Dominant!
by chuckb on Aug 23, 2009 11:34 AM EDT
in St. Louis Cardinals News
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PrintCarp’s not the only pitcher in the big leagues who’s been dominant this year, of course. I just mentioned a couple of other great pitchers but there’s also Zack Greinke and Justin Verlander. These guys are aces – the pitchers that every team wants on the mound for game 1 of the big playoff series. They’re the guys that are counted on to stop losing streaks. But what is it that makes them dominant? One thing, of course, is the ability to consistently throw strikes and throw the ball where they want it thrown – that is, not right down the middle. Isn’t one measure of dominance though having several above average offerings that the pitcher’s willing to throw to any batter in any count? It seems to me that having 3 pitches that are among the most effective in baseball is one way to measure dominance or, at least, one trait that helps to make a pitcher dominant.
In order to determine the pitches’ effectiveness, I’m using (what else?) fangraphs’ leader boards for the various offerings. The numbers indicate the number of runs above (or, if negative, below) average each pitch has been this year for the pitcher. In order to qualify, however, a pitch must make up at least 5% of a pitcher’s repertoire and be at least 5 runs above average w/ 3 different pitches. The table does not include the pitches that are below average pitches or don’t qualify b/c they’re less than 5 runs above average.
| wFB | wSL | wCt | wCB | wCh | wSF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carp | 17.7 | 9.6 | 8.5 | |||
| Lee | 14.4 | 6.2 | 5.0 | |||
| J. Johnson | 14.4 | 10.0 | 6.0 | |||
| Jimenez | 12.9 | 8.5 | 6.0 | |||
| Haren | 11.4 | 19.4 | 7.6 | |||
| Vazquez | 6.2 | 14.5 | 9.7 | |||
| Lincecum | 5.6 | 5.1 | 31.2 |
Dominance. Only 7 pitchers in major league baseball have three pitches that, to this point in the season, have been as many as 5 runs above average. (Yes, I know Carp’s cutter is labeled a slider. Doesn’t matter. Still a great pitch!) Is it coincidence that they’re all NL pitchers (though Lee spent most of the season in the AL)? The NL is certainly the weaker league and they’re facing pitchers, etc. Anyway, if you have 3 great pitches, and can throw them to anyone in any count, and throw them for strikes, throw them past hitters and get outs, you’re dominant.
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So why is Carp's cutter labeled a slider so often?
Does it have more movement than normal? Does it move differently than normal? Does he throw it slower (87 to 89 as opposed to above 90?) to get more break?
Voldemort
You happy! You made me said it
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I would suppose, in the interest of good form,
he would have to mention his name instead of He Who Shall Not be Named. It just burns the eyes to look at it tho.
If we call Albert ridiculous, should we start calling Carp ludicrous? Or LudiChris?
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Luda!
but it might get confused with Ludwick.
"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 23, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I just thought that it would be safe, since we used Wick for everything Ludwick.
But you are probably correct sir.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
the people will decide
"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 23, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
AVENGED
I’m seeing it and Dan’s call on the SC previews now.
"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 23, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
"full steam of head"
sigh… WWL commentators.
by longhornscardinals on Aug 23, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
That's the best kind of head.
"I throw him four wide ones then try to pick him off first base." - Preacher Roe on Musial
no it's not
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
by gdm426 on Aug 24, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
@#)*$!@)#$*!
Fuld makes the web gems of the week nominations. No Brendan Ryan.
"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 23, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I think they just pull those from each night's #1 gem.
Not that Boog doesn’t need avenging over this slight.
AVENGE BOOG!
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Aug 23, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean, basically the guy ran into the wall.
And lost.
Brendan Ryan fought the earth and won.
"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 23, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
No joke
Ryan face planted into that ground
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Boog fought the law and the law won.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually
Boog fought the lawn, and it was a tie.
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 23, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
he beat the lawn!!
"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
He beat the lawn
but lost to gravity. A great try for the Flying Boog!!!
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
They did mention that Ryan's been all over the web gems of late (though I haven't seen them, other than last night).
When he was interviewed after the GS, was surprised to see how tall he was. At the plate, he looks 5’ 9", not 6’ 2".
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 23, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
some great plays last night!
of course boog’s shoulda been #1
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 23, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't believe Felix Hernandez
wasn’t named in this discussion. Talk about flying under the radar!
On with the (good) youth movement!
This is pretty much an NL pitching discussion
AL pitchers can’t put up gaudy statistics like these, unless they are having legendary seasons.
by olddomination on Aug 23, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I was referring to his mention of Greinke and Verlander.
Felix has been one of the top pitchers in the game this year, but because he plays in Seattle, he has had very little mentions.
On with the (good) youth movement!
What is this Seattle of which you speak?
Do they play with balls up there?
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Wainwright's
getting killed on his fastball but his slider and curve are among the best in baseball. In fact, I think his curve is the best in baseball. Felix was just under 5 runs w/ his slider but his fastball and change make it.
Waino has the 2nd best Curveball
At 15.3 Runs to Wandy
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought Waino had a pretty decent fastball.
Does his not have much life on it? I don’t get to see many games and Mike Shannon doesn’t give a great description most of the time.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
"Mike Shannon doesn’t give a great description most of the time."
Nominated for understatement of the year.
Love him anyway.
"I throw him four wide ones then try to pick him off first base." - Preacher Roe on Musial
It moves a fair amount, but it's just not been a very useful pitch for him this year
It happens. Pitch values aren’t necessarily predictive, they’re more of a record keeper. In Wainwright’s case, his FB values have oscilated this and the previous three seasons between good and bad.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Dominant=
focused – completely locked in. According to Gameday, a few of his pinpoint strikes were being called balls and just to make the Ump’s tightzone happy, he moved them in about 1/8 quarter inch each pitch thereafter. That poor bastard on the other side appeared to receive the same treatment; so long as it’s uniform can’t complain too much. Those 3 weeks(?) on the DL are fading away from a statistical perspective and as PapaDunc mentioned while in Cleveland, of all his Cy Young hurlers, he’d take Carp as the Complete Deal. Me too.
Other mysteries remain. TL
HFS ®
he moved them in about 1/8 quarter inch each pitch thereafter
"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 23, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Had to mean
1/8 to 1/4 of an inch, right? Either way, it’s amazing.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
interesting thing there
i wonder if the effect a dominant pitcher has on the strike zone would be measureable. If a dominant pitcher really does make an ump tighten his zone wouldn’t that be an offensive contribution as well? The hitters on his team would benefit from the tight strike zone, with more walks, and better pitches to hit in typical garbage counts. I might have to put together some research on this.
It was visible with maddux and glavine back when they were in their glory days
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
didn't it go the other way with them?
IE, the strike zone would extend a couple of feet off the plate for the braves? I can’t imagine that worked both ways.
it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie
yes, you're right
And I would think that this would be the effect that starters would have. I was more in the thought line of the original comment above—that this showed Carp’s ability to adjust.
To me this i the main reason that he’s so great—I almost enjoy watching him more on days when his curve isn’t really working, and he goes to his third and fourth pitches, and works around it. Or, when he really steps up for a few key at bats.
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
High praise
and as PapaDunc mentioned while in Cleveland, of all his Cy Young hurlers, he’d take Carp as the Complete Deal…
If Dave Duncan, who has worked w/ three other Cy Young winners, would “take you,” that’s saying something. Tony La Russa does not have the career he’s had without Dave Duncan, IMO.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Lincecum's change!
HFS © !
Also, I <3 Carp.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
i know. when i saw that change value, i literally said HFS.
"...and pujols has given st louis the lead"
by tgreenfield on Aug 23, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I really wish motte would learn one for his 2nd pitch
With his delivery I think it would work a lot better than the slider.
by DriverZn on Aug 23, 2009 12:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You're probably right.
I haven’t looked at Motte’s Pitch f/x, but I’m guessing he changes his arm slot for his slider. With a change, he could probably keep his FB arm slot.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
I agree
That really high arm slot he uses just doesn’t seem like a good angle for a slider to me. I wish he would try a changeup or splitter. FB/CH righties can still be effective vs. RHH or LHH in relief, it seems. Guys like Ryan Madson and Fernando Rodney come to mind.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Why?
Throwing a slider almost makes you “throw from your ear” (like Motte already does) unless you’re throwing sidearm. I always was a FB/curve/change guy and couldn’t get comfortable throwing a slider because I had a “long” pullback in my motion.
Maybe it’s just personal experience and we just learned how to throw sliders differently.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 23, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I always thought the opposite and was obviously I'm wrong
Usually pie throwers like him can get on top of sliders much easier.
Not afraid to nitpick
Disagree,
I think he should learn a cutter. A change from Motte would be like 88 MPH and would just basically be a terrible fastball. If he gets a cutter down he’ll be throwing 88-90 with that extra bit of movement.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
The insane thing is how good the fastballs are.
It seems like quite a few pitchers derive low or even strongly negative value from their fastballs to set up later pitches. Even Halladay, Lincecum and Wainwright are like that.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
The game is on KSDK today
someone here, I know, records the KSDK games in HD. If Smoltz pitches well, I’d love an HD copy of the game.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions
negative
packed away my antenna when I moved so don’t have my TV Tuner hooked up anymore
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure...
But you’ll have to listen to Jay Randolph call him Greg Maddux or Tom Glavine all afternoon.
V, b.
im worried about albert
he just hasnt been the same since he took that pitch off his bum elbow and he got 3 k’s last night
by krippledmaster on Aug 23, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions
He usually rebounds
following those rare 3 K games. I feel like someone has written about that on VEB.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
I have to think he would say something to get healthy before the playoffs
Not to jinx or anything, but I think we would still be in first after 15 days of no albert.
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Aug 23, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
this looks like his "usual" "slump" this time
His feet are off.
I’m more concerned that he doesn’t seem to be seeing some pitches.
"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 23, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
warning: OT profanity laced rant below
fuck Bud Selig and MLB and all its pain in the ass exclusive broadcast rights and blackout restrictions. Talk about dicking over your consumer. I just moved from STL to the east coast. I wanted to listen to the game on the way up, but of course KTRS is barred from streaming their broadcast and I didn’t have gameday audio, so no dice. Urge to kill rising. When I got up here, I looked into getting extra innings, but the cable company (and/or MLB — dunno how it works) didn’t offer a discounted late season package. $139 for a month and change of baseball. So MLB.tv it was. I get it yesterday and try to test it out. But nooooo, Saturday day games are subject to blackout restrictions. So I wait until the Cards game. Blacked out for me, for being in the Padres blackout territory. Urge to kill rising again. I almost could not be farther from Padres territory in the contiguous US, yet I’m blacked out for being in-market.WTF? I refer to their FAQs and take the prescribed course of action, power cycling my modem. No dice. So I couldn’t watch last night and I predict a long day of being on the phone with customer service today. This rant doesn’t even take into account the postseason blackouts.Again, a big fuck you to all involved with this licensing/blackout bullshit. Keep setting up these hoops, fuckers, cause lord knows I keep jumping through them like a fool. The shit I have to go through just to watch a fucking baseball game…
by mattyp on Aug 23, 2009 1:00 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Just think how much more money MLB could make
if they would simply make some simple, common sense revisions to their blackout policy.
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
the insane thing is
I’m standing here with my wallet open saying, “Take whatever you want, just let me watch baseball.” What do they do? They take it and then prevent me from watching baseball. Fucking brilliant.,
I have faith the GOBs will avenge you
I see a day in the future when the Miller Park reverts to that day the cranes fell, and the whole damn park comes tumbling down on Bud Selig.
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
So you have MLB.TV right?
If so just follow my Fanpost
How to Circumvent MLB.tv’s Blackout Rules
Also, you can listen to the games online if you want instead for free
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks Flim, I forgot about that fanpost
of course that still leaves the question of why I am trying to get around Padres blackout restrictions in the first place when I’m on the Eastern freaking seaboard.
Damn do I miss the days
when Channel 5 had almost all the games and Jack and Mike did the announcing. You could see a Cards game in the middle of the freaking day on a Wed.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I love Lincecum, and I do love ______ too
but I would, without even thinking twice about it, take Carp in a game against alien invaders to decide the fate of mankind. Yes, that is how much I have in Carpenter to get shit done.
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
the yankees are playing us?
"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
Without even thinking freakin twice
1 part Douchebag, 3 part Hipster!
by nomar34 on Aug 23, 2009 1:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If all else fails he could war-whoop them into submission.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Dig in for some guessing...
…It seems to me that part of the reason for Carpenter’s success, whether on or not, is that his stuff moves so daggone much. Even if he’s not hitting spots with any of it, it just seems like it would be really hard to square up. I’ve been working on a pitch f/x fanpost comparing our top three starters, and all of them get tremendous movement on their FB’s, while Waino and Carp’s breaking stuff moves a ton too. So again, even if Carp isn’t sharp, his stuff is simply so filthy that guys just have a hard time handling it.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 1:21 PM EDT reply actions
This is your chance to tell your kids you saw Albert Pujols do everything
That’s the new MLB Beyond commercial.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2009 1:36 PM EDT reply actions
Is it weird
that my neck got a little tingly while watching that?
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
I've been feeling that for 9 years
"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, totally.
I’m always surprised when people don’t realize just how remarkable AP is.
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
Just your neck?
1 part Douchebag, 3 part Hipster!
by nomar34 on Aug 23, 2009 2:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm keeping it family-friendly!
"If I prepare myself, my stuff is good and I'm going to get outs. That is a fact." - Chris Carpenter
no
not at all
I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it. ~Rogers Hornsby
by hoofhearted-pujols on Aug 23, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Albert Pujols is history?!
what!
"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 was kidding
"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's frickin' ridiculous
I could be wrong, but that may just be this season.
"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
think so
he was so ridiculous there for a while, that might have all happened in one GAME.
it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie
of the dominators
fip/tRA
Carp – 2.76/2.88
Lee – 2.96/3.6
J. Johnson – 3.15/3.43
Jiminez – 3.27/4.26
Haren – 3.25/4.19
Vazquez – 2.85/3.78
Lincecum – 2.1/2.74
I want to see Carp vs. Lincecum! now that would be a game….
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 23, 2009 1:37 PM EDT reply actions
Molina vs. Molina!
I enjoy those.
"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 would be a game of Who has the better Bullpen.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
A game of who can bring a better hurler in for the 10th
The bible declares an eye for an eye, so, let us now take our vengeance on this murderous ocean. . . You won't be hurting anyone anymore
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Aug 23, 2009 1:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Does anyone know where you can find
How many Double Play’s a pitcher induces?
I have found that FIP and tRA both under estimate good ground ball pitchers. I honestly am not exactly sure why yet but if you look at players with huge GB% and GB to FB ratio’s they almost all exceed their FIP and tRA numbers by sometimes large margins.
I am starting to come to the conclusion that good GB players get out jam’s easier than other pitchers. That the ability to generate double play’s is under appreciated.
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
especially with “the ability to generate double plays is under appreciated”. could partly explain Dave Duncan’s success too
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 23, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Oddly enough,
You are probably right but I would think that it would be obvious that’s what a GB is supposed to do, give the defence a chance for an easy out.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Aug 23, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think you could just go by the actual numbers
Too many variables…..Some pitchers are going to have less opportunities, some players have better defense behind them, BABIP where some are just seeing eye grounders.
I would do something like baseball average DP turned % on GB with men on less than 2 outs for like 5 seasons.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
well, just the # is easy to find
Go to B-R, it’ll be listed under the player’s stats by “GDP”.
So far in the second half, Carpenter has had 10 GDP’s. And 10 BB’s.
it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie
i am looking for some kind of leaderboard for GDP's
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
3 cardinals in the top 25...
What would be more interesting is %GIDP with men on first, less than 2 out, etc. Just number of GIDP is a bit skewed since Carp gives up very few baserunners in general.
Of the people ahead of him on the leader board, he’s given up a MINIMUM of 35, and as many as 87, fewer baserunners than anyone else. And he’s still only a few GIDP’s behind the leader.
it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie
10 GDPs and 10 BBs
Might personify carp better than any stat
The bible declares an eye for an eye, so, let us now take our vengeance on this murderous ocean. . . You won't be hurting anyone anymore
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Aug 23, 2009 2:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It does by ERA
But typically groundballers have a higher RA due to the increased probability of errors.
Not afraid to nitpick
Judging by 3 Nights
I don’t think LaRussa would “waste” carp vs lincecum…especially since the Giants offense is terrible (28th in RS) he would probably send out a “Reyes”.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
Carpenter's tRA is 2.88
I thought I’d just repeat that and let it sink in for a little while. It’s 2.88. Two-point-eight-eight.
On the other hand, Lincecum’s is 2.74. In the interest of fairness, two-point-seven-four.
Couldn’t really go wrong with either of these guys. If the two had pitched a relatively similar number of innings this would be one of the closest Cy Young races I can recall.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I like
I will love carp forever after going to game 3. And he signed my ticket, and he pitches like Albert hits. Carp, I raise this glass in mancrush 4 u.
The bible declares an eye for an eye, so, let us now take our vengeance on this murderous ocean. . . You won't be hurting anyone anymore
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Aug 23, 2009 1:39 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Fair enough
I raise my Xtra durable Tupperware cup to you Carp
The bible declares an eye for an eye, so, let us now take our vengeance on this murderous ocean. . . You won't be hurting anyone anymore
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Aug 23, 2009 2:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What about Matt Cain?
Just a few weeks ago, his name was being mentioned for the Cy Young ahead of Lincecum’s. He’s tied for fifth (with Lincecum) in wins, he’s third in ERA, and he’s ninth in WHIP. Yes, Lincecum is tied or ahead of him in all three of those numbers, and yes, wins and ERA don’t necessarily translate to dominance, but his name should be mentioned in at least the same breath as ‘s or Waino’s. Wonder what his pitches look like in comparison to these guys’?
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 23, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions
Are you citing those stats b/c writers are likely to?
Or are you citing them b/c you think they need to be brought up?
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, the first is certainly true (i.e., the writers like those "stats")
but I only noted them because my grasp of sabermetrics is kindergartenish. Cain has a legit claim, is all I’m sayin’.
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 24, 2009 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Great Lakes LL has lots of Albert Pujols fans
And one shy little kid who might have mumbled “Colby Rasmus.”
"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
very cool.
my new goal in life is to be mentioned in the same article as Joe Magrane.
Shut up, Fritz™.
JOHN SMOLTZ
Of course, hope means being cut down on some street corner, as you run like mad, by a random bullet.
John Smoltz?
"You just keep pounding balls into the gap. The one thing you don’t want to do is hit a home run. That’s a rally-killer." - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Aug 23, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah JD, he is a Cardinal now. Please try to keep up!
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
We traded for McGwire?
AWESOME!
"You just keep pounding balls into the gap. The one thing you don’t want to do is hit a home run. That’s a rally-killer." - Jeff Francouer
by jd is legend on Aug 23, 2009 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
13 more shutout innings
That what Carp is away from doing something only 1 other starting pitcher has done this decade, carry a sub-2.00 ERA.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2009 2:53 PM EDT reply actions
If you're looking to kill time before the game
Outdoor team bowling on WWL.
Catch the fever!
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Aug 23, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions
Na, I'm a cheesehead enjoying
Aaron Rodgers coming out party vs USC on FSMW
The bible declares an eye for an eye, so, let us now take our vengeance on this murderous ocean. . . You won't be hurting anyone anymore
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Aug 23, 2009 3:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Cards lineup via stltoday
Schumaker 2B
Ryan SS
Pujols 1B
Holliday LF
Ludwick RF
Ankiel CF
DeRosa 3B
Molina C
Smoltz P
....my quick smells like french toast...
The Rams now have
the second largest scoreboard in the league. So there’s that.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Aug 23, 2009 3:06 PM EDT reply actions
Is it me...
or do the Rams have the worst home stadium atmosphere in the league? I’ve never been to the dome, or attended any NFL game ever, but on TV their games seem like funerals. Is it the dome or the crappy team?
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
apparently they just hired a new guy for just that reason
He was in the NHL supposed to be pretty good. Because I agree going to a Ram’s game is very boring
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
When it's a trillion dollars to go to a game
you skew the age of the audience waaaay up.
Responsible people = not rowdy
They say that it's never too late, but you don't get any younger...
It goes for the whole NFL
But the commercials just suck the life out of a crowd. You just can’t keep an atmosphere when it goes timeout—-commercial—-35 yard field goal—-commercial—-kickoff—-commercial—-one play then the 2 minute warning—-commercial—-timeout—-comercial. Hockey has unquestionably passed football for my winter sport for this reason. I’ll still watch football due to the “event” of Sundays but I enjoy an HD hockey game twice as much.
Not afraid to nitpick
I've only been to a couple of games at the dome
When they played the Bears on a Monday during the decline of the Greatest Show on Turf it was pretty fun.
Opening Day ’07 (when Pace went down for the year) was like a mausoleum.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Aug 23, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Up until the end of the Martz era it was awesome
Even when they were terrible at first it was still fun b/c of the novelty of football back in STL.
Since Martz and the FO destroyed the team and Linehan coached himself out of football the place has died. I try to go once a year and it’s been just awful the last two seasons. Poorly ran team that simply gets bowled over every single game led by management that seems not to care—>poor fan support. The team will probably get moved and say it’s because they have no fan support, but they have no fan support b/c the management isn’t fit to poor pee out of a boot with instructions on the heel.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions
it's just boring to go to live NFL games.
My firm’s got tickets and I turn them down every year. It’s much more enjoyable to watch on the big-screen at home.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 23, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I assume the Cowboys new stadium wins?
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you see that they';re having a problem in the new Cowboys stadium?
PUnters hit the bottom of the scoreboard. All the time. And it extends from 1 20 yard line to the other.
Wow
Way to plan that one out, Jerry. Bigger is not always better, my friend.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I refuse to countenance football talk
while the baseball season is still going strong. The Rams are a hot mess right now. Focus on the October prize people!!!
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
by azruavatar on Aug 23, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
My eye is on it sir!
"Ludwick, I could kiss you on the nuts!" - the red baron 7-29-09
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
haha was just watching the highlights of the game last night
and i got some tv time after Dick’s home run last night. gotta get a screen cap of my 3 seconds of fame
about 2 hrs on the dot i believe after dicks HR
when they pan to the crowd my shoulders/head red cards hat w/ powder blue/red shirt
So you watch games, FunkeeC?
Don’t you know that people who like numbers and stuff are nerds who sit in their mom’s basements, secretly hate baseball and America and pie, and weep during episodes of Star Trek?
Your membership has been revoked. Good day.
/sarcasm
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Aug 23, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
So, um I rewatched the beginning part of yesterday's game
and didn’t Colby’s HR go further than Rick’s?
Dan really showed who he likes to slurp the way he just kept going on about how far Rick’s HR was.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2009 3:20 PM EDT reply actions
Dan has some
weird concept that centerfield is like 550 feet. everytime someone hits one out to center he acts like it is the longest homerun he has ever seen. My wife and I were laughing about that last night.
I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it. ~Rogers Hornsby
by hoofhearted-pujols on Aug 23, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Since hittracker won't have it yet...
Very unscientifically, I’d say Ankiel’s went further. If you go to the Gameday highlights and watch both, Colby’s lands a little more than half-way up that facade in center (if you were to extend it around to the stands area where Colby’s landed). Rick’s landed at the back part of that facade in center. Just guessing, I’d say Colby’s went 440-445 and Rick’s went 450-55.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 23, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
List of all 3
Holliday’s – 425
Rasmus – 445
Ankiel – 443
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 23, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
seemed like rick's was a LOT farther, at the game
It was a blast a mile high that just carried and carried, a no doubter off the bat. 443 ft according to the stadium board, IIRC. Not sure how the numbers came out on Colby’s, but it cleared the fence by a good bit as well- but it looked like it would be caught off the bat, and just kept going.
Holliday’s was the hardest hit of the three, imho, but it was at such a low angle that it didn’t go as far…
it's Clydesdales vs Goats. Actually sums up Cards vs. Cubs quite nicely. -all4tookie
Brian McCann just walked on 3 pitches...
The scoreboard said 3 balls, and even McCann questioned the umpire, but he sent him to 1st base anyway.
V, b.
So now Albert isn't the only player in MLB history to do that.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh nevermind...
They just discovered that the pitcher went to his mouth on the rubber, so they awarded ball 4.
V, b.
What was the rationale for Colby not playing today?
Future Redbirds - tracking Cardinal prospects for Cardinal Nation
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