The Brendan Ryan Talk, or, Please, You Should Have a Seat
by DanUpBaby on Feb 11, 2010 6:00 AM EST
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PrintHey, I'm glad you're here, Levi. It's great to see you, too! How are things in Robinson? A fine place, Robinson. Let's—it's quieter in the living room, let's just sit down, you and I. Maybe you should—please, you should have a seat.
Okay, good. Can I get you anything. Water? A soda? Okay. I wanted to be the one to tell you, before you heard it from someone else. It seems there's been an accident.
I know, I know. But sometimes accidents just happen, in spite of all our best efforts. Sometimes it's not anybody's fault. Your friend Brendan, he thought the pain [in his wrist] would go away with rest, and I can't blame him—nobody wants surgery, not even when it might be exactly what you need. But it didn't go away, so even though pitchers and catchers are just about to report, he had to—he had to have it worked on.
I know he wouldn't want you to worry. It's a relatively minor surgery, and he and his doctors think he'll be just fine in time for the start of the season. And when he's back I'm sure he'll be the same irrepressible Boog you and I both love. But if he isn't... well, I just think we should look over the other options, before it catches us off-guard.
Now, you liked to watch Tyler Greene play, didn't you? I know you did. He's got that incredible arm, and the great range, and I'm sure you wouldn't mind seeing this play a few more times, right? Such reflexes! Such a throw! And I probably don't have to tell you that he's been one of the best baserunners in the minor leagues, do I?
As for his offensive future... well, some projections don't hate it. CHONE thinks he'll hit .244/.310/.382, which approaches average for a shortstop. Bill James suggests .250/.307/.389, which would also work. ZiPS... well, if you insist, ZiPS thinks he'll hit .229/.281/.346. That's less average.
If he hits like he did in 2009 in Memphis, he could be a nice surprise. He won't be a Brendan Ryan-level nice surprise, but you could get used to him! I'm sure you guys would have a lot of fun together—you could go to the park, or the movies. If he hits like he did for the rest of his career, when he was constantly struggling to reconcile those great tools with the need, in baseball, to put bat on ball on a semi-consistent basis, it will not be so fun.
And then who could forget our buddy Julio Lugo? It was cool to get him for free, wasn't it? And when you combine his time here in St. Louis with his months in Boston he was still a fine hitter for a shortstop. Why—if the Cardinals could find a way to convert him to shortstop, like they did with Skip Schumaker, he would be exactly who they need if Brendan can't get back on time.
Now, he probably shouldn't be playing shortstop anymore—UZR thinks he was worth -13 runs, and +/- suggests he managed to make fewer plays than the average shortstop moving to his left (-7), where he used to be excellent; to his right (-8), where he used to be fair; and straight on (-3), probably because he was so worried about having to move to his left or his right.
If his knees are gone forever, the power and the ability to move he used to have have probably gone with them. But he'll get on base every so often, and he's right-handed, so you can prop him up at second base when a left-handed pitcher comes to visit. I'm—I'm just saying that you don't have to be so negative when he's around. He's a nice guy, really, once you get to know him, and—
Did somebody say something? Did somebody say something?
Oh—hi, Julio. I'm just having a talk with... with... Nope. Nobody said anything.
Just be quiet, Levi, and he'll leave. No sudden movements, he can see those. That's it, Julio, just slowly... slowly...
Okay, he's gone. I think. Just don't let him sneak up on me like that again, alright? Look, he shouldn't be playing shortstop every day, or even most days, but if you were to leverage his last strength—getting on base—and minimize the risk of a ball being hit in his direction by replacing him on defense and using him as a pinch hitter and spot starter, he might be useful. I'm sorry he's so creepy, though. You didn't need to see that.
So if the Cardinals worked really hard with what they have, why, it'll at least be better than a replacement player. They could make do. I can't imagine them signing anyone else, with Brendan's status still questionable, unless they already had designs on Felipe Lopez. Felipe—he's not really a shortstop, either, but he's hit more recently. If the money's there, now's the time to pull the trigger on that one.
Brendan being hurt is scary, but he's going to be fine. And even if he isn't fine, right away, the Cardinals have better shortstop depth than they used to. If he misses a few weeks, they've still got a reasonable chance at some production out of the positions. I'm glad we had this chat, Levi, aren't you? And we stayed calm the whole time. Now if you have any questions I'd love to answer them for you.
What about Troy? I'm not sure I know who you're talking about.
I mean—oh, that Troy Glaus? He's—he's on a farm somewhere, and he can run all he wants, or doesn't want, and nobody's ever going to excoriate him for being too passive at the plate. He likes it a lot, but it's too far for us to visit. Ever. Are you sure you don't want that soda?
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Yowza
I did not see that one coming. That’s a real kick in the pants. Hopefully he’s back by Opening Day with no noticeable effects and we can forget that this ever happened.
"And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is ALBERT when I lay my vengeance upon thee." -The Bible
the issue here, and it is not new
is that ryan has had a bad wrist for a while, he has had mri’s, and yet apparently nothing ever resulted. very different than glaus in the sense that santa did not really seek internal treatment. just makes one wonder if cards staff ever suggested anything to ryan beyond, take a shot and a day off and go on. what seems clear is that the culture with the meds and players is not one of trust.
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
hehe. I liked that post a lot.
that looks a little bit like dee dee pujols at the front of lugo’s lower pic. I don’t think it is though.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
less ST playing time
leaves brendan less time to injure himself before opening day.
eight more fingers...
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 11, 2010 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
yeah he looks totally different in that picture
not creepy at all. almost kind of cute… this must be like a jekyll and hyde situation.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
Who's got two thumbs and lost a homerun bet with Albert Pujols...
This guy! (or… Julio Lugo in the picture with his thumbs out… you get it)
Brenden Ryan is my hero...
Hmmm.
I think the Cards have done an outstanding job of building the team exactly like a mid-major market team should. Spend what money you have on a core of great, peak-level talent, then try to build some good depth and complementary pieces from the farm system.
We have Carp, Waino, Pujols, and Holliday at the core of this team, and we’re not hamstrung with veteran re-treads (sorry Mr. Penny) to fill out the team’s depth. Luddy, Yadi, Ryan, Greene, Freese, Craig, Boggs, Garcia, Rasmus, Schumaker, Mather, KMac, Motte, et al are all very capable and very cheap parts that provide us with more depth than any of our Jocketty days.
I think Boog’s problems and the subsequent lack of panic and gnashing of teeth among us in Cardinal Nation speaks directly to the astute management that Mo and Lunhow have provided us over the last few years.
Honestly, this team as it is structured, can make the playoffs even in the even of one or two pretty serious injuries.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
make the playoffs?
we made the playoffs last year and all it led to was a severe depressive episode and a week long bender for me. Let’s aim for a little playoff success this year, and I think we still need some pieces to accomplish that. Kiko Calero comes to mind, in terms of bullpen help.
yeah, but the playoffs are such a crapshoot
I don’t think you can hold management responsible for playoff failure. Shoot, if anything they have built a team tailor-made for the playoffs with two top-tier starters and 2 hitters that can hit against anybody.
Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.
by Eckstreem on Feb 11, 2010 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
this is exactly how i feel about the playoffs.
i suppose that means this deserves a rec. Here ya go.
Some people have their own bowling ball and their own bowling shoes and no friends.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
I agree
The only obviously bad contract on this team (non-Franklin variety) is Lohse, and I have to believe Mo learned a very valuable lesson on that one.
Pinata's contract was _obviously_ a bad one too..
until it wasn’t. Perhaps we should wait until Lohse has a healthy year before we decide it’s so obviously a bad one.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 11, 2010 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
if he's better than penny
and the 3 starter in playoffs…the guy had a freak of an injury year in 09, and the club probably didn’t help matters much by rushing him back the first time.
he signed the contract before the market collapsed, he wanted to stay here and thus didn’t even test the market…why is this always made out to be a zito-type deal?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
dunno
wasn’t all that bad, seemed better than the Pineiro deal, and that one turned out to be pretty decent after last year
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
There is a school of thought
that Pineiro’s contract, is, was and always will be a bad one, because when it was signed, Mo could’ve had no idea that Pineiro would learn a completely new pitch one year later that would basically completely revitalise the way he pitched.
Personally, I’m not sure I’d subscribe to that view, but if you do, it’s fair to say “lohse’s contract was a bad one because, when it was signed, there was little chance of him greatly exceeding that value, a reasonable chance he might be just about worth it, and a fairly large chance he’d be worth considerably less”. Hindsight is always 20:20…
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:02 AM EST up reply actions
I always think of that Star Trek scene
when anyone uses that first verb construction
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 12, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I was hoping for a spring training
surprise from Tyler Green"e"… With Ryan hurt Greene has even more motivation to come into camp and play is nooggies off. Did I spell nooggies right?
Yes.
But you spelled “his” wrong. Even if you were going for the cockney phonetic spelling. That would be " ’is ".
/pedant
by SouthsideCardsFan on Feb 11, 2010 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
"awright, guvnor,
coming dahn the old ballpark for a game a’ sticks-and-balls, mate?"
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 11, 2010 10:57 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
who's anoney?
"I think he's the best hitter of all time. I think there has never been a better hitter than him. And I know I didn't see them all, but I just don't think there could be." - Adam Wainwright on The Mang
Nobody knows.
He’s anoneymous.
ceterum censeo, delendo est Joe Strauss
by alberich on Feb 11, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
YEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
by fourstick on Feb 11, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A moose once bit my sister...
"There's a lot of things we say that don't make sense to our viewers. Okay, primarily me." ~Al Hrabosky~
by YesWeOquendo on Feb 11, 2010 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Would those be the ones next to
the park where they hold the Twit Olympics?
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 11, 2010 7:12 PM EST up reply actions
Greene could be decent
If I recall correctly, hasn’t Greene always been slow to adjust offensively at each level during his minor league career? Doubt his limited playing time last year is enough to allow him to fully adjust to major league pitching, but such a history leads to some hope that he could be a good major league player.
I see where Julio gets the stare from
That woman scares the **** out of me.
In football, the object is for the quarterback, otherwise known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his recievers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use the shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line.
In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)
Why is Lugo...
…playing the role of “goofy bartender” for a guy in a pink shirt? Or is he not behind the bar and my vision is just buggered?
Nice work as usual Dan.
The Lugo part made me think of the Velociraptors from Jurassic Park.
Is it Spring yet?
by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on Feb 11, 2010 11:44 AM EST reply actions
did you know?
That Velociraptors were actually only the size of Turkey’s?
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 11, 2010 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
So you admit than
that dinosaurs have souls
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 11, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Why must you make the internet incarnate of scratching a chalkboard!!!!
And there were dinosaurs that were very similar to the way Jurassic Park portrayed the Raptors, but they didn’t have nearly as cool a name as Velociraptor.
Achillobator sounds a little too wrong….
Not afraid to nitpick
yeah I'm busy but I'm sorry, okay, I'm really sorry!
I didn’t know the GOB were listening!
(larger)
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 11, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 13 recs
dinosaur comics is the best
I think my blogging would be better if I had the chops to do it in constrained-comic form.
actually, dinosaur comics is the third best.
it’s scientifically proven!
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:10 AM EST up reply actions
you could
develop your own literary blog form
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 12, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
some of your best work yet, Y2S
if that’s the kind of stuff you’re working on, stay in Alabama as long as you want
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
One of my faves
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 11, 2010 7:35 PM EST up reply actions
thanks. if I believe my filename
I posted it back in October. hence the jinxing.
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 12, 2010 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
i'm making it green!
Check out my sports blog!
Best moment I've ever seen at a Cards game in person
Follow me on Twitter: @zoomzoomj88
SIGN FELIPE LOPEZ & JOHN SMOLTZ!
and yadi2, of all people.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
hey, T-Rex has to stay in-character
this art is harder than it looks
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 12, 2010 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
I loathe same.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:11 AM EST up reply actions
I know. Especially since it's not a word.
I guess I could say “This” which makes even less sense. Or I could just write a sentence.
Forget it, spants. It's Chinatown. - tom s.
instead, let's do away with one word replies and just use punctuation marks.
!
"It doesn't have to be terribly prolific! Just so that it isn't childish and silly." She reflected. "I prefer stories about squalor." J.D.S.
ʞ
?
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 12, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
INTERROBANG
(errr, I dunno the SBN shortcut…. guess that kinda defeats the object).
In other news, perhaps the interrobang should be the official VEB Punctuation Mark of Champions?
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 13, 2010 5:57 AM EST up reply actions
hmm
A reverse and upside down interrobang (combining ¿ and ¡, Unicode character: ⸘), suitable for starting phrases in Spanish, Galician and Asturian is called by some a gnaborretni (interrobang backwards).9 Unicode encodes this character at the code point U+2E18.
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony_mark )
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
further typeset hmm
ñ Alt+164
ʞ allegedly Alt+670 but it’s not working
‽ ampersand#8253semicolon (allegedly Alt+203D)
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
This is the CARDINALS
we’re talking about here. Anyone think we won’t be hearing about a 2nd surgery to “clean up the wrist a little” right around the first week of April?
by MdRedbirdFreak on Feb 11, 2010 12:28 PM EST reply actions
A moment of fame for me in that Lugo scowl picture!
Nicely done post, Dan. Made me laugh, and then cry, and then both at once, which caused this weird gurgling sound…
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
looks like
registration is open for yahoo fantasy baseball
who wants to run this bia?
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
not me, but I totally want to play
I think I can manage three teams this year.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
any preferences?
rotisserie ok?
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
I like the head-to-head, personally.
which is also roto. but I’ll do whatever.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
I think I might change it to head to head
because I have never done that style of league before… unless anyone has any objections
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
i've never participated
and have no idea what’s what, so whatever you decide is fine with me
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
you're in for a treat.
the best part about fantasy baseball is it takes away the edge when the Cardinals have off-days.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
this will be my first shot at fantasy baseball as well
you people better not be overrating this stuff
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
i'm having three teams this year.
it is totally addicting. and it was a great thing to have in ‘07 and ’08 when the Cardinals weren’t doing well, so you can still enjoy baseball.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
it doesn't take up as much time as people usually think it does
that said, it’s not super amazing, but it is definitely addictive
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Room for one more?
I’ve always used CBS SportsLine, so Yahoo will be new to me. Free league, yes?
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
the league is full
but there is much discussion about creating another one if enough people are interested. and i think enough people are interested
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 11, 2010 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent.
Who’s running this overflow league?
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Fair enough.
It’s not like there’s not enough time…
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking about it
but I would want an Espn league, there’s a sabermatric category and auction draft.
I'm all for ESPN.....
it’s not blocked at work. I like your keeper idea.
* is an Asshat
Also, Dave Concepcion.
I'm all for ESPN in a strictly
fantasy sort of way. Otherwise they can suck it.
* is an Asshat
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Never done an auction draft.
Is it really that much better?
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
It's more challenging in my opinion.
You don’t just pick who is available, everyone has access to every player and you have to determine how much of your resources you want to put into having them.
that and you can bring up the pitcher ryan braun
and people will spend a lot to get him because your stuck with your bid.
you're more like a real GM
and not just counting on your spot in a snake line to get you through.
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
we're gonna end up haing like 10 differenct leagues going
arent we?
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 11, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
hey, it's early
let’s shoot for the moon. there should be some kind of SBN contest for which blog can start the most leagues
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
this scoring system is awesome I have
never played anything but a standard scoring system I am going to finish 20th
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
if you're league doesn't fill up
let us know
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 11, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
what's your email?
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
Sent.
Thanks for taking the lead on this!
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
rec for e-mail address.
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 12, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
I'm good for one
but you can wait to see who else wants in the league first
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 11, 2010 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
It's a bit pricy, but. . .
would anyone be interested in starting/joining a VEB-related scoresheet baseball league?
by SouthsideCardsFan on Feb 11, 2010 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
it's just fantasy baseball?
i don’t see any reason to pay for it
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
Not just fantasy baseball. . .
they actually put all of your players into a simulation, playing simulated games based on the lineups / strategy preferences you submit, along with the actual players’ actual performances.
It’s a pretty sweet set-up actually.
by SouthsideCardsFan on Feb 11, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
here's the info
League ID: 194663
Custom League URL: http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/vivaelleague
or just send me an email
I can change it from rotisserie to points or whatever if you want to have different type of scoring, although I have only done rotisserie style in the past.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
CFIC you should probably make a fanpost about it, as well, with all the info
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
I think it'll work best if you send me your email
then I can send you the invite. my email address is on my sbn profile. I’d give you the league password but I’m not sure that’s a good idea, plus I use that password for a bunch of different stuff
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
The league password shouldn't be something personal
It’s one-time use — people only need it when signing up. Just make it something ridiculous like “downwithbacke” or something.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
i hope you changed it
before you sent out emails. because all the email does is tell us the league ID and a password
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
ah crap
vivaelbirdos is the password
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, i got in with that
just saying, those people that you sent emails to prior to changing it probably know that other password
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
How many teams are you accepting?
I’m probably not going to play, but if you get 30 teams and split it into divisions, I’ll basically have no choice. That league would have truly epic depth.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
i'm in
but i won’t run it
Check out my sports blog!
Best moment I've ever seen at a Cards game in person
Follow me on Twitter: @zoomzoomj88
SIGN FELIPE LOPEZ & JOHN SMOLTZ!
OK
so, I changed the password to vivaelbirdos, so you don’t have to email me. I already sent out invites to those of you who emailed me, we are rolling!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
actually i just changed it
I am the Avengers. since that sounds more like a team name and since boog needs to be avenged.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
THE BOVINE NINE
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
This brings up an interesting point...
Remember in 2007 when we were really concerned about the middle infield depth in the organization, because there wasn’t any? When we had to go pick Izterrible up off the scrap heap for $4M bucks to fill a gap?
Look at our club headed into 2009 — we don’t have any budding superstars in the middle infield (or anywhere else, really) but we’ve got an awful lot of depth at the SS and 2B positions that could at least be productive defensively for the organization if called on. Tyler Greene is better than a lot of us think, since he’s a productive defensive player and baserunner even if he might not be able to hit well at the MLB level. Daniel Descalso is shooting up a lot of scout’s boards (as lboros predicted at the time of the Wallace trade, actually), and we have a make or break season coming up for Pete Kozma. If he can make the jump this season we’ll have 4 cheap, average(ish) players that can play in the middle infield (Greene, Descalso, Boog, Kozma). That’s more than I can recall the Cards system having in the LaRussa era, to be sure, and maybe even the last half century (considering that Ozzie didn’t come out of our farm system).
Sure, none of them are going probably going to be Chase Utley, but all of them could at least be solid middle infielders for the Cardinals, especially defensively, which is a whole lot better than having to buy them on the open market. That’s more money to spend on a 3B (which we don’t have many of if Freese doesn’t produce) or on starting pitching.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
we won't talk about it
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Fail
Any post lauding the MI depth of the Cardinals’ system should not contain the words “Peter Kozma” unless those words are in close proximity to the word “not”.
Other than that, I actually agree with everything you said.
by SouthsideCardsFan on Feb 11, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
The only reason people beat up on Kozma
Is because he was drafted in the first round. If he had been a nice 3rd-4th rounder, everybody would be talking positively about his slow, steady advance through the minors, and the possibility he could provide league replacement performance in the future (say 2011-2012).
Pete aint’ bad. He’s just been victimized to the “Curse of the Porcello” (hereafter a JWO Trademark).
He's also 21 years old
He batted .284 at Quad Cities
He batted .315 at Palm Beach
Yes, he struggled in Springfield last year. But… if he continues his career progression, he enters the conversation as a replacement-level 2B in late 2011.
We will mark down this comment
somebody save it. Parade at Eff’s!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
why do the Rams owe you a parade?
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I assume they took my wager from two years ago
ha ha
while searching for that, I found this post of mine from when Cardinals fans went nuts about letting Aaron Miles go to the Cubs. I hate our fans.
that was one of my all-time favorite FYC posts
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Yes, John Mozeliak hates league average “utility players” who make $5 million for two years, the bastard.
That’s just comedy gold right there, Mr Eff!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
It makes me wish I had a local paper to sound off to!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
He didn't just "struggle" at Springfield
“Struggle” would be like a .330 wOBA or something. The guy had a .288 OBP and skirted the Mendoza line for most of the year. Yeah, he was moved too fast, but there’s got to be serious questions as to whether he’s going to hit in the high minors…
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:19 AM EST up reply actions
I like your comment, fourstick
but you can expand it to include other positions than the middle infoelders – a number of outfielders (Jones, Jay, Henley, Craig, etc.), a number of middle relievers, potential starting pitchers, etc. Though most of the talent probably does have a high upside, the Cards seem well positioned to handle injuries to a number of players (not named Pujols, Holliday, Carp, and Waino).
Agreed
I think, for the most part, that our minor league system has steadily churned out players who could help in the bullpen, as starting pitchers, and as outfielders for quite a while though. Either that, or we’ve been able to trade them for viable pieces of playoff teams, like in the early part of the decade. The best middle infield graduate the system has had in the last 20 years was Placido Polanco.
FWIW, I don’t see any of those outfielders (save Allen Craig, maybe) being average MLB players at their positions this year, and even Craig is probably a stretch. Tyler Greene could be worthless on offense and still be above average because of his defense at SS.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
right, but
that’s how you get to be the reds
we gotta do better somewhere among the starting nine
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
You also get to be the Reds by giving a closer a $50m deal,
overpaying for mediocre vets, having a terrible manager, and having a smaller payroll than we do. As long as we’re producing league-average pieces internally, and spending most of our budget on 3 or 4 stars, I see no reason why we can’t continue to be a winning team.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:22 AM EST up reply actions
Disagree with this
The Reds spend their money stupidly — if they didn’t, they’d be a far better club. Their payroll is also $20M to $30M short of ours every year.
- They overpaid for a closer that they really didn’t need. Paying $50M for a closer on a 70 win team is beyond stupid.
- They traded for a 3B (Rolen) who effectively blocks two of their better prospects in the high minors, even though he’s cheap, he ain’t as cheap as cost controlled talent.
- They paid Aroldis Chapman $50M bucks when they could have paid John Lackey (a proven #1 starter) a few more dollars and been much better off. In fact, if they hadn’t had $50M tied up in a closer, it would have been affordable for them as well.
Are you telling me that Votto, Bruce, Dickerson, Stubbs, Cueto, Harang, and Phillips are average talent for a farm system? If that’s the case, can I get that “average” talent out of our farm system? Please? With sugar on top?
If they had the ability to sign Matt Holliday or John Lackey (or trade for Cliff Lee or Halladay), they’d be the favorite in the NL Central — easily. Votto is a monster offensive player when healthy, and they could probably deal Yonder Alonso for a SP if they find themselves in it. Mike Leake and Todd Frazier aren’t too far away either. If they can keep themselves from making any stupid trades or signings, they could have a very good 5 years window coming up.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
thanks, Danup
this made me feel more at ease…. Tyler Greene’s defense is nearly as good as boog’s, and while his offense isn’t as good either, I don’t feel like there’s a tremendous dropoff (although Brendan is clearly the better player at this point). also, Lugo is probably the best hitter of the 3, so even if they start him there with his terrible D, it’s not the end of the world.
am I the only one not creeped out by the glare? I think he looks like a ninja, which to me is not really creepy, more just intense. Albert kinda has a glare also, plus he’s more dangerous.
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 1:45 PM EST reply actions
I'm not ...
reminds me of Andre Dawson. A lean and hungry look.
ceterum censeo, delendo est Joe Strauss
Looks like the end of an era for Brendan Ryan
and things looked so promising. Hopefully he can catch on with some other team in the next few years.
by Hardcore Legend on Feb 11, 2010 1:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I like the way you think. . .
but my laughter is also partially nervous laughter.
by SouthsideCardsFan on Feb 11, 2010 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
OT, but it looks like the Robot is letting the power go to this head
check out his new avatar
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
yeah, I saw that
it’s pretty awesome
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Ode to (who else) Boog
There’s a player named Boog who I heart
Now his wrist is falling apart
I hope he’ll recover
And become a gold glover
In time for the season to start.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
by IHeartBoog on Feb 11, 2010 3:07 PM EST reply actions 22 recs
Another limerick, another rec
Just another day on VEB.
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
Awesome
Rec’d
Tanget: Are you published anywhere?
by WizardofOz1982 on Feb 11, 2010 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
you are the king (queen?) of these
Check out my sports blog!
Best moment I've ever seen at a Cards game in person
Follow me on Twitter: @zoomzoomj88
SIGN FELIPE LOPEZ & JOHN SMOLTZ!
she's a queen
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
queen.
thanks! this is my new favorite. i wrote it in about 12 seconds.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
Brad Mills is the new coach of the Astros
and the subject of a column that does nothing to describe how he approaches baseball
WWL in providing zero useful info
"There's a lot of things we say that don't make sense to our viewers. Okay, primarily me." ~Al Hrabosky~
Your standards are too high
I mean, ESPN isn’t some kind of massive worldwide corporation that runs a 24-hour sports news cycle or anything. Oh… wait. Nevermind.
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Feb 11, 2010 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sounds like he's a whiny little baby who can't let things go...
When talking about how in ‘April 27, 1983, when he became Houston pitcher Nolan Ryan’s 3,509th strikeout victim’
‘To this day, the competitor in Mills insists that the curveball that froze him for strike three was outside.’
Pronoun fail....
I was talking about Mills not YesWeQuendo
i don't know of the dude
but even beltran says it was a strike.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
After Houston has lost 100 games for 4 seasons and he gets canned, Mills will say to his dying breath...
Everyone was more famous than me, so the umps gave all the good calls to every other player and coach..and that’s why I never won.
there was another curveball?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
i'm assuming they play interleague
maybe ryan will bring out the lineup card, have a little chat at home plate.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
it's not like he wouldn't have thrown one past him on the next pitch
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I have a vague remembrence of that game, and Mill the player
and I would say he had a 90% chance at a K.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I wasn't born old, man.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:29 AM EST up reply actions
Anyone know if Schmidt has
made it official yet, also?
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 11, 2010 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
Bonds for that matter?
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson
He's in the HOF
So I’m pretty sure he’s done.
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson
He could come back
and put up 10 straight seasons of sub-Mendoza line batting. Can the veteran’s committee then revoke his membership?
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:31 AM EST up reply actions
Remember when Jim Palmer tried to do this
a few years after he was elected? Too funny.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 12, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Legend of the Boog
Actually, the minor wrist injury fits with Brendan’s peronality. He wants to keep the off-season interesting. My bet is he returns to the lineup on opening day – wearing a red cape upon entering the infield.
Opening Day- Broadcast
Dan: Top of the Ninth: Bases Loaded no outs, Franklin is trying to close it out but has gotten hammered in his first save opportunity.
Al: Wait, somethings happening in the Cardinals Dug-out. Is that…Is that…It is, It’s Boog…
(Crowd Erupts in Chant… BOOG BOOG BOOG!!)
Dan: I think he is wearing a red cape and has a lightning bolt shaped scar on his wrist.
Al: I think that is wear Voldemort tried to cast a spell on him this offseason.
Dan: Well its good to see him back in uniform.
Al: Its just like making a trade without having to give anybody up.
Dan: You know it really is., Boog, settles in. Franklin makes the pitch, a grounder way to the right of Boog,
Al: umm… he actually took it away from our third basemen…oh damn, what’s that kid’s name again..
Dan: Boog, with his new super wrist, tags the runner out from third, touches third base and then throws the ball to first. Triple Play!
by ADMDrayson on Feb 11, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It's funny, because
in his head, Al probably would have misspelled “where”.
/pedant
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 11, 2010 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
yah, that's what I meant.
Even though I don’t know anyone here and it is only a little post on a world-view insignificant board, it is still embarrassing.
SIGN JOHN SMOLTZ
Check out my sports blog!
Best moment I've ever seen at a Cards game in person
Follow me on Twitter: @zoomzoomj88
SIGN FELIPE LOPEZ & JOHN SMOLTZ!
and per rotoworld
smoltz never said he’s considering sitting out the first half.
also, why is damon deciding between a 1yr. 7mil and a 2yr. 14mil deal, both from the tigers?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
if tigers really offering those...
if you think the cards got worked by boras…..
who else is anywhere close to 7m for damon?
How does one explain
I mean, I guess Smoltz could still sign during ST, but it sounds like Mo will save at least some resources for mid-season acquisitions. I don’t think we’re out of the Smoltz-stakes yet.
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 11, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
maybe, but really
$7M at midseason gets you a $14M player. i doubt they do that, so
i think it’s just being very conservative and thinking they can get by in the central with what they have
they’re not shooting for the phillies
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
I see what you're saying...
but isn’t that a mistake for a team with World Series aspirations? It seems like the lesson from 2009 (if in fact we can draw a lesson from 2009) should be that mid-season pickups don’t best prepare you for a deep postseason run and that you need a full season’s worth of preparation to get where you want to go.
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 12, 2010 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
I think the lesson from 2009 is...
even if your team is set up perfectly for the playoffs and you’ve done everything right, a five game series is a crapshoot.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Feb 12, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah
i keep reading those things, but as smoltz said, he doesn’t know where that talk is coming from – just that it’s not from him.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
+1
And Flopez and Kiko. Or I’m just getting greedy.
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 12, 2010 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
If you have a link on this
I’d be interested in reading the story.
I agree with your premise though. Smoltz at $3M is a good buy. You can NEVER have too much pitching.
fuck
sign that YESTERDAY. Jebus.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:32 AM EST up reply actions
Goold with a blog post
about ‘truck day’
apparently some guy named ‘Pic’ drives one of the trucks down. I presume Jason Larue drives the other.
Anyone want to speculate what the additional “luggage” Carp had to load was?
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
Can't forget the pot to make the man stew:
will go and, of course, the stainless steel whirlpool
* is an Asshat
Also, Dave Concepcion.
I'm imagining a sock full of tiny, iron suitcases...
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well done, Mr. Up.
Hopefully Boog isn’t out for too long, and if he is hopefully Greene and/or Lugo can hold down the fort. Boog had an excellent year last year with the glove and swung it better than I’d expected. You could do infinitely worse (see Betancourt, Yuniesky).
Greene is a slick fielder with a ton of tools, but one of them isn’t plate discipline. Theoretically if his defense was good enough you could survive with him as an offensive black hole of suck, but when Boog is kicking around with the ability to merrily slap singles why put up with someone who can’t even do that? And Lugo… I think Holliday may be a better option at SS at this point.
Point is, Boog, heal thyself!
VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009
by redbirdnation8206 on Feb 11, 2010 5:30 PM EST reply actions
We'll have the last laugh
when Greene is done with Dinger Camp, and proceeds to hit .262 with a obp around .330-.340, with 25 Dingers.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
bat him in front of yadi, please.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
farnsworth is starting
and has a two-seamer – did dave duncan get traded to kc?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Unless he plunks greinke in the dugout with a super-wild pitch, he could hardly make things worse.
"It doesn't have to be terribly prolific! Just so that it isn't childish and silly." She reflected. "I prefer stories about squalor." J.D.S.
by tom s. on Feb 12, 2010 12:10 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I saw that this morning
and now I am actually going to follow the Royals in ST, should be interesting.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
Farnsy was pretty good last year
Added a cutter, according to Fangraphs’s pitch fx — guy has 95+ heat and he only threw it 50% of the time. Result? 3.10 FIP.
Motte? Yo, Jason. Taking notes? Can’t just throw fastballs by hitters in the majors. Hey! Pay attenti—come back, Jason. Jason! Focus, Jason!
I need your discipline / I need your help / I need your discipline / You know once I start I cannot stop myself...
by mojowo11 on Feb 11, 2010 6:49 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
...
“We’re going to lengthen him out and see how it goes,” said pitching coach Bob McClure. “Because what he showed me last year was the ability to back off a little bit and not pitch with his hair on fire. And, to be a starter, you have to be able to just kind of go pitch-by-pitch.”
Where’s that video of Michael Phelps with his hair on fire? That needs to be pasted on to Kyle’s head.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 11, 2010 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno
I feel he’s looking too old these days to successfully transition back into a starting role. What do you think?
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 12, 2010 7:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ol' Kip Wells signs with the Reds
go easy on him, Dusty Baker
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 8:08 PM EST reply actions
I dunno, I wouldn't mind seeing him make the rotation.
Especially if he gets to face Carp a few more times…
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 12, 2010 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
also
Frank Thomas to retire… didn’t even know he was still playing!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 11, 2010 8:09 PM EST reply actions
Anyone seen this little blurb from that nationally-sold puppy-training rag?
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 11, 2010 8:32 PM EST reply actions
sounds like craig isn't
handing 3b to freeze, either.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
I still think they should put him in the 2nd Base platoon
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
I kinda recall Mather at 2nd
I wonder if it’s possible to find out. I was thinking someone was talking about one of the tallest 2B ever!
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 11, 2010 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
I'll watch it in an hour or so
thankyouverymuch.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 11, 2010 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
KY jelly?
don’t they know we’re all alone in our basements right now?
I'm like a polygon, I'm edgy.
Resident malcontented betamale
Seriously? What is with the KY ad?
Alright so how many are going to go get there V-Day Ky Intense now? I’m not alone in my basement like slu, but I will not be needing it either.
"They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time."
If Ryan isn't ready for opening day
it’ll be hard to once again get used to seeing a SS make every throw sidearm when he does return.
Guys like Bradley are exactly why we can't have a pumpkin patch anymore.
So, just because nobody else has yet...
I think it’s time to overreact to Wrist-Gate.
OMG!! OMG!! Boog’s career is over! Yadi had better get ready to convert to shortstop!
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
yadi could play ronnie belliard shortstop
stand in the short outfield, waddle over to hard-hit groundballs, and throw them as hard as he can toward first. I’d pay to see it.
by DanUpBaby on Feb 12, 2010 1:15 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Do you think anyone would dare try to take him out with a slide?
I’m thinking no.
Forget it, spants. It's Chinatown. - tom s.
by spants on Feb 12, 2010 1:17 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Holy hell...
I’m listening to the Baseball Today podcast… and Todd Wellemeyer was just described as a competent but not great pitcher. I may have to stop listening to this podcast in the future for that comment.
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson
They aren't familar with a pitcher that played in STL
Not a surprise since they don’t recognize Carpenter as an elite pitcher when healthy of course. Outside Pujols and Holliday I don’t think they know anyone in STL and that statement just about proves it.
"They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time."
Maybe he isn't as bad as we remember
But I remember him being pretty bad
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 12, 2010 2:27 AM EST up reply actions
When has he had time to get better?
"They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time."
I, for one, thought he was throwing pretty good most days
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
are you under duress?
is the colonel there?
stay calm. just stay calm.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
The most frustrating thing was
he always pitched so well until they started whacking the ball over the fence with reckless abandon.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 13, 2010 5:58 AM EST up reply actions
did the colonel sign somewhere?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
San Fransisco to be a long reliever Brad Thompson type player for them.
"They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time."
Maybe they are assuming he is good
because he’s a veteran who pitched for Dave Duncan. They might know he is the pitching coach in STL.
"They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time."
some bullet-points for this post...
- outside link from July of Colby Rasmus wasting away. so graphic, I may link this in the next-gen glossary
- a kinda-liveblog from August wherein TLR outlines the three things Brendan Ryan needs to be considered a complete player. referenced by the Good Reporter in the ‘Novelty Act’ feature, and seconds before Tony raising his brows at the strains of the Ghostbusters theme coming from the clubhouse
(man, I gotta revise this sig again…)
Lick it—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
dang, I can't even manage bullet-points
- This explains all the times Boog did a Yadi and let the bat fly.
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 12, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
alabama is rough on everyone
take some time, get it together
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
How did I miss this quote earlier?
“I’ve got to make sure I chew my food up good.”
I wonder how many times they had to replay that to translate it to print.
I created the first #BrendanRyan hashtag on Twitter
"She gone! Airplane time! Airplane Time!! AIRPLANE TIME." Boog
"I think those scorers must be from Mars or Venus. Or maybe they're just from that book." --Mike Shannon, 7/09/2009
it's a good representation of all that is Colby, haha
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
i picture him saying that
with his mouth full.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
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