He Would Destroy Us All
by DanUpBaby on May 17, 2011 6:30 AM EDT
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PrintAnd I saw when John Mozeliak opened one of the seven seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four veteran relievers saying, Come and see.
And I saw, and behold Chris Perez: and he had an awesome slider; and a fastball was given to him, that was so fast as to worry people, because surely he would throw it more slowly eventually, and then what would he have, except the awesome slider?
And Chris Perez threw the awesome slider and the fastball that was too fast, and he was traded to the Cleveland Indians for a utility infielder, but a good one, at least.
And when he opened the second seal, I heard one of the four veteran relievers saying, This one does not scare me as much. And there went out another reliever named Jason Motte: and power was given to him to strike out every batter in the Pacific Coast League, and make them swing at one-another; and he was given a great fastball, and nothing else.
And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third veteran reliever say, Weren't you more boring when you were a starter? Can't you try that again? And there went out Mitchell Boggs; and his fastball was faster now, and his slider did more sliding, although the more I got a chance to look at him the less terrified I became.
And I heard a voice in the midst of the veteran relievers say, Maybe you should stop relying on all these rookies and give one of us a try. I'm growing my beard back.
And when Mozeliak opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the last veteran reliever say, I'm available for personal appearances and mentoring, and I've written a very thrilling novel, besides.
And I looked, and behold a skinny reliever: and his name was Eduardo Sanchez, and the name of his slider was Death, and a pretty excellent fastball followed with him. And power was given to him over every Cardinals fan on the internet, to retire batters with the slider, and the fastball.
And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the soul of some jerk, and his testimony which went, just about—
Sup, nerds!! Long time no smell!! It's me, the Ghost of Chris Lambert! Licensed revelator and former first round pick! And I live under that altar!! Because of some bad first-round-pick-related decisions!!
And he cried out with an obnoxious voice, saying, How Long, O Webmaster, stuffy and boring, were you planning on doing this whole King James thing!? LOL. All of these relievers are just going to suck in four years anyway.
And the webmaster said, Come on, man, it's a bit, just go with it. And twenty bucks was given to him; and it was said to him, that he should go to a movie or something, instead of downloading another fake camrip of Thor, and leave the webmaster alone.
And Chris Lamber said, LOL Whatever dude I have Netflix Instant. But you need to stop geeking out over these relievers, "Lest Thou Be-est Super Bummed When They Stoppeth Pitching Well." I know the guy behind the sixth seal, and he's seen better days. But just open it, or whatever, see if I careth. My torrent's almost done.
And I beheld when John Mozeliak opened the sixth seal, and lo, there was kind of an earthquake, or at least a breeze; and the sun became obscured behind a tree for a second, and the moon was kind of a light red; and the stars of heaven weren't really visible, because of the sun, even as a fig tree isn't really visible when it's too bright out.
And the managers of the National League, and the great hitters, and the rich hitters, and the team captains, and the mighty sluggers, and Barry Bonds, and every free agent, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth in the bullpen, and from the wrath of this reliever.
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to reach base?
And Chris Lambert said, JK it's JESS TODD the DESTROYER again, who you were all crushin-on way back when.
And the webmaster said, He's a great depth signing! And familiar, too! He puts up excellent minor league numbers all the way to AAA, he's available totally free, and the Cardinals have pitchers they're literally too afraid to use in low-leverage situations in the back of the bullpen (and the veteran reliever said, Hey, watch it, I'm over here) and I'm not supposed to be excited about it?
And Chris Lambert said, Yeah, but really you're just excited to start saying "He Will Destroy Us All" with your nerd friends again, while ol' Chris has to live underneath an altar, where there isn't even anybody he can mooch wireless off of, except Mike Sillman, whose password I still can't guess.
And the webmaster said, That's probably right. There isn't a lot separating Jess Todd from a hundred other Colter Bean types out there, but he could be a useful middle reliever and he comes with the added bonus, for Future Redbirds fans, of reminding us how much fun it was to watch Jess Todd hurtle through the system. Win-win, even if Ryan Franklin weren't—uh—
And Chris Lambert said, God, this is like the part of Scrubs where JD learns a lesson instead of making out with Sarah Chalke. You're like season six of Scrubs, over here.
And the webmaster said, Is he out of earshot? Frankie?
And Chris Lambert said, Who am I, eyes?
And the webmaster said, Even if Ryan Franklin weren't, you know.
#
I don't think there's been a day so pleasant to Cardinals fans and so irrelevant to the Cardinals' 2011 prospects since Jim Edmonds announced he was mounting a comeback. Jess Todd is a useful pick-up, but his usefulness is outstripped by the fun of following Jess Todd again. I don't think that's a bad thing.
Same for Albert Pujols's completely uneventful return to third base. Announcing Pujols's positional flexibility might yet offer some real benefit to a team that has David Freese's extended absence to deal with, but the Cardinals and Pujols are predictably cagey about how frequently they plan to exercise the option. With Lance Berkman in the outfield and the third base pickings comprised of a number of interchangeable utility infielders, now is as good a time as ever to experiment.
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And Lo, Behold the Nations Weep, for Death Rides a Pale Cow...
http://www.amazon.com/Death-Rides-Pale-Cow-Greatest/dp/B000003BLE
“One Saturday I took a walk to Zipperhead…”
;=8)
Griebenschmaltz!
If you don't got Mojo Nixon
then your store could use some fixin’!
"Defense is important to this team," second baseman Skip Schumaker said.
by Hootie Who on May 17, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The end days have arrived
All the signs are there.
by Buckeye Redbird on May 17, 2011 7:18 AM EDT reply actions
I'd make out with sarah chalke
"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
Trevor Rosenthal Update (as of 4/27/11):
30 IP, 39 K, 15 BB/HBP, 13 ER, 2 HR, 2.96 FIP
by VolsnCards5 on May 17, 2011 8:22 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
This x1000
I <3 new Becky.
Has anyone really been far as decided to use even go want to do look more like?
by Vindicator9000 on May 17, 2011 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions
*second becky
is lovely.
"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our close rooms...the game of ball is glorious." Whitman
What is this referencing?
"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
She was Becky Connor on Roseanne
The second one anyway
by WizardofOz1982 on May 17, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow
aging hasn’t been as kind to the rest of the cast
Stupid UCL's.
by Bring Back Tommy Herr! on May 17, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
i prefer her as annie
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I really need to sit down and look at some Pujols video
I gotta admit, my lassez-faire attitude is starting to turn. I have zero idea what’s up with him.
if you find out, tell Dee Dee
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
It's absurd
He is striking out at a higher percentage than walking, he is hitting an absurd number of grounders (52% of his hits have been grounders this year compared to a career average of 41%). I think the weirdest thing is he is making contact with everything, 84% contact rate right now compared to his career average of 67%. His philosophy seems to be that he needs to hit every pitch this year instead of being patient and taking walks but who knows what’s really going on with him.
by lopey986 on May 17, 2011 8:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
obviously steroids.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's like he thinks he needs to hit his way out of the slump, and he can only do that by hitting as many baseballs as possible
I wish someone would tell him to just focus on getting on base, and making pitchers actually give him pitches he can hit before he gives them easy outs.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
Maybe he DOES...
I know it sounds preposterously obvious, but when I watch him he doesn’t seem to “see” the ball that well… it’s as if he’s guessing where it is…
Hate to say it
but it might just be age catching up with him. I know I’m 36 and I’m currently hobbled by a bum ankle, that I apparently injured while running….on a treadmill. Stuff just doesn’t bounce back like it did when I was younger.
yep, when you turn 30
it’s all down hill from there and even his fake age is over 30
"Defense is important to this team," second baseman Skip Schumaker said.
His real age
has been something of a question for most of this decade. I’ve never thought it dramatically different, but its not like the Dominican Republic is famous for its rule of law. If he is actually a year or two older, he could easily be hitting the wall, much like most of the Yankees. Its sure making the Cardinals look a bit smarter in not giving him a $300 million contract. I would like to see him hit better. Perhaps he is nursing some injury that he isn’t letting on about, though his arm looked fine in the few times it was tested last night at 3rd.
except, like, he finished high school in Kansas City
but you know those KCers.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
And the age wasn't uncovered following 9/11.
And he got his American citizenship.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
they said they were carbon-dating the milk carton he used as a glove
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
That milk carton study serendipitously led to the eventual discovery of Allen Craig's whereabouts years later.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
by mattybobo on May 17, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
....Cazana!!
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I won't believe it
until I see the long-form birth certificate, and the birth notice in the newspaper….
I think Albert is just
pressing way too hard. He’s not the only Big Gun here anymore and he’s in a walk year.
He should have signed.
Baseball statistics are like a girl in a bikini. They show a lot, but not everything. ~Toby Harrah, 1983
by Dave Pendleton on May 17, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have no idea what's wrong with him
but there are a whole bunch of symptoms—the depressed walk rate, the complete power outage lately, and I think the high contact rate is a problem too. Too often, it looks like he’s reaching off-balance to just “put his bat on the ball,” and those invariably turn into weak grounders/easy outs. All I can say is, if you have an extra goat lying around the house (and who doesn’t?), it’s time to start ritually sacrificing animals to the GOBs.
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
appendix
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's hitting like a Cardinal 3B
. . . runs off. . .
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't generally wish injury
but in your case…………..
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
What are the possible explanations:
1. His performance has declined due to age
2. He is injured
3. This slump is just a SSS aberration
4. He is actually older than advertised
5. His swing is off and can/will be corrected
6. He is “pressing” in a contract year
7. The roids wore off
Does this cover it?
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
by guayzimi on May 17, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
HIT MOAR DINGERZ!!!!!!!
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Oddly enough
that is exactly my impression of everything McGwire-related.
“Would you like fries with your Big Mac?”
“HIT MOAR DINGERZ!!!!!!!”
“I’ll take that as a no. Please pull up to the drive-through.”
“Mr. McGwire, did you ever use steroids?”
“HIT MOAR DINGERZ!!!!!!!”
“Hey, coach, this is Boog. Can you help me with my swing?”
“HIT MOAR DINGERZ!!!!!!!”
“Okey.”
by monkeysareblue on May 17, 2011 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
You forgot
“8. He’s not really a gamer or a grinder or a good teammate or a good clubhouse presence”
Actually, that could also be #s 8 through 12.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
I assume that includes "Pujols doesn't give full effort every at-bat (because he isn't white or named "Drew")."
"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 think if the player is Hispanic, it's OK by sportswriter conventions to just call him lazy, or heavily insinuate it.
For other races I believe you imply a lack of focus, a lack of consistency, a lack of caring, or a bad attitude.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
does he have a high motor?
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
That's a good point.
I would love to see a study on the usage of these phrases.
"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 actually would be neat to see a serious and fair study
Not sure what kind of methodology it would require.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
eh, I like vision check, personally.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
The obvious answer
is that mojowo11 needs to direct more DO A THING comments towards Albert.
"Defense is important to this team," second baseman Skip Schumaker said.
by Hootie Who on May 17, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It makes me sad
To have that feeling when he is up. Instead of hope you’re thinking ‘here comes the weak 6-4-3’.
I've been saying all year
he’s swinging down at the ball. It’s bizarre. His swing used to be so level….
Whatever happened in Cincinnati, stays in Cincinnati.
Lord I hope this isn't it
If it is, then Mark McGwire needs to be run out of town on a rail.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
However, I really kind of doubt that even the worst hitting coach would tell Pujols to do anything
other than “do not listen to me and do what you have always done.”
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
McGwire has specifically said
that he doesn’t give advice to Pujols. They just “talk hitting.”
MONORAIL!
mono – d’ohh
"Defense is important to this team," second baseman Skip Schumaker said.
by Hootie Who on May 17, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
FLIM AND HAZEL:
If you want those peppers, follow me on twitter (Beppogenno) so I can message you. Or find me on fb.
Check out the Roger Dean Project link
didn't I find some small picture of a big drill?
eh, probably unfindable. I’m guessing it turned into an innuendo thread.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Done.
Thought this might have fallen through but it turns out VEB always comes through.
http://fuckyeahnouns.com/alex%20fritz
I enjoyed it, but
What is the meaning of this exchange anyway?
And the webmaster said, Is he out of earshot? Frankie?
And Chris Lambert said, Who am I, eyes?
And the webmaster said, Even if Ryan Franklin weren’t, you know.
Maybe I’m dense, but I kind of think that you have an real talent for inscrutable dialogue.
So says, Titus Pullo (formerly The Dude)
I disagree
DanUp needs to utilize the em dash, semicolon, and ellipses, instead of sticking with this “period is the only punctuation” minimalism. then it would be much easier to digest. but I guess it goes with the whole kabuki style. no show tunes, just one little koto plucking away at commas.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Our density and his talent...
go together like Punto’s glove and Westbrook’s sinker.
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
i find this happens more frequently than i'd like with DanUp's style mash-ups
but, like Lambert’s download folder, it’s all free to me.
and i have to say, this was really well done. just the right amount of self-awareness to quell the silliness but not come off as aloof. plus, points for King James!
The signs are all there
First Albert Pujols cut off negotiations and lost all his powers, like Samson. Then Jess Todd, of whom prophecies said “the destroyer of you all shall return, and he shall save you and destroy you both, before the end times,” finally appeared. San Jose Bautista cried out in the Canadian wilderness and began baptizing left field stands with home runs and righteousness. Jeff Francoeur has a .386 wOBA. Was it not said that the last shall be first? The Cleveland Indians are in first place.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
by mattybobo on May 17, 2011 9:36 AM EDT reply actions 12 recs
Sig worthy, if this was Bluebird Banter.
San Jose Bautista cried out in the Canadian wilderness and began baptizing left field stands with home runs and righteousness.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
hey, toronto is like, a really big city, eh. it's uh not
The wilderness, like moose jaw, eh.
"chipper jones grounds out, third baseman albert pujols to first baseman mark hamilton." 5.1.11 "carlos pena grounds into double play, second baseman allen craig to shortstop tyler greene to first baseman albert pujols." 5.12.11
by tom s. on May 17, 2011 12:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Jess Todd tossed me a baseball from the bullpen a few years back.
Now I can proudly display it again. (Who am I kidding? It has always been proudly on display.)
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on May 17, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You missed a couple here:
- Curtis Granderson is crushing lefties to the tune of a .493 wOBA with 7 homers.
- Per FIP, Bartolo Colon is the Yankees’ best pitcher, while making less money than the Yankees are paying Andrew Brackman to suck in AAA, and representing less than one fortieth of their overall spending on pitchers.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
by fourstick on May 17, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
sssshh, don't jinx it
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Jess Todd is back
Remember the anticipatory dread when he was the PTBNL. Sure, we didn’t know…but we knew. Now he’s back, and what not. I don’t really see him supplanting Batista or Franky.
And Tony looks good, so that’s nice. No more Pepe.
"...and pujols has given st louis the lead"
Memphis really needs him more than StL
Their pen is atrocious with the absence of Salas, Sanchez and Reifer. Unless he turns it around we don’t need another reliever throwing BP.
Valdes is a LOOGY who's having to start due to a lack of pitching
he’s being totally incorrectly utilised (albeit, perhaps, by necessity) and it’s not really his fault he’s stinking the joint up. He REALLY can’t pitch to righties.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
All-Star Game Photo on MLB.com Main Page
It has a pretty great picture of Puma.
"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
Pujols at 3rd
If Pujols were hitting more than what he is and Craig was hitting a bit better, this would be a good way to get that extra bat with pop in.
But if Colby comes back why not move Jay to right since he is hitting of late and try it again?
This guys so good(Pujols) He should be illegal-Pirates announcers
this
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
are you saying to bench Albert?
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
oh wait, no
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Albert Pujols has an OPS of .739,
which ties him with Casey McGehee and Alexi Ramirez.
"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
through 42 games, Albert has an fWAR of .6
in other words, Albert Puols—the Albert Pujols—is right about on pace to be league-average. Never thought I’d see that day come, or if I did I thought it would be in his age 40 or so season.
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
It's kind of cool though, in abstract, to realize he's having basically his worst struggle ever and is still a league average player
“Bad Albert Pujols” usually means “career year for most players or fringe MVP vote-getter”. “Terrible Albert Pujols” means “league average baseball player”.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
2001 to 2010 me sees this comment
and asks if you mean to say SLG instead of OPS. he also wonders when mcgehehehe and ramirez had their breakouts
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Jose Bautista has a higher SLG than Pujols' OPS
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
u hgh test yet?
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
whatever Bautista is doing
i wish Pujols would do…even if it’s not legal
yeah, well, that's just like, my opinion, man
arson?
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on May 17, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
oh hell no.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Let me fuck this monkey, RiverRat.
I got the rookies.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
50 comments since Janruary,
I’ve got guys that have been members for six years with less comments.
But, by all means, proceed.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
But look at all those recs he gives out.
He just sit back and judges. Total team player. He’s like the Nick Punto of RLOYs.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
somebody check to see if Bautista's helmet size has drastically increased recently....
Whatever happened in Cincinnati, stays in Cincinnati.
I hope that's laced with sarcasm.
If he’s doing PED’s he’s doing them wrong.
He changed his swing mechanics, which have not only allowed him to drive the ball better than he used to, but also to improve his plate discipline by having a shorter, quicker swing with a good timing mechanism. Hence, he’s walking at a 22% clip while only striking out 13% of the time, and he can hit any ball middle-in out of the ballpark.
Kinda makes all the guys who rip every TPG Fanpost to shreds look like ashholes. Bautista’s done pretty much exactly what TPG would recommend a hitter do to improve his ability to drive the ball, and he’s had great success. Is it going to work for everyone? No, only certain people can become elite piano players, regardless of their mechanics and practice time. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t one right way to swing a bat and that those who can do this with the best possible consistency will have an advantage over players who don’t.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
yeah
a change in swing mechanics explains a way a guy who’s been league average at best for several years all of a sudden becoming the greatest hitter in the history of baseball. i’m not saying that he’s definitely using PEDs, but it’s clearly something to be skeptical about
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
I pick up my guitar and play. Just like yesterday.
"Why are you here? You should be mowing Albert Pujols' lawn right now." - Conan O'Brien to TLR, after noting he was in the audience for Bob Costas' benefit show.
Actually
it is. But you’re a skeptic who’s not going to believe anything anyone ever says about anything, so convince me why I should bother arguing with you about it.
They test for steroids now, you know. Remember Manny Ramirez? HGH doesn’t even do half the shit you’re implying that it does — it aids recovery more than it does overall strength and performance, therefore, if anyone’s juicing with HGH it’s most likely pitchers, which, to a skeptic like yourself, would make one question the sudden sea change in pitching performance.
Go work on that thesis. See you in 5 years.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
guys
if you can’t have a conversation with another person civilly, don’t have a conversation with that person. thanks.
I'm just trying to point out that making statements like the one is question
is morally and ethically wrong.
I don’t understand what there is to debate here. And I’m being as civil as possible.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Hey DanUp
I think you’re a weiner
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
racist
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
by hr on May 17, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
You're a chink in my armor
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
Okay, it's undeniable that steroid use in baseball caused a spike in home runs
Just because they test for steroids doesn’t mean they will be able to trace every one there is. Maybe Bautista has a really good chemist.
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't care if he's Marie Curie
It’s completely unfair and illogical to attribute increases in offensive performance (but not pitching performance, or fielding performance, or shortened injury recovery) to steroid use with any evidence whatsoever.
And, sorry Mr. Stats, it’s not undeniable that they led to increases in home runs. There’s plenty of evidence to the contrary, and you should know this.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Changing swing mechanics in golf
can take you from off the PGA Tour to #1 in the world….and back off the Tour again (David Duval).
They can help you become a serviceable offensive player with a great glove when you were an offensively putrid player with a great glove (Ozzie Smith).
Be skeptical all you want. But the fact is that these things do help and those who are open to and able to make corrections like this can reap enormous benefit from them. The problem is that a lot of instruction is bad and some instruction is simply dead wrong and hurts more than it helps. It’s an inexact science. But if you can make adjustments to do what the best hitters have done and can repeat those things over and over again with little variance you can make large improvements.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
This is like a drive-by shooting:
i’m not saying that he’s definitely using PEDs, but it’s clearly something to be skeptical about
I’m not saying that he’s using, but now I’m going to imply that he is refuting the entire first part of my statement.
It isn’t “clearly something to be skeptical about”. As if there haven’t been instances of large scale improvement by a player in the entire history of the game prior to 1990. It happens. Only someone who wants to sully achievements would be “skeptical” of a player like this using steroids.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
agreed
also, if bautista’s improvements come from something artificial, it’s clearly the greatest drug of all time, as it’s turned him from a mediocre hitter into an incredible one, something which i’m pretty sure has never occurred previously, throughout the entire steroid era.
Good hitter to hall-of-fame hitter, yes, but never a turnaround like this. It’s pretty clear to anyone who’s watched some video of him and even who cares to spend 30 seconds looking at his batted ball profiles that he’s radically changed his approach.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Brady Anderson, Bret Boone and Luis Gonzalez.
This is purely anecdotal and I agree with your premise (otherwise Larry Bigbie and Cody McKay amongst others were seriously ripped off when they bought their steroids) but these type of performances did happen with NO explanation during the steroid era.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
Eh, I think Sosa would have profiled into a power hiter regardless.
But more of a 30/30 guy with 40 HR potential than a 60 HR guy (obviously, as nobody ever profiles into that).
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
Hi! My name is Raffy Palmeiro and I averaged
41 home runs a year between age 30 and 38. Meet my good friend Winstrol.
by Willie McGee's Twin on May 17, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Raffy Palmeiro was a pretty fucking good hitter prior to age 30
We’re not talking about the extension of top end performance for longer than previously thought possible. We’re talking about alleging steroid use on someone who has had an impressive leap in performance.
Also, how many homers did Hank Aaron hit between that age of 30 and 38? Was he juicing too? We know Palmeiro was. What we don’t know is how much of his performance is attributed to steroids, because unless a Fringe-type alternate universe exists in which Raffy Palmeiro played from age 30-38 without using steroids, it is unknowable.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
BELOW THE BELT
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on May 17, 2011 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I take back the Gordo part
It’s still wrong to just say “PEDs! Prove me wrong!” when a guy starts doing something new. Is it possible? Sure. Is it also possible he’s changed his swing, and that he’s passed every drug test MLB throws at him? Sure.
Fans of other teams probably say “PEDs” when they look at Albert’s amazing first decade. And now they’re probably saying “he went off the PEDs”.
I know PJ doesn’t have the budget to do investigative report like a journalist would, but it’s still unfair to assume PEDs as the default position.
it's not unreasonable to suspect pujols
or anyone who puts up historically great numbers. i think it’s fair to be more skeptical of bautista since he’s made the most drastic change ever in his performance. this isn’t like an andres torres where a kind of crappy hitter made some changes and became a pretty good hitter. bautista is on pace for the best season in the history of the game. and the stats indicate it’s luck-neutral. and that’s after being downright mediocre for several years. even the pirates didn’t want him. and now he’s on pace to make bonds, in his roided out heyday, look like a chump?
it’s entirely possible that he’s not doing anything illegal and even if he is, what he’s doing is downright amazing. but i resent the notion that i’m not allowed to question the biggest jump in performance in the history of baseball without concrete evidence.
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
Innocent until proven guilty, bro
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
if you've got nothing to hide you've got nothing to fear
Tommy John's, Appendectomies and Padded Batting Gloves for everyone!
i'm not saying he should be punished or anything
even if he were proven to be using PEDs, i’m not entirely sure he should be punished. my philosophy is that i don’t really care. i like watching good baseball and stuff like 2010+ bautista and bonds are about as good as baseball gets
but i think i’m allowed to sit in my own little corner of the world/internet and think what seems logical to me
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
It's not logical -- that's the point
Logic would imply:
Massive increase in performance = increased skepticism of PED use.
In other words, every player that improves performance by a certain standard amount (or no standard at all even) should then automatically have to prove that he’s NOT on PED’s. While that may be the perception in the baseball world, it’s certainly not a logical one.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
logic isn't universal or even common.
every player that improves performance by a certain standard amount (or no standard at all even) should then automatically have to prove that he’s NOT on PED’s.
that doesn’t sound logical to me but it might to someone else.
My wife doesn’t sound logical to me but she does to other women.
Baseball statistics are like a girl in a bikini. They show a lot, but not everything. ~Toby Harrah, 1983
by Dave Pendleton on May 17, 2011 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, so now we're arguing over the definition of "logical"?
Seriously?
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Dude
It’s a quarter of a season. You can find double-handfuls of guys who have had quarters of seasons like that. Even if it were OK to make such accusations, making them on the basis of 155 plate appearances is beyond ludicrous.
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't even make the case that he's on pace for the best season ever.
Ruth and Bonds both had seasons that were better than this one even at this stage of the season. Bonds had 28 homers at the end of may in 2001.
I think what he’s doing over the past 8 months of play is pretty remarkable, especially considering that it might be do simply to mechanical changes that allowed him to unlock massive amounts of power from his fairly average frame.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Yeah
Just by glancing at this page, at least 11 guys, and almost certainly more, have hit more HR in a month than Bautista has hit through 7 weeks. This. Is. Not. A Big Deal. . . At. All.
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
It's the insane improvement over previous track record
that seems to be driving a lot of it. It’s certainly why I’m intrigued. Ted Williams had multiple full seasons of OBP over .500, so that’s not all that historically extravagant either really.
Looking at his homers from last year and this year — he hits a ton of no-doubters, it’s not like he’s cheating the wall or anything, when he hits it good, it goes a LONG ways.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
but how many of those
had ~.500 wOBA a fourth of the way into the season? serious question
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
so is this a timing issue?
Why is having a ~.500 wOBA over the first quarter of the season different from having one over the last quarter of the season?
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
okay
how many of those had ~.500 wOBA over any contiguous 25% of the season? serious question
and really, i meant to type .560 wOBA because that’s where bautista is
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
Ruth did it for a whole season. Twice.
I pointed that out below.
In ’41 Ted Williams had a .565 for the season.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Quite a few
*Ruth had TWELVE .500 wOBA seasons in his career. In 1920 he finished with a .600 wOBA
- From ‘01-’04 Bonds averaged a .525 wOBA
- Ted Williams had 9 seasons of .500 or better wOBA
And those are just full seasons. I’m not about to go look up splits, because I’m guessing that I’ll find a large amount of guys who’ve had a .500 or better wOBA for a 6 week stretch of a season. It’s rare, but it’s not unprecedented.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
need to adjust for league
Relative to league average, Bautista’s current performance – if sustained for the whole season – would go down as easily the best offensive performance of all time. His current wRC+ is 278 – Barry Bonds’ 2002 season holds the record at 245. Babe Ruth‘s best season at the plate came in 1920, when he posted a 235 mark.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/jose-bautista-facts/
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
I feel like I should mention
that Ruth slugged 200 points higher than any other player in 1920 and hit 25 more home runs than the next closest guy.
I think adjusting for league actually diminishes Ruth’s performance because his performance is unlike anything seen historically in the game up to that point. Although Bautista certainly is in the neighborhood.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
his numbers being ridiculously better than everyone else
doesn’t change his stats relative to the league, which were not as good as bautista’s current numbers relative to his league.
dismissing league adjusted numbers when comparing two players separated by 90 years seems disingenuous to me and misrepresents what each player actually did
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
The difference
is that Ruth fundamentally changed the way hitters approached the game in 1920. He struck out way more than everyone else, he walked way more than everyone else. He was less concerned about getting a base hit as he was hitting the ball as hard as possible even if that meant striking out more and hitting more fly ball outs.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
it is a bit of a small sample
and it’s wise to wait until 500 or so PAs before assuming true talent, but all his peripherals tell me that these numbers are legit.
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
This I would agree with
He certainly hasn’t been lucky, other than a possibly inflated HR/FB% — I mean 32% HR/FB would be historically impressive if he did it for a full season.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
I have a serious stat/performance question about this...
I’m not trying to put words in your mouth or imply you’re saying something you aren’t, but your comment makes me wonder… when we see a really good performance with peripheral numbers which indicate it’s probably not luck-driven, that’s not that same thing as saying a player is going to continue at the same level, is it? He might not be lucky, but even if the performance is legit, is there a logical argument for saying he will not sustain the performance?
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
Basically, I find myself doubting that his end-of-season slash lines will be this high
But I don’t think he’s getting really lucky or something, I just don’t see anyone keeping this up for a full season.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
they probably won't be
the best argument would be past performance, but since he’s clearly such a different hitter than he was with the pirates, i don’t see how his numbers don’t reasonably end up being bondsian
even ZiPS which would be accounting for his previous mediocrity project him to end the season with a wOBA that matches pujols best season. “best season ever” might be a bit of a stretch, but there’s an argument to be made that pirates-era bautista to pujolsian is one of the greatest leaps the game has ever seen
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
No doubt the transition is historical
Interesting point about ZiPS, I hadn’t gotten around to looking at the projection for the rest of the year. It’ll be fun to see, that’s for sure.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
Agree with all of this
I would add that since the peripherals don’t indicate “luck” it does actually mean that he could sustain this level of performance for the rest of the season.
The reason that we don’t think he will is that sustaining that level of performance hasn’t been done much in the history of the game by any players, much less those players who previously did not have a track record of high performance through 3+ seasons worth of data.
I would guess that ZiPS is probably correct in projecting him to be that good, because there’s no reason to assume (other than anecdotal historical correlation, which is not very predictable) that he hasn’t been that good so far this season.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Completely agree with that last statement
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Two things
One, you are correct that even though a player might not be getting “lucky” (in traditional ways such as BABIP), his performance is still not neccesarily sustainable. For the same reason why a player hitting 4 home runs in a game doesn’t mean he’s a 4.000 slugging player.
Secondly, Bautista is still probably getting lucky, even if his BABIP isn’t that high. For him to be doing what he’s doing he has likely had an easier distribution of pitches than the average hitter at the very least.
There is no way Bautista is a true talent .560 wOBA hitter. He’s not the best hitter of all time.
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
This is what I suspected, but I wanted to be sure that it made sense
Thanks!
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
I'd really like you to prove that second paragraph if that's your view
When the guy is seeing only 34% of his pitches in the strike zone, I find it really hard to believe that he’s got an advantage of “distribution of pitches”.
If you can prove it, I’ll buy that theory. I just think that’s awfully hard to assume, especially considering that it’s 6 weeks we’re talking about (not just a few games), and that only 34% of the pitches he’s been thrown have been strikes.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
I'm not talking to you
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 18, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
....because you don't like having your opinions questioned.
We should just believe everything you say because you write on THT and have a database of pitches that’s sortable.
Got it.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Actually no, I would bet that this quarter of a season rivals the best of all time
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Where's your evidence?
If someone posted an ad on the front page of the newspaper and accused you of stealing their car, but had no evidence that you did (because you didn’t actually steal their car), would you be offended by the accusation?
You have no evidence other than a cursory improvement in performance that could be the result of many things. So you’re applying “PED’s” solely because the increase in performance is an outlier in reference to the history of the game? I’d guess Babe Ruth was a bit of an outlier too, but since steroids didn’t exist how did people denigrate his success.
There’s no modicum or forum where what you’re doing can be viewed as ethical or morally just. There just isn’t. So you can continue to explain yourself, but until you have actual proof that he’s done something, you shouldn’t be making accusations at all.
i resent the notion that i’m not allowed to question the biggest jump in performance in the history of baseball without concrete evidence.
I resent that fact that anyone could or would denigrate someone’s accomplishments, which could very well be the result of many hours of hard work and study, based on absolutely no evidence whatsoever.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Also pj is a jerk
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
No, it's like turning Curtis Allen Craig into Barry Bonds
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
haha, I meant normal Allen Craig
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Curtis Grandercraig?
I wouldn’t mind having that player… can he play second base?
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
i’m not saying that he’s definitely using PEDs, but it’s clearly something to be skeptical about
No, it really isn’t.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
what I mean is -
it’s blatantly obvious that Bautista has clearly sold his glans to the devil in order to be the most awesome hitter of all time.
And I, for one, admire his fortitude.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i heard steroids were on jose bautista
Oh yeah, I hit a lot of bombs. Don’t kid yourself.
by all4tookie on May 17, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
anyone hear reds broadcaster called out the cards.
How about this team actually win something before they talk shit.
by RamsFan7 on May 17, 2011 10:20 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
They won the division last year...
and just swept us. Let the cocks crow! Seriously, prior to 2010 the crowning achievement for this generation of Reds fans was that time they won 90 something games and didn’t make the playoffs. That’s 20 years of pent up energy…
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
by guayzimi on May 17, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Their 17,000 fans last night really got their moneys worth.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
This.
Then again, the last time they were relevant over consecutive years (94, 95) they weren’t drawing fans either.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
they won the division and then promptly got swept in the playoffs (/blocks out 09)
suffering the embarrassment of being no hit in the process.
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
One thing I picked...
up from RR is that prior to this rivalry with the Cardinals, they had no rivalry at all with any other team. Imagine if the Cardinals didn’t have the Cubs and never won anything. It would be really boring to follow this team.
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
by guayzimi on May 17, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The NL Central has won exactly one playoff game since we won it all in 2006
Auburn Tigers - 2010 National Champions, 2011 Fulmer Cup Champions
by jd is legend on May 17, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Always a good scapeGOAT
(get it?)
Auburn Tigers - 2010 National Champions, 2011 Fulmer Cup Champions
by jd is legend on May 17, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
this is kind of hilarious
in a pitiful way
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
And am I right in saying that was the Brewers when they won the WC?
So, no NL central winner has won a playoff game in the last half-decade? Yeuch.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
The cards and astros have dropped dick on the national league for the better part of a decade while the reds have diddled in obscurity. That division crown last year has meant jack.
by RamsFan7 on May 17, 2011 10:33 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
It is true that the Astros have been the second most successful NL central team in the last decade.
http://fuckyeahnouns.com/alex%20fritz
The Cubs had a succesful decade (for them).
Every NL Central championship in the aughts was won by the Cards or Cubs (w/ the Astros as co-champs once).
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
I know we have a "Co-Champions" banner for 2001,
but I was there for the last regular-season series when Tabata blew the division crown with the help of Pujols’s lack of range. I was enraged because TLR’s bullpen management likely cost us the division. We finished with the same overall record, but the Astros won the season series 9-7. That’s why we were the Wild Card that year and not Houston. I think our claim to that 2001 division co-title is very weak.
"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 think you're weak.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on May 17, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
It cracks me up when VEB resorts to 6th grade playground chatter.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, well you blog like a girl!
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
by mattybobo on May 17, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, you're a, you're a...
What the hell are you?
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
by TBender on May 17, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And a rec.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
yeah, well you bob for apples in the toilet (.....wait for it)
AND YOU LIKE IT!
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
by mattyp on May 17, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
OMG, did you just mix the Sandlot with HIMYM?
Your my freaking hero
But you still mix your sheathed with your mamas toejam
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on May 17, 2011 1:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not sure how my phone turned wheaties to sheathed
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on May 17, 2011 1:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
OMG, did you just mix the Sandlot with HIMYM?
Your my freaking hero
But you still mix your wheaties with your mamas toejam
"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"
by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on May 17, 2011 1:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
YOU'RE A TOWEL!
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
At least I don't smell like one.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
The last winning decade for the Cubs
was the 1930s.
Repeal The LaRussa Tax.
by Michael_68_1999 on May 17, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
The Cubs had never had three winning seasons in a row
until the 07-09 run.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
that was over a hundred years ago...
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
by Alxfritz on May 17, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
and they were above .500 every year from 1903-1914!
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
Okay
I take it back. They hadn’t had three winning seasons in a row in the better part of 100 years until the 07-09 run. Better?
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Back when players had
names like Tinker, Evers, and Chance. Now it’s Castro, Barney, and Pena. Ah, how times change.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Fun fact
The 2011 Cubs middle infielders currently have 317 PA’s…..and 11 total walks. Eleven. Total.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Oh... so that's subpar then?
"...Or we could make L.A.N.C.E. into a recursive acronym, like, 'Lance: Adam Needs Cartilage from your Elbow." -- Quote by our very own DanUpBaby
by redbirdnation8206 on May 17, 2011 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, not if you're Aaron Miles.
Or Ichiro.
But for just about everyone else it is. That’s a 3% walk rate.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
NL Central history
Division (WC)
Chicago 3 (1)
Cincinnati 3 (0)
Houston 4 (2)
Milwaukee 0 (1)
Pittsburgh 0 (0)
St. Louis 7 (1)
(Giving the 1994 title to Cincy — half game lead on Houston when the games stopped, and giving Houston the outright title in 01 for simplicity in the numbers)
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
Less charitable version:
Division (WC) (Pennants) (WS Titles)
Chicago 3 (1)(0)(0)
Cincinnati 2 (0)(0)(0)
Houston 3.5 (2)(1)(0)
Milwaukee 0 (1)(0)(0)
Pittsburgh 0 (0)(0)(0)
St. Louis 7.5 (0)(2)(1)
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
Class of the division for sure
Auburn Tigers - 2010 National Champions, 2011 Fulmer Cup Champions
by jd is legend on May 17, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Was he intentionally trying to be ironic?
Seriously, one division title in the last umpty-nine years and a first-round of the playoffs wash-out and they are qualified to get all catty?
Awesome.
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Was it Thom Brennaman?
I don’t know where this has come from with him. Hasn’t he broadcast MLB playoff games for FOX in the past?
"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 hope Al beats him
with his mic next time we play.
THIS MEANS WAR MARTY!
by infallibleopiniongenerator on May 17, 2011 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Reds players, fans, and media
have a giant hard on for the Cardinals right now. They played better and deserved to win the series, but you’d think they had just won something more substantial than a three game series in May against a divisional opponent.
by Handsome B Wonderful on May 17, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Their infatuation is begining to get obsessive and creepy.
Go enjoy your own team!
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
Bernie said the exact same thing the other day.
And, with regard to the exchange after the game Sunday, I agree with it. That was some crappy baseball played over the weekend.
But big picture, it’s a lame thing to say. I don’t think they have a leg to stand on until they actually win a playoff game this century.
And when Bernie is the voice of reason, you’ve got problems.
by RamsFan7 on May 17, 2011 10:37 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
and I bet he types in the subject line too
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
Bernie's not really that bad
Better than Strauss. And way better than Gordon. And Burwell… well let’s not go there.
"...Or we could make L.A.N.C.E. into a recursive acronym, like, 'Lance: Adam Needs Cartilage from your Elbow." -- Quote by our very own DanUpBaby
by redbirdnation8206 on May 17, 2011 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
It's funny you mention that
because Reds fans were still trashing Bernie on Twitter even though he basically said the Cardinals were being ridiculous and should have handled their business on the field. Their irrational rage is amusing.
by Handsome B Wonderful on May 17, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
what did you think of the jonny gomes thing last night?
i am on the fence about whether or not it was a douchey thing or a mistake
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm a little afraid to ask
was it singing in the shower?
"Why are you here? You should be mowing Albert Pujols' lawn right now." - Conan O'Brien to TLR, after noting he was in the audience for Bob Costas' benefit show.
no... he stopped at second base after hitting a homerun
now i can buy the explanation that he thought that it was a ground rule double… but he left the batter’s box with all the appearance of knowing it was gone. it was very weird cause on the replay it wasn’t actually that close.
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
The lack of fans in the seats made it hard to see what happened.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
by TBender on May 17, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
well played
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, when nobody is diving for the ball it's hard to tell where it landed.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
he had shaved his mohawk, so maybe he was confused.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Like trimming a cat's whiskers.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
by spants on May 17, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
well, i'll be.
How is that not getting more rec-love?
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Reasonable.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean, normally those are rec'd.
We’ll have to consult the rec charts to be sure I’m not getting squeezed.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
looked to me like an honest mistake
This is Gomes we’re talking about. Hasn’t anybody watched him play defense? He’s not the brightest candle in the chandelier….
Whatever happened in Cincinnati, stays in Cincinnati.
Given our professional wrestling thread from the other day,
a part of me wonders if the Reds are attempting to get the fan base to buy into the Cardinals as heel. The NWA hit a high point with The Four Horsemen. WCW rose to ratings prominence with the nWo. The Rock hit stardom as a heel, too. If one simply looks at what Brennman does as JR attempting to put a heel over, it makes a lot more sense.
"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
Rolen and the other former Cardinals broke off and joined NWO Redspac
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
Don't turn your back on the Redspac
Or articles of clothing may be stolen from you
Auburn Tigers - 2010 National Champions, 2011 Fulmer Cup Champions
by jd is legend on May 17, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I could see Rolen showing up with a 'do rag, 5 o'clock shadow and blonde handlebar 'stache
by peppermartin on May 17, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I would love to see that
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
That's HOLLYWOOD Rolen to you.
Pending the legal issues with the Jim Edmonds trademark…
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Jim Edmonds has officially been appointed co-commissioner in a stunning move
Now he’ll get to schedule a rematch between Hurricane Cueto and “Hacksaw” Jason LaRue in the main event at SummerSlam.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
well, the reds announcers are not to be respected
so there’s that
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
i didnt get a chance to watch the game last night and Shannnon or Rooney didn't mention this
but, how was Eduardo’s velocity last night when he was moved back to set up? Also, Salas is my hero.
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 10:38 AM EDT reply actions
93
Which worried me – wasn’t he hitting 95 consistently? Could be the stadium gun or something.
thats not too bad
did he at least look like his old self (his old self being from a month ago)?
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
His velo was higher than his last appearance, but not quite at his peak 95-97
http://fuckyeahnouns.com/alex%20fritz
were his giant, cast-iron, balls swinging like they used to?
(this is what I’m really getting at)
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Sanchez's Fastball
Texas Leaguers has it averaging 91.8 last night, averaging 91.1 on Friday, as compared to 93.7 on April 13, the night he debuted in Arizona. But, the conditions were likely optimal for pitching in the domed stadium in Arizona and less than optimal in Cincy on Friday or St. Louis last night.
"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
ESPN
I thought the WWL had him at 95 for a few pitches.
The pitch that struck out Polanco to end the 8th was a big breaking pitch that looked more like a curve. Not sure what velocity was but it was a nice pitch that froze a good hitter.
Sanchez's slurve freezes me,
and I’m just watching the game as it travels in the opposite direction of me.
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
by bgh on May 17, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did anyone else think it looked like he was throwing curves and not sliders last night?
by Willie McGee's Twin on May 17, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
fresh towels are available near the exits and next to the bacon.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
sometimes it seems like Duncan grows monster breaking pitches on a farm somewhere
Whatever happened in Cincinnati, stays in Cincinnati.
it's the only place he's truly happy
quiet farm, sunny day, talking to Mitchell Boggs slider, aerating the earth around Sanchez’s slurve, pouring huge quantities of feces on Motte’s slutter. Leading Franklin’s knuckleball behind the barn and tenderly placing a gun against it
by infallibleopiniongenerator on May 17, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
SLUTTER.
S-lutt-er. Mmmmmmm.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I know a girl who is in that band
all girl kiss cover band
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Bravo! Bravo! Cannot rec enough!
Of course, I don’t want to stand anywhere near you when the lightning bolts come raining down, but excellent job, DanUp.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 10:52 AM EDT reply actions
Heh.
Aw…:“Professional analysts stated that while there is still plenty of time, it is too late for the Minnesota Twins.”
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
Excellent DanUp, excellent
I’m somewhat both disappointed and glad that you didn’t open the seventh seal. (or does that happen Saturday?)
I am somewhat concerned that the 7th seal contains Josh Kinney.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions
well, Salas wasn't mentioned either
but I would assume the seventh seal would be something bad (or is it just bad for our opponents?)
by ArkansasTravs on May 18, 2011 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Never been a fan of Jess Todd but we need arms in Memphis.
Well, we need to dump Franklin and Batista too. In any event, meh.
Also, now that we got Todd back, and since DeRosa was more or less useless after the trade because of injury, it looks like we traded Chris Perez for Tyrell Jenkins.
by Willie McGee's Twin on May 17, 2011 11:08 AM EDT reply actions
we might yet win this trade
I'm sorry I impugned your cocksmanship.
by purple_haze on May 17, 2011 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Pitchers & Poets
They are covering the first basemen of the 1990s and have posted:
“”http://pitchersandpoets.com/2011/05/16/before-big-mac-cardinals-first-basemen-of-the-90s-by-brian-kist/" >Before Big Mac: Cardinals First Basemen of the 90s," by Brian Kist.
It’s definitely worth a read as it’s quite enjoyable.
"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
Link Fail
Before Big Mac: Cardinals First Baemen of the 90s
"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 nice that they found time to not write about batista
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, hey, thanks for the new sig, Dan.
...and his name was Eduardo Sanchez, and the name of his slider was Death
by The Continental on May 17, 2011 11:18 AM EDT reply actions
did anybody figure out what duncan was yelling when he was gesturing with his hands?
it looked as if he was saying something about somebody’s hair
At least Joe Morgan isn't one of my team's Hall of Famers
by FredbirdisaDork on May 17, 2011 11:32 AM EDT reply actions
i think he said,
“and tell your bitch cueto to cut his fucking hair”
I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it... Jack Handy
by swmofan on May 17, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
6 hours and 20 minutes til my vacation starts. I ain’t getting shit done at work today.
by RamsFan7 on May 17, 2011 11:41 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Just saw There Will Be Blood
Daniel Day-Lewis is actually quite handsome in it. Wasn’t expecting that. Good movie though.
I'm sorry I impugned your cocksmanship.
I DRINK YOUR MILKSHAKE!!!!
:=8O
Griebenschmaltz!
by The MooCow on May 17, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Incredible acting, right?
I can’t imagine anybody else who could’ve pulled off that character
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
DDL is awesome in everything. Except maybe that sing & dance flick.
by peppermartin on May 17, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he was also awesome in that
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
But his Bill the Butcher more than made up for it.
WHOOOOOOOOPPPPSIIIEEEE DAISY
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
I like the look of Lincoln based only by the cast.
I’m a huge Bruce McGill fan.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
The casting of Seward and Chase will be critical.
They have to be able to stand up to DDL’s Lincoln on-screen.
"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
best movie
now watch it again
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
and if somehow, you just completely missed
the cinematic awesome that was 2007, go watch no country for old men right now
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
NCFOM is a seriously badass movie.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
just a touch better than TWBB, i think
but they’re both really, really good
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Mell Allen was awesome in that.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
I liked it better.
but that’s still not a knock on TWBB.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
why go see it repeatedly, then?
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions
why did you see it in multiple theaters, then?
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
Another great passes.
Baseball is running out of ambassadors.
by WizardofOz1982 on May 17, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Milton Bradley is available...
…and so is Barry Bonds for that matter, and Roger Clemens, and of course Jose Canseco!
:=8/
Griebenschmaltz!
Speaking of Clemens
Do you think when he threw the splintered bat at Piaza that he was ’roid raging?
damn
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
honestly
this is the one i was most worried about giving up for derosa. prove me right, baby!
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
Still makes no sense that we made him into a reliever
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
not given the information that we have
but there has to have been some reason.
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
by prophetjohn on May 17, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
anyone read this and cracked yet?
the-7-most-condescending-sports-euphemisms/
Would you really want your MVP celebration to be commemorated with phrases like, “the little shortstop stood tall?” Did you just win the championship of Major League Baseball or the Little League World Series?
But Eck looked so strong standing up so straight and tall.
"Why are you here? You should be mowing Albert Pujols' lawn right now." - Conan O'Brien to TLR, after noting he was in the audience for Bob Costas' benefit show.
wait, *sports* euphemism?
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on May 17, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
This is awesome
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
if Albert does get glasses, can we call him a nerd
he does do everything, after all.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
Reviews weren't as high as I expected
but still good nonetheless.
Maybe I need to temper my expectations. I was expecting GTA/RDR level.
by Ghostrider520 on May 17, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
We really like it so far.
Disappointed there’s no multiplayer mode.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
what system do you guys play on?
Proud member of the Sports Injury Industrial Complex: We feel your pain and it feels good.
for those with a PSN account, the welcome back package was leaked
2 free games from the following list, plus a free month of PSN plus
LittleBigPlanet
Infamous*
Wipeout HD/Fury
Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty
Dead Nation
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
60 days free if you are already a PSN Plus subscriber.
But you had to have an active PSN account as of April 20.
by Ghostrider520 on May 17, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
i have spent all day trying to think of something witty to say about this post
prefferably star wars related. And i have been unable to think of anything. And thus i offer this nugget of wisdom; If Albert Pujols hits a home run in the forrest does it make a sound?
Tommy John's, Appendectomies and Padded Batting Gloves for everyone!
yes i know i spelt forest wrong. Sue me.
Tommy John's, Appendectomies and Padded Batting Gloves for everyone!
okay
you better call your lawyer
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
by hr on May 17, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok,
the one in construction, international finance or the ex-CPS one?
Tommy John's, Appendectomies and Padded Batting Gloves for everyone!
yes
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
by hr on May 17, 2011 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
i'll see you in court
/Law and Order Style Transition. DUN DUN.
Tommy John's, Appendectomies and Padded Batting Gloves for everyone!
OBJECTION YOUR HONOR
…Badgering the witness.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought it was the Queen's spelling or something.
"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
Whoa, no need for the insults, pal!
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
You mean Freddie Mercury had his own way of spelling?
That explains so much.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
The phrase used to be "the King's English,"
but, since it’s Queen Elizabeth, and has been for quite awhile, I altered 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
I really need to put a
giant neon “Take 90% of what I say as a joke” sign up with my posts.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Please don't.
Think about how annoying it would be for someone scrolling through the comments. A giant neon sign would be so distracting. Not to mention it would be hell for mobile browsers and it would waste a ton of bandwidth.
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
by hr on May 17, 2011 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd, you clever person you.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
I like
how you used “if” instead of “when” to keep it current.
Repeal The LaRussa Tax.
by Michael_68_1999 on May 17, 2011 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I just noticed that Busch is the most run-suppressing ballpark so far this year
according to ESPN’s numbers. SSS, I know (I don’t have any idea what is a reasonable sample size for park factors), but still surprising, at least to me.
Also, Pittsburgh’s park factor for triples is zero. Does that mean no one has hit a triple there all year?
by BTown Birds fan on May 17, 2011 4:01 PM EDT reply actions
That's crazy
considering that we’ve played just under half our games at home and we’re the league leading offense. But I suppose that first homestand probably did some pretty good damage to those numbers.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
According to ESPN's team stats splits,
our home OPS is almost 150 points lower than our away OPS, .708 vs. .850. And there’s an even bigger difference in what our opponents are doing – .795 OPS at their park, but only .610 OPS at Busch.
Also, as a team our overall OPS is almost .800. Heeheehee….
by BTown Birds fan on May 17, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
How does this compare to the first 6 weeks of other seasons though?
Wrigley Field suppresses runs at a higher level during the early and late parts of the year (when it’s cold and the wind is coming in) but is an absolute bandbox in June and July (when it’s hot, muggy, and the wind is blowing OUT), or at least that’s what I’ve been led to believe as I have no idea where to look up park factor splits.
I wonder if something similar is happening at Busch.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
That's a good point - I hadn't thought about the weather
I was just thinking of SSS generally. Presumably there’s a general run suppression through most of the country (maybe less pronounced in places like San Diego and Florida…?) in the spring and fall, but maybe there are more idiosyncratic seasonal differences at places like Wrigley, AT&T (?), Busch (?!?), etc.
by BTown Birds fan on May 17, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
AT&T
can change from the afternoon to the evening on a pretty regular basis.
I don’t know if there’s something to that in general, or maybe players just play better when it’s hot out and not when their hands sting for two innings after a getting jammed by a ball in on the handle.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
dodger stadium is notorious for afternoon/night differences
i believe it’s a combination of air temp and wind pattern
Things I learned
The Athletics’ ballpark is now called the Overstock.com Coliseum
Auburn Tigers - 2010 National Champions, 2011 Fulmer Cup Champions
by jd is legend on May 17, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is a bit ironic
considering that they probably haven’t sold out a game since 1990.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
by fourstick on May 17, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Hahahaha
Didn’t even think about that
Auburn Tigers - 2010 National Champions, 2011 Fulmer Cup Champions
by jd is legend on May 17, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Well played
"...Or we could make L.A.N.C.E. into a recursive acronym, like, 'Lance: Adam Needs Cartilage from your Elbow." -- Quote by our very own DanUpBaby
by redbirdnation8206 on May 17, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
just at a glance
the way they calculate those numbers are way too dependent on the players that play in the parks than just the parks themselves
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
I'm not sure I understand
Shouldn’t that be taken into account since the same players are playing at both the home park and the away parks they’re being compared to?
by BTown Birds fan on May 17, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
ah, i misread it
i thought it determining park factors based only on how many runs were scored in that park, not compared to how many runs the same players score in the opponents’ parks
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
I love that you have Chris Lambert saying "Sup".
he just looks like a guy that would say “sup” a lot. Great writing as always, Danup.
youneverknow
Yes
Chris Lambert also looks like a guy who would say, “sup, nerds!” a lot.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
He was a two-sport athlete in school
Baseball and beer pong.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
This Astros deal is smelling worse and worse...
The new owner actually got a huge loan from mlb to buy the team at a 50% markup beyond what Forbes estimated the Astros to be worth. Of course Forbes isn’t the final word, but why would MLB be involved at all (other than to artificially pump up franchise values)? Crane is going into this with $300 million in debt and 1/20th of that in annual income from operations. Not good.
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
not good for the astros
but this 6-team division is looking more and more like a 5-team division
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
This could also be. . .
some sort of complicated tax dodge.
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
All about how you define annual income from operations.
Would need to look a little deeper – if income from operations is after a bunch non-cash expenses (depreciation and amortization, for instance) but the entity is still generating tons of cash, the debt load isn’t so bothersome.
There is real incentive to avoid the tax man by taking full advantage of what you can expense, shrinking income and taxes in the process.
Oh yeah, I hit a lot of bombs. Don’t kid yourself.
Cards lineup for tonight.
Theriot 6, Jay 8, Pujols 3, Holliday 7, Berkman 9, Craig 4, Molina 2, Descalso 5, Garcia 1
Allen Craig, Second Baseman: No longer as wacky.
"Miller came in from the bullpen with a gan of casoline." - Mike Shannon
Craig is Garcia's personal second baseman b/c no one can hit Garcia's pitches to second base...
pay attention!
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
No longer as wacky as what? As it was before?
I don’t think any of the position musical chairs this year is as wacky as Craig at second. Has he ever played there before, like, ever?
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
So, craig@second whenever hotme starts?
I’m okay with that
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
by hr on May 17, 2011 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Me likey
Any word on when we can expect Razzle Dazzle back?
Tommy John's, Appendectomies and Padded Batting Gloves for everyone!
He's supposedly available.
The doctors cleared him.
by Ghostrider520 on May 17, 2011 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
mayhaps caution with regard to his tummy
coincides with us showcasing His Honor for the Phillies for later in the season when we fleece them in a trade
by infallibleopiniongenerator on May 17, 2011 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
This totally baffles me.
Didn’t Tony decide yesterday that he would prefer Pujols at third, Berkman at First, and Craig in right, if all three of them will be playing? Or was that just a ploy to get Pujols to start hitting?
He seriously believes...
that Garcia suppresses ground balls to second and generates ground balls to third. The only data we have for this theory is the May 12th game (9-1 over the Cubs) in which two balls were hit to second and three to third.
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
well
assuming that most batters are right-handed and that most batters pull the ball and that batters pull the ball more often when facing opposite-handed pitchers, i don’t think it’s too crazy
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
Yeah..
I’m not really disputing it. “Seriously” was probably misused. Just saying there’s a theory at work. I would argue when you include the more complicated plays like turning a DP, cutting off more balls, taking throws on SBs, etc… You probably need a more competent fielder at second.
Sign Carlos Silva!!!
I suspect. . .
that at least part of what’s going on is arm related, too. I have heard at least a couple of Cardinals front office folk give radio interviews and imply, without too much candy coating, that Craig has a weenie arm.
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
i've heard that, too
but in the limited infield play that i’ve seen from him, his hands seemed like more of a problem
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
and of course it begs the question
as to why you put his weenie arm in RF when you put him in the OF.
There is a certain value, I realize, in keeping Holliday in LF thanks to familiarity, of course.
I would also add Craig’s (lack of) range and reaction time to his defensive problems.
So we’ve basically established that Craig has no defensive skills at all, lol.
by SouthsideCardsFan on May 17, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess we'll just have to trade him to an AL team who needs a DH
I see the Blue Jays have had crappy production so far from their DH spot. I suppose we could take journeyman Jose Bautista off their hands and put him at third, where he’s played in the past. Two birds with one stone! (See what I did there?)
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
We could trade him for Travis Snider as far as I'm concerned.
Or Adam Lind. Or Yunel Escobar, who might be the best fit of all those guys.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
Not sure what would be the point of Lind or Snider
But if we manage to trade Allen Craig for Yunel Escobar then I’ll go to a Cardinals game while crossdressing (I’d be safe since, in keeping with blog memes, my gender identity is at this point something of an enigma, so who knows what “crossdressing” really means for me?) and offer to name my next kid after John Mozeliak. And all the rest of my future kids too.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
Snider can play outfield
and he just needs AB’s and he’ll start hitting — he’s been pretty unlucky so far in his short career.
I have no idea what we’d do with Lind, but I hear that just about anyone can play second base….
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
I would guess that if Craig were a full time outfielder Holliday would move to RF permanently.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
I think Craig's defence is under-rated from what I've seen
he catches most of what’s hit near him in RF.
Outfield arm strength really, really doesn’t matter very much. People seriously over-rate its importance. And, FWIW, I think Craig’s arm looks reasonably competent.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions
obviously, in retrospect, he sucks at catching pop-ups.
But, y’know….
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
That suffices for an adequate sample size in TLR world
"...Or we could make L.A.N.C.E. into a recursive acronym, like, 'Lance: Adam Needs Cartilage from your Elbow." -- Quote by our very own DanUpBaby
by redbirdnation8206 on May 17, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions
he thinks every season totally resets all stats
berkman 1b / descalso 2b / punto ss / pujols 3b / craig rf / colby cf / holliday lf
free compositionson guitar and keyboards through looping pedal (no overdubs)
by Cards Fan in Chitown on May 17, 2011 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
phils
rolins SS, martinez CF, polanco 3B, howard 1B, mayberry LF, francisco RF, valdez 2B, sardinha C, oswalt P
Fuck Theriot at short
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Also: Yankees sign Randy Flores
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
Horses have some kind of immortality around these parts.
Tommy John's, Appendectomies and Padded Batting Gloves for everyone!
That's totally illogical
If we keep beating the horse it will eventually stay dead.
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
goold vs. strauss: the reckoning
dgoold Derrick Goold
Next Semester: Hashtag Dependency 310 RT @JoeStrauss RT Sounds like @dgoold has convened class for smartest guys in school. #gibberish
dgoold Derrick Goold
Because why make a cohesive argument when facts don’t fit your caustic whim and you have a “pound” key so tantalizingly handy. #twitterbully
I don't follow Strauss,
but when I read his tweets, they always come off mean. Goold went right for the throat in return.
"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 hear they're in his knees.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Doing a double feature (read: sneaking into the second movie) of Thor and Bridesmaids tonight
Are either decent? I’ve heard good things
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
I enjoyed Thor.
Visually, it is perhaps the best of the super-hero genre. The love story was left rather undeveloped. Nonetheless, the palace intrigue was enough to keep me entertained throughout.
"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 saw Bridesmaids over the weekend and I actually laughed quite a bit
I was pleasantly surprised. The SNL actress is quite funny in parts.
Kristen Wiig or Maya Rudolph?
Though I guess Rudolph would be “former SNL actress.”
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
Thor goes by quickly so I suppose it is well done
but I was left with a “what did I just watch” kind of feeling afterwards.
Proud member of the Sports Injury Industrial Complex: We feel your pain and it feels good.
Better that
than looking down at your watch at the 60 minute mark wondering when this thing is going to be over.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
that was me at black swan
“where the hell is the lesbian scene?”
"Why are you here? You should be mowing Albert Pujols' lawn right now." - Conan O'Brien to TLR, after noting he was in the audience for Bob Costas' benefit show.
by Evilfrog on May 17, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
you happen to catch the most recent episode of Game of Thrones?
it was their best yet. But I’ve enjoyed the show so far (haven’t read the books, will get to them after the season is over).
I'm sorry I impugned your cocksmanship.
Got it on the dvr.
We got HBO for the weekend and I recorded 3 of them. It’s interesting.
Johnny Gomes could not be reached for comment
"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 May 17, 2011 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
#spoilers
Maybe I’m dumb but even re-reading the books I’ve only BARELY caught a hint of any kind of relationship between Loras and Renly. I’m not sure I care for that change. I’ve also come to the conclusion that I hate the actors they cast for both those characters. Renly is described in the books as “like a young Robert come again” but he looks so much more diminutive compared to Robert in stature.
I just continue to fall more and more out of love with something that has yet to meet my expectations.
Proud member of the Sports Injury Industrial Complex: We feel your pain and it feels good.
Well he did a very poor job of it.
That sounds like he was too much of a wimp to just write it in. In book 3 there’s a line that says something like “as close as Loras and Renly were” and I just read it shortly before I saw this episode. That’s it. That’s the first time I’ve noticed any implications in the book.
Proud member of the Sports Injury Industrial Complex: We feel your pain and it feels good.
The books are so great though.
I just got to the part where Arstan Whitebeard’s identity is revealed — i’d totally forgotten. I really do love the books.
Proud member of the Sports Injury Industrial Complex: We feel your pain and it feels good.
If you like crappy movies...
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
...and getting caught in the rain...
by BTown Birds fan on May 17, 2011 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you ever, like, have fun?
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
by mysterui on May 18, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
dang it's gotten chippy all over the place
I’m gonna take cover. and remind all of you to use tags.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
will there be a course on using tags soon?
perhaps you dgoold yadi2second, could be the professor
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
i keep expecting jonathan sanchez to have a breakout year,
really figure out his control and contend for a CYA. i’m beginning to think it’s not going to happen, though
Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it
twatter
so i was having an absolute shit day....
Found out my car is going to cost $780 to get fixed….but my boss just told me he cant go to the game tonight and gave me his tickets! Plus the G37x loaner car is pretty badass.
by mick311 on May 17, 2011 5:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
maybe nextdef'd but
Cliff Lee thought he was pinched on the strike zone last night… maybe he and Sanchez can split an entree salad and talk about it over lunch.
Squeezed a bit on one corner while the other was a little more generous.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
Yeah, my impression was that for both Lee and Westbrook
it was a fairly tight but consistent strike zone. Lee just had unprecedentedly lousy control last night, and the Cards were the very lucky beneficiaries.
by BTown Birds fan on May 17, 2011 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
just from this graph, it's pretty evident that he was all over the place, small strike zone or not
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
by hr on May 17, 2011 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions
It does bear a resembalance to the one for Sanchez
in that the outer half is being squeezed. During the game, however, he (Lee) seemed to be more upset about the inner half (on RH hitters that is) while the above shows only one “strike” called a ball there (and about three “balls” called strikes). All-in-all, I don’t think he’s got a lot to complain about. It seems the umps are calling a tighter zone overall this year anyway.
by ArkansasTravs on May 17, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't think there are any baseball players who eat half an entree salad for lunch.
I'm sorry I impugned your cocksmanship.
to be fair
before we all suggest that Lee’s an idiot, it could be that HE gets those strikes called more often than not, which would lead to him (reasonably) believing the strike zone was against him yesterday. We’d have to look at his cumulative plots from the last year or two to determine that.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought it was the Greg Maddux effect
or maybe the Leo Mazzone effect?
by ArkansasTravs on May 18, 2011 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Phillies lineup
1. Jimmy Rollins: .729 OPS
2. Michael Martinez: .459 OPS
3. Placido Polanco: .819 OPS
4. Ryan Howard: .849 OPS
5. John Mayberry Jr.: .844 OPS
6. Ben Francisco: .692 OPS
7. Wilson Valdez: .545 OPS
8. Dane Sardinha: .533 OPS
This ain’t your 2010 Phillies lineup anymore. This offense kinda sucks without Utley and Werth.
or Victorino, or Polanco,
or Rollins from a couple years ago (or at least that one year; wait – how did he win the MVP again…?). We’re definitely catching them at the right time in terms of injuries, not to mention no Halladay and Lee going all kooky.
by BTown Birds fan on May 17, 2011 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't look now,
but Jimmy Rollins career average OPS is only .762. When you consider his age and regression, .729 really doesn’t look that bad. For some reason, he’s gotten into the lexicon with the “great” shortstops of his era when he doesn’t really belong there.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
his defence seems to be under-rated, though
i usually think of him as merely an average-ish glove (and I think I’m not alone) but uzr has him as consistently very good.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 18, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
He has been a pretty darn good player
"When a pitcher's throwing a spitball, don't worry and don't complain, just hit the dry side like I do." -- Stan Musial
Yeah
I always think of him as averageish with the glove too and then I catch a Phillies game and he looks fantastic. I know that I definitely underrate him defensively.
by WizardofOz1982 on May 19, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Is Utley injured?
Skip Schumaker is a scapegoat
by vivaelpujols on May 17, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
he's rehabbing in (I think) AA and played 9 innings the other day
I can’t imagine it’ll be long before he’s back.
Still bitching to contact.
by Felonius_Monk on May 17, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
High-A in the Gulf Coast League. They were playing the Palm Beach Cardinals a few days ago. Oswalt and Utley were both rehabing against PB.
by Swordslasher on May 17, 2011 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Rumors
He’ll be back by Memorial Day. He just played his first back-to-back 9 inning games over the weekend, and he’s tearing the cover off the ball as would be expected.
I think he’s in High A though, not AA.
Can Colby round out our new MV3?
So....
Ryan Howard MVP because he’s doing it all by himself!
/2006’ed
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
in case you're still here, recall that there's a game today
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2011/5/17/2176350/open-thread-phillies-at-cardinals
If I had a nickel for every time I procrastinate, I'd be so rich that I probably wouldn't have to procrastinate anymore.
"Hunter Pence out at home, catcher Gerald Laird. Three out." STL @ HOU, 4/28/11
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