Talk about the Future
by azruavatar on Sep 5, 2010 2:00 AM EDT
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I'm in the Quad Cities for the weekend so I'm writing this from the past. I've exhausted myself with words discussing the 2010 Cardinals right now so I have a discussion question for all of you.
For me, the thing that has been missing from the 2010 club the most is a consistent on base threat outside of Pujols or Holliday. If there's one thing I want the 2011 club to do, it's find a player that can get on base consistently at the top of the lineup. There's a very small part of me that wonders if Matt Carpenter, current AA Springfield third baseman, could fill that role but realistically, that's a huge jump to make.
So what is the role or thing that you want the 2011 Cardinals to find? A shutdown reliever, an everyday third baseman, a good backup catcher, whatever. I'm not asking you to pick a specific player but rather some kind of a role that you think is missing on the team right now.
Second Question: What actual free agent makes the most sense for the club in 2011?
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First question, In order of importance...
1) A competent manager
2) An above average and reliable 4th starter
3) An everyday third baseman who can stay healthy
4) A backup catcher capable of starting 30 games a year
5) A good closer
Not much else really. The Cardinals, IMO, still have more talent than just about any other team in the NL. It’s taken underperforming years from Boog, Schumaker, Albert, Molina, Lohse, and Lopez, injuries to Freese and Penny, the highest Pyhag – Actual record disparity in baseball, and a manager that refuses to consistently put his best team on the field to turn this team from a juggernaut to one that has to fight to make the playoffs.
As to your second question, Adrian Beltre and Cliff Lee would be my first choices, but since we don’t have the money for them, I would like to see Brandon Inge and either Jorge De La Rosa, Jake Westbrook or Javier Vazquez (they are all interchangeable to me in terms of talent, whichever one’s the cheapest).
Also, my personal favorite undervalued players would be Mark Ellis and Chad Gaudin.
Fire Tony La Russa
Javier Vazquez
who is this guy? the 2009 guy or the 2010 guy? somewhere in between?
he’s GOT to be the highest upside pitching signing of the offseason.
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
The 2010 Javier Vazquez had a 4.71 xFIP in a hitters park in the AL East
Move him to a pitchers park in the central, and he’s a 4.00 xFIP pitcher easily. The 2009 Javer Vazquez had a 2.82 xFIP. If you give me somewhere between those 2 seasons, he’d be a top 30 starter in baseball. Give me 2009, and he’s a top 5 starter in baseball.
Fire Tony La Russa
towel plz
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
I think I figured it out!
Aaron Miles to close!!! He’s got an OPS against of .500 on pitches 1 through 15.
And you know he’s going to leave it all on the field.
Vazquez is hurt, i'm sick of injured pitchers much like i'm sick of a roster of only 25th men
All I've got is a broken heart, memories & dreams that I can't drink away
Nein danke
Me no likey pitchers who lose 2 mph out of nowhere. I’d definitely take Westbrook for 2011.
Not afraid to nitpick
i still don't get why this isn't being talked about more.
jake westbrook fits the #4 starter mold perfectly, especially if he’s still working with duncan. i’d take him back in a heartbeat, especially if it’s right around 5 mil.
follow me on twitter @nickg105, @Rams_Fan_Voice
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 5, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
except Mo would give him Lohse money
because he is Mo, and he overpays for absolutely everything.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
he was 11m this year
think he really drop to 5?
cool if he does
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
Yeah, he lost velocity
But he also performed at a high level (seriously the AL East is such a hard division to pitch in you have to knock off at least .5 runs), and he should be able to gain some of that velocity back.
Fire Tony La Russa
i'm interested in hearing what others
Think about ellis. I haven’t yet had a chance to look at him close. Otherwise, the MIF looks very spotty on the FA market.
Ellis or re-signing lopez to be our everyday 2b seem like decent options.
We probably need a starting pitcher – westbrook is the most likely option there. I could live with that. De la rosa and vasquez would be great, though I suspect both are too rich for our tastes.
I’m actually okay with taking whatever we get from freese and carpenter. I’d rather spend our money elsewhere. Not that we couldn’t use a beltre-level 3b.
I’m reasonably happy with anderson as backup catcher and our existing bullpen. If a bargain like matt capps of the last off-season is out there, I’d bite.
"We were men - flesh and blood - and we played baseball in the sunshine. We hit doubles off the wall, slid hard into second base. We had fights, and we made love. We sang songs and prayed on Sundays. . . . We felt pain. And we felt joy. There was a lot wrong with the world. But we weren't sad, man. We had the times of our lives." Buck O'Neil, from "The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America."
by tom s. on Sep 5, 2010 3:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I'd love to get Ellis on a cheapie
if we’re still going with the GB pitching gameplan, we really need someone better than Skip playing 2B. Ellis is a brilliant defender who can get on base at about an average clip (albeit with zero power). Age and his already-marginal bat are definitely concerns, however, so ideally I’d not want to be paying more than 3-4m for the guy on a one-year deal, and I suspect he can probably get better than that somewhere else. He’s LITERALLY the only FA 2B next year of any interest whatsoever, as well, which might push his price up a bit. It’s a really terrible crop.
My 2B plan otherwise would be to go with Skip vs RHP and Greene vs LHP, but I’d really want a better backup middle infielder than is available from the farm system, so retaining Floppy would be fine too. It’d be nice to get Descalso involved at some point, too. Basically the problem with this approach (and even more so with adding Ellis/Lopez) is you’ve built up 3-4 guys who can play 2B at a slightly-below-average level of production. Whilst strength in numbers is good, I can’t help but feel it might lead to a confusing and non-optimal roster situation, especially if TLR is still here.
I broadly agree that another bullpen arm or two would be nice. Again, a Capps-esque bargain would make sense (I was kinda pulling for Capps this off-season, actually), but I think the more pressing need is the left-hand side. Both Miller and Reyes have been pretty hopeless this year, and it’s been a real nasty surprise about this team. I’d consider giving Miller another spin for ~1.5m or so but given his age and 2010 season I’d be concerned about going in to the year without another LOOGY; I don’t think Evan MacLane is suited to that role, the minor leagues are depressingly bare, and I think Reyes is D-U-N as a professional pitcher.
3B depends largely on Freese; I really think we probably need to add a 3B more critically than a 2B if he’s more or less done. I think there’s genuine hope that Greene/Skip as a platoon might be a 1 or even 2 WAR solution at second base, but I’m not convinced (unless they move Carpenter through AAA very rapidly) there’s an option to cover 3B with that sort of production. Essentially, I think I’d add ONE infielder through free agency; if Freese’s recovery is going well, I’d risk adding Mark Ellis or Lopez (whoever’s cheaper), however, if Freese isn’t looking so good, I’d rather prioritise 3B and at least add a Brandon Inge-type to cover the spot until Carpenter’s ready for some major league PT.
4th SP is obviously a must, and I’d echo the calls for Westbrook. My main concern would be the amount of money he’d want (he’s not quite worth $10m on a one-year, IMO, and I suspect he wants 2-3 years ideally, PLUS he’s being paid $11m this year). If we can get him on something like 1yr/$8m+incentives, that’d do me. I’d go as far as 2yrs for $15/16m or so as we’ll likely require an innings eater in 2012 too.
In all honesty, I’d be prepared to take another flier on Penny, if he wants to pitch again in 2011. He’s still not that old, IIRC his injury this year is not a recurrence of his previous shoulder issues, and he looked excellent when he was healthy. He’ll probably be available, after two recent injuries and an ostensibly poor 2009, for $2-3m or something, and I think he’d make an excellent reclamation project.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 7:51 AM EDT up reply actions
It would appear
that Bernie in this morning’s SPD agrees with #1. His articles are getting really direct lately, and mirror the frustration with lineup construction expressed here.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Sep 5, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
We Have a solid 4th guy in Westbrook...
…and we should keep him and use Louse as the 5th starter.
Spare me your taradiddles!!!!
:=8O
well
what happened to david freese? if we’re going to talk about matt carpenter, why not talk about the guy he’d be replacing? i know freese BABIP’d .376 this season, so that probably dents his his .341 wOBA for this season. but he was projected to 15-20 HR potential and didn’t quite touch that. perhaps there’s more to mister freese than we’ve seen thus far.
now if carpenter can play 2B…
because right now we’ve got 1B and LF contributing all around. CF is mostly slugging, as the walkapotamoose has disappeared as the season has worn on. RF is a crap shoot, as we don’t know if Jay is Bo Hart or not, or if Allen Craig will ever get something to fall his way. SS is currently a defense first position, though if Tyler Greene has a transformation this offseason, we could get more. C is also a defense first position and there is no deposing yadi, so I won’t even go there.
and personally (tangent alert) i don’t think Colby will ever be the player we want him to be, and i see him being more like JD Drew than Jim Edmonds. he gets injured, goes on cold streaks, doesn’t bat .300, and doesn’t sell it. there’s nothing there to endear him to average fans. it sucks because i want people to like him, but i don’t think he will ever be loved or appreciated in STL.
i don’t know where an OBP guy is going to come from except MIF or RF. RF is not a likely source of OBP, as it’s normally a SLG position. but if we can find a MIF who will get on base for us, that’d be great. True talent (read: NOT 2010) Skip Schumaker can be this guy, though if we’ve lost our confidence in him, Orlando Hudson is usually good for a 9% walk rate and .350 OBP and can be had, a la Felipe Lopez.
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
hmm
O Dog isn’t included in that Cot’s list you linked, but according to this (scroll down to his contract, or just Control-F it) he only got a 1 year deal again. He’ll probably fetch another 5 mil contract, so he’s kind of expensive for our MIF tastes, plus that’s less money for our fourth starter.
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
the problem with Freese isn't his production, I'm fine with what I've seen from him
the problem is you can’t depend on him to play a full season of injury-free baseball
The only important thing is
to sign Albert.
I know he won’t single handedly carry the team to the playoffs. But I do think he pretty much has kept the team from being the Pirates since he’s shown up.
Ideally, you’d want a 2B that can lead off, but those apparently are mythical these days, at least I don’t see one on the free agent list. (Me, I would have signed Chone Figgins last year, but he stopped hitting this last year, so that would have been a mistake, presumably). Sign Jeter and move him to 2B (Sure, that could happen…)
Albert is great, but if he had guys that actually got on base in front of him, he’s be even greater. I would force Tony to glue Rasmus to the #2 spot. He might not walk for months at a time, but he has more potential to be a .400 OBP guy than anyone else on the roster besides Albert/Holliday. Especially with a new manager that doesn’t emphasize being aggressive at the plate.
yikes sorry for the long reply, but....
I know he won’t single handedly carry the team to the playoffs. But I do think he pretty much has kept the team from being the Pirates since he’s shown up.
hmmm… just re-read that…. Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen have had nothing to do with our success…. Albert has made us perennial contenders in the past, certainly hasn’t made us from a 60 win team to a 100 win team…. also this year is his worst year so i doubt we’d be the pirates without him this year even….
Sign Jeter and move him to 2B (Sure, that could happen…)
no thank you, he’s gonna get overpaid by some team, sporting a .317 wOBA with negative defensive value
Albert is great, but if he had guys that actually got on base in front of him, he’s be even greater.
where have you been? Jon Jay has a .381 OBP, bout as close as you can get to .400…. would love someone who OBPs .400 but they don’t grow on trees and most .400 OBP guys bat 3rd-4th in the lineup
Especially with a new manager that doesn’t emphasize being aggressive at the plate.
that is about the last flaw i think of when i think of TLR and his faults… especially since ive never heard of this phenomenon
You've never heard Tony talk about being aggressive?
That’s why they’re constantly swinging at the first pitch.
"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
To be fair,
Tony doesn’t usually actually say the word “agressive” – he couches it in “getting your pitch” or “attacking the first good pitch you see” or some jargon like that.
which is exactly what you're supposed to do uneless you're playing little league.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
which is different
than swinging at offspeed junk outside the strike zone. :)
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
either sign him or trade him
because they cant have another year like this where they make moves & don’t make moves based on how much they are going to have to pay him. if dumping Luddy has a silver lining, i hope it’s that they realized what a colossally epic failure that move was.
and if they do sign him, they must raise the payroll to compensate, or not factor his salary into the regular payroll. basically break it up into two separate payrolls
1. Albert’s $30+ million
2. rest of team $90+ million
if they don’t i fear we’ll be stuck with a roster full of the sucky 20+ below level replacement guy & only 4-6 core players like it’s currently constructed
All I've got is a broken heart, memories & dreams that I can't drink away
conundrum here is
can they really afford apu?
if they do and don’t increase payroll by at least the difference n his salaries
we are doomed to repeat this year
one “mistake” not discussed too much is not getting apu’s contract done this past off-season, but doing holly
i think it has weighed on him and others
apu has had o’fers roughly 20% of games played
unless his vision is a problem, it’s one of concentration and distraction
from no contract to holly’s to glen beck to watching jmo fill in with dfa/waiver types
gotta be discouraging to apu and everyone else
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
"unless his vision is a problem, it’s one of concentration and distraction"
or one of his 100s of nagging injuries.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
not for swinging ooz
i’m sure he plays through a lot
maybe he would do better if he took a few more days off
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
I really think there's no way they can bump payroll to $120m+
especially without a playoff windfall this year.
Maybe a $10m bump or so is plausible, but to see payroll increase about 30% in one year is unrealistic IMO.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions
things to do
1a. NOT sign Aaron Miles, Pedro Feliz,, Mike MacDougal, Jeff Suppan, Nick Stavinoha (who is now out of options….), Jason LaRue (sadly)… if 6 out of 7 happen i’ll be mildly pleased
b. FREE TYLER GREENE… seriously this thing is getting to be ridiculous .347 wOBA people (im also biased, but this is common sense – smart)
c. FREE ALLEN CRAIG… and while we’re at it… FREE FERNANDO SALAS… (free as in keep them on the fucking 25 man roster) – to be fair, Craig has kinda sucked though
d. Tony to retire because he won’t get fired and because that means its the end of Aaron Miles (cue heaven sequence with ahhhhhhh…)
2. Felipe Lopez… all goes to plan and David Freese comes back in May, Felipe can cover for him in April and then play utility… everybody wins…. (also, if Felipe can’t play third, Tyler Greene can… defense that won’t kill us…
2B – Schu, Lopez
3B – Lopez, Greene
SS – Greene, Ryan
flip it anyway and that’s not a bad defense… also give me a (swallow ) vet outfielder whose good… not sure who fits that criteria… (NO STAVINOHA IS NOT A VET… or good for that matter)
So you want the same infielders, plus Greene a little more often?
No thanks. A change needs to be made.
/hands stanley1 a toaster
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
by SleepyCA on Sep 5, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I want to see the youngsters play over Miles and Stav too
but I hate to say it….we’re not winning anything with Greene, Craig, Schumaker, and Ryan playing regularly either. Maybe I’m just jaded by the how this season has ended, but I think this club needs a big overhaul to be WS caliber. An overhaul which almost certainly is not coming.
Greene and Craig at least have potential
Both have never really been given serious enough looks to evaluate them in the major league setting, so let’s give them the shot.
Ryan, on the other hand, if he just hits somewhere between his 2009 and 2010 seasons, I’ll be happy. He should be playing everyday for defense alone.
Not to quibble,
but how would we know that we’re not winning anything with them. Boog had wrist surgery and that has most certainly affected his play this year, regarless of what any one says. I haven’t heard of anybody coming back and playing worth a damn after wrist surgery for the better part of a year. Greene and Craig haven’t gotten enough time to do jack shit. Schu has hit much better of late, he’ll never be great and might serve a better purpose off the bench if we can find a decent 2B. But Miles, Winn, and Stav should never take the field with BoB again. Unless it’s in an old-timers game.
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 Sep 5, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
well
I think this club needs a big overhaul to be WS caliber
i just completely disagree… still convinced this team at the beginning of the year was 95 win team that suffered bad injuries and put out less than replacement level players to replace them which oddly enough was a disaster…
not to mention how would we know anyway, we haven’t seen them….
not a very exciting free agent class
Mariano Rivera for closer! yeah right
Jon Rauch, Arthur Rhodes, Scott Downs or Rafael Soriano would probably be more our speed. sure they will still be expensive but I think it’s worth it. a bullpen arm is pretty high on my list just like last season.
if Brandon Webb passes physical he may be worth a try for the rotation. he’s certainly been great in the past. career 3.5 FIP and even better xFIP. I’m not too familiar with what his injury was however.
I think Tim Hudson could be a great addition but he will probably be out of our price range. there are certainly many other areas besides starting pitching that need to be addressed. I think our best bet may be just bringing back Westbrook. not sure what kind of competition there will be over signing him, we might be able to get a good deal. same with Vazquez…. but I think Jorge de la Rosa may be a great addition as well. there are a lot of options here. it seems like our best bet may be in replacing #4/#5 starter with someone effective. Lohse is probably a #5 at this point (but is certainly better than Suppan or other internal options in all likelihood).
I’d really like to figure out some way of having a backup plan if Freese never pans out…. the third basemen available this offseason are pretty bad. Brandon Inge seems like the best idea, but he’s pretty much the same as Freese but with less upside. his on-base percentage is horrid too. just not a very exciting 3rd base free agent outside of Adrian Beltre and we won’t be signing him since he will command a greater price than he should get given the thin choice in who is available to play third on the free agent market.
the shortstops available range from players that are about as good as Brendan Ryan to players that will be far out f the Cardinals budget. the second basemen include Willie Bloomquist, Kaz Matsui, and Aaron Miles. Mark Ellis is the cream of the crop!
Tony or whoever is managing next season needs to come to the realization that they will need to rely on the minor league system in ’11. no more reliance on players that are awful. they play people like Nick Stavinoha over Allen Craig. fixing this type of error needs to stop.
For minor leaguers I’d like to see what Carpenter can do at third base (back up Freese if he is healthy). not sure what’s going on with Tyler Greene but he is also an option there. what a lame situation third base has been in, hopefully something will happen here next season.
I’m not sure what to make of Schumaker at 2nd base… he has been even worse than last year overall on defense (although not by much)… but his OBP has been much worse this year, which really hurts his value (his OBP was over .360 last year, no where near that this year). his BABIP for the season is .304 so he’s not been that unlucky at all (he was earlier in the year though). his ISO is .074 so he needs to take more walks or make up for his lack of power somehow. given Lopez departure, I’d like to see someone as an option to Skip other than Aaron Miles. maybe it’s Descalsco time? any other possible 2nd basemen out there?
the outfield next season is a little murky past the most likely starting 3 of Holliday, Jay, and Rasmus. that is, if they play Rasmus and not put Jay in CF and play Nick Stavinoha in right. he really needs to go since he has no realistic place on the roster. will Winn return? I don’t see much need for that really. there is just about any minor leaguer in AAA that could fill in for him. Allen Craig should be on the team regulary by then I would hope and be what Stavinoha is attempting to be (4th outfielder, pinch hitter). fifth outfielder isn’t very important, but I think they could de better than Randy Winn.
Bryan Anderson should be the backup catcher next year. Tyler Greene’s role in the organization needs to be defined (will he be a regular major league contributor?).
above all they need a drastic restructuring of the periphery players on the roster. well Feliz should be, and he’s a starter. I can’t really think of a much worse assortment of players beyond the core players of the team. Salas has been great and he gets limited playing time. perhaps it’s time for a more open minded manager.
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 3:29 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
"fixing this type of error needs to stop"
er, begin
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 4:03 AM EDT up reply actions
...
I’m not reading all that.
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
give it another try tomorrow
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 4:46 AM EDT up reply actions
heh i read and rec'd it
just a joke
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
all good ;)
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 5:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Good luck on the Brandon Webb thing.
The guy may be done. I advocated signing him earlier, but according to reports Webb is only hitting 85 on the gun.
In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! "I hope I'll be safe at home!"
-George Carlin (RIP)
In fairness
That was literally his first time stepping on a mound throwing with any intent and he was 86-90 in his prime anyway so it’s not like velocity was really his big thing. If he was an ace at 86-90, he could probably get by at 84-88. That said no one likes to pour money into a guy whose shoulder can’t be diagnosed properly or rehabbed for over 2 years.
Not afraid to nitpick
yeah
he’s definitely not at the top of my list. I’d just re-sign Westbrook and get a bullpen arm and maybe someone for 2B
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Randy Winn is a lot better than Stavinoha
Hell, he’s hit .272 .344 .421 (with a normal .300 BABIP) with the Cardinals!
Not afraid to nitpick
he's also chair in the OF (a little bit skinnier of one tho)
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
I didn't mean to imply that he is that bad
still he really has no spot on the roster. gotta save $
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't mind Winn back next year
I think he’s pretty much redundant, tbh, but he’s likely no worse than Craig/Jay/Luna/Henley/Chambers or whoever else ends up being 4th/5th OFers.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions
maybe Pham?
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 6, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
except with no upside
a guy like craig or Mather might break out. Winn won’t.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
Arthur Rhodes is a good call
if he even wants to pitch again next year (I heard he was close to retiring) but he’ll probably just return to Cinci if anything. We do need a reliable lefty, though.
He’s struggled this year but maybe Will Ohman is worth a shot. He’ll likely be more effective in the NLC than the ALE.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions
people don't mention that NOT trading for Ohman when a lot of people were clamoring for it was a good move
the braves wanted way too much for him. I think it as ’08
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 6, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
2011 Wish List
1. Legit healthy Third baseman that can drive guys in ie: RBI guy to bat 5th. Sorry but I just don’t trust that Freese can stay healthy. This might be tough to fill and could be expensive but this team NEEDS another solid rbi guy in the line-up. Sadly there is not much that will be available but maybe Jorge Cantu could work…but his numbers have dropped quite a bit this season. Mo may have to look for a trade…but that might be impossible as well.
2. Either a shortstop or 2nd baseman that can get on base and be good on defense. Which means one of Skip or Boog has to go. I would prefer to keep Boog and sign someone on a 1 or 2 year contract to man 2nd until Cox is ready. Can’t have BOTH Skippy and Boog in the line-up again next year… Maybe try and get Kelly Johnson.
3. A bullpen piece or two. Time to get rid of slugs like McDougal and Reyes.
4. Colby Rasmus must be in the line-up every day.
It is a MUST to get rid of these guys: Randy Winn, Aaron Miles, Nick Stavinoah, Dennys Reyes, Jeff Suppan, Mike MacDougal
To wrap it up I have to say that for anything to work next year….Tony must go. We need fresh eyes on this team so that means no Oquendo either.
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Forgot to add
Free Agents that make sense:
Jorge Cantu (3rd base) if not too much $$, Bill Hall (Bench/3rd/2nd/OF), Marcus Thames (back-up outfielder), Jake Westbrook (4th starter), Scot Downs (bullpen)
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Another option for 3rd
Wilson Betemit
Boy a frosty cold Budweiser would be great about now"…long pause…then an "aahhh". --Mike Shannon
Bill Hall
great call. Someone who hits lefties very well and can play the two spots we’re weak at (2B and 3B) with some power and a vaguely competent glove would be very useful.
Not sure he’s much (if any) better than Floppy but his specific skillset (hitting LHP) is arguably a better fit for a team that will be using Schumaker at 2B against righties and will possibly be short of a 3B for the first couple of months (until either Carpenter, Freese or both are healthy/promoted).
I could see a very useful platoon situation developing of Freese/Carp at 3B, Schu/Hall at 2B, with Ryan as SS and Tyler Greene (who can play all 3 positions) as infield utility backup. That limits us to only one backup OF, but Hall can play a corner spot if necessary and would also be a useful platoon option for Jay if Craig has any problems.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions
the curse of Scotty is strong...
Lick that shoulder—you're in the doghouse now.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
Agree
with you that we need a legit healthy 3B to hit in the 5 or 6 spot a la Rolen and Glaus the first year in STL. Also not sure about Freese, or that Carpenter can make the jump, leaving only the free agent or trade route
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Sep 5, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Is this a joke?
"The Helping Phriendly Book it seems contained the ancient secrets of eternal joy and neverending splendor. The trick was to surrender to the flow." Phish - The Lizards
by indakind on Sep 5, 2010 9:16 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't want to trade one of our better bullpen guys away
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
i just think it would instantly solve 3b (assuming the worst for freese)
salas has been solid and i think A’s need a bullpen guy ASAP
we may need to sign another bullpen guy as someone commented above
we cant go a month to wait for freese
by guillermozeliak on Sep 5, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
One way we might be able to give a little more
to a FA (or trade acquisition) 3B or 2B, is to trade Skip. Not sure exactly what he makes, but I think it’s in the neighborhood of $3M or so. If we didn’t have so many lefties in the OF, I’d say stick him back out there, even on a bench role. But that doesn’t make much sense. We may really need Carpenter or Cox to be able to contribute next year, and a lot, salary wise, will depend on if we resign Albert, if we for how much, and what management is planning on doing for the team salary.
I’m assuming Anderson will have the backup catcher spot. I think a bullpen of Franklin, Motte, KMac, Salas, and Boggs should be pretty decent. I wish we could replace Franklin, but we can’t. I’d say start with that, and add a veteran arm or two. Still gonna have to decide what to do with Hawk, and we’ll need to add another lefty if Reyes leaves.
I’d focus on cleaning up 2B/SS/3B, and finding a good 4th OF. If the club doesn’t think Craig is going to stick, and Tony is back, use him as trade bait. Greene should get more time, but he needs to quit pissing off the front office.
I’d like to resign Westbrook, but I don’t know what he’ll cost. Lohse is probably hurting this team more than any other contract. Maybe he can get “right” this offseason.
skip spiezo?
skip’s role next year, since he is worth nothing n the market, is tobe spiezo. hence he should play a little 3rd this winter
also, tinkering on the margins won’t be possible, or do any good, without expansion of payroll
next year, for example, reds will pay votto ~500k and we will pay apu 30M
next up, rolen at 10-11m (i think, since he restructured) vs holly at 17
carp at 15-16
you run out of money at even 100M petty fast to keep up with cincy
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
Haha
Skip at third…you crazy
"Albert hits good pitches hard and bad pitches even harder. And when he gets in the batter's box, if you pray, then you start praying. And if you don't pray, you think about starting."--Brian Bannister
That guy we gave a lot of money in the offseason to protect albert is dead to me...DEAD TO ME
by VolsnCards5 on Sep 5, 2010 10:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
he's getting 2.7M from us next year
where do you want him?
I may be in a rut, but at least I know where I'm going
...to DFA TLR
we're gonna have to keep skip
i know he makes like 2mil this year
by guillermozeliak on Sep 5, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Skip is worthless in a trade
he’s a fringe player with 1 year left on his deal who gets paid roughly what he’d likely be valued as a FA.
Why don’t you think Craig will stick?
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Question/Request For Anyone Stuck At Work Or Looking to kill Time
You know why they sometimes show that silly record for the team when player X is starting (as in “the Cardinals are 45-30 when Brendan Ryan starts at SS”)? Realizing that that means absolutely nothing, really, which Cardinals player has the worst team record when they start?
"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
Matt Carpenter
I LOVE watching the guy play, but I’ve got a lot of video of him and it looks like his swing is a frame or so too long to work in the bigs.
Aye Carumba
a frame or so too long to work in the bigs
This is something that could easily have a statistical study done on. Until then, this is a random and baseless assertion.
Silly humans, this world is for robots.
all this VEB space time continuum flip-flopping
future DanUp, past Az..
can you skip us forward to next season?
..i miss ludriguez-wick..
just got this from twitter
apparently the guy who threw the phillips’ foul ball back on the field friday night was musial’s grandson. that’s pretty awesome.
follow me on twitter @nickg105, @Rams_Fan_Voice
by stlcardinalsfang on Sep 5, 2010 11:08 AM EDT reply actions
be like he doesn't need more baseballs. . . .
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
The next Hans Moleman
Should have got him in the crotch.
"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
anyone have super unicorn?
i can’t find an article for the rotoworld Strauss-Rasmus-requesting-trade bit. But….. I must say, I’m going to miss Dave Duncan when he is gone.
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
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Dude's a second year player...
I love him out there, but he just doesn’t have the right to request a trade, IMO. Buck up and do what’s asked of you, even if you don’t like it. Life’s a bitch Colby. Deal with it.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
He has the right to request it.
And Mo has the right to tell him to shut it.
Can’t blame the guy for wanting out. I’m sure watching the likes of Nick Stavinoha start over him helps warm the situation, though.
"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
@ BJRains La Russa confirms Post-Dispatch report that Colby Rasmus requested a trade earlier this season. Said he requested one last year also.
"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
sounds rather prima donnaish to me.
I mean, I think that he needs to play everyday, but requesting a trade everytime you get upset doesn’t sound like a very good way to endear yourself to your teammates. Not sure how I feel about TLR busrolling him in the media though, either.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Sounds like management is leaking info to turn the public against him
so whenever we trade Colby, fans will be happy. Bostonian.
"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
Looks like TLR
Is laying the Jocketty love on real thick lately too. He definitely is sending a few messages through the press right now.
by Merry CRasmus on Sep 5, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
yup certainly not one of TLR's
“better qualities”
what a douche, I’ve got to say
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
And also devaluing his image on the trade market
smart move. Really smart.
If we’re really lucky we might be able to trade him to the Astros for Jim Edmonds in July next year.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah....
Rookies shouldn’t really be requesting trades. Rasmus was unhappy with the Cardinals before he was even with the big club.
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
This is a TLR vs Luhnow/Mo issue and Tony is beating up on Rasmus because he is the poster boy for Luhnow’s new regime. I just guess Rasmus has had enough of it.
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Well since Jack Ruby killed Lee Harvey, we'll never know.
"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
where do you get that?
that Rasmus was unhappy before he was with the big club. Who says? What’s your source for that?
The problem really is that Tony is airing this stuff in public…again!!! It’s clear that he’s trying to turn the fan base against Rasmus in an attempt to return next year. He obviously agrees that one or the other won’t be back next year and he wants Rasmus to be the one who leaves.
Tony Rasmus posting on public message boards
which happened in 2007 and again in 2008. Correct me if I’m wrong but Rasmus didn’t get with the team until 2009 correct?
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
yeah, and there was that huge drama about
trying to change his swing in AAA, and about not making the team in 2008.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
All I know
is that every losing streak you hear this talk about the farm club not producing. Usually attributed to “club sources”. Every losing streak spurs on a rush from these sources to throw a few suits under the bus. On top of that, you get these personality conflicts regularly.
Is it a coincidence that our team has been listless every September, going back to 2004? Could it possibly be that the team gets worn down by off-field bullshit annually? I’m starting to think so.
by Merry CRasmus on Sep 5, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Seriously do other teams have this much drama?
I’m really sick of it. Rolen, Kennedy, Edmonds, Rasmus, Anthony Reyes. I’m sure there are others I’m not thinking of.
Plus picking up all the castoffs, I’m really really sick of management.
by OCCardsFan on Sep 5, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
lankford, ozzie, gant
St. Louis Game Time Fact: Morning links are part of a well-balanced meal.
SBNSTL Writing about the Blues in more than one line is tough.
As I said yesterday,
the one constant is all TLR’s failed player relationships is TLR.
by dronemc on Sep 5, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
the one constant in all of TLR's good player relationships is TLR
Some these players have had other issues with other managers. Some haven’t Does TLR seem to have more issues with players than others? Maybe. Hard to tell. He has been our manager for the last 15 years. Were other managers are normally with their teams only a hand full of years. So we get to remember everyone.
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
My point isn't that the Rolen thing...
…for example, was solely LaRussa’s fault. Or the Kennedy thing, ot the dustup with Edmonds. Surely, they all shared at least some of the blame. Rather, what I’m saying is that every few years, LaRussa seems to get into a snit with someone and cause some sort of drama, to a greater or lesser detriment to the performance of the player in question.
I’m well aware that Tony has managed several hundred or so players without incident in his career. So have Larry Bowa and Lou Piniella. It’s not how you manage the easygoing guys that defines your style and success – it’s how you handle the difficult ones. Maybe you’re right and this happens everywhere, but I’m getting tired of seeing good players get into fueds with TLR to the point where, sometimes, they get run out of town.
tl;dr version – If I’m faced with the choice of “TLR or Colby,” I’ll take Colby every day and twice on Sundays.
chances on signing Pujols
after he sees a 2 year guy push his manager out for being a prima donna?
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
Where is it written in stone that TLR and Albert are a package deal?
Seriously? I’ve seen this reasoning all over the place – here, the PD, on the various sports talk radio shows, etc. Everyone just seems to accept the premise that if TLR goes, then Albert goes as well.
If there’s been some statement of Albert’s that I’ve missed, tell me. I’m not trying to be an ass here, but I just don’t think they’re joined at the hip. For christ’s sake, even Strauss acknowledges that Dunc might stay if TLR goes. If those two aren’t sewn together at the head by now, I think that we needn’t worry about Pujols following Tony out the door instantaneously.
by dronemc on Sep 5, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
no where
I think we do have to worry about it though. Not a point I think i’ll convince you otherwise so we’ll just wait and see.
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
Fair enough.
For what it’s worth – and this will sound bizarre given my prior posts in this subthread – I actually DO think it’ll be seen as a negative by Albert of the organization cashiers LaRussa. I just don’t necessarily think it’s as simple as “Tony gone = Albert gone.” A lot, I think, depends on the explanation and manner of Tony’s departure.
Albert, for example, is on the record as saying he wants to have a team around him that can contend. If TLR is let go and it’s explained to Albert’s satisfaction that it was done b/c the team faded down the stretch each of the past 4 years, and b/c the org thinks he was hampering Colby’s development, making questionable field, decisions, etc., and (here’s the big if) if Albert accepts such rationale, then it’s not as big a factor in whether he stays or goes.
Obviously, this is all easier if TLR retires, rather than if he is shown the door.
I think that second part is the key
It’s probably a good idea to get his input on the new manager before signing him, as well.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
Cannot help but think the team would be vastly better off if they'd kept Rolen and Kennedy.
Even with a sour clubhouse, it’s not as if all is heavenly now. . .
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
Fuck. You. Tony. LaRussa.
Colby’s attitude needs to improve, to be sure, but fuck if LaRussa doesn’t make it impossible. Rasmus can’t practice hitting with his dad because that’s not how “team players” do it. Rasmus has to sit and watch athletic abortions play over him because he doesn’t take “good ABs.” Rasmus gets down on himself, and what does Tony do? Publicly impugn him. My detached indifference towards Tony turned to mild distaste awhile ago. Now it’s active dislike and I swear to god, if he drives this kid out of town, it’s intense burning fucking hatred.
by mattyp on Sep 5, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rasmus does get to pratice with his dad.
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
La Russa was/is upset with it, though.
"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
so?
It’s a compromise. Meet in the middle type thing.
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
Actually, the school they practiced at
wouldn’t let them back in after it was leaked that they were practicing together there. Don’t know if that was per the school or per the Cards.
"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
Rasmus hasn’t hit with anyone other than MM since the end of June. The cardinals put the snafu on the hitting.
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
wasn't he hitting with his dad on the last road trip?
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
negative. Not since the Strauss article. Someone associated with the cardinals shut down the extra hitting.
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
what strauss article?
there was an article about him hitting with his dad just a few weeks ago.
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
According to what Tony Rasmus has posted at another site.
He has not been working with Colby. If TLR really wanted to be on board with Colby he wouldn’t mind his dad coming around and interjecting. It seems like his dad can set Colby’s hitting back on track.
What does a mama bear on the pill have in common with the World Series? No cubs. ~Harry Caray
I think Colby should do what he needs to to hit but just should not let anyone know what he is doing. He may need to build a batting cage in his back yard or something.
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't understand why he isn't doing something like that.
Maybe he feels caught in the middle. He wants to cooperate with the club. He wants his dad’s input also. I think Colby just wants to put his head down and play baseball – wishing the rest of this crap would go away.
He probably was treated very well in all of his previous locations so this difficult TLR thing is unprecedented for the shy southern boy.
What does a mama bear on the pill have in common with the World Series? No cubs. ~Harry Caray
why even be upset with it though?
if it’s working, which it obviously was, then why even quibble. Oh right, to stick to fuzzy, outmoded notions of teamsmanship simply for the sake of sticking to them.
i dunno
could be one of those Why does Rasmus get special treatment he is only a rookie type thing.
Would anyone here care if this was Skip Schumaker, Nick Stavinoha, or Aaron Miles we were talking about?
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 can't imagine any of those guys
doing something this immature.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
Now there's a good idea!
Let’s have Skip, Nick, and Aaron take BP with Colby’s Dad. It certainly wouldn’t make them any worse . . .
I wouldn't care if Skip took extra BP with his dad, no.
"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
you would
if he was doing something the club didn’t want him to do. (like try to pull the outside pitch) and it wasn’t working for 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
If he had an OPS+ of 124, I would not be.
"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
do you think 124 is the besy Colby could do?
That’s really the question. if he does better while working with his private hitting coach, whether it’s his dad or brian mcnamee or whoever, then he should be allowed to do it.
however, if the org thinks he should be a 140 ops+ guy, and they think his dad or whoever is steering him wrong- well, they write the paychecks. Even if they are wrong about the performance, they should be respected.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
agreed
I believe this is why Colby has nor sought outside help since the all star break.
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I see your point, but it doesnt change the fact
that the organization is still misguided. Under the org’s tutelage, we have starting players putting up sub .600 OPS’s. We have career low offensive seasons for a number of players. A lot of that is just shitty luck, sure, but just to be safe, I think I’d take the outside help.
by mattyp on Sep 5, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Albert pulls outside pitches
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
albert
has the bat speed to do 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
Can you prove to me that Colby does not?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
sure
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 doesn't have anything to do with bat speed
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
it clearly illustrates
that Colby struggles from the middle of the plate to the outside of the plate. Believes this is because he tries to pull everything there. players are able to pull outside pitches normally are able to do so because of great bat speed.
While it doesn’t show why Colby struggles on the outside pitches. It clearly shows that he does.
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's fine. You were just making a baseless argument that I had to call you out on
By the way, Pujols has a .148 wOBA to right field
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
point is still valid
though out the batspeed thing if you want.
Rasmus is bad against outside pitches. change your approach. You are doing something wrong.
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
Problem is he doesn't have power the opposite way
5 total opposite field extra base hits, all doubles, in his career. He has a pure pull swing path. I could see “go up the middle” but he’s just not gonna be a guy who can really go the other way IMO.
Not afraid to nitpick
and that's fine
if he takes a few of those Outs and turns them into singles. He’ll still be crushing the inside stuff.
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
Rasmus is so dumb
Are you happy here?
A: I’d rather not answer that.
It’s ok guys, he might be happy here, he’d just rather not answer that.
As much as I love Rasmus’ talent and would like for him to be a part of this team’s core, I also have come, with the publication of this article, to strongly dislike this guy.
Well maybe without LaRussa things will change…oh that’s right we’re going to make another shitty trade and send Rasmus away for 1/2 return.
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
ha ha
it sounds like he was told to not comment so he tried to answer everything with a no comment
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Albert has quite slow bat speed
sure I read that somewhere, compared to a lot of other power hitters. He just has superhuman reactions and hand-eye co-ordination.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions
this would explain his ability to make adjustments in mid-swing
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 6, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
lineups
Sunday lineup:
Schumaker 2B
Jay RF
Pujols 1B
Holliday LF
Rasmus CF
Molina C
Feliz 3B
Ryan SS
Carpenter P
I can live with this.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
yup, i think that's about as good as it can possibly get.
and that is sad.
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
Feliz makes me sad...
…which is ironic on some level, I suppose, but that looks like the best we can trot out there right now.
Healthy Lopez is, sure.
But what we’ve seen of him recently makes me wonder if everything’s alright with Felipe.
Elbow injury earlier in season.
Someone mentioned that he had fluid drained from one of his knees. I don’t think he’s all that healthy.
don't get too happy with it
it won’t last
Fire John Mozeliak up a nice steak, or stake ( haven't decided)
where was that lineup yesterday?
..i miss ludriguez-wick..
by d-dee on Sep 5, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
JJ Hardy
and Jose Lopez should be affordable and serve as upgrades.
no jose lopez plz
Chris Carpenter for Manager
"He’s in his own world out there. He says he doesn’t cuss. I disagree." - Skip Schumaker, on Jason Motte
JJ Hardy was the 1st name I liked
he’s been pretty terrible this year though
and I’m guessing he and LaRussa won’t get along.
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Red the blurb on Rasmus requesting a trade...
This probably really fucked up the club house this year. It would explain a lot if Larussa and Rasmus spent all season getting in diggs at each other and players taking sides.
You fit into me
like a hook into an eye
a fish hook
an open eye
I'd like to see who sided on the "Nick Stavinoha is better than Colby Rasmus" bandwagon
Not afraid to nitpick
Considering Rasmus arrived
and the only way he could play was at the detriment to TLR’s godson (Duncan) and his favorite player ever (Ankiel), it’s unsurprising he was not welcome with open arms. It’s been stated numerous times that Colby felt largely ignored in the clubhouse last year — a clubhouse featuring Mark “Chemistry” DeRosa, at that! — was that attitude fostered by TLR?
"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
possible
could also be that Rasmus expected to be the starting CFer in his first year and expected to be able to do stuff like hit with his dad when other players weren’t allowed to do stuff like that either.
:Shrug:
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's the whole problem
Rasmus just wanted to and continue to wants to play everyday.
And why can’t players take BP with their dad? I just don’t get it.
"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
b/c Tony didn't like it
in any other clubhouse in baseball, no one would care. Tony has become unhinged (or maybe he always was).
Yeah!
We’re not winning b/c Rasmus requested a trade earlier this year! That’s the spin that Tony wants Cards’ fans to believe. It’s absurd.
I don't think that's the spin tony is putting on it
I also don’t think that is true at all.
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
Tony apparently
went public today with the “Rasmus (the prima donna) requested a trade this year” stuff. Why? So fans will see him as a prima donna (which apparently some fans do) and support Tony rather than Rasmus in this little spat. He’s trying to get the team to jettison Rasmus this offseason rather than Tony. Kudos to Colby for avoiding going public with this bullshit!
because he was asked about it
he wasn’t the original source.
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 guess he could
and it would kinda have the same effect.
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 it have the same effect
if this stuff is kept in the clubhouse, and out of the press, isn’t that better for everyone involved?
Fire John Mozeliak up a nice steak, or stake ( haven't decided)
because saying no comment just confirms it
only way not to confirm it would be to say “that’s wrong” Which would be a lie. I guess we could want Tony to lie about stuff.
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 should have a policy of not talking
about this kind of stuff in the press. But he has a history of not doing this. Tony seems to like making this stuff public.
Fire John Mozeliak up a nice steak, or stake ( haven't decided)
If we have to trade one of them, let's trade TLR
What does a mama bear on the pill have in common with the World Series? No cubs. ~Harry Caray
i don't get why you're being so contrarian with this
All I've got is a broken heart, memories & dreams that I can't drink away
Well apparently Colby is trying to get the team
to jettison him too. So maybe Colby appreciates it.
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm laughing out loud
Tony threatened to send Colby to Memphis because he was late
I’m so disgusted with this franchise
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Possibly dumb question: do catchers age faster than other players?
As we are discussing the future, do we expect that Yadi’s offensive dropoff this year is just a one-time aberration, or is it indicative of what we can expect in future years?
Does the insane amount of playing time he’s been given factor into the equation?
yes, and yes
OTOH, he’s 27, so he’s got a long time before his “age” catches up to him. he should be peaking right now, so his offensive issues this season are doubly unfortunate. he should bounce back.
He’s lost 40 points of BABIP from 2008-2009, which is also encouraging.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
but his career BABIP
is closer to this year’s number than last year’s. Yadi also isn’t the kind of guy who should have an above average BABIP considering his speed.
if you think what he did when he was 22-23
is more relevant to what he will do when he is 28, or what he should be doing at age 27, than what he did at ages 24-26, i guess that’s true.
but from age 24-now, he’s had a .298 BABIP, over about 1900 PA’s (and this year is included in that). Not including this year, from 2007-2009, it was .306 over about 1400 PA’s. I think he’s more likely to be that guy going forward than the guy he was when he was 22-23.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
I mean, come on
he’s got a .273 BABIP with a 20.8% LD% this year, and has the lowest IFFB% of his career this year, using fangraphs data. That has to be at least a little unlucky.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
I wonder if part of it might not be defenses catching up to him a little this year
ALL he really does is poke the ball the other way through the gap between 1B and 2B. I have absolutely zero evidence for this other than a hunch, but it could it be that (after hitting .300+ last year and making himself into a more legit offensive threat) teams are wising up to his hitting a little bit and employing a more extreme shift to cut off groundballs to the first base side?
Obviously he’s been unlucky as well, but I wonder if there’s not a chance that something like this could be happening (either that, or teams are playing a more extreme shift, and he’s compensating by trying to pull the ball more. Or just trying to pull it more anyway, given that he’s generally been surrounded by terrible hitters this year).
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
He's in line with his career numbers this year.
The last two years seem to be the aberration.
this is incorrect.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
He's also been above-average this year, even with his poor hitting
He’s a catcher, which is an extremely valuable position, and (even with the lack of reliable catcher defense metrics) it’s hard not to conclude that he’s a very good defensive catcher. Even if he’s 10-20 runs below average with the bat, he’s still going to be average to above-average overall.
The only aspect of his game I worry about is over-use; hopefully next year we’ll have a backup (Anderson?) who can start 20-30 games.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
that's his buyout
the club has a $16M option.
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
Here's one of the big problems
this year.
Skip — 100 games started, 433 PAs, 0.0 WAR
Colby — 97 games started, 418 PAs, 2.6 WAR
Tony needs to play the best players more and his favorites less. Where’s Mike Gallego when we need him?
i do think there is no way you start Stavinoha over Colby
and expect a better result.
But Colby has also been hurt for about 15 games.
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
it was miles
I need to write to Mo about getting a refund for that game.
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
Gallego wanted a guarantee of a strict bench role.
Mo couldn’t guarantee TLR wouldn’t start him 4 days a week, so Gallego declined to sign.
about next year.
I do think it is time for Tony to go. I thought so at the end of last year. Now I know so.
We certainly have a lot of holes to fill and very little money to do it. 3b and 2b are screaming for attention and if we go outside the org we will not be able to get any real improvement. A) we cannot afford it and B) there is not much out there. I also think our internal answers are still a year away. So what to do?
At 3b we all like Freese but are afraid he is made out of glass. So we need a cheap reliable 3b’er who may in fact have some upside. I would like to the Cards go get Andy LaRoche. I know he is sucking it big time in P’burgh, but he was a 2.5 war player in 2009. He would be low cost and therefore almost risk free.
At 2b why can’t we just make that TG’s position and let him play there. If there is another way to fill that hole for a year I am all ears. I guess if we absolutely had to Schu stays there one more year as we wait for an internal solution. If so then Greene could be an MI bench player. In years past I have sorta stuck up for Miles. I always thought of him as a descent back up MI and 25th man who was simply over exposed by Tony giving him too may AB’s. Now the idea that he takes playing time away from Greene bothers me to no end.
Right field is also a hole with the loss of Ludstick. I am not sold on Jay. He has been fun to watch, but his numbers are coming back down to reality and I do not believe he will be able to reproduce this next season. So we really need Craig to step up and produce.
Westbrook could then be resigned since we have not spent any money on position players. The bull pen is ok for now but will need attention at the end of next year, or maybe even mid season if the Franklin can not handle is last year as closer.
Outfield: Holiday, Rasmus, Craig
Infield: Molina, Freese, Ryan, Greene, His Majesty
Bench: LaRoche, Lopez, Jay, Schu, Anderson.
how is Craig going to start over Jay?
I just don’t see it
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Jay was playing way over his head
now his August numbers are more what I think he is capable of, and that just will not do!! Craig I am hoping will get his power numbers and take the spot away. All gut I know, but that is my story and I am sticking with it.
1) Fuck this team and fuck this year
2) I don’t think there’s any way I can remain optimistic. Generally, I’m as happy as they come, but this year has sucked all the good juju out of my system
3) I really love this community. I honestly think we have a top-5 SBN site, and between the yak-experts, lawyers, doctors, networking experts, and what have you, we’re also very versatile
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
3)
and musican accountant artists!
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
jah
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
aaaannnnndddd G D M
cheers!
All I've got is a broken heart, memories & dreams that I can't drink away
who ever would have guessed?
Well the girls would turn the color of the avocado when he would drive down the street in his El Dorado... -the modern lovers
Can't one of Tony's cats take sick
so he can take leave from this team for the rest of the season?
Fire John Mozeliak up a nice steak, or stake ( haven't decided)
we have some bay area VEB'ers, i'm sure they can petnap some of his pets&hold them for ransom
demanding he resign immediately & never come back
All I've got is a broken heart, memories & dreams that I can't drink away
Tony on Rasmus
“i think colby is an impactful player. I think he has a good season for his first year. I think he has had a good second year. I think he will be even better in the future. I am really upset about all this stuff in the media that me and him have a bad relationship. That’s just not true. I have a lot of respect for him and we get along great. Some times he tries to do to much, all of our players have done that before. It’s our job to tell players when they are do something wrong. Can’t just pat them on the bat and tell them they are doing it right.”
Paraphrasing because I got behind in the typing.
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 didn't run him down in the press today
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
tony imo is a master
bullshitter…based from justifications for certain managerial moves this year
by guillermozeliak on Sep 5, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Trevor Miller is running a lot more
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
in one she is squishin aaron miles.
:-) Right now I think she just has a few on her facebook.
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
if she's not selling them
and putting them up on facebook or flickr or wherever, could you point me in the right direction?
kudos on the miles squish picture!
..i miss ludriguez-wick..
Ugh. Shut up, Colby!
When reporters approached Rasmus, his answers were cryptic and non-commital. Asked about La Russa’s contention that Rasmus was happier now with the Cardinals, Rasmus said: “If that’s what he said, I don’t have a comment on that.”
Asked if he was happy with the Cardinals, he said: “I’d rather not answer that if I don’t have to.”
Asked if he wanted to be back next year, he said: “I’m not going to say either way. I come in and play hard either way.”
"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
let's get rid of both of them
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
if we're intent on signing Albert
then we basically can’t afford to not keep Colby. LaRussa, however, is beyond expendable
perhaps we can find a cost-controlled player in return
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Colby, despite underperforming since the ASB,
is still 14th in OPS among all outfielders in the major leagues. Going forward, he’s probably one of the top 10 outfielders in the majors. We can’t possibly get that kind of cost-controlled production in return. Because, you know, teams hold on for dear life to value like that. Except the Cardinals, who try to run it out of town. Sigh.
You may be able to get Prado plus a minor league arm for Colby. You may be able to get another young OF prospect from the Braves as well.
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
*facepalm*
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
just saying
better to get something verses nothing and Prado is something. He would fit quite nicely into that second base slot.
by Waxing Gibbous on Sep 5, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't totally be against that
but I’d rather keep our top prospect who has already graduated to the majors and showed that he is good, and who costs little to nothing and is cost controlled.
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a bad feeling about this... I wish they would just fire Tony now
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah I really don't want to trade Colby
I was just aggravated by the article today and decided to by a grumpy little monkey. I really like Colby’s abilities and do think he is a “core player”. But I also think he’s going to be traded if LaRussa returns.
by infallibleopiniongenerator on Sep 5, 2010 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
time to cut costs
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
DFATLR
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Colby
was asked questions and did his best to not answer them. For that he gets “Shut up, Colby!”? If he’d have really answered them, what would your response have been? The same, I’ll wager. Colby did the best he could do considering the fact that La Russa’s big mouth put him in this situation by running him down in the press.
by chuckb on Sep 5, 2010 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
ya what's he supposed to say? he's got TLR & Albert bashing him in the press
All I've got is a broken heart, memories & dreams that I can't drink away
"no comment"
works really well.
Or “Of course I want to be here, I love Saint Louis. I just want to play every day!” would have been perfect. But, he’s a dumb kid who has no idea how to handle the jackal media.
And since when am I known to bash Colby? WTF?
"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
what the cards need to do
(not in any particular order)
1. new manager
2. if TLR returns, trade rasmus (could be a future TLR-Scott Rolen situation)
3. re-up albert
4. free agency
@zoomzoomj88
Fire Tony LaRussa
I really hope that Rasmus is not added to Tony's List
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Offseason Plans
I have spent a decent amount of time thinking about this and knowing the TLR/Ras situation hitting an all time low I really do think the Cards have to pick sides on this one in the offseason. If they bring back TLR I feel they will shop Rasmus and not get the value for him they should. With that said we need upper end talent that is cost controlled more than TLR if we are going to continue to pay a few players on the team big/enormous salaries. Our farm system will be more important than even and I like what the Cards have done in recent drafts and IFA’s. So thats a start for sure. Now to my thoughts for the offseason. Here is a post I had over at CCH on this topic recently.
Payroll: We have roughly $81M locked up already for 2011 prior to McClellan, Ryan and Kinney’s Arbitration Cases(So lets assume when theses are taken care of our payroll is roughly at $85M). Let’s assume that we are going to start with an opening day payroll of $95-100M and lets also assume that we pick up Pujols option and his newly signed contract this offseason starts in 2012
Biggest needs to address: 2B, SS, 3B, #4/5 SP, LHRP
2B Targets:
Internal: Descalso, Schumaker and potentially Greene
External: O. Hudson or Flip
Notes: Personally outside of Hudson I am not sure there are any true upgrades on the market (Don’t see Flip as a full time starter anymore). I think Hudson would be a perfect fit as we need an ice breaker personality type in the locker room. He is also a switch hitter and a superior 2B IMO. If he would take a 2 yr deal for $8-11M then he would be a great fit. I am also on the bandwagon of no more Skip at 2B. If we stick internal we have Descalso and potentially Greene with Skip as a utility player that can play 2B and all 3 OF positions.
SS Targets:
Internal: Ryan and Greene
External: Tejada, J. Reyes (Mets have club option), Peralta (Tigers have club option) and Jeter
Notes: Jeter is not going anywhere and he would cost way too much. Reyes would be quite expensive as well and its hard to believe the Mets would not pick up his option. Peralta is just so-so on my radar as he doesn’t excite me. Tejada is an interest case as he brings the attitude like Hudson at 2B would to a degree. The big question is can he still play SS on a regular bases? If he can’t do you alternate him between SS and 3B? For the right price I wouldn’t mind bringing him in for a year. I would like to see Greene be given a bigger role next year as I think he can provide solid value…but not sure I count on him as an everday SS at this point. Ryan is a mess…dynamite defense when his head is on straight but offense ceiling is what we saw in 2009 so our expectations should not be more than a .265-.270AVG 15 Doubles type guy…which is not that exciting.
3B Targets:
Internal: Freese, Greene, Mather and M. Carpenter Craig is not a 3B
External: Beltre (option), Cantu, Inge, Lowell, Peralta (option), Tejada, ARam (option) and Wigginton
Notes: Beltre and ARam are probably not options due to cost/options. Lowell has talked about retirement so very unlikely he’s an option. Cantu isn’t starter worthy but intriguing if he bounces back. Peralta and Tejada were talked about above…give us position flexibility the Cards love. Inge is overrated IMO. He plays a solid 3B and has some pop but he’s going to hit .230-.250 while doing it. Wigginton is intriguing…he has some pop, will give you a decent supply of doubles, hit for a respectable .260-.285 and plays 1B, 2B, 3B and OF. Problem is he won’t give you very good defense at 3B or 2B and we saw what that did to us this year. Mather is not a starter IMO…super utility at best. Greene is not ready to start quite yet…and if he was I prefer him at 2B or SS. Freese and Carpenter would be a nice battle though I think they would prefer to give Carpenter another at least half season in the minors at AAA. I would be fine with opening ST with Freese and Carpenter battling it out…I think SS and 2B are more pressing needs.
#4/5 SP Targets:
Internal: Ottavino, Lynn, McClellan and Walters
External: Correia, De La Rosa, Duchscherer, Garland (option), Kuroda, Lilly, Millwood, Pavano, Penny, Webb and Westbrook
Notes: First to the internal options…Lynn needs another half year at least in AAA. Walters is not starter worthy in the bigs. Ottavino is definitely attractive but not sure I want to count on him…would like to see him used like Waino when he first arrived…bullpen arm to get accustom to the bigs for a year. Would be very lively arm for middle relief or late inning guy. I personally don’t see McClellan coming out of the bullpen…I think he would do fine as a starter but for some reason my gut says he is stuck in the bullpen. Now to external options. Correia is interesting…he can put together many solid starts but then blow up for 1 or 2. Not my first choice. Garland is someone I have never been in love with…pass please. I don’t see Lilly coming to STL for some reason. Millwood, Penny and Duchscherer are not reliable enough healthwise. Webb will want a big base (his agent stated within the last week) with heavy incentives…so probably not a fit. So that leaves Westbrook, Pavano, Kuroda and De La Rosa. I personally would be happy with any of them but De La Rosa has the highest ceiling IMO. Westbrook and Pavano are steady and you know what your getting. Kuroda is underrated. His numbers are solid if you don’t look at the W-L record. Like I said I would be happy with any of those 4 personally. Hopefully we don’t have to give more than a 2 yr deal to get one of them.
LHRP Targets:
Internal: None
External: Plenty of options as usual
Notes: Just take the 2 or 3 guys that you like the most and see which one will give you the best 1yr deal to put along side Miller.
Sorry for the long and drawn out post but hopefully this gives you guys something to think about. Personally I would love to snag ODawg, Tejada and one of the 4 SP’s I named and then fill in the rest of the roster with value (internal or external). Not sure you can fit all that into $10-15M but you never know.
You have to include Lohse on you starter list.
As much as I’d like to pretend that contract never happend, he’s going to be there, making starts for the next two years.
I thought it was decided that Colby had the super two status
Fire John Mozeliak up a nice steak, or stake ( haven't decided)
I'm more than comfortable starting Brendan Ryan at shortstop
which means we need a big upgrade at second base. if Tony returns and Colby must go (not saying that is going to happen but TLR does have a track record) I’d advocate for trading Rasmus for a second baseman plus prospects
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Kinsler
We don’t. He is one of the elite 2B regardless if he had a few injuries this year. He has a fairly attractive contract. With that said we would have to give a TON to get him. No chance we deplete our farm at this point to get a guy of his caliber.
I'd probably trade Colby for Kinslet
one of the few guys I would trade him for. Not sure Texas would do that, though. They’re pretty stacked in the OF.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
I think keeping Ryan as our primary SS is the right move. His D is rock solid when his head is semi-close to right. If we got an upgrade at 2B that would help a TON. If we found the right replacement at SS (probably via trade) then I say consider it…but that is not one of my top 2 concerns really.
To validate
I just meant I agree on Ryan at SS…not trading Rasmus. I would rather get rid of TLR and suffer not having Dunc than trade Rasmus. He is exactly what we need…cost controlled player with extreme upside.
just keep starting him
no one is going to have a perfect year. while his defense wasn’t near-perfect like it was last year it’s still well above average and worth starting him for a groundball inducing pitching staff
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Tejada is a big pile of suck
no thanks
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Tejada
Not saying he is even above avg right now but if he came at the right price he could play 3B or SS (from time to time). He is a veteran that loosens up the clubhouse (like Hudson) which is something that appears to be missing from our current team. Being a former player I firmly believe that unity and a good diverse clubhouse is extremely important. If we got ODawg and a pretty solid #4 SP with upside I would be fine with letting Freese and maybe Carpenter battle for the starting job.
I didn't think Tejada was particularly seen as a "glue guy" or whatever.
Plus, as CFIC says, he’s pretty bad at baseball now and will probably cost more than the league minimum. No thanks.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on Sep 6, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't see that Orlando Hudson is on the trade market according to the link from Azru
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
er, free agent market
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
ODawg
Use this link as the best FA list I have found. I usually rely on Cot’s but there site doesn’t appear to be that up to date on the upcoming FA’s.
Cot's doesn't list Hudson
as a FA but, if you go to the Twins page, you’ll see that Hudson’s contract is up at the end of the year. Furthermore, he’s listed as a FA at mlbtraderumors. Hudson’s the guy to go after, in my opinion, along w/ possibly Austin Kearns as a platoon RF w/ Jay.
Who the hell would play CF then?!?
"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
Rasmus
As he should have been this year….Rasmus would play in CF every single game with a random day off. Dude has special player written all over him IF given the opportunity and obviously that means TLR not being here.
But he'll be an Astro next year
and the guy we traded him for, Jeff Keppinger, shores up the second base situation.
"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
I also do not write a satirical weekly column for SBN StL.
I am always serious.
"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
ODawg
I don’t think Cot’s is up to date on their FA list. I agree that ODawg would be a perfect fit here on a 1-2 yr deal. I also agree that we should snag a Kearns or Nady type player as a 4th OF. Both players that could be starters for short stretches if needed.
I of course wouldn't complain if we got Hudson
I’m just thinking he might be overpriced if he’s on the free agent market. He would be the best second baseman by a mile from the other ones this year
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Hudson
Probably not going to be overpriced. He is someone would should be able to snag for 1-2 yr deal for $5-6M per year. That is a very respectable deal for what he brings to the table.
I would love to have O-Dog ...
… if for no other reason to refer to him as “O-Dog” all year.
by QuadCitiesCardsFan on Sep 6, 2010 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions
heh
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 6, 2010 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd like to focus on a reliever and a starting pitcher over second base
but if we can get them relatively cheap we’d still probably have the $ left over I guess. also we don’t know, it seems like they might expand the payroll a bit, who knows.
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 6, 2010 2:52 AM EDT up reply actions
ah
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 5, 2010 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not reading all of that.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Doesn't most of the next-season discussion hinge on Albert's status?
He surely muddied the picture with his “let-Colby-hit-the-road” remark. Is Albert trying to further ingratiate himself to Tony and the bean counters?
An optimist is a man who upon discovering that a rose smells better than a cabbage concludes it will make better soup.
HL Mencken
I think most bean counters ...
… love young, cost-controlled talent much more than aging, second-biggest-contract-ever-signed-type players. I also think they would love beans.
by QuadCitiesCardsFan on Sep 6, 2010 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
hoping that it will be resolved in the offseason
but now things look very convoluted with the Colby Tony situation
"Nah….He’s an infielder. Second base…..I played second base, how hard can it be?"
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 6, 2010 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions
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