Ninth innings and third basemen
by DanUpBaby on Aug 19, 2010 6:00 AM EDT
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PrintIt seems like this team is the not-quitest good squad in recent memory, doesn't it? Look at all these depressing WPA charts—there's yesterday's, then the day before's, which looks almost identical. Then there's that absurd rally from the day before the day before last. Three perfect Little Dippers. One just-short rally feels good; they have fight! Steve Hill hits a home run, everybody refuses to back down! Three of them is stupid; this last one felt a little like watching the story arc of Rocky V take shape before your very eyes at the end of a cable-TV series marathon. Don't do it, Rock! One more fight might kill you, again!
For a long time they didn't seem very clutch; now they're too clutch. A look at the team that employs notorious choker Matt Holliday confirms that they hit their best in high-leverage situations and have put up an OPS over .800 in the ninth inning, which is exciting most of the time but also, I guess, a recipe for our current comeback fatigue.
Recently, and incredibly conveniently, I was offered the chance of a journalistic lifetime; I was hesitant to go through with it, at first, but current events have made George Gipp's commentary on the St. Louis Cardinals suddenly relevant. Let me just find my notes...
VEB: So, George, I was wondering if we could talk about—
The Gipper: I've got to go, Dan.
VEB: Look, George, you just sat down!
The Gipper: It's all right. I'm not afraid.
VEB: Okay. I was wondering if we could talk about the Cardinals' newly discovered method of delivering frustrating losses, by which they get into seemingly avoidable holes and then rally about two-thirds of the way out of them.
The Gipper: But some time, Dan, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one in the first inning, for God's sake. I mean, if you don't let all the breaks beat you in the first place, you just—God, it's just so frustrating. I mean, get out there, take a lead, and then you don't have to hit for an .814 OPS in the ninth inning. High leverage, shmigh leverage—you don't want that! It's a bad thing! I don't know where I'll be then, Dan. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy.
VEB: Thanks, George.
The Gipper: You guys have antibiotics, now, right? Could you point me to some?
I mentioned it in passing on SB Nation St. Louis, but is anybody at all enthused by the prospect of Geoff Blum joining the Cardinals? (For a long time I used to confuse Wes Helms and Geoff Blum. Having looked at their numbers just now, it is safe to say that I did not miss much nuance by muddling them together in my head.) How about Craig Counsell or Brandon Inge?
The Cardinals aren't short on guys who are a little better than replacement level at third base. Felipe Lopez is probably more than a little better than replacement level at third, infuriating as his errors were, and Joe Mather and Tyler Greene are both interesting upside plays whose usefulness on the roster outlives David Freese's absence. Allen Craig didn't help his own cause by going 0-1 on chances in his first start at the position, but he, too, is far more interesting than anybody on the list of waiver-wire candidates that's circulated around the Cardinals internet for the last several days.
Only Edwin Encarnacion intrigues, and only just. For a poor-fielding malcontent hitter he's had years where he doesn't hit well enough, and whether it's indifference or just awkwardness he really is an awful third baseman. But malcontent labels have been shed before and will be shed again; as proof there's none other than the Cardinals' incumbent third baseman, who spent his own years as a defensively indifferent Cincinnati Red who stagnated as a hitter and collapsed as an infielder. If the Cardinals are so uncomfortable with Allen Craig as to require an established veteran presence at hitter-who-might-not-be-able-to-play-third-base, Encarnacion is their man.
But really, they shouldn't be. Felipe Lopez and the parade of young players better than Geoff Blum isn't ideal, but no ideal candidates are left; when Ty Wigginton, who was claimed by a team and pulled back from waivers, is the out-of-reach ideal, it's time to figure out what's left in the system and triage a third baseman from the remaining parts.
(As if you need more evidence he's a perfect fit and a future Cardinal: as recently as this June he was so far in the doghouse that—you'll be familiar with this—he was thrown back to AAA and replaced by a scrappy, impossibly undersized, impossibly white ex-Cardinal utility infielder.)
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If the Eskimos have so many words for snow
How come we don’t have at least one word for scrappy, impossibly undersized, impossibly white utility infielders?
If knowledge is the key, then just show me the lock.
Got the scrawny legs but I move just like Lou Brock.
by purple_haze on Aug 19, 2010 7:19 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I propose that, henceforth, we call them McEwings
As in, “god damnit if Lopex doesn’t start hitting this team is going to get overrun by McEwings again”
If knowledge is the key, then just show me the lock.
Got the scrawny legs but I move just like Lou Brock.
by purple_haze on Aug 19, 2010 7:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Barring trademark infringement
It works on many levels
by LexTalionis on Aug 19, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Why not Joe Mather?
It seems that during the past two spring trainings he was in the talk for the 3rd base job until opening day. Why isn’t he giving a chance now? What’s the worst that could happen, Lopez is givin a day off or given the chance to play a position he is more confident in.
by arkjohn86 on Aug 19, 2010 8:05 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Apparently Mather isn't currently being seasoned in AAA for playing third base.
Right now there’s Gotay who is hitting with a .800+ OPS
I thought I told you to trim those sideburns!
by martimeryard on Aug 19, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd rather have Gotay than Blum or anyone rumored the Cards are interested in
....my quick smells like french toast...
Twitter: @mstreeter06
by mstreeter06 on Aug 19, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Although if Greene is healthy, he needs to be up here playing 3B
....my quick smells like french toast...
Twitter: @mstreeter06
by mstreeter06 on Aug 19, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
who is k howard
and why is he getting innings at 3rd in memphis?
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
.246, .329, .396
Is there the possibility he’s not proven himself capable of the position or, for that matter, succeeding in the majors?
Cripes, he’s played exactly 5 games at 3rd the past 2 years and all of those games occured last year.
My question would probably be…
Why even consider Joe Mather?
Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid.
- John Wayne
The 3B choice is: A) internal or B)external?
If Mo chooses A, then give Mather/Craig/M. Carpenter/Cox a shot from now to the end of the season. If B), then stick with FLopex and get $ ready for Beltre, Peralta, Inge, etc.
"They're so stunned they didn't even boo!"
John Rooney 5/3/10 referring to Philly fans on Cards 5-run 7th inning
Unless he has a bad personality or is a pure carnivore
There is no excuse for him not being up here. He should at least get a shot if they’re paying him!
by LexTalionis on Aug 19, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I blame the number of off-days recently for the Cards' struggles
lettin the tiredness catch up with the team, its a long season though and its not time to jump off a bridge just yet… but if the series against the Giants goes badly, wuh oh
ITS COLBERIN' TIME
it's not just 3rd, we're facing a roster assembled with
3rd base—no established player
miles—dfa
winn—dfa
anderson—rookie
jay—rookie
2nd—no established player
suppan—dfa
macdougal—dfa
i agree with those who believe subbing hawpe (albeit another dfa) for winn would be an improvement at essentially no cost. cloby and jay give us the versatility we need in center.
3rd won’t fix it, we need at least incremental upgrades wherever we can get them
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
Hawpe isn't having a real good year at the plate
plus he can’t catch a cold. Watching him in the OF makes me long for the days of Chris Duncan…and yet he would still be preferable to Aaron Miles.
Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue....
by Futility Infielder on Aug 19, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
do we really need another left-handed bat?
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
I'd rather Hawpe replace Stav
....my quick smells like french toast...
Twitter: @mstreeter06
by mstreeter06 on Aug 19, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
.895 OPS career against righties looks nice off the bench
He’s friends with Holliday too if i remember correctly
by LexTalionis on Aug 19, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't have a problem with Inge being brought in.
He’s an alright fielder,alright hitter, and can probably play damn near every infield position. And if he’s finally all the way back from that knee surgery, IMO he’d be a good pickup.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I love Inge
In fact I suggested him a year ago. However, I think his contract cost exceeds what we were looking at for Lud in the future. Great defender. Power. Too costly?
SD
Free agent next year.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
Nice defender, maybe
He’s been a plus defender for years now, even though UZR gives him only .8 runs in defensive value this year. The bat is…. mediocre. Old, injured. It’s an uninspired choice for this year and definitely not one I’d like to revisit in free agency.
If knowledge is the key, then just show me the lock.
Got the scrawny legs but I move just like Lou Brock.
by purple_haze on Aug 19, 2010 10:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If he could put up average offense I'd take him
Albert Pujols does not have "down" years. He has "~6 WAR" years.
His ability to put up average offense is questionable.
"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
it's
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
cup of coffee with cream
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/3033481/comeback_cards/
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
Take your thoughts away for a moment
And take this Cardinals quiz
http://www.sporcle.com/games/sayaprayerforme/cardinalshr
That was fun
14 right. I was only embarrassed about one of my misses. There were a couple names I’d never even heard of (he said, flaunting his ignorance).
Yeah
I don’t know the Gas House Gang era very well. Surprising how far back Rolen is. Thought he had more.
You should check out this book.
Yes, that is the actual title of the book. And it is really entertaining. I greatly enjoyed it.
"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
20/20
with 0:33 to spare.
I am Carinal nation, hear me roar.
by SouthsideCardsFan on Aug 19, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow I suck
12/20
I can’t believe I forgot Ken Boyer. That makes me sick. The bottom 6 other than Rolen totally threw me.
by WizardofOz1982 on Aug 19, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
No Talk About Tyler Greene
He got 3 hits last night in his Memphis re-hab start. I know he is not ideal at 3B but who is. I think he should at least be in the discussion. I see no reason why he would not be a plus defender at 3B but the question is whether he would provide enough offense to give this team a spark.
no matter who
i doubt anyone on the waiver list will provide a spark
we need inge or similar
hawpe or similar
we have shit for chemistry it seems, so changing out several guys doesn’t seem too risky
team needs as much f a makeover as jmo can mange
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
Got to agree but they have shown that they are capable
and that is what is so frustrating. They cannot make wholesale changes right now so they have to priortize and 3B, in my opinion, is the black hole of a problem. Ryan is playing decent and Schumaker is actually hitting a lot better and while neither of them are above average players they are maybe adequate.
The other big problem moving forward into next year is that there does not appear to be any free agent upgrades available and the Cards seem to not have enough trade chips to acquire a high quality type player. What you see this year may be what you see next year.
probably so
we had a choice this year
and jmo went holliday
for less money, he could have had beltre and kept ludwick with some spending cash left over
apu’s contract will only exacerbate the problem
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
until his ankle shattered like ice
Freese was doing well at 3B, so I can’t blame Mo too much for not getting Beltre
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
Busch is on the coast of the Mississippi!
"Very accomplished bunter" - Rick Horton about Aaron Miles
by jd is legend on Aug 19, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I am seriously in favor of Tyler Greene
He’s a plus defender anywhere in the infield (maybe average-ish at short, by no means a liability) and has power. What more do you need to know?
If knowledge is the key, then just show me the lock.
Got the scrawny legs but I move just like Lou Brock.
by purple_haze on Aug 19, 2010 9:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
forgot about Greene T.
he’s younger and more upside than Inge, plus we don’t have to trade for him.
"They're so stunned they didn't even boo!"
John Rooney 5/3/10 referring to Philly fans on Cards 5-run 7th inning
Not to mention cheaper.
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 Aug 19, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
calling up t greene would be like trading for a third baseman
"Did you just grow a mustache?"
"While SPINNING."
but, but, but
what would happen to grit?
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
My thoughts as well,
if you think back to the trade talk for Oswalt the Cards supposedly offered Ryan which would seem to indicate that they were ready to go with Greene at SS. Ryan started playing better and Tyler supposedly got hurt and that was it. I personally think he is the best option at SS, 3B or 2B because of his speed, power, and defense. I know he looked bad at 2B but they just threw him out there right after he was called up. He looks like he is developing into a decent power hitter and I think would be their best option over anyone who is currently available.
i tend to agree
but i still think changing out some other parts, like hawpe for winn can’t hurt, and might help
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
Greene has to be the first choice for the Cardinals.
His upside is far higher than any third baseman on waivers. In fact, his downside might be about equal to the upside of a Blum (who has 1 HR this season and a .299 wOBA, which is not actually an upgrade over Lopez). I had heard that the organization instructed the minor-league affiliates to play Greene at third during his rehab stint (I believe from Straussicorn’s chat), but Greene started at SS last night for Memphis.
"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
Before we go calling it "successful,"
what was the situation?
"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
I wouldn't hate Inge
I’ve always enjoyed watching him play and he seems like one of those guys who will do anything he can to help the team. Can’t imagine he’d cost anything to get since he’s owed some money and Detroit is falling out of it and probably wouldn’t mind getting someone else some time at 3rd since Inge is probably gone at the end of the year anyway.
by lopey986 on Aug 19, 2010 10:10 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I would hate Inge.
Here are the wOBA for Inge from 2007-2010: .304, .297, .315, and .318. I don’t think he amounts to much of an improvement at all at third base. Certainly, I don’t think he would be better than Tyler Greene there.
"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
But Inge can be a emergency catcher!
Can he sacrifice bunt?!?
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 19, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
inge's defense would be a huge upgrade
over lopex, t greene or any options we have. inge does hit for a low BA, but he at least produces a little bit.
@zoomzoomj88
Fire Tony LaRussa
by zoomzoomj88 on Aug 19, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
No, Inge hits for a low everything: BA, OBP, and SLG.
And, given the number of games left and his deteriorating health, I would be very hesitant to call Inge a “huge upgrade” over Greene defensively at third base. Greene is an average defensive shortstop with a strong arm. There is no reason to believe that he would not be comparable to post-injury Inge defensively at the hot corner.
"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
stil has a higher OPS than Lopez
while being able to defend the position he’ll be playing.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
He was heating up before he was injured, that's for sure.
The problem is that, post-injury, he has been very poor offensively, to the tune of a .257 wOBA. Maybe he will heat up and be something more than replacement in September, but I don’t know that I would want to bet on it. I think Tyler Greene is a safer bet to be above average offensively and be able to defend the position.
"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
Invalid argument since Greene will never get a shot.
So if it’s between Inge and the other waiver wire fodder I’d love Inge.
by lopey986 on Aug 19, 2010 11:02 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
But... those were put up in the AL
He should get a nice bump in production moving to the NL. Also, he’s a terrific defender, one of the best in baseball at third.
by vivaelpujols on Aug 19, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
After fracturing his hand, I don't know how confident I am that he could put up that level of production.
He is a good defender, and I am probably that skill short shrift.
"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
He seems like a streaky player thats all or nothing
I could see him getting all pumped up for the first few weeks, then nose diving as soon as teams get a look at him in person.
by LexTalionis on Aug 19, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
the cards are pretty much done in the central, unless they have a sudden rally
the reds had another late-inning comeback last night. the cards, since the sweep, have lost four straight and are 3 back. the reds, meanwhile, are being those bastards that we know and hate. st. louis seems to have lost the fire from brandon phillips’ comments.
honestly, i think the cards best shot now is the wild card. call me crazy for thinking that in the middle of august, but the reds are just too good. it seems like the cards get a lot of bad breaks (for example, one bad pitch by garcia the other night) and the offense is inconsistent at best. cincinnati, on the other hand, keeps finding a way to win – even when down four runs (then again, they were playing the d-backs…)
@zoomzoomj88
Fire Tony LaRussa
This likely won't be a popular sentiment...
…but I think we might want to plan on the Cards not being a playoff team this season, and allow for the possibility of a pleasant surprise.
I didn't know that three games back with ~ 50 to go means that we are done
I agree that we are not a surefire playoff team like we thought they would be, but as quickly as they went from up 1 to down three they can make it up. Of course it doesn’t matter whether we win the division, just get into the playoffs, it doesn’t really matter (except to Dewitt, would probably like the money that would come from the extra home game(s) that would likely exist if we won the division
"I told you, I don't like to be manhandled!"
The Cardinals are not "done."
I agree with you. That sentiment is rather off-base, especially for the day after an off-day! It’s not like we had a failed comeback yesterday that is still leaving a bad taste in our mouths…
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
They swept the reds.
That was not a fluke. This team will win games, the pitching has been very good. I’m not giving up on them winning the central.
Nor should you.
"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
you've been saying that the cardinals are pretty much done in the central for like 2 months now
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
A clock is right twice a day.
His time just hasn’t hit yet.
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 Aug 19, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
not necessarily
A broken clock is right twice a day….a clock is right all day, however if your clock is just set wrong, it’ll never be right.
Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid.
- John Wayne
Blum
I have no problems if he helps like he did the ChiSox in 05
This guys so good(Pujols) He should be illegal-Pirates announcers
You mean with that .219 wOBA?
"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
a mediocre player who hit a lucky home run 5 years ago
isn’t necessarily something I’m gonna chase.
k people it was a joke
and he didnt just hit that home run, he played well for them…he was a late season addition…
if they got him itd be for D
This guys so good(Pujols) He should be illegal-Pirates announcers
by punchinjudy on Aug 19, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, that would be the only reason, because he is a horrible offensive player.
I would like to repeat that Bllum was horrible at the plate for Chicago in 2005. He slashed .200/.232/.274, which equals a .218 wOBA. I don’t see any way his defense made up for that awful out-making binge.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
they are all on waivers for a reason
and it isnot just money in most cases
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
The majority of the third base options,
to me, are like that day in the summer when the city lets you set whatever you want out on the curb and the next day the city will pick it up. Well, you inevitably have folks driving around (the Cardinals), scanning the curbsides, looking for a treasure in the pile of others’ trash. Blum, for instance, is like a propane grill that is leaky. Just leave it on the curb. It can only hurt you. We don’t need or want it.
"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
People in Decatur always joke
that they put something on the curb with a “Free” sign for a week and nobody took it, so they put a “For Sale” sign on it and it was stolen the next night
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
What a Time for Flop to Flop...
:=8(
Big McLargehuge!
:=8O
by The MooCow on Aug 19, 2010 11:21 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
OT: But crazy cheap
RT @dealsplus Western Digital 1TB Elements External Hard Drive only for $59.99 w Free Shipping @ Dell http://dealspl.us/t/44rsXu
....my quick smells like french toast...
Twitter: @mstreeter06
yeah i just spent 85 on a 1.5TB from Dell
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 19, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Damnit spent $10 more than I shouldve heh
....my quick smells like french toast...
Twitter: @mstreeter06
It doesn't matter
You can reformat it to work with any PC.
Cox can write
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
why does MO look like a high school math teacher?
Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing can be made
I really don't understand
What the point of having Gotay in the organization is if he isn’t considered a legitimate 3B candidate now. His .288/.415/.439 line is solid.
Though Tyler Greene is probably a better bet for the long term, of course.
The Godfather himself has decided to grace us with his presence. This is his damn house. He sleeps 20 feet away.
Blum is a waste!
I had no idea he was approaching 37. His .079 ISO this year is dazzling as well.
by LexTalionis on Aug 19, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Why not give Cox a shot...
he’s got nothing to do until the AFL anyway, he’s on the 40-man already, and he’s probably a better fielder than Lopez or Craig. I suppose it could “destroy his confidence” but I’m not sure I believe in that…
Fire La Russa!
Thought i saw a glimse of him taking grounders at 3rd on tv
Could have been my imagination, or a vision of future events.
by LexTalionis on Aug 19, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
b/c it would burn a year that he is under our control....probably not worth it....
see Strasburg, Stephen……Thats why the Nats didn’t play him last year and why they didn’t have him play until June this season. Even though he was on the 40 man the whole time.
a partial season doesn't cost a team a year of control...
players are free agents when they amass six years of service time. A part of a season cannot cause a player to reach the number six any faster. It can cause him to reach arbitration a year early, but he would have to play more than a month to get to that point.
Fire La Russa!
I thought they were looking to avoid "Super 2" status for Strassburg?
"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
he will burn service time no matter what
he is going to the GCL, will be “recalled” when their season ends, thus saving the option year but will accure major league service time from the date he was signed till the end of the season
"Come test me every day if you want," says Pujols, "Everything I ever made in this game I would give back to the Cardinals if I got caught."
ticket discounts
For Reds series
Fri 9/3 7:15
Sat 9/4 3:10
Sun 9/5 1:15
coupon code ESAVER gives you $75 Legends Club tickets
Sun 8/22 1:15 vs Giants which also happens to be the Carp bobblehead night
ESAVER gives you 50% off all inclusive tickets
..i miss ludriguez-wick..
by d-dee on Aug 19, 2010 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Since Cox is on the 40
Who is he likely to bump off the roster? I’m just wondering who’ll the Cards leave unprotected in the rule v draft.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Nobody...
Freese, Penny, and Ottavino are on the 60-day DL, so they’re at 40.
For next year they’ll get rid of Miles, Soup, Winn, Penny, Lopez, Larue, Reyes, and MacDougal.
Fire La Russa!
We *hope* they'll get rid of Miles, Soup, Winn, etc...
"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
So I was driving to work this morning
And this grasshopper was on my hood just mocking me. Walking all around on my hood. I am going 60 on the highway and the grasshopper is acting like it was nothing. He didn’t jump off till I parked my car. I shook my fist at him
Think of the scale of his walk back home!
by LexTalionis on Aug 19, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
thepainguy and flimtotheflam
are the same person!
;)
"I don't know where Cueto learned to fight."-- Chris Carpenter
do not mess with yadi f. molina
Not to reharp on a conversation from last night but
Scott Pilgrim vs The World still rocks. Movie of the year for me
what is Ruben Gotay
chopped liver?
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 12:41 PM EDT reply actions
Not on the 40 man either.......
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Gotay is better than Feliz and costs nothing.
I don’t understand…..Someone help me understand…..
I need a drink.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
they could have dfa'd stav instead of miles if they wanted to keep minime
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
or they could have done exactly what they did...
Larue to the 60 day, Gotay to the 40 man.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
yep
fucking insane. they must not like Gotay (or TLR does not like Gotay)
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
has TLR even meet Gotay?
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
Someone sent him an e-mail about him and
had a typo. They put Goatse instead of Gotay.
You can imagine TLR’s reaction.
by Ghostrider520 on Aug 19, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
sucking
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
I hate this season
I hate this team
I hate Tony La Russa
I hate John Mozeliak
Aaron Miles, Pedro Feliz, Jeff Suppan, Mike MacDougal are the four horseman of suck.
Fire La Russa!
Sick and tired of digging through the trash everywhere
I really don’t think championship teams are built on finding players who suck elsewhere and expecting they will somehow do much better for your team.
Ronnie Belliard, Jeff Weaver
that’s all.
"I have CDO. It's like OCD, but the letters are in alphabetical order. Like they should be."
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Honestly they found someone worst than Miles
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 19, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
According to Fangraphs,
Pedro Feliz is the worst player in baseball. He is worth a NEGATIVE $5.8M this year http://bit.ly/bTYFTW
by FlimtotheFlam on Aug 19, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Gotta love it. How was D Carpenter as a spect?
....my quick smells like french toast...
Twitter: @mstreeter06
by mstreeter06 on Aug 19, 2010 1:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Are you serious?
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
fuck.......
and we lost Carpenter in the deal.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
.555 OPS....I guess there is someone in baseball worse than Miles.
Fuck me.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Guess they were watching the comments here
They mistook our absolute non-interest in discussing Feliz as better than our dismissal of other bad options.
Dude's making 4.5 Mil to put up
-2.1 WAR. What in the fuck are these guys thinking? I’m amazed at how badly the Cards don’t want to win this year. How many 25th men on the roster can one team have?
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Haven't heard.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
yeah
it looks like we are getting cash
"Sorry about him, he's dealing with being an inker. " - Chasing Amy
Maybe the "cash" in the deal is like $30 million.
I’d take that.
by Ghostrider520 on Aug 19, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't understand why the Cardinals insist on giving away decent players for ones that are salary dumps.
It’s been happening for a few years now, do they not understand that these teams just want to give the payers away? Scalped again!
no shit.
if you want Feliz, fine. Just eat the contract and hold on to your better prospects.
Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid.
- John Wayne
I feel the same way about the Westbrook outcome
Whether or not we had competition in that one or not is one thing. I doubt we were in a bidding war over Pedro Feliz!
but I can rationalize the westbrook deal
I can not rationalize feliz.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
why would we fire him?
We just extended him for 3 years.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
Right, I was just talking about the whole contract.
Gotay is free, and better.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
That's what I've been asking.
Cardinals Baseball 2010: Why have only one 25th man when you can have four?
by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on Aug 19, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
hahaha i get it
funny. Like Miles, in at third for his defense. You’re a funny guy dan.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
on us, the loyal fans of the STL Cradinals.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
I can believe they went and got the worst player in baseball.
I can’t believe they gave up a minor league player to get him. This is a joke.
"I'll be in the conversation at the end of the year." Adam Wainwright
lulz
"Very accomplished bunter" - Rick Horton about Aaron Miles
by jd is legend on Aug 19, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
We traded Carpenter for
suck! I hate this trade. Would have been much better up just bring up Gotay that acquiring Feliz.
so who is anderson replacing?
I thought I told you to trim those sideburns!
by martimeryard on Aug 19, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
that's what they said on 101 ESPN
not sure about other moves
"Sorry about him, he's dealing with being an inker. " - Chasing Amy
Well I'm pissed that LaRue got knocked out in that way
But I hope this results in Anderson getting an opportunity to show that he is at least deserving of the back up role in 2011.
i heard he was only out for 7 games???
by I miss Jack Buck on Aug 19, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Yesterday they were saying it could be season ending,
I guess it is.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
i think you are confusing
how long he is out to when he would have been able to theoretically return.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
LaRue's concussion symptoms are much worse than initially thought.
it could well turn into something more serious than baseball
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
if Cueto comes up missing, don't look at me
Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing can be made
FML
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
by RiverRat on Aug 19, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
they really figured things out
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
i'll rec it only if it stands for "fuck mo's life"
Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing can be made
by gdm426 on Aug 19, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
strauss just said we are getting a
“significant defensive improvement”
"Sorry about him, he's dealing with being an inker. " - Chasing Amy
over leaving the position empty, maybe
Okay, that’s unfair. Feliz has been an outstanding defensive player his entire career, and he probably still is. But good lord, is he a terrible hitter.
boog and feliz
it’s like having a wall on that side of the diamond but having only 2 outs per inning
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Awesome comment on MLBTR.
Feliz wouldn’t be an upgrade over Allen Craig, Allen Iverson, Tim Allen, or even Alan Greenspan the way he’s played in 2010.
heh
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
I'd pay to watch Tim Allen.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
grunt
I thought I told you to trim those sideburns!
by martimeryard on Aug 19, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
couldn't they have just dfa'd stav and put gotay at third?
but that would make WAY too much sense.
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:28 PM EDT reply actions
they could have just put stav at third
when you’re looking for someone to be half a win worse than a replacement player over the next month and a half you’ve got a ton of available options.
well at least Feliz is good at D, no?
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he is and maybe he isn't...
He’s 35 years old. At some point he’s going to stop being above average defensively – he may have already reached that point.
Fire La Russa!
I hope Johnny Cueto is proud of himself
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope he can't sleep at night.
"I'll be in the conversation at the end of the year." Adam Wainwright
But if he does sleep... I hope he has a really bad dream
"I got to get Dr. Freeze off my twig right now."-Nyjer Morgan
by flipthebird15 on Aug 19, 2010 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Chris Carpenter and Jason LaRue with Big Suitcases
"I'll be in the conversation at the end of the year." Adam Wainwright
VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
It’s back on.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
"I'm not your bitch," Molina told Phillips.
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Joke time.
You know what’s funny?
Aaron miles playing second.
You know what’s even funnier?
Pedro Feliz playing 3rd in the same game.
Even funnier than that?
Stavinoha in right field.
How can we beat that?
Winn playing center.
But the line up?
Miles
Feliz
Pujols
Holliday
Stavinoha
Winn
Yadi
Pitcher
Ryan.
get it?
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
That could be a WBR (Wins Below Replacement) lineup.
Okay, with Pujols and Holliday, it probably isn’t. Probably.
"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
I always thought the FIRE MO thing was super reactionary
But seriously, I am furious about this move.
Reactionary yes
It’s tough to make the Astro’s front office look good though. Now they have Wallace, and this happens. Maybe they’ve been planning this coup for years, thus explaining all their recent and past failings?!
turning wallace into Holliday
best move Mo has ever done.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
i'm talking about for that year
We won’t have been in the playoffs with out Holliday. (they we might have won a game against the dodgers without him.)
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
well that worked out so well too
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
Heh...he ran into a group of folks with bigger egos
>While Albert Pujols batting, This Signature picked off second. Three out.
I at least better see some kickass defensive plays from Feliz that are even better than Freese
or maybe they just wanted someone with a sort of similar sounding name. replace Freese with Feliz?
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions
Maybe this is just a week-long contract or something.
So Feliz can get revenge on the Giants and then he retires or something.
I'm not really sure yet
but it certainly does not seem necessary with Gotay
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Coincidentally...
Gotay is Spanish for “puts up great numbers at AAA but is blocked by Aaron Miles.”
Look it up.
"I got to get Dr. Freeze off my twig right now."-Nyjer Morgan
by flipthebird15 on Aug 19, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, now playing 3rd base for your St. Louis Cardinal, Pete Happy
"I'll be in the conversation at the end of the year." Adam Wainwright
Serious question....
how many players on the 25 man could be replaced by someone better in memphis?
by I miss Jack Buck on Aug 19, 2010 1:36 PM EDT reply actions
I can only think of third base
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
depending on one's views of Descalso you could make a good case for 2b too
though skip’s been doing better since the ASB
Colby: "There's been a whole lot of riff-raff going on"
tony and his veterans
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:38 PM EDT reply actions
i think Tony
would prefer the rookie he had their at the start of the season.
I didn’t get on base. One time I did (Wednesday) and we scored a run. That shows if I get on base, things can happen - Oilspill
well, yeah
he’s hurt though.
maybe they just wanted to prevent Albert from getting killed at first
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for that
That is absolutely the only LOGICAL conclusion. They wanted someone to hit Albert’s glove at first for the rest of the season. Planning now for 2011!
so, Pedro
can you throw the ball into the glove there? yes? ok, you are hired!
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
His other duties will include
1. Re-wrapping Albert in bubble wrap after games.
2. Maintaining watch over Albert’s shoe laces during and after games to ensure they remain tied.
One step forward and two steps back....
We finally bump LaRue off the roster only to add Feliz.
I’m really starting to dislike this year’s incarnation of my favorite baseball team.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 19, 2010 1:40 PM EDT reply actions
The guys at Crawfish Boxes sure are broken up over this deal:
Our long national nightmare is over.
No more Pedro Feliz weighing down the bench like a 50 ton anchor.
Fire La Russa!
What's funny is that the Stros
have played better, and have been a more interesting team, since they committed to playing their young guys. Johnson at 3b, Wallace at 1b, Castro at C, Sanchez at SS.. and dumped their older declining players, like Matsui, Feliz, etc. (not to mention Berkman and Oswalt who were actually good players).
by Willie McGee's Twin on Aug 19, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
It's as if Mo sat back after the first month and thought, "How can we make this team older and worse?"
So, he called up TLR and TLR said, “I’ve got some ideas…” Together, they agreed upon the course.
- Miles signed.
- Miles promoted.
- Winn signed.
- MacDougal signed.
- MacDougal promoted.
- Feliz traded for.
We may be fielding a lineup with three sub-.300 wOBAs every single night.
No, this isn’t fair, but I feel like I’ve had a negative reaction to nearly every roster move this season. And it really begins to drag on you.
"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
we sure are commited to that youth movement and player development huh?
Colby: "There's been a whole lot of riff-raff going on"
probably hits better than
1.) Feliz
2.) Miles
3.) Stavinoah
4.) Winn
5.) Allen Craig’s luck
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
Just crossed into downtown from IL
I was greeted by the distinct odor of moth balls and hemmorhoid cream
I think I've figured out #5.
Craig is sucking, output-wise, at least, because Miles is somehow absorbing all his BABIP luck. If we can just somehow detach Miles from Craig, then he should regress back to his norm.
I suggest having Miles lanced.
imagine Craig with Miles luck
Blaine Matthew Burns: Albert Pujols' biggest fan (his first words will for sure be "Albert Pujols is RIDICULOUS")
I feel the same way bgh
"Very accomplished bunter" - Rick Horton about Aaron Miles
by jd is legend on Aug 19, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
i dont see how Feliz is better than Tyler Greene
I don’t know why the organization has such little confidence in him. I heard Mo talkin about him on Bernies show yesterday and all he could say was that Greene was too inconsistent. Well, granted its a small sample size, he is hitting better than any of the other MIFs or 3Bman
by mick311 on Aug 19, 2010 1:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I have to hand to Mo/TLR
i didn’t think this team could get worse offensively, but they pulled it off
Colby: "There's been a whole lot of riff-raff going on"
Pedro Feliz cannot hit a baseball.
Career slash line: .252/.289/.415/.704 (wOBA of .301)
2010 slash line: .221/.243/.311/.555 (wOBA of .241)
"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
based on those on-base %s, i'd say he can't see it either
Colby: "There's been a whole lot of riff-raff going on"
by kalmavet on Aug 19, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
visual evidence...
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RCfcbCFGT2Y/StnXOQNonhI/AAAAAAAABFI/—KUB2oJRJA/s320/GD3733426@Philadelphia-Phillies-9579.jpg"/>
Well, his BABIP is .232...
Which is below his career average of .267.
Holy shit this guy sucks.
"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
After ten years, it's no longer luck.
"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
Career .289 OBP
CAREER TWO EIGHTY-NINE ON BASE PERCENTAGE
"Very accomplished bunter" - Rick Horton about Aaron Miles
by jd is legend on Aug 19, 2010 1:50 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
34 points higher than Wainwright, SO THERE!
by Ghostrider520 on Aug 19, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
This seems like sort of a cruel joke
I expect Mo to come out tomorrow and be like, “We just released Feliz. I was just fucking with you guys.”
it's like we're trying to let the reds win
chief justice
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Aug 19, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
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