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Anatomy of a Curveball

Hello everybody, with Dan on vacation the VEB higher ups were kind enough to ask if I would be willing to pinch hit for a day.  I jumped at the chance to put some analysis in front of you guys.

As a quick comment on yesterday’s game, here is a chart on run distributions comparing 2009 and 2010 actual runs scored.

Run_distro_medium

Clearly these are actual data points and don’t necessarily speak to true talent; however, it does confirm the common talking points.  Yes the offense is scuffling.  Yes the Cards have been shutout or held to one runs more frequently than last year.  That being said that graph even looks "flukey" (and I'd venture to say not representative of the true talent of our offense).  Hopefully the guys will get if figured out.

Being the optimist that I am I wanted to talk about something a little more uplifting though, Adam Wainwright’s curveball.  I’ve always been fascinated by good 12-6 curveball be it Darryl Kile’s, Matt Morris’, Wainwright’s, or Carpenter's, but I haven’t put much analytical effort behind what makes them effective.

Star-divide

Before I dig into the details I need to familiarize you with a one metric I’ll use throughout.

Rv100 – this is the same (more or less) as the pitch type run values on Fangraphs scaled to 100 pitches.  It accounts for the run values of transitioning between counts (i.e. balls or strike) as well as the run values of balls in play.

Now on to the analysis.  Generally when it comes to curveballs, I’d say there are two primary variables that are likely to impact its results, movement and location, and a few other variables, i.e. sequencing, that will have an effect as well. I’ll tackle each of these elements individually and see what we can learn.

Here is a chart that shows Adam’s vertical and horizontal movement for his curveball along with the MLB average from an article by Harry Pavlidis

 All_curves_medium

 The chart shows that Adam has well above average vertical movement (as is obvious to anyone that has watched him pitch) to go along with well above average horizontal movement.  This chart clearly doesn’t say anything about how that movement does or does not make him successful though.  For that we need to turn to the Rv100 associated with various levels of movement.  Unfortunately I’m not an expert at using Loess regression and creating the heat maps a la Dave Allen or Jeremy Greenhouse so I’ll simply be looking at each dimension separately.  First vertical movement

 Vert_move_medium

I apologize for the size of the charts, but you can click on any of them to get a larger view.

The chart plots the vertical movement on the y-axis and Rv100 on the x.  For this and the rest of the charts negative runs are good (i.e. runs saved).  The chart is broken up into all pitches in the left chart and swings only in the right.  The separate lines represent the handedness of the batter.  It appears that against LH hitters the more vertical movement the better, but he has been more successful against RH hitters with a sharper curve.  These conclusions are independent of whether the batter swings or not as the curves are shaped nearly identical, just with differing magnitudes.  It appears that Wainwright is at least subconsciously aware of these dynamics as his frequency distributions lean towards the more effective break patterns.  He throws an extra ~5% of pitches with with more than 10 inches of vertical break to lefties than righties.

 Moving on to horizontal movement.  Here is a similar chart to the previous one only movement in now on the x axis with the run values on the y.

 Horizontal_mvmnt_medium

 Note the different vertical scales on the two charts.  These charts feel fairly intuitive to me, when getting swings it is helpful to have the pitch moving away from a RH hitter (large horizontal movement) and not moving in too much to a LH hitter (small horizontal movement).  It appears this is balanced out somewhat by the difficulty of keeping these pitches in the strike zone (difference between the swing graph and the all graph).  

Clearly movement isn't everything as a sharp breaking ball that always bounces or is always belt high isn't going to be extremely useful.  With that in mind let's look at how Adam does when he spots his curve in various locations, first by vertical location.

 

Vert_location_medium

And then by horizontal location

Hori_location_medium

The takeaway from these charts for me is that overall his curve has good value when in the zone and bad values when outside the zone (with the exception of out of the zone away to RHB).  In general his curve has been better when away from righties and when inside to lefties.  This isn’t too surprising as it seems like a lot of strikeouts against lefties are curves that he buries at their feet on the inner half.

One final interesting piece of information is pitch sequencing.  The following table summarizes his results after various pitches

prev pitch rv100
FB -3.72
CU -1.97
SL -2.5
CH -1.7

 

It appears that his curve is best after the harder stuff (FB, SL) than after the slower stuff.

Those are the big things that I found when I dove into Adam’s curve.  Most of it is fairly intuitive and matches what my eyes are telling me, which to me somewhat validates the data coming out.  Hopefully you found it at least a little interesting and picked up a couple of new pieces of information.

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Great stuff, Steve.

And thanks for pitching in to help. (Get it? Pitching in? I’ll be here all week.)

Something I would be interested in seeing is a comparison of Chris Carpenter’s curve to Adam’s, from the angle of the effectiveness in vs. out of the zone. You said yourself Adam’s curve works better in the zone than out, and that makes sense both logically and anecdotally. Just picturing in my mind’s eye, though, I seem to see more of Carp’s curves being swung at in the dirt and not quite as many thrown in the strike zone. He throws some for strikes, of course, but Carp seems to throw hard stuff in the zone and then bounce a curve late in the count than what Wainwright does.

I could be entirely wrong, of course, but it certainly seems to me those are the usage patterns of the two respective hurlers.

Semper fidelis tyrannosaurus!

by the red baron on Jul 30, 2010 8:02 AM EDT reply actions  

Thank

That would be interesting. I initially wanted to do both of their curves, but I ran out of time.

by stevesommer05 on Jul 30, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

As someone who hasn't seen much analysis like this
The takeaway from these charts for me is that overall his curve has good value when in the zone and bad values when outside the zone

I’d imagine that’s true of most pitchers and pitches, given that you’re including run values from count transitions. Particularly given that the trend is much more obvious in the horizontal dimension, where a curve ball seems less likely to elicit a lot of swings outside the zone (compared to below the strike zone). Is this more true of Wainwright’s curve than it is of his other pitches, or of league-wide curve balls?

Either way, fun stuff. Thanks for the post.

by brackenthebox on Jul 30, 2010 8:21 AM EDT reply actions  

I'd think it to be pretty globally true too

I should have also said that I was referencing “in the zone horizontally” as there is probably more utility going out of the zone vertically as you state and the charts show. It is interesting to note that he really doesn’t get too many swings outside of the zone horizontally.

I don’t have my database at work so I can’t speak to league wide curve balls right now.

by stevesommer05 on Jul 30, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

You noted

the above average horizontal movement. Wouldn’t a “true” 12-6 curve (in theory) be less effective outside the zone horizontally because of the whole breaking across 1 plane instead of 2 planes thing?

by WyoCardsFan on Jul 30, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'd say that's probably right theoretically

We’d have to find the closest thing to a 12-6 and see what that looks like

by stevesommer05 on Jul 30, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

This is wonderful.

I greatly enjoyed it. Thanks, Steve.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 9:19 AM EDT reply actions  

Great Job!

As a person who usually doesn’t read analysis (mostly because I’m not familiar with the matrices/forumlas used), this was one of the more interesting pieces I’ve read. Fantastic.

And bgh… you’re Waino quote is maybe one of the greatest athletic quote ever.

Mike Shannon: "That strikeout was brought to you by...by...well, I don't know what it was brought to you by!"

John Rooney: "It wasn't brought to you by anything Mike."

by SheckieZx on Jul 30, 2010 10:09 AM EDT reply actions  

+1

"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker on Jason Motte
STOP TRYING TO TRADE SHELBY MILLER!!

by BVHeck on Jul 30, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is great stuff Steve.

It’s interesting that his horizontal location is nearly identical, no matter the handedness.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 10:20 AM EDT reply actions  

On horizontal location

are these the kind of graph where we can imagine things from the catcher’s POV?

Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.

by mattybobo on Jul 30, 2010 10:28 AM EDT reply actions  

It's OK

I kind of assume it by now, and it appears to be the standard.

Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.

by mattybobo on Jul 30, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

wow, tons of info

Thanks!

If you ever do another entry, I’d love to see your initial data on run scored shown against successful teams (either something like the Yankees or say the 2004 and 2005 cards).

by sdrone on Jul 30, 2010 10:29 AM EDT reply actions  

The most interesting thing to me

Is that the curve seems to be effective against righties even high in the zone.

The blue line doesn’t cross zero until it’s out of the strike zone, so that’s gotta be more a result of being called a ball than becoming a line drive.
Take away = There is no hanger

Of course the big problem with this sort of analysis, which you bring up in the end, is that looking at single pitches in a vacuum is tough. A pitch squarely in the positive rv100 range in each metric could be a good pitch on an 0-2 count against Jeff Francoeur.

by bobohilario on Jul 30, 2010 10:38 AM EDT reply actions  

soup's start pushed back?

i thought he was supposed to start today. carp’s starting instead, with soup tomorrow.

by zoomzoomj88 on Jul 30, 2010 10:57 AM EDT reply actions  

Too bad

Carp can’t pitch today AND take Soup’s start tomorrow…

by saladdays on Jul 30, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sure Mr. Radbourn agrees with you

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Both

Although, once the hit ball has traveled as far out as it’s momentum can carry it, the ball will curve downward. Soup’s never gets to that point.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm guessing the answer to that question is a resounding...

…Yes.

VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009

by redbirdnation8206 on Jul 30, 2010 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Maybe this means Jake Westbrook will start tomorrow.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

don't tease me man, don't tease

I would so love to see Westbrook

I am pleasantly pleased, thankyouverymuch

by mattyfrommo on Jul 30, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

welcome Aaron Cook!

Your new St. Louis Cardinal! Traded for Eduardo Sanchez and random A ball player.

by Willie McGee's Twin on Jul 30, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Source?

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

the MLBTR article

that says the rockies are unlikely to trade cook

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

....

…ew.

"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker on Jason Motte
STOP TRYING TO TRADE SHELBY MILLER!!

by BVHeck on Jul 30, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

good news for me!

I am going to be section 161, row H….I wish they were playing somebody better than the Pirates and really hope I don’t have to look at Miles at 3B all night (or at all)

Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")

by STLRegalia on Jul 30, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

then

1. have fun
2. take pictures
3. share pictures
4. profit

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

I will be combining FB mobile uploads from my LG Dare

& numerous pictures from our Samsung (whatever the one with the screen on front is called)

my wife is sad that we won’t be on the 1B side so she can stare at Albert’s behind all night

Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")

by STLRegalia on Jul 30, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

i continue to be amazed about the conversations you have with your wives

anyway, on the 3B side though, you can look right into our dugout and that is way more interesting than albert’s behind (waino and random cardinal dances, boog antics and of course carp)

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

I tried the whole wives thing, but ended up settling on one

everything I say about my wife I say to her face too, so sometimes people are always thrown back a bit when they meet us as a couple for the first time

The zoom isn’t great on the Samsung, but I’m hoping to be able to zoom in on there pretty good. I’m tempted to bring a glove for possible foul line drives, but my inner manly-man won’t let me do it.

Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")

by STLRegalia on Jul 30, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

that's what I keep telling myself

Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")

by STLRegalia on Jul 30, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's what I always tell myself too

When I go to games I am torn between really wanting to catch a foul ball and really not wanting to hurt my hand to do it. My wife was lucky enough to literally have a Yadi foul ball bounce into her purse. So not fair.

Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.

by mattybobo on Jul 30, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

bring a purse to the game then

your inner manly-man is not challenged by a glove
problem solved

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

If it's made of leather it's kind of like a glove!

Problem solved!
Actually I have brought a glove before, and then regretted having to carry it around. So no more gloves.

Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.

by mattybobo on Jul 30, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

put it in your wife's purse

do i have to teach you everything?

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's not a purse, it's a European shoulder bag.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Otherwise called a murse.

Baseball's only fun if you're playing it, watching it, or thinking about it.

by Eckstreem on Jul 30, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

So I had a buddy with a shoulder bag he got in South America

My other two buddies went up to visit him at his school in western Pennsylvania (I was unable to go). They made fun of him mercilessly for his man purse. “It’s not a purse!” etc. etc.
So they decide to drive to see Niagara Falls. Both sides of the border, just for fun. He took his “man bag” and put it in the trunk of the car.
On one of their border crossings, they get a standard vehicle search. The security lady apparently got visibly nervous and upset and asked in a hurried tone, “Whose purse is this???”
They then had to explain that they had not, in fact, robbed or murdered any women that day and stolen their purse, and it was, in fact, their friend’s purse… er, bag.

Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.

by mattybobo on Jul 30, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

let me guess

he never carried that thing again

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

I almost always take a glove

I’ve never gotten the chance to use it, however.

by ArkansasTravs on Jul 30, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

damn

i just realized that i that this morning i answered the you wanna go see a movie after work question with yes. well craptastic. what do my chances for a rain delay look like?

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 5:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

awesome stuff, steve. That curve truly is a thing of beauty

please come back and contribute some more FP posts if you have the time and inclination.

On a separate note, BP now has Cincy’s playoff odds about 20 points higher than Cards’ odds. What do fellow VEBers think about our playoff hopes? To be honest, for the first time this season I feel like there’s a real chance, even a very good chance, we won’t make the playoffs. Cincy just doesn’t seem to be losing steam like many of us thought they would. Anyway, that’s not an entirely bad thing…I think to some degree I’ll now be able to relax a little more and try to just enjoy watching the games, rather than constantly worrying about the postseason. Of course, playing the Pirates does have a way of brightening one’s outlook. If we sweep, I might be right back in high-intensity playoff mode

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 11:21 AM EDT reply actions  

unless Freese & Lohse are back AND productive in two weeks

I don’t have much hope

"They're so stunned they didn't even boo!"
John Rooney 5/3/10 referring to Philly fans on Cards 5-run 7th inning

by gocards62 on Jul 30, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

I haven't heard any updates on Freese

for aboot a week now. Anyone heard anything for a return date?

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions  

How sweet would it be if we had a

rotation of Waino, Carp, Garcia, Penny, and Lohse?

by WyoCardsFan on Jul 30, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Wait a minute....

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

it'd be like trading for a rotation...

"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker on Jason Motte
STOP TRYING TO TRADE SHELBY MILLER!!

by BVHeck on Jul 30, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks

This is probably where I’m supposed to put the obligatory plug to PAH9 :)

by stevesommer05 on Jul 30, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

BP as in Baseball Prospectus or British Petroleum? I wouldn't trust British Petroleum's numbers if I were you....

I just looked at BP’s latest report and it puts the Cards’ playoff odds at 62% and the Reds at 58%. Pecota-adjusted is even more in favor of the Cards. What numbers are you referencing?

by Willie McGee's Twin on Jul 30, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

wow, you're right

was just one off on the columns because the site has kind of crappy formatting. Even though that still doesn’t entirely change my position, just giving this team the eyeball test and recognizing how lackluster they seem.

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

my lack of sleep and somewhat diminshed mental capacity this morning are

showing. On a somewhat related note, if anyone is going to be in NYC, definitely check out The Frying Pan…pretty kickass bar.

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions  

where's the frying pan?

i know nyc well – might know the place that used to be there.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Jul 30, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Frying Pan is at pier 66 on the West Side, out on the Hudson River

close to Chelsea, if that’s easier. It’s an old boat they just floated out there, then connected a bunch of smaller crazy old boats and tugboats to. You can go from one to another, climb winding staircases and ladders up to second and third levels of the boats, go down in different engine rooms where they have dance floors or ping pong tables…basically just explore all over the place, and there are small bars spaced out so you can get a drink anytime. And it’s not even expensive for a NY bar, actually a little on the cheaper side even.

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

i lived 10 years in murray hill and cpw

used to play ball at the chelsea piers complex. there was a restaurant around where you are talking, a big place that a friend of mine took over. it was right on the water off the west side hwy. definitely not the easiest place to get to – probably why it kept changing hands. the old boat sounds cool. are there still a few makeshift houseboats people are living on there? there was a semi-famous louisiana musical family that built a houseboat and traveled it all the way to nyc – they were living on it and playing in various bars and clubs, got a lot of press, and had been there for years.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Jul 30, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

hmmm..no, didn't see any of the houseboats

I’m actually living in Midtown East and make my way the few blocks down to the Murray Hill area quite a bit. Not a bad area in its own right. CPW sounds nice as well. Probably expensive as hell, but nice.

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't know if it's lackluster or just inconsistency mixed with a little bit of boring-ness and frustration at poor roster management

Though they just reeled off a streak (undercutting my point, of course), it’s going to be hard for this team to win games for a sustained period at .700 because of the two replacement-level pitchers, and the numerous black-holes in the hitting lineup. Even when we shouldn’t have black holes, TLR creates them by starting Miles over Greene at 2b.

by Willie McGee's Twin on Jul 30, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

well yeah, there's definitely some inconsistency

which makes it all the more frustrating having seen how well this team is capable of playing

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think we will continue to see the same inconsistency

If Cincy falls apart there is a chance. I don’t think that will happen unless someone is injured. It would sure help if we had our regular pitching rotation.

Oh, I hold out one small hope. My friend in Atlanta has guaranteed the Braves will take the series from Cincy this weekend. FWIW

"I told myself from the very beginning: 'If he's going to throw a shutout, then he's going to tie,'" Wainwright said. "He was not going to beat me today."

by spfldbird on Jul 30, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is your friend a descendant of Arnold Rothstein?

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

nostradamus

"I told myself from the very beginning: 'If he's going to throw a shutout, then he's going to tie,'" Wainwright said. "He was not going to beat me today."

by spfldbird on Jul 30, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

August will be the tell-all

As an article on the P-D yesterday pointed out, our August schedule is much softer than Cinci’s. (it flips in September). If we are going to win the division, we have to build a bit of a lead this coming month.

by ArkansasTravs on Jul 30, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't understand how BPro gets those numbers

Cincy is .5 games ahead of us in the standings, but our preseason projections were much higher. So if we are in a virtual tie for the division lead, have played just as well as the Reds have this year, and our preseason projections are higher, we should have higher odds.

Actually, I think you are misreading those numbers.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php

IF you look at the original version, which looks at playoff odds using each teams 3rd order winning percentage regressed to the mean, the Reds are about 3% favorites. If you look at the PECOTA adjusted version, which regresses each teams 3rd order wins to their preseason projections, the Cardinals are big favorites.

by vivaelpujols on Jul 30, 2010 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

pct3 is third order win%?

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

I guess so

It’s basically a winning percentage derived from components (strikeouts, walks, singles, doubles, triples, etc.) and adjusted by strength of schedule. It’s actually pretty good, one of the few things that BPro has actually contributed to the cause in the past few years. I still like BtB’s better

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2010/7/29/1594404/btb-power-rankings-week-17-the-one#comments

Go down to the first table and look at cW%s – that’s the non league adjusted number. Cards are better than the Reds by that.

by vivaelpujols on Jul 30, 2010 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

well, my point is

the cards are a hair better in the pct3 column, also

thanks for the link, though. i didn’t really know what it was

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

When I was done reading this,

I felt like that little neighbor kid in The Incredibles. Mr. Incredible lifts up the car and the neighbor kid was sitting there on his tricycle. After Mr. Incredible sets the car down sheepishly, the kid goes, “That was AWESOME!”.

That was awesome, Steve.

Silly humans, this world is for robots.

by azruavatar on Jul 30, 2010 11:26 AM EDT reply actions   1 recs

Memphis

So, yesterday, the Stavinfection went 1-for-4 with a triple!? Does anyone know how this occurred? I assume that the right fielder simply slipped, fell (breaking his foot), and leaving the ball to be retrieved by the center fielder…

Oh, and some fellow named Allen Craig went 3-for-5 with 3 doubles.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 11:43 AM EDT reply actions  

Wow that Craig

guy sounds like someone we might want to take a look at.

by WyoCardsFan on Jul 30, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions   2 recs

Man, sometimes I wish stuff made sense.

Craig should be on the roster; he’s got nothing left to do at Memphis. And I don’t want to hear the bullshit about “needing regular at bats” as a reason for staying down. Yes, Craig needs at bats, but he needs them UP HERE IN ST. LOUIS, WHERE HE COULD BE HELPING THE CARDINALS RIGHT FUCKING NOW, rather than wasting the ABs on Winn or Miles or whatever godawful washed-up retread TLR “covets” this week. Don’t tell me that, given the way Tony shuffles the lineup, Craig couldn’t pick up 350-400 plate appearances over a season. I know Craig’s not going to be a .950 OPS guy, but I think he’s significantly better than some of the options we’re seeing out there 2-3 times a week.

(Author’s note: I’m aware there’s a good case to be made that Randy Winn is not, in fact, a “godawful washed-up retread.” I wanted to say Stavinoha, but he’s currently taking Memphis at bats away from Craig, potentially at least, and I didn’t want to spew at someone who wasn’t on the MLB team. Winn was next in line. Please don’t hate me, Winn-defenders.)

by dronemc on Jul 30, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm the resident Winn defender

And Craig should probably be on the team over Winn. Winn is redundant with Jay.

Not afraid to nitpick

by joker24 on Jul 30, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

But Winn is a switch-hitter!

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Correction....

Winn is a switch batter.

He doesnt hit from the right side.

by mick311 on Jul 30, 2010 2:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

You know,

I’ve heard Rooney calling a lot of folks recently (both Cards and whomever we’re playing) switch-batters instead of hitters.

by ArkansasTravs on Jul 30, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

are you saying mick311 is John Rooney???

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

mick311 is Rooney....Rooney is mick311...Rooney's a MAN!!

/insert crying game theme music

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

/AceVenturascene

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Let's see that again--in instant replay!

Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.

by mattybobo on Jul 30, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

hmm i forgot about winn.

maybe we do have room for jay and craig

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Exactly.

Except Winn is capable of standing in either batter’s box.

If the organization would let Craig play third, then you might be able to keep all three and cut loose AFM (except he also can stand in either batter’s box).

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

at this point, i see no good reason AT ALL not to at least let him TRY!

what is ONE GAME??? come on people! at least put him in at third for a few games in memphis. what is the big fucking deal?!?! are you listening to me memphis manager???? make it happen!

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

i love me some craig

but is there really room for him AND jay up here right now? i want to see one of them traded for a MIF. even though i do love them both. and i would say trade you know who, but RFLDNAOATTRLT.

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

no way mang

but the fact is we have 3 really good players and only one RF spot. jay’s trade value will probably never be higher. we have to do something. i was hoping freese would come back and lopex could play 2b and all would be right with the world, but that is not looking good. at this point, maybe we need a 3B.

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

It really does all depend on Freese,

and I’m somewhat concerned that we’ve heard nothing in the last week aboot his progress.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

That they said would be healed

before his ankle. Just saying that we are in the time frame now of when they said he should be coming back, and we’ve heard nothing.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

What 3B are available even?

The only one that comes to mind is Wigginton

And that…just… no

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

spose the Nats would flip

Zman for the miles/stav package?

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

They might want Suppan too, just to have the whole set.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

probably

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

if you think about it though, we would be getting a 3B to allow lopex to move to second.

so all we need is a 3B that is offensively better than schumaker/miles. there have to be plenty of those.

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Last 14 days, Skip is at .321/.406/.500

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Relevant!

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

interesting.

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Craig can play first

And Albert seems like he could use a few days off…

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

i never did like the argument that we need him to get playing time

its clear the FO doesn’t value Craig very highly and probably don’t see him as a future starter, which is literally the only reason to keep him in AAA

Rasmus can hit lefties
cardinalred
St. Louis Sports blog

by stlcardsfan4 on Jul 30, 2010 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

In honor of Stavinoha's hit

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

for mo!

this thread is all Aaron Mile's fault.

by Evilfrog on Jul 30, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

THREE DOUBLES???

TOWEL

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

I love these kind of posts, but I'll admit one thing always confuses me

the swings are total swings, not just swings and misses, right?

I am pleasantly pleased, thankyouverymuch

by mattyfrommo on Jul 30, 2010 12:08 PM EDT reply actions  

What do you mean, "these kind of posts?"

That’s kind of closed-minded, don’t you think?

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

and they're shitty drivers.

"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"

by rocKStark5 on Jul 30, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions   3 recs

DEH TOOK ER JABS

"What exactly is that thing? A pessimism meter?" - Bruce McCurdy

by hazel on Jul 30, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

JABS

In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)

by Taskmaster on Jul 30, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

LOL

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

thanks for the hard work steve

very interesting from the start of the post with the run distribution graph to the interesting angle on wainwright’s curve, very in depth and dare I say it, advanced! there’s a ton of information in there.

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 12:18 PM EDT reply actions  

it seems VEB is suffering from trade deadline paralysis

as well as losing 2 of 3 to both the cubs and mets paralysis. ugh.

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 12:19 PM EDT reply actions  

that's what I said I was doing

Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")

by STLRegalia on Jul 30, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I didn't even pretend to do work

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't usually either,

but sometimes I have to come up with physical evidence.

by WyoCardsFan on Jul 30, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

I charge my time to: The Red Baron

Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")

by STLRegalia on Jul 30, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

That much pizza will kill you man.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Are fanposts where the non-sabermetrically inclined people hang out now?

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 1:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Everybody needs a home.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

fixed

Everybody needs a home basement.

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's getting bad....

There’s some really good stuff that’s getting overrun by what should be fanshots.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

or what should just

stay at the P-D

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

at the same time

it’s a little off putting to see people automatically denigrate a post because it’s not all graphs and numbers. Not that I think it’s a realistic possibility, but I’d hate for this place to turn into a fanblog as up its own ass as, say, LL.

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

I don't think that's what he's saying at all

There have been two fan post in the last day that are nothing but a paragraph’s worth of rant. You don’t need graphs to have a worthy fanposts, simply coherent thought and analysis that other people could learn something from.

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

come on, one is basically a hot stove post

that’s legit. It could have been much better with some more analysis, but I see this as first and foremost a fan blog, not a sabermetrics blog. In light of this, I think contribution should be encouraged, not discouraged (as could very well be the effect of having commenters immediately opining that fanposts should contain “sabermetrics”). Rec the good fanposts, ignore the bad ones, and it’ll all work out in the end.

by mattyp on Jul 30, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Yes contribution should be encouraged

so should critical thinking. Those two fanposts are nothing more than what a normal Cardinals fan might think on a daily basis. Tell me something I don’t already know or might not have already thought about 10 times today. And for the record, I have no problem with posts devoid of Sabermetrics, but those two posts could very easily be have been made into fanshots.

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?

Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")

by STLRegalia on Jul 30, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

ah

i see what you did there

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

yes

but if no one is around to hear that tree fall…

by zoomzoomj88 on Jul 30, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

this would solve a lot of confusion

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

So it's all a tagline issue?

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's the perfect tagline we've been looking for

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

It seems that the graph of quality of fanposts would look a lot like our run production graph from 0-5

A reverse bell curve

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

The fact that we are actively pursuing another pitcher

I suppose means that Penny is not going to be back anytime soon? I mean, I know we were in on Oswalt at the beginning, but then dropped out, and then were back in (or so reports say). If true, does that mean that we learned something about Penny (or maybe even Lohse) that would have made us back in on Oswalt at the last minute?

by saladdays on Jul 30, 2010 1:04 PM EDT reply actions  

there has to be something wrong with Penny other than that injury from the home run

although if that is some kind of career ending injury, at least he went out in high style

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

How much was that GS worth?

Gotta be the most expensive HR in history.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

sure was cool though,

huh?

this thread is all Aaron Mile's fault.

by Evilfrog on Jul 30, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'd settle for a little less cool and a lot more of Penny's pitching.

/moot point

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

If that's it...

…I wonder if he’d be the only pitcher who’s last ever action in MLB was hitting a Grand Slam.

by dronemc on Jul 30, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

just remember

he got injured the game before. so it’s not quite so heroic as it sounds.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Jul 31, 2010 5:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

im not really so sure how hard they are actively pursuing another pitcher though.

I felt like a lot of the Oswalt rumors were a result of Oswalt himself saying he wanted to play here. The money and prospects needed to actually get the deal done always looked like a long shot to me. I wish we would get a pitcher and with the injuries we have had I really feel like we should of traded for a pitcher a month ago. But with the trade deadline just a day away there really don’t even seem to be that many half-way decent rumors out there about us getting someone.

by mick311 on Jul 30, 2010 1:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

I don't hear any rumors either

and I have actually been paying attention to Ken Rosenthal twitter.

"I told myself from the very beginning: 'If he's going to throw a shutout, then he's going to tie,'" Wainwright said. "He was not going to beat me today."

by spfldbird on Jul 30, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well...

I just read somewhere that on some XM show they were talking to a Houston sportswriter who said that the Oswalt camp was annoyed with the Astros because they felt that the Cardinals offered Houston a better package than what Philly gave up, so they were angry Roy couldn’t go to his first choice.

Take that for what its worth, I really have no clue about the validity of the source.

by oplaid on Jul 30, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Getting Oswalt out of the division probably had much to do with that.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

What do they care...

they’re still not going to be competitive next year, and the option for 2012 was not likely to be picked up…you do the best thing to improve your team for 2012+ when you will actually be competitive again.

If you see a guy open the car door for his girlfriend, either the car is new or the girlfriend is.

by cardzfanbub on Jul 30, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's Houston. They care.

Even if it seems irrational, McLane cares.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

point taken.

If you see a guy open the car door for his girlfriend, either the car is new or the girlfriend is.

by cardzfanbub on Jul 30, 2010 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

here's a few drink recipes that might be of interest to some here

from a st. louis-style bbq joint in new orleans. might help get you through some games. and of course, there’s bacon:

http://www.squeal-nola.com/Squeal-s-Signature-Cocktails.html

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Jul 30, 2010 1:12 PM EDT reply actions  

I happen to have aboot 5 lbs of that in my freezer right now......

dry cured it, then soaked it in bourbon and brown sugar before I smoked it. It’s reeeeeeaaaaaaalllllly good.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

you'd probably like the "glazed ham" drink i linked to above

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Jul 30, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

That one sounds awesome

Cardinals Baseball 2010: Why have only one 25th man when you can have four?

by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on Jul 30, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

That gives me shivers just reading it.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hudson is a good return for Jackson

and this Holmberg guy could turn out to be a decent player.
Might be a bad strategy though to have all this FB pitchers in their stadium.

I am the Batman .
@CodeeG

by CodyG on Jul 30, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

There were talks of a three-team deal, involving Chicago, Arizona, and Washington.

Perhaps Kenny Williams just decided to acquire Jackson and flip him in a deal for Dunn.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

hmm...

Kurkjian of ESPN reporting Nats told him directly they are NOT trading Dunn to Sox for Edwin Jackson

I am the Batman .
@CodeeG

by CodyG on Jul 30, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, then, our speculation is incorrect.

Perhaps, Williams would include more than just Jackson…

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

chase field is a hitter's park, though.

and he DID throw that no-hitter…

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

It only took 230 pitches!

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ken Williams guaranteed Jackson he'll be limited to 180 per game.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't think that contract was terrible

but it sucks he’s been hurt a lot that’s for sure

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

we paid him to replicate his career year four times

which is a problem.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Only in 08 and this year did he have good FIP (and this year his xFIP is probably much more relevant)

Over the last 2 years he’s been worth a total 1.5 WAR and thus worth about $6.5 mil over those 2 years. Being generous let’s say he comes back and is worth over 1 WAR over the rest of this year. That makes it maybe $11 million of value over 2 years of a $10 mil per year contract. Not exactly what you want.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

But the other problem is that he just ain't that good (career 4.51 fip)

Guys who start out sucking and become great, a la Carp, aren’t that common, and you can’t pay a guy for four good years after he’s only had one good year in his 8-year career.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

A league average pitcher (I think he's slightly above) with no history of injury problems at all

Is pretty valuable

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I suppose I've underrated that.He's about a 2 WAR player, so we're only overpaying him by 1-2 mil, I suppose.

but then, he’s also 32 and theoretically could be declining…even without the injuries which we couldn’t have anticipated.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's a good reason

and his tERAs have dropped (due to more GBs) with the Cards, but not enough to justify the contract, I think.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah

I was just thinking about your point on the career year.

basically I feel like they overpaid a bit, but it’s not as big a deal as people are making out of it. it IS very frustrating that he’s been hurt though, since that’s a big reason we gave him all the dough.

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

2008 was lohse' second best year by fWAR

and the third where he’s accumulated ~3 WAR

since 2002, he’s averaging about 2.5 WAR. sorry, but i’ll take that pitcher

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Okay

I’ve been underrating him (and I somehow missed 2002, doh!); you’re right, he’s been worth about 2.4 WAR per 200 IP, which is worth $10 mil. He’d be worth it if not for the injuries. Well done.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I saw this in Bernie's article a little while ago...

The forearm injury, which was a fluke, changed everything. Before the injury, Lohse was 19-9 with a 3.82 ERA. After the injury: 3-11, 5.61.

I don’t think it was a good contract. Putting that aside, I would like to see a healthy Lohse perform before I crack on him for his poor performance.

by Willie McGee's Twin on Jul 30, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

By "a healthy Lohse", do you mean the mediocre Lohse of 2001-2007

or the good Lohse of 2008?
That’s the issue here. While I agree that injury has tainted his Cardinals career, I don’t buy the hypothesis that he would’ve kept being good for the duration of the contract.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

No, I mean a healthy Lohse for 2010

What is the point in making it either the “2008 Lohse” or the “2001-2007”? Those are false choices, as even if I wanted to project his performance, it’d be weighted, with 2008 being the most relevant individual year, especially since post-injury 2009 and 2010 data is tainted.

So, like I said, I look forward to watching him pitch when he’s healthy. I don’t expect 2008, but I expect him to be better than Suppan and Hawksworth, which woould be nice.

by Willie McGee's Twin on Jul 30, 2010 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

god, let's hope he's better than those two

i think i’ve stuck up for the guy more than anyone, and now would be a really good time to deserve it.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Jul 31, 2010 5:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

I mainly hate it

b/c now I can’t make fun of the Brewers for giving Suppan the same deal.

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 30, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Both were 4/40

for mediocrity. Known mediocrity at that.

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 30, 2010 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

idk

using three simple things

career FIP
Lohse – 4.51
Suppan – 4.78

Previous Year (cause both were coming of career years)
Lohse – 3.89
Suppan – 4.70

Age when deal was signed
Lohse – 29 (33 when it ends)
Suppan – 31 (35 when it ends)

And Suppan was relatively the same pitcher as his career was but Lohse was noticeably better under Dave Duncan…. i don’t think it compares

Rasmus can hit lefties
cardinalred
St. Louis Sports blog

by stlcardsfan4 on Jul 31, 2010 3:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

You can leep thinking Kyle Lohse is a good pitcher if you want to.

Good luck with that.

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 31, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions  

there's more to that gem of an article

the title is “The Misadventures of Kyle Lohse & His Many Dirtbikes”
go check it out

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

strauss reporting according to Bernies show

That the cards are interested in Westbrook and Aaron Cook

by mick311 on Jul 30, 2010 1:34 PM EDT via mobile reply actions  

those were the two guys bernie mentioned

Strauss is suppose to be on at 1pm with updates. Apparently the Cook thing seems to be gaining a little steam, cards would only trade for him if COL picks up most of his big contract. He is ideal for Dunc though. Bernie was also saying that the Cards may likely just stay put bc MO thinks a lot of guys like Westbrook, Cook, or Lilly could just be available off waivers

by mick311 on Jul 30, 2010 1:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

I would be a little disapointed if we end up with Cook

as our deadline deal. I bet he would quickly take over as a most hated Cardinal on here after he doesn’t pitch that much better than Suppan. Plus his contract (if the Cards have to take on a large sum of it)…would not be good.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

why

would he not pitch much better than suppan? he’s basically the same player as westbrook and he’s had flashes of brilliance in his career, i imagine that duncan woul dlike that 57% GB rate, too

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

if he makes 200 IP

he’s a 2.3 WAR pitcher assuming non improvement from duncan’s tutelage. suppan is a replacement level pitcher at best

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why

would he pitch much better than Suppan? Yeah he would a little bit of an upgrade but not enough to take on his contract…..if we had to take on a large portion of it.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

why would he pitch better than suppan?

because he is a better pitcher and as proven that with his track record. i agree about his contract, but i didn’t know we were talking about that. i was taking issue with this statement

he would quickly take over as a most hated Cardinal on here after he doesn’t pitch that much better than Suppan.

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

One thing though

if he got the same run support Suppan has had it won’t matter. It would just be taking on another contract.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

by that logic

why trade for anyone? just keep rolling suppan out there since run support is so predictive

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good point

Let’s get him and see what happens.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

how 'bout maholm

i’d rather have him

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

He would be hated around here

if he is our big deadline deal and he gives up 4+ runs a game and thus isn’t that much better than Suppan. Fair or not. Maybe he could suprise…who knows. I just would like to see the Cards aim a little higher if they are going to take on a contract for next year as well.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

he's averaging just over 3 runs per start

i don’t the irrationality of the fan base is a good argument for not improving the team

i also think anyone who was expecting a trade deadline deal of the magnitude of holliday again this year was being unrealistic

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

oddly

he’s averaging almost exactly pi runs per start

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

wait, that's westbrook

cook

3.2 runs per start for cook

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

At this point we need help so Westbrook or Cook

would be big for this team.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

You won me over

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

dude

Suppan’s got a 6.18 FIP… no fucking way he pitches just a little bit better than Suppan

this would change our team dramatically for the better – Hawk goes back to bullpen when Lohse comes back (although I can live with Hawk as 5th starter if need be if Lohse is in rotation too)

Rasmus can hit lefties
cardinalred
St. Louis Sports blog

by stlcardsfan4 on Jul 30, 2010 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

if we got nelson in the deal

i wouldn’t care how cook performed.

"Some days I feel like the hypotenuse in a love triangle; others as if my lucky number is pi."

by cardball on Jul 31, 2010 5:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

Great post Steve

The aside to begin the post about the run distribution is especially telling and confirms our thoughts about the fact that this team usually either looks great or terrible—rarely average.

Also: Phillie fan gets jail-time for projectile vomiting incident

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 1:47 PM EDT reply actions  

the offense is soooooo streaky

it’s weird that we don’t score 3 runs very often

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

I've become increasingly prone to the belief

that baseball has a lot less to do with skill and almost entirely to do with luck.

"...football games always make me thankful for two things:
1. Teams that pass the ball downfield.
2. Baseball games. "
--DanUpBaby

by albrtfn on Jul 30, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

yup

it is much more luck oriented than most people would like to believe

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Streaky = understatement

Even “soooooo” streaky doesn’t cover that statistical dip in scoring runs. It’s freakish.

Honi soit qui mal y pense.

by p_lampe on Jul 30, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

far beyond streaky

to borrow a pantera euphemism (see album titled ‘far beyond driven’)

/metal reference

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

wow, nice work

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 2:31 PM EDT reply actions  

This is basically irrelevant

But does Mike MacDougal’s arm action remind anybody else of Adam Ottavino’s?

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 2:54 PM EDT reply actions  

I'm sure he doesn't use, and I apologize in advance for the implication

but Mike McDougal looks like a meth addict, all skinny and stuff.
Thing is, I don’t give a damn as long as he gets hitters out in high-leverage situations.

Repeal The LaRussa Tax.

by Michael_68_1999 on Jul 30, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

interesting...

from this espn insider article on hypothetical trade packages for the stars in the game (pujols, hanley, lincecum, etc.), here’s albert’s:

1. Albert Pujols to the Boston Red Sox for 1B Kevin Youkilis, RHP Casey Kelly, 1B Lars Anderson and SS Jose Iglesias.

No, the St. Louis Cardinals aren’t looking to peddle Pujols, but if they did, they’d want star-level talent in return, and remember, they only hold the rights to the widely acknowledged best player in baseball through 2011. So why not convert that into Youkilis, an almost-as-good first baseman who’s already signed through 2013 for $37 million — which is less than Pujols would cost them to re-sign. They’d also get a possible eventual replacement in the 22-year-old Anderson if his bat comes around — he’s already at Triple-A — and Youkilis’ ability to move to the outfield or perhaps back to third base would make space for whatever opportunity Anderson earns.

Iglesias isn’t a ‘90s-style shortstop; he’ll hit for a decent average and little else, but the Cuban defector’s defensive chops are unquestioned, and he might provide the answer to the Cards’ need there. Kelly is a 20-year-old former two-way prospect providing heat that touches the mid-90s and a true 12-to-6 curve, and he’s already at Double-A. All three of the prospects are already at the upper levels, so while Kelly and Anderson haven’t fully delivered on their potential, they’re young enough to get there, and close enough to make a difference fast.

The Red Sox would be giving up a lot of potential to achieve the upgrade of Pujols from Youkilis, but not so much that they’d be crippling their bid at contending during the life of Albert’s contract. Plus, the Sox have the cash to re-sign him.

by LukeMP1186 on Jul 30, 2010 3:34 PM EDT reply actions  

As a baseball decision, I would do this in a fucking HEARTBEAT

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh yes.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, that would be a hard deal to pass up if you were going on numbers and left the whole "fan" thing out of it.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

let's trade albert this offseason for a treasure of prospects

with the understanding that he comes back and signs with the cardinals when he hits free agency…brilliant!

by LukeMP1186 on Jul 30, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hell yeah!

Let’s pull a Walt on the Red Sox! (Blues reference not a Jocketty reference)

by Mulliganstew on Jul 30, 2010 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah

assuming he approves the trade

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

i think i'd rather

just pursue maholm than westbrook, cook, et al. he’s cheaper, just and just as good. could his asking price be that much higher?

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:46 PM EDT reply actions  

And Randall Simon!

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

The Padres are thinking the same thing.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

assuming jay keeps up his current level of production for 600 PAs

(totally likely!)

he’s 7.9 WAR player

already worth 1.6 in 122 PAs

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:54 PM EDT reply actions  

sadly

statcorner has him at a .341 wOBA assuming neutral batted ball luck

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'd take that from a 4th OFer.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah, it's really not that sad

unless he becomes the everday CFer

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Isn't he already?

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Jul 30, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

i guess

it just needs to not stay like that for an extended period of time

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Completely Unrelated Question

Why do people speak as if only a handful of teams look for groundball pitchers. Like, “Aaron Cook will be great for the Cards – fits their profile as a groundball pitcher”. Wouldnt all teams want a gball pitcher vs someone who pitches high in the zone? It’s not like we have the best D out there? Who wouldnt want a gball pitcher?

by mattysha on Jul 30, 2010 4:04 PM EDT reply actions  

I just think we have been known for that for a longer time

and it’s sort of a duncan specialty. but you’re right, I’m sure most teams would love groundball pitchers, but maybe they are just not as good at identifying them, or at converting them to throwing low in the zone?

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

anyway

I think the rest of the teams have caught on by now

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

groundball pitching plays very well into duncan's philosophy

so a pitcher who has already shown a strong tendency for inducing groundballs would be the type of pitcher dunc’ is most likely to be the most successful with

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

totally

but, what pitching coach wouldn’t want to teach a groundball, low in the zone philosophy? I guess it’s more that duncan is just really good?

by mattysha on Jul 30, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Other pitching coaches place more of an emphasis on strikeouts, I suppose

You get more whiffs at the top/above the strike zone

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I always knew that Waino had a ton of vertical movement on his curve

but didn’t realize he was getting that much horizontal movement. that’s just a ridiculous pitch

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 4:07 PM EDT reply actions  

ted lilly.

from mlbtr:

The Tigers still aren’t out on Lilly, reports ESPN’s Jayson Stark. He adds that a mystery team is in the mix.

That mystery team better not be us.

by zoomzoomj88 on Jul 30, 2010 4:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Why not? I'm fine with Lilly

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah

he’s gone after the year, which doesn’t fit what mo’ has said, but he’s a good pitcher and likely to be a type A FA

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I would take Lilly

but would Hendry deal him to the Cards without asking for too much?

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm only not fine with Lilly

because I don’t wanna see Craig playing for the effin Cubs

I am pleasantly pleased, thankyouverymuch

by mattyfrommo on Jul 30, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

oh

and the gif wouldn’t be as funny if he were a Cardinal and we had to root for him, so…..just say no to Lilly

I am pleasantly pleased, thankyouverymuch

by mattyfrommo on Jul 30, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

and there's that, too

I am pleasantly pleased, thankyouverymuch

by mattyfrommo on Jul 30, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nah, he scares me.

I don’t think he keeps up his performance this year, and is due for a massive decline from age soon.

In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)

by Taskmaster on Jul 30, 2010 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

but he's gone after the season

and likely still a type A. i think it’s a gmable worth taking. i don’t know if offering arb is necessarily a good idea, though

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh, I am well aware of his FA status.

I think the decline will come in the second half rather than a year later, and the Cubs won’t do us any favors in acquiring him.

In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)

by Taskmaster on Jul 30, 2010 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

looks like

the reds are the mystery team

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I've been waiting for Walt to try and show up Mo

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Would the Cubs trade Lilly to the Reds just to aggravate the Cards?

"I told myself from the very beginning: 'If he's going to throw a shutout, then he's going to tie,'" Wainwright said. "He was not going to beat me today."

by spfldbird on Jul 30, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

No.

But they’ll do it to improve their team

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

The Rangers get Christian Guzman from the Nats

Man the Rangers are wheeling and dealing like crazy.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 4:39 PM EDT reply actions  

read the other day

that they tried to sell the farm to get josh johnson when they traded for cantu

lee/johnson tandem would be sick. i can confidently say that would beat waino/carp

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

No doubt

I’m excited for the Rangers. Would love to see them give the Yankees fits in the playoffs.

Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon

by KYCards on Jul 30, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

you know what i don't want to do?

go get fitted for a tux. but i have to

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 4:55 PM EDT reply actions  

sack up

Silly humans, this world is for robots.

by azruavatar on Jul 30, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Seriously.

I’m in a wedding in just under two months and I have to do some OBNOXIOUS stuff. PLUS, it costs a ton of money. Men have it easy. Everything comes with the tux.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Renting tuxes for wedding is the dumbest thing.

Either the groom should pay for them or tell the guys to just wear a suit.

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 30, 2010 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

We have to BUY dumbass ugly dresses.

Sure. The bride tells you she’ll pick something you can wear again, but it’s complete bullshit.

I wish everyone was like me and had a laid back wedding with no wedding party. So much easier.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

We bought our wedding party's stuff

I nearly killed one of my groomsman two years later when I had to rent an ugly ass tux for his wedding. I bought you a linen suit, you son of a bitch!

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 30, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Don't worry...

you came out ahead in a karmic way… that has to count for something.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Linen is a different story.

Not sure that can be rented.

I have to pay for toe and fingernails to be painted. Have to pay someone to do my hair. Have to pay someone to do makeup. Have to buy bride-approved shoes. Have to have the dress I bought altered. Have to buy bride-approved accessories.

KILL ME.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

STAB

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

two questions

a) can’t you say no to being in the wedding
b) can i see a picture of that dress or at least a sample of the color and you describe the cut
..and what are bride approved shoes?

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

I know my brother really wants me in the wedding, so I'm trying to remind myself that it's for him.

Besides, I’ve already bought the damn dress. It’s a black dress with an ivory sash (YUCK) and it has a natural waist with a skirt that is more voluminous than I like. I can always have it refashioned into something else as I think it’s cheap-looking as-is.

As for the shoes, I need to re-read the multitude of emails she’s been bombarding the bridesmaids with. Peep-toe and some sort of heel. Probably black, but she’s wearing colorful shoes so we may have to coordinate.

All of this is just controlling, meaningless bullshit.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Couldn't you have just been like

the person with the guestbook if you had to be in the wedding?

by saladdays on Jul 30, 2010 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is she one of the girls

who has a binder of wedding shit that puts the Rams Illinois uhhhh Saints playbook to shame?

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

I had of a buddy's wife doing that

yeah she never heard the end of it from me… for some reason she’s not a big fan of mine. However, I couldn’t let that pass without calling her out for being totally nuts.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

you'd think that your brother

would wake up and smell the micromanagin.g control freak, duck and run
if you don’t like her, forward him some of those emails

by d-dee on Jul 30, 2010 5:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Opposites attract...

wait I did that wrong.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

You don't have to do any of that crap...

just may be a good idea if you want to keep the peace. Sounds like the bride is a real pleasant person to be around with all this pre approved crap.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

I wouldn't be doing this for anyone else.

I didn’t go to these kinds of lengths for my own wedding or my best friend’s. But I’m stuck with this gal for a long time.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah if I get involved in the whole getting married thing

and the lady of choice goes through those lengths I’m calling it off out of principle.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, ok. Sure.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Anyone who puts all that effort into the wedding

seems like she is more concerned having a wedding than being married… just seems like a bad omen of things to come.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is untrue

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

i kind of agree

i don’t know if i’d end up with a woman that places so much emphasis on this kind of thing. what i’d like to have is a small wedding party following getting married at the courthouse and then spend all the money that most people spend on the actual wedding to take a big extravagant honeymoon

and that’s if i even get married. i’m not sure i really see the point. (no offense to people who are married or place a lot of emphasis on it)

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Tax breaks.

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 30, 2010 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Get a better book keeper.

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 30, 2010 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

It really only benefits couples

where one person works and the other doesn’t. Two standard deductions are two standard deductions when both people are working, married or not.

The biggest difference in taxes arrives with the babies.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, it definitly helped when I was self employed

"In 2035, 25 young men will be able to call themselves world champions. Some of those guys haven’t even been born yet. And some of them are Asian." -Mike Shannon

by Alxfritz on Jul 30, 2010 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

I didn't decide to get married until I decided to have kids.

I know it isn’t necessary, and it has nothing to do with morality. I just figured practical things – like health insurance and taxes – would be easier while married.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah,

i think the legal stuff would be the main benefits. i don’t know a whole lot about all that, though

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

in theory.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Heh.

My parents are divorced.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

but after watching that episode of friends

i’ve always been nervous about doing this kind of thing

what if there’s cupping?

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

tuxes are so freaking stupid anyway

a suit and tie would look so much better

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Strongly disagree

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

If there were a fill-in-the-bubble-poll

I would vote a 1

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I am going to have a casual wedding if I ever get married

but then again, I probably will have no say in the attire so

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yep.

Mine started out being a “laid-back” affair….that didn’t last too long.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

I was at one last summer where someone showed up

in a wife beater… it was a very classy move. I’m always thrown off by what some people decide to wear to weddings and funerals.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

My brother in law wore one of those with a

loose-fitting button-up short sleeved shirt. That shirt was white, but “faded” into blue flames at the bottom. It was… interesting.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

I went to a wedding...

…once and a guy showed up so wasted he walked around once and then passed out in his SUV. He stumbled back out with his shirt unbuttoned and his fat gut positivly bursting out. RRRREEEAAALLLL classy.

VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009

by redbirdnation8206 on Jul 30, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

It's his hot body

you don’t judge him

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sure he was hot

But that was likely due to the unseasonably warm fall day upon which that wedding was held. He was like 29 and pushing three-and-a-half bills. I hate to say these things because I had an uncle and a grandpa who had heart attacks, but that man was a walking talking heart attack and just didn’t know it yet.

VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009

by redbirdnation8206 on Jul 30, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

As a guy you should just wear a suit and tie...

unless there’s some theme going on there’s not really a question. Why people do other crazy crap is beyond me.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Because that's what is sold to them.

Plus, they think that if they’re not getting married like their friends, then they aren’t doing it correctly. It’s competitive nonsense.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Heh.

I had a low budget wedding, but my wife had everything ridiculously organized.

It was the only time she’s been like that.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well, you have to be organized if you're doing everything yourself.

But my wedding was low-budget, too. I can’t see a good reason to waste money on that crap.

Not an apologist.

by spants on Jul 30, 2010 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree

I think more often than not tuxedos just look overdone and/or stuffy. A nice suit and tie combo does the job.

VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009

by redbirdnation8206 on Jul 30, 2010 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sure, it does the job

But is it sexy?

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

The James Bond effect.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well I'm a dude so I'm not the right person to ask about that.

spants? Oh… spants? Weigh in, will you spants?

VivaElBirdos: Celebrating glorious mustaches since 2009

by redbirdnation8206 on Jul 30, 2010 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's all I wore.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

When we were kids(21-22),

one of my friends had to have a shotgun wedding. Her mother showed up in a t-shirt that said “I fallen and I can’t reach my beer.” No, they weren’t married for very long.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

i dunno,

i like how a suit looks. tuxes look cheesy and overdone to me. really, i think i’d just wear jeans, a wife beater and budweiser cap. my sister does not share my views

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

On losers

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

yeah

i’ts the bow tie that really kills it for me

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm sorry you don't want to look like someone cool

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

since when are bow ties cool?

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ever since your face was ugly

WHICH WAS ALWAYS

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

LOL

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

aww, no doctor who reference

guess that’s too british for you.

אנא טוני לא יותר ט.א.ס.ס

by chalk on Jul 30, 2010 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Been a while since you rented one eh?

They have options, like regular ties.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

And all of them are some crazy slide on

don’t have to tie anything stuff.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Have you SEEN Dumbe and Dumber???

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

My brother had us wear navy suits

I had to buy the suit, but now I have the suit.

He bought the tie.

Not a big deal.

by thepainguy on Jul 30, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Depends

on the tux. Some tuxes look great, others not so much

by saladdays on Jul 30, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Canary yellow with tails...

at least that’s what I hope they’re wearing…

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

I hear ya.....I have to go drink beer and watch the game after work......

we all have our crosses to bear.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

I know it's rough!

I gotta go sign my lease to my kickass new apartment and get the keys (and part with $400)

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

is that all you have to part with?

Seems like most apts are first last & deposit.

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I let talked him into letting me pay the deposit next week

but I usually have been staying month to month so no lease! this will be the first lease I’ve had for a while.

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

whoops

I think I was going to say I let him know that I didn’t have $800 right now, and that I would have the other $400 next week

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

When you've been living in your parent's basement for that long,

$400 for a shoebox= kickass apartment.

/j/k chitown congrats

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

here is why it is good for me

it is above a business that is open while I’m at work. I can play my Marshall half stack, my Ampeg bass cabinet, or that drumset I’m going to buy in the not too distant future with no worries. it has mid sized bedrooms… it has laundry in the unit, which is fucking awesome…. so sick of using laundromats. and the icing on the cake is the deck on back that connects to the top of a garage that is not dangerous/it is sturdy enough to walk around on. lawn chairs and laptop on the roof!

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

cool

sounds like a win-win-win-win situation. I am so very glad that I’ve never had to deal with all that. I’ve had the same house since I was about 21. I bought it from my brother when he moved.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nice.

>Pitcher Change: Felipe Lopez replaces Ryan Franklin, batting 7th, replacing third baseman Felipe Lopez

Adam Wainwright reaches on force attempt, throwing error by Aaron Heilman. Jaime Garcia scores. Brendan Ryan to 3rd. Adam Wainwright to 2nd. None out.

by TBender on Jul 30, 2010 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

You think you can get away with having a grill on the roof?

That would just put it right over the moon.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Where abouts are you moving to?

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

southsiiiiiiiiiiiiiide

pilsen. won’t really be that far away from white sox ballpark

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

You have fun with that...

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

At least he won't have to deal with Cubs fans.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don't either...

I avoid Wrigleyville bars and don’t fall into any really dumb conversations I hear. Plus I don’t have to deal with Sox fans… who tend to be a different kind of annoying than Cub fans present.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I could deal with Sox fans just on common ground principles.

Not that I would want to live near any but I figure if I had to choose.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

I live about 3/4 a mile from Wrigley

and I find that as long as I avoid Wrigleyville itself the Cub fans I encounter are baseball fans who root for the Cubs… not Cub fans if you get the difference I’m going for.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Gotcha

That would make a slight difference.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

i always have a hard time deciding

if i’m a baseball fan who roots for the cards or a cards fan

that probably sounds like blasphemy on a blog like this, but if the cards were all of a sudden to fall off the face of the earth, i don’t know how easy it would be for me to just go, “oh, i guess i’m a rays fan now now exclusively” or whatever

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm a Cards fan

I don’t know if I could bring myself to root for another team if it didn’t happen organically.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

sorry I don't like living in yuppie neighborhoods

I’ll take the bohemian artist neighborhood any day

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Eh I'm stumbling distance from about 9435325 bars

I’m happy here.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like where I'm at.

It’s nice being a 10 minute walk from the lake, and a 5 minute walk from the train.

"The two most important things in life: good friends and a strong bullpen." - Bob Gibson

by ducttape16 on Jul 30, 2010 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

okay, that wasn't so bad

i’m already back. it took like 5 minutes total including driving there and back

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Did you get your junk felt up?

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's funny.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

coulda swore i responded to this

but no. she didn’t even do my inseam. just my outseam

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

They don't do inseams anymore for fear of sexual harrassment.

They are actually not supposed to touch you at all. The BS that idiot people with a lawsuit fetish can come up with. Although, I guess it could’ve happened to precipitate such a law change but a lot of that crap is ridiculous.

You're the fail to my win?
"There is not a better feeling in the whole world than knowing that you are the best team in both leagues."- Bob Forsch on winning the 1982 World Series.

by MaytheForschbewithyou on Jul 30, 2010 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

i was touched

does this mean i can get paid?

nah, i can’t do that. she was nice enough to measure me for free even though i’m getting my tux from some place in columbia and the place where i got measured is in central texas

"Moneyball: It's kind of like communism."
twatter

by prophetjohn on Jul 30, 2010 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Am I the only one that owns a tux

I have owned a few tuxes. The best thing I ever did was by a tux in college. I was the backup plan for sorority girls. I had random sorority girls put my name in their phone as “Tux Guy”. I went to so many dances with so many girls in 4 years. It was all for the delicious food that I wasn’t paying for, Mmmm prime rib

by FlimtotheFlam on Jul 30, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

I own one

And it rocks.

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Line up - I like it

Lopez 3b
Jay RF
Pujols 1b
Holliday LF
Rasmus CF
 Molina C
Ryan SS
Carp P
Skip 2b

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:11 PM EDT reply actions  

TLR has to keep riding the hot hand.

RFL!!!!!

Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Also, Dave Concepcion.

by RiverRat on Jul 30, 2010 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

it's jeff f. karstens

cards are in a tough spot with jay playing well and lud being a little hurt. might need to trade one of them.

by zoomzoomj88 on Jul 30, 2010 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Jay is a nice #2

but where’s RFL?? he must not be 100% yet

chief justice

by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jul 30, 2010 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Playing the hot hand right now

Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'

by mysterui on Jul 30, 2010 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

if we're playing the hot hand then jay plays CF and colby sits

/not advocating that scenario

"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."

by IHeartBoog on Jul 30, 2010 6:01 PM EDT