Talent in, talent out
by DanUpBaby on Aug 18, 2009 6:00 AM EDT
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PrintShelby Miller! I have it on good faith that he throws 120 miles per hour... to contact. That he has a 2:1 groundballs-batters faced ratio. That he is, depending on how ready you were to jump on the Anthony Reyes, Future Ace bandwagon following his crazy 8 K:BB stint in AA, the best-regarded pitching prospect in the system since Rick Ankiel, despite having yet to play a baseball game for money.
Last time the Cardinals became associated with trading prospects for veterans it wasn't—in most cases—the prospects themselves that killed them; it was that the those great 2000-2005 squads kicked off the dynasy by drafting future superstars like Shaun Boyd, Chance Caple, Justin Pope, and nobody in back-to-back-to-back-to-back first rounds. (That 2002 draft, in which the Cardinals gave up draft picks for signing Izzy and Tino Martinez, is particularly devastating; their first two picks retired in the Midwest League, momentary prospects like Travis Hanson lost their way before their first cup of coffee, and only Kyle McClellan and Brad Thompson have spent any time in the majors.)
So while trading the top prospect for retail-priced help is a bad habit to get into, it was exacerbated in the Jimmy Journell era by poor drafting. But this year the Cardinals have shown a desire to bring talent in and they ship it out.
TALENT OUT
1. Colby Rasmus. It's always good news when the biggest blow to your prospect list establishes himself, immediately, as a useful Major League baseball player. (On your team, that is.) Certainly his long-term profile—maybe even his short term profile—is much different from the fringe-average centerfield bat he's shown to this point, but his defense has been all-world enough, in its almost blandly graceful way, to make him a championship-quality player in year one.
But the loss of Rasmus left the Faberge Squad, as 2009 began, without the guy who'd single-handedly filled the Future Star quadrant since 2005. Even #2 on this list wasn't quite there—he was a guy, in Baseball America parlance, who would Hit No Matter What. With Rasmus, there was rarely any need for qualification.
2. Brett Wallace. Are you like me? Are you still following Brett Wallace's nightly exploits as though they were still over-the-fold Future Redbirds material? (It helps that, for the last few days, they have been—his .467 stint against Memphis has to have allayed some Athletics concerns about his lack of high-minors power.)
Just about to turn 23 and already in AAA, Wallace wasn't a Rasmus-style perennial on prospect lists, but his was the rare high-OBP fat-guy bat that received universal scout plaudits; it was so impressive a tool that his serious problems weren't enough to mar his premium-prospect tag. Losing Rasmus at the same time is part of what made the Holliday deal so tough to stomach; in his large-hipped vacuum the Cardinals were left with a toolsy outfielder with uncertain power projection and an international signing who's four months younger than Miley Cyrus.
The Cardinals traded a few Wallace types in their JockettyBall era. Daric Barton, the first Official Prospect Crush of Get Up, Baby! after his age-18 Ted Williams impression in the Midwest League, was further from the minors than Wallace, and not so loved by scouts, but he had just hit .313/.445/.513 with 69 walks against 44 strikeouts in a league full of college pitchers and known to suppress offense. He was also playing catcher.
Barton, selected the year after that disastrous 2002 draft, is kind of a Brett Wallace cautionary tale. While he was lighting up my pre-FR life, the Cardinals were racking up their equally disastrous 2004 draft, focused intentionally on affordability and implicitly on players with less upside than Daric Barton, or Brian Barden. Barton was the impact player, like Wallace, but he was also in a system that proved even thinner than this one.
3. Clay Mortensen. In my day, why, we called this guy Chris Narveson, and we were happy to have him, you know? None of this interchangeable back-of-the-rotation starter talk around our hot stove, and you know why? Because talking uses up the oxygen we'd saved up for that little fire.
4. Every right-handed reliever the Cardinals had. The organizational guys—Luke Gregerson, Mark Worrell, Luis Perdomo—were acceptable losses. If they're major prospects your system has greater and more pressing needs; although they'd certainly be useful now, it wasn't a matter of Mortgaging Our Future so much as reorganizing the team's value (a little more than was, in hindsight, advisable) in the present.
Jess Todd (and recent Talent Out graduate Chris Perez) are better bets in the future, and a little more difficult to let go; the Cardinals gave up real value in the future for the chance to replace Joe Thurston in the present. Jason Motte also made his last leap off prospect lists in 2009, and it's not been nearly as pleasant as Rasmus's. In all the Cardinals lost the makings of a great, cheap bullpen this year—some of it was traded, some of it just evaporated. That's not the most glamorous part of a prospect list, but it's tough to lose it.
5. Tyler Herron. What was the deal with that? He's in the Pirates system now, in case you hadn't heard, doing basically the same thing he was doing in Springfield, although apparently less uncoachably. Herron was part of the first salvo of attempted pitching depth, which didn't quite go as anticipated—from that run of supplemental picks and early rounders immediately following Rasmus and Tyler Greene, Mark McCormick has disappeared off the face of the earth; Herron is in Altoona; high schooler Josh Wilson has retired in each of the last two seasons; and closer-turned-hittable-starter-turned-hittable-closer Nick Webber is out of the system.
They did better later on, thankfully, or else the Herron move would make even less sense than it does as is.
TALENT IN
1. Shelby Miller and Wagner Mateo! We haven't seen stat one on these guys yet, and I don't know anything I wouldn't be regurgitating third-hand, so I've lumped them together—but this is exactly what the Cardinals didn't have to fall back on after trading Barton or Adam Kennedy or H...H... I had another name, I thought, but Google isn't any help at all.
When the Cardinals traded for Mark Mulder they were basically without a farm system, top and bottom, and there was no real reason to believe that worried them. There was no lasting commitment to young players; they just happened to have a few of them, and then they didn't. This year the rights to two players, one of whom won't be a Major League factor for at least five years, were already in hand by the time the Cardinals' top prospect was gone. Beneath them there's depth, the pretty good-but (no fastball / fringe glove / no pop / Tommy John) guys that would have topped a prospect list in the three terrifying months between the start of the 2005 season and Colby Rasmus.
It's a great time to be a Cardinals fan, but even if your first stop after a hard day's work is the GCL box scores (Joe Mather and Mike Parisi played tonight!) the minor leagues are no longer bereft of stories. With the second round pick the Cardinals could have taken another college pitcher; instead they selected ex-superprospect Robert Stock, who could have just ended up another college pitcher anyway but is now putting up a .951 OPS as a defensively adept catcher.
It's not just the players who've flooded the system; it's an increased confidence that the people in charge of the system both know what they're doing and are interested in doing it. They might trade some prospects, but that's not the only reason they'd like to have some.
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Gregatron is not responsible for any of the crap he just wrote.
St. Louis vegetarian blog
by Gregatron on Aug 18, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Save the lobsters! Eat more steak!
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Whilst I wouldn't necessarily add them to the "talent in/out" lists
there’s also been major shifts in the balance of talent/projection already within the system. Several previously top-10 prospects in our system have fallen off the map this year, and we’ve got a couple of new faberge eggs to coo over.
The big climbers seem to be:
Tyler Henley, who suddenly looks to have overtaken everyone but Darryl Jones (and is even closing on him) in the “left-handed outfield depth with a useful glove and a serviceable major league bat” stakes. He’s gone from a fringey 4th-OF-type prospect in 2008 to a genuine potential major-league-right-field prospect in 2009, putting up .337/.504/.881 in AA with plus speed and (apparently) an above-average corner OF glove, although he turns 24 shortly.
Daniel Descalso, just 22, who was barely mentioned on anyone’s lists last year, but who hit .396/.531/.928 in 324 PAs whilst dominating AA as a MIDDLE-INFIELDER (and apparently a defensively-average 2Bman at that). He’s cooled off a little in AAA, but his BABIP is well down, BB/K ratio sits at the same level, and he’s only had 141 PAs so far. Seems to have totally eclipsed the in-over-his-head Pete Kozma who was rushed to AA only to struggle horribly with both bat and glove this year.
Eduardo Sanchez, who seems to be the best relief prospect we’ve had since Chris Perez, although I realise RP prospects materialise and disappear at a frequent and worryingly random rate. Striking out over a batter per inning split between A+ and AA, with a FIP in the low 3’s, much more control than the older, wilder Francisco Samuel and a skillset that will seemingly play legitimately in the majors, Sanchez looks like a potential major league closer/set-up guy in a couple of years. I like the fact that he’s got the stuff (unlike Salas) but ALSO seems to have an idea where the ball is going (unlike Samuel/Reifer), but most of all, the fact that he’s just 20.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 18, 2009 6:45 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm pretty high on Descalso
and lboros commented a few weeks ago that the organization might be as well, which is why parting with Wallace was palatable for them. Descalso played 3B in college, and could easily transition back to the hot corner if his bat continues to show doubles power and good OBP — he’d be a better than league average defender there, so if his bat is even close to average he’s probably a 2 win player.
Sanchez seems like a good prospect to start closing in Memphis next year, unless he makes the big club out of the spring like McClellan did a couple of years ago — he’s got solid stuff and throws a lot of strikes, but so did Jason Motte in the minors, where nobody can seemingly hit a 98 mph fastball down the middle. I’m hoping to see Joe Kelly and Scott Bittle fill out our relief pitching depth in the minors because, as we’ve seen this year, you really can’t have enough relief pitchers in your minor league system.
Color me not impressed with Henley yet; this is the first year he’s done anything of note, and he’s a 24 year old at AA, so he should be putting up sick numbers — probably not THAT sick, but until he’s able to hit like that at AAA I’ll hold my breath. If he’s that good, he should be in AAA proving he can do it against big league 4th and 5th starters.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Sanchez has a second pitch, though, doesn't he?
"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
Henley and Descalso seem to have very similar track records to me with the exception being that Henley is about a 18 months older. Neither has performed at a high offensive level prior to this season, they’re both above average defenders at their positions and they both had monster seasons in AA. I’m not sure why you’d be “pretty high” on Descalso and “not impressed” with Henley unless I’m misinterpreting semantics.
Descalso — Age 22 (will be 23 in Oct.)
AA – .928 OPS
AAA – .640 OPS
Henley – Age 24 (as of June)
AA – .881 OPS
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
my gut is that descalso's slow response at AAA means he'll get ST invite, but likely spend
most/all of 2010 at memphis.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
which is fine...
I’m actually fine, dare I say excited, about a Schu/Lugo platoon next year. Descalso’s not needed until 2010 anyway.
Henley seems like a useful 4th/5th outfielder. His competition with Jay for that spot will be interesting.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 18, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
However
Henley = RF, Descalso = 2B. If Henley can OPS .750 in the majors whilst playing RF, he’s, at best, a 4th OF. If Descalso can do the same whilst showing an average glove at 2B, he’s probably verging on a 3-win player.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 18, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
The difference between RF and 2B is 1 win
So Henley would be a league average player under your example.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
Position is a big factor here
and 18 months is quite a bit of an age difference. Also, Descalso was a much more impressive player in college than Henley was. Descalso slugged above .500 twice in three years while Henley didn’t do it once in four years. Descalso also has doubles power to all fields, whereas Henley looks to be a pull hitter who doesn’t go the other way very well, just based on scouting reports.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
i think your numbers may be off
pretty sure henley isn’t slugging .881 and i don’t think descalso batted at a .396 clip in springfield…i could be wrong though
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it's just OBP/SLG/OPS instead of the more traditional AVG/OBP/SLG
I think Felonius just doesn’t have much use for batting average anymore. Too much time in maternally-owned underground dwelling places.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
yep...you are right
it all makes sense now
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
They don't push food through the hole in the trapdoor if I use BA :-(.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 5:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Descalso has been very, very impressive
Maybe he or Skippy (if he can continue to unembarrasingly fake 2nd) can finally stabilize the 2nd base situation. I think the BoB have had a different guy lead the position in AB’s there since Vina’s last season.
- 2003-Vina, but Bo Hart got the majority of the at-bats that season
- 2004-Womack
- 2005-Grudzielanek
- 2006-Miles
- 2007-Kennedy
- 2008-Kennedy again, only repeat in 7 seasons
- 2009-Skippy
If that’s not a revolving door, I don’t know what is.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
how can you tell if they're faking?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
esp. since Lugo is FREE
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
I may have to start yelling "bland grace!!!" when Colby makes a play.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 7:57 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
He has to learn how to sell it out there
by olddomination on Aug 18, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
no kidding
We need to keep Ank long enough to do that.
Or hey… Jimmy’s not doing anything, right?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, great idea.
Maybe we can get Jimmy to come in and do some outfield theatrics coaching.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
text him!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
ahahaha!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Anyone suprised that Miller
Signed for $2.875M? As these things go, it looks like the Cardinals got a pretty good bargain.
Not really.
Strasburg’s contract just makes anything else look pathetic in comparison.
On with the (good) youth movement!
I was quite pleasantly surprised
I’d heard numbers being bandied about around 3.75M
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
I was too...
Most reports were suggested that Miller’s camp was looking for $4 million-ish. I like it.
A little, actually
When I heard the vague term over-slot flying around I was picturing $4-4.5M. $2.875M is a decent number for the squad. If he pitches well at the ML level the team will definitely get a good bargain out of the deal.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
it seemed pretty reasonable to me
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
y'know, i have this horrible nightmare ...
wherein we get Smoltz, he grudgingly goes to the bullpen, and Franklin starts “looking over his shoulder”, has a total meltdown, and starts to really suck.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I have a wonderful dream
that Smoltz comes aboard and takes Motte, McClellen, and Hawksworth under his wing and the bullpen becomes lights out!
Boy that dream is chock full of balloons and cotton candy.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
And rainbows and edible clouds that taste like marshmallow
Pretty much FML any time -Todd Wellemeyer touches a baseball.- Joe Thurston runs the bases.
by Cardinals645 on Aug 18, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
But I like it.
Pretty much FML any time -Todd Wellemeyer touches a baseball.- Joe Thurston runs the bases.
by Cardinals645 on Aug 18, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
pegacorns
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I WILL TAKE
what they are having!
Pujols takes out "I" in BIG and "A" in MAC, previously considered to be an unyielding, consonant threat
I say we pick him up
he will Mentor Tony’s herd of pitchers with Senior Duncan
I stood where no man goes...
Any right handed reliever
that can make Ryan Franklin look over his shoulder is probably a guy that we want in the bullpen. Franklin is 37 years old for fuck’s sake — he should be able to deal with that considering all the other adversity he’s faced in his career up to this point.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I'm only saying that
Because he said it about Izzy.
Frankie seems to put a lot of truck in seniority and roles. He’s on the line of suck as it is… better to yank his beard than yank his mindset.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
That was before
he became 2009 Ryan Franklin though. I realize that he still sucks, but he’s sucking at an All-Star level this year and seems to have all the confidence needed to keep closing games effectively.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
did you notice how bad he sucked last night?
It only took him 3 pitches to end the game. Izzy was WAY better. He would have added the drama necessary to make the closing job look a lot better.
I mean, seriously. Why close a game in 3 pitches when you can do it in 20?
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
no shit
I didn’t even get my Franklin opened last night and the damn game was over. I really need to get my Franklin’s in the upstairs fridge instead of the beer fridge in the basement if these outings keep getting shorter….
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
That is a very small amount of pitches. Seems kinda lazy to me.
Is Franklin just really sucking to cont®act?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
i see what you did there
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Or at least, what I tried to do
I forgot that using parentheses would result in the auto-format® thingie.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
it was neat, though
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe the guy had a hot date,
That is waaaaaaaay more important than stupid ballgame.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, there's someone for everyone!
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
He got lucky last night
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
he gets lucky every night
and smotlz is freaking 42 yrs old. if i was franky, a dude 5yrs older than i wouldn’t make me look over my shoulder. no matter how much i sucked.
6ly, the dude is 42. 42!
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
Jamie Moyer was still effective in his early 40s
no-one is telling me that John Smoltz is not about 20x better than Jamie Moyer…
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 5:36 AM EDT up reply actions
heh. I was browsing through old draft deals... and lo, wiki sayeth:
“In 2001, Prior re-entered the draft, and was considered by some to be the top prospect, but the Minnesota Twins, who had the top pick, were warned that Prior didn’t want to play for them. Fearing a tough signability problem, the Twins opted to take local talent catcher Joe Mauer, leaving Prior to be taken 2nd overall by the Chicago Cubs.”
[Mark Prior] was released from his contract on August 1, 2009.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Normally
I don’t laugh at a pun of that magnitude, but because it included The Tender Cha-Cha, I will give it one “hehe”.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
by Solanus on Aug 18, 2009 9:04 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Lets not forget
Because the small bears took Prior, they didn’t get someone like Mauer. You know, the guy who is batting .380, and has a gold glove at the tender age of 26.
Mauer was off the board when the Cubs took Prior
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
he's saying if the Twins took
Prior, who was considered the top prospect, the Cubs would have taken Mauer.
Albert Pujols is ridiculous.
still a cause and effect fail
Because the small bears took Prior, they didn’t get someone like Mauer
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
The Cubs did not miss out on Mauer BECAUSE they took Prior
Rather, the Cubs missed out on Mauer BECAUSE the Twins grabbed him first. They might have taken Mauer INSTEAD OF Prior given the opportunity, but they never had that opportunity. Technically all4tookie is correct. It’s still an interesting chain of events though.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Cubs are to dumb to take Mauer
Regardless
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 18, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
I had to reread the entire chain a couple times to make sure I wasn’t crazy. Articulating must not be my strong suit today.
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
I was confused too at first.
Needless to say, the GOB probably would not have let the Cubs have a golden baseball demi-god such as Joe Mauer, and they probably influenced the Cubs to accept Prior as a tragic “second best” option, thus adding additional layers of pathos to their saga. For a primer on the Cubbies’ relationship to the GOB, I recommend “The Bacchae” by Aristophanes.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Aug 18, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
[takes notes]
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
rec'd
for The Bacchae. Too funny, even ironically proportional to the belligerent drunken beer throwing at Wrigley.
by Oedipa Maas on Aug 18, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Why thank you
I figured a tale of drunken hubris that gets massive comeuppance from the gods was a good parallel.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Although ...
It’s really easier to see the Cubs in Aristophanes than Euripides. Wrigley FIeld – Cloud-Cuckoo-Land.
Wow, I can't believe I got that wrong...
Great books FAIL!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Evilfrog should say something here.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Here, fixed
For a primer on the Cubbies’ relationship to the GOB, I recommend “The Baccae” by Aristophanes Euripides.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I thought stlhulsey tried to clarify
that IF the Twins took Prior, who was considered the top prospect [and didn’t have all these signability concerns] Mauer would’ve been sitting there for the Cubbies at 2.
Because the Twins thought Prior wouldn’t want to play for them, that they’d have to pay out the ass, etc., they didn’t take the consensus top prospect and instead, opted for Joe Mauer.
Still not sure how that’s “cause and effect fail.” What the balls am I missing here?
Aaaah.....I think I've got it now.
JWO and stlhulsey are saying different things. I thought the “cause and effect fail” was for stlhulsey’s clarification.
Just trying to follow on a groggy morning.
Beat me to it
All is made well again. JWO, thou art hereby sentenced to… oh, who am I kidding, the Cards are doing way too awesome for me to pass judgment on anyone.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Whoa
This is the last time I post before my morning jolt of caffeine. But we can all agree that its MUCH better the Cubs didn’t get Mauer, right?
Absolutely
Besides, the very thought of Mauer playing for the Cubs is enough to scramble my brain a bit in fear, so I could have made the same causality fail easily.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
There we go, disaster averted.
stlhulsey has it right, I was only referencing JWO
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
I'll try again
I think the confusion started when JWO said “because the small bears took Prior, they didn’t get someone like Mauer,” and all4tookie said that was a cause-and-effect fail, which technically it is.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
No kidding.
That would be horrible.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
yeah, Mauer is such a likable guy
would really suck to see him go there and start sucking and get in a fight with one of his pitchers in the dugout and be out of the majors within a couple years
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
I actually have a Mauer t-shirt jersey
My dad recently took a job in MN, so my younger brother has adopted the Twins as his “other team.” I got to see Joe Mauer (and lots of other Twins) cheered really, really loudly at Wrigley Field back in June. I remember thinking that it was the first time I’ve really ever seen/heard the Cubs fans get totally drowned out at their own park.
From what I can tell, the Twins have a pretty friendly and knowledgeable fanbase.
I need to get back up there
And see their minor league team. Always heard great things about them… generally more popular than the Twins.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I always thought that was one word?
Donchaknow
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
They represented themselved well in St. Louis too.
They were loud, but in a “were here to have fun and cheer our boys” kind of way. Lots of signs too. Good road fans.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Aug 18, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
The Twins are ok
But lets not forget they stole the 1987 World Series from us. Some of us have long memories of such things…
that's exactly how I perceived them too.
Not obnoxious, not picking fights, not getting wasted and ignoring the game. Good fans.
Side note: Bert Blyleven is one of their TV guys, so a ton of the fans hold up these really basic signs that simply say “Circle Us, Bert.”
Apparently he just circles folks on TV like it’s his job (which, in a way, I guess it kind of is).
i'm sorry. who, again, is on first?
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
by tom s. on Aug 18, 2009 11:04 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
crap......blew this thread...... sorry.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Aug 18, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Different part of the same show.
That was when they were talking about Enos Slaughter.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Except that JWO's comment was
“someone like Mauer”…
There was Gibson in the Reds' dugout, visibly manhandling about three Reds and tossing them bodily out of the dugout and onto the field...He was the toughest athlete mentally I ever saw, and the greatest competitor. JACK BUCK
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Aug 18, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Prior was an ass clown and pretty much deserved a shitty career.
FAIL
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
...yeah?
and…?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
"Shitty career" and permamently hosed arm/shoulder
are 2 different things.
not really, then again I tend not to try to establish interwebs
intellectual superiority arguing semantics.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
really?
That seems like a good route to take.
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm not going to say he deserved to have a permanently bum shoulder
But I do get some satisfaction out of seeing him out of baseball. Remember in the 2003 playoff race when a reporter asked him if he was pulling for the Cardinals because their wins against Houston would actually help the Cubs chances of making the playoffs? Yeah, I do:
“I dislike the Cardinals so much that I will not even root for them. I hope actually that Houston beats their brains in and just sends them all the way back to whoever is in fourth place now.”
by Ray Lankford on Aug 18, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
ehhh
that at least makes cards/cubs seem like a rivalry instead of a pageant like it does now. I have a lot of trouble hating anybody on that team right now, especially with Z either incompetent or hurt. whenever i think of them i just get a smug sense of superiority that no matter how much money they spend (and perhaps because of it) they’ll still be a pretty mediocre club.
nah, Carp would never say that
He’d just do something about it.
That’s why I like Carp.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm not saying it makes sense, or that I wouldn't like it if Carp or Wainer said it
But such is the nature of rivalries; I can justify hating Prior for saying it just because
by Ray Lankford on Aug 18, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
For those that haven't read 3 Nights
Do so. Go to the Library, it’s there and free, $12 at amazon. Most likely at Borders.
In the mean time great stuff about Prior and Ankiel
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
you get that I'm ragging on the cubs, right?
just checkin’…
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
....yeah
everything isn’t always about you! No but seriously, that was just a generic reply…I saw you posted about Prior and it got me in the mood to re-read that chapter, figured it would be an abomination for a Cards fan to have not read it.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
the "FAIL" kind of threw me, to be honest
non sequitur.
also, it is all about me. except for that one thing.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I always find the non sequitur FAIL the funniest.
FAIL
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
well-played.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I own it
but I never got past Chapter One. Just didn’t seem to be well-written, plus I’m not a huge Tony fan…I don’t hate him, like some, and I still think he makes more good decisions than bad, but I can do without reading all about him.
There was Gibson in the Reds' dugout, visibly manhandling about three Reds and tossing them bodily out of the dugout and onto the field...He was the toughest athlete mentally I ever saw, and the greatest competitor. JACK BUCK
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Aug 18, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
What's this hand thing that Pujols does on home runs now?
I first saw it against the Mets and through he was doing it to the Mets dugout, but last night I couldn’t tell. Anyone know the deal this this? Kinda looks like that “bye bye” thing that Tejada or whomever on the Astros did.
that's when family and friends come to the ballpark
and sit in the front row.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
well, I've seen it in person once
Also happens in cities where I’m aware he has family. He’s also chatted with them from the on-deck circle. Coming back to the dugout it’s more of that quick wave to acknowledge them.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Never heard that.
It looks sort of like a mocking, shit-talking kind of thing, which is I think what sdrone was getting at.
Interesting info though.
we're possibly talking about different things
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Left hand up (I think it's left)
between 3rd and home, maybe near home plate. Like a hand-scrunching wave I’d give my 2 year old.
That's how I took it
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
yeah, that's it
I could be wrong, but check the Shaq game, ’cause you know exactly where Dee Dee and Shaq are. It confused me for a bit because he keeps his eyes forward… I think he hears them call out and waves without looking at them.
Personal theory is he wanted to do something that wouldn’t be seen as an affront by the other team.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Sigh. It couldn't last forever
Piniella is removing Gregg from the closer role.
I bet Guzman...
He’s been the best of the bunch.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
Watershed Moment
I was floored—floored—last night during the FS Midwest broadcast. Somehow, the conversation drifted to centerfielders and Al Hrabosky stated (and I’m paraphrasing) that Colby had found himself and gotten comfortable at the big-league level. He further stated—and, remember, this is The Mad Hungarian speaking—that this is August and if the best player plays, then Rasmus should play because he is the better centerfielder on the Cardinals roster. I mean, wow. Just, wow.
"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
sit down and put your head between your knees
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I remember hearing that
Then turning up the volume and rewinding to be sure I heard it correctly. Amazing. I believe it was something like, “you have to wonder why, with the way he’s been playing, Colby Rasmus isn’t in the lineup tonight.” Then I think Dan may have pointed out that Tony wanted to keep him away from a knuckler so that his timing wasn’t thrown off. Al dismissed this as “overthinking” the situation.
Really unbelievable.
by Ray Lankford on Aug 18, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he just heard me scream it
when I saw the lineup at the beginning of the ESPN broadcast and kind if repeated it. heh.
Heard that as well,
though I was less surprised by it. Boog is the one Al really hates- he seems to think Rasmus is the real deal, and he’s been dropping comments like this for a while.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
Ankiel must have heard this
and then hit a bomb that landed close to La Jolla. And Al has now probably changed his mind….
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
If a war for Al's affection leads to more Colby and Ankiel awesomeness, I'm all for it.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Yeah that blew me away too.
I’m not used to Al saying something that intelligent. That it must really be obvious to someone besides geeks like us is a good sign.
Gregatron is not responsible for any of the crap he just wrote.
St. Louis vegetarian blog
yep
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Cocaine's a hell of a drug
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
less than 15 minutes to $4 tickets
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
OT: How do I put a pic up that is one my computer?
I think I’ve done everything wrong so far but have figured out the right way yet.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 9:59 AM EDT reply actions
That should be "on my computer"
fingers haven’t joined me yet.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
when posting a pic to a comment
it needs to be a web link…
I use www.imageshack.us to host, but there are several out there.
Albert Pujols is ridiculous.
by stlhulsey on Aug 18, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
was going to suggest the same site
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
I have a Photobucket account for such needs
It’s free and you can keep your images together easily, provided they aren’t too large.
Has your Photo Bucket
started just showing 4 pics per page in your album. I noticed this about a week ago.
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
Thanks I will look at that too.
Haven’t had time to play with it much yet.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
OT: When a draft pick gets a major league contract, how exactly does it work
Strasburg’s deal is for 4 years…after the four years are up, is he arbitration eligible, or is he a FA on the open market? I’m sure he can’t just be renewed right? I mean, I’m guessing his major league service time started last night when he signed the contract….am i right about that?
"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
i think arb eligible
Could be wrong. I thought it just meant he starts on the 40 man roster. So he doesn’t have to wait years to put on the 40 man roster to wait years to be put on the 25 man roster to wait 3 years to make it till arbitration to wait 3 years of arbitration to be a free agent.
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 18, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
http://ussmariner.com/2009/08/17/quick-primer-on-major-league-contracts/
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
thanks
please see question below
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Negative
Calling it a “Major League” contract is fairly misleading for the results….it’s essentially a minor league deal with a few extra things.
#1. He’s on the 40-man roster and his option years start ticking next year. But if in 4 years they’re worried about him being in the minors, something obviously went awry enough for this not to matter. And aside from the roster spot, that means he can smoke all the weed he wants without getting tested for it!
#2. They can spread the money however they want. A standard minor league deal you can only have a signing bonus that is payable over 2 years. A Major League deal you can do whatever you want with salary or otherwise. Teams like this because they can backload it.
But no, his MLB service time does not start. He has to be on the 25-man roster to start accruing that and it’s still 3 years MLB service time to arb, 6 to free agency.
Not afraid to nitpick
ok, so hypothetically
if strasburg gets hurt and is out all of next year, and then struggles the next year…and doesn’t make the majors till 2013, he could get paid millions for his first year and then be renewed at 400,000 for his next year since he is not yet arbitration eligible…is that right?
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
He'll be Nationals property...
in 2013. If he is arb eligible, the arb process will determine his salary. If he isn’t, they can assign him a salary.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
He won't be Nationals property in 2013
The Nats will have traded him away to the Yankees before then, for a bucket of balls.
There was Gibson in the Reds' dugout, visibly manhandling about three Reds and tossing them bodily out of the dugout and onto the field...He was the toughest athlete mentally I ever saw, and the greatest competitor. JACK BUCK
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Aug 18, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
wow...that would really suck
i realize there is no way it happens…but it would suck
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
It's going to happen to a lesser extent...
with Luke Hochevar this winter. He signed a four year major league deal that runs out after this season. He’s been so-so, he isn’t arb eligible, and he’ll be assigned salary this winter.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
this just in
SC still can’t pronounce “Mozeliak”.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Butchered it terribly
but now we are in “serious” pursuit of Smoltz.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Man I'm just not sold on Smoltz
but I know we need pen help. Sigh.
What's the worst that can happen?
And if his K/BB turns out to be more indicative of his current talent level than his HR rate, it’s pretty much a free, potentially dominant, PlayoffVeteran®
Not afraid to nitpick
I think this is an "any port in a storm" moment.
But Smoltz scares me a helluva lot less than Welle and Boggs doesn’t blow me away, although I think he has a role.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Last night in the ninth, TLR put Rasmus in center...
and moved Ankiel to left.
Does this put to rest forever the notion that he thinks Ank is the better defender?
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
I think that ship sailed a long time ago
But I do think he was concerned with Colby’s weight gain and subsequent weight loss and that he might be getting run down when he was struggling in July, which is why Ank played so much then.
Tony isn’t stupid, even though we may disagree with him from time to time. He knows that Ank is an elite defender in the corner outfield and the Colby is an elite defender in center. I have noticed that we’ve been turning more fly balls into outs since Holliday joined the team as well, and we might have the best defensive outfield in the big leagues when Colby is in CF.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Elite?
Is he really above average in the corners? I’ll have to figure out how to check stats – I did not know that.
Very small sample sizes for UZR
and he’s been all over the place so far, but I think he’s elite in LF because the only negative UZR value there is when he was playing there hurt last year. He’s probably slightly above average in RF overall.
FWIW, this is totally subjective on my part, but he LOOKS like he gets better jumps in the corners and he works the wall better in the LF and RF than he does in CF.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Does he have more experience there?
Was he a CF in the minors?
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
I think he played a lot of RF in the minors
He DH’d a ton at Memphis
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
yeah, he's really good in the corners
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh come now, the possibilities are endless
Ankiel won’t mess up Holliday’s divots out there.
Rasmus is “more comfortable” in center
Ankiel can play anywhere, rookie can’t.
Ankiel has been playing a corner position
Every time him and Rasmus have been in the outfielder at the same time for several months now.
Wow, where did this come from? Viva winning 9 of 10!
Cardinals now have 2nd biggest division lead at 6 games, behind only the Yankees who have a 7 game cushion.
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
Also have the second best playoff odds according to BP
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Cardinals very serious about Smoltz
“I can confirm that a call was made today,” Mozeliak said. “We’re looking at a number of options for our bullpen right now. It’s fair to say he is someone we have legitimate interest in.”
Cup Check
“I tell you what, I don’t take the team picture without wearing a cup,” said third baseman Mark DeRosa, who thought it “absurd” that a major-league infielder would put himself at such risk.
“My mind was made up in Atlanta one day. Rafael Furcal didn’t wear one. Then he got hit there by a line drive one day during batting practice. When we rolled him over he was blue” in the face.
Stat Whore
I can't believe the Cubs let DeRosa go
He’s everything I’ve wanted in a utility guy (even if we’ve made him into a starting 3B) and he’s pretty funny.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
They don't need DeRosa
They have Miles who can even play SS not like DeRosa
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 18, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought DeRosa did play a little SS with the Cubs?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
OK, so it was like, 9 innings or something...
nevermind.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Yeah
they’re SO happy with having Miles right now, check out BCB’s threads…it is to laugh.
There was Gibson in the Reds' dugout, visibly manhandling about three Reds and tossing them bodily out of the dugout and onto the field...He was the toughest athlete mentally I ever saw, and the greatest competitor. JACK BUCK
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Aug 18, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
when Colby is enthused by his funniness
He’s pretty funny.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
that's why he's always in a good mood
it’s the circle of life.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t believe the Cubs let DeRosa go
He’s everything I’ve wanted in a utility guy (even if we’ve made him into a starting 3B) and he’s pretty funny.
Jim Hendry’s off-season mission was to replace as many parts of his team as possible with slightly worse, otherwise identical players.
Kerry Wood (& Jose Ceda) becomes Kevin Gregg, Mark DeRosa becomes Aaron Miles….
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 5:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Damn, that musta hurt.
I’m suprised he didn’t throw up.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Strauss Twitter
""Cards working on Smoltz as 5th starter
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
I think he's moved from magic...
to outright deals with Satan. Magic doesn’t make Pineiro a top 10 starter.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
Pegacorns Dude.
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
The horn of a pegacorn could theoretically be used for evil
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
debbie downer
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
That guy scared the shit out of me when I was a kid.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
What exactly is he holding there?
looks like it takes D cells.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 18, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is then just a lowly pegasus.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
pegasus discrimination?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
PLZ
U AR TEH SUK
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
5th starter with a move to the pen in the playoffs?
No more Wellemeyer? Could be a helluva lot worse. I wonder about the “beyond this year” means and how much that will cost.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Red Sox cooties?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I like that
Smoltz’s K/BB numbers are good and Busch III suppresses HR’s. Hell, leaving Fenway surpresses HRs! He’s shown difficulties w/ lefties and a second time through the order, but if he’s willing to pitch from the pen come playoffs and take Welle/Boggs’ starts in the meantime it sounds like a winner to me.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Now we know why Oquendo was such a good defender
From same P-D source as DeRosa quote….
“Third base coach Jose Oquendo never wore a cup during his 12-year major-league career. He insisted he went without even during a cameo behind the plate in 1988.
“I would guess about half the Latin guys don’t wear one. You don’t wear one growing up and you get here … it doesn’t feel comfortable,” Oquendo said. “I never gave it much thought. You just make sure you catch it.”
www.mpgillusion.com
guess what happened to me the only time I didn't wear a cup behind the plate....
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
no hitter?
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Na, but by the end of the game, only strikes had been thrown.
No balls
Cards, Colts, and Pacers - Baseball, football, and basketball or gambling, guns, and old cars?
Ba-ZING.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 5:39 AM EDT up reply actions
These players need to get out of their mother's basements and PLAY THE GAME
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Aug 18, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
el oh el
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Is it called "flailing at the deuce"?
by olddomination on Aug 18, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nope: There and back again
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
That's probably owned by an adult German company
Shut up, Fritz™.
by Alxfritz on Aug 18, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Holliday has one too
I didn’t know Rick did.
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
That explains everything
From Ank’s Blog
Don’t forget about my charity wine benefiting Stray Rescue St Louis (strayrescue.org). Randy Grim, the director of Stray Rescue, just launched his latest book “Don’t Dump the Dog,” and my wife and I attended the VIP Party. We got to meet the staff from Best Friends Animal Society and the show Dog Town on the National Geographic Channel. They are great people doing great things for animals in need. It’s a great wine for a great charity.
No wonder why he is one of LaRussa’s favorites…
1 part Douchebag, 3 part Hipster!
The multiple levels on which that statement works are mind-boggling...
"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
a very bland blog
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome to every blog.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
Pat Neshek's is pretty cool
if you’ve ever been – he’s pretty much the archetypical bullpen pitcher from what I can tell, pretty eccentric. He’s into collecting autographs and baseball cards and stuff, it’s mostly about that.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 5:41 AM EDT up reply actions
he just made a post on how...
you have to be careful with what you say to the media. I don’t think it’s going to be too cutting edge…
Jaime Garcia is going to get a start in Memphis
I guess we will find out how healthy he is in a hurry
Stat Whore
FWIW
he’s looked dominant so far in his rehab, might as well give him a look. With Dennys struggling, having another lefty option in the bullpen this September wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
In short, I really like this move — no pussyfooting around with these guys, if they’re ready, they should be moving into situations that could help the ballclub.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I'm pumped about Jaime
[cross fingers]
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know if you caught the rain delay radio programming on Sunday,
but, they asked Mo directly whether Garcia would be getting a September callup. Mo said something along the lines of a September callup being based on physical health and the ability to help the ballclub this year. Sort of a stock answer. This seems to suggest that the F.O. views Garcia as a possible compenent of the big-league club in September and (hopefully) October.
"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
can he be on Oct playoff roster
if he’s not here at the end of August?
"He ran hard, but he didn't run fast. He runs like he's mad at the ground." - opposing broadcaster describing Yadi's speed.
If hes on the 60 day DL
I believe so.
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
Oh good.
Thanks for posting. I really should visit FR more, but it’s been hard since the Holliday deal.
Gregatron is not responsible for any of the crap he just wrote.
St. Louis vegetarian blog
Hannah still can't effin say "Mozeliak"
I don’t know why that pisses me off. I’m sure not surprised.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Agreed
But she does greatly increase the scenery around Sportscenter since Suzy Kolber doesn’t do SC anymore…
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I don't envy her having to deal with Josh, though
Josh is like the blogger I hope I never become.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Can Hannah Storm possibly be a real name?
That’s a superhero name.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I have two words for you
Trey Wingo
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Wolf Blitzer
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Sage Steele really helps the scenery too.
by Ray Lankford on Aug 18, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
now there is a superhero name
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
This is getting weird
Maybe everyone on ESPN actually has super powers. You know how male superheros used to have really cheesy names? What name is more cheesy than Skip Bayless? And who is reportedly ripped as all get-out? Skip Bayless! “Buster” Olney? That sounds like a young sidekick name if I ever heard one. I think we’re on to something here.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
so they're the most incompetent super-heroes in the world?
Mike and Mike might be effective.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Two live Stu's...it all makes sense.
Now if only someone knew photoshop…
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
I just wanna kiss you!!!
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate ESPN
They have just talked about Favre for 35mins so far on a show that lasts an hour
Stat Whore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 18, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I figured something like that would happen, though I don't have ESPN
I heard a quick blurb on the radio today that some Vikings players were “certain” Farve would end up coming to camp and playing for them this year. It was a horrible thing to hear, because it just means another inevitable round of tiresome blather from the sports talking heads.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
It scrolled across the ESPN game broadcast
for 74 hours last night.
aaaannnd now they're covering the twitter reactions
scintillating reporting
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I cannot stand the NFL now
Essentially because I’ve been so burnt out on it after the last three years of 24/7/365 coverage on ESPN. The ESPN NFL personalities have all been so lame- Chris Berman, Tom Jackson, Sean Salisbury, Mark Schlereth, Ron Jaworski etc. etc.- and it’s not as though you ever get any insight. Just the same old stale “T.O.” “Favre” “Patriots cheating” shit every fucking day…IN JUNE. I think I’m going to see just what percent of SC programming is dedicated to the NFL.
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time... like tears in rain... Time to die.
by lunchboxbomb on Aug 18, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
just don't watch espn
I think it’s been more interesting last year and this season, there’s no real clearcut best teams, except maybe the steelers
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Sean Salisbury is the Nick Stavinoha of NFL analysts
A chair would literally be better than he is
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
The crappy thing was
He actually knew what he was talking about (some team offered him a QB coach job) he just got wrapped up in being a personality and not dissecting football.
Not afraid to nitpick
Heard about that on the radio
while grillin’ up some sup. I looked to the sky and groaned to the high heavens.
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
aha, now I remember what I was looking for...
Atlanta Braves Friday, September 11 2009 7:15 PM
Atlanta Braves Saturday, September 12 2009 3:10 PM
Atlanta Braves Sunday, September 13 2009 1:15 PM
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Why were you looking for that?
I’m going to be at the Saturday game
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
if they pick up Smoltz, that might be a mixed crowd
Maybe. This is Atlanta we’re talkin’ about.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
It's in St. Louis though
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
yes
that might be too much work for them
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Oh I see what you were saying
Reading comprehension FAIL
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll be at all three
Go every year with some friends from Fatlanta.
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
it's funny that True Blue
Is more impressed with Ankiel’s home run than we are.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
tomorrow is Matt Kemp bobblehead night
watch out, Adam. The Adventures of Lil’ Matt.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Anyone else notice how good Yadi has been in August?
I was checking this weeks power rankings at ESPN and their blurb about the Cards is:
Catcher Yadier Molina is hitting .404 (19-for-47) in August.
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
baserunning cancels it out
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
and *that* is their blurb?
Nothing about Matt Holliday and his monstrous lego numbers?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Holliday may have more power, but that is expected from him, Molina having a .455 OBP is not
Holliday: .383/.381/.683/1.064
Molina: .400/.455/.480/.935
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
wow
that’s kind of cool
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Bad ISO-patience for Holliday, eh?
He fits right in with the team strategy. When in doubt, hack. When not in doubt, hack more.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
ah batting coaches. what a luxury.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Yeah I mean it's not like they're supposed...
…to develop any kind of general game plan or anything. Then again, I guess that “be aggressive at strikes” is sort of a gameplan.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
They're "hitting" coaches, not "clogging the basepaths" coaches.
If you want to just stand there and not swing the bat and then walk to first base and clog up the basepaths, go get advice from someone else. If you want to hit, go to the hitting coach!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
i really like "iso-patience" -- that may be the only stat I mentally calculate.
really, it’s just BB/9 expressed in a little different form. but for some players — duncan, thurston — it was interesting to follow.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I'd assume it's just OBP - AVG
Correct?
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
It’s just like ISO-power, which is SLG-AVG.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Gotcha
I’ve never heard it called that, but I often look at a player’s AVG/OBP disparity to gauge walking ability
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
so
bb%
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Not BB%
It’s not quite BB%, which would be BB/PA.
The problem is that OBP and AVG have different denominators (PA vs. AB). The difference underestimates the actual walk rate of someone like Albert Pujols by a lot:
.450 – .330 = .12
his actual walk rate is .17 (B/PA = 88/515).
I have a post below that proposes a way to take the difference between OBP and AVG to estimate BB%. (OBP-AVG) * (1+OBP) does the trick pretty well.
www.mpgillusion.com
ah, i see
tricky
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
One problem
There is a bit of a hitch with isolated patience, in that it doesn’t measure walk rate, but the reduction in out rate due to reaching base in ways other than hits.
For example, a burly slugger who hits for a low average (we’ll cal him Havin’ Funn) has 120 hits in 600 AB’s and draws 100 walks. That comes out to a .200 BA and a .314 OBP, or a .114 isolated patience. There is also a high average specialist (we’ll call him Not-Quite Youselis) has 180 hits in 600 AB’s and draws 100 walks as well. This nets him a .300 BA and a .400 OBP, or a .100 isolated patience. Does this mean that the masher is more “patient” than the singles guy? No, it just means that the big fella draws more of his total worth from his 100 walks than the spray-hitter.
I’m not trying to advocate one way or another (nor am I trying to make any connection to any existing players similar to Messrs. Funn & Youselis), I’m just trying to make note of a flaw in perceived definitions of the term.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
how is holliday OBPing less than his average???
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 18, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
this is the fun part
OBP has PA as the denominator, which includes sacrifices. It can be lower than AVG.
www.mpgillusion.com
this is the fun part
OBP has PA as the denominator, which includes sacrifices. It can be lower than AVG.
www.mpgillusion.com
A clearner ISO - patience
ISO power uses SLG-AVG, which have the same denominator (AB), so the interpretation is clean (it’s number of extra bases per at bat).
However, OBP and AVG have different denominators (PA vs. AB), so the interpretation is not clean, and the math is funky. For example, it underestimates the actual walk rate of someone like Albert Pujols by a lot:
.450 – .330 = .12
his actual walk rate is .17 (B/PA = 88/515).
Here’s a good approximation of walk rate (B/PA) using just OBP and AVG:
(OBP-AVG) * (1+OBP)
Applied to Albert:
.12 * 1.45 = .17. (Or, round things, and do .12 * 1.5 = .18)
This transformation holds across a wide range of OBP, AVG, and B/PA.
www.mpgillusion.com
I want to say that they had used a Holliday blurb the past few weeks.
I get my “power rankings” mixed up though so it might not have been ESPN’s.
by Cardfanintherock on Aug 18, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Just checked it...
and they had commented on Holliday’s numbers the past two weeks before. Guess they didn’t want to be redundant.
by Cardfanintherock on Aug 18, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
the one that can't do power ranking blurbs is CBS
This is their one from last week:
It doesn’t look like they’ll be getting anything from Troy Glaus this season. Truth is, if Mark DeRosa stays healthy and productive and Khalil Greene stays chipper, they won’t really need him. Offense ain’t the problem here … As if everything else he does isn’t enough, Albert Pujols tended to an older fan who maimed himself while reaching for a foul ball. He’s Mother Teresa in cleats and a jock.
Can’t wait for this weeks to see how stupid it is.
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
That is pretty bad
Sports Illustrated’s blurb is right there with it:
Shaquille O’Neal is taking on Albert Pujols as part of his new TV series, and the two giants will square off Thursday in a home run-hitting contest which will air on an as-yet-undetermined date. (Despite Pujols’ noted difficulties in this event, I still think he has the slight edge here.) O’Neal threw out the first pitch on Tuesday night and showed impressive form. On the list of first-pitches, it could have been much worse. It was even better than Kevin Garnett’s first-pitch from a few years ago. But it made me wonder: Why can’t baseball have an ambassador for the game like Shaq? Someone larger than life who brings a youthful exuberance to the game. Could Pujols be that guy? He’s already being looked at as the game’s Great Redeemer and brings comfort to the afflicted, so just add this to his list of things to do."
by Cardfanintherock on Aug 18, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Game's Great Redeemer=Baseball's White Knight?
does that mean Albert is Batman?
sssssshhhhhh
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Ladies and Gentlemen,
For Yadi, that’s a rake. Hell, for anyone, that’s a rake.
by Oedipa Maas on Aug 18, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
does anyone feel like this season is like Larry Walker times 10?
The Cardinals had the rep before, but this year it’s ridiculous. Branded a malcontent? We need you to back us up. Stuck on a sucky team? Come on over! Trapped in a pitcher’s park? We have a spot for you. Let’s just hope the boat doesn’t tip over.
The Cards are like stray rescue.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Beats Joe Thurston getting regular PT
Not afraid to nitpick
by joker24 on Aug 18, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
amen
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
hmm,
maybe a mixture of Larry Walker, Cesar Cedeño, and Will Clark… and little Bo Hart sprinkled in for youth.
I was thinking of Will Clark last night
Do you think anyone in the Cards clubhouse is yelling “GET ME A BEER ROOK” at Rasmus after games?
Cards did at home
after the Hancock incident IIRC.
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
Colby's still carrying Albert's checkerboard, right?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Wait, checkers?
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
the pastoral life of a Cardinals rookie
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Huh
How about that. Also kind of cool that Rasmus played in the LLWS. I hope they didn’t go to White Castle for postgame meals.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
that was before the diagnosis
Apparently the warm milk and cookies bested the Cheese.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Per 10@10 at the PD
Izzy and now Franklin are taking years off of TLR life span…..
If I live another five years beyond what I should, then three of those years are because of the stress relief of having Eck at closer. You’ve got guys on base, one of those situations where you can’t catch your breath, you’re sick, and how many minutes Eck took to clean that up added years to my life."
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Aug 18, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions
Herron had major substance problem
Multiple offender and let’s leave it at that.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 12:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
i recall erik saying something like "i found out what it was, not gonna share it, but it's appropriate
that he was dismissed." i forget if it was a comment at FR or on his tweets. but, yeah, it was clear he had a personal problem.
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
OT: I was just wondering if we get Smoltz,
and iF, not to provoke the GOBs, I do mean IF we do well this year, do we take up a collection for Theo? Nothing big you know, like a bottle of Asti and a Whitman’s sampler. I don’t wanna break the bank here.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 18, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions
Sure, maybe after
he ships the damn trophy to St. Louis.
If you guys weren't watching the FSM feed...
I really wanna see this clip again — the starting pitchers swarming Carp to make fun of his uncharacteristic war-yell after walking off the mound. Pettini or maybe Barry was hovering around, grinning, like oh you kids.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
awesome
Right after his last inning, they replayed something that happened during the commercial. It screwed up at first, because it was live and it was just Adam being goofy, then the truck got it right.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
can anyone download it/link to it?
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Aug 18, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
between the 8th and 9th
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
let's check
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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 Aug 18, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I didn't realize they had released Holliday's medical records so soon.
"Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it." - Whitey Herzog
by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on Aug 18, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
they seem to be moving towards more transparency
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I thought they might've
thrown Boggs vs. the weird-ass knuckler and save Carp and Waino for the 2 “good starters.”
Still, I guess I like how the series started. Thank you, Chris Carpenter, for holding LA to only 2 runs.
I thought that myself
But then I realized that the unknown rookie starter usually is the toughest pitcher the Cardinals face
by olddomination on Aug 18, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
He is keeping Carp and Waino on regular rest
and moving Boggs around to make that works
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
big toe
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
TLR podcast on WWL.com
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
WTF are the Astros doing?
Are they acquiring Smoltz and going for it? Are they sellers? They obviously cannot make the playoffs this year. So why are Tejada and Valverde still on the roster?
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
They always make a second half charge!
Because that of course is a repeatable skill and everything…
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
It's gonna happen!
They’re currently sitting near .500 (sorta) at 57-61. So, starting today, all they need to do is go unbeaten from here on out, for a record of 101-61, and all of a sudden they’re the best team in the league and have all sorts of momentum and are a lock for the pennant!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Noah Coslov of MLB.com
Reports: Astros agreed to trade Pudge to the Rangers for player to be named
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Aug 18, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd personally rather have Salty than Pudge
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
except Salty's on the DL
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
Oh really?
I did not know that.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Salty can't throw the ball back to the pitcher (some think it's a mental thing)
Rangers/Salty say it’s arm related or something.
open door for Major League 2 jokes....
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
Veronica is wearing
a silk bra with supporting underwires….
/or something along those lines.
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
"MLB needs to curb macho culture that has taken root in today's game"
I…. what? …what?
w t f
What about laying down the law with the umps and the penalties guys who can’t get their suspensions straight? I guess if stuff starts happening back when they called it cricket, that must mean it’s taken root.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
lulz.
This stuff NEVER happened before.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
can you feel the outrage?
Of course he interviews Bengie, who is the most diplomatic guy in baseball and is perhaps not talking about what he thinks he’s talking about — then goes right back to the outrage. Fist!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Fist©
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
The shadow of the past holds the future hostage!
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Earl Weaver
heh
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Let's curb that umpire who screams strike calls so loud while doing a dance
that I have to turn down the damn sound.
I might be okay with umps
If they strived to be invisible umps.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Strike?
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
man, Boog needs to *avenge*
“Brendan Ryan, Rafael Furcal … better than you in this play.” – WWL
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Avenge.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
It's bad enough it made Top Ten, and was replayed 15 times already
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Sportcenter live from LA
is almost as bad as the normal one, if only for the reason that it makes them slaver over LA as much as they do BOS and NY.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
their play by plays are better, though
There’s a crapload of stupid yakking in the morning.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
better than
espnchicago.com or whatever
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
what do they do over there, anyway?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Throw baseballs back onto the field
…while drinking Old Style and dodging tumbling blocks of cement.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Chris Lambert...
designated for assignment by the Tigers.
Maroth with the Cards: 38 innings, 0-5, 10.66 ERA, 11 home runs allowed
Lambert w/ the Tigers: 27 innings, 1-3, 7.90 ERA, 6 home runs allowed
We didn’t lose that trade after all! It was a tie!
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
Remember when Maroth dealt his first start here?
That was weird.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Wasn't it against the Mets?
He didn’t do half bad in that first start, if I remember…it was downhill fast after that
by olddomination on Aug 18, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
remember kip wells first start? i saw a press report that said "Dave Duncan has turned
Kip Wells into the new Chris Carpenter."
Umm, not quite.
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
*shakes head*
One start a miracle transformation does not make…
I’ll say this though: Wells had/has some pretty nasty stuff. Too bad he has no clue where it’s going and no idea how to pitch out of a jam.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe Carp when he could not lift his arm to comb his hair. . .
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
I was really high on Maroth when we signed him
the times I’d seen him pitch for Detroit he always looked a solid, back-of-the-rotation guy. I’ve probably been wronger in my life, but I can’t remember when…
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 5:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Especially once we re-sign Lambert to a minor league deal later today!
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope,
He won American Idol this year.
by Cardfanintherock on Aug 18, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Question
Does anyone know if there is a way to change your screen name? I don’t like mine much…it’s kind of long and bulky. Did she say that? I don’t believe such a way exists.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:22 PM EDT reply actions
create a new account
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
I just created a new account
You can’t merge accounts either (or at least you couldn’t back in January when I did it). Just make sure you let everyone know what your old account name was.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
That was what I was afraid of...
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Just keep your avatar
and make a sig that says “Formerly redbirdnation8206.”
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
Your UID isn't that good anyway. ;)
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
Yeah it's pretty horrible
I’m hurt that you mention this…I may weep b/c you hit me where it hurts.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
UID snobs
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Its definitely a thing because I have it
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
By the imaginary power bestowed upon me by the fact that I have a user ID under 1000
I hereby grant you an honorary user ID of 5429.
It’ll get you the discounts at local St. Louis grocery stores and such, but it won’t get you the diplomatic immunity.
How generous.
I am now busy engraving “5429” on my own USB key to the intertubes.
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
Its cute how you guys are fighting over me
It really is
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
If you create a new account you won't even GET a UID
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Whuuu
Not cool
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
whoa! how is redbirdnation going to keep from getting pregnant?
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 Aug 18, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Someone
did say IUD in a thread. Not sure if it was intentional, but it was funny.
Besides, he can get a vasectomy.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
didn't stop my brother from popping out
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Not knowing the details of
that story, I’d like to say that a lot of people aren’t careful for long enough after the procedure.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
my dad was probably one of those people
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I admire your brother's tenacity
Never give up, never surrender!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
that is his motto
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
IUD, SIS
Stay in schoool, ‘cause it’s the best
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
nice peaches reference
"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 not having a uterus?
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
That usually works.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
One would hope....
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't have one that I can see.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
if you don't keep your avatar
az has a plastic bag for you.
hehe.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Oh the avatar is going nowhere!
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I may tempt the robot one of these days...
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Look out...
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
dugmartsch changed theirs last night
confusion ensued
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
did you eliminate them?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Double pronoun-antecedent FAIL
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
'them' is acceptable for unknown gender now
in certain circles. Perhaps this is not the circle.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
i'll def take it
easier than him/her
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Well I don't like it
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions
"very serious interest" in Smoltz
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
So he's not going to be a starter, just 6th inning or later?
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
it's just bs from WWL
from an “official”
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
haha, guess my attempt at humor was a little vague
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
it's all good. am multitasking
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Let's do a minor league thing
Smoltz goes through the lineup once, then someone like Boggs takes over.
Piggy back system?
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I know this is off-subject, but it is about a certain Young Pitcher.
I know Perez seems to have righted his ship lately with Cleveland. I read about some rumor about how he has gone back to his old pitching style. Apparently he likes to throw his fastball and slider at slightly different arm angles, and Dunc had tried to make him throw both pitches from the same slot.
Anecdotally, I’d like to side with Dave on this one, but I’m no expert and I want your opinion. Wouldn’t clubs be able to recognize these different arm angles on video and train their hitters to look for that? I know in the short term it may be more effective, but shouldn’t hitters eventually pick up on this trait?
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
Az
said that Pitch f/x indicates his slot hasn’t changed. I don’t know what to make of Perez’s improvements.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
He is throwing harder since moving to CLE.
When I looked at the release point graphs I saw two different blobs for his two pitches. He may not have changed anything but may not just have put it out of his mind and gone back to what he used to do.
Bottom line is his velocity is up and walks are down.
As to “arm slot” a lot of very good pitchers have varied arm slots.
Generally, if you're going to have a problem with tipping, it's going to be sooner on in the delivery
By the time the pitcher gets to his release point, you’re mostly in react mode.
This might make a difference if you’re talking about a major arm slot difference (e.g. sidearm versus high 3/4) because you have to start setting the arm slot at the high-cocked position, which gives you some time to act on the information.
However, if the difference is just between 3/4 and high 3/4, and the pitcher is a hard thrower, it’s going to be hard for a batter to do anything with the information.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
Remember that Ryan Dempster's problem occured when he was setting his grip and before he broke his hands
That gave the hitter lots of time to process the information and to act on it.
That then lead to Dempster’s funky swiveling glove move as he set his grip.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
I disagree
The mechanics behind getting to a high 3/4 is going to look significantly different than the mechanics behind getting to 3/4, especially if you get used to seeing a pitcher more than a couple times.
Not afraid to nitpick
OT:
Trying to watch yesterday’s condensed game on MLB.tv. It’s not loading. Has anyone else had issues/success with MLB video today?
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
yes
I tried to watch the Ankiel home run on the cards site, and it wouldn’t load
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
that video was locking up Firefox this morning
the others seemed to work OK.
does that mean it was a mirage?
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
alas, my chronic malady
"I'll be glad to have Ryan [Braun] help if he wants to. I'll give him a badge and he can be my deputy." - Doug Melvin
Awesome overload
Quite common of late.
I'm dumb, she's a lesbian. I thought I had found the one.
We were good as married in my mind, but married in my mind's no good.
Pink triangle on her sleeve let me know the truth.
Try it now, it's working in IE
There was Gibson in the Reds' dugout, visibly manhandling about three Reds and tossing them bodily out of the dugout and onto the field...He was the toughest athlete mentally I ever saw, and the greatest competitor. JACK BUCK
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Aug 18, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
DeRo
Is apparently supposed to be on Jim Rome is Burning tomorrow. Only way I’d ever watch that show.
I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time... like tears in rain... Time to die.
sounds like it could be interesting
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
God I hope Jim Rome insults his masculinity
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Jim Rome sucks harder than my vacuum cleaner
Jim Everett punching him still remains one of my all-time favorite TV moments.
Aaron Miles spills all our secrets!
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I feel a little bad for him
I really think leaving STL took something out of him. Not necessarily as a player, but as a person. All the interviews I hear seem kind of mournful or something.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
you'd be bummed out too
if you went from playing in a lineup with Albert Pujols to one with head cases like Sori & Game Board.
Thanks Miles
now I am hungry…..
like the St Louis front office.
How dare he compare playing in front of Cardinals fans to playing in front of Cubs fans
In one park, you get applauded for making an excellent defensive play, even if you’re on the other team.
In the other park, you get beer dumped on you trying to catch a fly ball.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
then throw your friend under the bus for it & laugh as he gets thrown out
then run your douchebag mouth all over town that night bragging about what you did
only to turn yourself in wearing a knock off affliction shirt after a blog outs your true identity to the world
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
What ever happened to that douche-head?
Testicle-exploding shit storm, circa 7/12/08 - We will never forget!
sweeeeeeet avatar
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
is it shooped?
colors are really rich
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
So what
he can spill all the secrets he wants as long as he hits .182/.220/.245
No excuses. No injuries. No "better luck next time"
Do it, and shut the f—- up.
-Reggie Jackson
I was being facetious
And yes. His role as a double agent is working out well.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I noticed just
love to point out that batting line, and btw reply fail(for me), just noticed that
No excuses. No injuries. No "better luck next time"
Do it, and shut the f—- up.
-Reggie Jackson
developments at the Smoltz thread
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2009/8/18/993394/john-smoltz
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
what the hell is wrong with SBNation?
it hasn’t worked all day & i was only able to get on like 45min ago. the site is all f’ed up. please don’t tell me i’m the only one having problems. i’m not crazy. i swear, i’m not crazy.
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
it was screwing with my browser yesterday
and I got a 504 this morning
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
i couldn't even get on SBNations main page till 45min ago
it’s not just viva, it’s their entire network. i kept getting their “we are aware there is a problem & we are working on it. please try again later” message.
and i was having problems yesterday too yadi2.
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
oh i can guess what's happening
Brett Favre is breaking the internetz.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
That's so retarded.
Why would you say no and then say yes a couple weeks later? What does that tell your coach and team mates? hates NFL football
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
no to defend that diva, but didn't their starting QB get hurt?
leave it to that attention whore to fuck up the intertubes.
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
That's really weird.
The only problem I’ve had recently is sometimes the page would load twice on me and then none of the new comments would be marked as new. That was annoying but not completely debilitating. Sorry gdm.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
yeah, that was yesterday's problem for me
It was a pain past 500 comments…
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Last night was insane.....
I could barely keep up with posts….seemed like none would load, and then Bam…dump 20 comments on me. May have just been the fact that there was a lot of activity though.
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
I was reading through them at around 3am,
and it was absolutely CRAXXY on here last night! There were like 20 comments every minute, completely tangential conversations being carried on while the game was going, and about 50 people guessing who played the 2nd most 3B innings at once. It was awesome.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Ya....it was like the interwebs on crack.
The fact that the game started well after I began in on my Franklins may have something to do with the fact that I couldn’t keep anything straight. Seemed like a lot of Reply FAILS thrown in there as well.
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
I want that to happen when I can get on
sometime. [caps lock engage] CALL ALL YOUR FRIENDS TONITE, PEEPLE!
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
it's a damn good thing this place has auto-reload
I’ve been on boards with no such thing.
Meanwhile… this shouldn’t amuse me so much, right?
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/8/8/982567/big-mistake-letting-marquis-go
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
lol.
Marquis seems to have been pretty lucky to this season, but his FIP is pretty low this season compared to previous years and his BABIP is in the 280s I believe. Whatever.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Comeback player of the year?
Ever heard of Carp?
No excuses. No injuries. No "better luck next time"
Do it, and shut the f—- up.
-Reggie Jackson
No...it should.
Actually I’m surprised there were no “What are we gonna do without Betty” threads around here after he left.
Also, I was looking for her BR page and nothing comes up. Am I misspelling Betty?
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
yesterday & still now when i hit post
nothing happens for about a minute, then it will post.
i just got the message again when i came back after checking the PD’s site.
FUCK YOU BERT FARVA
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
Favre.
It’s Favre. I’ve always held the belief that if your name is spelled F-A-V-R-E and pronounced F-A-R-V, you are untrustworthy.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
This is a comment
about his nonsensical name, not your spelling of it.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
You want me to punch-a-size your face for free?
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been accessing it fine
all day. shrugs Different strokes for different folks.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Been working fine for me all day, too.
BTW, an interesting post from BBS on Smoltz’s year with good graphics and an admission of the small sample problem:
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/8/18/994008/john-smoltz-whats-left-in-the-tank
"I throw him four wide ones then try to pick him off first base." - Preacher Roe on Musial
cool
no moar fastballs, perhaps.
Maybe post it to the John Smoltz thread over yonder in the fanposts?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Hahaha.
2009 slider: less sluttery than the 2007 & 2008 version.
I think the problem has been identified.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
So a woman of questionable morality
who walks the streets wearing sensible shoes and a frumpy pantsuit also would be less sluttery?
by Michael_68_1999 on Aug 18, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
A real argument from a Baby Bear
Regarding using Marmol over Guzman as their new mopup guy closer:
I’ve seen a convincing argument that a inconsistent but potentially lights out pitcher is actually better for high leverage situations because his blow ups lose you games that were almost 50-50 splits, instead of costing you games you should have had in hand.
Am I missing something, or is this just more delusion?
Cards, Colts, and Pacers - Baseball, football, and basketball or gambling, guns, and old cars?
that sounds like a good argument
for Marmol over Gregg, but not Marmol over someone decent.
I have a love/hate relationship with the Cardinals' middle relief corps.
That reads like something
used to argue last year the use of Franklin over Isringhausen. Or Perez over Isringhausen.
by Michael_68_1999 on Aug 18, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I finally got to watch the Ankiel home run
he really jacked it
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 7:03 PM EDT reply actions
that dong never had a chance
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
very true
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
1. Schumaker 2B2. Ryan SS3. Pujols 1B4. Hol...liday LF5. Ludwick RF6. Ankiel CF7. Greene 3B8. LaRue C9.
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 7:35 PM EDT reply actions
that's a very gritty 1-2 there
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Greene is something like 19-20 against Billingsley
He had decided to live forever, or to die in the attempt
that works
plus he’s gotta play sometime, right?
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions
So it wasn't just 'the knuckleball' excuse for Colby
Tony really is full of shit.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously
I was giving Tony the benefit of the doubt last night, but this is inexcusable. He is pretty much talking out of his ass with his lineup reasoning. Absolutely ridiculous. Ankiel hit a home run last night. Good for him. Guess he is now the “hot hand”, so there is no way we can sit him. What a hypocrite
by ChicagoRedBird on Aug 18, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
don't believe a word he says
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Think Stav hit one for Memphis recently. He'll be up any day now. . . . Green due for a relapse
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
What does today have to do with yesterday?
Answer: Nothing.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
that
is a pretty ignorant way of looking at anything. baseball lineups included
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
If yesterday has nothing to do with today
Then why the hell is Ankiel playing?
by ChicagoRedBird on Aug 18, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
because Ludwick and Holliday didn't want to take the day off
so the rook sits
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions
How many reasons you want?
Email Tony, damn, I’m sure he’d be glad to tell you.
In case some of you have missed it, since Colby’s heal injury, he and Ank have played in streaks. One will get 2-3 starts, then the other will. Maybe that is EASIER on both of their injuries. I know you guys want Colby out there every game (which I’ll never understand), but maybe his injury prevents that. Same or Ankiel. Then there are matchups.
My original point was, just b/c Tony didn’t want Raz to potentially mess his swing up against the knuckler, doesn’t mean there isn’t a completely different reason he isn’t playing today.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Right
But the point is that Colby was in a hot streak and Tony still found a way to sit him on the bench. If it was the other way around, I’m not so sure the outcome would be the same.
by ChicagoRedBird on Aug 18, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Fair enough.....
But if Tony is going to sit them each after a few games, that is going to happen. We have the division pretty much sewn up, at this point, it is about keepting guys healthy too. You have two guys with minor injuries, why not rest them?
And yes, Ank has seen a hot streak take him to the bench, just over 2 weeks ago.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
We don't have the division sewn up
Knock on some wood damn it!
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
eegads, sounded like a cubs fan!
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Since the Holliday trade....
Neither Rick nor Colby has started more than 4 games in a row.
And for what it’s worth, check out there numbers against lefties…..I’d like to see Rick getting most of those AB’s.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Speaking of splits
since you fucking brought it up:
Why the fuck is Ankiel ever playing against right handed pitching? Rasmus has an .831 OPS facing righties while Rick has a whopping .723.
Before introducing stats to an argument, you should attempt to fucking look them up. This is twice in two days you’ve looked like a jackass because you don’t even look up the crap you spew out.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
whoa
no need to get personal. Uncalled for.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 5:55 AM EDT up reply actions
It's not personal
He’s being lazy and it’s uncalled for.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
The fact that Akiel and Colby have not started more than 4 in a row
does not in any way mean that it is the correct reasoning. Obviously, I think Colby is a better option than Rick. However, even if Tony doesn’t see it that way, it would be nice if he would be honest when explaining his lineup decisions. The way that he goes about it now, it is very easy to assume Ankiel gets starts for the sole reason that Tony is self conscious about his use of Dick on the pitcher’s mound.
by ChicagoRedBird on Aug 18, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
TLR
doesn’t have to explain his lineup everyday.
WTF do you want him to say? You want him to say that Colby is taking ridiculously silly AB’s when that is what he is doing? Did you want him to publically say that about Ankiel when he was struggling? That stuff is handled internally. As it should be. I guarantee you Rick and Colby know why.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Why doesn't he have to explain his lineup everyday?
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
He's 'earned it' duh!
and if you think you can question him, you should be able to get an email into him and ask him your damn self.
If you don’t like that, shut up and enjoy these leaches. You’ll feel better.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously?
What manager coach, in ANY sport does that?
If somebody asks him after the game, sure. But to come out every day and explain why he is playing certain guys? Should he hold a press conference tonight to announce that LaRue is starting b/c Molina could use a rest?
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Just because he isn't going to explain
means that we can’t be frustrated with him?
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
You can be frustrated that thats the way it is.....
All you want. I just think it is silly to publically lash out at him every day on a blog, for not doing something that he doesn’t have to do.
I wish alot of peoples’ jobs required them to do something that isn’t in their current job description. I don’t bitch out it every day though.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
I think it is silly
to publicly defend him every day on a blog where nobody agrees with you because your arguments are all subjective.
We know where you stand, so you add nothing to these discussions. You will always defend Tony. When you decide not to, then perhaps you’ll have something to add.
You’ve typecasted yourself, it’s your own fault.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
And we all know the Tony-haters
hate it when Colby doesn’t start. Or when we sacrifice. What is the difference, other than that I’m often in the minority?
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
I think this is your problem
You automatically assume that anyone who disagrees with a decision Tony makes is a “Tony Hater”.
by ChicagoRedBird on Aug 18, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually really like
Tony LaRussa. I don’t know why. I liked him when I was a kid, too. But that doesn’t mean I like everything he does. Just like a parent or a nice neighbor, or a sibling, he just always does a few things that push my buttons.
Does this make me a Tony hater? Or am I – with my nuanced position – in the minority? I don’t understand why everything has to be so black and white for some people.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
I really like TLR too
but will not be sad to see him go, just want a different managing style
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely a grayscale situation
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Why am I a Tony Hater
when I disagree with a decision he makes? Why can’t I disagree with him without being labeled like that? I’ve supported him a number of times here when people have gotten all over him for a decision he made that I didn’t disagree with.
I don’t hate Tony LaRussa, I think he’s a great manager most of the time.
You, however, never met a TLR decision you didn’t like to defend. Not one. That makes you a TLR homer. If you said “I can see how you could disagree with that decision” once and a while, people wouldn’t be so hostile, but you feel like it’s your fucking job to defend every decision he makes even when they don’t make a lot of sense.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
It's pretty simple actually
“Tony-haters” generally use some sort of logic and evidence to back it up. When they don’t or launch unfair attacks, more moderate posters on the issue (fourstick [who is, believe it or not] or viva [who made a whole fanpost outlining his views on the fair parameters of TLR-criticism]) usually have something to say that counters any unfair criticism.
You use vague pronouncements that are often directly counter to fact, and when called on this you try to spin it into an issue of opinion, whether it is or not. Before too much longer the original point of the discussion is lost. Whether that is your fault or not is not my place to say, and i will say that you get some scorn that is probably unnecessary (which I was guilty of yesterday).
There’s the difference right there. It’s pretty simple. This site attempts to be an intellectual examination of baseball, requiring facts and well-formed arguments to function at its’ highest possible level. When those aren’t present, problems begin.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
You copied my translation for your sig
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Guilty as charged
I’ve changed the sig now. As much as I love that Banny quote, it was only on a trial run and it’s just too long. So, rather than adding “as translated by vivaelpujols” as I was planning on doing at some point, I’ve just changed the sig.
Is there an $(INTERNET) fine for this?
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions
In one season?
If so, at the end of the season I’ll give you Albert Pujols, Zach Greinke, and Marlon Byrd. That should cover it, give or take.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe you should all look at this, guys...
As per the post dispatch, today:
Manager Tony La Russa had planned on starting Colby Rasmus in center field Tuesday before Rasmus arrived at Dodger Stadium with a cold and sore throat.
Y’ALL NEED TO APOLOGISE TO SOONER, RIGHT NOW. MWNE.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
The roto sidebar thingie says his tonsils were swollen
Back in the day they would’ve just told the trainer to grab a scalpel and cut those puppies out. Then they would have told Colby to drink some vodka for the pain and go out there and play. I tell you, we just baby these players now…
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
That's mono, isn't it?
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
Yes.
Mono means “one”, and kissing is 1st base. I just realized this.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Aug 19, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I will leave the rest of the base diseases to someone else to figure out.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Just like any job
When he makes questionable decisions, he should be held accountable. If he has a legitimate reason, then it’s fine. He isn’t above criticism, just like you or I at our respective jobs.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
He is accountable.....
to HIS boss.
That isn’t us, as much as some of you want to think it is.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
funny, i think that people who compete and perform
in the public sphere are susceptible to public criticism.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I never said you couldn't criticize....
I simply said that doing it every day is silly, and it doesn’t make you (them) right.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Don't you think your
semi-daily comments on what other people comment on gets a little silly?
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
The Cardinals
ownership has said that they treat the team like a public entity. Without fans, who are interested in these types of things, what do they have?
Either way, people are just as entitled to criticize his decisions as you are to blindly defend them.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
We're the customers
We pay their salaries.
They’re an LLC, the ultimatly answer to their customers. Granted, our access into the business is better than ever before, but it has miles to go.
Shut up, Fritz™.
When the president makes a questionable decision
Do you just go with it, because “he’s the president and he knows more than us and he’s smarter than all of us and he’s going to be a HOF president”? When your job is in the public sector and you are dependent on the masses outside your company (and TLR is, to an extent; the fans paying for tickets and concessions and all that jazz paritally pays his salary), you do have to answer to them.
(Please don’t let this devolve into a politlcal flame war)
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Where was TLR born?!?
Show us the birth certificate!!! WAKE UP AMERICA!!!
by BTown Birds fan on Aug 18, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Oh yeah?
My favorite politician could kick your favorite politician’s ass! Suck on that!
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Stop that! Stop that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3YiPC91QUk
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
She’s beautiful, she’s rich, she’s got huge…tracts of land!
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
We pay damn good money following this team
so yeah, he is a little accountable to us
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
And if I go to a department store
and spend alot of money, I don’t feel the need to tell them how they run their business. If there comes a time where I don’t like it, I stop doing business there.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Then you miss out on a lot
If you stop shopping at your favorite store because they do things you don’t like.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
This phrase keeps coming to mind:
suggestion box.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
Really?
You’ve never had a bad experience at a business and questioned management on a decision that they’ve made? They would probably welcome your input since their business is to serve you with either service or provide products for you to buy.
As a manager in a service industry, the best feedback I get about our products is from customers. I’d much rather they told me what makes them unhappy about their service or how I could do things better so that I can make adjustments and provide better customer service.
Similarly, Tony could actually learn something while reading VEB and listening to constructive criticism from fans who take a serious interest in the ballclub.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Or, if he'd have an open dialogue with the writers
during the postgame interviews rather than trying to find new and exciting ways to be obtrusive and snarky.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
That
I’ve never understood. The reason you make some much money managing a game is because those writers write about your team and fans like to read what they write.
Now, I think that a lot of questions that are asked are really, really stupid questions, but I don’t think someone like Goold would ever get anything answered in a post game presser because he would ask questions based on logic and not “how did you feel about how so and so pitched tonight?”
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
He doesn't and we can't make him
but that doesn’t mean he should put shit out on a whim
Cards, Colts, and Pacers - Baseball, football, and basketball or gambling, guns, and old cars?
For the most part
I’m not inclined to care who starts so long as Rasmus is healthy for the post season. But past players (notably Edmonds and Rolen) have both said on numerous occasions that they had NO IDEA why TLR would make changes to his lineup and that they just learned to live with it as frustrating as it was.
TLR is an enigma to his players as well as the fans.
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
Furthermore
Rick has a .594 OPS against lefties and both guys have around 80 AB’s.
Considering the size of the samples and considering how well Colby has played against righties and his minor league splits against lefties AND his superior defense, Colby should be getting all the AB’s against lefties too.
So, what argument do we get now, sir? Commence “pulling next argument out of ass please”.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Huh?
You can’t argue that the AB’s against lefties is too small a sample size, while the AB’s against righties aren’t. You also can’t use minor league stats to predict how a guy is going to do in the majors, especially in his first year. Colby probably didn’t see too many stud lefties in AA.
The difference in OPS against righties: .108
The difference in OPS against lefties: .160
I don’t know where you draw the line on what a significant difference is, but Colby’s numbers against righties are all over the place. You have hot Colby, or cold Colby. There is no in between.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Oh Christ, where to begin
AB’s RHP: Rasmus 267, Ankiel 211
AB’s LHP: Rasmus 77, Ankiel 79
Sure, the samples are small, but one sample is THREE TIMES AS BIG AS THE OTHER ONE!!!! If Colby gets ONE start against a lefty and goes 4-4, his OPS will be better than Ankiels. Your argument here is horrible. Go ahead, do the math, I know you won’t.
You have hot Colby, or cold Colby. There is no in between.
You’re right. Only it’s exactly the same with Rick, except that Rick sucks for a month and then has three good games, then sucks for another month. Rasmus posted an .869 OPS in June when he was playing every day, while Rick hasn’t sniffed .800 all fucking season. I’d rather have the hot and cold guy that plays good defense all the time than the guy who plays average to below average defense and sucks at the plate 85% of the time. I guess you’d rather have the completely inferior player because that’s what Tony wants and Tony knows better than the rest of us, even when it doesn’t make any baseball sense at all.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
You're using amazingly small sample size here fourstick
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't bring up the sample sizes
he did. And even with his small sample sizes, he’s still fucking wrong. As usual.
This is what I’m trying to show, that he shouldn’t be bringing it up.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Regarding minor leagues
Sorry, but you can gauge a lot from minor league splits. How would you know this, you aren’t a stat guy?!?!?!?!? You’re a “blindly follow Tony LaRussa” guy! Stick to what you know, son, you’re obviously overmatched in the saber world because you’re too lazy to do your homework.
I’m not even going to bother explaining this because you’ll just pull something else out of your ass…
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
First of all, don't call me son.
My father is twice the man you are.
Secondly, since when are minor league stats “the saber world”. All I said was that just b/c Colby hit lefties in the minors, doesn’t mean he’ll hit them THIS year in the majors. That is it.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Oh shit
his dad is going to beat you up!
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
So
you’re saying that because he’s hit lefties in the past, at every level in the minor leagues, that means I shouldn’t be able to expect him to hit lefties at some point in the majors and possibly this year?
Well, that’s so wrong I don’t even know what to say…
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
At some point, yes.
I don’t expect it to happen this year though. But if it doesn, he’ll play more. Simple as that.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
So
Colby shouldn’t get any at-bats against lefties because Ank is hitting them better, but if Colby starts hitting those lefties he doesn’t get to face better, he’ll play more?
Is that about right?
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I never said he shouldn't face any lefties.....
Just like Rick shouldn’t not face some righties.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
by SoonerfanTU on Aug 18, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
lolz.
First of all, don’t call me son. My father is twice the man you are.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
+1
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Aaaaaaand
Hopefully that’s the end of this discussion
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Getting late here in the East Coast
wish the game would start
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
Okay, let's get some facts on the table
Rasmus is probably a +10 defender in center, while Ankiel is probably – 5. This is taken by regressing their career UZR and Total Zone ratings.
That being the case, Ankiel has to be at least 15 runs better per season against lefties or righties than Rasmus to justify talking away at bats from him.
15 runs a season is about a .30 point gap in wOBA. ZIPS projects Ankiel to have a .332 wOBA the rest of the season, and a .313 mark for Rasmus. So it’s not out of the realm of possibilities than Ankiel coul add the extra .10 points of wOBA with a stronger ability against lefties relative to his overall ability compared to Rasmus.
Personally, that doesn’t seem impossible. Sooner is probably not wrong in this situation (but he hasn’t proved himself right either).
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Facts are fine
but he doesn’t live in facts. Here are his arguments thus far:
- Colby is streaky, Ankiel is streaky so they should both play.
- Both guys are banged up so they should both split time.
- Ankiel has better splits against LHP so he should play against LHP.
- His father is twice the man that I am.
There’s not a single argument there, except the third one which relies on a sample size of ~80 PA’s, that really sells his argument. He needs someone like you to make his argument for him because he’s too damn lazy to look shit up.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I would wager that you are 1.5 times the man that he is
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Why thanks...
and since we met last weekend, you know that his dad must be fucking HUGE.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
just guessin heh
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
To accurately assess this...
…we need a metric designed to numerically articulate “man quality.” This will be called MAN+ (after all, it does need to be adjusted to some degree to allow for fair comparisons). Relevant components may include, but are not limited to…
- Quality of mustache, defined by general bushiness
- Ability to tell a good fart joke
- Kindness to his children
- Ability to stand up to ridicule in an honorly way
- Ability to “have a catch” with his son or daughter
…and so on. I’ve referred the matter to Experts and written a giant check made out to Science. I’m sure it will get into the right hands!
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And
resemblance to Albert Pujols or Stan Musial.
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I move that we consider a MAN+ of 100 as gene pool-average
That way, MAN+, as a stat, is on a similary scale to other, already well-known (at this site anyways) stats like OBP+ and ERA+.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel it is essential to evaluate MAN in this way
Different qualities are valued by men in different eras. This way, one could compare the quality of manliness in comparison to his peers and not to all time. For example, the average Elizabethan-era man’s MAN would be calculated including the jolly-goodness of his cod piece and his ability to duel. The present gender environment does not value dueling nor codpieces, and as such neither group should be penalized because their values are different. Mustaches, however, must always be included. As an all-time facial hair champion, I propose one Maj. General Ambrose Burnside. Yes, “Side-burns” comes from this dude…
As I said, the matter has been placed in the hands of Experts and Science. My role is not at an end.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Which is why you'll never fit in here
you fail to question anything, ever.
You’d rather happily plod along not wondering where the clouds came from but instead be content that the sun disappeared for a day.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
haha, rec
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
And that is why you'll always be a blow hard to me.....
You think you know everything, and despite there being NUMEROUS times where we’ve found out a few days later why a player didn’t start (injury related most likely), you still look at each day’s lineup just looking for a reason to bitch. Colby isn’t healthy…..that in and of itself is reason enough to NOT question his lineup inclusion/exclusion any longer this year.
Seriously, you think you are some internet/baseball big shot, surely you can get an email into TLR asking him why. Wouldn’t matter, you’d just disagree with his response no matter what it is.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
What makes you think Colby isn't healthy?
He said in the pre-game interview yesterday that he feels great, the heel is no longer bothering him, and he is good to go every day. If you wanna give Tony unquestioned loyalty, go right ahead, but this injury excuse is overplayed.
Email Tony, I am sure he will tell you Colby is fine.
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Colby is STILL injured?
Then TLR has been recklessly irresponsible to play Colby when he has. Plus, I think his level of play when he has been able to play over the past week has demonstrated he is not injured.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Uh.....
His heel injury isn’t going to improve until he can stay off it for a considerable period of time, ie, the offseason. He isn’t hurting it any more, but there will be days/weeks where it bothers him more.
Same with Ankiel. His injuries will be better off after the season when he can take it easy for a couple of months.
Sometimes you have to play through stuff like this, but luckily, TLR has two guys he can run out there, and kind of keep them both fresh.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
i love how you criticize anybody who tries to draw a logical conclusion
that doesn’t meet your personal predilections, but then make your own unfounded assumptions based in no personal knowledge (like how long colby needs to rest his foot, and how often it hurts him, and how much rest he needs).
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I wouldn't say I necessarily enjoy it
But I would caution against banning the person who argues against this site’s norm the fiercest. That wouldn’t send a great message.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't suggest banning
But when no one likes a guy, typically that guy determines that he should stop wasting his time talking to them. Or at least that’s how it works in real life.
Not afraid to nitpick
I don't mind, as long as he would argue fairly
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, I do
By trotting out weird and silly arguments it forces the rest of us to go look up numbers. If you’re brave enough to wade through the mild flame-wars you actually end up learning a lot about where people stand.
Then again, sometimes people turn into assholes and write this:
Are you intentionally obtuse or a troll? I really am not sure which it is right now.
Actual quote, written by yours truly. Not my finest hour.
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
You all need to lighten up
I enjoy him and I’m sure many others do to. If you love this blog — you shouldn’t be trying to trash people who come here and post interesting stuff. If you don’t like his stuff don’t respond. There are plenty of other sabrposts to get lost in.
Just win
You said we shouldn't trash people who come here
and post interesting stuff.
I wouldn’t say we are trashing him rather than reacting to his repetitive and predictable act of the last year +.
It’s like when the cat pisses on the wall in the living room. People are horrified when they see you pick up the cat and throw it outside. The thing they don’t understand is that cat comes in and pisses on the wall every DAMN DAY.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions
WTF are you talking about?
TLR has two guys he can run out there, and kind of keep them both fresh.
First, stop acting like they’re similar players, they aren’t.
Second, how do you presume to know whether Rasmus is still hurting? I don’t know that he isn’t, but you can’t possibly know that he is, so stop bringing that shit up all the time. You don’t know anything more than we do, you only presume to know, and that is not a relevant argument you can you to refute a logically based argument like what we’ve presented here. Rasmus is the superior player, and he should be playing as much as possible, and he certainly shouldn’t sit 2 days in a row against right handed pitching.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
How do I know he is still hurting?
Because at the time his injury was made public, they stated it probably wouldn’t go away until after the season when he could stay off of it. Logically, I’ll keep assuming it is still an issue.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Logically
we’ll keep assuming that since his defense hasn’t been bothered by it and he’s resumed his hot hitting when he can get in the lineup, that it can’t be hurting him all that much.
I guess we should start sitting Pujols too — that elbow must need some rest.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I agree
a off day here and there to rest that heel would be a good idea. But benching him in back to back games against right handed pitchers after he hits a walkoff homer isn’t “resting his injury”, it’s “benching his ass”. There’s a difference.
Do you think that Tony would sit Albert Pujols for back to back games if he was capable of playing? No, he wouldn’t.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
i also recall tony publicly vowing to give troy glaus
and albert pujols substantial rest during the 08 season and rarely if ever actually doing so.
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
We were right in the middle of race then
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
From day 1?
We are still in the middle of a race. We were only up 5 games yesterday when he benched Colby.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
So if I have this right
1) Do not question Tony’s lineups because there’s no way we can know the specifics of players’ health, among other factors.
2) You know the specifics of Colby’s health — how often his heel hurts him, that it is hurting him at all, and what is required to heal it completely.
Cool story, Hansel.
by mojowo11 on Aug 18, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think I know everything
On the other hand, you take bliss is willfully knowing nothing.
You would rather know nothing about anything, never question why things are ever the way they are and then throw stones at the rest of us who dare question why anything ever is.
Enjoy the flat Earth!
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
The Outer Party
Frowns on such things. He really has no choice. Anything else would be a thoughtcrime and the Ministry of Truth might start coming after him. They’ll get all us fools soon enough, but never him!
2 Minutes Hate at 11!
by Merry CRasmus on Aug 19, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You've said yourself that you think Colby earned it.
I don’t recall whether you defined “it,” though. Many of us presumed (silly us) that you meant Colby earned the starting position. So, at one point, you DID understand why we’d want Colby out there every day b/c you did, too.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
He's obtuse
and doesn’t ever remember anything he says, and sometimes those things are in the same thread.
I’ll never understand why he’s trying to defend this decision because it doesn’t make sense. Perhaps he just likes defending things that don’t make sense. I’d love to hear him rant about particle physics, but he’d probably have to read a book or click on a link for something like that.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
I want him out there.....
As much as HIS body will allow him to play, WHEN he is taking good AB’s, against righties.
He still isn’t hitting lefties. He is still injured. And he is still prone to slumps that aren’t attributable to luck.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Want to fucking bet?
Look up his BABIP over the last month.
His slump was entirely based on luck.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I've tried to make this point already in this thread
he simply doesn’t get it.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Huh
So b/c he was making contact, his BA should be high? Anybody that knows anything about the game could see that he was struggling BIG TIME. Just b/c he was managing to hit some weak grounders over K’ing, doesn’t mean jack &$*# to me, or anybody else.
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
Actually I saw him hit about 4-5 laser beams right at the outfielders
But none of us actually watch the games so that was in fact impossible.
Not afraid to nitpick
Why watch...
…when you can sit in your mom’s basement eating microwaved nachos, playing WoW, and DVR’ing Battlestar Galactica?
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
How did you get my Saturday night agenda?
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
You guys need nerd re-education camp or something
Battlestar Galactica is a show that cool people watch. How can you betray your principles so? I prescribe Babylon 5 and Dr. Who on Netflix, stat.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Aug 18, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
and Red Dwarf damnit!
I play a doctor sometimes
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
So I may not be a nerdy enough nerd?
That’s a horrible netherworld to be stuck in. Not good.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, just assuming
That’s MY Saturday night agenda. Everyone who blogs about stats is a nerd, right? That’s what guys like Plaschke and Richard Griffin say. They went to journalism school so they must be right, right?
"I know how the numbers work. I know how OBP works. I know all the numbers that will never be printed in the newspaper. They're slowly working their way on to major league scoreboards. But, how the game really works, it's not what you see out there, and it’s not about short term emotions in games. It's numbers behind numbers… it's how the game works."--Brian Bannister
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
colby rasmus's july LD rate: 20.0%
colby had a .224 babip in july. a 20% LD rate is pretty good.
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
What was Rick's?
There are 3 things the average man thinks he can do better than everybody else: build a fire, run a motel, and manage a baseball team.
-- Rocky Bridges
rick's ld rate was worse -- 17.9% -- and his luck better, at
a .269.
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
Query:
where do you go to find month by month splits? I can’t seem to find that using Fangraphs, however, I may be stupid and blind.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
it's poorly set up. at the main stat page, go to teams tab.
then click on the team you’re interested in, and you’ll jump from a page with all 30 teams, to one where you can see, say, all the cardinals. up top there’s a series of bars where you can select “whole season” or by month.
that’s the only way i know on fan graphs.
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
Thank you!
It should really be available on the player’s page.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
I have requested that a link be built in for this
to the site mods a couple of times but nothing has ever happened. Must have something to do with the SQL they’re using.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Should be able to get around it as long as the DBMS uses SQL
If they can get to it through an intermediate webpage they should be able to just do it.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps
they’re just lazy then :)
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Probably
I took a course in DB management this past summer, so I’ve kinda learned the ropes on those sorts of things. Right now I’m taking a course in human-computer interaction, so that should tie everything together as far as the outlined problem goes.
Fangraphs, you can hire me. I won’t accept anything less than $100 billion though.
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
douche bag management?
who are you, Ken Macha?
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Touche
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Ba-doom CCCHHHH
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions
fwiw, according a recent babip calculator, ankiel's
expected babip is .302. rasmus’s expected babip is .303.
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
You'd have a lot more cred, SFTU
if you reply when people answer your queries, even if they go against your preconceived beliefs.
Shut up, Fritz™.
Yes, that's very true
he, as a lot of the posters here, have something of a habit of just abandoning an argument/discussion when someone posts something that proves them wrong, or mistaken. I find that kinda rude sometimes, but I’m not really sure what the accepted netiquette is…
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Meanwhile,
that BABIP is horrid.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Also completely unsustainable
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Yes, that too.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
That is shit luck
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
because Colby's defense is that much better than everyone else's
that’s why he should play everyday
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
guys, guys
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
guys, guys...you're both right
"on gameday it says duke loves to face the four seamer and hates to face the four seamer" -VolsnCards5
"perhaps it's a computer joke about the duality of man." -tom s.
by Tudor's Electric Fan on Aug 18, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
yes
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions
if anyone needs a night off it's Lego. not Cody
i’m sick of this shit. i really am.
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
It is very obvious why Rasputin isn't starting
Southern California is still having trouble with wildfires, and we all know what happens what happens when Colby Rasmus is in the outfield….whoa-oh
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Aug 18, 2009 8:07 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
+1
Now that is an explanation I can get behind
by ChicagoRedBird on Aug 18, 2009 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe he had another run in with a late night snack attack
wish he was playing though
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions
He probably went to the old IN-and-OUT last night...
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 18, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Mmmmm.
In-N-Out.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
that's what she said!
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
mmm... double double with animal style fries...
mmm….
Don't ping my cheese with your bandwidth.
by RosevilleRedbird on Aug 18, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Throw in grilled onions
on that Double Double, throw in a chocolate shake, and we’re good.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
/Clockwork Orange
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:21 AM EDT up reply actions
So me and my droogies stepped out for a bit of the old
ultra-violence…
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Hahaha!
I started absentmindedly singing this song today and people were looking at me, and then I realized what I was doing.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Me too
I am not sure if the look was for the song or my voice though.
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Actually I hear that third Tuesday
of every month is the Georgia redneck version of Shomer shabbos. That means that he doesn’t work, he doesn’t get in a car, he doesn’t fucking ride in a car, he doesn’t pick up the phone, he doesn’t turn on the oven, and he sure as shit don’t fucking ball! Shomer shabbos!
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
Three thousand years of beautiful tradition, from Moses to Sandy Koufax...
You’re G-ddamned right I’m living in the f*&#ing past!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Aug 18, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So
when you get divorced, you change your driver’s license, you turn in your library card, you STOP being fucking Jewish?!?!?!?!?
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
...
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
that's a man that clearly needs a good stabbing/poisoning/shooting/being thrown in a frozen
river.
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
that's our CFers granpappy
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Those poor mystic monks.
Why did the commies hate them so?
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
he was one tough bastard
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
that guy will always remind me of this now
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
it says "never say die" on the handle
one of my favorites
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm gonna try that some day
I like imperial stouts, it turns out. Only ever had Samuel Smith though
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
That's a good 'un to start on, IMO...
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I really liked it
I liked their porter even more though.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Yeah, 'tis good stuff
brewed just down the road from me, too.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
well, this one is the best!
just don’t have more than 3 or 4 of those bastards
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Holliday is OK then?
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
Cy update...
Wainwright up to #2 in Neyer’s Cy predictor. #1 is getting hammered by the Reds.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
When you're getting your ass
hammered by guys…
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
i've been saying it for a while
this year waino>carp
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
i think waino = less injured than carp.
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
Hmmm.
Carpenter, 2009:
W/L: 13-3
K/BB: 5.25
WHIP: 0.97
FIP: 2.77
tRA: 2.87
Wainwright, 2009:
W/L: 14-7
K/BB: 2.81
WHIP: 1.27
FIP: 3.30
tRA: 3.78
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Waino IS better!
in EVERY stat except one his numbers are higher!
That’s good, right? I mean, this ain’t golf…
"Them Cubbies can kiss my ass" -Dizzy Dean
he has 14 wins
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Oh, was your original comment
sarcastic? I’m sorry if I just hyper-analyzed a sarcastic statement!
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
no, i'm at work and slowly developing my real argument
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Yeah, basically.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
by il rosso on Aug 18, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That tRA makes me horny
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
haha I know, crazy isn't it
league average tRA is like 5-ish, isn’t it….
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I think it's at least in the upper-4s
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
carp/waino
ip – 138.2/172
k – 105/149
babip – 272/311
my opinion – he’s aight/he’s the fucking coolest
i guess the numbers don’t support me as much as i thought. if we normalized the babips, they’d probably be pretty close i wa sunder the impression carp had been a lot more hittable, but i was wrong there. still carp’s injury hurts his cy young chances a lot. and waino being at the top of the league in innings pitched helps his chances a lot
and he has 14 wins
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
normalize the babips
the baa would be pretty similar. is what i was trying to say
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
innings pitched are really important - you can hang your hat on that
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 18, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
i smell smart assery
but, yeah, i put quite a bit of value in IP
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
wasn't being sarcastic - i think people really underestimate the value of innings pitched
which is where Waino has a significant advantage over Carp.
/usually a smart ass, so your instincts were right
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 18, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree re: IP
those 33.1 IP of excellent pitching are worth a LOT.
Also, I wonder if Waino’s not pitching better than Carp right now – don’t forget that awful first month and a half when he was basically getting by on guile and couldn’t find the strike zone – I bet he’s been as good as anyone in baseball since mid-May.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:26 AM EDT up reply actions
This
he’s aight/he’s the fucking coolest
made me laugh a little, because it’s a funny way to express your opinion, not because it’s a stupid one.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t statistical measures of value take into account the IP, which is mostly where A.D.A.M. runs away from Carp?
Anyways, in terms of value, as you can see, they even up very closely, with Carp still having a slight edge. But it makes it MUCH closer.
Carpenter, 2009
WAR: 4.1
Dollars: $18.5
Wainwright, 2009
WAR: 3.9
Dollars: $17.6
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
A 4.1 WAR pitcher only costs $18.50?
OPEN DEWALLET!
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that's in millions,
but I could be wrong. lol
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
:(
Joke FAIL
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Sarcastic response to joke
FAIL. Sooory.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
We both fail
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I've found myself full of FAIL lately on VEB
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Joel Piñeiro
WAR: 4.1
Dollars: 18.5
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
is that in pesos?
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
I think Piñeiro's worth in pesos could probably buy a Mexican city by now.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
if we could have pineiro's worth in pesos and Diner's weight in gold,
we might be able to buy mexico, period.
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
Do you think Joel could throw enough "sinqueros" to induce lower crime rate and drug trafficking?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
he doesn't have to.
He’s Zorro.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Based on this,
I have developed a stat: *zOMG. It is a viewer independent analysis of how fucking awesome a certain pitcher is. I need to figure out a way to calculate it now.
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Just because I was curious:
Tim Lincecum, 2009
W/L: 12-3
K/BB: 4.77
WHIP: 1.02
FIP: 1.97*
tRA: 2.61
WAR: 7.4*
For comparison, his WAR all last season was 7.5.
*Holy Fucking Shit©
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
That FIP
is fucking insane for a starting pitcher as well.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
That FIP
is vintage-era Pedro. i.e. pretty much as good as any starting pitcher has pitched since the deadball era.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:27 AM EDT up reply actions
If he doesn't get the Cy it'll be because he tragically dies or he's tragically robbed by dumb voters.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Carp will likely be the ML era leader again after tonight
"I remember once talking to one guy on the Cardinals and asking him what Pujols was like as a teammate. He said something that’s really special, if you think about it. He said: "Albert is so good that you feel like you let him down when you screw up." I thought that had to be the ultimate line that could ever be said about a ballplayer. I build my baseball team around that ballplayer."
by Smokin Turkeys on Aug 18, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
carp is playing left tonight
batting fourth
Little Timmy might tie it up tonight
Giants just tied the game with four runs in the 6th, and they’ve got a runner on 2nd with no outs in the 7th (Lincecum’s still in).
by BTown Birds fan on Aug 18, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Given that there are three closers on that list, I'm surprised one of them isn't Franklin
Not that I think there should be that many closers on the list, but he is leading the league in saves with a miniscule ERA. I guess based on his formula it helps that the other three have racked up a bunch of wins (Broxton is 7-0!!). Of course for closers that often means blown saves, but that’s not part of the formula.
by BTown Birds fan on Aug 18, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
wow
i would never even consider a reliever for cy young
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
I wouldn't either, except maybe in the most exceptional circumstances
(I’ll leave it ambiguous as to exactly what those would be, but they would have to start with not blowing a save all season, and go on from there). But given that saves are part of Neyer’s formula, I’m just a bit surprised that it doesn’t give Franklin more love. He’s arguably been the best NL closer so far – which is even more amazing, considering how much he sucks.
by BTown Birds fan on Aug 18, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah...
I think the formula breaks down a little bit with relievers. Any reliever with a 3+ ERA should be toast – not that ERA is a particularly useful stat for relievers. I just don’t think Broxton can possible get any votes.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
really looking forward to going home and picking up some franklins and watching this one
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions
But did he throw his bat or helmet?
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
He also has 2 errors
though gameday says fielding not throwing so maybe he is just rusty with the glove?
"I remember once talking to one guy on the Cardinals and asking him what Pujols was like as a teammate. He said something that’s really special, if you think about it. He said: "Albert is so good that you feel like you let him down when you screw up." I thought that had to be the ultimate line that could ever be said about a ballplayer. I build my baseball team around that ballplayer."
by Smokin Turkeys on Aug 18, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
IMHO
Glaus has no role on the team unless he can get back to where he was as a third baseman, which includes throwing. I’m encouraged that he’s even playing at all in the minors, though, which is the first time I’ve been encouraged about Glaus all year.
The best thing is
if he can get back to something resembling major-league ability at the hot corner, we might get him real cheap next year.
My personal wet-dream, given the payroll constraints, is that we sign Smoltz, he does OK, and Glaus comes back well enough to suggest he can handle 3B next year. I think we can get both of them for <$10m next year, which solves a lot of problems and leaves enough cash for Holliday (and perhaps even another bullpen arm).
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:29 AM EDT up reply actions
in the category of things tony does right, has anybody mentioned that letting
miller start the 9th inning was a good move that lots of managers wouldn’t have made? it’s a small thing, but i thought it showed that he’s not married to the notion that in the ninth innings the closer pitches, period.
i just like to recognize a good move.
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
It was a brilliant move
he played the percentages brilliantly in the first third of the inning and then brought in Franklin to face a guy who hits like Bugs Bunny off him.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
personal matchups are not predictive.
and who was going to pitch better to manny – granted, frankie sucks, but still.
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
Bugs Bunny belongs in the Hall of Fame
But they’d never put him in because he’s a rabbit. They can dress it up however they want but they’re still bigots and it’s sad.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Aug 18, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
if Bugs would stop dressing up & confusing the voters,
he’d be doing himself a huge favor
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
That's another thing
They think he’s gay or something because of all the cross-dressing. First of all, most transvestites actually fancy women (a transvestite told me that!) and second of all they’re still bigots!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Aug 18, 2009 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
are they biased against bugs because he's a rabbit, or because he occasionally dresses
as a woman?
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
indeed
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Definitely
But you also have to consider that the save situation was still intact after Miller got Ethier (?) out
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
i liked it
a lot
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
red baron
mentioned it at The Rundown, I think.
It was brilliant, unlike much of his bullpen mismanagement this season.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
he has stopped being quite so sarcastic with his managing style
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Worst. List. EVAR.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/236844-when-fans-attack-the-10-worst-fan-bases-in-sports
(via friend of mine A Lifetime of Defeats)
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
I just wish they wouldn't treat us like we are all
Happy , Happy St Louis BASEBALL HEAVEN RAH RAH RAH fans
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
this deserves reproduction.
People have referred to them as the best fanbase in baseball. They’re always happy, and they never boo their own team or players. It’s like having a fanbase full of Mr. Rogers clones and kindergarten teachers.
Cheering and saying good job for bad play is OK in youth sports, but not for professionals. I’m sorry, but if somebody on my team strikes out four times, I’m not giving him a standing ovation, period.
These fans make the rest of us normal people look bad.
how the hell does that make us bad?
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
Dude is a Mets fan,
does anything more really need to be said?
It's sort of a weird round-about compliment to us
In that we’re so nice, we make everyone else look bad, and that makes us obnoxious.
It’s all crap, of course, but we already knew that.
So were bad because were nice?
Operation MWNE, more pie?
No excuses. No injuries. No "better luck next time"
Do it, and shut the f—- up.
-Reggie Jackson
It's not their fault. We are probably just not being nice enough. Keep the pies coming!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
MOAR PIE?
The guy who really needs to come back to earth is Julio Lugo. He flat-out sucks, or at least he did until he sold his soul at the foot of the Gateway Arch. by Not Bruce Froemming BCB
According to this...
…it should be LESS Operation MWNE, not more. NO PIE!!!
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Whuuu?
So Cards fans are bad because they DON’T treat the bleachers like cuss-filled bar? Because they’re nice? Again, whuuu? If you’re going to go after us members of Redbird Nation it should be because, as a group, we tend to sit on our hands most of the game. But because we don’t treat players like shit (minus Izzy and ManBMan)?
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Brewers to trade/release Bill Hall?
Proud sponsor of the Official 2009 StL Cardinal theme song: Reason to Believe
They'll get something for him
But I doubt that anyone picks up a substantial part of his contract. They’re gonna be stuck paying that, Red Sox/Lugo style.
I wouldn't mind taking a look
I know he’s been an absolute vacuum of suck this year, but he does hit lefties well, both career and more recently, and there was a time when he was a 30HR/yr guy. He obviously needs a new start, and I think he could be a useful right-handed side of a platoon somewhere. If we could get him for pretty much nothing I think I’d consider it.
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
by Felonius_Monk on Aug 19, 2009 6:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the internet is broken today
It seems like half the sites I visit today don’t work or very slow
Stat Whore
Did you maybe think your computer might be the problem?
“All the roads I’ve been driving on have been really bumpy today!”
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice try.
I can tell you just activated your anti-virus program.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Mine did the same thing yesterday.
weird
"I remember once talking to one guy on the Cardinals and asking him what Pujols was like as a teammate. He said something that’s really special, if you think about it. He said: "Albert is so good that you feel like you let him down when you screw up." I thought that had to be the ultimate line that could ever be said about a ballplayer. I build my baseball team around that ballplayer."
by Smokin Turkeys on Aug 18, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
it's been working a little weird for me
I will be about to post something then it inexplicably jumps further up in the thread right when I’m about to hit the post button
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
which is inexplicably annoying
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions
same thing here
not as bad as yesterday though. I logged in and tried to catch up with the 600+ comments, and for every one comment that I successfully marked as read, it seemed two that I had just marked came unmarked ( and even I am not quite sure what I typed right here, damn jumping throwing me off!).
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Quick Question...
With everything pointing to us grabbing Smoltz, what roster spot do you believe the F.O. will make in order to put him on the 25 man roster?
I’m not asking what you think should happen. I’m curious as to what you believe the Cards will do.
I just have a feeling Motte stays on the team. If that is the case, who is optioned down or is given their release?
It wouldn’t surprise me to see Boggs go down after this start and then come back when rosters expand in September. Agree?
Just my two cents.
Boggs and Rasmus down
Glaus and Smoltz up.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Thompson down for two weeks...
then back up.
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
Please put down Franklin
he sucks hard
Cards, Colts, and Pacers - Baseball, football, and basketball or gambling, guns, and old cars?
And then they go to San Diego
for three more late starts after this, I believe. But don’t worry! The game on Sunday starts at 3.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I logged on and saw 150 new comments and thought
“We must’ve signed Smoltz”
Only to find out it was just more of the same meme:
Sooner – No questioning of TLR’s decisions
Everyone else – Trying to explain to Sooner that it really is okay to question
heh
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
it's gettting really fucking old
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Aug 18, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm a Mitchell Boggs fan
I enjoyed watching him pitch the first time I saw him take the mound, last year in Cincinnati. His pitches have good late movement, he gets a decent amount of swings and misses, certainly a good number of strikeouts. I just think there’s a lot to like. I know he’s given up too many BBs, but in his last start when he missed, he missed low.
I’m rooting like hell for him tonight. Damn crummy game to be on the FSM blackout list.
I like him too
I think if he would stop throwing that sweeping slider or atleast try to throw it for strikes, he could be a very effective pitcher.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 18, 2009 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Awesome sauce!
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
Well, "I'm going home to sleep with my wife!"
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:34 PM EDT reply actions
"a plant? i thought men like you were called fruits!"
the truth can't hurt you, it's just like the dark/ it scares you witless, but in time you see things clear and stark -- macmanus
No Colby = flames up the side of my face
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Madeleine Kahn was so funny
I love that movie. One plus two, plus one….
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I loved that movie
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions
BRENDAN RYAN IS GOING UP AGAINST THE BATTING STANCE GUY
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
oh my god this is the funniest thing ever. BOOOOOOOG.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
I'm not watching him
I’m watching Boog
and perhaps his stache.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
BOOOG is awesome
so much better than the douchebag.
seriously, does he even watch baseball?
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
Please let that find its way onto youtube
Chlorophyll? More like borophyll!
by jd is legend on Aug 18, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
you are missin a show
I’m busting up here.
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Boog totally won that.
Not even close.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Aug 18, 2009 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
his stache has gone up a level in 6ness too
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
smoltz would be ann 8th inning guy if he signs
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/08/cards-have-very-serious-interest-in-smoltz.html
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
Sweet.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
yeah
i like that idea a lot better than 5th starter
i’m scared what momight give him for ’10, though
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
I like it
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 18, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Pbs campaign catching on?
A (blue)grassroots campaign is afoot RT @coolisgenetic Care to campaign for 2010 Powder Blue Sat. (#powderblues)? http://tinyurl.com/ocl3pe
about 9 hours ago from web
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
So Ankiel hits a HR on a knuckleball and gets the start today?
I will be starting the countdown today. One for his weak popups, and one for his K’s. So whats the excuse today?
Sponsored by Slick-Rick 'Stache Cream
okay, who texted "SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ" to Cardinals Live?
"It was like two ankles." AVENGE BOOG
"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
Hmmm.
Viva?
The first thing that a pitcher has to understand is that Albert is better than you.-- Jim Palmer
I have an Iphone
which doesn’t work now because I Jailbroke it and downloaded too much shit.
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
by vivaelpujols on Aug 18, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions
If anyone has the MLB Extra Innings package
Jess Todd is pitching for the Tribe on the same channel as the Cards game right now
by ChicagoRedBird on Aug 18, 2009 10:07 PM EDT reply actions
Smoltz.
SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ! SMOLTZ!
Felonius Monk - bitching to contact since 2008
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