Yadier Molina Puts Together Best Offensive Season
by azruavatar on Sep 25, 2011 9:29 AM EDT
Email
Print
Playoffs: 4 games left, 2 games back of Atlanta in wild card standings
CoolStandings Playoff Chances: 16%
In the midst of Lance Berkman's resurgence, Albert Pujols' down then not so down year and a flurry of midseason changes to the roster. One player has pieced together their best offensive season as a crucial player on the team. At 135 games and counting, Yadier Molina has continued to carry an extraordinary workload throughout the 2011 season.
There are only 6 catchers who have caught 135 games or more this year: Carlos Santana (Indians), Alex Avila (Tigers), Miguel Montero (Diamonbacks), John Buck (Marlins), and Matt Wieters (Orioles). Santana has logged significant time at first base while the others have all been almost exclusively catchers. Only Santa, Avila and Montero have logged a higher wOBA than Yadier Molina in 2011.
There are some things about Yadier Molina that simply don't change from season to season. He's tallied his 5th straight season with a batting average higher than league average.
He's also maintained his absurdly high contact rate with very few strikeouts.
The big difference this season is Yadier Molina's increased power that has evidenced itself in a myriad of ways. He is posting the best isolated power numbers of his career in a dramatic way. His previous high from 2005-2006 was .106 and his 2011 total currently stands at .154. Part of this is the change in batted ball profile.
Molina has always maintained a consistently impressive LD rate around 20% (red line). In 2006, his flyball rate peaked coinciding with one of his season highs in ISO. (The only explanation I have for 2005 is BABIP related as well as having younger and presumably faster legs.) Molina's ability to put the ball in the air with a greater degree of frequency can only help as he's unlikely to run out many (any?) groundballs fielded by an infielder.
Molina has continued to hit the ball to all parts of the field and while most of his homers are clearly pulled balls, he's been able to drop some over the opposite field fence as well.
The clubs have a $7M club option for Yadier Molina. The option, in a vacuum is a no brainer. One has to wonder given the affinity of both the coaching staff and pitching staff towards Molina if, similar to the Chris Carpenter situation, the front office won't try to work out a longer term deal rather than simply extend the only catcher the Cardinals have really utilized since Mike Matheny's departure in 2005.
Regardless of the outcome of the season or potential negotiations in the offseason, Molina has had a tremendous year at the plate the likes of which we've never seen from him.
259 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Albert's coaching paying off. Yadier = boss.
and now, a sidebar question of some interest
tally up yer predictions
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
If Yadi could combine the increased power with the walks of more recent year he'd be could be an elite player
Well, that’s assuming he keeps the defense up. I’m kind of curious what his year would look like in more SABR-y terms if his UZR was more in line with previous years. And I know that catcher defense is hard to quantify, but I just thought it was interesting that Fangraphs has him at almost 4 WAR with a slightly negative UZR. No clue if Fangraphs does something other than just use UZR for catcher defense in its WAR calculations. I know there have been some cool attempts to quantify catcher defense more comprehensively, I just don’t know if any popular WAR figures use them yet.
Then there’s the question of whether his defense is on the decline. Obviously he’s not getting any younger and I’ve heard that maybe catching is kind of tough on the body, I dunno, might have just been a rumor.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
So my question is
how much is Yadi like his brother Bengie? In Bengie’s first 4 years in the majors, his iso was under .100 in 3 of those years. In the next 7 years, his iso was at least .150, except for one year it was .128. His brother Jose’s iso tended to peak around .120. So, hopefully this year is a breakout for Yadi in terms of increased power.
Bengie was really about muscling the ball... or, y'know, taking advantage
of F=ma
for whatever reason, I know very little about José’s game. just not teams I could follow.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
in true stalker form
here’s his old “official” blog with the brothers, assorted family, and Bengie’s new velociraptor
note the difference in bodies, though I’m pretty sure they all started out with the same body type
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
hmmm... what strikes me is that none of the Molina brothers really look like each other
I wonder if the Molinas are the Puerto Rican version of Jim Carey’s family in Me, Myself & Irene
by peppermartin on Sep 25, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
FYI.
12:35 – Minor (ATL) vs Detwiler (WAS)
1:15 – Wells (CHI) vs Jackson (STL)
Torty has already started for the Stadium.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
damn that public transit on Sundays?
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Sep 25, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Torty is making his way to both stadiums
which makes you wonder if public transit could ever of really been a problem?
by RasmustheRipper on Sep 25, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, traveling east on 40
towards downtown I thought I saw a tortoise off to the right side of the highway.
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
was it keeping pace with traffic?
Or did it have flashing lights and an SMV symbol on it?
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 Sep 25, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Those were the fossilized remains of Torty's giant forebears.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Molina trivia:
Yadier’s middle name is Benjamin
Bengie’s middle name is Jose
Jose’s middle name is Yadier (just kidding, it’s Benjamin too)
That’s right, Bengie is Benjamin Jose and Jose is Jose Benjamin. And to top it off, Yadier is also Benjamin
Every man should attempt this with his kids…
Whoa!
My brother’s first name is Benjamin! And my middle name is… well, it’s not Benjamin. So that didn’t really pan out… but, my brother kind of looks like Yadier Molina. So there’s that!
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Kinda
I mean, my mom’s family is half Mexican. Also, he got all the dark skin and curly black hair genes. Some gringo facial features though. He honestly looks like he could be Yadi’s cousin or something.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Benjamin Molina was a great man
he not only raised and taught his sons, he was a fixture in their community and helped a lot of young people. the little charm that Yadi kisses during his at-bats was from his father, and that started after his passing.
Every man should attempt to leave that much good in the world.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Sep 25, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
and that many bitchin' catchers
Life is tough, but it's tougher if you're stupid.
- John Wayne
by Tackle Box on Sep 25, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
the guy must've hoped for at least one OF or something
2011 Cardinals GIDPs: 162
NL Record: '58 Cardinals, 166
ML Record: '90 Red Sox, 174
built a baseball field and taught and coached while holding down a factory job.
would've.
"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there..." - THT
by Yadi2Second on Sep 25, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
you know how some people are just too talented...
2011 Cardinals GIDPs: 162
NL Record: '58 Cardinals, 166
ML Record: '90 Red Sox, 174
when was your last factory job?
FIRE TLR
by Oedipa Maas on Sep 25, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
slacker
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 Sep 25, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Father Benjamin had many sons
many sons had Father Benjamin
I am one of them, so are you……
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 Sep 25, 2011 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
You got sent to Sunday school a lot as a kid
by Merry CRasmus on Sep 25, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, I did.
didn’t hurt a bit, either.
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
really? haven't heard of that one yet.
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 Sep 25, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Our parish didn't have the resources at the time to offer an actual Sunday school
But St. Joseph’s in Clayton, which was pretty close to where I grew up, did. Unfortunately they had classes on Monday evenings. You can imagine that, as a grade schooler, I did not enjoy going to any sort of class after regular school, when it was already Monday.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
yeah, that would suck for a kid.
I find it interesting that they couldn’t have SS but still had classes on Mon. Must’ve been a rather small parrish, eh? Around here, you can’t hardly throw a rock without hitting a church. Don’t know how there’s enough money to keep them all running.
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 Sep 25, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, our parish (the one that didn't have Sunday school) was St. Roch
St. Joseph was the place that had the Monday night classes. I guess St. Roch just didn’t have it in the budget at the time.
It is going to be interesting to see how the various now-less-busy churches survive. I live right next to what used to be Holy Family Church on Oak Hill. The building was bought was some sort of advertising company and they have offices there now.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
sorry, misunderstood that part.
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 Sep 25, 2011 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Ours did the same, Tuesday evenings, IIRC.
SS during service was basically daycare for screaming 2 year olds.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
My dad has 1 girl and 3 boys.
I’m the oldest, and even though I am a girl, he tried to name me his name for both first and middle names. This, you can imagine, went over poorly with everyone. So, Mom compromised and I have a feminized version of his name for my middle name. My brother has his name for a middle name. My first half-brother has his name for a middle name. (He also has the same initial for all names.) My second half-brother got my grandfather and uncle’s name for a middle name.
Yes, my dad is a self-centered ass, why do you ask?
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
You've got to be pretty full of yourself to try something like that.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
George Foreman anyone?
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly.
So glad my mom didn’t give him his way. I’m not good-looking enough to pull off a man’s name.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
He didn't try to name you Roberta, did he?
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, that's asking a bit much.
unless his name was Kelly or Stacy or something like that
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
lulz
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
My middle name is Michel.
Which is, in French, still Michael.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
Don't guess he tried to give you that
as a nickname?
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
No, that really wouldn't work well.
There’s a ton of variations that could’ve been used, but no.
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
The thing is - my mom is a pushover.
She must’ve felt very strongly about this. THANKFULLY.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
hell, I'm surprised she didn't kneecap him for that.
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the phrase I've heard my mom use the most
to describe their relationship is, “Love is blind.”
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
Schu is getting my worst rating.
He’s just awful.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Sep 25, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
According to Fangraphs
Skip is actually having his best defensive season as a 2B by far. Of course defensive stats are notoriously sketchy, and I agree that he generally looks terrible. Just thought I’d point this out.
I am, however, in no way suggesting we should keep him around next year. If I was in charge he and Theriot would be the first ones out the door.
Can all three go thru at the same time?
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i think Patterson and Theriot are a lock to depart at the same time
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
that's not the sort of answer he need around here
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone's tired of me saying it,
so I’m glad she did.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
deep in your heart, you know you need spants on that wall!!
home isn't where it used to be. home is anywhere you hang your head. - macmanus
I think his pitching performance clinched it
what a team player! what grit! what sacrifice! Gotta keep a leader like that around for his clubhouse presence.
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
That's only by UZR, and only because of his reduced playing time
By UZR/150 he’s actually been slightly worse than his first year at 2B. His overall UZR number is also propped up by outfield innings, as has been mentioned a lot (I’m not saying you’re referring to this, but it’s also important to note).
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Ayup
It sucks that he couldn’t quite be an almost-average defensive second baseman. Even I will admit that Skip is capable of something like league-average offense. I can’t really defend keeping him at second base anymore.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
nah, he's a below average offensive player too
I assume mostly because of his complete lack of power. But he’s not that deficient on O, so I guess your categorization of “something like league-average” fits and I’m just being a nit-picky jackass.
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
Well, let me rephrase that
He has produced league-average or better offense in the past and might be able to do so in the future. But he’s getting older and his offense seems to be getting worse overall. Oh yeah, and the defense.
I have been on the “so long and thanks for the memories Skip” bandwagon for a while, but I just don’t want to make it seem like I totally hate the guy. I don’t.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Don't forget the lucky BABIP that fueled those earlier years!
I do totally hate the guy (not personally of course; I’m sure he’s a swell dude)
by Willie McGee's Twin on Sep 25, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually never noticed any BABIP extremes with Skip, but I also never really looked.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Just look at his 2B numbers and don't count his OF numbers this year
And get back to me on his UZR numbers.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Sep 25, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
His raw UZR for 2B this year is actually his best
But as I said above, UZR/150 puts his time there as worse than 2009.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Besides, none of this has anything to do with your comment that he's awful
My dad says he grew a bit (as in height) during college because he was such a late bloomer. It was still accurate to call him the shortest guy in class.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
i gave him a decent evaluation of his arm, which i think is fair. and his hands - he just doesn't get to balls.
home isn't where it used to be. home is anywhere you hang your head. - macmanus
that was fun
thanks for sharing.
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
Anybody else look at what Matt Kemp is doing...
and think Rasmus 2013? Same position, similar skill set, both have questions about make up and have been in conflict with their clubs.
but fwiw
ken rosenthal has said similar things about Colby/Kemp
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah he was saying the Dodgers should trade Kemp last summer...
and Upton was on supposedly on the block this past winter (now an MVP candidate), and I’m sure we’ll here about the Braves’ unhappiness with Hayward this off season. Rasmus has similar talent to these guys – I don’t know why a team would give up on any of them.
I don't think the cardinals gave up on Rasmus...
they just needed to make a move and his situation seemed to be causing problems. I don’t think they ever thought he couldn’t be a good player
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Of course they gave up on him...
Why did they “need” to make a move? To get Jon Jay into the lineup? His breakout season is basically matching or only slightly exceeding Rasmus’s disappointing season.
that's a horribly short-sighted reason with flawed logic (not yours, the FO)
especially given our current situation
FIRE TLR
by Oedipa Maas on Sep 25, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
you lose your ace and you are still contending
you’ve got to do something. tony rasmus didn’t help the case (neither did tony larussa)
do it for torty!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 25, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I think people are making way too much of this Jon Jay into the lineup narrative
I doubt that had much to do with it other than he was just a different option.
do it for torty!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 25, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Not Jay's fault Colby wasn't hitting.
(and still isn’t)
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
no they traded colby specifically to mollify the Chief Justice!
do it for torty!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 25, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
then again I am outside of the StL news sphere and do not pay attention to much of the rabble rousing
I guess they must have been hyping up wanting Jon Jay in the lineup? I dunno
do it for torty!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 25, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
meh...
its not like it was a Tim Tebow situation
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
more of a give something to get something type of deal.
Unfortunately, teams weren’t willing to give as much as we had hoped. Or as much as they would’ve last offseason.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Rasmus is never gonna make that much contact
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
Meh this is what happens when I don't look stuff up
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter | Gas House Graphs
Kemp has a much better overall batting average
.294 to .252
by peppermartin on Sep 25, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
he has a much better overall everything
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Kemp is two years older...
that’s the point – Rasmus seems like he might someday become what Kemp currently is, considering his peripherals.
No harm in keeping the dream alive, I guess.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
John Farrell doesn't seem to be doing much to revive it.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
The whole question is when do you give up on an Upton/Heyward/Kemp/Rasmus
Matt Kemp hit .249/.310/.450 last year as a 25 year old, his fourth full season in the big leagues.
That’s a worse season, at an older age, with more experience under his belt than the 2011 performance that got Rasmus shipped out.
i guess after you've had multiple problems
with them personally and with their father and after they’ve requested a trade multiple times and stopped listening to coaches despite putting together a disappointing season. That would be my guess anyway.
I think Colby will turn out to be good…just not Matt Kemp good.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
i don't think
we’ll ever be asking whether Colby deserves to be MVP anyway.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Because if you aren't...
there’s no reason not to be bullish on something similar coming from Rasmus.
Not really...
I mean I wasn’t expecting close to a 40/40 season and MVP consideration. Othewise, I expected him to have a really strong year. I am surprised by Rasmus’ season
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
So you're not surprised by Kemp's season?
He might get the Triple Crown!
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
well, as i explained,
I’m surpised he’s as good as he has been…i still expected him to be really really good.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Then why wouldn't you expect Rasmus to be really really good?
They both were branded as having attitude problems. Other than that Rasmus is younger and has more promising peripherals depending on how you feel about speed.
I expect him to be good
I don’t think we’ll be looking at a triple crown/mvp candidate. big difference. Going back to your original question “Anybody else look at what Matt Kemp is doing and think Colby Rasmus 2013”. No. No fucking way. not even close
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
He might not manage a 325/400/580 line...
which has been juiced by a 385 babip, but would you be surprised by 270/370/550 while leading the league in home runs?
from kemp or colby?
also, those are 2 very different seasons.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes..
I think the slg% is a bit high and i wouldn’t expect him to lead the american league in home runs.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Fun with comps...
In about the same number of PAs (500+), Jason Bay and Colby Rasmus have the same fWAR: .9
by Willie McGee's Twin on Sep 25, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
@CardsInsider
St. Louis Cardinals
STL Lineup vs CHI (9/25): Furcal, ss; Jay, cf; Pujols, 1b; Berkman, rf; Holliday, lf; Freese, 3b; Molina, c; Schumaker, 2b; Jackson, rhp.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
Seeing that TLR actually knows how to repeatedly put his best* lineup on the field
When it “matters” makes me more upset at the unnecessarily stupid lineups we saw all season long.
*I don’t think Schu actually belongs in the “best” lineup but TLR and I obviously disagree on that.
by Willie McGee's Twin on Sep 25, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Remember what is was like to know what the lineup was going to be everyday?
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
but they sucked back then....
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
(Referring to the Torre as manager era, not Torre as player.)
Although both qualify, I think.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
I'm not old enough to remember Torre the player.
But I remember when Torre was managing Atlanta way back when.
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I know.
that’s just the first thought that comes to mind for that era. Besides, if they sucked while running the same team out all the time, then TLR must be a genius for switching line-ups everyday and them being in the playoff hunt. amidoingitrite?
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
except for Friday's lineup. . .
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
Well, he could put Greene at 2B
but then he wouldn’t have him for late game pinch running duties. And since we need that so often, it can’t be discounted.
/the preceding comment is rather sarcastic.
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 Sep 25, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Bench usage
La Russa pinch runs and swaps guys out so often that when the game is on the line, the only players left on the bench tend to be Theriot, Robinson, Patterson and their ilk. Sometimes it works, like yesterday for example, but I’d rather have Greene, Craig and Matt Carpenter pinch hitting. Pinch running for Holliday would have looked like a bad move, too, if the Marmol hadn’t lost it for the Cubs in the 9th.
My point was that I'd rather have Greene playing 2B.
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 Sep 25, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
With all this tortoise talk
has it been mentioned that our season resembles the race run by the hare more than the tortoise?
"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum
the best scenario today, re Albert
is we are way ahead and Pujols come to bat in the bottom of the 8th. The ovation should be long and deafening. Some thinking it is the last time we will see him (at home) this year; some thinking it’s the last time we will see him ever; some trying to say, please Albert come back.
Hey wow...silver lining!
Even if the Cards fall short, only 4 more days of Theriot and Patterson!
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 12:27 PM EDT reply actions
Good luck to all the Viva El Leaguers out there today,
on the final day of the playoffs.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 12:33 PM EDT reply actions
That should end TortyCraig's run...
@MatthewHLeach
Matthew Leach
RT @JoeStrauss Gotta admit @TortyCraig is fun stuff. // Seconded. Heartily.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
Who's behind @TortyCraig?
A VEBer?
2011 fWAR watch: Theriot = 0.6, Boog = 2.4 as of Sept 21
Bilingual Twitter
Seems very likely.
I like that whoever is behind it has make him contemplative and humble.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
A little formal as well.
It’s well done, joke stealing aside.
"Sometimes you scare me." - azruavatar
mr eff
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
i looked last night - a semi-fictional tortoise has 700 followers.
when future historians seek to pinpoint the moment at which american civilization collapsed, there is a non-zero chance they point to this.
home isn't where it used to be. home is anywhere you hang your head. - macmanus
AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GREEKS!
they still have currency crises today!
home isn't where it used to be. home is anywhere you hang your head. - macmanus
I read an article today about how the Greeks should look to the Latvian austerity program
and then thought about explaining that to Greeks…. all I could think was- too many trump cards.
by RasmustheRipper on Sep 25, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
@PWSullivan Paul Sullivan
Quade sez Marmol won’t close today. Maybe Samardzija, if needed.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 12:41 PM EDT reply actions
when "samardzija" is the answer to any questions other than "whom should we unconditionally release tomorrow?"
your club is in trouble. both marmol (career 5.85 bb/9) and samardzija (career 5.26 bb/9) have ridiculously high walk rates. marmol actually has a skillset that makes his performance tolerable (striking out 11 or 12 guys every 9 innings.). samardzija does not.
right now, jeff looks good because he’s getting very lucky on HR/FB (5.3%) and BABIP (.250). his K rate is up some over his variable past performances, but he’s still not a good pitcher.
home isn't where it used to be. home is anywhere you hang your head. - macmanus
he shoulda stuck with handegg
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 Sep 25, 2011 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
hard to believe that at 87-71 the Cardinals would be 6 games back at this point in the season
do it for torty!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 25, 2011 12:49 PM EDT reply actions
This entire season has been hard to believe
2011 fWAR watch: Theriot = 0.6, Boog = 2.4 as of Sept 21
Bilingual Twitter
yeah it has been an absurd season
do it for torty!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 25, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I just want to apologize now in advance
I’ve been to 15 games this year and the cards have lost 14 of them. Granted most of the were in the Ryan Franklin era, I was there during the ninth inning disintegration last week. I turned down seats for the game earlier this week, but my dad surprised me with green seats for ablert’s potential fairwell. I apologize if my presence angers the GOB. If we are losing in the 5th, I will leave early to allow sufficient comeback time.
"And that youngster will leave the stadium with a souvenir today. Not a ball, but a nice looking bruise."- Mike Shannon
by wizard11 on Sep 25, 2011 12:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Wow - I thought I had bad luck
I went to 9 games in a row (over 3 seasons, at Pittsburgh, Philly and DC) without a win. Finally broke the streak this year when the Cards were in Baltimore
by peppermartin on Sep 25, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not even a supsersitious person
but dude, STOP GOING
My favorite words are goodbye, and my favorite color is red
Don't worry
My gf and I are 4-0 on the season and we just got some Card Club tickets. We should be able to counteract your gross misfortune with our streak. Which in turn will leave the decision of the game up to the actual players!
Also I’m 8-6 on the year.
bollocks
by SecondHalfMatt on Sep 25, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
2 games out of the wild card with 4 to go is like maximum suspense.
bites nails
do it for torty!
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Sep 25, 2011 1:02 PM EDT reply actions
Lets go Natinals!!!
Die Hard Cards Fan in Seoul.
by letsgostlcardinals on Sep 25, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
hometown kid (wentzville) on the mound for the Nats
thats gotta be a good thing right? A little extra motivation, maybe he’s got that Buerle-like love for the Cardinals
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, i know this doesn't matter much,
but the nationals and braves starting 45min earlier than us is so awesome for us methinks.
Die Hard Cards Fan in Seoul.
by letsgostlcardinals on Sep 25, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Why?
We need to win no matter what the outcome is of that game.
bollocks
by SecondHalfMatt on Sep 25, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, that is true.
I know that but watching their score as (hopefully) the nationals destroy them maybe will give us fans less heart problems… that’s assuming we are also winning.
Die Hard Cards Fan in Seoul.
by letsgostlcardinals on Sep 25, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
didnt this (cardinals equivalent) get discussed this here before but came to the opposite conclusion?
keithlaw
No. Just in org. “@noblereagle7: How can the Yanks put Montero on the postseason roster? Doesn’t he need to have been on 25-man before 9/1?”
Indeed.
Asshattery: it's an epidemic.
Second base….I’ve played second base, how hard can it be? -TLR
Also, Dave Concepcion.
Baseball on the Potomac underway
Bourn strikes out.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
attaboy, bourn
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 Sep 25, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Side retired, 1-2-3.
Desmond leads off with a double.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
If all goes well in the AL today,
Tampa and Boston will be tied, with Anaheim 1 game out.
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 1:49 PM EDT reply actions
Minor not looking good at all here.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 1:49 PM EDT reply actions
Looks like he has no control.
Too bad werth swung at that last pitch.
Die Hard Cards Fan in Seoul.
by letsgostlcardinals on Sep 25, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
no
that went bad and required Omar Heroics
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Different scenario though
I think we’d be sort of saying “hey, we’re rooting for you guys because it will help the Cardinals, you don’t mind do you?” whereas the Marlins thing was sort of a covert attempt at good-humored adopt-a-team shenanigans that didn’t really get interpreted that way.
Ceterum censeo La Russa ire necesse est.
Some VEBers went into FishStripes during their Braves series too.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
i imagine they were tarred and feathered
and then burned at the stake by their humourless mod?
(there i said it)
2011 Cardinals GIDPs: 162
NL Record: '58 Cardinals, 166
ML Record: '90 Red Sox, 174
Morse gave that a ride to the warning track.
Just missed.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 1:54 PM EDT reply actions
Can't get any across.
24 PT for Minor, though.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 1:56 PM EDT reply actions
worse things happen at sea
2011 Cardinals GIDPs: 162
NL Record: '58 Cardinals, 166
ML Record: '90 Red Sox, 174
My understanding
is that the Royal Navy has the cannibalism problem very nearly under control.
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
under the 2 wild card rule,
the cards would’ve clinched last night
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 1:58 PM EDT reply actions
Maybe everybody should make the playoffs.
by hangingfromatree on Sep 25, 2011 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like me
i like me
i’m as good as i can be
with a smile and a wave and a happy melody
i’m as good as i can be
…
YAY! Everyone’s a winner!
2011 Cardinals GIDPs: 162
NL Record: '58 Cardinals, 166
ML Record: '90 Red Sox, 174
Or, at least
16 2-team divisions with a two WCs in each League. That way, there’s really a premium on last place.
by hangingfromatree on Sep 25, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
i actually don't like the 2 wild card thing
just gives the original wild card winner a chance to lose something they earned
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Sep 25, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
The one thing I like about it is that it puts the wildcard at an even bigger disadvantage
would make winning the division slightly more important, I think
FIRE TLR
detwiler looking quite good so far
Die Hard Cards Fan in Seoul.
by letsgostlcardinals on Sep 25, 2011 2:03 PM EDT reply actions
Pujols restrospective!
It’s like a montage, but with a voice-over!
#FireTLR
by The Continental on Sep 25, 2011 2:07 PM EDT reply actions
He decided to play a few games for the Nats to see how it feels.
But he’s still on the Reds.
by hangingfromatree on Sep 25, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
hoist the main sail!
2011 Cardinals GIDPs: 162
NL Record: '58 Cardinals, 166
ML Record: '90 Red Sox, 174
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Viva El Birdos
Related FanShots on Viva El Birdos
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
