open thread
by tom s. on Feb 13, 2010 7:28 AM EST
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so-called real life has stepped between me and the research and writing i had hoped to do for this week, so today will be an open discussion thread.
there's a little discussion elsewhere already, but i'm fascinated to hear felipe lopez fired scott boras. boras clearly misread the market this year. it will be interesting to see if other players jump ship, too (johnny damon, i'm looking at you).
i hope to have a good post for you all next week.
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Good for Felipe...
Stick-it-to-da-man!
by One Flew Over The Cardinals Nest on Feb 13, 2010 9:16 AM EST reply actions
To be sure, I'm no Boras fan, but
I must say that I wish I worked in a job where I could have an agent busting his hump to get me as good a deal as possible, else I’d go elsewhere and do the same job for more money. LOTS more money.
by StanTheManFan on Feb 13, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
the $2 watch with the $5 price tag
will be on the shelf forever
all players really need to have some independent way too judge their value
listening only to their agent makes little sense in such a competitive environment
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
Agreed, and
Floppy was justified in jettisoning an agent who wasn’t doing his job well. It’s the animosity to Boras that I was tweaking. He’s an agent. It’s in the nature of the beast that owners will hate him and players will love him — if he does his job well. No reason why fans need to take sides.
by StanTheManFan on Feb 13, 2010 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
...neosis
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 14, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
What kind of deal is Lopez looking for?
Also does anyone know if Smoltz is totally off of our radar?
“If we were to fill [spots] today, that might take some opportunities away from some of the players that we want to make sure get their opportunities,” Mozeliak said.
Which sounds smart to me
Even if a bit risky. The urge to sign “proven commodities” fights against the need to have a considerable chunk of our roster playing for the league minimum.
Play ball!
by IL and StL Fan on Feb 13, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
depends on the differential
mo’s waiting for the cheapy, not the most talented.
the longer he waits, the less likely he is to get quality that would be more than what we have
so, he is basically on the path to executing the self-fulfilling prophecy
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
I really wish I could find a picture
of the Cheapy from Cheap Seats…
"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson
agree, risky but necessary
the same type of players that are available now, most likely will be available before the deadline. not every deadline acquisition costs the bounty we paid on matt and mark. belliard, lopez, walker, weaver type acquisitions can be made without taking a future cost controlled valuable player from the stable. relieving teams of a players remaining salary, can be just as good of trade chip as farmhands.
since i see playing time as a resource also, developing our current youth at the mlb level, rather than sitting them, is valuable long term also. my hope is Mo can acquire an out of options waiver player or two, with 5 or 6 service years remaining, to add to the base of young cost controlled roster players we now need going forward. i’d much rather see this than a one and done vet for 3mil every season. would rather look at the vets, for half price, nearer the deadline if necessary.
by ball in play on Feb 13, 2010 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
Lopez
Can’t see him turning down a 1yr deal in th 2-4mil range. Not bad at all for middle infield backup-come-platoon-come-everyday-3Bman (if/when Freese struggles).
The heart is the general, the eyes are the scouts, the fists are the arrows, the body is the bow.
I'm guessing Lopez doesn't
think of himself in that role. Why would he jump at a chance to be a jack of all trades or even a platoon player when there’s bound to be some team that will give him a full-time job.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Feb 13, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
We already have
1. middle infield backup
2. 3rd baseman (Freese, Craig, possibly Mather)
We’ve got 2 huge stars signed for high dollars in the field. I want us to develop younger players.
by sdrone on Feb 13, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If you call Lugo middle infield backup
Then by all means, support him, however, I would like a backup that doesn’t the defense of a drunken man during Mardi Gras.
If you look at Freese line vs. LHP (.320/379/.456 out of 147 AB’s), you would see that it would make him a fantastic platoon partner to Skip Schumaker. Also, he had a 7.8 UZR, which you can claim that is a career year at defense, but according to his lifetime statistics, I would expect an average 2b at the worst. If worst comes to worst, then he can cover for Freese if he struggles against lefties as well.
As for the developing young players. This is the window we have. We have about 2-3 years before payroll implications screw us over, and when Albert demands his true worth. I would love to develop low-cost talent, but we just cannot afford to. Making the WS will boost the payroll enormously and allow us to keep all the people we want to. Mozeliak started the win-now attitude, and I think that he will continue it.
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)
I meant Lopez, my fault.
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)
Well,
We could platoon this way:
Vs. R: Lopez @ 3B, Schumaker @ 2B
Vs. L: Freese @ 3B, Lopez @ 2B
But I don’t know how much more effective that would be.
I vote the anti-Tony ticket:
Aggressiveness on the basepaths,
Patience at the plate.
that's a good way too look at it
if he has another ‘09, we’re probably looking at a 2.5 WAR improvement. great! if he’s more like a 2.5-3 WAR player, we’re probably gaining 0.5-1 marginal WAR
still, he’s a type B player and nets a supplemental pick. if we can get him for $4MM or less, it’s a hard deal not to like. actually if he has another ‘09, he’s an easy type A. might be problematic if that’s the case
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
never thought about that particular what-if
type A and the subsequent arby decision.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Thanks for catching it.
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 just look at Lopez's line vs LHP from 147 ABs last year?
Would his career line not be more illuminating?
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 6:47 AM EST up reply actions
Seems ridiculous that a 4+ WAR player from last year
could sign for <$5m. But I agree, I guess it’s possible.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 6:45 AM EST up reply actions
First time in years that I didn't get a hotel downtown
I just don’t feel like dealing with the cold this year
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 13, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
How ironic is it that the second year of my residence in the metro area
I don’t make it down to Soulard for Mardi Gras, but I had been down there the previous 7 years? Damn jobs.
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 17, 2010 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
I have never been.
Unless getting stuck in traffic near a friend’s house counts.
Forget it, spants. It's Chinatown. - tom s.
I haven't been since I lived in Benton Park.
I don’t have any friends left in Soulard, either, so I just don’t think it’s worth going to.
A little over a month left until Dogtown St Pats, though!
Been stuck in even worse traffic during that holiday!
My Soulard friend doesn’t live there anymore, but the Dogtown friend still does.
Forget it, spants. It's Chinatown. - tom s.
I don't have any friends in Soulard anymore
But I always seem to run into friends and go to a house party
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 13, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
how have you never been to Mardi Gras!?
How long have you lived in Saint Louis?
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 13, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
I was in a group that had a float every year.
Those were the most fun Mardi Gras by far.
One year, my wife found the baby in the king cake, so she was the queen of the float. I got ride with her, dressed as Ozzy Osborne. Good times.
I never would slip you Mickey! It is merely rhinoceros horn. This makes the champagna bubble.
by The Continental on Feb 13, 2010 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
Seems strange that....
Lopez and Smoltz can be had for about 5-6 million a year total and I don’t know if I really want the Cards to do it…… Last year, yeah…… this year, not so sure. I don’t want them blocking out the new guys…… but yet a part of me says “Sign them” just in case the injuries don’t heal as expected or prospects don’t perform as hoped.
by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Feb 13, 2010 11:56 AM EST reply actions
my take on that
is the ‘role’ thing: re Smoltz, it is heartbreaking (in my view) that he seems to insist on still being a starter. I have repeated that him in our bullpen, as set-up deluxe and insurance on Franklin as closer, would not only make me smile emotionally, because I really like Mr. Smoltz and all he brings off the mound, it would be the best addition we could make right now.
As for the Flop, I am glad actually that he wants to be a starting infielder somewhere; I don’t want him in a Cardinal uni; would be a fly in my oatmeal all season.
Either or both would have been signed (by us) I think, if the role preference above was not so.
My big concern with the "Smoltz in the pen" idea
is that he likely can’t be a full-time closer. At his age (40s) it’s pretty difficult to warm up, stretch out, and pitch every day, which a closer basically needs to be able to do, at least for 3 consecutive days. I remember when Springer was here and, despite being kryptonite to right-handers, he could only really pitch every other day and there seems a greater risk of injury (anecdotally) and loss-of-performance from really old pitchers when they have to make back-to-back appearances.
Of course, he could still be an occasional closer, and otherwise just be a high-leverage relief ace every other day, but would he want to do that? I suspect a guy with his pedigree is not likely to want to be anything other than the top dog in the pen. There’s also the fact that, if he can only throw 3 times a week, whether he’s even WORTH $5m as a bullpen guy.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 6:50 AM EST up reply actions
thought continued...
http://alabe.com/cgi-bin/chart/pics/2455241237575.gif
Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, right?
Moon in Scorpio, Mars in Leo. Watch out.
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
it may explain why
Albert was sent off with a honey-do list during the Avocado series.
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 15, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Boras
Earlier in the off season we had a discussion in the thread about conflict of interest with Boras and you can certainly see the result of that issue with Damon and Lopez. How often do you think Boras pushed STL to sign Damon for their LF opening. Exactly 0 times I’m sure. Damon got screwed big time this offseason because of the Holliday situation. Lopez probably didn’t get Boras’ attention until Holliday deal was over and by that time the market dried up and he’s left standing when everyone else is seated.
Boras has taken some hits lately with A-Rod, Damon, Lopez, Ankiel, etc. Even Holliday didn’t get anywhere near the deal that everyone thought six months ago when you take the deferred money into account.
I expect Boras has been slow to see the shift away from old players to cost-controlled players. The concept that your 4A OF can deliver the same results as Jermaine Dye for a fraction of the cost has really changed the market. Score a big win for the SABR community in making GMs more conscious of this dynamic.
Just win
'Score a big win for the SABR community in making GMs more conscious of this dynamic'
Excellent point! It is the end of an era for 35+ guys who barely make League average, while those older players who are truly still good (Randy J or Smoltzy, for example) can still get signed as long as they produce.
:=8)
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
also
the economics of the business means the longterm, huge money deals mean the most to bouros
a mid-level player like damon has become, looking for a spot at the same position means there has to be a conflict because it’s most important to bouros to place the long term person first
whether damon signs for 10 or 14 for a couple years means almost nothing to bouros bottom line
it cost bouros nothing to recommend johnny pass up the 2 year 14 mil form the yanks
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
In many ways
it woulda been nice if we’d called his bluff and not signed Holliday. The price would either have dropped by now, or he’d be playing in New York or LA or something. So that would leave us with over $20m to spend, and a severely reduced-price Johnny Damon (anyone betting he gets more than $5m?), a discounted Floppy ($5m again?), and guys like Russell Branyan (again, is he really going to break $5m, given most of the teams who need a 1B/3B have signed one already, and no-one wants to go multiple years for a guy with his injury history). Looks like we could’ve missed out on Holliday and still had Damon in LF, Branyan or Floppy at 3B, Calero in the pen, Smoltz at #5 starter, and still have money left to throw at a Pujols extension or a closer.
Overall, I think Holliday alone is probably as good or better than the cumulative effect of those additions, but that route would certainly have given us some major payroll flexibility in years to come.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 6:56 AM EST up reply actions
I'd be very cool
with platooning Lopez at 3B with Freese. Yeah, it means Freese gets less of a shot than if we didn’t sign Lopez … but we really don’t have a hitter who profiles in the #2 hole. Lopez would look great hitting ahead of Pujols. If it only takes 1 yr / $2.5m, we’d be stupid not to pull that trigger.
by jjray on Feb 13, 2010 12:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
I admit that Floppy has been my pet project this offseason but that’s because he makes perfect sense. His OBP slots perfectly in the gaping hole that is the #2 spot and he would play virtually everyday platooning with Freese and Skip. He represents insurance if Freese flat out stinks and he can even play corner OF to provide TLR more flexibility.
"I learned a long time ago if you keep checking your stats all year, you're going to end up in the toilet." - Chris Carpenter, 2009.
by indakind on Feb 13, 2010 12:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
good point
except Allen Craig might already be that same player… I’d rather try to bolster the bullpen, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Flopez on the team
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
I'm sure this isn't an original thought or anything, but I was thinking much the same
Give Freese (and Craig!) a chance
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
Here's the question for me: Where do you play Craig that you can't field Floppy?
Lots of places you can field Floppy that you cannot fathom for Craig . . . and Floppy is a switch hitter for additional flexibility. That said, innuendos aplenty that Lopez is a clubhouse problem. Anyone know about that?
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
didn't know
I’d guess the only advantage Lopez would have over Craig is at shortstop, but I don’t think he’s a great SS to make that much of a difference. I guess maybe Craig couldn’t play 2B either
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Craig has played 2B in pro ball
I have a hard time believing he could be any worse at 2B than Lopez is at SS. I have been wrong before, so I might be wrong now.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 13, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Lopez is (if you agree with UZR)
bad but palatable at SS (and slightly above-average at 2B or 3B). I have a feeling Craig could be historically awful at 2B, given he hasn’t played there in a few years, is way too big for the position, and is probably below average at 3B anyhow.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 6:58 AM EST up reply actions
Floppy at SS
don’t forget to factor in that Lopez last played SS regularly in 2007. He had zero starts at SS in 2009 and only 10 in 2008. His recent 3B experience is from his 8 games started with STL in 2008 and 24 starts in 2004. His OF experience occurred during the Super Crazy Tony lineup days of 2008. He is filler out there and should not be considered the fourth outfielder on a contender.
From my memory of 2008, Lopez is a very bad SS and IMO probably isn’t capable of offsetting his glove impact with his bat if he replaced Ryan.
My thought excactly. I think one year of Floppy is a low risk signing. Recall that borth Ryan and Freese have injury histories.
The left side of the infield is quite vulnerable – at best. Floppy provides protection all around – second, short and third. . . areas where the team has an outfielder, a man in a cast hoping to recover, and a man cast as recovering.
does not fill me with confidence. . .
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
freese has an injury history?
never understood this line of thinking
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
i mean
he has been injured. and it was in the past making it history. but i don’t think that’s what you meant
dude got in a car accident. those aren’t usually recurring issues
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Thinking of bibliomania as a kind of injury or at least something that leads to lost playing time.
In a sense it’s the same thing as the history suggests inconsistency and unpredictability.
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
freeze collects books?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
hahaha
yeah, what?
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
i can see the headlines now
freese still not reported to spring training. last seen camping in a tent outside barnes and noble
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
or trapped in a house full of books
where the hell did this come from?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
I wish someone would actually link to a verification that Lopez has been a clubhouse problem
Was he one in Cincy, or was it just in Washington? Cuz being in that clubhouse would make me a cancer as well.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 13, 2010 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not sure about Cincinnati
but mlbtr has this
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 13, 2010 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
sounds like there's just an issue between him and the nats
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
well, that's how we got him in the first place
don’t recall any problems with us, but it’s not like some of our players haven’t had issues with tlr over the years.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
That's all I could remember as well
I don’t understand all the Lopez hate on that front, especially since it seems he liked it here, and was liked here.
Lighten up, Francis - Sergeant Hulka
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on Feb 13, 2010 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
i'm still voting for a cage match
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Feb 13, 2010 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Actually...
..Lopez cud platoon with Schu, Freese, and even grab a game or two in the outfield. 300+ ABs is not out of the question.
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
shit,
i think 500 would be easily attainable. he’s a switch hitter, so he could platoon with freese and craig and pick up a game a week in the OF so as to give freese a few more ABs
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
he's also going to give Boog flashbacks
[cite missing][possibly this: http://www.missourinet.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=9C9E2645-DA78-5B23-5C266259C6306384 ]
maybe that’ll learn ’em…
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
Lopez is now a must-sign
I’ve expressed my concerns about Freese and feel that Lopez would be a great fit for the team. He has some versatility (2B, SS, 3B, LF), and is a switch-hitter. You guys think the Cards will go after Lopez or stand pat?
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!
stand pat at least for now
mo has said as much. now, if freese/craig/mather/gotay don’t hit a couple weeks in and lopez is still available, he might be more strongly considered
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
but your feelings about Freese
are unfounded and based on gut.
* is an Asshat
Also, Dave Concepcion.
not a floppy fan
but he does make sense, especially the switch hitting aspect
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
I would love to have a competent switch-hitter
a big problem with our bench is that too many players are easily neutralised by specialist relievers or simply not very good at hitting. We could really suck in the latter innings of close games with our shitty bullpen and poor bench…
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:00 AM EST up reply actions
Nothing that was reported on.
From most indications, he greatly enjoyed playing here, at least compared to playing for the Nationals.
yeah
i think there were reports that we was really disappointed about not being re-signed for the ’09 season
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
me too.
i really like him. and, FWIW, i think those “attitude” problems shouldn’t be a concern. he played for the diamondbacks most of last season and i never heard a bad thing about him in the local media.
"I knew they were up to shenanigans." --TLR
i was under the impression
he and albert became pretty good buds when he was here, which is why i was surprised when we didn’t retain his services.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
wuerz says
flop didn’t stay because bouros insisted on a multi-year, high (relatively) dollar increase
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
so he ended up signing a one-year deal for pretty small beans in Arizona...
heh. No wonder he’s canned Boras now, after two consecutive solid years and no interest.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:01 AM EST up reply actions
Is it really to the advantage of the Cardinals for Lopez to fire Boras?
If the market was low on him because of Boras. How is that not an advantage for the Cardinals. One of the clubs that seems to be on better relations with Boras. Between Lohse and Holliday, Boras should love us. Or maybe he thinks we are just suckers instead?
We probably don't like Boras is more like it.
Dewitt might have chucked a few potted plants his way during Holliday’s negotiations.
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)
I'm sorry, you want how much? For how long?
EAT ME!!
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 13, 2010 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
...yes, the line is "Feed me" but "eat me" seemed more appropriate.
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 13, 2010 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
That's a damn good picture of Scott Boras.
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)
I always imagined him as Orin Scrivello D.D.S.*
*yes, I had to look up the name
by brackenthebox on Feb 13, 2010 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think Boras is shedding any tears over this...
he just picked up another monster client. Kendry Morales just switched to him and he’s entering the final year of his deal
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Feb 13, 2010 2:41 PM EST reply actions
A homer came that close to going out?
Oh. You meant some … other … sport.
by StanTheManFan on Feb 13, 2010 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
are they made of wood?
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
Oddly enough
I don’t have strong feelings one way or the other right now on signing Lopez. I just feel pretty good about our position players, and kind of hope maybe Craig can get a chance to fill a role that would overlap with Lopez for much cheaper. Obviously the kid can hit.
As for Smoltz I would be kind of excited to sign him. I am kind of excited to see waht Garcia and Hill and Lynn and McClellan et al. have to offer, but I am not so emotionally invested in any of our potential fifth starters that I would have a problem with Smoltz thrown into the mix either. Further, Lynn probably will be only adequate, McClellan is kind of scary, Garcia has endurance/injury risks, and Hill might not have a pitching arm anymore. So Smoltz kinda fits in, given he’s a billion years old and probably would not be able to pitch a whole season in the rotation. I say go for it if he won’t break the bank.
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I'm in kinda the same boat, I think
I’d like Lopez but I’d LOVE Smoltz. Realistically, I think both of them probably add about 1 win over what we’ll be running out now, and both have other “somewhat” intangible benefits (Lopez’s felixibility in terms of his position and his ability to switch hit is a major advantage in roster construction that’s not taken inot account in his WAR, Smoltz’s experience and influence over younger players, plus the fact that he has experience and success in both the pen and the rotation, and so could do either job in the post-season, is worth something too), but I think I just like Smoltz more.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:04 AM EST up reply actions
does anyone have a list of the remaining free agents?
and how much we have to spend? it looks like Mozeliak is waiting to see if he can find a great deal, or if not he knows there’s enough depth to save the money for some kind of midseason acquisition I guess. I would much rather sign some bullpen help, I don’t think there’s anyone left for 5th starter other than Smoltz, and I would think if they wanted Smoltz back they would have signed him by now. My only concern with signing Lopez is that he could be blocking one of Freese, Mather, Craig, etc and the first two aren’t getting any younger… gotta see if they have value at some point. But Lopez would be by far the best #2 hitter on the team, which means that he would probably be blocking Craig the most I think.
btw, do you think Craig or Freese could play 2B? Skip ideally should have a platoon partner
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 5:33 PM EST reply actions
Here is a list from MLBTradeRumors updated yesterday
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
I didn't really specify, did I...
It’s a list of remaining available free agents
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
looks like there's a lot of starters left!
only Smoltz and Washburn seem interesting. MacDougal or Calero seem like a good fit for the bullpen
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
well
maybe not washburn then, livan hernandez sucks, and odalis perez probably ain’t much better
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
I would rather take my chances with Garcia than sign any of the above three.
Heaven has brick walls and St. Peter is a red bird.
by EinFesteBusch on Feb 13, 2010 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
but we won't take any chances with his arm right now
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
they can regulate his innings in AAA
until they are sure he is 100%, or “ready”
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
it's all about chances
the chances we’d be taking with his arm. if he weren’t coming off surgery he’d easily be the favorite to win the spot
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
JAIME GARCIA
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
I would rather just sign Looper again for the league minimum or close to it
than Perez or Livan. Realistically, they’re all likely to be similar to just giving Hawksworth or Walters or somebody the ball every 5th day…
Looper, at least, has some prior success in the pen, and is very tough (still) on right-handed hitters. He’s just totally smoked by lefties, so he’d be a competent swingman who we could use for either longwork or situational at-bats from the pen.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:08 AM EST up reply actions
kinney is kind of the wild card
anybody think he could return to form?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Not me.
He’s Blaine Boyer part two in my book.
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
Blaine Boyer (and many other relievers),
came up and dominated, and then was figured out. It happened to JJ Putz, and it’s happened to dozens of other relievers. Some of them go on to become decent relievers, but no one should be expecting Kinney to ever regain his previous level of dominance.
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
Keith Law predicted it.
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
i doubt he's that cheap
and even if he is, that’s good enough for me to stick with what we have
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
oh
i was talking about mac then ninth or whatever his nickname
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
for some reason, I didn't think MacDougal was still a FA
I had him pencilled in in Washington.
I’d rather just have Calero though…
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:06 AM EST up reply actions
joaquin benoit
would be worth a minor league deal, I think. He’s had horrible injury issues the last two years but prior to that he was a good set-up guy/closer in Texas. I think he’s probably the best bullpen dumpster dive out there.
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:09 AM EST up reply actions
he was big as a house
last spring training with sox. i can only imagine…um, best to keep him away from the man stew.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Craig is getting younger, tho?
So, next year, he’ll be 24…ok, I want some of that.
Time for a new sig.
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Feb 14, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Lopez looks like a type b
I think he could maintain that (especially with albert behind him). The suplimental in 2011 seems like it would pay for a large part of the contract.
Even if you want to give the youngins a shot. Floppy (or Schumacker) seems like good trade bait to me.
This should have been done yesterday.
"There's a lot of things we say that don't make sense to our viewers. Okay, primarily me." ~Al Hrabosky~
*Schumaker
f’n mardi gras
"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 13, 2010 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
I can't see a real downside to a 4m contract for floppy
The net pick, the trade deadline possibilities, the sure thing backup a the 4,5,6 and potentially 7 spots with a great OBP
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
We
should do a poll on how many want Floppy. To me, there is no place for him and Lugo on the same roster. Trade Lugo for “assets” if needed, (the term Mo used some weeks ago talking about his general, not Lugo-specific, strategy for spring training and early season).? Then the bench is LaRue, Floppy, Craig, Greene, and Mather. The problem with this is, only possible LH hitter is Floppy. If he starts as Skippy’s platoon, there is no LH hitter for later innings in case a RHP is in.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Feb 13, 2010 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
well
assets were Mo’s terminology. Bats, or bullpen help, or a prospect, given that Lugo probably doesn’t command much trade value?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Feb 14, 2010 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed
I wonder if Ryan’s surgery gives Gotay a roster place at least for April?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Feb 14, 2010 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
the way I hear it
Ryan’s surgery will not even hold him out of the beginning of Spring Training
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 14, 2010 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
As long
as that story isn’t like the Glaus one last year! Originally, he was supposed to be back, what, June at the latest?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Feb 14, 2010 12:08 AM EST up reply actions
I know I know but
Ryan’s was a lot less evasive.
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 14, 2010 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
Was
Ryan being evasive, or the surgeon invasive?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Feb 14, 2010 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
late april was the first story
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 14, 2010 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
We
are truly the long suffering diehards on that one!
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Feb 14, 2010 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
The problem with this is, only possible LH hitter is Floppy. If he starts as Skippy’s platoon, there is no LH hitter for later innings in case a RHP is in.
Erm, presumably if he starts as Skippy’s platoon, Skip is on the bench. He was a left-handed hitter with a .380 OBP against RHP, last time I looked…
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:12 AM EST up reply actions
I don't like losing a pick over a 1 year deal for Floppy
This is the first time I’ve submitted anything. At first I was on board for signing Felipe, but losing a supplementary pick for a type B player when we have such a weak farm system right now, doesn’t make since. I believe that although MO wants to win now, he also relizes that he has to build a team around Albert in the future. I see us getting a righty for the bullpen or someone without the Type B attached to their name to back up Freese. Any suggestions on who that might be.
we would not lose a pick by signing Lopez
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 14, 2010 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
Felipe wasn't offered Arb I believe.
So he would not yield a pick.
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)
Rijo or Browning?
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
when is 2-grannies-in-one-inning day?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
Looking to find a reason to get excited about the Olympics
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
oooh
Found one
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
Shallow yes
but wow
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
good find
would be even better if she was a curler (?)
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
She is apparently very good
although I doubt many outside of Finland or ClemsonGirl know much about her, for my money from the pictures I have seen she should be given a lot of credit for being that attractive.
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
yes, she must be exceptionally talented
and on second thought, the curling unis wouldn’t do her justice.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
She appears to be the best figure skater of all time
Belief that success is inevitable is as likely to hold you back as a belief that it is impossible.
i get your drift
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
she has a figure for skating
i’m sure there is much debate on this, but chalk me down for best of all time
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
NBC
decided to show ice dancing over the preliminary hockey game between US and Canada. A comment that I saw as the rationale was that ice dancers are all good looking, and have you ever seen a good looking hockey player? Tell that one to Wayne Gretzky!
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Feb 14, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
canadian women
beat slovakia 18-0 in hockey.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
add that to the 3589 reasons
that the leadership at NBC doesn’t have a f’in clue as to what they’re doing
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Feb 17, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
If anyone still wants to join my ESPN league click the link below
I'll send another one, or maybe use the link
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
yeah
I ended up using the link, and you click on the create new account link or whatever and I got in. thanks!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
Kiko shoulder?
“Reported” (yes, I know the nature of the site) on mlbtr.
Maybe why we haven’t signed him?
If true, I’m glad to stay away.
Play ball!
sing wang!!!!
that’s what she said?
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
that only really works in pornographic opera.
so it’s kinda a niche TWSS…
RELEASE THE CENTIQUID!!!!
by Felonius_Monk on Feb 15, 2010 7:14 AM EST up reply actions
pretty cool documentary
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3782714159668044191#
it’s about space and dark matter
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Feb 13, 2010 10:15 PM EST reply actions
Fascinating
I’ve been more interested in the Carl Sagan and Kaku, but very cool.
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)
hey, it's saturday night
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
i don't get it
does this imply something outside of basement world?
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
an olympic skier just did moguls on a bum ACL
thought you might be interested
by brackenthebox on Feb 13, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
apollo yoko ono
passed eric heiden in medals with a silver. 19 yr. old american took bronze. just so ya know.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
http://www.youtubedoubler.com/?video1=http://www.youtube.com/v/aEiWoWoM4R0&start1=0&video2=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz6pck2cDiA&start2=
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
lemme try again
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 13, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
how did i fail that twice?
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 14, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
I bought Dragon Age: Origins this evening
and somehow lost track of the last 4 hours of my life.
Think; It's not illegal yet.
40 hours I think you meant
What are you? Human, Elf, Dwarf? Fighter, Mage…?
by FlimtotheFlam on Feb 14, 2010 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
elf mage
really just getting started though. I’m finally acclimated to the interface and really starting to get into it. I’m just glad I have Monday off work.
Think; It's not illegal yet.
my first character was an elf mage
i wanted to do a rogue and a warrior after that, but i can’t wait to do a mage build again. totally going blood mage/arcane this time.
if i ever get time
i want to play this game
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 14, 2010 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
I just got Mass Effect 2
A bit late I know, looking forward to starting that.
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)
i figured it would
"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
by prophetjohn on Feb 14, 2010 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
Pretty hard to match the first 1 though.
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)
I heard it was a pretty fun game.
"What's your favorite Chuck Palahniuk book?"
"I like the one about the alienated character who finds the socially unacceptable way of coping with modernity."
if i had a nickel for every penny post...
my life wouldn’t change at all.
"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."
fantasy baseball league for Cardinal fans
yahoo league id: 217035
password: 2010
by stuck.in.ASTROS.land on Feb 14, 2010 11:15 PM EST reply actions
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