Freaking a Cardinals fan out at 85-62
by DanUpBaby on Sep 18, 2009 5:05 AM EDT
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PrintThe Cardinals have lost—I can't be sure here, but I think this is close—twenty-eight out of their last twenty-nine games, and that is definitely frustrating. The Cardinals losing now, as opposed to in 2006, where they almost lost their big lead, or in 2007, when they just weren't very good... I've decided that the difference isn't that I feel better about it, because when I think about them it's just as frustrating; it's that I can think less about them. Quantity of teeth-gnashing, not quality.
I considered, when I realized that I was writing on the off day, talking about whether a team's play in September generally has an effect on its October chances. And I got a few minutes into that before I realized that as Cardinals fans we already know all about what it's like for a team to collapse in September and reinflate in October. We were there, man.
I'm at a point in the season where I need to rest my starters, give some other guys some work; things are barking. So I'd like to ask you, The Birdos, a question: What, short of injury, would it worry you to see out of this team in September? What would give you pause, if this losing run hasn't done it? I've got three answers, in ascending order of pause-length:
1. Minor eyebrow-raise: Mark DeRosa continues to not hit. It's been an ugly, ugly September, and it's coming off of an August that had a great personality. It's hard to see, because DeRosa—whatever the merits of the trade on the Chris Perez end—should have been a perfect fit for this team. The night he was acquired he seemed to salve every sore spot on the roster, short of (and in his defense, he didn't get a chance) providing right-handed relief. It wasn't his fault he tore his wrist up; it wasn't his fault the Cardinals papered over his Super Utility cred with Julio Lugo and Matt Holliday.
But talking about right now, if he can't hit—and he's not just slumping, he's hurt and slumping—he's Joe Thurston, only he's not a plus second baseman.That would be a Minor Concern.
2. Jim-from-the-Office (excellent premiere, incidentally) head-turn: Lohse and Smoltz both struggle down the non-stretch. It's good to hear that Kyle Lohse's Secret MRI found nothing. Given his place on the current depth chart it's probably more important to the Cardinals re: the rest of his contract. But even though I've watched this great second half with my own eyes, and been acutely aware that Lohse has been a non-factor the entire time, I'm still uncomfortable without him—the two pitchers ahead of him on the depth chart were, this time last year, nicknamed Piñata and recovering from shoulder surgery.
Maybe this is better in the other direction—it would make me more confident of the 2009 squad if Lohse can recover from what has been the weirdest injury-plagued-second-half in recent memory.
3. Unironic spit-take: Franklin continues to struggle, La Russa doesn't adjust his usage patterns. The second part is what really worries me; eventually Ryan Franklin will go back to being Ryan Franklin, but La Russa's bullpen flexibility, or lack thereof, will be really important in the playoffs, because there's nobody he can lean on. In 2006 that turned into a beautiful stretch of pitching from Josh Kinney and company; I don't know if there's a Josh Kinney in the bunch right now, even Josh Kinney, but I've been wrong before. (With Josh Kinney, for instance. And with that I have gotten the SB Nation autotagger really confused.)
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The offense is my main worry going foward
And yeah DeRosa is a big part of my worries. I know he’s hurt…but he is still playing everyday so he can’t be “That hurt” one would think, but he is not getting it done at the plate at all. We really need some offense from him in the playoffs…even if it is just the ocassional HR like he was hitting a little over a month ago. But DeRo is not my only worry Ankiel and to some extent Ludwick right now are as well. Ludwick I’m not as worried about but Ankiel has been a big let down for me since I was one of the few cheerleaders he had here in the off season when his name was brought up as trade bait. Ankiel should NOT be an everyday player….there I said it. I for one do not want to see him starting in the playoffs….he is just not helping us right now and Rasmus and Ludwick should get the bulk of the playing time and all of the playing time in the playoffs.
This team right now is BAD…VERY BAD at situational hitting when runners are in scoring position. They are not taking good at bats and are swinging on first pitches and swinging for the fences almost everytime. These guys are trying to hit the 3-run homer when they just need to drive in runs. In order for us to beat teams like the Phillies or Rockies in the playoffs we will have to score more than 2 runs a game. We seem to only have break-out games about once a week anymore. They need to get on track and start getting runners in when the chances are there. The playoffs is a pressure cooker as is…..no need to add that much more pressure on our starters when our offense can only muster 1-2 runs per game. Some of these guys OTHER than Albert and Matt need to step it up. If the offense doesn’t get it together I worry it will be a short October run….
Rant over….now I feel better.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Our offensive approach
It’s been a problem all season, IMO. However, the starting pitching has covered it up. In the playoffs, I fear that we will be shutdown over three or four games by quality pitching. As we all know, that is all it takes to end your season.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
Agree
What helped us in 06 was we got to face a shakey Mets rotation that didn’t have a shutdown staff other than Glavine. And we were lucky to face the Padres in the first round (who we had always hit well against). The teams we might have to face this year has MUCH better starting pitching. The offense will have to get hot at the right time for us to have a chance in my opinion. I am more than a little worried about the Phillies.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
The way it stands now
we will get the Rockies in the 1st round. As long as we can score more than 2 runs a game I like our chances against them….I think they are due to cool down. I think our best hope is that the Dodgers can somehow beat the Philles. We have played the Dodgers really well this year. I feel we would have a MUCH better fighting chance against Torre’s boys than the Phillies. But any way our offense needs to kick it up a gear.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
as it stands - Dodgers not Rockies in 1st round
Philly is leading us in the winning pct race for post season seeding .586 top .578 with a two game lead in the loss column. Right now the Cards would open in LA.
So long as it is *not* Philly, I'll be happy.
I believe that we can beat either Colorado or L.A. I don’t know that we can top the Phillies.
"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
As long as the Rockies or Giants take the WC,
we’ll play either the WC or the Dodgers in the NLDS.
by ArkansasTravs on Sep 18, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm Not Worried......
..my gut tells me its a Cards VS Yankees WS this year, with the Cards winning in 6.
:=8)
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
situational hitting is not a problem. our risp numbers are fine.
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
hee hee
"I think those scorers must be from Mars or Venus. Or maybe they're just from that book." --Mike Shannon, 7/09/2009
"POOL TEMPERATURES FUCK YEAH"--tgreenfield, The September 10th-11th VEB Off-Topic Explosion
FIX THE LOBSTERS
Also, if more than 50% of the team is injured, we may have problems.
no more LOB
no more LOB
no more LOB
"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
Agree as I said above
The “Lobsters” is a HUGE problem for this team right now. We can get by on some these “shakey outings” from our 3rd and 4th starters if we could just score more than 2 runs per game. Not going to beat the Philles 2-1 in the playoffs when we have Joel or Smoltz pitching. Sure not going to beat teams like the Yankees or Angles if we are lucky to get to the big dance and only scoring 2-3 runs per game.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
I'm not so sure the recent offensive struggles are indicitave of how we will perform in the playoffs
I don’t think that we should expect an average of 2-3 runs scored in the playoffs. It’s not like no-name pitchers have been shutting us down, with the exception of West. Jurrjenns, Vazquez, and Johnson are all decent starters. This is just a little hiccup in the season.
I’m waay more worried about Lohse’s ability to not be awful and, of course, his health. If Lohse can provide one or two starts of 6 or 7 innings and 3 runs, that would be huge. Moving Smoltz to the eighth inning should be the goal. I have more confidence in the offense than the bullpen. So I guess I pretty much completely agree with the order of the list.
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions
The Philles is the team
I worry about when it comes to scoring runs/not scoring enough. The Philles have some really good starters and some that can shut us down like Hammels, Happ and Cliff Lee (who shut us down once already this season). Pedro has been pitching like the Pedro of old as well. And with their offense our starters will have to be lights out to give us a chance….if we were to only score 2-3 runs off these guys.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
I don't know how I spelled Phillies wrong twice in that post ..but I did.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
you're actually on a roll, dude.
let it fly. we’re feelin’ ya.
"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
Thanks
Just trying to get a little more baseball talk going on around here. It’s been lacking lately but the recent poor play from the team and off days can do that.
BTW…where’s our old friend Hardcore Legend at? I’ve missed his insights around here.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
He changed his name
to ChuckB and writes every week.
"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance." - Aesop
As much as Lincecum and Cain scare me
A series against Lee, Hamels, and Happ? thats the stuff that leads to waking up in a cold sweat.
"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 Sep 18, 2009 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
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
yes, but the ability to figure out pitchers
That’s an offense’s job. That’s a team effort, and there has been a consistent pattern of fail in that direction. I’ve been waiting for them to fix that for months.
…wait, what? No-name pitchers have been shutting us down. That’s not a hiccup.
Of course I am concerned about pitching, but there’s been substantially more progress towards firming that up than the offense. This recent “hiccup” is what happens when Matt Holliday hits a slump. I am not in the least comfortable putting the whole team on one man’s shoulders. Even if that guy is Albert Pujols.
"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
Great point.
Which leads me to wonder what exactly Hal McRae is actually doing this year. I know it’s not all Hal’s fault….but some of the blame has to go to him because the offense looks clueless on many of nights….it’s just been turned up a notch this homestand.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
what rather worries me
is that even Hal McRae says they’re not being patient at the plate.
I mean, really, does Albert have to do everything around 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
I meant recent struggles concerning the no-names, which is what has caused an uproar in non VEB readers.
I think I’m just more worried about pinning our playoff hopes on Jason Motte than I am pinning it on our offense. If Smoltz is our 4th starter in the playoffs I can’t help but think he will come out of the game by the 6th inning putting too much pressure on the bullpen. If Lohse is the 4th starter, and continues to perform at his 2009 level, I can’t help but think we will be giving away 1 out of 4 games.
And it’s not that I’m not worried about Lee, Hamels, and Happ. I am terrified of that, Pedro not so much. Pedro has made his good starts against the Nats(6.2IP and 3R), the Mets(8IP and 0R), and the Giants (7IP and 0R). I’m sorry I just don’t believe that Pedro can return to previous form. And I think that if we throw up Waino and Carp vs. Lee and Hamels the game will be close by the time the bullpen steps in. Which is why I am more worried about the bullpen and Lohse than I am the offense.
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions
well I just disagree
Jason Motte comes out for one inning.
The offense comes out for nine.
"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 not just Motte
How many bullpen pitchers do you trust? Motte just worries me the most considering how he may be counted on as the 3rd righty out of the pen, and in that role I can’t help but think he will cost us a game.
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions
at this point, they're getting their stuff together
The goals were set at the beginning of the season, and I see no reason why they won’t reach them by the end of two weeks. I’m not 100% comfortable, but neither do I think these guys will collapse as in past years. Walky McWalkerson K-Mac is the one I’m truly concerned about. Overall, the lack of arms back there is the real worry; we’ll be hurting for that extra man.
On the other hand, I’ve been waiting for the offense to show better for months. Months. I have seen little progress beyond “Lego Man Hits Good” and maybe a little teaser of Ludwick coming out of his latest slump.
If the bullpen costs us a game, fine.
If the offense loses us a series, NOT GOOD.
"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, and Skip and Boog are starting to return to form.
which isn’t great, but it is heartening to see men on base for that guy who plays first base.
"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
Skip will be a big part of our hopefull success
in October if he can get hot and get on base for Albert/Holliday that would be huge. But I do wonder who Tony will stick in 2nd in the batting order in the playoffs? I have a feeling he will do something funky like trying to get Rick going and slot him batting 2nd.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
I still can't figure where to place Boog
Esp since Yadi’s speed out of the box is such a problem. He’s fine once he gets to first, that speed demon….
It may well depend on how Boog’s seeing the ball, on offense and defense. I hope 1) the injury doesn’t screw him up, 2) the off-days won’t screw him up too badly. Because it will. Shirtlicker needs to see live fire.
Otherwise, I’d love to see one of the call-ups bat second.
"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 may get laughed at for this,
But I really like Boog in the 9 spot. Pitcher hits 8th.
"Obviously, tipping pitches didn't help" - John Smotzl
"If you disrespect the Baseball Gods, you'll get slapped." - TLR
I can't decide.
that plan sounds as good as any.
When he’s hitting, he’s got good speed for the 2-hole… gah, I don’t know. Boog, why you gotta be that way.
"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 Sep 18, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you, honestly.
It really only matters the first time thru. You have Skip/Lugo lead off, followed by Rasmus, then AP, Holli, Luddy, and a Low strike-out, contact guy like Yadi, who hits into a shitload of GIDPs. Follow that up with DeRo who isn’t hitting and the pitcher, then you have Boog come in and put three potential 1-2 type guys in front of AP and Holli the next time around.
Either I am losing my mind or The Mad Genius is starting to get to me.
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsh on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Sep 18, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
batting 2nd
My guess, Corzy will be in the 2 hole against RHP, Lugo against LHP. Rick is only going to see time if Tony thinks he’ll hit a LHP better than Corzy. If so, Rick will be batting 8th.
Corzy is probably one of my favorite Colby alternatives so far.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Sep 18, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Skip in September
.360/.439/.400/.839
18-50, 2 2B and 16 singles.
When he is hitting well he’s a threat to get 3 or 4 singles in a game.
Well what do you think it would take to get our offense going?
Or which player or players do you think is the key?
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Ludwick and DeRosa for me need to get to hitting again.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Well in the past 14 days, if we are talking about who is hot and who is not,
Ludwick has performed at .318/.375/.523/.898. But yeah DeRosa has not been good.
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
We just need to drive runners in
when they are in scoring postion…these games of leaving 12-13 men on is really starting to drive me crazy. Like Yadi2Second has said…these guys really need to get more of an offensive game plan going and not just swinging at crap to try and hit a HR at every at bat when runners are on. Ankiel and DeRosa and Luddy are the main suspects with this…and yeah I can’t give a free pass to Rasmus…he has had bad at bats often as well.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
not being lame in key situations? heck, read LaRussa's comments.
swinging at junk pitches. swinging on 3-0 counts. not waiting for the pitch they want and instead hitting into ground ball outs.
things you should not do when you are a major leaguer.
Albert is adjusting, but Albert always adjusts.
and btw, I’m still trying to figure out what’s backing up your statement of Pedro not returning to form. If you mean velocity, well no, Pedro’s velocity is no longer in the building. But the Phillies have won every game he’s started. His stuff is still biting. He’s also gone 37 innings in 7 games, and his ERA has gone from the high 4’s in August to the low 3’s in September.
however, fangraphs refuses to show me Pedro’s page, so I’m makin’ do.
"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
Pedro's fangraphs page isn't working for me either
I just find it hard to a 37 year old pitcher that was washed up before getting injured can put it back together for a playoff run. It just doesn’t seem logical.
And I don’t know how to provide links but if you look at his game log at ESPN he has been pitching well against offenses worse than ours. It’s not like he’s shutting out the Phillies. He’s pitching well against some below average offenses and bad against others.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/gamelog?playerId=2717 (Game Log)
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh well apparently it auto links
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
have you watched his games, though?
I have. I’m believing it. He is not, by any means, the same Pedro. But if he is not misused, his stuff is good enough to win with the Phillies. Who have a good offense. (cough)
and yeah, I was looking at that page.
"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
not to mention it's been a fun tandem of Pedro-Moyers
how many hundreds of years is that combined? but hey, it gets them wins… lol.
this is the best game in the world.
"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
No I haven't watched the Pedro starts so all I am going off are stats
So I guess you can say he looks good, but all I have to judge off of are stats.
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
indeed.
"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
But the Philles do scare the hell out of me
And their offense is good and can score runs quickly. Bullpen!!! Hahaha or at least I tried to bring it back around to me being more worried about the bullpen and Lohse.
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah, i'm not saying it's not a worry
I’m saying we can get by on a shaky bullpen but we will not, ever, ever get by with the kind of offense we’re trotting out. Albert and Matt cannot be the sole linchpins of the team — or it really will be 2004 all over again. Even the best players can go through slumps. That’s why I’d prefer a strong lineup rather than a strong bunch of players.
"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
Mike and Mike are talking about us v. Phils right now
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
really?
so it IS possible for them to talk about more than Yankees-Red Sux? I nearly fell out of my chair in shock.
"It reminds us of all that once was good, and could be again." - Terence Mann.
by Futility Infielder on Sep 18, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
If you saw Pedro's
last start you would not question his stuff. He went 8 innings, threw close to 130 pitches and was sharp in the later innings.
Smoltz in his STL time has almost certainly outpitched Pedro
28/1 K/BB, I think we’re kinda underrating how good he’s been with us.
Not afraid to nitpick
really?
I mean, Smoltz has had one very good start. Have you seen Pedro’s last few starts?
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
28/1 K/BB
The difference maker for Pedro has been his LOB% over Smoltz which no one should expect to continue going forward.
If we saw a 28/1 K/BB in 22 innings from a 22 year old prospect this place would melt down in excitement.
Not afraid to nitpick
agreed that this place would melt down
Maybe we’re splitting hairs here. They’ve both been outstanding. They’re also both at an age and place where they probably need an extra day of rest here and there in order to remain effective.
Don't get me wrong the bullpen gives me some concern as well.
Especially Motte and Franklin. I think Lohse could help if needed to pitch ONE inning out of the bullpen in the playoffs. But I’m not sure Tony what Tony is planning.
The offense is my big concern right now though.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Jurrjens, Vasquez and Johnson....
are all much, much better than decent. They’re really, really good.
It’s interesting how when other teams, even good teams, get shut down by Waino and Carp we think it’s our pitchers dominating but when a similarly talented pitcher does it to us, it’s our offense being a liability or being unable to figure out pitchers.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Sep 18, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
when our offense swings at the pitches they swing at
It’s our offense being a liability.
I’m crap at recognizing pitches, I really am. But when the pitcher offers the same pitch and they’re still swinging at it? That has to stop. I’m seeing it too many times, up and down our lineup.
"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
also, Waino and Carp are good because they really are that good.
The way Carpenter pitches to Prince Fielder is telling: The Brewers’ slugger comes up three times, and Carpenter starts him off with a different pitch each time. In the first he throws Fielder a changeup; in the fourth he offers him a curveball on the outside corner; in the seventh it’s a 93-mph fastball up and away. Fielder is never comfortable. He grounds out and strikes out twice. The rest of the Brewers are bewildered too. Carpenter throws a one-hitter, as afternoon shadows stretch across Miller Park. The Cardinals win 3—0.
“I just stuck to the game plan,” Carpenter says afterward. “It was that simple.”
"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's been awesome this decade?
He’s a career underachiever by FIP and whatnot so that’s not accurately gauging his value IMO. He’s underperformed his tRA 6 of the past 7 years and the previous 5 years it was by more than 10 runs…so he’s pretty much the one guy where I’m more likely to believe his 4.01 ERA.
Not afraid to nitpick
Sorry he pissed in your cereal.
He’s been worth more than he costs (by a lot most years) every year sans ’04.
Shut up, Fritz™.
He's always played in hitters ballparks in front of crappy defenses
I doubt that ERA is correct.
by vivaelpujols on Sep 18, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
He's got the most strikeouts in the last 10 years
among all pitchers in baseball. He consistently goes out and gets 28-33 starts a season. Now, being a career underachiever by FIP and tRA may say more about where he’s pitched and who he’s pitched for than with Vazquez himself.
"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's been on crap defenses, but by 15 runs per year?
He’s played on bad defenses but he’s been the outlier on 6/7 staffs he’s been on that tRA has data for:
2008: Vazquez accounted for -28 of the -44.5 xRR for the entire the rotation Vazquez included
2007: -10/-16.1
2006: -33/-62.6
2005: -16/-32
2004: +1/-42
2003: he was -20 on a collective starting staff that was +20. That’s Vazquez -20, everyone else +40.
Over 7 years, Vazquez has been on starting staffs that have a combined -132 xRR, Vazquez himself has -78 xRR. Am I really to believe that Vazquez himself accidentally accounted for 59% of the total when he’s on the mound at most for 25% of the total innings?
Maybe 4.01 ERA underrates him, but his peripherals overrate him still.
Not afraid to nitpick
just for the record
Joel has been an awesome pitcher this year. Nearly as good as Carp and Adam. Significantly better than Smoltz or Lohse. We should have the best 3rd starter of all the NL teams. If Joel only gives up one run in Game 3, I am sure we will score enough to win. Unless Brian Moehler is pitching. Or any AA lefty. Then we’re screwed.
Lawyer: "How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision?"
is it just me or...
one of the reasons people down WHIP/ERA (rightfully so) is a current leading theories state that a pitcher really doesn’t have control in the succession he gives up hits (correct me if I’m wrong). Sometimes you give up 7 hits but they happened to be “well timed”.
So if a pitcher has no control if he scatters hits across innings to produce 0 runs or gets lit up then how can an offense control the succession?
(BTW when I was looking at BABIP stuff I came across this AWESOME gem regarding xBABIP in 2008)
Maybe Geovany Soto isn’t quite this good. Perhaps Manny Ramirez and Milton Bradley will disappoint whoever signs them. The Cardinals’ middle infielders aren’t as good as they seemed.
The Cardinals’ middle infielders they were referring to is Miles and Floppy….
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
hopefully
Lohse will be more like Edmonds/Eckstein in 06—returning just in the nick of time—rather than Marquis in 06—benched just in the nick of time.
Sometimes it seems to me that Lohse is playing more of the Mulder role, though….
If DeRo can break even defensively at third and manage to step into the occasional XBH, he’ll be fine….he doesn’t have to be Rolen or 08 Glaus. Maybe Allen Craig Kaheel should spell him in blowouts though. (Anybody but Thurston.)
I think Motte may surprise us. He is unpredictable, never good for a reliever, but maybe we’ll roll box cars and get a good stretch of no-goggles talking-to-the-ball 100 mph coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs out of him. Or we’ll roll snake eyes and he’ll hang a bunch of those mystery breaking balls. He seems anecdotally to thrive on high leverage, so let’s hope that helps.
Franklin, I’m not worried about….yet. I think he’s been tipping his pitches.
Sadly I'm under the opinion
that it’s time to stick a fork in Lohse’s lost season (at least as a starter). I really hope I’m wrong, but it’s real hard to think he’s going to be much of a factor for us in October….I just hope he’s not just thrown out there as a starter becuse he THINKS he feels good and can shut down a team like the Philles when we all know that probably won’t happen. I think his best chance at helping the team will be in a bullpen role going forward in the playoffs. I would feel better having Boggs take Lohse’s spot in the rotation to be real honest.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Welly = Marquis
“Todd, thanks for the year, we’ll be in touch so you can stop by for the exit interview.”
Barring injury, it would not be wise to pull a Marquis on a pitcher under contract for three more years.
If Lohse is injured and can’t pitch in October, I see Boggs as the next arm up. Mo is on record as saying that the team will carry 11 pitchers in the postseason.
The stuff Boggs has shown out of the bullpen
I’m hoping they stick with him over Lohse for the bullpen.
Not afraid to nitpick
why not both?
and no BThomp?
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
Don't see Brad making the postseason
If what Mo is saying and there are only 11 pitchers, nine spots are probably targeted for – Carp, Waino, Pineiro, Smoltz, Franklin, Miller, Reyes, McClellan, Motte.
It comes down to 2 of the following = Lohse, Hawksworth, Boggs, Thompson & Welleymeyer. Barring injury, I don’t see the team dropping Lohse. Welley and Brad are the easy throw aways. and Hawk looks more trusted for the bullpen than Boggs at the moment.
my comment was poorly worded
and i meant that there should be no BThomp. Of course, you did a much better job of presenting it.
Given recent usage patterns, I think Hawk is a lock. Also never underestimate TLR’s ability to get what he wants. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lohse, Hawk AND Boggs from your list above.
Of course, if it was me, I’d give serious consideration to leaving McClellan off.
it'd be nice
since we’re halfway through September alreay, to see some freaking minor league callups already. Yeah, minor league playoffs, yeah, yeah. I still want to see Garcia and Craig in St. Louis already!
not that anyone here forgot, but... LAST DAY
to register for post-season ticket “opportunity”. The lottery, fear it.
"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
Even though I never win and have to overpay for playoff tickets
Thanks for the reminder, I cant believe I almost missed it.
"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 Sep 18, 2009 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions
the one factor that may be the tipping point won't be on the field
Who gets called up, and when does it happen?
If they’ve set the call-ups in stone, I’m going to be hugely disappointed. Some of these guys are dealing in the PCL Playoffs. And they’ve outright said they’re hungry for more in the big show.
If this New Look Cards, Same As the Old Cards team can’t wrest themselves out of this funk, the addition of the right beer-soaked youngsters may get things moving.
"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
and as discussed at a point last night, also could be helpful in terms of adding some extra depth off the bench for pinch hitting so we don’t see the likes of WW or LaRue being called upon.
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
just because
JAIME GARCIA
"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
Any ideas on what we might get from Smoltz tonight?
The Cubs have been hitting good as of late. I’m a little concerned he might get roughed up a little after they see him the 2nd time around in the order.
But man I really hope our offense can wake up tonight and wipe the smug face off of Lilly. It would be great to torch him early for once.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
it's looking like a gimme
I’ll be watching it from a Is Smoltz Healthy? standpoint. A-Ram has his number (sss). However, it looks like he hasn’t faced much of this lineup, so on balance this will be a very good test for what we can expect from Smolzinski.
it looks like Fangraphs is a no-go for any active players.
"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
Lee is swinging a hot bat as well
I think the key is to not let these guys 3-run homer us to death. This will be an important test like you say. This might help Tony decide what role Smoltz has in the playoffs. And with the question mark with Lohse I am really hoping Smoltz can give us a good game. I do belive we will need to score some runs…I don’t think Smoltz will shut down the Cubs.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
yeah, I'm looking forward to this series, because as much as everyone's saying it'll be ho-hum
Screw that. This is Cubs-Cardinals! If this isn’t playoff atmosphere, then we should just cede all the stinking rivalries to the East Coast.
This is THE test—besides the Rockies—and for that alone I’m excited. Go Cards!
"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 pissed tonight's game isn't on WGN
At least tomorrow’s is on FOX. Guess it will be a night with Shannon and Rooney for me.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Boggs could be the new Kinney
He looked sharp out of the pen the other night (in the late innings of a one run game).
If Boggs could just keep from throwing so many pitches
maybe cut down on the walks….he could become a force with this team. But he is just has troubles throwing strikes and his pitch count gets too high. But right now I would rather have him on the mound than Lohse and Welly for sure.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Boggs is working with Carpenter
I have high hopes.
"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
are you saying bogs and carps are MFEO?
"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
Please tell me that is a Jack's Mannequin reference.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
What to see out of the team:
1. I agree that DeRosa continuing to struggle would be a concern. Given the success he enjoyed in July after getting 15 days to rest the wrist, maybe the Cards should look to place DeRosa on the DL for the rest of the season and let him heal up (or at the very least bench him for the better part of two weeks for rest). Let Thurston (Craig once the AAA series is done) and Glaus man 3rd for the rest of the season, learning something valuable about next season in the process while preparing an important offensive player for the post season.
2. Struggles from Joel would be my biggest concern down the stretch. Lohse is clearly a player for whom the off season and an extended period of rest and recuperation cannot come soon enough. While the Card’s “big two” is great for the playoffs, it would be nice in a 7 same series to have Joel firing on all cylinders (and frankly I don’t trust Joel to keep this up, therefore…
3. Struggles from Smotlz would be my second biggest concern, having written of Lohse as a useful player for 2009. Smoltz must be the Joel reversion insurance policy.
I completely agree with number 1
I don’t see any reason why DeRosa should play more than once or twice in this next week.
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I completely agree with #2
the part about not trusting Jo-el, in particular…
"It reminds us of all that once was good, and could be again." - Terence Mann.
by Futility Infielder on Sep 18, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
DeRo probably is dying to play this weekend
after the weekend series though, I agree that Tony should rest DeRo and give Kbot, Glaus & Thursty some ABs to keep them fresh for bench work during the playoffs.
How does DLing work in September for playoff teams?
I would assume that a player replacing a DLed player would qualify for postseason play. However, what about players that are already on the roster in September but not eligible? Is there a way that you can designate a certain player as eligible is someone goes on the DL?
I also assume that, to remain eligible, the DLed player would have to continue to stay on the DL.
Post season eligibility (as I understand it)
Any player on the 25 man roster, the major league 15 day DL, 60 day DL, suspended list or bereavement list as of midnight on August 31 is eligible for the post season roster. In the Cards case, this means that all 28 players currently on the active roster are eligible for each round of the post season. The post season 25 man roster is reset for each round of the playoffs, so player A can be off the roster for the NLDS then added on for the NLCS.
If one of the above 28 players ends up with a season ending injury, the Cards may replace that player with any player that was in the team’s organization as of August 31st. The replacement player is then eligible for post season play.
Since active major league rosters have expanded to 40, the 15 day DL is useless for a player the team wants to include in post season play.
What happens
if a player is a replacement for a player that is coming off the DL after the LDS or LCS? Will that person come become ineligible after that round of the playoffs then? Is this even possible?
got me on that one
I don’t believe a player DL’d during the playoffs is than eligible for reinstatement. I found this wiki entry but not the actual Rule 40(a) that governs the post season eligibility. Here are the two key points from the wiki entry
However, if a player in the organization is on the DL on August 31 and still on the DL at the end of the regular season, that player may be replaced on the playoff roster by any player that was in the organization as of August 31.
Once the playoffs start, if a player becomes disabled he can be replaced by any player from the 40-man roster, even during the series in which the player was injured. However, under those circumstances a pitcher must be replaced with a pitcher and a position player with a position player. Additionally, the replaced player may not be activated for the remainder of the playoffs.
Will Carroll (of Baseball Prospectus)
Often refers to September as a difficult month to assess injuries because teams rarely use the DL. In this case DeRosa could just be effectively given lots of time off.
My question: with a torn wrist sheath tendon (or whatever it is) – will rest even help? Or a cortisone? Or is it just about pain tolerance and eventual surgery?
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
It's all the Cubs fault
I thnk all we are seeing is the malaise that is typical once a team clinches their division. I know they haven’t actually clinched, but I think TLR sent that signal on 9/5 in the game Boggs started against Pittsburgh as he rested five of the eight everyday players. Since then we are 4-6 and the relentlessness that we had seen for the last several weeks has faded. If the damn Cubs could have just kept things interesting instead of soiling themselves then none of this would ever have happened.
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
giving the Cubs too much credit
The team rested against Pittsburgh. They were due a break.
The relentlessness is still there, to some extent — the momentum is what’s stalled. There have also been crappy umpires, shaky starts, and dumb at-bats along the way. Personally I’m less concerned with the record and more concerned with whether the chronic problems are being fixed. Which… I think is what DanUp is getting at. Correct me if I’m off-base.
"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 Sep 18, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
In addition, injuries have hurt
At least in a couple of games. It looked to me in both the first and last games against the Marlins that had Boog not been hurt, he likely would make a couple of plays that Lugo didn’t make thus cutting off big scoring innings.
by ArkansasTravs on Sep 18, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Name one other time
that five of the eight starters didn’t play
Carry the battle to them. Don't let them bring it to you. Put them on the defensive and don't ever apologize for anything.
that was not my point
I didn’t disagree that Tony deliberately rested them. I disagreed that there was causation behind that correlation. He rested them one day against Pittsburgh. That is not a pattern or a “signal” that TLR is letting up.
I mean, conversely, when else was he going to test out his bench players? Did you want him to play the bench against Atlanta or the Marlins? Or the Cubs?
"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
not so sure
i’m scared because it looks like there are a few leaks in the dam, i.e.:
1. DeRosa’s declining performance
2. Jo-el’s increasing BB%
3. Franklin’s return to reality
4. Kanye.
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
admitting it to VEB, on the other hand...
"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 Sep 18, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
You don't have to trade in your man card yet.
But if you start doing it when you are all by yourself, then go grab a wrench and and take something apart and put it back together again for no reason.
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsh on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Sep 18, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
At dancing or at fixing stuff?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsh on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Sep 18, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
You don't have to trade in your man card yet.
But if you start doing it when you are all by yourself, then go grab a wrench and and take something apart and put it back together again for no reason.
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsh on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Sep 18, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
It's a glitch in the Matrix.
It happens when they change something…
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
So that's it
Let’s see, Strauss take on Skippy at second base before spring training and now in the first question of Wednesdays chat.
Damn you’re right. Look at his last post(s). I should have known the Matrix was real.
"There are three things the average man thinks he can do better than anybody else: build a fire, run a hotel and manage a baseball team."- Rocky Bridges
by That's a Winner on Sep 18, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know what happened.
It told it could post it yet and to do it again in a few minutes and that is the result.
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsh on winning the 1982 World Series.
by MaytheForschbewithyou on Sep 18, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Just tossing it out there...
…but is it possible that Sauce could be this year’s Kinney? Maybe it’s just me, but I think he’s looked a lot better in his past few outings (since about the last couple weeks of August)…and I know, small sample size, and I know, low leverage situations, but still, there’s a chance, right? Tell me there’s a chance!
If Motte had Kinney's slider, then maybe he could be this year's Kinney.
Heck, if he had the slider of any other MLB pitcher who throws a slider league-average or so, he could be this year’s Josh Kinney. Of course, he’d probably already be this year’s Julian Tavarez, minus the crazy punchings of inanimate objects. (Go to his Fangraphs page before condemning this comparison.)
"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
Boggs
Might be a better bet.
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
Upon further review, I think you might be right
And, to combine these two ideas…if we can manage, GOB willing, to get Motte to be Julian Tavarez circa 2004 and Boggs to be Josh Kinney circa 2006 postseason…I think I’d take that any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
is boggs even availible for playoff roster
IIRC which is probably not the case he came up after the deadline?
Chuck Norris doesn't need a bat.
he just roundhouse kicks the ball out of the park.
by bearcatcardfan on Sep 18, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
If you're in the org on Aug 31st
you can be on the playoff roster. There are plenty o’ loopholes.
Shut up, Fritz™.
He's been 97-100 again
Playoff adrenaline he might even push that higher so I could believe that. Somehow Motte doesn’t seem to gain any extra command when he eases up so his velo is critical for him and it’s finally rounding back into top end form.
Not afraid to nitpick
when i first read this
i thought it said “what injury would scare you the most” and i thought it was going to be a list of players and potential injuries that would scare the shit out of me.
I was thinking “this is the worst post ever!!!”
Joe Mauer has 10 hits in the last 4 games to raise his average from .366 to .374
I know it’s a huge longshot, but how awesome would it be to see him make a run at .400?
by BTown Birds fan on Sep 18, 2009 10:45 AM EDT reply actions
If he doesn't get the MVP
I’ll be amazed. He has that good of stats at such a tough position AND he missed a few weeks.
"Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does all the work"
-Mark Twain
But teh Derrek JEeter haz nevver wun teh MVP hes tru Yankee!1!
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
He'd have to bat near 1.000 for the remainder of the season.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
Nah, only about .620
The Twins have 16 games left; if he plays in 14 of them, which would be about right for his proportion of games played so far (even with missing the first month), and if he gets his average 3.8 AB per game, he has to bat ~.620 to get up to .400.
Still not gonna happen, but it sure would be fun to see him have a really hot two weeks and make a run….
by BTown Birds fan on Sep 18, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
read that is joe mather
i was like wha?
"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 Sep 18, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
as not is
"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 Sep 18, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Better question...
What’s the highest single season batting average by a player who played the majority of his games at catcher?
"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 am rooting for the Angels
to finally win one against the umps.
A long shot, as usual.
"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
Yes.
Finally.
"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
they won against the umpires??
I thought that was against the Giants.
I do not think that is what I was talking 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
by Yadi2Second on Sep 18, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
By the by
If I hear one more member of the media claim we don;t need four starters in the playoffs, I’m going to knife them. Look at the freaking schedule, jerks!
Shut up, Fritz™.
only if you are trying to win
if you don’t really care about getting the ring, throw Sabathia out there on three days rest for the fourth time in a row. He can do it again.
If we can't afford to lose the game,
then we can’t afford to start Lohse.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
Goold's 10 at 10
in today’s 10 at 10, DG threw out career short rest stats for the Cards starters
Carpenter … 3 days: Never.
Wainwright … 3 days: Never
Pineiro … 3 days: 0-2, 10.54 ERA
Smoltz … 3days: 7-8, 4.89 ERA
Maybe the guys in the truck can pass this along to Dan and Al. Probably not a wise move to have Carp’s first career short rest start come in game 4 of the NLDS.
nooooo
not The Most Important Finger in the World™!
"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
baseball-reference
looks like he missed time in 2004 at Memphis based on GS of only 12. GS by year (2001 – 2005) 28, 28, 27, 12, 29
yup, found it
2004 SEASON: His first triple-A season started in fine fashion before elbow discomfort forced him to discontinue throwing in June. Returned to action during the Arizona Fall League season, appearing in four games with Mesa Solar Sox.
Shut up, Fritz™.
overkill much?
Any idiot would know that.
by The Classical on Sep 18, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
No such thing with this meme.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Sep 18, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
It will never get there for me. I love it.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Sep 18, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I think thats what people said about Tom Green when I was your age.
Shut up, Fritz™.
by Alxfritz on Sep 18, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's what she said
She in this case being Drew Barrymore.
by BTown Birds fan on Sep 18, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
or monica lewinsky
"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 Sep 18, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm totally there with you
Maybe I haven’t seen it enough but I laugh everytime I see a new one
(Insert Your Own Joke)
by AWolfAtTheDoor on Sep 18, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
OMG that meme is sooo three days ago
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I actually really hat that about the internet.
It’s like, the moment I find out about something and start to find it really funny, it becomes overdone and dies.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
The meme meme is so last year.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
Yeah, the word itself is even starting to annoy me...me
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
It's been annoying me for years, but then I'm kind of irritable.
I annoy the hell out of myself.
by BTown Birds fan on Sep 18, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Not terribly well argued but some valid points
I do wonder whether measurements of strikes take into the height and stance of the batter.
Similarly, I wonder if the stuff on the average point of contact takes into account things like where the hitter sets up and the length of their stride.
I think this data is going to take some massaging to be useful.
For example
One player on this list who demands attention is Alexei Ramirez: he hit .214 in April but has hit .288 since, suggesting that he may have been jumping at pitches too soon in April.
Maybe he’s jumping at pitches and maybe, like Cory Ramses, he sets up far forward in the box.
It's actually amazingly factually wrong
Read Mike Fasts comments:
And I don’t understand when you say the data needs “massaging” to be useful. The data record (excluding pitch classifications) are close to perfect in terms of their measurement. It already is incredibly useful, when used right.
by vivaelpujols on Sep 18, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention Captain Jetes was the 6th(?) overall pick based on talent
All this intangible BS was invented to pimp his value way later.
Not afraid to nitpick
The strike zone depends on the batter's stance
The heights of the strike zones of an upright guy like A-Rod and a croucher like Pujols should be quite different.
I once saw a documentary
about a 13 year old kid playing for the Cubs who could throw upwards of 100 mph and when he came to bat, he had no strike zone.
Still, even so, they'll always be the Cubs.
I mean, what other organization would ever be dumb enough to give valuable innings on the mound to GARY FREAKING BUSEY?
Chet Steadman might have been old
but he was surprisingly valuable. He had a decent FIP and ate a lot of innings.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
So...
is the MLB going to install Pitch F/X, Hit F/X, and Field F/X at every high school baseball field in American and Latin America? Otherwise I see no way that these will replace advance scouts who are “looking to find the next Jeter” anytime soon.
"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, stats people are so in love with numbers that they are turning everyone into intangible haters:
Because of stats, no one would ever play a 6.4 WAR player like Jeter.
Fucking nonsense. The entire point of sabermetrics is to figure out what is valuable, and why it is valuable. Derek Jeter is a good player. The statistics support that position. Only a moron would fail to give a player a chance based on looks (which is a big reason scouts fail in the first place- players are not underwear models). The reason sabermetricians hate Jeter is the idiotic deification of him by the NY hype machine (as FJM put it, “Jesus is the Derek Jeter of Christianity”). This willful blindness was the reason he was getting gold gloves despite bad defensive seasons, and it’s the reason people are grasping at straws to make an MVP argument for him this year.
2009 is one of the best seasons of Derek Jeter’s career, and the Yankees are a favorite to win the World Series. The numbers support these positions. The numbers do not support the argument that Jeter should be MVP, and no amount of narrative makes those numbers any less salient.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
I won it through this promotion
<a href=“http:// ”http://www.holidayinn.com/Key" target="_blank">www.holidayinn.com/Key" >The Holiday Inn Key To Change Sweepstakes
I tried yesterday and didn’t win. But you can try every day and today I won the First Prize.
by FlimtotheFlam on Sep 18, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you Lazlo from real genius?
Can I ride around in the Winnebago?
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
by mattybobo on Sep 18, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
nice reference.
rec’d.
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
You don't even know
I have won so many stuff in sweepstakes. I enter about 20 a day.
by FlimtotheFlam on Sep 18, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
any prizes in particular
that are hilarious or inane?
...baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
A few random things like a year subscription to Cosmo
Few DVD Box Sets of shows I don’t watch. The best I have won is a Big Screen TV and an all inclusive trip to Cancun
by FlimtotheFlam on Sep 18, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
We won old Busch seats at Dierbergs on Watson a few years ago
only thing I’ve ever won.
Shut up, Fritz™.
won a front row upgrade at a concert one time
only thing i’ve ever won.
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Free burritos for a year!
The best (really the only) thing I ever won was free Chipotle for a year. Went to a Bulls game last year. $10 tickets, last row, but my seat was picked. I got to wave around a gigantic burrito on the jumbo-tron. They gave me individual coupons so I could give them away to friends, homeless people, etc., and they always throw in the guac for free.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
by ChiTown CardFan on Sep 18, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
awesome
i’m super jealous! burritos are amazing!
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Free guac would be awesome. Guacamole is amazing.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Has VEB ever had a huge debate about whether or not men like avocado/guacamole?
I feel like I have partaken in a discussion about it recently but I might be imagining it.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
6ly, guacomole just sounds manly.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
I guess the conversation wasn't here then
I’ve never really liked avocados by themselves and have always been lukewarm on guacamole. I’ll enjoy it but I don’t like it nearly as much as most people seem to. Somebody I know has a theory that guys just don’t like avocados as much as women do, but I can’t remember who it is that said this to me.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
huh
this might or might not be relevant:
i never liked either avocados or guac until 1) i went to college in Arizona and 2) my girlfriend at the time insisted i try guac
after the arm twisting i caved. now i love it. buuuuuut if it’s not prepared well or the avocado isn’t good – things can be baaaaad.
avocado can go bad very, very quickly
it’s the kind of thing that takes on the flavor of other things, too. my family always mixed it with milk and sugar and/or froze it as a treat.
love good guac. sometimes it’s a question of finding the right recipe. fresh ingredients are a must.
also, imo, many people miss out on a lot of good food because they can’t stand ‘slimy’ texture. more food for me……
"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 never liked guac until I had good guac
Taco bell and most generic mexican restaurants have shitty guacamole, but if you make it yourself or get it from somewhere that knows what they’re doing, it’s awesome. Otherwise it’s just gooey without much flavor.
Not afraid to nitpick
yuck--i hate guacamole
and sour cream. but anything else mexican is amazing.
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
get outta here
guac and sour cream rule!
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
i just don't like it
never have. never will.
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe i'll grow accustomed to it
btw, it’s a FREEZING 72 degrees here in kirksville today, fritz.
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
no YOU have problems
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not the one who doesn’t like sour cream. Guac I can understand but sour cream?
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
well it goes with a lot of mexican stuff
but i don’t like in general.
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it the texture?
Both are guac and sour cream are sort of ….slippery.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti
by ChiTown CardFan on Sep 18, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, it's just nasty.
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
It's pretty much the foundation of Russian cuisine as far as I can tell.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Sour cream is just stupid cream though;
you don’t have to like something so bland and lame on its own.
Guacomole on the other hand is its own unique and delicious taste.
"Of course Kolby Rasmus was going deep! That’s what Kolby Rasmus does! You don’t give Kolby Rasmus second chances!" -Kolby Rasmus
this accurately
sums up my feelings too.
Not to mention that these things also make me thing of margaritas.
Sour cream is a condiment
It’s not really that bland and adds like a “cooler” flavor. I love sour cream with spicy stuff.
Not afraid to nitpick
There was a guy I met in the Navy
He and his wife would send letters to all sorts of companies, telling them how great their products were or something like that. They pulled in so much free stuff doing that.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
i once had a teammate
who, out of boredom, decided to gather all the detergent boxes he could in the dorm and proceed to call each of the companies and complain about some strange rash he had developed after using their product. Some sent free products, others sent reimbursement checks.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
Did you want to borrow his pajamas?
You are Chris Knight, aren’t you?
I hope so. I’m wearing his underwear.
Don't argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. - anon.
fantastic friggin movie
Stupid Sexy Flanders!!!
by timmycardinals on Sep 18, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
From a purely historical perspective
I’m glad we’re having a September swoon. As a fan, going into the playoffs with the 100 win seasons with all that confidence and then losing to the Stros and playing terrible, terrible baseball against the BoSox, wasn’t fun. Going into 2006 as a “terrible” team with “no chance” at “winning a game” and then beating the Tigers “in 3” was so much sweeter because everyone doubted. I want these guys to struggle a bit, have the so called “chip on the shoulder”, have all the sportswriters claim how the Yanks or Phils are unstoppable, and then play the best baseball of the year.
Also, even if the Cards don’t make it to the WS, can we PLEASE have a 7 game series? It’s been far too long since we’ve had a great, epic matchup.
I think he's talking strictly WS matchups here
And I agree…we’ve had some great LCSs recently, and absolute clunkers of World Series.
So you mean World Series with or without the Cardinals, not any Cardinals postseason series?
Shut up, Fritz™.
Yeah
Sorry for the confusion. It’s been a gripe of mine, just like the NL can’t ever seem to win the All Star Game, every year for the past 7, some team just steamrolls the other in the World Series. It’s all very anticlimatic for a game that lasts 7 months.
Derosa will probably continue to struggle because of that tendon sheath, but I bet he’ll be good for a big hit or two helping to win some postseason games. I think maybe we should be concerned if Luddy will be hitting more than Derosa…
It would be nice if Lohse could get rolling by the time the postseason itself rolls around, because my confidence in Pineiro is on the wane. not that there was much there to start with. oh and Franklin sucks btw
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions
I'm back bi(a)tches...
Seeing as how we won just one game in my absence, you should be glad to have me back.
Even if you didn’t know I was gone.
V, b.
what were you doing to them?
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
They were just generally missing...
my snide remarks and surly demeanor.
It wasn’t sarcastic enough around here, which equals losses.
V, b.
he gave them all swine flu
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
that's what I figured
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Well then,
you are NOT allowed to leave again until after the World Series.
Did anyone else catch the lede
for Bernie’s Blog on the front of the Cards page at the PD? Actually typed out “Completely useless by September”. I hope it doesn’t rile the GOB’s, but I love it.
"Obviously, tipping pitches didn't help" - John Smotzl
"If you disrespect the Baseball Gods, you'll get slapped." - TLR
all I know is that our boys better be ready to hit
cuz I want to see some blue blood!
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 3:12 PM EDT reply actions
anyone else think that Uggla will be a Flub next season?
He thinks he’s getting traded…Heyman says the Marlins don’t want to pay his arby raise…and the Cubs have not second baseman to speak of(Aaron miles and Mike Fontenot)
We know the cubs and marlins like to make trades and with their disappointing season, you know chronic over-reactor jim hendry will be looking to make some big move…i think the chances are pretty good
"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
no clue
smarjzdia? vitters?
"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
Samardzija is bad
He’s been bad throughout pro-ball. No one would know his name without the ND thing or the contract.
Vitters stalled out in A+ ball this year (plus I wasn’t too impressed with his future’s game BP for what it’s worth)
Not afraid to nitpick
Gregg back?
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Sep 19, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
forgot about jeff baker
"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
yea thats my point
they may not actually get him…but they will be in on any discussions with him….i’d bet something on 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
uggla would only accept the trade under the condition they resign 'em for a 10 year, 1 billion dollar deal
find me under the fan voices section for the st. louis rams
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 18, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Cubs have a lot of ownership
question marks for the time being. i have no idea how things will shake out and if this Ricketts family will be more aggressive. I’m just glad Mark Cuban didn’t get the team. That would have scared the crap outta me.
Cuban's
a savvy owner. when it comes to progressive use of technology and sabermetrics, he’s essentially turned the Mavericks into all the sophisticated parts of the Red Sox.
But
it hasn’t gotten them to the promised land, it’s run a good coach out of town, and he’s made a lot of deals that look like fantasy league trades. Now he has an aging, overpaid team that’s going nowhere quickly and has been surpassed by a number of teams in their own league. In fact, there’s a lot of reason to believe that the Houston front office is a lot better at that game than the Dallas front office is — and you can make the case that they’d be much more successful if they could keep Yao healthy for a full season.
"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 the San Antonio
FO with the way they draft successfully low and make smart use of their cap and FA signings. Either way I stand by my point – Cuban + Cubs would have been bad news for us Cards fans.
San Antonio's success
has been predicated on Tim Duncan, who they tanked a whole season to get and is one of the 10 best players ever to play, and Tony Parker, who they developed into a very good player. I think they were very good this offseason and have been very good at putting good role players around Parker and Duncan, but I don’t think that their drafting has been great in the late first round, but they are very good at finding veterans who fit their system well.
Cuban buying the Cubs could have been a bad deal, but anyone owning the Cubs who’s not named the Trib Co. or Sam Zell is going to make them better off — if the focus is strictly on the franchise and winning baseball games, we’re going to be in trouble regardless because of their revenue streams and the ability to have a higher payroll and still turn a profit. I don’t think Mark Cuban is the magic bean that makes all that happen — in some senses you could say that the Mav’s was an easier team to turn around. He upgraded the facilities they played in, made more money, then spent that money on players. He made three good bets (signing Steve Nash, drafting Dirk, and bringing in Don Nelson) which is enough in the NBA to be successful for a 5-8 year period, but you can’t turn around an entire franchise in baseball using that formula.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
Actually
I think the Spurs with Duncan = the New England Patriots with Brady.
That seems to be the best analogy to me:
- Took less money to stay there
- Is a top player in his league yet is respected by all his teammates
- They win with whoever is around that player, and have been successful with different variations of players and weapons.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
deep hole salary wise
the Cubs have $118 mm committed in 2010 to players 8 under contract (Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Fukudome & Bradley) . The number drops to $95 mm in 2011 when Lilly & Lee are free agents. The Cubs 2009 payroll is $138 mm. A new owner may use the revenue stream to push payroll but that hole is gonna be painful to get out of before 2012.
I hear what you're saying
and think you make some good points.
Although I think that it’s oversimplification to say that the Mavs were an easy team to turn around. They were historically awful throughout the 90s. Cuban upgraded the team’s scouting, training, medical, facilities, travel and amenities. He turned the team into a destination for free agents. He definitely has shortcomings yet has vision and isn’t afraid to take risks and also admit mistakes. He deserves credit for other successes like drafting Josh Howard, signing Jason Terry, getting useful seasons from Antawn Jamison, Antoine Walker, Jerry Stackhouse, bringing in Devin Harris and finding useful role players like Barea, Bass, etc.
The Spurs also have managed to maintain success by intelligently augmenting great players with important role players and useful draft picks. Ginobli, Turkoglu, Bowen, Finley, etc. I just think you can’t maintain that constant level of success without intelligent management. There are other teams that had all-time great players on the level of Duncan yet never won it all. Think Barkley, Ewing, Malone/Stockton.
Sustained success like that happens by design, not accident.
Basketball is about dominant players
And Dirk is just short of that. He could be a legendary 2nd banana but he’s not a championship go-to guy. The Pistons are the only team to recently win the Championship without a transcendent super obvious slam dunk HOF player—-it usually takes a Kobe, Garnett, Duncan, Shaq/Wade, Shaq/Kobe, Jordan, Olajuwon, Isiah/Dumars, Bird, Magic etc etc etc.
Not afraid to nitpick
I'd like to see proof of that
Cuban seems to overrule his GM with a lot of dumb things.
Like...
- not signing Steve Nash….
- …then trading for Jason Kidd (over the hill, doesn’t fit your system, overpaid), giving away a young PG who has since hit stardom.
- putting his roster in a constant state of flux by making fantasy trades and loading up to get big name starts (Shaq comes to mind).
They are not a well run basketball franchise, and the Don Nelson law suit proves it. There are many NBA teams that are better run than Dallas is, and most of them are in their own conference.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
+1
Cuban running the Cubs was a nightmare scenario.
Maybe he wouldn’t have been the magic bullet to solve all their problems, but I could easily see Cuban putting the Cubs into AL East territory with the payroll. I could see him turning Zambrano into useful prospects, possibly figuring out how to manage the Soriano/Bradley debacles, getting rid of Hendry, etc….Cuban strikes me as essentially competent and truly keen to win, as opposed to just viewing the team as part of the business (as the Tribune Co has for some time).
Thank goodness we’ll never get to find out. Ricketts is a question mark for the time being.
Careful, now.
Can’t have you missing the postseason.
I cut the sleeves off because it looks awesome. Now get your head in the game!
by the red baron on Sep 18, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'm still upset about that.
"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 only using it to sliver apples
I had to pick up a few honeycrisps at the store today to tide me over until my apple guy in new york starts shipping cases.
Shut up, Fritz™.
you have an apple guy in new york?
is this for making Holliday moar pies?
Don't ping my cheese with your bandwidth.
by RosevilleRedbird on Sep 18, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Ummm, yeah... I'm not an immigrant.
And I’d never put honeycrisps in a pie. They deserve to be eaten as nature intended them: Sans pants and with a pocket knife.
Shut up, Fritz™.
Eating apples
They deserve to be eaten as nature intended them: Sans pants and with a pocket knife.
Yeah, if you are eating apples without any pants on, you better be careful with the knife.
Don't ping my cheese with your bandwidth.
by RosevilleRedbird on Sep 18, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm with RB
Careful Fritz, cutting apples sans pants may be more dangerous then you thought.
"There are three things the average man thinks he can do better than anybody else: build a fire, run a hotel and manage a baseball team."- Rocky Bridges
by That's a Winner on Sep 18, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Bench not producing right now
But Lugo, Glaus, Greene and Thurston have really sucked over the last 30 days. Doesn’t inspire when it comes to bench depth.
Free Allen Craig.
Not a bench player
but add Holliday to that list. He’s been “scuffling” lately. Really looked frustrated througout the Marlin series. Hopefully, the day off yesterday will cure what ails him.
by ArkansasTravs on Sep 18, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
over his last 5 games
Holliday is 5-23 with 1 2B, no walks, and 6 Ks. Not very good but the guy wasn’t going to OPS 1.500 forever….
6ly?
should we tell them some Cards fans think we might get swept?
this is a classic… and of course St. DeRo and his blasphemers… did they ever finish canonizing the Cardinals?
At least they remembered the Kanye at the end.
"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, Cubs fans at my work didn’t even know the series was going on. I think they thought the season is over.
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
i'm deeply disappointed
they’re not even going to show up to our rivalry?
At least we’ll have So.
"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
and
perpetually depressed and disappointed. they’ve been kicked while down repeatedly.
what’s worse is that when you live in Chicago you see all the hangers-on. See, the Cubs are cool to like in Chicago because Wrigley is in a thriving, hip area full of bars, music venues and clubs. So it’s cool to go to a day game, get wasted, pay no attention to baseball as long as you look good and enjoy $8 old styles. Afterwards everyone heads out of the stadium for the same thing. So many of the “fans” don’t even know a thing about the team or baseball.
THAT’S weird.
Yes. Very weird. My dad grew up a Cubs fan. His mom was a and still is a Tigers fan because hse grew up in Detroit. His dad liked the White Sox more because he liked the American League because he grew up a Yankees (which appalled me when I found out) and all of his brothers and sister were Cubs fans except for the rebel who liked the White Sox. Anyway he didn’t really care much about the team or know much about them and when he moved to St. Louis he became a Cardinals fan pretty quick and actually knew stuff about the team. I just think this is interesting.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
that's why that pathetic team has never, and will never win anything
their stupid fans don’t even care about them, why should the rest of baseball?
pretzels pretzels pretzels pretzels
Cardinals latin bonus baby - Wagner Mateo
undergoing vision tests. Cardinals fear he may have a degenerative eye condition that could effect his future in playing baseball and may attempt reclaim the bonus money given to him.
I hope it turns out to be nothing, kids way too young to have to suffer through losing his vision.
well... poop.
"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
Boy, our farm system's sure doing great!
Let’s see now, it’s basically a flamethrowing high-schooler and a boatload of fourth outfielders, #4 starters, and backup infielders.
Stop being so miserable
it’s friday.
by dcfcblues on Sep 18, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
and Jaime Garcia.
"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
who?
"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 terrible news for wagner mateo
what’s the source on this? All I’ve seen so far is a CardsTalk post about it and this comment.
espn insider
don’t have an account but here’s the link to La Esquina: The Latin baseball blog and the teaser
Wagner Mateo — the 16-year-old outfielder who signed a $3.1 million bonus, the most ever given to an amateur Latin American position player — is having vision problems that may affect his contract status with the St. Louis Cardinals, according to several Latin American baseball sources.
man, that sucks for everyone
at least he got to meet Albert…
"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 can't wait until the Mets sign Matt Holliday
and it turns out we traded Brett Wallace, Clayton Mortenson, and Shane Peterson for 2 months of Matt Holliday, a loss in the NLCS, and a 70th overall pick in the 2010 draft.
Well, considering the wonderful shape our farm system's in...
and the fact that the last trade we made with Oakland went horribly as well, why do we even bother answering when Billy Beane calls?
this current trade has not gone horribly at all
and Brett Wallace was a man without a position here (he won’t stick at 3rd) , Mortensen sucks and Peterson is a light hitting , awful defense, corner outfielder.
Because Beane makes bad trades, too?
Besides, we’re about to beat his AAA team in the playoffs!
And we’re about to win the division!
Cheer up!
Shut up, Fritz™.
am I reading the box scores wrong
or does Wallace have exactly one hit (a single) against Memphis so far?
"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
godspeed, walrus. godspeed.
"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
Mets aren't signing Holliday.
their owner got wiped out by Madoff and said they’re not spending money.
Shut up, Fritz™.
he is the prophet from the future!
bide his dire warnings!
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
we should buy those earthquake kits he's selling
"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
to be fair
we should really offer him some pie.
"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
No its Allen, don't let him fool you. He's angry he hasnt been called up yet.
Sponsored by Slick-Rick 'Stache Cream
But no one gave a shit about the earthquake anymore
once the zombie biker gang arrived.
by BTown Birds fan on Sep 18, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey,
Thanks for coming back and posting all of your insightful comments. It’s members that you that make this the best blog in baseball.
"Obviously, tipping pitches didn't help" - John Smotzl
"If you disrespect the Baseball Gods, you'll get slapped." - TLR
somebody is having a bad day
Positronic Upgraded Juggernaut Optimized for Logical Sabotage
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 18, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
OT: Why ML teams do dumb things
So I got a call today from a minor league pitching coach (rookie ball) who likes my pitching stuff. We talked for an hour or so, and one thing that came up was the topic of video.
It turns out that in his organization you aren’t allowed to use video when working with players (hitters or pitchers). Everything has to be done with the naked eye. The concern is that people will start thinking too much. There is some basis to that, but IMO they are taking it way too far.
What’s interesting is that if some organizations are still rejecting the use of video, how long will it be before they start to accept some of the SABR ideas?
Of course, this creates huge opportunities for organizations like the Cardinals that combine the best of the old and new ideas.
thinking too much is fascist
…waitaminute…
"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
Thinking is defintely a problem
I know a pro for whom that is his major problem. He’s too smart for his own good and he needs to stick with the “see the ball, hit the ball,” approach.
However, if a guy is having a mechanical problem, the fastest and simplest way to show him what he’s doing wrong with with video. Otherwise you’re going to waste huge amounts of time.
yeah, I can see that
for a player.
but an organization…. boy howdy.
"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
As a coaching staff that's really dumb
But that makes a lot of sense for the pitchers/hitters not to look at their own mechanics in slow-mo really. Knowing you aren’t getting hip/shoulder separation for example is just going to throw you all out of whack IMO. A coach who knows that could give a pitcher queue’s that don’t directly say what’s wrong but fix the problem like I dunno “keep your front shoulder from flying out”.
Not afraid to nitpick
The Royals?
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Sep 19, 2009 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions
OT: So I'm going to the Dodgers/Giants game tonight
First time at Dodger Stadium… What’s the etiquette on wearing non-related teams’ jerseys? I have absolutely no affiliation with either team, and the only jersey I own is a Pujols one. Do I wear that, or just something innocuous?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Be Ridiculous
just don’t be a d-bag
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Dodger game on Friday night?
You’ll be the only one there. Bust out the jersey.
by Tom_Lawless_Bat_Flip on Sep 18, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I've never had a problem wearing Cards gear
in Denver. I figure..I’m a baseball fan, that’s why I’m at the game, but a Cards fan at heart. Wear the Jersey.
"Obviously, tipping pitches didn't help" - John Smotzl
"If you disrespect the Baseball Gods, you'll get slapped." - TLR
if it's a powder blue, you'd be set
"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’d wear the jersey. My mom wouldn’t but I think she’s weird so don’t trust her.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
God, how often I've thought to myself "What would ClemsonGirl's mom do?"
No wonder things haven’t worked out!
Shut up, Fritz™.
Per somebody at the p-d
Lugo 4
Rasmus 8
Pujols 3
Holliday 7
Ludwick 9
DeRosa 5
Molina 2
Ryan 6
Smoltz 1
lolCubs:
Theriot 6
Fukudome 8
Lee 3
Ramirez 5
Hoffpauir 9
Soto 2
Baker 4
Scales 7
Lilly 1
Shut up, Fritz™.
Damn you Fritz, I was just about to hit post.
This looks as good as any.
"Obviously, tipping pitches didn't help" - John Smotzl
"If you disrespect the Baseball Gods, you'll get slapped." - TLR
I'd switch boog and rasmus
but that’s close to what I want to see against LHers in the tourney.
(yay boog is back!)
Shut up, Fritz™.
I actually thought the same thing,
but figured that would just be nitpicking. I mean at least Coley is in the lineup.
"Obviously, tipping pitches didn't help" - John Smotzl
"If you disrespect the Baseball Gods, you'll get slapped." - TLR
I'd switch Luddy and Holliday and Pujols
just to see what happens.
You all should know Rasmus is gonna kick ass tonight in the 2-hole
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
i'm doubting boog will be sharp
he’s had too much time off. his shoulder’s probably half bitten off by 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
Barry solved that problem
Unknown to the public, Boog was fitted with an Elizabethan collar to protect his shoulder over the last few days. Tony agreed to let him roam off leash during batting practice and games.
by ubeddie on Sep 18, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
one of these days, they'll accidentally adopt Boog out in those pre-game segments
"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
very strange. I like it, and hopefully Cody rakes, but it’s a headscratcher. Maybe Tony figures he’s not gonna get much out of the 2 slot against Lilly anyway and he’s thinking about creating matchup problems in the later innings?
A Cubs sweep would...
liven this race up a little… only a little though. Six up with 13 to play still requires a miracle.
In other news, if Mateo is damaged goods, how much of a hit does Luhnow take?
Please take this comment in the spirit it was intended.
Wouldn't think much
Especially if they recover the bonus. But even if they don’t, he can’t really predict a 16 year old having a degenerative eye disorder.
In any case, it’s a shit day for Mateo. At 16 he gets generational changing money and then not only might that get taken away, his eyesight might go down the crapper. Sucks. Good luck kid.
Not afraid to nitpick
none whatsoever, I'd hope
although you’d suspect maybe the concept of signing of 16 year olds should….
Hopefully the kid’s vision will be fine.
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