Meet Me in St. Louis: Jenifer Langosch
by azruavatar on Jan 15, 2012 6:00 AM EST
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PrintBack on December 23rd, we got the news. Matthew "Don't call me Matt" Leach was dumping us. He didn't call or text but instead just left some note about how much he used to love us but he found someplace that is prettier and smarter and has way fewer mullets. It was the classic, "It's not me; it's definitely you" moment.
Well guess what Leach, we found someone new too. She's gonna move to St. Louis and cover baseball sans eccentric music tastes. I hear she likes mullets too*. Jenifer Langosch (note the single 'n' in the first name; she's like a reverse Matt Holliday) was kind enough to answer some of my insightful and less insightful questions. Formerly a beat writer covering the Pittsburgh Pirates, Langosch got the call up to the big leagues -- and by that I mean she'll cover a team that has had a winning record after she started kindergarten.
Azru: Let's start with a little bit of background. Where in Missouri did you grow up at?
Jenifer: I actually did not move to Missouri until I began studying at the University of Missouri. I was born in Virginia, moved to Illinois shortly after and then spent most of my childhood in Marietta, Ga. Technically, that would make me a southerner. But my family roots are very much in the Midwest and I never did pick up that southern accent, love of fried chicken or obsession with the SEC.
Azru: And you went to college in Missouri as well, right? I presume for journalism.
Jenifer: I did earn a degree in journalism – with an emphasis in news-editorial – at Mizzou. I also majored in French, though I am still looking for useful ways to use that degree. While in Columbia, I wrote for the Columbia Missourian newspaper and did freelance work for the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader [edit: That's the Double-A Cardinals hometown paper] and Inside Mizzou magazine.
Azru: How did you get started at MLB.com?
Jenifer: I was fortunate enough to land an internship with MLB.com the summer before my senior year at Mizzou. I spent 12 weeks in Atlanta, where I assisted our Braves beat writer with coverage. The experience was tremendous, and it opened the door to a full-time position covering the Pirates. I moved to Pittsburgh to begin that job the day after college graduation.
Azru: You've been the Pirates beat writer for five years, who was your favorite player to interview on the team?
Jenifer: I’m honestly not sure I can single out one individual, perhaps because of how many classy and professional athletes I have covered with the Pirates. I would say, though, that Matt Capps, Adam LaRoche and Neil Walker have been among the most genuine and accessible players I have been fortunate to work with.
Azru: If you had to characterize your style of coverage with 3 adjectives, what would they be?
Jenifer: Thorough. Fair. Personal.
Azru: How familiar are you with modern statistics and how much, if any, credence do you give to them?
Jenifer: I am familiar with many of the statistics that we tend to classify as sabermetrics, though I, too, have more to learn in this area. I will regularly cite statistics like WAR and UZR in stories, but I often hesitate to include the more bizarre modern statistics in fear of alienating readers who don’t yet grasp them. I think there is an appropriate balance that can be found in coverage.
Azru: What is your favorite and least favorite part of covering baseball?
Jenifer: The best part of my job is going to work every day and not knowing what you’re going to see or get to write about. The toughest part is probably the unconventional hours (working almost all nights and weekends) and grind of a 162-game season. [edit: I was expecting 9th inning re-writes.]
Azru: Do you have any hobbies?
Jenifer: I started playing competitive tennis when I was seven and still manage to participate in several leagues/tournaments now. I also picked up the sport of paddle (platform) tennis two years ago in Pittsburgh. Since it’s hard to play tennis regularly during the baseball season, I took up running last year and completed my first half marathon in May. I hope to finish another sometime this year. Separate of sports, I have a passion for traveling – particularly internationally. I traveled to India last year to work with an orphanage and have also done mission/humanitarian work in Pakistan. I’ve visited eight countries in Europe, and I’m actually headed to Costa Rica and Nicaragua later this month.
[edit: In a follow up, Jenifer said that, while she doesn't follow tennis as a sport regularly -- mainly the slams, she likes to watch Federer play. As a Rafael Nadal fan, I am disappointed. On the women's side, she follows Kim Clijsters and Caroline Wozniacki. As a fan of any player that doesn't rhyme with ... damn that last name ... look I just think Wozniacki is terrible.]
Lightning Round
Favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird
Favorite musician? Rascal Flatts
Last movie you saw in movie theaters? We Bought a Zoo
Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate
Favorite non-baseball sport to watch? College Football
(This one is for the ladies and Aranathor) Bradley Cooper or Ryan Gosling? Ryan Gosling
My thanks to Jenifer for taking the time to answer my questions. I, for one, am looking forward to another new aspect of the new era of Cardinals baseball we find ourselves in. Best of luck to Jenifer in her new endeavors. Good Luck to Matthew Leach as he heads off to bigger things. Don't be a stranger Matthew.
* I didn't actually hear if Jenifer likes mullets. It's probably safe to assume that she doesn't like mullets, skinny ties or boat shoes. She's undecided on knee-high boots.**
** I'm pretty much just making things up now.
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did you tell her about leaping laird?
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 6:25 AM EST via mobile reply actions
And if so did she wail with laughter?
Also, did you discuss the great articles and discussion on VEB?
furthermore, thanks for the interview Az
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 7:40 AM EST up reply actions
which reminds me
Wife and I watched game 6 again, furthermore it is still … AWESOME!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
Since I have the games on my computer
I watch them all regularly
but none so often as the second half of game 6.
Cards fan in Middle East
And the magic thread
is still just as awesome.
There were some unbelievably prescient individuals on line that night.
Cards fan in Middle East
hit me with the magic link please, I really should have it bookmarked
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
danke!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
there was a winter warum "writers panel" yesterday
and i was a bit irritated to see leach on it and not her. it would have only been appropriate to introduce her yesterday. he dumped us, he might as well just leave already
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
And furthermore
Given the aging patterns of beat writers, we might have dodged a bullet. I mean, it’s been a great decade and all, but do we really want to be paying the guy into his forties?
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
by mattybobo on Jan 15, 2012 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 11 recs
Yeah, he's not producing articles like when he was in his peak years, 06-10, therefore I for one am glad we're bringing some lower
AAV writers in since he’s already shown signs of decline in 11’ and early on in 12’. Now we can keep our other promising writers when they hit their arb years. Jenifer still hasn’t peaked and will find her stride now that she’s made The Show.
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah
I mean, part of me still wishes we could have kept him long-term, and had the chance to see him spend his career here. The guy might have taken his place among the greats.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
There will still be only one Jack Buck when it comes to StL Cards media greats...Leach gave up on the chance to stand head and shoulders with the greatest of all time
(p.s. I left you something over at the thread)
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
Hm
The thread? The magic one? The Laird one?
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
Ha, I think I found it
First, there was the Space Race, and then the Peace Race, and then the Photoshop Race… could it turn out that fears of a Photoshop Gap were overblown?
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
by mattybobo on Jan 15, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Thats great bobo,
but no TheThread as in MagicThread™
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
For some reason when I went there I wasn't logged in, so I couldn't detect any new comments
It was weird… my other VEB windows had me logged in just fine. And when I refreshed The Magic Thread, it worked like normal.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
good one, +1'd
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
the Thread of Requirement?
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 3:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
We need Y2S back!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
I just hope we're not bringing her in too quickly
Don’t want to risk her achieving “Journalistic Super Two Status”. Remember, we’re not one of the big media markets…
It'll be OK, she still has options left so if she has a rough go of it we can send her back down to Pittsburgh and let her work through it
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
Isn't "dumped" a bit strong a term?
I was under the impression he got bumped upstairs (no loger on a beat), in a job in his home town where he could stay with his family.
Cards fan in Middle East
yes, hence, he dumped us
also, i think his wife is from st louis
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
Are you suggesting that he should have turned down the promotion
just to stay with the awesomeness that is the St. Louis Cardinals?
And no, he did not dump us, he was taken away from us. There’s a difference.
Cards fan in Middle East
seriously, have you met veb?
why are you reading so much into words
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
Sorry, I tend to strive for precision in terminology
Even when I’m deliberately being tongue-in-cheek.
Just one of my many annoying character traits. Don’t pay it too much mind.
Sorry again. No offense intended.
Cards fan in Middle East
She's not.
I think she’s from Indiana. Or maybe Ohio. One of the two.
2011 - Year of Our Berk
by spants on Jan 15, 2012 12:42 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
By the way, I totally agree with you
on your main point.
This really would have been an appropriate time to present her to the public in StL. Oh well.
Cards fan in Middle East
I can't tell if all this hate for leach is real or not
Are we really mad at a guy for getting a promotion?
"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 end of regular season)
120 1/3IP, 133 K, 52 BB/HBP, 55 ER, 7 HR, 3.04 FIP
Postseason: 2 Starts- 15 IP, 9 H, 10 K, 2 BB, 3 ER, 19:10 GO:AO
by VolsnCards5 on Jan 15, 2012 8:48 AM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I have been assuming it's completely tongue-in-cheek
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
yeah, me too
Its not like DanUp dumped us or anything.
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
I've got nothing but love for Leech
And through the beauty of the Internets, we can follow him to his new cyberspace home and harass him wherever he lands, right?
If he thinks he's too "special" to be called Matt
then he go go shove it
by mattyfrommo on Jan 15, 2012 10:31 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
yeah, that asshole got promoted.
of course we’re pissed.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
for the benefit of mr. leach, ms. langosch, and any new readers,
No, we are not mad at him. Just people with overdeveloped senses of sarcasm and snark.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 3:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Someone should brief Jenifer ... unless Az read her in already
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
Puppy Question
It’s been awhile since I had one. remind me, is there a way to keep them sleeping for more than 5 hours at a time? 5AM is brutal on the weekends.
by openside on Jan 15, 2012 9:02 AM EST via Android app reply actions
rub a little JD on their gums, no wait that's for teething, mix up a hot toddie before bedtime
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
play with it until it's tired and it'll pass out
also, no sudden movements
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
I wear him out beforehand
he immediately crashes but no longterm sleep. I’m thinking about the JD suggestion. Lord knows I have enough
by openside on Jan 15, 2012 9:21 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Probably depends partly on the breed
Just remember that puppy bladder is really small. I’m sure they’re doing their best, but they physically have to wake up every few hours, or you get accidents.
It's a puppy.
This is what puppies do. And, really, even at 5:00 a.m., is there anything better than having a puppy wake you up by licking your ears?
"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."
--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS
He cries to wake me up
he can’t be trusted to sleep in the bed. And his bladder is acorn sized, I’m sure. He’s a really great dog, I shouldn’t complain.
by openside on Jan 15, 2012 10:38 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
well, what kind of a dog is it?
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
by d-dee on Jan 15, 2012 11:39 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
He's a Heinz 57.
But mostly Kelpie.
by openside on Jan 15, 2012 11:49 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
yes, yes there is
and it involves licking.
by ckeiner on Jan 15, 2012 9:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I got 5 hours in a row yesterday and considered it a victory.
2011 - Year of Our Berk
by spants on Jan 15, 2012 12:43 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Spent much of her life in Georgia
and doesn’t like fried chicken or the SEC. My God, what kind of woman is this?
A smarter than average one, apparently.
"That’s what a baseball player does: he uses the glove half of the time." -- Rick Horton regarding the DH.
by StanTheManFan on Jan 15, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
I can agree on the SEC
but the fried chicken part is out of line.
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 Jan 15, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
hear hear
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
I don't know anything about SEC,
but the whole fried chicken thing makes her suspect. Got my eye on you, Langosch.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Jan 15, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
We need to know where she stands on BBQ
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
Elation. Sadness. Mayhem. Champagne. Sleepless fury. Never been a night like it. - Joe Posnanski
That had to be covered in the preliminary questioning
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Doesn't she know Southern Illinois is Cards Country also? I'd bet there's plenty of folk in Mo that like their Fried Chickens too
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Hear hear.
Clinton County representin’, yo.
And fried chicken is one of the basic food groups, as far as I’m concerned. Especially Legion fried chicken.
DO YOU THINK IT'S NOT GOING TO BE WHAT IT IS?!!
by Vindicator9000 on Jan 15, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
fried chicken+cold beer+polka music= chicken'nbeer dance
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 Jan 15, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Down home cookin' at it's finest
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
marietta is suburban atlanta.
You could avoid a lot of southern culture there more easily than you could elsewhwere in the state.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 4:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
as i have been there before, i can definitely agree with this statement.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
so winter warmup
I didn’t buy any of the autographs, but would it still be worth going?
Piss off Tony, get shipped to Canada.
if you already bought a pass
definitely
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
by d-dee on Jan 15, 2012 11:32 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Prison?
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Jan 15, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is that cheesy catalog still around?
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 Jan 15, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
So
who lol’d at the Pats Broncos game last night?
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
Well
probably not any Bronco fans
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
.... Me
/crying
"Let me tell you something kid; Everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take the chance, either because they're too scared, or they don't recognize it when it spits on their shoes. You shouldn't let it go by."
"Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong."
-Babe Ruth in the movie "Sandlot"
by cardinalswsbound on Jan 15, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Tebow vs the massholes...
i was rooting for a meteor strike.
Sign Roy O
by guayzimi on Jan 15, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I sure did...
It’s what should have happened last week. Expect that Tebow made those huge throws. He isn’t the time of QB that can make does throws on a constant bases. I don’t see how people can expect him to repeat it again.
Grit != flat out sucking.
Sounds like Jenifer needs a tour of the VEB zoo
But if we bring her in here, we best provide one of those bullet-proof golf-carts or something. The wildlife can be unpredictable at times…
Actually, she sounds nice. Thanks for the interview, Mr. Robot.
I enjoyed
Matt’s musical tastes, not eccentric at all. I saw Tom S.’s thank you note to Matt at the Cards mlb.com site and fully subscribe to the positive comments that he made. An open message to Jenifer, which I am sure has no chance of happening as spring training approaches, you are welcome to visit my project here in Khyber Pakhtunkwa Province (former descriptively named by the British as North West Frontier Province) to visit the community schools, health posts, and water supply projects that we work with. Listening to 102.1 The Edge online from Toronto, better than the Peshawar alternative. To make this comment not totally off topic, why did we sign J.C. Romero, rather than letting the Jays get Darren Oliver, or getting Arthur Rhodes?
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 15, 2012 10:29 AM EST reply actions
$4.5 million for a lefty reliever? No thanks.
$4.5 million for a lefty reliever over 40 years old? Even worse.
The correct answer was George Sherrill.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed
Mariners will likely deal him in July to a contender. Hopefully, we won’t need him.
Beer and Baseball. Baseball and Beer. It's not hard to reevaluate your priorities when you only have two.
by PugetSoundCardsAddict on Jan 15, 2012 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
yeah how were they eccentric?
my tastes are much weirder and I wouldn’t even call mine eccentric, since there is people out there listening to pure noise with no melody these days. it’s all relative heh.
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Might be an ageist thing.
Oliver is 41, Rhodes is 42, Romero will be 36 in June. Also, I’m guessing Oliver and Rhodes would cost more. And honestly, considering how few innings the second lefty in a bullpen generally pitches, I think cheaper is probably better. Although, Oliver had a pretty damn good 2011 season.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 15, 2012 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
did anyone here
go to the TLR/Costas session Friday night? I think that would have been great, especially getting a Q&A opportunity. I missed most of the WS games, and found it fascinating to hear TLR talking about how he blew the 9th inning of game 6 by not playing more of a prevent steal defense against Kinsler, trying to get Motte to focus on the batter. There is also a message there about Jason still not being a finished product, no surprise. TLR’s candidness about game 5 and 6 mishaps to me reveal his professionalism and willingness to take responsibility for decisions which could have gone the other way.
by kkkkathmandubirdsview on Jan 15, 2012 10:52 AM EST reply actions
well, i just met her
she seems very nice
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
by d-dee on Jan 15, 2012 11:08 AM EST via Android app reply actions
where did you run into her at?
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 Jan 15, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Day 2 of The Winter Warm-Up is underway.
"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
ah. it's not anywhere near me this year
so I haven’t given it much thought.
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 Jan 15, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
What did she have to say for her dislike of Fried Chicken self?
Haaass she heard of VEB?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
well considering she did at interview for us...
unless Az could only get her to do it under false pretenses.
/Az puts on Glasses
“Jenifer! hey, Clark Kent here, can you spare some time for the Daily Planet?”
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
Well obviously she has now
was wondering if she had heard of it and what she thinks, article wise our guys put up some pretty great posts.
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
I thought her comments on stats were interesting.
She seems fairly conversant, doesn’t think WAR and UZR are too intimidating for a general audience, but also has a realistic idea about writing for a general audience.
I’ve only seen a little bit of her blog, but she seems like a solid writer.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 3:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i agree.
even non-saber people can grasp the idea of WAR and UZR, even if they don’t understand how it’s calculated.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
yes, I'm starting to do some grasping myself, even though I do not understand most of the more advanced maths
especially when it looks like this to me:
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
This.
Caroline is amazing
"Let me tell you something kid; Everybody gets one chance to do something great. Most people never take the chance, either because they're too scared, or they don't recognize it when it spits on their shoes. You shouldn't let it go by."
"Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong."
-Babe Ruth in the movie "Sandlot"
by cardinalswsbound on Jan 15, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Caption win.
The negative waves. Always with the negative waves...
Elation. Sadness. Mayhem. Champagne. Sleepless fury. Never been a night like it. - Joe Posnanski
I was sold until Rascal Flatts
Talk about a deal-breaker. Sort of reminds me of a girl I used to date – knew it was over when she said her favorite singer was Lionel Ritchie.
Ad Maiorem Tortius Gloriam
What's wrong with Lionel?
2011 - Year of Our Berk
by spants on Jan 15, 2012 12:46 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
he had me up to that point
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
meh. as long as I don't have to listen to it
she can listen to whatever her little heart desires.
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 Jan 15, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
She should have had you at "Hello"
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
As in,
Hello, is it me you’re looking for?
‘Cause I wonder where you are
And I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart
For I haven’t got a clue
But let me start by saying I love you
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
I could listen to that song All Night Long
(while I’m Dancing on the Ceiling)
by BTown Birds fan on Jan 15, 2012 8:41 PM EST up reply actions
If I were to make a list of my most hated musical "artists"
Rascal Flatts would be in the top 5
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Jan 15, 2012 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
come on, guys, let's be nice.
We teased holliday about Creed and he only resumed tweeting 2 years later.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 6:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i lol'd
www.stlgatekeepers.com
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
Ryan Gosling was the right answer.
Ryan Gosling = 42
2011 - Year of Our Berk
by spants on Jan 15, 2012 12:47 PM EST via Android app reply actions
buuuuuullshit
"I still don’t understand what commercial is better than having me on tv" – Chris Carpenter
2011: Boog would've count 78
by d-dee on Jan 15, 2012 2:16 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs
is this nexdef'd? Probably so since I had a window open for who know's how long before I read it
Article on Motte when he was at his alma mater
Zoccolillo clocked Motte’s throws to second as low as 1.76 seconds – most major leaguers do it in 1.9-2.0 seconds. His arm was so strong that when Iona trained a radar gun on Motte’s throws from his knees, he threw 85 miles per hour.
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 12:57 PM EST reply actions
Motte was a really good catcher. Just couldn't hit the damn ball.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully the AL will institute a second DH soon...
so guys like Motte can have a career.
Sign Roy O
by guayzimi on Jan 15, 2012 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Closers don't bat much, so he's good now
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
that was actually really clever. rec.
www.stlgatekeepers.com
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
should'a got some specs, by which I mean contacts
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
During Albert's time with the Angels..
He’ll need to average:
92.7 hits per season to get to 3,000
144.2 hits per season to get to 3,515 (5th all-time, passing Tris Speaker)
155.8 hits per season to get to 3,631 (4th all-time, passing Stan Musial)
169.9 hits per season to get to 3,772 (3rd all-time, passing Hank Aaron)
5.5 homers per season to get to 500
15.5 homers per season to get to 600
25.5 homers per season to get to 700
31.7 homers per season to get to 762
14.5 doubles per season to get to 600
24.5 doubles per season to get to 700 (5th all-time, passing Craig Biggio)
29.2 doubles per season to get to 747 (2nd all-time, passing Pete Rose)
33.8 doubles per season to get to 793 (1st all-time, passing Tris Speaker)
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 1:22 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
Oops, I didn't mean to post that yet.
Oh well, I was kind of tired looking that stuff up. You get the point.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
i think he MIGHT pass Musial for hits, in the best circumstances
he ought to get to 600 HRs, though i doubt he gets too close to 700
Dunno about doubles though
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
I think he'll finish top 5 in all 3 categories.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
i undoubtedly agree that he would, if he was healthy for 10 years
…but i would err on the side of caution on the basis of injuries etc.
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
i mean hell, if he played 150ish games every year for another 10 years
i would put good money on him breaking the all time HR record.
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
thanks!
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
safe to say he'll get to 600
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Damn this Speaker fella is good, sign him up!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
A-Rod has 6 years left on his Yankees deal (LOL):
37.5 hits per season to get to 3,000
123.3 hits per season to get to 3,515
142.7 hits per season to get to 3,631
166.2 hits per season to get to 3,772
11.8 homers per season to get to 700
22.3 homers per season to get to 763
28.5 homers per season to get to 800
17.5 doubles per season to get to 600
29.2 doubles per season to get to 669 (Biggio has 668)
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
The high marks on all of those things are pretty realistic
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
thanks for this, azruavatar.
sounds like she’s going to be a welcome addition to the club. and i couldn’t be more happy that she told you she liked wozniacki. made my morning.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 1:23 PM EST reply actions
poor wOBA
it’s name sounds so funny, but doesn’t get quoted as much as WAR or UZR, and it’s probably more important than either
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 1:42 PM EST reply actions
it needs a more AMERICA name
like Destroying-Eagle-Average-To(base)-Heaviness-Statistic. Or DEATHS for short.
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
by Aranathor on Jan 15, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes!
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
how about A Horse with No Name or Sister Golden Hair?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
you know, you'd think that after all that time in the desert,
He would’ve given the horse a damn name at some point.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 3:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, that would'a made some sense unless his name was Big Jake and against his principals regarding ownership
Or like you point out, a lot of time alone, without human companionship … Wilson!!!!!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
the horse's name was
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 Jan 15, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
How about weighted Ventura High
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
yes that was another one
but would not have worked as nicely for a name
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
How about a competitor for WAR?
I call it “Guesstimated Ultimate Number” or GUN.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
GUN is a descriptive stat, not a predictive one
I’m not sure how to do that for pitchers, but for hitters I’ve come up with Batter Ultimate Trait Tracking Evaluation Regressor, or BUTTER. When making WAR-type analyses, I find it’s essential to find a balance between GUN and BUTTER.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
by mattybobo on Jan 15, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
WAR is more important than wOBA
wOBA is a much more accurate stat though (for what it’s trying to do).
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
my issue with WAR is the UZR component
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, but that just means that WAR is worse at judging WAR
than wOBA is at judging wOBA. WAR still takes into account many more factors, which are necessary. If I had a choice of just having WAR or just having wOBA, I would choose WAR, even if it’s more flawed.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
right on
food for thought, hmmmm
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
Anybody fancy doing some proof-reading?
Pros:
you get to help your favourite person in the whole world (me)
you might learn something about the Aztecs
recieve the good will of myself and others
And many more
cons:
NONE!
But seriously, its like 4000ish words long.
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
so how worried were you when you saw the title of this post knowing you were being name dropped?
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
What's the average read time?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
If you need another pair of eyes
s.a.breyer at gmail.com
Je n'ai fait celle-ci plus longue parceque je n'ai pas eu le loisir de la faire plus courte
thanks for the offer (and you stlfan)
i’ve emailed it to both of you, no rush, any time tonight would be great.
Ignore any superfluous ’u’s or mssing ’z’s!
Bursting into song.
Get it? Do You?... cuz he's gay. - VolsnCards5
I'll give is a shot to. Email on my profile
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
I sent one as well ... hope it is of some help
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
that catch by Boldin was pure willpower
and athletic ability didn’t hurt
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 2:27 PM EST reply actions
interesting blurb by DG
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 Jan 15, 2012 2:30 PM EST reply actions
More Goold
Goold also has several videos on youtube from prospects speaking at the winter warm ups – search for writefielder on youtube.
I saw Matt Adams and Shelby
Matt didn’t look to be overweight to me. At least, his face didn’t look like he was carrying much extra. His workout must be working.
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 Jan 15, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
interesting thing about Cox
I got to talk to one of my nephews that is pitching in college and his roommate was a teammate of Cox at Arkansas whatever and he said he was actually a pretty decent kid. Didn’t have his head up his ass, evidently.
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 Jan 15, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
great news
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
"rally in support against the evil scribes"
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Getting boo'd is awkward as shit.
Most of the time when you’re at an away bout your name gets announced and the home town crowd usually has no clue who you are. You have to skate a lap in dead silence which is pretty awkward in itself.
The first time me and my girls got really boo’d it caught me off guard. It was the last bout of the 2011 season which tells you how often getting boo’d in derby happens because I’ve been playing and coaching for +2 years. They announced our name and the place went apeshit with boos, I looked at one of my captains like “um, wtf are these people’s problem??” then it dawned on me that people boo away teams in sports from time to time ;)
We played this team earlier in the season and was expected to get blown out by 250 points. we were winning the entire first half that game. I knew our team was just as talented but we weren’t really executing from the start so the lead slipping was no surprise. The other team, however, made a lot of snarky comments at the after party about “luck” and such.
The bout started off in typical SCDC fashion; built an ungodly hole for ourselves early and spent the entire game digging ourselves out. We were losing going into the final jam, my best player fouled out 10 minutes earlier with my #2 jammer on the line. If you believe in momentum, it was definitely on our side. We were playing in promotion mode while they were playing in prevention mode and the entire building knew it.
My defense drew a penalty on their jammer and we won in “walk off” fashion on hostile away territory. I certainly remember the dramatic win; however, I’ll never forget just how awkward it is having an entire building wanting nothing but your demise. Especially being part of the self proclaimed “best fans in baseball” and coming from a culture where you don’t just boo people willy nilly…unless they’re Brandon Phillips or the Milwaukee Douchecrew.
www.stlgatekeepers.com
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
We went to our first roller derby last night
Fun time. Expect we couldn’t make at a word the announcer was saying.
Grit != flat out sucking.
last night in ballwin? I was reffing that.
and ya, you can’t hear anything the announcers say even on the track. It’s the PA system. When the Gatekeepers play we put the speakers outside the track so the people in the stands can hear. I donno if ARRG did that last night.
www.stlgatekeepers.com
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
that was it
The only two speakers right by the announcer. Some outside the track would have really helped. While we understood the rules for the most part, I’m sure it would have helped us understand the strategies that each team was employing.
Grit != flat out sucking.
I watched it for 2 years just clueless about strategy...
What’s awesome about derby is how simple it really is. In baseball you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball…in derby you stop their jammer or help your jammer. That’s literally it. So you have either knock down the jammer or stop them from passing you OR knock down their blockers so they don’t touch yours.
Best way to watch (and actually play) derby is to not keep your eye off only ONE of the jammers the entire time until they get out of the pack and instantly switch to the other jammer until the jammer you were originally returns to the pack and watch them again.
There aren’t any “plays” like in football because things change in a split second, its more like hockey/basketball/soccer. I mean you can set up picks and stuff but you’re on wheels so it only lasts a fraction of a second.
It was a fun bout last night, next month is the 1st round playoffs and then the month after will be championships.
www.stlgatekeepers.com
"How depressing is it being you? Would you equate it to being a lifelong Cubs fan?"
We may make the championships, but I believe we have plans on the 4th
One thing I noticed right away on the second match, is that the stunt devils did a great job of trapping the other teams jammer in the pack.
Would you be interested in seeing some pictures?
Grit != flat out sucking.
Rasmus signs for 2.7 next season.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Jan 15, 2012 3:07 PM EST reply actions
Man, he was atrocious for the Blue Jays last year - will be very interesting to see what he does this year
by BTown Birds fan on Jan 15, 2012 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
let's be real: he was atrocious his last two months with the cardinals too
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 7:44 PM EST up reply actions
let's face it
he’s ruined, and Tony is to blame. he will not turn it around, too much of a headcase.
"I actually used about nine pitches--two different fastballs, two sliders, a curve, a changeup, knockdown, brushback, and hit-batsman" - Bob Gibson
Sign Mark Prior!
by ISawGodInGibby'sRightArm on Jan 16, 2012 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
Well, that and MLB teams realized he had talent
and scouted him, and adjusted their pitching, and he didn’t counter-adjust.
"Our son Dick was sitting in his high chair, and I looked at that money, and I knew I could never look my son in the face again, if I took that money" (to leave the Cardinals) -Stan Musial, 1946
Why trade "The Mang"for "El Salmon", for less than $2M/yr, after taxes?
and his Dad told him he should be hitting more home runs instead of screwing around trying to have good ABs
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 16, 2012 6:19 AM EST up reply actions
Tony the Tiger.
Kid is hopped up on Frosted Flakes. Poor bastard.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Jan 16, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Also, check the bottom of the Laird thread, everyone.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Jan 15, 2012 3:08 PM EST reply actions
it's fantastic
"That's what I'm talking about! Strike him blind, Lord!" - Berk
Running list of Molina pick-offs | twit
jim edmonds just tweeted me. i win the day.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 3:25 PM EST reply actions
so what did he want?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
was just agreeing with me on something.
after i tagged him in it, obviously.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
you are being kinda secretive here ... for what reason I have no idea
why did you bring it up if not to share?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
why don't you just browse to www.thetwitters.com?
i don’t know how he’s being secretive about something that happened on a public site
I am ingorant of this thing called twitter, not that I don't know it exists, just that I don't have the first clue about the intricacies of the lingo or how it works etc
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
https://twitter.com/#!/grobot20/status/158645754209116161
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
fuck twitter links....copy and paste that.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Wouldn't this just have been easier?
now what the hell does all that mean?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
Morning VEB, and great title..
The Koreans are taking their baseball very serious, Saturday as I was out on my hike, the road just so happened to go by a Little League Baseball Park, the temp was around 27F or so, the kids were in uniform warming up to play a game. In January!!! and it was outdoors… It was such a warm feeling seeing them play the game of baseball, the future looks bright…
by Tuning in from Korea on Jan 15, 2012 3:29 PM EST reply actions
Do you ever take a camera or cell phone w/ same on your walks?
Would be cool to see the images if so, baseball in Jan, so far away, worlds youth embracing the great game
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yes I take both items, which standard fare for my outings..
Ya it was great to see them playing, wish I had more time to maybe catch a few innings, but once I get in roadmarch mode, I like to keep going..
I guess I can email you some pictures if you like?
by Tuning in from Korea on Jan 15, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
shoot em over and if you like I'll try and post a few for the VEBers
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
Ya, I'll do that, but be warned they're just snapshots, pretty low key fare nothing spectacular.
I was planning on doing the mountain again today, so I’ll try to get a pic of the baseball park if it’s open..
by Tuning in from Korea on Jan 15, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
hey nice avatar! When did that happen?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
1st pic from TifK!
At the make shift Ice rink, which is a flooded rice paddy.
Koreans love winter sports, the mountain top you see in the back ground is my goal for March.. It’s about 3 miles from the ice rink. The ice rink about a mile and half from where I live at.
He’s promised pics of the baseball diamond on the way up the hill, on future outings. Don’t know about you all but I’m intrigued.
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
Boggs: "I don't want to stand up here & beat my chest about how good I am - but I feel like I'm gonna be really good."
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 4:00 PM EST reply actions
forget the haters, Mitchell
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
I have important news, VEB
Jordan Swagerty both looks and talks like Nicolas Cage.
Goold video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y3Le0Tf6xs
So we're all in agreement that we'll be calling him "Wicker Man?"
Nicolas Cage Wicker Man Montage
"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
Man you are right, hopefully he won't leave any men behind
(yes, that was John Goodman, but didn’t work with my narrative)
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
he got a job at google!
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
this has gone around the internets a bit since it appeared for the first time.
i forget the first place i saw it. probably here.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
haha it's worth being shared at all times.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
i feel like it was bgh who linked it
"That's what I'm talking about! Strike him blind, Lord!" - Berk
Running list of Molina pick-offs | twit
what's your big news, tease?
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
I have important news, VEB
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
"Jordan Swagerty both looks and talks like Nicolas Cage."
was newsworthy… or where you looking for something more like this?
jim edmonds just tweeted me. i win the day.
mojo inlcluded youtube video of what he was talking about, you however milked it. C’mon guys!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
no, i just suck.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 6:44 PM EST up reply actions
somehow i managed to close that comment...
and didn’t realize there was a picture attached.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
yeah idk what happened.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
but remember you only suck for us, cheer up VEB'er
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
From a blogger covering WWU
deckacards
Bill Dewitt: “We discussed personal services contract (with Albert) as well.”
"I don’t like the feeling of losing."---Chris Carpenter
Beej is supposed to have more on this at some point.
#HappySeason #SadOffSeason #ImFeelingBetterThough
by The Continental on Jan 15, 2012 7:05 PM EST up reply actions
Joel Pineiro is going to the Phillies
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 5:48 PM EST reply actions
how many freaking pitchers do they need over there?
by hr on Jan 15, 2012 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
6 man rotation
Or maybe a couple of them fight to the death for the last spot.
"...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 Jan 15, 2012 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
If the 4 headed monster couldn't get it done ...
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
You mean you can do that?
It isn’t a violation of Joe Blanton’s human rights? Someone call Mo!
Sign Roy O
now no free agents are ever going to sign in Philly again!
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Poor Blanton.
For some reason I was under the impression that if a starting pitcher is on the roster he is guaranteed a rotation spot regardless of performance. File a grievance, Joe!
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of Free Agent signings...
that MLBTR prediction contest turned out to be harder than I thought. I’ve got 8 correct so far and 7 of them were re-signings. The only player I’ve correctly predicted to land on a different team was Michael Cuddyer to the Rockies.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
It's a really tough game...
Each player might have 15-20 plausible destinations on average.
Sign Roy O
wow. a minor league deal? did he really fall off the face of the earth?
The cubs just gave maholm a $4m contract, right? Is he worse than maholm?
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 6:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
would you rather play for the cubs at $4m
or play for a minor league team in Phillie? It’s not about the money, it’s about winning!.
Grit != flat out sucking.
he had a 4.38 xFIP last year
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
He's still worse...
he’s not getting grounders like he did a few years ago and he strikes out fewer guys than Kurt Kepshire.
Sign Roy O
Watching the NYG/GB game
Those old pics of a frozen Tom Coughlin are pretty damn spooky. Guy really did look like he was freezing his face off.
"...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 Jan 15, 2012 6:09 PM EST reply actions
OT
has anyone seen these guys? this is pretty incredible. Walk Off the Earth
"That's what I'm talking about! Strike him blind, Lord!" - Berk
Running list of Molina pick-offs | twit
by BVHeck on Jan 15, 2012 7:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
love the sig!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 15, 2012 7:09 PM EST up reply actions
Gotye and Kimbra are both awesome, together & individually
The song from the above post is a duet between the two Down Under artists. Try out Hearts A Mess from Gotye or Two Way Street from Kimbra.
I was reading about how countless species are being pushed toward extinction by man's destruction of forests. Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us. - Calvin, Scientific Progress Goes "Boink", Watterson
Their older stuff is all good too
If you’re into pop music covers done creatively with a touch of humor.
Funny typo up right now
at the Mothership: “With name cleared, Romero has piece of mind.” Which piece? Will only having a piece of it affect his pitching?
Also, there’s another story there where DeWitt’s talking about the contract negotiations, including the five year offer that apparently offended Deidre Pujols so much. I know they at various points offered contracts longer than that, but I’m still not clear on exactly how long. Do we know for sure that they actually went to 10 years, or was that just unsubstantiated rumor?
by BTown Birds fan on Jan 15, 2012 7:30 PM EST reply actions
Just saw this AP article
at Yahoo that explicitly says the Cards did go 10 years.
by BTown Birds fan on Jan 15, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
Thought this was a great idea for an article. The results are about what I'd expect.
But it’s amazing how good Joe Morgan and Mike Schmidt were. Wade Boggs surprised me a bit. Bagwell was awesome. And I love how Holliday snuck in there at the end.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/19930/five-best-players-in-baseball-a-history
by Willie McGee's Twin on Jan 15, 2012 7:45 PM EST reply actions
Morgan was incredible.
Trade Westbrook
by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jan 15, 2012 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
As horrible as he is as an announcer
He must have done something really well sometime to be able to keep a job.
Play ball!
by IL and StL Fan on Jan 16, 2012 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
Interesting
I think Posnanski did something similar in the last couple years… but I think it was more like a rolling five year average to determine the one “best player in baseball” in the various years? I could be wrong, but it was something like that. Morgan and Schmidt were obviously quite prominent in there as well.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
I also love how Barry Bonds starts being the best player in baseball in 1987-1991.
And in the 5-year window prior to that he was already the third best. Dayum.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
HoF for JB!
Let’s start a Jump up for Jimmy Ballgame campaign!
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 16, 2012 6:39 AM EST up reply actions
Just doing a quick take of this on the pitching side
I wanted to see where Jack Morris stood on this matter. I do not have a subscription for BR, which hinders my use of their Play Finder tool, but I can see what the WAR values are for the top 10 / top 20 and I know what Jack’s numbers are, so I can figure it out, sort of. Anyway, Morris’ best five-year stretch is 1983-1987 at 20.1 bWAR (pitching only, I think), which only puts him as the 8th-best pitcher in baseball. At no other time is he even in the top 10. (According to Fangraphs, his fWAR for 83-87 is 22.4, 6th in the majors.)
Rank in fWAR by year range, starting 79-83: 13th, 13th, 8th, 8th, 6th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 22nd, 21st
Rank in BWAR: 12th, >20th, 17th, 14th, 8th, 17th, >20th, >20th, >20th, >20th
Rank in Wins: 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st, 3rd, 9th, 7th, 11th, 8th
I was reading about how countless species are being pushed toward extinction by man's destruction of forests. Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us. - Calvin, Scientific Progress Goes "Boink", Watterson
Giants are just way more balanced
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 15, 2012 7:53 PM EST reply actions
we all knew the packers' defense sucked.
they bailed themselves out all year by causing tons and tons of turnovers. that didn’t happen today and they got smoked.
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 7:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
let's just be honest
it was a fluke.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
Neither did Alex Smith's touchdown drive yesterday
Still doesn’t mean he’s anywhere near as good as Brees. Same thing here. Giants defense was one of the worst in the NFL in the regular season. Holding the Packers to 20 points was definitely a fluke.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
Packers did a great job beating themselves today. But the Giants took advantage of every
opportunity they were given. Kudos to them.
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, the Giants are definitely a solid team
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
wat
"Alright, you caught me. I was wearing the clear heels"
-azruavatar
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 15, 2012 8:01 PM EST up reply actions
I would say that the packers and saints are better
Than the niners and the giants.
Which raises the issue: why do people think a playoff will “fix” NCAA football? You’ll still have arguably better teams finishing behind arguably worse teams.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 8:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That's going to happen in any sport
Unless we replace everyone with robots.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
What, robots won't have flukes?
CPUs won’t overheat? Axles won’t crack? Servos won’t break?
What we really need is to plug all the stats into a computer and run a million simulations of the playoffs, and then determine the winner that way.
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
I want to like this idea, but
a million simulations seems so unfair. At least two million. Come on.
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, but his spreadsheet expertise only covers organizing coffee and doughnut orders
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
Herro
Of all sad words of tongue or pen; the saddest are these: 'It might have been!' -- Whittier
Twitter
"fix" is a relative term.
A playoff system would certainly be less arbitrary than just bcs rankings.
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:05 PM EST up reply actions
i dunno
BCS usually gets two of the top 5 (top 10 at the worst) teams in the national championship. If you have playoffs, there’s probably going to be a lot more fluke teams making it.
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
Let BCS rank the top 16 teams
and set up a seeded playoff system based on those rankings. Then see if Boise State can hang.
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
that would be cool
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
right, because looking at a team's season-long performance
Is more arbitrary than relying on the outcome of a single game.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 8:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
So maybe college football has it right.
And all other sports should be clamoring to adopt that system.
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:16 PM EST up reply actions
Or, hey, scrap the playoffs. And the post-season.
Just let the regular season stand based on BCS points and declare a champion.
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:22 PM EST up reply actions
Just declare a champion based on pre-season projections
and save ourselves the trouble. That way the Yankees can win every year. Wait, what are we talking about?
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
NBA lottery style ...
Best projected team = most balls
Worst projected = fewest balls
Bud Selig fingers the balls.
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
But does he rub them with special dirt?
"I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura!"
I think folks are misunderstanding the reason for the BCS.
It is not so much to crown a national champion as to make a lot of money.
"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
Just regular season
Works for the Premier League, and it is one of the biggest money leagues around. A whole regular season obviously tells you more about a team than one game, or even a seven-game series. I wonder how much of the playoffs (Playoffs!?!? Playoffs ?!?!) dominance has to do with a big marketing cash cow getting endlessly hyped.
The World Series made sense because the teams involved played in separate leagues. One of the big draws of a playoffs like the March Madness is upsets. That almost always means a worse team beating a better one.
Play ball!
by IL and StL Fan on Jan 16, 2012 1:20 AM EST up reply actions
And the Phillies were a better team than us
by FlimtotheFlam on Jan 15, 2012 8:05 PM EST up reply actions
but in baseball, basketball and hockey
you get a 5 or 7 game series to even it out, not just one game (and if said game goes into overtime the outcome can be determined by a coin flip)
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Jan 15, 2012 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
heh
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 16, 2012 3:18 AM EST up reply actions
If you are just going to pick a team
instead of having a playoff….
Why not just pick the championship? No need to even play the game.
I have no idea why we didn’t just declare the Phillies the best team in the Majors and the Texans the best team in the AL and leave it at that? Why have a post season when you could end up with the Cardinals winning the World Series over the Texans?
Grit != flat out sucking.
by Evilfrog on Jan 15, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
well, that's the point. every system injects some
Arbitrary, luck-based determination. Pretending that a playoff is obviously superior to the BCS, or less likely to give an undeserving team a shot at the championship is silly.
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 15, 2012 8:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Right.
But by using BCS rankings to determine a 16 team playoff seeding would be so much fun. And people like fun. Don’t we?
by hangingfromatree on Jan 15, 2012 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
The issue with the BCS system
is is doesn’t allow schools who should be given higher bowls to be given higher bowls. A team who is say, the 10th best team in 2011 may not be given bowl consideration because the 2008-2010 seasons sucked for them.
A lot of bowls are stacked with teams who will draw crowds as well.
But whatever, it’s just college football.
Grit != flat out sucking.
It's better in the sense that...
it will give all the top teams the opportunity to play one another, or at least have fewer degrees of separation.
Sign Roy O
dude
the Packers have no pass defense, the Giants took advantage. plus the Packers offense didn’t do shit either. they got stomped.
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 16, 2012 3:19 AM EST up reply actions
I was being honest
Giants are a sleeper team like the Cards were
I wanted to play baseball!
-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
by Cards Fan in Chitown on Jan 16, 2012 3:17 AM EST up reply actions
giants +7.5 FTW!
bailed me out after the saints, that and my ridiculous hakeem nicks first to score a td 5 dollar prop at 10-1 for the hell of it. 50 bucks cash it!
what do you think for next week
earlier you could get giants +3 at -120. i might do ravens moneyline too, i feel like that’s either a pats blowout or ravens win an ugly close one.
Presented without comment for your enjoyment
by mojowo11 on Jan 15, 2012 10:14 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
I love desipio.com
I’m glad it’s his only question this morning. Usually he has several. "Why haven’t you signed Kerry Wood yet?" "Which cap did I wear to Jewel the last time I got those week old plantains for pennies on the dollar!?!" "Have I taken all of my Zoloft yet?" "Why does this pill box have two compartments that say T?"
I crawled the earth, but now I'm higher, 2010 watch it go to fire!
by First mammal to wear pants on Jan 15, 2012 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
Checking this site out will be my new pastime when dead VEB is dead
Al and Tom, a farce in three acts
No really, who owns the Cubs?
BCB: Is the Wrigleyville West area with the restaurants and everything still part of that plan?Restaurants and everything? Everything is going to be there? There’s going to be a carnival and a water park and a tire and oil change place, and a mental asylum and a Supermax prison and a SuperTarget and an old folks home and a Chik-fil-A and a Pink Taco and a dry cleaners and a palace with a moat and alligators a guy speaking Swedish with a lisp and a WNBA team and a Walgreens where Ryan Braun can get his Valtrex and EVERYTHING?
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 16, 2012 7:45 AM EST up reply actions
probably me
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
definitely not me
back in the cell phone era, it was my ringtone. Contra is great. Don’t let VEP convince you otherwise.
Still not a werewolf.
Wat.
Are we talking about up up down down left right left right B A B A start Contra?!
NFW it sucks. I rock that game.
DO YOU THINK IT'S NOT GOING TO BE WHAT IT IS?!!
by Vindicator9000 on Jan 15, 2012 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
waaaaaa aaa ohhhhhhh a deeee aa waaaah aaa ohhhhh aaa eeeeeee
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 15, 2012 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
i'll admit
i was a little confused by your “back in the cell phone era” comment, but you’re not know for having the latest technology, so i thought maybe that was 2010 for you or something
by prophetjohn on Jan 16, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
Ok, the first scene in "Barts Friend Falls in Love" is hilarious
http://www.megavideo.com/?v=P94QRH2R
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
I worry about 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 Jan 16, 2012 2:52 AM EST up reply actions
was that the same guy?
If so, the playoffs were not kind.
Granted, I can relate, but damn.
"Our son Dick was sitting in his high chair, and I looked at that money, and I knew I could never look my son in the face again, if I took that money" (to leave the Cardinals) -Stan Musial, 1946
Why trade "The Mang"for "El Salmon", for less than $2M/yr, after taxes?
yep, same is this friendly face
Still not a werewolf.
by clank on Jan 16, 2012 3:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
bj you're back!
Secretary of WAR and Defense of the Tyler Greene Fanclub.
by vivaelpujols on Jan 16, 2012 3:39 AM EST up reply actions
I despise this man
11 in 11' √
"2011 is dead. Long live 2012!." ... azruavatar
by I-Musial-ly-Am on Jan 16, 2012 6:44 AM EST up reply actions
despise?
he’s the little brother who writes weird crossover fanfiction but when your friends pick on him, you beat them up because while he may be a clueless bumbler, but dang it he’s your clueless bumbler.
He’s got good intentions and a Little Engine That (really thinks it) Could spirit.
Still not a werewolf.
the fauxhawk one makes me think:
“The man with the aaron miles tattoo.”
i used to be disgusted, but now i try to be amused . . . - macmanus
by tom s. on Jan 16, 2012 6:10 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 4 recs
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