheat and dark beer drinking fool when i do drink
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mmmm...wheat beer
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jul 2, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
EVER
had boulevard wheat?
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like it
I have a friend who is a huge fan of Great White. My mission is to find this beer again. All help is appreciated.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jul 2, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one Distributes it in MO
Here is the list. Might not hurt to call up the IL to see if they do any work in STL
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reading up on it sounds like a Belgium White
Which is my favorite kind of beer
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a lead
i might be able to find it in Quincy, IL tomorrow. Belgium White is usually awesome beer.
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jul 2, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll make you a deal
I will lay off the bourbon and take your share of Irish Wiskey (mmm…Bush Mills). The Scotch distillers will just have to keep up.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Hypnotiq
the key is to just put it on the rocks and sip on it all night
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, there
are Pepsi and Colt 45 ads EVERYWHERE. A few weeks ago it was Nurse Jackie ads. The massive coverage works in that it’s getting people to notice, but I will not be buying Pepsi anything.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did
watch Nurse Jackie, though.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good show
cant decide if the show is “reality” or just Falco’s drug induced perceptions of everyone around her.
by FunkeeC on Jul 2, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
kinda
kinda bitchy nurse w/ a opiate dependence who is fucking the hospital pharmacist for meds and has a loving husband and kids at home. its worth a watch just for edie falco’s performance.
by FunkeeC on Jul 2, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sounds
like a female version of House could not watch that, Hugh Loriate (sp?) is hilarious though in House
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's
funnier than House, and I do find Hugh Laurie funny. Almost everyone else on that show sucks, though.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I enjoy house
but it has a serious case of two of my least favorite TV illnesses: too-many-hot-people syndrome and extrapolating-personality-deficiencies-from-individual-moments disorder.
That I enjoy it is a credit to Hugh Laurie and the writing when they’re not having people walk down a hallway yelling at each other about their problems.
by DanUpBaby on Jul 2, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i just got on board with house this past season
i never knew it was a comedy, i thought it was just another hospital drama. i don’t think there are too many pretty people there. i just think 13 is overexposed. jenn morrison isn’t that pretty, she’s alright, but she’s not what i would call “TV” pretty. she’s just a normal, girl next door pretty. cuddy is a little old for my taste too, but i can totally see why anyone can find her attractive.
one big problem i had with it was House going to the funny farm. that is pretty weak & it’s been done before where the main crazy character really is crazy. i just think the writers could have done more with the story, and should have written a better story. it was way to predictable for me. i knew it was going to happen when he & cuddy hooked up. i knew that wasn’t real.
love nurse jackie. but i will say you have to have an odd, maybe even dark sence of humor to get it. as someone who’s spent way too much time in & around the medical field & dr’s & nurses, i can say it’s dead on accurate in how they portray just what really goes on & what the people who work in a hospital are thinking. it may not be pretty, and many may not like it. but it’s real. at least in my experience it is.
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LIES
Mirror, Mirror and Guardian Angels from season 4 might be the best episodes they’ve had.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 3, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LONG LIVE THE COKE!
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Fitz Soda still around in U City? They had great product.
I used to work the soda bar about 10 years ago. Loved the Cream Soda.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
Still there. I got a 24-case mix-and-match at Costco the other day for $13. In fact, I think I’ll have a Cream soda now.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was surprised costco didn't come up the other day in the discussions.
don’t they have a number of cane sugar sodas (not corn syrup) on sale for comparatively cheap?
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 Jul 2, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It came up.
Someone mentioned that they sell Mexican Coke, though I’ve NEVER seen it at the location near me. I think they also sell Hansen’s and occasionally Jones and Boylan Bottleworks.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mmmm. A frosty cold mug of Fitz Cream Soda would be nice right now.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you didn't like Costco?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No.
I don’t like Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart. I love me some Costco.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you on that
Luckily I have like five near me that I can choose from. We’ve been known to shop various ones just to see what different stuff they have. You’ve all convinced me to try the Mexican Coca-Cola.
by OCCardsFan on Jul 2, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We've got two in the area,
but the one by me is so close that I cannot justify driving 20 miles to the other one. Even for cheap(er) Mexican Coke. You will love it, by the way.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should try the Throwback Pepsi stuff
I kinda like the Throwback Mt. Dew.
I don’t drink Pepsi, but a friend said should try the Throwback.
by sdrone on Jul 2, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i hate wal mart
but gotdamned they have a lot of stuff cheaper than any other store
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They
don’t pay their workers fairly which is why I don’t shop there.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my aunt would agree with you
she’s been working at one in arkansas forever & hates everything about them
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
then
their workers can go somewhere else if they aren’t satisfied, eh?
; )
by prophetjohn on Jul 3, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not in a small town they can't.
And not in this economy.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 3, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure they can
either way, what do you expect them to pay someone to mindlessly count back change?
not to mention, they consistently give raises, so if you stick around you can make decent change for the kind of work you do
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
by prophetjohn on Jul 4, 2009 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With great benifits to boot!
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 4, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Costco
pays their workers substantially more money for the same jobs. The employees have better benefits after less time on the job. I’m not a fan of Wal-Mart’s policies. The end.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 4, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any of you guys ever think of making your own soda before
It is not that hard to make your own soda. My homebrew buddy makes it and it is pretty solid
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i would like to learn more about this soda making idea
by Expatcardfan on Jul 2, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check out
HomeBrew Talk Mostly beer talk but their is a forum for soda.
Video is kind of basic version of a soda (video)
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also check the Lifehacker
website/blog. I think they’ve covered it.
by sdrone on Jul 2, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
by soda
do you mean pop?
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry, just kidding
but really. the only thing worse than “pop” is “sody”
by prophetjohn on Jul 2, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had an aunt
who said sody pop, thereby alienating every side of the debate.
by DanUpBaby on Jul 2, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Little Girl: Unky Moe?
Moe: (eye twitching) What… is it, sweetheart?
Little Girl: My sodie is too cold, my teef hurt.
Moe: (eye twitching even more) Oh, your teef hurt, huh? Your teef hurt? Well that’s too freakin’ bad, you hear me?! And I can tell you where you can put your freakin’ sodie too!
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a map of the U.S.
showing the predominate common name for soft drinks (i.e. cokes) in every county. If I was smart enough to post it here, I would!
Interestingly enough, there is a large “Soda” bubble around StL smack dab in the middle of all of the “Pop” counties north of the M-D line and “coke” counties south of there.
by ArkansasTravs on Jul 3, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grilled Cheese?
or Cheese Toastie?
(I’ve yet to find any other town that says this)
How did the pig corner the breakfast market?
by STLRegalia on Jul 2, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
He means coke
"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?" - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Jul 3, 2009 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Today is the last day of summer school for my students
After that, I’m going to an interview, and then the game…
Is it weird that since Welly is pitching, I’m most nervous about the game?
"There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit." ~Al Gallagher, 1971
go cards.
by thecoolalonzo on Jul 2, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't like this
"I don’t like walking," Rasmus said. "I’m trying to hit."
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 2, 2009 1:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I like it
teams aren’t pitching around him, so he damn well better be swinging at strikes.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 2, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It appears kulk hasn't updated his site
I’d like to see just how many pitches out of the strikezone Colby has gotten this season and how many of them he has swung at.
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 2, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does fangraphs plate discipline section cover this
Here is a link to June’s data for the Cards. Colby is saw 54.4% of pitches in the zone second highest to Yadi and only Rick swung at more in the zone (82.6% v 78.2%). Colby though connects (93.4%) almost as much as Albert 94.2% and Skip 94.9% with zone pitches while Rick misses a little more (85.2%)
by ubeddie on Jul 2, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Rick misses a little more..."
There’s an elegant understatedness to that phrase.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this just in
Pornstaches improve eyesight and hand-eye coordination.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Jul 2, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
as long as he’s in the 2 spot in front of Albert, that’s not a bad mindset to have.
I’m not worried because he’s proven he can take walks when necessary.
THE SKIP IS LEGIT!!
by stltrav09 on Jul 2, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
???
How has he proven it? He hasn’t taken a walk since May (and he only took 3 that month).
His OBP for the year is getting close to .300.
I was hoping he would be another Ray Lankford; instead he’s turning into another Craig Paquette.
by DiscoJer on Jul 2, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, what an awesome thing to say
Down with those Cult of Colby people!
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 2, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Albert
doesn’t like walking either. He’ll learn the value of taking walks, just like Albert did.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erm....
Albert’s lowest walk total is 69, his rookie year.
At this rate, Rasmus would play as long as Albert and not reach 69 walks. Heck, if he walks like he has since May, he might not walk 69 times in his major league career…
by DiscoJer on Jul 2, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha
You’re right. But like I said, Albert doesn’t like it either. Besides, who knows what the coaches are telling him. They might be telling him to swing. Colby’s shown ability for walks in the past. He will again.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea i'm fine with him not liking to walk
as long as is willing to anyways
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
by VolsnCards5 on Jul 2, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone got a MLB.TV Premium account they'd like to share
for a few hours so I can get some archival video off their site?
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 2, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
send me an email at etsrebates@comcast.net
by ubeddie on Jul 2, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Negative X-Rays?!?!
My God, his wrist is gone!
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 2, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
good thing they didn't take a look at his melon
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 Jul 2, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes but when does the MRI come back showing slight tearing of some ligament or other
by FunkeeC on Jul 2, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
after he is rushed back into the lineup
and hits .130 for a few weeks. Or is that just Dunc and Dick?
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?!? No Joe Thurston?????
Seriously, as TLR is the greatest active manager and he, obviously, sees that Joe Thurston is a first round, HOF candidate, able to play at any position on the field, never striking out with the bases loaded with a chance to win a game, how can you not put him on your All Star team??
OK, now really seriously, is there anyone at all here who DIDN’T know how Thurston’s last AB last night was going to end up? When the ump called T.Greene safe at 2nd, my first thought was “That’s it. We’ll score here.” Then, when I realized I had forgotten the batting order and it was JT coming up, I literally cried out “Oh NO!!” (Glad no one else was home)
by ArkansasTravs on Jul 2, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I had that unpleasant feeling too
but I tried to hold out hope that GO-go Joe would at least take the bases loaded walk. Didn’t happen.
by cardsgirl95 on Jul 2, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
P-D pics of the walk-of win
The facial hair is unreal. Good for cropping with Yadi, Ras, and Albert.
That said… now that’s the team photo I like.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Jul 2, 2009 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What is up with Ludwick's hair?
Looks like he has head shaved except the bottom part?
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know, that's another Cardinals ad spoiled
I try not to think about the reasons when it comes to the hair this season. I just care if it’s working.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Jul 2, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is with the early start time?
There is no national tv right? Anyone know the reason?
by OCCardsFan on Jul 2, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anybody else glad All-Star voting is over?
MLB spamming y’alls inboxes too?
by FSUSOM on Jul 2, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As a cubs fan,
I just cannot justify Soto being on the AS team… unfortunately, I cannot think of any cubs being as deserving on the team except for pitching.
by tootle on Jul 2, 2009 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that's what I was thinking
they gotta send a starter
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Team Salary vs. Performance
Really cool graph here.
According to his numbers, the Cardinals are outperforming their salary expenditure.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 3:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If I read his graph right,
it looks like the Rays and Rangers are getting the most bang for their buck, while the Cubs and the Mets are not. HA!
by cardsgirl95 on Jul 2, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fun to watch in conjunction with Baseball Race
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Jul 2, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but the cardinals salary should be between the white sox and giants
which would make them a 1 spot outperformance team
by huts04 on Jul 2, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check the guy's links to USAToday's
numbers to see what’s up with the salary difference.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ya i dont know i was going by cbssports
not sure but 77 just seems low
by huts04 on Jul 2, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wellemeyer vs. Zito
heh
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This made me chuckle for some reason.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
by spants on Jul 2, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's nice for some comedic pitching relief after all the highfalutin matchups this series
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just looking over Barry Zito's numbers
He is seriously one overpaid guy. Like epically overpaid
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
like AIG overpaid?
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 Jul 2, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As of today, July 2nd, 2009
Albert Pujols is worth 5 million more than his salary for the season…21.1 million to 16 million
to that i say…good lord
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
by VolsnCards5 on Jul 2, 2009 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
im willing to bet
hes signs for around 15-16 mil for his extension knock on wood with the cardinals
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
by DESTROYER on Jul 2, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would be the most generous thing in the history of time
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
by VolsnCards5 on Jul 2, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would feel like
I, personally, were taking advantage of Albert if that happened.
We should be happy with $20-25M per year.
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 Jul 2, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we will be lucky if it is only $25M per year
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
just goes to show why we are developing the farm
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't even want to think what he could get on the Free Market
I mean straight up stupid money. Like 10 years/$300M contract. I think Pujols will also age well for a ball player.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The good thing is that the Yankees signed an expensive 1st baseman
So, really, it’s the BoSox (moving bigbutt to 3rd) and who else?
by sdrone on Jul 2, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Angels and Dodger's come to mind
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think that would stop them
from signing the best player on earth. hombre and tex could split time at first/dh
though pujols might not want to do that.
by adiueordie on Jul 2, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineup - No complaints from me (except the P again)
Even Schu has had some success against Zito though I wouldn’t mind seeing Hoffpair at 2b.
1. Brendan Ryan, SS
2. Skip Schumaker, 2B
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Ryan Ludwick, RF
5. Yadier Molina, C
6. Chris Duncan, LF
7. Tyler Greene, 3B
8. Todd Wellemeyer, SP
9. Colby Rasmus, CF
by OCCardsFan on Jul 2, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that line up woud be awesome
with DeRosa batting 6th instead of Greene. But DeRosa isn’t available.
by Evilfrog on Jul 2, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have DeRosa in for Duncan.
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 Jul 2, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he wasn't hurt
I think I’d rather have Ank than Duncan, wow
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is a toss up for me
For long term though I would rather have Duncan. He will most likely get his power back next year. He has a much better batting eye than Ankiel also. I just think Ank and Dunc are too close in skill sets. We don’t need 2 Left handed Corner Outfielders.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ankiel has better defense and the same amount of power imo
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Walks personally
And Duncan’s defense is marginalized with Colby in center
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear a lot of comments about Dunc
getting his power back next year. If that is the best we can hope for shouldn’t he be replaced? For the past two months, totaling 185 PAs he is:
May: .227/.289/.386/.675
June: .224/318/.289/.607
That is Thurstonesque. Right now, the only skill he has is a decent batting eye. Too bad that really doesn’t translate to any useful results.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to defend Dunc
But a decent batting eye results in occasional BBs. And occasional BBs infront of APu only means good things (e.g. a 2 run HR vs. a single dinger). That’s the reason I’d rather have Dunc in 2 (if at all) and Raz in 4. But yes, both Ank and Dunc are major disapointments so far.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on Jul 2, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
anybody with an OBP
hovering around .300 should NEVER bat in front of Pujols. Of course that is about all we have…
/sigh
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I consinder a good Batting Eye
A repeatable talent. With much less flucation to luck. While a high OBP driven by strictly by avg can see huge swings. I like the stability of walks myself.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, but
a .300 OBP is bad whether driven by walks or by hits. He still needs to hit at least .250-.270 to have any value at all without the power, given that his walk rate has been pretty constant. If his OBP continues to hover around .300 then he is killing the team and the last place he needs to be is in front of Pujols.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good lord, are we at a 1.5 year recovery rate
for groin injuries?
by sdrone on Jul 2, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am talking about more the giant metal plate in his back
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even if he gets his power back, won't he still be not making contact and grounding out to first
He had power in ST, pitchers were far more hittable.
He lacks talent and nothing more IMO.
by TheBirds on Jul 2, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not me
atleast Duncan walks. Greene just sucks.
by dcfcblues on Jul 2, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm just glad that colby is in the lineup
there are no circumstances under which ank and/or dunc should play over colby
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
by VolsnCards5 on Jul 2, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
Last night I felt like I would rather have seen Waino in that AB than Ankiel against Romo. Ankiel looked really bad imo. Colby’s results have been mixed but he seems to take pretty good swings even against lefties.
by OCCardsFan on Jul 2, 2009 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no Hoff?
Put Skip in LF and Hoff at 2B
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Jul 2, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
There’s really no reason to play both Duncan and Schumaker vs. a LHP when you have a righty second baseman who has done very well against LHP in AAA this season on the roster.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is alway important
when you bring a player up from AAA to make him sit for a few days to be sure he loses his edge. He will probably debut in LF in 4-5 days.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or at 3rd base
Same feeling I have about bringing up these starting pitchers (Mort, Hawksworth) and then expecting them to pitch out of the bullpen.
by OCCardsFan on Jul 2, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Luckiest and Unluckiest Pitchers in baseball this year
per Beyond The Box Score
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 4:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ewh
that is suggesting that Carp’s bad outing last time was not as flukey as I thought
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 2, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Welley's due a good outing
His luck has to even out, right?
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Jul 2, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or he was really lucky before hand
and the bad luck of last game brought him closer to average…not sure which is better
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
by VolsnCards5 on Jul 2, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
isnt slowey like 10-3
or something like that. imagine if he was on the other end of the spectrum
by huts04 on Jul 2, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you have
given up 108 hits, including 14 HRs, in 87 innings and you have 10 wins and will likely make the All-star team – how can that be unlucky?
OK, I understand that he has a high BABIP against and wins don’t mean anything, but his ERA is only .3 over his FIP.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 2, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Luck
A post along these line that made me think of the ol’ Kentucky Colonel was on Fangraphs today about Kevin Millwood, entitled, “”http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-pleasures-of-strand-rate" >The Pleasures of Strand Rate." Basically, Millwood has an 85.9% LOB, which is astronomical and incredibly lucky.
Somewhat related, against Wellemeyer, opposing batters are hitting .383 with RISP and 2 outs and .360 with RISP overall. Against Millwood, with RISP and 2 outs, opposing hitters are hitting .096 and .189 with RISP overall.
"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 Jul 2, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Franklins LOB %
99.1%
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 2, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like excluding Franklin because of bad luck
The fact is whether it was through skill or because the GOBs like his beard, he achieved very good results this half season. I don’t think you should be too results oriented, but when handing out honors and awards I think that’s what you have to do.
by TheBirds on Jul 2, 2009 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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