The Ballad of Swingin Shawon
by DanUpBaby on Jul 6, 2009 6:14 AM EDT
430 comments
So it's over.
Colby Rasmus between the last time he Went Moneyball (my hip new way to get kids interested in drawing walks) and yesterday, when he finally bit the bullet and decided to take a free base, if offered: .339/.339/.587, with nine doubles and five home runs. It started five weeks ago—his OPS was .675 then, and this morning it sits at .810.
All this is to say it was fun while it lasted. I can't be the only one who checked the boxed-score every day—who tuned KMOX into his crystal set to see if The Kid could really keep the streak going, to break the record so many thought to be unbreakable. But all national obsessions have a shelf-life, and I suppose I wasn't surprised when this one fell short of the goal. At least the streak ended before an off-day, that he and we alike may pause and reflect on what we saw. Thirty-three games—it's not a record, but it's something I'll tell my grandkids about.
But we in St. Louis, of course, are spoiled, and should know better. Why, two of the three most unassailable no-walk streaks in the Liver Ball Era (1993 on) also occurred, in part, under the watchful eye of the Best Fans. Same man, different tenures: the one—the only—Mr. Shawon Dunston.
In the second game of longtime Cub Shawon Dunston's first stint with the Cardinals, the Busch Stadium crowd unwittingly witnessed a historic event. With leadoff man Darren Bragg on in the sixth inning, with the Cardinals up 6-3, Shawon Dunston drew a walk. [fake editor conceit: It's important to note here that Shawon Dunston, 36 years old, having walked 14 times in his last two Major League seasons, is starting at shortstop and batting second.] Mark McGwire proceeded to use the out Dunston would have gobbled up to send Bragg to third on a deep fly ball. I can imagine lightbulbs going off here. I can imagine Dunston seeing things in a different way.
Next up was Eric Davis. He sent a scorcher to the ever-disciplined Jeff Cirillo at third base, who proceeded to double Dunston off first.
It had to have been a bittersweet free base for Dunston. For he knew—had to know—that just sixteen games away, lurking at the edge of the American conscience, was Mariano Duncan's unassailable no-such-thing-as-a-free-base record. From 86 games between June of 1994 and August of 1995—while Dunston was walking in the double digits every year, like a poor, unserious fool—the sultan of swings had not gone past three balls in a single count. (This was before such records were cast under the cloud of the Mitchell Report; we were innocent then, ready to take Duncan at his word, ready for a hero.) A free base today, but tomorrow—what? Certainly not immortality.
Those close to the man could infer a distressing frustration from the atrophy of his usual tenacious work habits. In batting practice he began requesting high and low pitches, as if it mattered to him; a Post-Dispatch intern reported hearing him ask a worried Kent Bottenfield whether a man could really throw a ball that curved in mid-air. But the question of whether something might be wrong was answered in the affirmative when, just six games later, on April 20, Dunston walked again.
He was of little use to the Cardinals with his confidence shattered, and at the trading deadline they dealt him for Craig Paquette, a younger guy—a guy more confident in his ability to not draw a walk. It was a challenge trade as has never been seen in the annals of not reaching base—it was a changing of the guard.
So few paid attention when Dunston's new streak broke forty games, and fifty. Even at sixty people thought he was too old, that his bat wasn't fast enough, any longer, to swing and miss a hanging changeup. But nobody's ever gotten rich by doubting Shawon Dunston's resolve—no, sir. The move to the Mets did nothing to resuscitate his batting eye, and soon he was not getting on base at a pace that few had ever thought imaginable. Mariano Duncan began attending his games.
Finally, on September 17, 1999, it all came to a head. Dunston had not walked the day before to tie the record. Now, against the Phillies, he faced perhaps his greatest challenge yet: wild rookie southpaw Randy Wolf, who would go on to walk 67 in his 120 inning debut season. The crowd sat in hushed anticipation—young Wolf, rattled, waved the catcher outside, then further, than further again—finally the pitch, the big release, and Dunston can only set his uncoiling swing into motion, and close his eyes, and there it is! A fair ball to centerfield! Doug Glanville pulls it in and Dunston has done it; he's gone 87 games without drawing a walk.
Dunston got through that last month of 1999 without drawing another walk, and in the off-season he knew there was only one place he could go: back to where he'd let the fans down in the first place, St. Louis. With his streak on the line he signed a one year deal with the Cardinals to prove that he'd faced down his demons, and for two months in 2000 he put on one of the most magical shows of this baseball fan's lifetime. Every day the streak ticked up, past ninety, past a hundred, until, with his nearest competitor nearly fifty games back, Dunston willingly took four pitches on June 23, 2000.
But of course there was some fun left in those old bones. After drawing his first walk, with 49,000 adoring Busch fans cheering him on, Dunston drew his second! J.D. Drew would homer in the next at-bat, to break a 2-2 tie.
The streak that some never thought possible was over at 133 games. In 308 at-bats he'd hit .292/.304/.455 and stolen eleven bases, not to mention millions of hearts, and saved a league still reeling from the 1994 strike and record base-on-balls totals from the likes of Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire.
So what if Colby's streak is over so soon? He's young, yet. When Shawon Dunston was 22 he walked 19 times in as many at-bats.
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Awesome.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 6, 2009 6:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
Puts to shame the fanpost I was dreaming.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
Genuine satire. Very funny; well done. A pleasure to read.
by Youneverknow on Jul 6, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For sure,
Thank you for that. I can now sleep in peace knowing all that is in store for our young Colby.
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Gibson
by davethebutcher on Jul 6, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
KMOX?
Bet you didn’t hear many cards games then did ya?
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jul 6, 2009 7:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Got to love Dunston
After all we took a Cubs fan favorite and made him one of ours…something the Cubs did to us with Edmonds last year.
We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.
by KYCards on Jul 6, 2009 8:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Colby Rasmus WAR – 2.7
Jay Bruce WAR – 1.5
It’s nice to see our fabrege egg is better than other more widely touted fabrege eggs.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 8:53 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
most of colby's value so far is his defence
whilst i agree that it looks very good so far, I’m not sure a couple of months of UZR is terribly reliable or predictive.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 6, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
His minor league data shows him as a plus defender
as does every scouting report out there. I don’t think it’s out of the question that he’s a +15 in the field.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not to mention
its pretty friggin obvious that his bat is for real…i think his second half is going to be fantastic
"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 6, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least +15
probably more, given Duncan’s passive approach to playing LF. OTOH the best CF in MLB last year was about +16, so his true talent is probably not the +28 or so that he’s on pace for by UZR/150.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jul 6, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think +15 is the upper bound of any true talent I'd assign to an outfielder.
Even being flanked by sketchy defenders, there’s still a ceiling on the # of opportunities for a CF. As much as I’d like to say he’s the best CF of the last generation, that much hyperbole is still a hard sell for me.
I’d settle for him beating out Guitierez so that the noisy Mariners fans can shut up about their outfield defense.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jay Bruce has also had some ridiculously bad BABIP luck
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was a great way to start a Monday morning
thanks, DanUp
"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 6, 2009 9:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
you, sir, have been recc'd.
"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 6, 2009 9:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And I Have Bestowed...
…my first REC ever. Now my streak is over too.
:=8)
by The MooCow on Jul 6, 2009 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Addendum to Wednesday's Discussion
On Thursday, my twin brother & I drove down from Chicago burbs to central Missouri for the weekend (holiday plus my sister turned 40 – couldn’t miss that opportunity). Stopped at Ruby Tuesday on the rec by the red baron to try out their specialty teas with crushed fruit. Quite good with the raspberry the best of the 4 we tried, although the tea itself was a little thin for my taste. Their hot wings, while not all that hot, were very tasty and the bison bacon cheeseburger was excellent, probably the best I’ve ever had (sorry, MooCow).
On the way back through St. Louis, stopped at a convenience store just north of the 270/55 interchange. They had Ski soda in the glass bottles. Never had it before, so I figured to give it a try. Not really the flavor that I generally go for (citrus), but I could tell that it was done very well. The store had a couple other flavors in the plastic bottles, but I only grabbed the glass one before continuing north.
I may have to take a few orders before heading south for the VEB meet-and-greet. Might bring down some Stewart’s Key Lime & Sprecher’s Cream Soda for anyone that is interested. Also contemplating whether to attend either Tuesday or Wednesday night’s game up in Milwaukee. Been doing a lot of driving the past few days, so it might come down to whether my fanhood or my laziness wins out.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Jul 6, 2009 9:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Go with fanhood -
you’ll be glad later.
by cardsgirl95 on Jul 6, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got to go with fanhood
I’ll be at the games Tuesday and Wednesday. Can’t miss the Cards when they are actually in town.
by gdowdy3 on Jul 6, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a bison burger yesterday
Topped with gouda cheese…mmm…bisony.
by mojowo11 on Jul 6, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT OT OT
Wimbledon runner-up Andy Roddick withdrew Monday from the U.S. Davis Cup team’s quarterfinal at Croatia, citing a right hip flexor injury. Which he sustained in the 4th set.
Our game thread was all late in the 5th set.
…SBNation has no tennis blog?
"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 6, 2009 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Injury or not
That was an amazing effort by Roddick. I don’t think anybody in the world (save Brooklyn Decker) thought Roddick had what it took to even compete with Federer, based on past records. I don’t think I’d ever been more disappointed with a tennis outcome than last night, and I can only hope that Roddick can win the US Open this year. If the match yesterday had been played in New York, I have no doubt that Roddick would’ve pulled it out
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was pretty damn incredible.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man...
Makes you wonder, “What if?”
"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 6, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I play tennis
And I’ve had a hip flexor injury before. Generally (and I can’t speak for him), it feels fine while you’re playing. It’s the day after where you’re really sore
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was when he busted his ass.
he was hobbling for the rest of the match but for the most part looked like he shook it off….but yeah, it def. looked like a big enough factor to play a “what if” game.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
by rocKStark5 on Jul 6, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I noticed
that there quite a few shots he never even made an attempt for. I know that sometimes you just give up when you know you have no chance of returning it, but he seemed to do it more frequently than usual yesterday.
by dcfcblues on Jul 6, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Roddick does seem to do that a lot
I think part of that may be game plan. Even if he does get to the ball, it will probably end up being a lame duck ball that’ll allow Federer to hit a straight winner.
You save that energy (which he needed in the 5th) for the points that can realistically win. With the way both players were serving, there weren’t a whole lot of chances, but Roddick did get two breaks on Federer.
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I watch tennis 4 times a year
but avidly when it’s a major. That was an amazing game.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nitpicking:
They played 77 games in their match. And it was incredible. Still not as amazing as the Nadal-Federer final last year, IMO, which saw far fewer aces and had more volleys. I always enjoy watching The Great Federer, especially at Wimbledon.
"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 6, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many runs did they score in those 77 games?
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm only interested in Wins.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's funny
After the match (happy bgh?), I stopped to think about whether Roddick or Federer played the better tennis. Despite getting the win and the cup, I’m not sure Federer was the better tennis player yesterday. But sets are like games in a world series — win 3 of 5 and it doesn’t matter how crappy you were in the other 2.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just sad I missed it.
Not only did I miss it but the outcome was spoiled for me by a bottom-of-the-screen news ticker last night when I got back into town. Sadly I think the last really good tennis match that I got to watch almost all of was when Agassi scared Federer in the 2005 US Open final.
I had been traveling to visit the in-laws up in Oregon and Washington and didn’t get to pay as much attention to things as I usually do (in fact I think this is the first time I’ve actually logged into VEB instead of just browsing in about 10 days, my own little streak!). From the reports though I’m really impressed with Roddick, especially since Federer and Murray were getting all the attention it seemed.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been thinking about this
Roddick served incredibly all match and made some amazing defensive and offensive shots. However, could it be Federer’s greatness that he merely played a no frills match and allowed Roddick to wilt under the pressure of the moment? Federer is so smooth on the court that his shots rarely seem amazing.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Jul 6, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you saying that Federer is the Albert Pujols of tennis? We don't notice his greatness because he's always that good?
I keed, I keed…
I read a decent article here by Martin Samuel about the match, and he would seem to agree with the spirit of your thinking. At least, I think it is a decent article. I didn’t get to watch the match so I don’t know if his analysis is totally correct, but the gist was: Roddick was totally awesome and Federer managed to best him anyway. So Federer must really be that good.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I typed "Federer is the Albert Pujols of tennis" and then deleted it!
And that’s really the impression I had. I was so impressed with Roddick’s game yesterday that I didn’t really watch Federer. But, no one can deny how The Great Federer rose to nearly every challenge. He was down 5-to-1 in the second set tiebreak and won. It was incredible. Then, he simply wore Roddick down. The end of the fifth set exposed Roddick’s mental weakness as he crumbled and lost the best match he has played in his career. That’s what is amazing. Roddick played head and shoulders above any level I’ve ever witnessed from him, and Federer beat him.
"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 6, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
disagree
He seems more like a healthy-Carpenter.
"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 6, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After losing the second set tie break
I don’t think we can call anything out of Roddick yesterday “mentally weak”. He hit some garbage shots and played great tennis afterwards. He could have easily folded up shop after that tie break and didn’t.
I often wonder how enamored we’d be of Federer if he were American. We’re clamoring over Roddick’s performance yesterday (which was awesome) but he’s been a disappointment over the course of his tennis career beginning with an overhyped start.
There’s also the element of expectations. We expect those uncanny drop shots from Federer and the cross court saves. We expect him to be great because he’s always great. I still question whether he really played a comprehensively better match than Roddick yesterday but he certainly was still making tremendous shots.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the aces
Basically he waited till 40 or 30 and then slammed an ace. One he won entirely with aces.
Is that good tennis? Debate away.
"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 6, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, let's look at the numbers
Roddick:Federer
First Serve Percentage: 70%:64%
Aces: 27:50
Winning % on 1st Serve: 83%:89%
Winning % on 2nd Serve: 44%:60%
Winners (Including Service): 74:107
Break Chances: 2/5:1/7
Total Points Won: 213:223
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
I’m not sure that really clarified anything at all for me. Hell of an effort on both sides.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I consider myself enamored with Federer.
And not just because of the Rolex commercials. He’s a great sportsman with true class, something that is rather difficult to find in today’s media environment.
I think that you are dead on as to the expectations. Here was Federer Being Federer and Roddick finally ascending to the heights which many had predicted he would ascend. But, even playing as well as he did, Roddick still got beat by Federer, a fact that speaks to Federer’s ability and his play on Sunday.
"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 6, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW: Tiger won yesterday too
Tiger, Federer, Albert: we’re lucky to be watching three great athletes dominate their sports.
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Jul 6, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yet Jeter is in all those dumb advertisements. Hm.
Not that I mind much. I would hate it if Albert turned into some over-exposed “media darling” kinda guy. It’s just not his style.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
-a whole bunch
They’re nothing more than pro athletes to me. What they do off the field has zero interest to me. I don’t purchase tickets to see them raise my kids, be a “role model”, or other none sense…I pay to see them hit homeruns.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
by rocKStark5 on Jul 6, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet tix on ebay would go for a helluva lot
to see Tiger and Federer go yard
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
none sense fail
it’s NONE sense i say!!
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
by rocKStark5 on Jul 6, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I care
because I don’t want to see Pujols in crappy commercials. I like the ones he’s been in, but for how awesome he is he has been in surprisingly few. I get really tired of companies thinking that Derek Jeter can convince me to buy every single product available for men.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeter looks funny.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 7, 2009 5:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sadly, I don't think Raz has what it takes
to break this record. (Hope the subject wasn’t too scary.)
His minor-league stint showed entirely normal strike-zone discipline. Something like 11% of his plate appearances ended in walks. That was true pretty well regardless of level.
Dunston’s records at baseball-reference.com are incomplete. They only have BB data for his first season, at the rookie-league level. That very limited data set showed that his no-BBs skills weren’t fully developed yet; he managed 11 walks in 207 plate appearances. (By comparison, Raz’ minor-league career numbers, which are complete, were 200 BBs in 1776 PAs.) Of course, that’s exactly what the minor leagues are for: to break bad habits and polish good skills. But the recent streak notwithstanding, I don’t think Raz is going to approach this particular record.
by StanTheManFan on Jul 6, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
OT: I was on vacation last week.
What was the best thing? Pujols GS (in what appeared to be a crazy awesome game)? Rasmus walk-off? A.D.A.M. 9 IP? Goodemeyer?
Worst? DeRosa injury?
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 10:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tie
to A.D.A.M.‘s 9 IP and Colby’s walk-off. The walk-off ensured A.D.A.M.‘s efforts weren’t wasted, though he didn’t get the win.
"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 6, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A.D.A.M.'s 9ip 12k game was ruined
by the jank run support, taken out of that context it was awesome…but it’s too bittersweet and too big of a reminder about the BiPolar offense to be the highlight.
I’m assuming if I watched the GS it would have been my fav, however, given said offense I wrote the cards off early in favor of bar hopping…only to hear from it from other bar patrons (btw, Dubliner downtown = good. McGurks = best)
The Raz walkoff gets my vote (althought I was at work and had to watch it via mlb.tv at my desk)
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
by rocKStark5 on Jul 6, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colby's walkoff was the best
I’m sure there was some Thurston baserunning gaffe that was the worst. Ankiel had some truly atrocious defense in one game as well that comes to mind.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although I missed some games, T. Greene
grounded into a particularly frustrating double play swinging on the first pitch after two straight walks.
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Jul 6, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wish the NL would instigate the "designated fielder"
so we never had to see Greene swing a bat…
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 6, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's not that good in the field either
by dcfcblues on Jul 6, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 7, 2009 5:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Extra-Innings Game vs. San Fran
As has been posted, the combo of Wainwright’s best start and Rasmus’s game-winning long ball in extra innings made for high drama. (Plus, you missed Al saying that Rasmus will probably get an XBH and then the Giants will walk Pujols, insinuating that Rasmus hitting a double was bad for the Cardinals in the bottom of the tenth inning.)
"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 6, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
for me, the walk off just eeks past the other two
all 3 were very memorable
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got on the site and saw this post had 22 comments and 11 rec's
I knew I’d be in for a treat. Nice work DanUp!
"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 6, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It was great work
I refuse to rec it though, 34 is enough. We don’t want Dan to get a big head
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Jul 7, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's an interesting stat for you guys to look up
There are 3 active pitchers with 800+ regular season appearances and 30+ postseason appearances
Who are they?
One should be pretty obvious, one is not surprising, one will make you lol
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well
Rivera
smoltz?
and Wakefield?
by Harknights on Jul 6, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rivera is correct
Smoltz and Wakefield don’t have enough appearances in the regular season, so you can basically eliminate starting pitchers…
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I looked it up
You are right.
the thrid guy did make me laugh.
Really the second guy made me laugh too..
by Harknights on Jul 6, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rivera is correct
Smoltz and Wakefield are both short in regular season appearances, which should tell you how many starting pitchers are on this list…
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mo, Villone, and Izzy?
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, one of them is a former Cards pitcher
Another hint: I saw this stat during Saturday’s Braves/Nationals game
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
julian tavarez
"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 6, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who's the other
was gonna say hoffman but i gotta think he hasn’t been in 30 postseason games
"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 6, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha
"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 6, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This a guess or the answer?
Embree was one I was thinking.
I started thinking who was on some of the Yankee and BoSox bullpens early this decade who would still be around. He was the only BoSox guy I could think of that was still active.
Is Timlin still playing? Or is he retired by now?
by mtalken on Jul 6, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was thinking timlin too
this is the correct answer i suppose…it was answered by the person who posed the question
"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 6, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ha
thats funny
"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 6, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suppose I could've answered this in a more organized way... Haha
Yeah, the three are Mariano Rivera, Alan Embree, and Julian Tavarez
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back by popular demand
The St. Louis Cardinals are once again offering Ten Run Sundays at your local Bush Stadium and other limited locations nationwide.
(Participation may vary, subject to black-out dates, void when facing soft tossing lefty’s)
Warning: May cause irrational exuberance, hangover the following morning and lingering frustration from lack of run production that can persist throughout the following week. If these symptoms do not subside please contact your General Manager.
Ask your doctor if Ten Run Sundays are right for you!!!!
"There are three things the average man thinks he can do better than anybody else: build a fire, run a hotel and manage a baseball team."- Rocky Bridges
by That's a Winner on Jul 6, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions 9 recs
I prefer recreational use of 10 Run Sundays. I like going on benders.
"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 6, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard a rumor from a friend of mine in the biz
that there will soon be a non-prescription strength “7-8 run Sundays” available. It’d be awesome to get that over the counter, even if it’s not as powerful. It might end up being habit forming, but there is so little data available that nobody knows for sure yet.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
and if one's not enough
you can always just play two.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jul 6, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greatest comment of the 2009 season!
I have a very, umm...photographic brain. A lot like Ansel Adams but in color and with a lot more, uh.....insertion and pubic hair.
by Tackle Box on Jul 6, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rasmus an All-Star?
Seriously, I’ve been thinking about it all week. Where does he rank value wise against all the other NL OF’ers?
by Hardcore Legend on Jul 6, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not sure if you can see this properly
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=of&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=6&season=2009&month=0
According to that, he’s the 9th most “valuable” OF in all of baseball
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The NL is in need of a bona fide CFer, for sure, what with Beltran out.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on Jul 6, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nonsense
Defense never affects the outcome of All-Star games, right?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i seem to remember
an all star game not too long ago when chase utley was in for the ninth inning at third and an easy ground ball went by him for the go ahead, when good ol scotty rolen was still ridin the pine.
by krippledmaster on Jul 6, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wright had better use two hands
"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 7, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably going to be Victorino or Kemp
Decrease runs scored?
Maybe.
Decrease winning? Never seen that proven.
-SFTU
by hazel on Jul 6, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
can Upton play center?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they want the best defensive CF
I think they need to call Nyjer Morgan.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 6, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't he play left 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 6, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
morgan would fit as a CF, though.
i think the nats have put him in CF since the trade.
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 6, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not with his new team.
I think he will have no problem maintaining his status as best outfielder in the majors, even moving to center field. To me, he’s in a class all by himself.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 6, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and I'm stricltly talking about fielding.
He doesn’t hit enough to be an all around star, and probably never will. But that kind of defense doesn’t grow on trees, and the Nationals know it. That’s why they traded for him.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 6, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Overrating his defense by quite a bit.
by dcfcblues on Jul 6, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Morgan UZR/150 = 28.5
Rasmus UZR/150 = 26.9
Eric Byrnes UZR/150 = 28.4
Maybe it doesn’t grow on trees, but it’s not like he’s that much better than these other guys right now.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
by thegodfather on Jul 6, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That'd be sweet
if he were picked to replace Beltran. The last Cardinal rookie to make the All-Star roster was back in 2001…
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
by liam on Jul 6, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
makes me smile
just thinking about it
R.P.O.F.Y.M.
by BVHeck on Jul 7, 2009 4:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
btw
the link says insider, but it’s freely available right now…
Albert Pujols is ridiculous.
by stlhulsey on Jul 6, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It only just now occurred to me
after reading that article, that Dan Uggla won’t be in the All-Star game. We’ll win for sure.
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
by liam on Jul 6, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
omfg
he single handedly lost the game last year. keep him out!
by krippledmaster on Jul 6, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Olney has him in there
against a lefty starter too, but on the bench instead of starting. I guess Olney doesn’t appreciate the sarcasm DanUp.
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Jul 6, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big Series Win
That was a big Independence Day series win for the Cards. The Reds look to be problematic and we went in there and ripped their hearts out Friday night, understandably lost with the Brad Wonder on the hill Saturday, and then pummeled the NL’s worst pitcher (in terms of ERA) on Sunday. In doing so, we padded a full game to our lead over Cincinnati, which is still only 3 games. With Cueto and a returned Volquez, they could be problematic down the stretch (their -22 run differential after yesterday notwithstanding). It’s nice to get a bit of momentum heading into Milwaukee (1 GB) and Chicago (2.5 GB).
"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 6, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There was an awesome post on Purple Row
here breaking down the remaining schedule for NL contenders. The greater the cushion the better, methinks.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty good analysis
I’m very much looking forward to the next week’s worth of games vs. Milwaukee and Chicago, even if we do face Gallardo tonight. I’m hopeful that we can manage a 3-4 record. If we go 4-3, it will be huge.
The Cardinals second half schedule has brutality coming in every month.
Yikes, on first blush, but where is the brutality in August? Three games at L.A.? The schedule:
2 vs. Houston
2 at NYM
3 at PIT
3 vs. CIN
3 vs. SD
3 at L.A.
4 at SD
3 vs. HOU
3 vs. WAS
It’s not easy, by any means, but I don’t know that I’d call it brutal.
Series I’m most excited for? October 2-4 at home vs. Milwaukee to close out the season. Could be epic.
"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 6, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would go further and say
the August schedule is actually VERY weak. Other than LA and NYM all of those teams will be <.500 by August (if they’re not already), although I guess the Reds have a slim chance of being above .500. I don’t know how that can possibly count as strong.
Houston (twice), Washington, Pittsburgh, and San Diego (twice) have to be among the 5 or 6 weakest teams in the NL, and they’ll probably all have dealt some of their better players by August (esp. Pitt and SD).
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 7, 2009 5:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely O/T
But Brewers First round Draft pick Eric Arnett just walked into my parts department to spend some of that slot money. New wheels and meats for his new Avalanche.
by RiverRat on Jul 6, 2009 12:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
what kind of meat goes w/ an Avalanche?
salami?
by FunkeeC on Jul 6, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they still make the Avalanche?
I haven’t seen one of those on the road in forever.
- "I went at it and didn’t slow down, so it kind of bounced off me." -Lil' Dunc
by SleepyCA on Jul 6, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
meats?
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought those were dubs.
I’m so white!
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They probably qualify as dubs, but I am in in MT
so dubs hasn’t quite made the slang up here yet…lol
by RiverRat on Jul 6, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
apparently you are not white enough
who knew?
by FunkeeC on Jul 6, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunston Was Entertaining
He was one of the most entertaining players I’ve ever watched in the major leagues. That’s not necessarily a compliment. He had a cannon arm from shortstop and always ran hard to first base on a ground ball. He made a lot of acrobatic plays at short, too. He had all kinds of trouble getting out of the way of the runner going into second on double plays. I wished he had learned from Chris Speier, a Cubs teammate, how to avoid the runner as much as possible.
However, the guy just did not want to take walks. He made Andre Dawson look like a patient hitter. Dunston broke into the majors in 1985 and did not receive his 100th career walk until 1990. He played in at least 138 games in the 3 of the 4 seasons leading up to 1990, so he had plenty of opportunties to get that 100th walk before that season.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Jul 6, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I miss the Shawon Dunston and Eric Davis days
You could just look in the dugout and tell that they were having fun, probably at the expense of JD Drew I’m guessing.
by Expatcardfan on Jul 6, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at the expensein spite of JD Drew
Drew seems to have the least fun of any big leaguer I’ve ever seen. Doesn’t make him a bad player and he got a bad rap in STL in my opinion but man was he dry.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always thought that the other players made fun of JD all day
That seems like the only explanation. I can see Davis and Shawon cracking jokes at him all day, and then always figured that Ankiel and Bud Smith (he’s the one who had the dagger sideburns, right?). JD just seemed like that kid in class that everybody seemed to pick on all day, even though there was really no reason to.
by Expatcardfan on Jul 6, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
meant "Ankiel and Bud Smith did too"
must have got caught up thinking about the sideburns
by Expatcardfan on Jul 6, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"He had a cannon arm from shortstop"
this is his most memorable trait. I seem to remember he had a knack for clutch hits too
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
very fun
Good piece to read while I took my lunch break. Thanx.
born Dodger blue, now dyed Cardinals red
by totalloser on Jul 6, 2009 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brilliant, DanUp
Don’t you ever leave us.
by mojowo11 on Jul 6, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Swinging
I don’t post often, but I am an avid reader. As usual, great post, DanUp
I wanted to bring up a guy who is the anti-Dunston: Adam Dunn. Dan and Al brought him up over the weekend, casually wondering how long he’ll be a National and how good he’d look in the cleanup spot for the Cards. My first reaction was ‘blech,’ but then I got curious and looked at his B-R page.
Top ten comps through age 28: Strawberry, Canseco, Killebrew, Colavito, R Jackson, Glaus, Brunansky, Bonds, Maris, Powell. Wow.
Career numbers: 248/383/520/903. Career vs. lefties: 237/357/473/830.
Career Home: 249/388/534/922. Career Away: 247/377/507/884.
Zips projection the rest of 2009: 256/388/523/911
(For Reference, Holliday rest of 2009:286/369/461/830. Ankiel: 252/311/467/778)
I know his defense is terrible, but a plus defender like Rasmus in center would help soften the blow, as opposed to him playing next to a gimpy Griffey or Ryan Freel.
The guy never misses time with injury, and he’s signed for a reasonable deal through 2010. I don’t know if the Cards would take on his salary, or what the Nationals would want in return (young pitching, I’m sure), but he’d be a big addition to this lineup.
by pitchingandefense on Jul 6, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I've long pined after Adam Dunn
And then, when he became available, the Cardinals have a surplus of genuine MLB outfielders. My, how fast the tables have turned, eh? Perhaps, the Nats being the Nats, they would take a package centered around Chris Duncan? (I’m kidding.) Sadly, I don’t think this will happen. Adam Dunn will likely wind up where he belongs, in the AL, playing first base or DH, as he swats 40 HRs and posts a .900 OPS at a bargain of a salary. That said, how glorious would Adam Dunn be in the #2 slot in St. Louis, constantly clogging the bases in front of Pujols?
"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 6, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Number 2 or 4, I can't decide.
I’d probably go Schu, Raz, Albert, Dunn, Ludwick, DeRosa, Molina, P, Ryan
vs. Lefties: Ryan, DeRosa, Albert, Ludwick, Dunn, Molina, Raz, P, Schu
by pitchingandefense on Jul 6, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn is a PERFECT #2 hitter
So many walks…so many two-run homers and RBI doubles for Pujols…
by mojowo11 on Jul 6, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmmm
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sadly, there is no defensive position called "#2 hitter."
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Jul 6, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a defensive position called "LF," however
with Rasmus covering CF for the foreseeable future
by mysterui on Jul 6, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and when you start putting him in LF he'll start eating up his offensive value by
losing runs. dunn is a pretty marginal improvement over our current offerings.
total value so far(WAR):
Dunn: 0.9
Ankiel: 0.3
Duncan: 0.1
and dunn’s issue is not a small sample size — those numbers are in line with what he has put up in the recent past. Ankiel and Duncan have both been worth much more than their current value in their seasons in the pros (except for Duncan in 2008).
I would not trade much to get that extra half a win. honestly, i’d rather save dunn’s salary and use it as a signing bonus to get angel sano. dunn is not likely to save our season.
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 6, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we are already giving up runs on defense though
might as well get them back on offense
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you do realize those numbers account for both defense and offense?
adam dunn is about three times worse in LF than chris duncan. so, adam dunn makes many more runs on offense than duncan does, but also loses many more on defense.
that’s how it balances out. if you traded today for adam dunn and put him in LF, he would be worth about 6 more runs than putting rick ankiel out there, or about 8 more runs than putting chris duncan out there.
i doubt trading for adam dunn would get us more runs than putting joe thurston and jarrett hoffpauir at second and putting skippy in left. which we could do for free.
a run is a run is a run.
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 6, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but will dunn be worth more offensive runs as a cardinal than a national?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
playing half his games in a pitchers park? no.
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 6, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no such thing as a pitchers park when Big Country is a the plate.
"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 6, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at the...not a the.
"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 6, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I don’t think his HR total would be that affected, but his defense would probably be slightly worse
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WAR is park adjusted and team-independent
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Team-independent*
Does not include strength of schedule or batters’ quality of pitchers faced
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
just shaking the bees nest for a little bit
sort of a hobby of mine
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
keep it up...
…its generally good practice to make people back what they claim up, especially in such quantitative discussions. I know I present arguments that I know are right off the top of my head, but when I go to check find out that I am still an idiot.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you guys have convinced me
Dunn probably wouldn’t be a very good fit in StL. we usually thrive with good defense, and this season we are subpar defensively (but luckily we have good pitching)
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, with all that said...
I love me some Adam Dunn. From a general fan standpoint, he is a great guy to watch, because its easy to focus just on his ABs via Sportscenter or whatever. One isn’t subjected to his awful defense much unless he/she is watching full Nationals games (and if one is, then there are many more things to worry about than Adam Dunn’s defensive ineptitude).
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
do you think since most of our pitchers go for groundballs
that he might actually not be as bad defensively, since he wouldn’t have as many opportunities to be slow and sluggish?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's definitely an interesting theory
We would need to look at his defensive prowess on groundballs vs. flyballs to make a better judgment considering our pitchers’ groundball tendencies. I would suppose, however, that it is just as likely that he could be even worse at fielding groundballs (imagine lots of what are usually 1Bs getting in the gap past him or beat him down the line) than he is at flyballs.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think if he had
an excellent 3B and SS in front of him and an incredible CF next to him, you could start minimizing his craptastic defense in left.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting Point
The Cards are number 1 in the league with a 0.96 GB/FB ratio.
by pitchingandefense on Jul 6, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the outside the box thinking Chitown
As long as he doesn’t misplay the grounders maybe he isn’t so horrendus in LF.
"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 6, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have not been convinced
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok
I’m not fully convinced, but am more apt to be convinced (especially when I argued for Ankiel over Duncan based on defense)
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That does seem to be a problem
WAR should be adjusted to run environment; meaning that Dunn will be more valuable on certain teams than others.
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why should it?
Replacement level isn’t dependent on team so why should wins above replacement?
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jul 6, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was saying that WAR isn't a dynmaic model
Meaning that it doesn’t change based on specific run environments. For example, Pujols is so good that he actually improves the value of players around him. WAR is based off of linear weights, which are basically the average run output of each offensive event (single, homer, etc). However, the actual value of those events changes based on how many runners are typically on base. A player like Albert or Dunn creates more baserunners, which would make the contributions of the guys behind him more valuable. So WAR, at least IMO (I could be very wrong), doesn’t properly value really good or really bad hitters.
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't agree
If a metric truely tracks only things a player has control over and not things like RBIs then it shouldn’t matter whether he is in a horrid lineup or an all star one. What will change is the run production type stats that are reliant on others. Now if you follow the “you see better pitches in front of Pujols” or “having a bat to protect Pujols” camps then yes your performance can be affected by those around you.
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jul 6, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Another point...
WAR doesn’t account for SoS. So if one plays in the NL East and always gets to pad stats on free hit day against the Natinals, his WAR is going to be greater than an equally-talented counterpart from the AL-East who constantly faces the Sox, Yanks, and Rays.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your missing the point
WAR is based of linear weights, which are the average run value in a given year of each offensive event. Pujols makes Ludwicks double better than it would be with an average player in front of him, however, that doesn’t show up in WAR.
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Going off the assumption that you're saying that should be credited to Pujols
I’d imagine that the bias in the linear regression would be minimal at the top and bottom. So yeah they might underestimate Pujols by a little (if it does at all, that might already be accidentally taken into account somehow) but it wouldn’t be practically significant, I wouldn’t think anyway.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wouldn't that show up
by Pujols just getting on base period?
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jul 6, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would show up in Pujols' WAR
But it wouldn’t show how it affects Ludwick’s WAR. But as joker24 said the difference is probably trivial.
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It shouldn't affect Ludwicks at all
Ludwick hit a 2B period.
WAR= (wOBA – .338) / 1.15 * 700 / 10.5
wOBA=(0.72xNIBB + 0.75xHBP + 0.90×1B + 0.92xRBOE + 1.24×2B + 1.56×3B + 1.95xHR) / PA
Both formula taken from http://www.insidethebook.com/
"People call me El Hombre," Pujols said. "But only Stan is the Man."
by StLHugo on Jul 6, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fuck
I’m saying that Ludwick’s double would be worth more that *1.24. The 1.24 is the average run value of a double based off of having an average amount of runners on base when that double is hit. Batting behind Pujols would mean that his double would be worth more than that on average.
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right
But Ludwick shouldn’t get credit for that, he had nothing to do with anything other than happening to play on the Cardinals and hit behind Pujols.
Now in terms of building a team it might be productive to know the exact value of the bias in the regression on the lineup slots but that’s a lineup construction debate not a linear weights one.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm saying Pujols should get credit for that
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean, he literally makes everyone around him better
Derosa.
by vivaelpujols on Jul 6, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops, but like I said
I’d imagine the bias in this is pretty small.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see what you are saying...
…but the more I think about it the less I think it is a problem with WAR and more an issue for lineup construction as joker suggested.
Pujols does get credit for it – in his wOBA, which flows to his WAR.
WAR is based on league average to indicate what would happen in a context neutral situation. All of Pujols’ contributions are reflected in that league average. It is this neutrality that is the beauty of WAR – it’s what makes Ryan Ludwick comparable to Michael Cuddyer, Matt Holliday, or whoever else.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take his debate
What he’s saying is that Pujols gets his credit for hitting a double single etc by WAR. That is accurate.
But the fact that he is on base so damn much means that the #4 hitter’s hits are more valuable than they otherwise would be with an average hitter hitting in front of him. The #4 hitter hitting a double has a higher run value than 1.24 because Pujols is on first much more than the average player. Correspondingly the #2 hitter getting on base has a higher run value than average because he will be driven in more frequently by Pujols.
That said, the #2/#4 hitters making outs has a more negative impact on run scoring for the same reasons so I’d think it would come damn close to evening out.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it shouldn’t even out, since you’re presumably dealing with an above-average hitter.
somebody did some work a while back that found that linear weights vary significantly by lineup order (you can guess how it works), so vep’s overall point makes some sense.
by greenback06 on Jul 6, 2009 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being bold enough to speak for vivaelpujols...
based on his statements:
WAR is based of linear weights, which are the average run value in a given year of each offensive event.
and:
However, the actual value of those events changes based on how many runners are typically on base
…I think his argument is that the constants in your formulas should be adjusted when someone like Albert is up. Since Albert is constantly on base, a double behind or in front of him is worth much more than one in front of or behind league average, which is what those constants represent.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CFs next to Dunn
Griffey 2002-2006: UZRs ranging from -2.1 to -23.1.
Hamilton 2007: UZR -0.8
Patterson 2008: UZR 0.4
Dukes 2009: UZR -6.0
Dunn is a terrible defender, but he’s never played consistently next to a center fielder as good as Rasmus. Patterson is the only one you would consider a plus defensive center fielder.
by pitchingandefense on Jul 6, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think there's enough evidence of the relationship between
neighboring fielders to show that dunn’s defense is better than it appears. he’s consistently been a -15 to -20 run LF. i don’t see that there’s a big problem with saying that he is.
i guess you’re saying razzle will more likely make plays out of the zone that will save runs that dunn would otherwise lose. strikes me as unlikely. looking at defensive systems that ignore out of zone plays and those that include them has not led to dramatically different results, anyway. plays out of the zone in the outfield are relatively rare compared to the infield — probably even razzle would pull down maybe dozen OOZ plays in CF over the last half of the season, half of which will be on the right side.
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 6, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, just maybe....
it would be worth it if we could start an OF in right center, another in left center, and move Dunn to first. That way Albert could wear a catchers mask in the dugout, and be safe from Thurston. 2 outfielders + Albert injury protection can’t be that much worse than Dunn in the OF, right?
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Supposedly Dunn is even worse at first base than he is at LF.
Decrease runs scored?
Maybe.
Decrease winning? Never seen that proven.
-SFTU
by hazel on Jul 6, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunn is terrible defensively
But I think STL is one NL team you could hide him on, with Rasmus in CF and Schumaker as his late inning replacement. I just think his impact on the lineup, as in his on base and slugging abilities positively affecting Pujols, Ludwick, etc., would be worth the loss on defense. And this is coming from a guy who believes very strongly in defense.
By the way, fangraphs says from 2002-2008 his value was $70.4, while his salary was $36.7. Take away his first three (cheap) years, and from 2005-2008 his value was $34.5, while his salary was $35.6. And this year he is well on his way to his value exceeding his salary.
I know he’s due a pay bump next year, but the guy hasn’t had much opportunity to contend, or to be in a lineup with Pujols.
And I am really enjoying this discussion. This site is responsible for my furthering in baseball education, due to posters such as you, all4tookie, chuckb, etc. Thanks.
by pitchingandefense on Jul 6, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, with the season more than half over,
Adam Dunn has just reached 4.1M in value. If he continues this pace, he will be worth almost exactly the 8M on his contract for this season.
His salary actually goes up by four million dollars next season, so it seems somewhat unlikely that he will post surplus value.
Decrease runs scored?
Maybe.
Decrease winning? Never seen that proven.
-SFTU
by hazel on Jul 6, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just glad the cubs didn't sign him and went with Bradley
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Can you imagine the Damage he would have Dunn(pun intended) hitting in Wrigley for 80 games?
"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 6, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
er...81.
"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 6, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, 80.
Adam Dunn would have missed the 4th of July game b/c he was at an Al Queada rally.
The guy really hates America.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
No just Toronto.
"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 6, 2009 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and toronto isn't even in the US...
so BAM!
by stlfan on Jul 6, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So by hates America
They mean hates North America? Good god, he hates apple pie AND hockey.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 7, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
probably damage a few condos
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rasmus would play a new position
called LCF
R.P.O.F.Y.M.
by BVHeck on Jul 7, 2009 4:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Having an Adam Dunn crush is sooooo 2004.
Ah, the days when OBP was the be-all, end all. You or I could play as good of defense.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well that sounds rather fuddy duddy
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait
I think I may have run across a new nickname for luddy
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
fuddy luddy?
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 6, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Picture gets a little muddy
when you have to consider Dunn’s cruddy defense
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rasmus might end up bloody
having to cover for his new buddy. Maybe someone should do a study?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The quik-e-mart is real - do'h!
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who needs and Adam Dunn?
NOOOoooot meeeeeeeeeee
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doooooooooooooooooo!!!
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I now pronounce you,
man & Dunn.
"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 6, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
good for the boys!
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 6, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a lot of work
It’d take more days and nights than Kid Cudi on repeat
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
p&d. I would agree with the idea that Dunn would be a nice addition to the line-up. He definetly has the reputation that Tony would be looking for in a clean-up hitter.
"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 6, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's definitely 'damage'
I think TLR would love to write in a lineup that featured 2-5 Rasmus, Pujols, Dunn, Ludwick.
Just think if they had Dunn AND Glaus made it back for the last six weeks. Tony could then write DeRosa into the lineup every day in a different position. He might just dance a little jig with a lineup featuring that much pop and versatility.
by pitchingandefense on Jul 6, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT--for those pining for Ryan Freel
but a plus defender like Rasmus in center would help soften the blow, as opposed to him playing next to a gimpy Griffey or Ryan Freel.
Speaking of which: Freel dealt to KC Cubs Trade Freel to Royals
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Jul 6, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who was pining for Ryan Freel?
Decrease runs scored?
Maybe.
Decrease winning? Never seen that proven.
-SFTU
by hazel on Jul 6, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guess I needed to use blue font
to indicate sarcasm.
Sorry
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
by gocards62 on Jul 6, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a minute I thought Bernie had written this Freel stuff
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stat corrections for the period between walks.
Through the use of Baseball Reference and also pulling out individual game logs of the past two games Rasmus walked, I have discovered his numbers are slightly different between walks.
Colby walked in his first plate appearance on May 25th. So that PA can be taken out. He was 0 for 3 otherwise in that game.
On Sunday, he walked in his 4th at bat. Before that he was 2 for 3 with a double, hr, and ground out. Additionally, he had 2 runs and 2 rbi’s.
His stats for the period between walks would have been:
116 PA, 115 AB, 39 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 6 hrs, 1 SH, 0 walks
Making his BA .339, OBP .336, Slg .609, OPS .945
Either way, he’s still hitting quite well. But again, slight differences in his statistics between walks. This shows him to have been hitting even better than what DanUpBaby stated.
by BirdsonFire on Jul 6, 2009 1:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This was a great post, by the way
Shawon Dunston saved baseball! I think if you just said that at random in a bar or something people would agree.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL
Once upon a time, Dunston was considered a “power hitting” shortstop in the National League.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Jul 6, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, he sorta looks like the Khalil Greene of his day?
Or am I totally off-base with that?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Offensively not too far off.
It’s hard to say without the data defensively, but neither are/were very good.
Shawon’s 1986 is amazing: .278 OBP, 114 K’s, 21 BB’s, 32 E’s, -11.6 wRAA, and Cub fans made him a cult hero.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well, they're cubs fans
Harold Reynolds probably was in awe of this tremendous hitting performance
by Expatcardfan on Jul 6, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dunston Came After Bowa
The Cubs were excited to get a shortstop who hit better than Bowa did. Bowa was the weak link in the lineup for the Cubs in 1984. Dunston’s 17 HR’s back in 1986 was a lot for a NL shortstop. He was a cult hero alright. I believe fans liked the style with which he played more than how well he played.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Jul 6, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see Ankiel putting up that line someday.
Minus the errors.
"I usually don’t read other peoples sigs." -Cuttah
by Alxfritz on Jul 6, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs / Wrigley sale to Ricketts family finalized
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/07/cubs-sales-deal-finalized.html
In other news, Mark Cuban still doesn’t own the Cubs.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Jul 6, 2009 1:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mark Cuban would be scary
But apparently the Ricketts are die-hard Cubs fans and there’s a lot of speculation that they’ll be raising payroll for the Northsiders.
That would be bad.
by mojowo11 on Jul 6, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hasn't helped Hendry yet, let em go for it
Think anyone would want the 5.5 years 98 mil left for Soriano? .226 .290 .412 yowza. Imagine if we were stuck paying Duncan 98 million, and then make Duncan worse this year.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The astros might trade for him
and platoon him with Lee.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Jul 7, 2009 5:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
The Mavericks, like the Cubs, have been disappointing in the playoffs. The Cubs need to spend the money they do have more wisely, regardless of who the owner is.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on Jul 6, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playoff success in baseball is a lot more random than in basketball
Saying the Cubs haven’t spent wisely solely based on their lack of playoff success is misleading. Good teams win 60% of their games in baseball while good NBA teams win 75% or more. Given shorter rotations in the playoffs, any qualifying teams’ chances to win the WS hovers around 1 in 8. This is not the case in basketball, where the top seeds more easily advance.
"In the wake of Michael Jackson's passing, all of the players in yesterday's games wore one glove in his memory."
- Craig Calcaterra
by all4tookie on Jul 6, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh
If Dwyane Wade wasn’t given free reign to travel all he wanted (even by NBA standards) nor could anyone even get near him without getting called for a foul, things would have been different. That was the most unwatchable series of Finals games in any sport I’ve seen.
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was atrocious
Hollinger used his PER model to argue that Dwayne Wade’s performance in that series was the greatest finals performance ever. That was over anything Jordan, Shaq, Magic, or Bird did. Nope, none of those…it was Wade’s flop fest because the numbers said so. I almost cried and threw away statistics forever, but then remembered that basketball stats are much wonkier than baseball ones…
Okay, I get it…the fact that Wade was at the lane for the whole series and sank all those free throws was extremely valuable…but the reason he was at the lane was because he either dramatically flopped or got fouls called on mild touches every single time he drove, which was damn near every single Heat possession. I don’t blame Wade…he was smart enough to realize the referees were calling it tight (at least for him)…I blame some truly awful officiating. I mean, that was horrific even by NBA standards and I was hoping the HEAT would win!!! Pathetic.
VivaElBirdos...Scoring less, but more frequently since approximately 1903.
by redbirdnation8206 on Jul 6, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least they have to dig out of a hole for the next, what, 5 years?
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's easier to dig out of a hole
When your team suddenly has many millions more to spend than before.
by mojowo11 on Jul 6, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That reminds me of the First Rule of Holes.
You know, the rule that says when you find yourself in one, stop digging.
She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.
by jillsinmo on Jul 6, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
slow hole to china
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear they have sideways holes over there
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Jul 6, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Gross and rectastic
"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 6, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
name of a Clutch album
go see ’em live
4B - beer baseball bands blog
DeRosa>MB
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 6, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just had a Zen moment with that statement...
You know, the rule that says when you find yourself in one, stop digging.
I know where it is from but it really makes a lot of sense. Anytime your in a proverbial hole the best thing to do is to stop digging.
"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 6, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off topic but awesome
Dunno if this is old news yet (I think it just happened yesterday) but Rally aka Chone Smith updated his Wins Above Replacement numbers going back to 1871 for hitters, 1876 for pitchers, at www.baseballprojection.com.
Let the baseblogosphere hum with the frenetic creation of a thousand WAR graphs.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i don't know if your sig is old
but its the first time i’ve seen it…and i like it…a lot
"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 6, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
1871?
Oh man, more ways to mess with my boy Ross Barnes’s data. Day: made.
by DanUpBaby on Jul 6, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just throwing an idea out there
Let’s replace the innings of Wellemeyer and the next worst starter with 1888 Silver King. 16.5 WAR! 585 innings pitched! And other measurements as well!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, wow
one of the things I hate about missing VEB time (did I really just say that?) is the stuff that comes up in conversation around here that keeps me informed of stuff I wouldn’t notice on my own. So I of course was oblivious to Brett Wallace’s recent hotness. Has this conversation been done to death yet? I expect it has given recent TLR quotes but just wondering. Minor League Splits sez his MLE for the last 28 days is in the .780-.790 OPS range. Interesting stuff.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And I could easily have used the word "stuff" more than that if I had wanted to.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "5.7 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Jul 6, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we are starting to run out of rabbits to pull out of our hats.
if derosa’s wrist isn’t better after the asb, I bet we recall barden. give him a week or so. if he still can’t hit, i think we could see wallace.
and re: stuff, i just recall: “like, i look around and i see people and they’ve got all this stuff? and i just am like ’where’s my stuff?’”
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 6, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barden recently injured himself
which is why Hoff got the call. Another wrist injury, IIRC.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Barden has played
in the last five games at Memphis.
Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...
by giveml on Jul 6, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmmmm
maybe I’m totally off base. . .I could have sworn there was an injury concern with Barden.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think i remember something about him being injured.
but he didn’t go on the dl for it.
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 6, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Feldman was talking about it on his radio show this weekend
and I distinctly remember the convo because Hoff was basically a “default” choice being on the 40-man and basically the last healthy position player available.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Jul 6, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs